Total Tract Digestibility Of CP Research Articles

Effects of reduced levels of organic trace minerals in proteinate forms and selenium-yeast in the mineral mix on lactation performance, milk fatty acid composition, nutrient digestibility and antioxidant status in dairy goats.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with reduced levels of organic trace minerals (OTM) in proteinate forms and selenium yeast in the mineral premix of prepartal and lactating dairy goats on lactation performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, nutrient digestibility and antioxidant status. Xinong Saanen dairy goats (n = 40) were blocked by parity and body weight, and randomly assigned to either ITM or OTM treatments from 4wk prepartum through 8 mo of lactation. Both groups received the same basal diet except for the trace mineral supplement. The ITM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as sulfates, and Se as selenite to meet the recommendations. The OTM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as proteinates at 50% of ITM supplement levels, and Se as Se-yeast at 100% of ITM supplement level. Sampling and measurements were performed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th mo of lactation. Data were summarized by month and treatment, and analyzed using the Mixed Model of SPSS with repeated measures. OTM group showed lower milk fat (P = 0.02) and higher milk Se (P = 0.03) with no compromised effects on milk yield and milk protein compared to ITM group. Furthermore, OTM decreased the content of C6:0, C8:0, C10:0 (P < 0.05) and increased the content of odd- and branched-chain FAs (OBCFA) in milk fat due to greater content of C15:0 (P = 0.01) and anteiso C15:0 (P = 0.07). OTM led to greater total-tract digestibility of DM (P = 0.03), CP (P = 0.07), EE (P = 0.03) and ADF (P = 0.05). OTM goats showed less fecal excretion of Fe (P = 0.01), Cu (P < 0.01), and Zn (P = 0.08) compared to ITM goats. There was a tendency for greater serum GSH-Px activity (P = 0.09) with OTM. Overall, the long-term subsitution of reduced levels of OTM for ITM can change milk fat and fatty acid composition while maintaining milk yield, digestibility and antioxidant status.

Effectiveness of near-infrared spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition of feces and total-tract apparent nutrients digestibility estimated with uNDF or AIA in lactating buffaloes' feces.

Following a comparison of nutrient total-tract digestibility estimates in lactating buffaloes using single-point undigestible NDF (uNDF) or acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as internal markers, the potential of fecal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to provide calibration equations for the assessment of the chemical composition of feces and nutrient total-tract digestibility estimated with internal markers was explored. Chemical analyses were performed on 147 fecal samples from lactating buffaloes reared in 5 farms in central Italy (Naples). Each farm fed a silage-based total mixed ration (TMR) to the buffaloes, which was sampled in the 2 d before the fecal collection. The TMR and individual fecal samples were collected and analyzed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, AIA, ether extract (EE), starch, fiber fractions (aNDFom, aNDF, ADFom, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, ADL, uNDF), N, CP and CP bound to aNDF (NDICP) and to ADF (ADICP). The uNDF content was determined through a 240-h in vitro fermentation and employed, together with AIA as markers to estimate the total-tract apparent digestibility (ttaDe) and total-tract digestibility (ttDe) of DM, OM, ash, N, CP, EE, aNDFom, aNDF, NDIP, ADFom and ADF, ADIN, ADL, hemicellulose, cellulose, starch, non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and fraction B3 of N. No correlation was found between DM and OM digestibility estimated with AIA and uNDF as internal markers. Weak correlations were detected for all the other nutients digestibilities while strong correlations were observed for EE, ADFom, HC, NDIN, ADIN, NB3, NFC and starch.Inizio modulo The sample set (n = 147) was divided in a calibration set (n = 111) and a validation set (n = 36) to "train" and "validate" the fecal NIRS curve through an external validation process. An estimation usable for preliminary or initial evaluation was obtained for N, CP and aNDF fecal content. An excellent prediction was obtained for ttADINDe (R2 = 0.90) when estimated with uNDF as internal marker. The NIRS technology was not able to accurately predict all the other traits and the estimated nutrient digestibility of lactating buffalo diets from fecal spectra.

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

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

210 Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Peanut Skins (Arachis hypogaea) on Performance, Digestibility, and Rumen Fermentation of Cattle: a Meta-Analysis

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of effects of dietary inclusion of Peanut skins (PS) byproduct (Arachis hypogea L.) on intake, total-tract digestibility, and rumen fermentation of cattle via meta-analysis. Data were collected following the PRISMA methodology. Nine manuscripts and a graduate thesis met the inclusion criteria from 1983 to 2010. The effect size was estimated by calculating the weighted raw mean differences (RMD) between PS vs. control diets. The RMD was compared with a robust variance estimation method followed by a meta-regression and a dose-response analysis fitting the diet characteristics like crude protein content (CP), NDF content, ether extract content (EE), tannin content, and PS level in diet (0 to 40%) as covariates. Dietary PS decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) total-tract CP digestibility (52.0 vs. 64.3%), final body weight (371.5 vs. 397.9 kg), and average daily gain (1.14 vs. 1.44 kg/d) among treatment comparisons. Likewise, PS decreased total VFA (92.6 vs. 107.6 mmol/L) and NH3N (8.22 vs. 12.1 mg/dL), but no effects were observed on rumen pH (6.47 vs. 6.14), Acetate (47.8 vs.50.4%), Propionate (31.9 vs. 33.1%), and Butyrate (8.4 vs. 11.2%) molar proportions. Although there was a high between-cluster variance, dietary PS increased the ether extract digestibility (77.5 vs. 70.2%) among treatment comparisons. The subset and dose-response analysis revealed that PS should not exceed 8% (DM basis) in the diet to prevent negative effects on CP digestibility and animal performance. In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis do not support the dietary inclusion of PS in cattle diets beyond 8%.

PSVIII-A-6 Effects of Feeding Ground Whole Flaxseed, Defatted Flaxseed Meal and Organic Flaxseed Meal on Production Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Total-Tract Nutrient Digestibility in Dairy Cows

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effects of feeding ground whole flaxseed and two types of mechanically extracted flaxseed meals on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production and composition, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and total-tract nutrient digestibility in dairy cows. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows [122 ± 20 days in milk (DIM) at the start of the study] were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 dietary treatments. One square had 4 ruminally cannulated cows that were used to determine dietary effects on ruminal fermentation characteristics and total tract nutrient digestibility. The 4 dietary treatments tested were a barley silage-based diet with canola meal (CM; 21.1% of diet DM) as the main protein source (designated CON), and diets containing ground whole flaxseed (designated GWF; 4.92% of diet DM), defatted flaxseed meal (designated DFM; 19.7% of diet DM), or organic flaxseed meal (designated OFM; 20.2% of diet DM) as partial replacements for CM. The crude fat contents of CM, GWF, DFM, and OFM were 3.20, 37.7, 9.9, and 12.9% (DM basis), respectively, and experimental diets were balanced for crude fat content (4.51%; DM basis). Experimental periods consisted of 18 d of dietary adaptation and 10 d of data and sample collection. Orthogonal contrasts were used to test for the following treatment differences: CON vs. GWF; CON vs. [DFM + OFM]; and GWF vs. [DFM + OFM]. Dry matter intake was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for cows fed CON compared with those fed GWF and [DFM + OFM]. Milk yield tended to be greater (P = 0.06) for cows fed CON compared with those fed GWF (P = 0.06) and [DFM + OFM] (P = 0.06). Milk fat content and yield were unaffected by diet; however, milk protein content was reduced for cows fed CON compared with those fed GWF (P = 0.001) and [DFM + OFM] (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Milk urea-N (MUN) concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.001) in cows fed CON compared with those GWF and [DFM + OFM]. Also, MUN concentration was decreased for cows fed GWF compared with those fed [DFM + OFM]. Ruminal NH3-N concentration was less (P ≤ 0.04) in cows fed CON than those fed GWF and [DFM + OFM], but ruminal pH and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were unaffected by diet. Fecal N excretion (g/d) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for cows fed CON compared with those fed GWF and [DFM + OFM] and, therefore, total-tract CP digestibility was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.001) in cows fed CON compared with those fed GWF and [DFM + OFM]. In conclusion, partial replacement of CM with GWF or [DFM + OFM] increased DMI; however, it tended to reduce milk yield.

Interaction of CP levels in maternal and nursery diets, and its effect on performance, protein digestibility, and serum urea levels in piglets

Reduced protein levels in nursery diets have been associated with a lower risk of postweaning diarrhea, but the interaction with CP levels in maternal diet on the performance of the offspring remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of protein content in sow gestation and piglet nursery diets on the performance of the piglets until slaughter. This was studied in a 2 × 2 factorial trial (35 sows, 209 piglets), with higher or lower (H or L) dietary CP in sow diets (168 vs 122 g CP/kg) during late gestation. A standard lactation feed was provided for all sows (160 g CP/kg). For both sow treatments, half of the litters received a higher or lower CP in the piglet nursery diet (210 vs 166 g CP/kg). This resulted in four possible treatment combinations: HH, HL, LH and LL, with sow treatment as first and piglet treatment as second letter. For each phase, all diets were iso-energetic and had a similar level of essential amino acids. Ps*p is the p-value for the interaction effect between sow and piglet treatment. In the nursery phase (3.5–9 weeks of age), a tendency toward interaction between piglet and sow treatments with feed efficiency (Ps*p = 0.08) was observed with HH having the highest gain:feed ratio (G:F) (0.74 ± 0.01), LH the lowest (0.70 ± 0.01) and the other two groups intermediate. In the growing-finishing phase, an interaction was observed between the piglet and sow diets with decreased G:F for LH (Ps*p = 0.04) and a tendency toward interaction with increased daily feed intake for LH (Ps*p = 0.07). The sow diet showed a tendency toward a long-lasting effect on the dressing percentage and meat thickness of the offspring, which was higher for the progeny of H sows (Ps < 0.01 and Ps = 0.02, respectively). At 23 weeks, serum urea concentrations tended to be lower for the HH and LL groups (Ps*p = 0.07). Fecal consistency scores were higher at day 10–day 14 after weaning for piglets from L sows (Ps = 0.03 and Ps < 0.01, respectively). At day 7 after weaning, fecal consistency score was higher for piglets fed the higher protein diet (Pp < 0.01). At 8 weeks of age, the apparent total tract digestibility of CP (ATTDCP) interacted between piglet and sow diet (Ps*p = 0.02), with HH showing the highest digestibility values. In conclusion, the protein levels in sow late-gestation and piglet nursery diets interacted with feed efficiency, ATTDCP and serum urea concentrations in the nursery phase.

Characterization of dietary protein in Brassica carinata meal when used as a protein supplement for beef cattle consuming a forage-based diet.

As a novel oilseed crop in Florida, Brassica carinata has the capacity of producing high-quality jet biofuel, with a protein-dense meal (~40% crude protein; CP) obtained as a by-product of oil extraction. Characterization of the meal protein is limited, yet necessary for formulation of beef cattle diets; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine ruminal and postruminal digestibility of protein from B. carinata. Eight ruminally cannulated Angus crossbred steers (473 ± 119 kg) were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, in which in situ ruminal and postruminal degradability of nutrients were evaluated. The three-step in vitro procedure was used to compare CP and amino acid (AA) degradation in B. carinata meal pellets (BCM) with that of cottonseed meal (CSM), dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and soybean meal (SBM). In situ bags were incubated in the rumen for 0 to 96 hr, with the undegraded supplement remaining after 16 hr subjected to serial in vitro enzymatic solutions. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Ruminal rate of degradation of dry matter, organic matter, and CP was greatest (P ˂ 0.01; 10.9, 11.3, and 11.5 %/h, respectively) for SBM. Rumen degradable protein (RDP) content did not differ (P = 0.20; 47.8% and 55.1%, respectively) between CSM and DDGS, but was decreased (P ˂ 0.01) compared with SBM and BCM, which did not differ (P = 0.99; 72.3% and 71.8% RDP, respectively). Compared with DDGS, SBM had greater (P < 0.01) intestinal digestibility of rumen undegradable protein (RUP). Intestinally absorbable digestible protein (IADP) was greatest (P < 0.01) for CSM, with SBM and BCM having the least IADP. Total tract digestibility of CP (TTDP) was greater (P < 0.01) for SBM compared with CSM and DDGS. The contribution of RUP to intestinally absorbable AA was 7.2 and 3.1 g of lysine and methionine per kilogram of CP in BCM, respectively. The evaluation of B. carinata meal as protein supplemented for cattle consuming a forage-based diet resulted in 71.8% RDP and 97.1% TTDP, thus indicating its viability as a high-quality protein supplement for beef cattle.

Effects of inoculation of corn silage with Lactobacillus hilgardii and Lactobacillus buchneri on silage quality, aerobic stability, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of growing beef cattle.

This study evaluated the effects of inoculation of whole crop corn silage with a mixture of heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) composed of Lactobacillus hilgardii and Lactobacillus buchneri on ensiling, aerobic stability, ruminal fermentation, total tract nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of beef cattle. Uninoculated control corn silage (CON) and silage inoculated with 3.0 × 105 cfu g-1 of LAB containing 1.5 × 105 cfu g-1 of L. hilgardii CNCM I-4785 and 1.5 × 105 cfu g-1 of L. buchneri NCIMB 40788 (INOC) were ensiled in silo bags. The pH did not differ (P > 0.05) between the two silages during ensiling but was greater (P < 0.001) for CON than INOC after 14 d of aerobic exposure (AE). Neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) content (% of DM and % of CP basis) of terminal INOC silage was greater (P ≤ 0.05) than that of CON. In terminal silage, concentrations of total VFA and acetate were greater (P < 0.001), while water-soluble carbohydrates were lower (P < 0.001) for INOC than CON. Yeast and mold counts were lower for INOC than CON (P ≤ 0.001) in both terminal and aerobically exposed silages. The stability of INOC was greater (P < 0.001) than that of CON after 14 d of AE. Ruminal fermentation parameters and DMI did not differ (P > 0.05) between heifers fed the two silages, while there was a tendency (P ≤ 0.07) for lower CP and starch digestibility for heifers fed INOC than CON. Total nitrogen (N) intake and N retention were lower (P ≤ 0.04) for heifers fed INOC than CON. Dry matter intake as a percentage of BW was lower (P < 0.04) and there was a tendency for improved feed efficieny (G:F; P = 0.07) in steers fed INOC vs. CON silage. The NEm and NEg contents were greater for INOC than CON diets. Results indicate that inoculation with a mixture of L. hilgardii and L. buchneri improved the aerobic stability of corn silage. Improvements in G:F of growing steers fed INOC silage even though the total tract digestibility of CP and starch tended to be lower for heifers fed INOC are likely because the difference in BW and growth requirements of these animals impacted the growth performance and nutrient utilization and a greater proportion of NDICP in INOC than CON.

Substitution of wheat straw with sugarcane bagasse in low-forage diets fed to mid-lactation dairy cows: Milk production, digestibility, and chewing behavior

Sugarcane bagasse (SB) is a low-quality roughage source that is often plentiful during times of forage shortage. It is generally less costly compared with other conventional sources of forage. We hypothesized that SB could be used as a source of roughage for dairy cattle by replacing wheat straw (WS), another low-quality forage. This study evaluated the effects of replacing WS with SB in diets offered to mid-lactation dairy cows on milk production and fatty acid profile, intake, digestibility, chewing activity, and ruminal fermentation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 105 ± 12 d in milk, 42.1 ± 2.9 kg of milk/d, and 617 ± 59 kg of body weight were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. Treatments were (% of dietary dry matter, DM): (1) 0SB, diet containing 0% SB and 27% WS, (2) 9SB, diet containing 9% SB and 18% WS, and (3) 18SB, diet containing 18% SB and 9% WS. Sugarcane bagasse had greater organic matter (OM; 94.1 vs. 85.1% of DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 86.2 vs. 76.4% of DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF; 62.9 vs. 45.2% of DM), and lignin (19.9 vs. 10.3% of DM) concentration, but less crude protein (CP; 2.63 vs. 3.72% of DM) concentration than WS. Sugarcane bagasse also had greater physically effective NDF (total dietary NDF multiplied by % of TMR on the 8-mm + 19-mm sieves, peNDF8; 63.2 vs. 40.6% of DM) and undegraded NDF after 288 h of incubation (uNDF288; 35.5 vs. 21.2% of DM) contents than WS. The undegraded NDF after 30 h of incubation (uNDF30) content was similar for all diets; however, peNDF8 concentration and proportion of long particles (retained on a 19-mm sieve) increased linearly as SB inclusion in the diets increased. Cows increasingly sorted against long particles as SB replaced WS. Intakes of DM (26.53 kg/d) and NDF (8.58 kg/d) did not differ among the treatments, but intakes of OM and CP decreased, whereas ADF and uNDF288 intakes increased with SB inclusion level. Total-tract digestibilities of OM, CP, and NDF decreased linearly as SB replaced WS. Milk yield (37.0 kg/d), energy-corrected milk yield (ECM; 38.2 kg/d), feed efficiency (1.44 kg ECM yield/kg DM intake), and milk composition (fat, 3.89%; true protein, 2.90%) did not differ among diets. Increasing SB concentration of the diet linearly increased rumination time, but ruminal pH (ruminocentesis, 4 h after feeding) decreased. Total volatile fatty acid concentration increased linearly, whereas acetate:propionate decreased linearly, as SB replaced WS. The results indicate that replacement of WS with increasing levels of SB in low-forage diets with similar uNDF30 concentrations did not affect performance of mid-lactation dairy cows. We conclude that SB can be used as a fiber source in diets fed to dairy cows in mid-lactation; however, the decrease in total-tract digestibility of diets may decrease lactational performance when fed to high-producing dairy cows.

Effect of different corn processing methods on starch gelatinization, granule structure alternation, rumen kinetic dynamics and starch digestion

In this study, the effect of four corn processing methods including grinding (G), dry-rolling (DR), steam-flaking (SF) and super-conditioning (SC), on corn starch parameters viz. gelatinization, granule structure alternation, rumen kinetic dynamics and the extent and site of starch digestion were compared. In addition, physical properties, chemical composition, gas production (GP), pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) of batch culture after 24 h were determined. The apparent density of the SC corn resembled that of the G corn (0.758 vs 0.837 kg/L); however, its geometric mean of particle size (3.39 mm) was greater than that of the G corn (1.56 mm) and smaller than that of the SF corn (5.43 mm). In addition, dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) were not significantly affected (P > 0.01) by the processing method. The starch content of the SC and SF corns were greater (P < 0.01) than that of the DR and G corns. GP after 6, 12 and 24-h incubation and GP rate were greater (P < 0.01) in the SC corn; nevertheless, GP at 48-h incubation was the same in SC and SF corns (P> 0.01). The pH and NH3-N of batch culture after 24-h were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the SC corn than in the other processing methods. The SF corn increased (P < 0.01) acetate and acetate to propionate ratio, but decreased (P < 0.01) propionate while the SC corn reduced (P < 0.01) acetate and acetate to propionate ratio, but raised propionate (P < 0.01). The time required for 25 % and 75 % fermentation of substrate was significantly reduced by the SC corn (P < 0.01). The highest starch gelatinization (P < 0.01) was obtained from SC, followed by SF corn. The rapidly soluble fraction (a) for DM, starch and CP was greater (P < 0.01) in the SC corn than in other processing methods; however, the slowly degradable fraction (b) for DM and starch was lower (P < 0.001) in the SC corn than in other methods. Although the effective rumen degradability of DM (ERDDM) remained unchanged (P> 0.01), the effective rumen degradability of starch (ERDS) and the effective rumen degradability of protein (ERDCP) were found to be greater in the SC corn than in other processing methods (P < 0.01). Ruminal and total tract digestibility of starch increased (P < 0.01) in the SC corn, but intestinal DM (P = 0.002) and starch (P < 0.01) digestibility of the SC corn diminished. The ruminal CP digestibility was lower (P = 0.06) in the SF corn than in the SC corn; however, SC and SF corns showed greater intestinal (P = 0.005) and total tract (P = 0.021) CP digestibility. The results indicated more starch gelatinization in the SC process in terms of higher exposure of particles to conditioning and homogenization, which enabled the alteration of starch granules and the protein matrix in the endosperm of corn. Furthermore, the SC process could influence the rumen kinetic dynamics, the extent and site of starch digestion as well as the efficiency of using starch under in vitro and in situ conditions.

15 Dietary supplementation with lactic acid and glutamine improve intestinal digestive and regulate intestinal microflora in weaning piglets

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of lactic acid and glutamine on growth performance and intestinal health in weaning pigs. Ninety six 24-d-old piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with BW of 7.24± 0.09 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: 1) basal diet (CON), 2) CON supplemented with 2% lactic acid (LS), 3) CON supplemented with 1% glutamine (GS), and 4) CON supplemented with 2% lactic acid and 1% glutamine (LGS). After 28-d trial, 6 piglets from each treatment were randomly selected to collect serum and intestinal samples. The results showed that piglets fed the LGS had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG than piglets fed the CON diet. Compared with CON, apparent total tract digestibility of CP in LS, GS and LGS was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05), index of diarrhea in LS and LGS was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05), serum IGF-1 in LS, GS and LGS and serum growth hormone in LS and GS were improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Furthermore, jejunal villus height in LS and LGS were increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05), the activities of amylase and lipase of the jejunal mucosa in LS and LGS were increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, compared with CON, pigs fed the LS, GS and LGS up-regulated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the mRNA levels of glucose transport type 2, IGF-1, occludin. Moreover, LGS had higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) abundances of total bacteria, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in cecal and colonic digesta, and higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid in cecal digesta. Collectively, the current results indicate that dietary addition of lactic acid and glutamine combination could improve growth performance through the promotion of the small intestinal development, increasing digestive, and regulating balances of microflora in piglets.

Dietary chlorogenic acid improves growth performance of weaned pigs through maintaining antioxidant capacity and intestinal digestion and absorption function.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural phenolic acid, which is an important component of biologically active dietary phenols isolated from various species. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of CGA on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, nutrient digestibility, diarrhea incidence, intestinal digestion and absorption function, and the expression levels of intestinal digestion and absorption-related genes in weaned pigs. In Exp. 1, 200 weaned pigs were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg CGA, respectively, in a 14-d trial. Pigs on the 1,000 mg/kg CGA-supplemented group had greater (P < 0.05) G:F compared with those on the control (CON) group. In Exp. 2, 24 weaned pigs were randomly allotted to two groups and fed with a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg CGA (the optimum does from Exp. 1; CGA group). After a 14-d trial, 8 pigs per treatment were randomly selected to collect serum and intestinal samples. Compared with the CON group, the ADG, G:F, as well as the apparent total tract digestibility of CP, crude fat, and ash were increased (P < 0.05), whereas the diarrhea incidence was decreased (P < 0.05) in the CGA group. Pigs on the CGA group had greater (P < 0.05) serum albumin and IGF-1, and lower (P < 0.05) serum urea nitrogen than pigs on the CON group. Furthermore, dietary CGA supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in the serum, the activity of maltase in the jejunum and ileum, as well as the activities of sucrase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the jejunum. The mRNA levels of sodium glucose transport protein-1 (SGLT1) and zinc transporter-1 (ZNT1) in the duodenum and the mRNA levels of SGLT1, glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2), and divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) in the jejunum were upregulated (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the CGA diet. These results suggested that dietary CGA supplementation has the potentials to improve the growth performance and decrease the diarrhea incidence of the weaned pigs, possibly through improving the antioxidant capacity and enhancing the intestinal digestion and absorption function.

Monensin, virginiamycin, and flavomycin in a no-roughage finishing diet fed to zebu cattle.

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of monensin, virginiamycin, and flavomycin on growth performance, carcass characteristics, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation of zebu cattle fed a no-roughage finishing diet (whole shelled corn [WSC] based). In Exp. 1, 100 crossbred bulls (; 392 kg [SD 46.8] average initial BW) were blocked by initial BW in a 101-d feedlot trial. Five treatments were evaluated using 4 pens per treatment (5 bulls/pen): monensin at 30 mg/kg DM, virginiamycin at 25 mg/kg DM, monensin at 20 mg/kg DM plus virginiamycin at 25 mg/kg DM, flavomycin at 4.4 mg/kg DM, and monensin at 20 mg/kg DM plus flavomycin at 2.2 mg/kg DM. There were no differences in growth performance (final BW, ADG, DMI, and G:F; ≥ 0.527) and carcass characteristics (HCW, dressing percent, and 12th-rib fat; ≥ 0.235) among treatments. In Exp. 2, 7 ruminally fistulated steers were used in a 7 × 7 Latin square design to evaluate the 5 treatments of Exp. 1 and 2 additional treatments: monensin at 30 mg/kg DM plus virginiamycin at 25 mg/kg DM and monensin at 20 mg/kg DM plus flavomycin at 4.4 mg/kg DM. Experimental periods were 14 d in length (9 d of adaptation and 5 d of measurements). Apparent total tract DM, OM, CP, and NDF digestibilities were similar among treatments ( ≥ 0.224). There was no treatment effect ( ≥ 0.253) in rumen fermentation responses (ruminal pH, rumen ammonia nitrogen, VFA, and number of protozoa). In conclusion, no evidence of benefits to cattle fed a no-roughage WSC-based diet was found to support the use of monensin combined with virginiamycin or flavomycin in the doses tested herein.

Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations of healthy adult dogs fed bioprocessed soy protein1

Animal proteins are commonly used in extruded dog foods. Plant-based proteins have a more consistent nutrient profile than animal sources but may contain antinutritional factors, including trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides. Bioprocessed soy protein (SP; HP-300; Hamlet Protein, Inc., Findlay, OH) is a processed soy-based product with low antinutritional factor concentrations and high protein quality. The objective was to evaluate the effects of SP on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentative end products. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify if SP can be a replacement for poultry byproduct meal (PBPM) in dog food and determine if there are practical limits to its use. Three palatability experiments were conducted to evaluate 1) 0 vs. 12% SP, 2) 0 vs. 48% SP, and 3) 12 vs. 48% SP. For digestibility, 48 healthy adult Beagle dogs (20 females and 28 males; 3.4 yr mean age and 10.0 kg mean BW) were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments, 0 (control), 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48% SP, in a completely randomized design. All diets were formulated to meet Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and contained approximately 30% CP and 16% fat. The treatment period consisted of a 10-d diet adaptation phase followed by a 4-d fresh and total fecal collection phase. The palatability results suggest that of the 3 inclusion levels tested (0, 12, or 48% SP), the best inclusion of SP is 12%, which was preferred over 0 and 48% SP. Digestibility and fecal data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using SAS. Stool output (on both an as-is and a DM basis) did not differ from the control except for the 48% SP treatment ( < 0.01). Fecal output per unit food intake differed ( < 0.01) from the control only at the 24 and 48% SP inclusion rates. No significant effects of feeding SP were found on stool consistency scores. Digestibility of DM, OM, and energy did not differ from the control at any inclusion rate, except for a decrease ( < 0.01) at 48% SP. Apparent total tract CP digestibility was not affected by treatment and ranged from 82.9 to 86.2%. Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations were greater ( < 0.01) in dogs fed 24 and 48% SP compared with the control. Conversely, branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were lower ( < 0.01) in dogs fed 8 to 48% SP compared with the control. These data suggest that SP is a suitable replacement for PBPM in dog diets up to a 24% inclusion level.

Effects of alternate day feeding of dried distiller's grains plus solubles in forage-fed steers on intake, ruminal fermentation and passage rates, and serum nonesterified fatty acid.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein steers (BW = 449 ± 7.3 kg) were used to examine the effects of feeding either dried distiller's grains plus solubles (DG) or grass hay on alternate days (every other day) on intake, ruminal fermentation and passage rates, and serum NEFA in forage-fed steers. Steers were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a 4 × 4 Latin square: 1) only hay (CON), 2) hay and 0.4% of BW as DG DM daily (DG7), 3) hay daily and 0.8% BW DG every other day (DG2), and 4) alternate day feeding of hay and 0.8% of BW as DG (DGA). Treatment periods consisted of 13 d of adaptation and 8 d of collecting digesta and blood. Over the entire collection period, DMI was decreased ( = 0.004) for DGA compared with other treatments (13.0 ± 0.8, 12.7 ± 0.8, 13.3 ± 0.8, and 10.9 ± 0.8 kg/d for CON, DG7, DG2, and DGA, respectively). Immediately after feeding on days supplement was fed to DG2 and DGA (supplemented days [SUP]), ruminal pH of DGA was less than other treatments but by the end of the day was greater than other treatments (treatment × time, < 0.001). At feeding time on nonsupplemented days (NSUP), ruminal pH of DGA steers was greater than other treatments but was similar (treatment × time, < 0.001) to DG2 and CON by 5 h after feeding. Total concentrations of VFA were similar ( = 0.09) among treatments on SUP; however, on NSUP, total VFA concentrations were least in DGA from feeding until 4 h after feeding (treatment × time, = 0.02). No differences ( ≥ 0.06) were observed among treatments for apparent ruminal, total intestinal, and total tract DM, OM, or CP digestibility. There were no differences ( = 0.36) in serum NEFA among treatments on SUP; however, on NSUP, steers fed DGA (209.5 ± 12.7 m) had greater ( < 0.01) NEFA compared with other treatments (84.4 ± 12.7, 88.0 ± 12.7, and 77.7 ± 12.7 m for CON, DG7, and DG2, respectively). The DGA feeding strategy influenced DMI and ruminal kinetics and circulating NEFA without impacting total tract digestibility.

Effects of Adding Super Dose Phytase to the Phosphorus-deficient Diets of Young Pigs on Growth Performance, Bone Quality, Minerals and Amino Acids Digestibilities.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of feeding an Escherichia coli (E. coli) derived phytase to pigs fed P deficient, corn-soybean meal diets. In Exp. 1, one hundred and twenty crossbred piglets (9.53±0.84 kg) were allocated to one of five treatments which consisted of four low P diets (0.61% Ca, 0.46% total P and 0.24% non-phytate P) supplemented with 0, 500, 1,000, or 20,000 FTU/kg E. coli phytase as well as a positive control formulated to be adequate in all nutrients (0.77% Ca, 0.62% total P and 0.42% non-phytate P). The treatments were applied to six pens with four pigs per pen for 28 days. In Exp. 2, ten crossbred pigs (19.66±1.16 kg) fitted with ileal T-cannula were used in a nutrient balance study. The pigs were assigned to treatments similar to those used in Exp. 1 in a doubly replicated 5×4 incomplete Latin square design (5 diets with 4 periods). Each period consisted of a 5-d adjustment period followed by a 3-d total collection of feces and urine and then a 2-d collection of ileal digesta. Supplementation with phytase linearly increased (p<0.05) weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, bone breaking strength and fat-free dry and ash bone weight. There were linear increases (p<0.01) in the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of DM, GE, CP, Ca, total P, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and some AA with increasing dose of E. coli phytase. Pigs fed 20,000 FTU/kg had a greater (p<0.05) AID of IP6 (80% vs 59% or 64%, respectively) than pigs fed diets with 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg phytase. There were linear increases (p<0.05) in the total tract digestibility of Ca, total P, Na, K, Mg, and Zn as well as in the retention of Mg and Zn with increased phytase dose. The retention and utilization of Cu, and the total tract digestibility of CP and Cu quadratic increased (p<0.05) with increased phytase dose. In conclusion, supplementation of 500 FTU of phytase/kg and above effectively hydrolyzed phytate in low-P corn-soybean diets for pigs. In addition, a super dose of phytase (20,000 FTU/kg) hydrolyzed most of the IP6 and consequently further improved mineral use, protein utilization and performance.

Potato fiber as a dietary fiber source in dog foods

Potato fiber (PF), a coproduct of potato starch manufacture, was evaluated as a potential novel fiber source in dog food. Potato fiber contained 55% total dietary fiber, 29% starch, 4% crude protein, and 2% acid-hydrolyzed fat. The PF substrate was evaluated for chemical composition, in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics, and in vivo responses. For the in vitro hydrolytic-enzymatic digestion and fermentation experiment, raw and cooked PF substrates were first subjected to hydrolytic-enzymatic digestion to determine OM disappearance and then fermented using dog fecal inoculum. Fermentation characteristics were then measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. For the in vivo experiment, 10 female mixed-breed dogs (6.13±0.17 yr; 22±2.1 kg) were provided 5 diets with graded concentrations (0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, or 6%) of PF in a replicated 5×5 Latin square design. Dogs were acclimated to the test diet for 10 d, followed by 4 d of total fecal collection. Fresh fecal samples were collected to measure fecal pH and fermentation end products. In vitro digestion revealed that raw and cooked PF were 32.3% and 27.9% digested enzymatically, whereas in vitro fermentation showed that PF was fermentable through 9 h. Raw PF had greater (P<0.05) acetate, propionate, and total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations at the 12-h time point compared with cooked PF. The in vivo experiment showed no differences in apparent total tract DM, OM, CP, acid-hydrolyzed fat, or energy digestibility of diets containing graded concentrations of PF. However, total dietary fiber digestibility exhibited a linear increase (P<0.01) with increasing PF concentrations in the diet. Overall, linear increases (P<0.01) were observed for all individual and total SCFA, with a concomitant linear decrease (P<0.01) in fecal pH with increasing dietary PF. Fecal protein catabolite concentrations were low or undetectable, with the exception of spermidine, which exhibited a linear increase with increasing concentrations of PF. These findings indicated that inclusion of PF elicited favorable fermentation characteristics without negatively affecting nutrient digestibility or stool characteristics, indicating that PF could be a functional dietary fiber source in dog foods.

Timing of feeding for dairy cows: Rumen metabolism, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen partitioning, and milk fatty acids profiles

Timing of eating is a multiscience that mediates global animal and human physiology and metabolism. The objective was to determine effects of providing a total mixed ration (TMR) at either 0900 or 2100h on rumen fermentation and passage kinetics, microbial protein biomass, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, nitrogen partitioning, and milk fatty acids profiles of lactating cows. Four multiparous (77±25 days in milk) and four primiparous (90±33 days in milk) Holstein cows were used in a cross-over design study with two 6-week periods. Each period had a 3-week adaptation period. The TMR had forage to concentrate ratio of 50.2:49.8 (DM based). Total fecal and urine were collected during a sampling week in each period to measure total tract nutrient digestibility and nitrogen partitioning. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives was utilized to estimate microbial protein biomass. Provision of TMR at 2100h instead of 0900h increased apparent total tract DM, CP and fiber digestibility. Rumen ammonia concentrations were lower in the 2100h fed than in the 0900h fed primiparous cows. Rumen propionate was lower and the acetate to propionate ratio was higher in 2100h-fed than in 0900h-fed multiparous cows. Microbial protein estimates and the milk proportions of total short, medium, and long chain fatty acids were not significantly different between morning and evening feed deliveries. Feeding at 2100h instead of 0900h decreased (P≤0.05) milk proportions of C10:0, C12:0, C12:1, C13:0, C13:1 and C18:3 n-3, and tended to decrease (P≤0.10) proportions of C8:0 and C18:1 trans-9, while increasing that of C18:0. Evening-fed cows tended to realize a greater rumen volume compared with morning-fed cows. Evening instead of morning feeding reduced the proportion of nitrogen that was excreted in urine and secreted in milk. Findings suggest that feed delivery at 2100h instead of 0900h can improve total tract nutrient digestibility, nitrogen dynamics, and milk energy output. Reduced N excretion by evening feeding has environmental and health implications.

Apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations of domestic cats fed extruded, raw beef-based, and cooked beef-based diets

The objectives of this study were to determine differences in apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility, fecal and urine characteristics, and serum chemistry of domestic cats fed raw and cooked meat-based diets and extruded diet. Nine adult female domestic shorthair cats were utilized in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Dietary treatments included a high-protein extruded diet (EX; 57% CP), a raw beef-based diet (RB; 53% CP), and a cooked beef-based diet (CB; 52% CP). Cats were housed individually in metabolic cages and fed to maintain BW. The study consisted of three 21-d periods. Each period included diet adaptation during d 0 to 16; fecal and urine sample collections during d 17 to 20; and blood sample collection at d 21. Food intake was measured daily. Total feces and urine were collected for determination of nutrient digestibility. In addition, a fresh urine sample was collected from each cat for urinalysis, and a fresh fecal sample was collected from each cat for determination of DM percentage and ammonia, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) concentrations. All feces were scored after collection using a scale ranging from 1 (hard, dry pellets) to 5 (watery, liquid that can be poured). Blood was analyzed for serum metabolites. Apparent total tract DM, OM, CP, fat, and GE digestibilities were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in cats fed RB and CB than those fed EX. Total fecal SCFA concentrations did not differ among dietary treatments; however, molar ratios of SCFA were modified by diet, with cats fed RB and CB having an increased (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of fecal propionate and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of fecal butyrate compared with cats fed EX. Fecal concentrations of ammonia, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, and total BCFA were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in cats fed EX compared with cats fed RB and CB. Our results indicated that cooking a raw meat diet does not alter apparent total tract energy and macronutrient digestibility and may also minimize risk of microbial contamination. Given the increasing popularity of feeding raw diets and the metabolic differences noted in this experiment, further research focused on the adequacy and safety of raw beef-based diets in domestic cats is justified.

Effects of short-chain fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides, individually and in combination, on nutrient digestibility, fecal fermentative metabolite concentrations, and large bowel microbial ecology of healthy adults cats

Short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are nondigestible oligosaccharides that result in a prebiotic effect in some animal species; however, the cat has not been well studied in this regard. This experiment evaluated scFOS and GOS supplementation on nutrient digestibility, fermentative end product production, and fecal microbial ecology of cats. Eight healthy adult cats were fed diets containing no prebiotic, 0.5% scFOS, 0.5% GOS, or 0.5% scFOS + 0.5% GOS (scFOS + GOS) in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Apparent total tract CP digestibility was decreased (P < 0.05) when cats were fed a diet containing scFOS + GOS compared with the other treatments. Dry matter, OM, acid hydrolyzed fat, and GE digestibilities were not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Cats fed scFOS-, GOS-, and scFOS + GOS-supplemented diets had greater (P < 0.05) fecal Bifidobacterium spp. populations compared with cats fed the control diet. Fecal pH was less (P < 0.05) for cats fed the scFOS + GOS-supplemented diet compared with the control. Butyrate (P = 0.05) and valerate (P < 0.05) concentrations were greater when cats consumed the scFOS + GOS diet. Acetate tended (P = 0.10) to be greater when cats were fed the scFOS + GOS diet. Total short-chain fatty acid (P = 0.06) and total branched-chain fatty acid (P = 0.06) concentrations also tended to be greater when cats consumed the scFOS + GOS treatment. Fecal protein catabolites, including ammonia, 4-methylphenol, indole, and biogenic amines, blood lymphocytes, neutrophils, total white blood cell counts, or fecal DM concentration and output did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. Low level supplementation of scFOS, GOS, and their combination exert positive effects on select indices of gut health in cats.