Nutritional Efficiency Research Articles

Coffee seedling growthafter legume cultivation in soils with contrasting phosphorus contents

Coffee seedling growth depends on soil phosphorus (P) availability and may be influenced by from pre-cultivation with legumes. Efficient and sustainable ways to increase the bioavailability of P through the recovery of P adsorbed by the soil matrix should be sought. This study proposed to evaluate the growth and P-use efficiency of coffee seedlings cultivated in soils with different P availability after cultivation with legumes. The experiment was carried out in a fully randomized design. Treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme [(2 x 4) + 1]: two soil types, pre-cultivation with four legume species, and one control (withoutpre-cultivation). The studied soils comprised a Typical Acriferic Red Oxisol (LVwf) with low-P availability and a Typical Chernossolic Litholytic Entisol (RLm) with high-P availability. The legume species Crotalaria juncea, Cajanus cajan, Canavalia ensiformis, and Mucuna aterrima were previously cultivated for 45 days. Afterwards, coffee seedlings were transplanted to the pots, which were then grown for 120 days until evaluations. We assessed the following parameters: plant height (H), stem diameter (SD), shoot dry matter (SDM), root dry matter (RDM), total dry matter (TDM), and shoot contents of macronutrients. Our results showed that coffee seedlings grew more when cultivated in the high-P availability soil, with increments of 13.05% in H, 4.86% in SD, 46.98% in SDM, 17.61% in RDM, and 41.80% in TDM.We also observed an increase of 28.09% in shoot P contents for coffee seedlings grown in RLm. Moreover, pre-cultivationwith C. juncea provided the largest increases in coffee seedling growth compared to the control. When grown after C. ensiformis cultivation, coffee seedlings had the highest shoot contents of P, Ca, Mg, and S, which, compared to control, increased by 45%, 39%, 18%, and 17%, respectively. Keywords: Canavalia ensiformis; Crotalaria juncea; Coffea arabica; phosphate fertilization; nutritional efficiency.

Effect of Bast Fibre Crops and Their Biochemicals on Nutritional Indices of Spilosoma Obliqua (Walker)

This study is on the nutritional efficiency of the host plants viz., Corchorus olitorius, C. capsularis, Hibiscus cannabinus, H. sabdariffa, Crotoloria juncea and Boemheria nivea and their biochemical influences on Bihar hairy caterpillar Spilosoma obliqua (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). The results revealed that the nutritional and biochemical parameters varied significantly with the infested and uninfested host plants. The growth rate of 5th instar larvae varied from 13.06 mg/ day in B. nivea to 17.90 mg/ day in C. olitorius; it was 14.80 ± 0.69, 16.74 ± 0.74, 14.94 ± 0.29 and 15.06 ± 0.26 mg/ day on C. capsularis, H. cannabinus, H. sabdariffa, C. juncea and B. nivea, respectively. Thus, C. olitorius appeared to be the most suitable food source for growth and development of S. obliqua. Peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were elicited by the infestation of S. obliqua indicating their role in insect defence. Higher phenol and peroxidase content in the host plants adversely affected the food utilization indices. This is the possible explanation for variation in food consumption and development of S. obliqua; and it might be due to significant differences in the biochemical contents of the evaluated bast fibre crops.

Efficiency of nitrogen and potassium application on phytotechnical parameters and yield of melon

Phytotechnical parameters, yield and fertilizer use efficiency are relevant to the rational management of fertigation, especially in cultivation of high technological level. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the influence and efficiency of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) application on the phytotechnical parameters, yield and nutritional efficiency of yellow melon in a fertigation system. The experiment was conducted in the city of Bom Jesus-PI, Brazil, from January to April 2016, in a strip-block design with four replicates, and the treatments consisted of five N levels (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1 in the form of urea) and five K levels (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg ha-1 in the form of potassium chloride), applied through fertigation. Collar diameter, main branch length, leaf chlorophyll content, number of leaves, leaf area index, biomass accumulation, fruit yield, and N and K use efficiencies were evaluated. Applications of 180 kg ha-1 of N and 240 kg ha-1 of K, respectively, led to the highest growth of the melon, while maximum production was obtained with the use of 112.50 and 165 kg ha-1 of N and K, respectively. The efficiency of N and K use decreased with increasing levels.

Ammonium supply enhances growth and phosphorus uptake of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) seedlings compared to nitrate

Nitrogen (N) is the mineral nutrient required in greater quantities by plants with deficiencies affecting crop production. Nitrate (NO3 -) and ammonium (NH4 +) are the inorganic N forms most readily available for plant uptake. We investigated the influence of ammonium and nitrate rates on growth, nutritional status, chlorophyll production, and nutritional efficiency in mahogany seedlings, grown in an Oxisol soil under greenhouse conditions. Treatments were five N rates (50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 mg dm−3 N) in ammonium and nitrate forms and control treatment (0 mg dm−3 N), in a factorial design with five replications. The plants were harvested for evaluation at 150 days after transplanting. N supply affected mahogany growth, mainly in the production of leaf tissue. The maximum economic efficiency of N rates for production of leaf tissue was around 190 mg dm−3 N. The ammonium supply enhanced leaf tissue production, with a 20% increase in leaf area and 15% in leaf dry matter compared to nitrate. Furthermore, the plants showed a preference for ammonium uptake in rates above 200 mg dm−3 N, which indicates that the preference for N form was dependent on the concentration of N in the soil. The ammonium supply enhanced nutritional status, mainly phosphorus, demonstrating high synergism on uptake of this nutrient. Conversely, a strong antagonism between nitrate and phosphorus uptake was observed. Thus, ammonium enhanced the growth and nutritional status of mahogany seedlings and must be prioritized in its fertilization.

Divergence in Gut Bacterial Community Structure between Male and Female Stag Beetles Odontolabis fallaciosa (Coleoptera, Lucanidae).

Simple SummaryIntestinal microbiota play crucial roles for their hosts. Odontolabis fallaciosa shows striking sexual dimorphism and male trimorphism, which represents an interesting system to study their gut microbiota. We have compared the intestinal bacterial community structure between the two sexes and among three male morphs of O. fallaciosa. The gut bacterial community structure was significantly different between males and females. The females were associated with higher bacterial alpha-diversity relative to males. Large males had a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio, which contributed to nutritional efficiency. The results increased our understanding of beetle–bacterial interactions of O. fallaciosa between the two sexes, and among three male morphs, which might reveal the relationship among the gut microbiota, nutrition level, and phenotypic evolution of the stag beetle.Odontolabis fallaciosa (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) is a giant and popular stag beetle with striking sexual dimorphism and male trimorphism. However, little is known about their intestinal microbiota, which might play an indispensable role in shaping the health of their hosts. The aim of this study was to investigate the intestinal bacterial community structure between the two sexes and among three male morphs of O. fallaciosa from China using high-throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). The gut bacterial community structure was significantly different between males and females, suggesting that sex appeared to be the crucial factor shaping the intestinal bacterial community. Females had higher bacterial alpha-diversity than males. There was little difference in gut bacterial community structure among the three male morphs. However, compared to medium and small males, large individuals were associated with the higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio, which might contribute to nutritional efficiency. Overall, these results might help to further our understanding of beetle–bacterial interactions of O. fallaciosa between the two sexes, and among the three male morphs.

PSX-1 A newly developed pectinase from Aspergillus terreus enhanced feed utilization and milk production of Damascus goats fed pectin-rich diet

Abstract A newly developed pectinase from Aspergillus terreus was compared with a commercially available pectinase at 600 IU/kg feed. Thirty (one-week postpartum) Damascus goats stratified by previous milk production, body weight and parity were divided into three experimental treatments. Does were fed a basal diet containing concentrates, orange silage, sugar beet pulp and wheat straw at 50:20:20:10, respectively with (a newly developed pectinase or commercial pectinase) or without a supplement (control treatment). No difference (P >0.05) was noted for feed intake but the newly developed pectinase increased (P < 0.01) nutrient digestibility, diet nutritive value and milk production efficiency more than the other treatments. Out of all the blood parameters, only serum glucose was affected by the treatments with highest (P = 0.025) value noted for the new pectinase. Similarly, the new pectinase increased daily milk production (P < 0.005) and the concentrations of milk components compared to the other two treatments. Additionally, pectinase (both the commercial and new) inclusion increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of total conjugated linoleic acid and unsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio, and decreased atherogenic index (P = 0.01) compared with control treatment. It is concluded that the supplementation of the diet of lactating goats with pectinase at 600 IU/kg feed will enhance feed digestion and milk production. The newly developed pectinase performed better than the commercial pectinase.

196 Animal Nutrition: How are we serving our clientele through Extension?

Abstract Nutritional management is a crucial component of animal production and enterprise economic sustainability. Nutritional value of feedstuffs and nutrient requirements of livestock are often misunderstood by producers and feedstuff providers. Extension specialists support the continuing education of the livestock industry by communicating nutritional research results to county agents and clientele. A survey of Extension specialists in the ASAS Southern Section was conducted to understand the current state of nutritional education strategies in the region. The goal was to identify: 1) specialist background knowledge, 2) industries specialists serve, and 3) processes, tools, and resources used to maximize nutritional efficiency. The survey was answered by 25 specialists from 13 states. Among the 13 states, 1 state has 5 or more specialists providing nutritional assistance, while 6 indicated only 1 or 2, and the average number of specialists was 2.8 per state. Of the specialists, 13% indicated their background was feedlot nutrition, 47% forages, and 40% both. Animal industries supported included 85% for beef cattle, 3.5% for sheep and goats, and the remainder for other species such as dairy and horses. Currently, 9 states offer forage/feed analysis, and in the states that do not offer the service, specialists indicated that commercial laboratories were utilized. More specialists indicated they may require a forage analysis (70%) compared to grain/byproduct feeds (55%) before providing recommendations. When formulating feed recommendations, specialists indicated that 33% were performed by hand and 67% by computer program. All states indicated that they perform at least 1 agent and (or) stakeholder training per year on ration balancing. Additionally, when asked to characterize the nutritional knowledge of agents, specialists indicated 16% were capable of handling most nutritional issues, 23% could handle some issues, 41% had minimal familiarity with animal nutrition, and 19% were considered focused on other areas. These results indicate specialist knowledge base and tools to understand feedstuffs are present in the region. Stakeholders may benefit by understanding information required for nutritional assessment and recommended changes to meet production goals. Additionally, there is potential to work across state lines to utilize expertise in specific areas.

Biological Impact and Enzyme Activities of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Response to Synergistic Action of Matrine and Beauveria brongniartii.

Matrine, a naturally occurring heterocyclic compound, has been shown to enhance the pathogenicity of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria brongniartii against Spodoptera litura. In the current study, the biological impacts and synergism activities of these two agents on nutritional efficiency and antioxidant enzymes in S. litura were explored. Our results showed a high antifeedant activity of B. brongniartii and matrine on S. litura. The S. litura larvae were unable to pupate and emerge when treated with combinations of matrine and B. brongniartii. Following on, we measured the activities of five important antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)] when treated with B. brongniartii SB010 (1 × 109 spores/ml), matrine (0.5 mg/ml), and B. brongniartii SB010 (1 × 109 spores/ml) + matrine (0.5 mg/ml). The results indicated the detoxification activity of the five enzymes in the fat body and hemolymph of S. litura when facing a combined B. brongniartii and matrine challenge. The activities of the enzymes were significantly lower than that of the control group 7 days post-treatment, indicating the inhibitory effect of the two xenobiotics. Matrine had better inhibition effects than B. brongniartii in a majority of the trials. The improved detoxification activity of the five enzymes may be the internal mechanism of synergism of matrine on B. brongniartii.

Intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, serum metabolites and growth performance of lambs supplemented with Acacia mearnsii condensed tannin extract

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal amount of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii extract for inclusion in lamb diets. Forty noncastrated lambs with a mean age of four months and a mean body weight (BW) of 21.5 ± 1.9 kg were randomized into five treatment groups: 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g CT/kg dry matter (DM). Eight lambs were included in each treatment group to evaluate their intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, serum metabolites and growth performance. Intake of DM, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDFap), nonfibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and N, N retention, final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and ADG to DMI ratio quadratically (P < 0.05) increased with increasing CT inclusion in the lamb diets. In contrast, the total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake and digestibility of DM, CP, NDFap, TDN, urinary and fecal N excretion (g/day), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations linearly (P < 0.05) decreased with CT addition. The NFC digestibility linearly (P = 0.043) increased, and serum cholesterol tended (P = 0.06) to increase in response to the inclusion of CT in the lamb diets. The CT inclusion promoted a quadratic (P < 0.01) decrease in urinary N excretion (g/100 g N intake) from the lambs. However, the inclusion of CT from Acacia mearnsii extract did not affect EE digestibility, serum concentrations of triglycerides, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase enzymes, alanine aminotransferase enzymes, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase enzymes. Inclusion of Acacia mearnsii extract up to level of 40 g/kg dietary DM improves the DM, CP, and NDFap intake (g/day and g/BW0.75) and leads to greater ADG, thus maintaining nutritional efficiency in lambs. Inclusion of Acacia mearnsii extract as a source of CT above 40 g/kg dietary DM should be avoided because they have deleterious effects on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and N balance, thereby reducing the growth performance of the lambs.

Root- and foliar-applied silicon modifies C: N: P ratio and increases the nutritional efficiency of pre-sprouted sugarcane seedlings under water deficit.

Water deficit limits the establishment of sugarcane plants from pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS). Silicon (Si) can mitigate such stress, and your supply in plants with the active absorption mechanism is carried out through roots. However, foliar spraying has been practiced to supply Si in PSS production nurseries. Althought it is known that Si via roots can alter C: N: P ratios, nothing has been reported about its supply via foliar spraying, nor whether such changes interfere with structural nutrient use efficiency and with plant physiological responses. Thus, this study aimes to asses whether Si foliar spraying changes C: N: P ratios and increases the nutritional efficiency of PSS, as well as whether water deficiency interferes with such a relationships. For these purposes, three experiments were carried out. In experiment I, treatments consisted of two sugarcane cultivars (CTC 4 and RB 966928) and three Si supply forms (in nutrient solution via roots [SiR], via foliar spraying [SiL], and one control with the absence of Si [-Si]). The same Si supply forms were used in the other two experiments. In experiment II, a short-term water deficit was induced by polyethylene glycol addition to nutrient solution (-0.6 MPa) for three days. In experiment III, a long-term water deficit was imposed using levels of soil water retention capacity (70% [no water deficit], 50% [moderate water deficit], and 30% [severe water deficit] for 30 days. Our findings revealed that Si supply decreased C concentrations regardless of water conditions and that N and P concentrations varied with Si supply form and water deficit level. Moreover, root- and foliar-applied Si modified the C: N: P stoichiometry and increased C use efficiency in PSS, which thus increased N and P use efficiencies. Such an increased nutritional performance helped adjust physiological parameters and increase dry matter yield in PSS, both under water stress and non-stress conditions. Further, Si foliar spraying promoted structural effects on PSS regardless of water conditions, even if sugarcane has an active absorption via roots. In conclusion, foliar spraying can be used to supply Si in PSS production nurseries.

Effect of some Plant Aqueous Extracts on Lettuce Growth, Chemical Constituents, Yield and Downy Mildew Disease. تأثیر المستخلص المائى لبعض النباتات على النمو والانتاج ومرض البیاض الزغبى للخس

A plant bio-stimulant is any substance or microorganism applied to plants with the aim to enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, disease resistance and/or crop quality traits, regardless of its nutrients content. Certain aqueous plant extracts of five plants i.e., Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Garlic (Allium sativum), Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Eucalyptus (Cinnamomum camphora) extracts and fungicide (Dithane M-45) as well as tap water as control were evaluated as foliar spray under field conduction at Experimental Farm of Horticulture Department Faculty of Agriculture Menoufia University Shibin El-Kom, during fall seasons of 2018 and 2019 against Downy mildew disease caused by (Bremia lactucae), growth, yield, quality, water relation , photosynthetic pigments and some chemical analysis of lettuce plants cv. Balady (Local lettuce cultivar). The obtained results indicated that, application of plant extracts, and fungicide significantly decreased the disease severity, disease incidence and increased the growth characters and yield of lettuce plants.

Boron fertilization in Paricá seedlings mitigates negative effects of water deficit

Boron (B) supply has been studied as an alternative to alleviate environmental stress conditions in forest essences due to the functions that B plays within the plant cell in the metabolism of compounds and polysaccharides connection . Thus, it was postulated the hypothesis that B may provide greater resistance from Paricá ( Schizolobium parahyba ) to water deficit. The aim was to evaluate growth parameters, photosynthetic rate, nutritional efficiencies, and B content of young Schizolobium parahyba plants as a function of the factors B levels and water deficit. Experiment was a completely randomized factorial, with two B concentrations (25 and 250 μmol L -1 , simulating sufficient and high B conditions, respectively) and two water conditions (deficit and no deficit). Factors analyzed influenced growth, accumulation, photosynthetic and nutritional efficiency variables. There was an increase in the growth of stem, root and in the Dickson quality index of plants of Paricá with high concentration of B, when they were under water deficit. Concentration and accumulation of B was higher in plants under water deficit with high concentration of B, as well as the efficiency of absorption and translocation, indicating that high B nutrition attenuates the effect of water deficit in young plants in Paricá.

Comprehensive overview of the quality of plant- And animal-sourced proteins based on the digestible indispensable amino acid score.

Indispensable amino acid (IAA) composition and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of five animal‐ and 12 plant‐based proteins were used to calculate their respective Digestible Indispensable Amino Score (DIAAS) according to the three age categories defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Mean IAA content and mean SID obtained from each protein dataset were subsequently used to simulate optimal nutritional quality of protein mixtures. Datasets revealed considerable variation in DIAAS within the same protein source and among different protein sources. Among the selected protein sources, and based on the 0.5‐ to 3‐year‐old reference pattern, pork meat, casein, egg, and potato proteins are classified as excellent quality proteins with an average DIAAS above 100. Whey and soy proteins are classified as high‐quality protein with an average DIAAS ≥75. Gelatin, rapeseed, lupin, canola, corn, hemp, fava bean, oat, pea, and rice proteins are classified in the no quality claim category (DIAAS <75). Potato, soy, and pea proteins can complement a broad range of plant proteins, leading to higher DIAAS when supplied in the form of protein mixtures and at specific ratios. Such complementarity highlights the potential to achieve an optimal nutritional efficiency with plant proteins alone.

Nutritional efficiency for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in peach rootstocks

The aim of this study was to determine nutritional efficiency for macronutrients (NPK) in three peach rootstock cultivars, as well as relate these indices to growth variables. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications of five plants each and treatments consisting of the Capdeboscq, Flordaguard and Okinawa Roxo cultivars. The experiment was conducted between April and August of 2017, at the Federal University of Pelotas (31°52′00″S and 52°21′24″W, and altitude of 13.1 m), with the plants grown in 1-L bags containing commercial substrate to which a dose of 8 g L−1 slow-release fertilizer in an NPK formulation of 14–14–14. Eighty days after transplanting, the growth characteristics were measured, and the macronutrient content was determined. From this data, efficiency indices were calculated for nutrient uptake, transport and use. The cultivars under evaluation differ in growth characteristics as well as nutritional efficiency for the evaluated macronutrients. The Flordaguard cultivar showed greater efficiency in the transport and use of nitrogen (N), and in the use of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which was reflected in superior growth parameters, suggesting that the cultivar is the most suitable for use in places with restrictions on the availability of these nutrients.

Crude protein requirements in feeding for hybrid jundiara (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum x Leiarius marmoratus)

The objective of this study was to determine the crude protein requirements for juvenile jundiara fish, a hybrid of Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum X Leiarius marmoratus. A total of 240 juveniles of the hybrid, with an initial mean weight of 8.4 ± 1.41 g, were distributed in 15 fiberglass tanks (170 L) in a closed water recirculation and constant aeration system, with a density of 16 fish/tank. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of diets with 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40% crude protein. Seventy days into the experiment the final fish weight and feed intake were measured. Two specimens from each experimental unit were collected for evaluation of carcass chemical composition, nutritional efficiency and blood parameters. The increase in crude protein content promoted the significant, increasing linear effect for mean weight gain, mean feed intake and specific growth rate, and decreasing effect for feed conversion. Significant differences were also observed in carcass chemical composition, nutritional efficiency, total plasma protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipase enzymatic activity. Thus, the increase in crude protein levels of up to 40% in jundiara diets promotes improvement in the productive performance of juvenile jundiara.

The food contaminant deoxynivalenol provokes metabolic impairments resulting in non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) in mice

The ribotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene found on cereals responsible for mycotoxicosis in both humans and farm animals. DON toxicity is characterized by reduced food intake, diminished nutritional efficiency and immunologic effects. The present study was designed to further characterize the alterations in energy metabolism induced by DON intoxication. We demonstrated that acute DON intoxication triggered liver steatosis associated with an altered expression of genes related to lipids oxidation, lipogenesis and lipolysis. This steatosis was concomitant to anorexia, hypoglycemia and a paradoxical transient insulin release. DON treatment resulted also in stimulation of central autonomic network regulating sympathetic outflow and adrenaline and glucocorticoids secretion. Furthermore, an increased expression of genes linked to inflammation and reticulum endoplasmic stress was observed in the liver of DON-treated mice. Finally, we propose that lipids mobilization from adipose tissues (AT) induced by DON intoxication drives hepatic steatosis since (1) genes encoding lipolytic enzymes were up-regulated in AT and (2) plasma concentration of triglycerides (TGs) and non-esterified fatty acids were increased during DON intoxication. Altogether, these data demonstrate that DON induced hormonal and metabolic dysregulations associated with a spectrum of hepatic abnormalities, evocative of a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Brewers’ Spent Yeast and Grain Protein Hydrolysates as Second-Generation Feedstuff for Aquaculture Feed

Aquafeeds are formulated to contain all the essential nutrients that fishes need to keep healthy. They are highly dependent on marine ingredients: fish meal and oil. Hence, alternative ingredients which successfully replace these marine ingredients are required to result in sustainable and economical feeds. In this context, brewers’ by-products arise as alternative potential ingredients to fish meal in aquafeed due their availability and nutritional content. However, reducing aquaculture’s dependence on marine resources depends not only on developing alternative ingredients but also on improving their nutritional efficiency. In this context, Life Brewery project (LIFE16ENV/ES/000160) proposes an enzymatical hydrolysis step prior to the stabilization process to improve the digestibility of brewers’ by-products and, therefore, increases the assimilation of nutrients by fishes. Hence, optimum hydrolysis conditions for both brewers’ spent grain and yeast have been defined by comparing different enzymes combination and hydrolysis conditions at laboratory scale. Afterwards, selected enzymes and conditions have been validated at industrial scale. Finally, the digestibility of different experimental diets containing both hydrolysed and non-hydrolysed ingredients from brewers’ waste has been determined with positive results. Obtained results showed that the inclusion of brewers’ spent yeast and spent grain in aquafeeds for gilt-head sea bream show a good protein digestibility and can be considered as suitable ingredients to successfully replace fish meal in aquafeed diets.

Identification and evaluation of high nitrogen nutrition efficiency in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) germplasm

To establish identification and evaluation methods of N (nitrogen) absorption and utilization of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), difference of N nutrition efficiency (NNE) among rapeseed germplasms and relationship between NNE and plant traits under various N application rates were analyzed in this research. Pot cultivating experiments were conducted to investigate NNE with 3 ​N application rates in soil (0.05, 0.2 and 0.3 ​g/kg). A total of 12 rapeseed germplasms were planted, nitrogen absorption efficiency (NAE) and nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in seedling stage, bolting stage, initial flowering stage, final flowering stage, and maturity stage were obtained. Results showed that bolting stage was the best period for NAE identification and evaluation. Low N application rate in soil (0.05 ​g/kg) was the best for NAE, and the indirect indexes were basal stem diameter, plant root dry weight and above ground plant dry weight. Maturity stage was the best period for NUE identification and evaluation. High N application rate in soil (0.3 ​g/kg) was the best for NUE, and indirect indexes were above ground plant dry weight and basal stem diameter. N application rates of 0.05 ​g/kg in soil was the best for nitrogen harvest index at maturity stage, and indirect indexes was number of pods per plant. Plant traits of rapeseed germplasms affected NNE. Higher basal stem diameter, plant root dry weight and above ground plant dry weight at bolting stage under low N application rate were important characteristics of N absorption in rapeseed. Higher above ground plant dry weight and basal stem diameter at maturity stage under high N application rate were important characteristics of N utilization. Higher number of pods per plant at maturity stage under lowe N application rate was an important characteristic of N harvest index. These results provided a reliable index for N management and provided theoretical basis for guiding rapeseed breeding.

Evaluation of a novel non-surgical post-pyloric feeding technique in dogs with severe acute kidney injury.

To evaluate the placement and the performance of a new post-pyloric feeding (PPF) system, and compare it to esophageal (E) feeding in dogs with severe acute kidney injury (AKI). Prospective study. University teaching hospital. Twenty client-owned dogs with severe AKI treated with hemodialysis. Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 feeding techniques, PPF or E feeding; for PPF, an 8-Fr jejunal (J) tube was introduced through a standard 18-Fr E-tube and advanced endoscopically through the pylorus. A commercial liquid diet was administered at a continuous rate for at least 5 days. After the removal of the internal J-tube, feeding was continued through the E-tube. Control dogs were fed blended food 5 times daily through an E-tube. Placement technique, nutritional efficiency, and metabolic response to nutritional support were compared between the groups. Feeding tubes were placed a medium of 1 day (interquartile range, 0.8 d) after presentation. Median procedure-time in the group PPF was 26.5min (11.5min), including 8.5min (2.7min) for the E-tube and 17.5min (5.0min) for the J-tube. J-tubes were used for 5 days (1.5 d) with oral displacement observed in 3/10 dogs. The goal to administer 130% resting energy requirement within 3 days was reached in 13/20 dogs (8/10 PPF, 5/10 E). Despite nutritional support, dogs lost 1.2% body weight per day (1.1%), with no difference between the groups. The metabolic improvement was comparable between the groups, despite marked differences in the diet composition. This new feeding technique can be recommended as an efficient method for early nutritional support in dogs with severe AKI. The protein-energy wasting observed despite active nutritional support suggests, however, the necessity for increased feeding targets or qualitative changes in diet composition for dogs with AKI.

WITHDRAWN: Identification and evaluation method of high nitrogen nutrition efficiency in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) germplasms

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocsci.2020.07.004 . The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal