Test Ingredients Research Articles

Coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility of some feedstuffs for Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

This research aimed at evaluating the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) for conventional products (whole ground corn, wheat middlings, soybean oil, broken rice and whole ground sorghum) and alternative by-products (cassava root meal, mesquite pod meal and copra meal) by tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). A semi-purified reference diet containing 345gkg−1 CP and 13.44MJDEkgdiet−1 was used and test diets were produced by incorporation of test ingredients in a 7:3 ratio (700gkg−1 reference diet and 300gkg−1 test ingredient). Chromic oxide was used as an indigestible inert marker at 1gkg−1 and feces were collected following a modified Guelph procedure. CTTAD of DM ranged from 0.426 to 0.838 among the feedstuffs. CTTADs of GE showed trend similar to DM, ranging from 0.449 to 0.927. Soybean oil, cassava root meal and broken rice had the highest CTTAD of GE while whole ground sorghum and mesquite pod meal showed the lowest values. The CTTAD of crude protein of the feedstuffs evaluated ranged from 0.714 to 0.875. These results indicate that copra meal and cassava root meal have great potential to replace commonly used ingredients in diets for tambaqui and further research to determine their level of inclusion is needed. Additionally, further research is necessary to determine if the fiber digestibility is influenced by dietary fat content in tambaqui diets. The CTTAD of protein above 0.700 observed in this study indicated that tambaqui is able to efficiently digest protein in several types of ingredients.

Energy value of distillers dried grains with solubles and oilseed meals for pigs1

The energy values of 3 distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) derived from corn, triticale, and sorghum and 3 oil seed meals including canola meal (CM), cottonseed meal (CSM), and sunflower meal (SFM) were determined in 2 experiments. For both of experiments, 24 crossbred barrows (initial BW: 28.0 ± 1.60 and 28.0 ± 2.0 kg for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively) were grouped by weight into 6 blocks and placed in a metabolism crate with 1 pig per crate. There were 4 diets in each experiment consisting of a corn-soybean meal reference diet and 3 test diets. The test diet consisted of each of 3 DDGS (Exp. 1) or 3 oil seed meals (Exp. 2) that partly replaced the energy yielding sources in the reference diet at 300 (Exp. 1) or 200 g/kg (Exp. 2) such that same ratios were maintained for all energy ingredients across all experimental diets. The DE, apparent ME (AME), and N-corrected AME (AMEn) of the test ingredients were determined by the difference method in 2 experiments each consisting of a 5-d adjustment and 5 d of total but separate collection of feces and urine. The respective DM or GE of corn DDGS, triticale DDGS, sorghum DDGS, CM, CSM, and SFM were 918, 927, 904, 912, 907, and 898 g/kg or 5,429, 5,298, 5,295, 5,063, 5,327, and 4,589 kcal/kg of DM. Addition of DDGS to reference diet in Exp. 1 decreased (P < 0.01) dietary DE, AME, and AMEn of the test diet. However, in Exp. 2, the respective energy values of the test diet were not affected by the addition of oil seed meals to reference diet except for SFM, which decreased (P < 0.01) the energy values. The respective DE, AME, and AMEn were 3,751, 3,559, and 3,361 kcal/kg of DM for corn DDGS, 3,720, 3,537, and 3,315 kcal/kg of DM for triticale DDGS, and 3,520, 3,355, and 3,228 kcal/kg of DM for sorghum DDGS. There was no difference in any of energy values among 3 DDGS evaluated in the current study. Furthermore, the respective DE, AME, and AMEn were 3,577, 3,428, and 3,087 kcal/kg of DM for CM and 3,281, 3,139, and 2,892 kcal/kg of DM for CSM, which were greater (P < 0.01) than those for SFM at 2,449, 2,253, and 2,071 kcal/kg of DM. In conclusion, the DE, AME, AMEn evaluated by difference method in the current experiment was not different among 3 DDGS derived from corn, triticale, and sorghum whereas the respective energy concentration was less in SFM than those in CM and CSM.

Standardized total tract digestibility of phosphorus in copra expellers, palm kernel expellers, and cassava root fed to growing pigs.

An experiment was conducted to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) in copra expellers (CE), palm kernel expellers (PKE), and cassava root (CR). Eight barrows (initial BW of 40.0 kg, SD = 4.5) were individually housed in metabolism crates. A replicated 4×3 incomplete Latin square design was employed involving 4 dietary treatments, 3 periods, and 8 animals. Three experimental diets contained 40% CE, PKE or CR as the only source of P. A P-free diet mainly based on corn starch, sucrose, and gelatin was also prepared to estimate the basal endogenous loss of P. The marker-to-marker method was used for fecal collection. Values for the ATTD of P in the CE and PKE were greater than in the CR (46.0 and 39.7 vs −14.0%; p<0.05). However, the STTD of P did not differ greatly among the test ingredients (56.5, 49.0, and 43.2% in the CE, PKE, and CR, respectively). In conclusion, the ATTD of P values in CE and PKE were greater than that in CR, but the STTD of P did not differ greatly among CE, PKE, and CR.

Comparative amino acid digestibility for broiler chickens and White Pekin ducks

A total of 608 three-week-old male broiler chickens and White Pekin ducks were used in a 5-d trial to compare ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility of soybean meal (SBM) and canola meal (CM) using the regression method. A corn-casein-cornstarch-based diet was mixed to contain 15% CP. Cornstarch was replaced with test ingredient (SBM or CM) to contain 18 or 21% of CP in 4 other diets. A nitrogen-free diet (NFD) was used for standardization of apparent digestibility. Birds received a standard starter diet (23% CP) from d 0 to 14 posthatch and then 6 experimental diets for 5 d. On d 19 posthatch, birds were asphyxiated with CO2, and digesta from the distal section of ileum was collected. The ileal digestibility of AA from the test ingredients was assessed by multiple linear regression analysis using data on daily apparent ileal digestible AA and total AA intakes. The basal endogenous losses of N and all AA for ducks were significantly higher than those for broilers. For ileal AA digestibility by regression of apparent digestible AA intake against AA intake, there was a higher (P < 0.05) digestibility for Cys and Pro in ducks compared with broilers (P < 0.05). Within species, digestibility was not different between SBM and CM except for Lys of ducks, and Lys and Pro of broilers (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that ducks have higher basal endogenous AA losses compared with broiler chickens as well as higher ileal Cys and Pro digestibility estimates derived from regression approach, indicating that data obtained from broilers should not be used to formulate diets for ducks.

Digestibility of dietary components and amino acids in animal and plant protein feed ingredients in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings

The apparent digestibility (AD) of dietary components, energy and essential amino acids (EAA) of selected locally available animal and plant protein feed ingredients in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings was studied. The AD of the test ingredients (ADi) differed (P < 0.05) and ranged from 81.1% to 90.8%, for ADiDM, from 84.0% to 95.0% for ADiCP, from 78.4% to 86.9% for ADiOM and from 79.0% to 87.8% for ADiGE. The highest ADiDM, ADiCP and ADiOM in the test ingredients were found for shrimp head meal, catfish by-product meal, golden apple snail and groundnut cake, while the lowest values were obtained for earthworm meal and rice bran. The highest ADiGE was found in rice bran, followed by golden apple snail and catfish by-product meal, while there were no differences (P < 0.05) between the other test ingredients, except for earthworm meal. The AD of total and individual EAA was high in catfish by-product meal and shrimp head meal, followed by decreasing AD in golden apple snail, groundnut cake, rice bran and earthworm meal ingredients (P < 0.05). The low AD of earthworm meal may limit its potential to be used as replacement for fish meal in the feed.

Inclusion effect of graded levels of molases in the diet of Clarias gariepinus juvenile

The effect of molasses as dietary energy replacement for indomie waste in the diet of African catfish was tested on 120 juveniles for 56 days. The fish were evenly distributed over twelve experimental tanks (52.5 i‚´ 33.5 i‚´ 21 cm); feeding was done by hand to satiation and the water changed every other day to maintain good water quality. Four experimental diets were formulated; the control, without the test ingredient and the other three diets (diets 2, 3 and 4) contained 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% molasses inclusion respectively. The mean weight gain (MWG) significantly increased (P<0.05) from 1 to 1.5% before declining at 2% inclusion of test ingredient. Diet 3 recorded the highest MWG (117.47±6.17 g), followed by the control diet (106.75±6.49 g). Similar pattern was recorded for the specific growth ratio. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the feed conversion ratio. The packed cell volume and the hemoglobin significantly increased (P<0.05) from 1 to 2% inclusion, while the carcass proximate composition for dry matter, crude protein and ether extract did not record any significant difference (P>0.05). The inclusion of molasses in African catfish diet up to the level tested would not have any negative effect on growth and health of fish. Key words: Molasses, African catfish, molasses replacement, catfish diet

Concentration of digestible and metabolizable energy and digestibility of amino acids in chicken meal, poultry byproduct meal, hydrolyzed porcine intestines, a spent hen–soybean meal mixture, and conventional soybean meal fed to weanling pigs1

Two experiments were conducted to determine the concentration of DE and ME and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in chicken meal, poultry byproduct meal, hydrolyzed porcine intestines, a spent hen-soybean meal (SBM) mixture, and conventional SBM fed to weanling pigs. In Exp. 1, 48 barrows (initial BW: 14.6 ± 2.2 kg) were placed in metabolism cages and allotted to 6 diets with 8 replicate pigs per diet in a randomized complete block design. Six corn-based diets were formulated. The basal diet contained 98.1% corn (as-fed basis) and 5 diets contained corn and 11 to 16% chicken meal, poultry byproduct meal, hydrolyzed porcine intestines, spent hen-SBM mixture, or SBM. All test ingredients were included in their respective diets at levels that were expected to result in similar concentrations of CP among diets. Feces and urine were collected for 5 d. The ME was 3,957, 3,816, 4,586, 4,298, 4,255, and 4,091 kcal/kg DM for corn, chicken meal, poultry byproduct meal, hydrolyzed porcine intestines, the spent hen-SBM mixture, and SBM, respectively. The ME in poultry byproduct meal was greater (P < 0.01) than in corn, chicken meal, the spent hen-SBM mixture, and SBM, and the ME in hydrolyzed porcine intestines and the spent hen-SBM mixture was greater (P < 0.01) than in corn and chicken meal, but there was no difference among hydrolyzed porcine intestines, the spent hen-SBM mixture, and SBM. In Exp. 2, 12 barrows (initial BW: 12.2 ± 1.5 kg) were equipped with a T-cannula in the ileum and allotted to a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design. A N-free diet and a cornstarch-SBM based diet were formulated. Four additional diets were formulated by mixing cornstarch, sucrose, and SBM with chicken meal, poultry byproduct meal, hydrolyzed porcine intestines, or the spent hen-SBM mixture. The SID of CP and all AA, except Trp and Pro, was greater (P < 0.01) in SBM than in all other ingredients. The SID of CP and all indispensable AA in the spent hen-SBM mixture was also greater (P < 0.01) than in chicken meal and hydrolyzed porcine intestines, and with the exception of Arg and Val, SID values of all indispensable AA in the spent hen-SBM mixture were greater than in poultry byproduct meal. However, with the exception of Val and Lys, there were no differences between chicken meal and poultry byproduct meal. In conclusion, the ME in hydrolyzed porcine intestines and the spent hen-SBM mixture is greater than in chicken meal, but not different from the ME of SBM. Poultry by product meal provides more ME than SBM, chicken meal, and the spent hen-SBM mixture, and the SID of most indispensable AA is greater in the spent hen-SBM mixture than in chicken meal, poultry byproduct meal, and hydrolyzed porcine intestines, but less than in SBM.

Nutritional evaluation of new reduced oligosaccharide soybean meal in poultry

The nutritional values of a novel reduced-oligosaccharide soybean meal (SBM-RO) and conventional SBM (SBM-CV) were evaluated and compared in 4 experiments. The first experiment was a TMEn assay with conventional roosters. The second experiment was a precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay that was conducted to determine TMEn and amino acid (AA) digestibility. The third experiment was a standardized ileal AA digestibility assay, in which broiler chicks were fed semi-purified diets containing 20% protein (from only the test ingredient) for 17 to 21 d of age and ileal digesta were collected on d 21. The fourth experiment was a growth performance trial (7 to 20 d of age) where broiler chicks were fed corn-SBM diets (adequate in all AA) containing 38.84% SBM-RO or SBM-CV. The protein content (100% DM basis) of the SBM-CV and SBM-RO was 51.9 and 54.8%, respectively. The gross energy of the 2 SBM was similar. The TMEn values in both conventional roosters and cecectomized roosters were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for SBM-RO than for SBM-CV (difference was approximately 200 kcal/kg of DM). Amino acid digestibility in cecectomized roosters was not different between SBM-CV and SBM-RO, with the exception of Trp, Ala, Asp, and Cys (SBM-RO > SBM-CV, P < 0.05). No significant differences between the SBM were found for AA digestibility in the standardized ileal AA digestibility assay. In the growth performance trial (experiment 4), the corn-SBM diet containing SBM-RO yielded significantly higher feed efficiency than the diet containing SBM-CV (P < 0.001). The results indicated that the SBM-RO contains higher ME than the SBM-CV and that digestibility of AA in SBM-RO is similar to SBM-CV.

Recycled dead chicken meal in low cost practical diets for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings

Ten weeks feeding trial was conducted on growth response and economic benefit of replacing fishmeal with recycled dead chicken meal (DCM) in the diets of African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) fingerlings. Four isonitrogenous diets containing 40% crude protein were formulated in which DCM replaced fishmeal at 0, 30, 50 and 100% coded as DCD1, DCD2, DCD3 and DCD4 respectively. Results from the feeding trial indicated that all the fish fed the test ingredient (DCM) performed significantly (p 0.05) difference between fish fed reference diet (control) and those fed the DCM based diets in feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio respectively. Nevertheless, this experiment revealed that recycled dead chicken meal can totally replaced fishmeal in the low cost and efficient diets for Clarias gariepinus without compromising performance.

Plantain peels as dietary supplement in practical diets for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus burchell 1822 ) fingerlings

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth response of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed varying levels of plantain peel based diets. 150 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings with mean body weight 2.6±0.1g were assigned to five diets (CP = 40%) in which plantain peel meal replaced maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively in a completely randomized design. The trial fish were fed at 5% body weight daily for a period of 72 days. Data collected showed that body weight gain increased with increase plantain peel meal in the diet (p 0.05) difference in feed conversion ratio among the treatments. All the fish fed the test ingredient performed better than the control group; hence, plantain peel meal could be recommended as a dietary supplement in the diets of African catfish.

Amino acids and energy utilization in zero-tannin faba bean and co-fermented wheat and corn dried distillers grains with solubles fed to growing pigs1

Application of alternative feedstuffs in swine diets will be dependent on characterization of their nutritive value. In 2 experiments, we determined the AA and energy utilization of Manitoba-grown zero-tannin faba beans (ZTFB) and co-fermented wheat and corn dried distillers grains with solubles (wcDDGS). Corn dried distillers grains with solubles (cDDGS) was also included for comparison. In Exp. 1, 6 ileal cannulated barrows (29.3 ± 1.3 kg) were fed 3 diets in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to determine the apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibility of AA. The 3 diets contained ZTFB, wcDDGS, or cDDGS as the sole source of AA. The SID of N and AA were calculated using published values for ileal endogenous N and AA losses from our laboratory. In Exp. 2, 12 intact barrows (22.5 ± 1.1 kg) were fed 4 diets in a two 15-d period crossover design to determine DE and ME contents of the test ingredients by difference method. The diets were a basal corn-based diet or the basal diet with corn replaced by 46% ZTFB, wcDDGS, or cDDGS. The concentrations (DM basis) of GE (kcal/kg), CP (%), and Lys (%) in ZTFB were 4,144, 27, and 1.6, respectively, and corresponding values for wcDDGS were 5,112, 31, and 0.8. The ZTFB had greater (P < 0.05) SID of Lys (87%) compared with wcDDGS (72%) and cDDGS (68%); as a result, the SID content (g/kg DM) of Lys in ZTFB (13.5) was greater (P < 0.05) than that of either wcDGGS (6.03) or cDDGS (6.68). The dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) samples had greater (P < 0.05) SID and contents of sulfur AA (Met and Cys) compared with ZTFB. The ME content (kcal/kg DM) of ZTFB (3,548) was less (P < 0.05) than that of cDDGS (3,851) whereas the ME content of wcDDGS (3,669) was similar to that of ZTFB or cDDGS. The results showed that ZTFB has greater digestible Lys whereas wcDDGS has greater digestible sulfur AA but both ingredients have comparable ME content. Therefore, a blend of these 2 ingredients can serve as an excellent source of AA and energy for swine.

Digestibility of dietary components and amino acids in plant protein feed ingredients in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings

The apparent digestibility (AD) of dietary components, energy and essential amino acids (EAA) of selected locally available animal and plant protein feed ingredients in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings was studied. The AD of the test ingredients (ADi) differed (P < 0.05) and ranged from 81.1% to 90.8%, for ADiDM, from 84.0% to 95.0% for ADiCP, from 78.4% to 86.9% for ADiOM and from 79.0% to 87.8% for ADiGE. The highest ADiDM, ADiCP and ADiOM in the test ingredients were found for shrimp head meal, catfish by-product meal, golden apple snail and groundnut cake, while the lowest values were obtained for earthworm meal and rice bran. The highest ADiGE was found in rice bran, followed by golden apple snail and catfish by-product meal, while there were no differences (P < 0.05) between the other test ingredients, except for earthworm meal. The AD of total and individual EAA was high in catfish by-product meal and shrimp head meal, followed by decreasing AD in golden apple snail, groundnut cake, rice bran and earthworm meal ingredients (P < 0.05). The low AD of earthworm meal may limit its potential to be used as replacement for fish meal in the feed.

Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L) Meal on Growth of Broiler Chicks

An investigation into the replacement value of tigernut meal as substitute for maize in diets of broiler starter was studied. Tigernut tubers were sundried for 5 days and milled to produce tigernut meal. This was used to replace maize at dietary levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% represented by T 1, T 2, T 3, T 4 and T 5 respectively in five isonitrogenous diets containing 22% crude protein; the diet containing no tigernut meal was used as control (T 1). Three hundred day-old (Anak strain) chicks were randomly assigned to the five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design to determine the effect of the test ingredient on feed intake, body weight changes and feed conversation ratio. Result indicated that feed intake reduced as dietary level of tigernut increased in the diets (p 0.05).The findings from this experiment suggested that tiger nut meal can replace maize up to 75% dietary level in diets of broiler starter chicks without compromising growth.

Enzymes Effect On Performance Characteristics And Nutrients Utilization In Chicken broilers (Gallus Domesticus brizzen ) Fed Gliricidia sepium leaf Meal (Jacq)

Ninety six day old broiler chick swere brooded and randomly allocated to four dietary treatments of 24 birds replicated into three groups with eight birds per replicate. Four experimental diets were formulated; the test ingredient is Gliricidia sepium leaf meal. Two of the diets were formulated without enzymes supplementation i.e diet A and diet B while the remaining two treatment were supplemented with (Roxazyme (G2) and Maxigrain). Gliricidia sepium leaf meal was included at the level of 5% replacement of dietary soyabean meal in diets B, C and D. After eight weeks data collected were feed intake, weight gain and body weight changes. Daily feed intake was more significantly (p<0.05) reduced in birds fed control diet. Highest(P<0.05) body weight gain(36.46gd1) and nutrients utilization was observed in birds fed with Maxigrain (diet D) supplement (p<0.05). The best,even better than the control, improvement in the response indices were obtained in birds fed (Maxigrain) diet D. Hence forage Gliricidia sepium meal of 5% could be included with 0.10% Maxigrain.

Ileal digestibility of amino acids in pea protein isolates, wheat-corn distillers dried grains with solubles, and short-season corn fed to broiler chicks

The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) in 4 pea protein isolates [PPI; experiment (Exp.) 1], 5 wheat- and corn-derived distillers grains with solubles (wcDDGS; Exp. 2), and 5 short-season corn (Exp. 3) samples for broiler chickens were determined. In addition, a reference wheat sample was included in each experiment to measure the repeatability of the ileal digestibility assay used. Birds (n = 180 for Exp. 1 and n = 216 for Exp. 2 or 3) were fed test diets from d 15 to 21 of age. Reference wheat and PPI were included in test diets at 91.7 and 25%, respectively, as the sole source of AA, whereas wcDDGS and corn were combined with wheat in test diets at 47.7% test ingredient (wcDDGS or corn) and 51% wheat as the sources of AA. Chromic oxide at 0.3% was added in all diets as the indigestible marker. Each test diet was randomly assigned to 6 cages of 6 male birds each. On d 21, birds were killed and ileal digesta were collected to determine the AID of AA. The mean AID values for indispensable AA ranged from 86.0% (Thr) to 94.7% (Arg) for PPI, 50.7% (Lys) to 79.8% (Leu) for wcDDGS, and 73.9% (Thr) to 95.3% (Arg) for corn. Overall, the CV range for AID of AA was widest for wcDDGS (8.1% for Met to 29.4% for Lys) followed by corn (3.0% for Met to 10.7% for Thr) and then PPI (2.7% for Lys to 6.1% for Thr). For wcDDGS and corn, the within-sample variation (assay condition) was more than between-sample variation (feed differences), whereas the reverse was true for PPI. No differences were detected in the AID of CP and AA for reference wheat among experiments.

Ileal digestibility of amino acids in coproducts of corn processing into ethanol for pigs

Five barrows with an average initial BW of 45 kg and fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were fed 5 diets to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in corn (Zea mays) distillers' dried grains (DDG), DDG with solubles (DDGS), high-protein DDG (HPDDG) and high-protein DDGS (HPDDGS). On a DM basis, the test ingredients contained 33.7% CP, 19.2% ADF, and 53.1% NDF for DDG; 30.3% CP, 11.8% ADF, and 40.6% NDF for DDGS; 62.5% CP, 28.4% ADF, and 45.1% NDF for HPDDG; and 52.4% CP, 17.4% ADF, and 30.4% NDF for HPDDGS. The 5 diets consisted of a N-free diet (NFD) and 4 semipurified diets, in which the test ingredient was the sole protein source with chromic oxide added at 5 g/kg as an indigestible marker, and fed for each of 5 periods. The NFD was used to determine basal endogenous AA losses. Each period consisted of a 5-d adjustment period and 2 d of ileal digesta collection for 10 h on each of day 6 and day 7. Amino acids in the test ingredients were well digested by pigs and SID of Lys for DDG, DDGS, HPDDG, and HPDDGS were 88.6, 79.9, 94.6, and 85.8%, respectively. Corresponding values for were Met 93.9, 92.8, 97.1, and 94.6%. The SID of Lys was greater (P < 0.05) in HPDDG than DDGS. In general, digestibility of AA in the high-protein coproduct of the dry grind processing of corn into ethanol was 2 to 8 percentage units more than in the regular coproduct and 2 to 9 percentage units less in the coproduct with added solubles.

Reproductive and Growth Traits of Parents and F1 Hatchlings of Achatina achatina (L) Snails under Mixed Feeding Regime with Graded Levels of Swamp Taro Cocoyam (Cytosperma chamissonis) and Paw paw leaves (Carica papaya)

Achatina achatina snails were raised on mixed feeding regime of forage and diets containing graded levels of sun-dried swamp taro cocoyam (Cytosperma chamissonis) meal to assess the parent snails’ reproductive traits and the growth performance of their juveniles. Ninety parent snails, forty-five (45) each of the black-skinned (BS) and white-skinned (WS) ectotypes weighing 50.75 to 62.50 g and 48.40 to 60.75 g respectively constituted the mating groups [black-skinned x black-skinned (BS X BS), white-skinned x white-skinned (WS X WS) and black-skinned x white-skinned (BS X WS)] studied. Snails in each mating group were randomly allocated to five diets containing different levels of the test ingredient. Results of the reproductive traits of the study showed that inclusion of cocoyam above 50% had negative effects. The results revealed that snails on the control diet (without cocoyam meal) consistently performed better than those on diets containing the test ingredient. Snails on the control diet had higher mean clutch size value while those on 100% inclusion level of test ingredient recorded the least mean clutch size value across the mating groups. The incubation period of eggs laid by snails on control diet was lower than those on diets containing test ingredient inclusion. Eggs hatchability and hatchlings weights decreased with increasing levels of test ingredient inclusion. Results of growth traits of hatchlings showed that there was decreasing growth rate with increasing levels of test inclusion. However, snails on diets containing between 25% and 50% test ingredient inclusion compared favourably with those on control diet in terms of weight gain, final body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and percent mortality across the mating groups. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that sun-dried taro cocoyam meal can replace maize up to 50% in the diet of A. achatina without detrimental effects on reproductive traits of parents and growth traits of the F1. We however suggest that other methods of processing be applied to the cocoyam to allow for higher inclusion levels.

Nutritive value of fermented and amino acid-supplemented malted sorghum sprouts for growing pigs

Two experiments were carried out to determine the effects of diets containing fermented and amino acid (AA)-supplemented malted sorghum sprout (MSP) on performance, nutrient utilisation and feed cost analysis of growing pigs. In experiment 1 (digestibility trial), 12 pigs were individually housed in metabolic crates, equipped with feeding and watering troughs which also allow for separate collection of faeces and urine. Data collection lasted for 7 days during which feed intake and faecal output were weighed, with daily storage of collected faeces at -4 °C. Four diets, a basal diet, basal plus malted sorghum sprout (B + MSP), basal plus fermented malted sorghum sprout (B + FMSP) and basal plus amino acids plus malted sorghum sprout (B + AA + MSP), were tested. Samples of test ingredients, feed and faeces were analysed for their gross energy and proximate compositions. In experiment 2, 18 weaner pigs were used in a completely randomised design for 63 days to determine the performance and cost analysis of feeding malted sorghum sprout at 0, 100 and 200 g/kg in pig's diet, six pigs per diet with each pig representing a replicate. Daily feed intake and weekly weight gain were determined. The prevailing cost of each feed ingredient was used to compute the feed cost and, subsequently, the feed cost analysis. Results of digestibility trial showed that there was no difference in the utilisation of the chemical constituents of B + MSP and B + AA + MSP diets, which were also similar to the basal diet, except the crude protein (CP) in amino acid-supplemented malted sorghum sprout diet, which was lower compared to the basal diet. B + FMSP was lower (P < 0.05) in the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and CP compared to the basal diet. The digestible energy (DE) and the fraction of gross energy utilised as DE of each diet also were not affected by fermentation and supplementation with AA. In experiment 2, the levels of MSP used did not affect (P > 0.05) the performance and feed cost indices measured. It was concluded that MSP can be used in growing pig's diet, without the need for fermentation and AA supplementation, at 200 g/kg level with no adverse effect on the nutritive value of the diet.

Energy value of wheat, barley, and wheat dried distillers grains with solubles for broiler chickens determined using the regression method

The energy value of wheat, barley, and 2 samples of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (WDDGS) for broiler chickens were determined in 2 experiments with Ross 708 broiler chickens from d 15 to 22 posthatch. The birds were fed a standard broiler starter diet from d 1 to 15 posthatch. In each experiment, 320 birds were grouped by weight into 8 blocks of 5 cages with 8 birds per cage and assigned to 5 diets. There were 5 diets in each experiment consisting of a corn-soybean meal reference diet (RD) and 4 test diets (TD). The TD consisted of each of the 2 WDDGS samples (experiment 1), wheat, or barley (experiment 2) that partly replaced the energy sources in the RD at 100 or 200 g/kg such that the same ratios were maintained for all energy ingredients across all experimental diets. The ileal digestible energy (IDE), ME, and MEn of the WDDGS samples, wheat, and barley were determined by the regression method. Dry matter of WDDGS1, WDDGS2, wheat, and barley were 939, 947, 899, and 890 g/kg, respectively; the gross energies were 4,838; 4,825; 4,456; and 4,567 kcal/kg of DM, respectively. Addition of WDDGS to the RD in experiment 1 linearly decreased (P<0.01) ileal nitrogen and energy digestibilities, total tract utilization of DM, energy and nitrogen, as well as ME and MEn of the TD. In experiment 2, IDE, ME, and MEn in the TD decreased (P<0.01) with increasing levels of barley in the diets, but wheat inclusion had no effect on the IDE, ME, and MEn of the diets. Wheat inclusion linearly improved (P<0.05) DM and energy utilization in TD. The DE, ME, and MEn of the test ingredients were determined by the regression method in which the test ingredient contribution to DE, ME, and MEn in kilocalories was regressed against the amount of test ingredient in grams. The IDE were 2,001 and 1,831 kcal/kg of DM for WDDGS1 and WDDGS2, respectively. The respective ME and MEn values were 2,644 and 2,464 kcal/kg of DM for WDDGS1 and 2,215 and 2,092 kcal/kg of DM for WDDGS2. The respective IDE, ME, and MEn of wheat for broiler chickens were 3,413; 3,713; and 3,372 kcal/kg of DM. The barley sample evaluated contained 2,364 kcal of IDE, 2,894 kcal of ME, and 2,841 kcal of MEn/kg of DM for broiler chickens.

Respuesta productiva de ponedoras alimentadas con harina de semilla de ricino (R. communis), tostada, cocida y cocida y húmeda

Un ensayo de alimentación fue realizado para investigar la respuesta de gallinas ponedoras Isa Brown a tres métodos diferentes de procesamiento de las semillas de ricino (CSM); que son tostado, hervido y hervido humedecido para usarlos como sustitutos totales de la harina de soja. Doscientas gallinas ponedoras de 75 semanas fueron aleatoriamente asignadas a 4 dietas experimentales en un diseño completamente al azar. La dieta control (CD) contenía 19,1 % de soja; la proporción de soja en la CD (T1) fue sustituida completamente con harina de semilla de ricino, tostada, hervida y hervida y humedecida en las dietas T2, T3 y T4 respectivamente. Los análisis químicos demostraton que los métodos aplicados no tuvieron efectos significativos sobre la materia seca, fibra bruta, extracto etéreo, cenizas, extracto no nitrogenado y energía bruta de la harina. Sin embargo, la proteina bruta de la harina tostada (24,55 %) disminuyó (p