Low Levels Of Supplementation Research Articles

Economic evaluation of post-weaning and finishing cattle supplemented on pasture

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability, through different supplementation strategies, of the post-weaning and finishing stages of cattle supplemented on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pastures during the rainy and dry seasons. The experimental period was 447 d. The study comprised the post-weaning and finishing stages of 22 intact male crossbred (½ Holstein-Zebu) cattle with an average initial weight of 164.09 ± 12.13 kg and an average age of 7 mo. The animals were distributed in a randomized design with 11 replications per treatment. The following supplementation strategies were tested: strategy 1 (S1): Mineral mix in the 1st and 3rd periods and protein-energy supplementation at 0.2 % of the body weight (BW) in the 2nd period; and strategy 2 (S2): protein-energy supplementation at 0.4 % BW in the 1st and 3rd periods, and protein-energy supplementation at 0.6 % BW in the 2nd period. Strategy 1 resulted in a lower cost per arroba produced and lower cost per hectare, generating a greater net profit per hectare and consequently a higher internal rate of return. When herbage is available, mineral supplementation supplied during the rainy season, associated with low levels of protein-energy supplementation in the dry season (S1), is of greater economic attractiveness for the development of the project, as it leads to higher internal rates of return and net present values in the entire period.

Intake, digestibility, and growth performance of Girolando bulls supplemented on pasture in Bahia, Brazil.

The objective of this trial was to evaluate intake, digestibility, and growth performance of Girolando bulls submitted to two nutritional planes while grazing on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture. Twenty-two animals, with average initial body weight = 209.1 ± 8.2kg, were used in this trial. The experimental design was repeated measurements, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with two nutritional planes (NP1 and NP2) and three seasons of the year, with 11 replicates per treatment. The animals of the NP1 received mineral mixture ad libitum during rainy season 1 (15 February through 5 July 2014), energy protein supplement in the amount of 1gdkg BW-1 during the dry season (from 6 July through 22 November 2014), and again mineral mixture ad libitum during rainy season 2 (from 23 November 2014 through 9 March 2015). The NP2 animals received 2gdkgBW-1, 2gdkgBW-1, and 1gdkgBW-1 of energy-protein supplement in the respective seasons of the year. Forage intakes were similar between nutritional planes, 6.8 and 7.6kgDMday-1 and 2.1 and 2.22% BW for NP1 and NP2, respectively. There was no statistical difference (level) between the intakes of neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (4.1 and 4.3kgday-1 and 1.2 and 1.3% BW, respectively for nutritional planes 1 and 2). For the other nutrients, NP2 showed greater values. The highest intakes and digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and non-fiber carbohydrate were in rainy season 2. Performance and feed conversion were similar among NPs. This study showed that lower levels of supplementation could be done in order to reduce feeding costs with no impact on performance.

Physicochemical characterization and lipid profile of meat from crossbred

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass characteristics and the physicochemical parameters, centesimal composition, and fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum muscle of crossbred steers on a Brachiaria (Syn. Uruchloa) brizantha cv. Marandu pasture during the growing and finishing phases. Twenty-two uncastrated steers ½ Holstein/Zebu, with an average initial weight of 210 kg ± 8.2 kg and eight months of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design, in which the experimental period was fractionated in to three seasons associated with two nutritional plans (NP1 and NP2) and 11 animals by treatment: NP1- mineral mixture ad libitum in rainy seasons + nitrogen/energy supplement at 1 g.kg-1 body weight (BW) in the dry season; and NP2 - nitrogen/energy supplement at 2 g.kg-1 BW in rainy season 1 and in the dry season + nitrogen/energy supplement at 1 g.kg-1 BW in rainy season 2, provided daily at 1000 h. Of the carcass measurements, differences were only observed (p>0.05) between the nutritional plans for loin-eye area corrected for 100 kg of hot carcass weight. Among the physicochemical parameters, only shear force was influenced (p>0.05) by the treatments, with higher values obtained in Nutritional Plan 1. The centesimal composition and fatty acid profile were not influenced (P<0.05) by supplementation. Nutritional plans used in the growing and finishing phases involving low levels of protein-energy supplementation do not lead to changes significant in carcass characteristics and meat. Nutritional Plan 1 is the most appropriate because it presents a lower cost.

Productive and Economic Viability of Raising Beef Cattle in the Savanna of the Brazilian State of Goiás

Abstract: The present study evaluates the economic viability of four different models of beef cattle production in the rio Vermelho hydrographic basin. The study focuses on the traditional extensive ranching system, which was compared to three intensive systems, one based on low levels of concentrated supplementation, a second with low levels of concentrated supplementation and confinement for fattening and an intensive grazing system, with supplementation during the dry and rainy seasons. The investments were estimated for the different levels of technical specifications of each system. The net present values and internal return rate were used for the assessment of the economic viability of the project, considering the minimum rate of attractiveness, equivalent to the inflation-adjusted savings interest rate (6.17%). The continuity of the sector was evaluated based on the gross and net margins, and profitability rates, where the system is already installed. All four systems had gross and net margins and profitability consistent with their economic sustainability over both the short and long terms. However, only two systems (reduced consumption of concentrated supplements and the intensive grazing system) were economically viable as start-ups.

Effect of condensed tannin supplementation on in vivo nutrient digestibilities and energy values of concentrates in sheep

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemented condensed tannins (CT) from the bark of the Black Wattle tree (Acacia mearnsii) on in vivo nutrient digestibility and energy values measured with sheep under standardized conditions. A commercial A. mearnsii extract (containing 0.203 g CT/g dry matter (DM)) was mixed into a pelleted concentrate. Four treatments consisting of grass hay and concentrate were investigated, containing different concentrations of the CT-rich extract (CON, without CT; CT1, CT3 and CT5, with 1, 3 and 5% CT-rich extract in ration DM), resulting in CT concentrations of 0, 2.03, 6.19 and 10.2 g/kg DM, respectively. In a 21-day period, nutrient digestibility of the concentrates was determined by difference with wethers (n = 4 per treatment, German Blackheaded Mutton) in metabolism crates following a standardized procedure. The organic matter digestibility of the concentrates was unaffected by CT1 and decreased strongly with CT3 (−21%) and CT5 (−28%; P < .05). Digestibility of fibre fractions was already reduced with CT1 (P < .05), representing a very low level of CT supplementation. The concentration of metabolizable energy of the concentrates estimated from digestible nutrients decreased strongly (-25%) from 12.9 (CON) to 9.7 MJ/kg DM (CT5) (P < .05). In conclusion, CT supplementation from A. mearnsii to rations of sheep reduced nutrient digestibilities at much lower levels than previously reported for CT from other sources (e.g., forage legumes).

Grazing supplementation and crop diversification benefits for southern Brazil beef: A case study

Profitability and environmental benefits of beef cattle raised on natural pasture or combined with soybean in tropical biomes need to be better evaluated. The objective of this research was to simulate and evaluate three common pastured beef grazing systems in southern Brazil, estimating profitability and the environmental impacts of carbon footprint (CF) measured as kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of body weight produced (BWP), water footprint (kg of water used/kg of BWP) and energy footprint (MJ of energy used/kg of BWP) using the Integrated Farm System Model version 4.2. Simulations were run for Angus beef cattle raised on natural pasture (NP), natural pasture with low levels of grain supplementation (NPS), and NPS combined with soybean production (NPSC). Net animal weight produced (kg/ha/year) increased 7.9% for NPS and NPSC when compared with the NP system. Natural pasture production costs per hectare were lower (US$ 114) than that of NPS (US$ 126) and NPSC (US$ 233), while NP had a net return per hectare only 2% greater than NPS. Even though the gross income from animal sales was 5% higher in NPS than NP, the elevated cost of purchased feeds reduced net return per hectare. While costs were higher for NPSC, diversifying with soybean production, a high value commodity for cash sale, was profitable resulting in 44% and 47% greater net return per hectare than NP and NPS, respectively. Natural pasture with low supplementation (NPS) decreased CF by 2% when compared with NP due to faster weight gain from supplementation despite higher emissions from feed production. Furthermore, CF was also 6% lower for natural pasture combined with soybeans (NPSC) compared with NPS. However, the energy and water footprints and erosion increased with the greater use of both purchased feed and inputs required for feed and cash crop production. It can be challenging to increase beef cattle productivity and diversification to lower GHG emissions while minimizing water and energy use and soil erosion.

English

A study was conducted to evaluate the feedlot performance in carcass traits and meat quality of intact and castrated Washera sheep under low (300 g/day) and high (450 g/day) dry matter (DM) levels of concentrate mix supplementation. The concentrate mix contained 68% wheat bran and 32% noug seed cake. 24 sheep (12 intact and 12 castrated) with age range of 9 to 10 months and initial weight of 24.1&plusmn;1.8 kg (mean &plusmn; SD) were used. A randomized complete block design in a 2x2 factorial treatment arrangement (2 sex category and 2 concentrate levels) was employed. Basal hay was fed ad libitum at a rate of 20% refusal. After 90 days of fattening, all sheep were slaughtered and meat sample from longissimus dorsi muscle of each animal was taken for color and pH measures, and chemical composition analysis. High level supplementation promoted significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher carcass weights, dressing percentage in slaughter body weight (SBW) basis, rib eye-muscle (REM) area, fat thickness (FT), carcass compositions and higher (p&lt;0.05) total edible offal component than low supplementation level. Intact sheep attained higher (p&lt;0.05) SBW (29.4 vs 28.2 kg); empty body weight (23.7 vs 22.9 kg), and produced relatively more carcass yield with higher (p&lt;0.001) muscle, but lower fat composition than castrates. Castrated sheep produced significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher total non carcass fat (0.65 vs 0.46 kg) than intact sheep. Meat from intact sheep comprised of higher (p&lt;0.01) moisture (73.63 vs 72.43%) with lower fat composition (2.06 vs 3.16%) and was less (p&lt;0.05) luminous (L*) in color (34.56 vs 36.63) than castrated sheep. It is concluded that fattening of intact Washera sheep with high level of concentrate supplementation is a better option for production of more carcasses yield with higher proportion of muscle and less fat. &nbsp; Key words: Carcass composition, dressing percentage, meat color, proximate compositions.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Ovine ADRB3 Gene in Crossbred Australian Sheep Supplemented with Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Cyanobacterial Microalgae

The adrenergic-receptor beta3 (ADRB3) gene is an obesity gene that is involved in the regulation of energy balance and a variety of physiological functions by increasing lipolysis and thermogenesis. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a blue-green cyanobacterial alga containing 60-70% protein with an extensive history of human consumption, and more recently, inclusion in animal feeds. We had earlier demonstrated that low level oral supplementation by drenching prime lambs with 100 mL/head/day of 1g of Spirulina powder dissolved in 10 mL of water (10%wt:vol) increased live weight and body conformation measurements in Black Suffolk (BS) x Merino crossbred sheep. The hypothesis that genetics-nutrition interactions between sheep breeds with fewer mutations at the ADRB3 locus and an optimal Spirulina supplementation level will increase lean meat production was tested in the current study. Forty-eight crossbred Australian prime lambs sired by four rams of diverse breeds under the same pasture-based management conditions were subjected to a nine-week feeding trial with Spirulina, followed by genomic DNA extraction and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Eleven SNPs in both the coding and noncoding regions of the ovine ADRB3 gene were detected. Nine of the SNPs were in exon I and two in the intron. Variations in SNP frequencies were highly significant (P <0.0001) between all sheep breeds. The maximum and minimum number of SNPs were found in purebred Merinos (4.83) and Black Suffolk x Merino (BS) crossbreds (1.67). In total, one indel and six transverse mutations were detected that resulted in six amino acid substitutions. BS crossbreds had the lowest frequency of mutation and amino acid substitutions in their population in agreement with our hypothesis. In conclusion, BS sheep genetics matched with low level (100 mL/head/day) of Spirulina supplementation can lead to higher meat production with less fat content in a typical pasture-based sheep production system.

Availability of Dietary Zinc Sources and Effects on Performance of Pacific White Shrimp &lt;i&gt;Litopenaeus vannamei&lt;/i&gt;(Boone)

A study was conducted to evaluate the response of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei to inorganic or chelated sources of dietary zinc. Two sets of diets, one supplemented with zinc from zinc sulfate (55, 80, 116, 168, 243 and 363 ppm zinc) and the other with zinc from a chelated source (methionine hydroxy analog chelate; 39, 52, 65, 78 and 104 ppm zinc) were fed to replicate groups of juvenile shrimp (N = 8; 0.4 g initial weight) for 6 wk. All experimental diets contained 1.38% phytic acid reflecting levels in typical commercial feeds. Final weight, growth rate and biomass of shrimp fed zinc sulfate supplemented diets (243 and 363 ppm total zinc) were significantly higher (p < 0:05) than that in shrimp fed the base diet. In contrast, performance of shrimp fed the chelated source of zinc was significantly higher than shrimp in the control group at much lower levels of supplementation (65 and 78 ppm total zinc). Results indicate that shrimp required 3-4 times more dietary zinc from zinc sulfate than zinc from a chelated source to promote comparable growth when fed diets containing phytic acid. The chelate tested proved to be a safe, effective and available source of zinc for the Pacific white shrimp.

A mouse model of vitamin D insufficiency: is there a relationship between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and obesity?

BackgroundVitamin D insufficiency (serum 25-OH vitamin D > 10 ng/ml and < 30 ng/ml) is prevalent in the obese (body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2), yet relationships between the two are poorly understood. Objectives of this study include identification of the impact of obesity on reducing serum 25-OH vitamin D concentration, particularly in response to altered vitamin D3 supplementation, and to elucidate the longitudinal impact of serum 25-OH vitamin D on body mass index.MethodsTwenty four-week-old lean and obese male C57BL/6 J mice were fed low, standard, or high levels of cholecalciferol supplementation and followed for 24 weeks. Longitudinal measurements include serum 25-OH and 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D, intact PTH, and calcium concentrations, as well as BMI, bone density and body fat/lean mass.ResultsBaseline serum 25-OH concentrations were not different in lean and obese mice (lean 32.8 ± 4.4 ng/ml versus obese 30.9 ± 1.6 ng/ml p = 0.09). Lean mice receiving low supplementation exhibited rapid declines in serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations, falling from 33.4 ± 5.4 ng/ml to 14.5 ± 3.4 ng/ml after 2 weeks, while obese mice declined at a lower rate, falling from 30.9 ± 1.5 to 19.0 ± 0.9 ng/ml within the same time period. Surprisingly, high vitamin D3 supplementation did not substantially increase serum vitamin D concentrations above standard supplementation, in either lean or obese mice. No differences in serum 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) or serum calcium were observed between lean and obese mice within the same vitamin D supplementation group. Yet obese mice exhibited lower serum calcitriol, higher serum PTH, and lower bone mineral density (BMD) than did lean mice. Additionally, neither body mass index nor body fat % was significantly correlated with vitamin D concentrations. Interestingly, lean mice with high vitamin D supplementation consumed significantly more food than did lean mice with standard or low supplementation (14.6 ± 1.7 kcal/mouse/day versus 11.8 ± 1.4 and 12.3 ± 1.7 respectively, p < 0.0001 for both).ConclusionsLow cholecalciferol supplementation in both lean and obese mice significantly and sustainably reduces serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations. Interestingly, obesity slowed the rate of decline. Over the period of the study, vitamin D insufficiency was not subsequently correlated with greater BMI/body fat, although lean mice with high supplementation consumed greater calories with no apparent BMI increase.

Performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive responses of Nellore heifers submitted to different supplementation levels pre- and post-weaning.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high and low supplementation levels pre- and post-weaning on performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive responses of Nellore heifers. Fifty Nellore heifers with 132 ± 9.9kg average body weight (BW) and 138 ± 19days of age were supplemented from 4 to 14months. The heifers were distributed into five supplementation plans: HH-6g/kg of BW of supplement pre- and post-weaning, HL-6g/kg of BW of supplement pre-weaning and 3g/kg post-weaning, LH-3g/kg of BW pre-weaning and 6g/kg of BW post-weaning, LL-3g/kg of BW pre- and post-weaning, and CC-control, no supplementation. Interactions were not significant (P > 0.10). The level of supplement fed pre-weaning did not affect any of the performance variables evaluated at the end of the experiment (P > 0.10). There was a significant effect of supplementation and level of supplementation fed post-weaning on average daily gain (ADG) and final BW (P < 0.05). Overall ADG was also affected only by supplementation and level of supplement fed post-weaning (P < 0.05) with animals receiving 6g/kg of BW post-weaning gaining more weight. Follicular diameter was greater in animals that received 6g/kg of BW post-weaning (P < 0.05). In summary, performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive variables evaluated in the current study were improved by the level of supplement fed post-weaning. Heifers receiving supplementation of 6g/kg of BW post-weaning had greater responses, independent of the level received during the pre-weaning phase.

Effect of Dietary Replacement of Inorganic Zinc by Organic or Nanoparticles Sources on Growth Performance, Immune Response and Intestinal Histopathology of Broiler Chicken

Two hundred and twenty-five one day-old avian chicks were used to investigate the effect of different dietary supplemental zinc sources and levels on growth performance, blood picture and biochemical parameters, immune response, carcass characteristics and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. Birds were randomly allocated into 9 groups which fed on the experimental basal diet supplemented with different zinc sources and levels; group 1 was fed basal diet supplemented with (60 ppm) inorganic zinc oxide, while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with (60, 45, 30 or 15 ppm) organic zinc (polysaccharide-zinc complex) respectively and groups 6, 7, 8 and 9 were supplemented with (60, 45, 30 or 15ppm) zinc oxide nanoparticles respectively. Broiler chickens fed 60 or 45 ppm organic zinc improved growth performance while, lower supplementation levels (30 or 15ppm) had no significant effect. Moreover, zinc nanoparticles supplementation at 60, 45 or 30 ppm improved growth performance while lower level (15ppm) significantly reduced broiler performance and feed efficiency parameters. Using organic or nano zinc reduced total feed intake of broiler chicken. Organic or nano zinc supplementation non-significantly reduced blood serum lipids and increased GOT or GPT concentrations compared with those fed on diet supplemented with inorganic zinc. Moreover, organic or nano zinc had no significant effect on antioxidant enzyme activity while reduced abdominal fat weight. Organic zinc or nano zinc supplementation improved phagocytic activity, antibody production against Newcastle Disease vaccine, lymphoid organs weight and improve intestinal villi length, width and crypt depth of broiler chicken.

Weight, body condition, milk production, and metabolism of Nellore cows when their calves are submitted to different supplementation levels.

Creep feeding has been used to reduce calves' nutritional dependence on the cow, but research results under tropical conditions have not been conclusive about the effects on the cow. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high and low supplementation levels for Nellore heifer calves on performance, milk production, and metabolic profile of their mothers. Fifty multiparous Nellore cows and their respective calves were used. The following treatments were evaluated: 0-control, no supplement was fed to calves; 3-calves received supplement in the amount of 3g/kg of body weight (BW); 6-calves received supplement in the amount of 6g/kg of BW. There was no significant effect of level of supplementation offered to offspring on cow BW, body condition score (BCS) and subcutaneous fat thickness (P > 0.05). Level of supplementation of heifer calves did not significantly affect milk production corrected to 4% of fat (P > 0.05). Fat, protein, lactose, and total solids of the milk also did not differ among supplementation strategies (P > 0.05). Level of supplement fed to calves had no effect on cows' glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin levels (P > 0.05), but cows nursing calves that did not receive supplement had lower level of serum urea N (SUN; P < 0.05). We conclude that creep feeding in the amounts of 3 or 6g/kg of BW daily has no major impact on dams' performance and metabolism.

Feeding value of supplemental curcas crude oil in finishing diets for feedlot lambs.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the feeding value of a mechanically extracted nontoxic variety of oil (JCO) as source of energy for feedlot lambs. Twenty Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs were individually fed a dry-rolled-corn-based finishing diet supplemented with 0%, 2%, 4%, or 6% JCO (diet dry matter basis). Supplemental JCO replaced dry rolled corn in the basal diet. Fatty acid composition of JCO was C16:0, 14.0%; C18:0, 8.2%; C18:1, 26.0%; C18:2, 50.3%, and C18:3, 0.4%. Daily intakes of JCO averaged 24.7, 51.1, and 77.3 g/day or 0.57, 1.08, and 1.62 g/kg LW for the 2%, 4%, and 6% levels of supplementation, respectively. Supplemental JCO did not affect ( = 0.33) dry matter intake (DMI), but tended to increase (linear effect, = 0.06) average daily gain, efficiency of gain (linear effect, < 0.01), and dietary net energy (linear effect, < 0.01) and decreased (linear effect, < 0.01) the ratio of observed/expected DMI. At low levels (20 g/kg diet dry matter) of supplementation, the net energy (NE) value of JCO corresponds closely (0.99) to the NE value assigned by current standards (), and this NE value decreased linearly as the inclusion level of JCO increased. There were not treatment effects on plasma metabolites. Across treatments, the concentrations of hemoglobin (11.64 ± 1.08 g/dL), hematocrit (39.15 ± 3.67%), glucose (85.2 ± 17.64 mg/dL), creatinine (1.43 ± 0.28 mg/dL), and urea (20.70 ± 4.35 mg/dL) were within normal (9-15 g/dL, 27%-40%, 50-90 mg/dL, 1.0-1.8 mg/dL, and 15-50 mg/dL, for hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, creatinine, and urea, respectively) ranges for healthy lambs. Based on DMI, performance and plasma metabolites observed in this study, nontoxic JCO is a suitable source of energy in finishing diets for lambs.

188 Effects of low dietary inclusion levels of soybean meal and non-essential amino acid supplementation on the growth performance of late-finishing pigs

188 Effects of low dietary inclusion levels of soybean meal and non-essential amino acid supplementation on the growth performance of late-finishing pigs

Superior growth performance in broiler chicks fed chelated compared to inorganic zinc in presence of elevated dietary copper.

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to compare the antagonism of elevated dietary Cu (250 mg/kg) from CuSO4 on three different Zn sources (ZnSO4 · H2O; [Zn bis(−2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid)], Zn(HMTBa)2, a chelated Zn methionine hydroxy analogue; and Zn-Methionine), as measured using multiple indices of animal performance in ROSS 308 broilers.MethodsThree experiments were conducted in broiler chicks fed a semi-purified diet. All birds were fed a Zn-deficient diet (8.5 mg/kg diet) for 1 wk, and then provided with the experimental diets for 2 wks.ResultsExperiment 1 was a 2 × 2 factorial design with two levels of Cu (8 vs. 250 mg/kg diet from CuSO4) and two Zn sources at 30 mg/kg [ZnSO4 · H2O vs. Zn(HMTBa)2]. Elevated Cu impaired growth performance only in birds fed ZnSO4. Compared to ZnSO4 · H2O, Zn(HMTBa)2 improved feed intake (12 %; P < 0.001) and weight gain (12 %, P < 0.001) and the benefits were more pronounced in the presence of 250 mg/kg diet Cu. Experiment 2 was a dose titration of ZnSO4 · H2O and Zn(HMTBa)2 at 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg/kg diet in the presence of 250 mg/kg CuSO4. Feed:gain was decreased and tibia Zn was increased with increasing Zn levels from 30 to 75 mg/kg. Birds fed Zn(HMTBa)2 consumed more food and gained more weight compared to birds fed ZnSO4, especially at lower supplementation levels (30 and 45 mg/kg; interaction P < 0,05). Experiment 3 compared two organic Zn sources (Zn(HMTBa)2 vs. Zn-Methionine) at 30 mg/kg with or without 250 mg/kg CuSO4. No interactions were observed between Zn sources and Cu levels on performance or tissue mineral concentrations. High dietary Cu decreased weight gain (P < 0.01). Tibia Cu and liver Cu were significantly increased with 250 mg/kg dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.01). No difference was observed between the two Zn sources.ConclusionsDietary 250 mg/kg Cu significantly impaired feed intake and weight gain in birds fed ZnSO4 · H2O, but had less impact in birds fed Zn(HMTBa)2. No difference was observed between the two organic zinc sources. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that chelated organic Zn is better utilized than inorganic zinc in the presence of elevated Cu.

Dietary Phytase Improves Growth and Water Quality Parameters for Juvenile &lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus&lt;/i&gt; Fed Soyabean Diet-based Diets

The effect of phytase on growth, nutrient utilization of juvenile Clarias gariepinus fed soya bean using a 4x5 experimental design was investigated. 15.13% (S1), 34.16% (S2), 58.85% (S3) and 92.15% (S4) soyabean were formulated to substitute fish meal at 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %, respectively as basal controls with no phytase (P0). Another four diets were formulated with the same composition as the basal diet, but were supplemented with 250 FTU/g (P1), 500 FTU/g (P2), 750 FTU/g (P3) and 1000 FTU/g (P4), respectively. A fish meal diet, S0 (100%) and commercial diet (comm. diet), which served as controls, were included in the experiment to compare growth performance with experiment diet. A total of 1638 fish of average weight 11.55+ 0.20g were randomly allocated to experimental diets and fed at 3% body weight to replicate group of fish stocked at 26 fish per tank for 84 days. Growth performance was significant with phytase addition to diet (ANOVA, P 0.05). Significant interaction for survival of fish showed a decline with increasing phytase, regardless of soya bean levels (Tukey, P 0.05). Improvement in growth by phytase resulted in reduction of phytate (r= -0.231, P>0.05) and oxalate (r= -0.328, P 0.05) and ammonia (r= -0.105, P>0.05). In conclusion, the study has demonstrated that phytase at low level of supplementation in soyabean diet of Clarias gariepinus can effectively utilize phosphorus from phytate, cut and manage pollution in aquaculture environments, and improve overall growth of fish compared to commercial diet.

Nutritional, medicinal, and performance enhancing supplementation in dance

The aims of the current study were to: (a) investigate the reported prevalence of nutritional, medicinal, and performance enhancing substance use in dance, including any gender or professional status differences, and (b) examine the amount of importance dancers place on potential sources of information regarding supplementation. Methods involved administering an anonymous survey to 371 male (n=83) and female (n=286) UK-based dancers (Mage=20.87 years). Use of at least one supplement was reported by 91.9% of the dancers surveyed, and prevalence rates were highest for multivitamins, over-the-counter painkillers, and high energy drinks. Prevalence of use varied from low to high for specific nutritional and medicinal supplements, whereas very low levels of supplementation were seen for all performance enhancing supplements. Numerous forms of supplementation were more prevalent in male and professional dancers in comparison to female and amateur dancers, respectively. Across all categories of supplementation, physiotherapists and GPs/physicians were considered to be important sources of information on supplementation, whereas non-dance friends were considered to be the least important source of information. In conclusion, the current study provides much needed information on nutritional, medicinal and performance enhancing supplementation in dancers, and identifies key sources of information for dancers on all forms of supplementation.

The effect of high and low levels of supplementation on milk production, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and milk protein fractions in late-lactation dairy cows

To fill the feed deficit in the autumn/late lactation period in a seasonal grazing system, supplementation is required. This study aimed to investigate the use of baled grass silage or concentrate as supplementation to grazing dairy cows in late lactation. Eighty-four grass-based spring-calving dairy cows, averaging 212d in milk, were allocated to 1 of 6 treatments [high grass allowance (HG), low grass allowance (LG), grass with a low concentrate allocation (GCL), grass with a low grass silage allocation (GSL), grass with a high concentrate allocation (GCH), and grass with a high grass silage allocation (GSH)] to measure the effects of using baled grass silage or concentrate as supplements to grazed grass. Effects on intake, milk yield, milk composition and N fractions, and N utilization efficiency were measured. Treatments HG and LG received 17 and 14kg of dry matter (DM) grass/cow per d, respectively. Treatments GCL and GSL were offered 14kg of DM grass/cow per d and 3kg of DM of supplementation/cow per d. Treatments GCH and GSH were offered 11kg of DM grass/cow per d and 6kg of DM of supplementation/cow per d. Milk yield was greatest in the GCH treatment and milk solids yield was greatest in both concentrate-supplemented treatments. The HG and LG treatments excreted a greater quantity of N as a proportion of N intake than the supplemented treatments. The HG treatment also excreted the greatest total quantity of N. This indicates an improvement in N utilization efficiency when supplementation is offered compared with grazing only. Offering 6kg of DM of either grass silage or concentrate as supplementation decreased milk true protein concentration compared with offering a grass-only diet. This suggests that increasing the proportion of supplementation relative to grass may negatively affect milk processability, which is associated with milk true protein concentration.

Little Effect of Supplementation with 0.6% Energy Trans Fatty Acids on Serum Cholesterol Levels in Adult Japanese Women.

The excessive intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs) increases serum LDL-cholesterol and reduces HDL-cholesterol. Limited data exist regarding the low-level intake of TFAs, and the tolerable upper-limit level remains to be fully elucidated. A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial was conducted to assess the effects of a low level of TFA supplementation on serum cholesterol levels in healthy adult Japanese women. The volunteers who participated in this examination took in approximately 0.4% of energy (%E) TFAs from daily meals. Fifty-one volunteers consumed one cookie containing 0.6%E (TFA) or 0.04%E (control) of TFAs every day for 4 wk, and blood was harvested after overnight fasting. The mean TFA intakes of the control and TFA groups during the experimental period were 0.4%E and 1.1%E, respectively. There were no significant differences in serum total, LDL- or HDL-cholesterol levels between the control and TFA groups. The serum glucose and insulin levels were not influenced by TFA supplementation. These results confirm that dietary supplementation with 0.6%E TFAs (a total TFA intake of approximately 1%E) would have little effect on serum cholesterol levels in healthy adult Japanese women.