Inclusion of Stored Wheat in the Feed of Broilers Influences Intake, Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Digesta Viscosity from 1-21 Days of Age

The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of replacing maize with new or stored wheat on the nutrient intake, digestibility, digesta viscosity, and growth performance of growing broilers from 1-21 days of age. For this purpose, 560 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly divided into seven experimental treatments, each with 8 replicates of 10 birds. The control diet was a corn soybean-based diet, while six other experimental treatments replaced the corn of the control diet with either 50% or 100% of new, 1.5 year, and 2.5-year-old wheat. The results showed that the replacement of corn with new wheat at 50% and 100% in the diet of broilers significantly reduced feed intake and body weight gain, and increased FCR (p<0.05) at week 3. Similarly, in the overall period of the starter phase (1-21 days), replacement of corn with new wheat at 50% and 100% in the diet of broilers significantly reduced feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and body weight gain, and increased digesta viscosity and FCR (p<0.05). Based on the findings of the current study, it is concluded that stored wheat successfully replaces corn and new wheat in the diet of broilers. Furthermore, stored wheat has a positive impact on feed intake, performance parameter, digesta viscosity, and nutrient digestibility as compared to new wheat.(AU)

Dietary Inclusion of Pancreatin Enzyme on the Ileal and Fecal Digestibility of Nutrients in Layer-Type Cockerels

The current experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of Pancreatin supplementation at different levels on ileal and fecal digestibility in layer-type cockerels. A total of 480-day-old silver brown Hy-Line male chicks were randomly allocated into 5 treatments, 6 replicates (16 birds per pen) arranged in a completely randomized design. Pancreatin enzyme was supplemented on a basal corn-soybean meal-based diet at 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg and was fed in two growth phases (starter and grower). The results indicated that at the end of the starter stage, except for 1000 mg/kg, dietary Pancreatin supplementation levels increased (p<0.05) the ileal crude protein (CP). Similarly, addition of Pancreatin increased (p< 0.05) apparent ileal amino acids (AA) digestibility (AIAAD) total means of AA (MTAA), means of indispensable AA (MIAA) and dispensable AA (MDAA) with the optimum performance on 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. However, except for histidine and alanine which were negatively affected (p<0.05), and MIAA, MDAA, MTAA which were also positively affected, the addition level at 1000 mg/kg did not affect most of the AIAAD compared to the non-supplemented. Further, Pancreatin supplementation had no effect (p>0.05) on nitrogen digestibility (ND), nitrogen retention (NR), digestible energy (DE), apparent metabolizable energy (AME), dry matter digestibility (DMD), dry matter retention (DMR), and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AME-n) on fed starter diet. On the other hand, at the end of the grower stage, dietary Pancreatin enzyme supplementation reduced (p<0.05) the ileal CP, MIAA, MDAA, MTAA, AIAAD, AME, AME-n, ND, NR, DE, DMD, and DMR in a dose-dependent manner. The rate of reduction was more marked on Pancreatin addition level 1000 mg/kg. In conclusion, Pancreatin supplementation at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg improved AIAAD and ileal CP, especially at the young age. The rate of pancreatin enzyme effect was dependent on enzyme supplement level to the ileal CP and individual amino acid.(AU)

Lutein and zeaxanthin content in corn imported from three countries of the American continent and in corn cultivated in Colombian territory / Conteúdo de luteína e zeaxantina em milho importado de três países do continente americano e em milho cultivado em território colombiano

Lutein and zeaxanthin are the major xanthophyll pigments found in corn kernels. These pigments provide the orange-red color of the broiler chicken skin and of the egg yolk. Therefore, knowing the corn xanthophyll content is important for the poultry feed producer. The objective of this study was to determine the lutein and the zeaxanthin content in corn cultivated in Colombia and in corn imported to Colombia from the United States, Argentina, and Brazil. Large differences in total lutein plus zeaxanthin content were found among the corn samples analyzed, with the highest mean level found in Colombian corn (2,758µg/100g), followed by Argentina (1,861µg/100g), United States (1,041µg/100g) and Brazil (947µg/100g). Large differences in lutein plus zeaxanthin content were also found among different corn hybrids cultivated in Colombia. Differences among geographical regions might be due to differences in UV-B radiation or in the light hours received by the crop during its growth. The differences among different corn hybrids might probably be due to genetic differences. Corn growers might be interested in cultivating hybrids higher in lutein and zeaxanthin as these pigments are very important in poultry production and human eye health.

Luteína e zeaxantina são os principais pigmentos xantofilas encontrados nos grãos de milho. Em aves, esses pigmentos naturais conferem a cor vermelho-alaranjada típica da pele do frango de corte e da gema do ovo. Assim, é importante conhecer o teor de xantofilas do milho utilizado nas dietas de aves. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o teor de luteína e zeaxantina em milho cultivado na Colômbia e em milho importado para a Colômbia dos Estados Unidos, da Argentina e do Brasil. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas no teor de luteína total mais zeaxantina entre as amostras de milho analisadas, com o nível médio mais elevado no milho colombiano (2.758µg/100g), seguido pelo milho argentino (1.861µg/100g), pelo milho dos Estados Unidos (1.041µg/100g) e pelo milho brasileiro (947µg/100g). Grandes diferenças no teor de luteína e zeaxantina também foram encontradas entre variados híbridos de milho cultivados na Colômbia. As diferenças entre as regiões geográficas podem ser devido a diferenças na radiação UV-B ou nas horas de luz recebida pela cultura durante seu crescimento. As diferenças entre os diversos híbridos de milho provavelmente podem ser devido a diferenças genéticas. Os produtores de milho podem estar interessados ​​em cultivar híbridos mais ricos em luteína e zeaxantina, pois esses pigmentos são muito importantes na produção de aves e na saúde ocular humana.

Substitute a half dose of macro fertilizers with liquid organic fertilizers on sweet corn plants (Zea mays saccharata) on Inceptisol Soil in Indonesia / Substitua metade da dosemacrofertilizantes por fertilizantes orgânicos líquidos em plantas de milho doce (Zea mays saccharata) em Cambissolosna Indonésia

Corn is a promising commodity economically for cultivation. A part from not requiring a long harvest time, sweet corn has a high selling value, without a long post-harvest process. The locationof the research was conducted in rice fields in Tawangargo Village, Karangploso District, Malang Regency. Altitude ± 749 m above sea level, Inceptisol soil type and moderate tropical climate. The implementation was carried out from December 2019 to July 2020. The research design was carried out using a Complete Randomized Block Design, with 2 factors. Factor 1, is the recommended fertilizer dosage of 3 doses (0, ½ and 1 dose), the second factor is the dose of liquids fertilizer organic (0, 4, 8, and 12 g /l) with 4 repetitions, with intervals onceevery 7-10 days. Giving 4 ml/l dose of inorganic fertilizer at an interval of once a week, together with 1 recommended dosage of Macro fertilizer affects the growth and yield of sweet corn plants. The highest production per ha in this treatment was 13,339 kg. The highest RAE value is 325.6% in the recommended 1 dose of NPK treatment plus 4 g / l of "liquids fertilizer organic". The economic approach is by calculating the R/C ratio, the treatment with the highestRAEis the R/C ratio of 8.59 with a net income of Rp. 176,785,041.(AU)

O milho é uma commoditypromissora economicamente para o cultivo. Além de não exigir um longo tempo de colheita, o milho doce tem alto valor de venda, sem um longo processo de pós-colheita. O local da pesquisafoi conduzido em campos de arroz na vila de Tawangargo, distrito de Karangploso, regência de Malang(Indonésia). A altitude é de ±749 m acima do nível do mar, cambissoloe clima tropical moderado. A implementação foi realizada de dezembro de 2019 a julho de 2020. O projeto de pesquisa foi realizado usando um projeto de bloco aleatório completo, com 2 fatores. O fator 1, é a dosagem recomendada de adubo de trêsdoses (0, ½ e 1 dosagem), o segundo fator é a dosagem de adubo líquido orgânico (0, 4, 8 e 12g/l) com quatro repetições, em intervalos de 7-10 uma vez por dia. Administrar 4 ml/l de fertilizante inorgânico com intervalos de uma vez porsemana, juntamentecom 1 dose recomendada de Macrofertilizante, afeta o crescimento e rendimento das plantas de milho doce. A maior produção por ha neste tratamento foi de 13.339 kg. O maior valor de RAE é de 325,6% no recomendado 1 dose do tratamento NPKmais 4 g/l de "fertilizante orgânico líquido". A abordagem econômica é calcular a relação R/C, o tratamento com o RAE mais alto é a relação R/C de 8,59 com um lucro líquido de Rp. 176.785.041.(AU)

Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic residues and bromatological characterization for animal feed / Hidrólise enzimática de resíduos lignocelulósicos e caracterização bromatológica para ração animal

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the action of commercial and non-commercial cellulases and pectinases in the hydrolysis of soybean hulls (SH) and corn stover and cobs (CSC), the effect of temperature and agitation on the lignocellulosic substrate hydrolysis and the bromatological characteristics of hydrolyzed substrates. The effect of pretreatment on the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic residues and bromatological analysis were also evaluated. The highest hydrolytic activity occurred at 300 rpm for SH (47.95 and 51.43% for cellulase and pectinase, respectively) and at 350 rpm for CSC (26.05 and 9.23% for cellulase and pectinase, respectively). Non-commercial enzymes achieved 7.26-30% of the amount of hydrolysis obtained with commercial enzymes, on the same substrates. Pretreatment with 7.5% of NaOH and a particle size of the substrate of 0.5 mm significantly increased the hydrolysis of SH and CSC for both enzymes. The bromatological characteristics showed that soybean hulls hydrolyzed with both commercial cellulase and pectinase have potential for large-scale use in animal feed production.

RESUMO: Foram avaliadas a ação de celulases e pectinases comerciais e não comerciais na hidrólise de casca de soja (CS) e palha e espigas de milho (PEM), o efeito da temperatura e da agitação na hidrólise do substrato lignocelulósico e as características bromatológicas dos substratos hidrolisados. O efeito do pré-tratamento na hidrólise de resíduos lignocelulósicos e a análise bromatológica também foram avaliados. A maior atividade hidrolítica ocorreu a 300 rpm para CS (47,95 e 51,43% para celulase e pectinase, respectivamente) e a 350 rpm para PEM (26,05 e 9,23% para celulase e pectinase, respectivamente). As enzimas não comerciais atingiram 7,26-30% da quantidade de hidrólise obtida com as enzimas comerciais, nos mesmos substratos. O pré-tratamento com 7,5% de NaOH e um tamanho de partícula do substrato de 0,5 mm aumentou significativamente a hidrólise de CS e PEM para ambas as enzimas. As características bromatológicas mostraram que a casca de soja hidrolisada com celulase e pectinase comercial tem potencial para uso em larga escala na produção de ração animal.

Population density of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its response to some ecological phenomena in maize crop / Densidade populacional da lagarta-do-cartucho do outono, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith e Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), e a sua resposta a alguns fenômenos ecológicos na cultura do milho

The fall armyworm [FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)], is considered a serious invasive pest that poses a serious threat to world food security. It can completely devastate a whole country's cereal crops. Therefore, the present work is the 1st field trial in Egypt to elucidate some ecological aspects of S. frugiperda on maize plants (Single-Hybrid 168 Yellow Corn cultivar) at Esna district, Luxor Governorate, Egypt, throughout two sequential growing seasons of maize (2021-2022). Three insect parameters were used, i.e., egg masses, number of larvae, and percentage of damaged corn plants. Effects of certain climatic conditions and corn plant ages on S. frugiperda seasonal activity and damaged plants percentage were also estimated. S. frugiperda population initiated to attack maize plants from the 3rd week of June until the harvest in every season. S. frugiperda had two seasonal activity peaks in terms of egg masses numbers and three peaks regarding the larval population density/season. Its damage percentage increased with increasing plant age weekly. The mean of S. frugiperda egg masses were 2.83 ± 0.40 and 2.96 ± 0.45 mass /10 corn plants in 2021 and 2022, respectively. While, the overall mean larval populations were 13.41 ± 0.52 and 13.03 ± 0.46 larvae/10 plants, during the two growing seasons, respectively. Corn plant damage percentages reached 68.54 ± 2.71 and 60.42 ± 2.92% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The combined effects of both the weather conditions and maize plant ages were highly significant on egg masses, larvae population density, and damage percentage, and varied from one season to another. The mean daily maximum temperature was the most effective variable on egg masses and the larval population. Maize plant age had a clear effect on the damage percentage caused by the larvae in the field during the two years of the study. The dramatic spread of FAW and the consequent damage (that appeared in different countries of America, Africa, and Asia) mean that different management approaches must be sought for the small and large-scale producers by using available technologies for smallholder farmers will eliminate pest damage without access to reach to an economic Injury level. This information may assist the decision maker when planning the S. frugiperda IPM program for maize plants and its surveillance.

A lagarta-do-cartucho [FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)], é considerada uma séria praga invasora que representa uma séria ameaça à segurança alimentar mundial. Essa espécie pode devastar completamente as plantações de cereais de um país inteiro. Portanto, o presente trabalho é o primeiro ensaio de campo no Egito para elucidar alguns aspectos ecológicos de S. frugiperda em plantas de milho (Single-Hybrid 168 Yellow Corn cultivar) no distrito de Esna, Luxor Governorate, Egito, ao longo de duas estações de crescimento sequencial de milho (2021 a 2022). Três parâmetros de insetos foram utilizados, isto é, massas de ovos, número de larvas e porcentagem de plantas de milho danificadas. Também foram estimados os efeitos de certas condições climáticas e idades das plantas de milho na atividade sazonal de S. frugiperda e na porcentagem de plantas danificadas. A população de S. frugiperda começou a atacar as plantas de milho a partir da terceira semana de junho até a colheita em todas as estações. S. frugiperda apresentou dois picos sazonais de atividade como o número de massas de ovos e três picos em relação à densidade populacional larval/estação. Seu percentual de dano aumentou semanalmente a partir do aumento da idade da planta. A média das massas de ovos de S. frugiperda foi de 2,83 ± 0,40 e 2,96 ± 0,45 massa/10 plantas de milho em 2021 e 2022, respectivamente. Enquanto, as populações larvais médias gerais foram de 13,41 ± 0,52 e 13,03 ± 0,46 larvas/10 plantas, durante as duas estações de crescimento, respectivamente. As porcentagens de danos às plantas de milho atingiram 68,54 ± 2,71 e 60,42 ± 2,92% em 2021 e 2022, respectivamente. Os efeitos combinados das condições climáticas e da idade das plantas de milho foram altamente significativos nas massas de ovos, densidade populacional de larvas e porcentagem de danos, e variaram de uma estação para outra. A temperatura média diária máxima foi a variável mais efetiva sobre as massas de ovos e a população larval. A idade da planta de milho influenciou visivelmente o percentual de dano causado pelas larvas no campo durante os dois anos de estudo. A propagação dramática da LFM e os danos consequentes (que apareceram em diferentes países da América, África e Ásia) significam que devem ser utilizadas diferentes abordagens de gestão para os pequenos e grandes produtores, a partir de tecnologias disponíveis para os pequenos agricultores eliminarem os danos causados pelas pragas sem acesso para chegar a um nível de dano econômico. Essas informações podem auxiliar o tomador de decisão no planejamento do programa MIP de S. frugiperda para plantas de milho e o seu monitoramento.

Substitution of dry corn grain by rehydrated and ensiled corn grain, finely or coarsely ground, on performance of young bulls finished in feedlot

We investigated the effects of corn grain, finely or coarsely ground, rehydrated and ensiled to 35% moisture in substitution of dry corn grain on performance of beef cattle in the feedlot. Forty non-castrated young Angus crossbred bulls with average age of 13±1.4 months and average initial body weight (BW) of 374±14 kg. The experiment was conducted in blocks by weight, and bulls were randomly assigned into four groups of five animals each in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. The factors evaluated were particle size (finely and coarsely ground) and two grain sources (dry ground corn and rehydrated corn grain silage). The treatments were diets containing dry corn grain, finely ground (DCF; 1.86 mm); dry corn grain, coarsely ground (DCC; 3.53 mm); rehydrated and ensiled corn grain, finely ground (RCF; 1.86 mm); and rehydrated and ensiled corn grain, coarsely ground (RCC; 3.53 mm). Initial BW, final BW, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and intake of dry matter (DMI), acid detergent fiber, and metabolizable energy were not affected by treatment. Ensiling corn grain decreased DMI by 10.3% (11.6 vs. 10.4 kg/d for dry and ensiled, respectively) and increased feed efficiency by 13.3% (0.13 vs. 0.15 kg/d for dry and ensiled, respectively), but there was no effect of particle size, grain source, and their interaction on ADG. Effects of particle size and grain source were observed for fecal starch and total tract starch digestion, with evidence that treatments containing rehydrated corn diets showed greater efficiency in the utilization of dietary starch. Animals fed RCF diets showed lower fecal starch losses of 37, 55, and 75% when compared with treatments RCC, DCF, and DCC, respectively. Our results suggested that ensiled rehydrated corn grain improves feed efficiency in substitution of dry corn grain. The finely and coarsely ground of rehydrated and ensiled corn grain increases the digestibility of starch for finishing cattle in feedlot.(AU)

Effects of adding ground or steam-flaked corn and zinc-enriched yeast to grower pellet feed on fattening performance, development of rumen papilla, and some blood parameters in lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ground or steam-flaked corn and zinc-enriched yeast addition to grower pellet feed on fattening performance, rumen papillae development, and some blood parameters in lambs. For this purpose, thirty-six Kivircik male lambs were selected and divided equally into six groups: basal diet containing pellet feed without different corn form and yeast (control), basal diet 80% + ground corn 20% (PGC), basal diet 80% + steam-flaked corn 20% (PFC), PGC + Zn-enriched yeast (PGCZnY), PFC + Zn-enriched yeast (PFCZnY), and control + Zn-enriched yeast (PZnY). They were fed for 56 days according to the diets mentioned above. At the conclusion of the evaluations in fattening performance, rumen papillae development, and some blood parameters, there were no significant differences in body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency among the experimental groups. In the PGCZnY group, rumen papillae length was found to be higher than the other experimental groups. At the end of the trial (day 0), leukocyte and lymphocyte counts decreased significantly only in the control group compared with the other groups in the present study. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values, analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the trial, increased significantly in all groups except in the PGCZnY group. Supplementation of Zinc-enriched yeast to ground corn can be used for increasing ruminal papilla length, however decreasing the serum BUN levels in lambs during the fattening period.(AU)

Fatty acid profile and beef quality of Nellore and Angus bulls fed whole shelled corn

This study aimed to evaluate the quality traits and fatty acid profile of beef from Nellore and Angus bulls fed whole shelled corn (WSC) and ground corn plus maize silage (GC) diets. Eighteen Nellore and 18 Angus young bulls [381 ± 12 kg initial body weight (BW) and an average age of 20 ± 1.9 months] were used in a completely randomized design using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and were slaughtered at a final BW of 451.5 kg and 545.5 kg, respectively. Twenty–four hours after slaughter, samples of longissimus thoracis muscle were collected for the analysis of lipid oxidation, color, fatty acid profile, shear force, and cooking loss. There was no effect of diet × breed interaction on meat color, lipid oxidation, shear force, and cooking loss. Angus beef had lower shear force (p < 0.05) than Nellore beef and had a greater concentration of linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p < 0.01). Beef of bulls fed WSC tended to have greater concentration of CLA C18:2c9t11 (p = 0.09), greater concentration of CLA C18:2t10c12 (p = 0.01), and PUFA (p = 0.05), and consequently, higher oxidation levels. Angus bulls produced beef with greater tenderness and PUFA concentration. The results of fatty acid show a possible change in biohydrogenation when animals are fed the WSC diet, reducing lipogenesis, as this diet increases the C18:2t10c12 content.

Fatty acid profile and beef quality of Nellore and Angus bulls fed whole shelled corn

This study aimed to evaluate the quality traits and fatty acid profile of beef from Nellore and Angus bulls fed whole shelled corn (WSC) and ground corn plus maize silage (GC) diets. Eighteen Nellore and 18 Angus young bulls [381 ± 12 kg initial body weight (BW) and an average age of 20 ± 1.9 months] were used in a completely randomized design using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and were slaughtered at a final BW of 451.5 kg and 545.5 kg, respectively. Twenty­four hours after slaughter, samples of longissimus thoracis muscle were collected for the analysis of lipid oxidation, color, fatty acid profile, shear force, and cooking loss. There was no effect of diet × breed interaction on meat color, lipid oxidation, shear force, and cooking loss. Angus beef had lower shear force (p < 0.05) than Nellore beef and had a greater concentration of linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p < 0.01). Beef of bulls fed WSC tended to have greater concentration of CLA C18:2c9t11 (p = 0.09), greater concentration of CLA C18:2t10c12 (p = 0.01), and PUFA (p = 0.05), and consequently, higher oxidation levels. Angus bulls produced beef with greater tenderness and PUFA concentration. The results of fatty acid show a possible change in biohydrogenation when animals are fed the WSC diet, reducing lipogenesis, as this diet increases the C18:2t10c12 content.

Fatty acid profile and beef quality of Nellore and Angus bulls fed whole shelled corn

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the quality traits and fatty acid profile of beef from Nellore and Angus bulls fed whole shelled corn (WSC) and ground corn plus maize silage (GC) diets. Eighteen Nellore and 18 Angus young bulls [381 ± 12 kg initial body weight (BW) and an average age of 20 ± 1.9 months] were used in a completely randomized design using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and were slaughtered at a final BW of 451.5 kg and 545.5 kg, respectively. Twentyfour hours after slaughter, samples of longissimus thoracis muscle were collected for the analysis of lipid oxidation, color, fatty acid profile, shear force, and cooking loss. There was no effect of diet × breed interaction on meat color, lipid oxidation, shear force, and cooking loss. Angus beef had lower shear force (p 0.05) than Nellore beef and had a greater concentration of linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p 0.01). Beef of bulls fed WSC tended to have greater concentration of CLA C18:2c9t11 (p = 0.09), greater concentration of CLA C18:2t10c12 (p = 0.01), and PUFA (p = 0.05), and consequently, higher oxidation levels. Angus bulls produced beef with greater tenderness and PUFA concentration. The results of fatty acid show a possible change in biohydrogenation when animals are fed the WSC diet, reducing lipogenesis, as this diet increases the C18:2t10c12 content.

Effect of dietary protein level and corn processing on behavior activity of high producing dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of corn processing and protein level on the feeding, lying, and post milking standing (PMS) behavior in high producing cows. Eight Holstein cows were randomly assigned to diets containing either finely ground (FGC) or steam flaked (SFC) corn based on either low (LP) or high (HP) protein content. Cows receivingLP had lower milk yield than cows receiving HP with similar DMI. Moreover, FGC-fed cows had higher DMI than SFC-fed cows with similar milk yields. Eating and rumination time tended to be lower and chewing time was lower in HP-fed cows than LP-fed cows. Cows fed SFC tended to have higher laying rumination interval and lower lying rumination bouts than cows fed FGC. Total and average PMS were lower in cows fed HP than LP. Cows fed LP had higher chewing activity in the daytime than cows fed HP. Our results suggested that the protein level and corn processing affect the standing and lying behavior of high producing dairy cows, although, this effect is marginal. Results also indicated that probably any change in the diet that increases the rumination and eating times couldalso improve the PMS.(AU)

Effects of a Novel Protease from Bacillus Subtilis K-5 in Low Protein Corn Distiller Dried Grains with Solubles (cDDGS) Based Diets on Performance and Nutrients Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the supplemental effects of a novel protease produced from Bacillus subtilis in low crude protein (CP) corn distiller dried grain with solubles (cDDGS) based diets on growth performance, carcass attributes, nutrients digestibility, blood chemistry, and intestinal histomorphometry of broiler chickens. One hundred and sixty, one-day-old chicks were randomly allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments. Each dietary treatment had four replicates, with 10 birds in each replicate. Two basal diets were formulated for both starter (1-21d) and finisher (22-35d) phase; (PC) a corn soybean meal based diet as per standard recommendations of Ross 308; (NC) 5% cDGGS with 5% reduction in CP with concomitant reduction in essential amino acids (EAAs) compared with PC. The negative control diet was further subdivided into 3 parts. One part was without enzyme supplementation, while the other two parts were supplemented with a novel protease (PROT1) and a commercial protease (PROT2), respectively. The same procedure was adopted for finisher diets. A digestibility assay (32-35d) was carried out using acid insoluble ash (AIA), an external digestibility marker. At the end of 35d, ileal digesta were collected from four birds per experimental unit for nutrient digestibility measurement. Tissue samples of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected for villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and crypt width. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed:gain were improved (p<0.05) with protease supplementation. No effect was observed on carcass parameters. However, CP digestibility, apparent digestibility coefficient for nitrogen (ADCn), nitrogen retention (Nret ), and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility (AIAAD) were improved (p<0.05). However, there was no effect on apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn), blood glucose, total protein and cholesterol (p>0.05) and intestinal integrity (p>0.05). It was concluded that protease enzyme can improve nitrogen and CP digestibility, resulting in improved amino acids availability in low protein diets.(AU)

Different sieving methods for determining the physical characteristics in ground corn

We evaluated various sieving methods to estimate particle size (PS) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of ground corn. The corn had been previously divided in six fractions and each one ground in a hammermill (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 12-mm sieves). The stacked sieving method, with prior drying at 105ºC without agitators was the reference. We evaluated eight sieving methods, distributed in a factorial design (2 x 2 x 2 x 6), consisting of the following treatments: i) with and without agitators (two 25-mm rubber spheres), ii) with and without previous drying, iii) with a nest of test sieves set in a stacked or reverse, and iv) employing six ground corn degrees, totaling 48 treatments (four replicates). There was a linear increase in PS estimation for methods without drying and stacking and quadratic increases for the others. Reverse, drying, and agitator methodologies gave better sieving of corn, and consequently gave the lowest PS and highest GSD. The results were more pronounced for high-intensity grinding (hammermill sieve with small apertures) in which the differences between the reference method with the drying and reverse methods were up to 210 µm. Reverse sieving combined with agitators allowed the greatest passage of corn particles through the test sieves and promoted better characterization of ground corn.(AU)

Different sieving methods for determining the physical characteristics in ground corn

We evaluated various sieving methods to estimate particle size (PS) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of ground corn. The corn had been previously divided in six fractions and each one ground in a hammermill (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-or 12-mm sieves). The stacked sieving method, with prior drying at 105ºC without agitators was the reference. We evaluated eight sieving methods, distributed in a factorial design(2 x 2 x 2 x 6), consisting of the following treatments: i) with and without agitators (two 25-mm rubber spheres), ii) with and without previous drying, iii) with a nest of test sieves set in a stacked or reverse, and iv) employing six ground corn degrees, totaling 48 treatments (four replicates). There was a linear increase in PS estimation for methods without drying and stacking and quadratic increases for the others. Reverse, drying, and agitator methodologies gave better sieving of corn, and consequently gave the lowest PS andhighest GSD. The results were more pronounced for high-intensity grinding (hammermill sieve with small apertures) in which the differences between the reference method with the drying and reverse methods were up to 210 &956;m. Reverse sieving combined with agitators allowed the greatest passage of corn particles through the test sieves and promoted better characterization of ground corn.(AU)

Different sieving methods for determining the physical characteristics in ground corn / Different sieving methods for determining the physical characteristics in ground corn

We evaluated various sieving methods to estimate particle size (PS) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of ground corn. The corn had been previously divided in six fractions and each one ground in a hammermill (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 12-mm sieves). The stacked sieving method, with prior drying at 105ºC without agitators was the reference. We evaluated eight sieving methods, distributed in a factorial design (2 x 2 x 2 x 6), consisting of the following treatments: i) with and without agitators (two 25-mm rubber spheres), ii) with and without previous drying, iii) with a nest of test sieves set in a stacked or reverse, and iv) employing six ground corn degrees, totaling 48 treatments (four replicates). There was a linear increase in PS estimation for methods without drying and stacking and quadratic increases for the others. Reverse, drying, and agitator methodologies gave better sieving of corn, and consequently gave the lowest PS and highest GSD. The results were more pronounced for high-intensity grinding (hammermill sieve with small apertures) in which the differences between the reference method with the drying and reverse methods were up to 210 µm. Reverse sieving combined with agitators allowed the greatest passage of corn particles through the test sieves and promoted better characterization of ground corn.

We evaluated various sieving methods to estimate particle size (PS) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of ground corn. The corn had been previously divided in six fractions and each one ground in a hammermill (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 12-mm sieves). The stacked sieving method, with prior drying at 105ºC without agitators was the reference. We evaluated eight sieving methods, distributed in a factorial design (2 x 2 x 2 x 6), consisting of the following treatments: i) with and without agitators (two 25-mm rubber spheres), ii) with and without previous drying, iii) with a nest of test sieves set in a stacked or reverse, and iv) employing six ground corn degrees, totaling 48 treatments (four replicates). There was a linear increase in PS estimation for methods without drying and stacking and quadratic increases for the others. Reverse, drying, and agitator methodologies gave better sieving of corn, and consequently gave the lowest PS and highest GSD. The results were more pronounced for high-intensity grinding (hammermill sieve with small apertures) in which the differences between the reference method with the drying and reverse methods were up to 210 µm. Reverse sieving combined with agitators allowed the greatest passage of corn particles through the test sieves and promoted better characterization of ground corn.

Measurement of resource use efficiency in corn production: a two-stage data envelopment analysis approach in Turkey / Medição da eficiência do uso de recursos na produção de milho: uma abordagem de análise de dados em duas fases na Turquia

This research analyzed the efficiency situation of corn farms operating in the Adana province of Turkey. In this context, required farm management data were collected from 111 corn farmers by using face to face survey method during the 2019-2020 cultivation season. To determine the technical efficiency (TE) levels of corn farms, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was applied. Furthermore, factors that cause the inefficiency in corn farms were detected by using the Tobit regression model. According to research results, the average TE levels of corn farms in the research area under the variable return to scale conditions are reported as 0.887 (111 farms). These results suggested that if farms reduced their input use by 11.3% on average, they can achieve the same output level and be able to reach full technical efficiency. The most ineffective source in terms of farms performance is machine expenditures with 68.2% of excessive use followed by labor use. In this regard, mechanization modernization, education and training of the labor force and more sensitive fertilizers and pesticide use can increase the efficiency of corn farms. Results of the Tobit regression model indicated that factors such as experience, education, number of tractors and size of the irrigated area positively influenced the TE, whereas family size in corn farming has a negative effect.

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar a situação de eficiência das fazendas de milho operando na província de Adana, na Turquia. Neste contexto, os dados necessários de gestão da fazenda foram coletados de 111 produtores de milho usando o método de pesquisa frente a frente durante a temporada de cultivo de 2019-2020. Para determinar os níveis de eficiência técnica (TE) das fazendas de milho, foi aplicada a Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA). Além disso, os fatores que causam a ineficiência nas fazendas de milho foram detectados por meio do modelo de regressão Tobit. De acordo com os resultados da pesquisa, os níveis médios de TE das fazendas de milho na área de pesquisa sob as condições de retorno variável à escala são encontrados em 0,887 (111 fazendas). Esses resultados sugerem que, se as fazendas reduzirem o uso de insumos em 11,3% em média, podem atingir o mesmo nível de produção e alcançar eficiência técnica plena. A fonte mais ineficaz em termos de desempenho das fazendas são os gastos com máquinas, com 68,2% do uso excedente continuado com o uso de mão de obra. Nesse sentido, a mecanização, a modernização, a educação e o treinamento da força de trabalho e o uso de fertilizantes e pesticidas mais sensíveis podem ser sugeridos para aumentar a eficiência das fazendas de milho. Os resultados do modelo de regressão Tobit indicam que fatores como experiência, escolaridade, número de tratores e tamanho da área irrigada influenciaram positivamente no TE, enquanto o tamanho da família na cultura do milho tem efeito negativo.

Extraction of antioxidant and antimicrobial phytochemicals from corn stigma: a promising alternative to valorization of agricultural residues / Extração de fitoquímicos antioxidantes e antimicrobianos do estigma do milho: uma alternativa promissora para valorização de resíduos agrícolas

The discovery of new natural additives from agro-industrial waste is considered an important research topic. This study investigated the feasibility of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of antioxidant compounds from corn stigma (CS) and the effect of independent variables (time and solid-solvent ratio) and their interaction in the extraction of CS. Results indicated that the UAE method increases the antioxidant activity and reduces the extraction time by 67%. Optimized conditions for the simultaneous extraction of antioxidants and polyphenols from CS were obtained using 5 min and a solid-solvent ratio of 0.05 g mL-¹. The CS extract obtained by UAE was characterized by ESI-ToF-MS and 27 phytochemicals were reported. The extract showed promising antifungal and antibacterial activities against 23 of the studied microorganisms. Therefore, the CS extract obtained by the UAE can be used as a source of bioactive and antimicrobial compounds for use as a functional ingredient in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

A descoberta de novos aditivos naturais a partir de resíduos agroindustriais é considerada um importante tópico de pesquisa. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a viabilidade da extração assistida por ultrassom (EAU) de compostos antioxidantes do estigma do milho (EM) e o efeito de variáveis independentes (tempo e relação sólido-solvente) e sua interação na extração de EM. Os resultados indicaram que a EUA aumenta a atividade antioxidante e reduz o tempo de extração em 67%. Condições otimizadas para a extração simultânea de antioxidantes e polifenóis do EM foram obtidas com 5 min e uma relação sólido-solvente de 0,05 g mL-¹. O extrato de EM obtido pela EUA foi caracterizado por ESI-ToF-MS e 27 fitoquímicos foram encontrados. O extrato apresentou atividades antifúngicas e antibacterianas promissoras contra 23 dos micro-organismos estudados. Portanto, o extrato de EM obtido pela extração assistida por ultrassom pode ser utilizado como fonte de compostos bioativos e antimicrobianos para uso como ingrediente funcional na indústria alimentícia e farmacêutica.

Effect of ensiling on the feeding value of flint corn grain for feedlot beef cattle: A meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to review the effect of ensiling on the feeding value of flint corn grain and performance of feedlot cattle. In this meta-analysis, ensiled corn grain included both high-moisture corn and rehydrated corn grain. The criteria for a publication enter in the database were: diet was offered as a total mixed ration, diet contained at least 300 g/kg dry matter (DM) of ensiled or dry corn grain, and ensiled grain contained a minimum of 280 g/kg of moisture. The final dataset included 21 paired comparisons from eight publications, from 2002 to 2019. A sub dataset of digestibility trials contained six paired comparisons for starch digestibility and five paired comparisons for DM digestibility. The outcomes were compared using the Mixed procedure of SAS, including a random effect of comparison within study (paired comparison). Ensiling corn grain increased total-tract digestibility of DM (+4.59%) and starch (+3.33%), decreased DM intake by 14.1% (10.3 and 8.85 kg/d for dry and ensiled, respectively) and metabolizable energy intake by 4.39%, but did not affect average daily gain (1.61 and 1.58 kg/d for dry and ensiled corn, respectively). Therefore, ensiling corn grain increased feed efficiency by 18.3% (0.164 and 0.194, for dry and ensiled, respectively). The feeding value was on average 25.7% higher for ensiled corn grain compared with dry corn grain. Ensiling is an efficient strategy to improve the caloric value of flint corn grain for finishing cattle.

Effect of ensiling time on apparent total tract starch digestibility in Southern Brazilian dairy herds

Ensiling corn for longer periods is a strategy used to increase rumen bacteria access to starch. In fact, when corn is ensiled for insufficient periods, starch digestibility decreases, as evidenced by excreted starch. This study investigates the effects of corn silage ensiling time on starch digestibility of dairy cows through fecal starch analysis. The trial was conducted during the spring of 2013 and the fall of 2014 on twenty dairy herds located in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Total mixed ration (TMR), whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) and fecal samples were collected for determination of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin and starch. Apparent total tract starch digestibility (ATTSD) was calculated using equations developed by Fredin et al. (2014) and Bal et al. (1997). Data were analyzed using the CORR, REG and GLM procedures of SAS. Spring and fall WPCS were ensiled for 260 and 132 days, respectively (p 0.05) in ATTSD-Fredin from season to season though there was a trend (p = 0.11) towards greater ATTSD-Bal for spring samples. ATTSD-Bal was positively correlated with ensiling days (r = 0.31). Starch digestibility was not negatively affected by WPCS harvesting maturity. Differences in post-ruminal starch digestion, variation between farms in DM intake and diets, limitations of the equations, influence of uncontrolled factors, and the small number of experimental units might have contributed to the absence of significant results. Overall, Bal et al. (1997) equation was more efficient in distinguishing ATTSD from different ensiling periods.