Nitrogen Digestibility Research Articles

Supplemental Effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gas Emission, Excreta Microbiota, and Meat Quality in Broilers

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, excreta microbiota, and meat quality in broilers. A total of two hundred eighty-eight, one-day-old Ross-308 chicks (mixed sex) were randomly allocated to one of two treatments with eight replicated cages (18 chicks per cage). For a period of 35 days, control treatment chicks were fed commercial corn-soybean meal-based (CON) mash form diet, whereas, LP (Lactobacillus plantarum) - chicks were fed CON with 0.10% L. plantarum supplement. The dietary inclusion of 0.10% L. Plantarum supplementation has a trend to increase the body weight gain (BWG) of broilers at day 7(p=0.079) and significantly increased at day 21 (p=0.011) and the overall trial period (p=0.037) compared to the CON diet. In addition, 0.10% L. plantarum supplementation to basal diet significantly decreased H2S (p=0.046) concentration. Also, it has significantly increased the excreta Lactobacillus population (p=0.041) and reduced the E. coli count (p=0.054) compared to the CON diet. However, throughout the trial there were no significant differences observed on nutrient digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy, as well as meat quality traits in broilers, fed 0.10% L. plantarum diet. In summary, the inclusion of L. plantarum supplementation has a beneficial effect on growth performance, excreta microbiota, and gas emission. From this, we conclude that 0.10% of L. plantarum could be a potential feed additive to enhance poultry production.

Effect of Dietary Lysine and Energy Levels on Apparent Nutrient, Nitrogen, and Amino Acids Digestibility of Local Muscovy Ducks

Effect of Dietary Lysine and Energy Levels on Apparent Nutrient, Nitrogen, and Amino Acids Digestibility of Local Muscovy Ducks

Dietary glucose oxidase supplementation improves growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and serum antioxidant enzyme parameters in growing pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing glucose oxidase (GOX; 1000 unit/g) to the diet of growing pigs on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, faecal bacteria counts, and serum antioxidant enzyme parameters. A total of 200 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 23.3 ± 0.33 kg were used in a 42-day trial. Pigs were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 10 replicate pens per treatment and five pigs (mixed sex) per pen based on the initial body weight. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet (control), control + 0.01% GOX, control + 0.02% GOX, or control + 0.03% GOX. One unit of GOX concentration is defined as the amount of enzyme which oxidises 1 μmol β-D-glucose per minute to D-gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide at 37 °C and pH5.5. Body weight on day 42 (p = .035), average daily gain during days 22–42 (p = .001) and 1-42 (p = .001), average daily feed intake during days 22–42 (p = .008) and 1–42 (p = .020), apparent nitrogen digestibility on day 42 (p = .029), apparent energy retention on day 42 (p = .032), and the concentrations of serum glutathione peroxidase (p = .044) and glutathione (p = .032) on day 42 increased linearly at graduated doses of GOX increased in the diet. Therefore, supplementing GOX to the diet of growing pigs could improve the apparent nutrient digestibility and serum antioxidant enzyme parameters in a dose-dependent manner, thus improving growth performance. In this study, the suitable dosage of GOX used in the diet of growing pigs was 0.03%. Highlights Feeding growing pigs with GOX containing diet has beneficial effects on the growth performance Dietary supplementation of GOX could improve the apparent nutrient digestibility in growing pigs The antioxidant status of growing pigs has improved by GOX supplementation.

Very low ileal nitrogen and amino acid digestibility of zein compared to whey protein isolate in healthy volunteers

Whey protein and zein are of nutritional interest due to their high leucine content, but little data are available on their amino acid (AA) ileal digestibility. This study aimed to determine ileal digestibility of whey protein isolate (WPI) and zein in healthy volunteers by use of the naso-ileal intubation method, which allows continuous collection of postprandial ileal digesta. Twenty-two healthy volunteers were intubated with a naso-ileal sampling device positioned at the terminal ileum level. They received a single meal of protein-free biscuits and a drink containing zein (n=8), WPI (n=7), or no protein (protein free, n=7). Ileal effluents and plasma samples were collected over a 9-h postprandial period. Total nitrogen and AA contents were quantified in effluents. True ileal digestibility was calculated after correction for endogenous losses evaluated in the protein-free group. True ileal nitrogen digestibility of zein was markedly lower than WPI (60.2±4.5% and 91.2±2.6%, respectively, P=0.0003). True ileal digestibility of AAs ranged from 87.4±2.7% for threonine to 98.4±1.0% for methionine in the WPI group, and from 59.3±5.6% for methionine to 69.0±5.8% for arginine in the zein group. The digestible indispensable AA (IAA) score was 1.03 (histidine) for WPI and close to 0 for zein, owing to its negligible lysine content. Plasma IAA concentration significantly increased after WPI intake (P=0.0319), whereas no effect of zein on aminoacidemia was observed, including plasma leucine, despite its high leucine content. Our findings provide data on ileal digestibility of WPI and zein AAs in healthy humans and, in contrast to WPI, zein is poorly digestible. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03279211.

Testing of the technology of cavitation treatment of sunflower oil sludge to increase the digestibility of feed for calf bulls

The article presents the results of research to assess the effectiveness of the developed technology for processing sunflower oil sludge, using cavitation, to increase the digestibility of feed and metabolism of calf bull. When introduced into the diet of sunflower oil sludge in the native form + 10 % (group II). It was established that the highest indices of digestibility of the majority of nutrients were in cavitated fuse. In particular, fodder enriched with fuse contributed to greater energy consumption and its more productive use. Digestible energy was higher by 7.1 % (P≤0.05) and 9 % (P≤0.05) in groups I and II, respectively. Metabolic energy exceeded the control level by 5.7 and 7.1 MJ. The inclusion of fuse in the compound feed increased nitrogen digestion by 4.5 % (P≤0.05) in group I and by 5.8 % (P≤0.01) in group II. At the same time, higher indicators are achieved when feeding with fuse treated by the cavitation method.

Effects of replacing groundnut cake with Gmelina arborea leaf meal in the diets of growing rabbits

Seventy-two (72) grower rabbit were used to assess the replacement of groundnut cake with Gmelina arborea leaf meal in the diets of grower rabbits and determining its effect on growth; nitrogen digestibility and the economics of rabbit production. There were six (6) dietary treatments with Gmelina arborea leaf meal replacing groundnut cake at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%. Each treatment was replicated three (3) times with four (4) rabbits per replicate in a completely randomize blocked design (CRBD). Proximate analysis of Gmelina arborea leaves on air-cured basis showed that the leaves contained Dry Matter of 92.8, Crude Protein of 12.2, Crude Fibre of 24.88, Ether Extract of 2.18, Ash of 10.5 and Nitrogen Free Extract of 49.3%; with a Metabolizable Energy of 480Kcal/g. Results showed that the final body weight, body weight gain and feed to gain ratio showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatments. The feed intake and cost of feed showed significant effect (P<0.05) between the treatments. The cost of feed decreased as more Gmelina arborea leaf meal replaced groundnut cake in the diets. Profit, gross profitability and feed cost efficiency increased as more Gmelina arborea leaf meal replaced groundnut cake in the diets. The study revealed that Gmelina arborea leaf meal can be used to replace 60% of groundnut cake in the diets of grower rabbits.

Effect of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, excreta microflora, blood constituents, and nutrient ileal digestibility in broiler chickens

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, excreta microflora, blood constituents, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens.MethodsA total of 680 one-d-old Ross 308 (as hatched) broiler chickens were used in a 35-d growth assay. Chicks were sorted into pens with 17 birds/pen and 10 pens/treatment. Treatment diets were contained either 44% or 48% crude protein (CP) soybean meal (SBM) with or without β-mannanase.ResultsUsing SBM containing 48% CP led to an improvement (p<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 1 to 14. Addition of β-mannanase to the diets significantly improved body weight gain (BWG) and FCR from d 1 to 14. During overall experimental period, BWG was affected (p<0.05) by CP level of SBM and inclusion of β-mannanase, but FCR and feed intake were not affected. Carcass characteristics were not influenced by treatment diets. The results showed that digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and energy was not affected by CP level of SBM and/or inclusion of β-mannanase. Among essential amino acids (EAA) apparent digestibility of valine, methionine, and leucine improved (p<0.05) by the addition of β-mannanase to the diets. The results demonstrated that ileal digestibility of DM, N, and energy was not affected by treatment diets. Among EAA, the ileal digestibility of valine and arginine was higher (p<0.05) in the diets containing 48% CP SBM and/or β-mannanase. Excreta Lactobacillus count increased (p<0.05) by the addition of β-mannanase to the diets. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and total protein level were not affected by treatments.ConclusionFeeding chickens with diets containing 44% CP SBM resulted in detrimental effects on growth performance and digestibility of nutrients, but addition of β-mannanase to the 44% CP diet improved the growth performance of chickens without any effects on carcass characteristics.

Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of WAD sheep fed ensiled maize stover and concentrate supplement

A study on effect of ensiled maize stover (EMS) and protein concentrate supplement (CS) on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of ensiled maize stover (EMS) and concentrate supplement (CS) by West African Dwarf ewe was carried out. were showed Fifteen West African dwarf ewe with body weight of 14-16 kg allotted to individual metabolic cage in completely randomized design after preliminary feeding trial. The treatments were: A (75% EMS + 25% CS), B (50% EMS + 50% CS), C (25% EMS + 75% CS), D (100%EMS) and E (100% CS). The digestibility study lasted for seven days to determine dry matter digestibility, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen retention of WAD ewe fed ensiled maize stover and concentrate supplement. Results that dry matter intake (DMI), digestible crude protein (DCP), digestible crude fibre (DCF), digestible nitrogen free extract (DNFE), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) ranged from 321.65- 694.41gDM/day, 3.99 - 12.30%, 7.32 - 17.23%, 33.35 – 38.85% and 63.65 – 70.92%, respectively. Dry matter intake of ewe fed sole ensiled maize stover (diet D) was lowest (321.65gDM/day) while animals on diet C (25% EMS+75%CS) had the highest (694.41gDM/d). Apparent digestibility of CP was lowest (3.99%) in ewe fed sole EMS and highest (12.20%) in ewe fed diet C (25% EMS + 75% CS). Positive N-balance was observed for all the five diets, but it was highest (P&lt; 0.05) in diet B (50%+50%) and lowest in diet D (100% EMS). Similarly, N-retention was highest (67.15%) in diet B and lowest (27.61%) in diet D. Therefore, diet made up of 50% ensiled maize stover and 50% concentrate is recommended for sheep production.

True ileal calcium digestibility in soybean meal and canola meal, and true ileal phosphorous digestibility in maize-soybean meal and maize-canola meal diets, without and with microbial phytase, for broiler growers and finishers

ABSTRACT 1. Published data on the ileal Ca digestibility in soybean meal (SBM) and canola meal (CM), and the effect of microbial phytase on the Ca digestibility of these ingredients are limited. Therefore, two experiments were conducted, with the primary objective of determining the true ileal digestibility of calcium (Ca) in SBM and CM, without and with microbial phytase, during broiler grower (Experiment 1) and finisher (Experiment 2) periods. A secondary objective was to investigate the influence of microbial phytase on the true ileal digestibility of phosphorus (P), apparent digestibility of nitrogen (N) and minerals, and phytate disappearance in maize-SBM and maize-CM diets. Six experimental diets based on SBM and CM, with three phytase doses (0, 500 and 2000 FTU/kg), were fed to broilers from day 18 to 21 (Experiment 1) or 39 to 42 (Experiment 2) post-hatch. A Ca- and P-free diet, with no added phytase, was also developed to determine the endogenous Ca and P losses. Titanium dioxide was incorporated in all diets as an indigestible indicator. Each experimental diet was randomly allocated to six replicate cages (eight birds per cage). Apparent ileal digestibility was calculated using the indicator method and the true ileal digestibility was calculated by correcting for endogenous losses. Apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of Ca and P was also measured. 2. Ileal endogenous losses of Ca and P were determined to be 236 and 310 mg/kg of dry matter intake (DMI), respectively, in broiler growers and 29 and 130 mg/kg of DMI, respectively, in broiler finishers. True ileal Ca digestibility coefficients of SBM and CM, without added phytase, were determined to be 0.51 and 0.53, respectively, in broiler growers and 0.33 and 0.22, respectively, in broiler finishers. Increasing phytase doses increased (P < 0.05) the true ileal Ca digestibility of CM in both broiler growers and finishers, but Ca digestibility of SBM increased (P < 0.05) only at the superdose (2000 FTU/kg) in broiler finishers. The ATTR of Ca (P < 0.001) in growers was higher in CM than in SBM and was increased in both ingredients by increasing phytase doses. In finishers, the ATTR of Ca was increased (P < 0.001) by both phytase doses in CM, but only by the superdose in SBM, resulting in an ingredient × phytase interaction (P < 0.001). 3. True ileal P digestibility coefficients of maize-SBM and maize-CM diets, without added phytase, were determined to be 0.89 and 0.66, respectively, in broiler growers and 0.82 and 0.57, respectively, in broiler finishers. Supplemental phytase increased (P < 0.05) the true ileal P digestibility of the maize-CM diet in both broiler growers and finishers. However, the P digestibility of the maize-SBM diet was increased (P < 0.05) in broiler finishers only at the superdose (2000 FTU/kg). The ATTR of P was higher (P < 0.001) in the maize-SBM diet during both periods. 4. The apparent ileal digestibility of N, Mg, K and Mn was higher (P < 0.001) in the maize-SBM diet for broiler growers and finishers. Phytase addition had no effect (P > 0.05) on the apparent digestibility of N and minerals in growers and finishers. 5. Increasing phytase doses increased IP6 disappearance in the maize-CM diet, but not in the maize-SBM diet, resulting in an ingredient × phytase interaction (P < 0.001) for growers and finishers. 6. In conclusion, true ileal Ca digestibility coefficients of SBM and CM for broilers were determined in this study. The findings confirmed the influence of broiler age of Ca digestibility. Superdosing of phytase increased the digestibility and ATTR of Ca in CM and SBM by two-fold compared to the normal phytase dose.

PSVI-3 Dietary supplementation with coated omega-3 fatty acids has positive effects on growth performance and nutrients digestibility in weaned pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coated omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 CFA) by corn cob power silica on performance of weaning pigs. A total of 200 weaned pigs [(Landrace x Yorkshire) x Duroc, average initial body weight at 6.97 ± 1.22 kg] were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments in a 6-week experiment in 3 phases as follows: CON, basal diet; 2) 0.3CFA, CON + phase 1(0.3% n-3CFA), phase 2(0.2% n-3CFA), phase 3(0.1% n-3CFA); 3) 0.6CFA, CON + phase 1(0.6% n-3CFA), phase 2(0.4% n-3CFA), phase 3(0.2% n-3CFA); 4) 0.9CFA, CON + phase 1(0.9% n-3CFA), phase 2(0.6% n-3CFA), phase 3 (0.3% n-3CFA). Each treatment had 10 replicates with 5 pigs (three gilts and two barrows) per replicate. The data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS as a randomized complete block design. Pen served as the experimental unit. Linear, quadratic and cubic polynomial contrasts were used to examine effect of dietary treatment with coated n-3FA in the basal diet. Variability in the data was expressed as the standard error of means and P&amp;lt; 0.05 was considered to statistically significant. Increasing the level of n-3CFA in the diet linearly increased ADG and G/F of pigs (Table 1). Increasing the level of n-3CFA showed a linear increment in the digestibility of DM (83.59, 84.38, 85.13, 85.89 %) whereas nitrogen digestibility (81.79, 82.38, 82.96, 83.64 %) showed a trend (linear effect, p=0.0594) at the end of experiment. The fecal lactobacillus count was increased (7.22, 7.27, 7.33, 7.35 log10cfu/g) with the increase in the supplemental level of n-3CFA (linear effect; p&amp;lt; 0.05). However, there were no differences in the concentration of serum haptoglobin, or fecal E. coli, Clostridium and Salmonella counts despite the increase in n-3CFA levels in the diet. Supplementation of the diet with coated n-3 fatty acids positively affected growth performance and digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen, and enhanced the count of lactobacillus in weaning pigs.

129 Effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and colonic pH in diets fed to weanling pigs

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on apparent digestibility and colonic pH of nursery pigs. Eighty pigs, of equal number of barrows and gilts (initial BW: 6.99 ± 1.67 kg), were weaned at 21 ± 1 d and randomly allotted to sixteen pens, with five pigs per pen. Two dietary treatments were implemented, a basal control (CON) and a control plus DFM (DFM). Both diets were corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains based, formulated to meet all or exceed all nutritional requirements, and manufactured on site. Diets were fed for 42 days. Performance measures were recorded weekly. On d 21 and 42 of the experiment, one pig per pen was randomly selected and euthanized, with equal number of males and females represented. Digestibility of specific nutrients was evaluated within the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ascending and distal colon. There were no overall differences in growth performance. Overall means ± SD were 0.51 ± 0.05 kg/d, 0.79 ± 0.05 kg/d and 0.66 ± 0.05 for ADG, ADFI, and G:F, respectively. Digestibility of tryptophan within the jejunum tended (P = 0.06) to increase with addition of DFM, as did cysteine (P = 0.12) and methionine (P = 0.10). The analysis also suggested that the impact of the DFM on the digestibility of amino acids may be early in the nursery phase. The pH of contents in ascending colon, a possible indicator of varied fiber digestion, did not differ. Likewise, no differences were observed between treatment in apparent total tract nitrogen and energy digestibility (analysis of distal colon contents). The addition of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based DFM appears to impact digestibility of select amino acids depending upon location in the gastrointestinal tract.

PSVIII-1 Determination of in vitro DM, N and NDF digestibility and fermentability in novel corn co-products for swine

Abstract New process technologies are being implemented in the ethanol industry resulting in new high protein corn co-products (HPCP) containing more gross energy and amino acids than conventional distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Thus, estimates of nutrient digestibility for HPCP are needed to assess potential feeding value for swine. Furthermore, yellow dent corn is the predominant grain source in U.S. ethanol and co-product production whereas flint corn is used in Brazil. This study determined and compared in vitro dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and fermentability of U.S. and Brazil corn DDGS and new HPCP. In vitro methods evaluated DM, N, and NDF digestibility and fermentability of 2 corn DDGS samples from U.S. (POET and ICM), 2 DDGS samples from Brazil (BR1 and BR2), 1 corn fiber and solubles sample (CF+S), 3 high protein distillers grains (HP-DDG) samples (BR-HP, US-HP, US-HPG1.5), and 2 HP-DDG samples containing high yeast (Ultramax; UM) and StillPro (SP). Digestibility of DM from hydrolysis varied and was greatest for UM (87.13%; P &amp;lt; 0.001) compared with all other co-products. Fermentability of DM was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and similar for UM (85.6%), SP (76.8%), and US-HP-DDG (72.8%) compared with other co-products. Digestibility of N was greater for UM (91.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.001) compared with all other co-products. NDF digestibility was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) for UM (62.5%) and SP (60.5%) compared with all other co-products. POET and ICM DDGS had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) DM hydrolysis (78.7% and 68.2%, respectively), than BR1 (37.2%) and BR2 (35.0%) and N digestibility (POET = 65.0%; ICM = 58.9%) compared with BR1 (54.4%) and BR2 (43.4%). These results suggest greater nutritional value for Ultramax and StillPro than conventional DDGS and HP-DDG sources (U.S. and Brazilian) due to greater DM, N, and NDF digestibility.

PSVI-5 Effect of apple and anise flavour supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and carcass quality in growing-finishing pigs

Abstract The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of different flavours (apple and anise) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and carcass quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 96 pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an average initial BW of 28.2 ± 0.7 kg were assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments. The treatments consisted of (1) CON, basal diet; (2) APF, basal diet + 0.05% apple flavour; (3) ANF, basal diet + 0.05% anise flavour. There were 8 replications (pens) per treatment and 4 pigs per pen (2 barrows and 2 gilts). The flavour was added at the expense of corn (0.05%). The experiment lasted for 15 wks. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) with the pen as the experimental unit. Variability in the data was expressed as the standard error of means (SEM) and a probability level of p &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. During week 0-5, pigs fed ANF diets had greater (p &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG and ADFI than those fed CON and APF diets. Dietary ANF treatment increased (p &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG during 0-15 week compared with CON treatment (Table 1). At the end of 5 week, the apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen in ANF treatment was improved (p &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with that in CON treatment (Table 1). There were no differences (p &amp;gt; 0.05) in the red blood cell and white blood cell counts or lymphocyte percentage among treatments. In conclusion, anise flavour supplementation could lead to significant improvement in ADG and N digestibility in growing pigs and the ADG was also higher in finishing pigs fed anise flavour supplemented diet. Furthermore, apple flavour supplementation had minor effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles or carcass quality in finishing pigs.

Effect of almond hulls as an alternative ingredient on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota diversity

The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 types of almond hulls (prime hulls and California-type hulls) as alternative feed ingredients for broilers. A total of 560 one-day-old Cobb male chicks were randomly placed to 7 experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. Seven treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal control diet and diets containing prime hulls or California-type hulls at 3, 6, and 9%. The nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy, crude protein, and crude fiber from prime hulls and California-type hulls were 1,624 and 1,514 kcal/kg, 4.8 and 5.0%, and 13.1 and 26.45%, respectively. During 0–19 d of age, the inclusion of the prime hulls at 3 levels had no significant effects on growth performance, but the California-type hulls at 9% increased feed intake (P = 0.02) and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01), compared with control. The prime hulls at 9% decreased (P < 0.01) ileal dry matter and ileal nitrogen digestibility, and the California-type hulls at 9% only decreased ileal dry matter digestibility, but both prime hulls and California-type hulls at 6% had no effects on ileal dry matter digestibility and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy compared to control. In addition, inclusion of prime hulls at 3% decreased (P < 0.01) AMEn compared with control group. There were no significant differences in cecal microbiota diversity at a phylum or genus level among treatments, but 9% inclusion rate of the California-type hulls increased (P < 0.05) the population of certain bacteria in the genus Clostridium and Oscillospira compared with control. In conclusion, as a dietary energy and fiber source, the prime hulls can be used at up to 9% without a negative effect on body weight gain, whereas the California-type hulls can be used up to 6%.

Assessment of the Cheese-making Ability of Individual Cow’s Milks from the Experimental Farm of the University of Mostaganem, Algeria

Background: The cheese-making ability of milks varies due to its chemical composition and several factors related to good farming practices.Methods: Among these factors, the lactation stage was studied on a batch of 15 Prim’Holstein dairy cows under real production conditions at the experimental farm of the University of Mostaganem. The fresh milks produced were tested with simple criteria of chemical composition in protein rate, butyrous rate, mineral intake, on coagulation ability and cheese yield with a repeatability spread over 3 months. Result: The results indicated that the lactation stage has a significant effect, on the composition of milk, especially in terms of protein and mineral richness and on its ability to coagulate. In addition, the urea dosage showed a deficiency in the food ration of digestible nitrogen to the herd directly influenced the protein mass of milk and consequently on the technological processing times and cheese yields.

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae Infection Reduces Digestive Function but Not Intestinal Integrity in Growing Pigs While Disease Onset Can Be Mitigated by Reducing Insoluble Fiber.

Swine dysentery (SD) induced by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae manifests as mucohemorrhagic diarrhea in pigs, but little is known about the changes that occur to the gastrointestinal tract during this disease. It is thought that dietary fibers alter disease pathogenesis, although the mechanisms of action are unclear. Thus, the objectives of this study were to characterize intestinal integrity, metabolism, and function in pigs during SD and determine if replacing insoluble fiber with fermentable fibers mitigates disease. Thirty-six B. hyodysenteriae-negative gilts [24.3 ± 3.6 kg body weight (BW)] were assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) B. hyodysenteriae negative, control diet (NC); (2) B. hyodysenteriae challenged, control diet (PC); and (3) B. hyodysenteriae challenged, highly fermentable fiber diet (RS). The NC and PC pigs were fed the same control diet, containing 20% corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The RS pigs were fed a diet formulated with 5% sugar beet pulp and 5% resistant potato starch. On days post inoculation (dpi) 0 and 1, pigs were inoculated with B. hyodysenteriae or sham. Pigs were euthanized for sample collection after onset of SD. The challenge had high morbidity, with 100% of PC and 75% of RS pigs developing clinical SD. The timing of onset of clinical SD differed due to treatment, with RS pigs having a delayed onset (dpi 9) of clinical SD compared with dpi 7 for PC pigs. Colon transepithelial resistance was increased and macromolecule permeability was reduced in PC pigs compared with NC pigs (P < 0.01). Minimal changes in ileal permeability, mitochondrial function, or volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were observed. Total VFA concentrations were lower in the colon and cecum in both PC and RS pigs compared to NC pigs (both P < 0.05), but iso-acids were higher (both P < 0.05). Total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was lower in PC pigs compared with both NC and RS pigs (both P < 0.001). These data indicate that SD reduces digestive function but does not reduce ex vivo intestinal integrity. Further, replacement of insoluble fiber with highly fermentable fibers mitigated and delayed the onset of SD.

Food-dependent set-up of the DiDGI® dynamic in vitro system: Correlation with the porcine model for protein digestion of soya-based food

The present study compared in vivo protein digestion in a miniature pig model with the dynamic in vitro system DiDGI®, using three digestive compartments (stomach, duodenum, and jejunum + ileum). Two soya-based meals—commercial soya milk and tofu—were studied, each with the same macronutrient content but different macrostructures. Our aim was to first deduce from the in vivo experiments in pigs key digestive parameters such as gastric pH, stomach emptying kinetics, and intestinal transit time, in order to design a relevant set-up for the dynamic in vitro system. Then, we compared digestive samples collected at fixed sampling times from both in vivo and in vitro models regarding different values related to proteolysis. We observed similar evolutions of gastric peptide distribution and duodenal proteolysis between models. Overall, apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen was similar in vitro and in vivo and the differences between the two meals were conserved between models.

Composting of anaerobic sludge from the co-digestion of used disposable nappies and expired food products

Anaerobic sludge originating from the co-digestion of used disposable nappies and expired food products treated in a pilot two-stage system was examined as feed material for a continuous pilot-scale composter (capacity: 300 L feed per week). The feed materials and final compost products were analyzed and evaluated for their suitability as compost materials. Ιn terms of stability, the compost products were identified as stable through static respiratory index measurement (0.11–0.24 g O2/(kg Volatile Solids h)), heavy metals concentrations were within acceptable limits (i.e. concentration of Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr, As lower than 1 mg/kg dry mass) as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (0.06–0.34 mg/kg dry mass lower than 6 mg/kg dry mass). During composting, significant losses of nitrogen from the digestate and the urea added for C/N correction were observed (51–75%), indicating that the adjustment of C/N ratio through the addition of chemicals is not efficient in composting processes with forced aeration and the pre-existing nitrogen in digestate was susceptible to air-stripping. The continuous composting process implemented proved capable of producing mature compost with a retention time of 14 d. The final products were within acceptable limits for all the parameters examined, except for the presence of pathogens (Salmonella and Enterococcus) which were not eliminated, even though the composter reached 56 °C for 3–4 days at the thermophilic stage. The characteristics of the anaerobic sludge samples examined indicate that direct land application of the anaerobic effluent should be considered as an option.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF SANTA INÊS SHEEP USING MULTIVARIATE TECHNICS

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to apply multivariate analysis techniques such as principal component and canonical discriminant analyses to a set of performance and carcass data of Santa Inês sheep, to identify the relationships and select the variables that best explain the total variation of the data, in addition to quantifying an association between performance and carcass characteristics. The main components generated were efficient in reducing a cumulative total variation of 25 original variables correlated to four linear combinations, which together explained 80% of the total variation of the data. The first two principal components together explained approximately 65% of the total variation of the variables analyzed. In the first two linear combinations, the characteristics with the highest factor loading coefficients were cold carcass weight (CCW), hot carcass weight (HCW), empty body weight (EBW), average weight (AW), croup width (CW), cold carcass yield (CCY), and hot carcass yield (HCY). The variables selected in the canonical discriminant analysis, in order of importance, were total carbohydrate intake (TCI), total digestible nitrogen intake (TDNI), dry matter intake (DMI), non-fibrous carbohydrate intake (NFI), and fiber detergent neutral intake (NDFI). The first canonical root shows a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.82, showing a high association between the performance variables. The classification errors in the discriminant analysis were less than 5%, which were probably due to the similarity between individuals for the studied traits. The multivariate techniques were adequate and efficient in simplifying the sample space and classifying the animals in their original groups.

Standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of protein sources for broiler chickens is influenced by the feed form

The aim of present study was to determine the influence of the feed form (FF) on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AA) in 3 protein sources (PS) for broiler chickens. Six diets were tested in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments involving 3 PS (meat and bone meal [MBM], soybean meal [SBM], and canola meal [CM]) in mash and pelleted forms. The basal endogenous N and AA losses were determined by offering a N-free diet in the mash form. From day 1 to 18, the birds were offered a broiler starter diet. The diets and the N-free diet were randomly assigned to 6 replicate cages (8 birds per cage) and fed from day 19 to 23. The ileal digesta were collected on day 23. The SID of N was higher (P < 0.05) in SBM followed by MBM and CM. The average SID of AA in SBM and MBM were similar (P > 0.05), and greater (P < 0.05) than that in CM. The FF had no influence (P > 0.05) on the SID of indispensable AA, the only exception being His, which was reduced (P < 0.05) by pelleting. Pelleting, however, resulted in reduction (P < 0.001) in the SID of all dispensable AA and average of AA. The AA most affected by pelleting was Cys, with a 15.4% decrease in the SID. The standardized ileal digestible contents of protein and the average of indispensable AA and dispensable AA were higher in MBM than in SBM, with CM being the lowest. Pelleting decreased (P < 0.05) the digestible protein and total digestible AA contents. These findings reveal that the FF has a substantial impact on AA digestibility estimates of feed ingredients and it must be considered in AA digestibility assays of ingredients with high protein and AA contents.