Pelleted Diet Research Articles

Cereal type and conditioning temperature altered protein and carbohydrate molecular structure, nutrient retention and performance in broilers fed pellet diets during starter and grower period

ABSTRACT 1. Effects of cereal type and conditioning temperature (CT) on protein and carbohydrate (CHO) molecular structures, nutrient retention, carcass and blood characteristics, caecal microbial population and growth criteria of broilers fed pellet diet were evaluated for a total period of 35 d. 2. In total, 336-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allotted into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two different cereal types (maize or wheat) processed in two different temperatures (CT; 68°C or 90°C) with seven pen replicates containing 12 birds each. 3. Chicks fed the maize-based diets significantly gained higher body weight (BW) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) in comparison to the chicks fed wheat-based diets during the whole grow-out period (p < 0.01). Overall, the highest BW and feed intake (FI) were seen in birds fed wheat-based diets conditioned at 68°C, but the lowest FCR was observed in maize-based diet conditioned at 90°C at 7, 14 and 21 d of age (p < 0.01). However, BW was higher and FCR lower in chicks fed maize-based diets conditioned at 90°C in the grower period (28 and 35 d; p < 0.01). 4. The α-helix height was higher in wheat-based starter diets in comparison to the maize-based diet (p < 0.01). Ratio of amide I to II area and total CHO peak height were increased when diets were processed at 90°C in both maize and wheat-based starter diet (p < 0.05). Increasing the CT from 68°C to 90°C reduced CHO peak 1 and 2 height by 11.6% and 3.95%, respectively, in maize-based starter diets, while increasing the CT from 68°C to 90°C reduced CHO peak 1 and 2 height by 54.3% and 57.2%, respectively, in wheat-based starter diets. In the grower diets, increasing the CT from 68°C to 90°C increased CHO peak 1 by 23% in maize-based diets, but reduced CHO peak 1 by 24.5% in wheat-based diets. 5. Calcium and phosphorous retention were highest in chicks fed wheat-based diets conditioned at 90°C and lowest in chicks fed maize-based diets conditioned at 90°C (p < 0.01). Salmonella, E. coli and coliforms in the caeca reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in chicks fed wheat-based diets conditioned at 90°C on d 11 and increased with the same diet at 35 d of age compared to the chicks fed maize-based diets conditioned at both 68°C and 90°C or wheat-based diets conditioned at 68°C. 6. Conditioning the wheat-based diets at 68°C improved production responses without causing any adverse effects on protein and CHO molecular structures, however increasing the conditioning temperature to 90°C impaired performance due to alteration of protein and CHO molecular structures. In contrast, conditioning of the maize-based diets at 90°C had the opposite effect, and improved production performance compared to diets conditioned at 68°C.

Powder diet exacerbates oropharyngeal candidiasis in a mouse model.

This study reports on the influence of a powder diet in a mouse model of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), a significant health concern caused primarily by Candida albicans. Despite identical nutritional composition, we found that a powdered diet significantly increased Candida burdens and oral lesions, and aggravated weight loss compared to a standard pelleted diet. High fungal burdens and severe oral lesions were accomplished within 48 hours after infection with only one dose of cortisone. Moreover, mice on a powder diet recovered a week after infection. Using a powder diet, we thus modified the cortisone OPC murine model in a way that simplifies the infection process, enhances reproducibility, and facilitates studies investigating both pathogenesis and recovery processes. Our findings also underscore the pivotal role of the physical form of the diet in the progression and severity of oral Candida infection in this model. Future research should investigate this relationship further to broaden our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, potentially leading to novel prevention strategies and improved disease management.IMPORTANCEOropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a multifactorial disease and a significant health concern. We found that the physical form of the diet plays a critical role in the severity and progression of OPC. We developed a modified cortisone OPC murine model that facilitates studies investigating pathogenesis and recovery processes.

CURVA DE CRECIMIENTO DE CUYES MACHOS (Cavia porcellus) DE LA RAZA PERÚ MEDIANTE MODELOS NO LINEALES EN COLOMBIA

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Animal growth modeling is a tool that enables the acquisition of parameters to evaluate animal performance and predict outcomes for decision-making. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To describe the growth of male guinea pigs of the Peruvian breed using the non-linear Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, and Von Bertalanffy models. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;: Twelve male guinea pigs with an initial weight of 393 ± 55 g were housed in metabolic cages with &lt;em&gt;ad libitum&lt;/em&gt; feeding of a complete pellet diet. They were weighed every seven days for 13 weeks until reaching 1197 ± 84 g. Criteria used to assess the model's fitting ability included the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), coefficient of determination (R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and mean squared prediction error (CMEP). &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The Logistic model consistently predicted maturity weight (1421g), initial weight (187g), age (65 days), and weight (711g) at the growth curve inflection point. Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy's models tended to overestimate adult weight (A) and exhibited the lowest maturity index (k). Among Gompertz, Logistic, and Von Bertalanffy models, AIC, BIC, R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, CCC, and CMEP fitting criteria showed no significant differences (p &amp;gt; 0.05). &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; The Brody model was the only one with biologically inconsistent parameters. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: Considering the biological significance of parameters and residual analysis, the Logistic model is more suitable for describing the growth curve of male guinea pigs of the Peruvian breed.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Beneficially Modulates Gut Microbiome in a Preclinical Model of Crohn's-like Colitis.

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an established dietary treatment for Crohn's disease (CD) by alleviating inflammation and inducing remission. However, the mechanisms of action of EEN are incompletely understood. As CD is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis, we investigated the effect of EEN on the microbiome in a rat model of CD-like colitis. The rat model of CD-like colitis was established by an intracolonic instillation of TNBS at 65 mg/kg in 250 µL of 40% ethanol. Sham control rats were instilled with saline. Rats were fed ad libitum with either regular pellet food or EEN treatment with a clear liquid diet (Ensure). Rats were euthanized at 7 days. Fecal pellets were collected from the distal colon for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of gut microbiota. In addition, colon tissues were taken for histological and molecular analyses in all the groups of rats. EEN administration to TNBS-induced CD rats significantly improved the body weight change, inflammation scores, and disease activity index. The mRNA expression of IL-17A and interferon-γ was significantly increased in the colonic tissue in TNBS rats when fed with regular food. However, EEN treatment significantly attenuated the increase in IL-17A and interferon-γ in TNBS rats. Our 16S rRNA sequencing analysis found that gut microbiota diversity and compositions were significantly altered in TNBS rats, compared to controls. However, EEN treatment improved alpha diversity and increased certain beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Dubosiella and decreased bacteria such as Bacteroides and Enterorhabdus in CD-like rats, compared to CD-like rats with the regular pellet diet. In conclusion, EEN treatment increases the diversity of gut microbiota and the composition of certain beneficial bacteria. These effects may contribute to the reduced inflammation by EEN in the rat model of CD-like colitis.

The effects of non-bitter &lt;i&gt;Cucumis metuliferus&lt;/i&gt; fruit extract on blood sugar of high-fat/fructose diet and streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic Wistar Albino rats

Globally, diabetes mellitus (DM) remains one of the leading debilitating non-communicable diseases, with its prevalence projected to increase from 8.8% in 2015 to 10.0% in 2030. The management of diabetes mellitus remains a major challenge, and the number of diabetes-related deaths is projected to rise from 3.1 million in 2015 to 4.2 million in 2030. This continues to be a public health concern, particularly in developing countries where the majority of people are poor and predominantly live in rural areas, facing challenges in accessing healthcare services. However, the non-bitter Cucumis metuliferus fruit is being used for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus by some communities in Kenya, although its therapeutic benefits have not been adequately studied and proven. The study aimed to determine the effects of non-bitter Cucumis metuliferus fruit extract on blood sugar in high-fat/fructose diet and streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic Wistar albino rats. This study adopted an experimental laboratory-based design. A sample size of 64 male Wistar albino rats, aged 5 weeks and weighing between 90 and 130 grams, was randomly assigned to two major study groups: the control group and the experimental group. The experimental group received a high-fat/fructose diet plus streptozotocin (STZ) injection to induce diabetes mellitus, whereas the control group received a standard rodent pellet diet plus 0.9% normal saline injection. The experimental group was further divided into a positive control group treated with pioglitazone (the standard drug) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, a low-dose CMFE group at 200 mg/kg body weight, and a high-dose CMFE group at 400 mg/kg body weight. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and haemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) tests were used as indicators, and the results were compared between the groups. The study findings revealed a significant statistical rise (P &lt;0.001) of FBS in the treatment group after induction of type II DM, followed by a decline to pre-induction levels after treatment. Similarly, there was a statistically significant increase (P &lt;0.001) of the OGTT after induction of type II DM, with the OGTT declining to pre-induction levels following treatment (P =0.106). The findings on both the FBS and OGTT tests indicate that treatment with CMFE controlled the blood sugar. Consequently, there was no significant difference (P =0.712) in Hb A1c test results between the control group and the treatment group at the end of the experiment, indicating that treatment with CMFE had a long-term control effect on blood sugar. This study concludes that the non-bitter CMFE possesses both short-term and long-term hypoglycemic properties in type II diabetes mellitus.

Digestibility of crude nutrients and minerals in C57Bl/6J and CD1 mice fed a pelleted lab rodent diet

In laboratory animals, there is a scarcity of digestibility data under non-experimental conditions. Such data is important as basis to generate nutrient requirements, which contributes to the refinement of husbandry conditions. Digestibility trials can also help to identify patterns of absorption and potential factors that influence the digestibility. Thus, a digestibility trial with a pelleted diet used as standard feed in laboratory mice was conducted. To identify potential differences between genetic lines, inbred C57Bl/6 J and outbred CD1 mice (n = 18 each, male, 8 weeks-old, housed in groups of three) were used. For seven days, the feed intake was recorded and the total faeces per cage collected. Energy, crude nutrient and mineral content of diet and faecal samples were analyzed to calculate the apparent digestibility (aD). Apparent dry matter and energy digestibility did not differ between both lines investigated. The C57Bl/6 J mice had significantly higher aD of magnesium and potassium and a trend towards a lower aD of sodium than the mice of the CD1 outbred stock. Lucas-tests were performed to calculate the mean true digestibility of the nutrients and revealed a uniformity of the linear regression over data from both common laboratory mouse lines. The mean true digestibility of crude nutrients was > 90%, except for fibre, that of the minerals ranged between 66 and 97%.

The effect of increasing the level of oat hulls, extent of grinding and their interaction on the performance, gizzard characteristics and gut health of broiler chickens fed oat-based pelleted diets

The effect of ratio of oats with hulls (OWH) to dehulled oats (DO), extent of grinding, and their interaction on the performance, gizzard characteristics and intestinal health of broilers chickens were studied in this experiment. A total of 2860 one-day-old male broilers were allocated to 130 floor pens bedded with wood shavings and fed a starter diet until day 10. On day 11, the birds were randomly distributed among ten dietary treatments (13 replicates each), consisting of five oat-based pelleted diets with different proportion of OWH and DO, and with main ingredients either finely- (2 mm) or coarsely-ground (6 mm). Half of a batch of oats was thoroughly dehulled and half kept as is. The content of hulls (OH) in the DO and OWH was 1 and 224 g/kg, respectively. Using different OWH:DO ratios, the diets were formulated to contain 0, 29.5, 65.0, 96.0 and 114.0 g/kg OH. The ratio of ingredients to DO, and apparent metabolisable energy to protein (AME:CP) were kept constant for all diets. Birds and feed were weighed on day 11 and at termination on day 32. Increasing OH level did not affect weight gain (WG) from 11 to 32 days, but increased FCR linearly (P < 0.001). Although FI was not affected by the extent of grinding, FCR was significantly improved with fine grinding. Birds fed diets with highest OH level had a lower AME:WG compared to those given diets with DO only. Coarse grinding significantly increased gizzard dry matter (DM) weight which also increased linearly (P < 0.001) with increasing OH level. Coarse grinding as well as increasing OH level significantly improved gizzard and pancreas relative weights and decreased gizzard contents pH. Excreta DM contents and litter score were significantly improved with increasing OH level. Coarse grinding tended to (P = 0.069) reduce total eubacteria density in the ileum only at the highest OH level and tended to (P = 0.080) reduce Lactobacillus spp. density compared to fine grinding. Increasing OH level had no impact on caecal short chain fatty acids or lactic acid production, but it decreased indole concentration linearly (P = 0.026). Coarse grinding tended to increase (P = 0.053) caecal propionic acid production. Importantly, broiler chickens were able to handle an OWH-based diet and still maintained a similar WG compared to diets with DO only. A larger gizzard holding capacity and a faster passage of excess OH may explain the ability to increase FI in response to high OH dilution. The positive effect of OH on performance was more obvious when finely ground, but coarse components in the diets induce beneficial effects on intestinal microbiota.

Effect of the pelleting process on diet formulations with varying levels of crystalline amino acids and reducing sugars on digestibility in growing pigs.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of pelleting on the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and crude protein (CP) in diets with or without increased concentrations of free AA and reducing sugars (RS). Eight individually housed, ileal cannulated barrows (initially 31.4kg) were allotted to an 8 × 8 Latin square with eight diets and eight 7-d periods with ileal digesta collected on days 6 and 7. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial with the main effects of diet form (mash or pellet), crystalline AA (low or high), or RS (low or high), provided by distillers dried grains with solubles and bakery meal. Diets were pelleted to achieve a hot pellet temperature of 85 to 88 °C. Data were analyzed as a Latin square design using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4. A feed form × RS interaction (P < 0.026) for SID of tryptophan was observed. Feeding pelleted low RS diets increased SID of tryptophan compared with mash high and low RS diets, and pelleted high RS diets. For the main effects of feed form, the SID of total AA, CP, and indispensable AA was greater (P < 0.042) in pelleted diets compared with mash diets. For the main effects of crystalline AA, pigs fed high crystalline AA had increased (P = 0.007) SID of tryptophan and decreased (P = 0.050) SID of histidine compared with those fed low crystalline AA diets. For the main effects of RS, high RS diets had decreased (P < 0.05) SID of total AA, CP, and indispensable AA compared with low RS diets. In conclusion, pelleting diets increased AA digestibility, and pelleting diets with increased crystalline AA or RS did not affect the improvement in AA digestibility from pelleting. Diets formulated with high crystalline AA had increased SID of tryptophan. Formulating diets with high RS resulted in decreased AA digestibility compared with corn-soybean meal-based diets.

Performance of West African Dwarf Growing Bucks Fed Varying Levels of Gliricidia Sepium Leaf Meal Supplement in Pelleted Diets

Insufficient resources and subpar pasture quality during the dry season necessitate a proven supplement to enhance the nutritional status of goats. In this study, Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (G-supplement) derived from a leguminous deciduous protein tree was proportionally incorporated into pelleted cassava peel-based diets (concentrate). The study aimed to assess the impact of this supplement addition to the concentrate on the growth performance of West African dwarf (WAD) goat bucks. Twenty bucks were assigned to four groups in a completely randomized design, with varying levels of G-supplement in pelleted concentrate (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Each group comprised five animals. The inclusion of the supplement significantly influenced (p&lt;0.05) diet consumption and utilization. Bucks fed with 10% G-supplement exhibited the highest feed intake (24,248g), weight gain (2650g), and a feed conversion efficiency of 9.15%. Parameters such as total feed intake, daily feed intake, final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily weight gain were significantly affected (p&lt;0.05) by the diet. The animals on the 10% G-inclusion diet demonstrated higher (p&gt;0.05) nutrient digestibility compared to other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating 10% G-supplement in pelleted concentrate enhances the performance of WAD goats in terms of feed intake, live body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility. The efficacy of the G-supplement at the 10% inclusion level notably contributed to improved performance

Effect of creep feeding pelleted starter diet, liquid milk replacer and a liquid mixture of starter diet and milk replacer to suckling pigs on their growth and medication usage.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of creep-feeding solid starter diet, liquid milk replacer, and a liquid mixture of starter diet and milk replacer to suckling pigs on their growth and medication usage up to target slaughter weight (approximately 120kg). Ninety-one sows and their litters were randomly assigned to one of four post-farrowing treatments at day 107 of gestation; (1) no creep feed provided to weaning at day 28 of age (CONTROL; n = 20), (2) dry pelleted starter diet provided as creep feed from day 10 of age to weaning (DPS; n = 25), (3) liquid milk replacer provided as creep feed from day 3 of age to weaning (LMR; n = 23), and (4) liquid milk replacer provided from days 3 to 6 of age followed by a mixture of liquid milk replacer with an increasing proportion of liquid starter diet to weaning provided as creep feed (LMR + S; n = 23). Pig weight and dry matter disappearance (DMd) were recorded during lactation and postweaning until pigs reached target slaughter weight (approximately 120kg). At target slaughter weight, carcass weight and quality were recorded. Medication (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory) usage per pig on a litter basis, and number of injections and clinical cases of disease per litter were recorded from birth to slaughter. At day 5 postweaning, a subset of pigs (n = 40) were sacrificed and intestinal samples were collected for histological analysis. Piglets supplemented with DPS had higher DMd of creep feed than those supplemented with LMR or LMR + S (P < 0.001). Providing LMR + S to suckling piglets reduced the coefficient of variation (CV) for within-litter piglet weaning weight (P < 0.01) compared to DPS and LMR, buttheCV of LMR + S was similar to that of CONTROL. Providing DPS or LMR to suckling piglets increased piglet weaning weight compared to CONTROL (P < 0.001) but pig weight was not significantly different from CONTROL at time points thereafter. Gain to feed ratio from weaning to day 6 postweaning was less for LMR pigs compared to all other treatments (P < 0.001). Providing DPS or LMR + S to suckling piglets tended to increase postweaning ileal villus height (P = 0.07). Diarrhea incidence, as well as the number of clinical cases of disease and injections per litter and volume of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory administered per pig pre- and postweaning, were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing suckling pigs with liquid milk replacer or dry pelleted starter diet improved growth at weaning, but the benefit did not persist to slaughter.

Glycerol derived from biodiesel can replace maize in diets for juvenile silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of maize replacement by crude biodiesel-derived glycerol on the zootechnical performance, chemical carcass composition and blood parameters of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) juveniles. A total of 600 silver catfish juveniles were distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments comprised of isoproteic and isoenergetic pelleted diets with six levels of glycerol replacing maize, and five replicates. The glycerol maize substitution significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the final weight, clean trunk production and headless carcass yield, with the highest values for both parameters observed in the 100% substitution treatment, significantly different compared to the 0% replacement treatment. Plasmatic calcium, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, total proteins, oxaloacetic and pyruvic glutamic transaminase concentrations were not influenced (p < 0.05) by the dietary treatments, nor were moisture, crude protein and mineral matter (p < 0.05). Crude glycerol can be included in up to 7.5% in juvenile silver catfish diets. Biodiesel-derived glycerol can, thus, successfully replace maize in juvenile silver catfish diets.

Anacardato de cálcio como fonte de compostos fenólicos na dieta para coelhas Nova Zelândia Branco

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the dietary addition of calcium anacardate as a source of phenolic compounds on the reproductive performance and blood antioxidant parameters of New Zealand White female rabbits. Twenty-seven New Zealand White female rabbits were distributed in a randomized complete block design with three treatments and nine replicates, considering one animal as the experimental unit. The treatments consisted of pelleted diets with different inclusion levels of calcium anacardate (0, 0.5, and 1.0%). The inclusion of calcium anacardate in the diets increased the concentration of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity in the blood of lactating female rabbits. Calcium anacardate at the level of 1.0% improves the feed conversion ratio during gestation and increases the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in the blood serum of female rabbits at 21 days of lactation.

Hematological and Biochemical Indices of a Local Rabbit Does Population Fed Diet Incorporated with Jujube Pulp (Ziziphus lotus)

Abstract Rabbit feed in Algeria is still based exclusively on commercial pelleted diets, but the recent use of non-conventional ingredients in feed formulation is becoming more frequent, and several studies were carried out on the incorporation of local raw materials in rabbit feed worldwide. However, studies related to the incorporation of Jujube are nonexistent. In this context; this experimental trial assessed the impact of Jujube pulp on local populations’ rabbits’ hematological and biochemical parameters during three physiological stages: non-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation. 72 rabbits were divided into 18 groups of 04 rabbits each one, three groups of non-pregnant females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet, three groups of non-pregnant females fed 50 % commercial pelleted diet with 50 % Jujube, three groups of pregnant females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet, three groups of pregnant females fed 50 % commercial pelleted diet with 50 % Jujube, three groups of lactating females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet, and three groups of lactating females fed 50 % commercial pelleted diet with 50 % Jujube. The levels of white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), lymphocytes (L %), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and Platelets (PLT) recorded in pregnant and lactating rabbits fed a diet incorporating Jujube were greater than those found in females fed 100 % commercial pelleted diet. The results revealed also that 79 % of the variations in ALP, 79 % in creatinine and 57 % in Tb expressed were related to variations in diet and physiological stage. The hematological and biochemical profile of the experimental animals indicated that Jujube is nutritionally appropriate without any deleterious effect on the female rabbits.

Inefficacy of dietary test substance administration in Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA) studies.

Traditionally, the Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA; OECD TG 231) is performed by exposing Xenopus laevis tadpoles to test substances dissolved in laboratory water. Recently, the use of dietary administration has been proposed to combat poorly soluble test substances in ecotoxicologically-based regulatory endocrine disruption (ED) studies, specifically the AMA warranting an investigation into the efficacy of dietary administration. An efficacy study comprised of two phases: 1) evaluation of the physical influence of the loading process via solvent and 10, 1, and 0.1 mg/l test substance or surrogate (sunflower oil, SFO) on the Sera® Micron Nature (SMN) diet, and 2) performance of a modified AMA in which Nieuwkoop and Faber (NF) stage 51 X. laevis larvae were exposed to dechlorinated tap water using one concentration of the SFO in the diet for 21 days, was performed. In phase 1, the addition of acetone or acetone with bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) or SFO to SMN with subsequent solvent purge altered the diet reducing the density of the liquified diet and dietary pellet size following centrifugation indicative of alteration of the physical properties of the diet. Treatments used in the modified AMA were acetone alone and 0.1 mg/l SFO dissolved in acetone. These treatments were evaluated against an SMN benchmark using standard AMA endpoints. Both the acetone-treated SMN and 0.1 mg/l SFO-treated diets significantly reduced survival rates, 67 and 70% relative to the SMN benchmark (100%), decreased developmental stage distribution and snout-vent length-normalized hind limb length relative to the SMN benchmark, and slightly increased the prevalence and severity of thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy. Although the acetone-treated diets may have impacted the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis, clinical signs of gastrointestinal impaction and tail flexure were also observed in the acetone-treated diets, but not the SMN diet alone. Ultimately, test substance exposure via the diet in an AMA study can produce results that may confound data interpretation, which suggests that the traditional aqueous exposure route is generally more appropriate.

Effects of enriched Artemia urmiana with polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin C on reproductive performance and larval temperature stress resistance of Severum Heros severus

ABSTRACT The influence of enriched adult Artemia urmiana with essential fatty acids (EFA) and vitamin C on aquarium-raised Severum Heros severus reproductive performance, larval resistance to high temperature stress (34°C), and intervals between each spawning were determined. Broodstock were fed with formulated pellet diet (P), P + adult Artemia, Artemia + EFA (30%), Artemia + EFA- +0.5 g vitamin C and Artemia + EFA +1 g vitamin C for 10 weeks. Results indicated that enriched Artemia with EFA + 1 g vitamin C had significantly higher larval resistance to high temperature, and shorter intervals for the eight spawning cycles than the other experimental diets. Artemia + EFA +0.5 g vitamin C resulted in higher fertilization and hatching rates than the other treatments. Our results indicated that feeding live feed reduced the whole time for the eight spawning cycles, increased reproductive performance, decreased the interspawning time, and increased the larvae quality in terms of resistance to stress and higher survival rate.

Use of wheat dilution to improve digestive function in broilers: application in low protein diets

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effect of wheat dilution increasing in particle size in low crude protein diets on growth performance, digestive tract, nitrogen efficiency and litter quality in broiler chickens. 2. Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n = 336) were allocated to one of four dietary treatments (each with 7 pens, 12 chicks per pen); Control (CON; commercial pellet diet with standard crude protein, CP: 22.50%), W578 (CON +20% wheat of geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 578 µm; CP: 20.25%), W1326 (CON +20% wheat of GMD 1326 µm; CP: 20.25%) and WW (CON +20% whole wheat, CP: 20.25%), from d 0 to 21 of age. 3. Body weight gain was increased (P < 0.05) for birds fed CON compared to the low crude protein diets. However, WW increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain compared to W578 and W1326, while feed intake and feed conversion ratio on CON and WW were similar (P > 0.05). Birds fed W1326 showed the poorest (P < 0.05) FCR compared to CON, W578 and WW. 4. Gizzard relative weight (g/kg body weight) was increased (P < 0.05) on WW compared to CON on d 14 and 21, whereas gastric isthmus diameter was significantly reduced on W1326 and WW compared with CON and W578. 5. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the depth of gizzard mucosa of lamina propria between CON and WW at d 14 and 21. Birds fed WW increased (P < 0.05) gizzard tensile strength compared to W578 and W1326, whereas no difference was observed between WW and CON on d 14. 6. No significant differences were seen for ileum villus height and mucosal layer between CON and WW on d 21, however, feeding CON increased the extent of the mucosal layer compared to W578 and W1326. 7. Nitrogen excretion (g/kg BWG) was significantly lower (P > 0.05) on W1326 and WW compared with CON and W578. Litter nitrogen, moisture, and footpad scores significantly decreased (P < 0.05) for birds fed WW compared with CON. 8. Diluting dietary protein content from 22.50 to 20.25% resulted in lower body weight gain in broilers. However, dilution with whole wheat resulted in comparable FCR, reduced nitrogen excretion, litter moisture and footpad dermatitis compared with a standard protein diet.

The protective effect of crawfish chitosan on the reproductive performance of obese male rats

Obesity is a global health issue that affects more than one-third of the population and is linked to several chronic consequences, including reproductive abnormalities. Chitosan is gaining popularity as a natural anti-obesity agent in various medical applications. As a result, this study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of crawfish chitosan on the reproductive capacity of male rats fed a high-fat diet. The crystallinity of chitosan particles was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Twenty-one male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 7/group); group I (control) was fed a standard pellet diet and water; group II, a high-fat diet (untreated), received 0.5 ml of 1% glacial acetic acid; and group III, a high-fat diet treated with 0.5 ml of 30 mg/kg/day of chitosan dissolved in 1% glacial acetic acid via oral gavage for 28 days. Many parameters were determined in this study, including sperm characteristics, hormonal profiles LH, FSH, and testosterone, as well as liver and kidney functions, testicular oxidative stress, and histological alterations. Results revealed that chitosan reduced body weight, enhanced sperm count and viability, and boosted reproductive hormone levels. It also increased antioxidant activity and improved kidney and liver functions compared to the HFD group. Histopathological observations of treated rats showed a normal appearance of seminiferous tubules with regular structure, displaying entire stages of spermatogenesis and presence of spermatids in the lumen. Conclusively, crawfish chitosan improved testicular dysfunction in HFD-fed rats by reducing oxidative stress.

Understanding olfactory and behavioural responses to dietary cues in age-1 lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens

Detection of environmental cues is essential for all vertebrates and is typically established by the olfactory epithelium and olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). In fishes, microvillous and ciliated OSNs are the principal types, typically detecting amino acids and bile salts, respectively. Activation of OSN receptors by specific ligands initiate downstream signal processing often leading to behavioural responses. In this study we used electrophysiological and behavioural techniques to evaluate olfactory detection and behaviour in juvenile lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens in response to hatchery- and natural dietary cues. We hypothesized that electro-olfactogram (EOG) and behavioural responses would be dependent on diet type. We predicted that inhibition of the phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (PLC/IP3) secondary transduction pathway would reduce EOG responses to dietary cues and, inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase/adenosine 3,5-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) pathway, would have no effect. Furthermore, we predicted a strong EOG response would be manifested in a change in behaviour. We observed that both the PLC/IP3 and cAMP pathways were significantly involved in the detection of dietary cues. However, EOG responses did not manifest to behavioural responses, although the foraging activity to the hatchery cue was significantly greater compared to the control. Our results support the notion that lake sturgeon raised in a hatchery and fed a commercial pelleted diet may become accustomed to it prior to release into the wild. Further, this study suggests that, in conservation aquaculture settings, lake sturgeon should be exposed to natural dietary cues prior to release as one strategy to promote food recognition.

Physical Quality of Complete Pellets Feed Containing Peanut Waste (Arachis hypogaea) and Its Effects on Rabbit Growth Performance

This study aimed to evaluate the physical quality of complete pellets with the addition of peanut waste and the effect of its administration on the performance of rabbits. A total of 20 local male rabbits aged 12 weeks with an average body weight of 1335.60 ± 280.53 g are divided into five groups based on body weight, and then used in this study which is performed in randomized block design (RBD). The rabbits are fed on the commercial pellets as a control diet (P0) and feed pellets containing peanut waste at the level of 5% (P1), peanut waste 10% (P2), and peanut waste 15% (P3). The results show that the physical quality of the pellets was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) in all treatments. Feeding complete pellets with the addition of peanut waste rabbits performances show no significant difference in performance (p&gt;0.05) in all treatments. In conclusion, complete pellets with the addition of peanut was can resemble the physical quality of commercial pellets (control), maintain performances

PSII-30 Effect of Dietary Alpha-Amylase Enzyme Supplementation on Growth Performance and Carcass Quality of Crossbred Dairy Beef Bulls Fed Pellet Or Mash High-Concentrate Diets

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary alpha-amylase supplementation on growth performance and carcass quality in crossbred dairy beef bulls fed either pellet or mash high-concentrate diets. Two parallel studies were conducted in two barns. In the first barn, 138 bulls (170 ± 2.3 kg of BW, and 148 ± 0.7 days of age) were grouped in 8 pens of 16 to 19 animals/pen and fed pelleted concentrate (PELLET study); and in the second barn, 148 (180 ± 1.6 kg of BW, and 150 ± 0.7 days of age) were grouped in 8 pens of 17 to 19 animals/pen and fed mash concentrate (MASH study). All bulls were fed concentrate (Table 1), straw, and water ad libitum. In each study, pens were assigned to one of 2 treatments: 1) CTR, no amylase supplementation; 2) RUM, RumiStar600 CT concentrate inclusion [630 mg/kg DM, based on 600 kilo novo units (KNU) of alpha-amylase activity]. After 196 days, divided in seven 28-days periods, where daily concentrate intake per pen, and BW per animal every 28 days was recorded animals were transported to slaughterhouse at different days within a month. Also, on days 0, 42, 84 and 168 concentrate samples were collected for enzyme activity and nutrient content analyses. Carcass quality was recorded at the slaughterhouse, bulls of PELLET study were slaughtered on average at 236 days of study and bulls of MASH study were slaughtered on average at 226 days of study. Data of each study were analyzed using a mixed model. In PELLET study, growth performance and carcass quality were not affected by treatments; however, conformation grade (SEUROP) was improved (P = 0.03) in RUM bulls compared with CTR bulls (score R: 18 vs. 5 %; score O: 54 vs. 56 %; score P: 28 vs. 39 %; RUM vs. CTR, respectively). Moreover, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was numerically (P = 0.11) improved in RUM fed bulls compared with CTR fed bulls (4.65 vs. 4.99 kg DM/kg, RUM vs. CTR, respectively;). In the MASH study, only an interaction between treatment by time in BW (P = 0.04) was observed; RUM bulls tended to be heavier than CTR bulls in the period 7 (476 vs. 470 ± 3.2 kg, RUM vs. CTR, respectively; P = 0.10). In conclusion, in crossbred dairy beef bulls fed high-concentrate diets with alpha-amylase supplementation (600 KNU of alpha-amylase activity/kg DM of concentrate) for at least 196 days improved FCR and carcass conformation grade when concentrate presentation form was pellet.