Negative Control Diet Research Articles

Partial Replacement of Soybean Meal with Canola Meal or Corn DDGS in Low-Protein Diets Supplemented with Crystalline Amino Acids-Effect on Growth Performance, Whole-Body Composition, and Litter Characteristics.

Simple SummaryDietary protein reduction with amino acid supplementation is a nutritional approach to reducing environmental pollution. Soybean meal is nutritionally superior to alternative protein feedstuffs, such as corn distillers dried grain with solubles (cDDGS) and canola meal (CM), because of its relatively good balance of amino acids. This study investigated the usage of CM or cDDGS compared to SBM in low-protein broiler diets and their effects on growth performance, carcass yield, whole-body composition, and litter characteristics. The results demonstrated that replacing soybean meal with cDDGS or CM negatively affected the performance of the birds, whereas reducing dietary protein reduced the litter surface ammonia, irrespective of protein feedstuff. Therefore, complete replacement of SBM with cDDGS or CM in low-protein diets is not feasible for optimum performance in broiler chickens.A 42-day study was conducted to explore the application of supplemental amino acids (AA) in low-protein diets with soybean meal (SBM), canola meal (CM) or corn distillers dried grain with solubles (cDDGS) as the main protein feedstuffs. The responses of interest were growth performance, carcass yield, whole-body composition, litter ammonia and litter N. On d 0, a total of 540 Cobb 500 (off-sex) male broilers were allocated to 36 floor pens. All the birds received one starter diet that met nutrient requirements during the first 10d. Thereafter, six experimental diets were provided in grower and finisher phases. The diets included a positive control (PC): a corn–SBM diet with adequate protein. The protein level of the negative control (NC) was decreased by 45 g/kg relative to the PC. The next two diets had the same protein levels as the NC but with cDDGS added at 50 or 125 g/kg. The last two diets had the same CP as the NC but with CM added at 50 or 100 g/kg. All the low-protein diets had the same level of standardized ileal digestible indispensable AA according to Cobb 500 recommended level. Gly and Ser were added as sources of non-specific N. The dietary protein reduction in corn–SBM diets at both phases decreased (p < 0.05) weight gain and increased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Increasing levels of cDDGS or CM, at a constant CP level, linearly decreased (p < 0.05) the weight gain and feed intake, whereas increasing CM level linearly increased (p < 0.05) FCR in the grower and finisher phases. The eviscerated and carcass yields decreased, whereas the fat yield increased (p < 0.05) with reduced protein in corn–SBM diet. Increasing levels of cDDGS and CM at a constant CP level quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) the eviscerated weight, whereas the fat weight linearly decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of cDDGS and CM. The birds receiving the PC diet had a lower (p < 0.05) lean muscle (%) and a higher fat (%) compared to birds receiving the NC diet at d 21. However, on d42, birds receiving the PC diet had decreased (p < 0.05) bone mineral density, bone mineral content and lean weight compared to those receiving the NC diet. The litter ammonia increased (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of protein in the SBM diets. In conclusion, 50 g/kg inclusion levels of CM and cDDGS at the same low-protein levels as SBM produced a similar growth response to the NC, whereas higher levels were detrimental. Hence under the conditions of the current experiment, complete replacement of SBM with DDGS or CM in low-protein diets was not feasible.

Efficacy of bacterial phytase, citric acid and their combination in broiler fed inorganic phosphorus free diet

Present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Escherichia Coli derived phytase alone or with citric acid (CA) given inorganic phosphorus (P) free broiler diet. Ninety six one-day old COBB-500 male broilers were divided into four groups and fed one of the following diets for a period of 35 days: positive control (PC) diet formulated based on the NRC (1994) recommendations, negative control (NC) diet (inorganic P free diet; containing 0.20% lower P than that in the PC diet), and two other diets were formulated by adding only phytase (500 FTU/kg of feed) or phytase with CA (500 FTU/kg of feed with 2 % CA) in the NC diet. Growth performance, serum minerals concentration, tibia and shank characteristics, and nutrient retention were measured. Impaired growth performance (final BW, BW gain, and FCR) in broilers (NC group) fed inorganic P free diet was restored with the addition of phytase in NC diet. Best FCR (1.83) was recorded in phytase added group and worst in NC group (2.03), however, further addition of CA with phytase did not show any significant variation. Lowest concentration of serum P (mg/dl), tibia P (%) and shank P (%) were ameliorated (P&lt;0.05) by the addition of phytase, and the restoration magnitude was non-significantly greater in phytase with CA group. Retention of total P (%) in broilers given phytase added diet was comparable with broilers given PC diet, although the former diet contained lower level of available P in diet than the later one. Addition of CA further increased this retention (%) numerically. Broilers fed inorganic P free diet deficient in available P, with Escherichia Coli derived phytase showed the growth performance (P&lt;0.05) and relative retention of P comparable with broilers fed NRC (1994) recommended one. Therefore, relying on Escherichia Coli derived phytase alone in available P deficient diet may be viable to ensure sufficient supply of P in broilers diets.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 51 (3): 107-114, 2022

Determination and validation of available phosphorus equivalency of Escherichia coli-derived phytase in broiler diets

The objective of this experiment was to determine and validate the available phosphorus (AP) equivalency of Escherichia coli -derived phytase (ECP) in broiler diets. A total of 960 eight-d-old broiler chicks were subjected to 8 dietary treatments with 10 replicates. The positive control (PC) diet contained recommended amounts of calcium (Ca) and AP, whereas the negative control (NC) diet was formulated to contain 0.76% calcium and 0.10% AP. The remaining 6 diets included varying levels of AP from monosodium phosphate (MSP) or ECP. Nonlinear regression analysis indicated that AP equivalency values of 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg ECP were 0.986 and 1.589 g/kg, respectively. These values were validated in a subsequent growth trial. A total of 2,000 eight-d-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 8 replicates. Five treatments included negative control diet 1 (NC1, highly deficient in AP and Ca), negative control diet 2 (NC2, deficient in AP and Ca), phytase diet 1 (P1, NC1 + 1,000 FTU/kg ECP), phytase diet 2 (P2, NC2 + 500 FTU/kg ECP), and positive control diet (PC, recommended concentrations of AP and Ca). Results indicated that birds fed diets supplemented with 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg ECP had similar growth performance and tibia characteristics compared with those fed PC diets. In conclusion, AP equivalency values of 0.986 and 1.589 g/kg AP determined for 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg ECP, respectively, can be applicable in commercial broiler diets.

Increasing Doses of Bacterial Phytase (Citrobacter braakii) Improves Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Pigs in Growing and Finishing Phases.

Simple SummaryPhytases of bacterial origin are the exogenous enzymes most widely used in the diets of monogastric animals, acting on the hydrolysis of phytate (myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis [dihydrogen] phosphate) to release the phosphate from this complex. However, the efficiency of phytase varies according to the aspects inherent to its own structure and origin, the age and physiological state of the animal, and the dietary composition. Overall, we found that supplementation with phytase between 1500 and 3000 units of phytase (FYT)/kg of feed in diets based on corn and soybean meal with a reduction in inorganic phosphorus (0.13%) and calcium (0.11%) improves the daily weight gain (DWG) and live weight (LW) of animals in the growing phase, which affects performance on finishing phases and slaughter body weight. This input could result in a reduction in the use of phosphorus sources, improving environmental issues with an increase in the main zootechnical parameters.The effects of increasing doses of bacterial phytase (Citrobacter braakii) on performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs was evaluated. A total of 120 barrows weighing 25.16 ± 2.80 kg and 68 days old were submitted to five treatments: positive control diet (PC) containing inorganic phosphorus (P) and limestone (Ca); negative control (NC) with reductions in P (by 0.13%) and Ca (by 0.11%); and three NC diets supplemented with 1500 (NC15), 3000 (NC30) and 4500 (NC45) units of phytase (FYT)/kg. The daily weight gain (DWG) in growth phase I (68–91 days) was higher in the PC, NC15 and NC30, compared to the NC (1.06, 1.06, 1.06 vs. 0.95, respectively). The DWG in finishing phase II (141–156 days) was higher in the NC15 (1.20 kg) and NC30 (1.14 kg) than in the NC45 (0.94 kg). The final weights (LW156) in the NC15 (122.95 kg LW) were higher than NC (116.47 kg LW) and NC45 (114.43 kg LW). Over the entire period, a quadratic effect (2012 FYT) was observed for the DWG. The increasing levels of phytase in corn and soybean meal-based diets improved the DWG and carcass traits; however, the addition of more than 3000 FYT/kg of feed should be carefully studied to determine enzyme viability.

Evaluation of different levels of Bacillus sp. (HCYL03) phytase in broiler chickens fed maize-soyabean meal based diets with a low non-phytate phosphorus content

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of various levels of phytase derived from Bacillus sp. (HCYL03) in corn-soy diets fed to broilers. Experimental treatments included a positive control (PC) with a calculated non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) level of 4.0g/kg for the 35 days of trial. The negative control (NC) diet included a reduction in nPP to 3.0g/kg during the experiment, and commercially available phytase (@500FTU/kg), as well as new bacterial phytase added to the NC diet in increasing amounts of 500, 800, and 1100FTU/kg. Treatment effects on growth performance, the apparent digestibility of P, tibia mineralization, and Ca and P status in blood plasma were evaluated on day 35. The NC diet decreased feed intake (P

A blend of thyme and rosemary powders with poultry by-product meal can be used as a natural antioxidant in broilers

A total of 500, 14-d old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated into five treatments (4 replicates each) including: a negative (NC) and positive control diet (PC) which supplemented without and with 7% poultry by-product meal (PBPM), respectively and three levels of additive supplementation of thyme and rosemary powders in the basal diets: 0.750% rosemary powder (PCR); 0.375% thyme powder + 0.375% rosemary powder (PCRT), and 0.750% thyme powder (PCT) rosemary powder. The PCRT diet improved (p &lt;0.05) average daily gain and feed conversion ratio by 5.62 and 10.37% compared to PC, respectively. The serum concentration of lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) was decreased while the ileal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth as well as ileal microbiota population were improved (p &lt;0.05) in response to inclusion PCRT diet compared to PC diet. The blood serum concentration of malondialdehyde was statistically decreased (p &lt;0.05) by supplementation of PCRT in broiler diets. Our results suggested that supplementation of a blend of thyme and rosemary powders at the level of 0.375% of each into broiler diet during d 14-42 has merit to be used as a natural antioxidant in diets formulated by PBPM.

Microbial phytase reduces basal endogenous loss of calcium in pigs fed diets containing phytate phosphorus at commercial levels.

The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that increasing dietary phytase reduces basal endogenous loss of Ca and increases P balance in pigs. Seventy barrows (initial body weight: 17.66 ± 1.69 kg) were allotted to seven Ca-free diets using a randomized complete block design with two blocks and five pigs per diet in each block. All diets were based on corn, potato protein concentrate, and full-fat rice bran. A positive control (PC) diet was formulated to contain P at the requirement for standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P by 11 to 25 kg pigs. Six negative control (NC) diets were formulated by reducing the provision of digestible P by 0.15% and adding 0, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 phytase units/kg diet. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates that allowed for total, but separate, collection of urine and feces. Daily feed allowance was 3.0 times the maintenance requirement for metabolizable energy and was divided into two equal meals. Diets were fed for 12 d with the first 5 d considered the adaptation period. Urine collections started on day 6 in the morning and ceased on day 10 in the morning. Fecal markers were also included in the morning meals on day 6 and day 10 and feces were collected according to the marker-to-marker procedure. Results indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter was not affected by dietary P or phytase levels. The basal endogenous loss of Ca was not affected by dietary P, but exponentially decreased (P = 0.030) as phytase level increased in the diets. Phosphorus retention (g/d) and standardized total tract digestibility of phosphorus were greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the PC diet compared with pigs fed the NC diet with no phytase. The STTD of P exponentially (P < 0.001) increased as phytase level increased in the diets, but because of the lack of Ca, retention of P (% of absorbed) linearly decreased (P = 0.006) as phytase increased. In conclusion, basal endogenous loss of Ca decreased as dietary phytase increased demonstrating that endogenous Ca can be bound to phytate in the intestinal tract of pigs. However, STTD of P increased as phytase level in the diets increased.

Responses of Combined Non-starch Polysaccharide Enzymes and Protease on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Nutrient Digestibility of Yellow-Feathered Broilers Fed With Diets With Different Crude Protein Levels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzymes and protease combination on growth performance, meat quality, and nutrients digestibility of yellow-feathered broilers fed with corn-soybean meal basal diets with normal and subnormal crude protein (CP) levels. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, including six replicates of 20 birds per pen. Two basal diets were formulated with normal CP level as positive control (PC) and subnormal CP level without extra essential amino acid (AA) supplementation as negative control (NC). The basal diets were supplemented without or with NSP enzymes and protease. Broilers fed with the NC diet had lower (P < 0.05) final body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADG) on days 1–21, 22–56 and 1–56 and higher (P < 0.05) feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) on day 22–56 than those fed with PC diet. The broilers fed with the NC diet had higher (P < 0.05) L* and b* values in thigh muscle, crypt depth in the duodenum, and dry matter (DM) digestibility as well as lower (P < 0.05) villus height, musculature thicknesses, and villus height: crypt depth in the duodenum than those fed with the PC diet. Dietary NSP enzymes and protease combination increased (P < 0.05) the ADG and F/G of the broilers on days 1–56, and pH values in breast and thigh muscles as well as the digestibility of DM, gross energy (GE), CP and most AAs of the broilers on day 56. Compared with the PC diet, the combination of NSP enzymes and protease exhibited greater (P < 0.05) improvements in the digestibility of DM, CP, and some AAs (Asp, Ile, and Leu) in the broilers fed with the NC diet. In conclusion, reducing CP diet without essential AA supplementation impaired the growth performance and meat color of the thigh muscles of the broilers. The combination of NSP enzymes and protease effectively improved the growth performance, meat quality, and nutritional values of the broilers. In terms of the digestibility of DM, CP, and some AAs, the magnitude of response to the addition of NSP enzymes and protease was greater in the low nutritional-quality diet with a subnormal CP level.

Effects of phytase supplementation of high-plant-protein diets on growth, phosphorus utilization, antioxidant, and digestion in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Fish meal is increasingly being replaced by plant protein raw materials, meanwhile, it brings phytic acid, which combines with phosphorus to form phytate phosphorus and leads to a low utilization rate of phosphorus in shrimp. To solve this problem, this study investigated the effects of phytase supplementation on growth performance, phosphorus utilization, antioxidants, and digestion in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Crayfish (initial mean weight: 8.69 ± 0.15 g, N = 324) were randomly divided into six groups each with three replicates of 18 individuals each, and hand-fed for 8 weeks with one of six experimental diets (50 and 490 g kg−1 animal and plant protein raw material, respectively): negative control (NC; 11.0 g kg−1 phosphorus), positive control (PC; 15 g kg−1 NaH2PO4 added to NC; 14.7 g kg−1 phosphorus), and phytase supplementation diets (P1–P4: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g kg−1 phytase added to NC, respectively). The feeding trial was performed in a micro-flow water culture system. P2 showed a significantly higher weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention efficiency (PRE) but showed the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) than other groups. Broken-line regression analyses using WGR, FCR, and PRE as evaluation indices showed that the optimal dietary phytase supplementation level was 0.233, 0.244, and 0.303 g kg−1, respectively. P2 showed the highest crude protein content of whole crayfish and abdominal muscle, and phosphorus deposition rate, which was significantly higher than that in NC and PC. P3 showed the highest calcium and phosphorus contents in whole crayfish and phosphorus content in abdominal muscle, and calcium and inorganic phosphorus content in serum, which were significantly higher than those in NC. P3 showed significantly lowest serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase activities, malondialdehyde content in hepatopancreas, and highest catalase activity, which were significantly lower and higher, respectively, than those in NC and PC. In summary, the addition of 0.2–0.4 g kg−1 phytase significantly improves the growth performance, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant of P. clarkii, which has a similar effect to the direct addition of NaH2PO4 at 15 g kg−1 to the feed.

Efficacy of Various Feed Additives on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Bone Quality, Blood Constituents, and Phosphorus Absorption and Utilization of Broiler Chickens Fed Low Phosphorus Diet.

Simple SummarySkeletal disorders and related-welfare complications are an ongoing concern for rapid-growing broiler chickens. Phosphorus is a vital nutrient in the poultry diet, and it is related to bone growth and skeleton rigidity and strength. Poultry utilize approximately 60% of the dietary P, and the residual is excreted and may enter the environment leading to environmental pollution. Consequently, a better understanding of intestinal phosphorus absorption will enable augmenting phosphorus utilization and reducing phosphorus excretion and feed costs in the poultry industry. Therefore, the present trial was designed to assess various supplements on performance, nutrient digestibility, bone physical parameters and mineralization, blood constituents, bone and gut histomorphology, and duodenal phosphorus transporter genes of broiler chickens fed a decreased non-phytate phosphorus. The dietary addition of phytase or probiotic to a low phosphorus diet was beneficial with respect to growth performance and carcass traits. Regarding nutrient digestibility, tibia quality parameters, and gut and bone histomorphology, all three dietary supplements (probiotics, yeast, and fumaric acid) were advantageous, and these improvements were of comparable magnitude to those of the positive control and phytase groups. The up-regulation of duodenal NaP-IIb and PiT-2 genes in the supplemented groups may suggest greater phosphorus availability. It can be concluded that these supplements were beneficial in mitigating the negative effects of phosphorus reduction on the growth performance, health, and bone quality of broilers.The present trial was designed to assess the effect of phytase, multi-strain probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and fumaric acid on performance, nutrient digestibility, bone physical parameters and mineralization, blood constituents, bone and gut histomorphology, and duodenal phosphorus transporter genes of broiler chickens fed a decreased non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) diet for 5 weeks. A total of 480 broiler chickens were allotted to six dietary groups and eight replicates each: (1) positive control diet with recommended levels of nPP (PC; 0.48, 0.44, and 0.41% in the three feeding phases); (2) negative control diet with a decreased dietary nPP (NC; 0.28, 0.24, and 0.21% in the three feeding phases); (3) NC + 600 FTU/kg phytase (PHY); (4) NC + 0.05% multi-strain probiotic (PRO); (5) NC + 0.2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC); and (6) NC + 0.2% fumaric acid. Growth performance data were recorded weekly, and blood sampling was performed at days 21 and 35 of age. Bone quality traits, gut and tibia histology, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal gene expression analyses were conducted at the end of the trial (35 days of age). Final body weight and total gain at day 35 of age of the broiler chickens fed with the PHY, PRO, and SC diets were greater (p < 0.01) than in NC, where broilers fed with the PRO and PHY diets had higher values and were similar to that of PC. There was a non-significant variation in the cumulative feed intake among the treatment groups. The PHY and PRO groups had better FCR than the PC group (p < 0.05), and FA and SC had an FCR equivalent to that of PC. The PHY and PRO broilers had greater dressing % than the NC group (p < 0.05) and even better than PC. The PHY, PRO, SC, and FA broilers had higher relative weights of spleen and bursa of Fabricius (p < 0.01) than NC. In comparison to NC, the PHY, PRO, and SC groups improved (p < 0.05) CP, CF, Ca, and P digestibility. Greater tibia breaking strength of the low nPP-supplemented groups was shown to be associated with higher tibia ash, Ca, and P concentrations (p < 0.01) and increased (p < 0.001) tibia cortical area thickness. At days 21 and 35 of age, the dietary supplements to low nPP diets reduced (p < 0.05) serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, glucose, and alkaline phosphatase levels, while serum Ca and P concentrations were improved (p < 0.05) compared to NC. All supplements led to enhancement (p < 0.01) in villi height and width and villi absorptive surface area when compared with NC and were even comparable to that of PC. The mRNA expression of NaP-IIb was up-regulated (p < 0.001) in the duodenum of PRO and FA broilers at day 35 of age compared with NC, and their expression levels were similar to that of PC, indicating greater P availability. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of PHY, PRO, SC, and FA to a low nPP diet was advantageous and mitigated the negative impacts of P reduction on the growth performance, health, nutrient digestibility, and bone quality of broilers.

Effect of diet complexity and dietary fish peptide and enzyme complex supplementation on weanling pigs

Two experiments were conducted to assess the potential of replacing complex weanling pig diets with simple corn-soybean meal (SBM) diets by supplementation with a feed additive. The effort was made to determine the optimum inclusion rate of fish peptides in experiment 1 (Exp. 1), whereas the possibility of replacing complex diets with simply corn-SBM diets was investigated in Exp. 2. Ninety six (7.9 ± 0.7 kg) and 48 (7.8 ± 0.8 kg) pigs were used in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, and pigs were assigned randomly to 6 (Exp. 1) and 3 (Exp. 2) dietary treatments with 4 pens per treatment and 2 gilts and 2 castrated males per pen in both experiments. The phase 1 (d 0 to 14) and 2 (d 14 to 28) complex, positive control diets (POS) were formulated in both experiments. Two simple corn-SBM, negative control (NEG) diets were formulated to be iso-lysinic to the POS diets in Exp. 1, and the NEG diets were supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0% fish peptides. Similarly, the phase 1 and 2 simple corn-SBM, NEG diets were formulated to be iso-lysinic to the POS diets in Exp. 2. However, the NEG diets contained 1.5% fish peptides, and those diets were supplemented with multienzyme complexes (ALL). During the wk 4, blood sample was collected and analyzed for serum metabolites and cytokines in Exp. 1 and metabolites in Exp. 2. During the last 2 wk of Exp. 1, the intake of feed, Lys, and digestible energy (DE) increased (cubic, P < 0.026) as fish peptides increased from 0 to 2%. Dietary treatments had no effect on gain to feed (G:F), gain to Lys (G:Lys), or gain to DE (G:DE) intake. Although there were some differences in serum total protein, urea N, and triglycerides, dietary treatments seemed to have no clear effect on serum metabolites or cytokines. Pigs seemed to respond to the diets containing 1.5% fish peptides, and it was used as the basis for the dietary treatments in Exp. 2. From wk 0 to 2 in Exp. 2, pigs fed the NEG and ALL diets had greater G:F, G:Lys intake, and G:DE intake (P < 0.004) than those fed the POS diet. In addition, G:F and G:Lys intake tended to be greater (P = 0.095) and G:DE intake was greater (P = 0.009) in pigs fed the ALL diet than those fed the NEG diet. Dietary treatments had no clear effect on the growth performance during the phase 2 or overall. Serum total protein and globulin were greater (P < 0.007) in pigs fed the NEG and ALL diets than those fed the POS diets because of the greater values in pigs fed the ALL diets, but those metabolites were not different between pigs fed the NEG and ALL diets. The results indicated that a complex diets can be replaced with a simple corn-SBM diet by supplementing the weanling pig diet with fish peptides and multienzyme complexes during the phase 1 (d 0 to 14).

The Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gut Bacteria and Bone Strength of Broilers Offered Alternative, Sustainable Diets Varying in Nutrient Specification and Phytase Dose.

Simple SummaryPhytase has been routinely included in poultry diets for over 20 years with the benefits to bird growth performance, nutrient digestibility and bone parameters widely documented. However, with the costs of feed increasing, particularly of imported soyabean meal and pressure to reduce the environmental footprint of production, the need for alternative sustainable local protein sources is ever important. This work found that phytase superdosing to rapeseed meal (RSM) and maize dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) diets can improve performance, increase digestibility and reduce P excretion by 15% compared to birds offered the diet without exogenous phytase.This study assessed the use of locally sourced sustainable feed ingredients, rapeseed meal (RSM) and maize dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets over traditional ingredients on the growth performance, bone strength and nutrient digestibility of broilers. This work also investigated the effects of supplementing exogenous phytase in two doses (500 vs. 1500 FTU/kg). Using male Ross 308 chicks (n = 320) assigned to receive one of four experimental diets: (1) Positive control diet 1 (PC1), a wheat, soya-based diet + 500 FTU/kg phytase. (2) Positive control diet 2, RSM/DDGS diet + 500 FTU/kg phytase (PC2). (3) Negative control (NC) reduced nutrient RSM/DDGS diet, no phytase. (4) The NC diet plus 1500 FTU/kg phytase (NC+). PC1 birds displayed higher feed intake and body weight gain consistently throughout the trial (p < 0.001) as well as increased body weight by 28 d and 42 d (p < 0.001). Whole-body dual emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis revealed PC1 birds also had higher bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), total bone mass, total lean mass and total fat mass than birds offered other treatments (p < 0.01). Diet had no significant effect on bone strength. Phytase superdosing improved the digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), gross energy (GE), calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) compared to birds in other treatment groups. The phytase superdose also improved performance in comparison to birds offered the NC diet. Phytase superdosing increased the IP6 and IP5 degradation and increased the ileal inositol concentration of the birds. N excretion was lower for birds offered the traditional wheat–soya diet and highest for those offered the high-specification RSM/DDGS diet with a commercial dose of phytase. The addition of a phytase superdose to the negative control diet (NC+) reduced P excretion of birds by 15% compared to birds offered NC.

How copper can impact pig growth: comparing the effect of copper sulfate and monovalent copper oxide on oxidative status, inflammation, gene abundance, and microbial modulation as potential mechanisms of action.

The beneficial effect of elevated concentrations of copper (Cu) on growth performance of pigs has been already demonstrated; however, their mechanism of action is not fully discovered. The objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effects of including Cu from copper sulfate (CuSO4) or monovalent copper oxide (Cu2O) in the diet of growing pigs on oxidative stress, inflammation, gene abundance, and microbial modulation. We used 120 pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 11.5 ± 0.98 kg in 2 blocks of 60 pigs, 3 dietary treatments, 5 pigs per pen, and 4 replicate pens per treatment within each block for a total of 8 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments included the negative control (NC) diet containing 20 mg Cu/kg and 2 diets in which 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO4 or Cu2O was added to the NC. On day 28, serum samples were collected from one pig per pen and this pig was then euthanized to obtain liver samples for the analysis of oxidative stress markers (Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde, MDA). Serum samples were analyzed for cytokines. Jejunum tissue and colon content were collected and used for transcriptomic analyses and microbial characterization, respectively. Results indicated that there were greater (P < 0.05) MDA levels in the liver of pigs fed the diet with 250 mg/kg CuSO4 than in pigs fed the other diets. The serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed diets containing CuSO4 compared with pigs fed the NC diet or the diet with 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu2O. Pigs fed diets containing CuSO4 or Cu2O had a greater (P < 0.05) abundance of genes related to the intestinal barrier function and nutrient transport, but a lower (P < 0.05) abundance of pro-inflammatory genes compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Supplementing diets with CuSO4 or Cu2O also increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Peptostreptococcaceae families and reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of the Rikenellaceae family, Campylobacter, and Streptococcus genera in the colon of pigs. In conclusion, adding 250 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO4 or Cu2O regulates genes abundance in charge of the immune system and growth, and promotes changes in the intestinal microbiota; however, Cu2O induces less systemic oxidation and inflammation compared with CuSO4.

Effects of graded levels of phytase supplementation on growth performance, plasma myo-inositol, tibia mineralization and nutrient digestibility of meat ducks fed phosphorus-deficient diets

Two experiments were conducted to explore the effect of reduction in dietary non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) and supplementation of an exogenous phytase on growth performance, plasma myo-inositol, tibia mineralization and nutrient digestibility of meat ducks. Exp. 1 used 450 one-day-old male Cherry Valley ducks over a 42-d period to evaluate growth performance and plasma myo-inositol. The treatments (6 replicates with 15 ducks per pen) included a positive control diet (PC, 4.0 and 9.0 or 3.5 and 8.0 g/kg of nPP and Ca in starter (d 0–21) and grower (d 21–42) period, respectively), a negative control diet (NC, 1.7 g/kg nPP and 1.9 g/kg Ca less from the PC), and the NC diet plus phytase at 1000, 2000 or 3000 FYT/kg feed. Exp. 2 used 600, seven-day-old, male Cherry Valley ducks in a 14-d trial to evaluate growth performance, tibia mineralization and nutrient digestibility. Dietary treatments (10 replicate cages with 10 ducks per cage) included a PC diet (4.0 and 9.0 g/kg of nPP and Ca, respectively), a NC diet (1.5 and 6.5 g/kg of nPP and Ca, respectively), and the NC diet plus phytase at 500, 1000, 2000 or 3000 FYT/kg feed. In Exp. 1, ducks fed the NC diet had lower (P < 0.05) weight gain (d 0–21 and 0–42), feed intake (d 0–21, 21–42 and 0–42) and body weight at d 21 and 42 compared to those fed the PC diet. There was no effect of diet (P > 0.05) on FCR or plasma myo-inositol. Phytase supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, and body weight; all parameters were equivalent to the PC at 2000 or 3000 FYT/kg. In Exp. 2, ducks fed the NC diet had lower (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, body weight, tibia ash weight and percentage, and P digestibility and higher (P < 0.05) FCR and Ca digestibility compared to those fed the PC diet. Phytase supplementation improved growth measurements (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), tibia ash weight and percentage (linear, P < 0.05) and P digestibility (linear, P < 0.05). Growth measurements and P digestibility were comparable to the PC level with supplemented phytase ranging from 1000 to 2000 FYT/kg, however, tibia ash weight and percent were below the PC, regardless of the dose of phytase. In conclusion, feeding graded concentrations of phytase improved growth performance, tibia mineralization, and P digestibility in ducks. Phytase supplementation at 2000 FYT/kg could fully restore the gain and P digestibility of ducks fed nPP deficient diets to that of a nutrient adequate PC. However, in extremely nPP deficient diets, tibia ash weight and percentage require a higher supplementation of phytase, which was beyond 3000 FYT/kg.

Natural feed additive containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides improves innate immunity, gut histology and disease resistance in Nile tilapia

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides on growth, innate immunity, intestinal histomorphometry and disease resistance in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (average initial weight of 7.85 g). Five diets (treatments) were prepared: negative control diet (NCD) - basal diet without additives; positive control diet (PCD) - basal diet supplemented with a commercial nucleotide-based additive at 170 ppm; and three experimental diets, N170, N320 and N470, supplemented with S. cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides at 170, 320 and 470 ppm, respectively. There were no significant differences in production parameters after the trial period. Nevertheless, the complement hemolytic activity was higher in fish subjected to the three experimental diets, while serum lysozyme concentration was higher in the N470 group compared with both controls. Intestinal villi height and density were greater in fish fed the N470 diet compared with the NCD group. In addition, fish receiving the three experimental diets showed higher absorption surface area magnification ratio, with the greatest values being observed in the N470 group. Lastly, the highest survival rate following Aeromonas hydrophila challenge was recorded in the N470 group. Taken together, the present findings indicate that supplementation of feed with S. cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides at 470 ppm improves non-specific immune responses and intestinal microstructure morphology as well as increases survival rate after bacterial infection in Nile tilapia. Therefore, this blend of natural nucleotides has the potential of being used as an alternative to antimicrobials when included as an additive in aquaculture feeds.

Effect of Microbial Phytase on Ileal Digestibility of Minerals, Plasma and Urine Metabolites, and Bone Mineral Concentrations in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Simple SummaryIn the presented study, increasing phytase activity in the diet of grower–finisher pigs improved the bioavailability of minerals, increased their concentration in the femurs, and reduced their fecal and urinary excretion. The results of the research provide new information on the positive effect of the use of an appropriate level of microbial phytase supplementation, which reduces the anti-nutritional effect of phytates by improving the availability of minerals (mainly P, Ca, but also Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe) for the animal, which, at the same time, limits the negative impact of unused minerals on the natural environment.The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of added phytase in the diet of pigs on utilization of minerals and to determine the essential levels of this supplement in compound feed. An additional aim of the study was a critical assessment of current recommendations regarding the level of phosphorus in the diet of pigs, taking into account the use of phytase. A total of 432 pigs were allotted to six dietary treatments, with nine replicate pens per treatment according to body weight (BW) and sex. The treatments included a negative control (NC) with reduced content of digestible phosphorus; the NC diet supplemented with 6-phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae in the amount of 250 (NC + 250), 500 (NC + 500), 1000 (NC + 1000), or 1500 (NC + 1500) FTU/kg of feed; and a positive control (PC) diet formulated to meet NCR nutrient requirements for pigs. The results showed that, the higher the phytase activity in the diet (NC+), the lower the concentration of P, Ca, and Mg in the chyme (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the PC and NC+ diets had higher plasma levels of P and Ca than group NC in both fattening periods (p < 0.05). The content of phosphorus in the femur of pigs increased with the level of phytase added to the diet (p < 0.05). The content of Cu and Zn in the femur of pigs in the growing period was higher in groups NC + 500 and NC + 1000 than in the remaining experimental groups (p < 0.001). The content of P and Ca in the feces was higher in pigs fed the PC diet in comparison to the remaining experimental groups in both fattening periods (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in the content of P, Ca, and Mg in the excreta of pigs fed NC+ diets in both fattening periods (p < 0.05). A linear decrease in excretion of zinc in the feces was noted in the case of high levels of phytase, i.e., 1000 and 1500 FTU (p < 0.001). Increasing the level of phytase decreased the Cu (p < 0.001) content in the urine of growing–finishing pigs. In conclusion, the analysis of the effects of the use of phytase in a range of 0–1500 FTU/kg in low-phosphorus diets for fattening pigs indicates that 1000 FTU is the most effective level of phytase for increasing utilization of minerals and reducing excretion of elements into the environment.

The effectiveness of protease supplemented poultry by‐product meal‐based diet on growth, nutrient digestibility and digestive enzyme activities of rohu ( Labeo rohita )

Proteases are the enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of complex proteins into simpler units for better digestion and absorption of nutrients. This study was conducted to determine the optimum supplementation level and effects of dietary protease addition in poultry by-product meal-based diet (PBM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activities and physiochemical parameters of juvenile rohu, Labeo rohita (initial weight: 11.33 ± 0.02 g). For this purpose, seven iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic experimental diets were formulated to contain a positive control (PC) diet (containing fishmeal and no protease), a negative control (NC) diet (containing PBM and no protease) and five other PBM-based diets supplemented with exogenous protease at the levels of 150, 300, 450, 600 and 750 mg/kg diet. Results indicated that growth performance and body indices of fish fed protease supplemented diets were higher (p < 0.05) compared with those fed the NC diet, while maximum increase was recorded at 450 mg/kg protease supplementation level, which was similar to the PC diet (p > 0.05). Protease supplementation up to 450 mg/kg level linearly improved (p < 0.05) the whole-body proximate composition and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude lipid (CL) and crude ash (CA) in rohu juveniles. A similar trend (p < 0.05) was observed in the activities of amylases, lipases and proteases in intestinal and hepatopancreatic tissues, peaking at 450 mg/kg which was also similar (p > 0.05) to the PC diet. Protease supplementation significantly improved (p < 0.05) haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Htc) and red blood cells (RBCs) of juveniles while, white blood cells (WBCs) and serum indices remained unaffected (p > 0.05). Based on quadratic regression analysis, the optimal dietary protease supplementation in PBM-based diet for rohu was 433 mg/kg. Conclusively, increase in protease supplementation from 0 to 450 mg/kg levels improved the fish performance and decreased thereafter with further increase in protease levels (600–750 mg/kg).

Supplementation of sulfur and folic acid improves performance of broiler chicken fed suboptimal concentrations of dietary methionine.

Supplementation of sulfur (S) and folic acid (FA) are known to spare the dietary requirement of methionine (Met) in chicken. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding graded concentrations of FA (0, 2, 4, 6, 8mg kg-1 ) and two concentrations of S (0 and 2g kg-1 ) in 5 × 2 factorial design. Diet without FA and S was considered as negative control (NC). Another diet with the recommended concentration of Met was considered as the positive control (PC). Each diet was offered ad libitum from day 1 to 42 to 10 pens of 20 male chicks each. Broilers fed the NC diet had lower body weight gain (BWG), high feed conversion ratio, lower ready-to-cook yield, higher lipid peroxidation and reduced concentrations of protein and albumin in serum. BWG improved with FA at day 21 and showed a trend of improvement at day 42. Similarly, BWG improved with S supplementation at day 42. The FA and S interaction indicated a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation with S supplementation at the majority of FA levels. Serum protein fractions increased with increased dietary FA content and increased further with S supplementation. Based on the results, it is concluded that the combination of FA (4mg kg-1 ) and S (2g kg-1 ) improved BWG. Similarly, the feed efficiency with 6mg FA alone or with S was similar to the PC group. The improvement was probably due to the increase in protein accretion and reduction in lipid peroxidation with FA and S supplementation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Performance, carcass quality, tibia ash, and mineral digestibility responses of Ross 708 broilers to increasing dose of two commercially available mixer-added phytases

Mixer added phytases must maintain efficacy post-conditioning and pelleting. Heat from saturated steam and friction upon pellet die extrusion may deactivate phytases. The objective of this study was to assess the thermostability of 2 commercially available phytases concentrated at 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FTU/kg in mixed mash post-steam conditioning at 82°C for 30 s and extrusion through a 4.8 × 38 mm pellet die and the subsequent effect on 0 to 44-d Ross 708 male broiler performance, mineral digestibility, and tibia ash responses. The phytase sources were both derived from E. coli and expressed in Trichoderma Reesei , (QB) and Pichia pastoris , (OP). A 3 (Phytase level) × 2 (Phytase source) factorial arrangement of treatments within a randomized complete block design was utilized. A positive control and negative control diet based on available phosphorus ( P ) and total calcium ( Ca ) were also manufactured and analyzed within a multiple comparison. Diets were fed to 8 replicate pens of 30 chicks in 3 phases. Live performance, d 20 and d 44 tibia ash, d 44 hot boneless, skinless breast weight, and mineral digestibility were measured. Phytase sources did not differ in their effect on live performance or breast yield. Calcium digestibility was increased for birds fed OP relative to QB ( P < 0.05). Phosphorus digestibility increased as phytase level increased ( P < 0.05). D 20 tibia ash percentage increased for 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg for both phytase sources ( P < 0.05). All phytase treatments increased d 44 tibia ash relative to the NC; however, OP tibia ash further increased when supplemented above 500 FTU/kg ( P < 0.05). The assessed phytase sources showed similar benefit to live performance and breast yield but varied in response to tibia ash and mineral digestibility at different concentrations. It is important to note that the conclusions in this study were derived using specific phytase products that were analyzed for activity by using a specific protocol, and diets were pelleted within a selected range of processing conditions (i.e., 82°C and 30 s of conditioning); using alternative methodologies may result in different conclusions.

135 Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs Fed Antibiotic-Free Diets with Spray Dried Bovine Plasma as an Alternative for Use of High Levels of Zinc Oxide

Abstract The study was designed to evaluate if feeding spray dried bovine plasma (SDP) in low Zn diets would maintain similar growth performance compared with a high Zn diet, as an alternative to high levels of supplemental zinc oxide. Pigs (1,548 Camborough F1 female x 800 boar line; PIC Canada) were weaned at 20 ± 1 d of age (body weight: 5.6 ± 0.2 kg), divided within gender, and allotted to a randomized block design using 48 pens in 2 rooms with 31, 32, or 33 pigs per pen. Feeding phases (P) were (P1) d 0-7, (P2) d 7-21, and (P3) d 21-49. Feed treatments were: 1) positive control (PC) with high supplemental zinc (P1, 3000; P2, 2000, and P3 150 ppm); 2) negative control (NC) with low zinc (P1-P3, 150 ppm); 3) NC + 5% SDP P1; and 4) NC + 5% SDP P1, 2.5% SDP P2. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Contrast statements were used to test effects of Zn supplementation (PC vs NC) or SDP inclusion in low Zn diets vs the PC or NC diets. Overall, from d 0 to 49, ADFI and ADG was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for pigs fed PC than for NC and SDP treatments. Pigs fed SDP had greater ADG and ADFI than NC pigs (P ≤ 0.02). At d 49, pigs fed the PC high zinc diets weighed 1.6 kg more (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than pigs fed the NC low Zn diets. Supplementation of SDP in low Zn diets increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADFI, ADG, and final BW by 0.55-0.59 kg compared with the NC diets. Supplementation of low zinc diets with SDP improved growth performance but resulted in lower final BW compared with the PC diets containing high zinc.