Maize In Diets Research Articles

Sugarcane Derived Polyphenol Feed Additive Supplemented to the Wheat Diet Improved Broiler Performance

This study examined effects of incremental levels of sugarcane derived polyphenol on most commonly used cereals in the poultry feed industry; wheat and maize. Both cereals rapidly digestible starch, which is usually digested completely than protein itself whereas polyphenol slows down glucose absorption in rat without compromising feed intake. Polyphenol may enhance depositing of muscle in broilers due to synchronous availability of the plasma glucose and amino acid. In this experiment, 240 Ross 308 male broilers (5 birds/cage; n=6) were given 8 different diets, wheat and maize; without or with polyphenol inclusion level at 0.5%, 2% and 4% respectively. Feeds were given ad-libitum in 2 phases as grower (day 11-24) and finisher (day 24-38). Parameters assessed were body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), drip loss%, shear force and meat color. Birds were euthanized at day 38 for meat quality inspection using Pectoralis muscle. The research revealed that 2% polyphenol in wheat diets significantly reduced ADFI (day 24-38) as compared to unsupplemented wheat diets (p<0.0001). At the same level, polyphenol numerically improved FCR (day 24-38) in broilers fed wheat diets (FCR 1.93) and maize diets (FCR 1.63) as compared to unsupplemented wheat diets (FCR 1.98) and maize diets (FCR 1.70) respectively. However, 4% polyphenol inclusion level had adverse effect on BW (day 17 and 38) and ADG (day 10-38, day 24-38) in broilers fed wheat diets as compared to unsupplemented wheat diets. On other hand, maize diets supplemented with different level of polyphenol did not have any significant effect on BW, ADG, ADFI and FCR in broilers as compared to unsupplemented maize diets. Also, there was significantly higher ADFI (day 24-38) in broilers fed wheat diets as compared to maize diets (p<0.0001). Regarding meat qualities, there were not any effect of polyphenol on drip loss%, shear force and meat color. However, cereal type itself had significant effect on meat color appearance as maize fed broilers had more yellowness value of meat (b*; p<0.0001) than broilers fed wheat diets. In conclusion, polyphenol supplementation found to be useful for broilers mainly on wheat diets at 2% inclusion level.

Evaluating the relationships between climate change, population pressure, economic intensification, and childhood stress in the Prehispanic Nasca region of Peru

Climate change can adversely affect population health by limiting resource availability. Climate shocks may cause resource shortfalls directly via declining economic productivity, but favorable climate conditions may also create food shortages indirectly by promoting demographic growth that then pressures a resource base. Current population health and capacities for resilience reflect long-term human-environment interactions, highlighting the need for studies on the relationship between climate and population health through time. In this article, we combine theory from population ecology and life history with structural equation models to evaluate archaeological evidence of changing population health in response to climate change in the Nasca highlands of Peru from the terminal Middle Horizon to Late Intermediate period (1250 - 500 cal BP). Specifically, we examine potential causal chains between local precipitation, population growth, agricultural intensification, and two skeletal indicators of childhood physiological stress—cribra orbitalia (CO) and porotic hyperostosis (PH)—in 149 radiocarbon dated individuals. We find that higher precipitation has a positive indirect impact on PH frequency that is entirely mediated by local population pressure and maize agricultural intensification. Precipitation has a negative direct effect on CO, which is most common during intervals of extreme drought, low dietary maize inputs, and in periods of higher fertility. Additionally, we find that PH and CO negatively co-vary over time. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that, though PH and CO have historically been considered manifestations of the same pathological process, these two skeletal lesions likely result from distinct sources of physiological stress in the Prehispanic central Andes.

Performance characteristics and digestion of growing rabbits fed Corn Gluten Residue Meal (CGRM), Soybean Gluten Residue Meal (SGRM), and Sorghum Brewer Dry Grain (SBDG)

Context: Grain by-products are nonconventional feed resources that can be used as supplemental diets for rabbits, especially during the dry season when native forages are scarce and limiting in essential nutrients. Hence, this present study is to determine the inclusion of residue, Corn Gluten Residue Meal (CGRM), Soybean Gluten Residue Meal (SGRM), and Sorghum Brewer Dry Grain (SBDG) as a replacement for maize on the performance and digestion coefficient of growing rabbits. Methods: Forty mixed breeds of rabbits (4 - 6 weeks old) were allotted into four experimental treatments in a completely randomized design. Four experimental diets were then compounded by replacing maize (40% inclusion level) with CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG then fed to the growing rabbits at 3% of their body weight. Results: The crude protein contents of diets containing grain by-products (19.06% – 20.87%) were better than maize (12.96%). Evidently, the maize diet (55.56%) was higher in carbohydrate fraction than these grain by-product-containing diets (42.20 – 49.98). Rabbits fed diets containing grain by-products had significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed intake and final weight compared to rabbits fed maize. Rabbits-fed diets containing CGRM (87.41%) and SGRM (92.09%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in digestible crude protein than maize (76.79%) and SBDG (74.29%) diets. Also, diets containing maize and SGRM were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the digestible carbohydrate fraction than diets. Whereas, rabbits fed diets CGRM and SBDG had significantly better (p < 0.05) nitrogen balance and retention compared to rabbits fed diet SGRM and maize. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the inclusion of CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG led to better performances and digestion but with inferior carbohydrate fractions and digestion percentages compared to the maize diet.

Temperature and Host Plant Impacts on the Development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Linear and Nonlinear Modeling

The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most serious pests in field crops, vegetables, and ornamentals. Temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35, and 40 °C), host plants (soybean (Glycine max (L.)), maize (Zea mays L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi,), and the artificial diet-dependent developmental parameters and survival of S. litura were examined in this study. Stage-specific parameters such as threshold development temperature (LDT) and thermal constant (K) (Degree day (DD)) were determined by linear and nonlinear models (Sharpe-Schoolfield-Ikemoto), respectively. The total developmental time (egg-adult) decreased with increasing temperature on host plants and with an artificial diet. The total immature developmental time varied from 106.29, 107.57, 130.40, 111.82, and 103.66 days at 15 °C to 22.47, 21.25, 25.31, 18.30, and 22.50 days at 35 °C on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. The LDT for the total immature completion was 7.50, 9.48, 11.44, 12.32, and 7.95 °C on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. The K for the total immature completion was 587.88, 536.84, 517.45, 419.44, and 586.95 DD on soybean, maize, groundnut, azuki bean, and artificial diet, respectively. Temperature and host plant interaction also influenced the longevity and survival of adults. The findings of this study can be used to predict the number of generations, spring emergence, and population dynamics of S. litura. The nutrient content analysis of the host plants is discussed in terms of the developmental patterns of S. litura.

Novel cowpea menus for the enhancement of dietary diversity and intake in selected communities in Limpopo province

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important grain legume which is rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. Cowpea production is gradually increasing in South Africa and its utilisation and consumption must be matched with its production to balance demand and supply in order to enhance job creation, income generation as well as increased diversity of nutrition and dietary intake of the rural communities. Recent reports have indicated that Limpopo province is food and nutrition insecure where 2-6 year old children are malnourished and stunted. Inadequate nutrition is an ongoing problem in rural South African communities especially in the Limpopo province due to poor diversity of daily dietary intake. Majority of poor rural populations depend on a sole-maize diet with occasional vegetables added when available. The utilisation of cowpea produce and diversity of nutrition is poor due to inadequate or poor agro-processing, which leads to few markets or utilisation channels for uptake. Given the above background, this study was conducted to train farmers on agro-processing of cowpea into different menus. The training will improve dietary intake of farmers in addition to enhanced dietary diversity to ameliorate the problem of malnutrition and over dependence on sole-maize diets. This study reports on the training conducted for one hundred and twenty five farmers on agro-processing of cowpea to produce different novel products. Different recipes were employed to produce the products. Results show that 125 farmers were trained on the preparation of Akara and Moin-moin, porridge and fortification of cereal-based meals with cowpea products. The training increased the knowledge and skills of farmers on preparation of novel menus that never existed in South Africa, which will increase their dietary intake to enhance dietary diversity as well as ameliorate the problem of malnutrition and over dependence on sole maize diets. The training will also enhance the market channels for cowpea production, which will increase the demand and supply of cowpea in addition to enhanced food security and nutrition. It is recommended that such training on the novel products be extended to schools, restaurants, correctional services, hospitals and other provinces in South Africa for a greater impacts. Key words: Utilisation, akara, dietary diversity and intake, moin-moin, nutrition, Vigna unguiculata, dietary enhancement

Comparison of Mixed and Choice Feeding of Whole Wheat (Triticum aestivum) on the Performance of Commercial Broilers

Wheat is the cereal grain of choice for Whole Grain Feeding (WGF) in poultry, despite the fact that globally maize is the most commonly used cereal grain. In this context, in the present study feeding of whole wheat to commercial broilers with two types of feeding systems were used ie. mixed and choice feeding systems of wheat with different levels of replacement with maize by 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%. The body weight and body weight gain of birds fed with 20% and 40% choice feeding of wheat was found to be the highest (p<0.05). The mean wheat consumption (g/bird) from total feed consumption under choice feeding during 2 to 6 weeks of age in birds fed with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% were found to be 363.18, 720.12, 1398.45, 2160.30 and 3202.10, respectively. Birds fed with choice feeding of 40% wheat showed significantly (p<0.05) improved FCR. The highest livability (%) was found in the birds fed with 40% and 100% choice feeding of wheat. The gizzard weight (g) showed non-significant difference among the birds fed with various treatment rations. The highest return over feed cost (in Rs.) was found in the birds fed with 40% choice feeding of wheat. The overall results indicated that choice feeding system is more suitable for better body weight gain and improved FCR as compared to mixed feeding system of whole wheat. Feeding with 40% maize in diet replaced by wheat and offered in separate feeder is more economical and profitable due to higher body weight gain, improved FCR and acceptable mortality.

The effect of amylase supplementation on individual variation, growth performance, and starch digestibility in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the variance of starch digestibility in broilers individually fed diets without or with supplemental exogenous amylase. A total of 120 d-of-hatch male chicks were individually reared from 5 to 42 d in metallic cages and fed maize-based basal diets or diets containing 80 kilo-novo-α-amylase units/kg (60 birds or replicates per treatment). Beginning on d 7, feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded; partial excreta collection was conducted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 42 d, when all birds were sacrificed for individual collection of duodenal and ileal digesta. Lower feed intake (4,675 vs. 4,815 g) and feed conversion ratio (1.470 vs. 1.508) were observed in amylase-fed broilers during the overall period (7-43 d; P < 0.01), whereas body weight gain was not affected. Amylase supplementation improved total tract starch (TTS) digestibility (P < 0.05) on each day of excreta collection (except for d 28, where no difference was found), averaging 0.982 vs. 0.973 compared to basal-fed broilers from d 7 to 42. Both apparent ileal starch (AIS) digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy (AMEN) were increased (P <0.05) from 0.968 to 0.976 and from 3,119 to 3,198 kcal/kg, respectively, with enzyme supplementation. Activity of amylase in the duodenum was higher (18.6 vs. 50.1 IU/g of digesta) in supplemented birds. Amylase supplementation led to a reduced coefficient of variation for both TTS (averaged 2.41 vs. 0.92% from 7 to 42 d) and AIS digestibilities (1.96 vs. 1.03%), as well as AMEN (0.49 vs. 0.35%), when compared to the nonsupplemented group, indicating lower individual heterogenity. An age effect was detected for TTS digestibility, as both groups saw an increase during the first weeks (slightly more pronounced in the supplemented group); older birds (d 30 onwards) presented a lower TTS digestibility compared to ages between 7 and 25 d. In conclusion, amylase supplementation in maize diets for broilers can attenuate individual bird variation for starch and energy utilization by increasing amylase activity and enhancing starch digestibility.

Biology of Spodoptera litura on natural and artificial diet under laboratory conditions

Armyworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) is one of the most economically significant insect pests in global agriculture. The current study was performed to study the biology of S. litura under laboratory conditions. In the current study, the biological parameters of pests i.e., egg, larva, pupa and adult along with the duration were determined. The mean incubation period of pests on cabbage, maize and artificial diet was 2.86±0.33, 3.09 ± 0.12 and 3.97±0.77 days, respectively. S. litura had five instars. The mean developmental period of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth larval instar on cabbage was 3.44±0.11, 2.09±0.12, 4.11±0.12, 3.00±0.20, 6.68±0.23 and 5.94±0.18 days, respectively while 2.81±0.77, 3.55±0.33, 3.64±0.45, 4.43±0.71, 6.55±0.21 and 5.98±0.19 days on the maize, respectively. The mean developmental periods were 3.85±0.54, 3.45±0.63, 3.67±0.67, 4.37±0.82, 6.55±0.23 and 5.30±0.38 days of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth larval instars on artificial diet, respectively. The mean total life period of S. litura was 33.43±5.86 days on cabbage and 34.79±6.95 days on maize while 35.98±7.86 days on an artificial diet. The longest developmental period of S. litura was recorded on the artificial diet while the minimum was on cabbage. The mean developmental period of pupa was 7.50±0.71 days on cabbage, 9.87±0.94 days on maize and 11.63±0.99 days on an artificial diet. Females were short-lived as compared to males. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-ovipositional period of S. litura on cabbage were recorded as a minimum while maximum on an artificial diet. The maximum number of eggs laid by females with the highest hatchability on cabbage followed by maize and artificial diet. An artificial diet was not good for pest development and growth as compared to a natural diet i.e., cabbage and maize. The findings will provide basic information about food pests which help in pest management.

Maize near-isogenic lines with enhanced flavonoids alleviated dextran sodium sulfate-induced murine colitis via modulation of the gut microbiota.

The rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has necessitated the search for safe and effective novel therapeutic strategies. Dietary flavonoids exhibited antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic activities in several model systems with proven abilities to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thus they could be promising therapeutic agents for IBD prevention/treatment. However, understanding the role of a specific class of compounds in foods that promote health is difficult because of the chemically complex food matrices. This study aimed to utilize four maize near-isogenic lines to determine the anti-colitis effects of specific classes of flavonoids, anthocyanins and/or phlobaphenes, in a whole-food matrix. Results showed that the intake of anthocyanin and phlobaphene-enriched maize diets effectively alleviated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice via reducing the intestinal permeability and restoring the barrier function. Anthocyanin diets were more effective in maintaining the crypt structure and muc2 protein levels and reducing inflammation. Bacterial communities of mice consuming diets enriched with anthocyanins and phlobaphenes were more similar to the healthy control compared to the DSS control group, suggesting the role of flavonoids in modulating the gut microbiota to retrieve intestinal homeostasis. Microbiota depletion rendered these compounds ineffective against colitis. Lower serum concentrations of several phenolic acids were detected in the microbiota-depleted mice, indicating that gut microbiota plays a role in flavonoid metabolism and bioavailability.

Effect of Feeding Sun Dried Banana Pseudostem as a Partial Replacement of Dietary Maize on Performance and Production Economics of Crossbred Grower Pigs

Background: The usage of banana waste pseudostems has drawn more attention in recent years. Additionally, it is said that these banana waste components are rich in vitamins and minerals, notably dietary fibre. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of substituting dietary maize with sun dried banana pseudostem (BP) in their feed on performances of crossbred grower pigs. Methods: The current study was carried out between 2020-2021 on forty eight (48) Hampshire crossbred grower pigs, that were randomly divided and allotted to 4 compounded dietary treatments by replacing dietary maize with sun dried BP by 0% (T0), 10% (T1), 20% (T2) and 30% (T3) in their ration. By modifying the amounts of maize with BP, all compounded diets were rendered isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Result: Results indicated significant (p less than 0.05) improvement in the total body weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) in both male and female crossbred pigs fed ration T2 in comparison to the other groups. The performances of the both female and male pigs were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower when dietary levels of BP were increased up to 30% (T3). The feed cost/kg live weight gain in group T2 was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than the control group in both the sexes. In conclusion, crossbred grower pigs can tolerate up to 20% dietary substitution of maize with BP in the ration without compromising their growth, blood biochemical parameters, reproductive performances and carcass quality. Incorporation of 20% sun dried BP resulted in lowered feed cost.

Influence of feed on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Zophobas morio

• Antioxidant substances are transferred to edible insects through the feed. • Soy based feed is not suitable for feeding superworms. • The highest COX activity were observed in superworm fed soy. • The highest yield of edible insects can be achieved by suitable breeding. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of superworm as one of the potential species for the food industry were investigated. This type of insect was bred on three different types of feed and, at the end of the breeding experiment, the total polyphenols (TPC), antiradical activity, degree of hydrolysis, and anti-inflammatory effects of the peptides were determined. The highest value of polyphenols content was demonstrated in whole enzymatically hydrolysed insects (W), especially in the group fed on soy feed (Wso = 4.2014 ± 0.27). This group also achieved the highest antiradical activity, as measured by ABTS and DPPH, and the highest anti-inflammatory effect, as measured by COX inhibition. Insects fed on soy feed are unsuitable for food despite their high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, as high mortality occurs. The largest length in a worm breeding experiment was identified in the group fed the control diet (co = 4.93 ± 0.27) and the heaviest weight in the group on the maize diet (ma = 0.77 ± 0.11).

Squamous Cancer of the Esophagus in Africa: A Causal Pathway Established

Squamous cancer of the esophagus has been endemic in much of East, Central and Southern Africa since the 1940s. Much research has concentrated on attempts to identify major carcinogenic influences, and failure to do so has made it clear that the problem in high incidence areas (HIAs) is not primarily of potent environmental carcinogens, but of population susceptibility. In Africa the association with maize is constant and strong. Research in the last decade has helped to explain that association. Considered along with historical findings there is now enough evidence to establish causal associations of a nutritionally deficient maize diet and use of maize meal with squamous cancer of the esophagus. Evidence is available in a high incidence area of degenerating maize meal resulting in excess production of PGE2, gastric hypochlorhydria and a predominant pattern of non-acid gastroesophageal reflux. This pathway explains the existence of major population susceptibility: a poor maize-based diet provides specific nutritional deficiencies and n-6 fatty acid dominance which cause failure of homeostasis of the arachidonic acid cascade; with this background chemically degenerating maize meal then triggers duodenogastric reflux and non-acid gastro-esophageal reflux; non-acid reflux causes squamous cancer of the esophagus. Within a susceptible population, environmental carcinogens including tobacco increase individual risk. There is sufficient evidence that this is an active pathway, and the dominant pathway to SCCE in high incidence areas in Africa.There is sufficient evidence to justify appropriate preventative measures.

Effect on Broiler Production Performance and Meat Quality of Feeding Ulva lactuca Supplemented with Carbohydrases.

Simple SummaryMacroalgae have been increasingly exploited worldwide for feed, food and biofuel applications, due to their nutritive and bioactive compounds. Green seaweeds belonging to the genus Ulva have high growth rates, which makes them suitable for being cultured in sustainable algae production, such as an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system. This is expected to increase the use of Ulva sp. as an alternative source to conventional feedstuffs (e.g., cereals and soybean meal) for poultry. The objective of the current study was to assess if the incorporation of 15% Ulva lactuca in broiler chickens’ diet, combined or not with carbohydrate-active enzymes, would enhance meat nutritional quality without compromising animal growth performance. Overall, U. lactuca led to an accumulation of antioxidant carotenoids, n-3 PUFA and macrominerals, including magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, in the breast muscle, with likely health benefits, without significantly impairing growth performance. The supplementation of macroalgae with a recombinant ulvan lyase reduced ileal viscosity with possible beneficial effects on broiler digestibility. Although dietary U. lactuca showed potential to increase meat quality, it reduced meat overall acceptability, which suggests the use of a lower algae inclusion level to prevent a negative meat sensory perception for consumers.The aim of the study was to test if feeding 15% U. lactuca to broilers, alone or combined with carbohydrases, enhanced meat nutritional quality, without compromising growth performance. One hundred and twenty 22-day-old broilers were allocated to the following diets and replicated 10 times for 14 days: (1) maize and soy-based diet (control); (2) control with 15% U. lactuca (UL); (3) UL diet with 0.005% commercial carbohydrase mixture (ULC); and (4) UL diet with 0.01% ulvan lyase (ULE). Final body weight and average daily gain decreased (p < 0.050) with the ULE diet compared with the control, but no significant differences were found for the other diets. The intestinal viscosity increased (p < 0.001) with all alga diets but was lowered (p < 0.050) in the ileum with the ULE diet, relative to UL and ULC diets. Meat lightness and redness values, off-flavours, and total carotenoids increased (p < 0.001), while yellow values, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability, α- and γ-tocopherol, and total lipids decreased (p < 0.001) with alga diets. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (p < 0.050), and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased (p < 0.001) with the ULE diet. Total minerals in meat increased (p < 0.001) with alga diets, conversely to sodium and zinc (p < 0.001). Feeding 15% of U. lactuca to broilers did not impair growth but increased meat nutritional value through the accumulation of health-promoting antioxidant carotenoids, n-3 PUFA and total minerals, although reducing overall meat acceptability.

Dried rumen waste as feedstuff for growing rabbits

This study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance, carcass chaaracteristics and haematological parameters of growing rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of Dried Rumen Waste (DRW) as a replacement for maize. A total of 48 weaner rabbits (mixed breed, average weight, 471 + 0.2 g) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments comprising graded levels of 0, 10, 20, and 30 % DRW in the diets. Diet 1 (0% DRW) served as the control diet. Each of the four treatments was replicated thrice. Each replicate had four rabbits in a Completely Randomized Design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the study period. All the performance indicators (average daily gain, 14.77 – 15.87 g; feed conversion ratio, 3.71-4.06) remained similar (P&gt;0.05) regardless of the inclusion levels of DRW in the diets except the average daily intake (56.94-64.38 g; P&lt;0.05). Red blood cell counts (4.10-6.10 x g/100ml) increased (P&gt;0.05) while mean corpuscular volume (76.00-90.24 fl) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (24.51-30.00 pg) decreased (P&gt;0.05) in response to the inclusion levels of DRW in the diets. All the serum indices measured were not significantly influenced (P&gt;0.05) by the treatments. It was concluded that DRW could replace 30 % dietary maize in the diets of growing rabbits without compromising growth performance, and health status of growing rabbits.

Survival, Body Condition, and Immune System of Apis mellifera liguistica Fed Avocado, Maize, and Polyfloral Pollen Diet.

Nutritional stress is the major factor contributing to decline in the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations given the high degree of dependence on floral resources, and due to the habitat loss. In this sense, monocultures of maize and avocado have great extensions in Mexico, but their impact on the physiology and morphology of A. mellifera is unknown. This research evaluated the effect of total protein content in monofloral (maize or avocado pollen diets) and polyfloral (using five types of pollen: Persea americana Mill., Zea mays L., Melampodium perfoliatum Cav., Drymaria villosa Cham Schltdl., and Lopezia racemosa Cav.) on their survival, body condition (controlled density, head mass, and development of hypopharyngeal glands; protein content in hemolymph), and immune response [lytic activity and activity of prophenoloxidase in the hemolymph (proPO)]. Corbicular pollen of P. americana had the highest protein content, followed by the corbicular pollen of Z. mays, M. perfoliatum, D. villosa, and L. racemosa. Polyfloral diet seems to be better for A. mellifera than the monofloral maize and avocado. Bees fed polyfloral pollen diet showed a high content of protein in the hemolymph in comparison with that fed maize or avocado pollen diets. Bees fed polyfloral and avocado pollen diet had the highest lytic activity but showed a decrease in proPO activity. In conclusion, polyfloral diets seem to be better for A. mellifera than the monofloral maize and avocado.

Effects of ammonia-treated maize on growth performance of beef cattle

High-moisture cereal grains are often treated with ammonia to prevent spoilage and for perceived animal performance advantages, but there are few reports on the effects of ammonia treatment of cereal on cattle performance. This study was carried out on 101 Charolais cattle to quantify the effects of feeding ammonia-treated maize on the performance of intensively fattened beef cattle. Animals were assigned to 16 pens in two sheds and all animals in each pen were fed on the same diet for 176 d. The cereal in the diets was either ammonia-treated maize (ATM) or untreated maize diet (UTM), formulated to be approximately isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Cattle fed ATM had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (6.14 ± 0.39 vs 6.49 ± 0.41 kg DM/kg BW; p = 0.011) and tended to have a higher average daily liveweight gain (ADG) (1.60 ± 0.10 vs 1.54 ± 0.10 kg/d; p = 0.060). The pH of the ruminal fluid at slaughter was higher (p < 0.001) in animals that were fed the ATM diet (6.35 ± 0.69) compared to those fed the UTM diet (5.46 ± 0.33). No differences were found in the concentrations of NH3 or total VFA in ruminal fluid between the two groups. The molar proportion of butyric acid from all VFAs was lower in animals fed ATM than UTM (14.69 ± 3.55% and 18.04 ± 2.97% respectively; p = 0.012), and the molar proportion of propionic acid was higher in the ATM than the UTM groups (22.14 ± 1.54% and 19.54 ± 1.72% respectively; p < 0.001). The ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid was significantly lower in animals fed ATM compared to those fed UTM (ATM vs UTM: 2.64 ± 0.26 vs 2.97 ± 0.29; p = 0.0038). Faecal starch was lower in cattle fed ATM than untreated maize (UTM) (14.73 ± 5.65 vs 18.14 ± 4.27% DM; p < 0.001). The pH of faeces in the ATM group was higher than that in the UTM group (4.75 ± 0.19 vs 4.55 ± 0.19; p < 0.001). In conclusion, ammonia treatment of maize resulted in increased ADG and decreased FCR, with reduced faecal starch concentration, suggesting possible gains in efficiency of starch utilisation.

Monocot diet sources drive diversity of gut bacterial communities in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae

AbstractMicrobiome research is currently gaining tremendous interest on the impact of diets and environment to influence life traits of several hosts. Full understanding of the insect ecology and characterization of gut microbial community including their natural enemies is vital for development of novel insect pest management strategies. This study examined the gut bacterial communities of Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda reared in the laboratory with three monocot plant diets (Sugarcane [M1], maize [M2] and onion [M3]) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study revealed variations in the structure and community of the gut bacterial biota of FAW larvae reared with three monocot plants. Diet sources greatly altered the structure of the gut bacterial community. Three alpha diversity indices (observed species richness Chao1 and ACE) showed significant differences among the various diet groups. The principal component analysis revealed a moderate distinction in bacterial communities of the FAW larvae reared with the three monocot plants. Higher numbers of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were observed in sugarcane diet (M1). The bacterial communities of all the larvae groups were dominated by phylum Firmicutes. A redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p &lt; 0.0005) was the most significant factors influencing the community distribution of gut bacteria of FAW larvae. Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) analysis predicted that chemoheterotrophy, fermentation, aerobic chemoheterotrophy and aromatic compound degradation were the prominent putative functions of FAW larvae gut bacteria communities. Chemoheterotrophy was the most dominant putative functions predicted and was higher in sugarcane diet. Furthermore, the complexity of the network structure was higher in M1 while the modularity was higher in maize diet. The different monocot diets had a considerable impact on bacterial composition in the gut of Fall armyworm larvae and their ecological and functional relevance are discussed.

Metabolites of Broiler Chickens Fed Three Millet Varieties Based Diets as Replacement for Dietary Maize

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the blood metabolites response of broiler chickens fed different millet variety-based diets as alternative feed option in broiler diets. Four experimental diets were formulated such that the diets contained pearl millet (T2), Finger millet (T3, Douro millet (T4) and the control diet (T1) contained maize. The diets were fed to Four hundred and eighty (480) Anak 2000 strain day old broiler chicks in a 56 days feeding trial. The diets were randomly assigned to four groups of 120 birds in a completely Randomized Experimental Research Design (CRD) replicated 3 times with 40 birds per replicate. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The results obtained showed no significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in all the parameters measured on haematological parameters. The serum biochemical indices showed that total protein (22.67-34.00), albumin (9.67-15.00), urea (0.23-0.96), creatinine (21.33-35.00), cholesterol (1.70-2.38) were significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected by the experimental diets. Althogh, the values for glucose (9.56-9.86) and bilirubin (7.5-9.43) were statistically similar. It was concluded that Dauro and finger millet varieties can favorably replace maize in broiler diets without adverse effects on blood haematology and biochemistry of broiler chickens and thus, will help reduce the cost of broiler production especially for farmers in the millet production areas.

Chemical Composition of Palm Oil Mill Sludge-Biodegraded Sweet Orange Peel Meal Mixture and Its Effect as Dietary Energy Source on Nutrient Digestibility by Broiler Chickens

A feeding trial, which lasted for seventy days, was conducted in which palm oil mill sludge and biodegraded sweet orange peel mixture was fed to substitute maize in broiler chicken diet at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel was fermented by soaking for 48 h in retted cassava waste water (CWW) and sundried, to obtain biodegraded sweet orange peel (BSOP). Palm oil mill effluent was filtered with a 0.30 mm pore plastic mesh sieve, poured into a 0.75 μm pore fine cheesecloth bag and allowed to stand for five hours to produce a paste of palm oil mill sludge (POMS). The POMS was mixed with BSOP in ratio 1:1, sundried, milled to produce a POMS-BSOP mixture. One hundred and eighty day-old Cobb 700 broilers divided into six equal parts, and three replicates of 10 birds each were used. Each part was assigned to one of 6 diets compounded with 0% (T1), 5% (T2), 10% (T3), 15% (T4), 20% (T5) and 25% (T6) of POMS-BSOP mixture. The microbial composition of retted CWW, chemical composition of the POMS-BSOP mixture, and the digestibility of nutrients by the broiler chickens were determined. Isolated from CWW were; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli (bacteria), Aspergillus spp. (fungus) and Candidia spp. (yeast). POMS-BSOP was high in energy (4415.69 kcalME/kg), ether extract (41.50%), crude fibre (25.63%) and dry matter (92.28%), moderate in crude protein (6.83%), low in indigestible lignin (4.90% ADL), alkaloid (0.01%), tannin (0.02%), saponin (0.03%), phytate (0.05%), oxalate (0.15%) and flavonoid (0.17%). Dietary treatments significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected digestibility of ether extract and metabolisable energy and crude protein digestibility by broiler chickens. Dietary maize can be replaced at up to 25% with a POMS-BSOP mixture to improve energy digestibility by broiler chickens.

Growth Performance and Cost Implication of Broiler Chickens Fed Yellow Maize Diet Supplemented with Graded Levels of Synthetic Methionine

Growth Performance and Cost Implication of Broiler Chickens Fed Yellow Maize Diet Supplemented with Graded Levels of Synthetic Methionine