Partial Replacement Of Corn Research Articles

Effect of carbohydrate source on energy-nitrogen balance and methane emissions in lactating dairy cows

The chemical characteristics of Cenchrus clandestinus grass, nutritional base in dairy production systems, demand the energy supplementation. Corn grain is the most used food for this purpose, but considering its demand and prices, the objective of this work was to evaluate its partial replacement by alternative non-fibrous carbohydrates sources on methane emissions, energy and nitrogen balance and productive performance of dairy cows. Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows were fed Cenchrus clandestinus plus one of four concentrate supplements formulated with corn (Zea mays) or a partial replacement of corn with sorghum (Sorghum vulgare), cassava (Manihot esculenta) or citrus pulp (Citrus sp.). Inclusion of sorghum, cassava or citrus pulp did not affect dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, enteric methane emissions, energy and nitrogen balance, milk yield or composition. The results allow to conclude that these ingredients can partially replace corn in the diet of lactating dairy cows.

Effects of corn replacement by sorghum in broiler chickens diets on performance, blood chemistry, and meat quality

The influence of feeding a new hybrid of sorghum (ES Shamal, orange variety) in broiler chickens on growth, health, meat, and litter quality was evaluated from 1–42 d. A total of 360-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks (40.1 ± 2.3 g) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental diets: 100% corn-based diet (S0), partial replacement of corn with 50% sorghum (S50), total replacement of corn with sorghum (S100). All diets were calculated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with similar content of total lysine, total sulphur amino acids, calcium, and available phosphorous. The results indicated that partial or total replacement of corn by sorghum is suitable for broiler chicken diets with no adverse effects on growth, and slaughter performance, as well as litter quality over the whole trial period. Moreover, the substitution of corn with sorghum, reduced (p = .007) abdominal fat associated with an increase in breast and thigh meat colour (L* values; p < .001). Also, a significant (p = .002) decrease in plasma triglyceride was found in broilers fed sorghum-based diets. Except for collagen and hardness in the breast and thigh, and gumminess only in the thigh muscle, there were no differences in fundamental physicochemical (pH, protein, fat, moisture) or textural attributes of meat due to dietary treatment. However, sorghum alters the intestinal microflora, resulting in a lower count of E. coli in the caeca. It can thus, be concluded that sorghum (ES Shamal, orange variety) can be included in broiler feeds from hatching to day 42, without any adverse effects on the broiler’s performance. HIGHLIGHTS Climate changes become a threat to the livestock sector and finding novel nutritional solutions for feeding farm animals became a priority. New sorghum varieties are valuable in terms of drought-resistant plants. Replacement of corn with sorghum in broiler diets maintains growth performances and carcase characteristics.

Nutritional effects and feeding behavior in ewes fed with biscuit bran and cashew nut bran, with different energy levels.

This research evaluated the effects of biscuit bran and cashew nut bran as energy source and additional energy level on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, energy partitioning, N balance, and blood parameters on ewes. Twenty Morada Nova cull ewes breed (average age of 3years old and initial body weight of 30.1 ± 3.56kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme of two energy sources (biscuit bran vs. cashew nut bran) and two levels of energy above 10% and 25% of the recommended energy requirements. The inclusion of cashew nut bran above 10% of the recommended energy promoted a lower crude protein (CP) and ethereal extract intake (P < 0.01) than cashew nut bran above 25% of the recommended energy. The interaction between energy source × energy level did not affect digestibility and energy partition on ewes (P > 0.05). The diet containing cashew nut bran above 10% of the recommended energy presented lower metabolizable energy intake and energy balance (P < 0.05). Regarding N balance, the cashew nut bran diet above 10% of the recommended energy decreased Nintake (P = 0.01), Nabsorbed (P < 0.01), and Nbalance (P = 0.04). Partial replacement of corn with the byproduct biscuit bran or cashew nut bran is a possible nutritional strategy. Ewes fed with 210g/kg of biscuit bran presented greater CP intake and improvement of the protein use with the reduction of plasma levels of urea.

Effect of Crude Glycerin in the Feed of Lactating Goats on Concentrations of Essential and Toxic Metals in Serum, Urine, Milk, and Artisanal "Coalho" Cheese.

Goat farming is concentrated in semi-arid and tropical regions in Brazil. From 2006 to 2017, the number of goats sold in the country increased by 65.7%. The dairy products from these animals present higher digestibility, high vitamin A and B content, hypoallergenicity, and less lactose compared to dairy products from cows, in addition to having a higher sales value. Since corn and soybean meal generate an expense for feed management, crude glycerin, originating from the manufacture of biodiesel, has been studied as an energy substitute. However, this product contains heavy metals, posing risks to animal and human health. Few data are available on trace elements in biological samples and products derived from goats' milk with the dietary introduction of glycerin. The objective was to quantify aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the serum, urine, milk, and artisanal "coalho" cheese of dairy goats fed different levels of crude glycerin in feed management. In total, 16 Saanen goats were selected, lactating females, that were distributed in four Latin squares and randomly treated with different levels of crude glycerin (0, 5, 10, and 15%). After the end of each experiment cycle, serum, urine, milk, and artisanal "coalho" cheese samples were collected at the four moments. The samples were submitted to digestion assisted by microwave radiation. The multi-element analysis was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). There was no influence of crude glycerin levels replacing corn in serum, milk, urine, and artisanal "coalho" cheese. The serum concentration of the metals Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn; urine concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, and Cr; and milk and artisanal "coalho" cheese concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn remained within the standards found in the literature. The inclusion of 5 to 15% of crude glycerin, derived from cotton oil, in the diets of dairy goats in partial replacement of corn, does not alter the concentration of essential and toxic metals in serum, urine, milk, and artisanal "coalho" cheese and does not, therefore, present a risk factor for intoxication.

Resultados económicos del empleo de harina de forraje de &lt;i&gt;Tithonia diversifolia&lt;/i&gt; en la dieta de diferentes categorías de aves

The present study evaluated economically the use of tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) forage meal in the diets of broilers; layers replacements and laying hens, as a partial replacement of corn and soybean meals. The data used come from feeding experiments carried out between 2018–2021 at the Cuban Institute of Animal Science. The direct costs involved in establishing this crop and making the meal were considered. The total feeding costs, and costs per animal, per kg of gain, per ton of live weight produced, per kg of eggs and per 1,000 eggs were estimated for the different treatments (Control 0%; T1-5%; T2-10%; T3-15% and T4-20% of tithonia meal in the ration). In all cases, feeding costs decreased with the greater use of tithonia meal. The best results in feeding costs reductions per kilogram of live weight gain for broilers (7 to 42 days) were obtained with T3 (14.78%); for layer replacements (weeks 9 to 18) with T4 (20.94% per animal); and with T3 in laying hens (weeks 23 to 44), with a 19.34% decrease in costs per thousand eggs produced. It has been demonstrated that the inclusion of tithonia forage meal in the diet of these species, as partial replacement of corn and soybean meals, constitutes a viable productive and economic alternative, which could contribute to reduce the importation of traditional and highly expensive feed ingredients.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goats fed increasing levels of crude glycerin.

Crude glycerin is a byproduct of the biodiesel industry and has been widely used in ruminant diets as a source of energy, usually in place of corn, primarily during periods of drought in tropical regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of including levels of the crude glycerin of low purity (0, 6, 12 and 18%) replacing corn in the diets of goats on the carcass characteristics, tissue composition, meat cuts yield and physicochemical parameters of meat. Forty males castrated without defined racial pattern goats an initial average weight of 19.70 ± 2.30 kg were slaughtered after 86 days. Diets content 0 and 6% crude glycerin promoted similar responses to the analyzed variables, except for pH and breast weight. No differences were observed to total digestible nutrients, slaughter body weight, commercial cut yield leg tissue composition and physicochemical parameters of meat. Crude glycerin can be included up to 12% without losses on carcass weight and meat cuts, leg composition, and meat quality. The inclusion of crude glycerin containing 63.06% glycerol and 45.57% lipids could be effective in partial replacement of corn in diets for confined goats in tropical areas.

Effects of dietary palm kernel meal and β-xylanase on productive performance, fatty liver incidence, and excreta characteristics in laying hens

The objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary palm kernel meal (PKM) and β-xylanase supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, fatty liver incidence, and excreta characteristics in laying hens. A total of 320 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (33 weeks of age) were allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 8 replicates in a feeding trial. Each replicate consisted of 10 consecutive cages with 1 hen per cage. The corn-soybean meal-based control diet was prepared. Additional diet was prepared by including 10% of PKM in the control diet with a partial replacement of corn, soybean meal, and animal fat. In addition, 0.025% β-xylanase was supplemented at the expense of celite to those 2 diets to produce 4 treatment diets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. All hens were provided the diet and water ad libitum for 8 weeks. Results indicated no significant interactions between inclusion of dietary PKM and β-xylanase for all measurements; therefore, the main effects were mainly discussed. Hens fed diets containing 10% PKM had greater (p < 0.05) feed intake and yolk color than those fed diets containing no PKM. However, dietary PKM did not influence fatty liver incidence and excreta characteristics. Dietary β-xylanase supplementation had no effects on all measurements, regardless of inclusion of PKM. In conclusion, PKM can be a potential feed ingredient for laying hens at the inclusion of 10% in the diet. It appears that dietary β-xylanase used in the current experiment has little effect on layer productivity, regardless of inclusion of 10% PKM in the diet.

Partial replacement of corn by Euterpe precatoria feeding pigs raised in the Amazon

The objective was to evaluate the potential of using Euterpe precatoria Mart seed to feed pigs. Diets were prepared with different levels of inclusion of açaí seed (0; 7.5; 15 and 22.5%), resulting from the extraction of the stern. Forty four castrated weighing approximately 15 kg and average 60 days of birth pigs were used, distributed in four groups according to the level of inclusion of açaí kernel. After 56 days of feeding, the pigs' performance and economic viability were evaluated. There was no significant difference in daily feed intake, final weight, weight gain and feed conversion between groups of treatments to the statistical test. The inclusion of up to 22.5% of açaí kernels in the diet did not result in a statistical difference in the thickness of backfat, percentage of lean meat and carcass yield, however it increased the gross and partial net revenue and the economic viability in the test, demonstrating the potential from açaí seed for the production of slow-growing crossbred pigs in the Amazon region, especially in properties that exploit the sustainable extraction of açaí and that can reduce the impact of the fruit residue on the environment when using this by-product in animal feed. Reducing production costs and allowing the promotion of sustainable development in the Amazon region.

The effects of a partial or total replacement of ground corn with ground and whole-grain low-tannin sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) on zootechnical performance, carcass traits and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of broiler chickens

The partial (50%) or total (100%) replacement of corn in broiler diets with a home-grown sorghum cultivar low in tannins was investigated regarding the effects on zootechnical performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility (AID) and carcass traits. A total of 240 mix-sexed Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to four experimental diets: 100% corn (M), partial replacement of corn with 50% ground sorghum (S50G), total replacement of corn with ground sorghum (S100G) and a total replacement of corn with 50% ground + 50% whole grain sorghum (S100/50WG). All final feed mixtures were calculated isoenergetic as well as isonitrogenous and met or exceeded current feeding recommendations. Analyses included body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the complete experimental period of 29 days. In the end, broilers were slaughtered and carcass traits as well as AID of amino acids (AA) and crude nutrients were determined. The results demonstrated that partial or total replacement of corn by home-grown low-tannin sorghum is suitable for broiler chicken diets with no adverse effects on zootechnical and slaughter performance over the whole trial period. A numerical decrease of AID in dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), methionine and tyrosine were observed in experimental groups with sorghum compared to M. The partial and total replacement of corn with ground or whole grain sorghum had no significant effect on carcass weight, dressing, or absolute and relative weight of carcass parts. Broiler chickens expressed increased absolute and relative proportion of the gizzard weight (p ≤ 0.05) due to the increase in particle size in S100/50WG. Total replacement of corn by sorghum reduced lightness, redness and yellowness of abdominal fat in comparison to M (p ≤ 0.05). It can be concluded that home-grown low-tannin sorghum is suitable to create diets for the purpose of poultry meat production. The partial or total replacement of corn by ground or whole grain low-tannin sorghum in broiler diets did not influence the zootechnical or slaughter performance parameters in broiler chickens when the nutrients were balanced. However, the substitution of corn by sorghum negatively affected the coloring of the abdominal fat which requires an adequate dietary supplementation with pigments.

Partial corn replacement by soybean hull, or hay supplementation: Effects of increased NDF in diet on performance, metabolism and behavior of pre-weaned calves

The solid diet is a determining factor for ruminal development in calves. However, it is still unclear what is the optimal content and the best way to include fiber in the diet of pre-weaned calves. Thirty-five Holstein calves were used in a randomized block design, considering the sex, weight and birth date of the calves as blocking factor. Animals were housed in individual suspended cages without bedding and assigned to one of three treatments: (1) 22NDF: conventional ground starter concentrate with 220 g neutral detergent fiber (NDF)/kg dry matter (DM); (2) 31NDF: ground starter with 310 g NDF/kg DM, with partial replacement of corn by soybean hull; and (3) 22NDFhay: conventional starter with 220 g NDF/kg DM plus coast-cross hay fed separately ad libitum. The calves received 4 L of milk replacer with 12.5% solids, divided into two meals daily. Feed intake was measured daily. Weight gain and metabolic indicators of intermediate metabolism were evaluated weekly. Ruminal fluid was collected on week 4, 6 and 8 of age. The experiment lasted for 56 days. The increase of the NDF content in the concentrate starter up to 310 g/kg DM with replacement of corn by soybean hull or hay supplementation did not change the starter intake and performance of calves at weaning. The 31NDF diet resulted in higher concentration of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) at week 4, but 22NDF diet increased total SCFA concentration at week 8. Hay supplementation increased rumination time, and decreased non-nutritive oral behaviors during last week preweaning. Dietary NDF levels used in the ground starter concentrate may be higher than current recommendations without reducing intake and performance, as long as the NDF source has low ADF and lignin.

Nutrient digestibility of multi-enzyme supplemented low-energy and AA diets for grower pigs1.

A study was conducted to determine effects of supplementing multi-enzyme on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of energy and AA; and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy for pigs fed low-energy and AA diets. Eight ileal-cannulated barrows (initial BW: 38.7 ± 2.75 kg) were fed four diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to give 8 replicates per diet. Diets were positive control (PC) diet, negative control (NC) diet without or with multi-enzyme at 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg. The PC diet was formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) nutrient recommendations for grower pigs (25 to 50 kg), except for Ca and digestible P, which were lower than NRC (2012) recommendations by 0.13 and 0.17 percentage points, respectively, due to phytase supplementation at 1,000 FTU/kg. The NC diet was formulated to be lower in NE by 75 kcal/kg and standardized ileal digestible AA content by a mean of 3%. These reductions were achieved by partial replacement of corn and soybean meal (SBM) and complete replacement of soybean oil and monocalcium phosphate in PC diet with 25% corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and 3.6% soybean hulls. Multi-enzyme at 1.0 g/kg supplied 1,900 U of xylanase, 300 U of β-glucanase, 1,300 U of cellulase, 11,500 U of amylase, 120 U of mannanase, 850 U of pectinase, 6,000 U of protease, and 700 U of invertase per kilogram of diet. The AID of GE, N, most AA, most component sugars of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) and P; ATTD of GE for PC diet was greater (P < 0.05) than those for NC diets. An increase in dietary level of multi-enzyme from 0 to 1.0 g/kg resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.05) in AID of Ile by 4.3%, and tended to linearly increase (P < 0.10) AID of Leu, Met, Phe, and Val by a mean of 3.4%. Increasing dietary multi-enzyme from 0 to 1.0 g/kg linearly increased (P < 0.05) AID of total NSP and P by 53.7% and 19.2%, respectively; ATTD of GE by 8.4% and DE and NE values by 8.8% and 8.2%, respectively; tended to linearly increase (P < 0.10) AID of GE by 8.1%. The NE values for NC diet with multi-enzyme at 1.0 g/kg tended to be greater (P < 0.10) than that for PC diet (2,337 vs. 2,222 kcal/kg of DM). In conclusion, multi-enzyme supplementation improved energy and nutrient digestibilities of a corn-SBM-corn DDGS-based diet, implying that the multi-enzyme fed in the current study can be used to enhance energy and nutrient utilization of low-energy AA diets for grower pigs.

Growth performance, organ weights, and blood parameters of nursery pigs fed diets containing increasing levels of cold-pressed canola cake.

Oilseed cakes have high oil content, and thus their inclusion in swine can lead to reduced dietary inclusion of oil, and hence reduced cost of feed. An experiment was conducted to determine effects of including Brassica napus-derived cold-pressed canola cake (CPCC) in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance, organ weights relative to live body weight (BW), and blood parameters. A total of 160 pigs (initial BW: 7.8 ± 0.9 kg), which had been weaned at 21 d of age were housed in 40 pens (4 pigs/pen) and fed 4 diets (10 pens/diet) in a randomized complete block design for 35 d. The 4 diets were corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet and the basal diet with corn and SBM replaced by 20, 30, or 40% of CPCC. The diets were fed in 2 phases, Phase 1 from day 0 to 14 and Phase 2 from day 14 to 35; and were formulated to meet NRC (2012) nutrient recommendations for nursery pigs and to have the same net energy, standardized ileal digestible amino acid, and digestible P contents. Increasing inclusion of CPCC in diets was achieved by partial replacement of corn, SBM, limestone, and mono-calcium phosphate. Growth performance was determined by phase. On day 35, 1 pig from each pen was euthanized for determining organ weights and blood parameters. The CPCC contained 7.63% moisture, and on a dry matter basis, it (CPCC) contained 39.6% crude protein, 2.32% Lys, 0.74% Met, 1.63% Thr, 0.50% Trp, 16.0% ether extract, 20.7% neutral detergent fiber, and 14.9 µmol/g of glucosinolates. Increasing dietary CPCC from 0 to 40% linearly reduced (P < 0.05) overall (day 0 to 35) average daily gain and average daily feed intake (0.440 to 0.288 kg/d and 0.739 to 0.522 kg/d, respectively). Increasing dietary CPCC from 0 to 40% resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.05) in liver weight by 0.1 g/kg of BW and in thyroid gland weight by 2.2 mg/kg of BW, but in a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in serum tetraiodothyronine (T4) level by 0.2 ng/mL for each 1% increase in CPCC at 35 d of age. No differences were observed in heart and kidney weights relative to live BW, and in serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentration. In conclusion, increasing dietary CPCC from 0 to 40% by reducing corn and SBM levels resulted in depressed growth performance, increased metabolic activity in liver and thyroid gland, and reduced serum T4 level of pigs. Thus, the amounts of CPCC included in nursery pig diets should be based on targeted growth performance and cost of other feedstuffs in relation to that of CPCC.

Does partial replacement of corn with glycerin in beef cattle diets affect in vitro ruminal fermentation, gas production kinetic, and enteric greenhouse gas emissions?

Five in vitro experiments were conducted with the following objectives: 1) To evaluate the ruminal fermentation of three different single ingredients: corn, glycerin, and starch (Exp. 1 and 2); 2) To assess effects of partially replacing corn with glycerin in beef cattle diets on ruminal fermentation pattern (Exp. 3 and 4); and 3) To evaluate the effects of glycerin inclusion on the extension of ruminal DM digestibility of feeds with high (orchard hay) and low (corn) fiber content (Exp. 5). For Exp. 1 and 2, two in vitro systems (24-bottle AnkomRF and 20-serum bottles) were used in four consecutive fermentation batches to evaluate gas production (GP), fermentation profiles, enteric methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) of corn, glycerin, and starch. The 24 h total GP, acetate concentration, and acetate: propionate ratio decreased only when glycerin was added to the diet (P < 0.01). The 48-h total GP and metabolizable energy were greatest for corn (P < 0.01), and similar between glycerin and starch. The starch treatment had the lowest total volatile fatty acids concentration (P = 0.01). Glycerin had greatest CH4 production, lag time, and maximum gas volume of the first pool (P < 0.05). However, the maximum gas volume of the second pool was greatest for corn (P < 0.05), and similar between glycerin and starch. The starch treatment had the greatest specific rates of digestion for first and second pools (P < 0.05). Production of CO2 (mL/g) was greater for corn (P < 0.01), but similar for glycerin and starch. For Exp. 3 and 4, the same systems were used to evaluate four different levels of glycerin [0, 100, 200, and 300 g/kg of dry matter (DM)] replacing corn in beef cattle finishing diets. Glycerin levels did not affect 24 and 48 h total GP, CH4, and CO2 (P > 0.05). The inclusion of glycerin linearly decreased acetate concentration (P = 0.03) and acetate: propionate ratio (P = 0.04). For Exp. 5, two DaisyII incubators were used to evaluate the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the following treatments: orchard hay; corn; orchard hay + glycerin; and corn + glycerin. Glycerin inclusion decreased orchard hay IVDMD (P < 0.01) but did not affect corn IVDMD (P > 0.05). We concluded that, under these experimental conditions, glycerin has similar energy efficiency when used in replacement of corn and included at up to 300 g/kg in beef cattle diets.

880 The effect of partial replacement of corn with a high-lipid, high-fiber byproduct pellet on hepatic indicators of metabolic efficiency and insulin sensitivity in beef steers throughout the finishing period

880 The effect of partial replacement of corn with a high-lipid, high-fiber byproduct pellet on hepatic indicators of metabolic efficiency and insulin sensitivity in beef steers throughout the finishing period

Efecto de la inclusión de zeolita (clinoptilolita) en ovinos en etapa de finalización: Respuesta productiva y energética de la dieta

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la adición de diferentes niveles (0, 1,5, 3 y 4,5%) de zeolita en dietas integrales de finalización sobre la respuesta productiva y la eficiencia en la utilización de la energía neta de la dieta de ovinos de pelo. Para lo anterior, 40 ovinos machos ¾Katahdin × ¼Pelibuey (peso inicial = 32,28±2,34 kg) se asignaron a 20 corraletas (2 ovinos/corraleta, 5 corrales/tratamiento) alimentándose durante 75 días con alguno de los 4 tratamientos. Las dietas ofrecidas fueron tipo integral. La dieta testigo (sin zeolita) contenía 16,51% de proteína cruda (PC) y 1,39 McalENg/kg y la cantidad total de zeolita incluida en cada tratamiento sustituyó al maíz y a la pasta de soja en partes iguales. Por cada nivel de sustitución del maíz-pasta de soja se disminuyó la concentración de PC en 0,11 puntos porcentuales y la energía neta en 0,03 Mcal/kg. El sustituir maíz y pasta de soja por zeolita hasta un nivel de 1,5% en la dieta no afectó el consumo de materia seca (MS), la ganancia diaria, la eficiencia alimenticia, la utilización de la energía neta de la dieta (EN observada sobre la EN esperada) o la retención aparente de energía por unidad de MS consumida. El aumentar a el nivel de suplementación de zeolita por encima de 1,5% incrementó la eficiencia alimenticia, la utilización de la energía neta de la dieta y la retención aparente de energía por unidad de MS consumida siendo la respuesta máxima para el nivel de inclusión de 3% (componente cuadrático, p&lt;0,01). Con respecto al grupo testigo, la inclusión de 3% de zeolita a la dieta mejoró (p&lt;0,01) en 6,8% la eficiencia alimenticia, en 8.4% la utilización de la energía neta de la dieta y en 8,9% la retención aparente de energía por unidad de MS consumida. La inclusión de zeolita por encima de 1,5% a dieta de finalización mejora la utilización de la energía neta de la dieta. En base al rendimiento productivo y la eficiencia en la utilización de la energía neta de la dieta, la respuesta óptima observada para los corderosen el presente estudio fue con el 3% de inclusión de zeolita.

Glicerina bruta em dietas de juvenis de tambaqui

RESUMO Este estudo verificou o nível de glicerina bruta em substituição total do óleo de soja e parcial do milho em dietas de juvenis de tambaqui sem que o ingrediente interfira no desempenho zootécnico desses animais. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal do Tocantins, avaliando cinco níveis de inclusão da glicerina bruta (0%; 7,5%; 10%; 12,5% e 15%) em três repetições com 10 animais cada (n=150 tambaquis). Esses animais foram alimentados com as rações experimentais por um período de 75 dias (15 dias de adaptação e 60 dias experimentais). Ao final desse período, os animais foram contidos para a mensuração dos valores do desempenho zootécnico dos animais (taxa de crescimento específico, conversão alimentar aparente, eficiência alimentar, índice hepatossomático, ganho de peso e fator de condição). Durante o período experimental, não houve mortalidade, e de todos os índices avaliados apenas no fator de condição do animal ocorreu diferença estatística, quando se comparou o período inicial e o final do experimento. A inclusão de até 15% de glicerina bruta em dietas de tambaqui em substituição total do óleo de soja e parcial do milho pode ser realizada sem que prejudique o desempenho zootécnico da espécie estudada.

Bovine meat and bone meal is an economically viable alternative in quail feeding in the initial phase.

Quail egg production has experienced a steep rise in the last decade. Nutrition is the main factor affecting productive potential in the poultry industry, as appropriate nutritional management is necessary to ensure the maintenance of optimal physical conditions, growth and the production of high quality products. Meat and bone meal (MBM) has often been used in the poultry industry as an alternative and cost-effective source of protein in partial replacement of corn and soybean meal. However, there have been no studies to date that have investigated the effect of dietary MBM on the performance of quail or on the costs of production in the starter phase. This is particularly important considering that this phase is characterized by large investments by producers, without immediate economic return. In this study, we investigated whether partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) by meat and bone meal (MBM) in the diet of Japanese quail during the starter phase is a viable alternative that would maintain or improve their productive and economic performance. Our results show that the inclusion of MBM in the diet of quail reduces feeding costs by up to 6% without impairing productive performance.

Crude glycerin as a replacement for corn in starter feed: performance and metabolism of pre-weaned dairy calves

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of corn in the starter feed with crude glycerin on performance and energy metabolism of liquid-fed dairy calves. Twenty-four newborn individually housed Holstein calves were blocked according to weight and date of birth and randomly assigned to different starter feed treatments during 8 weeks: no crude glycerin; 5% crude glycerin; 10% crude glycerin on dry matter basis. All calves were individually fed daily 4 L of a commercial milk replacer (22.3% crude protein and 19.3% fat). Calves had individual access to starter diet and ad libitum access to water daily. Individual feed intake and faecal scores were recorded daily. Bodyweight and corporal measurements (heart girth, hip width, and withers height) were weekly recorded. From the second week of age, blood samples were collected weekly, 2 h after morning feeding, for determination of plasma glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Ruminal fluid was collected at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age for determination of pH and short-chain fatty acids. At the end of the eighth week, animals were harvested to evaluate development of the proximal digestive tract. Feed intake, average daily gain, bodyweight or body measurements were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by the inclusion of crude glycerin in the starter feed. Faecal scores indicated that most of the calves had mild diarrhoea, with no treatment effect. Total short-chain fatty acids and the concentration of individual acids, as well as blood parameters, were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by the feed treatments. The total forestomach weight, the average weight of each compartment, the maximum capacity of reticulum-rumen, and papillae number, height and width were not affected (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, crude glycerin can be used as an alternative energy source, replacing corn up to 10% in the starter feed for liquid-fed dairy calves without affecting growth, rumen development or metabolism.

Partial replacement of corn by forage cactus in the diets of lactating goats

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of the partial replacement of corn by forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) in the diets of lactating goats on the nutrient intake, milk production and composition and ingestive behavior. Five crossbreed Saanen x Pardo Alpina goats with body weights of 47 ± 3.3 kg were used in the study. The design was 5x5 Latin square design, in which the treatments were as follows: 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40% of girl cactus included in the diet as a partial replacement of corn, with 0, 18, 36, 54 and 72% of the added the cactus comprising of gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq) Walp) as roughage in all treatments. Treatment did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) the dry matter intake, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients with the increasing levels of cactus in the diet, presenting means of 1.64, 0.26, 0.82, 0.54 and 1.17 kg day-1, respectively. In the same way, no influence was observed on the daily milk production and levels of fat, protein, lactose and total solids of milk, which averaged 1.18 kg day-1; 3.74, 3.34, 5.06 and 13.56%, respectively. The inclusion of cactus also had no influence (P &gt; 0.05) on the ingestion behavior. The treatment with 35% cactus showed a lower impairment of food intake (31%). The partial replacement of the corn by the girl cactus in the diets of dairy goats can be accomplished because it does not alter the intake, milk yield and composition and feeding behavior. The replacement of up to 54% corn by the cactus is recommended to reduce producer costs for food.

Performance and carcass traits of goat kids fed high-concentrate diets containing citrus pulp or soybean hulls

ABSTRACT: The objective in this trial was to determine the effects of partial replacement of ground corn by citrus pulp or soybean hulls on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot goat kids. Twenty one Boer x Saanen kids (initial BW 15.8 ± 0.7kg), nine males and 12 females, were distributed in a complete randomized block design, according to sex and initial body weight. Treatments were set by replacing 50% of ground corn (DM basis) for citrus pulp or soybean hulls; whereas, forage concentrate ratio was of 10:90. Partial replacement of corn by citrus pulp or soybean hulls increased dry matter intake, average daily gain and final body weight, but feed efficiency was not affected. There was no difference between citrus pulp or soybean hulls. Inclusion of coproducts increased slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weight and longissimus muscle area, with no difference between citrus pulp and soybean hulls. Subcutaneous fat thickness, hot and cold carcass yields, shrink after chilling and body wall thickness were not affected by treatments. Citrus pulp and soybean hulls can replace 50% of ground corn (DM basis) increasing dry matter intake and weight gain in goat kids enabling higher slaughter weight at earlier age.