Total Replacement Of Soybean Meal Research Articles

Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Cottonseed Meal, Peanut Meal, Rapeseed Meal, or Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Lambs.

Considering the frequently large price fluctuations for soybean meal, an alternative is the increased use of locally produced high-protein ingredients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the total replacement of soybean meal with different sources of protein on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, rumen fermentation parameters, and bacterial communities in growing lambs. Sixty sheep with similar body weights (38.46 ± 0.71 kg) were distributed to one of five treatments: soybean meal (SBM); cottonseed meal (COM); peanut meal (PEM); rapeseed meal (RAM); and distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The experiment lasted 62 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 52-day growing period. The results indicated that the body weight and average daily gain were not affected by different protein sources (p > 0.05), but the dry matter intake of the SBM group was lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.05); otherwise, the feed efficiency was higher (p < 0.05). The digestion of dry matter was higher in the SBM, COM, and RAM groups than in the DDGS and PEM groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared to the other groups, the SBM group had the highest digestion of gross energy and crude protein (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentration of glutathione peroxidase was highest in the SBM group (p < 0.05). Regarding the rumen fermentation, the SBM group had the highest concentration of NH3-N (p < 0.05). The rumen bacterial community was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the total replacement of soybean meal with cottonseed, peanut, rapeseed, or DDGS reduced digestibility but did not impact the body weight or average daily gain of growing lambs and had no effect on the immune function and rumen bacterial community; thus, they can be used to substitute the soybean meal.

Total replacement of soybean meal with alternative plant-based ingredients and a combination of feed additives in broiler diets from 1 day of age during the whole growing period

The capacity of combinations of feed enzymes, natural betaine and a probiotic, combined with alternative plant-based ingredients, to totally replace soybean meal (SBM) in a broiler diet was evaluated. Day-old Ross 308 males (2,574) were assigned to 9 treatments (13 pens/treatment, 22 birds/pen) in a completely randomized design. All diets were pelleted and fed ad libitum in 4 phases: starter, grower, finisher 1, finisher 2 (0 to 10, 10 to 21, 21 to 35 and 35 to 42 d of age, respectively). Treatments included: 1) control diet containing SBM (SBM control), supplemented with phytase (PhyG), at 2,000, 1,500, 1000 and 1,000 FTU/kg in each phase and xylanase (X) at 750 U/kg, [crude protein (CP): 23.5%, 22.0%, 20.2% and 19.3% in each phase]; 2) to 5), alternative (ALT), SBM-free diets, containing the same CP level as the control (‘CP high’), supplemented with PhyG as in the control, protease (P, 800 U/kg) and in 2) xylanase (750 U/kg) (ALT+PhyG+P+X), 3) xylanase-β-glucanase (XB, 1,200 U/kg and 152 U/kg) (Alt+PhyG+P+XB), 4) XB plus betaine (800 g/ton) (ALT+PhyG+P+XB+Bet), and 5) XB plus a probiotic [150,000 colony forming units (CFU)/g] (ALT+PhyG+P+XB+Prob); 6) to 9) as treatments 2) to 5) but with CP reduced by -2.0 to -1.5% points vs. control (‘CP low’). Final (d 42) BW and overall (d 0 to 42) feed conversion ratio (FCR) of birds fed the SBM control exceeded breeder objectives [+3.8% and -1.9%, respectively]. Overall FCR was reduced and d 42 BW increased in birds fed ‘low’ vs. ‘high’ CP (P < 0.01). Overall FCR and feed intake were not different in ALT+PhyG+XB+P+Bet and ALT+PhyG+XB+P+Prob vs. the control, whereas final BW was reduced (P < 0.05) in all ALT treatments but close to breeder objectives (98.3%) in ALT+PhyG+XB+P+Prob. Feed costs of this treatment were similar to the control. Total replacement of SBM with alternative plant-based ingredients in a CP-low diet supplemented with hydrolytic enzymes and probiotics can achieve growth performance outcomes close to commercial breeder objectives.

Total Replacement of Soybean Meal with Sundried Soymilk Residue in the Total Mixed Ration has a Negative Impact on Intake, Digestibility, and Milk Production in Dairy Goats.

This study aimed to evaluate whether total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with sundried soymilk residue (SSR) in a total mixed ration (TMR) affects intake, digestibility, milk production, and blood metabolites in dairy goats. A total of 12 healthy Saanen dairy goats (40.12 ± 5.80 kg of BW) in midlactation (31.23 ± 10.12 days) were used in a randomized complete design (n = 4 goats/group). Dietary treatments were based on a TMR as follows: control TMR without SSR (CON) or SBM-based TMR with 50% or 100% of SSR replacing SBM (SSR-50 and SSR-100, respectively). All goats had ad libitum access to feed and clean water throughout the experiment. The dry matter (DM) intake decreased (p < 0.05) with the increasing replacement ratio of SBM and was lowest in the SSR-100 group. Similarly, organic matter (OM) digestibility was lowest (p < 0.05) in the SSR-100 group. However, the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF did not change (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. Compared with CON, the milk yield decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing replacement ratio of SBM. In contrast, milk composition such as total solids, solids-not-fat, milk fat, lactose, protein, and pH were not influenced (p > 0.05) by feeding dietary SSR. Compared with other treatments, blood glucose concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in the SSR-100 group. In contrast, packed cell volume, glucose, and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05). The results indicated that SSR could replace SBM in a TMR at less than 50%. Thus, the present study provides support for further investigation to enhance the utilization of soybean waste as an alternative protein source in the TMR for dairy goats and potentially other ruminants.

Replacing soybean meal with microalgae biomass in diets with contrasting carbohydrate profiles can reduce in vitro methane production and improve short-chain fatty acid production

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of dietary carbohydrate profile and soybean meal (SBM) replacement with either Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CHL) or Spirulina platensis (SPI) on in vitro fermentation. This experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design, with fermentation run (3 runs) considered as blocks. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial design, where the first factor was the carbohydrate profile, which was composed of diets containing 42.5% NDF and 26.8% starch (HF-LS) or 26.8% NDF and 40.6% starch (LF-HS) and the second factor was the protein source, in which a control diet (100% SBM), partial replacement of SBM with CHL (1/2 CHL) or SPI (1/2 SPI), or total replacement of SBM with CHL or SPI were used. All experimental diets were formulated to have 17% crude protein. The ruminal fluid was collected from 2 lactating Holstein cows, buffered with Van Soest medium at a ratio of 1:2 and added to serum bottles containing 0.50 g of the experimental diets. Bottles were incubated at 39°C for 24 and 48 h in triplicate; headspace pressure was measured, along with gas collection for methane (CH4) quantification at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, and 48 h after incubation. The final medium was used to measure pH, ammonia, and volatile-fatty acid (VFA). After incubation, feed bags were recovered and used for estimation of degradability of DMD, NDF, and OMD. Statistical analysis was carried out using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with carbohydrate profile, protein source, assay, and its interactions as fixed effects, with run and bottle as random effects. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare carbohydrate profile, algae species, carbohydrate profile × algae interaction, and linear and quadratic effects of SBM replacement with CHL or SPI. There was no interaction effect between carbohydrate profile and algae source. LF-HS improved gas production, degradability of nutrients, and VFA, mainly increasing the production of butyrate and propionate. When compared with CHL, SPI had a greater degradability of nutrients and branched VFA, along with reduction in total gas production and tended to reduce total CH4 yield. The replacement of SBM with algae linearly reduced the degradability of nutrients, along with a linear reduction in gas production. When replacement of SBM with only SPI was evaluated, SPI slightly reduced the degradability of nutrients; however, it promoted a linear reduction in CH4 yield, as well as reduction in CH4 yield by unit of degraded DM, NDF, and OM. In summary, there was no interaction of carbohydrate profile and protein source, which means that SBM replacement had a similar effect, regardless of dietary carbohydrate profile. Spirulina may be a more suitable algae source when compared with Chlorella due to the potential to reduce CH4.

Partial and total replacement of soybean meal with a corn‐fermented protein product in Rainbow Trout feeds

AbstractObjectiveCorn‐fermented protein products (CFP) from the bioethanol industry have strong potential as alternatives to traditional plant protein sources in finfish diets. This study examined the culture performance, apparent digestibility, intestinal histology, and expression of gut inflammation markers in juvenile Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fed experimental diets with graded levels of soybean meal and CFP.MethodsFour experimental diets were formulated to contain 40% protein and 20% lipids, and the diets incrementally replaced soybean meal with CFP (0% [Control], 25%, 50%, or 100% replacement). Juvenile Rainbow Trout (48.9 ± 1.3 g) were randomly distributed to 12 100‐L tanks within a recirculating aquaculture system (30 fish/tank). Fish were fed one of the four experimental diets on a restricted feeding regime (1–3% biomass/day), and tanks were weighed every 14 days for 70 days.ResultThe mean weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, survival, and proximate composition of fish were not significantly different (α = 0.05) between the diet groups after 70 days of feeding (139.6 ± 7.5 g final weight). Apparent protein digestibility was significantly higher in the 50% CFP diet group than the Control group (80.3 ± 1.2% and 77.6 ± 1.2%, respectively). Histological analysis of distal intestines showed significantly larger villi lengths and villi length‐to‐width ratios in fish fed the 100% CFP diet, relative to fish fed the Control and 25% CFP diets. The expression of gut inflammation markers tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)10, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9) trended lower in the 50% and 100% CFP diet groups compared to the Control group. The expression of the nutrient absorption markers PepT1 and FABP2 trended higher in the 50% and 100% CFP diet groups relative to the Control group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggested that the replacement of soybean meal with CFP in Rainbow Trout grow‐out diets did not impair growth performance and improved overall protein digestibility and gut health.

PSX-23 Effects of Partial Or Total Nitrogen Replacement of Soybean Meal with Urea on Intake, Digestibility and Nitrogen Balance in Growing Nellore × Red Angus Bulls

Abstract In feedlot systems, feeding non-protein nitrogen sources, such as urea, instead of true protein sources, such as soybean meal (SBM), could be an alternative way to reduce dietary costs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial or total replacement of SBM by urea on feed intake and apparent total-tract digestibility of organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP), and on nitrogen (N) balance in bulls. Four Nellore × Red Angus crossbred bulls (292 ± 14.6 kg BW) were randomly assigned to treatment in a 4×4 Latin square design. The experimental treatments consisted of different replacement levels of SBM by urea (DM basis): 0% replacement (R-0%); 54% replacement (R-54%); 78% replacement (R-78%); 100% replacement (R-100%). Diets were formulated according to the BR-CORTE system to provide approximately 130 g CP/kg DM. The diets consisted of 20% corn silage and 80% ground corn-based concentrate containing SBM and/or urea+ammonium sulfate, mineral mix, and virginiamycin. Each experimental period was 21 d, with 14 d adaptation, and 4 d of total feces and urine collection. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS and statistical significance was declared at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Dietary treatment did not influence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) OM and CP intake. Apparent total-tract OM and CP digestibility were not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by dietary treatment. Daily total urinary and fecal N were not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by dietary treatment. Dietary treatment did not influence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) N retention. Therefore, these data suggest that SBM may be partially or totally replaced by urea as the dietary N source without affecting feed intake, apparent total-tract digestibility, and N balance in Nellore × Red Angus crossbreed young bulls fed a high concentrate diet.

PSVI-6 Effects of Partial or Total Replacement of Soybean Meal with Urea on Feed Efficiency in Nellore × Red Angus Growing Bulls

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM) is the primary protein source used worldwide for livestock. but is a high-cost protein source than other alternative protein sources such as urea. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial or total replacement of SBM with urea on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency of finishing Nellore × Red Angus crossbreed bulls. Nellore × Red Angus crossbred bulls (n = 30; average initial BW = 383.5 ± 8 kg; age = 9 ± 1 mo) were utilized in a completely randomized design for 93 days (9 d adaptation period + 84 d finishing period). Bulls were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 dietary treatments containing different replacement levels of soybean meal with urea (diet DM basis): 0% replacement (R-0%); 50% replacement (R-50%); 100% replacement (R-100%). Diets were formulated according to the BR-CORTE system to achieve an ADG of 1.3 kg and to contain 130 g CP/kg DM. The diets consisted of 20% corn silage and 80% concentrate that was formulated with ground corn, soybean meal and/or urea, ammonium sulfate, mineral mix, and virginiamycin. All animals were fed for ad libitum intake using an electronic feeder (INTERGADO, Intergado Ltd., Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil) and individual daily feed intake was recorded. The bulls were weighed at the beginning and end and every 28 d throughout the finishing period. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) assuming the significance level of 0.05. There was no influence on final BW (P = 0.39), DMI (P = 0.22), ADG (P = 0.47), or feed efficiency (P = 0.98; Table 1). These results suggest that SBM can be replaced with urea and may be used as a strategy to reduce diet costs for Nellore × Red Angus crossbred bulls without affecting DMI, ADG, and feed efficiency.

Partial and total replacement of soybean meal with maggot larvae meal in broiler chicken diets: Impact on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, haemotological parameters and intestinal histomorphology

Current study was carried out to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal with maggot meal in broilers ration (Ross-308, n = 200) for 1–28 days. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenic broiler rations were prepared comprising of control diet-1 (Mag-0) having 100 % soybean meal and 0 % maggot meal, Diet-2 (Mag-70) having 30 % soy bean meal and 70 % maggot meal, Diet-3 (Mag-80) having 20 % soybean meal and 80 % maggot meal, Diet-4 (Mag-90) 10 % soybean meal and 90 % maggot meal and Diet-5 (Mag-100) containing 0 % soybean meal and 100 % maggot meal. The results showed that weekly as well as overall body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found similar (P>0.05) for all the chicks fed with different replacement diets. Protein efficiency ratio, dressing percentage, apparent metabolizable energy and antibody titer observed showed no significant (P>0.05) differences at the end of the experiment among the different substituted and control groups. Similarly, no significant (p>0.05) effect was observed on the digestibility of amino acids for different replacement diets of soybean meal with maggot meal. Statistically similar effects were also observed for organoleptic study, intestinal morphometry, hematological and serum parameters. It was concluded from the current study that up to 100 % soybean meal can be substituted with maggot meal in poultry ration without any adverse effects on the health and performance parameters of the broiler chicks.

Evaluation of four novel protein sources as alternatives to soybean meal for two specifications of cage-farmed grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) deeds: Effect on growth performance, flesh quality, and expressions of muscle-related genes

Costs associated with the use of soybean as a food source in aquaculture have imposed constraints on its use in this industry. Thus, research is now focusing on alternative sources of protein for use in aquaculture. Here, we assessed the effect of total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) by Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), Tenebrio molitor meal (TMM), cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC), and chlorella powder (CHP) in diets for small specimens (initial body weight: 239.72 ± 10.75 g) and large specimens (initial body weight: 638.32 ± 12.64 g) of grass carp. For that purpose, five isonitrogenous (300 g/kg) and isoaliphatic (58 g/kg) diets were formulated with SBM, CAP, TMM, CPC, and CHP as the only dietary protein source. Triplicate groups of fish were fed the experimental diets for 56 days. Results showed that irrespective of protein sources, large specimens of grass carp obtained the significantly reduced weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate, moisture, crude ash contents, drip loss rate, and gene expressions of muscle S6K, MyoD, and Myf-5, and the significantly increased crude protein and crude lipid contents, hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness, chewiness and shear force of muscles, and gene expressions of muscle TOR, 4EBP1, MyoG, MRF4, and MSTN-1. Regardless of size, the CHP group possessed markedly higher WGR, protein efficiency ratio, crude protein contents, hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness values, and gene expression levels of muscle TOR, 4EBP1, Myf-5, and MRF4, and significantly lower feed conversion rate, drip loss rate, and gene expressions of muscle S6K and MSTN-1. For small specimens or for large specimens, the essential amino acid contents of the CHP group were highest, and CHP markedly elevated the delicious amino acid and glycine contents in comparison with the SBM. Moreover, the CPC group also realized the function of promoting the growth and improving the flesh quality to a certain degree. However, total replacement of soybean meal by CAP and TMM in grass carp diets restrained the growth and damaged the flesh quality in varying degrees. Overall, comparatively, total replacement of SBM with CHP not only improved growth performance and feed use, but also enhanced the flavor and texture of the fish by improving the amino acid composition and water-holding capacity of muscle, as well as improving muscle growth by positively impacting the expression of genes associated with the regulation of growth and development. Therefore, CHP could be a potential protein source to replace SBM in diets for use in the aquaculture of grass carp.

Plasma biochemical profile of dairy cows, with respect to diet and breed

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine if total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with a rapeseed by-product (RS-by) in the diets of Romanian Black Spotted (RBS) and Montbéliarde (MB) breeds will cause changes of the biochemical profile in lactating cows. Thirty-two healthy multiparous dairy cows, mid-lactation stage, were randomly assigned to four homogeneous groups (2 RBS and 2 MB) of 8 cows each for 42 days of experiment. Groups received the same basal diet (maize silage and alfalfa hay) and two types of compound feed: control (with 12.5% SBM) and experimental (with 12.5% RS-by). Individual blood samples were collected at the end of the trial from the mammary vein and plasma biochemical parameters were determined. The main effects of feed, breed and their interaction were statistically analyzed with SPSS software. Plasma energy parameters were not affected by the dietary treatments, but glucose was higher in MB breed. Total protein and urea were significantly higher (7.99 vs. 6.93 g/dL; 18.50 vs. 15.31 mg/dL) in control compared to the experimental group; urea was also influenced by the feed x breed interaction. Magnesium was significantly higher (1.98 vs.1.59 mg/dL) in the experimental group. Alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher (35.75 vs. 29.00 U/L; 43.62 vs. 36.40 U/L) in the control group. The mineral or enzimatic analytes were not affected by animal breed. The majority of the parameters ranged between the normal limits.

Performance of Slow-Growing Chickens Fed with Tenebrio molitor Larval Meal as a Full Replacement for Soybean Meal.

Insect larval meal is an increasingly common protein source in poultry systems. In this study, the effect of replacing soybean meal with Tenebrio molitor larval meal on the performance of slow-growing chickens was assessed. A total of 128 one-day-old chickens (Colorield) were randomly divided into a control group (C) (n = 64), fed with soybean meal, and an experimental group (TM) (n = 64), fed with T. molitor larvae meal. The chicks were slaughtered after 95 days. Three different isoenergetic and isoproteic diets (F1, F2 and F3) were used for each group. The F1 diet resulted in higher body weight gain and higher feed and water intakes in group C, but a lower feed conversion ratio. Contrarily, diets F2 and F3 did not produce differences in the studied parameters between the two groups, except for body weight gain in the case of diet F2, which was highest in group C. Therefore, weight gain and feed and water intakes were significantly higher in group C, but there were no differences in feed conversion ratio or live weight. In conclusion, the total replacement of soybean meal with T. molitor larvae meal resulted in a reduction in feed intake and a consequent reduction in weight. During this period, partial rather than total substitution may be recommended.

Replacement of soybean meal with alternative protein sources in the concentrate supplement for lactating Holstein × Gyr cows in an intensive tropical pasture-based system: Effects on performance, milk composition, and diurnal ingestive behavior

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with three alternative protein sources in the concentrate supplement on performance, feed efficiency, milk composition, and diurnal ingestive behavior of Holstein × Gyr cows under an intensive system of grazing on tropical pasture. Twelve cows with 512 ± 61 kg of BW (mean ± standard deviation), 20.4 ± 4.14 kg/d of milk yield, and 86 ± 40 days in milk were distributed in a triplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments consisted of four concentrate supplements formulated with SBM (Control), cottonseed meal (CSM), peanut meal (PM), or sunflower meal (SFM). The animals were kept in intensive rotational grazing (n = 24 paddocks) on Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum syn. Megathyrsus maximus) pasture, with 1 day of occupation per paddock and a stocking rate of 4.3 AU/ha. The daily amount of concentrate supplement offered to the cows was 1 kg DM of concentrate per 3 kg of milk produced. Fat-corrected milk yield (FCM) for the SBM group (21.1 kg/d) was similar to that of the other groups (21.5 kg/d on average); however, milk fat content and milk urea nitrogen were lower in the SBM group (36 g/kg and 12.6 mg/dL) than in the PM group (38.4 g/kg and 14.2 mg/dL). The protein source did not affect the intakes of DM (17.14 kg/d on average) and forage (9.66 kg DM/d on average). However, cows fed CSM had a lower concentrate supplement intake compared to those fed PM (7.11 vs. 7.78 kg DM/d). The lowest and the highest ether extract intake levels were observed in cows fed with SBM (0.31 kg/d) and CSM (0.39 kg/d). No effect of the protein source was detected on the time spent on grazing, rumination, and idleness, with mean values of 4.73, 2.01, and 5.26 h within a 12 h observation period (06:00–18:00 h). Soybean meal can be replaced with CSM, PM, or SFM in the concentrate supplement without affecting the FCM, feed intake, feed efficiency, and diurnal ingestive behavior of lactating Holstein × Gyr cows in an intensive tropical grazing system. The replacement of SBM with PM is recommended since the latter promotes the best results in terms of milk fat content.

Meat Quality of Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Fed with Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (Hermetia illucens) as a Protein Source

The most widely used feed ingredients in the world are fishmeal and soybean, which, despite having high-quality digestible protein and good fat content, are considered environmentally unsustainable and increasingly expensive. This issue also involves the guinea pig, a very important animal protein source for people in Andean regions in South America. Here we investigate the substitution of soybean meal with 50% and 100% black soldier fly larvae meal in the guinea pig diet and its effects on meat quality (fatty acid profile, amino acid profile, water-holding capacity, pH, proximal composition, and color). The results showed no differences in the protein content and amino acid profile of meat nor in the n-6:n-3 and P/S ratios, but did show an increment in the desirable fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids) in the guinea pigs fed with black soldier fly larvae meal. All the other analyzed parameters showed no differences among the diets tested. These results suggest that total replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in guinea pig nutrition is feasible since meat quality was maintained or improved.

Partial and Total Replacement of Soybean Meal with Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Meal in Broiler Chicken Diets: Impact on Growth Performance, Carcass Quality and Meat Quality.

Simple SummaryThe requirement of valuable protein sources for a continuously growing human population and the simultaneous decrease in available areas suitable for agricultural production present a serious future global challenge. This has prompted many researchers to take action to look for alternative sources of protein—including the use of insects. Among insects, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L., HI) larvae are a promising alternative for future sustainable nutrient sources as both feed and food. This is a very promising species to be used in poultry nutrition. Unfortunately, the results of the present study reveal that the replacement of soybean meal with high levels (50%, 75% or 100%) of full-fat HI meal in the diets of broiler chickens throughout the rearing period is unfavorable. The results of this study show that broiler chickens fed diets with high inclusion levels of HI larvae meal consumed less feed than birds fed standard diets, which was reflected in lower average daily gain. The replacement of soybean meal protein with HI larvae meal in broiler chicken diets at above 50% significantly deteriorates carcass quality and the sensory quality of meat.The aim of this study was to compare selected growth performance parameters and slaughter characteristics in broiler chickens fed diets with a different content of full-fat Hermetia illucens L. (HI) larvae meal. The experiment was performed on 384 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) reared to 42 d of age and assigned to four dietary treatments (HI0—control diet and diets where soybean meal protein (SBM) was replaced with HI protein in 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively). The final body weights of chickens were as follows: 3010.0 g (HI0), 2650.0 g (HI50), 2590.0 g (HI75) and 2375.0 g (H100, p < 0.05). The carcasses of chickens from the experimental groups contained less meat and more abdominal fat. The feed conversion ratio for the entire experimental period was similar in groups HI0, HI50 and HI75 and more desirable than in group HI100 (p < 0.05). The meat of broiler chickens from groups HI75 and HI100 was characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) lower juiciness and taste intensity than the meat of birds from groups HI0 and HI50. The replacement of SBM protein with full-fat HI larvae meal in broiler diets exceeding 50% significantly compromised the growth performance of birds and the carcass and meat quality.

Effects of alternative energy and protein sources on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of feedlot lambs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing ground corn with crude glycerin and soybean meal by cottonseed cake, in association or not, on digestibility and intake of dietary nutrients, performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot lambs. Thirty-two non-castrated crossbred 1/2 Santa Inês x 1/2 Dorper lambs, with an average body weight of 18.52 ± 3.24 kg (mean ± standard deviation) and with 3 months of age were distributed in a randomized complete block design, into four treatments and eight replicates per treatment, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. Four experimental diets were tested with different sources or combinations of energy and protein ingredients, respectively, in the concentrate: 1) ground corn + soybean meal; 2) ground corn and cottonseed cake; 3) crude glycerin and soybean meal; 4) crude glycerin and cottonseed cake. There was an interaction between the energy and protein sources in ether extract intake and total digestible nutrients digestibility (P < 0.01). There was an interaction between the energy and protein sources in the total weight gain (P = 0.03), hot (P = 0.03) and cold (P = 0.04) carcass weights, and shear force (P = 0.29). The inclusion of crude glycerin decreased (P = 0.01) the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) intakes, and the apparent digestibilitis of OM, NDF, and NFC (P < 0.05). Crude glycerin decreased the amount of retained nitrogen (P = 0.02), lower final weight (P < 0.01), average daily gain and cold carcass yield. An increase ocurred in the NDF intake (P < 0.05) when lambs were fed diet with cottonseed cake and a decrease (P < 0.01) in the digestibilities of DM, OM, CP and NDF. The replacement of 100% of ground corn by crude glycerin, with low purity, is not recommended in diets for feedlot lambs, because it decreases animal performance. In contrast, the total replacement of soybean meal by cottonseed cake can be used in diet for lambs, without causing damage to the performance and meat quality.

Feeding different cultivars and quality levels of faba bean to broiler chickens.

A concern of both pulse growers and poultry producers is how frost damage around harvest time affects the nutritional quality of faba bean for broiler chickens. To investigate, two zero-tannin cultivars (Snowbird, Snowdrop) and one low vicine and convicine cultivar (Fabelle) sourced from seed growers were spring planted 3 weeks later than recommended (mid-May) and harvested late October to purposely increase frost damage. Parent, certified seed (high quality), and harvested frost damaged beans (low quality) of the three cultivars were fed to 740 chickens housed in 64 floor pens in a 2 × 3 factorial plus control (9 pens of 11 or 12 birds per treatment). Starter (d 0 to 11), grower (d 12 to 24), and finisher (d 25 to 40) diets included 15%, 30%, and 45% faba bean in partial (starter, grower) or total replacement of soybean meal (SBM; control). Harvested Snowbird, Snowdrop, Fabelle averaged 52%, 62%, 17% blackened hull and 35%, 43%, 51% immature beans, respectively. There was a cultivar × quality interaction (P < 0.05) on daily feed disappearance (ADFI) and gain-to-feed (G:F). Broilers fed low-quality Snowdrop consumed 10 g/d more finisher and 6 g/d more feed overall than those fed low-quality Snowbird or Fabelle; broilers fed parent seed were intermediate. Feeding low-quality Fabelle resulted in best overall G:F (0.646) versus high-quality Snowbird (0.611), high-quality Fabelle (0.624), or low-quality Snowdrop (0.624). Average daily weight gain (ADG) and bird body weight (BW) at the end of each growth phase were not affected by cultivar or quality level. Controls fed SBM only grew 2.75 g/d faster overall and were 113.5 g heavier at the end of the trial than broilers fed faba bean (P < 0.05). Controls fed SBM only had 0.024 g/g better overall G:F than broilers fed faba bean (P < 0.05). Feeding low-quality beans or high-quality seed had no effect on antemortem BW, chilled carcass weight (WT), dressing percentage or yield of saleable cuts except that broilers fed Snowbird or Snowdrop had 0.8%-unit larger thighs than those fed Fabelle. Controls fed SBM only were 110 g heavier at slaughter, had 72 g heavier chilled carcass WT, and 0.5%-unit greater dressing percentage than broilers fed faba bean (P < 0.05). These results indicate that feeding frost damaged and(or) immature faba bean, to the extent observed in this trial, did not negatively affect growth performance or carcass attributes of broiler chickens compared to feeding parent, certified, high-quality seed of these cultivars.

Effect of dietary lupine seeds (Lupinus luteus L.) and different insect larvae meals as protein sources in broiler chicken diet on growth performance, carcass, and meat quality

The present study was conducted to determine whether soybean meal (SBM) can be entirely replaced by a combination of lupine seeds and insect larvae meal as protein sources in a grower diet provided to broiler chickens during 21 to 42 d of life. The experiment involved 160 male broiler chickens. At 3 wk of age, broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments with 4 replicate pens per treatment and 8 broiler chickens per pen. Dietary treatments were: corn soybean meal control (CON), replacing 60% SBM with low-alkaloid yellow lupine seeds (Lup; Lup - SBM group), and replacing 100% of SBM with Lup, and full-fat insect meals from silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae (Lup - BMM), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor; Lup - TMM) or superworm larvae (Zophobas morio; Lup - ZMM). No differences in the final body weight (42 d), and daily body weight gain (21 to 42 d) were found between broiler chickens fed the diets containing lupine in combination with soybean meal, silkworm or mealworm compared to those on the soybean meal diet. In contrast, broiler chickens from Lup - ZMM group had a lower body weight and weight gains compared with those from all other groups (P ≤ 0.01). The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in broiler chickens of the Lup - TMM treatment (P < 0.05). Total replacement of SBM from broiler chickens diets had no effect on the relative weights of the liver and heart, but the gizzard weight was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in broiler chickens fed with lupine and insects larvae meal (ILM) - containing diets in comparison with both the CON and Lup - SBM diets. The crude protein content of the breast meat in broiler chickens fed on Lup - ZMM diet was greater (P ≤ 0.05) than in meat of broiler chicken fed the CON diet. Sensory evaluation of the cooked meat from broiler chicken receiving diets with Lup and SBM or Lup and ILM did not reveal any differences in meat quality traits. The results indicated that in grower diets SBM can be replaced by Lup in combination, with BMM or TMM without compromising in production and slaughter performances and sensory quality of broiler chickens meat after conventional cooking. The inclusion of Lup and 250 g/kg of ZMM to broiler chicken grower diet is not recommended, because adversely affected broiler chickens growth performance.

Evaluation of leaf protein concentrate from Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota as a substitute for soybean meal in Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings diets

A 12-week feeding experiment was performed to examine the impacts of partial or complete substitution of soybean meal (SM) with leaf protein concentrate from carrot and sugar beet (CLPC and SLPC) on growth, blood constituents and body composition in Oreochromis niloticus. Five isocaloric (gross energy, 4300 kcal/kg) and isonitrogenous (crude protein, 320 g/kg) diets were formulated. The basal diet was formulated to contain SM at 350 g/kg diet. SM was replaced by 50% and 100% of SLPC and CLPC (SLPC-50, CLPC-50, SLPC-100 and CLPC-100 respectively). The results revealed that there were no significant changes in the growth indices between fish fed on basal diet and SLPC-50 and CLPC-100 diets. The condition factor was significantly increased in all dietary SLPC and CLPC substitution levels. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were not altered by various dietary SLPC and CLPC levels. The inclusion levels of SLPC and CLPC in fish feed did not significantly affect most blood biochemical and haematological parameters. Except for the SLPC-50 group, all substituted groups displayed a significant depletion in the crude lipid content compared with the non-substituted group. Fish fed on CLPC-100 diet recorded the lowest feeding cost and best profit margin compared with other experimental groups. In summary, the findings demonstrated that SLPC and CLPC could replace 50% and 100% of SM, respectively in O. niloticus feeds without any negative effects on growth and blood constituents. Besides, the total replacement of SM with CLPC was more efficient in producing low cost and healthy aquafeed.

Effects of Chickpea in Substitution of Soybean Meal on Milk Production, Blood Profile and Reproductive Response of Primiparous Buffaloes in Early Lactation.

Simple SummaryCurrently, the protein needs of lactating buffaloes are mainly covered by soybean derivatives produced predominantly overseas. In order to promote the use of locally produced protein sources, in this study we tested the effects of total replacement of soybean meal by using chickpea meal, a protein-rich legume well adapted to and traditionally grown in the Mediterranean area. We evaluated the effects of these two alternative protein sources on blood profile, reproductive response and milk traits in primiparous buffaloes in early lactation. Based on our findings, chickpea meal does not impair the productive and reproductive performances of primiparous dairy buffaloes. In addition, chickpeas may represent a good alternative protein source for organic farms as it is not at risk of contamination by genetically modified cultivars.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of chickpea meal in substitution of soybean meal on plasma metabolites, reproductive response, milk yield and composition and milk coagulation traits of primiparous buffaloes in early lactation. Eighteen primiparous buffaloes were blocked by age, body weight and days in milk and equally allotted to two experimental groups from 10 to 100 days of lactation. The experimental diets consisted of the same forage integrated with two different isonitrogenous and isoenergetic concentrates containing either 210 g/kg of soybean meal or 371 g/kg chickpea. The use of chickpea meal had no negative effects on dry matter intake (p = 0.69), body condition score (p = 0.33) and milk yield (p = 0.15). Neither milk composition nor blood metabolites were influenced by dietary treatments (p > 0.05), but an increment of urea concentrations in milk (p < 0.05) and blood plasma (p < 0.001) were observed in buffaloes fed chickpeas. Moreover, no effect (p > 0.05) of the dietary treatment was highlighted on milk coagulation traits as well as buffalo reproductive responses. We concluded that soybean meal can be replaced by chickpea meal in the diet for primiparous dairy buffaloes in the early lactation period without impairing their productive and reproductive performance.

Distillers' dried grains with soluble in diets for Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus juveniles: Growth performance, feed utilization, economic viability, and phosphorus release

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate corn distillers' dried grains with soluble (DDGS) digestibility and the effects of soybean meal replacement by corn DDGS in diets for P. mesopotamicus on growth performance, feed utilization, economic viability, and phosphorus release. In experiment 1, six replicates of fish (13 ± 0.3 g mean weight) were fed the referential and test diets to evaluate DDGS apparent digestibility for dry matter, protein, energy, lipids, and phosphorus. In experiment 2, four replicates of fish (21 ± 0.2 g mean weight) were fed experimental diets (0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 g/kg of DDGS inclusion) for 100 days. In experiment 3, five replicates of fish (27 ± 1.4 g mean weight) were fed the experimental diets to measure DDGS phosphorus release in the water. Corn DDGS presented a low apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) for dry matter and energy, and high ADC for protein, lipids, and phosphorus. The feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were positively affected by DDGS inclusion. Dietary costs of weight gain were reduced by 26 % with soybean meal replacement by DDGS. Total phosphorus release in the water decreased with increasing levels of DDGS in the diets. Thus, the results indicate that the inclusion of 400 g/kg of corn DDGS as a plant protein source in diets for P. mesopotamicus in total replacement of soybean meal improved fish production and reduced the environmental impact.