MP Diet Research Articles

Mentha piperita powder enhances the biological response, growth performance, disease resistance, and survival of Oreochromis niloticus infected with Vibrio alginolyticus

Recently, medical plants have been widely used as replacements for antibiotics in disease treatment. Because of its multiple medicinal uses, peppermint (Mentha piperita, MP) is a common herbal remedy. In the present study, MP powder was used as a feed additive to assess growth performance; hematological; biochemical and immune parameters; intestinal histology; and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) gene expression, as well as protection against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in Oreochromis niloticus. O. niloticus (n = 120, 25.66 ± 0.16 g) were fed diets containing 0 (CTR), 2, 3, or 4% MP for 60 days. The results revealed that the inclusion of 2% MP significantly improved the growth indices, intestinal morphological parameters, and reduced the feed conversion ratio. The 2% MP treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased hematological parameters (red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume% (PCV%), hemoglobin) compared with those of the CTR (P < 0.05). Additionally, feeding fish 2% MP diets decreased the levels of cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). There were significant increases in immune responses (serum protein and phagocytic activity and index) and non-significant increases in the expression of IL-1β in the 2% MP group comparing with the other groups and the CTR group (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding trial (60 days), fish were challenged with a virulent strain of Vibrio alginolyticus and the results showed that the mortality rate decreased in the 2% MP treatment group, followed by the 3% and 4% MP groups. Overall, the results revealed that the dietary inclusion of 2% MP can exhibit growth-promoting and immunostimulant effects for sustainable aquaculture.

348 The Influence of Previous Nitrogen Levels on Nitrogen Metabolism and Rumen Gene Expression of Grain Or Forage-Fed Finished Steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate how the previous nitrogen levels (PNL) in the diet might affect nitrogen balance and nitrogen-related genes in the rumen of either forage-fed or grain-fed steers during finishing. Twenty-four crossbred Angus steers were randomly distributed into one of two backgrounding nutritional plans: moderate (MP; crude protein (CP): 9.10%) or high (HP; CP:12.6%). After 85 d, animals were blocked by PNL, transitioned, and fed a finishing diet for 105 d, which consisted of either alfalfa only (forage-fed; CP: 21.3%) or predominantly whole grain (grain-fed; CP: 10.8%). Feed, orts, feces, and urine samples were collected in both phases. By the end of the finishing phase, animals were slaughtered, and ventral sac rumen tissue was collected. Gene expression of Aquaporins (AQP) -3 and -7, and UT-B from rumen tissue were assayed via real-time qPCR; 18S rRNA was used as an endogenous control. Animals on MP diets excreted less N through urine (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and feces (P &amp;lt; 0.01), while retaining more N (P &amp;lt; 0.01), which resulted in an increased N efficiency (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared with HP animals. No differences were observed for microbial N production (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Grain-fed animals consumed less N (P &amp;lt; 0.01), but still had a greater amount of N being digested compared with forage-fed animals (P &amp;lt; 0.01), as well as the least excretion of N through feces (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and urine (P &amp;lt; 0.01), and consequently a greater rate of N being retained (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and a greater efficiency on utilizing the ingested N (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Further, an interaction was also observed between treatment and PNL, where animals coming from a MP had the least dry matter intake, greatest amount of N being digested and least N excretion, fecal output, and excretion of N through the feces (P &amp;lt; 0.05) when finished on a grain-based diet. In the rumen, steers coming from a low PNL that were finished as forage-fed, had the greatest expression of AQP7, with no statistically significant differences observed for the other groups. When comparing only animals backgrounded on MP, AQP7 (P &amp;lt; 0.01) expression was greater in forage-fed animals, with a trend for greater expression of UT-B in grain-fed animals (P &amp;lt; 0.1). Overall, these results indicate that animals receiving MP will reduce their excretion of N while producing the same amount of microbial N due to more efficient N recycling. Further, carried-over effects were also observed after these animals were transitioned to grain-fed finishing systems. In the rumen, PNL affects expression of AQP7 and UT-B, which may ultimately impact nitrogen metabolism, since both genes are also related with urea transport.

PSIII-13 Supplementary Effects of Carbohydrate Enzymes and Protease to Two Protein Levels in the Diet of Finishing Pig on the Growth Performance, Toxic Gas Emissions, Meat Quality, and Colonic Microbiota Community

Abstract The study investigated the effects of carbohydrate-active enzymes and protease complex on growth performance, meat quality, toxic gas emissions, and the structure and functions of colonic microbiota under two protein levels. Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire; n = 200) finishing pigs (68.03, SD = 3.57 kg) were allocated to 1 of 4 treatments and received different diets including high protein (16.73%, HP) with/without 0.1% multi-enzymes (ENZs) and medium-high protein (14.73%, MP) with/without 0.1% ENZs, using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The trial was carried out for 7 weeks. The results indicated that ENZs supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG, P &amp;lt; 0.05) probably resulted from an improved apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy. The HP diet promoted augmented ADG during the overall period. The MP-treated pigs had greater marbling and intramuscular fat in the longissimus dorsi muscle (P &amp;lt; 0.01). As expected, The HP groups released more ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the excretion (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The HP improved α-diversity, as revealed by greater observed_ ASVs and Chao1 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and boosted greater abundance of Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Fibrobacterota than the MP diet. The interactive effect of HP and ENZs showed greater Shannon and Pielou's evenness (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with greater Bacteroidota and decreased Firmicutes abundance. Dietary ENZs increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota, Desulfobacterota, and Lactobacillus and reduced pathogenic Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. Spearman’s correlation indicated that greater acetate concentration in colonic digesta was positively associated with Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Oscillospiraceae-NK4A214_group, Ruminococcus, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group at the genus level. Taken together, HP or ENZs supplements improved the ADG and nutrient digestibility of finishing pigs. The interactive effects of CP levels and ENZs supplements did not show the growth performance but the effect of HP with ENZs promoted microbial diversity and stability in the colon.

Effects of Different Combinations of Sodium Butyrate, Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Status and Intestinal Health of Their Offspring.

The aim of the study was to investigate the comparative effects of different combinations of sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on the reproductive performances of sows, as well as on the biochemical parameters, oxidative statuses, and intestinal health of the sucking piglets. A total of 30 sows were randomly allocated to five treatments: (1) control diet (CON); (2) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs (SM); (3) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (SP); (4) CON with 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (MP); (5) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB, 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFA (SMP). The results showed that sows fed the SP, MP, and SMP diets had shorter weaning-to-estrus intervals than those fed the CON diet (p < 0.01). The piglets in the SM, SP, and MP groups showed higher increases in the plasma catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities than those of the CON group (p < 0.01). The diarrhea incidence of piglets in the SM, SP and SMP groups was lower than that of piglets in the CON group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the addition of SM, SP, MP, and SMP to the sow diets increased the contents of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, fat, and proteins in the colostrum (p < 0.01), as well as the plasma total superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.01) in the suckling piglets, whereas it decreased the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and toll-like receptor 4 in the jejunum mucosa of the piglets. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Coprococcus, and Blautia in the colonic digesta of the piglets were increased in the SM group (p < 0.05), and the relative abundances of Faecalibacterium increased in the SMP group (p < 0.05), compared with the CON group. The relative abundances of Collinsella, Blautia, and Bulleidia in the MP group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary combinations of fatty acids with different chain lengths have positive effects on the growth performances and intestinal health of suckling piglets.

Fitase em dietas com diferentes concentrações de fitato para frangos de corte

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of including different doses of phytase in broiler diets with different levels of phytate and reduced levels of calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (aP), on broilers performance, digestibility (CAID), and bone characteristics. One thousand four hundred and four Cobb®500 broilers were used, distributed in a complete randomized design, and a 2x3 factorial arrangement, with two phytate levels (4.25 kg/ton - MP and 6.0 kg/ton - HP) and three phytase levels (0, 750, and 1500 FTU/kg) totalizing six treatments with nine replicates each. The animals that received phytase in their diet showed higher average feed intake and weight gain, and higher bone weight, % mineral residue, % Ca, and % P, when compared to the treatment without phytase (P &lt; 0.01). Animals that received a diet containing HP with the inclusion of 1500FTU/kg phytase had the best CAID of nutrients (P &lt; 0.0001). Regarding phytate, animals that received the MP diet showed a higher CAID of dry matter, and higher %P in the tibia when compared to animals that received the HP diet. The addition of phytase to diets with reduced Ca and aP levels can improve the CAIDs and bone characteristics in the presence of high phytate levels. However, reducing Ca and aP levels in the diet without adding phytase impairs the performance of broilers and has no effect on their carcass and cuts yield.

Effects of supplemental lysine and methionine on performance of nursing Awassi ewes fed two levels of dietary protein.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rumen-protected lysine (RPL) and methionine (RPM) supplementation on production performance of nursing ewes fed two levels of dietary protein. Individually housed Awassi ewes (n = 34) nursing single lambs were randomly assigned (2 × 2 factorial design) to one of four dietary treatments with two levels of protein (170 or 151g/kg; HP or MP) and two levels of RPL and RPM (0 or 8.5 plus 4g/day/ewe of RPL and RPM, respectively; no or yes). The trial lasted for 5weeks. Ewes fed the MP diets had (P < 0.01) lower protein intake compared to those fed the HP diets. Intake of other nutrients and milk composition were not significantly (P > 0.13) affected by dietary treatments. Ewes fed the MPYES diet produced more (P < 0.05) milk compared to those fed the MPNO and HPYES diets and tended (P = 0.08) to be more than the HPNO diet. Additionally, milk composition yields for the MPYES diet were significantly (P < 0.05) more than the HPYES diets and tended (P ≤ 0.10) to be more than the MPNO and HPNO diets. Milk efficiency was highest (P < 0.05) for the MPYES diet. Final BW, total gain, and growth rate of lambs were greater when their dams were fed the MPYES diet compared to MPNO and HPNO diets. Under our conditions, decreasing dietary protein from 170 to 151g/kg did not negatively affect the performance of ewes and their lambs. Supplemental RPL and RPM were beneficial for ewes fed diets containing 151g/kg, but not 170, protein.

The effect of attenuating dietary phosphate restriction on blood ionized calcium concentrations in cats with chronic kidney disease and ionized hypercalcemia.

BackgroundHypercalcemia is commonly observed in cats with azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dietary phosphate restriction is considered standard of care but may contribute to the development of hypercalcemia. The optimal dietary management strategy for these cats is unclear.ObjectivesTo describe the effect of feeding a moderately phosphate‐restricted diet (MP; 1.5 g/Mcal phosphorus; Ca : P ratio, 1.3) to cats with concurrent azotemic CKD and ionized hypercalcemia.AnimalsClient‐owned cats with ionized hypercalcemia (ionized calcium [iCa] concentration >1.4 mmol/L) at diagnosis of CKD (n = 11; baseline hypercalcemics) or after CKD diagnosis while eating a phosphate‐restricted clinical renal diet (0.8 g/Mcal phosphorus; Ca : P ratio, 1.9; n = 10; RD hypercalcemics).MethodsChanges in variables over time, after starting MP at visit 1, were assessed using linear mixed model analysis within each group of cats. Data are reporte as median [25th, 75th percentiles].ResultsAt visit 1, iCa was 1.47 [1.42, 1.55] mmol/L for baseline hypercalcemics and 1.53 [1.5, 1.67] mmol/L for RD hypercalcemics. Blood iCa decreased (P < .001) when RD hypercalcemics were fed MP, with iCa <1.4 mmol/L in 8/10 cats after 2.2 [1.8, 3.7] months. Plasma phosphate concentrations did not change. In contrast, the baseline hypercalcemic group overall showed no change in iCa but a decrease in plasma phosphate concentration during 8.8 [5.5, 10.6] months on the MP diet, although 4/11 individual cats achieved iCa <1.4 mmol/L by 3.4 [1.0, 6.2] months.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAttenuation of dietary phosphate restriction could result in normalization of iCa in cats that develop hypercalcemia while eating a clinical renal diet.

Optimizing fiber and protein levels in diet of lactating Murrah buffaloes to ameliorate heat stress: Effect on physiological status and production performance.

The objective of study was to assess the outcome of feeding six total mixed rations (TMR), differing in NDF and protein content, for their synergistic effect on ameliorating heat load of lactating Murrah buffaloes evident through improved physiological and production performance. Thirty six lactating Murrah buffaloes (587±12.3, MY 9±2.2, Parity 2.5±1.5) were arranged in a 3×2 factorial design with three levels of dietary NDF (30, 34.5 and 37% dietary NDF) and two levels of metabolizable protein (MP; 7.0% and 8.4%). Buffaloes were fed either of six dietary treatments: 30%NDF; 7.0% MP (CF1, as recommended), 34.5%NDF; 7.0% MP (MF1), 37%NDF; 7.0% MP (HF1), 30%NDF; 8.4% MP (CF2), 34.5%NDF; 8.4% MP (MF2) and 37%NDF; 8.4% MP (HF2). TMR offered with maize silage and respective concentrate for 90 days feeding trial. Fortnightly feed samples and weekly milk samples collection was done for analyses. Metabolic trial conducted in mid of experiment for estimating nutrient digestibility. Throughout the trial, THI level (79.7-83.8) denoted that buffaloes were exposed to stressful environment. Higher MP in diet reduced pulse rate in buffaloes as compared with lower MP diet. Rectal temperature was lower in Murrah buffaloes fed MF2 diet whereas; minimum breathing rate was recorded for high protein fed group. The MF2 diet increased dry matter intake (kg/d) by 2.7%, milk yield (kg/d) by 8.3% and feed efficiency (milk/DMI) by 7.2% as compared with CF1 group indicating reduced heat load. Increase in protein intake along with improved protein digestibility in MF2 group was recorded. Measured 6%FCM and ECM (kg/d), milk fat (%) and total solid (%) were higher in MF2 treatment group. Results revealed that 34.5% NDF and 8.4% MP have a positive influence on amelioration of heat stress in present experimental conditions.

Effects of Dietary Protein Levels on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Serum Metabolites, and Meat Composition of Tibetan Sheep during the Cold Season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Simple SummaryThe Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) is an ovine breed well adapted to the harsh plateau environment. For a long period of time, Tibetan sheep farming has been an important pillar industry for native herders on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. With the increasing demand for sheep meat and products, nutrition research has gained increasing importance. In this study, the effects of three different dietary protein levels (10.1%, 12.1%, and 14.1%) on growth performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and meat composition were investigated in Tibetan sheep during the cold season. The results showed that the diets containing 12.1% and 14.1% protein were better than a diet containing 10.1% protein for enhancing the growth performance, carcass performance, and meat products of the Tibetan sheep.Dietary protein is a critical nutrient that directly influences the health and production of livestock. Recent studies showed that protein supplements could enhance the growth performance of Tibetan sheep. However, there is a lack of information regarding the influence of dietary protein levels on carcass traits and meat composition. This study investigated the effects of dietary protein levels on growth performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and meat composition in Tibetan sheep during the cold season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A total of eighteen 1-year-old, healthy, castrated Tibetan sheep with similar initial body weights (31.7 ± 0.72 kg) were randomly divided into three treatment groups with different dietary protein level (low protein (LP, 10.1%); medium protein (MP, 12.1%); high protein (HP, 14.1%)) diets. The results indicated that the Tibetan sheep fed with the MP and HP diets had greater final body weights (BWs), average daily gains (ADGs), and average daily feed intakes (ADFIs) (p < 0.05). The MP and HP diets also improved the hot carcass weight, net meat (including the fat) weight, and bone weight of the sheep significantly (p < 0.05). Besides, the dietary protein levels could significantly affect the serum concentrations of growth hormone (p < 0.05). The diameter of muscle fibers in the MP group was significantly greater than that in the LP group (p < 0.05), while the density of muscle fibers showed the opposite trend. The dietary protein levels only significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the ether extract content and profile content of the longissimus dorsi muscle but had no effect on other parameters of meat composition. In summary, our results indicate that dietary protein levels affect growth performance, carcass traits, and meat composition and that diets containing 12.1% and 14.1% protein are recommended to obtain better production performance and meat products in Tibetan sheep, rather than a diet containing 10.1% protein, during the cold season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Phytase and phytate interactions on broilers' diet at 21 days of age

The objective was to evaluate the effects of different levels of phytase in diets with varying amounts of phytate on live performance and bone characteristics of broiler chickens at 21 D. The treatments consisted of a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement, with 3 levels of phytate, high ( HP ), medium ( MP ), and low ( LP ), and 5 diets consisting of a positive control ( PC ); negative control ( NC , with a reduction of 0.15% of calcium [ Ca ] and 0.15% of phosphorus [ P ]), and NC diet plus 0, 500, 1,000, or 1,500 FTU kg −1 of phytase. Feed intake peaked with supplementation of 1,051 FTU kg −1 phytase to the LP diets. Bone ash of broilers receiving LP showed a maximum response at 1,101 FTU kg −1 . Birds receiving the NC diet had a larger hypertrophic cartilage zone ( P < 0.05) than those receiving the PC diet. Serum Ca and P of birds receiving the NC treatment and LP diet were lower than those in broilers fed with the MP and HP diets. Broilers in the NC plus 500 FYT kg −1 treatments had lower tibia P levels than those in the PC treatment; also, broilers receiving HP diets had a higher tibia Ca content than those receiving LP diets ( P < 0.05). In general, bone P of birds fed with diets containing HP was higher than that of birds on a LP or MP diet ( P < 0.05). The use of 1,101 FTU kg −1 resulted in better bone characteristics when fed with the lowest phytate level, and this level does not negatively affect the other parameters evaluated.

Dietary administration of PVC and PE microplastics produces histological damage, oxidative stress and immunoregulation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

Worldwide, plastic waste is increasingly being discharged into the oceans, where it breaks down into smaller particles. Of these particles, the ingestion of microplastics (MPs; particles smaller than 5 mm) have been documented in some aquatic animals, including fish, whose health and welfare suffer as a consequence. However, their precise effects are not completely understood. To shed light on this issue, European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) specimens were fed diets containing 0 (control), 100 or 500 mg polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE) MPs kg−1 diet for three weeks, after which samples of liver, intestine, skin mucus and head kidney (HK) were obtained. A histological study of the liver and intestine revealed important alterations in the fish fed the MP diets, compared with control fish. At a functional level, PE-MPs, but not PVC-MPs, decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a certain level of oxidative stress. As regards immunity, the intake of PVC-MPs increased the phagocytic and respiratory burst activities of HK leucocytes whilst the intake of PE-MPs increased skin mucus immunoglobulin M levels and the respiratory burst activity of leucocytes. The results suggest that the short-medium term intake of PVC- or PE-MPs by fish slightly depresses their immunity and produces oxidative stress. However, based on the histological alterations found, it seems that longer exposure times might lead to irreversible damage that could compromise fish health and welfare.

PSVI-14 Interactive effects of Cordyceps mushroom powder and carbadox on nursery pig performance

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the independent and additive effects of Cordyceps mushroom powder and carbadox to pharmacological copper+zinc in nursery pig diets. Two hundred-ten crossbred weanling pigs [(Duroc × (York × Landrace)] avg. 19 d of age and 5.8 kg were used in a 33 day growth trial. Pigs were alloted by weight, sex, ancestry, and assigned to body weight (BW) blocks. Within BW blocks, sex ratios were constant in each pen. Pen was the experimental unit and growth performance was analyzed using BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F. There were 7 pigs/pen and 6 pens/treatment. Treatments were: 1) a negative diet (NC); 2) positive control (PC; Carbadox, 55 ppm); 3) NC+300 ppm Cordyceps mushroom powder (NC+MP); 4) PC +300 ppm mushroom(PC+MP); 5) supplemental copper sulfate (125 ppm) and zinc oxide (3000 ppm d 0-7, 2000 ppm d 7-35), CuZn. Dietary treatments were fed in a four-phase feeding program (d0-7, d7-14, d14-21, and d21-33). There were no interactions between MP and Carbadox at any time point (P &gt; 0.10). Pigs fed the PC, PC+MP and CuZn treatment had increased BW (P &lt; 0.05), ADG (P &lt; 0.05), ADFI (P &lt; 0.10) and G:F (P &lt; 0.05) over the NC at the end of phases 1, 2, and 3, with no main effect of MP treatment. During Phase 4, pigs fed MP, PC, and CuZn diets all had increased ADG (P &lt; 0.05; 431, 477, 455, 505, 486 g/d, diet 1-5, respectively) and ADFI (P &lt; 0.05) over the NC fed pigs. Overall, d0-33, PC diets and CuZn supplemented pigs had increased ADG (P &lt; 0.05) and ADFI (P &lt; 0.05), with pigs fed MP tending to have increased ADFI (P &lt; 0.08) over NC fed pigs. Feeding nursery pigs pharmacological levels of Cu+Zn and carbadox have economical value to increase nursery pig performance with MP may increase pig ADFI and final BW through potentially complimentary modes of action.

Effects of low-protein diet on the intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, blood urea nitrogen, and gut microbiota and metabolites in weaned pigs

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effects of low-protein diet supplemented with Lysine (Lys), Methionine (Met), Threonine (Thr), and Tryptophan (Trp) on small intestine morphology, enzyme activity, blood urea nitrogen, and gut microbiota and metabolites in weaned piglets. Eighteen weaned pigs weighing an average of 9.57 kg received one of three treatments: a normal protein diet with 20% crude protein (CP, diet [NP]), a moderately reduced protein diet with 17% CP (MP), or a low-protein diet with 14% CP (LP). All three diets were supplemented with Lys, Met, Thr and Trp to meet essential amino acid requirements for post-weaned piglets according to the NRC (2012). Following a 45 d study period, piglets on the LP and MP diets demonstrated atrophic small intestinal morphology, with decreased villus heights and lower ratios of villus height to crypt depth (p < 0.05); pepsin activity in the stomach was also reduced in these two groups (p < 0.05). Increased plasma cholesterol and decreased blood urea nitrogen presented in the MP and LP groups compared with the NP group (p < 0.05). Overall, gastrointestinal hormones were not affected by dietary protein levels with the exception of reduced somatostatin levels in the MP and LP groups. Jejunum and colon microbiota were not affected at either the phyla or genera level in any of the diets. Colonic ammonia nitrogen concentration was reduced in MP and LP groups. Dietary protein level had no effect on short chain fatty acids or biogenic amines. Our data suggest that reducing dietary protein levels by 3% (MP) or 6% (LP) in weaned pigs has the potential to decrease nitrogen emissions and impaired digestive capacity. Therefore, dietary protein level cannot be reduced by more than 3% in consideration of maladaptive changes to small intestinal morphology and pepsin activity in weaned piglets.

Effects of the plane of nutrition for grower pigs on their grow-finish performance and meat quality in winter.

Little is known about the effects of the plane of nutrition on growth performance and meat quality of grow-finish pigs under commercial production conditions. The present study was thus addressed to this virtually unanswered question. One hundred and two barrows and 102 gilts weighing approximately 24 kg were fed phase I and II grower diets with a high, medium, or low plane of nutrition (HP, MP, or LP) to approximately 43 and 70 kg, respectively, in 6 replicates (pens). Subsequently, the HP and MP groups were fed the HP and MP1 finisher diets, respectively, the LP group being fed a second MP (MP2) finisher diet (LP1 group). Moreover, 68 LP-grower-fed barrows and gilts were added to the feeding trial and fed the MP1 and LP finisher diets to approximately 95 kg and thereafter, respectively (LP2 group). All MP diets had the lysine:calorie ratios comparable to the RNC recommendations, with < 18% differences between those of the HP and LP diets. The finisher pigs were reared in 16 pens and slaughtered at approximately 115 kg. The gain:feed ratio, but not average daily gain (ADG), was greater for the HP group than for the MP and LP during the grower phase I whereas during the grower phase II, ADG was greater (p < 0.05) for the HP and LP groups vs. MP. During the finisher phase I, ADG was less for the LP (LP1 + LP2) group vs. HP and MP, with no difference between the HP and MP groups; the gain:feed ratio was less for the LP vs. MP group. Backfat thickness was greater for the LP vs. HP group. The water holding capacity of fresh longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) and the sensory juiciness score for cooked LM were greatest for the LP group, the sensory flavor and tenderness scores being greater for the LP group vs. MP. In conclusion, results suggest that compensatory growth occurred for the LP and MP groups during the grower phase II and finisher phase I, respectively, with fat deposition increased for the LP group and that meat quality could be improved by the use of LP.

Long term differentiated phosphorus supply from below to above requirement affects nutrient balance and retention, body weight gain and bone growth in growing-finishing pigs

Dietary phosphorus (P) supply has attained increased interest in farm animal production during the last decades due to environmental concern and to limited global phosphate resources. The objective was to study the long-term effect of low (LP; 4.1 g/kg dry matter (DM)), medium (MP; 6.2 g/kg DM) or high dietary P (HP; 8.9 g/kg DM) on the absorption, retention and utilisation of P, calcium (Ca), and protein [N (nitrogen) x 6.25] during the growing-finishing phase (40–100 kg BW) in addition to daily weight gain, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentration in serum, and bone length and weight at slaughter. All pigs were subjected to three balances and most traits (daily feed intake, P and Ca but not N balances) were significantly affected by the interaction between diet and balance (P < 0.001). Low dietary P caused reduced feed intake compared to the MP diet. The Ca, P and N absorption, excretion and retention were lower in pigs fed the LP diet compared to pigs fed the MP and HP diets. Oppositely, HP caused increased retention and excretion of P and Ca compared to the MP fed pigs. The absorptive capacity of P, Ca and N increased with age whereas the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P, Ca and N remained constant irrespective of P supply. The length and wet weight of humerus and femur were not affected by dietary P supply, though the defatted dry bone weight was significantly reduced in the LP fed pigs, but similar in the MP and HP fed pigs (P < 0.01). A dietary ratio of 1.4:1 may be tentatively suggested as a proper dietary Ca:P based on both digestible P and Ca and not total P and Ca. The ratio between P:N (retained) of 1:4 along with Ca:N (retained) of 1:3 may also be valuable indicators of sufficient daily P supply in pigs fed adequate protein and amino acids. In conclusion, a daily supply of about 4.6 and 6.7 g digestible P seems to be sufficient to fulfil the physiological need for P to sustain a growth rate of 800–1100 g/day in lean young and growing-finishing pigs, respectively. Deficient as well as excessive P supply resulted in low P utilisation and a relatively higher total P excretion compared to the sufficient dietary P supply. The relative distribution of P excreted through the urine or the faeces depended on the dietary P content.

Influence of Levels of Metabolisable Protein in the Ration on Nutrient Utilization and Lactation Performance in Murrah Buffaloes

The present study was conducted to ascertain the effects of feeding varying levels of metabolisable protein on the nutrient utilization and production performance in Murrah buffaloes. Sixteen Murrah buffaloes in advanced stage of pregnancy (40–50 d before parturition) were divided into 3 groups on the basis of most probable production ability (MPPA) and lactation number. Duration of feeding trial was 130 days (40 days pre-partum to 90 days post-partum period. The animals were fed 3 different diets as low metabolizable protein (LMP), medium metabolizable protein (MMP) and high metabolizable protein (HMP) at MP levels of 85, 100 and 115% of ICAR (2013) recommendations, respectively, however, the diets had similar metabolisable energy (ME) content. The intakes of DM, ME and TDN were similar in all the experimental groups. The CP and MP intakes before and after calving were higher (P<0.05) in HMP followed by MMP and LMP groups. The digestibility of DM, OM, EE, NDF and ADF was similar in 3 groups whereas the digestibility of CP was higher (P<0.05) in HMP compared to LMP groups. Milk yield efficiency (kg/kg DMI), 6% FCM and FCM production efficiency were lower on feeding low MP diet. There was no significant change in the concentrations of β-HBA, glucose and IGF-1 on varying MP intake. Hence, feeding 75% lower MP than ICAR, 2013 recommendation in the ration decreased milk production and CP digestibility.

Comparison of the effects of dietary single and multi-probiotics on growth, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary probiotics on growth performance and non-specific immune responses in starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus. Fish averaging 46.5 ± 0.65 g (mean ± SD) were fed one of the six experimental diets; one control (Cont), and five other diets were prepared by supplementing single-probiotics 1 (Bacillus subtilis; SP1, 2 × 109 CFU kg−1 diet), single-probiotics 2 (Bacillus licheniformis; SP2, 2 × 109 CFU kg−1 diet), multi-probiotics 1 (Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus licheniformis; MP1, 2 × 109 CFU kg−1 diet), multi-probiotics 2 (commercial probiotics; Bacillus subtills + Bacillus licheniformis + Paenibacillus polymyxa + Aspergillus oryzae + Saccharomyces cerevisiae; MP2, 2 × 109 CFU kg−1 diet) and oxytetracycline (OTC) at 5 g OTC kg−1 diet. At the end of 8 weeks feeding trial, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed SP1, MP1 and MP2 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed control diet (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of fish fed MP2 diet was significantly higher than those of fish fed OTC diet (P < 0.05). Nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) activity and lysozyme activity of fish fed SP1, MP1 and MP2 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed OTC diet (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference among fish fed SP1, SP2, MP1 and MP2 diets. During the Edwardsiella tarda challenge test, the first mortality occurred on day 2. After the 14 days challenge test, cumulative survival rate of fish fed MP1 and MP2 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed control diet (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference among fish fed SP1, SP2, MP1, MP2 and OTC diets in survival rate at the termination of the challenge test. Although there was little advantage in immunological parameters with fish fed MP diets, single and multi-probiotics were equally effective statistically. These results demonstrated that single or multi-probiotics had equal beneficial effect as an antibiotic replacer in terms of growth performance, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in starry flounder.

Effects of dietary protein restriction on muscle fiber characteristics and mTORC1 pathway in the skeletal muscle of growing-finishing pigs.

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) restriction on muscle fiber characteristics and key regulators related to protein deposition in skeletal muscle, a total of 18 growing-finishing pigs (62.30 ± 0.88 kg) were allotted to 3 groups and fed with the recommended adequate protein (AP, 16 % CP) diet, moderately restricted protein (MP, 13 % CP) diet and low protein (LP, 10 % CP) diet, respectively. The skeletal muscle of different locations in pigs, including longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM), psoas major muscle (PMM) and biceps femoris muscle (BFM) were collected and analyzed.ResultsResults showed that growing-finishing pigs fed the MP or AP diet improved (P < 0.01) the average daily gain and feed: gain ratio compared with those fed the LP diet, and the MP diet tended to increase (P = 0.09) the weight of LDM. Moreover, the ATP content and energy charge value were varied among muscle samples from different locations of pigs fed the reduced protein diets. We also observed that pigs fed the MP diet up-regulated (P < 0.05) muscular mRNA expression of all the selected key genes, except that myosin heavy chain (MyHC) IIb, MyHC IIx, while mRNA expression of ubiquitin ligases genes was not affected by dietary CP level. Additionally, the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway was stimulated (P < 0.05) in skeletal muscle of the pigs fed the MP or AP diet compared with those fed the LP diet.ConclusionThe results suggest that the pigs fed the MP diet could catch up to the growth performance and the LDM weight of the pigs fed the AP diet, and the underlying mechanism may be partly due to the alteration in energy status, modulation of muscle fiber characteristics and mTORC1 activation as well as its downstream effectors in skeletal muscle of different locations in growing-finishing pigs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-016-0106-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Use of probiotics to enhance growth, stimulate immunity and confer disease resistance to Aeromonas salmonicida in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss )

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary probiotics on growth, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish averaging 5.8 ± 0.8 g (mean ± SD) were fed one of the five experimental diets; one control (Cont), and four other diets were prepared by supplementing single probiotics 1 (Bacillus subtilis; SP1, 0.5%), single probiotics 2 (Bacillus licheniformis; SP2, 0.5%), multi-probiotics (B. subtilis + B. licheniformis; MP, 0.5%) and oxytetracycline (OTC) at 5 g OTC kg−1 diet. After 8 weeks of the feeding trial, weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed SP1, SP2 and OTC diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed Cont diet (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lysozyme activities of fish fed SP1, SP2 and MP diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed Cont diet (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in SOD and lysozyme activities among fish fed SP1, SP2, MP and OTC diets. In challenge test with Aeromonas salmonicida for 15 days, fish fed SP1, SP2 and MP diets showed significantly higher cumulative survival rate than those of fish fed Cont diet (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in cumulative survival rate among fish fed SP1, SP2, MP and OTC diets. Although there was a little advantage in fish fed MP diet in terms of non-specific immune responses, single or multi-probiotics are equally effective statistically. These results indicate that single or multi-probiotics had equal beneficial effects as an antibiotic replacer on growth performance, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in juvenile rainbow trout.

Increased dietary phosphorous prevents vertebral deformities in triploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.)

Triplicate groups of triploid and diploid Atlantic salmon were fed diets with a low (LP, total P: 7.1 g kg−1), medium (MP, total P: 9.4 g kg−1) or high (HP, total P: 16.3 g kg−1) phosphorous (P) level from first feeding (0.18 g) to transfer to sea water (~50 g, duration: 203 days) and subsequently fed a commercial diet in sea water for 426 days (~3 kg). This study examined the short- and long-term effects of dietary P on freshwater performance (mortality, growth), vertebral deformities (radiology), bone cell activity (ALP and TRACP enzyme activity in vertebrae and scales, and fgf23, bgp and igf-I relative gene expression in vertebrae), bone mineralization (ash content) and some parameters related to fish condition (heart and liver size). Irrespective of ploidy, at seawater transfer, fish fed the MP diet had significantly highest length and weight and those fed the LP diet significantly lowest length and weight, while those fed the HP diet had intermediate lengths and weights. Increased dietary phosphorus reduced deformities in both ploidies at seawater transfer; however, triploids fed the LP and MP diets had more deformities than diploids fed the respective diets, while there was no ploidy effect observed for fish fed the HP diet. The vertebral bone ash content at seawater transfer was significantly higher in diploids than in triploids when fed the MP diet only. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) enzyme activities and relative gene expression of bone hormones involved in metabolism of plasma phosphate (fgf23) and bone growth (bgp) were not affected by ploidy at seawater transfer, but by dietary P level; LP increased ALP activity and reduced TRACP activity and fgf23 and bgp expression levels in vertebral bone. In scales, LP increased both ALP and TRACP activity. At the termination of the seawater period, the group-wise pattern in occurrence of vertebral deformities was the same as at seawater transfer. The present results on mortality, growth, bone mineralization and development of skeletal deformities all demonstrate that triploids have a higher P requirement than diploids in fresh water. This study shows that an optimalization of P nutrition for triploid Atlantic salmon can improve health and welfare and reduce down-grading of triploid salmon.