Nutrient Digestibility Coefficients Research Articles

Effect of slow release urea in sheep feed on intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal parameters

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% slow release urea (SRU) in sheep feed on the intake and total digestibility coefficient (DC) of nutrients and ruminal parameters of sheep living in tropical regions. Four sheep with a body weight (BW) average of 30.8 ± 1.7 kg were assigned to a Latin square design. The animals were placed in metabolic cages and received two meals a day. Intake data and DC of nutrients of the sheep were subjected to analysis of variance and differences were tested using a regression equation to 5% probability. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% SRU in sheep feed did not change (p > 0.05) the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral or acid detergent fiber (NDF, ADF), total carbohydrates (TC), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) expressed in g animal-1 day-1, g (kg0.75)-1, and % BW. The mean values of 3.04%, 2.82%, 0.41%, 0.07%, 1.36%, 0.87%, 2.31%, and 1.00% of BW were obtained for the intake of DM, OM, CP, EE, ANF, ADF, TC, and NFC, respectively. The inclusion of 0.0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% of SRU in sheep rations had a quadratic manner (p < 0.05) the DC of DM and CP, with maximum values of 69.67% and 63.59%, respectively, for 0.51% and 0.66% levels of SRU inclusion in the experimental diets. The pH of the rumen fluid did not vary (p > 0.05) for different levels of inclusion of SRU in the feed. However, the pH of the rumen fluid did differ (p < 0.05) in relation to time (T) after feeding for all experimental diets. The inclusion levels of SRU in sheep feed did not affect (p > 0.05) the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) of the rumen fluid, but there was a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) with relation to T for all experimental diets. Thus, we conclude that the inclusion of 0.66% SRU provides the best digestibility value of CP and is the appropriate value for the digestion of DM. The inclusion of up to 1.2% of SRU in sheep rations did not change the intake of nutrients and ruminal parameters.

Effects of including scrapes of residual dehydrated cassava in sheep feeding on intake and nutrient digestibility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the inclusion of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of scrapes residual dehydrated cassava (SRDC) in sheep feed on the intake and total digestibility coefficient (DC) of nutrients. We used four sheep with body weight (BW) of 26.0 kg, distributed in a Latin square design. The sheep were placed in metabolism cages and received two meals a day. The variables studied were subjected to analysis of variance and differences were tested using regression analysis at the 5% significance level. We determined that the inclusion of different concentrations of SRDC in sheep feeding did not modify (p > 0.05) the intake of intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), or total carbohydrates (TC) expressed in g animal-1 day-1, g kg0.75-1 and %BW). On average 2.83%, 2.58%, 0.34%, 0.07%, 1.62%, 0.91%, and 2.24% of the BW were obtained for intake of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF, and TC, respectively. However, the four experimental diets negatively affected the NFC intake and %BW (p < 0.05). Different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) of SRDC in sheep diets did not influence (p > 0.05) the digestibility coefficient of most of the variables measured (DM, OM CP, EE, NDF, ADF, TCH, NFC, with average values of 67.79%, 67.61%, 53.87%, 81.42%, 55.61%, 39.07%, 70.95%, and 91.48%, respectively. Thus, we conclude that the inclusion of up to 30% of SRDC in sheep diets would not affect intake or nutrient digestibility

INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF SOME TRACE MINERALS IN FORM OF NANOPARTICLES ON PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBIT

This study was conducted to evaluate effect of adding some trace minerals (copper, zinc and selenium) in Normal form and Nano form on productive and reproductive performance of rabbit. Seven diets supplemented with Control (0), 1g Normal copper Cu, 0.5g Nano Cu, 0.8g Normal Zinc (Zn), 0.4 g Nano Zn, 0.2 Normal selenium (Se) and 0.1mg Nano- Se /100kg of diet respectively. Thirty five New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits does (5 months old) with an average weight of 2.9Kg were randomly assigned individually to seven treatments (five does in each). All diets were formulated to be iso-nitrognous, iso-caloric, and satisfy the nutrient requirements according to Agriculture Ministry Decree (1996) recommendation. Does were housed in galvanized metal rabbit battery cages (60 x 50 x 40) supplied with separated feeders. Diets were offered in pellets form ad libtum and fresh water was available all times from automatic nipple drinkers. All animals were kept under the same managements and hygienic conditions. Result indicated that nano form of trace element used had improved the feed efficiency significantly (P≤ 0.05). Concerning milk yield values which recorded during suckling period were affected significantly (P≤ 0.05) by different treatments. Values ranged between 5.78 - 6.52 kg vs. 5.54 kg for control diets. The best one was for diet supplemented with Nano-zinc. Also, total gain of litter (Kg)/doe, mortality % of kids and feed conversion ratio were affected significantly (P≤ 0.05) by different treatments. Values for diet which supplemented with Nano- Cu were very closed from values for diets supplemented Nano-Se and Nano-Zn which were better than those which supplemented normal form and control diet. Results meanwhile, indicated that there is no significant difference in dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility between groups. Although, the digestion coefficients of different nutrients and nutritive values of diets contained trace minerals used (Cu, Zn and Se) were better in general than control group significantly (P≤ 0.05). Groups supplemented with Nano- Cu, Nano- Ze and Nano- Se were the best one’s in the digestion coefficients of different nutrients and nutritive values between all groups. Conclusively, adding copper, zinc and selenium in normal form and nano form with percentages used in breeding rabbit diets can be used economically without any adverse effects on rabbit reproductive performance.

INFLUENCE OF BIOLOGICALLY TREATED MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES MEAL BY LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STATUS OF GROWING RABBITS

The current study was conducted to shed more light on the beneficial effects of moringa leaves meal biologically treated with L. acidophilus (TMLM) as a promising feedstuff on growth performance, carcass traits, biochemical characteristics and digestibility coefficients of growing rabbits under different levels. This study was carried out at two stages; the first one was growth performance investigation that include eighty 5-weeks-old male rabbits were divided into four equal experimental groups, 20 rabbits of each in a complete random design and were allocated individually in double galvanized wire cages; the experimental groups were control 0% TMLM, 20% TMLM, 30%TMLM and 40% TMLM. The second was a digestibility study that investigates the effect of TMLM levels on digestibility coefficients of nutrients. The results showed that, rabbits fed diet containing 40 % treated moringa leaves meal (TMLM) had significantly (P≤ 0.05) the highest final body weight and daily weight gain being 2390 g and 31.13 g/day, respectively. In the same trend, rabbits fed 40 % TMLM had significantly (P≤ 0.05) the best feed conversion ratio (3.3), additionally; the carcass and dressing percentage were improved significantly (P≤ 0.05 or 0.01) in rabbits fed 40% MLM. The same trend was observed with nutrients digestibility and nutritive value, in comparing with control. Also, blood metabolites were significantly improved specially triglycerides and cholesterol. All of these results suggest that TMLM can be included in growing rabbit diets up to 40 % without any adverse effect on performance and physiological status of growing rabbits.

Organic acids in diets of weaned piglets: performance, digestibility and economical viability

ABSTRACT Organic acids are used as feed additives to promote growth of weaned piglets since they prevent the occurrence of diarrhea. Thus, performance and digestibility assays were conducted and economic viability of diets was evaluated. In the performance assays, 64 hybrid piglets weaned with a mean weight of 5.87±0.31kg were divided in a randomized block design consisting of 4 treatments, 8 repetitions and 2 piglets per experimental unit (1 castrated male and 1 female). In the digestibility assay, 24 castrated male hybrid piglets with a mean weight of 8.21±0.79kg were individually assigned to 4 treatments and 6 repetitions. The treatments in the two assays were as follows: control, basal diet without addition of an acidifier; blend: inclusion of 0.5% of a mixture of organic acids; butyrate: inclusion of 0.1% of sodium butyrate; blend+butyrate: inclusion of 0.5% of a mixture of organic acids and 0.1% sodium butyrate. There was no effect (P>0.05) of the acidifiers on animal performance during the period studied. Organic acids exerted no effect (P>0.05) on the apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients. Diets supplemented with sodium butyrate had an economic advantage for the period of 10-24 days. No episode of diarrhea was observed. This study demonstrated no effect of acidifier feed additives as growth promoters in complex diets for weaned piglets.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FEEDING REGIMES ON: 2- PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING BUFFALO HEIFERS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different feeding levels on productive and reproductive performance and some body measurements of growing buffalo heifers during the period from first services up to ninetieth days of pregnancy. Eighteen buffalo heifers at the first services were divided into three treated groups (6 heifers each) and received their feeding allowance according to Kearl, (1982) in which animals in group one (R1) fed 100% of their allowances up to the end of the experiment (control) and those in group two (R2) fed 80% of the allowances until heifers grow up to 300 kg, and then fed 100% of the allowances up to the end of the experiment, while those in the third group (R3) fed 80% of the allowances during the whole experimental period. Average age of heifers at first service was 517.3, 571.7 and 594.7 days old and live body weight were 347.8, 339.3 and 349.0 kg for R1, R2 and R3, respectively. Results indicated that heifers fed 80% of the allowance (R3) recorded the lowest values in most of nutrient digestion coefficients and feeding values (TDN and CP%) in comparison with the other experimental groups, while CF digestibility had the inverse trend. Also, animals in R3 recorded the lowest (P<0.05) blood constituents and oldest ages at first service and conception than those in other experimental groups. Heifers fed 100% of the allowance (R1) recorded the higher body condition score than those in the experimental groups. There were significant differences between heifers in both R1and R2 in comparison with those in R3 respecting the most of growth performance parameters and animals in both groups (R1 and R2) were significantly better than those in R2. However, Heifers fed 80% of the allowance (R3) had a better (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio expressed as the amount of intake of DM, TDN or CP than those in R1 and R2 groups. Interval from puberty to the first service or to conception was significantly shorter for heifers in R2 than those in R1 and R3 groups. Number of oestrous cycles from Puberty to the first service or to the conception was significantly the lowest with heifers in R1 followed by those in R2 then the highest values were recorded with those in R3 group. It could be concluded that feeding growing buffalo heifers at first service on (R2) had more beneficial effect on heifers’ reproductive performance, indicating positive reflection on the subsequent first lactation season of primiparous cows under Egyptian condition.

Partial replacement of fish-meal by soy protein concentrate and soybean meal based protein blend for juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish-meal replacement on growth performance, whole body composition, apparent digestibility coefficients and anti-oxidative ability of juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Five practical diets were formulated to contain graded levels (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) of fish-meal. Soy protein concentrate and soybean meal based protein blend was used to replace fish-meal, amino acids were supplemented in the low fish-meal diet to get similar amino acid profile as the high fish-meal diet. Weight gain, survival, feed conversion rate (FCR), feed intake and protein efficiency ratio (PER) did not show any significant differences between any of the groups. Alanine ratio in whole body were higher in shrimp fed high fish-meal diets while arginine decreased with the increasing fish-meal levels. The Fe content in whole body was significantly lower in shrimp fed the low fish-meal diets, while the other minerals showed no difference among all the groups. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, protein, Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mg were equal in all the treatments, while ADC of Fe decreased with the decreasing fish-meal levels. When dietary fish-meal decreased, the anti-oxidant related enzymes activity (Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and Catalase (CAT)). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was unaffected by treatments. Nitric oxide (NO) contents in hemolymph significantly decreased with the decreasing fish-meal levels, while Phenoloxidase (PO) was unaffected. The results indicated that growth performance and apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients were not affected when fish-meal was replaced from 25% to 5%, but anti-oxidative ability and immune response were damaged after fish-meal level decreased to 15%. Statement of relevanceThe results of this manuscript contribute to the commercial feed industry of white shrimp, it will be helpful in fish meal replacement, which is very important to the sustainable development of aquaculture.

Effect of probiotic strain addition on digestive organ growth and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

Pigs are exposed to different types of stress. The growth-promoting antibiotics (GPA) used to counteract this stress generate residues in the final product and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms to the environment and humans. As an alternative to GPA, probiotic bacteria have been used to provide health benefits to these animals. This study aimed to determine the comparitive effect of probiotic strain addition on digestive organ growth and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. Eighty piglets weaned at 21 days were fed two diets: a commercial diet with and without antibiotic added. Different probiotics were added to the drinking water for pigs fed the antibiotic-free diets (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus or Enterococcus faecium). Thirty-five piglets were slaughtered sequentially at days 1, 15 and 30 post-weaning, and their digestive organs were extracted. Feces were also sampled by rectal collection at days 15, 30 and 45 post-weaning, in order to estimate apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients (indigestible marker). A significant increase was observed in the weight and development of digestive organs and in the nutrient digestibility percentages, especially for calcium and phosphorus, when comparing the animals that consumed E. faecium with those that consumed antibiotic. The addition of probiotic strains (especially E. faecium) can be considered as an alternative to the use of GPA when these strains are administered in pig diets during critical stages of their growth (post-weaning), since they improve the digestibility of economically and environmentally important nutrients including calcium and phosphorus, thus decreasing their release into the environment.

Digestibility of vegetal energetic ingredients supplemented with phytase for silver catfish (Rhamdia voulezi)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the digestibility of nutrients in oats, rice grits and wheat middlings by the silver catfish (Rhamdia voulezi), with and without phytase. Two hundred eighty-eight fish were distributed in 24 tanks of 500L with tapered conical bottoms. The experimental design was completely randomized, represented by eight treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of the development of eight diets (reference with and without phytase, oats with or without phytase, rice grits with or without phytase and wheat middlings with or without phytase) in a factorial scheme. The diets using the ingredients were composed of 70% of the reference diet and 30% of the ingredient. In the supplemented diets, we used 1500FTUKg−1 of phytase. We performed physico-chemical and mineral analyses of the ingredients, diets and feces and performed the reading of chromium oxide in the diets and feces. The supplement of 1500FTUKg−1 in the diet improves the coefficients of nutrient digestibility, mainly for oats and rice grits. Considering the feeds supplemented or not with 1500FTUKg−1 in the diet, the rice grits and wheat middlings have higher values of use of their nutrients and can be used more efficiently in feeding catfish (R. voulezi).

The combined effects of feeding time and dietary lipid levels on growth performance in juvenile beluga sturgeon Huso huso

Juvenile beluga sturgeon, Huso huso (initial weight 50 ± 0.2 g), were fed with two lipid levels (120 g kg−1 lipid as low-energy diet, LE; 240 g kg−1 lipid as high-energy diet, HE) at different feeding times for 8 weeks, and the effects on growth, hematology, muscle composition, and apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, lipid, and protein were examined. Feeding times were as follows: (1) at 09:00 and 16:00 (under light regime), (2) at 21:00 and 04:00 (under dark regime), and (3) at 13:00 and 20:00 (under light–dark regime). Dietary lipid levels did not affect the hematological indices or apparent digestibility coefficients of dietary nutrients (P > 0.05); however, they affected the growth and muscle composition (P 0.05). Accordingly, juvenile beluga sturgeon can be fed at different times of the day without suffering growth loss, because probably, they have a low dependency on vision to detect food.

Effects of crude glycerin from waste vegetable oil supplementation on feed intake, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and nitrogen utilization of goats.

This experiment was evaluation of the effects of increasing concentrations of crude glycerin from waste vegetable oil (CGWVO) in diets on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and nitrogen balance of goats. Four crossbred male (Thai Native × Anglo Nubian) goats, with an average initial body weight (BW) of 31.5 ± 1.90kg, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments contained 0, 2, 4, and 6% of dietary dry matter (DM) of CGWVO. Based on this experiment, there were significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatment groups regarding DM intake and digestion coefficients of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF), which goats receiving 6% of CGWVO had lower daily DMI and nutrient intake than those fed on 0, 2, and 4% of CGWVO. Ruminal pH, NH3-N, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration were unchanged by dietary treatments, except that for 6% of CGWVO supplementation, NH3-N, and BUN were lower (P < 0.05) than for the diets 0% of CGWVO, while the differences between the diets 0, 2, and 4% of CGWVO were not significant. The amounts of N absorption and retention were similar among treatments, except that for 6% of CGWVO which N absorption was lower (P < 0.05) than among treatments while the difference between the diets 0, 2, and 4% of CGWVO were not significant. Based on this study, CGWVO levels up to 4% in total mixed ration could be efficiently utilized for goats. This study was a good approach in exploiting the use of biodiesel production from waste vegetable oil for goat production.

The influence of meat-and-bone meal and exogenous phytase on growth performance, bone mineralisation and digestibility coefficients of protein (N), amino acids and starch in broiler chickens.

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of meat-and-bone meal (MBM) and phytase inclusion on growth performance, bone mineralisation and apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients in broiler chickens offered wheat-based diets. The feeding study comprised 7 dietary treatments: positive control (PC, 9.0% Ca and 4.5% available phosphorous [AvP] in starter, 7.0% Ca and 3.5% AvP in finisher); negative control (NC, 7.2% Ca and 3.0% AvP in starter, 5.2% Ca and 2.0% AvP in finisher) diets incorporating a 3 × 2 factorial array of 3 MBM inclusions (0, 60, 120 g/kg) and 2 levels of phytase supplementation (0 and 1,000 FYT/kg). Each treatment was allocated to 6 replicated pens with 30 birds per pen in an environmentally-controlled deep litter facility. A total of 1,260 one-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were offered starter diets from 1 to 14 days post-hatch and finisher diets from 15 to 36 days post-hatch. There were significant (P < 0.05) interactions between MBM inclusions and phytase supplementation on weight gain and feed intake in starter diets. Phytase significantly increased weight gain in diets without MBM and did not influence weight gain in diets with 60 and 120 g/kg MBM. Collectively, increasing MBM inclusion significantly reduced weight gain in starter diets (P < 0.0001). There were dietary interactions (P < 0.01) on toe ash where phytase significantly improved toe ash in diet without MBM and did not influence toe ash in the other two groups of negative control diets. There were no dietary treatment interactions on apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of starch and protein except that diets without MBM had significantly (P < 0.01) lower ileal starch digestibility and diets with 120 g/kg MBM had significantly (P < 0.0001) lower ileal protein digestibility. No dietary influence on ileal fat digestibility was observed. There were dietary interactions on ileal digestibilities of isoleucine, valine and glycine. Phytase significantly increased glycine digestibility in diets with 60 and 120 g/kg MBM but not in diets without MBM. Including 120 g/kg MBM significantly (P < 0.01) depressed apparent digestibility coefficients of 13 ex 16 amino acids in the distal ileum. This study demonstrated the negative impacts of MBM on amino acid digestibility and growth performance. Also, responses to phytase were more pronounced in diets without MBM, which may have been due to their relatively lower available P and higher phytate concentrations in comparison to diets containing MBM.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIETARY STARCH AND PROTEIN LEVELS ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBITS

Seventy two New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) at 25 days of age were used to study the effect of of different dietary starch and protein levels on productive performance, nutrients digestibility coefficients, carcass characteristics, digestive tract measurements, blood constituents, enzymes activity and economical evaluation. The rabbits were fed on six experimental diets containing 3 levels of starch {16 (LS), 19 (MS) and 22% (HS)} and 2 levels of protein {14 (LP) and 16% (OP)} in a factorial arrangement design. The results obtained are summarized as follows:- Best results for live body weight (LBW) were obtained for rabbits fed 16% starch and 14% protein diet at the end of growth period (81 days of age). Decreasing of dietary starch and protein levels had a positive effect on average daily body weight gain (DBWG) in overall growth period (25-81 d.). Daily feed consumption (DFC) was affected by different levels of starch, but no protein level. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved at moderate dietary starch and low dietary protein levels. Mortality rate of growing rabbits improved due to decreasing dietary protein levels. However, dietary starch levels had no effect.- Rabbits fed low levels of starch and protein in their rations significantly increased DM, OM, CP, NFE, starch and sugar digestibility coefficients and nutritive values (TDN and DCP). Neither dietary starch nor protein levels had impact on CF, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and EE digestibility.- There were not significant effects of starch and protein levels on dressing percentage, hot carcass weights (%), blood total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, liver activity enzymes (GOT and GPT). While, high starch level in the diet increased significantly liver weight (%) regardless of protein content.- Blood glucose, triglycerides and total protein content, amylase and protease enzymes activity in the stomach, ileum and cecum were significantly increased, while degree of pH for stomach, ileum and cecum contents was decreased by decreasing starch and protein levels in the diet. In addition, non-significant was observed in the cellulase and carboxymethylcellulase as affected by the different levels of protein and starch in all segents of the digestive tract. The results show that, total VFAs in the cecum and blood were high with 16% starch and 14% protein.- Economic efficiency and performance index were improved for rabbits fed (MS-LP) diet. However, production efficiency factor was improved for rabbits fed (LS-LP) diet. In growing rabbits, it was concluded that high correlation exists between dietary starch and protein levels which was reflected on productive performance, digestibility coefficients, digestive tract measurements and economic efficiency.

INCLUSION OF DRIED AGRO-INDUSTRIAL STRAWBERRY BY- PRODUCTS IN GROWING RABBIT DIETS

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of using dried strawberry by-product (ASB) in growing rabbit diets on growth performance, nutrients digestibility coefficients, some blood parameter and relative economic efficiency. Seventy two weaned male New Zealand White rabbits at 6 weeks received diets containing 0, 25, 50 and 75% ASB as a replace of berseem hay. The growth trial lasted for 8 weeks. Results obtained could be summarized as follows: There were significant increases in body weight gain with increasing ASB levels in the diets. Whereas, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by ASB feeding. Ether extract digestibility coefficients were significantly decreased with increasing dietary level of ASB, while the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP and CF were higher in treatments containing ASB, while the digestibility coefficients of OM, CP and CF were significantly higher in treatments containing ASB. Dressing percentages of rabbits were significantly higher with 75% ASB feeding compared with other treatments. Dietary ASB treatments had no significant effects on meat chemical analysis (moisture, DM and CP contents). But EE and ash contents were decreased with ASB feeding. Blood plasma concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, vLDL and total lipids were significantly decreased with increasing the level of ASB in rabbit diets. Feeding ASB had a significant positive effect on blood plasma antioxidant profile. Leveling up dietary ASB inclusion rate decreased MDA level and increased the TAC capacity in an incremental manner with increasing ASB of the diet. Using ASB as a feed ingredient improved the relative economic efficiency of diets. It could be concluded that ASB can be used in the growing rabbit diets with no adverse effects on performance and health status of the rabbit. Besides, ASB could reduce the cost of the diet.

Soybean Hulls in Equine Feed Concentrates: Apparent Nutrient Digestibility, Physicochemical and Microbial Characteristics of Equine Feces

The aim of this study was to evaluate the soybean hulls inclusion in concentrates for horses as an alternative fiber source, through the apparent digestibility of nutrients and physicochemical characteristics of the feces. Five mares (3.5 ± 0.8 year old; 492.5 ± 44.5 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Experimental diets were formulated for animals at maintenance and were composed of 60% energy from forage (Coastcross hay) and 40% from a concentrate, with increasing levels of soybean hulls (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28%). The inclusion of soybean hulls at any level in the concentrate had no effect (P > .05) on the following parameters: apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the diet; feces pH, buffering capacity (BC) to pH 5 (BC 5) and to pH 6 (BC six), and ratios of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Diets with up to 28% soybean hulls in the concentrate can be used as equine feed without negatively affecting digestibility, the SCFAs concentrations or selected microbiota, and physicochemical characteristics in the feces.

The Effects of Dietary Phosphorus on the Growth Performance and Phosphorus Excretion of Dairy Heifers.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of reducing dietary phosphorus (P) on the frame size, udder traits, blood parameters and nutrient digestibility coefficient in 8- to 10-month-old Holstein heifers. Forty-five heifers were divided into 15 blocks according to the mo of age and were randomly assigned one of three dietary treatments: 0.26% (low P [LP]), 0.36% (medium P [MP]), or 0.42% (high P [HP]) (dry matter basis). Samples were collected at the wk 1, 4, 8. The results show that low dietary P had no effect on body measurement. The blood P concentration decreased with decreasing dietary P (p<0.05), while the blood calcium content of LP was higher than that of the MP and HP groups (p<0.05), though still in the normal range. The serum contents of alkalinephosphatase, potassium, and magnesium were similar among the treatments. No differences were found in all nutrients’ apparent digestibility coefficients with varied dietary P. However, with P diet decreased from HP to LP, the total fecal P and urine P concentration declined significantly, as did fecal water soluble P (p<0.05). In conclusion, reducing the dietary P from 0.42% to 0.26% did not negatively affect the heifers’ growth performance but did significantly lessen manure P excretion into the environment.

Apparent digestibility of nutrients, energy, and amino acid of nontoxic and detoxified physic nut cakes for Nile tilapia

Abstract:The objective of this work was to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients, energy, and amino acids of nontoxic and detoxified physic nut cakes treated with solvent plus posterior extrusion, for Nile tilapia. The apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein and gross energy were higher for detoxified than for nontoxic physic nut cake. However, the apparent digestibility coefficient of ether extract of the nontoxic physic nut cake was higher than that of the detoxified one. The apparent digestibility coefficient of amino acids of both feed ingredients was superior to 80%, except for glycine, for the nontoxic psychic nut cake, and for threonine, for the detoxified one. Nontoxic and detoxified physic nut cakes show apparent digestibility coefficient values equivalent to those of the other evaluated oilseeds and potential for inclusion in Nile tilapia diets.

Gastrointestinal evacuation time, but not nutrient digestibility, of greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata Donovan, is affected by water temperature and age

Abstract The effects of water temperature (14, 18, 22 and 26 °C) and age (2-y-old, 6.7 g; 3-y-old, 25.7 g) on the gastrointestinal evacuation (GIE) time and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients (ADC) for greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata). GIE time of greenlip abalone was evaluated using a marker diet containing chromic oxide and the total faecal collection technique. Additionally, GIE values were compared from samples collected from abalone that were sampled once only or repeatedly to compare the rigour of each method. GIE time was also assessed using radiography. GIE times were significantly affected by water temperature (P 0.05) but were affected by age (P

Dietary marker effects on fecal microbial ecology, fecal VFA, nutrient digestibility coefficients, and growth performance in finishing pigs.

Use of indigestible markers such as Cr2O3, Fe2O3, and TiO2 are commonly used in animal studies to evaluate digesta rate of passage and nutrient digestibility. Yet, the potential impact of indigestible markers on fecal microbial ecology and subsequent VFA generation is not known. Two experiments utilizing a total of 72 individually fed finishing pigs were conducted to describe the impact of dietary markers on fecal microbial ecology, fecal ammonia and VFA concentrations, nutrient digestibility, and pig performance. All pigs were fed a common diet with no marker or with 0.5% Cr2O3, Fe2O3, or TiO2. In Exp. 1, after 33 d of feeding, fresh fecal samples were collected for evaluation of microbial ecology, fecal ammonia and VFA concentrations, and nutrient digestibility, along with measures of animal performance. No differences were noted in total microbes or bacterial counts in pig feces obtained from pigs fed the different dietary markers while Archaea counts were decreased (P = 0.07) in feces obtained from pigs fed the diet containing Fe2O 3compared to pigs fed the control diet. Feeding Cr2O3, Fe2O3, or TiO2 increased fecal bacterial richness (P = 0.03, 0.01, and 0.10; respectively) when compared to pigs fed diets containing no marker, but no dietary marker effects were noted on fecal microbial evenness or the Shannon-Wiener index. Analysis of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis gels did not reveal band pattern alterations due to inclusion of dietary markers in pig diets. There was no effect of dietary marker on fecal DM, ammonia, or VFA concentrations. Pigs fed diets containing Cr2O3 had greater Ca, Cu, Fe, and P (P ≤ 0.02), but lower Ti ( P= 0.08) digestibility compared to pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed diets containing Fe2O3 had greater Ca (P = 0.08) but lower Ti (P = 0.01) digestibility compared to pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed diets containing TiO2 had greater Fe and Zn (P ≤ 0.09), but lower Ti ( P= 0.01) digestibility compared to pigs fed the control diet. In Exp. 2, no effect of dietary marker on pig performance was noted. Overall, the data indicate that the inclusion of Cr2O3, Fe2O3, or TiO2 as digestibility markers have little to no impact on microbial ecology, fecal ammonia or VFA concentrations, nutrient digestibility, or pig growth performance indicating they are suitable for use in digestion studies.

Effects of Supplementation of Eucalyptus (E. Camaldulensis) Leaf Meal on Feed Intake and Rumen Fermentation Efficiency in Swamp Buffaloes.

Four rumen fistulated swamp buffaloes were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate the effects of Eucalyptus (E. Camaldulensis) leaf meal (ELM) supplementation as a rumen enhancer on feed intake and rumen fermentation characteristics. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 = 0 g ELM/hd/d; T2 = 40 g ELM/hd/d; T3 = 80 g ELM/hd/d; T4 = 120 g ELM/hd/d, respectively. Experimental animals were kept in individual pens and concentrate was offered at 0.3% BW while rice straw was fed ad libitum. The results revealed that voluntary feed intake and digestion coefficients of nutrients were similar among treatments. Ruminal pH, temperature and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were not affected by ELM supplementation; however, ELM supplementation resulted in lower concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen. Total volatile fatty acids, propionate concentration increased with the increasing level of EML (p<0.05) while the proportion of acetate was decreased (p<0.05). Methane production was linearly decreased (p<0.05) with the increasing level of ELM supplementation. Protozoa count and proteolytic bacteria population were reduced (p<0.05) while fungal zoospores and total viable bacteria, amylolytic, cellulolytic bacteria were unchanged. In addition, nitrogen utilization and microbial protein synthesis tended to increase by the dietary treatments. Based on the present findings, it is suggested that ELM could modify the rumen fermentation and is potentially used as a rumen enhancer in methane mitigation and rumen fermentation efficiency.