Soybean Meal Research Articles

The impact of dietary supplementation of Quercetagetin on growth, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of diquat-challenged broilers

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Quercetagetin (QG) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota of broilers. Two hundred and forty 21-day-old WOD168 broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into five groups of six replicates each with eight chickens. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of corn and soybean meal, while the experimental groups received basal diets supplemented with 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg QG, along with intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg body weight Diquat (DQ). The experiment lasted for 21 days. The results showed that: (1) QG significantly alleviated the decrease in average daily feed intake and average daily gain induced by Diquat, reduced the elevation of serum ACTH content, and significantly increased GH content (P < 0.05); (2) QG supplementation significantly mitigated the decrease in serum CAT activity and duodenal GSH-Px activity induced by Diquat (P < 0.05), as well as the increase in MDA content (P < 0.05); additionally, QG significantly increased the gene expression levels of GSH-Px, Nrf2, and Keap1 (P < 0.05); (3) Alpha and Beta diversity analysis revealed that QG supplementation significantly increased the cecal microbial OTUs and Chao1 index of broilers (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, compared with the Diquat group, the LQG group significantly decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota (P < 0.05). At the genus level, compared with the CON group, the Diquat group significantly decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes (P < 0.05), while QG supplementation significantly alleviated the decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of an appropriate amount (20 mg/kg) of QG to the diet can promote the growth of broilers, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve intestinal health.

High-level secretory expression and characterization of an acid protease in Komagataella phaffii and its application in soybean meal protein degradation

Acid proteases play a crucial role in the industrial enzyme market, but low yield limits their widespread application. In this study, we focused on enhancing the secretory expression level of an acid protease (AopepA) from Aspergillus oryzae in Komagataella phaffii through stepwise genetic modification strategies. These included the co-expression of endoplasmic reticulum secretion-associated factors, overexpression of eukaryotic translation initiation factors, knockout of the β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase gene, disruption of the hypoxic heme-dependent repressor gene, and co-expression of the hemoglobin gene. After these modifications, protease activity increased by 4.2-fold, reaching 536.6 U/mL in a shaking flask. The engineered strain produced protease activity of up to 17,392.0 U/mL with a protein concentration of 44.6 g/L in a 5 L fermenter, representing the highest secretory expression level of acid proteases in K. phaffii ever reported. The optimal conditions of AopepA were pH 3.0 and 50 °C. AopepA demonstrated broad hydrolysis activity towards various protein substrates. It efficiently degraded soybean meal proteins into low molecular weight (Mw < 1 kDa, accounting for 82 %) oligopeptides to enhance protein utilization. This study provides valuable insights into improving the secretory expression of acid proteases in K. phaffii and identifies a suitable acid protease for enhancing soybean meal protein utilization.

Impacts of replacing soybean meal with processed soybean meal on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different level of soybean meal (SBM) replaced by soy protein concentrate on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs under F18+ Escherichia. coli (E. coli). Forty-eight newly weaned pigs (6.6 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments arranged by 2 × 2 factors using randomized complete block design with initial body weight and sex as blocks. Two factors were F18+ E. coli challenge (0 or 2.1 × 1010 CFU) and the level of SBM (24% or 12% in phase 1 and 26% or 14% in phase 2). Pigs were fed for 25 d in 2 phases (phase 1 for 11 d and phase 2 for 14 d). At the end of study, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa and tissues to measure parameters related to intestinal health. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure in SAS. The F18+ E. coli challenge decreased (p<0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and decreased (p<0.05) gain to feed ratio on d 7 to 11. The High SBM tended to have a greater overall ADG (p=0.054) and ADFI (p=0.078) compared with low SBM under F18+ E. coli challenge, but not in unchallenged conditions. The F18+ E. coli challenge increased (p<0.05) fecal score on d 7 to 18. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β in jejunal mucosa were decreased (p<0.05) in High SBM treatments. The High SBM tended to increase (p=0.085) occludin expression in jejunum. High SBM increased crypt depth in jejunum under F18+ E. coli challenge, but not in unchallenged conditions (p<0.05). High SBM in nursery diets could alleviate the detrimental effects of F18+ E. coli challenge on growth performance of pigs under compared to low SBM inclusion, which might be attributed to decreased intestinal inflammation and improved intestinal integrity.

Phytase and nutrient-energy matrix: a strategic approach to enhancing the performance of broiler chickens fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet.

This study examined the effects of a nutrient matrix with or without phytase on the performance of broiler chicken. A total of 2000 day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned to 5 dietary treatments, with 10 broilers per replicate and 40 replicates per treatment. The experimental diets included 1. CON: A corn and soybean meal (SBM)-basal diet without phytase. 2, NC1: A corn-SBM-based diet with reduced nutrients, specifically 0.13% less phosphorus, 40 Kcal/kg less metabolizable energy (ME), and 0.30% less crude protein (CP), without phytase. 3, NC1+PHYT: NC1+500 FTU/kg phytase. 4, NC2: Another corn-SBM-based diet with greater nutrient reductions, including 0.16% less phosphorus, 55 Kcal/kg less metabolizable energy (ME), and 0.45% less crude protein (CP), without phytase. 5, NC2+PHYT: NC2+1000 FTU/kg phytase. In the pre-starter and overall phase, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher in NC2 and NC2+PHYT. In the starter phase, body weight gain (BWG) was lower in NC2 and NC2+PHYT. In the grower phases, BWG was lower in NC2, while FCR was higher. At d28, the digestibility of ash was higher in NC1+PHYT, while the digestibility of Ca and phosphorus were higher in NC1+PHYT and NC2+PHYT. At day 42, the digestibility of ash, Ca, and phosphorus were higher in NC1+PHYT and NC2+PHYT. The level of tibia ash was lower in NC2. The level of myo-inositol was lower in NC2 at d28, while the level of myo-inositol at d42 was lower in NC1 and NC2. We concluded NC1+PHYT showed a higher growth performance comparable to CON, as against the lower performance observed in NC2, NC2+PHYT, and NC1.

EFFECTS OF USING VARIOUSLY PROCESSED CULBAN GRAINS AS A PARTIAL SUBSTITUTE FOR SOYBEAN MEAL ON GROWTH OF CYPRINUS CARPIO L.

The objective of this study is to improve the nutritional value of Culban Vicia peregrina using four different methods: soaking in water for 12 hours, cooking for 40 minutes, roasting for 15 minutes, and germination for 7 days to reduce the effects of anti-nutritional. For 56 days, soybean meal was utilized to replace the grains treated by the abovementioned procedures by 40% ( T3, T5 T7 and T9) and 20% (T4, T6 and T8) in the diets for common carp Cyprinus carpio L., as well as a control diet comprising 30% of soybean meal (T1). The results of the statistical analysis showed the superiority of the fed fish the T7 significantly (P≤ 0.05) in the criteria of TLW,TG and DWG. The fed fish outperformed the T4, T5 and T6 significantly in the criteria of RGR and SGR compared to the control diet(T1). The best FCR and FER were obtained in the T6 and T7, which differed significantly from the T1. With the exception of treatments T2, T7, and T9, the fed fish performed significantly better than all other treatments in the PPV criterion. It can be concluded in present study the substituting culban seeds heated or biologically(germination technique) processed could replace up to 40% of the soybean meal.

Effects of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Oil on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Carcass Quality, and Metabolomics Profile of Breast Muscle of Thai Native Chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the replacement of rice bran oil (RBO) with black soldier fly larvae oil (BSFLO) on growth performance, blood biochemicals, carcass quality, and metabolomics profile of breast muscle of Thai native chickens. A total of 192 1-day-old, mixed-sex, Pradu Hang Dam (Mor Kor 55) chickens were randomly allocated to one of three dietary groups. Each treatment had four replicates with 16 chicks per replicate (8 males and 8 females). Three dietary treatments were used: (T1) the control group, based on a corn–soybean meal with RBO, and two treatment groups that replaced 50% (T2) and 75% (T3) of RBO in the basal diet with BSFLO, respectively. Results showed that BSFLO inclusion at 50% and 75% did not adversely affect the productive performance of Thai native chickens (p &gt; 0.05). Regarding blood profiles, on day 28, chickens fed 75% BSFLO exhibited significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) with lower eosinophil percentages compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, BSFLO supplementation raised glucose levels but decreased globulin and total protein levels (p &lt; 0.05). On day 63, BSFLO inclusion primarily affected MCV (mean corpuscular volume), with higher values in the 50% BSFLO group (p &lt; 0.05). It also increased globulin and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels while lowering AST (aspartate transaminase) concentrations (p &lt; 0.05). For carcass and meat quality, BSFLO supplementation did not affect dressing percentage or edible meat yield (p &gt; 0.05). However, it influenced meat pH and shear force (p &lt; 0.05), with a higher pH at 24 h post-mortem in BSFLO-fed chickens. Metabolomics showed that arginine biosynthesis; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were the most differentially abundant. These findings suggest that BSFLO can be used for a partial replacement (50 to 75%) for RBO in Thai native chicken diets, potentially offering benefits for animal health and meat quality without compromising growth performance.

Determination of the Impact of Extruded Soybean Press Cake on Rearing and Health Indices of Piglets

The study was conducted to evaluate the alternative to imported soybean meal—extruded soybean press cake—in feeding weaning pigs. The experiment was carried out with 20 35-day-old weaned pigs weighing about 8.8 kg, divided into 2 groups (10 pigs in each) differing in the main protein source: group I—control, solvent-extraction soybean meal, group II— extruded soybean press cake. The feed mixtures were iso-protein and iso-energetic. After 35 days of feeding, the pigs were slaughtered. The samples of blood, intestinal tissue and digesta, meat, and back fat were collected for analyses. Replacement of soybean meal with extruded soybean press cake in the weaners’ diet had no statistically significant effect on growth performance and feed utilization. Histomorphometry analysis of the intestines did not indicate any harmful changes. The soybean press cake did not affect the sum of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine, but the ammonia concentration was lower in the distal colon (p ≤ 0.05). It was found that the extruded soybean press cake in the feed significantly affected the fatty acid profile (p ≤ 0.05) of meat and back fat, increasing the amount of PUFAs; however, no negative impact on the durability of meat and back fat during storage was noted. In conclusion, the study confirmed the possibility of completely replacing solvent-extraction soybean meal with extruded soybean press cake in the feeding of weaned pigs.

Effects of Different Dietary Combinations on Blood Biochemical Indicators and Rumen Microbial Ecology in Wenshan Cattle

With the continuous optimization of feed ingredients in livestock production, barley has garnered significant attention as a potential substitute for corn in feed. This study aims to investigate the effects of replacing part of the corn and soybean meal with barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal on Wenshan cattle, focusing on the rumen microbial community, blood physiological and biochemical indicators, and growth traits. Through an intensive feeding experiment with two different dietary ratios, we found that adding barley to the diet significantly reduced the host’s blood lipid concentration and significantly increased the height, body length, heart girth, and average daily weight gain of Wenshan cattle. Analysis of the rumen microbial community structure showed that the addition of barley significantly affected the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with the relative abundance of Spirochaetes being significantly lower than that of the control group (p &lt; 0.05). The dominant bacterial groups mainly included Acinetobacter, Solibacillus, and Lysinibacillus. In summary, this study reveals the potential of different feed ingredient ratios involving barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal in the production performance of Wenshan cattle. By regulating blood physiology and improving the rumen micro-ecological structure, it provides new scientific evidence for optimizing livestock and poultry feeding management strategies. Future research will further explore the optimal application ratio of barley under different feeding conditions and its long-term impact on animal health and production performance.

Growth performances of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed with Jatropha curcas seed meal

Jatropha curcas is an oil producing seed with high nutritional qualities for consumption. However, due to inherent anti-nutritional factors, appropriate processing is necessary to improve its nutrients utilization. This study was aimed at processing J. curcas using solvent-extraction method and evaluating its inclusion effects in the diet for Clarias gariepinus on its growth status. J. curcas meal was extracted using 80 % methanol to remove phorbol esters and other anti-nutrients. Thereafter, five iso-nitrogenous diets (40 % crude protein) were formulated containing J. curcas meal replacements of soybeans meal at 0 % (TRT0), 25 % (TRT25), 50 % (TRT50), 75 % (TRT75) and 100 % (TRT100) and fed to C. gariepinus for 70 days. Results showed that TRT25 fish had the highest mean weight gain and specific growth. The serum alkaline phosphate, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels began to rise significantly (p ≤ 0.05) at 50 % replacement. Likewise, the assessment of gut ecology and morphology indicated that TRT25 had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the highest gut bacteria colony forming unit (2.60 ×104±0.02cfu/g) and most favorable area of absorption (0.16±0.01 cm2). The histopathological observation of the fish intestine, liver and gills indicated no visible deformity in TRT0 and TRT25 fish. However, various degrees of degenerations were observed in the fish fed with 50 % and higher inclusion of J. curcas. This study showed that methanol-extracted J. curcas meal can be effectively utilized for C. gariepinus at 25 % of replacement.

Effects of Edible Grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Microbial Community Levels in Broilers

The hybrid plant edible grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS), a member of the Rumex genus, presents a novel food source with a protein content of approximately 30–40%. By incorporating non-traditional feed sources, such as edible grass leaf powder (EGLP), into broiler production, costs could be reduced. The experimental subjects of this study were Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. A total of 300 newly hatched broilers were randomly divided into to five groups, with each group consisting of six cages, housing 10 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of maize and soybean meal. In the experimental groups, varying percentages (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) of EGLP were substituted for the corn–soybean meal in the basal diet. In the diet, for days 1–21, the corn content was reduced from 1.90% to 8.20%, and the soybean meal content was lowered from 1.50% to 6.00%. Similarly, in the diet, for days 22–42, the corn content was decreased from 1.17% to 7.00%, while the soybean meal content was reduced by 1.50% to 6.00%. The experiment lasted 42 days and was divided into two phases: the brooding phase (days 1 to 21) and the finishing phase (days 22 to 42). The results show that substituting 3% and 6% EGLP for corn and soybean meal significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the brooding period compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, the group with a 3% substitution rate exhibited a significant increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the brooding phase (p &lt; 0.01). Throughout the 42-day experiment, substituting 3% and 6% of EGLP for maize and soybean meal did not significantly affect the overall growth performance of broilers (p &gt; 0.05). However, a 6% supplementation notably reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p &lt; 0.01). Both the 3% (EG3) EGLP and 6% (EG6) EGLP replacement meals significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, as indicated by the increased levels of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, broilers supplemented with 3–12% showed a marked increase in cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.01). The 3% EGLP replacement diet also significantly boosted the prevalence of Lactobacillus in the cecum (p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, after EGLP supplementation, there was a higher abundance of SCFA-metabolizing bacteria, particularly Alistipes and Christensenellaceae_R-7, compared to pre-treatment (p &lt; 0.05). The prevalence of Clostridium was significantly greater in the groups receiving 9% and 12% EGLP (p &lt; 0.05), while Butyrivibrio levels were notably higher after supplementation with 12% EGLP (p &lt; 0.05).

Effects of wheat and corn gluten on growth performance, histopathologic and autoimmune metabolism of entero-hepatictissue in lambs

This study investigated the effects of wheat gluten and corn gluten, alone as a protein source into rations as protein sources, on fattening performance and the histopathological and autoimmune metabolism of the small intestinal and hepatic tissues in lambs. The animals enrolled in the study were fed on isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. The protein sources provided to the animals were soybean meal and safflower meal in the control group, wheat gluten in Group Wheat, and corn gluten in Group Corn. The study animals included 24 male Morkaraman (Red Karaman) lambs, which were of a mean age of 9 months and assigned to three groups, each of 8 animals. Mean daily body weight gain (0-56 day) were observed to be significantly lower in Group Wheat (p&lt;0.05). Mean daily feed intake were observed to be significantly lower in Group Wheat and Group Corn (p&lt;0.05). At the end of the study, when compared to the control group, Group Wheat displayed significantly higher levels of villous atrophy, inflammation, crypt hyperplasia and transglutaminase immunopositivity in the small intestinal tissue as well as necrosis, inflammation, bile duct hyperplasia and transglutaminase immunopositivity in the hepatic tissue, and a lower level of degeneration in the liver (p&lt;0.05). The findings detected in Group Corn were variable. In result, wheat gluten significantly affected both performance parameters and the histopathological and autoimmune metabolism of the intestinal and hepatic tissues in lambs. Key words: Corn; gluten; lamb; wheat; histopathological

The effect of experimental diets incorporating fermented soybean meal on growth metrics and utilization of nutrients in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on the nutritional quality of feed, growth performance indicators, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens, aiming to overcome the challenges associated with locally produced soybean meal stemming from anti-nutrients and variations in nutritional quality. The study methodology included assessing growth performance metrics through two-way ANOVA statistical analysis and evaluating nutrient utilization in broiler chickens. Results indicated that broiler chickens fed with FSBM exhibited superior performance, displaying the highest average weekly weight gain (452 grams), optimal feed conversion ratio (1.39), extended intestinal length (225 cm), increased intestinal weight (297.5 grams), and heightened activity of digestive enzymes compared to other treatment groups throughout the feeding trials. The results of this study suggest that FSBM’s better digestibility helps broiler chickens grow faster. This makes it a possible replacement for animal protein sources like fish meal in poultry feed production, which is good for both local poultry feed producers and consumers.

Use of Lupinus albus as a Local Protein Source in the Production of High-Quality Iberian Pig Products

The replacement of soybean meal with sweet white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) seeds was investigated in the diets of Iberian pigs during the growing and fattening phases, evaluating its effects on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Iberian pigs (n = 50) were divided into two dietary groups (n = 25 per group), receiving either a lupin-based concentrate or a soybean meal-based concentrate. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. The results showed that lupin substitution had no adverse effect on body weight, average daily gain, or carcass characteristics. No significant differences were observed in meat quality parameters such as pH, colour, and texture. However, significantly (p = 0.007) lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) content were found in the intramuscular fat of pre-finishing (primor) pigs fed lupin-based diets. In addition, these pigs had lower plasma triglyceride levels at the end of the growing phase. Overall, the results suggest that sweet white lupin is a viable alternative protein source in Iberian pig production, offering potential health benefits in line with consumer preferences for sustainably produced, healthier meat products, without compromising production efficiency or product quality.

Dietary effects of protected fat, soybean meal, and heat-treated soybean meal on performance, physiological parameters, and behavioral measurements of early-fattening Hanwoo steers under heat stress conditions.

This study evaluated the effects of increased levels of dietary total digestible nutrient (TDN) and crude protein (CP) using protected fat (PF), soybean meal (SB), and heat-treated soybean meal (HSB) on performance, physiological parameters, and behavioral measurements of early-fattening Hanwoo steers under heat stress conditions. Thirty-six steers (480.9 ± 58.6 kg, 15.9 ± 1.4 months) were assigned to 4 treatments: Control (TDN 75%, CP 15%, rumen degradable protein [RDP]:rumen undegradable protein [RUP]=62:48), PF (TDN 82.5%, CP 15%, RDP:RUP=62:48), PF+SB (TDN 82.5%, CP 16.5%, RDP:RUP=62:48), and PF+SB+HSB (TDN 82.5%, CP 16.5%, RDP:RUP=48:52) for a total of 16 weeks with division of 4 weeks. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 82.9 (1st; Moderate), 76.9 (2nd; Mild), 70.9 (3rd; Comfort), and 65.8 (4th period; Comfort). Dry matter intake during whole period did not differ among treatments but decreased by 34% and 19%, respectively during 1st and 2nd compared to 4th. Average daily gain (ADG) of PF+SB+HSB was higher (p<0.05) than that of Control during the 1st period, and those of both PF+SB and PF+SB+HSB were higher (p<0.05) than Control during the 2nd. The ADG during whole period was in the order of PF+SB+HSB (1.23), PF+SB (1.18), PF (1.11), Control (0.98 kg/d) (p<0.05). As THI increased, rectal temperature and all blood parameters increased, while blood glucose levels decreased (p<0.05). Behavioral changes during 1st period compared to 3rd included decreases in Lying (24%), Walking (48%), and Eating (40%), and increases in Total standing (50%) and Drinking (43%) (p<0.05). Rumination during standing was 38% higher, and Rumination during lying was 32% lower (p<0.05). This study demonstrates 10% of increased levels of dietary TDN using PF and CP considering RUP can prevent performance reduction in early-fattening of heat-stressed Hanwoo steers and have positive effects on performance recovery from post-heat stress.

Whole-genome sequencing and assessment of a novel protein- and gossypol-degrading Bacillus subtilis strain isolated from intestinal digesta of Tibetan Pigs

BackgroundWith the rapid development of animal husbandry, the demand for protein feed resources is increasing. Cottonseed meal (CSM) and soybean meal (SBM) are rich sources of protein. However, their application is limited due to the existence of anti-nutrients, which can be harmful to the digestion and absorption. A strain of Bacillus subtilis (Mafic-Y7) was isolated from digesta of intestines of Tibetan pigs. The strain showed high protease activity, which helps in degrading proteinic anti-nutritional factors in grain meal and in vitro degradation of free gossypol. In order to better understand this isolated strain, whole genome of Mafic-Y7 strain was sequenced and analyzed. Different effects on various grain meals were identified.ResultThe GC-depth Poisson distributions showed no bias suggesting high-quality genome assembly of Mafic-Y7. The whole genome sequencing showed that one chromosome with 4,248,845 base pairs(bp)and the genes total length with 3,736,524 bp was predicted in Mafic-Y7. Additionally, Mafic-Y7 possessed 4,254 protein-coding genes, and several protease genes were annotated by aligning them with databases. There are 55 protease genes, one phytase gene and one laccase gene were annotated in the gene sequence of Mafic-Y7. The average nucleotide identity between Mafic-Y7 and the GCA-000009045.1 homologous genome was 0.9938, suggesting a close genetic relationship between them at the species level. Compared with the closest four whole genomes, Mafic-Y7 was annotated the most abundant of protease genes (55 genes). The fermentation supernatant of Mafic-Y7 could increase the content of small peptides, water-soluble proteins, and acid-soluble proteins in vitro by 411%, 281% and 317% in SBM and 420%, 257% and 338% in CSM. After fermentation in grain meal by Mafic-Y7, the degradation rate of anti-nutritional factors in SBM, such as trypsin inhibitor, glycinin, and β-conglycinin was greater than 70%, and lectin was greater than 30%. The degradation rates of anti-nutritional factors in CSM, such as gossypol and phytic acid, were 82% and 26%, respectively.

The effects of early feeding with different pre-starter diets on growth performance, morphological development and microorganism content of the small intestine of broiler chicks

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding 2 different pre-starter diets to broiler chicks at 2 different times on growth performance, slaughtering parameters, morphological development of the small intestine segments and the microorganism content of the ileum of broilers. A total of 600 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 24 chicks each. The experimental treatments included: SD10: broiler chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal-based starter diet for 0-10 days; 1PSD5: chicks were fed a first pre-starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 1PSD10: chicks were fed the first pre-starter diet for 0-10 days; 2PSD5: chicks were fed a second pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 2PSD10: chicks were fed the second pre-starter diet for 0-10 days. Broilers were fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal until the end of the experimental period. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly increased final body weight (BW) and BW gain, decreased feed intake (FI) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from 0 to 42 day compared to the SD10 treatment. The lowest FI and the best FCR of broilers during the period of 0 to 42 day were obtained by the 2PSD5 treatment. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly enhanced the hot- and cold-carcass yields and villus heights (VHs) and decreased crypt depths of small intestine segments of broilers on day 42. However, the experimental treatments did not significantly affect the the E.coli and Lactobacillus contents of ileum of broilers on day 42. In conclusion, feeding of chicks with the pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal supplemented with enzyme complex and synbiotic for 0-5 days was a more effective treatment in terms of performance especially FI and FCR, carcass yields and VHs of small intestine segments of broilers.

Evaluating Sustainability: A Social Cost-Benefit Analysis of Shrimp Aquaculture Practices in Kerala

Kerala is blessed with an abundance of freshwater and brackish water rivers, estuaries, backwaters, and interconnecting backwaters. These bodies of water add to the inland production and make the land lush and fertile. As per the ‘State Wise Area Utilized and Production of Tiger Shrimp 2020-21’ data of MPEDA Kerala has 2813.85ha area under culture in hectares and 1128.98 estimated production in tonnes. In the last decades its development has attracted considerable attention because of its export potential. During the study period (2017-18), Kerala produced an estimated 2,952.56 metric tonnes of farmed shrimp annually, out of which 26.34 percent were produced scientifically and the remaining 73.66 percent were produced traditionally. State fishery sector is also promoting ‘one paddy one shrimp farming’ project as it is suitable for coastal wetland economy like Kerala. Consequently, shrimp aquaculture sector plays a major role in the coastal wetland economy of Kerala, which has 234 prawn filtration fields covering 12873ha and 65213ha of brackish water area. ‘Sustainable blue economy’ states that shrimp aquaculture contributes to food security, social status, livelihood for the poor, women's empowerment through employment, increased family income, and purchasing power to the Kerala economy, it is necessary to question the sustainability of the Kerala shrimp aquaculture sector, particularly in light of the micro plastic pollution caused by current shrimp aquaculture practices. Kerala is a top producer of shrimp raised in aquaculture due to its abundant backwater and estuary water bodies. There are claims that the amount of shrimp consumed domestically is also rising. Exposure to Micro plastics poses a severe risk to the health and well-being of regular shrimp users. Using Soya Bean Meal (SBM), a reasonably priced and sustainable substitute for artificial fish feed becomes necessary. In light of this, this paper conducts a sustainability analysis based on social cost-benefit analysis of the feeding practices currently used by the shrimp aquaculture industry in Kerala.

Designated market makers and agricultural futures market quality: Evidence from China's Dalian commodity exchange

AbstractMany financial markets use designated market makers (DMMs), but the impacts of DMMs on agricultural futures markets – and in particular, how to arrange DMMs among contracts expiring in different months – are largely neglected. In 2017, Chinese exchanges started recruiting DMMs for inactive contracts when they become nearby contracts to address the discontinuous trading activity of nearest‐to‐maturity contracts, which enables us to study the benefit and cost of recruiting DMMs for inactive contracts using a quasi‐experimental framework. Leveraging tick‐by‐tick data on corn and soybean meal futures, we find that DMMs improve the market quality of inactive contracts without disrupting the market quality of dominant contracts. Heterogeneity analysis in policy settings suggests that more DMMs are conducive to improving market quality for corn and soybean meal futures. We demonstrate that DMM policy is a feasible measure to facilitate continuous activeness in Chinese agricultural futures markets. Our results are important for exchanges and regulators seeking to better design and implement designated market‐making programs in agricultural futures markets.

Spatial Price Transmission and Dynamic Volatility Spillovers in the Global Grain Markets: A TVP-VAR-Connectedness Approach.

The global food market's escalating volatility has led to a complex network of uncertainty and risk transmission across different grain markets. This study utilizes the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregression (TVP-VAR)-Connectedness approach to analyze the price transmission and volatility dynamics of key grains, including wheat, maize, rice, barley, peanut, soybean, and soybean meal, and their dynamic spillover directions, intensity, and network. By integrating the TVP-VAR-Connectedness model, this research captures the time-varying variability and interconnected nature of global grain price movements. The main findings reveal significant spillover effects, particularly in corn prices, with prices of soybean dominating other grains while prices of peanut and corn experience higher external spillover effects from other grains. The conclusions drawn underscore the imperative for policymakers to consider a holistic perspective of all types of grains when addressing global food security, with this study providing valuable insights for risk management in the grain sector at both global level and country level.

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) dehydrated envelopes and seed cakes in Coturnix coturnix feed: effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and blood biochemical profiles.

The valorization of agro-industrial byproducts in domestic animal feed has the potential to reduce the cost of animal production. This trial was conducted to determine the effect of incorporating prickly pear byproducts (envelopes and cakes) as a partial substitute for corn and soybean meal in the diet of wheat quails (Coturnix coturnix) during their rearing period. Six hundred-day-old Coturnix coturnix quails of equal sex ratio (1:1), weighing on average 7 ± 0.5g, were randomly distributed into four groups, one control group and three experimental groups, according to the rates of incorporation of prickly pear cakes and envelopes, in sequential or nonsequential mode, in the different rearing phases. Each batch (150 subjects) was subdivided into five packs of 30 animals and randomly distributed according to the rate of incorporation (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) of prickly pear envelopes and cakes. The live weight at 45 days and average daily gain (ADG1 - 45d) increased significantly with the introduction of byproducts in all rearing phases (SFCEPP). The carcass yield increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the introduction of byproducts in the finishing phase (FCEPP) and in all rearing phases (SFCEPP). The mineral content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the experimental groups. The protein content increased significantly by 2 points on average when the two prickly pear byproducts were introduced in all rearing phases. The blood biochemical profile of each experimental batch was not influenced by the incorporated prickly pear byproducts. Prickly pear envelopes and cakes in wheat quail feed improve growth performance and meat quality, particularly when they are introduced in the finishing phase and in all rearing phases.