Total Excreta Collection Method Research Articles

Influence of extruded soybean meal with varying fat and oleic acid content on nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy in broilers

High oleic (HO) soybeans may serve as a value-added feed ingredient; providing amino acids and estimating their dietary energy value for broilers is essential. In this study, we determined the apparent metabolizable energy (AME), AME corrected for zero nitrogen retention (AMEn), digestibility, and nitrogen (N) retention of HO full-fat (HO-FF) soybean as compared to solvent-extracted soybean meal (SE-SBM), normal oleic full-fat (NO-FF) and extruded expeller (NO-EE) soybean. A total of 240 Ross-708 male broilers were selected, with eight replicates per treatment and six chicks per cage. The AME and AMEn were estimated using the difference method with a 30% inclusion of test ingredients using a corn-soy reference diet with partial and total excreta collection. The index method with partial excreta collection used titanium dioxide as an inert marker. The same starter diet was provided for all birds for 14 days, followed by the reference and assay diets for the next six adaptation days. Total excreta was collected twice a day for three days. The AME and AMEn values determined for the HO-FF and NO-FF were higher (P < 0.001) than the NO-EE and SE-SBM. The AME of SE-SBM and NO-EE were similar with both methods, but the AMEn of SE-SBM was lower than the NO-EE only with the partial collection method. The agreement between AME and AMEn values determined by partial and total excreta collection analysis was 98%. Data from the total excreta collection method yielded higher AME and AMEn values (P < 0.001) than those from the partial collection method. In summary, HO-FF and NO-FF soybean meals had similar AME and AMEn values. The HO-FF soybean had 39 and 24% higher AME and AMEn than SE-SBM. Hence, high oleic full-fat soybean meal could serve as a valuable alternative feed ingredient to conventional SE-SBM meals in broiler diets, providing additional energy while providing amino acids and more oleic acid to enrich poultry meat products.

Influence of partial replacement of ground barley with whole barley and exogenous enzyme supplementation in pelleted diets on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and foregut development in broiler starters

A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, evaluating three inclusion levels of whole barley (WB; 0, 141, 282 g/kg) in a barley-based diet and two levels of carbohydrase (Carb; 0 and 0.15 g/kg of feed), was used. The AMEn and standardised digestible amino acid contents of the test barley were used in formulating the basal diet. Whole barley was added to the diet at the expense of ground barley (GB; 3.0 mm sieve size). The diets contained 5.0 g/kg titanium dioxide as an inert marker. Each of the six experimental diets was pelleted and offered ad libitum to six replicate cages (eight birds/cage). Body weights and feed intake were recorded weekly throughout the 21-d trial. The AMEn was determined using the classical total excreta collection method (17–20 d). On d-21, ileal digesta were collected from the terminal ileum to determine the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients. Jejunal digesta were collected for the determination of intestinal digesta viscosity. There was no significant (P > 0.05) interaction between WB and Carb for any measured parameter. Compared to the birds fed GB diets, those fed WB at 141 g/kg had a higher (P < 0.05) weight gain by 36 g/bird, with no effect on the feed intake or feed efficiency. The inclusion of WB tended (P = 0.058) to enhance N digestibility from 0.741 in GB diets to 0.775 in diets with 282 g/kg WB. Irrespective of Carb supplementation, compared to the GB diet, WB inclusion at 141 and 282 g/kg improved (P < 0.001) starch digestibility (by 3.6 % and 5.7 %, respectively) and AMEn (by 1.85 % and 2.89 %, respectively). These improvements were not associated with any impact (P > 0.05) on gizzard development. Jejunal digesta viscosity was not influenced (P > 0.05) by WB inclusion. Adding Carb increased starch digestibility and energy utilisation by 2.24 % and 0.12 MJ/kg, respectively, possibly due to 0.35 cP reduction in jejunal digesta viscosity (P < 0.05) by the supplemental Carb. Overall, WB could be included in barley-based broiler starter diets up to 282 g/kg of diet with no adverse effects on performance.

The Energy Value for Broiler Chickens of Heat-Treated and Untreated Amaranth Grain, with and without Enzyme Addition

Amaranth is a pseudocereal which can thrive in conditions of drought and limited inputs. Samples of amaranth grain were subjected to proximate analysis with standard laboratory methods. We conducted two experiments to determine apparent (corrected to zero nitrogen balance) metabolisable energy (AMEn) content of untreated (UAG) and heat-treated (HTAG) amaranth grain for Ross-308 male broiler chicks (35–42 d and BW 2141 ± 10.41 g). In each experiment, 10 assay diets (ADs) were fed to 400 birds in individual metabolism cages in a 2 × 5 factorial design. ADs were obtained by substituting amaranth for the main ingredients in the reference diet (RD). Two levels of enzyme addition (0 and 0.55 g/kg) and five amaranth replacement rates (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g/kg) were used, and metabolism trials were conducted using the total excreta collection method. Two regression equations were estimated for UAG, with and without enzyme addition, that determined the AMEn content of UAG as 3264 and 3255 kcal/kg, respectively. For HTAG, the AMEn contents with and without enzyme addition were 3973 and 3828 kcal/kg, respectively. Thus, enzyme addition improved the energy value of UAG and HTAG by 0.28 and 3.8%, respectively. The AMEn value of HTAG was 708 and 573 kcal/kg higher than UAG in diets with and without enzyme addition, respectively. Thus, we conclude that there was more benefit from heat treatment than enzyme addition, but there was a synergistic effect of heat treatment and enzyme inclusion on the metabolisable energy concentration of amaranth in the diets of broilers.

Nutritional evaluation of chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds and oil in broiler diets

Two experiments were carried with broilers from 29 to 42 days of age for the nutritional evaluation of dietary chia. Thus, the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and the apparent metabolizability coefficients of gross energy and ether extract of chia seeds and oil, toasted soybean grain (TSG), and soybean oil were determined in the experiment I, by total excreta collection method, using 120 broilers. Each experimental diet (reference diet [RD] and four diets with the tested feedstuffs) was evaluated [...]

Sources of acid insoluble ash as marker of corn digestibility in broilers

The objective was to evaluate three sources of acid insoluble ash (AIA) (celite, kaolin, and sand), as indicators, to determine the apparent metabolizable energy of corn on a natural matter (AME) basis, dry matter digestibility coefficient (DMDC), and crude protein digestibility coefficient (CPDC) using total and partial excreta collection methods. Two hundred and ten Ross broiler chicks of 18 to 27 days of age were used. Broilers were adapted to experimental the diet for four days, and excreta were collected for 5 days. A reference diet (RD) based on corn and soybean meal was prepared to meet the nutritional requirements of the birds. A test diet was prepared with 40% replacement of RD with corn. The formulated diets were: D1, 99% Reference diet + 1% celite; D2, 59.4% RD + 39.6 % corn + 1% celite; D3, 99% Reference diet + 1% kaolin; D4, 59.4% RD + 39.6 % corn + 1% kaolin; D5, 99% Reference diet + 1% sand; D6, 59.4% RD + 39.6 % corn + 1% sand. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six diets and five replicates of seven birds each in a 2x3 factorial arrangement. There were significant interactions for all variables investigated. It was observed that the AME and DMDC values of corn were similar in the two methods of collection, and PDC values using kaolin and celite makers were similar. However, the AME and CPDC of corn using sand with partial collection method were underestimated by 17.70 and 15.53%, respectively compared to those with the total collection method. The AME values of corn with the collection methods using celite and, the DMDC using celite and sand were significantly different. It was observed that the DMDC using celite and sand provided significantly lower values (4.67 and 5.15%), respectively, and the AME using celite was 2.86% lower than that obtained by total collection. To determine the EMA, DMDC, and CPDC in broilers, it is more efficient to use celiteTM and kaolin as markers with partial collection of excreta. Sand should not be used with partial excreta collection method, because it provides lower values of AME and CPDC compared to with total excreta collection method.

Nutritional Composition, Metabolisable Energy and Total Use of Sunflower Seed Cake for Meat Quail

We determined the nutritional and energy compositions of sunflower seed cake (SC) and examined the effects of its inclusion in the diet of meat quail. A metabolism trial was performed employing the total excreta collection method, with 144 quails that were assigned to three treatments (control diet and two test diets in which SC replaced 20 and 40% of the control diet) in a completely randomised design (CRD) with six replicates of eight birds. The values determined of dry matter, crude protein and metabolisable energy were 94.72%, 24.29% and 2,629 kcal/kg, respectively. For the performance trial, 432 quails were assigned to six treatments (dietary inclusion of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% SC) in a CRD with six replicates of 12 birds. The metabolic coefficients of dry matter (MCDM) and gross energy (MCGE) of the diet decreased linearly with increasing SC levels. Compared with the control group, SC inclusion at levels greater than 10% resulted in lower MCDM and MCGE values, whereas SC inclusion at 20 and 25% reduced AMEn. Weight gain, feed conversion and economic viability parameters showed a quadratic response, with the best values obtained at the respective SC levels of 15.5, 14.0, and 15.4%. Gizzard weight increased linearly with the inclusion of SC, whereas bone quality was not affected. Sunflower cake can be used up to 25% in diets of meat quails without compromising their performance. However, the best feed conversion and economic viability are obtained with an SC inclusion level of 15%.

Energetic values of animal by-products for broiler chickens of different ages

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and apparent metabolizable energy (AME), AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and its respective metabolizable coefficients of animal byproducts for broiler chickens with different ages. Meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, tilapia processing residue and poultry fat were evaluated. A total of 760 male broiler chickens were used and evaluated and the phases: pre-starter (1 to 8 d of age); starter (11 to18 d); grower 1 (21 to 28 d); grower 2 (31 to 38 d), and finisher (41 to 48 d). Total excreta collection method was performed in five metabolism assays. The experimental design was completely randomized, and data were submitted to analysis of variance, posteriorly, the four feeds were compared by Tukey test and a regression analysis was performed with broiler chickens age. The significance was considered at 5% probability. The values of AME and AMEn were higher in older birds for all ingredients. The lesser CAME and CAMEn were obtained for meat and bone meal, for the regression analysis poultry by-product meal, tilapia processing residue and poultry fat had an increased linear effect with birds age and there was no adjust for meat and bone meal for regression analysis.

Effect of protease supplementation on the digestibility of amino acids in animal-origin meals for broiler diets

Enzymes benefit digestion and absorption of the ingredients and their addition to an animal-origin meal (AOM) can improve its nutritional quality. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of protease on nutrient digestibility, amino acids, and metabolism of AOM energy for broilers. Four hundred and eighty broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design (4 × 2 factorial scheme), eight treatments, six replicates containing 10 birds/replicate. Treatments consisted of poultry viscera meal, swine viscera meal (SVM), bovine meat and bone meal, and basal diet; with and without protease addition. Two tests were performed. In the first test, the total excreta collection method was used with birds at 13 to 20 days of age and 25% of the reference feed was replaced by AOM. In the second test, a protein-free diet was administered to birds at 21 to 24 days of age and AOM replaced 25% of the starch. The inclusion of protease increased the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance of SVM by 15.99% and the apparent metabolizable crude energy by 5.7%, and it also raised the coefficient of true ileal digestibility of the amino acids in the AOMs by 5.67% on average. The inclusion of protease improved the apparent metabolizable crude energy of AOMs, apparent metabolizable dry matter of bovine meat and bone meal, coefficient of true ileal digestibility of essential amino acids, and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance of SVM. Dietary supplementation of protease may be a potential strategy to improve the digestibility of amino acids for broilers, a possibility of using animal-origin meals as a protein source of diets.

Effect of grain particle size on energy values and chemical components of diets for Label Rouge broilers

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) values as well as the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, protein, and ether extract of corn, pearl millet, and sorghum in different particle sizes for slow-growing broilers. Two experiments were carried out involving 280 chicks of the Label Rouge® Naked Neck broiler line, with 140 chicks allotted to each experiment in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of a reference diet and a test diet (60% reference diet + 40% feedstuff). The feedstuffs were tested and particle size (expressed as geometric mean diameter [GMD, μm] and geometric standard deviation [GSD], respectively) results were 816 and 1.73 for coarsely ground corn, 794 and 1.75 for finely ground corn, 1.517 and 1.92 for pearl millet grain, 760 and 1.63 for finely ground pearl millet (Experiment 1); and 1,866 and 1.86 for whole grain sorghum, 919 and 1.62 for coarsely ground sorghum, and 878 and 1.72 for finely ground sorghum (Experiment 2). A metabolism trial was conducted by using the total excreta collection method to obtain the AME and AMEn values as well as the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, protein, and ether extract. The energy metabolization coefficient did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between the grains in the different tested particle sizes. However, there was an improvement in the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, nitrogen, and ether extract as the particle size of corn was increased. In conclusion, larger grain particle sizes improve the metabolizability of nutrients and energy for slow-growing broilers. Whole-grain sorghum has limited nutritional utilization for slow-growing birds up to 21 days of age.

Adição da macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii em rações de frangos de corte na fase inicial

Foi realizado um experimento para avaliar a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o desempenho zootécnico e parâmetros de qualidade óssea de frangos de corte alimentados, de um a 21 dias de idade, com rações contendo níveis crescentes da macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii. O total de 150 frangos da linhagem Cobb 500® foram distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e cinco aves por repetição. O ensaio de metabolismo utilizado foi o de coleta total de excretas, do 15º ao 20º dia. Os parâmetros ósseos avaliados foram o índice de Seedor, resistência a quebra e cinzas ósseas. A macroalga seca e moída foi adicionada às rações de frango de corte nos valores de 0%, 0,5%, 1,0%, 1,5% e 2,0%; em substituição ao inerte caulim. A adição de Kappaphycus alvarezii não influenciou os parâmetros de desempenho, os parâmetros de qualidade óssea e os coeficientes de retenção de cinzas e do fósforo. Na avaliação da digestibilidade das rações foram observadas reduções (p&lt;0,05) na energia metabolizável aparente e nos coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, da proteína bruta e da energia bruta com a inclusão da alga. A alga Kappaphycus alvarezii apresenta potencial como aditivo nas rações de frangos de corte, mas deve ser considerada a possível diminuição da digestibilidade da dieta.

Nutritional value of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal for broiler chickens: metabolizable energy and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility

Summary Two experiments were conducted to determine the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) (experiment 1) and the standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDC) of amino acids (AA) (experiment 2) of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TM) for broilers. In experiment 1, 48 21-day-old male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 2 treatments (diets) and 6 replicates (metabolic cages)/treatment, with 4 birds each. Based on the total excreta collection method, cages were randomly assigned to 2 diets: a reference diet and a test diet prepared by substituting 300 g/kg of the reference diet with TM. Ferric oxide (1%) was added to the diets on the first and last day of excreta collection carried out from day 28 to 32, twice daily. In experiment 2, 120 one-day-old male broiler chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 2 treatments (diets) and 6 replicates (pens)/treatment, with 10 birds each. At day 16, birds were assigned to 2 experimental diets: a semi-purified nitrogen free diet and a test diet with TM as the sole source of AA, formulated to be approximately 20% CP. Chromium oxide was used at 5 g/kg as an indigestible marker. On day 22, all birds were euthanized, and the contents of the distal ileum were collected. The determined AMEn for TM was 5,004 ± 121.2 kcal/kg DM, a value higher than that of common feed sources of animal and vegetable origin. The average SIDC of AA was 0.86, indicating a good availability of the nutrients for chickens. The values obtained for AMEn and SIDC of TM are comparable to those of other insect meals reported in the literature. Thus, AMEn and SIDC of AA of TM determined here might be applied as a guide to optimize poultry feed formulation using this ingredient.

Digestibilidade aparente e valor energético do ovo integral em pó para frangos de corte

Com a necessidade de buscar alimentos alternativos que visam baratear os custos na ração de frangos de corte e reaproveitar os resíduos de incubatório que compreendem material residual do processo de incubação, objetivou-se avaliar a digestibilidade e valor energético do ovo em pó desidratado para frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 300 frangos machos da linhagem COBB, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, composto por dois tratamentos constituídos por cinco repetições, com três animais em cada repetição. O experimento foi composto por um tratamento controle (ração referência) e um tratamento composto por ração referência + 15% de ovo desidratado em pó. Foi utilizado o método de coleta total de excretas para realizar as análises. Nas avaliações foram constatadas 7,010Kcal/kg de energia metabolizável e coeficiente de digestibilidade da proteína bruta e da matéria seca de 86,81% e 72,17%, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o Ovo em pó integral desidratado pode ser utilizado adequadamente na alimentação de frangos de corte, pois possui alto valor energético e boa digestibilidade, assim seguindo os parâmetros nutricionais descritos.

Metabolizable Energy and Metabolizability Coefficients of Moringa and Bocaiuva for Slow-Growing Broilers at Different Ages

This study aimed to determine nutrient metabolizability coefficients and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) values of moringa leaf meal and bocaiuva pulp for slow-growing broilers. Three hundred and fifty 1-day-old chicks of the Red Naked Neck line were allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design with seven replicates of 10 birds. Treatments consisted of a control diet and four test diets. The proportion of ingredients evaluated in the test diets was 20% moringa leaf meal and bocaiuva pulp and 40% corn and soybean meal. The total excreta collection method was applied with 1% ferric oxide included in the diets as a marker of start and end of collection, in the starter, grower and finisher phases. The metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract and the AME and AMEn values of moringa leaf meal, bocaiuva pulp, corn and soybean meal were determined. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey’s test at the 5% probability level. The protein from moringa leaf meal and the fat from bocaiuva pulp are highly metabolizable by birds at different ages. The AME and AMEn values of moringa leaf meal ranged from 2557 to 2868 Kcal/kg and 2205 to 2479 Kcal/kg, respectively. In bocaiuva pulp, AME and AMen ranged between 2680 and 3119 Kcal/kg and 2483 and 2490 Kcal/kg, respectively. Therefore, the alternative ingredients can be used in the formulation of diets for slow-growing broilers to partially replace corn and soybean meal.

Energy values and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in some feedstuffs for broilers

The objective of this study was to determine the energy values, standardized ileal digestibility coefficients and digestible amino acid contents of parboiled brown rice bran (PBRB), protein sorghum meal (PSM) and bread waste meal (BWM) in broiler diets. In the first trial, 144 broiler chicks at 14 days of age were evaluated in a completely randomized design involving three feedstuffs + a control diet, with six replicates and six birds per experimental unit. The total excreta collection method was adopted to determine the energy values of the feedstuffs. In the second trial, 144 broilers at 24 days of age were used in a completely randomized design involving three feedstuffs + a protein-free diet, with six replicates and six birds per experimental unit. Ileal digesta was harvested to determine the standardized ileal digestibility coefficients and digestible amino acid contents of the feedstuffs. The nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) values of PBRB, PSM and BWM were 2638, 2799 and 3399 kcal.kg-1, respectively. The metabolizability coefficients of AMEn (CAMEn) of PBRB, PSM and BWM were 54.13, 57.35 and 86.66%, respectively. Bread waste meal had the highest CAMEn (p &lt; 0.05) and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids (p &lt; 0.01), followed by PBRB and PSM. The main limiting digestible amino acids in PBRB, PSM and BWM were found at the following respective levels: methionine - 0.19, 0.33 and 0.24%; lysine - 0.40, 0.46 and 0.40%; threonine - 0.25, 0.50 and 0.45%; and valine - 0.44, 0.73 and 0.48%.

Metabolizable energy values of soybean meals and soybean oil for broilers at different ages

One trial with six analyses of different diets at different ages was carried out to determine the values of apparent (AME), corrected (AMEn), true (TME) and true corrected (TMEn) metabolizable energy of SBM and SBO for broiler chickens from 1 to 42 days of age. Three Brazilian SBM samples and one SBO were evaluated by replacing part of the basal diet with the test ingredient (300 g kg -1 for SBM and 100 g kg -1 for SBO). A total of 1.368 one-day-old male Ross 308 birds were assigned into 36 metabolic cages according to weight in a completely randomized experimental design with six replicates for each test ingredient and basal diet. Six more replicates of fasted birds were used for the determination of metabolic energy and N losses at each age. Four days of adaptation followed by three days of excreta collection for energy measurement. The birds were reared until each age, in solid floor pens with a corn/soybean basal diet. The total excreta collection method was used. The AME, AMEn, TME and TMEn of SBM and SBO increased (p 0.05) was observed.

Apparent metabolizable energy values ofn-6 andn-3 rich lipid sources for laying hens

The objective of this research was to evaluate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) balance of the following lipid sources: soybean oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, and fish oil. Two hundred eighty 24-wk-old laying hens of the Hysex White were used. The experimental diets consisted of a basal diet (reference group), basal diet + 10% soybean oil addition (group 1), basal diet + 10% sunflower oil addition (group 2), basal diet + 10% linseed oil addition (group 3), and basal diet + 10% fish oil addition (group 4), distributed in a completely randomized design with seven replicates and eight birds per experimental unit. The metabolic assay was performed by the total excreta collection method. The AMEn values found in the natural material were 9 334 kcal kg−1for soybean oil, 10 533 kcal kg−1for sunflower oil, 10 928 kcal kg−1for linseed oil, and 9 005 kcal kg−1for fish oil. The AMEn were different among the lipid sources. Sunflower oil and linseed oil had higher AMEn compared with soybean oil and fish oil (P &lt; 0.05). The AMEn of the lipid sources of plant origin had higher values than the gross energy. The fatty acid profile of each lipid source was presented in this work. Thus, it is important to have individual nutritional information for each type of oil for laying hens, making it possible to formulate more appropriate and accurate feed.

The efficacy of multy-enzymes supplementation on low energy corn-soybean meal basal diet containing rice bran on growth performance of broilers

High energy diet is related to high feed cost. Thus, it is essential to reduce energy diet but still support the good performance of birds. The utilization of low cost- feed ingredients combined with enzymes are the alternative way to do. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of multy-enzyme supplementation on growth performance of broilers fed low energy basal diets containing rice bran. Experiment 1. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) assay of yellow corn and rice bran. A total of 48 broilers were randomly distributed to 12 cages (4 birds/cage). A maize-soybean meal basal diet (mash form) was formulated and two assay diets were then developed by substituting rice bran (raw 250 g kg-1, w/w) and maize (500 g kg-1, w/w) of the basal diet. Total excreta collection method was used. The results showed that the AME value of rice bran was significantly lower (2032 kcal/kg DM) and 3112 Kcal/kg DM. Experiment II. The experiment was designed using a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. A total of 160 DOC (unsex) were randomly distributed to 16 pens (10 birds/pen). The experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetics. The results show that dietary treatments significantly affected (P0.05) FCR and mortality of broilers. Broilers fed P2, P3 and P4 diets had higher (P0.05). In conclusion, 1) the supplementation of enzymes in low energy diets containing rice bran improved BWG and FI but not FCR and mortality. 2) Birds fed rice bran-containing-diets supplemented with enzymes produced similar growth performance.

Apparent metabolisable energy and amino acid digestibility of microalgae Spirulina platensis as an ingredient in broiler chicken diets

ABSTRACT1. This work investigates the apparent metabolisable energy (AME), its nitrogen-corrected form (AMEn) and amino acid (AA) digestibility coefficients of the microalgae Spirulina platensis as an ingredient in broiler chicken diets.2. One group of birds was fed with a basal control diet (BD), and another was fed with a test diet composed of the BD with the addition of the microalgae at a proportion of 200 g/kg. AME and AMEn were assessed by total excreta collection and indigestibility analysis using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as a marker.3. The microalgae comprised 888.0 g/kg dry matter (DM), 18.42 MJ/kg gross energy, 514.7 g/kg crude protein, 9.9 g/kg ether extract, 10.6 g/kg crude fibre, 94.4 g/kg ash, 3.1 g/kg Ca and 11.0 g/kg P.4. The values obtained for AME (13.48 MJ/kg DM) and AMEn (11.72 MJ/kg DM) were higher (p < 0.01) than those obtained using the AIA method (9.39–8.29 MJ/kg DM). The microalgae ileal digestibility coefficients were 0.80 ± 0.04 and 0.78 ± 0.04 for essential and non-essential AA, respectively.5. Overall, the metabolisable energy content and digestibility of AA for S. platensis indicated that the microalgae are potentially an alternative nutrient source for broilers. The AIA method underestimated AME and AMEn in comparison to the total excreta collection method.

Energy coefficients of plant foods for broiler chickens at different ages

In order to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME), the AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), the apparent coefficients of metabolization (ACM) of gross energy and the ACM corrected for nitrogen balance (ACMn), an experiment was conducted to evaluate five different plant foods (corn, soybean meal, deactivated full-fat soybean, wheat bran and soybean oil) for broilers at different ages (1-8, 11-18, 21-28, 31-38 and 41-48 days). The method of total excreta collection was used, divided into five metabolism assays. The birds were housed in metabolic cages in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and five replicates per treatment, totaling 25 experimental units. The AME and AMEn values increased with the age of the birds for most foods, except soybean meal. The smaller AMC and AMCn of gross energy were obtained for wheat bran. There was adjustment of the equation to the linear response plateau model for the ACM of corn, soybean meal and deactivated full-fat soybean. The wheat bran and soybean oil were adjusted to the linear regression model. The equations show that the digestibility of energy tends to increase with age, except for soybean meal, which had higher metabolization with younger birds. We conclude that the age of the birds influences the determination of the metabolizable energy of feed.

Enzyme Complex Added to Broiler Diets: Effects on Performance, Metabolizable Energy Content, and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Balance

Two trials were performed to evaluate the effects of an enzyme complex (EC) on broiler performance, metabolizable energy, and phosphorus and nitrogen balance. In the first trial, 960 one-day-old male Cobb broilers were randomly distributed in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement (three nutritional levels and the inclusion or not of EC), totaling six treatments with eight replicates of 20 birds per pen, and reared until 42 days of age. The control diet was formulated to meet the broilers' nutritional requirements. The other diets contained reduced available phosphorus (P), metabolizable energy, and amino acid levels, considering 100% and 150% of the EC nutritional matrix. The inclusion of the EC (200 g/ton) resulted in better broiler performance, improving weight gain in 4% and feed conversion ratio in 3% (p< 0.05). In the second trial, 240 male broilers were randomly distributed into the same treatments with eight replicates of five birds per cage. The method of total excreta collection was used. There was an interaction (p< 0.05) between diets and EC for P intake, nitrogen (N) intake, and N retention. The EC supplementation improved nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy values in 2.02% (p< 0.05). Significant effects were observed on phosphorus and nitrogen balance (p< 0.05). Phosphorus retention improved in 10.26%, nitrogen retention increased in 5.3%, while nitrogen excretion decreased in 3.3%. Based on the results of the present study, we recommend the addition of 200 g/t of the enzyme complex to broiler diets, considering nutrient reduction based on 100% of the EC nutritional matrix.