Soybean Oilcake Meal Research Articles

Effect of varying levels of dietary inclusion of sweet lupin on the growth production characteristics of ostriches (<i>Struthio camelus</i> var. <i>domesticus</i>)

Nutrition contributes approximately 75% of the total input costs to an intensive ostrich production unit. An increase in the price of traditional protein sources thus necessitates finding cheaper alternatives. Sweet lupins were identified as a possible alternative; therefore, the effect of feeding various sweet lupin inclusion levels was evaluated throughout the different feeding phases. One hundred and forty ostrich chicks were randomly divided into five dietary treatments with three replications each. The chicks all received a standard commercial pre-starter ostrich diet. Five iso-nutritional diets were formulated for each feeding phase according to specifications set out for each of the different feeding phases using Mixit2+ software. For each feeding phase the diets contained either soybean oilcake meal (control diet, 0LD) or sweet lupins (alternative protein source). The 100 lupin diet (LD) was formulated to include the maximum amount of sweet lupins according to the specifications for the specific species and the feeding phase, and therefore differs between the three feeding phases. Soybean oilcake meal was thus gradually replaced by sweet lupins in the following ratios: 100:0 (0LD), 75:25 (25LD), 50:50 (50LD), 25:75 (75LD), and 0:100 (100LD). Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Feed intakes and live weights were measured every fortnight until slaughter at ca. 11 months of age. No differences were found between the treatment diets for the live weight, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) or feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the end of each feeding phase. However, the birds on the 75LD tended to have the highest end weight and ADG, and those on the 100LD the lowest at the end of the starter phase. No differences were found for slaughter weight, dressing percentage and big drum muscle weight of the birds. Birds on the 50LD and 75LD tended to have the heaviest cold carcasses; this differed from the 100LD birds which had the lightest. Birds fed the 50LD had heavier thigh weights than those on the other diets. The results of this study indicate that soybean oilcake meal can be replaced in the diets of slaughter ostriches with sweet lupins up to 15% (75LD) in starter diets and 30% (100LD) in grower and finisher diets without any significant effect on any of the production and slaughter traits.

Effect of late prepartum fibre-based diets on the live weight changes and reproduction of Holstein cows in the subsequent lactation period

The objective of this study was to evaluate two late prepartum fibre-based diets that differed in non-structural carbohydrate (NFC) and protein levels on live weight (LW) changes and fertility traits of Holstein cows until 120 days postpartum. At 30 days before calving, 120 pregnant Holsteins (heifers, n = 54 and dry cows, n = 66) from the Elsenburg herd were assigned to two nutritional treatments according to parity, expected calving date, LW, and milk production during the previous lactation. Prepartum heifers and cows were fed independently a similar type and level of a prepartum concentrate, associated with an ad libitum intake of either unchopped oat hay for the control group or a partial total mixed ration (pTMR: oat hay (48%), lucerne hay (43%) and soybean oil cake meal (9%)) for the treatment group. After parturition, cows in both the control and treatment groups were maintained on ad libitum cultivated irrigated kikuyu-ryegrass pastures, supplemented each with a post-partum concentrate of 7 kg/day from calving until 120 days in milk (DIM). As expected, young and still growing primiparous cows were significantly lighter in pre- and post-partum LW traits compared with mature multiparous cows (parity > 3). Prepartum LW of cows was similar between the control and the treatment in both parity groups. Post-partum LW of the primiparous cows differed significantly between the control and the treatment, which were 488 ± 9 and 507 ± 13 kg, respectively. However, no difference was observed in terms of post-partum LW of multiparous cows of the control and the treatment groups, which were 579 ± 10 and 579 ± 8 kg, respectively. Primiparous cows that received the prepartum oat hay-based diet showed significant decrease in post-partum LW loss changes, LWnadir, LW loss at nadir and rate of LW loss from calving to LWnadir in comparison with their counterparts on the prepartum pTMR-based diet, but these LW traits were similar in multiparous cows. Prepartum diets did not have an effect on post-partum fertility parameters of the multiparous cows, whereas primiparous cows that received the control diet recorded a significantly longer interval from calving to first service (CFS) in the subsequent lactation in comparison with their counterparts fed the treatment diet i.e. 117 ± 9 and 86 ± 8 days, respectively. Proportions of cows that were pregnant at 120 DIM were similar in the subsequent lactation between groups that received the prepartum oat hay- and pTMR-based diets in both parity groups. Further research is required to investigate different prepartum feeding periods and nutritional approaches involving various levels and sources of energy and protein nutrients to encourage post-partum metabolic and hormonal responses that benefit the fertility of dairy cows in the subsequent lactation.Keywords: Dairy, dry period, non-structural carbohydrate, protein, postpartum, pregnancy

Feeding preferences of ostriches towards the inclusion of full-fat canola seed in grower diets

The largest expense of an intensive ostrich production unit is feed cost (ca.75%). Protein makes up a great portion of feed for monogastric animals and this expense can be lowered by utilizing locally produced feedstuffs such as full-fat canola, although it is not clear whether ostriches will readily consume full-fat canola because of its anti-nutritional and other known factors. To evaluate the feeding preference of ostriches towards full-fat canola, 60 South African Black ostriches (82.2 +/- 1.06 kg in live weight) were placed in 10 camps of six birds per camp. Each camp had five identical feed troughs containing diets in which full-fat canola seed (FFCS) incrementally (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of protein source) replaced the soybean oilcake meal (9.8% of the total diet composition in control diet was soybean oilcake meal and full-fat canola was included up to 27.5% of the total diet) as protein source. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily and feed colour characteristics were measured, based on L*, a* and b* colour attributes. Only the 25%FFCS showed a higher DMI (817.38 +/- 81.98 g/bird/day) and percentage DMI (similar to 29.53%) than the other diets, with an average DMI of 488.8 g/bird/day) and percentage DMI of 17.62%. Although the 0%FFCS, 50%FFCS and 75%FFCS had a lighter colour than the 25%FFCS and 100%FFCS and the b* colour parameter for 100%FFCS was lower than the rest, it is believed that these differences had no effect on DMI. Based on the results of this study, diets with up to 27.5% full-fat canola seeds had no detrimental effect on feed intake of finishing ostriches. Birds prefer diets with a combination of 6.9% full-fat canola seed and 7.4% soybean oilcake meal.

Effects of varying sweet lupin dietary inclusion levels on feather classes, leather traits and meat composition of feedlot ostriches

CITATION: Brand, T. S., et al. 2018. Effects of varying sweet lupin dietary inclusion levels on feather classes, leather traits and meat composition of feedlot ostriches. South African Journal of Animal Science, 48(1):186-197, doi:10.4314/sajas.v48i1.20.

Feed preference of grower ostriches consuming diets differing in <i>Lupinus angustifolius</i> inclusion levels

Feed costs contribute the largest proportion of the input costs of slaughter birds in an intensive ostrich production unit. Alternative, cheaper feedstuffs, such as lupins (sweet and bitter cultivars), were therefore evaluated to determine the optimal lupin inclusion level in ostrich rations without affecting feed preference and intake. Sixty South African Black ostriches were randomly divided into ten paddocks of six birds per paddock. Three trials, with five different experimental diets, were conducted to investigate the diet preference of grower ostriches in a free-choice system. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum . The position of the diets in the successive paddocks was varied by rotating the five feed troughs in a clockwise direction, but within each paddock the position of each feeder and diet stayed the same throughout the three trials. In the first two trials, sweet (trial 1) or bitter (trial 2) lupins replaced soybean oilcake meal to have 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30% lupin inclusion levels in the diet. In trial 3 the soybean oilcake meal was replaced with either sweet or bitter lupins to have dietary inclusion levels as follows: 0% lupins, 15% sweet, 15% bitter, 30% sweet, or 30% bitter. The daily intake per group for each diet was monitored over a period of five days each. The average initial body weight of the birds was 73.6 ± 0.5 kg. No interaction was found between day and diet for the three trials and dry matter intake (DMI) did not differ between the five treatments for any of the three trials. In the second trial the birds tended to show a preference for the 7.5% bitter lupin inclusion level and discriminated against the 15% and 30% bitter lupin inclusion levels. Regression analysis of DMI on lupin inclusion rates revealed no significant trends. In conclusion, the study revealed that soybean oilcake meal can be replaced in the diets of grower ostriches by sweet lupin inclusion levels up to 30%, without any significant detrimental effect on diet preference and feed intake. Keywords: Alkaloids, dry matter intake, feed palatability, lupins, visual appearance of the feed

Use of sweet lupin, canola oilcake and full-fat canola as alternatives to soybean oilcake in diets for broilers

CITATION: Brand, T. S., et al. 2018. Use of sweet lupin, canola oilcake and full-fat canola as alternatives to soybean oilcake in diets for broilers. South African Journal of Animal Science, 48(3):553-562, doi:10.4314/sajas.v48i3.16.

Effect of cottonseed oilcake inclusion on ostrich growth performance and meat chemical composition

This study investigated the effect of replacing dietary soybean oilcake meal with increasing levels of cottonseed oilcake meal (CSOCM) on the growth performance and meat (Iliofibularis muscle) chemical composition of ostriches in order to decrease total feed costs. A total of 105 ostriches were divided into five feeding groups according to the CSOCM inclusion level in the whole diet: Control (0% CSOCM), 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% CSOCM (of the whole diet), and fed with experimental diets from 6 to 13months of age. As a result of feeding CSOCM, the final live weight and the average daily gain significantly increased in the 12% CSOCM group. The proximate composition, cholesterol content, mineral and fatty acid profile of the meat remained unaffected. Thus CSOCM may be used as an alternative protein source to the more expensive soybean oilcake meal in ostrich nutrition.

Preliminary results on the effect of the inclusion of cottonseed oilcake meal on the feed intake and growth of slaughter ostriches (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

The ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) is an important animal in the livestock industry in South Africa. Ostrich production is an intensive production system and feed cost contributes approximately 75% of the total cost of production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the replacement of soybean oilcake meal (SOCM) with cottonseed oilcake meal (CSOCM) on the production performance of slaughter ostriches. A total of 105 birds of both sexes were divided into five groups of 21 birds each. All birds were fed five iso-nutritional diets in which SOCM was gradually replaced by CSOCM (0% up to 12% of the total diet). Ostriches in each treatment were subdivided into three replicate pens containing seven birds each. Body weights of birds were recorded at the start of the experiment and thereafter on a monthly basis throughout the study. Inclusion level of CSOCM had no effect on the feed intake and feed conversion rate of slaughter ostriches. Birds consuming the diet with 0% CSOCM had a significantly lower growth rate than the birds consuming the diets containing respectively 9% and 12% CSOCM. In a complementary palatability study, no significant differences in feed intake were observed between the diets with and without CSOCM.Keywords: Cottonseed oilcake meal, feed intake, growth, ostriches

The digestibility of raw and processed soybeans by Helmeted Guineafowl, Numida meleagris

Helmeted Guineafowl, Numida meleagris, populations have declined significantly within the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal since the early 1980s. Because guineafowl have been observed feeding on harvested soybean lands and because raw soybeans are known to contain anti-nutritional factors, research into the digestibility of raw soybeans was conducted to investigate possible localized factors in suppressing populations of these birds. A digestibility study was carried out on the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and the amino acids of both raw and processed soybeans, as well as a number of other feed ingredients, using Helmeted Guineafowl and adult roosters, Gallus gallus, as a control. The results of the energy balance studies were similar for both the guineafowl and the roosters. Soybean, both raw and processed, was found to be comparable with the other feed ingredients in terms of the digestibility of gross energy, but the amino acid digestibility of raw soybeans was considerably lower than that of processed soybean oilcake meal. The availability of raw soybean may thus only be contributing to localized dietary constraints within guineafowl populations.

Field Peas (Pisum sativum) as Protein Source in Diets of Growing-Finishing Pigs

Brand, T.S., Brandt, D.A., van der Merwe, J.P. and Cruywagen, C.W. 2000. Field peas (Pisum sativum) as protein source in diets of growing-finishing pigs. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 18: 159–164. The field pea (Pisum sativum) cultivar Glenroy (187g/kg CP) was evaluated as an alternative protein source in diets of grower-finisher pigs. Four diets were formulated on iso-nutrient basis (≈14.4 MJ/kg DE, 160 g/kg CP, 9.3 g/kg lysine, 5.3g/kg methionine and cystine, 2.1g/kg tryptophan) so that soybean oilcake meal and maize meal were substituted by increasing levels of fieldpeas (16%, 32%, 48% and 64%). Forty castrated pigs (78 d, 21.7±2.6 kg) were individually housed and 10 pigs were fed on each diet ad libitum for 84 days. DM intake, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency, all depressed on the highest peas level in the diet. The DE content and N-retention of the 64% peas diet were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of the 16% and 32% pea diets. Though dressing percentage was not affected by dietary treatment, P2 back fat thickness was significantly decreased in the 64%peas inclusion group resulting in leaner carcasses. This was mainly due to lower slaughter weights. It was concluded that up to 32% of the field pea cultivar Glenroy in the diets of growing pigs can be recommended.

Evaluation of cottonseed oil-cake meal as a protein source in calf starter meals

The growth performance of 18 Holstein and 20 Jersey heifer calves fed calf starter meals containing either cottonseed oil-cake meal (CSOCM) or soybean oil-cake meal (SBOCM) was compared. The diets were iso-nutritious in terms of crude protein and energy, and were fed from two weeks of age until two or three months of age to Holstein or Jersey calves respectively. Jersey and Holstein calves weighed 21.4±0.5 and 35.9±1.4 kg respectively at the start of the experiment. There were no differences between calf starter meals containing CSOCM or SBOCM (p > 0.05) in respect of feed intake, growth rate or efficiency of feed conversion. Average daily gain of Jersey and Holstein heifer calves was 0.435±0.02 and 0.635±0.03 kg/day respectively. No calves died during the experiment. It was concluded that the most important criterion for inclusion of CSOCM in calf starter meals is the cost of CSOCM relative to that of SBOCM, provided that the CSOCM used has a gossypol content of less than 200 ppm. (South African Journal of Animal Science: 2000, 30(1): 67-69)

Full-fat canola seed meal as a protein source for weaner and grower - finisher pig

Summary. Full-fat canola seed (Brassica napus cv. Oscar) (260 g/kg crude protein and 410 g/kg ether extract) was evaluated as an alternative protein source in diets fed to weaner and grower–finisher pigs. Four diets for weaner pigs were formulated on an iso-nutrient (about 198.9 g/kg crude protein, 15.2 g/kg lysine, 8.3 g/kg methionine and cystine and 2.4 g/kg tryptophan on a dry matter basis) and iso-energy basis (16.2 MJ/kg dry matter digestible energy) to substitute full-fat soybean with increasing levels of full-fat canola seed meal (0, 8, 16 and 24%). Similarly, 4 diets for grower–finisher pigs were formulated on an iso-energy and iso-nutrient basis (about 14.9 MJ/kg dry matter digestible energy, 178 g/kg crude protein, 10 g/kg lysine, 6.8 g/kg methionine and cystine and 2.2 g/kg tryptophan on a dry matter basis), where soybean oilcake meal was similarly substituted. Weaner pigs (n = 80) were fed ad libitum from 9.6 to 26.7 kg liveweight. Piglets were kept in groups of 4 (2 gilts and 2 castrated boars combined at random) in cages (1.5 by 1 m) with solid floors, fitted with a self-feeder and equipped with an automatic water nipple. Grower–finisher pigs (n = 52), individually housed in flat deck-type cages (1.6 by 1.0 m), fitted with a self-feeder and equipped with an automatic water nipple, were fed ad libitum from 22.9 to 91.1 kg, whereafter pigs were slaughtered, carcass characteristics determined and back-fat samples taken. Energy and nitrogen metabolism data were evaluated in a digestion and metabolism trial for the 4 grower–finisher diets. No significant difference in the intake, growth rate or feed conversion of weaner pigs was observed. The dry matter digestibility of the grower–finisher diet differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) between diets and decreased linearly by 4.5% (P&lt;0.01; SEb = 0.36) for each incremental increase in the canola inclusion level. The digestible energy content of the diets was not affected. Regression analysis revealed a linear decrease [2 g N/day (P&lt;0.01; SEb = 0.18)] in nitrogen retention rate for each increment increase in canola inclusion. The inclusion of up to 24% canola had no significant effect on feed intake, liveweight gain or feed conversion ratio of grower–finisher pigs, although regression analysis revealed a linear decrease of 21.7 (SEb = 5.9) g/day in growth rate with increasing canola levels. Inclusion levels of 16% in diets for grower–finisher pigs were recommended for maximum efficiency. The back-fat of pigs consuming diets with 16 and 24% full-fat canola in their diets had 13% (P&lt;0.05) higher iodine numbers than pigs that received 0 and 8% full-fat canola in their diets. Generally, all saturated fatty acids decreased while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased, with increasing levels of canola in the diets.

Production and slaughter performance of ostriches fed full-fat canola seed

Full-fat canola seed (FFCS) is a locally produced alternative protein source that has potential for inclusion in the diet of ostriches. Chicks aged 84 days and weighing 24.7 ± 0.36 kg were fed five iso-nutritional diets with varying levels of FFCS. Birds were fed until slaughter at 309 days old (93.2 ± 1.82 kg). In each feeding phase, FFCS replaced soybean oilcake meal incrementally (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of protein source). Dry matter intake (DMI) during the grower phase was lowest (1.52 kg/bird/day) for the 100%FFCS diet. Birds on the 100%FFCS also showed a 34% slower growth rate (average daily gain of 152.0 g/bird/day) compared to the other four diets (average growth rate of 230 g/bird/day) during the grower phase. The 0%FFCS (236.2 g/bird/day) and 50%FFCS (267.8 g/bird/day) diets resulted in a higher ADG. End weights during the grower phase for 0%FFCS, 25%FFCS, 50%FFCS and 75%FFCS (74.8, 72.2, 76.8, and 72.5 kg, respectively) did not differ significantly. The 100%FFCS resulted in a lower end weight (67.4 kg) for the growth phase, when compared to the 0%FFCS and 50%FFCS diets. For the overall trial period, the only differences were in ADG, with the 0%, 50% and 75%FFCS replacement diets showing the fastest growth. Fat pad weight was the only slaughter trait that revealed differences between diets, with 50%FFCS resulting in the heaviest fat pad weight. A maximum of 20.6% inclusion of FFCS should be used in diets in the grower phase, although in the other phases, FFCS could be included up to the maximum level evaluated (100% replacement of soybean oilcake meal) without detrimental effects on production parameters.Keywords: Average daily gain, Brassica napus, dressing percentage, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, glucosinolates, Struthio camelus