Archives of Animal Nutrition最新文献

Water consumption may vary depending on climate, dry matter intake (DMI) as well as genetic group and physiological state of the cows. Little is published for other genetic groups besides Holstein. Understanding the need for water intake (WI) as well as drinking behaviour in critical periods could help producers develop adjusted management practices. This study aimed to investigate the drinking and water consumption behaviour of Holstein, Gyr and Girolando-F1 (½ Holstein ½ Gir) cows during the transition period. Thirty-six cows were distributed into three groups (n = 12 each) according to their genetic group. WI and water drinking behaviour were monitored from 10 days before parturition until 21 days of lactation using electronic drinkers. During pre-calving, a positive correlation was observed between WI and DMI only for Holstein (r = 0.31; p < 0.05) and Girolando-F1 (r = 0.34; p < 0.05) cows. Holstein cows ingested the highest amount of water daily and per 100 kg of body weight (BW) (30.9 kg and 4.5 kg). Holstein cows had higher WI per BW^0.75 than Gyr cows (0.23 kg vs. 0.12 kg). Furthermore, Holstein cows remained longer and spent more active time at the drinker (85.4 min; 81.2 min) than Gyr (13.5 min; 12.1 min) and Girolando-F1 cows (36.8 min; 34.4 min; p < 0.05), respectively. Holstein and Girolando-F1 cows had a higher daily number of active visits to the drinker than Gyr cows (4.2, 4.2, and 2.8 times, respectively). In the post-calving period, WI was positively correlated with DMI in all genetic groups, but it was correlated with milk yield (MY) only in Holstein (r = 0.21; p < 0.05) and Girolando-F1 (r = 0.42; p < 0.05) cows. The WI per MY and per BW^0.75 was lower for Girolando-F1 cows in relation to the Holstein and Gyr cows on the first day post-calving and highest for Gyr cows on the seventh day post-calving. WI per kg of BW^0.75 was higher for Holstein cows than for Gyr cows during the first 21 days of lactation, while WI per kg BW^0.75 of Holstein cows was higher than that of Girolando-F1 cows on days 3 and 4 and from days 7 to 21. The genetic groups differed in WI and drinking behaviour and were mainly modulated by DMI and THI in the pre-calving period and by MY and DMI in the post-calving period.

Using the substitution method and extruded diets, the metabolisable energy (ME) and digestible nutrient contents of soybean meal (SBM), poultry by-product meal with high ash content (PBMha), micronised soybean meal (MSM), and corn gluten meal (CGM) were determined for dogs. A complete and balanced control diet (CD) was formulated. Test diets were prepared by mixing 70% of the CD with 30% of the protein source in evaluation, according to the substitution method requirements. Due to its high fat content, the MSM diet was formulated with 85% of the CD and 15% of MSM to obtain adequate extrusion. Thirty-five Beagle dogs (7 per diet) were used to evaluate the total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of each diet, by the total collection of faeces method. Results were applied to calculate the ingredient TTAD and digestible nutrients content. Data were analysed in a completely randomised design and submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). The TTAD of DM, OM, CP, and gross energy were higher for CGM (p < 0.05). The TTAD of CP was similar for SBM and MSM, whose values were higher than for PBMha (p < 0.05). Faeces production was higher for dogs fed the SBM diet and PBMha, and faecal DM was lower for dogs fed the SBM diet. The results indicate variable TTAD among protein sources, with vegetable protein sources generally being more digestible than PBMha.

Meat is highly susceptible to oxidation, which leads to the degradation of lipids and proteins, resulting in undesirable changes in meat quality, such as colour and shelf life. This process can be mitigated by both non-enzymatic antioxidants and enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The oxidative stability of meat is influenced by several factors, including animal nutrition. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of corn silage supplementation on meat oxidative status and its correlation with the expression level of genes associated with this process in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle of Braford steers. For this study, 30 steers were randomly assigned to two experimental groups of 15 animals each. One group was fed with ad libitum pasture supplemented with corn silage and the other group was fed with ad libitum pasture. The degree of protein and lipid oxidation was determined by total protein carbonyl content and lipid degradation products, respectively. The antioxidant capacity was determined by measuring the radical-scavenging activities, total phenol content (TPC), and the activities of the CAT, SOD, and GPx enzymes. In addition, the relative levels of sod (1 and 2), cat, and gpx genes were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that meat from corn-silage supplementation exhibited higher levels of oxidation than those from pasture-fed steers. Also, results showed that meat from corn-silage-supplemented steers were more oxidised than those from pasture-fed steers. Moreover, hydrophilic extracts showed higher levels of antioxidant capacity than liphophilic ones in boths feeding systems and the muscles of animals that received corn exhibited a 17% reduction in TPC. In addition, expression levels of cat, sod (1 and 2), and gpx genes were lower in this group compared to the pasture-finished group. Consequently, the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes exhibited a negative correlation with lipid oxidation, and with lipophilic antioxidants. Conversely, a positive correlation was observed with polyphenol content. This study demonstrated that the oxidative stability of meat can be enhanced by feeding steers with pasture, rather than finishing with corn silage supplementation. Moreover, attributable to reduced expression levels of antioxidant enzymes, leading to higher lipid and protein oxidation levels, which has a deleterious effect on meat quality. Consequently, the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes evaluated, specifically sod, cat and gpx, has been identified as a promising reliable biomarker for oxidative stability in meat.

Oil extraction from walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernels yields residue of walnut oilcake (WOC) that is often discarded as waste despite its rich bioactive contents. This study evaluates the potential use of WOC as a replacement for conventional feedstuffs in broiler diets, assessing its effects on production performance, nutrient utilisation, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health. A total of 160 day-old male broiler chicks in total were evenly distributed into four dietary groups, with five replications each consisting of eight chicks. The birds in group T0 were fed the control diet based on conventional corn-s oybean meal, while those of treatment groups were fed diets with WOC substituted for soybean meal at levels of 10% (T1), 20% (T2), and 30% (T3). The experiment lasted for 42 days. Inclusion of WOC upto 20% did not influence feed intake, early growth, FCR (until T2), or nutrient digestibility but inhibited performance at T3. Dressing yield and breast/thigh weights were improved (p < 0.05), whereas fat, cholesterol, TBARS, tyrosine, and drip loss decreased ;(p < 0.05) with increased antioxidant activity, water-holding capacity and meat lightness. WOC diets also decreased caecal coliforms and improved ileal villus morphology. In conclusion, WOC can replace soybean meal upto 20% without compromising production performance, while improving carcass traits, meat quality, oxidative stability and gut health in broiler chickens.

Copper (Cu) supplementation is essential in pig nutrition; however, its effects on performance, trace element accumulation in edible tissues, and environmental excretion require careful evaluation. In the present study a total of 24 male, castrated fattening pigs of two different hybrid mast lines (11 weeks of age) were divided according to their initial body weight (25.8 ± 3.5 kg) into four groups. Pigs were fed for 14 weeks a complete feed supplemented with Cu covering a range between the recommended Cu supplementation and the permissible European maximum level (i.e. 5, 15, and 25 mg/kg complete feed). Two different Cu sources were used: Cu sulphate (CuSO₄) and glycine-Cu chelate hydrate (Cu-Gly). The aim of the trial was studying the influence of the different Cu levels and sources on growth performance, Cu transfer to edible tissues (muscle, liver, kidney, blood) and faeces, as well as the concentration of other trace elements, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) in tissues of fattening pigs. Performance parameters, including average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), showed a dependency with respect to the pig breed, whereas Cu content and Cu sources showed no influence. Copper concentrations in the liver, kidney, muscle, and blood serum remained constant across groups. Faecal Cu excretion increased proportionally with dietary Cu levels, with higher excretion observed for the organic Cu source at 15 mg/kg as compared with inorganic source at similar level. The results show, that Cu levels up to the maximum level of 25 mg/kg complete feed are not necessary to achieve good growth performance in healthy fattening pigs. The unaffected Cu concentrations in liver, muscle, kidney, and blood, as well as increased faecal excretion with increasing Cu level in the feed, indicate an adequate supply and homoeostatic regulation of Cu. In addition, a reduced use of Cu in pig fattening will help to reduce Cu emission into the environment.

In vitro gas production (GP) techniques, such as the extended Hohenheim gas test (eHGT), are being used to estimate the protein values of ruminant feeds and commonly apply rumen fluid obtained from rumen-cannulated animals as inoculum. This study aimed to compare rumen fluid inoculum (RI) with faecal inoculum (FI) concerning in vitro ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) release and microbially bound nitrogen (mN). Rumen fluid was obtained from lactating dairy cows and faeces from adult wether sheep. Six feeds for ruminants, including rapeseed meal, soybean meal, sunflower meal, pea grain, maize grain, and rye grain, were incubated for 8, 24, and 48 h with and without an additional carbohydrate (CHO) source. NH₃-N increased with the incubation time for all feeds and both inocula. For NH₃-N values after 8, 24 and 48 h of incubation, the two-way interaction between feed and inoculum source was significant (p < 0.001). Across the six feeds, the NH₃-N values did not differ between RI and FI after 8 h, whereas RI-NH₃-N was 17% and 23% higher than FI-NH₃-N after 24 and 48 h, respectively. For most feeds, the mN values decreased with RI as incubation time increased. In contrast, mN in FI remained constant or increased between 8 and 24 h before decreasing at 48 h. Overall, the NH₃-N and mN values were lower with FI than RI. After 24 and 48 h, the two inocula did not significantly differ in the response to the CHO supply, studied as the ratio of mg NH₃-N decrease per 1 mL of GP. Linear regression analysis showed that FI-NH₃-N can be used to predict RI-NH₃-N using the six feeds or the CHO-supplemented feeds at all incubation times. The highest estimation accuracy was found at 24 h for the feeds alone (slope = 1.39, R² = 0.98, CV = 3.9%) and the feeds plus CHO source (slope = 1.55, R² = 0.99, CV = 4.1%). In conclusion, FI has the potential to be applied as an inoculum to assess the protein values of ruminant feeds in vitro.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels and xylanase and protease supplementation on apparent digestibility of nutrients at the end of the ileum (AID) and large intestine (ALID). Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 24 weaned pigs were assigned to one of the four barley-wheat-soybean meal diets, supplemented with two levels of Cu/Zn (20/125 and 40/250 mg/kg) and either a mix of xylanase and protease (ENZ) or no enzyme supplementation. Neither the Cu/Zn level nor ENZ affected AID of nutrients. However, ALID of dry matter and fibres (ADF and NDF) increased with ENZ supplementation (p < 0.010). Enzyme supplementation also influenced the ALID of crude protein and phosphorus, depending on the Cu/Zn levels (Mineral × ENZ, p < 0.050). Specifically, ENZ increased the ALID of crude protein in the high Cu/Zn diet, while ALID of phosphorus increased by 63% with ENZ in low Cu/Zn diet but only by 23% in the high Cu/Zn diet. The high Cu/Zn level increased the ALID of dry matter but had no effect on the ALID of other nutrients. In conclusion, ENZ supplement increased the apparent digestibility of nutritional compounds, but this effect was dependent on the level of Cu/Zn in the diet. Further research is needed to explore the interaction between xylanase/protease and nutritional components of feed to maximise the benefits of these supplements.

The comprehension of the digestive strategy of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) is necessary for effective dietary practices, which prevent metabolic disorders often seen in captivity. The present study evaluated the effects of three extruded diets (high in fibre [Control], high in starch [Starch], and high in fat [Fat]) on the tortoises' preference, nutrient digestibility, faeces quality, fermentation products, and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT). Eighteen adult red-footed tortoises (9 males and 9 females) were used to compare diet palatability. Tortoises were randomly divided into three groups of six, balanced for sex and assigned to one of the experimental diets. The total tract apparent digestibilities (TTAD) of nutrients and energy was measured using chromium oxide (0.25%) as a marker, while GTT was assessed with ferric oxide (2.5%). Faeces were collected for analysis of short and branched-chain fatty acids, lactate, ammonia, and pH. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were compared using Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Diet preference was evaluated with paired t-test, and first-choice preferences by the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). The tortoises showed preference for the Starch and Fat diets, consuming less of the Control diet, high in fibre (p < 0.05). The TTAD of dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy was highest for the Starch diet, intermediate for the Fat diet, and lowest for the Control diet (p < 0.05). The TTAD of fat was lowest for the Fat diet, which resulted in faeces with a high fat content (33.9 ± 2.64% faecal DM; p < 0.05). Tortoises fed the Control diet showed a trend towards a longer GTT, nearly three days longer than those on the other diets (p = 0.075). Short- and branched-chain fatty acids, and faecal lactate, were similar across diets (p > 0.05), though ammonia concentration was lower in the Control diet compared to the Starch diet (p < 0.05). In conclusion, red-footed tortoises showed a preference for diets high in starch and fat over the high fibre formulation. Fat TTAD was limited, decreasing with higher fat intake. Faecal concentrations of fermentation products remained consistent across diets, suggesting extensive absorption of these compounds due to the tortoises' long GTT and the reverse peristalsis.

Cashew nut is a co-product of the cashew (Anacardium occidentale) industry, with high fat (40%) and protein (23%) contents. During processing, the nuts can break down, generating the cashew nut granules (CNG). Considering the effort for rational use of food resources, the present study investigated the use of CNG as an ingredient in extruded dog diets. Four formulations with similar chemical compositions were used, a control (CO) based on poultry by-product meal and poultry fat, and three inclusion levels of CNG as protein and fat source: 2.5%, 5%, and 10% (on an as-fed basis). Due to its high fat content, the implications of CNG to the extrusion process was investigated. Twenty-four beagle dogs were used to determine total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD), faeces characteristics and fermentation products, and a panel of 39 dogs were used for palatability comparisons. The results of extrusion, TTAD, and faecal traits were submitted to variance analysis and means compared by polynomial contrasts according to the CNG inclusion level (p < 0.05). In the palatability test, the first intake was compared by the Qui-square test and the intake ratio by the Student's t-test (p < 0.05). The CNG addition increased the internal fat content of the raw material mixture from 9.5% to 12.6%. This induced a linear reduction in mechanical energy transference, which in turn reduced mass pressure and temperature at extrusion (p < 0.01), which compromised kibble formation with lower expansion and higher density (p < 0.01). Starch gelatinisation did not reduce but in fact increased, explained by a linear increase in thermal energy application (p < 0.01). The TTAD of nutrients did not differ between diets (p > 0.05). Faeces pH, production and score did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). Acetate, butyrate, and lactate increased quadratically (p < 0.01) in the faeces, with higher values for animals fed the 2.5% CNG feed. In the palatability test, only CO, 2.5% CNG and 5% CNG treatments were compared, and diets with CNG had higher preference than CO (p < 0.01). By conclusion, up to 10% inclusion of CNG did not alter TTAD of nutrients or faeces formation and increased diet palatability, supporting the use of this co-product in extruded diets for dogs.

This study was conducted to evaluate fat supplements differing in fatty acid (FA) composition on nutrient digestibility, milk yield and composition, and milk FA profile in dairy cows. Twenty-four Holstein cows (149 ± 85 d in milk, 35.6 ± 6.29 kg/d milk yield and 671 ± 93.4 kg body weight) were distributed in 8 Latin squares according to parity number, milk yield and days in milk, and enrolled in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment with 21-d periods. Cows within block were randomly assigned to treatment sequences containing: 1) control (CON), no fat supplement and 2.44% ether extract (EE, dry matter basis (DM)); 2) calcium salts of palm oil (CSPO), CSPO at 2.60% diet DM and 4.49% EE diet DM; and 3) encapsulated fatty acids (EFA), EFA at 2.60% diet DM and 4.30% EE diet DM. Fatty acids from EFA are derived from soybean oil, palm oil, and tallow. The primary differences in FA profiles between CSPO and EFA were related to stearic acid (4.26 and 31.7 g/100 g FA, respectively), oleic acid (32.7 and 8.80 g/100 g FA, respectively), and linoleic acid (8.81 and 19.1 g/100 g FA, respectively). Fat supplements were included in the concentrate mix and cows were fed a total mixed ration (48:52 of forage to concentrate ratio). Data were analysed using mixed models and treatment differences were evaluated by orthogonal contrasts (CON vs. fat-supplemented diets and CSPO vs. EFA). Dry matter intake and digestibility were not affected by treatments; however, EE intake and digestibility were higher with the inclusion of fat supplements. Fat supplementation increased milk yield (34.1, 35.8, and 35.9 kg/d for CON, CSPO and EFA, respectively). Fat supplementation also improved the yield of milk components and feed efficiency. Cows fed EFA had higher milk protein concentrations compared to those fed CSPO. Cows fed fat supplements exhibited higher concentrations of unsaturated FA and lower concentrations of de novo FA in milk compared to CON group. The concentration of de novo and odd-chain FA in the milk of cows fed CSPO was lower than in those fed EFA. Cows fed EFA had lower concentrations of trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9 C18:1 FA compared to the CSPO group. Fat supplements increased milk yield, feed efficiency and unsaturated FA concentration in milk without affecting DM digestibility. Supplementing cows with either CSPO or EFA resulted in similar performance.