Effects of functional oil blend on performance, blood metabolites, organ biometry and intestinal morphometry in nursery piglets / Efeitos da mistura de óleo funcional no desempenho, metabólitos sanguíneos, biometria de órgãos e morfometria intestinal em leitões de creche

This study was conducted to assess the effects of functional oil (FO) blend on performance, blood metabolites, organ biometry and intestinal morphometry in piglets. A total of 128 crossbreed piglets (Landrace × Large White, 64 uncastrated males and 64 females, 21 d of age, and 6.79 ± 1.76 kg BW) were allocated in a randomized complete block design with two dietary treatments: a FO-free (FOF) diet or a diet based on added FO (1,500 mg/kg of diet with castor oil plus cashew nutshell oil). Piglets fed FO showed higher (p ≤ 0.05) average daily feed intake, daily body weight gain and final body weight after 23 d of study. For the total period, piglets fed FO showed greater (p = 0.007) feed conversion ratio. On d 23, higher serum total protein (p = 0.026) and globulin (p = 0.050) concentration, lower liver (p = 0.042) and stomach (p = 0.074) weight, and greater (p = 0.082) villi height (VH) in duodenum were observed in piglets fed FO. Nonetheless, piglets fed FOF showed greater (p = 0.054) ileal VH, but greater (p = 0.004) crypt depth (CD) in jejunum. Piglets fed FO showed higher VH to CD ratio in jejunum (p = 0.068) and duodenum (p = 0.074) on d 23 and 37, respectively. Based on the results, FO blend improved the performance of weaned piglets; however, it negatively affected the feed conversion ratio in the total period. Moreover, FO blend promoted changes in total protein concentrations and improvements in digestive and absorptive capacity assessed through VH to CD ratio, with a significant reduction in organs.

Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos de uma mistura de óleo funcional (OF) no desempenho zootécnico, nos metabólitos sanguíneos, na biometria de órgãos e na morfometria intestinal de leitões. Um total de 128 leitões mestiços (Landrace × Large White, 64 machos inteiros e 64 fêmeas; 21 dias de idade e peso corporal de 6,79 ± 1,76 kg) foram alocados em um delineamento de blocos casualizados completos, com dois tratamentos dietéticos: uma dieta sem OF (SOF) ou uma dieta baseada na adição de OF (1.500 mg/kg de dieta com OF de mamona e castanha de caju). Os leitões alimentados com OF apresentaram maior (p ≤ 0,05) consumo de ração diário médio, ganho de peso corporal diário e peso corporal aos 23 dias de experimento. Entretanto, os leitões que consumiram dietas com OF tiveram conversão alimentar superior (p = 0,007) no período total. No dia 23, houve aumento na concentração de proteína total (p = 0,026) e globulina (p = 0,050), menor peso de fígado (p = 0,042) e estômago (p = 0,074), e maior (p = 0,082) altura de vilosidade (AV) no duodeno em leitões que consumiram OF; entretanto, os leitões SOF tiveram (p = 0,054) AV superior no íleo, mas apresentaram (p = 0,004) profundidade de cripta (PC) superior no jejuno. Uma maior relação AV:PC no jejuno (p = 0,068) e duodeno (p = 0,074) foi observada em leitões com OF nos dias 23 e 37, respectivamente. Com base nos resultados, a mistura de OF melhorou o desempenho dos leitões desmamados; no entanto, afetou negativamente a taxa de conversão alimentar no período total. Além disso, a mistura de OF promoveu alterações nas concentrações proteínas totais e melhorias na capacidade digestiva e absortiva avaliadas através da relação AV:PC, com uma redução significativa nos órgãos.

Meta-Analysis of Butyric Acid: a Performance-Enhancing Additive to Replace Antibiotics for Broiler Chickens

Butyric acid has been studied and utilized intensively in broiler chicken production in order to substitute growth-promoting antibiotics. However, the comprehensive literature on this topic makes it difficult to understand overall results, since there is a noticeable number of studies with conflicting conclusions. Although several research studies have shown that butyric acid may increment broiler chicken's performance, several other studies show the opposite. This work aimed to organize information to understand, through a meta-analysis, whether butyric acid can be used as a performance-enhancing additive for broiler chickens, and whether it can replace growth-promoting antibiotics. It was clear from the results that the effect of butyric acid depends on the microbiological challenge that broilers receive. When broilers are raised without health challenge, butyric acid and even antibiotics do not influence growth performance. However, when broilers are challenged, butyric acid provided an increase in weight gain and a significant improvement in feed conversion, matching the results of antibiotics. We conclude that butyric acid improves broiler performance and can be used to replace growth-promoting antibiotics.(AU)

Hydroalcoholic extract of jabuticaba peel in the diet of betta fish / Extrato hidroalcoólico de casca de jabuticaba na dieta de peixe betta

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) peel extract on the diets of female blue Betta splendens concerning the level of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and antioxidant activity. The sample constituted 150 individuals subdivided into five groups in tripli-cate, totaling 10 fish per 20-liter experimental unit. Commercial diets (40.88% crude protein (CP) and 4374.8 Kcal•kg-1v) were added to hydroalcoholic jabuticaba peel extract (EHJ) at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g•kg-1. The diets were provided twice a day, until apparent satiety, for 21 days. Fish mortality was not observed during the study. Growth indices did not show any significant differences, apart from feed conversion. The use of the extract promoted an increase in the luminosity of the fish; however, there was no statistical difference in chromaticity a* and b*. A decrease in the activity of SOD on the skin of fish fed with diets of 1.5 and 2 g kg-1 EHJ was observed in comparison to the other diets. There was no change in catalase (CAT) activity among the experimental treatments. It is concluded that the use of 2 g•kg-1 EHJ has an antioxidant effect that reflects the greater luminosity of blue female Betta splendens.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico de casca de jabuticaba em die-tas de Bettasplendes azuis em relação ao conteúdo de enzimas digestivas, ao metabolismo hepático e à atividade antioxidante. Foram utilizados 150 indivíduos divididos em cinco grupos em triplicatas, totalizando dez peixes por unidade experimental de 20 L. Às dietas comerciais (40,88% PB e 4.374,8 Kcal kg-1), foi acrescido extrato hidroalcoólico de casca de jabuticaba (EHJ) nas seguintes concentra-ções: controle; 0,5; 1; 1,5; e 2 g•kg-1). A ração foi fornecida aos exemplares duas vezes ao dia, até a saciedade aparente, por 21 dias. Não foi registrada a mortalidade de peixes durante o ensaio, bem como diferença significativa nos índices de crescimento, com exceção da conversão alimentar. A utili-zação do extrato aumentou a luminosidade dos peixes, porém não se verificou diferença estatística na cromaticidade a* e b*. Quanto ao superóxido dismutase, diminuiu-se sua atividade na pele do grupo alimentado com dietas acrescidas de 1,5 e 2 g•kg-1 EHJ em comparação com as demais. O último item avaliado foi a catalase, cuja atividade não se alterou no período estudado. Concluiu-se, portanto, que a utilização de 2 g•kg-1 EHJ proporciona efeito antioxidante, que se reflete em maior luminosidade de Bettasplendes azuis.(AU)

Combination of carbohydrases and essential oils improve dietary performance of feedlot steers on a high-energy diet / Associação de carboidrases e óleos essenciais melhoram o aproveitamento da dieta em novilhos confinados alimentados com dieta de alta densidade energética

Essential oils and enzymes are alternatives to feed additives for ruminants that aim to replace the use of ionophores and improve animal performance, but their mechanisms of action are different. Therefore, the present study aimed to verify if there is a synergistic effect in the combined use of enzymes carbohydrates and essential oils on the performance, ingestive behavior and carcass traits of steers fed a high-energy diet. During the finishing period of 78 days, 40 steers were assigned to four treatments: CON- control; ENZ- enzymatic complex; EO- essential oil blend; ENZ+EO - enzymatic complex combined with essential oil blend. Regardless of the feedlot periods, the ENZ+EO treatment caused a reduction in the dry matter intake (12.48%) compared to the control. The ENZ+EO treatment resulted in the lowest mean fecal output and, consequently, the highest dry matter digestibility (DMD) and starch digestibility (SD), compared to the other treatments. Animals that received EO and ENZ+EO in the diet spent more time in feeding. As for the number of times animals visited the feeding trough, the highest values were presented by the animals in the EO, ENZ and ENZ+EO treatments. For the carcass parameters, only the subcutaneous fat thickness on the rib was significantly different between treatments, with the highest values obtained by adding EO and ENZ+EO (8.80 and 8.10 mm respectively). Thus, the combination of carbohydrate enzymes and essential oils proved to be synergistically beneficial in relation to better use of nutrients and productive performance of feedlot steers.(AU)

Os óleos essenciais e as enzimas são alternativas de aditivos alimentares para ruminantes que visam substituir o uso de ionóforos e melhorar o desempenho animal, porém seus mecanismos de ação são distintos, diante disso, o presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar se há efeito sinérgico no uso associado de enzimas carboidrases e óleos essenciais sobre o desempenho, comportamento ingestivo e características de carcaça de novilhos recebendo dieta de alta densidade energética. Durante 78 dias, período de terminação, 40 novilhos foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: CON - controle; ENZ - complexo enzimático; OE - mistura de óleos essenciais; ENZ+OE - complexo enzimático associado a mistura de óleos essenciais. Independentemente dos períodos de confinamento, o tratamento ENZ+OE apresentou maior redução na ingestão de matéria seca (12,48%) quando comparado ao controle. O tratamento ENZ+OE foi o que apresentou a menor produção média de fezes e a maior digestibilidade da matéria seca (DMS) e digestibilidade do amido (DA), comparado aos demais tratamentos. Os animais que receberam dieta contendo OE e ENZ+OE passaram maior tempo se alimentando, já em relação ao número de vezes que os animais visitaram o cocho de alimentação, as maiores médias ficaram com os animais dos tratamentos OE, ENZ e ENZ+OE. Para os parâmetros avaliados em carcaça apenas a espessura de gordura subcutânea nas costelas apresentou diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, sendo as maiores médias obtidas pela adição de OE e ENZ+OE (8.80 e 8.10 mm, respectivamente). Dessa forma, a associação de enzimas carboidrases e óleos essenciais mostrou-se sinergicamente benéfica em relação ao melhor aproveitamento dos nutrientes e desempenho produtivo de novilhos confinados.(AU)

Effects of ricinoleic acid from castor oil and cashew nutshell liquid on nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation in dairy heifers / Efeitos do ácido ricinoleico do óleo de mamona e do líquido da castanha de caju sobre a digestibilidade de nutrientes e fermentação ruminal de novilhas leiteiras

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combining functional oils (FO) [ricinoleic acid (RA) and cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL)] on nutrient intake and total-tract apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and predicted rumen microbial protein (Pmic) in heifers. Twelve Jersey heifers (14±0.6 months and 264±18.7 kg BW) were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with the following treatments: Control (CON), diet without feed additives; Ricinoleic acid, dietary inclusion of RA at 2 g kg-1 dry matter (DM); Cashew nutshell liquid, dietary inclusion of CNSL at 2 g kg-1 DM; and a mixture of 1 g kg-1 DM of RA and 1 g kg1 DM of CNSL (RA+CNSL). Heifers were allowed 14 d for treatment adaptation followed by 5 days of sampling. Total feces collection was performed to determine digestibility. Rumen fluid was collected to determine short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration. Urine samples were collected for nitrogen and purine derivatives analyses. Feeding RA decreased intake of DM, but increased crude protein (CP) digestibility and ruminal acetate concentration. Feeding CSNL increased NDF digestibility and lowered Pmic. The association of RA+CNSL increased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and ruminal concentration of total SCFA without affecting DM intake. Feeding RA treatment decreased N intake and N excreted in feces and urine. CNSL group had the highest values of N balance. Heifers fed RA had lower Pmic than CNSL and RA+CNSL. The association of RA+CNSL improved digestibility of fiber and increased ruminal concentration of SCFA without altering N balance and Pmic.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da combinação de óleos funcionais (OF) [ácido ricinoleico (AR) e líquido da castanha de caju (LCC)] no consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes, fermentação ruminal, utilização de nitrogênio e estimativa de proteína microbiana de novilhas leiteiras. Doze novilhas da raça Jersey (14±0,6 meses e 264±18,7 kg PV) foram alocadas em um experimento de quadrado latino 4×4 contendo os tratamentos a seguir: controle (CON), uma dieta sem aditivos; Ácido ricinoleico, inclusão de 2g kg-1 de matéria seca (MS) de AR na dieta; Líquido da castanha de caju (LCC), inclusão de 2 g kg-1 MS de LCC na dieta; e uma mistura de 1 g kg-1 MS de AR e 1 g kg-1 MS de LCC na dieta (AR+LCC). Cada período experimental tinha 14 dias para adaptação aos tratamentos e 5 dias de coleta. O consumo de alimentos foi mensurado diariamente, e uma coleta total de fezes foi realizada durante 3 dias consecutivos de cada período experimental para determinar a digestibilidade de nutrientes. Amostras de fluído ruminal foram coletadas no último dia de cada período para determinação da concentração de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta. Amostras de urina foram coletadas no dia 18 de cada período para análises de nitrogênio e derivados de purina. O fornecimento de AR diminuiu o consumo de MS e proteína bruta (PB), mas aumentou a digestibilidade de proteína bruta e concentração ruminal de acetato. O fornecimento de LCC não afetou o consumo, mas aumentou a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN). A associação de AR+LCC aumentou a digestibilidade da PB e FDN como também a concentração total de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta no rúmen, sem alterar o consumo de MS. O tratamento AR diminuiu a ingestão de N como também a excreção de N pelas fezes e urina. As novilhas do grupo LCC tiveram os maiores valores de N absorvido e retido enquanto as novilhas do grupo AR tiveram os menores valores. As novilhas do grupo RA tiveram menor estimativa de proteína microbiana em comparação com aquelas no grupo LCC e AR+LCC mas não diferiram do CON. Em conclusão, a associação de AR+LCC melhorou a digestibilidade da fibra e aumentou a concentração do total de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta no rúmen sem alterar o balanço de N e estimativa da proteína microbiana no rúmen.(AU)

Thermogenic oils as a substitute forractopamine in the production of heavy pigs / Óleos termogênicos em substituição a ractopamina na produção de suínos em fase de pós-terminação

This study aimed to assess the effects of thermogenic oils (safflower and coconut oils) as a replacement for ractopamine in heavy pig diets. A total of 24 mix-breed barrows with an average weight of 98.70 ± 1.63 kg were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replicates. Treatments were as follows: basal diet, modified basal diet + 10 ppm ractopamine, basal diet + safflower oil, and basal diet + coconut oil. Animal performance, organ weights, meat quality, carcass traits, and economic viability were determined. Data were analyzed using Duncan's test at the 5% significance level. The safflower oil diet resulted in the highest carcass meat and ham weights, whereas the coconut oil diet provided the highest loin eye area and the lowest fat area, resulting in the highest meat/fat ratio. Analysis of economic viability indicators revealed that vegetable oil treatments differed significantly from other treatments in feed cost, feed cost per kilogram of live weight, economic viability index, and cost index, given that oil inclusion increased the price of diets. Supplementation of heavy pig diets with thermogenic oils is a viable alternative to enhance lean meat production, but its use depends on market availability and product price.(AU)

Este estudo visou avaliar os efeitos dos óleos termogênicos (óleos de cártamo e de coco) como substitutos da racto-pamina em dietas de suínos pesados. Um total de 24 suínos machos castrados com um peso médio de 98,70 ± 1,63 kg foram distribuídos em um modelo de blocos aleatorizados com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: dieta basal (RB), RB modificada + 10 ppm de ractopamina, RB + óleo de cártamo, e RB + óleo de coco. Foram determinados o desempenho animal, pesos dos órgãos, qualidade da carne, características da carcaça, e viabilidade económica. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o teste de Duncan ao nível de 5% de significância. A dieta de óleo de Cártamo resultou na maior quan-tidade de carne de carcaça e pesos de pernil, enquanto que a dieta de óleo de coco forneceu a maior área do olho do lombo e a menor área de gordura, resultando na maior relação carne/gordura. A análise dos indicadores de viabilidade económica reve-lou que os tratamentos com óleo vegetal diferiram significativamente de outros tratamentos no custo da alimentação, custo da alimentação por quilograma de peso vivo, índice de viabilidade económica, e índice de custo, dado que a inclusão do óleo aumentou o preço das dietas. A suplementação de dietas de suínos pesados com óleos termogênicos é uma alternativa viável para aumentar a produção de carne magra, mas a sua utilização depende da disponibilidade no mercado e do preço do produto.(AU)

Mycotoxin risk management for dairy cows by monitoring blood parameters, reproduction status and SCC in milk / [Gerenciamento de risco de micotoxinas para vacas leiteiras através do monitoramento de parâmetros sanguíneos, status de reprodução e SCC no leite]

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mycotoxin management with feed additive by monitoring biochemical blood parameters, reproduction status and udder health in cows. During the first 1-12-months, the reproduction performance was assessed. The cows were fed only total mixed ration (TMR) with naturally contaminated mycotoxins (ZEN;DON;AFB1;OTA) and the cows were regarded as a control group (CG). In months 13-15, two groups were created: control (CG)(n=30) and experimental (EG)(n=60). The CG was fed with contaminated TMR and the EG was fed with the same TMR+40g/cow mycotoxins management feed additive (TMXL1000). During this period, blood indicators and udder health were studied. Beginning with months 16-24, all cows were fed with contaminated TMR+40 g/cow (TMXL1000) and regarded as the EG. The IgA concentrations in the CG decreased in the 15th month (p<0.05). The concentrations of cortisol decreased by two times (p<0.05) in the EG. Ovarian cyst treatment was more effective by 14.98% (p<0.05) in the EG than in the CG (p<0.05). The EG performed an effective (18.02%) (p<0.05) response to applied ovsynch protocol compared with the CG. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that feed additive for mycotoxins management had a positive impact on dairy cow health.

O objetivo deste estudo era determinar a eficácia do manejo de micotoxinas com aditivo alimentar através do monitoramento de parâmetros bioquímicos do sangue, estado de reprodução e saúde do úbere em vacas. Durante os primeiros 1-12 meses, o desempenho de reprodução foi avaliado. As vacas foram alimentadas apenas com ração total mista (TMR) com micotoxinas naturalmente contaminadas (ZEN;DON;AFB1;OTA) e as vacas foram consideradas como um grupo de controle (CG). Nos meses 13-15, dois grupos foram criados: controle (CG)(n=30) e experimental (EG)(n=60). O CG foi alimentado com TMR contaminado e o EG foi alimentado com o mesmo TMR+40g/ aditivo para o manejo de micotoxinas de vacas (TMXL1000). Durante este período, foram estudados os indicadores de sangue e a saúde do úbere. A partir dos meses 16-24, todas as vacas foram alimentadas com TMR+40 g/ vaca contaminada (TMXL1000) e consideradas como o EG. As concentrações de IgA no GC diminuíram no 15º mês (p<0,05). As concentrações de cortisol diminuíram duas vezes (p<0,05) no GE. O tratamento do cisto ovariano foi mais eficaz em 14,98% (p<0,05) no GE do que no GC (p<0,05). O GE realizou uma resposta efetiva (18,02%) (p<0,05) ao protocolo ovsynch aplicado em comparação com o GC. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que o aditivo alimentar para o manejo de micotoxinas teve um impacto positivo na saúde das vacas leiteiras.

Citric acid minimizes oxidative stress in Amazonian fish (Colossoma macropomum) when fed plant protein-based diets

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of citric acid in plant protein based-diets offered to juvenile tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing different levels of citric acid (0, 10, 20, and 30 g.kg−1) were formulated. Fish (n = 160; 27.56±1.03 g) were randomly distributed in 310-L water tanks (n = 16), with four replicates per treatment. After the experimental period (80 days), animals were anesthetized, and blood was collected for cell count. They were euthanized and dissected to remove livers for subsequent oxidative stress analyses. No significant differences were observed in the levels of thrombocytes, total leukocytes, lymphocytes, positive granular leukocytes, and immature leukocytes among the experimental treatments. However, there were fewer monocytes and neutrophils in fish fed the diet containing 30 g.kg−1 of citric acid. All citric acid diets increased glutathione concentration and reduced lipid peroxidation levels in livers. Therefore, citric acid acts as a potent antioxidant in juvenile tambaqui fed plant protein-based diets and, thus, can improve their maintenance conditions in production systems.

Effects of dietary lysozyme on immune response and fecal microflora in both sows and their offspring

Two studies were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lysozyme on immune response, fecal microflora in sows and their offspring fed lysozyme from late gestation to the onset of lactation, and growth performance in weaned piglets. Four antibiotic-based treatments (chlortetracycline, colistin, and lysozyme) were applied in experiment 1. Lysozyme addition significantly increased final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, improved feed:gain ratio (F:G), and decreased diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. In experiment 2, postpartum sows were fed diets either with amoxicillin and cephalosporin (SC) or lysozyme (SE). Piglets from SC sows were administered enrofloxacin and those from SE sows were administered lysozyme. Lysozyme treatment decreased serum IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10, but did not influence IL-8, TNF-α, or IFN-γ in weaned piglets. Sequencing revealed that lysozyme significantly decreased Chao-1 index in sows and weaned piglets, increased Bifidobacterium longum in sows, and Lactobacillus coleohominis, L. mucosae, L. amylovorus, and L. hamsteri in weaned piglets. The results suggest that dietary supplementation of lysozyme improved the growth performance of weaned piglets, and dietary supplementation of lysozyme for sows increased immune function and modulated the intestinal flora structure in sows and their offspring.

Effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation on growth performance and physiology of broiler chickens under pre- and post-inflammatory challenge

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation on growth performance, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and uric acid levels, immune-related organs, and intestinal morphometric parameters of broiler chickens under pre- and post-inflammatory challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ninety-six seven-day-old male broiler chicks were randomized in a 2×2 factorial design composed of two dietary types (supplemented with 0 and 0.3 g of purified nucleotides/kg of feed) and two inflammatory conditions (with and without LPS administration) with eight replicates per treatment and three birds per cage. The experimental period was divided into two phases: 7-20 days of age (pre-LPS challenge) and 21-35 days of age (post-LPS challenge). Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA for the pre- and post-challenge phases, respectively. During the pre-challenge phase, dietary nucleotide supplementation improved body weight (982 vs. 1009 g/bird), daily weight gain (58.1 vs. 60.1 g/bird), feed conversion rate (1.28 vs. 1.25 g/g), and serum concentration of IgG (1.17 vs. 1.76 mg/mL) of broilers. During the post-challenge phase, nucleotide supplementation increased serum IgG of broilers at 28 days of age (3.01 vs. 4.34 mg/mL). For the intestinal morphometric parameters, nucleotide supplementation increased villus height (299.3 vs. 315.6 µm). Dietary nucleotide supplementation improves the performance of broilers from seven to 20 days of age (pre-LPS challenge). However, from 21 to 35 days of age, supplementation of 0.3 g of purified nucleotides/kg of feed, independent of inflammatory challenge, does not contribute to improve performance of broilers. Additionally, nucleotide supplementation increases IgG production and villus height in the jejunum of broilers.(AU)

Supplemental protease improves in vitro disappearance of dry matter and crude protein in feather meal and copra meal for pigs

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of supplemental protease on in vitro disappearance of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in feed ingredients for pigs. The test ingredients were three sources of feather meal (FM 1, FM 2, and FM 3), meat and bone meal, soybean meal, corn dried distillers grains with solubles, copra meal (CM), palm kernel meal, wheat, and corn. In experiment 1, in vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of DM and CP were determined to represent the digestion and absorption of the stomach and small intestine of pigs. In experiment 2, in vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of DM was determined to represent the digestion and absorption of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine of pigs. The control group had 99% of a test ingredient and 1% of wheat bran. Protease originating from Bacillus spp. was supplemented to the control diet at the expense of wheat bran to make a treatment group (100,000 U/kg of sample). Protease supplementation increased the IVID of DM in FM 1 (39.8 vs. 37.5%) and CM (45.0 vs. 42.2%). In the protease supplementation group, the IVID of CP also increased in FM 1 (48.0 vs. 43.8%) and CM (85.3 vs. 77.5%). The supplemental protease increased the IVTTD of DM in FM 1 (43.9 vs. 42.1%), FM 3 (55.6 vs. 52.7%), and meat and bone meal (85.9 vs. 84.3%). Therefore, nutrient utilization of FM and CM can be improved by supplemental protease originating from Bacillus spp. based on in vitro assays.(AU)

Economic feasibility of probiotic use in the diet of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, during the reproductive period

This work examines the economic advantages of probiotic use in the diet of Nile tilapia broodstock during the reproductive period. For this purpose, Bacillus subtilis was applied as a feed additive. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatment groups: the T0 control (without probiotic), the T1 continuous probiotic intake, and the T2 alternate probiotic intake at a dose of 0.50 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1 ) with four replicates. For the reproduction assay, 118 females and 48 males of Nile tilapia (proportion 4 males:9 females. hapa-1 ) (weight 527.65 g ± 185.98 g and length 30.16 cm ± 3.57 cm) were distributed into 12 hapas (3.5 × 2.0 × 1.5 m). Reproductive variables (spawning female percentage, egg production, and fry production) were used to calculate the economic feasibility indexes (total cost of nutrition [TcN], gross revenue [GR], and total operational profit [ToP]). The results show increasing values for spawning female number, collected eggs, and surviving fry in the probiotic groups. We recommend continuous intake of probiotic (feed with addition of probiotic) at a dose of 0.5 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1 ) during the breeding season of Nile tilapia, due to the suitable reproductive indexes and profitability.(AU)

Evaluation of olive leaf extract as a growth promoter on the performance, blood biochemical parameters, and caecal microflora of broiler chickens

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of an alcoholic liquid olive leaf extract (OLE) obtained from fresh leaves on the growth performance, carcass weight, caecal microflora, and some plasma variables, such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in broiler chickens. A total of 375 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into five treatments with five replicate pens (15 birds each) per treatment. The birds were fed either a basal diet with no supplement (control), with 75 (OLE75), 150 (OLE150), 300 (OLE300), and 600 (OLE600) mg kg−1 oleuropein, provided by 0.66, 1.33, 2.65, and 5.32 g kg−1 of the OLE. The dietary supplementation of OLE linearly increased daily body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and carcass weight and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). Although the OLE600 broilers had the highest daily FI among the treatments, there were significant increases in their BWG and improvements in FCR compared with the control, OLE75, and OLE150 birds. The carcass weights of OLE150, OLE300, and OLE600 birds were higher than those of the control group. The OLE600 diet increased the dressing percentage compared with the OLE75, OLE150, and OLE300 diets. The abdominal fat weight and the plasma HDL concentration of the control broilers were lower than those of all OLE birds. All doses of OLE supplementation decreased the caecal E. coli content. A growth-promoting effect is obtained from the dietary supplementation of 600 mg kg−1 oleuropein due to its beneficial effect on growth performance and caecal microflora populations of broilers.(AU)

Effects of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant function, and immunological function of nursery piglets

This study investigated the effects of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant function, and immunological function of nursery piglets. In total, three groups including 72 nursery piglets were designed and fed one of three diets: a control basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.2% ZnO, or basal diet supplemented with 0.04% XOS, for 28 days. Compared with the control group, the XOS group significantly increased the final body weight and average daily weight gain. No significant differences were found about these parameters between the control and ZnO groups. Compared with the control group, the ZnO group showed no changes in the serum content of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), albumin:globulin (ALB:GLB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), or in the serum activity of amylase and alkaline phosphatase. However, in the XOS group, serum glucose content increased and blood urea nitrogen and triglyceride content decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with XOS significantly increased the serum activity of total antioxygenic capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and decreased the serum activity of malondialdehyde. At the same time, serum IgG content in XOS group was significantly higher than that in control group. From the current study, supplementation of 0.04% XOS in the diet could improve the antioxidant and immune function of piglets, promotes nitrogen deposition, and accelerates lipid and glucose metabolism, thereby improving piglet growth performance.(AU)

Economic feasibility of probiotic use in the diet of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, during the reproductive period

This work examines the economic advantages of probiotic use in the diet of Nile tilapia broodstock during the reproductive period. For this purpose, Bacillus subtilis was applied as a feed additive. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatment groups: the T0 control (without probiotic), the T1 continuous probiotic intake, and the T2 alternate probiotic intake at a dose of 0.50 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1 ) with four replicates. For the reproduction assay, 118 females and 48 males of Nile tilapia (proportion 4 males:9 females. hapa-1 ) (weight 527.65 g ± 185.98 g and length 30.16 cm ± 3.57 cm) were distributed into 12 hapas (3.5 × 2.0 × 1.5 m). Reproductive variables (spawning female percentage, egg production, and fry production) were used to calculate the economic feasibility indexes (total cost of nutrition [TcN], gross revenue [GR], and total operational profit [ToP]). The results show increasing values for spawning female number, collected eggs, and surviving fry in the probiotic groups. We recommend continuous intake of probiotic (feed with addition of probiotic) at a dose of 0.5 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1 ) during the breeding season of Nile tilapia, due to the suitable reproductive indexes and profitability.

Effect of cashew nut shell liquid at varying inclusion levels on rumenfermentation and methane production in vitro

Essential oils are possible natural antibioticalternatives for manipulating ruminal fermentation in order to improve the utilization of nutrient in ruminants. This studyevaluated the effect of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) at varying inclusion levels on in vitro gas production, nutrient degradation, and post-incubation parameters. Experimentaldiets consisted of Panicum maximum (Ntchisi) grass as basal diet and supplemental pellets treated with 0, 5, 10 and 15 ml/kg of cashew nut shell liquid. Proximate composition ofexperimental diets was analysed. In vitro experiment was carried out on experimental diets (P. maximum and concentrate pellets at ratio 70:30) for 24 hours using goat rumen liquor as inoculum. Results showed that CNSLinclusion had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the ether extract and metabolizable energy of experimental pellets. Dietary treatment with 15 ml/kg of CNSL had the lowest (P < 0.05) invitro gas production. Inclusion of CNSL significantly inhibited methane production at 5 ml/kg (18%), 10 ml/kg (34%) and 15 ml/kg (57%) CNSL inclusion levels (P < 0.05).Ammonia-N and TVFA decreased significantly with CNSL inclusion. Significant reduction (P < 0.05) in short-chain fatty acid, metabolizable energy, and organic matter degradabilitywere recorded with increasing CNSL inclusion levels.(AU)

Effect of cashew nut shell liquid at varying inclusion levels on rumenfermentation and methane production in vitro

Essential oils are possible natural antibioticalternatives for manipulating ruminal fermentation in order to improve the utilization of nutrient in ruminants. This studyevaluated the effect of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) at varying inclusion levels on in vitro gas production, nutrient degradation, and post-incubation parameters. Experimentaldiets consisted of Panicum maximum (Ntchisi) grass as basal diet and supplemental pellets treated with 0, 5, 10 and 15 ml/kg of cashew nut shell liquid. Proximate composition ofexperimental diets was analysed. In vitro experiment was carried out on experimental diets (P. maximum and concentrate pellets at ratio 70:30) for 24 hours using goat rumen liquor as inoculum. Results showed that CNSLinclusion had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the ether extract and metabolizable energy of experimental pellets. Dietary treatment with 15 ml/kg of CNSL had the lowest (P < 0.05) invitro gas production. Inclusion of CNSL significantly inhibited methane production at 5 ml/kg (18%), 10 ml/kg (34%) and 15 ml/kg (57%) CNSL inclusion levels (P < 0.05).Ammonia-N and TVFA decreased significantly with CNSL inclusion. Significant reduction (P < 0.05) in short-chain fatty acid, metabolizable energy, and organic matter degradabilitywere recorded with increasing CNSL inclusion levels.

Enhanced conjugated linoleic acid and biogas production after ruminal fermentation with Piper betle L. supplementation / Aumento na produção de ácido linoléico conjugado e biogás após fermentação ruminal com suplementação com Piper betle L.

Piper betle L. is edible plant richer in polyphenols that might improve feed utilization in rumen diet. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of various Piper betle L. powder (PL) doses on in vitro rumen microorganisms, ruminal biogas and fermentation end-product production, and biohydrogenation including lipolysis-isomerization. The completely randomized design used five levels of PL supplementation (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg DM) incubated with 400 mg of a basal substrate of Pangola hay and concentrate (50:50). The matrix compounds (g/kg DM) of 0.27 catechin, 0.11 rutin, 3.48 quercetin, 0.41 apigenin, 0.04 myricetin, 0.27 kaempferol, 0.76 eugenol and 0.22 caryophyllene derived from PL altered the fermentation pattern, with an increase in degradable nutrients and total volatile fatty acids and acetogenesis without shifting pH during fermentation. These values promoted in vitro gas production, with higher carbon dioxide and lower methane production. Although, hydrogen recovery from lipolysis-isomerization in biohydrogenation was limited, PL successfully promoted stearic acid (C18:0) accumulation by changing the biohydrogenation pathway of fatty acids, causing more C18:1 trans-11 rather than C18:2 trans-11, cis-15. Consequently, this resulted in more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) cis-9, trans-11, CLA trans-10, cis-12 and CLA trans-11, cis-13. Enhanced PL supply increased total bacteria and fungal zoospores due to a reduction in rumen protozoa. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PL is a feed additive with potential for ruminants, promising improved ruminal fermentation and biohydrogenation, while reducing methane production.(AU)

Piper betle L. é uma planta comestível rica em polifenois que podem melhorar a utilização de alimentos na dieta de ruminantes. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito de várias doses de Piper betle L em . pó (PL) sobre microrganismos do rúmen in vitro, biogás ruminal e produção de produtos finais de fermentação e bio-hidrogenação, incluindo lipólise e isomerização. O delineamento inteiramente casualizado utilizou cinco níveis de suplementação de PL (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mg de MS) incubados com 400 mg de um substrato basal do feno de Pangola e concentrado (50:50). Os compostos da matriz (g / kg MS) de 0,27 catequina, 0,11 rutina, 3,48 quercetina, 0,41 apigenina, 0,04 miricetina, 0,27 kaempferol, 0,76 eugenol e 0,22 cariofileno derivado de PL, alteraram o padrão de fermentação com o aumento de nutrientes degradáveis e voláteis totais, ácidos graxos e acetogênese sem alterar o pH durante a fermentação. Esses valores promoveram a produção de gás in vitro, com maior dióxido de carbono e menor produção de metano. Embora a recuperação de hidrogênio da lipólise-isomerização na bio-hidrogenação tenha sido limitada, o PL promoveu com sucesso o acúmulo de ácido esteárico (C18: 0) alterando a via de bio-hidrogenação dos ácidos graxos, causando mais C18: 1 trans-11 do que C18: 2 trans-11, cis -15. Consequentemente, isso resultou em mais ácido linoléico conjugado (CLA) cis-9, trans-11, CLA trans-10, cis-12 e CLA trans-11, cis-13. O suprimento aprimorado de PL aumentou o total de bactérias e zoósporos de fungos devido a uma redução no número de protozoários do rúmen. Em conclusão, nossos resultados demonstram que o PL é um aditivo alimentar com potencial para ruminantes, prometendo fermentação ruminal e bio-hidrogenação aprimoradas, enquanto reduz a produção de metano.(AU)

Effects of encapsulated sodium butyrate and phytogenic on growth performance, carcass traits and health of growing-finishing pigs / Efeitos do butirato de sódio encapsulado e fitogênico sobre o desempenho, características da carcaça e saúde de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação

The aim of this study was to evaluate two feed additives, one based on encapsulated sodium butyrate (Adimix® Precision) (AD) and the other, a phytogenic (Apex® 5) (AX), associated or not with an antimicrobial growth promoter (tylosin) during the growth and finishing phases on performance, carcass characteristics and health conditions. A total of 300 barrows and females were distributed in six treatments in a randomized block design with ten replicates. The treatments consisted of a negative control (NC), positive control (PC) (tylosin), AD (encapsulated sodium butyrate), AX (phytogenic), PC+AD (tylosin+encapsulated sodium butyrate), and PC+AX (tylosin+phytogenic). The performance (live weight, daily feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion) and carcass data (carcass weight, backfat thickness, loin depth, lean meat on the carcass) were submitted to ANOVA plus Tukeys test, and the health conditions (occurrence of diseases, culling, and spontaneous deaths) were analyzed by 2. Animals of the AD group had the highest average daily gain (ADG) over the evaluation period and the highest live weight at 120, 140, and 164 days of age, in addition to the highest carcass weight compared to NC and PC groups. The AX treatment increased the ADG in growth phase II and the live weight at 120 and 140 days of age in relation to the NC. The PC+AX group had a higher final live weight compared to the NC and PC groups and higher carcass weight in relation to the NC group. There was no difference among treatments for backfat thickness, percentage of lean meat in the carcass, or occurrence of diseases and deaths. The inclusion of encapsulated sodium butyrate (AD treatment) was effective in increasing ADG, final live weight, and carcass weight compared to supplementation with tylosin (PC treatment), as was the inclusion of a phytogenic (AX treatment) on FC compared to the PC.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar dois aditivos alimentares, um a base de butirato de sódio encapsulado (Adimix® Precision) (AD) e outro a base de um fitogênico (Apex® 5) (AX), associados ou não a um antibiótico promotor de crescimento (tilosina), durante as fases de crescimento e terminação, sobre o desempenho, características da carcaça e status de saúde. Foram utilizados 300 suínos machos castrados e fêmeas distribuídos em seis tratamentos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com dez repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em um controle negativo (CN), controle positivo (CP) (tilosina), AD (butirato de sódio encapsulado), AX (fitogênico), CP+AD (tilosina+butirato de sódio encapsulado) e CP+AX (tilosina+fitogênico). Os dados de desempenho (peso vivo, consumo diário de ração, ganho de peso médio diário e conversão alimentar) e de carcaça (peso de carcaça, espessura de toucinho, profundidade do lombo e carne magra na carcaça) foram submetidos à ANOVA seguido por teste de Tukey, e os dados de condição de saúde (ocorrência de doenças, animais eutanasiados e mortos espontaneamente) foram analisados pelo teste de 2. Os animais do grupo AD apresentaram maior ganho de peso diário (GPD) durante o período de avaliação e maior peso vivo aos 120, 140 e 164 dias de idade, além de maior peso de carcaça em comparação aos grupos CN e CP. O tratamento AX aumentou o GPD na fase crescimento II e o peso vivo aos 120 e 140 dias de idade em relação ao CN. O grupo CP+AX apresentou maior peso final em relação aos grupos CN e CP e maior peso de carcaça em relação ao CN. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para espessura de toucinho, porcentagem de carne magra na carcaça e ocorrência de doenças e óbitos. A inclusão de butirato de sódio encapsulado (tratamento AD) foi efetiva no aumento de GPD, peso final e peso de carcaça em comparação à suplementação com tilosina (tratamento CP), assim como a inclusão fitogênico (tratamento AX) melhorou a conversão alimentar em comparação ao grupo CP.(AU)

Dietary supplementation of different levels of phytogenic feed additive in broiler diets: the dynamics of growth performance, caecal microbiota, and intestinal morphometry

The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of different levels of dietary phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on growth performance, caecal microbiota, and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 480 Ross-308 one-day-old male broilers chicks (body weight 43±3 g) were randomly assigned to 32 replicate pens of four experimental groups, each experimental group consisting of 8 replicates (each replicate pen consisting of 15 chicks). A basal diet was formulated based on corn and soybean meal that was fed to the control group. Other dietary treatments received a commercial PFA at 100 mg/kg (PFA100), 125 mg/kg (PFA125), and 150 mg/kg (PFA150). Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion rate of broilers were recorded on 1-21, 22-42, and 1-42 days of age. One bird was slaughtered on the 21st and 42nd days and caecal contents were aseptically collected. Jejunal tissue samples were also collected on the same days. Total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and lactobacilli were counted in the caecal contents. Villus height, villus diameter, crypt depth, muscular thickness, and goblet cell number per villus were recorded. There was no difference among the dietary treatments for growth performance and caecal microbe populations at any phase. However, the dietary PFA supplementation increased the villus height, villus width, muscularis thickness, and reduced the crypt depth and goblet cell number per villus in broilers compared to those fed control diets. In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary supplementation of a PFA consisting of blend of different spices and essential oils did not improve growth performance and caecal microbial populations despite a positive improvement in the jejunal morphometry of broilers.(AU)