Effect of feeding broccoli floret residues on leghorn layer performance and egg quality and nutrient digestibility.

1. A study was conducted to determine the effects of dried broccoli floret (DBF) on egg production parameters, egg quality and apparent nutrient digestibility of laying hens. It was hypothesised that feeding DBF can improve egg quality without adversely affecting layer performance.2. Seventy-two White Leghorn layers aged 62 weeks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (6 cage replicates with 3 hens each) and fed diets containing 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg DBF in feed for 56 d.3. Inclusion of DBF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio or egg components. However, egg weight increased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF in the diet increased. Egg breakage strength, eggshell strength and Haugh unit were not influenced by dietary treatments. Egg yolk colour (quadratic effect, P = 0.002) and α-tocopherol concentration (quadratic effect, P < 0.0001) improved as a result of DBF inclusion. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not altered by DBF inclusion. Apparent total tract nutrient (dry matter, organic matter and crude protein) digestibility coefficients decreased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF increased.4. Feeding DBF to layers up to 120 g/kg of the diet had no negative effects on feed intake, egg production and feed efficiency and improved egg yolk colour and α-tocopherol concentration. However, total tract nutrient digestibility coefficients were negatively decreased as a result of DBF inclusion.

Effects of extruded flaxseed on layer performance, nutrient retention and yolk fatty acid composition.

1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding an extruded flaxseed (EF) on layer performance, apparent total tract nutrient retention (ATTR) and egg yolk fatty acid concentrations. 2. Seventy-two White Leghorn laying hens (58-week-old; three per cage) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments: 0%, 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of EF-supplemented diets for 8 weeks. 3. Supplementation with EF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg weight. Egg components (yolk, albumen and shell percentages) were similar among treatments, except that shell percentage was greater for layers fed 22.5% EF than those fed 7.5% and 15% EF. The ATTR of dry matter and organic matter were highest for 0% and 7.5% EF, intermediate for 15% EF and lowest for 22.5% EF. Similar reductions on ATTR of crude protein and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy were observed for layers fed 22.5% EF relative to those fed 0% or 7.5% EF. 4. Feeding EF at 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of the diet markedly increased (by 92%, 198% and 271%, respectively) egg yolk concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and reduced saturated fatty acid and n-6 PUFA concentrations. 5. It was concluded that omega-3 labelled eggs (300 mg/60 g of egg) may be produced with low (7.5% of diet) levels of dietary EF without compromising egg production parameters. However, feeding moderate to high levels of EF (i.e. 15% and 22.5% EF) may reduce total tract nutrient and energy utilisation.

Effects of replacing grass silage with forage pearl millet silage on milk yield, nutrient digestion, and ruminal fermentation of lactating dairy cows.

This study investigated the effects of dietary replacement of grass silage (GS) with forage millet silages that were harvested at 2 stages of maturity [i.e., vegetative stage and dough to ripe seed (mature) stage] on milk production, apparent total-tract digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of dairy cows. Fifteen lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment and fed (ad libitum) a total mixed ration (60:40 forage:concentrate ratio). Dietary treatments included control (GS), vegetative millet silage (EM), and mature millet silage (MM) diets. Experimental silages comprised 24% of dietary dry matter (DM). Soybean meal and slow-release urea were added in millet diets to balance for crude protein (CP). Three additional ruminally fistulated cows were used to determine the effect of treatments on ruminal fermentation and total-tract nutrient utilization. Cows fed the GS diet consumed more DM (22.9 vs. 21.7 ± 1.02 kg/d) and CP (3.3 vs. 3.1 ± 0.19 kg/d), and similar starch (4.9 ± 0.39 kg/d) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 8.0 ± 0.27 kg/d) compared with cows fed the MM diet. Replacing the EM diet with the MM diet did not affect DM, NDF, or CP intakes. Cows fed the MM diet produced less milk (26.1 vs. 29.1 ± 0.79 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (28.0 vs.30.5 ± 0.92 kg/d), and 4% fat-corrected milk (26.5 vs. 28.3 ± 0.92 kg/d) yields than cows fed the GS diet. However, cows fed diets with EM and GS produced similar yields of milk, energy-corrected milk, and 4% fat-corrected milk. Feed efficiency (milk yield:DM intake) was greater only for cows fed the GS diet than those fed the MM diet. Milk protein yield and concentration were greater among cows fed the GS diet compared with those fed the EM or MM diets. Milk fat and lactose concentrations were not influenced by diet. However, milk urea N was lower for cows fed the GS diet than for those fed the MM diet. Ruminal NH3-N was greater for cows fed the EM diet than for those fed the GS diet. Total-tract-digestibility of DM (average = 66.1 ± 3.3%), NDF (average = 55.1 ± 2.4%), CP (average = 63.6 ± 4.2%), and gross energy (average = 64.5 ± 2.6%) were not influenced by experimental diets. We concluded that cows fed GS and EM diets had comparable performance, whereas milk yield was significantly reduced with the MM diet, likely because reduced intakes of DM and net energy for lactation.

Short communication: Effects of molasses supplementation on performance of lactating cows fed high-alfalfa silage diets.

Twelve Holstein cows were used in a replicated Latin square experiment to determine the effect of adding dried molasses to high-alfalfa silage diets on dairy cow performance. Three isonitrogenous diets were formulated with a 68:32 forage:concentrate ratio, with alfalfa silage as the only forage source. Dietary treatments were a control diet with no added molasses and 3 and 6% dried molasses diets. Three lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulas were used to determine the effects of dietary treatments on ruminal fermentation. Dietary treatments had no effect on dry matter (average 23.3 kg/d), crude protein (average 4.4 kg/d), or neutral detergent fiber (average 7.4 kg/d) intake. Milk yield, energy-corrected milk (average 35.4 kg/d), and 4% fat-corrected milk (average 33.8 kg/d) were not influenced by dietary treatments. Cows fed the control diet produced milk with less milk urea nitrogen concentration than those fed molasses-supplemented diets. Ruminal pH, NH3-N concentration, and total volatile fatty acids were not different among dietary treatments. The molar proportion of acetate linearly increased, whereas the molar proportion of propionate linearly decreased as the level of dried molasses increased. It was concluded that addition of dried molasses to high-alfalfa silage diets at 6% of the diet (dry matter basis) increased milk urea nitrogen but had no effect on animal performance.

Effect of feeding extruded flaxseed with different grains on the performance of dairy cows and milk fatty acid profile.

Sixteen Holsteins cows were used in a Latin square design experiment to determine the effects of extruded flaxseed (EF) supplementation and grain source (i.e., corn vs. barley) on performance of dairy cows. Extruded flaxseed diets contained 10% [dry matter (DM) basis] of an EF product that consisted of 75% flaxseed and 25% ground alfalfa meal. Four lactating Holsteins cows fitted with rumen fistulas were used to determine the effects of dietary treatments on ruminal fermentation. Intakes of DM (23.2 vs. 22.2 kg/d), crude protein (4.2 vs. 4.0 kg/d), and neutral detergent fiber (8.3 vs. 7.9 kg/d) were greater for cows fed EF diets than for cows fed diets without EF. Milk yield and composition were not affected by dietary treatments. However, 4% fat-corrected milk (30.5% vs. 29.6 kg/d) and solids-corrected milk (30.7 vs. 29.9 kg/d) were increased by EF supplementation. Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration were not influenced by EF supplementation. However, feeding barley relative to corn increased molar proportions of acetate and butyrate and decreased that of propionate. Ruminal NH3-N was lower for cows fed barley than for cows fed corn. Milk fatty acid composition was altered by both grain source and EF supplementation. Cows fed EF produced milk with higher polyunsaturated and lower saturated fatty acid concentrations than cows fed diets without EF. Feeding EF or corn increased the milk concentration of C18:0, whereas that of C16:0 was decreased by EF supplementation only. Extruded flaxseed supplementation increased milk fat α-linolenic acid content by 60% and conjugated linoleic acid content by 29%. Feeding corn relative to barley increased milk conjugated linoleic acid by 29% but had no effect on milk α-linolenic concentration. Differences in animal performance and milk fatty acid composition were mainly due to EF supplementation, whereas differences in ruminal fermentation were mostly due to grain source.

Replacing corn silage with different forage millet silage cultivars: effects on milk yield, nutrient digestion, and ruminal fermentation of lactating dairy cows.

This study investigated the effects of dietary replacement of corn silage (CS) with 2 cultivars of forage millet silages [i.e., regular millet (RM) and sweet millet (SM)] on milk production, apparent total-tract digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of dairy cows. Fifteen lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment and fed (ad libitum) a high-forage total mixed ration (68:32 forage:concentrate ratio). Dietary treatments included CS (control), RM, and SM diets. Experimental silages constituted 37% of each diet DM. Three ruminally fistulated cows were used to determine the effect of dietary treatments on ruminal fermentation and total-tract nutrient utilization. Relative to CS, RM and SM silages contained 36% more crude protein, 66% more neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and 88% more acid detergent fiber. Cows fed CS consumed more dry matter (DM; 24.4 vs. 22.7 kg/d) and starch (5.7 vs. 3.7 kg/d), but less NDF (7.9 vs. 8.7 kg/d) than cows fed RM or SM. However, DM, starch and NDF intakes were not different between forage millet silage types. Feeding RM relative to CS reduced milk yield (32.7 vs. 35.2 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (35.8 vs. 38.0 kg/d) and SCM (32.7 vs. 35.3 kg/d). However, cows fed SM had similar milk, energy-corrected milk, and solids-corrected milk yields than cows fed CS or RM. Milk efficiency was not affected by dietary treatments. Milk protein concentration was greatest for cows fed CS, intermediate for cows fed SM, and lowest for cows fed RM. Milk concentration of solids-not-fat was lesser, whereas milk urea nitrogen was greater for cows fed RM than for those fed CS. However, millet silage type had no effect on milk solids-not-fat and milk urea nitrogen levels. Concentrations of milk fat, lactose and total solids were not affected by silage type. Ruminal pH and ruminal NH3-N were greater for cows fed RM and SM than for cows fed CS. Total-tract digestibility of DM (average=67.9%), NDF (average=53.9%), crude protein (average=63.3%), and gross energy (average=67.9%) were not influenced by dietary treatments. It was concluded that cows fed CS performed better than those fed RM or SM likely due to the higher starch and lower NDF intakes. However, no major differences were noted between the 2 forage millet silage cultivars.

Effect of feeding extruded flaxseed with different forage: concentrate ratios on the performance of dairy cows.

Twenty Holstein cows were used in a Latin square design experiment with a 2×2 factorial arrangement to determine the effects of extruded flaxseed (EF) supplementation with 2 different forage to concentrate ratios on the performance of dairy cows. Extruded flaxseed diets contained 9% (dry matter basis) EF product which consisted of 75% EF and 25% ground alfalfa meal. Four lactating Holsteins cows fitted with rumen fistulae were used to determine the effects of dietary treatments on ruminal fermentation. Intakes of dry matter and crude protein were not influenced by dietary treatments. However, neutral detergent fiber intake was greater for the high-forage (8.4 kg/d) than the low-forage (7.8 kg/d) diet. Milk yield (average 40.2 kg/d) was similar for all dietary treatments. However, cows fed the high-forage diets produced milk with higher fat (3.76 vs. 2.97%) and total solids (12.58 vs. 11.95%) concentrations, but lower protein (3.19 vs. 3.33%) and lactose (4.66 vs. 4.72%) contents. Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration were not affected by dietary treatments. However, feeding high forage relative to low forage diets increased molar proportion of acetate but decreased that of propionate. Ruminal NH3-N was reduced by feeding high forage relative to low forage diets. Milk fatty acid composition was altered by both forage level and EF supplementation. Feeding diets containing EF or low forage reduced the concentrations of saturated fatty acids and increased those of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Concentrations of poly-unsaturated fatty acids were increased by feeding EF or low-forage diets. Extruded flaxseed supplementation increased milk fat α-linolenic acid content by 100% and conjugated linoleic acid by 54%. It was concluded that differences in animal performance and ruminal fermentation observed in this study were mostly due to differences in forage to concentrate ratio. However, EF supplementation caused most of the differences observed in milk fatty acid composition.

Effects of flavomycin and probiotic supplementation to diets containing different sources of fat on growth performance, intestinal morphology, apparent metabolizable energy, and fat digestibility in broiler chickens.

This study was conducted with broilers to evaluate the effects of growth-promoting antibiotic (flavomycin) and probiotic (7 bacterial species) supplementation in diets containing soybean oil or free fatty acids (FFA) on performance, morphological parameters of the small intestine, apparent digestibility of gross energy (GE) in the ileum, and apparent digestibility of fat in the ileum and total intestinal tract. Eight-hundred and sixty 4-d-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments that comprised 3 additives (without additive, flavomycin, and probiotic) and 3 fat sources (without fat, 30 g/kg of FFA, and 30 g/kg of soybean oil) with 4 pen replicates per treatment. All diets contained chromic oxide (3 g/kg) as an indigestible marker. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly over 40 d. Flavomycin interacted positively with soybean oil and FFA causing improvements (P < 0.05) in BW gain. Among the different fat sources, soybean oil significantly increased (P < 0.05) BW gain and jejunal villi height, whereas flavomycin improved (P < 0.05) BW gain and feed conversion when compared with the remaining dietary additives. However, the probiotic negatively affected (P < 0.05) BW gain and feed conversion despite increased (P < 0.05) villi heights of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. At 21 and 38 d of age, fat and GE digestibility were higher (P < 0.05) in the ileum and total intestinal tract of birds fed diets containing soybean oil than those of birds fed FFA. Fat and GE digestibility were highest (P < 0.05) among birds fed flavomycin but lowest (P < 0.05) among probiotic-fed birds. Flavomycin addition to soybean oil or FFA diets significantly increased (P < 0.05) fat and GE digestibility when compared with the same diets containing the probiotic. Therefore, soybean oil is a better energy source than FFA, as indicated by increased growth, nutrient digestibility, and jejunal villi height. However, probiotic supplementation to fat-rich diets caused detrimental effects on nutrient digestibility and growth.

Comparison of corn-based and Canadian pearl millet-based diets on performance, digestibility, villus morphology, and digestive microbial populations in broiler chickens.

A study was undertaken to examine the effects of partially or totally replacing corn with pearl millet in broiler diets on growth performance, jejunal digesta viscosity, and histomorphological parameters, ileal CP digestibility, and cecal microbial populations. Two hundred 1-d-old male Ross 508 broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 isonitrogenous and isocaloric dietary treatments (8 cage replicates; 5 birds/cage) and grown over a 42-d experimental period. Dietary treatments included a standard corn-soybean meal diet and one in which the total amount of grain (corn + pearl millet) consisted of 25, 50, 75, or 100% pearl millet. All diets contained chromic oxide (0.4%) as an indigestible marker. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly throughout 42 d. At d 14, 28, and 42, 8 birds/treatment (1 bird/cage) were killed for sample collection and analysis. In comparison with corn, pearl millet grain contained higher CP (14.48 vs. 7.35%, on a DM basis) but slightly lower ME (3,093 vs. 3,355 kcal/kg, on a DM basis). Total replacement of corn by pearl millet significantly (P < 0.05) improved BW and feed conversion. Moreover, in comparison with the standard diet, feeding broilers pearl millet-based diets had no detrimental effects on digesta viscosity, villus height, villus width, and villus surface area of the jejunum. Ileal CP digestibility and cecal concentrations of Escherichia coli, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria were also similar between birds fed corn and pearl millet. It was concluded that substituting corn for pearl millet in broiler diets can improve production responses without causing any adverse effects on nutrient digestibility or bird health.

Effects of diets containing different concentrations of mannanoligosaccharide or antibiotics on growth performance, intestinal development, cecal and litter microbial populations, and carcass parameters of broilers.

The effects of 2 levels of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) in feed were compared with antibiotic growth promoters on growth performance, intestinal morphology, cecal and litter microbial populations, and carcass parameters in broilers raised in a sanitary environment. Dietary treatments included: 1) antibiotic growth promoter-free diet (control), 2) VIRG (diet 1 + 16.5 mg/kg of virginiamycin), 3) BACT (diet 1 + 55 mg/kg of bacitracin), 4) LMOS (diet 1 + 0.2% MOS), and 5) HMOS (diet 1 + 0.5% MOS). Birds were randomly assigned to 3 replicate pens/treatment (n = 55/pen). Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly throughout 38 d. At d 14, 24, and 34, a 1-cm segment of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was used in morphological analysis (n = 9 birds/d per treatment). At the same bird ages, cecal contents were assayed for lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli, whereas litter was analyzed for Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. Carcass yields (breast fillet and tenders, thigh, drumstick, and wing) were determined at d 38. Body weight, feed conversion, and carcass yields did not differ among treatments. In contrast to birds fed VIRG or BACT, LMOS and HMOS consistently increased (P < 0.05) villi height and goblet cell number per villus in all intestinal segments at d 24 and 34. Bifidobacteria concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in LMOS- and HMOS-fed birds at all time points. Birds and litter from all treatments were free of Salmonella. At d 14 and 24, cecal E. coli and Campylobacter counts were not different among treatments. In comparison to birds fed control, at d 34, BACT, LMOS, and HMOS significantly reduced (P < 0.05) cecal E. coli concentrations, whereas Campylobacter counts were reduced (P < 0.05) by VIRG, BACT, and LMOS. Litter bacterial counts were not altered by dietary treatments. In conclusion, under conditions of this study, MOS conferred intestinal health benefits to chickens by improving its morphological development and microbial ecology. But, there were no additional benefits of the higher MOS dosage.

Effects of galacto-oligosaccharides and a Bifidobacteria lactis-based probiotic strain on the growth performance and fecal microflora of broiler chickens.

A galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) prebiotic was prepared by reacting a high concentration of lactose (40% wt/vol) with a beta-galactosidase enzyme for 24 h at 37 degrees C. The enzyme was produced from recombinant Pichia pastoris X-33 cells. The study aimed at evaluating the effects of the prebiotic, a Bifidobacterium lactis-based probiotic, and the combination of these dietary additives on BW, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and fecal counts of total anaerobic bacteria, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria in broiler chickens. No significant differences in BW, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were found among the various groups. The study showed that GOS selectively stimulated the fecal microflora of broiler chickens. Total anaerobic bacteria and lactobacilli were increased by 3.4- and 3.56-fold, respectively, in chickens fed the diet containing GOS (3 kg per 25 kg) and B. lactis for 40 d compared with those fed the control diet. The bifidobacteria population in chickens fed the diet containing GOS (3 kg per 25 kg) and B. lactis significantly increased 21-fold in comparison to the control-fed birds. In particular, increasing the dietary concentration of GOS was accompanied by significant increases (P < 0.05) in bifidobacteria counts. The detectable population of bifidobacteria was also greater (P < 0.05) in chickens fed the diet containing GOS and bifidobacteria when compared with chickens fed a bifidobacteria-containing ration only. These results suggest that using GOS in combination with a B. lactis-based probiotic favored intestinal growth of bifidobacteria in broiler chickens.

Effects of purified lignin and mannan oligosaccharides on intestinal integrity and microbial populations in the ceca and litter of broiler chickens.

A study was conducted to evaluate lignin and mannan oligosaccharides as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in broilers. Dietary treatments included an antibiotic-free diet (CTL-), a positive control (CTL+, 11 mg/kg of virginiamycin), and an antibiotic-free diet containing BioMos (MOS, 0.2% to 21 d and 0.1% thereafter) or Alcell lignin at 1.25% (LL) or 2.5% (HL) of the diet. Each treatment was randomly assigned to 4 floor pen replicates (40 birds each). Body weight and feed conversion were recorded weekly throughout 42 d. Jejunum histology was analyzed at d 14, 28, and 42. At d 28 and 42, cecal contents were assayed for Escherichia coli, Salmonella, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria, and the litter was analyzed for E. coli and Salmonella. Birds fed the CTL- diet were heavier (P<0.05) than those fed the other dietary treatments, but feed conversion was not affected by dietary treatments. Birds fed MOS and LL had increased jejunum villi height and a higher number of goblet cells per villus (P<0.05) when compared with those fed the CTL+ diet. At d 42, birds fed MOS, LL, or HL had greater lactobacilli numbers than those fed the CTL+ diet. Compared with the CTL+ diet, the MOS diet increased the populations of bifidobacteria (P<0.05) in the ceca. Litter E. coli load was lower in birds fed MOS (P<0.05) than in birds fed the CTL+ diet but comparable to that of birds fed the LL or HL diet. Broiler performance was similar in birds fed antibiotics or antibiotic-free diets containing either MOS or lignin. However, birds fed MOS and LL had a comparative advantage over birds fed antibiotics as evidenced by an increased population of beneficial bacteria in the ceca, increased villi height and number of goblet cells in the jejunum, and lower population of E. coli in the litter.

Cecal populations of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli populations after in vivo Escherichia coli challenge in birds fed diets with purified lignin or mannanoligosaccharides.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate lignin and mannanoligosaccharides as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in broilers. Dietary treatments for the 2 studies were 1) negative control (CTL-, antibiotic free); 2) positive control (CTL+, diet 1 + 11 mg of virginiamycin/kg); 3) mannanoligosaccharide (MOS; diet 1 + BioMos: 0.2% to 21 d and 0.1% thereafter); 4) LL (diet 1 + 1.25% Alcell lignin); and 5) HL (diet 1 + 2.5% Alcell lignin). In experiment 1, each treatment was assigned to 4 pen replicates (52 birds each). Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for 38 d. At 28 and 38 d, cecal contents were assayed for lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Body weight and feed intake did not differ among dietary treatments. At d 38, the lactobacilli population was greatest (P < 0.05) in birds fed MOS, whereas LL-fed birds had greater (P < 0.05) lactobacilli load than those fed CTL+. Bifidobacteria load was greater (P < 0.05) in birds fed MOS or LL compared with those fed CTL+ at both d 28 and 38. However, at d 28 and 38, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria loads were lowest (P < 0.05) in CTL+ or HL-fed birds. In experiment 2, 21-d-old birds from the initial flock were transferred to cages for oral Escherichia coli (O2 and O88 serotypes) challenge (12 birds/treatment). After 3, 6, and 9 d, cecal loads of E. coli were determined. Birds fed HL had a lower E. coli load (P < 0.05) than birds fed CTL- or CTL+ at d 3, and lower than birds fed CTL- at d 6. At d 9, the E. coli load was lower (P < 0.05) in birds fed MOS or HL than in those fed the CTL- or CTL+ diets; LL-fed birds had lower E. coli load than those fed CTL-. Birds fed MOS or LL had a comparative advantage over CTL+ birds in increasing populations of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and lowering E. coli loads after challenge.

Evaluation of dried vegetables residues for poultry: II. Effects of feeding cabbage leaf residues on broiler performance, ileal digestibility and total tract nutrient digestibility.

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacing corn and soybean meal with dried cabbage leaf residues (DCR) on broiler growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, and apparent total tract nutrient utilization. Dietary treatments include 4 levels of DCR (0, 3, 6, and 9%). Two hundred and twenty-four day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups (8 cage replicates; 7 birds/cage) and grown over a 35-d experimental period. Results showed that feeding DCR had no effects on daily body weigh gain (average 53.4 g/d), daily feed intake (average 94.9 g/d), and feed conversion ratio (average 1.78 g of feed/g of gain). Inclusion of DCR reduced apparent ileal DM (quadratic effect, P < 0.001), OM (linear effect, P = 0.012), and CP (quadratic effect, P = 0.001) digestibility of younger birds (d 21) while incremental levels of DCR had no effect on apparent ileal nutrient digestibilities of older birds (d 35). Apparent total tract digestibility of DM, OM, and CP increased (linear effect, P < 0.001) as the level of DCR increased. It was concluded that the inclusion of DCR in broiler diets up to 9% had no negative impact on bird performance and apparent ileal digestibility of older birds and improved apparent total tract nutrient digestibility.

Effects of exogenous enzymes in corn-based and Canadian pearl millet-based diets with reduced soybean meal on growth performance, intestinal nutrient digestibility, villus development, and selected microbial populations in broiler chickens.

An experiment was conducted to compare a commercial corn-soybean meal diet with a pearl millet diet containing less soybean meal (-27%), alone or in combination with exogenous enzymes, on growth performance, jejunal villus development, ileal CP, and AA digestibility, and cecal microbial populations in broilers. One hundred sixty 1-d-old male Ross 508 broilers (5/cage) were randomly allocated to one of the following dietary treatments: 1) a standard corn-soybean meal control diet (CTL); 2) a pearl millet-soybean meal diet (PM); 3) CTL + exogenous enzymes (CE); and 4) PM + exogenous enzymes (PE) with 8 replicate cages/treatment. The PM and PE diets contained less soybean meal because of greater CP and AA contents of pearl millet. All diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly over 35 d. At d 21 and 35, 8 broilers per treatment were euthanized for sample collection and analyses. Gain-to-feed was greater (P < 0.01) for pearl millet- than corn-based diets. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of CP and most AA was similar between corn-based and pearl millet-based diets, and enzyme supplementation improved AID of CP (P < 0.01) and most AA at both d 21 and 35. However, for AID of some AA at d 21, the response to enzyme supplementation was less pronounced in broilers fed pearl millet-based diets than those fed corn-based diets (grain × enzyme, P ≤ 0.05). The villus was longer (P < 0.01) in broilers fed PM and PE than CTL and CE at d 35. Similarly, at d 35, lactobacilli loads were greater (P < 0.01) in broilers fed PM and PE than CTL and CE. It is concluded that, in comparison with corn, broiler diets formulated with pearl millet require less soybean meal and can be used to improve growth performance traits, intestinal lactobacilli populations, and villus development, whereas enzyme supplementation increases AID of CP and AA.

The effect of selenium sources and supplementation on neutrophil functions in dairy cows.

Selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient, is believed to enhance neutrophil functions. This study aimed to compare the effects of supplemented organic (Sel-Plex®) and inorganic (sodium selenite) Se on neutrophil functions in high-producing dairy cows, during the periparturient period. Twenty-five Holstein cows were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments as follows: control diet (basal diet without Se supplementation), IN 0.3 (basal diet supplemented with inorganic Se at 0.3 mg/kg dry matter (DM)), IN 0.5 (inorganic Se at 0.5 mg/kg DM), OR 0.3 (organic Se at 0.3 mg/kg DM) and OR 0.5 (organic Se at 0.5 mg/kg DM). Some evaluated parameters included neutrophil functions and plasma Se concentrations in cows and plasma Se concentrations in calves. Neutrophil phagocytosis did not significantly differ among the five groups. However, organic Se supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.01) the respiratory burst of neutrophils when compared to cows fed IN 0.3 and the control diet. In comparison to inorganic Se, neutrophil apoptosis was decreased (P < 0.01) when cows were fed organic Se or the control diets. These effects of organic Se on respiratory burst activities and apoptosis of neutrophils were in a dose-dependent manner. Calf plasma Se concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) when cows were fed OR 0.5 and IN 0.5.