Lower Crude Protein Content Research Articles

The Impact of Tedding on Alfalfa Nutritive Value in a Silage Production System

HighlightsTedding alfalfa reduced moisture content by 108 g kg-1 on a wet basis over a 24 h period.Tedding increased water soluble carbohydrates in harvested alfalfa which could improve silage nutritive value.Tedded alfalfa had similar or lower ash content compared to non-tedded alfalfa.Tedding did not have an observable impact on total digestible nutrients.Abstract. Two treatments, tedded and untedded, were applied to an alfalfa field to determine their impact on the nutritive value of the resulting harvested forage. The tedded treatment area was tedded immediately after the cutting, and the untedded treatment was left in its original 1.5 m width windrow. The tedded alfalfa dried faster (p = 0.001) than the untedded in all cuttings. When results were averaged across the three cuttings, crude protein (p = 0.006), water soluble carbohydrates (p = 0.05), and ash content (p < 0.001) were also observed to be different. The tedded treatment had a 6 g kg-1 lower crude protein content, a 9 g kg-1 higher water soluble carbohydrate content and an 8 g kg-1 lower ash content than the untedded treatment. A difference was not observed between the treatments for neutral detergent fiber (p = 0.49) or total digestible nutrients (p = 0.89). Producers can rely on a tedding intervention to hasten alfalfa drying for silage production while having a minimal impact on forage nutritive value. Keywords: Alfalfa, Forage nutritive value, Medicago sativa, Tedder

Ranking Species for Veld Restoration in Semi-Arid Regions Using Agronomic, Morphological and Chemical Parameters of Selected Grass Species at Different Developmental Stages under Controlled Environment

The establishment of complementary native grass species could be an ideal method of dealing with existing problems of veld degradation and inadequate forage quantity and quality of pastures. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of native grasses viz., Anthephora pubescens, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, Dactylis glomerata, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis curvula, Festuca arundinacea, Panicum maximum and Themeda triandra. Attributes at different growth stages on agronomy, morphology and chemical composition were checked. Panicum maximum had the broader (p < 0.05) leaves across all growth stages when compared to all other grass species. Festuca arundinacea had highest (p < 0.05) number of tillers than C. ciliaris, C. gayana, D. glomerata, D. eriantha, E. curvula, P. maximum and T. triandra at 2–4-months age. Within each species, all grasses had the highest (p < 0.05) number of leaves at maturity. Chloris gayana, D. glomerata and P. maximum had the highest (p < 0.05) biomass yield when compared to F. arundinacea at the elongation stage. Eragrostis curvula had the highest (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) values when compared to all other grasses, except for D. glomerata, F. arundinacea and P. maximum at the elongation stage. Panicum maximum and T. triandra had the least (p < 0.05) acid detergent lignin (ADL) values when compared to all other grasses at both vegetative and the elongation stages. In the ranking, C. ciliaris, C. gayana, D. eriantha, E. curvula, P. maximum and A. pubescens outperformed the rest of the grasses on most parameters. With the low crude protein (CP) content of these grasses, protein supplementation is highly crucial for high performing ruminants, especially those animals that graze grasses as their sole diets.

Opportunities for Increased Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat for Forage Use.

Wheat is a major cool-season forage crop in the southern United States. The objective of this study is to understand the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on wheat biomass yield, quality, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and nitrogen nutrition index (NNI). The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse and a hoop house in a split-plot design, with three replications. Twenty wheat cultivars/lines were evaluated at four N rates (0, 75, 150, and 300 mg N.kg−1 soil) in the greenhouse and (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg N.kg−1 soil) in the hoop house. In general, high-NUE lines had lower crude protein content than the low-NUE lines. None of the cultivars/lines reached a plateau for biomass production or crude protein at the highest N rate. The line × N rate interaction for NUE was not significant in the greenhouse (p = 0.854) but was highly significant in the hoop house (p < 0.001). NNI had a negative correlation with NUE and biomass. NUE had strong positive correlations with shoot biomass and total biomass but low to moderate correlations with root biomass. NUE also had a strong positive correlation with N uptake efficiency. Lines with high NUE can be used in breeding programs to enhance NUE in wheat for forage use.

PSVIII-23 Effects of different growth height on the yield, chemical composition, silage fermentation profile, in vitro and in situ digestibility of Broussonetia papyrifera

Abstract Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) is a woody roughage source with high protein content. The experiment was conducted to explore the effects of different growth height (GH) on the BP yield, chemical composition, silage fermentation profile, as well as ruminants in vitro and in situ digestibility of different parts of BP. The three different harvested GH of BP were 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 m, respectively. Samples from leaf, stem, and whole plant of BP were collected (each one has three replicates), making silage, and detected the nutritional composition of them. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance with Duncan’s multiple comparisons. Fresh weight increased with the GH increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No significant difference was observed in dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yield of leaf, and CP yield of whole plant between 1.2 to 1.6 m GH (P &amp;gt; 0.05). With the increase of GH, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of BP increased, while CP content decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Stem had the highest NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and the lowest CP content and buffer capacity. The BP silage fermentation quality was deteriorated (lactic acid content decreased and pH values increased) with GH increased. For the different parts of BP, leaf silage had the highest pH and stem silage had the highest lactic acid content (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The leaf and its silage had the highest in vitro dry matter digestibility and gas production compared to others. The BP in situ digestibility were corresponded with in vitro results. DM, CP, NDF, and ADF effective digestibility rates of whole plant with 1.2 m GH were 439.6, 455.1, 412.9, and 381.3 g/kg, respectively. In conclusion, the BP nutritional quality decreased with GH increased and it could be used as a potential feedstuff for ruminants.

Increasing the value of Salicornia bigelovii green biomass grown in a desert environment through biorefining

Utilizing saline soil and water resources are essential in meeting future demands for food, feed, and biofuels in a world of increasing freshwater scarcity, by use of halophytes (salt-loving plants). The succulent halophyte Salicornia bigelovii Tor. was cultivated as a green biomass crop irrigated with saline aquaculture effluents, and bio-fractionation was tested as a way to improve the value of the crop. Bio-fractionation proved to be an effective way of extracting ash and nitrogen into the green juice fraction, from which a protein concentrate was produced with 15 % crude protein and 33 % ash. The fiber fraction was not found useful as fodder due to a relatively low crude protein content of 4.1 % and 10–12 % remaining ash. However, the high digestibility of the structural carbohydrates in the fiber demonstrated its potential as a feedstock for biorefining with estimated bioethanol yields around 2500 L/ha.

Phenotypic variability and correlation estimates for traits of Burkina Faso’ sweet grain sorghum genotypes

Sweet grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a neglected crop mainly grown for its sweet grains in the pasty form. Although its taste is the main character of interest, knowledge of protein related content of the grain, especially when linked to its value for infant porridge appears equally important. The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of crude protein content of pasty grains and to determine genetic correlations between morphological and biochemical traits among sweet grain of sorghum genotypes in Burkina Faso. Eight sweet grain sorghum cultivars (BTO2, BZI1, KBZ4, PBO5, PGO3, SBR7, SPI2, STO4) were evaluated through 13 morphological and two biochemical variables. Crude protein content of these genotypes was also compared with the composition of two controls of sweet stalk sorghum (ETS) and ordinary grain sorghum or common sorghum (EBS). The analysis of variance revealed variability within sweet grain sorghum accessions, mainly on the biochemical traits (crude protein and water content) and two morphological traits (peduncle and panicle lengths), which discriminated significantly in the thresholds of 1 and 5%, respectively. In addition, sweet grain sorghum had low crude protein content compared to other types of sorghum, except, two genotypes of sweet grain sorghum (BZI1 and STO4) which recorded higher protein content compared to the common sorghum. An important and negative correlation was noted between sowing-flowering cycle and protein content.

CO-FERMENTION OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AND AFRICAN BREAD FRUIT SEED (Treculia africana Dec'ne) FOR THE PRODUCTION OF IMPROVED PAP (OGI)

Cereals such as maize are generally having low essential amino acid contents which may cause protein malnutrition. The high essential amino acid in African breadfruit could make it suitable for supplementation of grains/cereals. The microbiological, sensory and nutritional evaluation of cofermented maize (70%) /African breadfruit seed (30%) was carried out. Characterization of isolates were by macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical tests. Standard Methods according to AOAC (1990) were used for proximate compositions and pH determination. Viscosity was measured using Rotational Viscometer. The pH of the co-fermented sample decreased from 6.2±0.01 to 4.2±0.01. Microbial isolates included Coryne bacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisae in fermenting samples. Escherichia coli was inhibited with increase in fermentation time. Higher microbial counts occurred in maize-African breadfruit ogi (MABO) than maize ogi (MOGI) during primary and secondary -1fermentations. The viscosity of the co-fermented sample was 1.990±0.12 pas . Proximate composition shows that MOGI had lower crude protein content (2.14±0.2) than MABO (9.83±0.3). In contrast, MOGI had higher crude carbohydrate (82.12±0.1 vs 72.59±0.2). Ash, moisture and lipid contents were not significantly different in both samples. Sensory evaluation revealed that MABO recorded higher scores (7±0.02 and 7±0.01) in taste and aroma as against (6±0.01 and 6±0.02) for MOGI. Although consumers accepted both samples, overall, MOGI was more acceptable. MABO oflour kept well and retained their original viscosity after 27 days of storage at (30±2C). MABO gave a dual advantage in that protein content was increased and enteropathogens were inhibited and is therefore recommended for consumption in areas where protein intake is inadequate and food safety is an issue.

Comparison of Forage Quality, Productivity and &lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;-carotene Content according to Maturity of Forage Rye (&lt;i&gt;Secale cereale&lt;/i&gt; L.)

These experiments were to investigate the variations of rye on forage quality, productivity and β-carotene concentration affected by maturity in Pyeongchang region. Limited information are available about how forage quality and β-carotene content are affected by various factors. Samples were collected from rye harvested every 5 days, from April 25 to May 31 (April 25, April 30, May 4, May 9, May 15, May 21, May 25 and May 31). Dry matter (DM) content, plant height, DM yield and total digestible nutrient (TDN) yield increased continuously with the progressed maturity. However, crude protein (CP) content, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and relative feed value (RFV) decreased markedly with the delay of harvesting, while TDN content decreased from April 25 till May 15, then followed by a stable fluctuation. Conversely, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) value increased and then fluctuated slightly after blooming stage. For quality of plant parts, stem contained the lowest CP content and RFV value, and the highest ADF and NDF contents compared with other parts, while the grain showed the higher CP, IVDMD, RFV and lower fiber contents than others. With the plant matured, leaf proportion decreased while stem and grain proportion increased, and feed value of all the three parts decreased till blooming stage and followed by a stable phase. β-carotene concentration showed its highest on jointing stage, and then fell down sharply on the sequential stages. In conclusion, harvest around May 15 (blooming) is proper for forage rye if directly consumed by livestock as green chop in Pyeongchang under the consideration of both nutritive yield and forage quality.

Bromatological quality and productivity of hydroponic maize forage cultivated in different substrates

The objective of this work was to evaluate the productivity and the chemical quality of hydroponic corn forage grown on different substrates. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of Science and Technology of Roraima – Campus Novo Paraíso, in the municipality of Caracaraí, Roraima, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, with five sowing rates (treatments) and four replications. Hybrid corn seeds 2022 were used, sown on a double-sided canvas. When germination started, fertigation with nutrient solution was carried out. The evaluation occurred on the 10th day after sowing and included determination of plant height (cm) and roughage productivity (kg m² and t ha-¹) and bromatological analyses (% N, PB, FDA, NDF and NDT). For bromatological analyses, corn plants were collected, dried in an oven at 65 ºC and then crushed. The productivity of natural forage (k m² and t ha-¹), plant height and the neutral fiber content (NDF) of hydroponic corn were higher at the sowing rate of 2.5 kg m². These variables were influenced by the sowing rate and type of substrate, but resulted in a lower crude protein content. The results show that sugarcane bagasse was a suitable substrate for hydroponic corn, which is justified by the fact that it presents fewer moisture losses, avoiding the loss of nutrients in the nutrient solution. At a sowing rate of 1.0 kg m², the forage produced had a higher content of nitrogen, crude protein and total digestible nutrients, which are important for animal nutrition.

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.

Investigating the Quality of Commercial Beef Cattle Feeds and Feed Ingredients Used in Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of commercial beef cattle feed and feed ingredients which are available in Bangladesh. For this purpose, chemical analysis and in vitro digestibility (IVD) were estimated for nine commercial feeds and different feed ingredients which were collected from different regions. Chemical analysis of samples was carried out in triplicate for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. Metabolizable energy (ME) was calculated mathematically for feed samples by using standard formula. The analysis revealed the difference between the manufacturer’s claim and actual analyzed value. In commercial feeds DM content ranged from 90-92%. While CP content of commercial feeds was either lower or higher than the written value of feed industries. In Provita feed CP content (20.72%) was higher and Care feed had much lower CP content (7.54%) than written value. In vitro digestibility of DM in feed ingredients varied from 18.27 in straw to 75.77% in soybean meal. The fiber component (NDF and ADF) was negatively correlated with IVDMD and CP was positively correlated with IVDMD because fiber rich components were less digestible than the non-fibrous component (protein). Analysis of commercial feed samples revealed that the values claimed by the manufacturers are quite different from the actual analyzed values. This is a matter of concern and needs to be checked through better quality control measures by systematic feed analysis and ensure that manufacturers declare the true composition of the marketed feeds.&#x0D; SAARC J. Agri., 18(1): 197-208 (2020)

Cooling and dietary crude protein affected milk production on heat-stressed dairy cows

Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, exert dramatic effects on the production, health, and well-being of lactating dairy cows. Heat-stressed cows undergo a series of homeorhetic adaptations that alters cellular homeostasis and nutrient utilization. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of cooling and dietary crude protein (CP) content on fermentability of rumen inoculum, milk production, and health of heat-stressed cows. It was hypothesized that cooled but not heat-stressed cows would support productivity in response to an increase in dietary CP content. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (9 cows/treatment). Treatments consisted of cooling (CO) or moderate long-term heat stress (HS) and diets containing low CP content (LCP; 12.5% CP) or moderate CP content (MCP; 16.1% CP) of dry matter. The CO treatment provided heat abatement with sprinklers and fans that came on at > 20.0°C, whereas the HS treatment did not provide sprinklers and fans. Cows were housed in pens in a freestall barn, and treatments were imposed for 21 d during July and August. Compared with the HS treatment, CO decreased afternoon rectal and vaginal temperatures (0.60 and 0.70°C) and afternoon respiration rate (27.6 breaths/min). Treatment interactions showed that compared with the LCP treatment, MCP increased milk fat yield (23%) in CO but not in HS cows. Compared with the LCP treatment, MCP decreased milk protein percent (0.14 units) in CO but increased milk protein percent (0.09 units) in HS cows. Rumen inoculum collected on d 21 showed a ~3-fold increase in total gas production in vitro in CO compared with the HS treatment. Relative to the LCP treatment, MCP increased plasma glucose and insulin and decreased total free fatty acids concentrations. In summary, under the conditions of this study CO but not HS cows responded to a CP stimulus by increasing productivity.

Dietary phase-feeding as feedlot strategy for Santa Ines lambs: performance, N retention and meat quality

• Diets with 130 g/kg of CP optimize the N utilization for production for Santa Ines lamb. • The results suggest that no benefits are obtained in performance and meat quality when phase feeding is applied, or when more than 130 g of CP/kg DM is provided to Santa Ines sheep. We executed two studies to investigate the possibility of reducing crude protein (CP) content throughout feedlot of growing lambs, when they are changing their body composition, and passing from most protein retention to fat deposition for finishing. A performance trial (EXP 1) with 40 Santa Ines crossbred sheep (initial body weight (BW) of 15.6±1.6 kg) were carried out in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and 10 repetitions. The EXP 1 lasted a total of 85 days, with 15 for adaptation and 70 for data collection. The investigated diets were formulated with two CP contents, in which 150 g of CP/kg DM (High CP (HCP)) diets represented the adequate nutritional requirement for growing lambs, or 130 g of CP/kg DM (Low CP (LCP diets)), which represented the reduced content. We also evaluated the feedlot phases, in which the initial phase-feeding (IPF) comprised day 1 to 35, and the final phase-feeding (FPF) comprised day 36 to 70. The combination of these factors resulted in the following treatments (T): T1 - Animals fed with the lower CP content during all the feedlot period, 130 in IPF and 130 g of CP/kg DM in FPF (T1: LCP-LCP); T2-Animals were fed with increasing content of CP along feedlot (T2: LCP-HCP); T3- Animals were fed with decreasing content of CP during the phases (T3: HCP-LCP); T4 - Animals were fed with the greater CP content during all feedlot period (T4: HCP-HCP). We carried out a second study to investigate the ruminal fermentation parameters (EXP 2). Four adult Santa Ines sheep (average BW of 60.6±10.6 kg), fistulated in rumen, were distributed in four 2 × 2 Latin squares. The same CP contents from EXP 1 were evaluated: LCP diets (130 g of CP/kg DM) and HCP diets (150 g of CP/kg DM). There was effect (P> 0.05) of CP contents in FPF on CP intake and urinary N excretion, being higher for the animals fed with HCP diets. The phase-feeding did not affect the microbial CP synthesis and microbial efficiency (P> 0.05), and also did not affect (P > 0.05) meat quality. The animals fed with LCP or HCP diets in both IPF and FPF presented a similar ADG (P = 0.65 and P > 0.15, respectively) and final BW (FBW, P = 0.66 and P= 0.24, respectively). Sheep fed with HCP diets had higher concentrations of ruminal ammoniacal N (N-NH 3 , P < 0.01), but demonstrated similar (P > 0.05) volatile fatty acids (VFA) production. Our results demonstrate that no benefits on rumen fermentation, performance and meat quality were found when more than LCP diets was provided during the feedlot, nor when phase-feeding was applied to crossbred Santa Ines lambs.

Evaluating the effects of storage conditions on dry matter loss and nutritional quality of grain legume fodders in West Africa

Feed scarcity is a major challenge for livestock production in West Africa, especially during the dry season when grass quality and quantity on grazing lands are inadequate. In the dry season, crop residues are a key source of livestock feed. The residues of grain legumes, also known as grain legume fodders (GLFs), are stored and traded for feeding in the dry season. The objectives of our experiment were to evaluate the effects of storage conditions and duration on dry matter (DM) and nutritional quality of GLFs, and to assess the risk of aflatoxin in stored groundnut fodder. The experiment was designed as a factorial trial with 18 treatment combinations with four replicates (4 farms). The treatments included: 3 types of GLFs (cowpea, groundnut and soybean fodder), 3 types of storage locations (rooftop, room and tree-fork) and 2 types of packaging (packed in polythene sacks and unpacked but tied with rope). Over a 120 day storage period, DM quantity reduced by an average of 24 % across all storage conditions, showing a range from 14 % in the best condition (sacks and rooms) to 35 % in the worst condition (bundles tied with rope and stored on rooftops or tree-forks). Soybean fodder had no leaves, the lowest crude protein content (CP) and organic matter digestibility (OMD), and the highest content of cell wall components compared to cowpea and groundnut fodder. These nutritional quality parameters in soybean fodder hardly changed during storage. Cowpea and groundnut fodder showed a decrease in leaf-to-stem ratio (LSR), CP and OMD, and an increase in the content of cell wall components during storage, but their nutritional value remained better than that of soybean fodder. Storage in sacks resulted in less DM loss, in less reduction of LSR and in a smaller increase of the content of cell wall components than storage of bundles tied with rope. Our study shows that the DM loss, the decrease in LSR, and the increase in the content of cell wall components can be prevented partly by storing GLFs in sacks instead of tying bundles with rope, and to a minor extent by storing in rooms instead of in the open air. Aflatoxin was not detectable in the groundnut fodder samples. Our results highlight that attention to storage conditions can improve the feeding value of GLFs which are key for livestock nutrition during the dry season.

Influence of Different Methionine Sources on Performance and Slaughter Characteristics of Broilers.

Simple SummaryThe increasing public demand for efficient, sustainably produced poultry meat with simultaneous optimization of animal welfare is calling for amendments in meat production. A starting point to meet this demand consists of complete diets for broilers with reduced crude protein content, supplemented with higher amounts of crystalline amino acids. This ensures sufficient nutritional supply and decreased nitrogen excretion for environmental relief. To optimize the performance and health, despite the drastically reduced protein content (~17.5% finisher diet), the present study compared different methionine sources (methionine hydroxy analog, DL-methionine, and L-methionine) in slightly higher dosages than found in practice, in comparison to a diet meeting the methionine requirements using methionine hydroxy analog. Methionine is the first limiting amino acid and has a significant influence on the health and growth of the animals. The results of the feeding trial showed no differences concerning general health, ileal histology, and performance data of broilers before slaughter. However, the composition of the breast meat differed significantly (highest protein content and lowest fat content in the L-methionine group), and thus provides the impetus for further research.Sustainably produced poultry meat with consideration of animal health poses a challenge for broiler production. Low protein diets with high amounts of synthetic amino acids (AAs) like methionine (Met) are the consequence. In a five-week feeding trial, 360 broilers (Ross 308) assigned to four feeding groups were offered protein-reduced complete diets (starter: 20% crude protein (CP); grower: 18.5% CP; finisher: 17.5% CP), supplemented with essential AAs. The “MHA” group received DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (DL-HMTBA; trade name: MHA®), groups “L” and “DL” the respective Met source in equivalent concentrations each exceeding the nutritional recommendations. “R-MHA” (“R” for “reduced”) received the minimum required level (using MHA as Met source). Performance exceeded performance goals without differences between the groups. The average feed conversion ratio (FCR) amounted to 1.35. The carcass/body weight ratio of R-MHA was significantly lower (0.782) compared to DL (0.808) and L (0.809). Breast meat of R-MHA contained significantly more fat (144 g/kg dry matter (DM)) compared to L (104 g/kg DM) and significantly lower CP content (R-MHA: 838 g/kg DM; L: 875 g/kg DM). The results indicated possible improvement in slaughter yield by protein-reduced diets supplemented with L-Met, thus recommending further research focusing on the Met influence.

In vitro digestibility assessment of banana stem silage (Musa paradisiaca) inoculated with EM-4 and different accelerators added as ruminant feed

Utilization of banana (Musa paradisiaca) stem as ruminant feed is limited by low crude protein and high crude fiber content. High water content of banana stems accelerates the decay process. Implementation of ensilage technology with the addition of inoculants and accelerators is intended to increase the nutritional value of the banana stem and its storability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro digestibility of banana stem silage inoculated with EM-4 and different accelerators addition as ruminant feed. This study was design as a completely randomized design consisted of 4 treatments, namely R0 (control without accelerator), addition of rice bran (R1), cassava (R2) and sago (R3) with 4 replications each. Parameters measured in this study were in vitro pH value, N-NH3 concentration, dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility. The result showed that cassava added silage produced the lowest (P<0.01) pH value compared to other treatments and increased (P<0.01) in vitro N-NH3 concentration, DM and OM digestibility compared to control. It was concluded that addition of cassava as accelerators improved the fermentation quality of banana stem, as shown by the lowest pH value and the highest in vitro N-NH3 concentration, DM and OM digestibility.

Effect of extrusion cooking on physicochemical properties of tuna meat-based extrudates

Abstract Effect of extrusion cooking using different corn starch contents on the physicochemical properties (expansion ratio, bulk density, color, hardness, protein in vitro digestibility, crude protein content, thermal properties and microstructure) of tuna meat-based extrudates was investigated. The results showed that the increased corn starch content led to darker, greener, yellower and lower crude protein content of extrudates, but no significant difference was observed in expansion ratio, bulk density and hardness. The lowest protein in vitro digestibility of 82.83±0.39% appeared when the corn starch content was 20 wt%. The results of DSC revealed that tuna meat with corn starch content of 30 wt% and 20 wt% had the highest and lowest denaturation temperature of 99.4oC and 81.9 oC, respectively. The results of SEM indicated that the extrudate with 30 wt% corn starch content possessed the more integrated and distinct muscle fibers. Besides, the acceptability of the extrudate with 30 wt% corn starch content was significant better than others (p˂0.05). These results revealed that the tuna meat-based extrudates using 30 wt% of corn starch exhibited desirable physicochemical properties.

Effect of dietary vitamin E on growth, immunity and regulation of hepatopancreas nutrition in male oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense

We evaluated the effects of dietary vitamin E on growth, immunity and regulation of the hepatopancreas in male oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense. Shrimps were fed 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 or 640 mg vitamin E/kg for 60 days. The 80 mg/kg group had the highest weight gain rate, specific growth rate and lowest feed conversion rate while there were no significant differences in survival rate and hepatosomatic index. The highest crude fat and lowest crude protein content were observed in the 160 mg/kg group. In the hepatopancreas, lysozyme, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities were highest in the 160 mg/kg group, while superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased with increasing vitamin E levels. Malondialdehyde content initially decreased then increased with vitamin E levels, whereas the reverse was seen with total antioxidant capacity. Linoleic acid, DPA, DHA, total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and total polyunsaturated fatty acid first increased then decreased, while EPA and total saturated fatty acid rose with vitamin E levels. Total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content declined while there were no significant differences in linolenic and total monounsaturated fatty acid content. Following a toxicity test with Aeromonas hydrophila, hepatopancreas ultrastructure revealed that appropriate vitamin E levels promote an increase in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies, but excess vitamin E can damage cell structure. These results provide evidence that 80–160 mg/kg dietary vitamin E has a positive impact on growth, immunity and regulation of the hepatopancreas in male shrimp.

Utilisation of house fly maggots (Musca domestica) as replacement for fish meal in the diets ofClarias gariepinus juveniles

Fish meal is widely used in commercial feed production because of its amino acids profile, and high protein content, however, its usage constitutes a major cost in fish feed production. It is therefore essential to source for a highly nutritious, cheap and readily available substitute which can supply the farmed fish with necessary dietary requirements for proper growth and development. The study utilised house fly maggots (Musca domestica) cultured from poultry waste at varying inclusion levels of 0 (no inclusion), 25, 50, 75 and 100% (maggot inclusions) to replace fish meal in the diets and replicated thrice. A total of 180Clarias gariepinus juveniles catfish with initial average weight of 10.11±0.12 g were stocked at 12 fish per tank, acclimatised for 2 weeks and fed twice daily at 3% body weight for a period of 12 weeks. The proximate composition of wet maggots showed the presence of favourable amino acids similar to fish meal but had lower crude protein content (47.45%) with high ether extract (22.23%) and moisture content (83.52%). The water quality parameters such as ammonia, temperature and dissolved oxygen were monitored daily and showed no significant difference (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments and were tolerable for fish culture. Sampling of fish was done weekly, the growth and nutrient utilisation, economic indices and haematological studies were done and analysis of variance was used for the statistical analysis. It was observed that 75% inclusion of wet maggot gave better results and rapid utilisation and conversion of feed to flesh and was evident in the weight gain (50.71 g), lowest feed conversion ratio (1.04±0.04), highest specific growth rate (1.99±0.00 g/day) and cheap in terms of cost of production (₦ 172.12). This shows that 75% of wet maggots can be recommended as an inclusion level in commercial fish feed for adequate utilisation byC. gariepinus juveniles.

ANÁLISIS BROMATOLÓGICO Y FERMENTACIÓN RUMINAL IN VITRO DE EXCRETAS DE ORIGEN ANIMAL PARA USO EN LA ALIMENTACIÓN DE RUMIANTES

&lt;pre&gt; &lt;/pre&gt;&lt;pre&gt;The objective was determine the degradation and kinetics of &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; fermentation of excreta of excreta produced and marketed for the feeding of ruminants in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Twelve samplings were made once the reproductive cycle of two chicken and pig producing farms was completed. A bromatological analysis was performed on the excreta samples (dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber), &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; gas production (maximum volume, rate, lag phase, fractions of fast, medium and slow fermentation), hemicellulose and copper content. A completely randomized design was used, and the comparison of means was performed using the Tukey procedure (p&amp;lt;0,05). The poultry manure has greater (p&amp;lt;0,05) content of organic matter than swine excreta, which is reflected in a higher (p&amp;lt;0,05) maximum volume (MV) of fermentation gas. The swine excreta it has a lower crude protein content and higher copper content compared to the poultry manure (p&amp;lt;0,05), as well as higher concentration of acid detergent fiber (ADF), thus, the poultry manure present better parameters (MV, rate and lag phase) and fractions of fermentation compared to the swine excreta. It is concluded that the poultry manure they have a better chemical composition tan swine excreta, possibly the latter caused by the high copper content of this, suggesting its limited use in animal feed.&lt;/pre&gt;