Veganism and animal welfare, scientific, ethical, and philosophical arguments

The justification for this review article is to understand the position of vegans and those individuals who consume food of animal origin from an unbiased perspective but with a grounding in scientific evidence. This will provide people who eat meat with scientific and ethical arguments to defend their alimentary autonomy in the context of the moral conflict that has emerged in societies regarding the consumption of meat and animal products, which is criticized ­sometimes even attacked­ by activists, ovolactovegetarians, or vegetarians with alimentary habits that stress ethical and moral respect for animals. These individuals refuse to eat meat and animal products but sometimes show disrespect for those who do. In recent decades, veganism and vegetarianism have reached an apogee in some western societies where they are often considered a healthy option for humans that simultaneously fosters animal and environmental welfare. While those diets may provide numerous benefits, they can also entail health risks by failing to provide balance and necessary dietary supplements. Various researchers concur that they are not appropriate for pregnant women, children, or carnivorous or omnivorous pets. Our review of scientific articles in favor and against dietary regimens that lack protein of animal origin leads to the conclusion that these dietary changes, on their own, do not reduce animal suffering or the contamination generated by the meat, dairy, and poultry industries. Finally, it is important to consider that, despite the popular opinion that vegetarianism and veganism are healthy diet alternatives, the diet must be individualized and well-balanced according to each stage of their life cycle.

Different phytase levels and energy densities in broiler diets on performance, nutrient digestibility, and bone integrity from 28 to 35 days of age / Diferentes níveis de fitase e de densidades energéticas em dietas de frangos de corte sobre desempenho, digestibilidade de nutrientes e integridade óssea de 28 a 35 dias de idade

The study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of using phytase levels at different energy densities in the diet of broilers, from 28 to 35 days of age. The experimental diets contained increasing levels of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance and different levels of phytase. Growth performance variables, nutrient digestibility, as well as variables related to bone integrity were examined. Diets containing 500 FTU/kg in combination with 3150kcal.kg-1 of AMEn resulted in better growth performance. Supplementation with 500 and 1000 FTU/kg in the diets provide better coefficients of apparent and ileal digestibility of calcium and phosphorus, but negatively influence the deposition of calcium, phosphorus, dry matter, and ash in the tibia, in addition to adversely affecting the breakage and area of these bones in broilers. Bone length and the levels of magnesium and zinc present in the tibias were not influenced by the energy and phytase levels of the diets. There is no interaction between the different energetic densities and the phytase doses in the variables analyzed in the studied period. Increasing the energy density of diets resulted in improved apparent and ileal digestibility for most nutrients.

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da utilização de níveis de fitase em diferentes densidades energéticas na dieta de frangos de corte, no período de 28 a 35 dias de idade. As dietas experimentais contiveram níveis crescentes de energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para balanço de nitrogênio e diferentes níveis de fitase. Foram avaliadas variáveis de desempenho zootécnico, digestibilidade de nutrientes e variáveis relacionadas à integridade óssea. Dietas contendo 500 FTU/kg de fitase em combinação com 3150kcal.kg-1 de EMAn resultam em melhor desempenho zootécnico. A suplementação com 500 e 1000 FTU/kg nas dietas propicia melhores coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente e ileal do cálcio e do fósforo, mas influencia negativamente na deposição de cálcio, fósforo, matéria seca e cinzas das tíbias, além de afetar adversamente a quebra e a área desses ossos em frangos de corte. O comprimento do osso e os níveis de magnésio e zinco presentes nas tíbias não são influenciados pelos níveis energéticos e de fitase das dietas. Não há interação entre as diferentes densidades energéticas e as doses de fitase nas variáveis analisadas no período estudado. O aumento da densidade energética das dietas resulta em melhora na digestibilidade aparente e ileal para a maioria dos nutrientes.

Nutritional, physiological, hematological, and biochemical responses of lambs fed increasing levels of Pornunça silage

ABSTRACT: Pornunça (Manihot sp.) is a potential forage to feed ruminants in drylands worldwide; however, evaluations of animal diets are necessary. This study assessed intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, physiological responses, ingestive behavior, water intake, as well as hematological and biochemical responses of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of Pornunça silage (PS) replacing Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66, and 100 % PS considering the roughage portion of the diet (% dry matter DM). The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. Cyanide acid (HCN) levels in fresh Pornunça leaves were 207.7 mg kg1 DM and 76.78 mg kg1 DM in PS. Intake of DM and crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) increased linearly with increasing levels of PS in the diet. Digestibility of DM, NDF, and CP were higher with increasing levels of PS. Idle time decreased linearly, while water balance, water intake via food, and total water in feces increased with PS. Nitrogen balance, physiological, and hematological responses were not influenced by treatments, while the final alanine aminotransferase increased for lambs fed all diets evaluated. The PS up to 100 % of the roughage portion increased DM and nutrient intake and digestibility without altering physiological responses and the hematological and biochemical parameters, resulting in greater water intake via food.

Influence of nutritional management prior to adaptation to a feedlot diet on ruminal microbiota of Nellore cattle

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of either a limited forage intake or concentrate supplementation prior to the adaptation to high-concentrate diets on dry matter intake, ruminal pH, bacteria, and protozoa of Nellore cattle. The experiment was designed as a two 3×3 Latin square, and six cannulated Nellore steers were used. Each experimental period was composed by three feeding phases: pre-adaptation (14 days), adaptation (12 days), and finishing (seven days) diet, in a total of 33 days per period. The steers were assigned to one of three pre-adaptation dietary treatments: control (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + mineral supplement), restriction (Tifton hay fed at 1.4% of BW + mineral supplement), and concentrate (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + 0.5% of BW of a mix of concentrate feedstuffs and mineral supplement). The adaptation period consisted of two adaptation diets, which contained 72 and 79% concentrate for six days each. The finishing diet contained 86% concentrate. During the pre-adaptation phase, restricted cattle had higher pH than concentrate-fed cattle. There was a reduction in M. elsdenii relative population in cattle from either restriction or concentrate groups. During adaptation and finishing phases, cattle from concentrate group had smaller F. succinogenes populations compared with the control group. The previous nutritional backgrounds impact ruminal microbiota during adaptation and finishing phases without causing any negative effect on ruminal pH. Feeding concentrate prior to the adaptation positively impacted the transition to high-concentrate diets and promoted increased dry matter intake.

Deoxynivalenol concentrations in feed ingredients and swine diets measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography

The objective was to compare deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations in feed ingredients and commercial swine diets measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Seventy feed ingredient samples consisted of corn, corn dried distillers grains with solubles, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, palm kernel expellers, rice bran, soy hulls, soybean meal, and wheat. Commercial swine diet samples (n = 92) were collected from 23 swine farms of varying regions in Korea and different growth stages of pigs. The DON concentration of all samples was determined in duplicate. Statistical comparisons were performed to compare the analytical methods (ELISA vs. HPLC), diet phases, and regions. The DON concentrations in most ingredients and all diets determined by ELISA method were greater than those determined by HPLC. The DON concentrations determined by the ELISA method were less than 1 mg/kg in all ingredients except corn dried distillers grains with solubles and corn gluten feed, and those determined by the HPLC were less than 0.5 mg/kg in all ingredients. The DON concentrations in complete diets did not vary by region or growth stages of pigs. The DON concentrations in most feed ingredients and commercial swine diets determined by ELISA method are greater than those determined by HPLC, but does not vary by regions in Republic of Korea or pig growth stages.

Limiting amino acids supplementation in low crude protein diets and their impacts on growth performance and carcass composition in Labeo rohita (rohu) adult fish / Limitação da suplementação de aminoácidos em dietas com baixo teor de proteína bruta e seus impactos no desempenho de crescimento e composição da carcaça em peixes adultos Labeo rohita (rohu)

Ninety days study was conducted in hapas installed in earthen ponds. Fish of an average initial weight (220g) were evenly distributed in triplicate groups within fifteen hapas. Five experimental diets labeled as T1 (25% CP and NRC recommended amino acid level) as control diet, T2 (with 2% low protein and 5% amino acid supplementation), T3 (with 2% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation), T4 (with 4% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation) and T5 (with 4% low protein and 20% amino acid supplementation) were prepared. Fish were fed with @3% of their body weight twice a day at 10.00 & 16:00 hour. Significantly higher percent weight gain (420.18 ± 66.84a) and specific growth rate (13499.33±1273.54a) along with improved feed conversion ratio (1.29 ± 0.09b) and hundred percent survivals were recorded during the trial. Furthermore proximate analysis of meat showed significant improvement in the crude protein level (81.77 ± 0.19a) served with diet containing 20% limiting amino acids mixture. Therefore, limiting amino acids can be a source of cost effective feed and use safely in L. rohita diet.

O estudo de 90 dias foi realizado em hapas instalados em tanques de terra. Peixes com peso inicial médio (220 g) foram distribuídos uniformemente em grupos triplicados em 15 hapas. Cinco dietas experimentais rotuladas como T1 (25% de CP e NRC recomendado nível de aminoácidos) como dieta controle, T2 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 5% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T3 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T4 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos) e T5 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 20% de suplementação de aminoácidos) foram preparadas. Os peixes foram alimentados com 3% do seu peso corporal duas vezes por dia às 10h00 e 16h00. Ganho de peso significativamente maior (420,18 ± 66,84a) e taxa de crescimento específico (13499,33 ± 1273,54a) juntamente com taxa de conversão alimentar melhorada (1, 29 ± 0,09b) e sobrevivência de cem por cento foram registrados durante o ensaio. Além disso, a análise aproximada da carne mostrou melhora significativa no nível de proteína bruta (81,77 ± 0,19a) servida com dieta contendo 20% de mistura de aminoácidos limitantes. Portanto, a limitação de aminoácidos pode ser uma fonte de alimentação econômica e usada com segurança na dieta de L. rohita.

Limiting amino acids supplementation in low crude protein diets and their impacts on growth performance and carcass composition in Labeo rohita (rohu) adult fish / Limitação da suplementação de aminoácidos em dietas com baixo teor de proteína bruta e seus impactos no desempenho de crescimento e composição da carcaça em peixes adultos Labeo rohita (rohu)

Ninety days study was conducted in hapas installed in earthen ponds. Fish of an average initial weight (220g) were evenly distributed in triplicate groups within fifteen hapas. Five experimental diets labeled as T1 (25% CP and NRC recommended amino acid level) as control diet, T2 (with 2% low protein and 5% amino acid supplementation), T3 (with 2% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation), T4 (with 4% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation) and T5 (with 4% low protein and 20% amino acid supplementation) were prepared. Fish were fed with @3% of their body weight twice a day at 10.00 & 16:00 hour. Significantly higher percent weight gain (420.18 ± 66.84a) and specific growth rate (13499.33±1273.54a) along with improved feed conversion ratio (1.29 ± 0.09b) and hundred percent survivals were recorded during the trial. Furthermore proximate analysis of meat showed significant improvement in the crude protein level (81.77 ± 0.19a) served with diet containing 20% limiting amino acids mixture. Therefore, limiting amino acids can be a source of cost effective feed and use safely in L. rohita diet.(AU)

O estudo de 90 dias foi realizado em hapas instalados em tanques de terra. Peixes com peso inicial médio (220 g) foram distribuídos uniformemente em grupos triplicados em 15 hapas. Cinco dietas experimentais rotuladas como T1 (25% de CP e NRC recomendado nível de aminoácidos) como dieta controle, T2 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 5% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T3 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T4 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos) e T5 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 20% de suplementação de aminoácidos) foram preparadas. Os peixes foram alimentados com 3% do seu peso corporal duas vezes por dia às 10h00 e 16h00. Ganho de peso significativamente maior (420,18 ± 66,84a) e taxa de crescimento específico (13499,33 ± 1273,54a) juntamente com taxa de conversão alimentar melhorada (1, 29 ± 0,09b) e sobrevivência de cem por cento foram registrados durante o ensaio. Além disso, a análise aproximada da carne mostrou melhora significativa no nível de proteína bruta (81,77 ± 0,19a) servida com dieta contendo 20% de mistura de aminoácidos limitantes. Portanto, a limitação de aminoácidos pode ser uma fonte de alimentação econômica e usada com segurança na dieta de L. rohita.(AU)

Metabolizable energy equivalence of guanidinoacetic acid in corn soybean meal-based broiler diets

In this study, we evaluated how guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) addition in diets with various metabolizable energy (ME) contents affects the performance of broiler chickens. We also estimated the equivalence of GAA in ME. We distributed 1,280 one-day-old broilers in a completely randomized design with eight treatments, eight replicates, and twenty birds per experimental unit. Treatments were based on ME levels (2,775-2,875-2,975 kcal/kg; 2,850-2,950-3,050 kcal/kg; 2,925-3,025-3,125 kcal/kg; or 3,000-3,100-3,200 kcal/kg, from 1 to 7, 8 to 21, and 22 to 42 days of age) and the inclusion of GAA (0 or 600 mg/kg). Supplementation of GAA increased weight gain in broilers at an energy level of 2,908 kcal/kg and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) at energy levels of 2,908 and 2,983 kcal/kg. There was a linear reduction in feed intake and an improvement in FCR of broilers with increasing levels of energy in diets, with and without GAA addition. Solving the equivalence equation, by applying each of the weighted average energy levels studied. indicates the GAA equivalence of 133, 103, 74, and 44 kcal/kg of diet. In conclusion, GAA supplementation improves broilers' efficiency of energy use; the average ME equivalence of 600 mg/kg of GAA is 88.5 kcal/kg.

Partial replacement of fish meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal in practical diets of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings

Abstract Fish protein is serving as a source of nutrition for protein starving world. However, sustainable aquaculture products require inexpensive plant by-products due to finite sources of fish meal. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine nutrient utilization, growth performance and hematological indices of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings fed on Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) based diets. Fish were fed with six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets having MOLM as a substitute of fish meal (FM) at the levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% for the period of 90 days. Fingerlings having initial weight 6.35±0.04g were reared in triplicate tanks at the stocking density of 15 and hand fed at the rate of 5% of total biomass twice regularly. Chromic oxide inclusion level was 1% in diets. After analysis, maximum growth performance and improved digestibility of nutrients were found in fish fed with diet at 10% replacement level as compared to fish fed on control diet and other test diets. Additionally, it was found that the red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of fish showed a significantly (p 0.05) inverse correlation with the increase in MOLM. In present research, it was concluded that MOLM has good potential to be used as a FM substitute in C. mrigala diet with maximum effect at 10% showing positive hematological indices.

Resumo A proteína do peixe está servindo como fonte de nutrição para o mundo faminto por proteína. No entanto, produtos de aquicultura sustentáveis requerem subprodutos vegetais baratos devido às fontes finitas de farinha de peixe. Portanto, este estudo foi conduzido para examinar a utilização de nutrientes, o desempenho do crescimento e os índices hematológicos de alevinos de Cirrhinus mrigala alimentados com dietas à base de farelo de folhas de Moringa oleifera (MOLM). Os peixes foram alimentados com seis dietas isonitrogênicas e isoenergéticas contendo MOLM como substituto da farinha de peixe (FM) nos níveis de 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% e 50% pelo período de 90 dias. Os alevinos com peso inicial de 6,35 ± 0,04g foram criados em tanques triplicados com densidade de 15 animais e alimentados à mão a uma taxa de 5% da biomassa total duas vezes regularmente. O nível de inclusão de óxido crômico foi de 1% nas dietas. Após análise, desempenho máximo de crescimento e melhor digestibilidade de nutrientes foram encontrados em peixes alimentados com dieta em nível de reposição de 10% em comparação com peixes alimentados com dieta controle e outras dietas teste. Além disso, verificou-se que as concentrações de hemácias, leucócitos, hemoglobina e hemoglobina corpuscular média dos peixes apresentaram correlação inversa significativa (p 0,05) com o aumento do MOLM. Na presente pesquisa, concluiu-se que o MOLM tem bom potencial para ser utilizado como substituto do FM na dieta de C. mrigala com efeito máximo a 10% apresentando índices hematológicos positivos.

Emulsifier in Diets with Different Alternative Lipid Sources: Effects on the Health of Japanese Quails

The present research aims to evaluate the inclusion of an emulsifying additive based on mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids in diets with different lipid sources, studying its effects on duodenum histology, biometry of the digestive and reproductive tract, and blood biochemical profile of Japanese quails. The study was carried out in the experimental aviary of the Federal University of Grande Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with diets in a 3x2 factorial design with three different lipid sources (soybean oil, poultry fat, and beef tallow), either supplemented or not with an emulsifier. The birds that received a diet composed of poultry fat and an emulsifying additive had a larger gizzard. Animals that received a diet containing an emulsifier, regardless of the lipid source, had greater heart weight. The duodenum of animals that received bovine tallow in their diet showed a greater height and villus:crypt ratio. Biochemical parameters were not affected by either the lipid source or the inclusion of emulsifier in quail diets. The biochemical blood profile of birds in treatments did not show significant changes among all diets used. The use of soybean oil, bovine tallow, and poultry fat with or without the inclusion of an emulsifier does not show changes in the health and development of the quails' organs, which also indicates that the health of Japanese quails in the laying phase is kept in good standards.(AU)

Potential of elephant grass genotypes silages as exclusive roughage on tissue composition and meat quality of lambs: a preliminary study / Potencial de silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante como volumoso exclusivo sobre a composição tecidual e a qualidade da carne de cordeiros: um estudo preliminar

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets containing elephant grass genotypes silages as exclusive roughage on leg tissue composition, and physicochemical characteristics of meat of lambs. Twenty-four crossbred male lambs with an average initial body weight of 20.29±2.66kg were distributed in a complete randomized design with three treatments and eight replicates. The treatments consisted of three silages of elephant grass genotypes (IRI-381, Elephant B or Mott), without additives or wilting, as the only roughage. The diets did not affect (P>0.05) the dry matter (898.70±60.10 g/day), crude protein (128.93±6.91g/day), total digestible nutrients (690.20±91.82g/day) intakes, body weight at slaughter (24.83±2.79kg), and carcass yields (P>0.05). The tissue composition of the leg did not differ significantly between silages of elephant grass genotypes (P>0.05). No difference (P>0.05) for the physicochemical characteristics of meat from lambs fed diets tested was observed. Therefore, our results indicate that diets containing 50% elephant grass genotypes silages (IRI-381, Elephant B or Mott), harvested at 60 days of growth, have potential for use in lambs feeding.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de dietas contendo silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante como volumoso exclusivo sobre a composição tecidual da perna e nas características físico-químicas da carne de cordeiros. Vinte e quatro cordeiros machos mestiços, com peso corporal inicial médio de 20,29±2,66kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e oito repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de três silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante (IRI-381, Elephant B ou Mott), sem aditivos ou emurchecimento, como único volumoso. As dietas não afetaram (P>0,05) os consumos de matéria seca (898,70 ± 60,10g/dia), proteína bruta (128,93±6,91g/dia) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (690,20±91,82g/dia), peso corporal ao abate (24,83±2,79kg) e rendimentos de carcaça (P>0,05). A composição tecidual da perna não diferiu significativamente entre as silagens dos genótipos de capim-elefante (P>0,05). Não foi observada diferença (P>0,05) para as características físico-químicas da carne dos cordeiros alimentados com as dietas testadas. Portanto, os resultados indicam que dietas contendo 50% de silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante (IRI-381, Elephant B ou Mott), colhidos aos 60 dias de crescimento, têm potencial para uso na alimentação de cordeiros.

Nutritional and mineral composition of Opuntia stricta Haw: Balance of macrominerals, renal function and blood metabolites in sheep / Composição nutricional e mineral da Opuntia Sttricta Haw: balanço de macrominerais, função renal e metabólitos sanguíneos em ovinos

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of spineless cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw) in the diet of sheep on the balance of macrominerals, renal function, and blood metabolites. Five sheep cannulated in the rumen (61.5±9.5kg body weight) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square composed of five diets and five experimental periods. The experimental period lasted 105 days, with five periods of 21 days each. Four diets containing levels of spineless cactus (121, 245, 371, and 500g/kg of dry matter (DM)), and a control diet were evaluated. Samples of the ingredients, orts, feces, urine, and blood were collected. Spineless cactus inclusion in sheep diets increased the DM intake, ash, oxalate, and all macrominerals intake (P < 0.05), but did not affect the urinary and fecal excretion of P, as well as the concentration of P in the blood (P > 0.05). It is possible to verify that the inclusion of spineless cactus, up to the level of 500g/kg of DM in the sheep diets, does not appear to cause damage to the animal's health. Its inclusion does not compromise kidney function or blood metabolites evaluated herein.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de palma forrageira (Opuntia stricta Haw) na dieta de ovinos sobre o balanço dos macrominerais, a função renal e os metabólitos sanguíneos. Cinco ovinos canulados no rúmen (61,5±9,5kg de peso corporal) foram distribuídos em um quadrado de 5 × 5 latinos, composto de cinco dietas e cinco períodos experimentais. O período experimental teve duração de 105 dias, sendo cinco períodos de 21 dias cada. Foram avaliadas quatro dietas contendo níveis de palma forrageira (121, 245, 371 e 500g/kg de matéria seca (MS)), e uma dieta controle. Foram coletadas amostras dos ingredientes, sobras, fezes, urina e sangue. A inclusão de palma forrageira na dieta dos ovinos aumentou o consumo de MS, cinzas, oxalato e todos os macrominerais (P<0,05), mas não afetou a excreção urinária e a fecal de P, bem como a concentração de P no sangue (P>0,05). É possível verificar que a inclusão de palma forrageira, até o nível de 500g/kg de MS na dieta de ovinos, não parece causar danos à saúde do animal. Sua inclusão não compromete a função renal ou os metabólitos sanguíneos avaliados.

Performance and feed preference of weaned piglets fed with corn grain silage subjected to different rehydration sources / Desempenho e preferência alimentar de leitões desmamados alimentados com silagem de grão de milho submetido a diferentes fontes de reidratação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets composed of corn grain silage rehydrated with water and acid whey on the productive performance and feed preference of weaned piglets. We evaluated 120 piglets weaned in the pre-initial phase I for productive performance, and diarrhea, depression, and thinness states using the following diets: control ration with dry corn grain (CR); and corn grain silage rehydrated with water (CGSR+W); water and inoculant (CGSR+WI); and acid whey (CGSR+AW). To determine feed preference, 20 weaned piglets received reference (CR) and test (CGSR+AW) diets in two phases, restricted and free-choice. Analysis of variance, chi-square test, and t-test were applied at 5% of significance. There were no differences (p>0.05) in growth performance among piglets fed the four experimental diets. Severe thinness and depression were recorded among piglets fed CGSR+W and CR (p<0.05). In the restricted phase, consumption of CGSR+AW resulted in higher daily feed intake (DFI) (p<0.05), while piglets in the free-choice phase showed a higher DFI and spent more time consuming CR, with a 56.39% preference (p<0.05). Rehydrated corn grain silage promoted feed acceptability and performance of piglets in the first weeks post-weaning.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de dietas compostas de silagem de grão de milho reidratado com água e soro de leite no desempenho produtivo e preferência alimentar de leitões desmamados. Foram avaliados 120 leitões desmamados durante a fase pré-inicial I para o desempenho de crescimento, escores de diarreia, depressão e magreza submetidos às dietas: grão de milho seco (CR); silagem de grão de milho reidratado com água (CGSR+W); água e inoculante (CGSR+WI); soro de leite (CGSR+AW). Para avaliar a preferência alimentar, 20 leitões desmamados receberam dieta referência (CR) e dieta teste (CGSR+AW) em duas fases, restrita e livre escolha. Foi aplicado análise de variância, teste de qui-quadrado e t-test à 5% de significância. Não houve diferenças (p>0,05) no desempenho de crescimento entre os leitões alimentados com as quatro dietas experimentais. Leitões alimentados com CGSR+W e CR foram severamente magros e apresentaram escore de depressão (p<0,05). Na fase restrita o CDR foi maior para CGSR+AW (p<0.05), enquanto na fase de livre escolha os leitões mostraram maior CDR e passaram maior tempo consumindo a CR, com preferência de 56,39% (p<0.05). A CGSR promoveu melhor aceitabilidade e desempenho dos leitões nas primeiras semanas pós-desmame.

Effect of emulsifier addition on metabolizable energy reduction in broiler diets / Adição de emulsificante nas rações de frangos de corte com redução dos níveis de energia metabolizável

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including soy lecithin emulsifier (SL) in broiler diets with reduced metabolizable energy levels and to correlate it with nutrient metabolizability coefficients, as well as to determine apparent metabolizable energy (AME). Two metabolic trials were conducted in a completely randomized design with a 3x2 factorial arrangement (diet with three levels of metabolizable energy, with or without the inclusion of emulsifier), totaling six treatments. In the starter phase, chicks received diets with 2,950, 3,050, and 3,150 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, with six replications of 10 birds each, totaling 360 birds. In the grower phase, the energy levels of 3,100, 3,150, and 3,200 kcal/kg of feed were tested in 210 birds were used in seven replications of five chicks each. An interaction effect was observed in the starter phase, with the nitrogen metabolizability coefficient increasing when the emulsifier was added to diets with reduced energy. Additionally, emulsifier inclusion increased nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn). An interaction effect was also present in the grower phase, with AME and AMEn increasing when the emulsifier was added to diets with lower energy levels. In summary, emulsifier inclusion in broiler diets can reduce metabolizable energy while improving AMEn in both the starter and grower phases, as well as AME in growing broilers.

Objetivou-se avaliar a adição do emulsificante, lecitina de soja, nas rações de frangos com redução dos níveis de energia metabolizável e correlacioná-las com os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade de nutrientes, além da determinação da energia metabolizável aparente (EMA). Realizou-se dois ensaios metabólicos em delineamento inteiramente casualizados, esquema fatorial 3x2 (ração com três níveis de energia metabolizável, com ou sem a inclusão do emulsificante na dieta), totalizando seis tratamentos. Na fase inicial, os pintos receberam dieta com 2.950, 3.050 e 3.150 kcal/kg de energia metabolizável, com seis repetições com 10 aves, totalizando 360 aves. Na fase de crescimento foram utilizadas 210 aves, sendo sete repetições com cinco frangos e os níveis de energia testados foram: 3.100, 3.150 e 3.200 kcal/kg de ração. Na fase inicial, observou-se efeito de interação, apresentando aumento do coeficiente de metabolizabilidade do nitrogênio (CMN) ao adicionar o emulsificante em dietas com energia reduzida e também, efeito do emulsificante no aumento da energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo balanço do nitrogênio (EMAn). Na fase de crescimento, observou-se efeito de interação, apresentando aumento da EMA e EMAn ao adicionar o emulsificante em dietas com menores níveis de energia. Conclui-se que a inclusão do emulsificante é indicada para frangos de corte, pois permite reduzir a energia metabolizável da dieta, melhorando a EMAn nas fases inicial e de crescimento, bem como a da EMA com frangos em crescimento.

Impact of high-fat diet consumption during prolonged period of pregnancy on placenta structures and umbilical vascular growth in goats

This study aimed to verify the impact of high-fat diet consumption for a prolonged period on oxidative stress, fetal growth, umbilical vascular system, and placental structures in pregnant goats. Twenty-two pregnant goats were grouped into the control diet (n= 11) and fat diet (n = 11). Flaxseed meal was added to the fat diet, replacing the corn grain of concentrate, from gestational day 100 to delivery date. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, differing in fat content (2.8% vs. 6.3% dry matter). The fat group showed higher feed intake and total plasma lipid levels than the control group (P < 0.001). No difference was found in placentome, and umbilical vascular development. Fat diet-fed goats exhibited a lower systolic peak in the umbilical artery. At delivery, placental traits were similar with the exception of the cotyledon width (P = 0.0075), which was smaller in the fat group and cotyledon surface (P = 0.0047) for multiple pregnancy of fat diet. Cotyledonary epithelium showed more intense staining of lipid droplets and a greater area for lipofuscin staining in the fat group compared to control group (P < 0.001). The mean live weight of the kids was lower in the fat group in the first week after delivery than in control group. Thus, in goats, the continuous administration of a high-fat diet during pregnancy does not appear to modify the fetal-maternal vascular structures but has an impact on a part of the placental structure; therefore, its use must be carefully evaluated.(AU)

In situ ruminal degradability of forage cactus-based diets associated with pornunça silage / Degradabilidade ruminal in situ de dietas a base de palma forrageira associada à silagem de pornunça

The knowledge of ruminal degradation kinetics of forage cactus-based diets associated with Euphorbiaceae species of the genus Manihot assist in understanding nutrient quality and use, contributing to the indication of combinations of these ingredients in ruminant diets. This study aimed to evaluate the in situ ruminal degradability of diets with increasing association of forage cactus Elephant Ear (MEE) and pornunça (Manihot sp.) silage, as well as to analyze and evaluate the indigestible neutral detergent fiber (FDNi) content of forage cactus MEE and pornunça silage. The treatments consisted of diets with cactus pear associated with pornunça silage in the roughage portion in the proportions of 375, 250, 125 and 0 g kg-1 of DM. The feed was composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate of dry matter. Incubation times of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 144 hours were evaluated for the ingredients and 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for the diets. Incubation to obtain the iNDF was given for 288 hours. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with three replications. Regarding roughage ingredients, MEE showed higher average disappearance, potential degradability (PD), and effective degradability (ED) in relation to pornunça silage, as well as lower NDFi content. The proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and 125 g kg-1 pornunça silage provided higher fractions a, b, and c, increasing ED considering the three passage rates, with higher PD. In conclusion, the association between MEE and pornunça silage at a proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and125g kg-1 pornunça silage of the roughage portion increases the in situ degradability of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber.

O conhecimento da cinética de degradação ruminal de dietas compostas por palma-forrageira associadas com espécies de Euphorbiaceae do gênero Manihot auxiliam na compreensão da qualidade e aproveitamento dos nutrientes, com contribuição para a indicação de combinações destes ingredientes em dietas para ruminantes. Objetivou-se avaliar a degradabilidade ruminal in situ de dietas com crescente associação de palma-forrageira Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) e silagem de pornunça (Manihot sp.), assim como, avaliar o teor de fibra em detergente neutro indigestível (FDNi) da palma OEM e da silagem de pornunça. Os tratamentos consistiram em dietas com palma forrageira associada à silagem de pornunça na porção volumosa nas proporções de 375, 250, 125 e 0 g kg-1 na MS. A dieta foi composta por 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado da matéria seca. Foram avaliados os tempos de incubação de 0, 6,12, 24, 48, 96 e 144 para os ingredientes e 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 ,12, 24, 48, 72 e 96 para as dietas. A incubação para a obtenção do FDNi foi realizada por 288 horas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Quanto aos ingredientes volumosos, a palma OEM apresentou maior desaparecimento médio, degradabilidade potencial (DP) e degradabilidade efetiva (DE) em relação à silagem de pornunça, bem como menor teor de FDNi. A proporção de 375 g kg-1 OEM e 125 g kg-1 de silagem de pornunça propiciou maiores frações a, b e c, atuando no aumento da DE considerando as três taxas de passagem, com maior DP. Conclui-se que à associação de palma OEM e silagem de pornunça na proporção de 375 g kg-1 OEM e 125 g kg-1 da silagem de pornunça da porção volumosa aumenta a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro.

Partial replacement of fish meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal in practical diets of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings / Substituição parcial da refeição de peixe com farinha de folha de Moringa oleifera em dietas práticas de dedos Cirrhinus mrigala

Fish protein is serving as a source of nutrition for protein starving world. However, sustainable aquaculture products require inexpensive plant by-products due to finite sources of fish meal. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine nutrient utilization, growth performance and hematological indices of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings fed on Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) based diets. Fish were fed with six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets having MOLM as a substitute of fish meal (FM) at the levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% for the period of 90 days. Fingerlings having initial weight 6.35±0.04g were reared in triplicate tanks at the stocking density of 15 and hand fed at the rate of 5% of total biomass twice regularly. Chromic oxide inclusion level was 1% in diets. After analysis, maximum growth performance and improved digestibility of nutrients were found in fish fed with diet at 10% replacement level as compared to fish fed on control diet and other test diets. Additionally, it was found that the red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of fish showed a significantly (p<0.05) inverse correlation with the increase in MOLM. In present research, it was concluded that MOLM has good potential to be used as a FM substitute in C. mrigala diet with maximum effect at 10% showing positive hematological indices.

A proteína do peixe está servindo como fonte de nutrição para o mundo faminto por proteína. No entanto, produtos de aquicultura sustentáveis requerem subprodutos vegetais baratos devido às fontes finitas de farinha de peixe. Portanto, este estudo foi conduzido para examinar a utilização de nutrientes, o desempenho do crescimento e os índices hematológicos de alevinos de Cirrhinus mrigala alimentados com dietas à base de farelo de folhas de Moringa oleifera (MOLM). Os peixes foram alimentados com seis dietas isonitrogênicas e isoenergéticas contendo MOLM como substituto da farinha de peixe (FM) nos níveis de 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% e 50% pelo período de 90 dias. Os alevinos com peso inicial de 6,35 ± 0,04g foram criados em tanques triplicados com densidade de 15 animais e alimentados à mão a uma taxa de 5% da biomassa total duas vezes regularmente. O nível de inclusão de óxido crômico foi de 1% nas dietas. Após análise, desempenho máximo de crescimento e melhor digestibilidade de nutrientes foram encontrados em peixes alimentados com dieta em nível de reposição de 10% em comparação com peixes alimentados com dieta controle e outras dietas teste. Além disso, verificou-se que as concentrações de hemácias, leucócitos, hemoglobina e hemoglobina corpuscular média dos peixes apresentaram correlação inversa significativa (p < 0,05) com o aumento do MOLM. Na presente pesquisa, concluiu-se que o MOLM tem bom potencial para ser utilizado como substituto do FM na dieta de C. mrigala com efeito máximo a 10% apresentando índices hematológicos positivos.

Dietary supplementation with soybean oil has not favored the tilapia growth in BFT tanks submitted to feeding restriction

The present work aimed at assessing the possibility of compensatingthe notorious deficiencies of bioflocs in lipids by supplementing the tilapia commercial diet with soybean oil. In the positive control, there was no feeding restriction nor dietary supplementation with soybean oil. In the experimental treatments, the commercial diet was restricted by 25% over the positive control level. In the negative control tanks, there was feeding restriction and the artificial diet had no oil supplementation. In the experimental tanks, soybean oil was mixed dailywith the commercial diet at the levels of 0.6%, 1.2 and 2.4%. Additionally, there were fed-restricted tanks that received a daily supplementation of 1.2% soybean oil mixed withdry molasses, and not withthe commercial diet. In general, only the restriction of the commercial diet affected the water quality. The supplementation of the artificial diet with soybean oil up to 2.4% has not improved the proximate composition of bioflocs, nor thefish growth performance. It wasconcluded that the strategy of supplementing the Nile tilapia juveniles' commercial diet with increasing levels of soybean meal, in BFT tanks submitted to 25%-feeding restriction, was notcapable of avoidingthe fish growth performancedeterioration.(AU)

Diferentes análises de qualidade do hamburguer de pupunha sem glúten / Different quality analyses of gluten-free pupunha hamburger

No Brasil e no mundo é comum a oferta de produtos veganos com características complementares, seja para atender o público interessado em produtos naturais, sem aditivos e/ou orgânicos; ou por questões religiosas. A utilização da pupunha como base para a elaboração de hambúrgueres, com a substituição da farinha de trigo pela farinha de linhaça, mostrou um elevado potencial alimentício e socioeconômico de caráter regional. Diante isso, objetivou-se elaborar duas formulações de hambúrguer vegano de pupunha (f1 e f2) e realizar análises microbiológicas, físico-químicas e sensoriais, bem como avaliar o rendimento e o custo. As formulações apresentaram, nas análises físico-químicas, teores inferiores de proteínas (6,3 e 4,5% para f1 e f2, respectivamente) quando comparados com outros hambúrgueres de origem animal. Além disso, as formulações f1 e f2 apresentaram os seguintes teores, respectivamente: 58,6 e 58,5% para umidade, 13,4 e 11,5% para lipídios, 1,8 e 2,8% para cinzas, 18,6 e 21,8% para carboidratos e valor energético de 231,6 e 214,6 kcal. A análise sensorial demonstrou que a utilização de farinhas diferentes não interfere nas escolhas futuras dos consumidores. As formulações não apresentaram contaminação microbiológica, sendo ausente para salmonella (aus/25g), aeróbios mesófilos/g e escherichia coli/g, onde foram encontrados valores abaixo dos permitidos pela legislação. O estudo demonstrou um potencial produto alimentício para a indústria alimentícia, apresentando pouca perda de rendimento após cocção e oferecendo, também, uma opção mercadológica de baixo custo para três nichos: veganismo, doentes celíacos e produtos regionais.

In Brazil and in the world, it is common to offer vegan products with complementary characteristics, either to serve the public interested in natural products, without additives and/or organics, or for religious reasons. The use of peach palm as a basis for the elaboration of a hamburgers with the substitution of wheat flour for flaxseed flour showed a high food and socioeconomic potential with regional character. Thus, this study aimed to elaborate two formulations of pupunha vegan hamburger (f1 and f2) and perform microbiological, physical-chemical, and sensorial analyzes, as well as evaluate the yield and cost. The products showed, in the physical-chemical analyzes, lower protein contents (6.3 and 4.5% for f1 and f2, respectively) when compared to other hamburgers of animal origin. In addition, the formulations f1 and f2 presented the following levels, respectively: 58.6 and 58.5% for moisture, 13.4 and 11.5 for lipids 1.8 and 2.8 for ash,18.6 and 21.8% for carbohydrates, and energetic value of (231.6 and 214.6 Kcal. Sensory analysis showed that the use of different flours does not interfere with future consumer choices. The formulations showed no microbiological contamination, being absent of Salmonella (aus/25g), mesophilic Aerobes/g, and Escherichia coli/g, with values below those allowed by legislation. It demonstrated a potential food product for the food industry, presenting little loss of income after cooking, and also offering a low-cost marketing option for three niches: veganism, celiac patients, and regional products.

Effects of Lupin Kernel (Lupinus angustifolius) and Faba Bean (Vicia faba) on Growth Performance and Hepatic Fatty Acid Profiles in Broiler Chicks

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding lupin kernel and faba bean as an alternative to soybean meal on the growth performance, blood profiles, relative organ weight, and hepatic fatty acid composition of broiler chicks. A total of 525, 1-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly assigned into five groups with seven replicates. The treatments consisted of five experimental diets; corn-soybean meal without lupin or faba bean (as control), diets with lupin 5% or 10%, and diets with faba bean 5% or 10%. The body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were not significantly different among the groups during starter period. However, BW and ADG of chicks fed diets with 10% lupin and faba bean were significantly higher than those of 5% lupin and faba bean during grower period (p<0.01). The feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in the group fed diets with 10% lupin and faba bean than the control during total rearing periods (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in blood profiles among the groups. As for the hepatic fatty acid composition, the levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total ω6 in chicks fed lupin and faba bean were significantly higher than the control. It was suggested that dietary lupin and faba bean could enhance the incorporation of the beneficial fatty acids into liver fraction. In conclusion, supplementation of lupin and faba bean up to 10% can be used as an alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets.(AU)