Protein Source In Feed Research Articles

Amino Acid Digestibility of Different Formulations of Torula Yeast in an In Vitro Porcine Gastrointestinal Digestion Model and Their Protective Effects on Barrier Function and Inflammation in a Caco-2/THP1Co-Culture Model.

Single-cell protein from torula yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii) grown on lignocellulosic biomass has been proven to be an excellent alternative protein source for animal feed. This study aimed to evaluate the amino acid (AA) digestibility by estimating intestinal absorption from three yeast-based ingredients, produced by cultivating C. jadinii on hydrolysate, using either mixed woody species (drum- (WDI) or spray-dried (WSI)) or corn dextrose (drum-dried (DDI)) as the carbon source. Further, the protective effect of intestinal digests on activated THP1-Blue™-induced epithelial damage and cytokine profile was evaluated. Total protein content from these three ingredients ranged from 34 to 45%, while the AA dialysis showed an estimated bioaccessibility between 41 and 58%, indicating good digestibility of all test products. A protective effect against epithelial-induced damage was observed for two of the three tested products. Torula yeast cultivated on wood and drum-dried (WDI) and torula yeast cultivated on wood and spray-dried (WSI) significantly increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values (111-147%, p < 0.05), recovering the epithelial barrier from the inflammation-induced damage in a dose-dependent manner. Further, WSI digests significantly reduced IL8 (250.8 ± 28.1 ng/mL), IL6 (237.9 ± 1.8 pg/mL) and TNF (2797.9 ± 216.3 pg/mL) compared to the blank control (IL8 = 485.7 ± 74.4 ng/mL, IL6 = 478.7 ± 58.9 pg/mL; TNF = 4273.5 ± 20.9 pg/mL) (p < 0.05). These results align with previous in vivo studies, supporting torula yeast-based ingredients as a high-quality protein source for pigs, protecting the intestinal barrier from inflammatory damage, and reducing the pro-inflammatory response. We provided novel insights into the mechanisms behind the health improvement of pigs fed on torula yeast-based ingredients, with potential applications for designing nutritional interventions to recover intestinal homeostasis during critical production periods, such as weaning.

Application of Rice Field Snails (Pila ampullacea) Extract as an Alternative Substitute for Protein Sources in Export-Quality Catfish Feed (Clarias sp.)

The freshwater fishery commodity that ranks at the top in total production in Indonesia, and its high domestic consumption, is catfish (Clarias sp.). One of the efforts to provide alternative feeds is by using rice field snails (Pila ampullacea) due to their high protein content. This study aims to determine the content of P. ampullacea feed and its application as an alternative protein source in export-quality Clarias sp. The feed was prepared by combining P.ampullacea flour, rice bran, and corn flour in a ratio of 3:1:1. Analysis of water content was conducted using the weight reduction method, ash content using the ashing method, protein content using the Kjeldahl method, and fat content using the soxhletation method. The analysis results showed that P. ampullacea had water content of 7.97%, ash content of 10.36%, protein content of 50.17%, and fat content of 4.16%. Meanwhile, the P.ampullacea feed had water content of 10.49%, ash content of 8.26%, protein content of 48.74%, and fat content of 3.6%. The results indicated that the application of P.ampullacea to Clarias sp. led to an increase in protein and fat content every week, the levels found in the commercial feed used.

Efficiency of rearing Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio larvae as a source of feed protein

The purpose of the work was to study the effectiveness of rearing larvae of Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio as a source of feed protein, as well as their chemical composition and amino acid characteristics, while improving the nutrient medium. It was found that the cultivation of Zophobas morio larvae for the production of feed protein is more eff ective than Tenebrio molitor larvae. At the age of 71 days, the average weight of Zophobas morio reached 387,0±8,24 mg, which was 238,8 mg more than that of the large Tenebrio molitor or 2,6 times (p &lt; 0,001). There was a higher content of crude fat and crude protein in the chemical composition of Zophobas morio larvae by 9,4 g/kg or 6,2 % and 8,6 g/kg or 4,2 % with the same content of chitin 25–26 g/kg, calcium 0,32–0,35 g/kg and ash 23,3–24,7 g/kg. In the larvae of Zophobas morio a signifi cantly higher content of lysine was found by 9,7 g/kg or 2,3 times, valine by 29,8 g/kg or 2,5 times, leucine+isoleucine by 33,3 g/kg or 2,6 times, serine by 8,2 g/kg or 2,4 times, alanine by 13,4 g/kg or 2,3 times, glycine by 9,0 mg/kg or 2,6 times, proline by 5,9 g/kg or 2,4 times and tyrosine by 1,1 g/kg or 39,3 %. The introduction of dried daphnia into the traditional nutrient medium of Zophobas morio made it possible to signifi cantly increase the mass of larvae by 54,4 mg or 16,4 % (p &lt; 0,01), as well as the content in them such nutrient as dry matter by 13,3 g or 3,4 %, crude protein and fat by 35,3 g/kg or 19,7 % and 8,7 g/kg or 5,7 %, metabolic energy by 1,8 MJ/kg or 25,3 %, lysine by 7,1 g/kg or 68,9 %, cystine by 2,2 g/kg or 2,2 times, arginine by 16,3 g/kg or 2,5 times, leucine+isoleucine by 29,5 g/kg or 2,2 times. Such use of dried daphnia did not have a high positive effect on the growth rate of Tenebrio molitor larvae, their chemical composition and amino acid profile.

High yielding cows metabolism peculiarities under climate change conditions with the use of feed additive with protein protected from rumen degradation

The research relevance is determined by the problem of thermal load on the body of dairy cows by increasing the content of protein protected from breakdown in the rumen. The research aims to determine the metabolism and level of delivery of various forms of protein and energy to the body of highly productive cows in the diets of cows in the second half of lactation under conditions of climate change. Research methods include zootechnical (assessment of feed intake, rationing, selection of groups, organisation of the experiment, determination of milk production), biochemical (determination of the content of basic nutrients in feed, milk quality indicators), statistical, and mathematical. The compensation of protein in the diet of high-yielding cows under climate change conditions was carried out using the protein feed additive TEP-mix with protein protected from rumen breakdown. It has been proven that its inclusion in the cow’s diet can increase average daily milk production by 9.1% in the cold season (0-10°C) and by 28.0% in the summer (21-36.4°C). In addition, the fat and protein content in milk increased in cows receiving the high-protein feed additive TEP mix. It was found that the increase in protein nutrition of cows from 23.18% to 33.53% with the use of the feed additive TEP-mix with protein protected from scar breakdown ensures a reduction in the impact of climate change on the metabolism of dairy cows. Thus, it has been proved that the use of specific protein feed sources that regulate the level of non-cutting protein in the diet can be considered a factor in combating heat stress and increasing milk production of dairy cows throughout the physiological cycle of lactation, including in extreme conditions of high temperatures

The potential of insects as alternative animal protein source for livestock feeding

The livestock industry as an important component of general agriculture is a key contributor to economic growth and development of any nation. In addition to having the capacity for earning revenue for the governments, it provides employment, food, farm energy, manure, fuel and transport. Currently, important protein ingredients for animal feed are fish meal, processed animal proteins and soybean meal. However, in the European Union the use of processed animal proteins in animal feed is prohibited due to the TSE legislation, globally land availability for soya cultivation is limited, while marine overexploitation has reduced the abundance of small pelagic forage fish from which fish meal and fish oil is derived. The growing scarcity of resources to produce these increasingly demanded ingredients has doubled prices during the last five years, while it already represents 60-70% of production costs. So, alternative (animal) protein sources for livestock and aquaculture are urgently needed.Insects are such an alternative animal protein source, which can sustainably reared on organic side streams. Reasons are that they have a favorable feed conversion efficiency, likely because they are cold-blooded. Insects contain between 30% and 70% protein on a dry matter basis. The protein content of the insect species is within the soybean/fish meal range and fat content is higher especially compared to (defatted) soybean meal. This review, however highlighted the environmental, health, livelihood and social benefits of insects. Recent efforts in feeding livestock, challenges limiting the use of insects as feed ingredients and moreover, the strategies for commercial production of insects as feed ingredients just to mention a few of the potentials of using insects for feeding livestock.

Development of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis of gene expression in Pleurotus pulmonarius for biotechnological applications

Jatropha curcas is an oilseed crop with biorefinery applications. Whilst cake generated following oil extraction offers potential as a protein source for animal feed, inactivation of toxic phorbol esters present in the material is necessary. Pleurotus pulmonarius is a detoxifying agent for jatropha cake with additional potential as animal feed, edible mushroom and for enzyme production. For the characterization of fungal genes involved in phorbol ester degradation, together with other industrial applications, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a tool that enables accurate quantification of gene expression. For this, reliable analysis requires reference genes for normalization of mRNA levels validated under conditions employed for target genes. The stability of potential reference genes β-TUB, ACTIN, GAPDH, PHOS, EF1α, TRPHO, LAC, MNP3, MYP and VP were evaluated following growth of P. pulmonarius on toxic, non-toxic jatropha cake and a combined treatment, respectively. NormFinder and geNorm algorithms for expression stability analysis identified PHOS, EF1α and MNP3 as appropriate for normalizing gene expression. Reference gene combinations contrasting in ranking were compared following normalization of relative expression of the CHU_2040 gene, encoding an esterase enzyme potentially involved in phorbol ester degradation. The reference genes for P. pulmonarius will facilitate the elucidation of mechanisms involved in detoxification of phorbol esters as well as analysis of target genes for application in biorefinery models.

Towards more sustainable animal-feed alternatives: A survey on Spanish consumers' willingness to consume animal products fed with insects

Global meat consumption will continue to increase in response to the growth in population and demand. Numerous studies have emphasized the nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits of using insect meal as an alternative protein source for animal feed. This article analyses Spanish consumers' willingness to consume pork, chicken, eggs, and fish, and explores the effect of sociodemographic and psychometric characteristics on their willingness to consume when the animals are fed with insect protein as a sustainable feed alternative. The study used an online Spanish consumers' panel belonging to Qualtrics© (market company services) and distributed it to 1260 individuals stratified by age, gender, and region. The data were analysed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Overall, the results demonstrated that most Spanish consumers expressed high uncertainty regarding their willingness to consume animal-fed insect meals. They also exhibited moderate levels of food neophobia and showed a highly ecocentric attitude. The non-parametric comparison analysis confirmed significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products across sociodemographic characteristics: financial situation and gender were significant variables, with females more willing to consume sustainable animal products than males. For the psychometric traits, significant differences in willingness to consume sustainable animal products were confirmed across food neophobia, food neophilia, opinions on using insects in animal feed, and ecocentric attitude. The results also confirmed a significant difference in the effects of sociodemographic variables on psychometric attributes. Financial situation affects food neophilia, anthropocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Age influences food neophobia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. Education also influences food neophilia, ecocentric attitudes, and opinions on the use of insects in animal feed. For gender, it is observed that females are more neophobic than males. This study has provided comprehensive initial insights into consumer willingness to consume insect-fed animal products in Spain, and the findings from this study will serve as a valuable resource for producers, policymakers, and governments in making informed decisions that promote more sustainable production practices.

Effects of Processing Methods on Anti-Nutrients and Proximate Compositions of Aizien B. Senegalensis Seed as Alternative Protein Source for Fish Feed

The study investigated the nutritional suitability Boscia senegalensis (Aizen) as alternative for protein in the formulation of diet of fish diet. The seeds were subjected to different processing methods to reduce levels of the most important antinutritional factors (ANFs) in the seeds. Standard methods of analysis were used for determination of anti-nutrients and proximate compositions of the processed seeds. Analyzed anti-nutritional factors of the differently processed B. senegalensis seeds indicated that soaking was the best in reducing the anti-nutrients with lowest levels of Saponin (2.10 m/g), Phytic acid (0.10 mg/g), Flavonoids (72.8 mg/g), Tanin (0.6 mg/g) and Alkaloids (1.02 mg/g). Proximate analysis showed that crude protein (CP) composition of the differently processed Boscia senegalensis seed ranged from 28.48 – 31.50%. Soaked sample had the highest CP (31.50%) while the boiled sample was the lowest (28.48%). Decreased lipid and fibre contents were observed in the boiled, fermented and the soaked seeds respectively. The study recommends soaking as best treatment for B. senegalensis seeds while proximate analysis revealed that treated B. senegalensis seed could be good alternative source of protein for fish feed formulation.

Evaluation of the Physical Characteristics and Chemical Properties of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as a Potential Protein Source for Poultry Feed.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of different drying methods on the physical and chemical properties of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to determine their potential as an alternative protein source in animal feed. The experimental design was a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (BSFL type × drying method), with five replications. The influence of post-harvest procedures was studied, including the different BSFL types (non-defatted and defatted) and drying methods (parabola dome, hot air oven, and microwave). The results showed that the types of BSFL, drying methods, and their interaction significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the feed's physical properties; these included the brightness of color (L* 29.74-54.07; a* 0.40-5.95; b* 9.04-25.57), medium bulk density (381.54-494.58 g/L), free flow with an angle of repose (41.30-45.40°), and small particle size. They significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the nutritive value of BSFL, which contained 42-59% crude protein, 7-14% crude fiber, 9-30% ether extract, and 5035-5861 kcal/kg of energy. Overall, both BSFL types and all the drying methods resulted in a slight variation in the proximate composition. However, a microwave and a hot-air oven were considered the most suitable methods for producing BSFL powder because of the high levels of nutrients retained and the improved physical parameters when compared to a parabola dome. This characterization of the physical and chemical composition of BSFL represents a preliminary methodology that could be used to initially preprocess larvae for use as an alternative protein source in animal feed and for other applications.

Farmers and Consumers Awareness and Acceptance of the Novel Practice of Utilizing Insect Protein as an Alternative Protein Source in Poultry Feed: A Survey

The use of insect protein as an alternative protein source in poultry feed has gained significant attention due to its potential benefits in terms of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and reduced reliance on traditional protein sources. However, the adoption of this novel practice in the poultry industry may depend on awareness creation for farmers as healthy feed for poultry into the human food chain. This study aims to investigate poultry farmers' awareness and readiness to adopt insect protein as an alternative protein source for poultry. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to 177 poultry farmers and consumers in the Ashanti and Bono regions of Ghana by simple randomisation. The survey collected data on farm size, feed dynamics, protein sources, and awareness and readiness to adopt insect protein as a protein source in poultry feed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages and graphs. The study found that 75% of the farmers interviewed had a farm capacity of over 1,000 birds, making them medium to large-scale commercial farmers. However, the feed formulated was not always balanced. Some farmers fed an excess of the required protein levels. Furthermore, while 52% of farmers had knowledge of the insect as an alternative protein source only 3.8% were willing to adopt it. Additionally, 82.5% of the consumers are willing to patronise insect-fed-derived meat with the insect protein qualifying as an organic product. The study concludes that awareness of the use of insects as protein for poultry is important. There is a need to increase research on the benefits of insects to address meat and egg quality and benefits.

Efficacy of Insect Feed as Protein Source in Aqua Feed and its Impact on Growth Performance of Fish

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of using insect-based fish feed on the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp). A meal in powder form was produced using the larvae of blowflies. The mixture contained either 20% or 40% larvae, combined with conventional ingredients. The fish fingerlings were divided into three groups and fed with this formulated feed for 10 weeks, while ensuring that the physio-chemical parameters were within the optimum range. Various growth parameters such as mortality rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), length, and weight were measured. The results showed that fish diet based on insects greatly accelerated growth, with the group fed with 40% maggot meal growing to the largest size and length. Similarly, the group fed with 20% maggot meal also demonstrated an increased growth rate. Whereas, FCR was the highest in the group fed with 40% maggot meal. Additionally, the groups fed with maggot meal had a lower mortality rate. This study investigated the use of prepared aquatic feeds containing meals from five different insect species. It was concluded that although insect-based diets show promise as an alternative to inexpensive and unappetizing fish meal, further experimentation with different compositions of insect-based diets is needed in order to achieve optimal results. It is likely that the extensive raising and processing of insects for use as a component of fish feed would benefit aquaculture’s viability and profitability in the years to come.

The digestive enzyme activity, intestinal microbiota and immune-related genes expression of snakehead fish (Channa argus) juveniles affected by dietary cricket (Gryllus testaceus) meal

This study aimed to investigate the potential of using cricket (Gryllus testaceus) meal as the main protein source in fish feed for snakehead fish (Channa argus) juveniles. A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of partial replacement of fishmeal (FM) with cricket meal (CM) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal microbial composition, liver antioxidant capacity, immune response and determine the appropriate replacement FM level with CM in juvenile Channa argus diet. Five isonitrogenous and iso-lipid experimental diets were formulated by replacing 0 %, 15 %, 30 %, 45 % and 60 % of FM with CM, respectively named T0 (control group), T15, T30, T45 and T60 groups. The results demonstrated T45 and T60 showed a significantly decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) than T0 (P < 0.05). Crude lipid content was significantly higher in T45 and T60 than in T0 (P < 0.05). With increasing dietary CM content, the activities of amylase and lipase were significantly increased in T60 (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, 16S rDNA sequences revealed that Proteobacteria abundance was dominant in all treatments, while Ralstonia abundance had higher significance in T60 than others at the genus level (P < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in liver in T30 and T45 were significantly higher than in T0 (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities had a significant increase in fish fed groups except T0 (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower within T45 and T60 than T0 (P < 0.05). The up-regulated gene expression level (IL-1β, IL-10, and HSP70) and down-regulated expression level (IL-8) were showed in all treatments with CM replacement. HSP90 and Iκ-Bα expression levels were increased and peaked in T30 (P < 0.05). According to the results of the current study, in Channa argus diets, FM replacement with CM can be up to 30 % without compromising growth performance, enzyme activities, antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbiota, and immune response.

Digestibility of Feed Supplemented with Common Pleco Meal and Its Impact on The Growth of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

Common pleco is a wild fish whose habitat occupies a lot of reservoir areas and public waters in Indonesia. The amount is abundant and not consumed by humans, is a great potential to be used as a source of animal protein in fish feed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the digestibility of common pleco fish meal in artificial feed for nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus.) The study was carried out at the Aquaculture Laboratory Hatchery, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, while the manufacture of common pleco meal, proximate analysis of feed ingredients and the test feed was carried out by the Laboratory of Chemistry and Animal Feed, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran. The design used in this study was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 (five) treatments and 3 (three) replications. The treatment given was the addition of common pleco flour in artificial feed at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The parameters observed in this study consisted of digestibility, growth rate, and water quality. The results of the research on some of these parameters indicate that the addition of common pleco meal can still be used in artificial feed up to 10%. The tilapia studied had the highest relative growth with a value of 0.218%. The digestibility level of the studied feed reached a value of 85.256%, and the water quality studied was still within the safe tolerance limits for fish farming. Based on the results of this study, the negative effect on the survival rate of tilapia did not occur until the addition of common pleco flour to artificial feed reached 10%. Thus, the fish meal has the potential as an alternative to fish meal in fish feed formulations.

Insect Meal as an Alternative to Protein Concentrates in Poultry Nutrition with Future Perspectives (An Updated Review)

In recent years, interest has grown among poultry nutritionists in using alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, to meet the protein requirements of poultry due to sustainability concerns surrounding traditional protein sources such as soybean and fish meal. Insect meal can be produced from different insects, including black soldier fly, mealworms, and house crickets, and its nutrient composition varies depending on the insect species, the substrate they are reared on, and the production method. This review article provides an updated overview of insect meal as a new form of protein concentrate in poultry diets, including its nutritional value, advantages, challenges, and future prospects. Insect meal has been shown to be a rich source of protein, amino acids (lysine, methionine), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc), with a high digestibility rate, making it a valuable feed ingredient for poultry production. Additionally, using insect meal in poultry feed could reduce the cost of production and the environmental impact on the industry. Furthermore, the use of insect meal has the potential to improve the growth performance and meat quality of poultry species. However, several challenges related to large-scale insect production, legal regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance need to be addressed. Future research and development could help overcome these challenges and increase the adoption of insects as a potential source of protein in poultry feed. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of insects as a potential source of protein for poultry nutrition and highlights the possible perspectives of insect meal to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient poultry production system. While challenges remain, the utilization of insect meal in poultry feed has the capability to enhance the sustainability and efficiency in the poultry industry. Hence, insect meal emerges as a highly encouraging protein alternative, offering sustainable prospects for its utilization within the poultry sector. However, advancements in insect production technology and efficiency have the potential to raise the production scale while lowering prices, making insect meals more affordable compared to conventional protein sources. Based on the comprehensive analysis, it is recommended to further explore the practical implementation of insect meal as a reliable and efficient means of supplying protein in poultry nutrition.

The effect of defatted black soldier fly meal (Hermetia illucens) inclusion in the formulated diet on the growth, gene expression, and histopathology of juvenile lobster (Panulirus ornatus Fabricius, 1798)

The present study investigated the potential use of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal as a protein source in the formulated feed for juvenile lobsters, Panulirus ornatus. A total of 160 heads of juvenile lobsters with initial weight of 0.24 ± 0.01 g and initial length of 21.77 ± 0.32 mm were distributed evenly into 16 rectangular fiberglass aquaria and kept individually for 8 weeks of the feeding experiment. Four formulated feeds containing defatted BSF meal as fishmeal replacements at 0%, 25%, 35%, and 50% and total dietary protein to energy ratio of ~ 26 g CP MJ−1 were prepared and assigned as BSF0, BSF25, BSF35, and BSF50, respectively. Fishmeal is technically a suitable aquafeed ingredient in terms of crude protein, moisture, and amino acid compositions. The partially substituted defatted BSF meal has higher crude lipid and ash content than fishmeal. At the end of week 8 of feeding trial, the specific growth rate, length increment, survival rate, and moulting rate of juvenile lobster were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the fishmeal replacement. The fishmeal replacement with the defatted BSF meal did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter the whole-body proximate composition of the juvenile lobster. However, it significantly (P < 0.05) affected the superoxidase dismutase of juvenile lobsters. The cytokine cell expression analysis indicated that up to 35% of fishmeal replacement increased the inflammatory cytokine cells (Interleukin 8 and 17) of juvenile lobster, while an adverse impact was observed on juvenile lobster receiving 50% of fishmeal replacement by BSF meal. Histopathological analysis showed that the hepatopancreas cells of juvenile lobsters were damaged following fishmeal replacement beyond 35%. The present study indicated that up to 35% of defatted BSF meal can be used as fishmeal replacement in the formulated feed of juvenile lobster.

Enhancement of astaxanthin production from food waste by Phaffia rhodozyma screened by flow cytometry and feed application potential.

Astaxanthin is widely used in food, aquaculture, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its strong antioxidant activity and coloring ability, but its production from Phaffia rhodozyma remains the main challenge due to the high fermentation cost and low content of carotenoid. In this study, the production of carotenoids from food waste (FW) by a P. rhodozyma mutant was investigated. P. rhodozyma mutant screened by UV mutagenesis and flow cytometry could stably produce high carotenoids at 25°C, with carotenoid production (32.9mg/L) and content (6.7mg/g), respectively, increasing by 31.6% and 32.3% compared with 25mg/L and 5.1mg/g of wild strain. Interestingly, the carotenoid production reached 192.6mg/L by feeding wet FW, which was 21% higher than batch culture. The 373g vacuum freeze-dried products were obtained from the fermentation of 1kg FW by P. rhodozyma, which contained 784mg carotenoids and 111mg astaxanthin. The protein, total amino acids, and essential amino acids content of the fermentation products were 36.6%, 40.5%, and 18.2% (w/w), respectively, and lysine-added fermentation products had the potential of high-quality protein feed source. This study provides insights for the high-throughput screening of mutants, astaxanthin production, and the development of the feed potential of FW.

Different protein sources in concentrate feed for dairy cows affect cheese-making properties and yield

Soybean meal (SBM) is a commonly used protein source in feed. Yeast microbial protein could be used as a substitute for SBM, but its effect on cheese-making properties and yield is not known. Norwegian Red dairy cows (n = 48) in early or mid lactation were divided in 3 groups and fed a ration consisting of grass silage and concentrate, where the concentrates were barley based but with different additional protein sources. These were: completely barley based with no additional protein source (BAR), additional protein from SBM, or additional protein from yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii; YEA). The SBM and YEA concentrates had a higher protein content than the barley concentrate. Four batches of cheese were made from pooled milk from each of the 3 groups of dairy cows. Milk samples were collected 5 times during the experiment. Milk from cows fed BAR concentrate showed inferior cheese-making properties (lower casein content, longer renneting time, lower content of phosphorus, and lower cheese yield) compared with SBM and YEA concentrates. Overall, SBM or YEA bulk milk had similar cheese-making properties, but when investigating individual milk samples, YEA milk showed better coagulation properties.

Entomophagus Response of Indigenous Chicken to Diets Enriched with German Cockroach (Blattela germanica) Meal in Kenya

Feeding accounts for 65-70% of cost production in a chicken enterprise. Fishmeal has primarily been used as a source of protein in chicken feed owing to its excellent nutritional value. However, due to its unstable supply and variation in quality, recent studies have focused on finding alternative protein feedstuff, such as edible insects. A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of substituting fishmeal (FM) with Blattela germanica meal (BGM) on the growth of chicks. Seventy-two KALRO improved indigenous chickens (KC), at the grower stage, eight weeks old, comprising an equal number of males and females were used as sampling units in a completely randomized design (CRD) feeding trial. Each of the four treatments was replicated three times. Birds were fed on dietary treatments that were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and comprised - treatments TA (87.5 %FM, 12.5% BGM), TB (62.5 % FM, 37.5 % BGM), and TC (50% FM, 50% BGM) TD (100 %FM, 0% FM)-Control. Data on daily feed intake and weekly live weight was taken for eight weeks and used to calculate the Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG). Data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The feed intake, average daily gain, final weight gain, and feed conversion ratio was not significantly different from the control (P&gt; 0.05). Thus, indigenous chicken fed diet with BGM and fishmeal performed similarly. As such, farmers should be encouraged to incorporate cockroaches as their on-farm feed to reduce the feed cost and increase chicken productivity

Investigation of nutritional profile, protein solubility and in vitro digestibility of various algae species as an alternative protein source for poultry feed

Alternative protein sources, particularly seaweed and microalgae, have long been considered a potential source of protein for poultry feed. Currently, several species of algae are a special focus of animal nutrition in order to replace soybean meal (SBM) due to its high protein content and abundance of vitamins, minerals and pigments. Determining nutrient and digestibility of a new ingredient is the first step in evaluating its suitability for use in poultry feeds. This study aimed to evaluate nutritional composition and digestibility of five algae including Caulerpa lentillifera J. Agardh, Ulva rigida C. Agardh, Spirulina sp., Coelastrella sp. (KKUP1) and Scenedesmus sp. (KKUP2). We evaluated nutritive value, amino acid profiles and physical characteristics microscopically. Protein solubility and in vitro digestibility, i.e., dilute pepsin digestibility (DPD) and two-phase gastric pancreatic digestibility (GPD), were performed by incubating algae samples in porcine pepsin and porcine pancreatin with a protease, lipase and amylase enzyme solution to determine suitability of algae as a protein ingredient in poultry feed. Results showed that Spirulina sp. had the highest protein content (44.44 % of dry matter basis; P < 0.0001) and was rich in amino acids (Lys, Thr and Trp). Moreover, protein solubility, digestibility (DPD and GPDProtein) and digestible protein of Spirulina sp. were significantly higher than those of other species (52.35 %, 49–67 % and 20.70 %, respectively). On the other hand, energy digestibility (GPDEnergy) and digestible energy were highest in Ulva rigida (99.40 % and 15.29 MJ kg−1, respectively; P < 0.0001). These results imply that Spirulina sp. was more suitable for utilization as an alternative protein source for SBM substitution in poultry feed formulation. This characterization of biochemical composition and in vitro digestibility of algae represents the preliminary methodology used to initially select algae for use as a protein source in animal feed and additional in vivo tests are warranted.

Effects of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on Growth Performance, Hepatic Health and Digestibility in Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

This study investigated the effects of yellow mealworm meal (TM) on growth performance, hepatic health and digestibility in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The fish were fed with the basic feed and the test feed (70% basic feed and 30% raw materials) containing Cr2O3, and feces were collected for digestibility determination. The fish were fed with five isonitrogenous (47% crude protein) and isolipidic (13% crude lipid) diets, in which fishmeal (FM) was replaced with 0% (TM0), 12% (TM12), 24% (TM24), 36% (TM36) and 48% (TM48) TM. The fish were reared in cylindrical plastic tanks in a recirculating aquaculture system for 11 weeks. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid, in largemouth bass of TM were 74.66%, 91.03% and 90.91%, respectively. The ADC of total amino acid (TAA) of TM in largemouth bass was 92.89%, and the ADC of essential amino acid (EAA) in TM in largemouth bass was 93.86%. The final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the TM24 group were significantly higher than those in other groups. Similarly, the highest mRNA expression levels of hepatic protein metabolism genes (pi3k, mtor, 4ebp2 and got) and antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase, Gpx; catalase, Cat) activities were observed in the TM24 group. Moreover, the expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors (il-10 and tgf) in liver were up-regulated and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors (il-8 and il-1β) in liver were down-regulated. Quadratic regression model analysis, based on weight gain rate (WGR) against dietary TM level, indicated that the optimum level of dietary TM replacing FM in largemouth bass diet was 19.52%. Appropriate replacement levels (less than 36%) of FM by TM in the diets can enhance the antioxidant capacity and immunity of largemouth bass. However, high levels of FM substitution with TM (more than 48%) in the feeds can damage the liver health and inhibit the growth of largemouth bass. Notably, largemouth bass has high ADC and high utilization of TM, which indicates that it is feasible to use TM as feed protein source for largemouth bass.