Can banana peel and sweet potato vines serve as efficient feed ingredients in diets for growing rabbits?

This study aimed to evaluate the use of banana peel (BP) and sweet potato vines (SPV) as a replacement for maize and alfalfa hay in diets for rabbits. Animal performance, economic analyses, meat composition, and color were evaluated for 49 days in a total 50 New Zealand White rabbits weaned at 35 days with an average body mass of ± 614 g. The animals were allotted, in a completely randomized design, having five dietary groups: control diet (0), without banana peels and sweet potato vines, or experimental diets, 25, 50, 75, and 100-with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of banana peels and sweet potato vines in substitution to maize and alfalfa hay, respectively. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, while the means were compared by Tukey test (p < 0.05). The results indicate that daily feed intake, mass gain, and feed conversion were not statistically different from one another in the test groups compared to the control group treatment. In addition, the study shows no differences were observed in centesimal compositions and muscle color. The replacement of maize and alfalfa hay by the combination of BP and SPV resulted in reduction in feed costs, reaching 50% in the experimental diet with 100% of substitution the ingredients. It can be concluded, based on the results on animal performance, meat/color composition, and economic analyses, that BP and SPV may be used as a substitute for maize and alfalfa hay up to 100% in diets for growing rabbits.

Fractionation of linseed and obtaining ingredients rich in protein and fibers: alternatives for animal feed.

BACKGROUND: Linseed fractionation was performed in laboratory scale to obtain concentrated protein and fiber fractions. Three methods were tested to obtain the linseed protein concentrate (LPC). The isoelectric pH method was more efficient in increasing the protein content and also provided higher yield. In the fractions obtained, the chemical composition (dry matter, ash, lipids, crude protein, total dietary fiber, calcium and phosphorus), total phenolic compounds and the physicochemical properties were evaluated. The profile of amino acids was determined for linseed meal and LPC, and the profile of monosaccharides was evaluated for linseed grain, soluble and insoluble fractions of the fiber. RESULTS: The results indicated that the protein concentration method by isoelectric pH improved the amino acidic profile and in vitro digestibility of LPC. The fractioning of the linseed fiber was efficient, since the soluble fiber of the soluble fraction corresponded to 675 g kg-1 . The separation of the fiber from the linseed concentrated the phenolic compounds in the insoluble fraction. For linseed grain there was a higher concentration of glucose, followed by xylose, galacturonic acid and arabinose. The same monosaccharides were identified in the insoluble fraction, with the exception of arabinose. In the soluble fraction, higher levels of xylose were found, followed by glucose, galacturonic acid and arabinose. CONCLUSION: The present study allows us to conclude that it is possible to separate the linseed into different fractions, obtaining a protection concentrate and fibers. The inclusion of these products in animal feed needs to be evaluated to determine levels of acceptance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of combined inclusion of Malvae sylvestris, Origanum vulgare, and Allium hirtifolium boiss for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) diet: Growth performance, antioxidant defense, and immunological parameters.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a mixture of three medicinal plants extracts (COP: common mallow (Malvae sylvestris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium boiss)) on growth, hematological indices, immunological parameters, liver antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Accordingly, 540 common carp fingerlings were randomly allotted to 18 fiberglass tanks, including six treatments each in triplicate. Fish were fed with experimental diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5% of the herbal mixture. After 60 days, the effects on growth performance, antioxidant, and immunological parameters were evaluated. According to the results, the highest final weight was observed in the fish fed 2 and 3% of the herbal mixture. Also, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a significant decrease in fish treated with the herbal mix, so that the lowest FCR was observed in the treatment 1%. Hematological examinations such as red blood cells (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin showed significant changes between different parameters compared to the control group. The highest protein content was observed in the fish supplemented with 2, 3, and 5% herbs. Besides, in contrast to glucose, the cortisol level showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. The digestive enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, and Protease) were significantly higher in 2 and 3% treatments than in the control group. Also, a significant difference was found in Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content between the experimental and control treatments. Examination of liver enzymes (and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) showed a significant difference in herbal mixture treatments with the control group, according to which the lowest amount of these enzymes was recorded in 2 and 3% herb supplemented fish. Herbal mix resulted in higher mucosal and intestinal immunity parameters, including total immunoglobulin (total Ig), lysozyme, alternative complement activities (ACH50), protease, and ALP. According to the results, supplementing the diet with a mixture of the COP can significantly improve growth parameters, stimulate the innate immune system, and improve antioxidant defenses and liver health of common carp.

Linseed fibers modulate the production of short-chain fatty acids and improve performance and plasma and skin mucus parameters of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic action of distinct linseed fibers on diets for silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) juvenile. For this, soluble and insoluble fractions of linseed fiber were concentrated separately and combined in four ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4), which were added in diets and evaluated along with a control diet. After 45 days receiving the experimental diets, the animals were submitted to biometry for data collection and samples. The experimental design was completely randomized, data were submitted to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Fish performance was higher for the group that received the 1:2 and 1:4 diets. The production of intestinal acetic acid was higher in fish fed on the 1:2 diet, and butyric acid was higher with 1:4 diet and the propionic acid with the control diet. The control diet led to lower counts of goblet cells. Total proteins and globulins in plasma, mucoprotein, total immunoglobulins, and cutaneous mucus pH were higher in fish fed on diets 1:2 and 1:4. Cortisol levels and intestinal pH were lower in these treatments. The linseed fiber intake increased total plasma immunoglobulins and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and in mucus. It was concluded that the use of 1:2 and 1:4 soluble fiber/insoluble linseed in the diet beneficially modulates the production of short-chain fatty acids in the digesta, with reflection on growth performance, number of goblet cells in the intestinal epithelium, and improvement in plasma and skin mucus parameters of fish.

The Effects of Fermentable Dietary Fiber on Performance and Metabolism of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of new prebiotics in the diet on performance and metabolism (liver protein, glucose and glycogen) of Nile tilapia. For 60 days, 720 Nile tilapia (3.4 ± 0.60 g) were maintained in 24 polypropylene tanks (280 liters). Fish were fed with experimental diets with addition of 2.5 and 5 g kg-1 of dietary fiber of citrus pulp (DFCP), dietary fiber of linseed (DFL) and Actigen®. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 3x2 factorial arrangement. At the end of the period, there was higher final weight of tilapias fed on diets containing DFCP and DFL, and regardless of prebiotic, the best results in the final weight and length were observed for inclusion of 2.5 g kg-1. There was higher body protein deposition in tilapia fed on diets containing DFCP, without differences from those with inclusion of DFL. Total fat deposition was higher for the lowest level of inclusion (2.5 g kg-1). The digestive somatic index was higher for the diet with inclusion of DFCP, which did not differ from the diet with inclusion of Actigen®. There were higher concentrations of liver glycogen in the diets containing DFCP and Actigen®. Faced with the search for alternative growth promoters, this study confirms the possibility of using the new prebiotics (DFCP and DFL) in nutrition of Nile tilapia, because they showed efficiency equivalent to the prebiotic Actigen®.

Effects of Probiotic Bacteria Bacillus on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Hematological Parameters of Asian Sea Bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch).

This study was conducted to evaluate different doses of two species of Bacillus (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis), on growth parameters, chemical composition of fish, activity of liver, and digestive enzymes of Asian sea bass. During 8 weeks, juvenile Asian sea bass received diets supplemented with 1 × 103, 1 × 106, and 1 × 109 CFU g-1 probiotic in addition to a control diet without added microorganisms. At the end of the trial, growth indices (total weight, total length, specific growth rate, total weight gain, food conversion ratio, and condition factor), body composition (crude protein, crude lipid, ash, and dry matter), digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase), liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], immunologic indicators (lysozyme), and hematological parameters [hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs)] were assessed. Asian sea bass receiving diets supplemented with probiotic Bacillus (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis) showed significantly better growth than those fed the basal diet (control). Regarding body composition, total protein levels and dry matter were higher and lipid levels were lower in fish fed the diet containing 1 × 106 CFU g-1 probiotic compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) and hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, and Hb) were all highest in fish fed diet supplemented with 1 × 106 CFU g-1 probiotic Bacillus. Also, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) were lower in fish fed diet supplemented with 1 × 106 CFU g-1 probiotic Bacillus. Being that supplementation of 1 × 106 CFU g-1 of Bacillus in the diet is the dose which delivers the best results.

Própolis em dietas para o jundiá / Propolis in diets for silver catfish

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso da própolis como promotor de crescimento para o jundiá na fase inicial. Foram utilizados 450 juvenis de jundiá com 2,02 ± 0,55 g, alimentados com dietas contendo quatro níveis de própolis (0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0%), além de um tratamento controle (sem inclusão de própolis). Utilizou-se um sistema de recirculação de água, composto por 15 tanques (230 L de volume útil). Durante o ensaio experimental os parâmetros de qualidade da água foram mantidos em condições ideais para os peixes. Foram avaliados parâmetros de crescimento, proteína corporal, gordura corporal e glicose. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos e 3 repetições. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade e análise de variância. Quando a ANOVA foi significativa para as médias, aplicou-se o teste de Dunnet, utilizando o programa Statistical Analysis System®. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) da suplementação de própolis na dieta sobre os parâmetros de crescimento. A quantidade de gordura corporal foi reduzida com a adição de própolis acima de 0,5%. Maior nível de glicose foi observado nos peixes alimentados com 2% de própolis na dieta. Conclui-se que a própolis testada na dieta não foi eficaz como promotor de crescimento para o jundiá.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of propolis as a growth promoter for South American catfish in the initial phase. Were used 450 jundiá juvenile with 2.02 ± 0.55 g, these were fed diets containing four propolis levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%), plus a control treatment (without inclusion of propolis). It was used a water re-use system, composed by 15 tanks (230 L). During the experimental test water quality parameters were maintained in optimal conditions for fish. It was evaluated growth parameters, body protein body fat and glucose. The DIC was used, completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 3 replicates. The data were submitted to normality tests and analysis of variance. When ANOVA was significant for the means, was applied the Dunnett test, using the program Statistical Analysis System®. Were not observed significant differences (P>0.05) of the propolis inclusion on growth parameters. The amount of fat was reduced with the addition of propolis above 0.5%. Increased glucose level was observed in the fish fed with 2.0% propolis in the diet. It was concluded that the propolis tested in the diet is not effective as growth promoter for the jundiá.