Energy metabolism and respirometry of lambs fed sun or shade dried hays of banana crop residues.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of different drying methods for banana residues on the energy metabolism and respirometry of growing lambs. Twenty Santa Inês x Dorper lambs were fed five experimental diets: Tifton 85 grass hay (Control), shade-dried banana leaf hay (LH Shade), shade-dried pseudostem banana hay (PH Shade), sun-dried banana leaf hay (LH Sun), and sun-dried banana pseudostem hay (PH Sun). Nutrient intake and digestibility were assessed in metabolic cages, whereas O2 consumption and CO2, methane, and heat production were measured in a respirometry chamber with animals fed at maintenance and ad libitum levels. Nutrient and energy intake was not influenced by diet. Pseudostem hay had higher apparent digestibility of dry matter (71.5%), organic matter (72.4%), and neutral detergent fiber (58.0%). However, this led to greater energy loss in the form of methane (12.1%). The banana residue hays and drying methods did not alter oxygen consumption, CO2 production, or heat production of animals fed ad libitum or during maintenance. On the other hand, the use of leaf hay resulted in a reduction of 24.7% in enteric methane production of animals fed ad libitum. The inclusion of pseudostem hay is recommended in sheep feedlot diet. This residue provided greater use of DM, however promoted a greater loss of energy in the form of methane, resulting in similar energy consumption. The drying methods did not reduce the availability of nutrients and the sun drying method is recommended, since it is a faster drying method.

Impact of diversified grazing systems on milk production, nutrient use and enteric methane emissions in dual-purpose cows.

This study evaluated three continuous grazing systems: Brachiaria Brizantha, Clitoria ternatea and naturalized pastures, complemented with commercial concentrate and C. ternatea silage on milk yield, nutrient use and enteric methane (CH4) emissions. Nine multiparous cows of local Zebu breeds, with an average weight of 448 ± 87 kg, were used. The chemical composition of the food was determined. Live weight, milk production, and quality were assessed. Furthermore, serum urea, urea nitrogen, creatinine and glucose in blood were monitored, and nitrogen use efficiency were calculated. Enteric methane (CH4) emissions were estimated using Tier-2 methodology. A 3 × 3 latin square experimental design was applied. The grazing systems of B. brizantha and C. ternatea had the greater live weights of 465.8 and 453.3 kg/cow, although the latter is similar to naturalized pasture. Milk production and quality were not affected by grazing system, with the exception of the non-fat solids, where the C. ternatea system was lower (102.2 g/kg) than the other grazing systems. The crude protein and N intake, and N excretion in feces and urine were lower in naturalized pasture systems (1139.0 g/day). N outputs in milk was high in the C. ternatea system (56.3 g/cow/day). The naturalized pastures systems showed the better feed use efficiency (25.7%) compared to others. Serum urea and blood urea nitrogen were greater in B. brizantha followed by C. ternatea. Enteric CH4 emissions were indifferent among grazing systems when expressed as a percentage of greenhouse gases (7.1%). In conclusion, the grazing C. ternatea supplemented with commercial concentrate and C. ternatea silage maintains milk production and quality, reduced cow/day emissions (by 2.5%) and lowered energy losses as methane.

Investigations on Xenopus laevis body composition and feeding behavior in a laboratory setting.

The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as a laboratory animal for decades in many research areas. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional physiology of this amphibian species and the feeding regimen is not standardized. The aim of the present study was to get more insights into the nutrient metabolism and feeding behavior of the frogs. In Trial 1, adult female X. laevis were fed either a Xenopus diet or a fish feed. After 4 weeks, they were euthanized, weighed, measured for morphometrics and dissected for organ weights and whole-body nutrient analysis. There were no significant differences between the diet groups regarding the allometric data and nutrient contents. The ovary was the major determinant of body weight. Body fat content increased with body weight as indicator of energy reserves. In Trial 2, 40 adult female frogs were monitored with a specifically developed digital tracking system to generate heat-maps of their activity before and up to 25 min after a meal. Three diets (floating, sinking, floating & sinking) were used. The main feed intake activity was fanning the feed into the mouth, peaking until 20 min after the meal. The different swimming characteristics of the diets thereby influenced the activity of the animals. Our dataset helps to adjust the feeding needs to the physical composition and also to meet the natural behavioral patterns of feed intake as a prerequisite of animal wellbeing and animal welfare in a laboratory setting.

Identification and florfenicol-treatment of pseudomonas putida infection in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed on tilapia-trash-feed.

The present study aimed to determine the major cause of the high mortality affecting farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and controlling this disease condition. Fifteen diseased S. aurata were sampled from a private fish farm located at Eldeba Triangle, Damietta, fish showed external skin hemorrhages, and ulceration. Bacterial isolates retrieved from the diseased fish were identified biochemically as Pseudomonas putida and then confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the 16 S rRNA gene sequence. P. putida was also isolated from three batches of tilapia-trash feed given to S. aurata. Biofilm and hemolytic assay indicated that all P. putida isolates produced biofilm, but 61.11% can haemolyse red blood cells. Based on the antibiotic susceptibility test results, P. putida was sensitive to florfenicol with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging between 0.25 and 1.0 µg mL- 1, but all isolates were resistant to ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Pathogenicity test revealed that P. putida isolate (recovered from the tilapia-trash feed) was virulent for S. aurata with LD50 equal to 4.67 × 107 colony forming unit (CFU) fish- 1. After intraperitoneal (IP) challenge, fish treated with 10 mg kg- 1 of florfenicol showed 16.7% mortality, while no mortality was recorded for the fish group that received 20 mg kg- 1. The non-treated fish group showed 46.7% mortality after bacterial challenge. HPLC analysis of serum florfenicol levels reached 1.07 and 2.52 µg mL- 1 at the 5th -day post-drug administration in the fish groups received 10 and 20 mg kg- 1, respectively. In conclusion, P. putida was responsible for the high mortality affecting cultured S. aurata, in-feed administration of florfenicol (20 mg kg- 1) effectively protected the challenged fish.

Effect of dietary inclusion of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier) grass on growth performance, rumen fermentation and meat quality of feedlot sussex red steers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, fermentation indices and meat quality of Sussex steers fed totally mixed rations that composed of graded inclusion levels of Napier grass (NP). Three experimental diets designated as diet 1 (0.0 g kg-1 NP: Control), diet 2 (300 g kg-1 NP grass) and diet 3 (600 g kg-1 NP) were formulated. Twenty-four male steers aged 8 months with an average body weight of 185.0 ± 30 kg were used. In a completely randomized design, the animals were allocated to the diets and fed for 120 days. Dietary NP inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) the animals' average daily gain and increased the feed efficiency. The steers' daily feed intake and final body weight decreased (P < 0.05) with a 600 g kg-1 inclusion level. The fermentation indices were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion. While the inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) warm muscle temperature, it had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass dressing percentage, warm and cold initial and ultimate pH. However, 600 g kg-1 inclusion level reduced (P > 0.05) warm and cold carcass weights. Meat physical attributes, moisture characteristics and tenderness were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, except for the 7-days aged meat thaw loss, which increased at 600 g kg-1 inclusion level. Inclusion of 300 g kg-1 increased meat protein and fat, but dry and organic matter contents decreased with increasing inclusion levels. Dietary inclusion of NP grass up to 300 g kg-1 in steers' diets improved feed intake, carcass traits and yielded meat high in protein and fat.

Dietary monoglyceride supplementation to support intestinal integrity and host defenses in health-challenged weanling pigs.

Frequent incidence of postweaning enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) diarrhea in the swine industry contributes to high mortality rates and associated economic losses. In this study, a combination of butyric, caprylic, and capric fatty acid monoglycerides was investigated to promote intestinal integrity and host defenses in weanling pigs infected with ETEC. A total of 160 pigs were allotted to treatment groups based on weight and sex. Throughout the 17-d study, three treatment groups were maintained: sham-inoculated pigs fed a control diet (uninfected control [UC], n = 40), ETEC-inoculated pigs fed the same control diet (infected control [IC], n = 60), and ETEC-inoculated pigs fed the control diet supplemented with monoglycerides included at 0.3% of the diet (infected supplemented [MG], n = 60). After a 7-d acclimation period, pigs were orally inoculated on each of three consecutive days with either 3 mL of a sham-control (saline) or live ETEC culture (3 × 109 colony-forming units/mL). The first day of inoculations was designated as 0 d postinoculation (DPI), and all study outcomes reference this time point. Fecal, tissue, and blood samples were collected from 48 individual pigs (UC, n = 12; IC, n = 18; MG, n = 18) on 5 and 10 DPI for analysis of dry matter (DM), bacterial enumeration, inflammatory markers, and intestinal permeability. ETEC-inoculated pigs in both the IC and MG groups exhibited clear signs of infection including lower (P < 0.05) gain:feed and fecal DM, indicative of excess water in the feces, and elevated (P < 0.05) rectal temperatures, total bacteria, total E. coli, and total F18 ETEC during the peak-infection period (5 DPI). Reduced (P < 0.05) expression of the occludin, tumor necrosis factor α, and vascular endothelial growth factor A genes was observed in both ETEC-inoculated groups at the 5 DPI time point. There were no meaningful differences between treatments for any of the outcomes measured at 10 DPI. Overall, all significant changes were the result of the ETEC infection, not monoglyceride supplementation.

Infection caused by the bacterium known as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a common disruptor of weaned pigs' health, leading to economic losses for the producers. To determine if nutritional supplementation could help protect against these losses, weaned pigs were assigned to one of three treatments: 1) uninfected and fed a standard nursery pig diet, 2) infected with ETEC and fed the same standard diet, or 3) infected with ETEC and fed the standard diet supplemented with a combination of butyric, caprylic, and capric fatty acid monoglycerides. Growth performance was tracked throughout the 17-d study and health outcomes were measured at the peak and resolution of ETEC infection. At the peak-infection time point, pigs that were infected with ETEC had lower fecal moisture content, greater fecal bacterial concentrations, and elevated body temperatures compared with uninfected pigs. Additionally, infection reduced expression of genes related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and the intestinal barrier during the peak-infection period. Overall, all significant changes were the result of the ETEC infection, and there were no meaningful differences observed between the different treatments.

Impact of different forms of selenium supplementation on growth and physiological performance of New Zealand white rabbits.

Forty-eight weaned male New Zealand White rabbits aged 6 weeks with an initial body weight of (709.67 ± 13 g) were randomly divided into six experimental groups (8 rabbits each) for 6-14 weeks of age experimental periods. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of using different forms of Selenium element (inorganic, nanoparticles and organic) as dietary supplementation on productive performance of rabbits. Six experimental groups in completely randomized design were used. The first group (G1, control) was fed the basal diet to cover maintenance and production allowances. Rabbits in the other groups G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with Nano- Se at 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mg/kg diet, respectively. The 6th group (G6) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 mg/kg diet of salinized yeast (Se-yeast) as organic form. The results indicated that the highest values of nitrogen free extract (NFE) and crude fiber (CF) digestibility, live body weight, daily weight gain, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were observed with those supplemented with Nano-Se at all levels compared with other treatments. However, feed conversion, net revenue and economic efficiency values were improved with Nano-Se groups followed by organic Se group in comparisons with the control group. Conclusively, the Nano-Se in rabbit's diet has a positive effect in improving rabbit's performance and economic efficiency compared to the inorganic Selenium.

Effects of supplementing coated methionine in a high plant-protein diet on growth, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of TOR signaling pathway associated genes in gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio.

This study explored the impacts of supplementation of different levels of coated methionine (Met) in a high-plant protein diet on growth, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of genes related to TOR signaling pathway in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibeilo). A high-plant protein diet was formulated and used as a basal diet and supplemented with five different levels of coated Met at 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75%, corresponding to final analyzed Met levels of 0.34, 0.49, 0.64, 0.76, 0.92 and 1.06%. Three replicate groups of fish (initial mean weight, 11.37 ± 0.02 g) (20 fish per replicate) were fed the test diets over a 10-week feeding period. The results indicated that with the increase of coated Met level, the final weight, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate initially boosted and then suppressed, peaking at 0.76% Met level (P< 0.05). Increasing dietary Met level led to significantly increased muscle crude protein content (P< 0.05) and reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity (P< 0.05). Using appropriate dietary Met level led to reduced malondialdehyde concentration in hepatopancreas (P< 0.05), improved superoxide dismutase activity (P< 0.05), and enhanced intestinal amylase and protease activities (P< 0.05). The expression levels of genes associated with muscle protein synthesis such as insulin-like growth factor-1, protein kinase B, target of rapamycin and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein-1 mRNA were significantly regulated, peaking at Met level of 0.76% (P< 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing optimal level of coated Met improved on fish growth, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of TOR pathway related genes in muscle. The optimal dietary Met level was determined to be 0.71% of the diet based on quadratic regression analysis of WG.

Effects of a Curcumin/Silymarin/Yeast-Based Mycotoxin Detoxifier on Redox Status and Growth Performance of Weaned Piglets under Field Conditions.

The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the effects of a novel mycotoxin detoxifier whose formulation includes clay (bentonite and sepiolite), phytogenic feed additives (curcumin and silymarin) and postbiotics (yeast products) on the health, performance and redox status of weaned piglets under the dietary challenge of fumonisins (FUMs). The study was conducted in duplicate in the course of two independent trials on two different farms. One hundred and fifty (150) weaned piglets per trial farm were allocated into two separate groups: (a) T1 (control group): 75 weaned piglets received FUM-contaminated feed and (b) T2 (experimental group): 75 weaned piglets received FUM-contaminated feed with the mycotoxin-detoxifying agent from the day of weaning (28 days) until 70 days of age. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), protein carbonyls (CARBs) and the overall antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed in plasma as indicators of redox status at 45 and 70 days of age. Furthermore, mortality and performance parameters were recorded at 28, 45 and 70 days of age, while histopathological examination was performed at the end of the trial period (day 70). The results of the present study reveal the beneficial effects of supplementing a novel mycotoxin detoxifier in the diets of weaners, including improved redox status, potential hepatoprotective properties and enhanced growth performance.

The Effect of Combined Exposure of Fusarium Mycotoxins on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Defense, Fatty Acid Profile, and Histopathology in Laying Hens' Liver.

Fumonisin B1, T-2 toxin, and deoxynivalenol are frequently detected in feed materials. The mycotoxins induce free radical formation and, thereby, lipid peroxidation. The effects of mycotoxin exposure at the EU recommended limit (T-2/HT-2 toxin: 0.25 mg/kg; DON = 3AcDON/15-AScDON: 5 mg/kg; fumonisin B1: 20 mg/kg) and double dose (T-2/HT-2 toxin: 0.5 mg/kg, DON/3-AcDON/15-AcDON: 10 mg, and FB1: 40 mg/kg feed) were investigated during short-term (3 days) per os exposure in the liver of laying hens. On day 1 higher while on day 3 lower MDA concentrations were found in the low-dose group compared to the control. Fatty acid composition also changed: the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased by day 3. These alterations resulted in a decrease in the index of unsaturation and average fatty acid chain length. Histopathological alterations suggested that the incidence and severity of liver lesions were higher in the mycotoxin-treated laying hens, and the symptoms correlated with the fatty acid profile of total phospholipids. Overall, the findings revealed that mycotoxin exposure, even at the EU-recommended limits, induced lipid peroxidation in the liver, which led to changes in fatty acid composition, matched with tissue damage.

Utilization of some fruit rinds in small ruminant feeding: nutritional characteristics determination.

Every year, thousands of tons of fruit wastes are produced worldwide while most of them remain unused and are released into the environment. Incorporation of these wastes to feedstuffs reduces competition between food and feed, and reduces environmental risks or methane yield in ruminants. Nevertheless, no comprehensive research was available on the nutritional properties of rinds of different fruits in small ruminant feeding. Hence, this research investigates the nutritional potential of some fruit's rinds (Kiwi, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Sweet lemon, Sour lemon, Banana, Mango, Orange, Apple, Peach, and Persimmon) by in vitro ruminal-microbial and standard laboratory methods. Persimmon rind had the higher total phenolic contents (TPC, 22 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry matter: DM) than the other treatments (P < 0.0001). The ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash contents of banana rind were greater (P < 0.0001), however its DM, relative feed value (RFV), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) were lower than the other treatments (P < 0.0001). A different range of minerals was observed among fruit rinds along with a higher content of potassium (42.5 g/kg DM) and manganese (49 mg/kg DM) in banana rind (P < 0.0001). Persimmon (45.7 ml/200 mg DM) and sweet lemon (75.7 ml/200 mg DM) rinds recorded the lowest and highest potential gas production, respectively (P < 0.0001). Persimmon exhibited a lower percentage of methane (11.5%) rather than other rinds (P < 0.0001). The total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and metabolizable energy (ME) in sweet lemon, and dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in tangerine were greater compared with other rinds. The rind of the banana exhibited the highest amounts of titratable acidity (283 mEq×10- 3), acid-buffering capacity (200 mEq×10- 3), and acid-base buffering capacity (260 mEq×10- 3) (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the present rinds differed in chemical-nutritional characteristics. These rinds may feed as a substitute for conventional forages in the diets of small ruminants on a large scale throughout the year; however, these in vitro findings need to be scientifically validated under in vivo experiments.

Characterizing sow feed intake during lactation to explain litter and subsequent farrowing performance.

Variation in feed intake results in nearly 20% of sows consuming less than the recommended lysine (Lys) intake for lactating sows. The Lys requirement for lactating sows is based on litter size and piglet average daily gain which influences milk production. Litter size continues to increase every year causing the need for routine reevaluation of nutrient requirements. If dietary inclusion levels are not continuously adjusted this can lead to inadequate daily Lys and energy intake and may negatively impact sow body condition and litter performance. The objective was to characterize the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows and define feed intake patterns and their effects on sow body weight, farrowing performance, litter performance, and subsequent farrowing performance. ADFI during lactation was recorded for 4,248 sows from 7 independent research studies. Data collection occurred from November 2021 through November 2023 at a commercial breed-to-wean facility in western Illinois. Each sow was categorized as: consistently low intake (< 5.5 kg/d) throughout the lactation (LLL); low intakes (< 5 kg/d) in the first week, then gradually increased throughout the rest of the lactation period (LHH); gradual increase in intake throughout lactation with no drop and a peak intake after day 10 of lactation (gradual); rapid increase in intake with no drop and the peak intake met before day 10 (rapid); a major drop in feed intake (> 1.6 kg decrease for ≥ 2 d) any time during lactation (MAJOR); minor drop (≤ 1.6 kg for ≥ 2 d; MINOR). Sows were also separated into low (quartile 1; ≤ 25%), average (quartile 2 through 3), or high feed intake (quartile 4; ≥ 75%) by parity (P1, P2, P3+). Sows in the LLL category were younger in parity, had the greatest preweaned mortality, weaned the lightest average pigs, and experienced the greatest loss in body weight percentage compared with sows in all other feed intake categories. Furthermore, sows in the LLL and LHH categories had one fewer subsequent pig born compared with sows in the other four categories. These data support historical findings that feed intake patterns directly contribute to current litter farrowing performance. Lactation intake patterns also influence subsequent farrowing performance. Identifying under-consuming sows that are likely Lys and energy deficient allows producers opportunities to promote consistent, adequate daily intakes to these groups and mitigate negative impacts on sow and litter performance.

This study investigated different sow feed intake patterns during lactation and average daily feed intakes within parity on current and subsequent farrowing and litter performance. Findings revealed sows that have consistently low intake throughout the lactation period have a significant reduction in average pig wean weight, a greater percentage of pre-wean mortality, and take an additional day or longer to return to estrus compared with sows that have average or above feed intake throughout the lactation period. Specifically, older parity sows were heavier, had greater feed intake, nursed heavier litters, and had litters with less preweaned mortality compared with younger parity sows. The average pig weaned weight and subsequent total pigs born improved as intake increased within parity. Prewean mortality decreased as feed intake increased within parity. These findings highlight the importance of ensuring sows are not only eating enough, but that they are consuming more than average when possible, to continually improve current and subsequent farrowing and litter performance. This study provides important information that will allow producers to target specific under-consuming sows and then promote consistent and high daily lactation intakes. Targeting these potentially nutrient-restricted sows may help reduce negative impacts on sow and litter performance.

Economic analysis of banana peel and sweet potato vines in diets for rabbits.

This study aimed to evaluate the costs of using banana peel (BP) and sweet potato vine (SPV) in rabbit diets. BP and SPV were chosen to replace maize and alfalfa hay, because, in addition to the ingredients having similar nutritional characteristics, they are among the most expensive ingredients in rabbit diets. Data were obtained through a biological assay carried out in the Cuniculture Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Fifty New Zealand white rabbits, weaned at 35 days of age, were fed during the growth phase (35 to 84 days) with increasing levels of BP and SPV, replacing maize and alfalfa hay (T0, T25, T50, T75 and T100% replacement). A diet containing 100% replacement (T100) had the lowest cost per kilogram, which was R$ 1.18/kg, while the controlled diet was 57% more expensive, costing R$ 2.08/kg. The total operating cost to produce a rabbit with control treatment was R$10.93/head and at T100, it was R$6.51/head. The animal income for a live rabbit was R$ 24.08 and R$ 23.95 in treatments T0 and T100, respectively. Regarding the gain margin per animal (GMA), in TO it was R$ 13.16 while in T100 it was R$ 17.44, therefore the GMA was 32.55% higher when using the T100 diet. In conclusion, it is more economical and feasible to feed rabbits with diets containing 100% BP and SPV, replacing maize and alfalfa hay.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in Chinese fermented soybean meal from different sources fed to mid and late-gestating sows.

We determined apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in fermented soybean meal from five different sources (FSBM 1 to 5) in China when fed to mid and late-gestating sows. Twenty-four parity four sows (12 at 30 d in gestation and 12 at 80 d in gestation) were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and used in this experiment. Sows were randomly assigned to a replicated 6 × 3 Youden square design including six diets and three periods. Six diets were provided for sows in mid and late gestation, including a nitrogen-free diet and five test diets containing 26% FSBM from different sources. Results showed that there were differences in AID and SID of CP among the different FSBM samples, but no differences between sow physiological stages were observed. Specifically, when mid-gestating sows were fed FSBM 2, the AID of CP was the lowest, whereas FSBM 3 exhibited a greater AID of CP when compared to the other FSBM samples (P < 0.01). Furthermore, during late gestation, FSBM 3 consistently had greater SID of CP when compared to other FSBM samples (P < 0.01). The ileal digestibility of most AA varied with different FSBM samples. In both mid and late gestation, differences (P < 0.05) were observed for AID of lysine, tryptophan, histidine, and arginine across different FSBM samples. Similarly, the AID of dispensable AA (cysteine, glutamine, and serine) also exhibited differences (P < 0.05) across different FSBM samples in both mid and late-gestating sows. For mid-gestating sows, SID differences relating to lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, and arginine were observed among different diets (P < 0.05). In late-gestating sows, SID values for lysine, tryptophan, leucine, and arginine differed across diets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the ileal digestibility of some dispensable AA was influenced by physiological stage, as evidenced by greater AID and SID values for glycine, glutamine, cysteine, and serine in late-gestating sows when compared to mid-gestating sows (P < 0.01). In summary, our study determined AA ileal digestibility of different FSBM fed to mid and late-gestating sows. We observed that the AA ileal digestibility differed among five FSBM samples, but the physiological stage of sows did not affect the ileal digestibility of CP and most AA. Additionally, when formulating diets for sows, it is crucial to consider the nutritional value differences of FSBM.

Fermented soybean meal (FSBM) is obtained from the microbial fermentation of soybean meal, which reduces anti-nutritional factor levels and enhances other nutrient content. Substituting soybean meal with FSBM in piglet and growing pig diets improves nutrient digestibility. However, its nutritional value for sows remains unclear. Therefore, five sources of FSBM were fed to sows in mid and late gestation to evaluate apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of amino acids (AA). We found that different FSBM samples impacted the SID value of AA when fed to gestating sows. Additionally, sow physiological stage influenced the SID of some dispensable AA. These findings provide valuable insights into the incorporation of FSBM into sow diets.

Nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast from the paper industry as a protein feed for ruminants: A comparison with soybean meal.

We compared nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast (NTY) with soybean meal (SBM) to evaluate NTY as a potential protein feed for ruminants in a metabolic trial using four castrated male goats. NTY was replaced isonitrogenously with SBM at a 25% crude protein (CP) level on a dry matter (DM) basis. NTY has 55% CP and 74% total digestive nutrients on DM. Absorbed N was lower on the NTY diet, but since the urinary N excretion was lower on the NTY diet, no significant between-diet difference in retained N was observed. The efficiency of N utilization (retained N/absorbed N) was significantly higher on the NTY diet. The Lys and Met contents (presumed limiting amino acids for dairy cattle) were higher in NTY than SBM, which may be why N utilization efficiency was higher for the NTY diet. Ruminal ammonia-N and blood serum N were lower on the NTY diet, suggesting that NTY has more rumen undegradable protein than SBM. There was no significant between-diet difference in the visceral disorder indicators or antioxidant activities. Our results indicate that NTY is a safe protein feed with a high CP ratio and high-quality amino acid profile for ruminants that is equivalent to SBM.

Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year.

Domestic dogs can maintain health on complete and well-balanced canine plant-based nutrition (K9PBN). Novel insight on health outcomes in dogs consuming K9PBN is of relevance to veterinary professionals and consumers given a growing interest in non-traditional dog foods with perceived health benefits, while considering potential safety concerns. We aimed to investigate nutritional equivalence by measuring clinical health outcomes in adult dogs fed K9PBN over twelve months compared to a meat-based diet at baseline. We enrolled fifteen clinically healthy adult dogs living in households in Los Angeles County, California in a prospective cohort study and evaluated clinical, hematological, and nutritional parameters in dogs at 0, 6, and 12 months, including complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, cardiac biomarkers, plasma amino acids, and serum vitamin concentrations. The study found that clinically healthy, client-owned, adult dogs maintain health, based on physical exams, complete blood count, serum chemistry, plasma amino acids, serum vitamins, and cardiac biomarkers combined with client-reported observations, when fed commercial K9PBN over a twelve-month period. This study is the most comprehensive and longest known K9PBN investigation to date and provides clinically relevant evidence-based nutrition data and new knowledge on outcomes in clinically healthy dogs who thrive without consumption of animal-derived ingredients. These results also provide a valuable foundation for the future study of K9PBN as a potential nutritional intervention for clinically relevant pathologies in canine medicine. Lastly, it is of major relevance to One Health paradigms since ingredients produced independent of industrial food animal production are both more sustainable and help to circumvent ethical dilemmas for maintenance of health in domestic dogs.

Dynamics of bone mineralization in primiparous sows as a function of dietary phosphorus and calcium during lactation.

To maximize the efficiency of dietary P utilization in swine production, understanding the mechanisms of P utilization in lactating sows is relevant due to their high P requirement and the resulting high inorganic P intake. Gaining a better knowledge of the Ca and P quantities that can be mobilized from bones during lactation, and subsequently replenished during the following gestation, would enable the development of more accurate P requirements incorporating this process of bone dynamics. The objective was to measure the amount of body mineral reserves mobilized during lactation, depending on dietary digestible P and phytase addition and to measure the amount recovered during the following gestation. Body composition of 24 primiparous sows was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry 2, 14, 26, 70 and 110 days after farrowing. Four lactation diets were formulated to cover nutritional requirements, with the exception of Ca and digestible P: 100% (Lact100; 9.9 g Ca and 3.0 g digestible P/kg), 75% (Lact75), 50% without added phytase (Lact50) and 50% with added phytase (Lact50 + FTU). The gestation diet was formulated to cover the nutritional requirements of Ca and digestible P (8.2 g Ca and 2.6 g digestible P/kg). During the 26 days of lactation, each sow mobilized body mineral reserves. The mean amount of mobilized bone mineral content (BMC) was 664 g, representing 240 g Ca and 113 g P. At weaning, the BMC (g/kg of BW) of Lact50 sows tended to be lower than Lact100 sows (-12.8%, linear Ca and P effect × quadratic time effect) while the BMC of Lact50 + FTU sows remained similar to that of Lact100 sows. During the following gestation, BMC returned to similar values among treatments. Therefore, the sows fed Lact50 could recover from the higher bone mineral mobilization that occurred during lactation. The P excretion was reduced by 40 and 43% in sows fed Lact50 and Lact50 + FTU, respectively, relative to sows fed Lact100. In conclusion, the quantified changes in body composition during the lactation and following gestation of primiparous sows show that bone mineral reserves were mobilized and recovered and that its degree was dependent on the dietary P content and from phytase supplementation during lactation. In the future, considering this potential of the sows' bone mineralization dynamics within the factorial assessment of P requirement and considering the digestible P equivalency of microbial phytase could greatly limit the dietary use of inorganic phosphates and, thus, reduce P excretion.

Exploring rumen fermentation and microbial populations in Dhofari goats fed a chitosan-added diet.

The use of chitosan (CHI) in ruminant diets is a promising natural modifier for rumen fermentation, capable of modulating both the rumen pattern and microbial activities. The objective of this study was to explore the rumen fermentation and microbial populations in Dhofari goats fed a diet supplemented with CHI. A total of 24 Dhofari lactating goats (body weight, 27.32 ± 1.80 kg) were assigned randomly into three experimental groups (n = 8 ewes/group). Goats were fed a basal diet with either 0 (control), 180 (low), or 360 (high) mg CHI/kg of dietary dry matter (DM) for 45 days. Feeding high CHI linearly increased (p < 0.05) the propionate level and reduced the acetate, butyrate, and total protozoa count (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations and the acetate:propionate ratio decreased linearly when goats were fed CHI (p < 0.05). The abundances of both Spirochetes and Fibrobacteres phyla were reduced (p < 0.05) with both CHI doses relative to the control. Both low and high CHI reduced (p < 0.05) the relative abundances of Butyrivibrio hungatei, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Selenomonas ruminantium and Neocallimastix californiae populations. Adding CHI significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the abundances of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Bacillariophyta phyla compared to the control. Adding CHI to the diet reduces the abundance of fibrolytic-degrading bacteria, however, it increases the amylolytic-degrading bacteria. Application of 360 mg of CHI/kg DM modified the relative populations of ruminal microbes, which could enhance the rumen fermentation patterns in Dhofari goats.

Inclusion of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) and pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) in dairy sheep diets.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed (CS) and Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seed (PS) are used in ruminant diets as energy sources. The current experiment studied the impact of dietary inclusion of CS and PS on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition of dairy sheep. Twelve primiparous Texel × Suffolk ewes [70 ± 5 days in milk (DIM); 0.320 ± 0.029 kg milk yield] were distributed in a 4 × 3 Latin square design and fed either a butter-based control diet [CON; 13 g/kg dry matter] or two diets with 61 g/kg DM of either CS or PS. Dietary inclusion of CS and PS did not alter live weight (p >0.1) and DM intake (p >0.1). However, compared to the CON, dietary inclusion of both CS and PS increased the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (p <0.001) and acid detergent lignin (p < 0.001). Milk production (p = 0.001), fat-corrected milk (p < 0.001), and feed efficiency (p < 0.001) were enhanced with PS, while the highest milk protein yield (p < 0.05) and lactose yield (p < 0.001) were for CS-fed ewes. Compared to the CON diet, the ingestion of either CS and/or PS decreased (p < 0.001) the C16:0 in milk. Moreover, both CS and PS tended to enhance the content of C18:3n6 (p > 0.05) and C18:3n3 (p > 0.05). Overall short-term feeding of CS and/or PS (up to 6.1% DM of diet) not only maintains the production performance and digestibility of nutrients but also positively modifies the milk FA composition.

Challenges and Future State for Mycotoxin Analysis: A Review From a Regulatory Perspective.

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi. Exposure to mycotoxins may occur through the consumption of contaminated foods or from animals that are fed contaminated feed. To safeguard the nation's food supply, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes a comprehensive mycotoxin program which samples and analyzes foods for surveillance and compliance purposes, including enforcing action levels. Mycotoxin analysis is at the center of the mycotoxin program, as concentration data are needed for data analysis, scientific assessments, and risk management. This review focuses on the Agency's continuous efforts to develop and incorporate fit-for-purpose analytical tools for mycotoxin analysis with particular focus on the relationship between analytical methodologies and scientific assessments. The discussion further highlights challenges and advancements in analytical methods and discusses future possibilities to develop analytical tools and preventative risk management approaches to meet the evolving regulatory needs.