Pod Meal Research Articles

Economic implication of feeding Prosopis juliflora pod meal with enzyme to grower pigs

Economic implication of feeding Prosopis juliflora pod meal with enzyme to grower pigs

Mesquite pods as a source of soluble carbohydrates in elephant grass silages

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silage with inclusion of crushed mesquite pods, at the levels of 8, 16, 24 and 32% as a source of soluble carbohydrates, in addition to a control treatment (no mesquite pod). Fermentation parameters were evaluated for gas losses (GL), effluent losses (EL), dry matter recovery (DMR), pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and chemical composition related to dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HEM), cellulose (CEL), lignin (LIG) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). A quadratic behavior (p<0.05) was found for GL, with a reduction of 45.58% with 32% inclusion. There was a decrease (p<0.05) in EL (59.22%) and NH3-N (38.21%) and an increase in DMR by 17.57% as the mesquite pod meal was added to the silage. As for the chemical composition, the inclusion of mesquite pod meal promoted increments (p<0.05) of 72.28%, 69.58% and 29.80% for the DM, CP and TDN, respectively, and a decrease in NDF (29.92%) and ADF (31.84%) up to the highest level of inclusion of mesquite pod meal (32%). The inclusion of up to 32% mesquite pod meal in elephant grass silage promotes better fermentation stability in the silo, by reducing losses and increasing the DM content of the ensiled mass, which minimizes nutrient leaching. The use of mesquite pod meal as a source of soluble carbohydrates can also improve the silage chemical composition, increasing the content of CP and TDN, and reducing the content of NDF, ADF and Lignin.

Carcass, internal organs, duodenal digesta bacteria and economics of broilers fed dry African porridge (Tetraptera tetrapluera ) pod meal

A study was conducted to ascertain the potential of African Porridge pod meal as natural feed additive to improve broiler performance. Its effect on carcass, internal organs, duodenal bacteria and economic benefits were examined. One hundred and twenty (120) 1-day old mixed sex Ross chicks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (T1 – T4) containing 0.0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75%dry African porridge pod meal respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum for 8 weeks. Dressed percentage was significantly reduced (P<0.05) by African porridge pod meal which posted 68.96 - 71.93% as against 76.96% by the control. The cut-parts were not improved significantly. Abdominal fat deposition, bile secretion were increased and pancreas enlarged (P<0.05)by 0.50 and 0.75 levels of African porridge pod meal. Feeding of African porridge pod meal did not alter the nutritional value and pH of the meat. The spice showed antibacterial activity against salmonella and E. coli in the duodenum. The economic benefit was not improved, but the same as the control. In conclusion, in terms of carcass yield use of African porridge pod meal could not be advocated, but considering its antibacterial effect it could be used at 0.25% to modulate the gut of broilers.

Performance and digestibility by Uda rams fed concentrate diets containing graded levels of camel's foot pod meal (CFPM)

The study was conducted to investigate the performance of Uda rams fed concentrate diets containing graded levels of Camel's foot pod meal (CFPM). Sixteen (16) entire male Uda rams with an average initial weight of 30+0.0kg were allotted into four (4) dietary treatments in a Complete Randomized Design. Four (4) experimental concentrate diets were compounded with CFPM replacing soya bean meal at 0, 20, 40 and 60% levels of inclusion representing diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The concentrate diets were offered to the animals at 1.50% of their body weight and concentrate feeding was adjusted on weekly body weight basis while rice straws were served ad libitum as basal diet. At the end of the 12 weeks feeding trial, a digestibility trial was conducted which lasted 21 days using three animals from each treatment. Parameters measured were dry matter intake, live weight changes, feed to gain ratio and nutrients digestibility. Results showed that the organic matter content of the diet containing 40% CFPM was highest compared to other diets. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in dry matter intake and live weight changes among the treatments. The dry matter intake was higher in treatment 2 (993.02g) than in treatment 1 (932.32g) likewise the live weight changes was higher in treatment 4 (36.25kg) than treatment 1 (34.00kg). The feed to gain ratio ranged from 17.62 in treatment 4 to 25.42 in treatment 2. Nutrients digestibility increased with increasing level of CFPM in the diets. The DM, CP and ash digestibility were higher (p>0.05) in treatment 4 compared to the control treatment while the ADL was also higher (p<0.05) in treatment 4 than the control treatment. The optimum weight gain (36.25kg) and efficient utilization (17.92) was achieved at 60% inclusion level of CFMP. Therefore, Piliostigma reticulatum pods can serve as a potential fodder feed resource for ruminant fattening programme.

Effects of Parkia platycephala on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses of lactating goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses in lactating goats. Eight apparently healthy, adult, multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats, with an average body weight of 42.06±3.5 kg and approximately 52±4 days in lactation, were randomly assigned into two Latin squares (4×4) composed of four levels of PP (0, 33.3, 66.7, and 100% of dry matter) for four periods. Daily feed intake, feeding [...]

Chemical composition, fermentative characteristics, and in situ ruminal degradability of elephant grass silage containing Parkia platycephala pod meal and urea.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) and urea on the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and in situ ruminal degradability of elephant grass silage. A completely randomized design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted, with four levels of pod meal (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and two levels of urea (0 and 1.5%) on as fed basis. The produced silages were evaluated in terms of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, ammonia nitrogen, pH, short chain fatty acids, and in situ ruminal degradability. For the study of degradation, four Santa Ines rumen fistulated sheep, with average weight of 45 ± 2.5kg were used. The association of the additives increased (p < 0.05) DM, CP, DM degradability, fractions a, b, and effective degradability at all passage rates (2, 5, and 8%/h) and reduced NDF and ADF contents. DM disappearance increased (p < 0.05) during the incubation time, especially for the silages containing the two additives. The interaction in the rumen environment is essential for microbial multiplication. Thus, the use of additives such as PP and urea contributed to the availability of digestible fractions of the feed and greater use by ruminal microorganisms. The association of Parkia platycephala with urea improves the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, and degradability of elephant grass silage.

Rapeseed pod meal can replace concentrate and enhance utilization of feed on in vitro gas production and fermentation characteristics.

Rapeseed provides multi-products as human food and animal feed especially the oil and meal. Rapeseed oil and meal after extraction are nutritious and have been used in animal feeding. This study aimed at studying the effect of rapeseed pod meal as the replacement of concentrate (RPM) on in vitro gas and fermentation characteristics. Dietary treatments were imposed in a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement according to a completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor was two ratios of roughage to concentrate (R:C at 60:40, and 40:60) and the second factor was six levels of RPM at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of dietary substrate. The results revealed that the R:C ratio and RPM increased kinetics of gas production, in vitro degradability and improved rumen fermentation (P < 0.001). Ratio of R:C influenced (P < 0.05) on both protozoal population and methane production, while level of RPR did not. Both factors had influenced (P < 0.01) a, a + b, and c, as well as total gas production; nevertheless, there were no interactions (P > 0.05). Interestingly, both factors have greatly impacted on TVFA, C3 (P < 0.01) and tended to reduce methane production as level of RPM replacement increased. In conclusion, RPM improved rumen fermentation and increased in vitro DM degradability, hence is potential for replacement of concentrate and effectively used for ruminant feeding.

Bioactive Constituents from South American Prosopis and their Use and Toxicity.

The pods from several South American Prosopis species have been considered relevant food in arid and semi-arid South America since prehistoric times. Traditionally the meal from the pods was processed to prepare different foods and beverages. The objective was to discuss literature from the archaeological evidence of use to study the chemistry and (bio)activity of the extracts and secondary metabolites occurring in different Prosopis food products. The review was carried out by searching electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus, Scielo, Google Scholar, PubMed and hand-search on literature. The review mainly covers studies performed in the year 1995-2019 and the first-hand experience of the authors. References on the historical and prehistorical uses of the natural resource were also included. In the last decades, most studies on the edible South American Prosopis focused on the constituents of pods meal, traditional preparations and by-products. Total 45 flavonoids, ellagic acid derivatives, catechin and simple phenolics were identified. Alkaloids occur mainly in the leaves, that are not used for human nutrition but as food for domestic animals. Piperidine alkaloids, tryptamine, tyramine and β-phenethylamine were isolated and identified from several species. The (bio)activity studies included mainly the antioxidant effect, antiinflammatory and enzyme inhibition associated with metabolic syndrome. The products showed no toxicity or mutagenic effect. While data on the chemistry, some (bio)activities and toxicity are available for the pods meal and byproducts, little is known about the composition of the fermented Algarrobo beverages. Further studies are needed on the digestion of Algarrobo products both in humans and cattle.

Mesquite pod meal as an additive increases milk total solids, lactose, fat and protein content in dairy cows.

The objective was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, milk yield and composition of cows fed mesquite pod meal (MPM). Five crossbred dairy cows, with an average body weight of 450 ± 5kg and producing 10 ± 1kg of milk/day were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square arrangement with five periods of 20days each, comprised of 15days for adaptation to the experimental diets (T1 = 0%, T2 = 1.5%, T3 = 3.0%, T4 = 4.5% and T5 = 6.0% MPM) and 5days for data collection. Variables were assessed by analysis of variance and regression at P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 of significance, using the Student's test. Animals were kept on pastures and the concentrates were provided at 6kg/animal divided in two meals per day. The inclusion of 3.0% mesquite pod meal did not affect the intake, digestibility of nutrients and milk yield, but it changed milk composition. The dietary inclusion of 3.0% mesquite pod meal as a palatability enhancer increases the percentage of milk solids, lactose, fat and protein. Therefore, mesquite pod meal can be included in diets for dairy cows to improve the nutritive value of milk.

Effect of replacing ground corn with Parkia platycephala pod meal on the performance of lactating Anglo-Nubian goats

This study tested the hypothesis that Parkia platycephala pod meal can replace ground corn in the diet of lactating goats by evaluating nutrient intake, digestibility, serum parameters, and ruminal fermentation as well as the production, composition and sensorial properties of goat milk. Eight multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats aged ∼4 years, each one approximately 44.5 ± 6.3 kg in live body weight and 50 days into lactation, were randomly distributed in a double Latin square (4 × 4) with four treatments. The experimental treatments were 0 (control), 333, 667 and 1000 (total) g Parkia platycephala pod meal instead of ground corn. Each experimental period consisted of 15 days for adaptation and 5 days for data collection. Except for ether extract (EE) intake, which decreased linearly (P = 0.001), nutrient intake was not affected by Parkia platycephala pod meal inclusion in goat diets. The digestibility of the DM and its total digestible nutrient (TDN) content were also unaffected by the treatments. However, the digestibility of OM (P = 0.02), crude protein (CP) (P = 0.03), EE (P = 0.04) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P = 0.04) had quadratic effects, as NDF digestibility decreased linearly (P = 0.005) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) increased linearly (P = 0.0001). The ruminal pH and concentrations of acetic acid (A), propionic acid (P), butyric acid (B), as well as the A:P ratio and methane (mol%), were unaffected by the treatments. Conversely, isobutyric acid (P = 0.01), isovaleric acid (P = 0.006) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) (P = 0.005) decreased linearly, while valeric acid (P = 0.03) increased linearly. Blood serum concentrations of calcium (P = 0.03) increased linearly, while phosphorus concentration decreased quadratically, with Parkia platycephala pod meal inclusion; the other serum parameters were unaffected. The fat-corrected production (4% fat), total-solids-corrected production, chemical composition and sensorial properties of the milk were unaffected by Parkia platycephala pod meal inclusion. Thus, total (1000 g/kg DM) replacement of ground corn with Parkia platycephala pod meal in the diet of lactating Anglo-Nubian goats is recommended.

INCLUSION OF MESQUITE POD MEAL (&lt;i&gt;Prosopis juliflora&lt;/i&gt;) IN DIETS FOR NILE TILAPIA (&lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt;) JUVENILES

Alternative feeds are used to include or replace conventional ingredients in fish diets to generate regional socioeconomic sustainability and maintain the growth performance of fish. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mesquite pod meal (MPM) in extruded diets for Nile tilapia juveniles fed graded levels of inclusion (26, 32, 38, 44, and 50%). Growth performance variables of plasma metabolites, enzymatic activities and haematological parameters were evaluated. Fish were fed at 6% of biomass for 45 days. Four-hundred Nile tilapias juveniles (11.5 ± 0.18 g) were distributed into twenty-500L aquaria in recirculation system. Significant differences of treatments on performance parameters, feed conversion ratio and survival were observed. Among the metabolic parameters, glycemia was altered (P &lt;0.05). The activities of digestive and transamination enzymes were not influenced (P&gt;0.05) by the inclusion of MPM. Hematological variables did not change (P&gt;0.05). It was concluded that MPM can be included up to 38.67% in diets for Nile tilapia juveniles without impairing performance, metabolism, enzymatic activities and health.&#x0D;

Goats' Feeding Supplementation with Acacia farnesiana Pods and Their Relationship with Milk Composition: Fatty Acids, Polyphenols, and Antioxidant Activity.

Simple SummaryThe study aimed to describe the fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of goat’s milk from five different feeding systems: Grazing; conventional diet; and conventional diet supplemented with 10, 20, and 30 percent of Acacia farnesiana pods. Conventional diet showed the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids while grazing showed the healthiest fatty acid profile. Similarly, grazing and A. farnesiana boosted the polyphenol content. A. farnesiana pod meal inclusion in the goats’ diets increased the selective presence of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of goat’s milk while cholesterol content was reduced.Background: Research efforts have focused on the evaluation of the bioactive quality of animal products (milk, cheese, meat, and other by-products) contrasting various feeding strategies coming from different ecological zones. The study aimed to describe the fatty acids (FA), polyphenols (P), bioactive compounds (BC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of goat’s milk. Methods: Dairy goats were fed with five systems: (1) Grazing; (2) conventional diet (CD); (3) CD + 10% of Acacia farnesiana (AF) pods; (4) CD + 20% AF; and (5) CD + 30% AF. The fatty acid profile, health promoting and thrombogenic indexes were calculated. Milk extracts were evaluated by HPLC to determent phenolic compounds (gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids, catechin, epicatechin, and quercetin). Antioxidant activity of goat’s milk extract was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Conventional diet showed the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids while grazing showed the best n-6:n-3 and the linoleic:alpha linolenic acid ratio. Similarly, grazing and AF boosted the polyphenol content. Conclusions: Acacia farnesiana inclusion in the goats’ diets increased the presence of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity while diminishing the cholesterol content of goat’s milk.

Effects of autoclaving and/or multi-enzyme complex supplementation on performance, egg quality and profitability of laying hens fed whole Prosopis juliflora pods meal in the diet

Effects of autoclaving and/or multi-enzyme complex supplementation on performance, egg quality and profitability of laying hens fed whole Prosopis juliflora pods meal in the diet

Nutrients profile, protein quality and energy value of whole Prosopis pods meal as a feedstuff for poultry feeding

The chemical composition, tannins level, mineral profile, fatty acids profile and amino acids profile of whole Prosopis pods meal (WPPM) were determined. In addition, apparent energy metabolisability (AEM) and true energy metabolisability (TEM) and apparent (AAAD) and true (TAAD) amino acids digestibility were determined via a precision-feeding assay. Protein quality was also determined via a total protein efficiency assay. The tannins content of WPPM was 42.8 mg/g dry matter. WPPM showed 15.2% crude protein, 2.61% ether extract, 18.58% crude fibre and 6.04% ash, with 5.44 and 7.57 MJ/kg AEM and TEM, respectively. The WPPM contained 0.66% Ca, 0.20% P, 764 ppm Fe, 69.4 ppm Zn, 33.9 ppm Mn, 36.1 ppm Cu, 21.7 ppm Cr, 7.4 ppm Cd, 9.8 ppm Ni and 28.2 ppm Pb. The WPPM showed 92.54% total fatty acids, of which 25.33% were saturated fatty acids and 67.21% unsaturated fatty acids; of the latter, 37.83% were monounsaturated and 29.37% polyunsaturated. Threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine, arginine and tryptophan levels were 0.47, 0.67, 0.12, 0.54, 1.03, 0.40, 0.20, 0.46, 0.67 and 0.44%, respectively. Therefore, WPPM can meet 1.08% of the total amino acids requirements of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. The AAAD and TAAD of the WPPM were 34.9 and 65.0%, respectively. The protein quality of WPPM was 23.4% lower than that of soybean meal. In conclusion, WPPM contains a considerable amount of energy and nutrients (protein, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids), but its protein quality is lower than that of soybean meal.

Coccidiostatic effects of tannin-rich diets in rabbit production.

The potential anti-eimerial effect of tannin containing resources such as sainfoin and carob in rabbits was tested on does at pre-weaning and to growing rabbits in their feed. The trial began at parturition (D0), when 24 does and their litters were assigned into three groups. They were fed either with a control (Group CO), a carob (containing 10% carob pods meal) (Group CP) or a sainfoin diet (containing 34% dehydrated sainfoin pellets) (Group SA). All diets were made isoproteic and isoenergetic and also balanced for crude fibre but differed by their tannin content. Weaning occurred at D37, and growing rabbits remained in the same cage until D51. Then, they were transferred to fattening cages until the end of the trial (D104) and slaughtering. Weight gain of young rabbits among the three groups (mean = 31.2g/day) did not differ statistically. The mortality rates were 10% (SA), 15% (CP) and 20% (CO), respectively, but the differences were not statistically significant. Post-weaning economical feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reduced between rabbits of group SA compared to CO and CP groups. Faecal oocyst count (FOC) in group SA was 60% lower than in CO and CP groups. Areas under the curve (AUCs) calculated between sampling days and FOC, after transfer to fattening cages, was 62% lower in group SA than in CO and CP groups. The main Eimeria species identified (from D59 to D83) was Eimeria magna (53% of oocysts). AUCs for E. magna did not differ according to diet. In conclusion, the diet containing sainfoin reduced oocyst excretion of Eimeria spp. by 60%, and improved the economical FCR.

Growth Performances and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Akasya [Samanea Saman (Jacq.) Merr.] Pod Meal.

Akasya pods are seasonally abundant and are good sources of protein and energy and have been considered as an alternative feed source for livestock. This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding Akasya pod meal (APM) on the growth performances and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Three hundred straight-run 7-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% APM following a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated 10 times with 10 birds per replicate. The digestibility of nutrients was also evaluated to determine the effect of different levels of APM on the efficiency of nutrient digestion in broilers. Broilers fed APM level at more than 1.0% had lower body weights and body weight gains, but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, livability, and carcass characteristics were not affected by increasing levels of APM. The digestibility of crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE), ether extract (EE), and energy were the same in broilers across treatments. Increased income over chick and feed cost (IOFCC) was generated from broilers fed diets with 0.5% APM, but progressively declined as APM level in the diet was increased. In conclusion, APM can be used in broiler diets at inclusion levels up to 1.0% wherein growth performance and carcass characteristics were optimum in broilers and income generated was improved at 0.5% level.

Effects of Feeding of Graded Levels of Soaked Faidherbia albida Pod Meal to Weaner Rabbits in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Adamawa State

Effects of Feeding of Graded Levels of Soaked Faidherbia albida Pod Meal to Weaner Rabbits in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Adamawa State

Potential of Samanea saman pod meal for enteric methane mitigation in crossbred heifers fed low-quality tropical grass

Pods of Samanea saman have been reported to be effective in mitigating methane (CH4) emissions in ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of S. saman pod meal in the ration on feed intake, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumen degradation, protozoa population, and enteric CH4 emissions in crossbred heifers fed low-quality tropical grass. Four crossbred heifers (Bos taurus × B. indicus) with an average live weight (LW) of 261.5 ± 1.29 kg were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four periods of 23 days (17 days for adaptation and 6 days for measurements of response variables). Levels of inclusion of S. saman ground pods in the ration were 0, 10, 20 and 30% of dry matter (DM). Enteric CH4 emissions were measured using open-circuit respiration chambers. Additionally, rumen degradation of the different components of S. saman pods was assessed. Incorporation of S. saman levels had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) (P > .05), apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) (P > .05) nor protozoal count (P > .05). It was found that molar proportion of propionic acid in rumen liquid was increased (P < .05), while that of acetic acid and acetic:propionic ratio was linearly decreased (P < .01) when heifers were supplemented with S. saman. Additionally, emissions of enteric CH4 showed a linear reduction as the inclusion of S. saman in the ration was increased (P = .007). A reduction of 50.9% in L CH4/day and 56.9% in L CH4/kg DM intake was observed at the highest inclusion level of S. saman compared to the control diet (P < .05). Potential degradation of DM of pods of S. saman was 79.6%. It is concluded that, the inclusion of S. saman pods in the ration has the capacity to reduce energy losses in the form of methane emissions in heifers fed low-quality tropical grass.

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Moringa oleifera&lt;/i&gt; (Lam.) pods as feed additive on egg antioxidants, chemical composition and performance of commercial layers

The present study was designed to investigate the influence of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) pod meal (MPM) on production, immunity, and functional food index of chicken eggs. Two hundred HyLine W36 layer birds aged 50 weeks, 1469 ± 46.63 g, were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design, with five replicates and ten birds each. Diets A, B, C, and D were formulated with the same caloric and protein levels, but with differing MPM dose levels of 0, 5, 10, and 15g MPM/kg finisher diet, respectively. Data for production performance, quality, and chemical composition of eggs were analysed by one-way ANOVA, and means were compared with Duncan’s multiple range test. As a result of this study, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and egg mass (EM) were significantly decreased and recorded lowest in Group B, which was offered 5 g/kg above the basal diet. Bioactives such as β-carotene, quercetin, and selenium levels were increased (540, 121, & 72.21μg/100g of yolk, respectively), whereas cholesterol levels in egg yolk and serum were decreased significantly, that is, 201.87 mg/100g and 8.47 mg/dl, respectively. Serum biochemical indicators, including serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), glucose, creatinine and cholesterol levels, were lowered significantly. Proximate analysis of egg yolk showed that moisture and ether extract were decreased, whereas crude protein (CP), ash and minerals, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) contents were increased. The outcomes of this study showed that MPM supplementation affects EM, serum biochemistry and bioactive compounds of the egg yolk positively. Keywords : Antibody titers, β-carotene, cholesterol, egg quality, quercetin, selenium

&lt;b&gt;Cuts of dairy-origin cattle fed mesquite pod meal in replacement of corn

This study was carried out in order to assess commercial front and rear cuts of dairy-origin cattle fed mesquite pod meal. Twenty-five non-castrated male bovines (Holstein-Zebu), distributed according to a completely randomized design, with five animals per treatment, were used. The feed contained about 121.2 and 544.98 g kg-1 of crude protein and total digestible nutrients, respectively, and was composed of tifton grass hay, cornmeal, soybean meal, mesquite pod meal and mineral salt. The right half carcass of each animal was separated between the 5th and 6th ribs, in front and rear quarters, from which commercial cuts were obtained. There was no effect (p &gt; 0.05) as to the replacement of corn for mesquite pod meal on the weights and yields of front cuts (shoulder, brisket, chuck, hump and flanks) and rear cuts (tenderloin, shank, knuckle, thin flank, flat, eye round, rump tail, top side, cap of rump, rump, cut of rump, striploin, cap of cube roll). Mesquite pod meal can substitute cornmeal in 100% in the concentrate without changes in weight and yield of the commercial front and rear cuts of male bovines of dairy origin.