Starter Feed Research Articles

Economic growing quantity: Broiler chicken in Morocco

In this work, we introduce an innovative mathematical model for growing items, with a particular emphasis on broiler chicken production within the context of Moroccan agriculture. The main goal of this study is to determine the optimal order quantity of items that the inventory should purchase to satisfy customer demand and the corresponding cycle duration. For the first time, a staircase function is used to depict the gradual reduction in item quantities over time due to the mortality during the rearing period. Furthermore, and for the first time, our model incorporates three distinct feeding types—Starter Feed, Grower Feed, and Finisher Feed-bringing it in line with real-world agricultural practices. A numerical example is provided, based on data extended from a Moroccan farm project, along with an analytic solution.

A comparative analysis of locally sourced feeding systems on chicken body weight gain in Malaysia

The surge in global poultry popularity has led to increased chicken meat consumption. The pandemic-induced rise in imported chicken feed prices has adversely affected the profitability of the chicken meat business. This situation prompted an investigation into the impact of four locally sourced feeding systems on chicken body weight gain, aiming to enhance the profitability of Malaysia’s chicken meat industry. The study, conducted on a Malaysian farm with 200 chickens, analyzed Feeding 1 (Premier Starter Feed (PSF) - Control Feed), Feeding 2 (PSF + SK Gold yellow powder), Feeding 3 (PSF + crude palm kernel oil) and Feeding 4 (PSF + PERFAT Pfi-7 organic acid). Over 14 weeks and 2,800 observations, Engle & Granger’s Vector Autoregression estimation procedure was employed, revealing a positive correlation between chicken age and feeding systems impacting chicken body weight. Feeding 3, incorporating crude palm kernel oil, exhibited the most significant influence on chicken body weight gain, emerging as the optimal and effective choice for improving the chicken meat business. The model’s reliability was affirmed by consistent experimental results, rendering the findings applicable to the commercial market. In conclusion, this research establishes that Feeding 3 is the most efficient, offering valuable insights for commercial applications.

Ammonia (Nh3) Excrete Production And Performance Of Broker Chickens With The Addition Of Turmeric Rhyme (Curcuma Longa) Flour To Drinking Water

Ammonia is a gas resulting from the decomposition of protein residues in broiler chicken excreta. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical plant that has antibacterial properties from the curcumin content and essential oils found in its rhizomes. The aim of this research was to determine the levels of ammonia excreta and the performance of broiler chickens by adding turmeric rhizome flour to their drinking water. There were 32 broiler chickens used. The feed used is starter and finisher phase feed. There were four treatments with four replications, namely treatment K0 (control), K1 (drinking water + 0.5 g/L amoxitin), K2 (drinking water + 16 g/L turmeric rhizome flour), K3 (drinking water + 20 g/L turmeric rhizome flour). The data obtained were analyzed for variance using a completely randomized design. Turmeric flour was given for three consecutive days before carrying out weekly performance measurements at the same time interval for four weeks. The parameters observed were performance (drinking water consumption, feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion, and final body weight), as well as ammonia production of broiler chickens. The results showed that giving turmeric rhizome flour had no significant effect of p>0.05 on the performance and ammonia production of broiler chickens with the best performance and lowest ammonia production in treatment K2 (drinking water + 16 g/L turmeric rhizome flour), namely drinking water consumption (197 .54±7.58 mL/e/d), feed consumption (83.57±5.14 g/e/d), feed conversion (1.65±0.14), body weight gain (51.08± 5.61 g/e/d), final body weight (1229.75±107.07 g/e) and ammonia production (33.20±7.54 mM). It can be concluded that the addition of 16 g/L turmeric rhizome flour (K2) to drinking water tends to produce better performance and less ammonia production

Metagenomics reveals the temporal dynamics of the rumen resistome and microbiome in goat kids

BackgroundThe gut microbiome of domestic animals carries antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) which can be transmitted to the environment and humans, resulting in challenges of antibiotic resistance. Although it has been reported that the rumen microbiome of ruminants may be a reservoir of ARGs, the factors affecting the temporal dynamics of the rumen resistome are still unclear. Here, we collected rumen content samples of goats at 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 days of age, analyzed their microbiome and resistome profiles using metagenomics, and assessed the temporal dynamics of the rumen resistome in goats at the early stage of life under a conventional feeding system.ResultsIn our results, the rumen resistome of goat kids contained ARGs to 41 classes, and the richness of ARGs decreased with age. Four antibiotic compound types of ARGs, including drugs, biocides, metals, and multi-compounds, were found during milk feeding, while only drug types of ARGs were observed after supplementation with starter feed. The specific ARGs for each age and their temporal dynamics were characterized, and the network inference model revealed that the interactions among ARGs were related to age. A strong correlation between the profiles of rumen resistome and microbiome was found using Procrustes analysis. Ruminal Escherichia coli within Proteobacteria phylum was the main carrier of ARGs in goats consuming colostrum, while Prevotella ruminicola and Fibrobacter succinogenes associated with cellulose degradation were the carriers of ARGs after starter supplementation. Milk consumption was likely a source of rumen ARGs, and the changes in the rumen resistome with age were correlated with the microbiome modulation by starter supplementation.ConclusionsOur data revealed that the temporal dynamics of the rumen resistome are associated with the microbiome, and the reservoir of ARGs in the rumen during early life is likely related to age and diet. It may be a feasible strategy to reduce the rumen and its downstream dissemination of ARGs in ruminants through early-life dietary intervention.ALjrPAe7hUkeePWTGYd3KaVideo

Should Pre-Weaning Calf Diets Include Forage?

The present review article aimed to update and address the biological consequences of forage supply to pre-weaned dairy calves. Early growth and development of a calf play a great role in lifelong performance of the animal. Comprehension of these stages is an important progress achieved in calf nutrition today. Health, milk-solid feed intake and rumen development are the most important factors related to calf growth in pre- and post-weaning periods. It is well understood that fermentation by-products of grain-based starter feeds are essential for increased growth and absorptive capacity of the rumen papillae. In pre-weaned calves, two major hypotheses exist regarding forage feeding. The first hypothesis describes that the rumen was not completely developed in pre-weaned calves and forage supply during this period might increase gut fill and hence, decrease starter intake. It is believed that depressed starter intake may limit energy intake and finally suppress calf growth rate. The second hypothesis indicates that rumen pH may decline as calf age and starter intake increases. Accordingly, forage supplementation into calf starter diets could prevent further rumen pH decline and subsequent negative consequences while improving starter intake and calf growth. Because research data regarding these hypotheses are controversial, there is no universally accepted standard for feeding calves with forage as a part of starter diets. Many factors, such as milk feeding method, grain, forage type and experimental conditions, could affect calf response to dietary forage. However, there is an evidence that limited consumption of forage may be beneficial on rumen health and behavior of calves consuming highly processed (pelleted or finely ground) starter feed in pre-weaning period.
 Keywords: Forage; Growth performance; Pre-weaned calf; Rumen development

Effects of Supplementing Milk Replacer with Sodium Butyrate on Dairy Calves.

Diarrhea and respiratory diseases pose significant challenges in the rearing of pre-weaned calves, motivating the investigation of tools to improve gastrointestinal tract development, health, and overall performance in young calves. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an additive incorporated into milk replacer to promote the development and health of the animals. Forty-six dairy calves were randomly assigned into two treatments: control (CON, n = 23; with 15 females and 8 males), and sodium butyrate (SB, n = 23; with 15 females and 8 males). The calves in the SB treatment group were supplemented with 4 g/d of unprotected sodium butyrate (Adimix, Adisseo, China), added to the milk replacer from 4 to 60 days of age. Water and starter were fed ad libitum. The study evaluated several parameters, including feed intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia and volatile fatty acids, blood metabolites (glucose, insulin-like growth factor type 1, urea, β-hydroxybutyrate), hemogram, health scores, performance, and feed efficiency. Bull calves were euthanized at 60 days of age for organ comparison, while heifer calves were assessed for carryover effects up to 90 days of age. Data were analyzed independently using linear mixed models using the nlme package in R, and the Artools package for non-parametric categorical outcomes. Although the feed intake and performance variables exhibited differences within weeks, no divergence was observed between treatment groups. Notably, a positive treatment-by-week interaction was identified for starter feed intake (p = 0.02) and total dry matter intake (p = 0.04) during pre-weaning for CON animals. Ruminal parameters, blood metabolites, and hemogram values such as glucose, urea, insulin-like growth factor type 1, mean corpuscular value, lymphocytes, and neutrophils displayed differences within weeks during the pre-weaning stage, but similar results within groups. No differences between supplemented and non-supplemented calves were found across nutrient digestibility, organ development, and histology. Regarding health scores, differences were noted within weeks for fecal and respiratory scores during the pre-weaning stage, and only the respiratory score during the post-weaning stage. Consequently, butyrate supplementation did not elicit improvements or negative effects in the body development or health status of dairy calves.

Effect of beet pulp silage and various feeding methods on the performance and meat quality of broiler ducks

The study aimed to assess the growth performance and meat quality of ducks when fed diets either with or without beet pulp silage (BPS). A total of 180 Cherry Valley male ducks were reared for 49 days across two feeding periods (days 1–28 and 29–49) and were divided into three groups, each having six replicates. Group 100CD received a commercial diet (CD) ad libitum. Group 70CD:30BPS was given a mixture of CD and BPS in a 70:30 ratio, also ad libitum. Group rCD:alBPS followed a free-choice feeding approach, with a restricted CD (30% lower than the standard dose) and ad libitum access to BPS (double feeders). Slaughter yield and meat quality (pH, color, drip loss, water-holding capacity, texture, and chemical composition were analyzed (12 birds per group). Group 100CD exhibited the highest body weight up to day 28, while rCD:alBPS had the lowest. During the first 28 days, rCD:alBPS showed a lower growth rate and weight gain, but from day 29 onwards, their growth rate surpassed that of the other two groups. Group 70CD:30BPS had the highest starter feed intake, while both 100CD and 70CD:30BPS showed the highest grower feed intake. Interestingly, rCD:alBPS demonstrated the lowest feed conversion rate since day 29 and throughout the entire rearing period, indicating efficient feed utilization. Additionally, the European Broiler Index was higher in the rCD:alBPS group, further supporting the benefits of this particular feeding regimen. As for carcass characteristics, rCD:alBPS showed higher relative weight of skin with subcutaneous and abdominal fat. Conversely, these ducks had lower weights for both gizzard and wings. The pectoral muscles from 100CD had higher protein, salt, and fat content but lower water content compared to the other groups. The water-holding capacity in leg muscles was lower in 100CD than in 70CD:30BPS and rCD:alBPS. Protein content in 100CD and rCD:alBPS was higher than in 70CD:30BPS. Collagen content was highest in 100CD, salt in 70CD:30BPS, fat in both 100CD and 70CD:30BPS, and water in rCD:alBPS. Overall, a free-choice feeding approach with a restricted diet and ad libitum access to BPS positively impacted feed conversion. The use of a limited diet led to better feed utilization. Moreover, the lack of negative effects on body weight gain and carcass characteristics suggests that ducks efficiently utilize nutrients from both feed and silage. This feeding method, which incorporates roughage, can be recommended for rearing ducks.

Performance of Holstein dairy calves fed starter diet with incremental vinasse proportion

This experiment evaluated the progressive inclusion of vinasse in calf starter diet on performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites. Forty-eight Holstein calves weighing an average of 41.5 ± 2.20 kg were used in a completely randomized design and assigned to 4 dietary groups: no vinasse inclusion (V0), 4% of dry matter (DM) vinasse inclusion (V4), 8% of DM vinasse inclusion (V8), and 12% of DM vinasse inclusion (V12). Each treatment group comprised 12 calves that were balanced for sex of calves. Vinasse was added to the starter feed to replace soybean meal and wheat bran. Calves were gradually weaned from day 64 to 70, and the experiment continued until day 90. Starter feed, total DM, and metabolizable energy intakes during the post-weaning and overall periods responded cubically to vinasse inclusion level, and the greatest intakes were observed in V8-fed calves. As the dietary inclusion of vinasse increased, average daily gain (ADG) increased linearly, quadratically, and cubically during pre-weaning, post-weaning and overall periods, respectively. This resulted in pre-weaning and overall feed efficiency (FE) increasing linearly, and post-weaning FE tended to increase linearly with increasing inclusion level of vinasse in the starter diet. Weaning body weight (BW) tended to increase and final BW increased linearly as the dietary inclusion of vinasse increased. Weaning and final hip width responded quadratically, with V4-fed calves showing the greatest values. Weaning and final body barrel decreased linearly and tended to decrease linearly, respectively, as the dietary inclusion of vinasse increased in the starter diet. Ruminal pH on day 45 was not different among treatments, but pH on day 85 responded quadratically, with the highest pH observed in V8-fed calves. Ammonia and total VFA concentrations (days 45 and 85) were not different across treatments. Acetate concentration on day 85 increased linearly from 50.3 to 55.5 mol/100 mol, as vinasse proportion increased from 0 to 12% of DM in the calf starter, but the inverse trend was observed with propionate molar proportion. Butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate concentrations measured on day 45 were not different among treatments, but the lower values on day 85 were observed with V4 and V8-fed calves. Blood metabolites on days 60 and 80 remained unaffected between treatments. In conclusion, vinasse is recommended at 8% of DM in the calf starter diet as this level improved calf performance and rumen fermentation.

Evaluation of Growth Parameters in Post Larvae Catfish in Relation to Feed Types

The aim of this research is to evaluate growth parameters in post larvae catfish in relation to feed types. This study will analyze the trend for length of Claria gariepinus fed on commercial feed, maggot and zooplankton; analyze the trend of weight of Claria gariepinus fed on commercial feed, maggot and zooplankton; analyze the relationship between length and weight and; make forecasts for the length and weight of the fish fed on the specified feed types. Artificial reproduction of African Catfish (C geriepinus) was carried out using the hypophysation technique. Brood stocks were selected from centrally located parent stock holding ponds. Males and females were conditioned in separate ponds. The brood stocks were fed with 20% crude protein formulated feed, acclimatized for three weeks, then transferred into the hatchery holding tanks between 240 Celsius and 270 Celsius to stimulate ovulation after injecting the females with 0.5ml of ovalin. Fertilized eggs were incubated in continuous flow of water until hatching was completed. A commercial starter feed consisting of 8% ash, 6% fiber, 12% NFE, 1.5% calcium, 1.6% sodium, 1.5% phosphorous and sufficient amount of essential vitamins was administered to the larvae. Larvae were randomly distributed into 45 plastic tanks in a flow-through system at a density of 500 fish per tank. Fifteen fries were randomly selected from each holding tank and measurements on weight and length collected daily. Time series analysis and regression analysis were applied in the study. It was found that the length and weight of post larvae fed on mixed zooplankton was consistently lower than the other treatments. The length and weight of the fish fed on the three feed types were successfully modeled and forecasts made for future five periods while the relationship between length and weight was found to be significant on a linear regression model. This certainly adds value as the weight of post larvae catfish is measure with less difficulty and without causing injury or stress to the fish than measurement of length.

Estimation of applicability of protein hydrolysate of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae prepared using enzymatic hydrolysis as a fish feed component

The special advantage of black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) larvae for use as feed is their high protein content and low chitin content, which makes the larvae easier to digest, making them nutritious for fish, farm animals and birds. It has been reported that BSF larvae contain all the amino acids necessary for animal protein, including the essential amino acids, also macro- and micronutrients. The technological parameters of BSF larvae protein hydrolysis procedure were optimized. Some physicochemical parameters of the hydrolysate and the yield of hydrolysis were estimated for the hydrolysate prepared according to the optimized parameters. The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) starter feed having 10% of its fishmeal portion substituted with BSF larvae protein hydrolysate has been tested. The BSF larvae protein hydrolysate may be included in fish feed formulations, especially in starter feeds.

Türkiye’nin Kuzeydoğu Anadolu Bölgesinde Buzağı Yetiştirme Uygulamaları: Erzurum İli Horasan İlçesi Örneği

The aim of this study was to assess calf rearing methods applied in 500 cattle farms in the Horasan district of Erzurum province. Data used in this study were obtained through face-to-face interviews with cattle breeders. In 69.5% of the enterprises operating within Horasan county, the exact quantity of milk consumed by calves could not be determined due to the fact that they are fed by nursing from their mothers. On the other hand, the proportions of farms feeding calves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 liters of milk per day were determined as 0.4%, 0.6%, 5.7%, 3.6%, 8.9%, and 11.3%, respectively. In 38.4% of cattle enterprises in the county, calves were fed with milk while their mothers were being milked, whereas in 27.6% of cattle farms, calves were weaned at 4 months of age, and in 24.3% at 5 months. Furthermore, it was also observed that the most of breeders (72.7%) considered the birth weight of calves as a criterion to decide on the quantity of milk to be provided to them. On these farms, the methods of feeding colostrum to calves were by sucking their mothers with a percentage of 54.3%, followed by bottle feeding with a percentage of 45.5% and the bucket method with a very low percentage of 0.2%. Furthermore, calves in Horasan County usually begin to be given calf starter feed either at the age of 2 weeks (28.3%) or 3 weeks (28.1%), while dry hay is generally introduced to the most of calves (42.0%) at the age of 2 weeks. In conclusion, some inaccuracies in calf rearing practices were identified in Horasan county of Erzurum province and solutions were proposed to address these problems.

Effects of corn grain processing method in starter ration and weaning strategy on performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of Holstein calves

This research explored how corn processing methods and weaning protocols interact and impact calf performance, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites. Forty-eight 3-day-old Holstein calves (24 females and 24 males; body weight = 38.2 ± 1.56 kg) were allocated to one of the four treatment groups using a 2 × 2 factorial design. The physical form of corn grain [steam-flaked corn (SFC) or ground corn (GC)] and weaning protocol [abrupt weaning (AW) or gradual weaning (GW)] were the experimental factors and resulted in the following treatments: 1) a starter diet containing SFC + AW protocol (SFC/AW), 2) a starter diet containing SFC + GW protocol (SFC/GW), 3) a starter diet containing GC + AW protocol (GC/AW), and 4) a starter diet containing GC + GW protocol (GC/GW). The starter feeds had similar feed ingredients (50.4% corn grain, 35.1% soybean meal, plus 5% chopped wheat straw) and were different only in the physical form of corn grain (SFC vs. GC). In the AW protocol, calves were given 4 L of milk/d from days 3 to 15, then increased to 7 L/d from days 16 to 67. Weaning occurred abruptly from days 68 to 69 by decreasing milk to 3.5 L/day. In the GW protocol, calves received 4 L of milk/day from days 3 to 15, followed by 7 L/day from days 16 to 59. Weaning occurred gradually from days 60 to 69, with this reduction schedule: 6 L/d from days 60–61, 5 L/d from days 62–63, 4 L/d from days 64–65, 3 L/d from days 66–67, 2 L/d on day 68, and 1 L/d on day 69. Total starter intake (d 1 to 90) remained unaffected by the corn grain processing method, but weaning strategy and corn processing method interacted for starter feed intake, as the greatest intake was observed in calves assigned in SFC/GW treatment. Feeding a starter diet containing SFC rather than GC increased DM and NDF digestion. Calves that were fed an SFC-based starter diet grew faster than calves fed a GC-based starter diet. The average daily gain (from d 1 and 90) was greater in calves assigned to GW vs. AW protocol. Calves fed an SFC-based starter feed and assigned to AW protocol converted nutrients toward growth more efficiently throughout the experiment (d 1 to 90). Feeding a GC- vs. SFC-based starter feed resulted in greater rumen ammonia-N concentration. Ruminal pH on day 80 was greater in calves weaned gradually compared to those weaned abruptly. Calves fed GC- vs. SFC-based starter diet had higher blood urea-N and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations on day 60. Overall, an SFC- vs. GC-based starter feed (containing 5% chopped wheat straw) promoted faster calf growth and improved nutrient utilization. Feeding an SFC-based starter diet in combination with GW protocol resulted in the greatest starter feed intake.

Effects of grain processing (cracked vs. steam-flaked) and forage sources (alfalfa hay and wheat straw) as a free-choice provision on growth performance, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and behavior of dairy calves

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between physical form of starter (PFS) and forage source (FS) with free access to forage on feed intake, growth performance, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites and behavioral traits of dairy calves. A total of 48 7-day-old Holstein calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with FS [alfalfa hay (AH) and wheat straw (WS)] as free-choice supply and PFS diets (cracked vs. steam-flaked) as main effects. Feeding treatments included (1) starter diet with steam flaked corn (SFC) and free access to AH (SFC-AH), (2) starter diet with SFC and free access to WS (SFC-WS), (3) starter diet with cracked corn (CRC) and free access to AH (CRC-AH) and (4) starter diet with CRC and free access to WS (CRC-WS). The calves were weaned on day 58 and remained in the experiment until day 70. All calves had free access to water and starter feed. The results showed that there was no interaction between PFS and FS in terms of starter intake, forage intake, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW) or feed efficiency (FE). Calves fed CRC consumed more dry matter, TMR and forage than calves fed SFC diets. Regardless of the PFS diet, weaning weight, total weight and total ADG were higher in calves fed WS, while forage intake was higher in calves fed AH. Calves fed CRC-AH had the lowest rumen pH at day 68 compared to the other groups (except SFC-WS at day 70). An interaction between PFS diets and FS affected rumen proportion of propionate on day 35, since calves, which were fed CRC-AH had the highest molar percentage of propionate than calves fed other diets (except for SF-WS). At day 65, calves fed SFC starter feed had higher plasma glucose concentrations than calves fed CRC. It was found that PFS feed and FS had an interaction effect on BUN at day 65, with calves fed CRC-AH having the highest BUN. Compared to the other groups, calves fed CRC-WS had the highest BHB at day 33 and throughout the period (days 35 and 65). An interaction between PFS diets and FS affected lying time and forage eating time, with CRC-AH calves exhibiting the longest lying time and lowest forage eating time. The time spent on NNOB tended to be longer in SFC-fed calves than in CRC-fed calves, regardless of the forage source. Compared to calves fed SFC, calves fed CRC with high levels of fine particles consumed more dry matter, TMR, and forage while spending less time on NNOB. Furthermore, feeding calves chopped WS instead of AH increased weaning weight, total weight, and total ADG, although forage intake was higher in calves fed AH. In summary, a combination of cracked corn starter with free access to wheat straw appears to provide the best growth outcomes for dairy calves.

Optimization of Xylooligosaccharides Production by Native and Recombinant Xylanase Hydrolysis of Chicken Feed Substrates.

Poultry production faces several challenges, with feed efficiency being the main factor that can be influenced through the use of different nutritional strategies. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are functional feed additives that are attracting growing commercial interest due to their excellent ability to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota. The aim of the study was to apply crude and purified fungal xylanases, from Trichoderma harzianum, as well as a recombinant glycoside hydrolase family 10 xylanase, derived from Geobacillus stearothermophilus T6, as additives to locally produced chicken feeds. A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used to optimize the reducing sugar yield. Response surface methodology (RSM) revealed that reducing sugars were higher (8.05 mg/mL, 2.81 mg/mL and 2.98 mg/mL) for the starter feed treated with each of the three enzymes compared to the treatment with grower feed (3.11 mg/mL, 2.41 mg/mL and 2.62 mg/mL). The hydrolysis products were analysed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and showed that the enzymes hydrolysed the chicken feeds, producing a range of monosaccharides (arabinose, mannose, glucose, and galactose) and XOS, with xylobiose being the predominant XOS. These results show promising data for future applications as additives to poultry feeds.

Effect of physical form of starter feed on nutrient digestibility of dairy calves

Abstract. The present experiment aimed to compare the effect of the physical form of a starter for dairy replacement calves on some rumen fermentation parameters. Nine male calves 4 days old and averaging 41.3 kg (SD = 3.6) were divided into three groups. The calves were housed in individual hutches bedded with straw. The calves were weaned at the age of 56 days of age and remained in the experiment until they reached 70 days. Three different physical forms of starter feeds were tested: 1) Ground starter – starter in meal form with coarsely ground maize (GS); 2) Pelleted starter (PS); and 3) Textured starter – a mixture of whole maize grain plus pelleted protein concentrate (TS). The ingredients and chemical composition of the three starter feeds were similar. The calves from all groups received 4 L of whole milk until 56 days of age. The liquid feed was provided twice daily from 4 to 35 days of age, and once daily from 36 to 56 days. From 35 days of age, calves were offered a free choice of alfalfa hay. OM digestibility was lower in calves that received ground starter compared to calves fed pelleted starter and textured starter. Apparent total tract digestibility of CP was the lowest in calves fed GS compared to those receiving PS and TS (P <0.05). No statistically significant difference in CP digestibility was observed between PS and TS-fed calves. EE digestibility was significantly lower in calves that received GS compared to those that received PS (P <0.05), but not different from EE digestibility in calves fed TS. The highest EE digestibility was that in PS-fed calves. CF digestibility was the highest in calves that received PS and the lowest in those fed GS, with significant differences (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in NFE digestibility among tested physical forms of starter feeds.

Comparative biochemical composition of wild and farm origin grayling (Thymallus thymallus) eggs

In this study, the biochemical composition of wild and farm origin grayling eggs was compared, first, to evaluate the composition of fatty acids and protein content in grayling eggs for the first time, and second, to discover differences in biochemical composition between wild and farm origin eggs which is affected by broodstock feed. Farm origin grayling females were fed commercial trout starter feed, while wild origin females were feeding on food present in their natural environment. Fatty acid composition, protein content and colour were determined. Based on a principle component analysis (PCA) of the biochemical profile, farm and wild origin grayling eggs were clearly separated. Wild origin grayling eggs contained higher amount of SFA, but lower MUFA and PUFA than farm origin eggs. A considerable difference between wild and farm origin grayling eggs was observed also in essential fatty acids: C22:6 n-3 (DHA), C20:5 n-3 (EPA) and C20:4 n-6 (ARA), resulting in higher EPA/ARA and DHA/EPA ratio in farm origin eggs compared to wild origin eggs. Wild origin grayling eggs were characterised by higher protein content and were more intensely red-coloured than farm origin eggs, which were almost colourless. It could be concluded that the biochemical composition of farm origin eggs significantly differs from wild origin grayling eggs, which might have an influence on the embryonic development and hatching success of farm origin grayling. Therefore, the diet that has the greatest effect on egg composition needs to be optimised to meet the needs of the grayling broodstock and to improve the breeding efficiency of farm raised graylings.

Nutritional Evaluation of Hydroponic Corn Fodder and its Effect as Substitute for Feed Concentrates for Buffalo Calves

This study investigated the effects of hydroponic corn fodder on the growth performance of buffalo calves. Twelve Bulgarian Murrah buffalo calves were divided into two treatment groups: T1, fed with Napier grass and starter feed concentrates, and T2, fed with Napier grass, starter feed concentrates, and hydroponic corn fodder, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate. The study found no significant differences between the two groups' average total weight gain and average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake was significantly higher in T2, possibly due to the tender and young nature of the hydroponic corn fodder. Dry matter and crude protein intake did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The digestibility of nutrients showed a significant difference in dry matter digestibility between T1 and T2. Feed cost per d was significantly lower in T1, but the cost of feed per kg gain was lower in T2. This study suggested that supplementing buffalo calves' diets with hydroponic corn fodder could have a beneficial effect on their growth performance and economic viability. It recommends further research on the use of other grains as fodder for ruminants. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of hydroponic corn production as a sustainable source of fodder for ruminants.

Early concentrate starter introduction induces rumen epithelial parakeratosis by blocking keratinocyte differentiation with excessive ruminal butyrate accumulation

IntroductionRumen epithelial parakeratosis, a common disease in ruminants caused by abnormalities in the ruminal stratified squamous epithelial keratinization process, negatively impacts ruminant health and performance. However, we still lack a comprehensive perception of the underlying mechanisms and the predisposing factors for this disorder. ObjectivesHere, we investigated rumen epithelial cell heterogeneity, differentiation trajectories, and cornification to clarify the rumen epithelial keratinization process and discern the key ruminal metabolites contributing to rumen epithelial parakeratosis. MethodsTwenty-four 14-day-old lambs were divided into three groups, including only milk feeding, milk plus alfalfa hay feeding, and milk plus corn-soybean concentrate starter feeding. At 42 days of age, the lambs were slaughtered, and rumen tissues were collected for single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses. Ruminal fluid samples were collected for metabolomic analyses. Rumen epithelial organoid was used to verify the key ruminal metabolites contributing to parakeratosis. ResultsAs expected, we observed that concentrate starter introduction resulted in rumen epithelial parakeratosis. Moreover, scRNA-seq analysis revealed a developmental impediment in the transition from differentiated keratinocytes to terminally differentiated keratinocytes (TDK) in lambs with concentrate starter introduction. Immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR analyses further verified the location and expression of marker genes of TDK. Metabolomic analysis showed a robust positive correlation between ruminal butyrate levels and rumen epithelial keratinization. More importantly, we successfully established a rumen organoid model capable of facilitating the study of the keratinization process in the rumen epithelia and further confirmed that high dose butyrate indeed contributed to rumen epithelial parakeratosis. ConclusionCollectively, concentrate starter introduction induces ruminal epithelial parakeratosis by blocking keratinocyte differentiation with excessive ruminal butyrate accumulation in a neonatal lamb model. These findings enhance our understanding of rumen epithelial keratinization and provide valuable insights for addressing rumen epithelial parakeratosis using early nutritional intervention strategies.

Starter protein content and supplemental soybean oil or hydrogenated palm fatty acids in Holstein dairy calves: growth performance, protozoa population, and nitrogen utilization efficiency

The study hypothesized that a 24% protein starter diet supplemented with inert fat (palm fatty acids; PLFs) instead of triglyceride-rich soybean oil (SBO) would promote the growth of dairy calves. The effects of different protein contents (20 vs 24% CP) and fat sources (SBO vs PLF at 2.5% DM) on growth, digestibility, blood metabolites, rumen protozoa and urinary nitrogen in dairy calves were investigated. A total of 52 female dairy calves (mean age 3 days and BW 40.7 kg) were allocated to the following treatments in a completely randomized design: (1) 20% CP starter diet supplemented with SBO (20CP-SBO), (2) 20% CP starter diet supplemented with PLF (20CP-PLF), (3) 24% CP starter diet supplemented with SBO (24CP-SBO), and (4) 24% CP starter diet supplemented with PLF (24CP-PLF). Calves were weaned on day 53, and the study ended on day 73. The 24CP diets enhanced starter feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), withers height, hip width, organic matter (OM) digestibility, and preweaning blood glucose compared to the 20CP diets. In contrast, SBO supplementation reduced feed intake, ADG, withers height, OM and CP digestibility, and pre- and postweaning blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels, while increasing preweaning aspartate aminotransferase, compared to PLF. SBO supplementation led to lower urinary excretion of purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis postweaning, and a reduction in protozoa population both pre- and postweaning. Calves fed PLF had higher starter intake than those fed SBO, regardless of the diet being 20CP or 24CP. Calves fed the 24CP-PLF diet had the highest ADG, while calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had the lowest ADG. Calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had lower feed efficiency than calves fed the other diets during the preweaning period and throughout the experimental period. Calves fed the 24CP-PLF diet had higher hip heights at weaning and on day 73 than calves fed the other diets. Calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had lower neutral detergent fiber digestibility than calves fed the other diets. Calves fed the 24CP-SBO diet had higher postweaning blood urea nitrogen concentration than calves fed the other diets. Feeding the 20CP-SBO diet to dairy calves decreased urinary allantoin excretion and rumen microbial protein synthesis but increased urinary nitrogen excretion during the preweaning period. Our results suggest that PLF is more suitable than SBO in calf diets, especially when calves fed 24% CP, possibly due to improved nutrient digestibility.

Fat composition of milk replacer influences growth performance, feeding behavior, and plasma fatty acid profile in ad libitum–fed calves

Fat composition in milk replacers (MR) for calves differs from bovine milk fat in multiple ways. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of different approaches of formulating fat in MR on growth, ad libitum intakes of MR and solid feeds, as well as blood metabolites in dairy calves. Upon 24 to 96 h after birth, 63 calves were acquired from dairy farms and incorporated into the study. Calves were blocked based on arrival day and randomly assigned within each block to one of 3 treatments differing in MR fat composition (n = 21 per group): VG was based on vegetable fats including 80% rapeseed and 20% coconut fats; AN was formulated with animal fats including 65% lard and 35% dairy cream; and MX with a mixture of 80% lard and 20% coconut fats. All 3 MR contained 30% fat, 24% crude protein, and 36% lactose and were formulated to have a fatty acid profile resembling that of milk fat. From arrival onward (3.1 ± 0.84 d of age; means ± standard deviation), calves were group housed and were offered an ad libitum supply of MR at 135 g/L (13.5% solids). Weaning was gradual and induced between wk 7 and 10, after which calves were fed only solid feeds. Starter feed, chopped straw, and water were offered ad libitum throughout the study. Calves were weighed, and blood was collected weekly until d 84 after arrival. Preweaning average daily gain was greater in calves fed AN (915 g/d) than other treatments (783 g/d), whereas no differences were detected in the weaning and postweaning phases. Preweaning MR intake was greater in calves fed AN than MX from wk 2 to 6 and was also higher in calves fed AN than VG in wk 5 and 6. Consistently, the number of rewarded visits during the ad libitum phase was greater in calves fed AN than MX, whereas VG showed no differences. This led to a higher preweaning total metabolizable energy intake in calves fed AN than in calves fed VG and MX. Serum cholesterol was higher, and serum albumin was lower in calves fed VG than other treatments. The proportion of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in total plasma cholesterol was lower and that of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was higher in calves fed VG compared with other treatments. Overall, the fatty acid profile of plasma largely mirrored the MR fat composition during the preweaning period. Feeding AN enhanced MR intake and improved preweaning growth compared with other treatments. Feeding VG resulted in a marked increase in plasma cholesterol, particularly in the form of LDL cholesterol, which could be linked to an excessive intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These findings underscore the importance of formulating the fat content of MR to be similar to bovine milk fat.