Total Feed Intake Research Articles

Mysid meal as a dietary replacement for fishmeal in the diets of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) postlarvae

The current study evaluates the nutritional and feed value of mysid meal (MM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) postlarvae diet. Five experimental diets were formulated by replacing 0 (MM0), 25 (MM25), 50 (MM50), 75 (MM75), and 100 % (MM100) of dietary FM with MM. These experimental feeds were fed to P. vannamei postlarvae in a 60-day feeding trial. Results revealed that MM could entirely substitute 100 % FM in the white shrimp diet. Furthermore, results showed that 75 % FM replacement with MM elicited a growth-enhancing effect and improved feed nutrient utilization. No significant treatment effects were detected in the survival, total feed intake, and biochemical body composition of P. vannamei. The observed improvement in shrimp growth in terms of weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and nutrient retention were positively correlated with the substitution level of FM by MM. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was negatively correlated with the substitution of MM and with the growth indices including WG and SGR. In conclusion, 100% of the FM (40% in the control diet) can be substituted by dietary MM without affecting the survival, growth, feed utilization, and biochemical carcass composition of P. vannamei. Polynomial regression analysis of SGR indicates that 65.50% of MM is optimum to replace FM in the diet of P. vannamei to attain maximum growth.

Comparisons on Growth Performance, Survivability, Organoleptic Qualities and Economic Feasibility of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Reared in Different Salinities

Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer is among the most cultured aquaculture species in the Southeast Asian region due to its remarkable tolerance for a diverse environmental fluctuation. In aquaculture, salinity has a direct influence on many biological, physiological and market value of any cultured fish. This study investigated the impacts of different salinities (0, 15, & 30 ppt) on Asian seabass growth, body indices, feeding performance, organoleptic qualities, and production cost for 85 days. Ninety fish were reared in 700-liter tanks equipped with recirculation system with 10 fish each tank. They were fed with commercial marine feed. The findings revealed Asian seabass in 15 ppt attained significantly higher (p>0.05) body weight (470.40 ± 41.16 g), total length (31.51 ± 0.81 cm), total feed intake (309.28 ± 35.66 g/fish) and daily feed intake (3.64 ± 0.42 g/fish/day) compared to 30 ppt but remained insignificant with 0 ppt. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in terms of body weight gain, specific growth rate, body indices, and feed conversion ratio of Asian seabass when reared in different salinities. The organoleptic qualities showed that rearing Asian seabass in different salinities has no significant effect (p<0.05) on odour, appearance, texture, and flavour score. However, the overall acceptance score of Asian seabass reared in 30 ppt (3.53 ± 0.22) was significantly higher (p>0.05) compared to 15 ppt but remained insignificant with 0 ppt. Economically, Asian seabass cultured in 15 ppt yielded the most optimal conditions for profitable production. The findings conclude 15 ppt can promotes enhanced growth performance and profitability, while 0 ppt and 30 ppt can promote consumer acceptance positively.

Response of broiler chickens to raw, heat-treated and heat-treated dehulled sweet lupin seed (Lupins angustifolius) meals on feed intake, growth and carcass performances

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the partial substitution of soybean meal with raw and processed lupin seed (Lupinus angustifolius) meals on growth and carcass performances of Cobb 500 broiler chickens. Two hundred unsexed day-old chicks with similar body weight were randomly assigned to four treatment diets in completely randomized design with 5 replicates. The four dietary treatments diets were 0 % lupin seed meal (T1), 15 % raw lupin seed meal (RLS, T2), 15 % heat-treated dehulled lupin seed meal (HDLS, T3) and 15 % heat-treated lupin seed meal (HLS, T4). The CP content of RLS, HDLS, and HLS were 33.5, 37.1, and 35.4 %, respectively. The highest total and daily feed intake was observed in chickens reared in control diet (T1) while the lowest from T2 and T4 diets and differed (p<0.05) with the T1 diet. However, no significance effect was observed in feed conversion ratio among the treatment diets. Chickens fed with T1 diet had higher (p<0.05) final body weight, total and daily weight gains than those reared in T2 and T4 diets while these values were comparable to those fed on T3 diet. Similarly, higher (p<0.05) values were observed for slaughter weight, dressed carcass weight, drumsticks, keel bone meat, wings, neck and back and thorax in chickens fed with T1 diet than those of T2 and T4 diets; but these values did not differ with chickens fed on the T3 diet. The gizzard weight was similar between chickens fed with T1 and T3 diets while those on T2 and T4 diets had lower (p<0.05) values than those of T1 diet. The highest liver weight was observed in T1 diet while the lowest in T2 and differed (p<0.05). In conclusion it would be economically beneficial to replace 15 % of the soybean meal with heat-treated dehulled blue lupin seed meal in broilers ration under tropical environment

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal vs. Soy Protein Concentrate Meal: A Comparative Digestibility Study in Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFM) from Hermetia illucens has emerged as a dependable protein source in aquaculture. This study aimed to assess BSFM’s digestibility in barramundi juveniles and compare it to soy protein concentrate meal (SPCM). Four diets (control, 30% BSFM; 30% SPCM; and commercial feed control) were tested on 1,800 barramundi juveniles (weight: 71.1 g) over 51 days in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The final body weight (FBW) of fish fed with BSFM reached 222.2 (± 8.7), with a thermal-unit growth coefficient (TGC) of 4.33 (± 0.15) and a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.04 (± 0.01). While BSFM and SPCM inclusion did not significantly impact FBW, body weight gain (BWG), TGC, or survival rates (P >0.05), FCR increased. BSFM significantly raised total feed intake (P<0.05) but did not affect daily feed intake (P >0.05). Importantly, BSFM and SPCM inclusion did not alter diet apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) for any nutrient groups (P >0.05), with BSFM showing high ADC for dry matter (76.8%), crude protein (93.2%), and gross energy (83.9%). No significant difference (P >0.05) was observed in these ADCs between BSFM and SPCM. The high digestibility of BSFM in warm seawater RAS (29.4°C) under high stocking density (33.7 kg m−3) supports its efficacy in contemporary barramundi farming.

Assessment of Nutritional Potentials and Economic Significance of Sesame Seed Meal (Sesamum indicum) in the Diet of Growing Snails (Archachatina marginata)

The purpose of this study was to assess the economic effects of replacing the groundnut cake meal portion of the diet with sesame seed meal (SSM) on the performance traits, carcass analysis, and cost benefits of the feeding strategy. One hundred and twenty snails, weighing an average of 175±2.7g, were divided into four dietary regimens at random and reproduced three times. Each replication had ten snails in it, following a completely randomized design. Four diets were formulated to contain SSM at 0% (SSM1) Control, 50% (SSM2), 75% (SSM 3), 100% (SSM 4) as replacement for soybean meal fraction in the diet of growing snails. The diets were formulated to contain about 24% crude protein and energy of 2400 kcal/kgME. Data were collected on Feed intake, weight gain, shell length, thickness and width, Feed conversion ratio and cost per weight gain. The findings indicate that the different inclusion levels of SSM in the diet had a significant impact on the mean total feed intake (P<0.05). The feed intake and mean total weight gain showed similar trends. (P<0.05) was the greatest mean weight gain. The ratio of feed intake to weight gain, or feed conversion ratio (FCR), was essentially constant across all treatments. The diet with the highest level of SSM4 (100%) inclusion had the lowest cost per weight (CPW) gain (N170.61), while the control diet with 0% SSM1 inclusion had the highest CPW gain (N221.88). It is however interesting also to note that as feed intake (kg) increases, CPW (N) gain reduces. The dressing percent (DP) of the snail was significantly influenced by the dietary treatments.

Effect of pre and postpartum maternal supplementation of zinc and selenium via slow-release glass bolus or the element salts on feed intake and some blood parameters in ewes and their lambs

In late pregnancy and early lactation, ewe's demand increases for zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) for scavenging of free radicals and due to transfer via placenta, colostrum or milk to lamb.This experiment was conducted to study the effect of slow-release bolus of Zn and Se on performance, and some blood parameters of pregnant ewes in the last third of pregnancy, and early lactation as well as their lambs. Twenty-one ewes were estrus synchronized in the breeding season by intra vaginal insertion of sponge containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. Forty-five days before the expected date of parturition, the pregnant ewes (3–4 years old and 55±5.2 kg in weight) were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: 1) control, 2) slow-release glass bolus with mean release of 20 mg Zn and 0.2 mg Se per day (Bolus), and 3) 20 mg Zn and 0.2 mg Se per day as sulfate and selenite, respectively via Daily feeding (Daily). Blood samples were obtained from ewes at 105th and 135th days of pregnancy, at parturition and 15th day postpartum and from lambs at 15 days of age. The results indicated that total feed intake of ewes increased (P = 0.03) in the Bolus and Daily groups than control. Supplementation of Zn and Se in both methodssignificantly increased Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in the ewesand their lambs than the control group. Compared with the control, there was higher triiodothyronine (T3) in ewes and their lambs and lower tetraiodothyronine (T4) only in lambs in Bolus and Dailygroups. Increased T3 to T4 ratio in ewes (at days 135 of pregnancy and at parturition) and their lambs was recorded in Bolus and Daily than the control group. An increased level of alkalinephosphatase (ALP) in ewes was observed in the Bolus and Daily groups compared with the control. Alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity on day 135 of pregnancy was significantly reduced by Zn and Se supplementation in both methods. Bolus and Daily groups of ewes had lower creatinephosphokinase (CPK), and their lambs had lower aspartate amino transferase (AST), ALT, CPK, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) than the control group. Regardless of the supplementation method, Zn and Se increased glucose (P = 0.02) and decreased triglyceride (P = 0.06) in ewes. In the ewes supplemented with Zn and Se, creatinine concentration significantly decreased in parturition day compared to control. Total protein, albumin, globulin and ratio of albumin to globulin in ewes and their lambs were not different between treatments. As a result, Zn and Se improved antioxidant status and some blood parameters in ewes and their lambs. Efficacy of slow-release bolus of Zn and Se was similar with daily feeding of these elements.

Evaluation of coriander seed powder supplementation on body composition, growth performance, hematology, and serum biochemical indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings.

This study aimed to investigate the role of coriander seed powder (Coriandrum sativum) on growth indices, feed utilization, body composition, and haemato-biochemical parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings over 84 days. One hundred and forty-four common carp (25.24±0.05 g) were assigned into four groups fed with different diets, namely 0 (basal diet), 1%, 2%, and 4% of coriander seed powder (CSP). In the current study, C. carpio fed with dietary CSP revealed significant improvement in weight gain, final weight, specific growth rate, total feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, feed conversion ratio, protein intake, and protein efficiency ratio, in comparison to control fish fed after 84 days (P>0.05). It was also found that fish fed with 1%CSP-supplemented dietary had the best growth performance and feed utilization. The crude protein of fish fed with CSP dietary treatments increased, and significant differences were only found in the fish fed with 1%CSP diet, in comparison to the control group. The CSP supplementation groups showed significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, total protein, and globulin compared to the control group. Nevertheless, differential white blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, cholesterols, and triglycerides were significantly reduced in the CSP dietary group in comparison to the control group. It was also found that CSP dietary treatment significantly increased lipase and amylase in comparison to the control group (P>0.05). However, the highest lipase and amylase levels were obtained at 1%CSP and 2%CSP dietary treatment groups, compared to the control basal diet. Based on the results, CSP supplementation could improve the overall health status and growth performance of common carp fingerlings.

Effect of a Lactobacilli-Based Direct-Fed Microbial Product on Gut Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Morphological Changes.

The calf's gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome undergoes rapid shifts during early post-natal life, which can directly affect calf performance. The objectives of this study were to characterise and compare differences in the establishment and succession of GIT microbiota, GIT morphological changes, and the growth of dairy calves from birth until weaned. Forty-four newborn Holstein-Friesian calves were randomly selected and assigned to Treatment (TRT) and Control (CON) groups. The TRT group calves received a once-daily dose of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) liquid product containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, and Lacticaseibacillus casei, all formerly known as Lactobacillus. Fresh faecal samples were manually taken from the rectum of all calves, and gross necropsy was performed on the forestomachs and gastrointestinal tracts. Bacterial DNA was extracted from frozen faecal samples for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Calves in the TRT group had greater live weights (p = 0.02) at weaning compared with calves in the CON group (mean = 69.18 kg, SD = 13.37 kg). The average daily live weight gain (ADG) and total feed intake were similar between the two groups. Calves in the TRT group had greater duodenum, abomasum, and reticulum weights (p = 0.05). Rumen and intestinal development (p < 0.05) and faecal microbial diversity (p < 0.05) were more pronounced in the TRT group. The relative abundances of eight genera differed (p < 0.001) between the groups. Supplementing calves with the LAB-based DFM increased live weight at weaning and had a more pronounced effect on the development of rumen and the gastrointestinal tract and on microbiota diversity and evenness. Future work is needed to better understand the potential association of LAB-DFM products on gut mucosa-associated microbiota.

The effect of swimming activity and feed restriction of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on water quality and fish-plant growth performance in aquaponics.

In this study, we investigated the effects of swimming activity and feed restriction on juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in decoupled aquaponic systems. Our focus was on assessing their impact on water quality parameters within the aquaponic setup and evaluating the growth performance of the fish, including final weight (FW), condition factor (K), coefficient of variation (c.v.) in weight, specific growth rate (SGR), total feed intake (g/fish), feed conversion rate (FCR), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and viscerosomatic index (VSI), as well as the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. elmaria). The study involved 108 juvenile rainbow trout with an average initial weight of 26.54 ± 0.36 g and 60 ten-day-old lettuce seedlings, over a period of 42 days. We designed four treatment groups, each with three fish tanks: static ad libitum (SA), where fish were in static water conditions and fed to satiation; static restriction (SR), with fish in static water and a 25% feed restriction; current ad libitum (CA), where fish experienced forced swimming at 1 BL s-1; and current restriction (CR), with swimming exercise at 1 BL s-1 and a 25% feed restriction. Using a flow rate of 1 BL s-1 in the tanks for rainbow trout yielded several benefits. Notably, the fish in the CA group exhibited increased feed intake (60 ± 1.78 g fish-1) and enhanced fish growth with an FW of 91.72 ± 0.91 g, compared to the SA group (55.88 ± 0.88 g fish-1 for feed intake and 89.26 ± 0.81 g for FW). In contrast, the CR group showed a reduced feed intake (39.02 ± 2.78 g fish-1) and a lower FW (67.85 ± 1.49 g) compared to the CA group. In addition, the CA group demonstrated positive contributions to fish development with a reduced HSI (1.26 ± 0.02) in comparison to the SA group (1.56 ± 0.14). Inadequate nutrient provisioning in the SR and CR groups negatively impacted fish growth and system efficiency. Our findings suggest that optimizing water flow and feed benefits fish and plants and enhances system sustainability.

Adzuki and Mung Bean Sprouts Enriched with Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v Improve Body Mass Gain and Antioxidant Status and Reduce the Undesirable Enzymatic Activity of Microbiota in Healthy Rats.

Introducing and establishing new food requires a detailed evaluation of its safety, nutritional value and functionality, thus the control and probiotic-rich adzuki and mung bean sprouts were studied in an in vivo rats model. However, the total feed intake did not differ significantly between the groups, the highest body weight gain and body weight change were recorded in the control AIN diet. At the same time, the addition of legume sprouts caused a reduction of these parameters (up to 25% in the variant with probiotic-rich adzuki bean sprouts). There was no significant effect on serum morphology, except white blood cells (ca. 20% reduction in the control sprout-supplemented diets). Serum and liver antiradical properties were significantly elevated by consuming mung bean sprouts (no effect of the probiotics). The faecal lactic acid bacteria were already increased by the control sprouts (a 2.8- and 2.1-fold increase for adzuki and mung bean sprouts, respectively). The probiotic-rich sprouts further improved this parameter. The diets enriched with mung bean sprouts significantly decreased the urease (by ca. 65%) and β-glucuronidase activities (by ca. 30%). All the tested diets caused also a significant reduction of faecal tryptophanase activity (the effect was intensified by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v). The functional components did not affect negatively the nutritional parameters and blood morphological characteristics. They improved also the antioxidant potential and significantly decreased the activities of colon cancer-related enzymes (urease and tryptophanase). The results confirmed that these new probiotic carriers may be a valuable, safe and functional element of a healthy diet.

Manipulation of neonatal ruminal populations at birth results in sustained effects on microbial populations and measures of health and production in merino and suffolk lambs

The efficiency of the microbial-driven fermentation process in the rumen is closely related to the efficiency of the ruminant host. This experiment examined the effect of manipulating the neonatal microbiota on postnatal development, immune function and productivity (liveweight gain and wool growth parameters). The trial examined the differences between naturally inoculated lambs (maternal control, n = 21) and those given ruminal fluid, which had been collected from ruminally-cannulated ewes, fed either a roughage diet (roughage, n = 14), or a grain-based diet (high grain, n = 14). At lambing, newborn lambs were tagged and weighed. Inoculation lambs received 10 ml of rumen fluid per inoculation, daily, for a total of 7 inoculations. Live weight, body condition scores, wool growth (greasy and clean wool weights), wool length, mean fibre diameter, and differential blood cell counts, and IgG and IgA in both blood and saliva) were quantified from birth until week 18 (slaughter). Total feed intake was recorded from weaning. Ruminal fluid was collected by stomach tube from 12 lambs from each treatment group and their dams (n = 7–8 per treatment, with the lower number of ewes coming about through ewes that had twins) at time of weaning (week 10). The pH of the ruminal fluid, the density of ciliated protozoa in ruminal fluid, and the composition of the ruminal bacterial populations were analysed. At slaughter (week 18), ileal samples were taken from the same focal lambs as were used for microbial analysis. The artificial inoculations resulted in significant differences in ruminal bacterial genera to those of naturally inoculated lambs at time of weaning (some 3 months post-lambing). Significant differences were also apparent in ileal bacterial communities at slaughter, between lambs which had received the inoculum from roughage-fed ewes and naturally inoculated lambs. Both the efficiency (growth, condition, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight) and indices of health (mortalities, red blood cell count, blood haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, and eosinophil counts) of the inoculated animals, were affected negatively by the inoculations ( < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between inoculum source and breed in terms of effects on all parameters measured. The effects of the high grain inoculation were significantly affected by breed, with high grain merinos found to have reduced mean fibre diameter (P < 0.05) and increased wool growth relative to the maternal control (P = 0.035). This effect was not noted in the suffolks. In summary, we have demonstrated that long-term effects on ruminal and intestinal microbiota can be generated by intervention in the normal process of ruminal inoculation in neonatal lambs. Moreover, there appeared to be genetic differences in response to artificial inoculation. Whilst the effects of artificial inoculation in this trial were negative in terms of indices of health and production, further studies of maternal diet and its effects on the natural establishment of the neonatal microbiota are warranted given the persistence of the effects and the interaction with breed.

Feather meal processing methods impact the production parameters, blood biochemical indices, gut function, and hepatic enzyme activity in broilers.

This study investigated the effects of feather meal (FM) processing methods on production parameters, blood biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, digestive and hepatic enzyme activities, and gastrointestinal tract pH and microflora of broilers. A total of 480-d-old male broilers were used for 42 d in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and five replicates (12 chicks/replicate). Treatments were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that in the FFMs the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr increased (P < 0.05), while crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, the Co-FFM diet had no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total body weight gain (2,827 vs. 2,791g/chick), total feed intake (5,018 vs. 4,991g/chick), European production efficiency factor (375 vs. 377), European Broiler Index (371 vs. 371), and feed conversion ratio (1.77 vs. 1.78g/g). Feeding FFM decreased (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold) compared to the control. Also, FFM increased (P < 0.05) villus height (1,045 to 1,351, 661 to 854, and 523 to 620 μm), and villus height to crypt depth ratio (6.15 to 8.45, 4.55 to 7.04, and 4.27 to 5.45), in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared to the control. Compared to the control, the Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) protease (34, 39, and 45 %) in the pancreas, duodenum, and jejunum, as well as amylase (73, and 97 %) activities in the duodenum, and jejunum, respectively. Diets containing FFM reduced (P < 0.05) pH in the crop, gizzard, and ileum, and decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli (6.12 to 5.70) count in ileum compared to the control. The Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) lactic acid bacteria count in crop (6.77 to 7.50) and ileum (6.94 to 7.73), also decreased (P < 0.05) coliforms (6.31 to 5.75) count in ileum compared to the control. In conclusion, FM fermentation, particularly Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.

Size matters: lower body weight pigs have a different response to immune challenge and amino acids supplementation above the estimated requirement compared to heavy pigs.

The immune response varies between pigs, as not all pigs have the same response to a stressor. This variation may exist between individuals due to body weight (BW) or body composition, which may impact the capacity for coping with an immune challenge (IC). Tryptophan (Trp), threonine (Thr), and methionine (Met) requirements might also play a considerable part in supporting immune system activation while reducing variation between pigs; however, the latter has yet to be reported. This exploratory study investigated the effect of initial BW (light vs. heavy-weight) and supplementation of Trp, Thr, and Met above National Research Council (NRC) requirements on feeding behavior and the coping capacity of growing pigs under an IC. Eighty gilts were categorized into 2 groups according to BW: light-weight (LW, 22.5kg) and heavy-weight pigs (HW, 28.5kg). Both BW groups were group-housed for a 28-d trial in a good or poor sanitary condition (SC). Pigs within a poor SC were orally inoculated with 2 × 109 colony units of Salmonella Typhimurium, and fresh manure from a pig farm was spread on the floor. Pigs within good SC were not inoculated, nor was manure spread. Two diets were provided within each SC: control (CN) or supplemented (AA+) with Trp, Thr, and Met at 120% of NRC recommended levels. A principal component analysis was performed in R, and a feeding behavior index was calculated in SAS. Results showed that LW and HW pigs were clustered separately on day 0, where LW pigs had a positive correlation with body lipid percentage (r = 0.83), and HW pigs had a positive correlation with body protein percentage (r = 0.75). After the IC, the cluster configuration changed, with diets influencing LW more than HW pigs within poor SC. On day 14, LW fed AA + diet in poor SC was clustered separately from LW pigs fed CN diet, whereas LW fed AA + and CN diets in good SC were clustered together. For feeding behavior, in both analyzed periods (period 1: days 7 to 14; period 2: days 21 to 28), LW had lower total feed intake and shorter meals than HW pigs (P < 0.10), independent of the SC. Furthermore, LW pigs fed AA + diet had a more regular feed intake pattern than those fed CN diet, while a more irregular pattern was observed for HW pigs fed AA + diet than CN diet at period 2. These findings suggest that supplementing Trp, Thr, and Met above requirements may be a nutritional strategy for LW pigs under IC by improving feed intake regularity and reducing the probability of being susceptible to IC.

Effect of Stocking Density and Diets Supplemented with Essential oils and or Probiotic on the Performance of Juveniles Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present study was carried out to investigate the interactive effect of stocking density and diets supplemented with essential oils and or probiotic on the growth performance of juveniles Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), water quality parameters, intestinal morphology, and protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection of Oreochromis niloticus. Total number of 640 O. niloticus fish (14.2 ± 0.95 g) were used in our work were allotted into eight groups with three replicates with two stocking densities (36 fish m-3 and 72 fish m-3) and four diets (control, Probiotic (Sanolife PRO-F®), Essential oils (EOs) blend (Super Immune®) and mix of Probiotic (Sanolife PRO-F®) and EOs blend (Super Immune®) respectively for 14 weeks and subsequently, challenged with A. hydrophila. The fish raised at the low stocking density exhibited increased weight gain, feed intake and specific growth rate compared with those raised at the high stocking density. Probiotic and/or EOs blend dietary supplementation improved Nile tilapia weight gain, daily gain, specific growth rate, total feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The water quality metrics' readings throughout the experiment all stayed within acceptable ranges for tilapia production despite the density increase. The fish raised at the low stocking density and received diet supplemented with mix of probiotic and EOs showed marked increased length of intestinal villi compared with the other groups. The EOs blend promoted better relative percent of survival with percentage of 100 % after challenge by A. hydrophila. It could be concluded that using EOs blend (Super Immune) and/or Probiotic (Sanolife PRO-F) as a dietary supplement for tilapia fingerlings would be a good choice due to their effective growth promoting, antibacterial effect and their positive impacts on fish intestinal morphology.

O efeito no desempenho de engorda e nas características de carcaça da adição de vinagre de alcachofra à água de bebida de frangos de corte

ABSTRACTS This study was carried out to investigate the effects of adding artichoke vinegar to the drinking water of broilers on their fattening performance and carcass characteristics. In the experiment, 204-day old broiler chickens were used, and the study was continued for 42 days. In the study, 4 different groups were formed, one of which was the control group, and the other 3 were different doses of vinegar (0.5%, 1.0 and 1.5). The experiment was carried out in 3 replications and 17 birds were included in each replication. During the fattening period, the live weight, feed consumption, vinegar water consumption and slaughter weight of the chickens were measured. After slaughter, characteristics such as hot carcass weight, hot carcass yield, internal organ weights and abdominal fat weights were determined. According to the results obtained, in the 0-6 weeks period, the daily average live weight gain, daily average feed intake, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio, average daily water intake and total water intake of the broilers were significantly higher than the values obtained in the treatments with vinegar (P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01). It was determined that the groups showed significant differences in terms of traits such as abdominal fat weight and percentage, liver weight, heart weight and percentage, and kidney weight and percentage. As a result, it can be said that the artichoke vinegar added to the drinking water of broilers has significant effects on some performance characteristics and has the best effect when used at 1.5% level.

Supplementation of crossbred boer goats with cottonseed meal and/or urea enhances estimated metabolizable protein intake, crude protein digestibility and nitrogen retention

This study aimed to determine feed intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen retention of crossbred Boer bucks supplemented with urea or cottonseed meal (CSM)when fed tropical Rhodes (Chloris gayana) grass hay (RGH) as a basal diet. Twelve eight-month-old bucks (23.9±1.1 kg live weight) were allocated to one of the four dietary treatments in a randomised block design. The treatments were 1) maize supplement (Control); or maize plus 2) urea supplement (M+U), 3) urea and CSM (M+UCSM); and (4) CSM (M+CSM). All bucks were held in individual metabolism crates for 21 days (11 days of adaptation and 10 days collection period) with ad libitum access to RGH and fresh drinking water in addition to the supplements. A one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range tests were used to test for differences between means at a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. Results indicated higher feed intake, apparent digestibility of crude protein and digestible nutrient intake in goats supplemented with M+CSM and M+UCSM, but not M+U alone. Supplementation with M+CSM increased nitrogen retention by 300%. Supplementation with M+UCSM and M+CSM increased the total feed intake of Boer goats on tropical grass hay by 13 and 20%, respectively. Supplementation with M+U, M+UCSM, and M+CSM improved the apparent digestibility of crude protein by 9.7, 15.7 and 15.1%, respectively. It can be concluded that total feed intake and nutrient digestibility was increased on growing Boer goats fed RGH as a basal diet supplemented with true protein from CSM or a mixture of true protein and rumen degradable protein from urea.

Performance of West African Dwarf Growing Bucks Fed Varying Levels of Gliricidia Sepium Leaf Meal Supplement in Pelleted Diets

Insufficient resources and subpar pasture quality during the dry season necessitate a proven supplement to enhance the nutritional status of goats. In this study, Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (G-supplement) derived from a leguminous deciduous protein tree was proportionally incorporated into pelleted cassava peel-based diets (concentrate). The study aimed to assess the impact of this supplement addition to the concentrate on the growth performance of West African dwarf (WAD) goat bucks. Twenty bucks were assigned to four groups in a completely randomized design, with varying levels of G-supplement in pelleted concentrate (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Each group comprised five animals. The inclusion of the supplement significantly influenced (p&lt;0.05) diet consumption and utilization. Bucks fed with 10% G-supplement exhibited the highest feed intake (24,248g), weight gain (2650g), and a feed conversion efficiency of 9.15%. Parameters such as total feed intake, daily feed intake, final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily weight gain were significantly affected (p&lt;0.05) by the diet. The animals on the 10% G-inclusion diet demonstrated higher (p&gt;0.05) nutrient digestibility compared to other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating 10% G-supplement in pelleted concentrate enhances the performance of WAD goats in terms of feed intake, live body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility. The efficacy of the G-supplement at the 10% inclusion level notably contributed to improved performance

Growth response, ammonia emission and rectal temperature of finisher broilers fed varying levels of maize stover biochar (MSB)

This study was designed to assess the dietary effects of maize stover biochar (MSB) on the growth response, ammonia emissions, and rectal temperature of finisher broilers. A total of 120 broilers were randomly distributed into four treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4) using a completely randomized design. Each treatment consisted of 30 broilers and was replicated three times, with 10 broilers per replicate. The birds in T1 received no MSB, while T2, T3, and T4 received MSB at inclusion levels of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively. Data collected on body weight gain, daily feed intake, rectal temperature, and fecal ammonia content were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design (CRD) using SPSS version 21. Significantly different means were separated using Duncan’s New multiple range test. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in body weight gain, fecal ammonia content, and feed intake were observed among the treatments. The highest body weight gain of 2.94±0.01 kg was reported in T4, with the lowest value of 2.43±0.02 kg recorded in T1. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) were evident in average daily weight gain, total feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. T4 displayed the highest average weight gain (52.64±0.27g), significantly surpassing T3 (46.09±0.62g), while T2 and T1 exhibited the lowest values (44.30±0.68 and 43.41±0.51, respectively), which were comparable. Regarding feed conversion ratio (FCR), T1 had the highest value (3.25±0.00), significantly higher than T2 (2.72±0.00) and T3 (2.69±0.01), whereas T4 recorded the lowest value (2.35±0.03). In ammonia emission, T1 had the highest content (4.09 ± 0.19), while T2 and T3 had the values of 1.19 ± 0.03 and 1.32 ± 0.08, respectively. However, T4 had the lowest value of (0.90 ± 0.01) which was statistically (p &lt; 0.05) different from other treatment groups. In rectal temperature, significant variations were observed over the weeks, with T1 consistently recording the highest values and T4 consistently displaying the lowest values. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MSB positively impacted growth response, reduced ammonia emission, and mitigated rectal temperature in finisher broilers.

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Powder Additive on Growth Performance, Flock Uniformity and Blood Profile of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

Turmeric has been reported to possess various bioactive compounds. This study examined the effects of turmeric powder as a natural feed additive on the growth performance, flock uniformity, and blood profile of Japanese quail. Two hundred and fifty-six (256) male Japanese quail of average weight of 115.00 ± 5g were used for this study. The birds were randomly allotted to four dietary groups with four replicates of sixteen birds each in a Completely Randomized Design. Turmeric powder was added in the diet at 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% to form diet D1, D2, D3, and D4. All the data collected for growth performance were significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05). Birds fed D2 had the highest average daily weight gain (1.33 g/bird) followed by those fed D3 (1.25 g/bird), D1 (1.17 g/bird), and D4 (1.09 g/bird). Birds fed D2 had the highest total feed intake (829.59 g/bird) and D1 had the lowest (786.34 g/bird). Birds fed D4 had the highest flock uniformity and feed conversion ratio (59.40% and 18.17 respectively). All the haematological parameters were significant (P&lt;0.05) except pack cell volume, haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell, and platelet. Birds fed D2 had the highest mean corpuscular volume (163.00 fL). Birds fed D3 had the highest white blood cell count (189.50 103/μL), heterophils (55.00 cells/μL), and eosinophils (1.50 cells/μL). Lymphocyte and platelet count were highest in the birds fed D4. All the serum biochemical parameters were significant (P&lt;0.05) except asparate aminotransferase, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein. Except for total protein, alanine aminotransferase, and globulin, all the significant parameters were highest in birds fed D1. 0.25% of turmeric powder can be included in quail’s diet without adverse effect on the growth performance and health.

Effects of l-ascorbic acid on growth, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal and hepatopancreatic histology of red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

This study investigated the dietary effects of coated l-ascorbic acid (LA) on growth, feed utilization, survival, serum biochemical indices, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal and hepatopancreatic histology of the pre-adult red swamp crayfish. Four isoproteinous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain several LA levels as 0, 1300, 1600, and 1900 mg/kg and designated as control (LA0), LA13, LA16, and LA19, respectively. However, the analyzed LA concentrations in diets were 0.00, 199.57, 360.45, and 487.50 mg/kg in LA0, LA13, LA16, and LA19, respectively. Triplicate treatments of crayfish (21.60 ± 0.14 g) were fed the test diets and reared in fiberglass tanks with a density of 20 individuals per each for eight weeks. Results revealed that all LA treatments had significantly enhanced growth performance compared to the control. Of interest, the LA16 treatment recorded the highest final tank biomass, biomass gain, total feed intake, condition factor, and muscle yield among the other treatments. The tank feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased in LA treatments compared to the control. Moreover, dietary LA16 and LA19 had significantly higher survival rates (93.3%) compared to (85.0%) in the LA0 group. All dietary doses of LA significantly increased serum parameters (total protein, albumin, globulin, lysozyme activity) and respiratory burst activity compared to the LA0 treatment. Dietary LA16 significantly boosted the hepatopancreatic antioxidant capacity, manifested by decreased malondialdehyde concentrations, increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities, and reduced glutathione content compared to the LA-free diet. A normal histoarchitecture of the hepatopancreatic tubules was found in all LA treatments except with some minor degenerative changes in the tubular lumen, and hepatopancreatic cells associated with enlarged nuclei were found in the LA19. However, normal intestinal histoarchitecture was found in all treatments with no recorded intestinal lesions. Of interest, the polynomial regression performed on the analyzed LA concentrations suggested that 380 mg/kg would be suitable to provide maximal biomass gain for pre-adult crayfish. In conclusion, results revealed that coated LA could enhance the growth, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of pre-adult red swamp crayfish, suggesting its potential as a functional and necessary micronutrient for crayfish diets.