Use of larvae meal as protein source in broiler diet: Effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of insect meal from larvae ( larvae meal [TML]) as complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and meat traits of broilers. A total of eighty 30-d-old male Shaver brown broilers were homogenously divided into 2 groups (each consisting of 8 replicates of 5 birds). Up to 62 d of age, the groups were fed 2 isoproteic and isoenergetic diets differing for the ingredient used as the main protein source: the control group was fed a corn-SBM-based diet, whereas in the TML group, the SBM was completely replaced by TML. Broiler growth performance was measured during the trial. At 62 d of age, 2 broilers per replicate (16 per group) were slaughtered and apparent ileal digestibility coefficients and carcass and meat traits were determined. The use of TML as the main protein source in the broiler diet had no significant effect on most growth performance and carcass traits and chemical and physical properties of meat, the latter being important for marketing purposes. The feed conversion ratio in the entire experimental period (from 30 to 62 d) was improved in the TML group compared with the SBM group ( < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, and CP in broilers fed the SBM diet were greater ( < 0.01) than the other group. The full digestive system in broilers fed SBM had a lower ( < 0.05) absolute and relative weight than that of broilers fed TML. Also, the weight and the percentage of the spleen in the SBM group were lower ( < 0.05) than those in the TML group. The length of the entire intestine in the group fed TML was greater ( < 0.05) than the other group and the same happened when intestinal length was expressed as percentage of broiler BW ( < 0.05). Among the different intestinal tracts, the ileum and ceca of broilers fed TML had a greater ( < 0.05) length than that of broilers fed SBM. Also, ceca weight (as an absolute value or percentage on live weight) in broilers fed TML was greater ( < 0.05) than that of broilers fed SBM. Breast pH and cooking losses in broilers fed TML were greater ( < 0.05) than those of broilers fed SBM. Chemical characteristic of meat obtained from right breast of slaughtered broilers were unaffected by dietary treatments. larvae meal can be a suitable alternative protein source for growing broilers and also when used as principal protein contributor to the diet.

Yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor, L.) as a possible alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) meal in broiler diets. A total of 80 30-d-old male Shaver brown broilers were divided into two groups fed on two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets differing for protein source (SBM vs. TML). Up to 62 d of age, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and European efficiency factor (EEF) were calculated. At 62 d, blood samples were collected from 16 birds/group for evaluation of blood profiles. Feed intake was not different between groups considering the entire period of the trial. The FCR was more favourable in the TML than SBM group from 46 d of age and in the entire period of the trial (4.13 vs. 3.62). The PER was higher in the SBM than in the TML group (1.92 vs. 1.37) while the EEF was higher in broilers fed on the TML diet (132.6 vs. 156.2). Albumin-to-globulin ratio was higher in broilers fed on SBM than in the other group (0.44 vs. 0.30). aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were higher in TML than SBM (195.1 vs. 178.6 U/l and 82.07 vs. 46.71 U/l, respectively). Uric acid was higher in broilers fed on SBM than TML (5.40 vs. 4.16 mg/dl). TML did not affect feed intake and growth rate of broilers from 30 to 62 d of age when compared to an isoproteic and isoenergetic SBM diet, but FCR of the TML group was more favourable than that of the SBM group. The lowest albumin-to-globulin ratio in broilers fed on TML suggests a higher immune response, probably due to the prebiotic effects of chitin.

Prediction of digestible energy and gross energy digestibility of feeds and diets in ostriches.

1. The aim of this study was to assess regression equations able to predict the digestible energy (DE) and gross energy digestibility (GEd) of feed ingredients and diets for ostriches. 2. Results of chemical-nutritional characteristics from 17 ingredients (two varieties of maize, two barleys, oat, triticale, wheat bran, soybean meal, sunflower meal, beet pulp, maize silage, alfalfa hay, 4 alfalfa meals and lupin) and 12 experimental diets were used in a stepwise procedure. 3. Acid detergent lignin (ADL) was the first independent variable included in the model to predict the DE of all the samples (R(2) = 0.65 and Residual Standard Deviation (RSD) 1.02). When the concentration of ash, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and crude fibre were included in the model, the R(2) value of the regression equation increased (from 0.65 to 0.85) and RSD decreased (from 1.02 to 0.48). 4. The ADL concentration was also the first independent variable chosen by the stepwise regression analysis for the estimation of GEd from chemical-nutritional characteristics of feeds, explaining 57% of the total GEd variation. The concentrations of crude protein and ADF included at the second and third steps in the model increased the R(2) (up to 0.70 and 0.73, respectively) and decreased the RSD values (from 0.29 to 0.21 and 0.20, respectively). When other variables as crude fibre, ash and gross energy were included in the model, the coefficient of determination and the RSD strongly improved (0.85 and 0.12, respectively).

Use of dietary mannanoligosaccharides during rabbit fattening period: effects on growth performance, feed nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, and meat quality.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) and antibiotics as a dietary supplement on ADG, ADFI, G:F, and feed nutrient digestibility of rabbits during the fattening period, as well as on carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 512, sixty-day-old hybrid Hyla rabbits were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups based on BW and sex. The 4 treatment groups consisted of a control group and 3 MOS groups. The control group was fed a diet that contained apramycin (50 mg/kg), but diets for the 3 MOS groups contained 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 g/kg of MOS instead of apramycin. The rabbits were fed experimental diets for 22 d and all rabbits were slaughtered at the end of the experiment when they were 82 d old. Individual BW and feed intake per cage were recorded weekly for 32 cages randomly chosen per group (64 rabbits) to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. The apparent digestibility values of OM, CP, ether extract, crude fiber, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose were measured using AIA as an inert marker. Carcass data were collected from 16 randomly chosen rabbits (8 males and 8 females) per group. The control group had less G:F (P < 0.001) than the MOS groups and a linear increase (P < 0.001) in G:F was observed as the concentration of MOS increased from 0.5 to 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, crude fiber, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) as the concentration of MOS in the diets increased. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, crude fiber, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose was also greater (P < 0.05) in the diets containing MOS than in the control diet and the digestibility of these nutrients was greater (P < 0.05) in the diet containing 1.5 g/kg of MOS compared with the control diet. The concentration of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and SFA was greater (P < 0.05) in the meat from rabbits fed the control diet than rabbits fed the MOS diets. The concentration of stearic acid decreased (quadratic, P < 0.05) in the meat of rabbits as the concentration of MOS in the diet increased. Meat from rabbits fed diets containing MOS also had greater contents of oleic acid (P < 0.05) and MUFA (P < 0.001) than those rabbits fed the diet containing apramycin. The thrombogenic index was greater (P < 0.05) in the meat from the control group rabbits than the MOS group rabbits. In conclusion, the inclusion of MOS in diets fed to rabbits during the fattening period may improve G:F and modify the fatty acid profile of meat.

Effect of mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on caecal microbial activity of rabbits.

A total of 200 weaned (35 days) hybrid Hyla rabbits were randomly divided among five groups housed in bicellular cages (20 cages per group). Between 35 and 60 days of age, the groups were submitted to the following treatments: group ANT (positive control) fed a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (colistin sulphate, 144 mg/kg; tylosin, 100 mg/kg; and oxytetracyclin, 1000 mg/kg); groups MOS_0.5, MOS_1.0 and MOS_1.5 fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg mannanoligosaccharides (MOS), respectively; another group fed the basal diet without antibiotics or mannanoligosaccarides supplementation (negative control). Along the trial, an episode of epizootyc rabbit enteropathy occurs so that in the control group mortality rate was very high (78%) and survivor rabbits showed severe symptoms of disease (diarrhoea). Thus, the control group was discarded from the trial. At 60 days of age, samples of caecal content were collected from 10 rabbits per group and used as inocula for an in vitro gas production trial. At the end of fermentation (120 h of incubation), organic matter digestibility (OMd), cumulative gas production, fermentation kinetics, pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and NH3 productions were measured. Inoculum from MOS_1.0 rabbits showed the significant higher values of OMd (64.21%, P < 0.05), gas production (262.32 ml/g, P < 0.05), acetate (96.99 mmol/g OM, P < 0.05) and butyrate (26.21 mmol/g OM, P < 0.05) than the other groups. Slight differences were recorded among the groups ANT, MOS_0.5 and MOS_1.5. In addition, branched chain acids, in proportion to total VFAs, were significantly higher in MOS_1.0 inoculum (0.04, P < 0.05). MOS are able to affect fermentation activity of caecal micro-organism, but their activities seem not proportional to their level in the diet.

Chemical-nutritional characteristics of diets in aquaculture.

After a brief discussion on the chemical-nutritional characteristics of the diets currently used in aquaculture, the authors focus attention on the problems associated with the replacement of fish meals with vegetable protein sources. The chemical composition of vegetable sources has a high variability and it is necessary to know the exact energy content and digestibility of amino-acids for each source. Another question is the occurrence of anti-nutritional factors in vegetable protein sources and their effect on diet palatability. The authors also underline that the use of high levels of vegetable sources increases the risk of contamination by mycotoxins of which the effects on the health of fish are not yet completely clear. Finally, brief considerations are reported on the relationship between the chemical-nutritional characteristics of diets and that of the resulting fish fillets.

A model to assess the use of caecal and faecal inocula to study fermentability of nutrients in rabbit.

An in vitro gas production trial was conducted using 10 Hyla rabbits to evaluate the use of caecal and faecal inocula in fermentability studies. Caecal content (CI) and hard faeces (FI) were used as inocula. Six legume and six cereal concentrates were used as substrates. Gas production was recorded 19 times at 2-24 h intervals throughout fermentation (120 h). The fermentation characteristics (degraded organic matter, OMd; potential gas production, A; volatile fatty acid, VFA; ammonia, NH(3)) were measured by testing the inoculum and substrate (legumes vs. cereals). The inocula were different (p < 0.01) in OMd (818.2 vs. 799.4 g/kg OM for CI and FI respectively), A (255.0 vs. 267.1 ml/g OM), total VFA (67.3 vs. 53.2 mmol/g OM) and NH(3) content (21.2 vs. 19.8 mmol/l). Moreover, the significant differences in the (acetate + propionate)/butyrate ratio (5.02 vs. 4.09 for CI and FI respectively, p < 0.01) and in the branched chain proportion (isobutyrate + isovaleriate)/total VFA (0.044 vs. 0.031, p < 0.01) indicate that the inocula differed in fermenting legumes or cereals, but the equations for estimating caecal fermentation characteristics from those of faeces showed R(2) values from 0.673 to 0.975 (p < or = 0.01). Our results confirm that in vitro fermentation characteristics of faeces were highly related to those of caecal content.

Prediction of rabbit caecal fermentation characteristics from faeces by in vitro gas production technique: roughages.

To find equations able to estimate the fermentation characteristics of the caecum from that of faeces, caecal content and faeces of 10 hybrid Hyla rabbits were used as inocula for an in vitro gas production trial. About 1 g of 12 roughages, 11 hays (ryegrass, alfalfa, sulla, oat, vetch, sulla-lolium, vetch-oat, sulla-oat, clover, ryegrass-clover, sulla-vetch-oat) and a wheat straw, was weighed, in triplicate per inoculum, in 120-ml flasks; 75 ml of anaerobic medium and 4 ml of reducing solution were added and the flasks were placed at 39 degrees C. Caecal content and faeces were diluted respectively 1:2 (CI) and 1:8 (FI) with anaerobic medium and were introduced into their respective flasks (10 ml). Gas production was recorded 20 times at 2-24 h intervals throughout fermentation (120 h). The fermentation characteristics (i.e. degraded organic matter, OMd; potential gas production, A; maximum fermentation rate, R(max); volatile fatty acid, VFA; ammonia, NH(3)) were studied by inocula and substrates. The two inocula did not differ in OMd but CI produced significantly higher gas (A, 213.1 vs. 199.4 ml/g, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01) in less time (R(max), 3.08 vs. 2.24 ml/h, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01). CI also produced higher levels of total VFA (57.86 vs. 46.70 mmol/g OM, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01) and showed a higher branched chain proportion (0.023 vs. 0.018, respectively, for CI and FI, p < 0.01). For some parameters (as OMd pH and propionate) the equations for the estimation of caecal fermentation characteristics from that of faeces were accurate (R(2) > 0.8828) and reliable (CV < 10.78%) suggesting that faeces can be successfully used for the estimation of these parameters.

Effect of diet on the metabolic profile of ostriches (Struthio camelus var. domesticus).

In order to study the metabolic profile of ostriches in relation to diet, 40 animals of both sexes were divided equally into two groups and fed two diets ad libitum consisting, on a dry matter basis, of the same commercial concentrate (60%) for the two groups and of corn silage (group A) or alfalfa hay (group B). In the morning, after about 12 h of fasting, blood was collected from the wing vein. The following haematological parameters were determined with an automatic system (Ektachem 250 analyser, Kodak): glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, lactate (LAC), total protein (TP), uric acid, total bilirubin (Tbil), creatinine (CREA), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl-), iron (Fe), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), cholinesterase (ChE), alpha-amylase (Amyl), lipase (LIP) and gamma-glutamyltrasferase (GGT). Diet significantly affected some parameters of the metabolic profile. Indeed, owing to the presence of alfalfa hay in the diet, group B showed, in comparison to group A, significantly higher values of uric acid (222.5 vs 387.5 mmol/L, p < 0.01), GGT (8.50 vs 11.3 U/L, p < 0.05), Tbil (8.50 vs 10.7 mmol/L, p < 0.05), Ca (2.41 vs 2.83 micromol/L, p < 0.01), Mg (1.01 vs 1.18 micromol/L, p < 0.05) and K (2.71 vs 3.16 micromol/L, p < 0.01). The levels of creatinine (27.3 vs 32.6 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and AST (344.9 vs 461.4 U/l, p < 0.01) were also higher for group B.

Use of faeces as an alternative inoculum to caecal content to study in vitro feed digestibility in domesticated ostriches (Struthio camelus var. domesticus).

1. In order to find an alternative source of inoculum to caecal content for studying the in vitro feed digestibility in domesticated ostriches (Struthio camelus var. domesticus), caecal content and faeces of 4 male birds were used as inocula for an in vitro gas production trial. 2. About 1 g of each of 5 substrates (maize silage, CS; alfalfa hay, AH; barley, BG; soybean meal, SM; beet pulp, BP) was weighed, in quadruplicate per inoculum, in 120 ml flasks; 75 ml of anaerobic medium and 4 ml of reducing solution were added and flasks were kept at 39 degrees C. Caecal content and faeces were diluted respectively 1 : 2 (CI) and 1 : 4 (FI) with an anaerobic medium and were injected into the respective flasks (10 ml). 3. Gas production was recorded 22 times up to 120 h of incubation and fermentation characteristics (for instance, degraded organic matter, OMd; potential gas production, A; maximum fermentation rate, Rmax; time at which it is reached, Tmax; pH; volatile fatty acid, VFA; ammonia) were studied for each inoculum and substrate. 4. CI and FI showed significant differences in Tmax (16.37 vs 18.47 h, respectively), propionic (16.47 vs 12.07 mmoles/l) and butyric acid (6.50 vs 7.98 mmoles/l) and ammonia concentration (17.18 vs 19.95 mmoles/l). The substrates, according to their chemical composition, showed different fermentation characteristics. However, the regression equations able to estimate some fermentation characteristics of the caecum from those of faeces were statistically significant and showed R2-values ranging from 0.87 to 0.99. 5. The differences in fermentation pathways of the two inocula did not appear to influence the rate and extent of OM digestion. Faecal fermentation predicted rates and extent of OM digestion by caecal fermentation in ostriches; consequently, the faeces could be considered as an alternative to caecal content to study feed digestibility in the species, although there is a need to undertake further research.

Effect of collection rhythms and season on rabbit semen production.

The effects of collection regimen and time of year on rabbit semen production were determined in this study. A total of 14 crossbreed Hyla bucks were used in winter and summer. In each season, rabbits were assigned to two groups. In group 1, (n = 7) rabbits were subjected to an extensive collection regimen (two ejaculates per male, once daily/week) and in group 2, (n = 7) a semi-intensive semen collection regimen was performed (two ejaculates per male, twice weekly). The traits recorded for each sample were libido, volume, pH, motility, sperm concentration, percentage of alive spermatozoa and sperm abnormalities. The results obtained in this study indicate that when increasing collection frequency, the rate of useful collections decreased (from 0.81 +/- 0.017 to 0.69 +/- 0.016; p < 0.01). The rate of useful collection also decreased in the transition from winter to summer (from 0.79 +/- 0.018 to 0.70 +/- 0.017; p < 0.01). Among the ejaculate characteristics studied, only volume/ejaculate (from 0.64 +/- 0.015 to 0.53 +/- 0.017; p < 0.01) and spermatozoa/ml (from 406 +/- 15 to 359 +/- 13 million; p < 0.01) appeared negatively affected by collection. In winter fewer volume/ejaculates were produced (0.55 +/- 0.015 vs 0.60 +/- 0.016 ml; p < 0.01) and fewer spermatozoa/ml (360 +/- 14 vs 394 +/- 16 million; p < 0.01) than in summer. The doses produced per ejaculate decreased as collection frequency increased, but the number of doses produced per week was higher in the semi-intensive than the extensive rhythm (26.5 +/- 2.1 vs 20.9 +/- 1.5; p < 0.01). The results suggest that a semi-intensive rhythm may be viewed favourably.

Physical and chemical quality of ostrich eggs during the laying season.

1. Fifteen ostrich females were monitored for a full breeding season. At 30, 70, 110, 150 and 210 d from the beginning of laying, one egg per female was taken to the laboratory to assess its physical and nutritive characteristics. 2. The average length was 15.4 cm, while the width was 12.9 cm. Average shell thickness ranged from 2.20 mm at the equator to 2.24 mm at the small pole. The three principal components of the egg (albumen, yolk and shell) amounted to 57.1, 23.3 and 19.6%, respectively. None of the above variables, despite showing some significant differences between sampling periods, showed a clear trend linked to the laying season. 3. In contrast, the dry matter of the albumen showed a correlation with the sampling period, increasing from 11-1% in the first period to 12.0% in the last. The crude protein content ranged from 47.7 to 48.2%, the fat from 43.8 to 44.2% and the ash between 5.2 and 5.5% of dry matter. 4. The fatty acid composition of the yolk showed the presence of C18:1 (from 122.0 to 136.4 mg/g), followed by C16:0 (from 40.8 to 46.0 mg/g), C18:0 (from 19.2 to 21.2 mg/g) and C18:2 (from 17.1 to 19.6 mg/g). The content of cholesterol/g of yolk was between 10.6 and 10.9 mg. 5. In conclusion, compared with the hen's egg, the ostrich egg has similar chemical and nutritive characteristics, but a higher unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and lower cholesterol content.

Determination of apparent digestibility coefficients in 6-, 12- and 18-week-old ostriches.

1. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of a diet consisting of a concentrate and of alfalfa grass in a 4:1 ratio were measured in 6, 12-and 18-week-old ostriches. 2. These coefficients were measured in 4 animals eating ad libitum using both a total collection method, and internal marker methods with acid detergent lignin (ADL) and with acid insoluble ash (AIA). 3. The ADC of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and energy were not influenced by the age of the ostriches. The ADC of structural carbohydrates, however, were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the 12-and 18-week-old animals. 4. The results obtained by the total collection and ADL methods were similar. The AIA method, however, overestimated the values due to the very high marker recovery rate (128.0%).

Could education be dangerous to your health? Pitfalls of misapplied statistics.

It is important to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors. A correlation between cholesterol levels and the duration of formal education has not been observed previously. In analyzing our data, it was found that these two variables had a significant correlation (p < 0.05). Further evaluation did not substantiate this correlation. After considering various possible reasons we concluded that the seeming correlation was caused by inappropriate statistical evaluation.

The consumer survey review process: a pathway to quality.

This paper describes the consumer survey review process (CSRP), a vehicle for continuous improvement of patient care quality at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Following a historical sketch of the events which led to its establishment at Mount Sinai, we then describe the instrument used to elicit patients' rating of service delivery, the Consumer Survey, and show how it meets the changing requirements of those who use it. Next, we explain the role and functioning of the management group that most directly translates the patient satisfaction data into action, the Consumer Survey Review Group. Finally, we discuss implications of Mount Sinai's consumer survey review process for managing quality in health care.

The 'A' and 'V' pattern syndromes.

Variations in strabismic and heterophoric angles with differing positions of gaze are frequently encountered and should be of interest to all clinicians involved in strabismus evaluation and management. This paper discussed the "A-V" Pattern Syndromes, their etiology, diagnosis and management.