Reduce Feed Costs Research Articles

Vitamin 25(OH)D3, E, and C Supplementation Impact the Inflammatory and Antioxidant Responses in Piglets Fed a Deoxynivalenol-Contaminated Diet and Challenged with Lipopolysaccharides.

Using alternative ingredients or low-quality grain grades to reduce feeding costs for pig diets can introduce mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) into feed, which is known to induce anorexia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Adding vitamin 25(OH)D3 or vitamins E and C to the feed could increase piglets' immune system to alleviate the effects of DON. This study used 54 pigs (7.8 ± 0.14 kg) in 27 pens (2 pigs/pen) with a vitamin 25(OH)D3 or vitamin E-C supplementation, or their combination, in DON-contaminated (5.1 mg/kg) feed ingredients over 21 days followed by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (20 µg/kg BW) 3 h prior to euthanasia for 1 piglet per pen. DON contamination induced anorexia, which reduced piglet growth. DON also induced immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and downregulated vitamin D status. The vitamin E and C supplementation and the combination of vitamins E, C, and 25(OH)D3 provided protection against DON contamination by not only decreasing blood and liver oxidative stress markers, but also by increasing antioxidant enzymes and tocopherol levels in blood, indicating improved antioxidant defense mechanisms. The combination of vitamins also restored the vitamin D status. After LPS challenge, DON contamination decreased intestinal and liver antioxidant statuses and increased inflammation markers. The addition of vitamins E and C to DON-contaminated feed reduced markers of inflammation and improved the antioxidant status after the LPS immune stimulation. The combination of all these vitamins also reduced the oxidative stress markers and the inflammation in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.

Alternative ways of using the mushroom substrate as an additive for feed with the purpose of improving animal productivity in agriculture (review)

In modern agriculture, considerable attention is paid to the search for effective and environmentally safe methods of increasing animal productivity. One of the promising directions is the use of mushroom substrate as feed additives. Residual mushroom substrate is often considered as waste, but its processing and use can help reduce feed costs and increase farm profitability. In addition, the use of mushroom substrate helps to reduce the burden on the environment, promoting a closedproduction cycle. In the article it is considered the alternative ways of using mushroom substrate as a feed additive in order to improve the productivity of animals in agriculture. Mushroom substrate, the residual product after growing mushrooms, contains a rich complex of nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and other bioactive components. The use of this substrate as a feed additive can provide economic benefits for farms, reducing the cost of traditional feed and increasing animal productivity. Studies indicate a positive effect of the mushroom substrate on the health of animals, in particular on the improvement of immunity and the general physiological state. In addition to economic benefits, the use of mushroom substrate helps to reduce the amount of waste and improve the environmental sustainability of agriculture, meeting the principles of circular economy and sustainable development. Objective. To analyze alternative ways of using mushroom substrate as animal feed additives. In the article it is reviewed modern research and practical experience of using mushroom substrate, its chemical composition and potential benefits for animal husbandry. Special attention is paid to the effect of mushroom substrate on the health of animals, their productivity and general economic indicators of farms. Revealing the potential of mushroom substrate as a feed additive can be an important step in the development of sustainable agriculture, in particular, in the conditions of growing demand for food and resources for its production. Conclusions. The article emphasizes the needfor further research to optimize the methods of using the mushroom substrate in feed rations of various animal species and to develop new technologies for its processing. The practical implementation of these studies can significantly increase the efficiency and competitiveness of agricultural enterprises. Keywords: mushroom substrate, chemical composition, feed additive, animal productivity, agriculture, bioactive components, feeding.

Mengoptimalkan Formulasi Pakan Ikan: Meningkatkan Kandungan Protein Dengan Media Ikan ‘Sapu-Sapu’ Sebagai Bahan Baku Industri Perikanan

The decrease in production and the rise in the price of protein feed have increased costs and financial pressure on fish farmers. Data from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries shows production costs have risen by 2.13%. This research aims to provide an alternative to high-protein feed by using suckermouth catfish as an ingredient. The study uses a Research and Development approach with a 4-D model (define, design, develop, disseminate). The sample includes two catfish per participant. Data was collected through monitoring, questionnaires, and expert reviews, using a four-point Likert scale. Results indicate 60% of volunteers observed increased fish growth, 66.7% stated fish health was very good, and 53.3% reported increased feed consumption. However, 66.7% of volunteers rated water quality as poor. Despite this, 60% rated the physical and nutritional quality of the alternative feed as good, and 53.3% rated the benefits and cost as very good. In conclusion, using suckermouth catfish as an alternative feed ingredient can reduce feed costs and improve catfish growth and health, though water quality management needs improvement. These findings offer hope for fish farmers to tackle rising feed prices with a more affordable and sustainable solution.

Effects of Fermented Navel Orange Pulp on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, Meat Nutritional Value, and Serum Biochemical Indicators of Finishing Tibetan Pigs.

In order to cope with the limited supply of feed for global animal production, there is a pressing need to explore alternative feed resources. Orange pulp, a by-product of agriculture and industry, has shown potential to positively or neutrally impact pig productive performance when included in their diet. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of fermented navel orange pulp (FNOP) on pig growth and productive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FNOP as a dry matter substitute on pig's growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, meat nutritional value, and serum biochemical indicators. The experiment involved 128 finishing Tibetan pigs, divided into four feed treatment groups, with varying levels (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) of FNOP replacing dry matter in the basal diet. The results indicate that substituting 5% to 15% FNOP had no adverse effects on pig growth performance. However, at a 15% substitution rate, there was a decrease in serum growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, along with an increase in the feed-to-gain ratio. A 10% FNOP replacement notably increased the loin-eye muscle area of pigs. Additionally, 5% and 10% FNOP substitutions reduced the drip loss of pork. The study also found that substituting 5% to 15% FNOP increased unsaturated fatty acids and umami nucleotide contents in pork and raised serum total protein and uric acid (nucleotide-metabolism-related product) levels. These findings suggest that moderate FNOP substitution might improve meat quality, nutritional value, and maintain growth and productive performance in Tibetan pigs by improving protein synthesis and nucleotide metabolism, while also reducing feed costs. The optimal substitution ratio identified was 10%.

Responses of Digestive, Antioxidant, Immunological and Metabolic Enzymes in the Intestines and Liver of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) under the Biofloc Model.

To investigate the activities of intestinal digestive enzymes, liver antioxidant enzymes, immunological enzymes, and glucometabolic enzymes in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) under the biofloc model, an experiment was conducted in 300-liter glass tanks. The experiment comprised a control group, which was fed a basal diet, and a biofloc group, where glucose was added to maintain a C/N ratio of 15. Each group had three parallel setups, with a stocking density of 20 fish per tank. The experiment ran for 60 days, employing a zero-water exchange aquaculture model. The results showed that at the end of the culture period, there were no significant differences between the initial weight, final weight, WGR, SGR, and SR of the biofloc group and the control group of largemouth bass (p > 0.05), whereas the lower FCR and the higher PER in the biofloc group were significant (p < 0.05); intestinal α-amylase, trypsin, and lipase activities of largemouth bass in the biofloc group were significantly increased by 37.20%, 64.11%, and 51.69%, respectively, compared with the control group (p < 0.05); liver superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and total antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass in the biofloc group were significantly increased by 49.26%, 46.87%, and 98.94% (p < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde content was significantly reduced by 19.91% (p < 0.05); liver lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase activities of largemouth bass in the biofloc group were significantly increased by 62.66%, 41.22%, and 29.66%, respectively (p < 0.05); liver glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphate kinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and glycogen synthase activities were significantly increased by 46.29%, 99.33%, 32.54%, and 26.89%, respectively (p < 0.05). The study showed that the biofloc model of culturing largemouth bass can not only enhance digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant capacity, and immune response but can also promote the process of glucose metabolism and reduce feeding costs. This study provides data support for healthy culturing of largemouth bass in future production, provides a theoretical reference for optimizing the biofloc technology culture model, and is crucial for promoting the healthy and green development of aquaculture.

Uses of nanotechnological feed additives and nanofeeds in poultry feeding

In poultry, which has an important place in meeting the need for healthy animal protein, the production of ration substance compositions with alternative sources is one of the popular topics of the last period. Nanoparticles produced by nanotechnology of various minerals added to poultry diets are increasingly being used as feed additives that can reduce feed costs, reduce the risk of environmental waste, replace antibiotics and do not pose residue risk in animal products, both in terms of supporting growth and development and strengthening the immune system. The aim of this study was to bring together the studies on the effects of using nanoparticles as feed additives on growth, development performance and immune system in poultry

Potential use of pineapple crop residue silage to replace sorghum silage for crossbred lactating cows

The use of crop residue silages is a viable alternative for producers to reduce feed costs. The present study was developed with the objective of investigating the inclusion of pineapple silage in replacement of sorghum silage in the diet of lactating cows regarding feed intake, production, and quality of milk. Eight crossbred (Holstein × Gir) cows with an average weight of 555±30 kg and an average milk yield of 12.50±3.25 kg/day, between 60 and 90 days in milk, were distributed into two simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares, at one animal per experimental unit. Silage of pineapple crop residue (PS) using plants after the harvest of the fruits was included in the roughage portion of the diet at increasing levels, with simultaneous and proportional removal of sorghum silage (SS) from the diets. The studied treatments thus consisted of the roughage portion containing: 1- 0% PS and 100% SS (100SS); 2- 34% PS and 66% SS (34PS66SS); 3- 67% PS and 33% SS (67PS33SS); 4- 100% PS and 0% SS (100PS). The diets were supplied twice daily, allowing 5% leftovers in relation to the quantity offered. The amounts of feed supplied, and orts of each animal were weighed for a subsequent determination of intake. The experiment was divided into four 21-day sub-periods, the first 14 days of which were used as an adaptation to the diet, while the others served for data collection. The milk was weighed from the 15th to the 19th day of each experimental period, and milk samples were collected on the last day of each period. Milk samples were sent to the laboratory, where they were analyzed. Dry matter, mineral matter, and lignin concentrations in the diet did not vary (P&gt;0.05) as a function of PS inclusion in the roughage portion, while protein content, fiber content, and fat content levels were influenced. No effect of PS inclusion was observed (P&gt;0.05) on the intakes of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, mineral material, or lignin. However, PS inclusion prompted (P&lt;0.05) a linear increase in the intakes of protein and total fat. The inclusion of pineapple plant silage in the roughage part of the diet had a positive effect (P&lt;0.05) on milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk yield, and on the milk fat and total solids contents. Milk production, as well as fat and total solids content, increased moderately with inclusion of pineapple plant silages in the roughage portion of the diet. Therefore, pineapple silage can replace sorghum silage in the roughage part of diets for lactating crossbred cows.

Chemical composition, energy content, and nutrient digestibility of rye grain in broiler chickens

The development of livestock farming is always associated with the search for new dietary components that increase feed efficiency or reduce feed costs. The maximum use of regional, conventional feed in the feeding of farm animals is quite relevant today. Furthermore, certain feeds, the production of which is accompanied by low greenhouse gas emissions, help reduce the carbon footprint of the diet as a whole. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of rye grain of the modern hybrid KWS Tayo and the digestibility of nutrients in poultry. The chemical composition of grain, digestibility of nutrients in broiler chickens, and total energy content were investigated. The chemical composition of feed, compound feed, and litter was determined according to the Wende method. Nutrient digestibility studies were conducted on broiler chickens of the ROSS-308 cross. For the physiological experiment, 5 chickens aged 22 days were selected. The experiment was carried out using a complex method, by replacing part of the basic diet. The experiment consisted of 2 parts. In the first experiment, the nutrient digestibility of the main diet was determined – compound feed containing 5% rye grain; in the second, the main diet with an additional 5% rye grain was used. The calculation was made on the assumption that the digestibility of nutrients in the main diet was the same in both experiments. The compound feed was balanced according to the recommendations of the cross developer. The energy content of rye grain was calculated in J of metabolisable energy by the regression equation, based on the data on the content of digestible protein, fat, fibre, and NFES determined in the physiological experiment. The average dry matter content of the rye samples was 87.4%. The content of the main nutrients in the grain of natural moisture was as follows: crude protein – 8.87±0.484%; crude fat – 1.63±0.105%; NFES – 73.95±0.494%, and crude ash – 0.53±0.109%. The nutrient digestibility of rye grain was as follows: crude protein – 76%; crude fat – 82%, crude fibre – 8%; NFES – 81% and organic matter – 78%. The total energy value of rye grain was 12.420±0.2573 MJ/kg of metabolic energy for poultry. Nutritionists can use the nutritional and nutrient digestibility data of rye grain to develop practical recipes for poultry compound feed

A Comparative Approach to Sustainable Fish Meal: Prussian carp meal (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782)

In the present study, the usability of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) meal (PCM) as an alternative animal protein source in fish feeds was investigated by comparing it with anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) meals in terms of their biochemical, fatty acid, amino acid and element compositions. Prussian carp were obtained by fishing and made into a meal (PCM). Anchovy (AM), and sprat (SM) meals were purchased from a commercial company. The amino acid analysis results show that PCM's total, essential, and non-essential amino acid values were lower than that of AM and SM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and Omega-6 values of PCM were higher than AM and SM; and lower than saturated fatty acids (SFA), Omega-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), atherogenicity index (AI) values (P &amp;lt; 0.05). According to the element analysis, the P and Ca values of the PCM were higher than the AM and SM (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and the Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se values were lower. According to the results of the present study, PCM can be utilized in the feed industry to boost the sustainability of fish meals used in feed production, which in turn will reduce the foreign dependency on vegetable and fish meals, and lower feed costs.

Physical treatment and protease or probiotic supplementation and feather meal digestibility by broilers

Context Improving the utilisation of alternative protein ingredients in livestock production will reduce feeding costs and improve industry sustainability. Feather meal (FM) is an abundant, alternative protein source with a high protein content but poor amino acid (AA) digestibility. Aim This study evaluated strategies for improving AA digestibility of FM. Methods Experiment 1 examined the effects of physical treatment with ultrasound, microwave and autoclaving on FM AA profile and digestibility. Experiment 2 evaluated the dietary addition of a protease (Ronozyme ProAct, 200 and 600 mg/kg; RPA) and a probiotic (BioPlus 400, 1500 mg/kg) on FM AA digestibility. Apparent ileal digestibility was determined by feeding each treatment to four replicate groups of six birds in Experiment 1 and five replicate groups of seven birds in Experiment 2, and then collecting the contents of the lower half of the ileum. Key results None of the physical treatments improved (P &gt; 0.05) the AA profile or ileal AA digestibility of FM. Dietary supplementation with RPA at 200 mg/kg or BioPlus 400 at 1500 mg/kg did not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) influence the apparent ileal AA digestibility of FM. However, the higher concentration of RPA (600 mg/kg) significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased the apparent ileal AA digestibility of FM. Conclusion The increased digestibility of FM by the protease and numerical increase (P &lt; 0.1) by the probiotic (1500 mg/kg) presumably reflects keratinase activity of both feed supplements. Implications The results of this study indicated that there is scope for further improvement in the nutritive value of FM for broilers.

PSIV-15 Effects of dietary supplementation of carbohydrase on growth performance and health status of growing-finishing pigs

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of carbohydrase supplementation in finishing diets with 30-35% DDGS on growth performance and health status of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 432 DNA-sired growing pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 31.1 ± 1.14 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. There were 16 to 20 pigs in each pen and 11 to 12 replicate pens per treatment. The 2 dietary treatments were 1) a standard finishing diet with phytase inclusion (CON); 2) CON + 90 g per ton of Endopower Green (ENZ). Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded by pen on d 0, 21, 42, 64, and 84 and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). After d 84, an equal number of pigs from each pen were marketed, and marketed weight was recorded based on the 4 individual cuts. Morbidity, mortality, and medical injectable treatments were measured for the entire experimental period. Data were used to calculate all variables and were analyzed using the GLM procedure in Minitab with Fisher’s t-test determining differences between treatments. There was a significant difference in the initial BW of pigs fed control and Endopower Green (dried Aspergillus niger fermentation product as a source of xylanase, beta-glucanase, beta-mannanase and alpha-galactosidase) containing diets. Thus, the initial BW was included in the model as a covariate for adjusting growth performance data. Results (Table 1) indicate that final BW tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.10) in pigs fed ENZ compared with pigs fed CON. Endopower treatment had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05, respectively) ADG from d 0 to 21 and d 21 to 42 than control treatment and ADG tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.10) in pigs fed ENZ compared with pigs fed CON from d 0 to MKT. While pigs fed ENZ had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADFI from d 0 to 21 than pigs fed CON, there was no difference in ADFI between the 2 treatments from the overall period. G:F tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.10) from d 21 to 42 and G:F was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05, respectively) in pigs fed ENZ compared with pigs fed CON from d 42 to 63 and the overall period. These results suggested providing Endopower Green in finishing diets can improve feed efficiency and therefore reduce feed cost per kg of gain and support environmental sustainability whilst utilizing greater content of DDGS.

252 Evaluation of phase feeding and complete diet blending at different standardized ileal digestible lysine levels on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics and diet costs

Abstract A total of 2,160 mixed-gender pigs [PIC 337 × 1050; initial body weight (BW) = 24.9 ± 0.97 kg) were used in the 120-d study to compare feeding strategies (phase feeding vs complete diet blending) at different SID Lys levels (90 vs 100% of suggested requirement estimates) on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economics. Pens of 27 pigs were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a completely randomized block design with barn and initial BW as blocking factors resulting in 20 pens/treatment. The treatments included two feeding programs: a 5-phase feeding strategy at either 90% (Phase-90) or 100% of SID Lys requirement estimates (Phase-100) or blending of complete diets with pre-defined mixing proportions of a low and high SID Lys diet to meet 90 (Blend-90) or 100% (Blend-100) of the SID Lys curve requirement estimates for 23 to 127 kg pigs. Lysine levels were based on PIC 2021 requirement estimates. The 90% SID Lys diets were formulated to contain 4.38, 3.73, 3.06, 2.66 and 2.44 g SID Lys per Mcal NE for phases 1 to 5, respectively. The 100% SID Lys diets were formulated to contain 4.86, 4.15, 3.40, 2.96 and 2.71 g SID Lys per Mcal NE for phases 1 to 5, respectively. Pigs in phase-feeding strategies were fed on a feed budget with 21, 65, 67, 63 and 62 kg per pig for phases 1 to 5, respectively. Final BW and overall average daily gain (ADG; d 0 to 120) were not affected by the feeding strategy nor by diet SID Lys levels. In contrast, overall average daily feed intake (ADFI0 of pigs fed by diet blending was less than those fed by phase feeding (P = 0.002) resulting in increased gain to feed ratio (G:F; P &amp;lt; 0.001) for pigs fed by diet blending (table). The SID Lys levels did not influence overall ADFI or G:F. Hot carcass weight, carcass yield, percentage lean, fat depth and loin depth were not affected by the feeding program. Despite the decreased overall ADFI and increased G:F of pigs fed by diet blending, feeding strategy resulted in no significant differences in economic criteria except for reduced feed cost per kg gain at high price scenario (P = 0.049) for diet blending. With low diet cost, the 90% SID Lys level resulted in decreased feed cost per pig and feed cost per kg gain than 100% SID Lys (P &amp;lt; 0.001), but differences were not detected in income over feed cost (IOFC). In conclusion, diet blending at either 90 or 100% of the SID Lys requirement estimate reduced ADFI and increased G:F without impacting average daily gain (ADG) or carcass characteristics. At ingredient prices used in this study, feeding strategies at either 90 or 100% SID Lys did not significantly affect IOFC, but feeding 90% of SID Lys recommendation reduced feed cost.

18 Effect of precision feeding standardized ileal digestible lysine to lactating sows compared with conventional feeding strategies in a commercial farm

Abstract A total of 728 sows and litters were used in a 19-d lactation study to evaluate effects of precision feeding SID Lys and other amino acids on sow and litter performance and feed cost in a commercial farm. Sows were blocked by parity and allotted to 1 of 2 treatments at entry into farrowing. Treatments consisted of a control diet or a feed blending curve. Two diets were used to create treatment curves, a low Lys diet (0.60% SID Lys) or a high Lys diet (1.07% SID Lys). Sows on the control treatment were fed only the high Lys diet and sows on the blend curve were fed a blend of the low and high Lys diets using the Gestal Quattro Opti Feeder (Jyga Technologies, St-Lambert-de-Lauzon, Quebec, Canada) to target a specific Lys intake/d. Lysine intake targets were based on the NRC (2012) model requirements, except targets were increased by 20% to reach average Lys intake of approximately 63 g/d. The blend of the low and high Lys diet was adjusted on d 7 and 14 for sows fed the blend curve in an attempt to reach target Lys intake. Average Lys intake was 87% of target Lys intake because feed intake was lower than predicted. Sows fed the control diet had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001; 72.0 vs 54.8 g/d) Lys intake compared with sows on blend curves because they were fed only the high Lys diet (Table). No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in body weight (BW), backfat, loin depth, caliper score, or average daily feed intake (ADFI) were observed. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in litter size at d 2 after equalization or weaning; however, piglets and litters from sows fed the control treatment tended to have greater weaning weights (P = 0.090) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.071) compared with piglets and litters from sows fed the blend curve, likely due to insufficient Lys intake for sows on the blend curve to maximize litter growth performance. Feed cost per sow was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for sows fed the blend curve in both a low and high ingredient price scenario. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in feed cost per kg of litter weight gain were observed; however, feed cost per weaned pig was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for sows on the blend treatment. Serum urea nitrogen was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at weaning compared with d 10 for control fed sows and was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than blend-fed sows at both time points. Sows fed the control diet had greater milk crude protein (P = 0.05) compared with sows fed the blend curve. While precision feeding sows using diet blending during lactation can be used to reduce feed cost, future research should focus on using technology to automatically adjust diet blend for low or high-feed intake sows to avoid the over or under-feeding of nutrients.

Performance of Philippine Native Pig Fed with Ensiled Pongapong

Native animals are regarded as an essential component of most agricultural production systems in rural settings. Amorphophallus campanulatus can be used as food and animal feed, however its application is limited due to its high oxalate concentration and low crude protein level. Fermentation with oxalolytic bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, which produces the oxalate decarboxylase enzyme, has been utilized to boost the nutritional value of pongapong. This study aims to determine the growth performance of native pig fed with fermented pongapong as feed supplement. Specifically, to determine the effect of fermented/ensiled pongapong on the body weight-gain in weight, growth increment, feed conversion efficiency and feed conversion ratio on Philippine native pigs; determine the best level of silage pongapong to growth of Philippine Native pigs; determine the nutrient composition of fermented Amorphophalus campanulatus; and determine the economics of fermented pongapong as feed supplement for native pigs in one production cycle. The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was utilized in the study. The treatments were follows:T1=Formulated feeds ,T2=75% Formulated feeds + 25% silage AC ,T3=50% Formulated feeds 50% silage AC, T4=25% Formulated feeds + 75% silage AC, T5= Pure ensiled AC. Based on the analysis of variance shows insignificant among the treatments as to the initial weight, feed conversion efficiency and growth rate. Also, there are significant differences in the body weight, gain weight and feed conversion ration while it shows highly significant feed consumption throughout the duration of the study. Thus, 75% formulated feeds and 25% fermented pongapong and 50% Formulated feeds + 50% fermented pongapong results to best growth. It demonstrates that feeding native pigs with formulated feed including fermented pongapong was employed as an alternative diet that is potentially cost effective and useful in native pig production in the province. This information could help growers reduce feed costs.

Two studies evaluated the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on the growth performance of broilers fed corn/soybean diets and deficient in nutrients and energy

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on performance of broilers fed US type diets with reduced nutrients and energy. Each experiment utilized a completely randomized block design where four treatments were tested with 10 replicate groups, each treatment totaling 270 day-of-hatch male Ross 308 broilers. The diets were: 1), a nutrient-adequate control (PC) and 2), a nutrient and energy-reduced negative control (NC): PC minus 0.19 % avP, 0.23 % Ca, 0.045 % Na, up to 0.05 % unit dig AA and 37 kcal/kg ME and 3), NC with PhyG supplemented at 1,500 FTU/kg (PhyG1500) 4), PC minus 0.164 % avP, 0.201 % Ca, 0.037 % Na, up to 0.035 %-unit dig. AA and 29 kcal/kg ME plus the PhyG at 750 FTU/kg (PhyG750). Xylanase was included in all diets at 750 XU/kg with 25 kcal/kg of ME matrix applied. Experiment 1 diets (wholly vegetable) were based on corn-soybean meal with <2 % DDGs. Experiment 2 diets (conventional) were based on corn-soybean meal with <3 % DDGS and <4 % meat and bone meal. Diets were pelleted and fed ad libitum over four phases: starter (1–10d), grower (11–21d), finisher 1 (22–35d), and finisher 2 (36–42d). In both experiments, compared with PC, birds fed the nutrient and energy reduced NC exhibited reduced 42d BW and increased overall 1–42d FCR (P < 0.05). During all phases, in both experiments, PhyG at each dose-level produced growth performance measures that were by phase and cumulatively equivalent to PC. PhyG at 1500 FTU improved accumulative FCR (1–21d, 1–35d and 1–42d) in experiment 1, and 1–21d FCR in experiment 2 compared to PC. Similarly, PhyG750 and PhyG1500 increased (P < 0.05) tibia ash and carcass yield vs. NC to similar levels as PC. For all measures, response values were numerically highest with 1500 FTU/kg. In conclusion, the novel consensus phytase variant completely compensated for the reduction in avP, Ca, Na, dig AA, and ME respectively at each dose-level and maintained growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone quality of broilers fed wholly vegetable or conventional US type commercial diets through 42 days of age, leading to reduced feed cost and production benefit.

Performance and Cost Benefit of Organic Acid Supplementation in Broiler Diets Containing Graded Levels of Soaked &lt;i&gt;Balanite Aegyptiaca&lt;/i&gt; Fruit Meal

Balanite aegyptiaca fruit meal (BAFM) is an alternative feed source that requires processing and supplementation with additives to enhance its utilization in broiler diets. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day old broiler chickens were used for the study. They were allotted to four experimental treatments each replicated thrice with ten (10) chickens per replicate in a completely randomized design. Raw BAFM fruit was processed by soaking for 24 hours, dried and incorporated in the diets at 0.00, 2.50, 5.00 and 7.50% in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Acidifier (Fysal®) was supplemented in the diets of T2-T4 at 0.1%. The study monitored the following parameters; initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, and mortality rate. Cost benefit was also determined at the end of the study. Results obtained indicate that growth performance was poorer in chickens fed the control diet compared to others. Starter-phase chicks fed diets with the highest BAFM dietary inclusion level (7.5%) exhibited enhanced weight gain, improved feed conversion efficiency, and reduced feed cost per unit weight gain, while the pooled performance showed that the parameters declined at 7.5%. Cost benefit showed that feed cost per kilogram gain reduced up to 5% inclusion level of BAFM in the diets while it slightly increased at 7.5%, though better than the control group. At 5% dietary inclusion of BAFM with acidifier supplementation, feed cost per kilogram gain reduced by ₦95.22 (18.49%). Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that soaked BAFM and acidifiers are good supplements that can be utilized in broiler diets at 5.0% and 0.1% respectively.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED GRADED LEVELS OF RICE MILLING WASTE AS REPLACEMENT FOR WHEAT OFFAL

The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi to evaluate the utilization and economic benefits of broiler chicken production using graded levels of rice milling waste (RMW) as replacement for wheat offal in white maize and full fat soya beans-based diets. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated in which rice milling waste replaced wheat offal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively at both starter (23% CP) and finisher (20% CP) phases. Three hundred (300) day old chicks were randomly allotted to the five dietary treatments, with four replicates of fifteen birds each in a Completely Randomized Design. Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the eight weeks period (four weeks of starter and finisher each). Proximate composition of the Rice Milling Waste indicated that it contains 94.12 Dry Matter, 5.21 Crude Protein, 31.40 Crude Fibre, 3.42 Ether Extract, 20.13 Ash and 39.84 Nitrogen Free Extract. Results of the performance parameters showed no statistical significance (P&gt;0.05) in most of the productive performance parameters except feed conversion ratio in finisher (2.81 – 3.72) and overall phases (2.29 – 2.75) which significantly differ at P&lt;0.05. The values of initial weights of birds ranged from 82.07 – 85.65g while that of body weight changes at week four were from 116.60 – 1209. 27g and 1272.70 – 1620.31g for total weight gain. At starter phase, daily feed intake ranged from 68.20 – 70.89g , daily weight gain from 38.64 – 40.15g and feed conversion ratio from 1.72 – 1.83g. In finisher and the overall phases, the values of daily feed intake of 158.71 – 164.11g and 113.45 – 117.50g were obtained while 45.45 – 57.23g and 42.47 – 49.00g for daily weight gain respectively. The total feed cost was lowest in diet 5 (N105.70) and higher in diet 1 (control, N110.46) and the feed cost/kg gain (N) was higher in diet 3 (N555.12) and lower in diet 5 (N 426.72). It was concluded that rice milling waste can completely replace wheat offal in broiler chickens’ diets using white maize and full fat soya bean-based diets without affecting the overall productive performance of the birds with concomitant cost reduction in feed cost and feed cost per kg gain. It is therefore recommended for use in place of the costly wheat offal using white maize and full fat soya bean as sources of energy and protein respectively.

Biofloc technology in aquaculture: Advantages and disadvantages from social and applicability perspectives – a review

Abstract The world aquaculture industry seeks sustainable production strategies to respond to the needs of the growing world population for valuable food. Biofloc technology (BFT) is accepted as a novel sustainable method that reduces the pollution load on receiving water resources with its zero-water-discharge approach, eliminates extra water treatment costs with its biological cycles, and supports the growth performance of reared animals and thereby reduces feed costs. However, each BFT system has its own set of difficulties and obstacles. This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of BFT systems in terms of economy, sociability and applicability. The BFT shows more effective results in the conversion of toxic nitrogenous compounds to nontoxic compounds compared with the technologies based on nitrification processes. In addition, the growth performance and health of the cultured animals are generally better in BFT systems than those in conventional rearing systems (continuous water flow). The risk of common diseases occurrence due to pathogenic microorganisms appears to be lower in BFT systems compared to conventional aquaculture. It is also noteworthy that the immune system, biochemical stress indicators and antioxidant activities of organisms held in BFT systems are positively affected. In BFT systems based on microbial activity, the high water temperature demanded by bacteria is a limiter for the system. Moreover, a higher aeration/energy requirement is the case in BFT to meet the oxygen demand of all organisms including fish, shrimp, heterotrophic bacteria, nematodes, rotifers and others inside. There is also another concern about the acceptability potential of the cultured organism in BFT systems for consumption. Finally, since the high temperature demand of the system will create high energy costs, it should be considered as another restriction that forces the application. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of BFT systems as sustainable aquaculture, this review provides a guide for future studies and full-scale implementations.

Enhancement of aquaculture performance of cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus 1766): A review

Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, is a marine fish with recognized potential for aquaculture due to its fast growth rate, high fecundity, disease resistance, and quality flesh. However, much progress has been made to overcome problems associated with aspects of cobia production, including broodstock management, fingerling production, larval-rearing, grow-out, and disease management, though, an effort is needed to ensure its sustainability. Broodstock conditioning protocols for continuous spawning as well as induced spawning via hormonal injection resulted in all-year-round seed production in cobia, but detailed information on the cost-effective dosages of various spawning hormones for maximum fecundity and larval survival needs to be investigated. Selective breeding, the application of genetics in trait selection, and the use of molecular markers could produce more viable strains to mitigate high mortality, particularly in colder climates. In addition, considering the fact cobia are carnivorous fish with a high protein requirement, it will be necessary to investigate fishmeal alternatives to reduce feeding costs. Low salinity pond culture may become a reality in the future if the cobia metabolism-physiology of nutrition at various levels of salinity is well understood. The present paper provides information on some of the options for optimizing the aquaculture performance of Rachycentron canadum.

Longitudinal modeling of residual carbon dioxide and residual feed intake in the Nordic Red dairy cattle

Feed utilization efficiency is an important trait in dairy production playing a significant role in reducing feed costs and lowering methane emission. One of the metrics used to measure feed efficiency in dairy cows is residual feed intake (RFI). This metric requires routine measurement of feed intake. Since there is a positive high correlation between heat production and carbon dioxide (CO2) production on the one hand and heat production and efficiency on the other hand, residual carbon dioxide (RCO2) might be a useful metric to improve feed efficiency. The objectives of this study were to model the trajectories of RCO2 and RFI as well as to estimate their repeatabilities and correlations at different stages of lactation. Daily CO2 output and feed intake were recorded from 46 primiparous Nordic Red dairy cows using two Greenfeed Emissions Monitoring™ systems from 2 to 305 days in milk (DIM). Edited data comprised 5 995 daily averages. To calculate predicted values of CO2 and DM intake (DMI), prediction models were developed by fitting multiple regression models to observations. Subsequently, RCO2 and RFI were calculated by subtracting predicted values of CO2 and DMI from their corresponding actual observations. A random regression bivariate model was fitted to estimate repeatabilities and animal correlations within lactation at different DIMs between RCO2 and RFI traits. The model fitted included fixed effects of year-month of recording, lactation month, fixed regressions as well as random regressions for the animal effect. The residual variance was considered to be heterogeneous. Repeatabilities and animal correlations of RCO2 and RFI between selected DIM (for every 30 DIM i.e., 6, 36,…, 246 and 276) were calculated. Repeatability of RCO2 was high at the beginning of lactation (0.72 at DIM 6) and decreased around the peak of milk production (0.27 at DIM 96) and again increased gradually toward the end of lactation. Similarly, RFI also had high repeatability at the beginning (0.86 at DIM 6); however, it decreased in mid-lactation (0.37 at DIM 156) and then increased toward the end of lactation. Animal correlations between RCO2 and RFI were moderate to high on the same DIM and ranged from 0.37 to 0.88. Overall, we found that animals with higher CO2 production than expected also consume more DMI than expected, but the moderate correlation between RCO2 and RFI found in this study calls for more research to assess the potential of RCO2 to become a new feed efficiency metric.