Archives of Animal Nutrition最新文献

This study investigated the effects of dietary _L-valine (Val) supplementation and sanitary conditions with lipopolysaccharide injection on growth performance, immune response, and intestinal bacterial profiles and metabolites in weaned pigs. Thirty-two weaned pigs (6.98 ± 0.47 kg) were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement based on dietary Val levels and sanitary conditions (low or high). The pigs were fed either a basal diet containing the standard levels of Val suggested by (NRC), (2012) or a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% _L-Val. A room designated as a high sanitary room was washed weekly, whereas the designated low sanitary room was not washed throughout the experiment and 5 kg of manure from the nursery pig barn was spread on the pen floors on day 1. All data were analysed using a mixed procedure of SAS, with the individual pen as the experimental unit. The pigs raised in low sanitary conditions exhibited a lower (p < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain-to-feed ratio and a higher (p < 0.05) incidence of diarrhoea than those raised in high sanitary conditions during the 14-d experimental period. The pigs in the low sanitary group also had a lower (p < 0.05) concentration of butyrate in the jejunum and a higher (p < 0.05) concentration of NH₃-N in the colon than those in the high sanitary group. Dietary Val supplementation was reduced (p < 0.05) plasma interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist concentrations as well as isovalerate and NH₃-N concentrations in the colon, regardless of sanitary conditions. Interactions between dietary Val supplementation and sanitary conditions were observed in the abundances of mRNA-encoding β-defensins 113, 125 and 129 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary Val supplementation beneficially modulates inflammatory responses and microbial metabolites regardless of sanitary conditions while transcriptional levels of β-defensins are regulated by dietary Val supplementation in a manner dependent on housing hygiene conditions.

A study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition and feeding value of rapeseed meal (RSM) batches produced at the same plant when fed to turkey poults. In total, seven RSM samples were obtained from a single manufacturer within a period of 90 days. Although the manufacturer followed the same procedures during oil extraction and RSM production, different batches of rapeseed were used. A balancer feed (BF) was formulated to contain 11.85 MJ/kg ME and 265 g/kg crude protein. Seven nutritionally complete test mash diets were prepared by mixing 200 g/kg of each RSM batch sample with 800 g/kg of the BF, totalling 8 diets. Diets were fed to female B.U.T. Premium turkeys from 12 to 21 d of age. Each diet was fed to six raised floor pens, housing two birds, following randomisation. During the experiment, a nitrogen corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) assay was performed using a total collection technique. The AMEn in RSM samples was calculated based on the differences between the AMEn values of basal and test diets. Associations were examined between AMEn and the chemical composition of the RSM samples. The overall determined AMEn value of the RSM ranged from 5.50 MJ/kg DM to 8.53 MJ/kg DM, giving an average AMEn of 7.29 MJ/kg DM. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in AMEn content between batches. There was a negative correlation (r = - 0.864; p < 0.05) between AMEn values and the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content of the RSM samples. The results suggest that the NDF could be a good predictor of the AMEn of industry produced RSM. It may be inferred that processing rather than cultivar could be the main factor determining the feeding value of RSM for turkeys.

In vitro studies of gas production (GP) using rumen fluid obtained from rumen-cannulated animals are common in feed evaluation for ruminants. The objective was to compare sheep faeces with rumen fluid from dairy cows as inocula in the Hohenheim gas test (HGT) using a large number of different-quality feeds. It then was evaluated whether GP obtained by using rumen inoculum (RI-GP) can be estimated from GP using faecal inoculum (FI-GP). Ninety feeds for ruminants including roughages (n = 27), total mixed rations (n = 6), commercial compound feeds for dairy cows (n = 18), cereal grains (n = 10), energy-rich by-products (n = 5), legume grains (n = 6), oilseed meals (n = 6), and other protein-rich feeds (n = 12) were incubated with either rumen inoculum (RI) or faecal inoculum (FI), and GP was recorded at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Nonlinear equations were fitted to the GP data to determine GP kinetic parameters. Correlations between RI-GP and FI-GP were calculated for different time points. Linear regressions were calculated to estimate RI-GP from FI-GP using the entire data set or subsets of roughages and concentrates. GP kinetic parameters were lower for all feed categories when incubated with FI instead of RI. On average of all feed samples, the potential GP was 9 mL/200 mg dry matter (DM) lower and the rate of GP was 3.1%/h lower with FI than RI. The estimation of kinetic data for FI included a lag phase of 1.51 h on average, whereas no lag phase was estimated for RI. Estimated parameters indicated an overall lower fermentation activity of FI than RI. However, there was a very similar progression of GP curves of RI-GP and FI-GP. RI-GP after 24 h was significantly correlated with FI-GP in the time period of 24 to 60 h (r = 0.973 - 0.982, including all feed samples). Linear regression analysis showed that RI-GP after 24 h can be estimated from FI-GP after 24 h (Slope = 1.02, R² = 0.97) and 48 h (Slope = 1.1, R² = 0.97) including the complete data set. Splitting the data set into roughages and concentrate feeds did not lead to distinctly higher estimation accuracy. In conclusion, sheep faeces can be used as an alternative inoculum for studying a wide range of different-quality feedstuffs. The standard gas test may be modified without the need for rumen-cannulated animals.

Environmental issues and concerns about animal welfare display current challenges in animal husbandry and feeding. Rye, a cereal that has scarcely been used in animal feed in recent decades, could help address some of the challenges in pig feeding as a climate friendly and health promoting feed ingredient. Distinct constituents of rye - especially its non-starch-polysaccharides (NSP) - are fermented in the large intestine while short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced in that process. This can promote gut health and the feeling of satiety in pigs. To examine the site of the digestion of rye within the digestive tract in comparison to wheat as a widely used ingredient in pig diets, two diets with high shares of either wheat or rye (each 69.0%) were fed to ileo-caecally fistulated, adult minipigs. Ileal digesta and faeces were collected and ileal, total tract and postileal digestibility rates were calculated. In the apparent ileal digestibility (AID), significant differences were only found for organic matter (OM) and Nitrogen-free extract (NfE) with lower values for the rye-rich diets (77.2 ± 2.00 vs. 73.8 ± 2.01% and 79.8 ± 2.56 vs. 75.3 ± 2.61%, respectively). These differences could not be recovered for the total tract digestibility (ATTD - 90.2 ± 2.16 vs. 89.8 ± 1.94% and 93.0 ± 1.69 vs. 92.8 ± 1.37%, respectively), resulting in an elevated postileal digestibility which was significant for NfE (13.2 ± 2.42 vs. 17.5 ± 2.77%). Therefore, rye can be used to promote hindgut fill and fermentation in pig feeding, especially in restrictively fed animals such as pregnant sows.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an important source of fibre and seed oil and protein. By-products of industrial hemp fibre production, like hemp seeds and cakes, can be used as feed for all animal species as fat and protein source and the whole hemp plant (including stalk and leaves) might be a suitable fibre source for ruminants. However, a previous feeding experiment with leaf-flower-seed hemp silage, made from an industrial hemp variety, demonstrated detrimental effects on cow health parameters and a significant transfer of several cannabinoids, including the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), into cow's milk, posing a potential risk to the safety of consumers. Based on those observations, the present study tested the hypothesis that anaerobic fermentation, as during ensiling, increases the content of ∆9-THC in hemp. Therefore, silages of whole plants from the industrial hemp Cannabis sativa L. var. Ivory were prepared in a multifactorial design, with the four treatments 1) untreated control (CON), 2) addition of 10 mL per kg fresh weight homofermentative lactobacilli at 10⁵ cfu/mL (LBAC), 3) addition of 10 mL per kg fresh weight homofermentative lactobacilli at 10⁵ cfu/mL plus 30 g molasses (LBACmol) and 4) addition of propionic acid (10 mL/kg fresh weight) (PRO). Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation (UHPLC-MS/MS) was performed for analysis of cannabinoids in fresh hemp material and after 10 and 90 days of ensiling. The study revealed that ensiling decreased all acid forms of analysed cannabinoids in hemp at about 40-65% of the initial values after 90 days of storage, with the exception of cannabinolic acid (CBNA), and CBGA, the acidic form of cannabigerol (CBG). This decrease in most acidic forms was accompanied by an increase of the corresponding non-acidic forms of all cannabinoids, including the psychoactive ∆9-THC. Thus, although ensiling decreases the total cannabinoid content, psychoactive compounds like ∆9-THC can increase, enhancing the risk for animal health and a transfer of these substances into animal derived products.

Dietary fibre is mainly classified according to its chemical characteristics but structure and particle size of fibre-rich feedstuff can also be decisive for digestion and performance. So far, only few studies investigated this in pigs. This experiment aimed to compare coarse and finely ground dried hemp plants and apple pomace regarding performance and ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. Coarse or finely ground apple pomace or dried hemp plants were added to the diet of 56 nine weeks old growing pigs (DanBred x Duroc), housed in flat decks with each 2 animals. The growing pigs received the experimental diets for three weeks while performance was recorded. Eight pigs per group were sacrificed and digesta and organ tissue sampled. The stomach health was evaluated by visually scoring of the mucosa integrity. Apparent ileal (AID) and total tract digestibility (ATTD) were calculated using titanium dioxide as marker. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). The highest feed intake (fibre particle size, p = 0.018) and bodyweight gain (fibre particle size, p = 0.018; fibre source x particle size interaction, p = 0.040), was observed in animals fed finely ground apple pomace, while the feed conversion ratio was 8-12% lower in pigs fed finely ground fibre sources (p = 0.012). No differences in stomach mucosa integrity were detected between the groups. The relative pancreas (p = 0.045), stomach (p < 0.001), and jejunum (p = 0.010) weights were higher in animals fed diets containing apple pomace. In contrast, the relative liver, caecum and colon weights were not affected by fibre source or particle size. The AID of protein and amino acids was not affected, while ATTD was increased by fibre source (hemp vs. apple pomace) reducing faecal nitrogen excretion. The AID of calcium was increased when diets contained apple pomace (p < 0.001), while zinc AID and ATTD were enhanced when diets contained dried hemp (p = 0.016; p = 0.016, respectively). Our results suggest that the structure as well as the chemical characteristics should be considered in a future fibre evaluation system in pigs.

Black soldier fly meal in pet diets is gaining acceptance. This study aimed to assess the use of black soldier fly larvae defatted meal (BSFL) and its impact on blood parameters, biochemical markers, organic antioxidant capacity, skin barrier function and skin and coat quality. A cross-over study involved eight beagle dogs with two periods of 50 days each and a washout period of seven days in between. Two approximately iso-nutritive extruded diets were evaluated, the first containing 29.5% BSFL meal and a control diet containing 26% poultry by-product meal (PBP) as protein source. Skin and coat evaluations and blood collections were conducted before and after each period. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurement of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) in belly and pinna of the dogs on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 of each period. A trend for higher antioxidant effect significant reduction in serum scavenging capacity was found with PBP for BSFL diet trough malondialdehyde and Vitamin E measurement in dog's serum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. When fed PBP diet dogs exhibited reduction in serum cholesterol triglycerides and decreased LDL levels after 50 days, while dogs fed BSFL presented significant reduction in ALT. TEWL was significantly reduced in belly and pinna over time when dogs were fed BSFL, and TEWL in belly was significantly lower in dogs fed BSFL in comparison to PBP. while Increased SCH was also higher for the BSFL group observed in the same along the feeding period in comparison to PBP, indicating improved ability of the dogs to retain water and keep skin moisture. Improvement skin barrier function could be related to fatty acids from BSFL and increased sebaceous lipids in skin. These are responsible for to avoid water loss and improve skin protection against microbial insults. Inclusion of BSFL as protein source did not promote negative changes in blood biochemistry and had minor antioxidant effect in healthy dogs. However, it proved effective in improving skin barrier function, making BSFL a valuable alternative protein source for dogs, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies manifesting on the skin.

A 4-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) content and resistant starch (RS) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and microbial metabolites of weaned pigs. A total of 96 pigs (7.06 ± 0.45 kg body weight) were assigned to 1 of 4 diets in a randomised complete block design involving a 2 (CP levels) × 2 (without or with RS) factorial arrangement to give 8 replicate pens and 3 pigs per pen. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded weekly, and the faecal consistency score was determined every morning. Blood was sampled on days 1, 14 and 28 from one pig per pen, and the same pig was euthanised on day 28 to collect ileal tissue and ileal and colon digesta. Data were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The average daily gain and gain:feed ratio were lower (p < 0.05) in pigs fed low crude protein (LCP) diets compared to those fed high CP (HCP) diets during week 3 and overall period. The analysed Lys, Met+Cys and Thr in feed were lower than calculated values, particularly in LCP diets, which may have affected performance. Pigs fed the LCP diets had longer (p < 0.05) ileal villi and higher villus height to crypt depth ratios than those fed the HCP diets, and RS supplementation increased (p < 0.05) ileal villus height. Interactions (p < 0.05) between dietary CP content and RS inclusion were observed for short-chain fatty acid concentration in the ileum and colon in phase 2. There was no difference in propionic acid (ileum) or butyric acid (colon) concentrations among pigs fed HCP diets, however, the butyric acid concentration increased in pigs fed the LCP diet when supplemented with RS. Reducing dietary CP lowered (p < 0.05) faecal score, plasma urea nitrogen and digesta ammonia content. Overall, feeding LCP diets reduced growth performance but improved gut morphology in weaned pigs. Feeding the LCP diet with RS supplementation modulated concentrations of ileal propionic acid and colonic butyric acid in weaned pigs.

In Africa, a wide variety of diets (forage + crop co-products or other agricultural by-products) is being used by livestock farmers in different production systems to adapt to climate change. This study aimed to assess the performance of various local feeding strategies on Sudanese Fulani zebu cattle. Two experiments were carried out on 10 steers aged initially 33 months (142 kg body weight - BW). The animals were fed eight different diets at an intake level of 3.2% LW in dry matter (DM), including two control diets of 100% rangeland forage (100% RF) and six experimental diets made up of forage and crop co-products (75:25 DM ratio). In the first experiment, the control diet was made up of rangeland forage (RF) and supplements consisted of four cereal co-products (CC), i.e. maize, sorghum, millet, and rice straws. In the second experiment, the control diet consisted of Panicum maximum (Pmax) hay, and the supplements tested were two legume co-products (LC), i.e. cowpea and peanut haulms. Each experiment lasted 3 weeks, including 2 weeks of adaptation to the diet and 1 week of data collection on individual animals (intake, apparent digestibility, and enteric methane). The NDF content of the diets was different within each experiment (p < 0.05). Among diets containing CC, DM intake [g/kg BW] was significantly higher (+31%; p = 0.025) for the diet containing rice straw than for the other diets, which showed similar levels to the RF diet. Among diets containing LC, intake was significantly higher (p = 0.004) than for the Pmax diet. Intake was higher for the peanut haulm diet than for the cowpea haulm diet. The DM digestibility was similar between the different diets in each experiment. Enteric methane (eCH₄) yield [g/kg DMI] from the CC and LC-containing diets were reduced by an average of 23% and 20% compared to the RF and Pmax control diets respectively. Raising awareness among agro-pastoralists about the use of crop co-products offers real prospects for eCH₄ emissions mitigation in the Sahel region.