Maize-soybean Meal Basal Diet Research Articles

Bone characteristics, pre-caecal phytate degradation, mineral digestibility and tissue expression were marginally affected by zinc level and source in phytase-supplemented diets in 21-day-old broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study determined the effect of dietary Zn concentration and source in phytase-supplemented diets on bone mineralisation, gastrointestinal phytate breakdown, mRNA-level gene expression (in jejunum, liver and Pectoralis major muscle) and growth performance in broiler chickens. 2. Male Cobb 500 broilers were housed in floor pens (d 0-d 21) to test seven treatments with six replicate pens (12 birds per pen). Diets were arranged in a 2 × 3 + 1-factorial arrangement. The experimental factors were Zn source (Zn-oxide (ZnO) or Zn-glycinate (ZnGly) and Zn supplementation level (10, 30 or 50 mg/kg of diet). A maize-soybean meal-based diet without supplementation and formulated to contain 28 mg Zn/kg (analysed to be 35 mg Zn/kg), served as a control. 3. Zinc source and level did not influence (p > 0.05) bone ash concentration and quantity or mineral concentrations in bone ash. Tibia thickness was greater in the treatment ZnO10 than in the treatments ZnO30 and ZnGly50 (Zn level × Zn source: p = 0.036), but width and breaking strength were not affected. 4. Pre-caecal P digestibility and concentrations of phytate breakdown products in the ileum, except for InsP5, were not affected by Zn source or level. Only the expression of EIF4EBP1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1) and FBXO32 (F-box only protein 32) in Pectoralis major muscle was affected by source, where expression was increased in ZnO compared to ZnGly diets (p < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, Zn level and source did not affect gastrointestinal phytate degradation and bone mineralisation in phytase-supplemented diets. The intrinsic Zn concentration appeared to be sufficient for maximum bone Zn deposition under the conditions of the present study but requires validation in longer-term trials.

Nutritional Composition and Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AME) Value of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) Full-Fat Meal for Broiler Chickens

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens L.) is a proven high-cost protein source replacer and could be grown in a range of bio-degradable waste materials where hardly incorporated into broiler diets locally. The present study was aimed to assess the nutritional composition of BSFL, and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) value of BSFL meal provided to broiler chickens. BSFL full-fat meal produced from kitchen waste as a substrate were examined for their proximate composition, minerals and fatty acid profile. Eighty, 21-d old unsexed Cobb-500 broiler chickens (BW±SD: 665.8 ±14.3 g) were assigned randomly into 16 battery cages (04 replicates, five birds/replicate). A maize-soybean meal-based diet was used as the basal diet which was partially substituted by pre-analyzed BSFL meal at the rates of 5%, 10%, and 15% to produce three test diets. Birds were fed in a completely randomized design for 7-d with a 4-d adaptation period. Excreta were collected for three days from day 25 to 28. The results envisaged that the crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents of the kitchen waste were 12.3%, and 10.5%, respectively. BSFL meal when analyzed had 34.4% CP and 47.3%, EE. The fatty acid (FA) profile of the kitchen waste was more or less similar to that of BSFL‘s meal. The estimated AME of the BSFL full-fat meal fed for broilers was estimated to be 15.7 MJ/kg. The BSFL full-fat meal can be utilized sustainably in feed formulation and has a high potential to replace costlier feed ingredients.

Evaluation of the utilisation of energy and phosphorus in field peas fed to broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. The regression method was used to estimate the utilisation of energy (Experiment 1) and phosphorus (Experiments 2 and 3) in two field peas (FP) cultivars fed to broiler chickens. 2. On d 17 post hatching, 240 birds were assigned to one of five experimental diets in a randomised complete block design with body weight (BW) as a blocking factor in Experiment 1. Whereas, 192 birds were allotted to one of three experimental diets on d 19 post-hatching in Experiments 2 and 3. There were eight replicate cages per diet, with six birds per cage in Experiment 1 and eight birds per cage in Experiments 2 and 3. 3. Field pea cultivars Hampton (FPH) or 4010 (FP4) was incorporated at either 150 or 300 g/kg into a maize-soybean meal-based reference diet in Experiment 1. Using semi-purified diets, FPH was included at 200, 400, or 600 g/kg in Experiment 2, whereas FP4 was included at 215, 430 or 645 g/kg in Experiment 3. 4. In Experiment 1 a linear decrease (P < 0.01) was observed in metabolisable energy (ME) and nitrogen-corrected ME (MEn) with inclusion of FPH in the diets, whereas both linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05) were observed with inclusion of FP4. The regression-determined ileal digestible energy, ME and MEn were 13.70, 12.69 and 11.93 MJ/kg DM in FPH and 12.63, 13.20 and 12.52 MJ/kg DM in FP4, respectively. The ileal digestible and retainable P intakes were linearly increased (P < 0.01) with higher inclusion of FPH and FP4 in Experiments 2 and 3, respectively. The respective true ileal digestibility and true total tract utilisation of P in FPH were 74.6% and 68.3% and for FP4 were 74.3% and 61.7%, respectively. In conclusion, the estimated energy and P utilisation values could be used in diet formulations.

Effect of sprouted whole pearl millet on growth performance, intestinal development, bacterial count, and blood indices of broiler chickens.

This study investigated the effects of varying levels of sprouted whole grain pearl millet (SPM) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, microbial count, and blood indices of broiler chickens. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was formulated and fed to broiler chickens as starter (0 to 21 d) and finisher (22 to 42 d) diets. The diets comprised of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of SPM incorporated as whole grain. On 0 d, 180 unsexed broiler chickens were allocated to experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times; each replicate had 12 chicks. All diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric to meet the nutrient requirements of broiler chickens. Diets and water were provided ad libitum for 42 d. Results showed that the body weight gain (BWG) of broiler chickens on SPM compared favorably with those on the control diet. BWG showed trends in increment (P < 0.10) while FCR showed decreased trends (P < 0.10) with partial inclusion of SPM at 42 d and 0 to 42 d. The drumstick weight showed quadratic effect (P = 0.044) while the wing weight showed linear effect (P = 0.047) to treatment diets at 21 d. The liver weights of broiler chickens showed linear response (P = 0.018) at 21 d and (P = 0.004) at 42 d to SPM inclusion in diets. Sprouted whole PM consistently increased low-density lipoprotein concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05). Length and weight of small intestine and ceca showed decreasing trends on SPM levels in the treatment diets. Digesta pH assessment revealed that pH in the crop was lower (P < 0.05) on partial SPM while pH in proventriculus was reduced (P < 0.05) with inclusion of SPM in treatment diets. Lactobacilli count decreased linearly (P = 0.010) with SPM inclusion. This study suggests that SPM could be used as an alternative source of energy in production of broiler chickens. Therefore, partial replacement of maize with SPM in broiler diet had no negative effect on performance, physiological status, and overall health of broiler chickens.

Determination, comparison, and prediction of digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in novel maize co-products and conventional distillers dried grains with solubles for swine

The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and the coefficient of standardized ileal digestibility (CSID) of amino acids (AA) in novel maize co-products and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for swine and to compare in vivo determined values with calculated values from published equations. Seven maize co-products were used including two sources of conventional DDGS (DDGS-A and DDGS-B), two sources of high protein distillers dried grains (HPDDG-A and HPDDG-B), two sources of high yeast and protein co-products (HYP-A and HYP-B), and one source of maize fiber and solubles (MFS). In Exp. 1, thirty-two barrows (initial body weight = 24.2 ± 3.4 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to a maize-soybean meal basal diet or 1 of 7 diets, in which 300 g/kg of each co-product partially replaced a portion of maize and soybean meal, in a randomized two-period crossover design. Feces and urine were collected in two 7-d adaptation and 4-d collection periods. In Exp.2, sixteen ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight = 37.0 ± 3.8 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and assigned to a nitrogen-free diet or 1 of 7 diets containing 300 g/kg of each maize co-product as the sole crude protein (CP) source in a repeated 8 × 4 Youden square design to determine CSID of AA. Diets were fed for four consecutive 7-d periods (5-d adaptation and 2-d ileal digesta collection). Co-products contained 18.34–22.28 MJ/kg gross energy, 155.3–502.0 g/kg CP, 46.2–137.4 g/kg ether extract, 95.2–463.2 g/kg neutral detergent fiber, and 4.3–20.8 g/kg Lys on an as-fed basis. The HYP-A and HYP-B had the greatest DE (18.04 and 17.51 MJ/kg DM, respectively) and ME (17.24 and 16.63 MJ/kg DM, respectively) compared with other co-products (P < 0.05), and HPDDG-B had the lowest (P < 0.05) DE and ME. The CSID of Lys ranged from 0.30 to 0.70 among co-products. The CSID for Arg, His, Ile, Lys, Met, Thr, and Val were not different among DDGS-B, HPDDG-A, HYP-A, and HYP-B, while HPDDG-B had the lowest (P < 0.05) CSID for all AA. Use of published equations for DDGS resulted in low prediction accuracy and precision for estimating DE, ME, and SID AA compared with observed values. The high ME and SID Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp of HYP-A and HYP-B indicated greater feeding value for swine compared to other co-products evaluated.

Estimation of phosphorus requirements of sows based on 24-h urinary phosphorus excretion during gestation and lactation.

Phosphorus requirements of reproducing sows were estimated using 24-h urinary P excretion. Thirty-six multiparous sows were fed one of six maize-soybean meal-based diets with total P ranging from 0·40 to 0·80 % in 0·08 % increments with a constant Ca:total P ratio (1·25:1). Diets were fed from day 7·5 ± 1 after breeding until the end of lactation (day 26 ± 1). Urine samples were collected in mid and late gestation (days 77·1 ± 2 and 112·4 ± 1) and early and late lactation (days 4·5 ± 1 and 18·2 ± 1). Phosphorus requirements were estimated using linear and nonlinear regression models. Based on a single 24-h urinary P excretion, estimated daily dietary total P requirements in mid and late gestation were 10·3 g (6·0 g standardised total tract digestible P, STTD P), and estimates for early and late lactation were 31·1 g (16·6 g STTD P) and 40·3 g (22·1 g STTD P), respectively. Plasma P and Ca concentrations were maintained within normal ranges at the estimated levels of P requirements. No differences among treatments were observed for plasma parathyroid hormone (P ≥ 0·06) and bone formation marker (P ≥ 0·16). In lactation, bone resorption marker decreased (P ≤ 0·001) as sows consumed more P. Among the analysed variables, urinary P was the most sensitive response to changes in dietary P intake. Urinary P excretion offers a practical method to estimate P requirements in sows. Our recommended daily total P requirements are 10·3 g for gestation and 35·7 g for lactation.

Effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase enzyme combination on growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets

The following study evaluated effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination on growth performance of broilers fed energy reduced versus nutritionally adequate maize-soybean meal-based diets. A total of 648, one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to floor-pens (24 birds/pen, nine pens/treatment, three treatments) in a randomised block design. Treatments included: (1) a nutritionally adequate positive control diet (PC); (2) a negative control (NC) diet in which energy, crude protein and digestible amino acids were reduced by 3.4% (-105 kcal apparent metabolisable energy), 2.3% and 1.2 to 3.0% vs PC, respectively; and (3) NC plus a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination that supplied 1,220 U xylanase and 152 U beta-glucanase per kilogram of final feed. All diets contained a background of 500 FTU/kg phytase and were offered to birds ad libitum. Birds fed NC showed reduced average daily gain (ADG) by -6.1% (P&lt;0.05); increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 9.2 points (P&lt;0.05), and overall (d 1-35) body weight corrected FCR which was increased by 9.4 points (P&lt;0.05) vs the PC group. Enzyme supplementation increased final BW (+4.2%, P&lt;0.05), ADG (+5.4%, P&lt;0.05) and tended to reduce FCR (+7.5 points, P=0.054) from d 22-35 vs NC, without affecting average daily feed intake. Improvements in performance due to the enzyme combination were equivalent to performance on the PC diet in all cases. The results suggested that significant improvements in growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets which had been reduced in energy and nutrients can be realised by supplementation with xylanase in combination with beta-glucanase.

A comparison of intestinal integrity, digestive function, and egg quality in laying hens with different ages

Intestinal integrity, digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization, and egg quality of laying hens at different ages were evaluated and compared in this study. A total of 192 Hy-line Brown laying hens at 195-d-old (D195 group), 340-d-old (D340 group), and 525-d-old (D525 group) were allocated into one of 3 groups in accordance with their ages. Each group had 8 replicates of 8 birds each, and all birds were fed a maize-soybean meal basal diet for a 2-wk experiment. Compared with the D195 group, intestinal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth, as well as serum D-lactate content increased in the D525 group (P < 0.05). The sucrase and maltase activities in the jejunal mucosa, amylase activity in the pancreas, and trypsin activity in the jejunal chyme of 525-d-old hens were lower than their 195-d-old counterparts (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a decline of trypsin and lipase activities in the ileal chyme of hens from D525 group in comparison with D195 or D340 group (P < 0.05). Apparent retention of dry matter and crude protein of birds in D340 and D525 group decreased when compared with the D195 group (P < 0.05). Moreover, birds in the D525 group exhibited a lower level of ether extract retention, and higher contents of several excreted amino acids than those in the D195 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the D195 group, eggs harvested from D525 group exhibited lower albumen height, eggshell strength and thickness, and a higher egg weight (P < 0.05). In conclusion, increased intestinal permeability (higher serum D-lactate content), compromised digestive function (lower digestive enzyme activities and apparent nutrient retention, and higher concentrations of excreted amino acids), and poor egg quality (lower albumen height, eggshell strength, and thickness) were observed with increasing age in the laying hens.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Organic Trace Minerals at Reduced Concentrations on Performance, Bone Mineralization, and Antioxidant Variables in Broiler Chicken Reared in Two Different Seasons in a Tropical Region

Two experiments were conducted to study the performance, antioxidant activity, and bone mineral variables in broilers fed organic trace minerals (OTM) at lowered concentrations in the diet. In experiment 1, a total of 1500 day-old broiler male chicks were randomly distributed into six groups with 10 replicates of 25 chicks each and housed in floor pens (1.90 × 1.22m). One group was fed the maize-soybean meal-based control diet, supplemented with inorganic trace mineral (ITM) premix containing Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, and Cr at 50, 45, 40, 7.5, 0.30, and 0.25mg/kg, respectively. The remaining groups of chicks were fed the diets, where the ITM premix was replaced with OTM mix so as to provide the respective minerals at graded levels in the diet (100, 75, 50, 40, and 30% of the control diet). Similarly, in experiment II, a total of 1350 day-old male broiler chicks were divided at random into six groups with 9 replicates of 25 chicks each and fed the maize-soybean meal-based control diet having ITM at levels similar to those of experiment I or the test diets, where the ITM was replaced with OTM so as to provide the minerals at 100, 80, 60, 40, and 20% of the ITM-based control diet. Each diet was fed ad libitum from 0 to 42days of age. The body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were not affected by supplementing OTM at 30 and 20% in experiments I and II, respectively. Slaughter variables, activities of glutathione peroxidase and super oxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation and ferric reducing activity in serum were not affected by supplementing OTM at the lowest level of 20% in the diet. Similarly, bone-breaking strength, ash, and Mn contents were not affected by supplementing OTM at 20% of the mineral concentration in control diet containing ITM. Deposition of Ca, P, Cu, and Fe in tibia ash increased with increased concentration of OTM in the diet. However, Zn content in tibia ash reduced with reduction in OTM level in the diet. Based on the results, it is concluded that trace mineral supplementation in organic form even at 20% of the concentration recommended for ITM may be sufficient in maize-soybean meal-based diet to support the optimum growth, bone ash, bone strength, and serum antioxidant status in commercial broilers.

Influence of feed form on the apparent metabolisable energy of feed ingredients for broiler chickens

The influence of feed form (FF) on the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of seven feed ingredients for broiler chickens was examined in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted to investigate the interaction between four cereal grains (maize, sorghum, wheat and barley) and two FF (mash vs. pellet) on the nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) contents using the direct method. The test diets contained 962 g/kg of each grain. Each diet was randomly allocated to six replicate cages (six birds per cage) and fed for 7 d from 21 to 28 d post-hatch. The feed intake and total excreta output for each replicate cage were measured over the last 4 d of the assay. No interaction (P>0.05) between grain type and FF was found for the AMEn. Maize and sorghum showed the highest AMEn, barley the lowest and wheat being intermediate. Regardless of the grain type, pelleting increased (P < 0.05) the AMEn of the grains by 0.22 MJ/kg, compared with mash diets. The second experiment was conducted to examine the effect of FF on the AMEn of three protein sources (meat and bone meal [MBM], soybean meal [SBM], and canola meal [CM]) using the difference method. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was formulated, and the test diets were developed by replacing (w/w) 30 % of the basal diet with MBM, SBM or CM. Each diet was randomly allocated to six replicate cages (six birds per cage) and fed for 7 d (d 21–28) and, feed intake and total excreta output were measured over the last 4 d. There was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between the protein source and FF. Pelleting reduced the AMEn of MBM, had no effect on that of SBM, but increased the AMEn of CM. Overall, pelleting process increased the AMEn of all cereal grains and influenced those of protein sources with the effect varied depending on the ingredient. The current findings suggest that the application of AMEn values determined based on assays using mash diets might result in over- or under-estimation of available energy content of ingredients in commercial pelleted broiler diets and highlights the need for the use of pelleted diets in energy evaluation assays.

Determining the 4th limiting amino acid in low crude protein diets for male and female Cobb MV × 500 broilers

ABSTRACT 1. Four experiments were conducted to determine the 4th limiting amino acid (AA) in maize–soybean meal-based diets. 2. Deletion assay methodology was used to quantify performance and carcase trait responses to potential deficiencies in essential and conditionally essential AA caused by reductions in dietary crude protein of maize–soybean meal-based diets from 202.9 to 186.5 g/kg. 3. The deletion of Val, Phe and Gly + Pro resulted in negative effects on live performance and carcase traits for male broilers, whereas AA deletion only affected wing weights for females with no response on live performance. 4. Further experimentation could not duplicate a response to Phe or Pro in male broilers. 5. Valine was identified as the potential 4th limiting AA in maize–soybean meal-based diets and was not found to be co-limiting with Ile.

PSIX-22 Effects of betaine supplementation on growth performance, muscle amino acid contents, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of betaine supplementation on growth performance, muscle amino acid contents, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs. A total of 144 crossbred barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) weighing about 69 kg were divided into three groups with six replicates of eight pigs each for a 60-day feeding trial. Pigs were fed a maize-soybean meal basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1 or 1.5 g/kg betaine, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS software, and the differences among treatments were examined by Tukey’s test, which were considered to be significant at P &amp;lt; 0.05. The results showed that the feed conversion ratio tended to be improved (P = 0.081) by betaine supplementation. Compared with the control, 1.5 g/kg betaine supplementation significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the contents of methionine, glutamate and total non-essential amino acid in thigh muscle, but the amino acid contents in loin muscle were not affected by betaine supplementation. The 24-h and 48-h drip loss of thigh muscle and the content of malondialdehyde in loin muscle were decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by 1 g/kg betaine inclusion, and the 24-h redness values of loin and thigh muscles were increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by 1.5 g/kg betaine inclusion. Moreover, both levels of betaine significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) 24-h pH value and the activity of total superoxide dismutase of loin and thigh muscles. Overall, this study indicated that 1.5 g/kg betaine supplementation could increase the contents of methionine, glutamate and total non-essential amino acid in thigh muscle rather than loin muscle, and betaine supplementation was beneficial to improve meat quality and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs. 1SEM, total standard error of means (n = 6)

Effects of residual superdoses of phytase on growth performance, tibia mineralization, and relative organ weight in ducks fed phosphorus-deficient diets.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of residual superdoses of phytase on growth performance, tibia mineralization, and relative organ weight in ducks fed phosphorus-deficient diets. In Exp. 1, 4 kinds of commercial phytase were used to determine retention rate of phyatse with the phytase C being the highest via both high water-bath temperature (90%) and pelleting (50%), followed by phytase A, B, and D. In Exp. 2, a total of 560 male ducks were blocked based on body weight, and then allocated randomly to 7 treatments (5 replicates with 16 birds per replicate). Treatments included a maize-soybean meal-based diet with recommended calcium and 4.0g non-phytate phosphorus (nPP)/kg starter diet or 3.8g nPP/kg grower diet (positive control; PC), an nPP-deficient diet with 1.3g nPP/kg starter diet or 1.1g nPP/kg grower diet (negative control; NC), NC diets with increasing levels of residual phytase C (500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 units/kg feed) after pelleting. Birds fed NC diets had lower (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) throughout the experiment compared with those fed PC diet. Supplementing NC diet with increasing residual superdoses of phytase improved (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI quadratically in the entire experiment, while reduced feed-to-gain ratio (P < 0.05) quadratically during day 0 to 14. On day 14 and 35, birds fed NC diet had lower (P < 0.05) tibia length, weight, ash, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese contents than those fed PC diet. Increasing residual superdoses of phytase in NC diet increased (P < 0.05) tibia weight and ash, calcium, phosphorus contents quadratically on day 14 and 35. NC treatment increased (P < 0.05) the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum index compared with other treatments on day 14 and 35. Taken together, feeding increasing residual superdoses of phytase could counteract or exceed the negative effects of NC diet on growth performance, tibia mineralization, and relative organ weight in ducks.

The efficacy of multy-enzymes supplementation on low energy corn-soybean meal basal diet containing rice bran on growth performance of broilers

High energy diet is related to high feed cost. Thus, it is essential to reduce energy diet but still support the good performance of birds. The utilization of low cost- feed ingredients combined with enzymes are the alternative way to do. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of multy-enzyme supplementation on growth performance of broilers fed low energy basal diets containing rice bran. Experiment 1. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) assay of yellow corn and rice bran. A total of 48 broilers were randomly distributed to 12 cages (4 birds/cage). A maize-soybean meal basal diet (mash form) was formulated and two assay diets were then developed by substituting rice bran (raw 250 g kg-1, w/w) and maize (500 g kg-1, w/w) of the basal diet. Total excreta collection method was used. The results showed that the AME value of rice bran was significantly lower (2032 kcal/kg DM) and 3112 Kcal/kg DM. Experiment II. The experiment was designed using a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. A total of 160 DOC (unsex) were randomly distributed to 16 pens (10 birds/pen). The experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetics. The results show that dietary treatments significantly affected (P0.05) FCR and mortality of broilers. Broilers fed P2, P3 and P4 diets had higher (P0.05). In conclusion, 1) the supplementation of enzymes in low energy diets containing rice bran improved BWG and FI but not FCR and mortality. 2) Birds fed rice bran-containing-diets supplemented with enzymes produced similar growth performance.

Evaluation of bee venom as a novel feed additive in fast-growing broilers

ABSTRACT1. The present study was designed to evaluate purified bee venom (BV) as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens. The experimental treatment diets were formulated by adding BV into a maize-soybean meal-based diet to give 0, 10, 50, 100, and 500 μg BV per kg of diet.2. Dietary BV quadratically improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio and increased body weight gain at 1–21 d as level in diet increased. Higher BV levels lowered relative weight of spleen (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), bursa of Fabricius (quadratic, P < 0.05), and liver (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) at 21 d of age. Relative breast meat yields were increased quadratically at 21 d and linearly at 35 d with supplementation levels. Dietary BV increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) lightness (L*) value for meat at 21 d, decreased (linear, P < 0.05) ileal villus height and narrowed (quadratic, P < 0.05) width.3. Dietary BV inclusion linearly increased the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) on ileal mucosa at 21 d and decreased (quadratic, P < 0.05) nitric oxide contents in serum samples at 21 d and 35 d. Total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in caecal digesta were reduced with increasing venom in diets at 21 d of age. None of the serum parameters except for creatinine was affected by dietary BV.4. It was concluded that dietary BV exhibited wide range of in vivo biological properties in broiler chickens and could be incorporated into feed to promote growth and animal health.

Effects of a high dose of microbial phytase and myo-inositol supplementation on growth performance, tibia mineralization, nutrient digestibility, litter moisture content, and foot problems in broiler chickens fed phosphorus-deficient diets

A total of 660 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into eleven dietary treatments. Treatments included a maize-soybean meal-based diet with recommended calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) (positive control; PC), an nPP-deficient diet (negative control; NC), NC diets supplemented with different levels of phytase (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, and 6,000 FTU/kg), a NC diet plus 0.15% myo-inositol, and a NC diet with reduced Ca level (Ca to nPP ratio same as PC). Feeding the NC diet had no effects on birds' body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), but decreased (P <0.05) tibia P contents, crude protein (CP) digestibility, and serum P, but increased (P <0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 21 d of age. Phytase supplementation at ≥4,000 FTU/kg improved (P <0.05) BW, WG and digestibility of nutrients. Feeding the NC diet resulted in greater (P <0.05) litter moisture content (42 d) and poorer gait score (21 d), but 4,000 and 6,000 FTU/kg phytase returned (P <0.05) these parameters to that of the PC. Supplemental myo-inositol increased (P <0.05) serum total protein, P retention, and decreased (P <0.05) litter moisture at 42 d of age. Feeding the low Ca NC diet increased (P <0.05) serum total protein, ileum Ca, P, and CP digestibility and decreased serum ALP activity, litter moisture and gait score compared to the NC group. In conclusion, phytase in a dose-dependent manner, especially at ≥4,000 FTU/kg levels, was effective in overcoming the negative consequences of NC diets, primarily due to the ability to improve nutrient utilization. In addition, reducing the Ca level or supplementation of inositol of NC diet can correct some the negative effects of feeding a NC diet confirming the negative effect of a wide Ca: P ratio in a P-deficient diet and suggesting that inositol may play a role in the response to phytase addition.

Nutritional Value of Putak: Apparent Metabolisable Energy, and Growth Performance

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate nutritional value of putak for broilers. Experiment 1. The apparent metabolisable energy of raw and fermented putak were determined. The experimental design used was completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates. Total of 64 broilers were randomly distributed to 16 pens. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was formulated and three assay diets were then developed by substituting putak (raw, and fermented, 250 g kg-1, w/w), and maize (500 g kg-1, w/w) of the basal diet. Even though the AME and AMEn values of fermented putak were comparable to that of raw putak and maize, but it was slightly higher than that of raw putak. Experiment 2. Using the AME value of raw putak obtained in Experiment 1, five treatment diets containing 0 to 200 g kg-1 putak were formulated. The body weight gain of broilers fed 150 - 200 g kg-1-1 putak was higher to that of control diet, but it was similar to those fed 50-100 g kg-1 putak. No differences were found in FCR and mortality rate. Feed intake of broilers fed diets containing putak was higher than that of control diet. In conclusion, the AME and AMEn values of putak, fermented putak, and maize were comparable. Putak can be included in broiler diets up to 200 g kg-1 without detrimental effects.

Response of broiler chickens to different levels of calcium, non-phytate phosphorus and phytase

ABSTRACT1. Five hundred and seventy six-d old Ross 308 broiler chicks (6 cages per diet, 8 birds per cage in 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement) were fed on maize–soybean meal-based diets containing three concentrations of Ca (6, 8 or 10 g/kg), two concentrations of non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) (3 or 4 g/kg) and two levels of exogenous microbial phytase (0 or 500 FTU/kg) from d 0 to 35.2. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and mortality records were collected. Two birds per replicate were killed at 24 d of age to obtain tibia samples.3. Increasing Ca level significantly reduced the FI and body weight gain (BWG) between hatch and 10 and 24 d, especially with the phytase-supplemented diets. However, phytase supplementation of the diet containing 4 g NPP/kg improved the FI and BWG at d 10 and 24. At d 24, phytase supplementation improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds that consumed diets containing high NPP. The overall FCR was better in birds offered the phytase-supplemented, medium-Ca diet.4. There was a significant reduction in length, width and breaking strength of the tibia bone in birds fed on a diet with high Ca and low NPP. Phytase supplementation improved the tibia ash content and bone breaking strength of chicks fed on the diet containing 8 and 4 g/kg Ca and NPP, respectively. The Ca content of the tibia bone was low in birds fed on diets with 6 and 4 g/kg Ca and NPP, respectively, but this was counteracted by phytase supplementation.5. Birds fed on diets with 4 g/kg NPP had the best carcass percentage and parts yield. Phytase supplementation to high-Ca diets significantly reduced the carcass yield of birds.6. These results confirmed the detrimental effect of high dietary Ca on phytase activity and subsequent growth and bone development of birds, especially when NPP is in short supply.

Effect of Supplementing Organic Forms of Zinc, Selenium and Chromium on Performance, Anti-Oxidant and Immune Responses in Broiler Chicken Reared in Tropical Summer

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of supplementing organic forms of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and chromium (Cr) on performance, anti-oxidant activities and immune responses in broiler chickens from 1 to 21days of age, which were reared in cyclic heat-stressed condition under tropical summer in open-sided poultry house. A total of 200 (experiment I) and 450-day-old (experiment II) broiler male chicks (Cobb 400) were randomly distributed in stainless steel battery brooders (610mm × 762mm × 475mm) at the rate of five birds per pen. A maize-soybean meal-based control diet (CD) containing recommended (Vencobb 400, Broiler Management Guide) concentrations of inorganic trace minerals and other nutrients was prepared. The CD was supplemented individually with organic form of selenium (Se, 0.30mg/kg), chromium (Cr, 2mg/kg) and zinc (Zn, 40mg/kg) in experiment I. In experiment II, two concentrations of each Zn (20 and 40mg/kg), Se (0.15 and 0.30mg/kg) and Cr (1 and 2mg/kg) were supplemented to the basal diet in 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. A group without supplementing inorganic trace minerals was maintained as control group in both experiments. Each diet was allotted randomly to ten replicates in both experiments and fed ad libitum from 1 to 21days of age. At 19th day of age, blood samples were collected for estimation of anti-oxidant and immune responses. Supplementation of Se, Cr and Zn increased (P < 0.05) body mass gain (BMG) and feed intake compared to those fed the CD in experiment I. The feed efficiency (FE) in Cr-fed group was higher (P < 0.05) compared to the CD-fed group. Se or Cr supplementation reduced lipid peroxidation (LP) compared to broilers fed the CD. In experiment II, BMG was not affected (P > 0.05) by the interaction between levels of Zn, Se and Cr in broiler diet. The FE improved (P < 0.05) with supplementation of the trace minerals tested at both concentrations except in group fed 40mg Zn, 0.5mg Se and 1mg Cr/kg. Reduction in lipid peroxidation (LP, P < 0.05) and increased (P < 0.05) activity of superoxide dismutase were observed in broiler fed organic Zn, Se and Cr compared to the CD-fed group. The dietary concentrations of Zn, Se and Cr did not influence (P > 0.05) the immune responses (Newcastle disease titre and cell-mediated immune response to phytohaemagglutinin-P) in both the experiments. Based on the results, it is concluded that supplementation of organic form of Se, Cr and Zn (0.30, 2 and 40mg/kg, respectively) either alone or in combination significantly improved performance and anti-oxidant responses (reduced LP and increased superoxide dismutase) in commercial broiler chicks (21days of age) reared in cyclic heat stress conditions in open-sided poultry house during summer.

Dietary effects on inositol phosphate breakdown in the crop of broilers

ABSTRACTThe effect of diets differing in enzyme supplements, mineral phosphorus (P) and microwave wheat treatment on phytate hydrolysis and lower inositol phosphate isomers (InsPs) appearance in broiler crops was studied. The broilers (16- and 15-day-old) were assigned to 48 pens of 15 or 20 birds each (n = 8 pens per treatment) in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In Experiment 1, birds received a low-P wheat-soybean meal diet where the wheat was either microwave treated or not. These diets were offered without further supplementation or with added phytase (500 FTU/kg diet), alone or in combination with a xylanase (16,000 BXU/kg diet). In Experiment 2, two maize-soybean meal-based diets were fed, without or with monocalcium phosphate supplementation. Furthermore, these diets were offered without further supplementation or with phytase at 500 or 12,500 FTU/kg diet. On day 23 or 24 (Experiments 1 and 2, respectively), crop digesta were pooled per pen, freeze-dried and analysed for InsPs and the marker TiO2. Microwaving reduced the intrinsic phytase activity and InsP6 hydrolysis, but increased the concentration of Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5 and Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5 in the digesta of crop (Experiment 1). Microwave treatment significantly interacted with enzyme supplementation for Ins(1,2,5,6)P4 concentration, indicating a synergistic effect of intrinsic and supplied phytase in the crop. Xylanase tended to support phytase hydrolysis in diets with microwave-treated wheat. Phytase addition increased InsP6 hydrolysis up to 79% (Experiment 2). Thus, wheat phytase activity can cause high InsP6 hydrolysis in the crop. Treatment differences in lower InsPs indicated that hydrolysis of the first InsP6 phosphate group is not the only step in the degradation cascade in the crop of broilers that is influenced by dietary factors.