Insect meal in poultry feed: a potential protein source

The present study aims to conduct a review on the potential use of insect meal as an alternative protein source in poultry feed, particularly to serve the rearing of free-range chickens. Insects are already part of the diet of birds in their natural habitat, and the availability of low-cost alternative foods with low environmental impact is essential for the development of the activity. The review comprehended studies that used meals consisting of silkworm (Bombyx mori) chrysalis, earthworm (Eisenia foetida), housefly (Musca domestica), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) to replace plant-based protein sources. In general, insect meals have a high content of crude protein and ether extract, as well as an essential amino acid profile suitable for poultry feeding. The addition of insect meal in poultry feed normally shows good results as to growth performance and egg production, without causing a negative effect on carcass characteristics, meat sensory quality and egg quality, presenting itself as an alternative protein source with good prospects for replacing plant-based sources in poultry feed.(AU)

Deoxynivalenol biosynthesis and accumulation in wheat under application of carrageenan / Biossíntese e acúmulo de desoxinivalenolem trigo submetido à aplicação de carragena

Mycotoxins pose a large threat to human and livestock besides reducing the quality of food/feed.It is believed that these toxins are biosynthesized as a mechanism of defense (stress-response) of fungi. The most important mycotoxin for winter-cereal crops is known by deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene biosynthesized mainly by Fusarium graminearum. This manuscript brings data of three years (2018, 2019 and 2020) of field research (24 fieldexperiments) in Western Santa Catarina and North-Western Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil using a sulphated polysaccharide exclusive from red seaweed, carrageenan, associated with fungicides to help suppressing deoxynivalenol (DON) biosynthesis and accumulation in wheat kernels. A reduction of 36.4% in DON contamination was observed. Weather conditions have influenced the accumulation of DON in wheat kernels. Carrageenan has shown to be a biological compound capable of helping on the suppression of DON biosynthesis and accumulation in wheat kernels regardless of weather conditions.(AU)

As micotoxinas representam uma grande ameaça para humanos e animais, além de reduzirem a qualidade de alimentos/rações. Acredita-se que essas toxinas sejam biossintetizadas como mecanismo de defesa (resposta ao estresse) de fungos. A micotoxina de maior interesse para cereais de inverno é conhecida por desoxinivalenol (DON), um tricoteceno biossintetizado principalmente por Fusariumgraminearum. Esse estudo traz dados de três anos (2018, 2019 e 2020) de pesquisa de campo (24 experimentos) conduzidos no Oeste de Santa Catarina e no Nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil,utilizando um polissacarídeo sulfatado exclusivo de algas vermelhas, carragena, associado a fungicidas para ajudar na supressão da biossíntese e acúmulo de desoxinivalenol (DON) em grãos de trigo. Foi observada uma redução de 36,4% na contaminação por DON. As condições climáticas influenciaram no acúmulo de DON nos grãos de trigo. A carragena se demostrou como um composto biológico capaz de atenuar a biossíntese e acúmulo de DON em grãos de trigo independente das condições climáticas.(AU)

Apparent digestibility of protein and essential aminoacids from commonly used feed ingredients in Brazil for juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

- This study determined the apparent digestibility for crude protein (ACPD) and essential aminoacids (AEAAD) of ingredients for Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets containing soy protein concentrate (SPC), corn gluten meal (CGM), poultry byproduct meal (PBM), meat and bone meal (MBM), hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM), spray-dried blood meal (DBM), tilapia byproduct meal (TBM), Brazilian marine fish meal (BFM), salmon byproduct meal (SLM), and krill meal (KRM). Digestibility was estimated using chromic oxide as a marker in a reference (REF) mixture. Shrimp of 6-8 g body weight were reared over three separate experimental stages lasting 29-30 days each. Shrimp survival exceeded 96% and was unaffected by test ingredient. The ACPD ranged from 66.7% for a diet containing DBM to 84.2% for the REF diet. Higher ACPD were observed for aquatic compared with plant and terrestrial animal byproducts. Aside from SPC (79.3%), ACPD for CGM was low at 47.5%. Among terrestrial animal byproducts, ACPD was higher for MBM compared with PBM, DBM, and HFM (71.2, 62.8, 48.6, and 45.9%, respectively). With the exception of BFM (59.7%), ACPD for all other aquatic proteins was high (KRM, 84.3%; TBM, 83.3%; SLM, 78.9%). Aquatic proteins have higher crude protein (CP) and essential aminoacid (EAA) digestibility for shrimp. Ingredients SLM, SPC, TBM, and KRM are preferable in feeds for the whiteleg shrimp since they carry a high CP and EAA content (>600 g kg−1) combined with ADC near or in excess of 80%.(AU)

Interactive effects of digestible protein levels on thermal and physical stress responses in Nile tilapia

The effects of dietary digestible protein (DP) levels (22, 26, 29, 32, and 34%) and different stressors (cold-induced stress, CIS; heat/dissolved oxygen-induced stress, HDOIS; transport-induced stress, TIS; and size-sorting-induced stress, SSIS) on hemato-biochemical parameters were evaluated. Four hundred and forty Nile tilapia fingerlings were distributed into 40-250 L aquaria and fed experimental diets for 110 days, and fed each of the five experimental diets, that were randomly distributed to eight replicates per treatment. Then, different groups of fish were subjected to one type of stress. Groups of 40 fish were used on CIS (17 °C), HDOIS (32 °C), and TIS (4 h), and a group of 140 fish on SSIS (15 min air exposure and 60 s handling). There was no effect on hemato-biochemical profile when DP levels were compared, neither before nor after stress; however, there was a significant stress effect. Digestible protein did not mitigate stress response under SSIS and CIS; lymphopenia and neutrophilia were the main cell-mediated immune response; dietary 22 and 26% DP impaired oxygenation on SSIS and TIS; fish under HDOIS and SSIS demanded more energy using triglycerides as an energy source; the diet formulated to contain 22% DP was not adequate to keep homeostasis under temperature stress. Cluster analysis showed that, for DP levels below the requirement for growth, SSIS and CIS were considered the most stressful conditions. At 34% DP level, HDOIS response was comparable to that of non-stressing conditions.(AU)

High expression of HMOX1 in blue-shelled chickens is associated with a TG haplotype

HMOX1 is an important gene in biosynthesis of the eggshell pigment of blue eggs. Previous studies found that HMOX1 is highly expressed in the shell gland of hens laying blue eggs (BlueH) compared with hens laying brown eggs (BrownH); however, the reasons for the differential expression are unclear. In this study five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in HMOX1 were genotyped in 111 BlueH and 115 BrownH. The association of haplotypes of these SNP with the blue egg phenotype was tested. Haplotype-specific expression of HMOX1 was detected in the shell gland. The interaction of sequence variants and transcription factors was analyzed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). A TG haplotype covering upstream 1.4 kb region of HMOX1 was significantly associated with blue eggs (p 0.05). Furthermore, the birds (n=12) with the haplotype expressed 3.8 fold more transcripts than those (n=12) without the haplotype (p 0.05). After re-sequencing a 2.2 kb region harboring the TG haplotype, a total of 26 SNP were found, of which a SNP was predicted to create a binding site of Nrf2, a transcription factor initiating HMOX1 expression. However, subsequent EMSA failed to confirm the Nrf2-DNA interaction. Taken together, the data suggested that the TG haplotype is not directly involved in regulation of HMOX1 expression; a regulatory mutation located near the haplotype and linked with the haplotype may exist and be responsible for the differential expression of HMOX1.(AU)

High expression of HMOX1 in blue-shelled chickens is associated with a TG haplotype

HMOX1 is an important gene in biosynthesis of the eggshell pigment of blue eggs. Previous studies found that HMOX1 is highly expressed in the shell gland of hens laying blue eggs (BlueH) compared with hens laying brown eggs (BrownH); however, the reasons for the differential expression are unclear. In this study five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in HMOX1 were genotyped in 111 BlueH and 115 BrownH. The association of haplotypes of these SNP with the blue egg phenotype was tested. Haplotype-specific expression of HMOX1 was detected in the shell gland. The interaction of sequence variants and transcription factors was analyzed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). A TG haplotype covering upstream 1.4 kb region of HMOX1 was significantly associated with blue eggs (p 0.05). Furthermore, the birds (n=12) with the haplotype expressed 3.8 fold more transcripts than those (n=12) without the haplotype (p 0.05). After re-sequencing a 2.2 kb region harboring the TG haplotype, a total of 26 SNP were found, of which a SNP was predicted to create a binding site of Nrf2, a transcription factor initiating HMOX1 expression. However, subsequent EMSA failed to confirm the Nrf2-DNA interaction. Taken together, the data suggested that the TG haplotype is not directly involved in regulation of HMOX1 expression; a regulatory mutation located near the haplotype and linked with the haplotype may exist and be responsible for the differential expression of HMOX1.

Cloning, expression and characterization of SeM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and evaluation of its use as antigen in an indirect ELISA / Clonagem, expressão e caracterização de proteína SeM de Streptococcus equi subsp. equi e avaliação de sua utilização como antígeno em um ELISA indireto

Strangles is an economically important horse disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. The diagnosis can be confirmed either directly by bacterial isolation and PCR or by ELISA, which is an indirect method based on the detection of serum antibodies. The aim of this study was to clone, express and characterize the SeM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, evaluate its use as antigen in indirect ELISA and determine its performance to distinguish sera of negative, vaccinated and positive animals. This was initially performed by cloning the gene encoding the SeM protein and its expression in Escherichia coli. Subsequently, the protein produced was characterized and used as antigen in ELISA. Serum samples for evaluation were taken from 40 negative foals, 46 horses vaccinated with a commercial vaccine against strangles and 46 horses diagnosed with the disease. The test showed high specificity and sensitivity, allowing discrimination between negative and positive, positive and vaccinated animals, and vaccinated animals and negative sera. Thus, it was concluded that the protein produced rSeM, which can be used as antigen for disease diagnosis, and the described ELISA might be helpful to evaluate the immune status of the herd.(AU)

A adenite equina é uma enfermidade economicamente importante de equinos, causada por Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. Seu diagnóstico pode ser confirmado de forma direta, por meio de isolamento bacteriano e de PCR, ou de forma indireta, por meio de ELISA, método baseado na detecção de anticorpos séricos. O objetivo deste estudo foi clonar, expressar e caracterizar a proteína SeM de Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, avaliar sua utilização como antígeno em um ELISA indireto e determinar a capacidade do teste de distinguir soros de animais negativos, vacinados e positivos. Para tal, foi inicialmente realizada a clonagem do gene que codifica para a proteína SeM e sua expressão em Escherichia coli. Posteriormente, a proteína produzida foi caracterizada e utilizada como antígeno em um teste de ELISA indireto. Para avaliação do teste, foram utilizadas amostras de soro de 40 potros negativos, de 46 equinos vacinados com uma vacina comercial contra adenite equina e de 46 equinos com diagnóstico da doença. O teste demonstrou alta sensibilidade e especificidade, permitindo discriminar entre soros negativos e positivos, positivos e de animais vacinados, e negativos e de animais vacinados. Assim, conclui-se que a proteína rSeM produzida pode ser usada como antígeno para o diagnóstico da enfermidade e que o ELISA descrito pode ser útil para avaliar o estado imunológico do rebanho.(AU)

Protein fraction and digestibility of marandu, xaraes and campo grande grasses in monocropping and intercropping systems under different sowing methods / Fracionamento de proteínas e digestibilidade dos capins marandu, xaraés e campo grande em cultivo solteiro e consorciado em diferentes métodos de plantio

A study was carried out to evaluate the protein fraction and in vitro dry matter digestibility of marandu, xaraes grasses and campo grande in monocropping and intercropping systems under different planting methods, for a period of two years. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with four replications. The treatments consisted of the following crop systems: campo grande in monocropping; xaraés grass in monocropping; marandu grass in monocropping; xaraés intercropped with campo grande in rows; xaraés intercropped with campo grande, broadcast; marandu grass intercropped with campo grande in rows; and marandu intercropped with campo grand, broadcast. The evaluations were conducted for two years, consisting of seasonal evaluations (autumn, winter, spring and summer) in the same plots, with repeated measurements overtime. The results showed that xaraes and marandu grasses were similar between crop systems, indicating that both can be intercropped with campo grande. The intercropping of campo grande with Brachiaria brizanthacultivars improved the protein fraction and digestibility. The row method of planting provided better protein fractions and in vitro dry matter digestibility.

Desenvolveu-se esse estudo com o objetivo de avaliar o fracionamento das proteínas e digestibilidadein vitro da matéria seca dos capins marandu, xaraés e campo grande em cultivo solteiro e consorciado emdiferentes métodos de plantio, por um período de dois anos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocoscompletos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos dos seguintes sistemas forrageiros:capim-xaraés solteiro; capim-marandu solteiro; campo grande solteiro; capim-xaraés consorciado com campogrande em linha; capim-xaraés consorciado com campo grande a lanço; capim-marandu consorciado com campogrande em linha e capim-marandu consorciada com campo grande a lanço. As avaliações foram realizadas durantedois anos, consistindo em avaliações por estações do ano (outono, inverno, primavera e verão) nas mesmasparcelas, com medidas repetidas no tempo. Os resultados demonstraram que os capins xaraés e marandumostraram semelhanças entre os sistemas de consórcio, indicando que ambos podem ser consorciados com ocampo grande. O consórcio do campo grande com os cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha traz melhoria nofracionamento das proteínas e digestibilidade. O método de plantio em linha proporcionou melhores fraçõesproteicas e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca.

Protein fraction and digestibility of marandu, xaraes and campo grande grasses in monocropping and intercropping systems under different sowing methods / Fracionamento de proteínas e digestibilidade dos capins marandu, xaraés e campo grande em cultivo solteiro e consorciado em diferentes métodos de plantio

A study was carried out to evaluate the protein fraction and in vitro dry matter digestibility of marandu, xaraes grasses and campo grande in monocropping and intercropping systems under different planting methods, for a period of two years. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with four replications. The treatments consisted of the following crop systems: campo grande in monocropping; xaraés grass in monocropping; marandu grass in monocropping; xaraés intercropped with campo grande in rows; xaraés intercropped with campo grande, broadcast; marandu grass intercropped with campo grande in rows; and marandu intercropped with campo grand, broadcast. The evaluations were conducted for two years, consisting of seasonal evaluations (autumn, winter, spring and summer) in the same plots, with repeated measurements overtime. The results showed that xaraes and marandu grasses were similar between crop systems, indicating that both can be intercropped with campo grande. The intercropping of campo grande with Brachiaria brizanthacultivars improved the protein fraction and digestibility. The row method of planting provided better protein fractions and in vitro dry matter digestibility.(AU)

Desenvolveu-se esse estudo com o objetivo de avaliar o fracionamento das proteínas e digestibilidadein vitro da matéria seca dos capins marandu, xaraés e campo grande em cultivo solteiro e consorciado emdiferentes métodos de plantio, por um período de dois anos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocoscompletos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos dos seguintes sistemas forrageiros:capim-xaraés solteiro; capim-marandu solteiro; campo grande solteiro; capim-xaraés consorciado com campogrande em linha; capim-xaraés consorciado com campo grande a lanço; capim-marandu consorciado com campogrande em linha e capim-marandu consorciada com campo grande a lanço. As avaliações foram realizadas durantedois anos, consistindo em avaliações por estações do ano (outono, inverno, primavera e verão) nas mesmasparcelas, com medidas repetidas no tempo. Os resultados demonstraram que os capins xaraés e marandumostraram semelhanças entre os sistemas de consórcio, indicando que ambos podem ser consorciados com ocampo grande. O consórcio do campo grande com os cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha traz melhoria nofracionamento das proteínas e digestibilidade. O método de plantio em linha proporcionou melhores fraçõesproteicas e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca.

Crude Protein Equivalence Value of a MultiEnzyme Product for 28- and 42-Day-Old Broilers

In order to estimate the crude protein (CP) equivalence value of Natuzyme-p (NP) enzyme by using regression response equations, two experiments were carried out using Ross (308) broiler chicks. Graded levels of dietary CP (while amino acids levels were kept constant) and NP enzyme were used to derive the regression equation in the first experiment. Four levels of dietary CP and NP enzyme were fed to 160 feather-sexed male broiler chicks during the starter (0-28 d of age) and grower (28-42 d of age) period. Each diet was offered to four replicates of five chicks in a completely randomized design. Results obtained in experiment one failed to fit a regression equation between BW, dietary CP levels and NP enzyme. In experiment two, graded levels of CP changed along with the levels of lysine (Lys), Met+Cys and threonine (Thr). Regression equations between BW and dietary CP and NP enzyme were derived. Nonlinear and linear equations were generated for enzyme and CP. Based on an assessment of r² and P value, nonlinear equations were used to determine enzyme equivalence. The derived regression equations of body weight for CP were set to be equal with those obtained for NP and were solved; enzyme equivalence value for CP was calculated by subtracting the obtained value from CP content of basal diet. Crude protein equivalence value of NP at 28 and 42 d of age was estimated to be 0.96 and 0.38 %, respectively.(AU)