Mash Diet Research Articles

Effects of dietary fermented mealworm larvae and stocking density on performance, blood stress indicator and intestine parameters of broilers

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of defatted mealworm larvae meal fermented with probiotics as a new antibacterial feed additive to the diet of broilers reared under normal- (NSD) and high- (HSD) stocking density on growth performance, blood and slaughtering parameters, microorganism content and morphology of ileum and short-chain fatty acids content of ceca. A total of four hundred and fifty one-d-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into six groups of similar mean weight, each containing five replicates. Experimental treatments consisted of a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement with two levels of stocking density (12 birds/m2 as NSD and 18 birds/m2 as HSD) and three different mash diets: CONT- a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing no fermented defatted mealworm larvae meal (FDM) (0%); FDMLP- the diet obtained by supplementing DM fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum to the CONT diet (0.4%); FDMLB- the diet obtained by supplementing DM fermented with Lactobacillus brevis to the CONT diet (0.4%). HSD significantly decreased the growth performance except feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass yields (CYs), Lactobacillus spp. content and villus height (VH) and villus surface area (VSA) of ileum and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations of ceca, but, increased the blood heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and Escherichia coli content and crypt depth (CD) of ileum of broilers compared to NSD. The FDMLP and FDMLB diets significantly improved the FCR and increased final body weight (BW), BW gain, Lactobacillus spp. content and VH and VSA of ileum and SCFAs concentrations of ceca, however, reduced the blood H/L ratio and Escherichia coli content and CD of ileum of broilers when compared to the CONT diet. In conclusion, FDMLP and FDMLB can be utilized as new antibacterial feed additives in broiler diets regardless of stocking density.

Total replacement of maize with raw or heat-treated sweet cassava tuber meal on productive performance and egg quality parameters in Jumbo quail hens from 6 to 14 weeks of age

The impact of complete replacement of maize with raw or heat-treated sweet cassava (Manihot esculenta) tuber meal (CTM) on productive performance and egg quality of Jumbo quail hens was determined. A total of 240, six-week-old hens were randomly allocated to 60 cages (4 birds/cage) and assigned to five experimental diets with 12 replicates each. The diets were a standard layer mash diet without CTM (CON) and a standard layer mash diet in which 100% maize was replaced with raw (CTMR), boiled (CTMB), autoclaved (CTMA) and oven-dried CTM (CTMO). The highest overall feed intake, body weight gain and final body weight (P < 0.05) was observed from the CON group while the lowest was from the CTMB group. Overall FCR and mortality were not significantly influenced by the diets. Fourteen-week-old hens on CON had a higher (P < 0.05) rate of lay than CTMR. Eggs from CON had the brightest yolk colour values than all the treatment groups. Moreover, eggs from CON had the least shape index than those from CTMO. Diet CTMA promoted heavier (P < 0.05) eggshells than CTMR. Jumbo quail hens reared on maize-based diet showed better performance followed by autoclaving treatment, whereas boiling treatment compromised performance traits.

Investigations into the chemical composition and nutritional value of different batches of rapeseed meals for turkey poults

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition and feeding value of rapeseed meal (RSM) batches produced at the same plant when fed to turkey poults. In total, seven RSM samples were obtained from a single manufacturer within a period of 90 days. Although the manufacturer followed the same procedures during oil extraction and RSM production, different batches of rapeseed were used. A balancer feed (BF) was formulated to contain 11.85 MJ/kg ME and 265 g/kg crude protein. Seven nutritionally complete test mash diets were prepared by mixing 200 g/kg of each RSM batch sample with 800 g/kg of the BF, totalling 8 diets. Diets were fed to female B.U.T. Premium turkeys from 12 to 21 d of age. Each diet was fed to six raised floor pens, housing two birds, following randomisation. During the experiment, a nitrogen corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) assay was performed using a total collection technique. The AMEn in RSM samples was calculated based on the differences between the AMEn values of basal and test diets. Associations were examined between AMEn and the chemical composition of the RSM samples. The overall determined AMEn value of the RSM ranged from 5.50 MJ/kg DM to 8.53 MJ/kg DM, giving an average AMEn of 7.29 MJ/kg DM. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in AMEn content between batches. There was a negative correlation (r = – 0.864; p < 0.05) between AMEn values and the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content of the RSM samples. The results suggest that the NDF could be a good predictor of the AMEn of industry produced RSM. It may be inferred that processing rather than cultivar could be the main factor determining the feeding value of RSM for turkeys.

Effects of Therapeutically Approved Individual Bile Acids on The Development of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis a Low Bile Acid Mouse Model

Abstract Bile acid (BA) signaling dysregulation is an important etiology for the development of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). As diverse signaling molecules synthesized in the liver by pathways initiated with CYP7A1 and CYP27A1, BAs are endogenous modulators of farnesoid x receptor (FXR). FXR activation is crucial in maintaining BA homeostasis, regulating lipid metabolism, and suppressing inflammation. Additionally, BAs interact with membrane receptors and gut microbiota to regulate energy expenditure and intestinal health. Complex modulation of BAs in vivo and the lack of suitable animal models impede our understanding of the functions of individual BAs, especially during MASLD development. Previously, we determined that acute feeding of individual BAs differentially affects lipid, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways in a low-BA mouse model, Cyp7a1/Cyp27a1 double knockout (DKO) mice. Currently, we investigated to what degree that cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) at physiological concentrations impact MASLD development in DKO mice. The results showed that these three BAs varied in ability to activate hepatic and intestinal FXR, disrupt lipid homeostasis, and modulate inflammation and fibrosis. Additionally, UDCA activated intestinal FXR in these low-BA mice. Significant alterations in lipid uptake and metabolism in DKO mice following CA and DCA feeding indicate differences in cholesterol and lipid handling across genotypes. Overall, the DKO were less susceptible to weight gain, but more susceptible to MASH diet induced inflammation and fibrosis on CA and DCA supplement, while WT mice were more vulnerable to CA-induced fibrosis on control diet.

The multifaceted roles of B lymphocytes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Recent evidence suggests that adaptive immune cells are important contributors to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). In liver biopsies from MASLD patients, the accumulation of intrahepatic B cells is positively correlated with the MASLD activity score. Hepatic B-cell infiltration is observed in experimental models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). Intrahepatic B2 cells have been shown to contribute to MASLD/MASH by activating T cells, macrophages and hepatic stellate cells, and by producing pathogenic IgG antibodies. In mice fed a MASH diet, selective depletion of B2 cells reduces steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Intestinal B cells are metabolically activated in MASH and promote T-cell activation independently of TCR signaling. In addition, B cells have been shown to contribute to liver fibrosis by activating monocyte-derived macrophages through the secretion of IgA immunoglobulins. Furthermore, our recent study indicates that certain B cell subsets, very likely regulatory B cells, may play a protective role in MASLD. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of B cell functions and discusses future research directions on the different roles of B cells in MASLD and MASH.

Effects of Supplemental Diet during Breeding on Fertility, Litter Size, Survival Rate, and Weaning Weight in Mice (Mus musculus).

The addition of supplemental diets to laboratory animals, specifically rodents, is a common practice for the provision of additional nutritional support. We set out to investigate whether the use of commercially available supplemental diets during breeding affected fertility rate, litter size, pup health, and pup survival. Genetically modified female breeding mice with a C57BL/6 background were divided into 3 groups (n = 16 per group) that received standard rodent chow alone or standard rodent chow with one of 2 commercially available supplemental diets: Love Mash (Bio-Serv) extruded pellet or Nutra-Gel (Bio-Serv) diet gel. Male and female mice began receiving the supplemental diet 1 wk before being paired with a partner of the same supplemental group. The mice were allowed to breed for 1 wk before separation from the male. The dams were continued on the diet until all pups were weaned. Overall, breeding dams supplemented with the Love Mash diet experienced significantly greater reproductive success rates and pup survivability compared with the standard diet control group. Dams supplemented with either of the 2 supplemental diets supported significantly larger litters compared with the standard diet control group. Furthermore, Love Mash supplemented diet groups produced significantly larger pups compared with the Nutra-Gel supplemented groups. This study demonstrates that supplemental diets given 1 wk before breeding and continued throughout gestation, parturition, and weaning significantly improved reproductive success, increased litter sizes, and supported pup health and survival.

291 An evaluation of soybean meal inclusion rate in pigs fed from wean to market

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM) supply may result in decreased relative costs of SBM compared with other ingredients. Net energy of SBM closer to the NE of corn has been reported which may increase its relative value in formulations (Boyd and Gaines, 2023). To evaluate the effect of SBM level in two common diet formulation strategies, Corn-DDGS-SBM (DDGS) or Corn-SBM (SBM) in wean-to-market pigs (WTM). A total of 540 pigs (PIC X Duroc, 18 d of age, 5.3 kg) were weaned and blocked by body weight (BW) and sex for allocation. Six dietary treatments were assigned to 90 pens to give 15 replications per treatment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Individual BW for average daily gain (ADG) and pen feed disappearance (ADF) were collected every 2 wk for 18 wk and carcass data were collected at average market weight of 129 kg (18 to 20 wk after placement). The mash diets were formulated to a SID lysine:NE target in 7 phases using current NE estimates for SBM, 2087 Kcal/kg, and to meet or exceed NRC requirements (2012). The NE level used for DDGS was 2,343 Kcal/kg. The treatments consisted of Low (LO), Medium (MED), and High (HI) SBM levels by providing 0.5%, 0.25% and no added lysine (AA) in SBM- or DDGS (30%)-based diets. Data were analyzed using pen as the experimental unit for performance data and the pig as the experimental unit for carcass data. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) and P &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant and 0.05 ≤ P &amp;lt; 0.10 considered a tendency. The ADF tended to be less from wk 0 to 18 for pigs fed SBM than DDGS diets. SBM diets increased wk 6 BW and ADG compared with DDGS (P &amp;lt; 0.05). HI and MED SBM additions increased wk 6 BW and wk 0 to 6 ADG vs LO SBM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). SBM diets increased wk 14 and 18 BW, gain to feed ratio (G:F) and ADG compared with DDGS (P &amp;lt; 0.05) except for MED in DDGS diets, which was not different. HI and MED SBM additions increased wk 14 and 18 BW and 0 to 18 wk ADG vs LO SBM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Carcass data indicated SBM diets increased hot carcass weight by 2 kg, loin depth, back fat and calculated lean weight, compared with DDGS (P &amp;lt; 0.05). LO SBM resulted in more back fat, less loin depth and lean weight compared with the use of HI or MED SBM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). SBM improved growth, feed and caloric conversion, and increased carcass value in high-performance WTM pigs compared with the use of DDGS. MED and HI SBM level tended to improve ADG and carcass characteristics.

PSII-11 Achieving heavier piglet weights at weaning with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation under field conditions

Abstract The benefits of live yeast supplementation during both gestation and lactation on piglet performance, nutrient digestibility and immune status have been well reported. However, the application of live yeast to gestation diets in some commercial practices may not be warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding live yeast to lactating sows on piglet performance at weaning under field conditions. Before start of the study, a total of 268 Camborough L42 gestating sows were fed a restricted, commercial diet. From ≈112 d of gestation until weaning, sows were fed a commercial lactation mash diet with or without inclusion of live yeast (Vistacell, AB Vista, UK) at 1 kg/t. Piglets were cross-fostered within treatment to standardize piglet numbers on sows, and weaned at approximately 24 d. Body weights of piglets at weaning were collected from around 40% of sows. Data were statistically analyzed by Mixed Model using JMP Pro v.16.2 software (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC), with significance being accepted at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Treatment was included as a fixed factor in all models, with sow ID and piglet ID nested within treatment included as random variables for sow and piglet performance, respectively. The interaction between treatment and parity was also included in the model for sow performance. Sow parities of 4 and above were combined into one group. Proportional piglet body weights were assessed by non-parametric Wilcoxon Test. An interaction between treatment and parity was shown for average daily feed intake (ADFI), whereby parity-1 sows fed the control diet and parities-3 and -4 sows fed live yeast had greater feed intakes than parity-2 sows fed live yeast. Sow body weights and body condition scores at weaning were unaffected by treatment. Piglet body weights at processing, the number of piglets weaned and weaning ages were also unaffected by treatment. However, piglets from sows fed live yeast were significantly heavier (7.12 kg vs. 6.85 kg) at weaning than piglets from sows fed control diets (P &amp;lt; 0.01). In addition, the proportion of piglets at weaning with body weights of less than 7 kg tended to be fewer (45% vs. 55%), with a greater percentage of heavier (&amp;gt;7 kg) piglets, from sows supplemented with live yeast (P = 0.08). In conclusion, these findings indicate that supplementing live yeast solely to the lactating sow can promote growth of nursing piglets leading to improved piglet performance at weaning.

Determination and prediction of standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of wheat bran in broiler chickens.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the standard ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid (AA) in 10 different sources of wheat bran fed to broilers and establish the SID AA prediction based on the chemical composition. A total of 660 1-day-old broilers were randomly divided into 11 treatments with 6 replicates of 10 chickens each. Diets included 10 semi-purified mash diets and 1 nitrogenfree diet. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) 0.50% was used as an indigestible index. On day 13, 6 chickens from each replicate were selected for slaughter to collect ileal contents. On day 28, 4 chickens from each replicate were selected for slaughter to collect ileal contents. Results showed that the coefficient of variation of the conventional nutrients (except for gross energy, and dry matter) and all AAs was greater than 8.00%. The average SID of essential AA in wheat bran for 13-day-old broilers was 37.24% and the average SID of nonessential AA was 42.02%; the average SID of essential AA for 28-day-old broilers was 67.13% and the average SID of nonessential AA was 69.51%. A correlation was observed (p<0.05) between most SID AA and crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash at day 13. A correlation was observed (p<0.05) between most SID AA and CF, and ADF at day 28. The R2 value of stepwise regression equations for predicting the SID AA at day 13 and day 28 was best for glutamic acid (R2 = 0.97 using CP, ash, CF, ether extract (EE), and neutral detergent fiber [NDF]) and lysine (R2 = 0.74 using ash, ADF, EE, and NDF), respectively. In conclusion, broiler age had a significant effect on the SID AA values of wheat bran. The chemical composition of wheat bran varied widely between sources, and CP, CF, ADF, NDF, and ash were reasonable predictors of the SID AA of wheat bran.

Effect of a Bacillus subtilis plus Yeast Cell Wall Synbiotic on Salmonella Enteritidis Colonization in Ceca of Layer Pullets

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is a major contamination concern in eggs and risk for Salmonellosis in humans. Strains of Bacillus subtilis and yeast cell wall can be used as substitutes for antibiotic substances in feed against Salmonella in poultry. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of BacPack® (Quality Technology International, Inc., Elgin, IL, USA) Q1+1 (BPQ11), a feed additive combination of a Bacillus subtilis strain and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, on SE cecal colonization in Lohmann LSL pullets. A control group (CON) and a test group (BPQ) were each randomly assigned 100-day-old chicks. CON was fed a corn–soybean meal-based vegetarian mash diet, and BPQ was fed the control diet supplemented with BPQ11 for the duration of the study. At 8 days of age, chicks were orally challenged with a nalidixic acid-resistant SE strain at a dose of 6.3 × 107 colony forming units (CFUs) per bird. At 7, 11, 15, and 19 days post-challenge (DPC), 25 birds per group were euthanized, and their cecal contents were collected and analyzed for SE. SE counts were 6.88, 7.98, 7.79, and 7.50 in CON and 7.18, 7.31, 6.35, and 6.30 log10 CFU/g in BPQ at 7, 11, 15, and 19 DPC, respectively. SE did not differ between CON and BPQ at 7 DPC; however, BPQ had lower (p &lt; 0.0001) SE at 11 (−0.67), 15 (−1.45), and 19 (−1.20 log10 CFU/g) DPC. Results indicate that synbiotic BPQ11 may be a useful dietary pre-harvest tool for SE management in layer birds.

Effect of the pelleting process on diet formulations with varying levels of crystalline amino acids and reducing sugars on digestibility in growing pigs.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of pelleting on the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and crude protein (CP) in diets with or without increased concentrations of free AA and reducing sugars (RS). Eight individually housed, ileal cannulated barrows (initially 31.4kg) were allotted to an 8 × 8 Latin square with eight diets and eight 7-d periods with ileal digesta collected on days 6 and 7. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial with the main effects of diet form (mash or pellet), crystalline AA (low or high), or RS (low or high), provided by distillers dried grains with solubles and bakery meal. Diets were pelleted to achieve a hot pellet temperature of 85 to 88 °C. Data were analyzed as a Latin square design using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4. A feed form × RS interaction (P < 0.026) for SID of tryptophan was observed. Feeding pelleted low RS diets increased SID of tryptophan compared with mash high and low RS diets, and pelleted high RS diets. For the main effects of feed form, the SID of total AA, CP, and indispensable AA was greater (P < 0.042) in pelleted diets compared with mash diets. For the main effects of crystalline AA, pigs fed high crystalline AA had increased (P = 0.007) SID of tryptophan and decreased (P = 0.050) SID of histidine compared with those fed low crystalline AA diets. For the main effects of RS, high RS diets had decreased (P < 0.05) SID of total AA, CP, and indispensable AA compared with low RS diets. In conclusion, pelleting diets increased AA digestibility, and pelleting diets with increased crystalline AA or RS did not affect the improvement in AA digestibility from pelleting. Diets formulated with high crystalline AA had increased SID of tryptophan. Formulating diets with high RS resulted in decreased AA digestibility compared with corn-soybean meal-based diets.

Effect of extrusion on energy and nutrient digestibility of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant or animal protein fed to growing pigs.

Non-food grade and excess lentil grain production may be included in swine feeds to provide starch and protein and reduce feed cost. Extrusion processing may increase energy and nutrient digestibility of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant or animal protein sources. Therefore, the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), and digestible energy (DE) value of lentil-based diets were assessed in growing pigs. Two diets were formulated to provide 2.4 Mcal net energy (NE)/kg and 4.35g standardized ileal digestible lysine/Mcal NE: (1) soybean meal (SBM) diet, containing 50% lentil, 31% wheat, and 12.8% SBM; and (2) fish meal (FM) diet, containing 40% lentil, 45% wheat, and 10% FM. Following mixing, each diet batch was divided into two parts: one part remained as mash, whereas the other part was extruded using a single-screw extruder (400rpm, 250kg/h). Eight ileal-cannulated barrows (32.3 ± 1.5kg) were fed the four diets at 2.8 times maintenance DE requirement (110 kcal per kg of body weight0.75) for four 9-d periods in a double 4 × 4 Latin square to achieve 8 observations per diet. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including protein source, post-mixing processing, and their interaction as fixed effects. The lentil sample contained 32.3% starch, 24.4% CP, 9.3% total dietary fiber, and 1.7mg/g of trypsin inhibitor activity on as is-basis. Interactions between dietary protein source and post-mixing processing were not observed. Feeding FM diets resulted in greater (P < 0.05) AID of dry matter (DM), GE, and most AA, and ATTD of CP, but lower apparent hindgut fermentation of DM and GE than SBM diets. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of GE and DE value of diets. The AID of CP and AA was 3.2 and 4.7%-units greater (P < 0.05), respectively, for the extruded than mash diets. In conclusion, feeding FM diets resulted in greater ileal digestibility of DM, GE, and AA than SBM diets. Extrusion increased the AID of CP and most AA, and DE value of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant protein or animal-protein, indicating that extrusion can increase the energy and protein value of plant-based diets fed to pigs.

58 Effects of Pellet Quality on Growth Performances of Pigs When Fed Diets During Varying Weight Ranges

Abstract The objective of these experiments was to determine if the importance of pellet quality was dependent on pig weight ranges. Therefore, a total of 350 grow-finish pigs (line 600 × 241; DNA) were used in 3 separate experiments. Each experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design. Pigs were weighed before the onset of each experiment and split into 7 blocks based on average body weight, resulting in 7 replications per treatment. For Exp. 1, 2, and 3, pigs were fed treatments for 20 days from 43 to 68 kg, 21 days from 81 to 107 kg, and 20 days from 118 to 144 kg, respectively. Pelleted diets for Exp. 1, 2, and 3 were steam conditioned at approximately 83, 77, and 67°C, respectively and subsequently pelleted with a 30-horsepower pellet mill (1012-2 HD Master Model, California Pellet Mill, Crawfordsville, IN). For Exp. 1 and 2 diets were pelleted with a 4.8 × 31.8 mm (L:D 6.7) die while a 4.8 × 57.2 mm (L:D 12) die was used for Exp. 3. Treatments consisted of a mash diet and pellets with fines inclusion rates of 9-16, 41-47, 60-68, and 84-91%. For Exp.1, pigs fed pellets with 12.5% fines had improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F when compared with those fed the mash diet. Pig ADFI increased (linear, P = 0.006) as percent fines at the feeder increased. Pig G:F decreased (linear, P = 0.002) as percent fines increased at the feeder. For Exp. 2, pigs fed pellets with 15.5% fines had improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F compared with those fed the mash diet. Pig ADFI increased (linear, P = 0.016) when fed pellets with increasing percent fines at the feeder. Pig G:F decreased (linear, P = &amp;lt; 0.001) as fines percentage increased at the feeder. For Exp. 3, pigs fed pellets with 9.6 and 41.8% fines had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F when compared with those fed mash diets. Pig G:F decreased (linear, P = 0.005) as pellet fines percentage increased at the feeder. In conclusion, feeding pigs 12.5, 15.5, and 9.6% fines in Exp. 1, 2, and 3 improved G:F by 3.9, 5.4, and 9.1%, respectively, compared with pigs fed mashed diets. Increasing the percent fines from 12.5 to 90.4%, 15.5 to 86.0%, and 9.6 to 83.6% reduced G:F of pigs by 5.7, 7.7, and 5.6% for Exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

297 Determining the Effects of Energy Concentrations and Diet Forms on Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of two different dietary energy concentrations and diet forms on growth performance of nursery pigs. Barrows and gilts (n = 1,300 PIC337×Camborough, initial BW = 6.7±1.40 kg) were used in a 35-day growth trial with 52 pens in two rooms, 13 pens per treatment, and 25 pigs per pen. At the beginning of the trial, pens within each room were formed by segregating pigs into three body weight (BW) categories and gender, and then randomly allotted to one of four treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed in three dietary phases and phase changes occurred based on assigned feed budget (Phase 1: 2 kg/pig, Phase 2: 4 kg/pig, and Phase 3: ad libitum until 35d post-weaning). Treatments consisted of a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with one factor being the energy concentration of the diets with 2 levels (low and high) and the other factor being the diet form with 2 plans (mash throughout phases 1 to 3 or mash in phase 1 and 2 then pelleted in phase 3). Pellet size was 4 mm, and PDI measurements averaged 84.0 and 83.4% in the low and high energy diets, respectively. Growth performance data were analyzed using a generalized mixed model in Minitab and considered pen as the experimental unit. The statistical model considered fixed effects of BW category, energy, diet form, and their interaction, and random effects of room. All data are reported as least square means and considered statistically significant at P &amp;lt; 0.05. There was no evidence for a significant interaction between energy level and diet form (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for any response criteria. Increasing energy of the diet fed to nursery pigs did not result in significant differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in overall average daily gain (ADG; 356 and 367 g/d), average daily feed intake (ADFI; 501 and 510 g/d), or feed efficiency (G:F; 711 and 719 g/kg) between low and high energy, respectively. Feeding a pelleted diet in the last nursery phase resulted in increased (P = 0.004) overall ADG (368 vs 355 g/d), increased (P = 0.018) final BW (19.6 and 19.2 kg), and improved (P = 0.002) overall G:F (727 and 702 g/kg) compared with pigs fed mash diets throughout the entire nursery period. There was no evidence for differences in ADFI due to diet form. In addition, no evidence for treatment differences were observed for overall removal and mortality rates. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, there was no evidence for an energy impact in nursery pig growth performance. Feeding a pelleted diet in the last nursery phase resulted in improvements in overall ADG, G:F, and final BW of nursery pigs.

The Efficacy of an Engineered Biocarbon in Young Broiler Chicken During an Aflatoxin Exposure

This study was conducted to evaluate aflatoxin (AFB1) adsorption capacity of a carbonaceous biomass (Bio-C) in vitro and the efficacy of a Bio-C in mitigating the effects of a 0.5 mg/kg dose of aflatoxins (AF) in vivo. In vitro AFB1 affinity of Bio-C were determined by using different AFB1 concentration containing solutions, and these concentrations were measured by a UV-visible spectrophotometry. In in vivo test, a total of 192 Cobb-500 male broilers were obtained on the day of hatch and randomly allocated to one of 32 treatments pens (6 birds/pen). Birds were fed a broiler starter mash diet containing either 0 or 0.5 mg/kg AF, with or without 0.4% of Bio-C, resulting in 4 treatments arranged as a 2x2 full-factorial. Pen weights and feed consumed were recorded weekly, and mortality was recorded daily. On day 21, three birds from each pen were killed by cervical dislocation and the liver, kidney, and spleen were removed and weighed for relative organ weight assessment. Data were analyzed as a 2x2 full-factorial for AF level and Bio-C using the GLM procedures of SPSS. Our data indicates that Bio-C adsorption capacity was ranged from 29% to 70%, with an average of 44%. In vivo results showed that the performance of birds receiving 0.5 mg/kg AF were not significantly different compared to the control group at any point during the 21-day trial. No main effects were seen on the performance parameters by the inclusion of Bio-C in the diet. There was also no AF/Bio-C interaction. The relative weights of the liver, kidney, and spleen were not significantly different whether birds were fed 0.5 mg/kg AF or 0.4% Bio-C. These data suggest that supplementation of Bio-C has no effect on broiler performance when provided in diets either free of AF or containing up to 0.5 mg/kg.

Accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative: Efficacy of TiO2 as digestibility index marker for poultry nutrition studies.

Inert digestibility index markers such as titanium dioxide are universally accepted to provide simple measurement of digestive tract retention and relative digestibility in poultry feeding trials. Their use underpins industry practice: specifically dosing regimens for adjunct enzymes added to animal feed. Among these, phytases, enzymes that degrade dietary phytate, inositol hexakisphosphate, represent a billion-dollar sector in an industry that raises ca. 70 billion chickens/annum. Unbeknown to the feed enzyme sector, is the growth in cell biology of use of titanium dioxide for enrichment of inositol phosphates from extracts of cells and tissues. The adoption of titanium dioxide in cell biology arises from its affinity under acid conditions for phosphates, suggesting that in feeding trial contexts that target phytate degradation this marker may not be as inert as assumed. We show that feed grade titanium dioxide enriches a mixed population of higher and lower inositol phosphates from acid solutions. Additionally, we compared the extractable inositol phosphates in gizzard and ileal digesta of 21day old male Ross 308 broilers fed three phytase doses (0, 500 and 6000 FTU/kg feed) and one inositol dose (2g/kg feed). This experiment was performed with or without titanium dioxide added as a digestibility index marker at a level of 0.5%, with all diets fed for 21 days. Analysis yielded no significant difference in effect of phytase inclusion in the presence or absence of titanium dioxide. Thus, despite the utility of titanium dioxide for recovery of inositol phosphates from biological samples, it seems that its use as an inert marker in digestibility trials is justified-as its inclusion in mash diets does not interfere with the recovery of inositol phosphates from digesta samples.

Refining the metabolisable energy value of field beans for turkeys

ABSTRACT 1. This study examined the feeding value of ten UK grown field bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) cultivar samples from the same harvest year on nitrogen corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) and nutrient retention coefficients when fed to young female turkeys. 2. A balancer feed (BF) was formulated to contain 12.39 MJ/kg ME and 269 g/kg crude protein. Ten nutritionally complete, mash diets were prepared by mixing 200 g/kg of each ground field bean cultivar with 800 g/kg of the BF, totalling eleven diets. Diets were fed to female BUT Premium turkeys from 40 to 50 d of age. Each diet was fed to eight raised floor pens, housing two birds, following randomisation. The AMEn was determined by the total collection technique over the last 4 d of the study. Relationships were examined between AMEn, chemical composition and quality variables of the field bean samples. 3. The overall determined AMEn value of the beans ranged from 7.72 MJ/kg DM to 9.87 MJ/kg DM, giving an average AMEn of 8.80 MJ/kg DM (P < 0.05). The soluble non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content of the beans negatively correlated with their determined AMEn (r = −0.730; P < 0.05). Bean flour lightness-darkness degree (L*) correlated positively with the AMEn (r = −0.643; P < 0.05) 4. A positive correlation was observed between the degree of yellowness-blueness of bean flour and condensed tannins content (r = 0.696; P < 0.05). Step-wise regression indicated that soluble NSP + L* of field beans provided explanatory variables suitable for estimating the AMEn value for turkeys (r2 = 0.737; P < 0.05).

Phytase Supplementation of Growing-Finishing Pig Diets with Extruded Soya Seeds and Rapeseed Meal Improves Bone Mineralization and Carcass and Meat Quality.

The aim of this study was to determine how different doses of phytase in diets with extruded soybean seeds and rapeseed meal affected pigs' growth performance, meat quality, bone mineralization, and fatty acid profiles. Sixty pigs were divided into three treatments by sex and body mass. Pigs were divided into starter (25 days), grower (36 days), and finisher (33 days) periods and fed with mash diets. No phytase was used in the control group diet, whereas in Phy1 and Phy2, 100 g and 400 g of phytase per ton of mixture were used, respectively. The feed conversion ratio and meat color were significantly correlated with phytase. Phytase supplementation had no effect on the growth of pigs, but total phosphorus was significantly increased in the bones and meat of the pigs. The enzyme additive reduced the C22:4 n-6 acid content in the meat, whereas other results were not significantly affected. The data suggest that the addition of phytase at a dosage of 100 g/ton to diets with extruded full-fat soya seeds and rapeseed meal can be valuable, as it reduces the FCR and increases the P content in the meat and bones.

A bacteriophage cocktail delivered in feed significantly reduced Salmonella colonization in challenged broiler chickens

ABSTRACT Nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. are a leading cause of human gastrointestinal infections and are commonly transmitted via the consumption of contaminated meat. To limit the spread of Salmonella and other food-borne pathogens in the food chain, bacteriophage (phage) therapy could be used during rearing or pre-harvest stages of animal production. This study was conducted to determine if a phage cocktail delivered in feed is capable of reducing Salmonella colonization in experimentally challenged chickens and to determine the optimal phage dose. A total of 672 broilers were divided into six treatment groups T1 (no phage diet and unchallenged); T2 (phage diet 106 PFU/day); T3 (challenged group); T4 (phage diet 105 PFU/day and challenged); T5 (phage diet 106 PFU/day and challenged); and T6 (phage diet 107 PFU/day and challenged). The liquid phage cocktail was added to mash diet with ad libitum access available throughout the study. By day 42 (the concluding day of the study), no Salmonella was detected in faecal samples collected from group T4. Salmonella was isolated from a small number of pens in groups T5 (3/16) and T6 (2/16) at ∼4 × 102 CFU/g. In comparison, Salmonella was isolated from 7/16 pens in T3 at ∼3 × 104 CFU/g. Phage treatment at all three doses had a positive impact on growth performance in challenged birds with increased weight gains in comparison to challenged birds with no phage diet. We showed delivering phages via feed was effective at reducing Salmonella colonization in chickens and our study highlights phages offer a promising tool to target bacterial infections in poultry.

Effect of feed form and nutrient density on growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal traits in broiler breeder pullets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed form and nutrient density on growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal traits of broiler breeder pullets during grower (7-19 wk) and pre-breeder (19 weeks to 5% production) periods. A total of 450 female broiler breeder pullets were used in a completely randomized design with a 3×2 factorial arrangement including 3 feed forms (mash, crumble, and pellet) and 2 nutrient densities (standard diet with the nutrient requirement of Ross 308 parent stock nutrition specification, and diluted diet by using sunflower hull to have 10% lower nutrient than the standard diet). Five replicates with 15 pullets per replicate were allocated to each of the 6 treatments. Blood samples were collected at 19 wk of age. Egg production reached 5% in the mid of 25 wk. Results showed that pullets fed crumble or pellet diets had greater body weight gain and a lower feed to gain ratio (F:G; P < 0.001). Diet dilution led to a decrease in body weight gain while increasing the F:G (P < 0.05). Pullets fed the pellet diets had shorter eating times than those fed crumble diets, whereas the longest eating time belonged to pullets fed mash diets (P < 0.001). Pullets fed pellet diet had a greater heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio than those fed crumble or mash diets (P=0.007). Diluting the diet led to a decrease in the H/L ratio (P=0.026). Neither feed form nor nutrient density had a significant effect on body weight uniformity, blood glucose and lipid concentrations, liver enzyme activities, and intestinal traits (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that pelleted or crumbled diets with lower nutrient density can be considered in broiler breeder's pullets feeding with no detrimental effect on their performance or health state.