Feeding Treatments Research Articles

281 Modeling How the Inclusion of Fibrous By-Products to the Feed Improves the Net Protein Contribution of Pork Meat

Abstract Animal meat provides high-quality protein to the human food industry, but often uses feed ingredients that could also be used to feed humans. The objective of this study was to model how the inclusion of by-products in pig diets would improve the net protein contribution (NPC) of pig meat within an individual precision feeding (IPF) program. The InraPorc model was used to simulate the animal response to pigs fed two different feeding treatments. In both cases, there was feed A (rich-), and B (poor in all nutrients). Feeds were mixed daily to each pig to meet individual requirements. Treatment 1 (BY0) was free of by-products, consisting of traditional ingredients (corn, wheat, and soybean meal). Treatment 2 (BY20) included canola meal and oat hulls in addition to conventional ingredients. These inclusions accounted for nearly 10% of changes in feed A and nearly 20% in feed B. The consumed HeP in pig-fed was estimated from the beginning of the growing-finishing phase to slaughter. Total pig HeP included the carcass meat, fancy meats such as heart, liver, kidney, and tongue, and 25% blood. HeP conversion efficiency was calculated based on the HeP profiles for initial (23 kg) and final body weight (120 kg) in both treatments. Digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) was calculated based on a 3-year-old-child protein requirements, the same score being attributed to adolescents or adults. The HeP conversion efficiency was 0.28 and 0.32 for BY0 and BY20 respectively, and the protein quality ratio (PQR, calculated as DIAAS of the meat vs. DIAAS of the feed) was equal to 2 for both diets, indicating that protein quality in pig meat is greater than in animal feed. Finally, the NPC of both treatments, calculated by multiplying the HeP conversion efficiency with the PQR, was below 1. Therefore, neither treatment contributed positively to the net protein contribution of pork meat to the human protein supply. However, the NPC of BY0 and BY20 were 0.58 and 0.64, respectively. Thus suggesting that adding by-products, such as oat hulls, to feed formulas reduces feed-to-food competition.

Effect of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana on the growth characteristics and metabolism of black soldier fly larvae

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus widely used in agriculture to reduce populations of various pests. However, when agricultural waste is utilized for organic recycling, B. bassiana has the potential to impact recycling performance, by affecting the survival, and body mass of decomposing organisms (such as insect's larvae). Additionally, in natural conditions where decayed organic matter contains a high load of different entomopathogenic organisms, larval growth may be affected when consumed or in contact. In a laboratory study, we aimed to comprehend the effects of B. bassiana on the growth characteristics and larval metabolism of the black soldier fly larvae, which is a known decomposing insect. The experiments used both feeding (mixing the spores with the diet, hereafter BF) and contact treatments (by dipping the larva in the spores solution, hereafter BD), and were compared to a water-treated control group. The BF treatment significantly reduced larval body weight, adult emergence, and adult weight compared to both the control and the BD treatment. Furthermore, an analysis of hemolymph metabolites, categorized by class, indicated a higher accumulation of metabolites belonging to the purine and purine derivative classes, as well as carboxylic acids and their derivatives, including peptides and oligopeptides, indicating potential disruption of protein synthesis or degradation caused by the BF treatment. Pathway enrichment analysis showed significant alterations in purine metabolism and D-Arginine and D-ornithine metabolism compared to the control. Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were significantly altered in the BD treatment compared to the control but not significantly enriched in the BF treatment. Our results suggest that the BF treatment impairs protein synthesis or degradation, affecting larval growth characteristics. Future studies should explore innate immunity-related gene expression and antimicrobial peptide production in BSF larvae to understand their immunity to pathogens.

Lipid metabolites index habitat quality for Canvasbacks on stopover areas during spring migration

Abstract Nutrients acquired by ducks on spring migratory stopover areas influence survival and subsequent reproduction. Accordingly, wetland loss and degradation on stopover areas can lead to reduced refueling efficiency and have demographic consequences. Lipid metabolite concentrations in blood provide a useful index of daily mass change in wild birds and can be used to make inferences about quality of stopover areas for refueling. We experimentally validated a model that uses lipid metabolites to predict daily mass change, and then we used those predictions to make inferences about foraging habitat quality for Canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) at important stopover sites of the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, USA. We measured plasma lipid metabolites and daily mass change of 60 wild Canvasbacks held in short-term captivity and subjected to feeding and fasting treatments. Respectively, triglyceride and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were positively and negatively related to mass change (R2 = 0.58). On average, Canvasbacks collected experimentally across our study area had positive index values indicating sufficient forage resources to allow energy acquisition. However, predicted daily mass increases were greater at more northerly pools of the Mississippi River (Pools 7–8 and 13) compared to more southerly locations (Pool 19 of the Mississippi River and the Illinois River Valley), which was likely due, in part, to more abundant submerged aquatic vegetation at more northerly pools. Our results affirm that lipid metabolites are useful predictors of daily mass change that in turn can provide inferences about habitat quality. Lower daily mass increases of Canvasbacks at Pool 19 are concerning because that area is considered a critically important spring stopover area for migratory diving ducks. Considering the challenges of managing large rivers for multiple uses, targeting restoration of wetlands isolated or isolatable from river systems could provide stopover areas with necessary forage for optimal mass gain.

The Dietary Inclusion of Ensiled Olive Cake Increases Unsaturated Lipids in Milk and Alters the Expression of Lipogenic Genes in Mammary and Adipose Tissue in Goats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dietary inclusion of ensiled OC on milk yield, composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, and the expression of selected genes involved in lipid metabolism in the udder and adipose tissue of goats. Seventy-two Damascus dairy goats in mid-lactation were assigned randomly to three iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic diets containing 0, 10, and 20% of ensiled OC as a replacement of forage (OC0, OC10, and OC20, respectively) for 42 days. During weeks 5 and 6 of the trial, dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition, and FA profiles were recorded, while mammary and perirenal adipose tissue samples were also collected from six animals per treatment from the OC0 and OC20 groups for gene expression analysis. No significant differences were observed among groups concerning milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, fat, or protein yield (kg/d). In contrast, the milk fat percentage was gradually increased with increasing OC inclusion rates in the diets, while milk protein percentages were elevated in both OC groups but significantly only in the milk of the OC20 group. The content of FA between C4:0 to C16:0 was reduced, while mono-unsaturated FA (MUFA) concentration was enhanced in the goat milk of OC groups. The OC feeding treatment was associated with the increased mammary expression of SLC2A1 (p < 0.05), VLDLR (p < 0.01), FABP3 (p < 0.01), and elevated SLC2A1 (p < 0.05) and FASN (p < 0.01) gene expression in the adipose tissue of goats fed the OC20 diet. Overall, OC can be used in goats' diets as a forage replacement, at least in the inclusion rate of 20% DM, since this could increase the milk protein and fat percentage and enrich its content with beneficial for human health lipids without adversely affecting milk production traits.

A systematic review to assess the effectiveness of pre-harvest meat safety interventions to control foodborne pathogens in beef

Safe beef is a priority for consumers, policy makers, official veterinarians, and producers. This systematic review aims to update the recent knowledge on pre-harvest interventions to control main foodborne pathogens in beef and to assess their effectiveness. Only controlled trials in beef or dairy cattle were included. A total of 1514 studies were retrieved from PubMed® and Web of ScienceTM for 13 selected pathogens in particular Salmonella and shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). After the screening, 28 papers remained for Campylobacter (n = 1), Clostridium botulinum (n = 1), Clostridium perfringens (n = 1), Extended spectrum-lactamase AmpC gene-carrying bacteria (ESBL/AmpC) (n = 1), Salmonella (n = 11), and STEC (n = 13). Results were synthesised narratively using tables as support. Research on pre-harvest interventions to control foodborne zoonoses in bovines was mostly focused on Salmonella spp. and STEC. The studies retained on Salmonella and STEC showed that vaccination, and cleaning, disinfection, management, and biosecurity were the most tested and effective interventions, denoting their potential to control or reduce detection and shedding of these pathogens. The correct implementation of such measures is crucial for their efficacy. While vaccination can be implemented to prevent severe outcomes of disease and reduce shedding; cleaning, disinfecting and biosecurity can prevent the introduction and/or the spread of pathogens to/within farms. The use of feed additives and treatments had mixed results but seemed to be effective for Salmonella. The criteria for paper selection excluded observational studies which document effective practices like depopulation and repopulation with healthy animals. Overall, high herd health status coupled with good management and biosecurity were effective to control or prevent the important foodborne pathogens in cattle at pre-harvest level.

Performance of Balinese Pigs Feed Traditional and Fermented Feed in Sukanadi Farmer Women's Group

A study was conducted from April 30, 2023 to June 29, 2023 at the Sukanadi Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Pejarakan Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency, which aimed to determine the performance of Balinese/local pigs treated with traditional feed and fermented feed. This study will test the treatment of feed without fermentation (traditional = T) with fermented feed (F). The feed ingredients used are 70% banana stalks, 20% lamtoro leaves and 10% complete feed (mixture of 25% rice bran, 50% corn flour and 25% concentrate). Each treatment used 5 Balinese/local pigs of weaning age ± 2 months with a weight range of 8-10 kg. The variables observed were initial body weight, body weight gain, ration consumption, final body weight, and ration conversion. Furthermore, the data obtained were analyzed by t-test (paired test) according to Steel and Torrie (1991). Based on the results of the study, it was found that female Balinese/local pigs given fermented feed showed better performance than those given traditional feed. Thus it can be concluded that fermented feed can be applied by the community because it is more effective and efficient with feed formulations consisting of 70% banana stems, 20% lamtoro leaves, and 10% complete feed

Efficacy of different wet feeds on the growth performance of mud crab Scylla serrata during fattening in cages

AbstractObjectiveMud crab culture/fattening is a lucrative business with high profit margins because they have high economic and export value. Compared with shrimp culture, crab fattening has many advantages such as a short production cycle, high tolerance to poor water quality, rapid growth rates in captivity, etc. Currently, cheap commercial feed for crabs is unavailable, so raw feeds such as low‐value fishes have been used for rearing mud crabs. The current study was conducted to determine the growth performance of mud crab Scylla serrata that were fed with different processed wet feeds.MethodsCrabs weighing 250–300 g were stocked in individual cages, and the experiment was conducted with three different feed treatments including processed chicken intestine, processed shrimp head waste, oyster meat, and the control feed was processed small‐sized low‐value fish.ResultOf all the feeds, mud crabs that were fed with chicken intestine showed better performance, followed by oyster meat, shrimp head waste, and low‐value fish.ConclusionThe present study concludes that fattening mud crabs with chicken intestine as feed showed better growth and economic performance.

293 The Effect of Creep Feed and Nursery Diet Flavoring on Piglet Lactation and Nursery Performance

Abstract Larger litter sizes in swine production systems and potential milk limitations for piglets have given new opportunities to incorporating creep feeding as a management strategy. Sows (n = 51) and their litters were used to test the effects of creep feed and nursery diets on piglet lactation and nursery growth performance. Ten days before weaning, litters were assigned to one of three creep feeding treatments: 1) Control diet: 2) Control+Flavoring (50 ppm Allium XL, Pancosma): 3) No creep feed. Creep feed was delivered twice/day via one bowl creep feeder/litter. Sows and litters (17/treatment) were allotted to equalize parity (average = 2.8), genetics, number of piglets (average = 10.9), and weaning age (average = 19.1). Litter weights and creep feed intake were recorded on d 0, 4, and 10 (weaning). Post-weaning pigs were allotted to Control or Flavoring (50 ppm Allium XL) diets in a 3x2 factorial arrangement. During nursery there were 10 pens/treatment with 7 or 8 pigs/pen, blocked by initial BW within creep treatment. Nursery treatments were fed in phase 1 (1.13 kg/pig) and 2 (2.27 kg/pig) diets followed by common phase 3 (6.8 kg/pig) and 4 (ad lib to d 35) diets. Weekly pig BW and feed intake were used to calculate nursery pen ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Creep feeding treatment during lactation did not affect litter or piglet BW gain pre-weaning. Flavoring did not affect total creep feed intake (control = 114 g/pig vs. flavoring = 110 g/pig). Providing creep feed during lactation increased ADFI on days 2, 3, and 4 post-weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.013). Pigs fed either creep feed increased week 1 nursery ADFI (8.8%; P&amp;lt; 0.02), numerically increased ADG (5.2%), and greater d ay7 BW (P = 0.055). Week 3 ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and ADFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) were greater for the no creep pigs than pigs fed the control creep feed, flavored creep feed pigs were intermediate. For week 4, ADG, and week 4 and 5 ADFI, pigs previously fed control creep had greater growth performance than pigs previously fed flavored creep with pigs fed no creep being intermediate (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Overall (days 0-35), pigs fed control creep had greater ADG ( P&amp;lt; 0.05) and ADFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than flavored creep fed pigs with no creep pigs being intermediate in ADG and greater ADFI than flavored creep fed pigs. Final BW (P &amp;lt; 0.05) was greater for control creep fed pigs than flavored creep fed pigs with no creep pigs being intermediate (23.5 kg, 23.0 kg, 23.3 kg, respectively). Nursery dietary flavoring treatment did not affect post-weaning ADG, ADFI, or G:F at any point during the study (P &amp;gt; 0.12). Lactation creep feeding significantly increases ADFI and ADG during the first week post-weaning, which could improve post-weaning performance and reduce the rate of pigs failing to thrive post-weaning.

Perubahan Status Energi Pada Proses Reproduksi Induk Domba Garut Yang Diberi Pakan Komplit Berbasis Hijauan Sorgum dan Indigofera

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is an indicator of the efficiency of protein use in metabolism which is correlated with energy adequacy status. This study aimed to analyze and measure differences in energy adequacy status of arrowroot ewes in the premating, pregnancy, and lactation phases that were fed a complete diet of sorghum indigofera. The method used experimentally with Completely Randomized Design (CRD). There were 2 feed treatments, namely field grass (RL) as control and complete feed based on forage sorghum indigofera with a composition of 50% sorghum silage + 40% indigofera hay + 10% fine bran (SI) and repeated 14 times. The data obtained were analyzed using a two sample t-test. The results showed that there was a decrease in BUN in both treatments in each phase, but overall the average BUN value did not show a significant difference (P&gt;0.05). Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) only occurred at the beginning of pregnancy, mid and late lactation with BUN values of 21.18±1.04; 13.25±0.60; 15.18±0.67 for RL and 18, respectively. ,61±1.10; 15.86±0.82; 12.43±0.56 for SI. So it can be concluded that complete feed based on sorghum indigofera has the same energy change status as field grass, and in SI it can be used as a substitute for field grass.

The influence of in ovo feeding of black cumin extract on the physiological responses of broilers under hot tropical environments

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of in ovo feeding of black cumin extract (BC) on the intestinal morphology and physiological responses of broilers thermally challenged during incubation. The study involved the use of seven hundred Marshall broiler hatching eggs, which were assigned to 7 in ovo feeding treatments at embryonic day 17.5, as follows: eggs injected with 8 mg (EN), 6 mg (SN), 4 mg (FN), 2 mg (TN)BC, no in ovo feeding (NI), 0.9 % saline solution (SS), and 3 mg vitamin C (VC). Juvenile growth performance, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), triiodothyronine (T3), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and haematological and serum biochemical indices were evaluated. The results revealed that the juvenile growth performance of SN birds was better than those of the NI, SS, FN and TN groups. The plasma SOD and T3 of the birds of SN and VC were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than the chickens of NI and SS treatments. The ileal crypt depth recorded in SN birds was lower (p &lt; 0.05) compared to SS and NI values. To conclude, in ovo black cumin extract enhanced the gut health and lymphoid organs of broiler chickens with no pronounced effect on the thermotolerance of the birds at market age.

Enhancement of tolerance against flonicamid in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) through overexpression of CYP6A14

Solenopsis invicta is a main issue in southern China and is causing significant damage to the local ecological environment. The extensive use of insecticides has resulted in the development of tolerance in S. invicta. In our study, ten S. invicta colonies from Sichuan Province exhibited varying degrees of tolerance against flonicamid, with LC50 values from 0.49 mg/L to 8.54 mg/L. The sensitivity of S. invicta to flonicamid significantly increased after treatment with the P450 enzyme inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Additionally, the activity of P450 in S. invicta was significantly enhanced after being treated with flonicamid. Flonicamid induced the expression levels of CYP4aa1, CYP9e2, CYP4C1, and CYP6A14. The expression levels of these P450 genes were significantly higher in the tolerant colonies compared to the sensitive colonies, and the relative copy numbers of CYP6A14 in the tolerant colonies were 2.01–2.15 fold. RNAi feeding treatment effectively inhibited the expression of P450 genes, thereby reducing the tolerance of S. invicta against flonicamid. In addition, the overexpression of CYP6A14 in D. melanogaster resulted in reduced sensitivity to flonicamid. Our investigations revealed hydrophobic interactions between flonicamid and seven amino acid residues of CYP6A14, along with the formation of a hydrogen bond between Glu306 and flonicamid. Our findings suggest that flonicamid can effectively control S. invicta and P450 plays a pivotal role in the tolerance of S. invicta against flonicamid. The overexpression of CYP6A14 also increased tolerance to flonicamid.

Insect-based protein feed for guinea fowl: Growth and egg laying performance under different feed regimes

Expansion of guinea fowl flock has been a challenge and one of the reasons is the low feed availability, especially in the dry season. The objective of this study was to contribute to the improvement of the nutritional situation of local guinea fowl with house fly larvae as a protein source. A total of 144 guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) of approximately 16 weeks old were grouped in batches of 12 and randomly distributed to four feeding treatments with three replications per treatment. Pre-egg laying and egg laying feed rations were formulated with different levels of sun-dried fly larvae and standard pre-egg laying and egg laying ration containing fishmeal as controls. The pre-egg-laying rations were served for 11 days, while the egg-laying rations were served for 58 days. The chemical composition of the formulated rations, individual Daily Feed Intake (DFI), Average Daily Gain (ADG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and number of eggs and eggs characteristics (weight, large diameter and shape index) were recorded for each treatment. The dried larvae-based feed showed the highest crude protein content compared to the control feed that was fishmeal-based. In addition, the results showed a relationship between the incorporated quantities of dried fly larvae and the resulting guinea fowl performances. For example, the highest DFI (63.35 g/bird; p≤0.05) and FCR (11.94; p≤0.05) were obtained in the group fed the pre-egg laying and egg-laying rations containing 25 % and 13 % fly larvae, respectively. However, the group fed the ration containing 16.67 % and 12.94 % of fly larvae in the pre-egg laying and egg laying phases, respectively, showed a DFI of 57.05 g/bird and an FCR of 9.09. These were similar to the values obtained for the control group (57.19 g/bird/day and 11.94, respectively), with a better ADG (2.91 g against 1.71 g). Egg laying performance (number of eggs) and egg characteristics (large diameter) were significantly improved (p &lt;0.05) in favor of treatments including dried fly larvae with values proportional to incorporation quantities. Findings from the current study suggest that the incorporation of fly larvae in pre-egg-laying and egg-laying feeds significantly increased the performance of guinea fowls. Key words: insect protein, feed formulation, circularity, Burkina Faso, food security

Low-dose atorvastatin protects skeletal muscle mitochondria in high-fat diet-fed mice with mitochondrial autophagy inhibition and fusion enhancement

Despite the great clinical benefits of statins in cardiovascular diseases, their widespread use may lead to adverse muscle reactions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Some studies have demonstrated that statins provide substantial improvement to skeletal muscle health in mice. Our previous study found that oral treatment with atorvastatin (Ator, 3 mg/kg) protected myocardial mitochondria in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the influence of low-dose Ator (3 mg/kg) on mitochondria in skeletal muscle under cholesterol overload. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD for 18 weeks and orally administered Ator (3 mg/kg) during the last 12 weeks. Ator treatment had no effects on elevated serum cholesterol and glucose levels in HFD-fed mice. Serum creatine kinase levels and the cross-sectional area of muscle cells were not affected by HFD feeding or Ator treatment. Increased expression of PINK1-LC3 II (activated mitophagy), MFN2 (fusion), and PGC-1α (biogenesis) proteins was induced in the skeletal muscles of HFD-fed mice. Treatment with Ator inhibited PINK1 and LC3 II protein expression, but further promoted MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1 expression. The impairments in mitochondrial quality and morphology in HFD-fed mice were attenuated by treatment with Ator. Furthermore, Ator treatment enhanced glucose oxidation capacity and restored ATP production in the skeletal muscles of HFD-fed mice. The study reveals that low-dose Ator has a protective effect on muscle mitochondria in mice, likely through inhibiting mitophagy and enhancing mitochondrial fusion. This suggests that skeletal muscle mitochondria may be one of low-dose Ator-mediated protective targets.

Optimization of the use of local feed ingredients from agricultural waste against the weight of broiler chicken carcasses

Feed is made from a mixture of ingredients that contain nutrients needed by livestock, these feed ingredients are the result of agricultural production and agricultural production waste. This study aims to determine the body weight of broiler chickens with feed derived from agricultural waste in Merauke Regency. This study used a randomized group design with 3 treatments and 3 repeats (A1: mash feed, A2: pellet feed without adhesive, A3: Pellet feed using adhesive). The results of research using feed ingredients derived from agricultural waste in Merauke Regency showed that the highest broiler carcass weight was obtained in the pellet feed treatment using adhesive with a value of 992 gr, then at the A2 treatment (Pellets without adhesive) of 962.67 gr, and finally the carcass weight was obtained at the A1 (Mash) treatment, amounting to 932 gr, the maintenance time for 35 days. This shows that Merauke Regency’s agricultural waste can be used as feed ingredients.

Effect of Whole Protein Spore Myxobolus koi by Oral Treatment on Non-Specific Immune Response of Punten Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Infested with Myxobolus koi

Increased intensive cultivation of Punten Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) is quite profitable, but on the other hand, it can result in a decrease in water quality due to uncontrolled leftover feed. Poor water quality can cause fish to become stressed then susceptible to disease, one of which is Myxobolus koi parasite infestation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of immunostimulant treatment of whole protein Myxobolus koi spores on the blood profile of Myxobolus-infested punten carp. The method used was an experiment with two treatments, the treatment without Myxobolus koi spore whole protein (P0) and the treatment of commercial feed added with an immunostimulant from Myxobolus koi spore whole protein of 5 µg/kg feed (P1). The study was conducted for 28 days and observed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28, including the calculation of the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, leukocyte differential, and water quality as supporting data. The abundance of erythrocytes in fish treated with P1 (1.16x106 cells/mm3-2.44x106 cells/mm3) was higher than in fish treated with P0 (1.09x106 cells/mm3-1.55x106 cells/mm3). The abundance of leukocytes in fish treated with P1 (3.79x104 cells/mm3-11.31x104 cells/mm3) was higher than in fish treated with P0 (3.51x104 cells/mm3-6.58x104 cells/mm3). The results of differential observations of leukocytes in the P0 treatment found basophils (0.3-1.3%), neutrophils (12.3-21.5%), eosinophils (2.5-4.9%), lymphocytes (61.9-76.8%) and monocytes (3.8-6.3%). The results of differential observations of leukocytes in the P1 treatment found basophils (0.3-1.0%), neutrophils (10.7-19.9%), eosinophils (2.4-3.9%), lymphocytes (61.8-72.6%) and monocytes (3.9-5.4%).

Feeding Tube Placement, Complications, and Treatment Responses in a Large Eosinophilic Esophagitis Patient Population.

Feeding tubes can provide a temporary or long-term solution for nutritional therapy. Little is known regarding the use of feeding tubes in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We sought to describe the characteristics and outcomes in EoE patients requiring tube feeding. This was a retrospective cohort study of EoE patients at a large tertiary care health system. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and endoscopic findings were extracted from medical records, and patients who had a feeding tube were identified. Patients with and without a feeding tube were compared. Details about the tube, complications, and treatment were extracted. Growth, global symptomatic, endoscopic, and histopathologic (<15 eos/hpf) responses were compared before and after the initiation of feeding tube therapy. We identified 39 of 1216 EoE patients who had a feeding tube (3%). Feeding tube patients were younger (mean age 6.3 years), reported more vomiting, and had a lower total endoscopic reference score than non-feeding tube patients ( P < 0.01 for all). Tubes were used for therapy for an average of 6.8 years, with most patients (95%) receiving both pharmacologic and formula treatment for EoE. An emergency department visit for a tube complication was required in 26%. Tube feeding improved body mass index z score ( P < 0.01), symptomatic response (42%), endoscopic response (53%), and histologic response (71%). Among EoE patients, only a small subset required a feeding tube and predominantly were young children with failure to thrive. Feeding tubes significantly improved growth and, when used in combination with other treatments, led to reduced esophageal eosinophilic inflammation.

A novel approach to isolation of β-casein from micellar casein concentrate by cold microfiltration combined with chymosin treatment

Filtration is frequently employed in the dairy industry to tailor protein profiles and manipulate the nutri- and techno-functionality of ingredients. One milk protein of particular interest in infant formula is β-casein. However, during the enrichment of β-casein, co-fractionation of κ-casein, as 2–10% of the total protein, is common. In this study, isolation of β-casein from micellar casein using filtration, incorporating chymosin-treatment, was investigated. At 5 °C, casein curd formation can be avoided, allowing the fractionation of liquid streams. Three treatments with chymosin were applied: feed without treatment and feed or permeate treated with chymosin. An average β-casein enrichment of ∼90% (w/w) total protein was achieved. Treatment of feed with chymosin resulted in caseinomacropeptide (CMP)-enrichment. CMP-enriched β-casein showed a wider particle size distribution at 50 °C, and a reduced level of solubility. The novel materials produced may be relevant in applications such as encapsulation, emulsification, infant formula and cheese manufacture.

Dietary phytase effects on copper requirements of broilers.

Information on the availability of Cu from plant feedstuffs for broilers in the presence of phytase is scarce. The present research has been conducted with the objective of evaluating the Cu requirements of broilers when fed corn-soy diets with or without phytase. A total of 640 one-day-old male Cobb x Cobb 500, allocated into 80 battery cages with 8 chicks in each, were fed a low Cu content diet (formulated with 8.58 ± 0.21 mg/kg Cu) without phytase from placement to day 7. Starting on day 8, battery cages were distributed into a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (phytase-added diets X 5 with graded increases of supplemental Cu) until day 28. Feeding treatments (feeds added or not with phytase and 5 graded increases of Cu) were randomly distributed with 8 cages of 8 chicks. The basal non-supplemented feeds were formulated with corn and soybean meal (SBM) without any other significant Cu contributors. Supplemental Cu was from laboratory-grade Cu sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO5H20) which was increasingly added to the feeds. Phytase was added in excess to the producer recommendation (2,500 FYT) and had average analyzed values of 2,768 ± 135.2 FYT/kg whereas analyzed Cu values were: 8.05 ± 0.25, 11.25 ± 0.15, 14.20 ± 0.40, 16.55 ± 0.05, and 19.45 ± 0.45 mg/kg. Statistics were conducted using linear and quadratic polynomial regression models. No interactions occurred between dietary Cu and phytase (p > 0.05) for any response and no effects were found for the individual factors (phytase or dietary Cu) for Ht, Hb, varus, valgus, rotated tibia, and tibia breaking strength, as well as for Cu contents in breast, gastrocnemius tendon, and kidney (p > 0.05). However, the phytase-added diets led to higher BWG, lower FCR, and increased ileal digestible Cu (p < 0.05). The gradual increase in dietary Cu produced linear increases in Cu content in livers, as well as in excreta and retention (p < 0.05). Supplementing phytase at levels expected to maximize phytate degradation was demonstrated to improve BWG and FCR; however, no effects were observed when dietary Cu was increased to a maximum of 19.45 mg/kg. An increase of 8.8% in ileal digestible Cu was observed when birds were fed phytase.

Characterization of fifteen key genes involved in iron metabolism and their responses to dietary iron sources in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

BackgroundIron is an essential metal element for organisms, whose metabolism is regulated by many genes and also dietary iron sources. However, the characterization, distribution and the responses of iron metabolism-related genes to different iron sources were not clear in fish. MethodsThe full-length cDNA sequences of fifteen iron metabolism-relevant genes (tf, tfr1, hp, fpn1, ho1, ho2, tfr2, hjv, hepcidin, fth, ftl, ftm, irp1, irp2 and hif2α.) were obtained via 3′ and 5′ RACE PCR from yellow catfish, a widely distributed freshwater teleost in China and other Asian countries. Their molecular characterizations were analyzed via the bioinformatic methods. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to explore their mRNA distribution in nine tissues. Their mRNA expression responses in four tissues (heart, brain, kidney and gill) were explored in yellow catfish fed diets with five iron sources, including ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), ferrous bisglycinate (Fe-Gly), ferrous chloride (FeCl2), ferric citrate (Fe-CA) and ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs). ResultsCompared with mammals and other teleost, these members shared similar domains. Their mRNAs were expressed in nine tested tissues, but mRNA levels varied. Yellow catfish fed the diets containing Fe-Gly and Fe2O3NPs had higher iron contents in heart, brain, kidney and gill. Meantime, different dietary iron sources addition affected their mRNA expression differentially in brain, heart, kidney and gill. It should be pointed out that only three biological replicate tanks were used in the present feeding treatment, and more biological replicate tanks (more than five) should be emphasized in further researches. ConclusionTaken together, our study identified fifteen iron metabolism-relevant genes, explored their mRNA expression in nine tissues, and their mRNA expression in the responses to different dietary iron sources in four tissues, indicating their important regulatory function in iron metabolism and homeostasis.

Probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics in modulating the intestinal microbiota and performance of broiler chickens.

Gut bacteria play an important role in poultry nutrition and the immune defense system. Changes in the intestinal microbiome affect the physiological state, metabolism and innate im-munity of poultry. The present study aimed to characterize age-related changes in the gastrointestinal tract microflora in broiler chickens, depending on supplementation of the diet with the in-feed antibiotic Stafac® 110 and a Bacillus subtilis strain-based probiotic. In this regard, a comprehensive analysis of the taxonomic structure of the microbial community in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chickens was carried out using a molecular genetic technique of the Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis and taking into account age dynamics and feeding treatment. A beneficial effect on the microbiological composition and body weight of broilers was observed when using the antibiotic and probiotic in compound feeds. Different bacterial communities were revealed in the duodenum and cecum and their positive impact on broiler growth was established. The results obtained shed light on the formation of GIT microflora of broiler chickens during the growing period and its changes in response to the use of the antibiotic and the probiotic. We suggest that the implementation of the tested in-feed antibiotic and probiotic can be beneficial in regulating the intestinal microflora microbiological processes in the GIT and improving the feeding efficiency and productivity of broiler chickens.