Retinopatia deficiente de taurina em uma gata / Taurine deficiency retinopathy in a cat

Background: Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and its deficiency causes an ocular disorder called taurine deficiency retinopathy. The retinal lesion is definitive and can be classified into five progression stages. In an advanced stage, it leads to blindness that in most cases is irreversible. This disease is considered rare as taurine is currently supplemented in commercial cat food. The objective of this report is to describe the ophthalmic changes in a cat with advanced taurine deficiency retinopathy, a rare but current disease that is important for differential diagnosis of blindness in cats. Case: We report the case of an adult mixed-breed cat (weighing 3.4 kg), that was attended by the Ophthalmology Service of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (UNESP - Botucatu), which was treated due to complaints of poor visual acuity for about 1 year. The animal, which was previously a stray animal, had been adopted for 2 years and provided premium cat food ad libitum. Ophthalmic examination showed bilateral mydriasis, with negative menace, direct pupillary, and consensual light reflexes. No change was observed in the ocular appendages, cornea, anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous humor. The eyes were normotensive and fluorescein test negative. Direct and indirect fundoscopy revealed an area of ellipsoidal hyperreflexia with darkened margins laterally to the optic nerve disk in the tapetal region and intense retinal vascular attenuation in both eyes, with a diagnosis of taurine deficiency retinopathy. Complete blood count and biochemical analysis parameters were within the normal range, including the leukocyte count. The guardian was instructed to continue feeding the cat balanced cat food and received information on the proper care and management of a blind animal. Discussion: Although taurine deficient retinopathy is currently underdiagnosed due to the supplementation of this amino acid in commercial cat food, animals that are not properly fed, such as those receiving dog food or homemade food, may be deficient in this amino acid. Taurine deficiency and in this case, the consequent taurine deficiency retinopathy, was diagnosed by visualizing the lesion characteristic of this amino acid deficit since no other retinal change presents this aspect in cats. Therefore, this lesion is considered pathognomonic of this deficiency. Hyperreflective retinal lesions with darkened margins indicate the slow chronic progression in the already stabilized lesions. The animal in this report presented pigmented lesion margins, indicating the chronicity of these retinal changes. Moreover, lesion signs are visible on fundoscopy only after a period of 2-11 months of nutritional amino acid deficiency, and complete retinal atrophy usually occurs after at least nine months of taurine deficiency. Thus, complete blindness associated with advanced retinal changes reinforced the suspicion that the animal had taurine deficiency for a prolonged period of time prior to its adoption. Its guardian was instructed to provide balanced commercial cat food, because although retinal lesions are irreversible, cardiac changes resulting from taurine deficiency are reversed with dietary supplementation. In addition, taurine deficiency affects other organs and systems, such as the central nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. In conclusion, although taurine deficiency retinopathy is currently rare, this condition should be considered one of the possible differential diagnoses for blindness in feline patients.

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)

Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt / Composição bioquímica de alguns Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho, Egito

In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.

No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poli insaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.

Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt / Composição bioquímica de alguns Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho, Egito

In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.(AU)

No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poli insaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.(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)

Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt

Abstract In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.

Resumo No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.

Biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt / Composição bioquímica de alguns Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho, Egito

In the present study, the biochemical composition of some Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) from the Red Sea, Egypt was investigated. The results showed that the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria scabra. The highest percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was recorded in Pearsonothuria graeffei while the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was recorded in Holothuria nobilis and the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. The highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids was recorded in Stichopus hermanni however, the lowest percentage was recorded in Diadema setosum. The highest percentage of omega-6 fatty acids was recorded in Bohadschia vitiensis where, the lowest percentage was recorded in Holothuria atra. In addition, nonessential amino acid (NEAA) glycine were the highest in all species and serine was the lowest while Essential amino acid (EAA) arginine was the highest and cysteine was the lowest. All of the NEAA recorded highest concentrations in S. hermanni except proline. The recorded essential amino acids were histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The latter was high in Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tyrosine, valine, threonine, and arginine were high in Stichopus hermanni. The present study proved that sea cucumbers has great nutritional value.

No presente estudo, investigou-se a composição bioquímica de algumas espécies Echinodermata (Holothuroidea, Echinoidea) do Mar Vermelho no Egito. Os resultados mostraram que a maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA) foi na espécie Holothuria nobilis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria scabra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) foi registrada na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei, enquanto a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. O maior percentual de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFA) foi registrado em Holothuria nobilis e o menor percentual foi registrado em Holothuria atra. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi registrada na espécie Stichopus hermanni, entretanto, a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Diadema setosum. A maior porcentagem de ácidos graxos ômega-6 foi registrada em Bohadschia vitiensis e a menor porcentagem foi registrada em Holothuria atra. Além disso, o nível de aminoácido não-essencial (NEAA) glicina foi o mais alto em todas as espécies e o de serina foi o mais baixo, enquanto o nível de aminoácido essencial (EAA) arginina foi o mais alto e a cisteína foi o mais baixo. Todos os NEAA registraram concentrações mais altas em S. hermanni, exceto prolina. Os aminoácidos essenciais registrados foram histidina, isoleucina, fenilalanina e leucina. A leucina apresentou alto nível na espécie Pearsonothuria graeffei. Tirosina, valina, treonina e arginina apresentaram níveis elevados em Stichopus hermanni. Assim, o presente estudo comprovou que o pepino-do-mar possui grande valor nutricional.

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

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

Effect of phytase and protease combination on performance, metabolizable energy, and amino acid digestibility of broilers fed nutrient-restricted diets

Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary combination of different enzymes (phytase + protease) on performance, metabolizable energy, and amino acid digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets with nutritional reduction. A total of 1,400, 336, and 384 male chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design, in the experiments of performance, metabolism, and digestibility, respectively. Treatments were divided as follows: positive control (PC), negative control - NC1 (PC minus 0.16% Ca, 0.15% available P (aP), and 0.5% crude protein (CP)), NC2 (PC minus 0.16% Ca, 0.15% aP, and 1% CP), NC1 added with phytase deriving from citrobacter and protease deriving from Bacillus licheniformis (CBE), NC1 added with phytase deriving from E. coli and protease deriving from microbial fermentation (SE), NC2 added with CBE, and NC2 added with SE. A protein-free diet was included in the digestibility experiment. The nutritional restriction did not affect feed intake of birds in the first experiment; however, the restriction inhibited body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in all phases. In experiment 2, the nutritional restriction decreased AME and AMEn values, although the addition of phytase and protease in diets improved both parameters, mainly in NC2. Treatment NC2 impaired the standardized digestibility of total essential amino acids of animals subjected to experiment 3, although the addition of enzymes helped to recover the digestibility to levels similar to PC. Supplementation of phytase in association with protease is effective to improve performance, energy metabolism, and standardized amino acid digestibility of broilers fed diets with nutrient restriction.(AU)

Comparison of slaughter performances and meat qualities of Honghe yellow cattle at different ages

We examined differences in slaughter performance and meat quality of Honghe yellow cattle of different ages. We randomly selected nine Honghe bulls for slaughter at 12 (12M), 36 (36M), and 60 (60M) months of age. There were significant differences in antemortem live weight, carcass weight, and net weight among the three groups, all of which increased with age. Backfat thickness in 36M (4.77±0.25 mm) and 60M (5.50±0.50 mm) was significantly higher than in 12M (3.00±0.00 mm), and the loin-eye area in 60M (68.02±16.02) was higher than in 12M (27.01±1.89). There was no significant difference in the pH value of the month-old group. Compared with 12M (29.33±4.93%) and 60M (23.87±5.08%), the cooking loss of meat in 36M (36.50±5.07%) was significantly higher; meanwhile, a* value was also the highest in 36M (22.39±1.34), the protein and fat content of muscle in 12M was lower, while the content of meat in 60M was lower. There was no significant difference in muscle ash, Ca, and P contents; the total amino acid and essential amino acid contents of 36M were higher than those of 12M and 60M, and the unsaturated fatty acids of meat in 12M were higher than those in 36M and 60M. The change of age has a certain influence on the slaughter performance and meat quality of Honghe yellow cattle.(AU)

Mitigating feather pecking behavior in laying poultry production through tryptophan supplementation

Feather pecking behavior is regarded as the most serious welfare concern in poultry layer production. The cause of feather pecking is partly due to the nutrient-deficient diets that further depletes the tryptophan levels in the animal's system. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and thus, cannot be synthesized in the body of animals, including poultry. This amino acid can be metabolized through three pathways. Tryptophan metabolism produces important metabolites: serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan affects hormone secretion in poultry. Thus, it affects poultry's psychological status, which eventually leads to feathers' pecking. The application of tryptophan as a feed additive can improve poultry performance and alleviate feather pecking behavior or stress response in poultry production. This is achieved through indole pathways and mostly through the Tryptophan-Kynurenine pathway. This review paper aims to provide detailed information regarding the performance of tryptophan on feather pecking behavior, particularly in laying poultry animals.

Development of muffins with green pea flour and their physical and sensory evaluation and essential amino acid content / Desenvolvimento de muffins com farinha de ervilha verde: sua avaliação física, sensorial e teor de aminoácidos essenciais

Wheat flour (WF), pea flour (PF) and whole wheat flour (WWF) were mixed in different ratios by applying a simplex-centroid mixture design, in order to evaluate the impact of these combinations on the physical and sensorial properties of muffins. The interaction between WF and WWF produced muffins with brighter crusts and muffins prepared with higher ration of PF were harder. The ranking test was performed with the objective of identifying the most preferred muffin experiments according to the flavor attribute. The experiments with the lowest ranking scores were selected and submitted to the acceptance test. In the acceptance test, the attributes of color, taste, texture and overall acceptance were evaluated, where muffins obtained scores higher than 7 ("moderately liked"), indicating good acceptance of all experiments. The experiment (a) (80% of WF, 10% of PF and 10% of WWF) was chosen for presenting the highest set of scores.

A farinha de trigo especial (FT), farinha de ervilha (FE) e farinha de trigo integral (FTI) foram misturadas em diferentes proporções, mediante a aplicação de um delineamento de misturas simplex-centroide, com a finalidade de avaliar o impacto dessas combinações nas propriedades físicas e sensoriais dos muffins. A interação entre FT e FTI produziu muffins com maior luminosidade na crosta e os muffins preparados com maior proporção de FE foram mais duros. O teste de ordenação foi realizado com objetivo de os julgadores ordenarem os experimentos de muffins mais preferidos de acordo com o atributo sabor. Os experimentos com as menores somas de ordem foram selecionados e submetidos ao teste de aceitação. No teste de aceitação foram avaliados os atributos de cor, sabor, textura e aparência global, em que os muffins obtiveram notas maiores que sete ("gostei moderadamente"), indicando uma boa aceitação de todos os experimentos. O experimento (a) (80% de FT, 10% de FE e 10% de FTI) foi escolhido por apresentar o maior conjunto de notas.

Multivariate modeling strategies to predict nutritional requirements of essential amino acids in semiheavy second-cycle hens

An experiment with 23 diets was performed to evaluate the effect of digestible lysine (Lys), digestible methionine + cysteine (Met+Cys), and digestible threonine (Thr) on egg production of H&N Brown second-cycle laying hens (SCLH) for 20 weeks (92-111 weeks of age) in cages under environmental conditions. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight (EW), number of hen-housed eggs, and livability were also evaluated during the experiment. Diets were formulated from a central composite design that combined five levels of Lys, Met+Cys, and Thr ranging from 727 to 1159, 662 to 1055, and 552 to 882 mg/kg, respectively. Egg production (EP) data were evaluated through three different modeling strategies: egg production models, multivariate polynomial models, and artificial neural networks (ANN). A cascade-forward neural network with logsigmoid transfer function was selected as the best model according to goodness-offit statistics in both identification and validation data. One of the best scenarios for EP of H&N Brown SCLH under specific outdoor conditions was established at Lys, Met+Cys, and Thr levels of 1138, 1031, and 717 mg/hen·day, respectively. The ANN model may be an appropriate tool to study and predict EP of H&N Brown SCLH based on the combination of three different levels of essential digestible amino acids. The strategies included in this work may contribute to improving poultry performance based on modeling techniques to study other production parameters in terms of different nutritional requirements and productive conditions.

Influence of a blend of dietary essential amino acids on growth, enzymatic activity, and intestinal histology of blue discus / Influência de um “blend” de aminoácidos essenciais sobre o crescimento, atividade enzimática e histologia intestinal de acará disco

Symphysodon aequifasciatus is a fish with a disk-shaped body and bright colors, important characteristics of ornamental fish. We evaluated amino acid supplementation strategies to reduce crude protein in the diet for evaluation of performance, the content of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and intestinal histopathology. A total of 180 fish were randomly distributed in 12 separate 50 L glass aquariums, consisting of a completely randomized design with four treatments (DC - Control diet with 34.4% crude protein; DL - Control diet plus 1% of lysine; DEAA - Control diet plus 1% free essential amino acids (threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, valine, arginine, and tryptophan); and DHP - Diet with a high level of crude protein 48.4%), three repetitions, lasting 60 days. The use of DL and DEAA diets resulted in higher intestinal villus height and higher zootechnical performance. The use of DL diet increased alkaline phosphatase and digestive amylase activity. The use of DHP diets promotes severe liver changes due to increased activity of Alanine aminotraserase. Therefore, it was possible to observe that the use of amino acids can supply the nutritional need of blue discus. Supplementation of diets with AAs allows the reduction of dietary protein, which is a strategy for feeding management.

Symphysodon aequifasciatus é um peixe com corpo em forma de disco e cores brilhantes, características importantes dos peixes ornamentais. Avaliamos estratégias de suplementação de aminoácidos (AAs) para reduzir a proteína bruta na dieta com relação ao desempenho, atividade das enzimas digestivas, metabolismo hepático e histopatologia intestinal. Um total de 180 peixes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 12 aquários de vidro de 50 L, consistindo em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (DC – Dieta controle com 34,4% de proteina bruta; DL - Dieta controle acrescida de 1% de lisina; DEAA – Dieta controle acrescida de 1% aminoácidos essenciais livres (treonina, fenilalanina, leucina, valina, arginina e triptofano) e DHP – Dieta com alto nível de proteína bruta 48,4%), e três repetições, com duração de 60 dias. Os resultados demostraram que a utilização das dietas DL e DEAA refletiram em maior altura de vilosidade intestinal e maior desempenho zootécnico. A utilização de dieta DL promoveu aumento da atividade da fosfatase alcalina e amilase digestiva. A utilização de dietas DHP resultou em alterações hepáticas graves, devido a maior atividade da Alanina aminotransferase. Portanto, foi possível observar que a utilização de aminoácidos pode suprir a necessidade nutricional de acará disco. A suplementação de dietas com AAs permite a redução da proteína dietética, o que é uma estratégia para o manejo alimentar.

Influence of a blend of dietary essential amino acids on growth, enzymatic activity, and intestinal histology of blue discus / Influência de um “blend” de aminoácidos essenciais sobre o crescimento, atividade enzimática e histologia intestinal de acará disco

Symphysodon aequifasciatus is a fish with a disk-shaped body and bright colors, important characteristics of ornamental fish. We evaluated amino acid supplementation strategies to reduce crude protein in the diet for evaluation of performance, the content of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and intestinal histopathology. A total of 180 fish were randomly distributed in 12 separate 50 L glass aquariums, consisting of a completely randomized design with four treatments (DC - Control diet with 34.4% crude protein; DL - Control diet plus 1% of lysine; DEAA - Control diet plus 1% free essential amino acids (threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, valine, arginine, and tryptophan); and DHP - Diet with a high level of crude protein 48.4%), three repetitions, lasting 60 days. The use of DL and DEAA diets resulted in higher intestinal villus height and higher zootechnical performance. The use of DL diet increased alkaline phosphatase and digestive amylase activity. The use of DHP diets promotes severe liver changes due to increased activity of Alanine aminotraserase. Therefore, it was possible to observe that the use of amino acids can supply the nutritional need of blue discus. Supplementation of diets with AAs allows the reduction of dietary protein, which is a strategy for feeding management.(AU)

Symphysodon aequifasciatus é um peixe com corpo em forma de disco e cores brilhantes, características importantes dos peixes ornamentais. Avaliamos estratégias de suplementação de aminoácidos (AAs) para reduzir a proteína bruta na dieta com relação ao desempenho, atividade das enzimas digestivas, metabolismo hepático e histopatologia intestinal. Um total de 180 peixes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 12 aquários de vidro de 50 L, consistindo em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (DC Dieta controle com 34,4% de proteina bruta; DL - Dieta controle acrescida de 1% de lisina; DEAA Dieta controle acrescida de 1% aminoácidos essenciais livres (treonina, fenilalanina, leucina, valina, arginina e triptofano) e DHP Dieta com alto nível de proteína bruta 48,4%), e três repetições, com duração de 60 dias. Os resultados demostraram que a utilização das dietas DL e DEAA refletiram em maior altura de vilosidade intestinal e maior desempenho zootécnico. A utilização de dieta DL promoveu aumento da atividade da fosfatase alcalina e amilase digestiva. A utilização de dietas DHP resultou em alterações hepáticas graves, devido a maior atividade da Alanina aminotransferase. Portanto, foi possível observar que a utilização de aminoácidos pode suprir a necessidade nutricional de acará disco. A suplementação de dietas com AAs permite a redução da proteína dietética, o que é uma estratégia para o manejo alimentar.(AU)

Biochemical characterization for determination of genetic distances among different indigenous chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. ) varieties of north-west Pakistan / Caracterização bioquímica para determinação de distâncias genéticas entre diferentes variedades indígenas de grão-de-bico (Cicer arietinum L. ) do noroeste do Paquistão

Genetic distances among different chickpea varieties and evaluation of their free amino acid profiles were determined on the basis of Sodium dodecyle sulphate polyacrylamide gels electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Total soluble proteins were resolved on 10% SDS Polyacrylamide gel. Low variability in tested varieties was observed. Dendogram based on electrophoretic data clustered the genotypes into 2 groups. The results showed that the average protein content of all the varieties was 26.01% within the range 22.8% for Thal-2006 to 34.06% Sheenghar-2000 of dry seed weight. On the basis of total protein content Bittal-98, Dasht and Sheen Ghar-2000, Karak-3 and CM-98, Paidar -91 and Fakhr-e-Thal, C-44, Balaksar and KK-1showed similar concentrations for protein contents among each other but showed variation from the rest of the varieties. Different proteins were separated on the basis of changes in their molecular weights by means of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Dasht, CM-98, and Sheen Ghar showed 100% similarity. Balaksar and Fakhr-e- Thal, KK-2 and Chattan and KC-98, KK-1 and Lawaghar were 100% similar among each other but showed variation from the rest of the accessions. The overall dendrogram showed high and low level of variation among the accessions. The concentration of free amino acids varied among the 16 chickpea varieties. A significant difference of both essential and non-essential amino acids was found among the chickpea cultivars. The total concentration of essential amino acid was recorded 40.81 g/100 g protein while non-essential was recorded 59.18343 g/100 g protein in the given cultivars. The highest concentration of essential amino acids was found in C-44 followed by KK-2, KK-1 and Fakhr E Tal while the lowest concentration was recorded in Cm-98, Paidar-91 and Sheen Ghar-2000 respectively. Cultivars TAL-2006, Chattan and Karak-3 showed maximum concentration of both essential and endogenous amino acids. In conclusion; for broadening the genetic pools in breeding programs or to search for exotic characters, for instance new disease resistance alleles, accession with low similarity coefficients (Lawaghar and Battal-98) may be utilized. Furthermore the information acquired from this study could be used to device a proficient breeding approach intended at improving nutritional as well as broadening the genetic base of this essential food crop of Pakistan.(AU)

As distâncias genéticas entre as diferentes variedades de grão-de-bico e a avaliação de seus perfis de aminoácidos livres foram determinadas com base na eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). As proteínas solúveis totais foram resolvidas em SDS-PAGE a 10%. Foi observada baixa variabilidade nas variedades testadas. O dendrograma fundamentado em dados eletroforéticos agrupou os genótipos em dois grupos. Os resultados mostraram que o teor médio de proteínas de todas as variedades foi de 26,01%, na faixa de 22,8% para Thal-2006 a 34,06% para Sheenghar-2000 do peso de sementes secas. Com base no conteúdo total de proteínas, Bittal-98, Dasht, Sheen Ghar-2000, Karak-3, CM-98, Paidar-91, Fakhr-e-Thal, C-44, Balaksar e KK-1 apresentaram concentrações semelhantes para o conteúdo de proteínas entre si, mas tiveram variação quanto ao restante das variedades. Diferentes proteínas foram separadas com base nas alterações de seus pesos moleculares por meio de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). Dasht, CM-98 e Sheen Ghar mostraram 100% de similaridade. Balaksar, Fakhr-e-Thal, KK-2, Chattan e KC-98, KK-1 e Lawaghar foram 100% semelhantes entre si, mas apresentaram variação em relação ao restante dos acessos. O dendrograma geral mostrou alto e baixo nível de variação entre os acessos. A concentração de aminoácidos livres variou entre as 16 variedades de grão-de-bico. Foi encontrada uma diferença significativa entre os aminoácidos essenciais e não essenciais nas cultivares de grão-de-bico. A concentração total de aminoácidos essenciais foi registrada em 40,81 g / 100 g de proteína, enquanto a não essencial foi registrada em 59,18343 g / 100 g de proteína nas cultivares. A maior concentração de aminoácidos essenciais foi encontrada em C-44, seguida de KK-2, KK-1 e Fakhr-e-Thal, enquanto a menor concentração foi registrada em CM-98, Paidar-91 e Sheen Ghar-2000. As cultivares TAL-2006, Chattan e Karak-3 apresentaram concentração máxima de aminoácidos essenciais e endógenos. Em conclusão, para ampliar os pools genéticos em programas de melhoramento ou procurar caracteres exóticos, por exemplo, novos alelos de resistência a doenças, pode ser utilizada a adesão com baixos coeficientes de similaridade (Lawaghar e Battal-98). Além disso, as informações adquiridas neste estudo poderiam ser usadas para criar uma abordagem de criação eficiente, com o objetivo de melhorar a nutrição e ampliar a base genética dessa cultura alimentar essencial do Paquistão.(AU)

Evaluation of Muscle Chemical and Amino Acids Composition in Broiler Chicks Fed Sorghum or Sorghum-Pea Diets

The study evaluated the chemical and amino acids (AA) composition of breast and thigh muscle in broilers fed sorghum and sorghum-pea diets, as partial substitute of corn and soybean meal (SBM). A total of 540 3-wk-old broilers (Cobb 500) randomly assigned to three groups were fed with corn-SBM control diet (C), corn-sorghum-SBM diet (S) and corn-sorghum-peas-SBM diet (SP) for finisher phase. At slaughter, muscle samples were collected for chemical analyses. The results showed that dietary sorghum or sorghum-pea inclusion did not affect (p>0.05) the chemical composition (dry matter, protein, fat and ash) of broilers muscle tissue. The total AA (TAA), essential AA (EAA) or flavour-related AA (FAA) concentrations from breast or thigh muscle did not differ (p>0.05) between treatments. A significant effect (p<0.05) was found for some individual EAA. The valine and phenylalanine concentrations were higher, and cysteine and methionine levels were lower in both muscles than the C group. The higher deposition (p<0.05) was found for most AA, except glycine and arginine, in the breast vs thigh, as an effect of muscle tissue. As results, the TAA, EAA, NEAA, FAA and EAA/NEAA ratio increased in the breast vs thigh muscle. Interactions between diets and muscle tissue were noticed for serine, threonine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, arginine, TAA and EAA. In conclusion, sorghum or sorghum-peas can partially substitute the corn and SBM in broiler diets, with no adverse effects on chemical composition and beneficial nutrients, such as EAA and FAA that are important for the nutritional quality of meat.(AU)

Evaluation of Muscle Chemical and Amino Acids Composition in Broiler Chicks Fed Sorghum or Sorghum-Pea Diets

The study evaluated the chemical and amino acids (AA) composition of breast and thigh muscle in broilers fed sorghum and sorghum-pea diets, as partial substitute of corn and soybean meal (SBM). A total of 540 3-wk-old broilers (Cobb 500) randomly assigned to three groups were fed with corn-SBM control diet (C), corn-sorghum-SBM diet (S) and corn-sorghum-peas-SBM diet (SP) for finisher phase. At slaughter, muscle samples were collected for chemical analyses. The results showed that dietary sorghum or sorghum-pea inclusion did not affect (p>0.05) the chemical composition (dry matter, protein, fat and ash) of broilers muscle tissue. The total AA (TAA), essential AA (EAA) or flavour-related AA (FAA) concentrations from breast or thigh muscle did not differ (p>0.05) between treatments. A significant effect (p<0.05) was found for some individual EAA. The valine and phenylalanine concentrations were higher, and cysteine and methionine levels were lower in both muscles than the C group. The higher deposition (p<0.05) was found for most AA, except glycine and arginine, in the breast vs thigh, as an effect of muscle tissue. As results, the TAA, EAA, NEAA, FAA and EAA/NEAA ratio increased in the breast vs thigh muscle. Interactions between diets and muscle tissue were noticed for serine, threonine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, arginine, TAA and EAA. In conclusion, sorghum or sorghum-peas can partially substitute the corn and SBM in broiler diets, with no adverse effects on chemical composition and beneficial nutrients, such as EAA and FAA that are important for the nutritional quality of meat.

Exigência de triptofano digestível para codornas japonesas / Digestible tryptophan requirements for Japanese quais

A coturnicultura é uma parte do setor avícola que vem ganhando cada vez mais espaço, pois possui inúmeras vantagens e entre elas a alta densidade na criação, redução no custo com mão-de-obra, alta prolificidade, rusticidade, precocidade, rápido ganho de peso, longevidade na vida produtiva, alta produtividade e rápido retorno do capital investido. Assim, torna-se necessário o fornecimento de rações que atendam às exigências nutricionais do animal, atrelado à disposição dos aminoácidos essenciais digestíveis na dieta, pois dos 20disponíveis as aves conseguem sintetizar apenas 10. O triptofano é um aminoácido essencial que atua no aumento do consumo, em uma possível redução no estresse e em várias vias metabólicas, tais como a via da serotonina, da melatonina e do ácido nicotínico, além de ter função também na biossíntese proteica. A serotonina é um neurotransmissor que influencia o comportamento, a secreção do hormônio do estresse e não pode atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica, mas o triptofano através de um transportador tem essa capacidade, tal fator promove uma melhor sinalização da serotonina. A melatonina é um neuro-hormônio sintetizado principalmente pela glândula pineal e pela retina, e está relacionada com a regulação do sono e do ritmo circadiano. O triptofano é precursor do ácido niacínico, que pode ser convertido em niacina, uma vitamina hidrossolúvel que atua como precursora das coenzimas NAD e NADP. Este estudo permitirá um maior conhecimento da atuação e metabolismo do triptofano, bem como suas exigências nutricionais para codornas de postura japonesas.

Quail farming is a part of the poultry sector that has been gaining more and more space, as it has numerous advantages and among them the high density in the creation, reduced labor costs, high prolificity, rusticity, precocity, rapid weight gain, longevity in productive life, high productivity and quick return on invested capital. Thus, it is necessary to provide rations that meet the animal's nutritional requirements, linked to the availability of digestible essential amino acids in the diet, since birds can synthesize only 10 of the 20 available. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that acts in increasing consumption, a possible reduction in stress and in several metabolic pathways, such as the serotonin, melatonin and nicotinic acid pathways, in addition to having a role in protein biosynthesis. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences the behavior, secretion of stress hormone and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, but tryptophan through a transporter has this capacity, such a factor promotes better signaling of serotonin. Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland and the retina and is related to the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythm. Tryptophan is a precursor to niacinic acid, which can be converted into niacin, a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a precursor to the NAD and NADP coenzymes. This study will allow a greater understanding of the performance and metabolism of tryptophan, as well as its nutritional requirements for Japanese quails.

Exigência de triptofano digestível para codornas japonesas / Digestible tryptophan requirements for Japanese quais

A coturnicultura é uma parte do setor avícola que vem ganhando cada vez mais espaço, pois possui inúmeras vantagens e entre elas a alta densidade na criação, redução no custo com mão-de-obra, alta prolificidade, rusticidade, precocidade, rápido ganho de peso, longevidade na vida produtiva, alta produtividade e rápido retorno do capital investido. Assim, torna-se necessário o fornecimento de rações que atendam às exigências nutricionais do animal, atrelado à disposição dos aminoácidos essenciais digestíveis na dieta, pois dos 20disponíveis as aves conseguem sintetizar apenas 10. O triptofano é um aminoácido essencial que atua no aumento do consumo, em uma possível redução no estresse e em várias vias metabólicas, tais como a via da serotonina, da melatonina e do ácido nicotínico, além de ter função também na biossíntese proteica. A serotonina é um neurotransmissor que influencia o comportamento, a secreção do hormônio do estresse e não pode atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica, mas o triptofano através de um transportador tem essa capacidade, tal fator promove uma melhor sinalização da serotonina. A melatonina é um neuro-hormônio sintetizado principalmente pela glândula pineal e pela retina, e está relacionada com a regulação do sono e do ritmo circadiano. O triptofano é precursor do ácido niacínico, que pode ser convertido em niacina, uma vitamina hidrossolúvel que atua como precursora das coenzimas NAD e NADP. Este estudo permitirá um maior conhecimento da atuação e metabolismo do triptofano, bem como suas exigências nutricionais para codornas de postura japonesas.(AU)

Quail farming is a part of the poultry sector that has been gaining more and more space, as it has numerous advantages and among them the high density in the creation, reduced labor costs, high prolificity, rusticity, precocity, rapid weight gain, longevity in productive life, high productivity and quick return on invested capital. Thus, it is necessary to provide rations that meet the animal's nutritional requirements, linked to the availability of digestible essential amino acids in the diet, since birds can synthesize only 10 of the 20 available. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that acts in increasing consumption, a possible reduction in stress and in several metabolic pathways, such as the serotonin, melatonin and nicotinic acid pathways, in addition to having a role in protein biosynthesis. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences the behavior, secretion of stress hormone and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, but tryptophan through a transporter has this capacity, such a factor promotes better signaling of serotonin. Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland and the retina and is related to the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythm. Tryptophan is a precursor to niacinic acid, which can be converted into niacin, a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a precursor to the NAD and NADP coenzymes. This study will allow a greater understanding of the performance and metabolism of tryptophan, as well as its nutritional requirements for Japanese quails.(AU)