ME Content Research Articles

Effect of Moringa, Subabul and Guava Leaves Either Sole or in Combination on Nutrient Utilization, Nitrogen Balance of Ram Lambs

Background: The use of alternate feed resources like tree leaves is key element in addressing the problems derived from climate change and food shortages that demand establishment of sustainable feeding system for ruminants. Methods: A study was conducted on 36 Nellore cross ram lambs (6-7 months; 18.48±0.29 kg BW) randomly allotted to six dietary treatments to evaluate the effect of 20% dietary inclusion of moringa (MOR) subabul (SBL) and guava (GVL) leaves either sole or in combination (MS and MG mixture incorporated at 60:40 and 40:60, respectively) in concentrate mixture on nutrient utilization, plane of nutrition and nitrogen balance. The control group concentrate mixture contained maize, de-oiled rice bran, cotton seed cake and soybean meal as major ingredients and in the 5 experimental concentrate mixtures, de-oiled rice bran and soybean meal were partially replaced with moringa (MOR20), subabul (SBL20), guava (GVL20), moringa and subabul mixture (MS20) and moringa and guava mixture (MG20), by including them at 20%. Animals were fed with respective concentrate mixtures to meet about 80% of protein requirements and sorghum stover was offered ad libitum to meet the nutrient requirements of lambs for maintenance and growth as per ICAR (2013). Result: Dietary inclusion of tree leaves had no effect on the intake of various nutrients viz. DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, NDF,ADF, Hemicellulose and cellulose and were comparable (P greater than 0.05) among the six dietary groups. The crude protein and crude fibre digestibility improved (P less than 0.01) in tree leaves included diets compared to control, while ether extract (EE) digestibility was lower (P less than 0.01) in tree leaves included diets compared to CON. The DCP, TDN (%) and ME content was higher (P less than 0.05) in MS20, MG20 and MOR20 groups compared to CON. The N intake (g/d), excretion through faeces and urine (g/d), total N excretion and total N balance (g/d) was comparable among the different dietary groups.

The effects of polystyrene microparticles on the environmental availability and bioavailability of As, Cd and Hg in soil for the land snail Cantareus aspersus

The combined contamination of terrestrial environments by metal(loid)s (MEs) and microplastics (MPs) is a major environmental issue. Once MPs enter soils, they can interact with MEs and modify their environmental availability, environmental bioavailability, and potential toxic effects on biota. Although research efforts have been made to describe the underlying mechanisms driving MP and ME interactions, the effects of MPs on ME bioavailability in terrestrial Mollusca have not yet been documented. To fill this gap, we exposed the terrestrial snail Cantareus aspersus to different combinations of polystyrene (PS) and arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), or mercury (Hg) concentrations. Using kinetic approaches, we then assessed the variations in the environmental availability of As, Cd or Hg after three weeks of equilibration and in the environmental bioavailability of As, Cd or Hg to snails after four weeks of exposure. We showed that while environmental availability was influenced by the total ME concentration, the effects of PS were limited. Although an increase in As availability was observed for the highest exposure concentrations at the beginning of the experiment, the soil ageing processes led to rapid adsorption in the soil regardless of the PS particle concentration. Concerning transfers to snail, ME bioaccumulation was ME concentration-dependent but not modified by the PS concentration in the soils. Nevertheless, the kinetic approaches evidenced an increase in As (2- to 2.6-fold) and Cd (1.6-fold), but not Hg, environmental bioavailability or excretion (2.3- to 3.6-fold for As, 1.8-fold for Cd) at low PS concentrations. However, these impacts were no longer observable at the highest PS exposure concentrations because of the increase in the bioaccessibility of MEs in the snail digestive tract. The generalization of such hormetic responses and the identification of the precise mechanisms involved necessitate further research to deepen our understanding of the MP-mediated behaviour of MEs in co-occurring scenarios.

Evaluation of Increasing Dietary Concentrations of a Multi-Enzyme Complex in Feedlot Lambs' Rations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of the M-E complex (xylanase, glucanase, cellulase, and invertase) Optimax E® on the performance of growing lambs, their digestibility, and their rumen microbiota, and to estimate NEm, NEg, and ruminal methane levels. Forty lambs (Katahdin x Dorset; 22.91 ± 4.16 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary concentrations of ME (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% DM) and fed individually for 77 days. Increasing M-E improved feed conversion (p < 0.05) as well as NEm and NEg (p < 0.05), which were associated with increased in vivo DM and NDF digestion (linear and quadratic p < 0.01). Few microbial families showed abundancy changes (Erysipelotrichaceae, Christensenellaceae, Lentisphaerae, and Clostridial Family XIII); however, the dominant phylum Bacteroidetes was linearly reduced, while Firmicutes increased (p < 0.01), resulting in a greater Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. Total Entodinium showed a quadratic response (p < 0.10), increasing its abundancy as the enzyme dose was augmented. The daily emission intensity of methane (per kg of DMI or AGD) was reduced linearly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, adding the M-E complex Optimax E® to growing lambs' diets improves their productive performance by acting synergistically with the rumen microbiota, modifying the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio toward more efficient fermentation, and shows the potential to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from lambs.

The Nutritional Value of Biowaste Bovine Slaughterhouse Meals for Monogastric Species Feeding: The Guinea Pig as an Animal Model.

Biowaste from slaughterhouses can be recovered to benefit food security and reduce contamination potential. More than 3 billion heads of livestock are consumed worldwide, which will increase by 17% by 2028, generating more biowaste, increasing infectious agents, and causing economic losses due to circular economy principles not being applied. This work evaluated the nutritional quality of four types of biowaste from bovine slaughter which were transformed into a meal for guinea pigs (rumen content (RCM), ears (EaM), blood (BM), and cheeks (CM)) according to their chemical composition, digestible components, energy contribution, and voluntary consumption. For the animal model, adult male guinea pigs were arranged in metabolic cages for feces collection without urinary contamination. Nine guinea pigs were used in each digestibility test. First, a direct digestibility test was conducted using a meal of barley as a reference diet (RD), the indigestibility coefficient of which allowed for the estimation of the digestibility of biowaste meals through indirect calculations; for this, diets composed of 80% of the RD and 20% of the corresponding biowaste meals were evaluated. The difference method was suitable for determining the digestibility of beef biowaste using the indigestibility coefficients of the reference diet to calculate the digestibility of ingredients which could not be offered as 100% of the meal but were incorporated as 20%. The digestible protein and metabolizable energy contents of RCM, EaM, BM, and CM were 10.2% and 2853 kcal/kg, 44.5% and 3325 kcal/kg, 70.7% and 2583 kcal/kg, and 80.8% and 3386 kcal/kg, respectively. The CM and BM feeds had the highest contributions of digestible protein due to their higher nitrogen content, and the CM and EaM feeds had the highest ME contents due to their higher fat contents. The biowaste meal consumption in descending order was CM > RCM > EaM > BM, which were consumed without problems. These results are indicative that these components can be part of guinea pigs' diets, and it is recommended to continue studies into guinea pig growth and fattening diets with different levels of these biowaste meals.

UREA TREATMENT OF MATURE WHOLE-CROP CEREAL MIXTURES AS SALVAGE FORAGE FOR SMALL-SCALE DAIRY SYSTEMS IN THE DRY SEASON

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Forage from small-grain cereals is an option to diversify feeding strategies in small-scale dairy systems (SSDS), due to their short cycle and ample adaptation. Mixtures of cereal species may have synergic advantages; however, grazing or ensiling is not always possible due to climatic factors, so forage crops are left to mature and lose quality. Urea treatment of whole-crop mature cereal mixtures may be an option to salvage forage that could not be grazed or ensiled. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate the performance of dairy cows fed urea-treated mature whole-crop forage mixtures of triticale (TRT), rye (RYE), and barley (BLY), in the dry season for SSDS. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;: Treatment mixtures were TRT+RYE, TRT-BLY, and RYE+BLY. Fully mature cereal mixture crops were treated with 4 - 6% granular urea (plus water) on a fresh basis. Forage variables were analysed with a split-plot design. Whole-crop forage yields were 3.4 ton/ha, with highest yields for RYE-BLY. Crude protein content increased two-fold in treated forages, and dry matter digestibility was moderate with a mean estimated ME content of 7.9 MJ ME/kg DM. Performance was evaluated by an on-farm 3x3 Latin square experimental design repeated 3 times with nine Holstein cows, experimental periods were 14 days, of which 10 days were for adaptation to feeding and 4 days for sampling. Cows were offered daily 9.0 kg DM of urea-treated forage; complemented with 4.4 kg DM of concentrate, day-grazing, and 1.5 kg of cut pasture. &lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;There were no statistical differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) for any of the animal variables. Urea treatment of whole-crop mature cereal mixtures resulted in a complementary moderate quality salvage forage for the dry season. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; The present study is presented as an alternative when the crops are in a state of advanced maturation and it is intended to modify the nutritional quality of the forages. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; The use of urea can be an alternative to improve the nutritional quality of forages.&lt;/p&gt;

Estimation of the metabolisable energy requirements of feedlot light lambs and comparison with the U. S. National Research Council predictions

The aim of the present work was to compare the estimated metabolisable energy requirements (MER) of fattening light lambs raised in feedlot with the U. S. National Research Council (NRC) predictions. Body weight (BW) gain and feed intake were collected from 15 pens (7 lambs/pen) of Manchega male lambs under on-farm conditions over six weeks. The pens were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (5 pens/treatment) consisting of three concentrates of different composition and barley straw. Feeds were offered for ad libitum consumption throughout the experimental period. Average daily metabolisable energy intake (MEI) was calculated on a weekly basis for each pen from the average daily consumption of concentrate and barley straw and their respective ME contents. Following, the average daily MER was predicted for each pen from the weekly average of both BW and BW gain, according to two models: One including the adjustment of ME for body maintenance (MEm) for the effect of level of MEI on visceral organ tissue energy use as described by NRC (Model 1), and the other excluding such adjustment (Model 2). Model 1 had no mean bias, and exhibited a higher concordance correlation coefficient and a lower underprediction, supporting the need for the upward adjustment of MEm in accordance with MEI to enhance the precision and accuracy of predicted MER. It was concluded that the NRC method was precise and accurate enough to support its application for calculating the MER of feedlot light lambs.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation on nutrient intake and digestibility in Black Bengal kids

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) to the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) at two different levels on intake, nutrient digestibility and nutrient availability in Black Bengal kids. A digestibility trial was conducted on 15 post-weaned Black Bengal kids divided into three groups. Control (T0) group was fed ad lib. TMR was prepared from concentrate mixture and green fodder @ 40: 60 on DM basis. T1 and T2 groups were supplemented with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg TMR DM and 12000 and 24000 IU/kg TMR DM, respectively. The study revealed significantly higher digestibility of nutrients, i.e. DM, OM, EE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and total carbohydrates in both enzyme supplemented groups than the control group. However, the digestibility of CP, cellulose and hemicellulose was significantly higher only in T2 group than the control. There was no significant difference between two enzyme supplemented groups in terms of digestibility of different nutrients except for CP which was significantly higher in T2 than T1. The difference in voluntary intake of DM and OM were non-significant but the intake of CP, DCP and TDN were higher in enzyme supplemented groups. Similarly, TDN, DE and ME content of the diet were also higher in two enzyme supplemented groups than control. However, there was no significant difference between T1 and T2 in terms of nutrient availability and intake. Based on the present study, supplementation of EFE @ cellulase 8000 and xylanase 16000 IU/ kg DMwas found to be optimum for improving the nutrient digestibility and availability in Black Bengal kids, which may further improve the productive and reproductive performance of the animals.

Effect of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase supplementation to low-energy diets on performance, blood constituents, nutrient digestibility, and gene expressions related growth of broiler chickens.

The presence of soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) was reported to reduce nutrient utilisation, and adversely impact the broilers' growth performance; accordingly, NSP-degrading enzymes are essential supplements to cereal-based diets. Therefore, the current trial was conducted to characterise the impacts of supplemental xylanase (Xyl) to diets with low-ME levels on performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, nutrient digestibility and some genes expressions in broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 6 treatments with 10 replications of 10 birds each per group in a completely randomised design. The 6 treatments were as follow: (1) basal diets with balanced ME content served as control (positive control, PC), (2) low-energy diet (negative control 1 [NC1]; ME content reduced by 70 kcal/kg compared with PC), (3) low-energy diet (negative control 2 [NC2]; ME content reduced by 140 kcal/kg compared with PC), (4) NC1 + 100 g/ton xylanase (NC1 + 100Xyl), (5) NC2 + 100 g/ton xylanase (NC2 + 100Xyl), and (6) NC1 + 50 g/ton xylanase (NC1 + 50Xyl). At the end of the experiment (35 days of age), the reduction of energy in the NC diets yielded lower live body weight (BW) and total body weight gain (BWG) (p ˂ 0.001); however, it significantly increased feed intake (p ˂ 0.05), leading to worst feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) (p ˂ 0.01) than PC. There was non-significant variation in final BW, BWG, FCR, or EPEF between the PC group and the NC groups supplemented with Xyl. Carcass yield, gizzard, liver and, muscle relative weights were not influenced by dietary treatments; while broilers fed diet with low-energy diets with or without Xyl addition had lower abdominal fat (p ˂ 0.01) than PC. Furthermore, broilers fed on low-ME diets supplemented with Xyl showed a reduction in plasma total cholesterol (p ˂ 0.05) and low density lipoprotein (p ˂ 0.01) levels. Greater antibody titre against Newcastle disease (p ˂ 0.05) was recorded in the NC1 + 100Xyl and NC2 + 100Xyl groups. The addition of Xyl to low-energy diets significantly improved (p ˂ 0.05) fibre digestibility compared to the PC group. Moreover, enzyme supplementation increased muscle total lipids content and decreased muscle thiobarbituric acid retroactive substance content. In addition, enzyme supplementation increased gene expression related to growth and gene expression related to fatty acid synthesis. It was concluded that a low-ME diet might diminish broiler performance, whereas Xyl supplementation to low-ME diets beneficially affected growth performance, abdominal fat percentage, nutrient digestibility and immunity for broilers, and gene expressions related to growth and fatty acid synthesis in broiler chickens fed low-energy diets.

Determination of Nutritional Value and Methane Production Potential of Phacelia tanacetifolia in Different Stages of Growth

Backround: This study was carried out to determine the nutritional value and methane production potential of Phacelia tanacetifolia plant in different growth stages in April-May year in the ecological conditions of the province of Adiyaman in Turkey. Methods: Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) plant samples were collected with four replications in four different stages, pre-flowering, early flowering, mid-flowering and end of flowering (seeding). The nutrients of the feed samples were determined. The gas production was measured after 24 hours of incubation of the forage with rumen fluid. Result: The effect of harvest time on chemical composition was highly significant. In vitro gas production was lowest in stage I. and highest in II. The methane (CH4) lowest production values were found in the 1st stage, whereas the highest value was observed in the 4th stage (seed-binding stage), where the difference was statistically significant. ME was 7.49, 9.54, 8.90 and 8.61 MJ/kg DM respectively and the difference between the stages was statistically significant. It was concluded that Phacelia tanacetifolia, which is known as an important nectar source in the world and in Turkey. It is appropriate to harvest the phacelia plants in the second stage, i.e., at early flowering for higher ME contents and OMD.

98 Utilizing gas Flux from an Automated Head Chamber System to Estimate Dietary Energy Values in Cattle Fed a Finishing Diet

Abstract Automated head chamber systems (AHCS; GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) provide estimates of daily flux of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) from free roaming cattle. This provides the opportunity to conduct energetic research from cattle in their production environment. One opportunity is to evaluate agreement between performance-estimated (P) net energy [Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg; pNEm and pNEg, respectively) and gas-estimated (G) NEm and NEg (gNEm and gNEg, respectively). To assess this, yearling steers (n = 54; initial BW = 484.1 ± 26.0 kg) were assigned to one of two pens containing an AHCS and feed bunks designed to measure individual feed intake (Calan Gate; American Calan, Northwood, NH). Steers were transitioned to one of three finishing diets and were then fed for 80 days. Paired day initial and final unshrunk BW were measured on day 0 and 1, and on day 79 and 80, respectively. Following the feeding period, steers were transported to a commercial abattoir where carcass data were collected. Average daily gas flux was utilized to calculate heat production (HP), ignoring the energy losses from urinary nitrogen. Empty body weight (EBW) and empty body gain (EBG) were calculated and used to estimate retained energy (RE). The estimates of RE and HP were used to calculate ME intake and DMI was used to quantify dietary ME content. Through previously established cubic models, gNEm and gNEg were calculated. Ultimately, gNEm and gNEg were estimated from gas flux, DMI, ADG, and initial and final BW. A previously established quadratic model was used to estimate pNEm and pNEg using calculated energy requirements and available carcass parameters. Statistical analyses to compare the P and G energy values were conducted utilizing R (v.4.1.0) to assess precision (Pearson Correlation; r), method agreement (Lin’s Concordance Coefficient Correlation; CCC), Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP), and Relative Prediction Error (RPE; RMSEP as a % of average performance estimated values). On average, P provided greater estimates of NEm [0.074 Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] and NEg [0.070 Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] relative to G. The G and P provided values which were highly correlated and had excellent agreement (r = 0.92, P &amp;lt; 0.01; CCC ≥ 0.87) for both NEm and NEg. Additionally, predictive capability was high for NEm (RMSEP = 0.12; RPE = 5.3%) and NEg (RMSEP = 0.11; RPE = 6.8%) between P and G values. The excellent agreement between P and G derived NEm and NEg values suggest that researchers can utilize AHCS to conduct energetic studies with cattle in their production environment. Moreover, the G methodology provides an alternative method for retrospective assessment of animal energetic efficiency.

Effect of aqueous moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract as a prebiotic on growth of the whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 (Decapoda, Penaeidae)

Abstract This study evaluated the potential of the aqueous moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract (ME) as a prebiotic and its effect on the growth performance of the whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931. The growth trial of probiotics in the broth containing ME showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus growth rate was significantly higher () than that of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri. Furthermore, L. acidophilus exhibited also better growth () than Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi in the broth containing ME. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ME (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were the same against V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. harveyi at concentrations of 10, 7.5, and 7.5 mg/ml, respectively. By contrast, ME’s MIC and MBC against L. acidophilus were 50 and &gt;100 mg/ml, respectively. The prebiotic scores of L. acidophilus against V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi were significantly higher () than that against V. alginolyticus. The MIC, MBC, and prebiotic scores indicated that ME enhanced the growth of L. acidophilus more than that of Vibrio bacteria. Six diets were formulated for the feeding trial; 3 diets contained ME at 0 (ME0), 2.5 (ME2.5) and 5.0 g/kg (ME5.0), respectively, and the same 3 diets were also prepared with L. acidophilus (ME0 + P, ME2.5 + P, and ME5.0 + P, respectively). After the feeding trial, the number of lactic acid bacteria in the gut was higher () in the ME2.5 + P group than in the control and ME2.5 groups, but no differences were found in the vibrio-like bacterial count among the treatments. The ME2.5 + P group had a higher () final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate than did the ME or L. acidophilus alone and the control groups. Therefore, ME exhibits a prebiotic function and exerts a symbiotic effect with L. acidophilus, thus increasing the growth performance of P. vannamei.

Effect of dietary concentrations of metabolizable energy and neutral detergent fiber on productive performance, egg quality, fatty liver incidence, and hepatic fatty acid metabolism in aged laying hens

The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary concentrations of ME and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on productive performance, egg quality, fatty liver incidence, and hepatic fatty acid metabolism in aged laying hens. A total of three hundred twenty 75-wk-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates. Each replicate consisted of 10 consecutive cages with 1 hen per cage. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 2×2 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 levels of ME (normal [commercially recommended AMEn levels; 2,730 kcal/kg] and low [50 kcal/kg reduction in AMEn; 2,680 kcal/kg]) and 2 levels of NDF (low [9.01 and 9.61%; normal-ME and low-ME diets, respectively] and high [12.57 and 13.42%; normal-ME and low-ME diets, respectively]) in the diet. The diets and water were provided to hens on an ad libitum basis for 12 wk. Results indicated that no interactions between dietary concentrations of ME and NDF were observed for all measurements except for egg yolk color, eggshell thickness, and 2 hepatic gene expressions (i.e., carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A and malic enzyme). For the main effects, increasing NDF concentrations in diets increased (P < 0.05) feed intake without affecting other productive performance. Hens fed normal-ME and high-NDF diets showed the darkest (P < 0.05) egg yolk color among those fed treatment diets, showing an interaction (P < 0.05). Increasing NDF concentrations in low-ME diets did not influence eggshell thickness, but those in normal-ME diets increased eggshell thickness in laying hens, showing an interaction (P < 0.05). For the main effects, increasing concentrations of dietary NDF or ME reduced (P < 0.05) hepatic fat concentrations with decreasing expressions in several genes related to fatty acid synthesis. In conclusion, increasing NDF concentrations in commercially-recommended ME diets decrease hepatic fat concentrations in aged laying hens, and therefore, may have a preventative effect on the fatty liver development in aged laying hens.

Compensatory gain based on lysine level in finishing pigs after being fed lysine deficient 97% corn diets for 3 or 6 wk.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate increasing the concentration of lysine on the compensatory gain of finishing pigs during their recovery period after being fed a 97% corn holding diet for 3 or 6 wk. One thousand six hundred and eighty pigs with a starting body weight of 73.5 ± 2.2 kg were blocked by starting body weight and assigned to a nested arrangement. Twenty replicates of seven treatments were comprised of two restriction lengths [3 weeks (3 wk) vs. 6 weeks (6 wk)], and three lysine concentrations during recovery (Lys:ME same as control:100; control + 10%: 110; control + 20%: 120) plus one control (CONT) that remained nutrient unrestricted. Pen weight and feed intake were recorded on days 0, 21, 41, and at marketing. Whole pens were marketed when the pen average met 130 kg and carcass measurements were collected. Data were analyzed by pen with the fixed effects of restriction length and lysine within restriction length. Nutrient restriction lowered (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) compared to control, with 1.2, 0.4, and 0.5 kg for control, 3 wk, and 6 wk treatments, respectively. Restricted pigs showed decreased feed intake while restricted. After the respective restriction period, pigs were allowed a recovery diet until market. Previously restricted pigs had 16.7% and 27.3% greater (P < 0.01) ADG over control pigs for 3 and 6 wk treatments, respectively, in the first 3-wk of recovery. The lysine concentration in the recovery diet impacted (P < 0.01) the ADG with pigs allowed the highest lysine concentration having a 10% greater ADG than pigs fed the lower Lys:ME concentrations, for both restriction treatments. The increase in ADG was not paralleled by an increase in feed intake over control, thus, there was an improvement (P < 0.01) in gain to feed ratio in the recovery period. Control pigs reached market weight (131.5 kg) on experiment day 49 while pigs fed corn diets for 3 wk or 6 wk were slower to market (57 and 69 days, respectively; P < 0.01). Restricted pigs had greater backfat (CONT: 1.47, 3 wk: 1.55, 6 wk: 1.65 cm; P < 0.01), and decreased loin depth (CONT: 7.32, 3 wk: 7.03, 6 wk: 6.61 cm, P < 0.02) which was also impacted (P < 0.01) by lysine concentration. In conclusion, the use of restrictive diets reduced ADG and increased days to market. The use of recovery diets in which the Lys:ME ratio was greater than control pigs, resulted in increased compensatory growth.

Body Weight Development in Adult Dogs Fed a High Level Resistant Starch Diet.

This study investigated the effect of Dodamssal rice, which has a high content of resistant starch, on obesity and hematologic properties in dogs. In Experiment 1, 24 spayed dogs were divided into three feeding groups: normal-fat basal diet (control), high-fat diet with 12% normal amylose type rice (hNAR), and high-fat diet with 12% high amylose type rice (Dodamssal rice; hHAR). In Experiment 2, 8 spayed dogs were assigned to a normal amylose type rice (NAR) group and a high amylose type rice group (HAR) with a normal-fat basal diet. After 24 weeks, an increase in weight and blood cholesterol was observed in both high-fat diet groups for Experiment 1. Specifically, an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase was observed over time in the hNAR group compared with that of the control; however, no such patterns were present in the hHAR group. Further, a significant weight-loss effect was observed in the HAR group in Experiment 2 at 4 weeks. The effect on body weight was due to the reduced digestibility of amylose and thereby lower dietary ME content. Overall, this confirmed that Dodamssal rice had a positive effect on weight loss in dogs, and these results suggest that Dodamssal rice has potential value as a raw ingredient for preventing obesity in dogs.

Comparative Digestibility of Nutrients, Energy and Dietary Fiber in Feed Ingredients Fed to Philippine Black Tiaong Native (Sus scrofa domesticus) and Hybrid Pigs

The study was carried out to compare the digestibility of nutrients, energy and dietary fiber in conventional feed ingredients fed to Philippine black Tiaong native pigs and hybrid pigs. A total of 18 Philippine black Tiaong native and 18 hybrid pigs (PIC L337 × C24) were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 experimental treatments arranged in a 3 × 6 (black Tiaong native pigs) and 2 × 9 (hybrid pigs) Latin square design. A corn basal diet consisting of 95% corn (as-fed basis) and vitamins and minerals was formulated. The next two diets were formulated by mixing 70% of the basal diet with 30% (as-fed basis) soybean meal and rice bran. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, NDF, ADF and ash and the DE and ME concentration of each ingredient was calculated using the difference procedure. Results showed that ATTD of GE and ME of the diet were greater (P&lt;0.001) for native pigs compared with hybrid pigs. Likewise, the DE and ME of corn, soybean meal and rice bran measured in Philippine black Tiaong native pigs were greater (P&lt;0.001) compared with those measured in hybrid pigs. Philippine black Tiaong native pigs also had greater (P&lt;0.03) ATTD of CP, crude fiber, NDF, ADF, and ash and tended (P=0.08) to have greater ATTD of fat compared with hybrid pigs. The results of this study suggest that Philippine black Tiaong native pigs are more efficient in digesting nutrients as well as their ability to ferment dietary fiber.

Development of a pH-sensitive film based on collagen/chitosan/ZnO nanoparticles and mulberry extract for pork freshness monitoring

pH-sensitive films based on collagen, chitosan, ZnO-nanoparticles and mulberry extract (CC/ZnO/ME) were developed to monitor pork freshness. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that collagen, chitosan, ZnO-nanoparticles and ME interacted via hydrogen bonds. The UV–vis light barrier ability of CC/ZnO/ME film was gradually enhanced as increasing ME content from 0.5 to 2.0 % wt. Compared with CC film, the mechanical strength and DPPH radical free scavenging rate of the CC/ZnO/ME film had increased by 13.84 MPa and 58.74 %, respectively. CC/ZnO/ME1 and CC/ZnO/ME2 films exhibited better pH-sensitivity than CC/ZnO/ME3 film, with color visibly changing from red to blue/green in different buffer solutions (pH 3–12). When monitoring the freshness of pork stored at 4℃, the color of CC/ZnO/ME2 film changed from deep purple to blue when TVB-N content exceeded the maximum permissible limit (15 mg/100 g) on 6th day.

Characterisation of landrace 'criollo' maize silage from the highlands of Mexico in terms of starch content.

Maize silage is appreciated for dairy cows due to its high energy content. Mexico is a centre of origin for maize and small-scale dairy farmers use landrace 'criollo' maize silages to feed their herds. However, the characteristics of landrace 'criollo' maize silages in terms of starch content, which defines their nutritional value in terms of energy, are not known. The objective was to characterise criollo maize silages in terms of starch content. Seventy-seven silage samples from 2011 to 2015 were analysed for contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and starch content. A factor analysis using principal component analysis as an extraction method was undertaken, and a hierarchical cluster analysis performed. Five factors affected the starch content of silages and five maize silage clusters identified. There was a positive association between IVDMD and metabolisable energy and between crude protein and acid detergent fibre; moreover, a positive relation was found between dry matter and maize starch contents. Significant differences were found (P < 0.001) for the contents of IVDMD, ME, ashes, OM, DM, and starch. The DM content of group 1 silage did not show any significant differences from other groups, except with group 2 silage, which had the lowest contents of DM and starch. Therefore, group 1 and 5 silage had the highest DM and starch contents, while group 3 silage had the highest IVDMD values and ME contents; finally, group 4 had the highest ash contents. Starch content in criollo maize silages was higher that reports for other maize races and is influenced by climate conditions and dry matter content.

Apparent metabolizable energy and performance of broilers fed selected grain sorghum varieties

The objective of this study was to determine the nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AME n ) content of tannin-free red/bronze, white/tan, and US No. 2 varieties of grain sorghum fed to commercial broilers and evaluate its effects on growth performance as an alternative to corn in poultry diets. Nitrogen-corrected apparent ME content of red/bronze, white/tan, and US No. 2 grain sorghum varieties was determined using a dextrose control diet as the standard fed to 112 mixed-sex Cobb 500 female × Hubbard male broilers. Weekly measures of mean BW and feed consumption were used to calculate BW gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Analyses were based on a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments with age (grower and finisher phases) and grain types (corn-dextrose, red/bronze, white/tan, and US No. 2) defining the treatments. Cage was the experimental unit with data analyzed using JMP Pro version 15.2.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). Mean AME n values of modern grain sorghum varieties for broilers in the grower diet phase were determined as 3,336 (red/bronze), 4,000 (white/tan), and 3,341 (US No. 2) kcal/kg and, in the finisher-diet phase, as 3,001 (red/bronze), 3,599 (white/tan), and 3,599 (US No. 2) kcal/kg ( P = 0.0155). No significant differences among treatments for growth performance (BW gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio) in the grower- and finisher-diet phases were observed. Responses indicate the potential for grain sorghum to replace corn without suboptimal effects on broilers. Growth performance trials with the full substitution of corn in feed formulation will be necessary to validate AME n values and evaluate additional performance parameters.

Dietary fumonisin may compromise the nutritive value of feed and distort copper and zinc digestibility and retention in weaned piglets.

Fumonisins (FUM) have been reported to impede gut functioning in pigs. However, investigations into the possible effect on mineral metabolism are limited. Thus, the trial studied the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and retention of dietary nitrogen and minerals, intestinal architecture, digestive enzymes activity and heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) activity. Eighteen weaned piglets of 7 weeks old were assigned to three groups and their feed either contained 0, 15 or 30 mg FUM/kg for 21 days. ATTD and retention of dietary N and minerals were measured in a 5- day long balance trial between Day 17 and Day 21. The digestible and metabolisable energy (DE and ME) content of the feeds were also determined. The body weights, cumulative feed intake, relative organ weights, digestive enzymes activity and intestinal morphology were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. The DE content was significantly lower (p < 0.05) when the feed contained 15 mg/kg FUM, but no statistically reliable treatment effect was confirmed for ME content. Dietary FUM significantly lowered (p < 0.05) the ATTD of Ca and P but not (p > 0.05) N, K, Mg and Na. The relative retention rate of N, Ca, P, K, Mg and Na in all groups were not impacted (p > 0.05) by treatments. The ATTD and relative retention of Cu and Zn were remarkably (p < 0.05) lower in piglets fed FUM-contaminated feed. In addition, the expression of Hsp70 activity in the liver was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the highest treatment group. These findings suggest that a dietary dose of 15 or 30 mg FUM/kg diet distorts the nutritive value of the mixed feed, results in poor ATTD and retention rates of Zn and Cu, and elevate Hsp70 activity in the liver without altering intestinal architecture or digestive enzymes' activity in weaned piglets.

PSVII-6 Effects of Carbohydrase Mixture Supplementation and Fiber Level on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients in Diets Fed to Gestating Sows

Abstract Supplementation of multi-carbohydrase enzyme cocktails increase nutrient digestibility of fibrous diets in grower pigs, in particular, dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSP); while NSP degrading enzymes are extensively used in sow diets there is little data characterizing NSP enzyme effect in sow diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of carbohydrase mixture (CM) supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients in diets with low or high fiber content fed to pregnant sows. A total of 45 gestating sows (parity 0 to 5; BW 187 ± 28 kg) were blocked by parity in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement to either a high (HF; 17.5% NDF) or low fiber (LF; 13% NDF) diet and 1 of 3 levels of CM supplementation (0, 0.08, and 0.10%). Sows were fed once daily at 2.2 kg/d. Fecal and urine samples were collected for 4 d following a 10-day adaption period. Dietary CM supplementation to gestating sow diets increased ATTD of dry matter, energy, crude fat, and fiber (NDF and ADF; P &amp;lt; 0.05) with tendencies (P &amp;lt; 0.10) for crude fiber. Digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, NSPs along with ME and DE contents of the diets were not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dietary CM supplementation to the LF diet, but not the HF diet, increased the ATTD of NDF (P = 0.02). Inclusion at 0.08% did not differ from the 0.1% inclusion for effects on ATTD (Table 1). Irrespective of CM supplementation, sows fed the HF diet had improved digestibility of total NSP, xylose, glucose, and uronic acids (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with a tendency for galactose (P = 0.08) as well as increased DE and ME content (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Inclusion of CM in high fibrous gestating sow diets can be utilized to increase ATTD of nutrients and energy.