Evaluation of the Influence of Coprophagic Behavior on the Digestibility of Dietary Nutrients and Fecal Fermentation Products in Adult Dogs.

Coprophagia is a common and undesirable behavior observed in dogs; however, little is known about its causes or possible consequences when analysis of the animal's feces is needed for experimental purposes. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of coprophagy on digestibility, fecal pH, and fermentative metabolites. Twelve healthy dogs with a mean age of 3.50 ± 1.45 years were included and divided into two groups: coprophagic (COP) and non-coprophagic (NCOP). The study lasted 30 days, the last 6 days being used to collect feces for the analysis of the apparent digestibility of coefficients (ADC), fecal pH, and the concentration of short- and branched-chain fatty acids, ammonia, and fecal lactic acid. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS software. No differences were observed for most variables, except for the ADC of nitrogen-free extract (NFE), which presented the highest average for the COP. This result should be interpreted with caution, as the NFE is estimated from calculations and was not determined in the laboratory; in addition, the results represent not only starch and sugars but also some parts referring to fibers. Therefore, coprophagy seemed not to influence the fecal variables analyzed.

Digestive efficiency traits in growing pigs are genetically correlated with sow litter traits in the Large White breed.

Digestive efficiency traits are promising selection criteria to improve feed efficiency in pigs. However, the genetic relationships between digestive efficiency and sow reproductive traits are mostly unknown and need to be estimated. In this study, reproductive traits were available for 61 601 litters recorded on 21 719 Large White purebred sows. The traits were comprised of the number of born alive (NBA) and the number of weaned piglets (NWP), the number of stillbirths (NSB) and piglet mortality during suckling (PM). For a subset of 32518 litters, the mean (MBW) and CV of piglet birth weights (CVBW) were deduced from individual piglet weights as well as the proportion of piglets weighing less than 1 kg (PPL1K). Growth and feed efficiency traits were available for 4 643 Large White male pigs related to sows with reproductive performances. They comprised average daily gain (ADG), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). A subset of 1 391 pigs had predictions for digestibility coefficients (DC) of energy, organic matter and nitrogen obtained by analysing faecal samples with near-infrared spectrometry. Estimated heritabilities were low for NBA, NSB, NWP and PM (0.08 ± 0.01 to 0.11 ± 0.01) and low to moderate for litter weight characteristics (0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.38 ± 0.01). Heritability estimates were moderate to high for ADG, DFI and FCR (0.37 ± 0.04 to 0.54 ± 0.05) and moderate for DC traits (0.26 ± 0.06 to 0.38 ± 0.07). Genetic correlations were low between ADG, or alternatively FCR, and reproductive traits. They were significantly different from zero with MBW (0.19 ± 0.06 with ADG and -0.15 ± 0.06 with FCR) and PPL1K (-0.19 ± 0.07 with ADG and 0.18 ± 0.07 with FCR). All genetic correlations between DFI and reproductive traits were low and not significantly different from zero. Genetic correlations between DC traits and NBA were significantly different from zero for DC of organic matter and energy (<-0.25 ± 0.11). DC traits were moderately correlated with MBW (>0.30 ± 0.11), CVBW (<-0.36 ± 0.11) and PPL1K (<-0.37 ± 0.11) at the genetic level. Genetic correlations between DC traits and PM were significantly negative and hence favourable (<-0.38 ± 0.12). Finally, genetic correlations between DC traits and NWP were close to zero. These results suggested that sows closely related to growing pigs with the best digestive efficiency would produce heavier and more homogeneous piglets, with slightly smaller litter sizes at birth but better survival. Hence, there is usable genetic variation in DC that could be exploited to define new selection strategies in maternal lines aiming at improving not only feed efficiency but also piglet survival.

Effects of multicarbohydrase and butyrate glycerides on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, and ileal microbiota in late-phase laying hens fed corn- or wheat-based diets.

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of supplemental multicarbohydrase (MC) and butyrate glycerides (BG) on productive performance, nutritional, and physiological responses in laying hens fed corn- or wheat-based diets during a 12-week production period (from 50-62 wk of age). The experiment consisted of a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments with 2 different basal diets (corn- or wheat-based diets), 2 concentrations of MC (0 or 200 mg/kg of diet), and 2 concentrations of BG (0 or 2 g/kg of diet). Each treatment had 6 replicates with 8 hens each. The interactions among diet, MC, and BG were observed for egg production (P = 0.048), feed conversion ratio (P = 0.005), and ileal Escherichia coli count (P = 0.043), indicating that the effects of MC and BG on these responses were more marked when wheat-based diet was fed. A diet × MC interaction (P < 0.05) was also detected for egg mass, eggshell breaking strength, jejunal viscosity, and digestibility coefficients of fat and ash. Replacing 100% of the corn with wheat in the diets of laying hens negatively affected (P < 0.05) yolk color index, eggshell thickness, digesta viscosity, jejunal morphology, and populations of ileal microbiota. By contrast, MC supplementation increased (P < 0.05) eggshell thickness, digestibility coefficients of energy and crude protein, and populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in the ileum. Inclusion of BG also resulted in greater (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height and villus surface area, and digestibility coefficients of protein and ash, but lower (P < 0.05) populations of total bacteria, Salmonella and E. coli in the ileum. Results indicate that while the complete substitution of corn by wheat has a detrimental effect on productive performance and gut health, the combination of MC and BG may have synergistic effects on improving productive performance and intestinal microbiota in laying hens fed the wheat-based diets during the late laying period.

Performance and Milk Composition of Nubian Goats as Affected by Increasing Level of Nannochloropsis oculata Microalgae.

Fat supplementation affects the lactational performance of goats and dramatically changes milk nutritive value. In the present experiment, two levels of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae, a natural source of rumen-protected eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), were studied in the diet of Nubian goats. Using quintuplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, fifteen lactating goats, (14 ± 2 months old and 33.0 ± 1.3 kg) after kidding, were randomly assigned into three treatments in an 84-d assay. Goats were offered a basal diet comprising berseem clover, wheat straw and concentrates in 3:2:5, respectively, (control treatment-no supplementation). The other two treatments were supplemented with N. oculata microalgae at 5 g (NOM5 treatment) or 10 g (NOM10 treatment)/doe/d. Without affecting intake, treatments improved (p < 0.01) nutrient digestibility. Supplementations had no effect on ruminal pH and ammonia-nitrogen, however, NOM5 and NOM10 linearly improved (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acids and propionic acids. N. oculata supplementation linearly increased (p < 0.01) milk yield and lactose content. Supplementation reduced atherogenic index (p = 0.004) and enhanced the concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and C20:5n3 (EPA). Conclusively, feeding Nubian goats on diet supplemented with N. oculata at 5 and 10 g improved milk production and the nutritive value. No improvements in the performance were observed when N. oculata dose was increased from 5 g to 10 g/doe; thus, 5 g dose is recommended for use.

Relationship between gut environment, feces-to-food ratio, and androgen deficiency-induced metabolic disorders.

Androgen action generates sex-related differences that include changes in the gut microbiota composition. Hypoandrogenism and hyperandrogenism in males and females, respectively, are associated with the prevalence of metabolic disorders. Our recent work showed that male androgen receptor knockout (ARKO) mice developed high-fat diet (HFD)-dependent sarcopenic abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis, leading to early death. The ARKO mice also exhibited alterations in intestinal microbiota but did not experience metabolic abnormalities when administered with antibiotics. Here, we show that time-dependent changes in feed efficiency (ratio of body weight gain to food intake) and weight of dried feces-to-food ratio could be good markers for changes in gut microbiota. Turicibacter spp., Lactobacillus spp., and L. reuteri increased in the gut in both HFD-fed ARKO and castrated mice having metabolic abnormalities. HFD-fed ARKO mice showed increased plasma levels of aspartate, but not alanine, aminotransferase. Changes in the gut microbiome appear to provoke androgen deficiency-induced metabolic diseases, leading to early mortality.

Lignocellulose Improves Protein and Amino Acid Digestibility in Roosters and Egg Hatchability in Broiler Breeders.

The present work assessed the effect of supplementation of 0.8% dietary Arbocel® RC Fine, a readily available commercial lignocellulose, to poultry feed. In a complete randomized design using 36 individually caged mature dubbed Hy-Line roosters (aged 55 weeks) grouped in 4 treatments with 9 birds per treatment, a digestibility trial was performed to determine apparent and true metabolizable energy values along with digestibility coefficients of protein and amino acid in Arbocel® containing diets. Results showed that 0.8% Arbocel® supplemented diets improved protein digestibility by 6% (P<0.05). Additionally, Arbocel® caused an increase in apparent and true amino acid digestibility in roosters when compared to control diets and controls with 0.8% wheat bran (WB) supplementation. In a second experiment, 26,000 layers and 2,600 roosters aged 33 weeks (Ross 308 broiler breeder strain) were maintained in 6 poultry houses at a commercial breeding farm, with an average of 4330 layers and 433 roosters per house. Performance, egg grade, and hatchability rate were assessed over a post peak period of 6 months. Compared to the control group fed the 0.8% WB diet, the 0.8% lignocellulose dietary supplementation resulted in a decrease (P<0.05) in percent infertility leading to an average increase of 4.07% (P<0.05) in egg hatchability. The Arbocel® fed group had 3.8 more eggs per housed hen compared to control birds. Overall, Arbocel® supplementation at 0.8% resulted in the production of 5.7 more saleable chicks per housed hen during the 6 months trial, a sizeable profit to the farmer.

Digestibilidade aparente de rações contendo complexo enzimático para tilápia-do-nilo / Apparent digestibility of diets containing enzyme supplement for Nile tilapia

Avaliou-se a digestibilidade aparente de cinco rações isoproteicas e isoenergéticas contendo 0; 0,1; 0,2; 0,3 e 0,4g do complexo enzimático Bioenzimaplus (lipase, protease e carboidrase)/kg de ração na alimentação da tilápia-do-nilo. Foram utilizados 100 peixes distribuídos em cinco aquários de alimentação e cinco aquários de coleta de fezes. Os cinco tratamentos foram arranjados em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com cinco repetições. Houve efeito linear de tratamento sobre a digestibilidade aparente (CDa) para proteína bruta e extrato etéreo. O CDa da proteína bruta e do extrato etéreo variaram de 81,60 por cento a 84,93 por cento e de 74,19 por cento a 82,69 por cento, respectivamente. Para carboidrato e energia bruta, o maior nível de suplementação resultou em maior CDa, 57,85 por cento e 63,78 por cento, respectivamente( P<0,05). Não foi observada diferença entre tratamentos no CDa da matéria seca, apresentando valores de 49,47 por cento a 58,55 por cento. A inclusão de complexo enzimático - lipase, protease e carboidrase - em dietas para tilápia-do-nilo melhorou a digestibilidade da proteína, do extrato etéreo, do carboidrato e da energia das rações.

Apparent digestibility (ADC) of five isoproteic and isoenergetic diets containing 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4g/kg of enzymatic complex Bioenzimaplus (lipase, protease, and carbohydrase) for Nile tilapia was evaluated. A hundred fish were randomly assigned in five feeding aquaria, and five collecting feces ones. Treatments were composed by five enzymatic complex levels arranged in a completely randomized design in five repetitions. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed with the inclusion of enzymatic complex in the diets for ADC of crude protein and fat (linear effect). ADC of crude protein and fat varied from 81.60 percent to 84.94 percent and 74.19 percent to 85.69 percent, respectively. The highest enzyme supplementation level showed better digestibility values for carbohydrate and gross energy (57.85 percent and 63.78 percent, respectively). No difference was observed for ADC of dry matter showing values between 49.47 percent and 58.55 percent. The use of enzymes in Nile tilapia diets improved the digestibilities of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and gross energy digestibility.

Composição química, valores de energia metabolizável e aminoácidos digestíveis de subprodutos do arroz para frangos de corte / Chemical composition, metabolizable energy and digestible amino acids values of rice by-products for broilers

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para determinar a composição química, os valores de energia e os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos aminoácidos, do farelo de arroz integral (FAI) e da quirera de arroz (QA). No primeiro estudo, foram utilizadas 144 aves, com 21 dias de idade, machos, linhagem Cobb, que tiveram suas excretas totalmente coletadas para determinação da energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e energia metabolizável aparente corrigida (EMAn). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e seis repetições, com oito aves cada. No segundo experimento, foi utilizado o método de alimentação forçada para a determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade dos aminoácidos. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com dois alimentos e um jejum e seis repetições com um galo cada. Os valores de MS, PB, EE, FB, EMA e EMAn foram, respectivamente, para FAI: 88,6 por cento; 11,8 por cento; 15,3 por cento; 10,2 por cento; 2968kcal kg-1 e 2804kcal kg-1 e para QA: 93,5 por cento; 9,1 por cento; 0,73 por cento; 0,45 por cento; 3338kcal kg-1 e 3239kcal kg-1. Os valores médios encontrados dos coeficientes de digestibilidade de aminoácidos essenciais e não essenciais foram, respectivamente, de 75,9 por cento e 73,9 por cento, para FAI, e 77,9 por cento e 76,5 por cento, para QA. Embora tenham apresentado níveis inferiores de energia, FAI e a QA podem ser utilizados nas rações de aves em substituição ao milho, uma vez que tiveram níveis maiores de proteína bruta e aminoácidos digestíveis.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the chemical composition, energy and the digestibility coefficients of the amino acids of the whole rice meal (WRM) and broken rice (BR). In the first trial, one hundred forty four broilers, 21 days of age, male, of Cobb strain had their excreta totally collected in order to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments and six replicates with eight birds each one. In the second trial, it was used the forced feeding method with cecectomized cockerels to determine the digestibility coefficients of the amino acids. The design was entirely randomized, with two feeds and one fasting and six replicates with one bird each one. The values of DM, CP, EE, CF, AME and AMEn were, respectively, to WRM: 88.6 percent; 11.8 percent; 15.3 percent; 10.2 percent; 2968kcal kg-1 and 2804kcal kg-1 and to BR: 93.5 percent; 9.1 percent; 0.73 percent; 0.45 percent; 3338kcal kg-1 and 3239kcal kg-1. The average values of digestibility coefficients of essential and non-essential amino acids were, respectively, 75.9 percent and 73.9 percent to WRM and 77.9 percent and 76.5 percent to BR. The WRM and the BR can be used in the diets of broilers in substitution to the corn, however showed lower metabolizable energy levels, had higher levels of crude protein and digestible amino acid.