Vitamin Solutions Effects on Reproduction of Broodstock, Growth Performance, and Survival Rate of Pangasius Catfish Fingerlings.

This study evaluates the effect of different diets supplemented with vitamin solutions on Pangasius catfish broodstock reproduction, growth performances, and the survival rates of fish larvae and fingerling. The growth and reproductive performances of breeders fed with different test diets showed significant differences among the six tested diets (p < 0.05). The highest final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), daily weight gain (DWG), specific growth rate (SGR) of broodstock, and survival rate of Pangasius fingerlings were found in Treatment 5, which contained 0.6% H-OVN mixed with 12.6% algal oil, and Treatment 3, which contained 0.6% vitamin premix H-OVN. The average gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative fecundity index (RFI), fertilized eggs, hatching rates of eggs, and survival rate of fingerlings was 9.1 ± 2.8 (6.7-12.8%), 133,224 ± 39,090 (104,267-199,512 eggs/kg), 77.9 ± 22.2 (62.2-93.6%), and 45.3 ± 17.4 (22.0-66.3%), respectively. The findings of this study showed that the diet containing 35% CP contents supplemented with 0.6% vitamin premix H-OVN mixed with algal oils showed the highest results in terms of growth, reproductive performance indices, and survival rates of Pangasius catfish fingerlings.

Bentonite-supplemented diets improved fish performance ammonia excretion haemato-biochemical analyses immunity antioxidants and histological characteristics of European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax.

The purpose of this research was to examine the potential effects of bentonite (BN) supplemented diets on growth, feed utilization, blood biochemistry, and histomorphology of Dicentrarchus labrax. Six treatments in triplicate were tested: B0, B0.5, B1.0, B1.5, B3.0, and B4.5, which represented fish groups fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, and 4.5% BN, respectively. For 84 days, juveniles' seabass (initial weight = 32.73 g) were fed diets containing 46% protein, three times daily at 3% of body weight. With a 5% daily water exchange, underground seawater (32 ppt) was used. Findings revealed significant improvements in water quality (TAN and NH3), growth (FW, WG and SGR) and feed utilization (FCR, PER and PPV) in fish fed BN-supplemented diets, with the best values in favor of the B1.5 group. Additional enhancements in kidney function indicators (urea and uric acid) and liver enzymes were observed in fish of the BN-treated groups along with a decrease in cholesterol level in the B1.5 group. Further improvements in fish innate immunity (hemoglobin, red blood cells, glucose, total protein, globulin, and immunoglobulin IgM), antioxidant activity (total antioxidative capacity and catalase), and decreased cortisol levels in fish of the BN-treated groups. Histological examinations of the anterior and posterior intestines and liver in groups B1.5 and B3 revealed the healthiest organs. This study recommends BN at a concentration of 1.5% as a feed additive in the Dicentrarchus labrax diet.

Companilactobacillus alimentarius: An extensive characterization of strains isolated from spontaneous fermented sausages.

Companilactobacillus alimentarius is a facultatively heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium (LAB) that is a significant constituent within the microbiota of various traditional fermented foods exerting several functions in fermentative or ripening processes. This species has been isolated from Spanish fermented sausages, where its frequency of isolation was comparable to those of Latilactobacillus sakei and Latilactobacillus curvatus. Despite to its presence in several niches, ecological information on this species is still scarce and only few publications report information about its safety features (i.e. antibiotic resistance). Since studies on C. alimentarius concern the analysis of a few individual traits regarding this species, a more extensive work on a larger number of isolates from the same matrix have been performed to allow a clearer interpretation of their phenotypic and technological characteristics. Specifically, 14 strains of C. alimentarius isolated from Mediterranean spontaneously fermented sausages, have been screened for their safety and technological characteristics (such as antibiotic resistance, biogenic amine production, inhibiting potential, growth at different temperatures and NaCl concentrations) and with phenotype microarrays with the aim to elucidate their potential role and contribution to sausage fermentation and ripening. In general, a wide variability was observed in relation to the parameters considered. Several of the tested strains were able to produce histamine, tyramine and putrescine while the antibiotic resistance greatly varied according to the strains, with the exception of vancomycin. In addition, C. alimentarius strains showed a relevant potential to grow in conditions of salt and temperature mimicking those found in fermented foods. In particular, the growth at 10 °C and in the presence of salt can explain the presence of C. alimentarius in sausages and its adaptation to fermented meat environment in which low temperature can be applied during ripening. The differentiation of the phenotypic profile reflected the environmental conditions that influenced the isolation source, including those derived by the raw materials. Given the species frequent association with spontaneous fermentations or the ripening microbiota of various products, despite not being intentionally used as starter cultures, the data presented in this study contribute to a deeper comprehension of their role, both advantageous and detrimental, in numerous significant fermented foods.

Life-cycle traits in the demosponge Hymeniacidon perlevis in a land-based fish farm.

Background: The demosponge Hymeniacidon perlevis is characterized by wide geographic distribution and great adaptability to numerous and highly variable climatic and hydrological conditions. Indeed, the species can colonize many different environments, including several unusual ones, such as concrete drainage conduits of a marine land-based fish farm plant. This research aimed to enhance existing knowledge on the reproductive cycle and growth performance of H. perlevis while also evaluating the impact of a controlled supply of trophic resources, wastewater flow and constant water temperature on these biological traits. Methods: Specimens included in this one-year study inhabited drainage conduits of a land-based fish farm. The approach included measurements of sponge biomass and occurrence and abundance of reproductive elements across different seasons and environmental parameters, such as fish biomass, trophic resources, and wastewater flow. Sponge growth and reproductive elements, including oocytes, spermatic cysts, and embryos, were measured monthly in sponges positioned in the drainage conduit, thus with different trophic resources but with constant water temperature. Finally, we used generalized additive models to describe variables that contribute the most to the growth of sponges. Results: Growth performance showed marked variations during the study period. The highest increase in sponge volume was observed from August/September to January/March. The volume of sponges was principally determined by the reduction of reared fish biomass and the increase of pellet amount and wastewater flow. Sponge specimens exhibited an active state during the entire study, as proven by the occurrence of recruits. However, sexual elements were only sporadically observed, thus not permitting the recognition of a true sexual cycle. Discussion: The results of the present study confirmed that H. perlevis exhibits high flexibility and adaptability to the differential, and somewhat extreme, environmental conditions. Indeed, this species can live, grow and reproduce in the drainage conduits of the fish farm, where the species face constant darkness, water temperature and continuous nutritional supply. In such conditions, H. perlevis display an active state during the entire year, while avoiding stages of decline and long dormancy usually observed in wild populations. It seems plausible that stable environmental conditions induce an almost continuous sexual phase, probably under the control of endogenous factors. No asexual elements were detected, although it was impossible to exclude the contribution of asexual reproduction in the origin of the newly settled sponges, which were repeatedly detected throughout the study. The growth performance seemed linked to the fish farm conditions, thus providing useful indications on the best maintenance conditions for H. perlevis in land-based integrated multitrophic systems, where the species could be used for wastewater treatment.

Impact of Dietary Administration of Seaweed Polysaccharide on Growth, Microbial Abundance, and Growth and Immune-Related Genes Expression of The Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

This work aims to determine the impact of dietary supplementation of polysaccharide, extracted from brown seaweeds Sargassum dentifolium on growth indices, feed utilization, biochemical compositions, microbial abundance, expressions of growth and immunity-related genes, and stress genes of the Pacific Whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 360 post-larvae of L. vannamei were randomly distributed into a 12-glass aquarium (40 L of each) at a stocking density of 30 shrimp with an initial weight of (0.0017 ± 0.001 g). During the 90-day experiment trial, all shrimp larvae were fed their respective diets at 10% of total body weight, three times a day. Three experimental diets were prepared with different seaweed polysaccharide (SWP) levels. The basal control diet had no polysaccharide level (SWP0), while SWP1, SWP2, and SWP3 contained polysaccharides at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 g kg-1 diet, respectively. Diets supplemented with polysaccharide levels showed significant improvements in weight gain and survival rate, compared to the control diet. Whole-body biochemical composition and the microbial abundance (the total count of heterotrophic bacteria and Vibrio spp.) of L. vannamei showed significant differences among polysaccharide-treated diets compared to the control. At the end of the feeding experiment, the dietary supplementation of polysaccharide levels enhanced the expression of growth-related genes (Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I, IGF-II), immune-related genes (ß -Glucan-binding protein (ß-Bgp), Prophenoloxidase (ProPO), Lysozyme (Lys), and Crustin), and stress genes (Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the muscle tissue of L. vannamei. However, the current study concluded that the inclusion rate of 2 g kg-1 of polysaccharide as a dietary additive administration enhanced both weight gain and survival rate of L. vannamei, while the incorporation level of 3 g kg-1 reduces the abundance of pathogenic microbes and enhances the growth-, immunity- and stress-related gene expressions of L. vannamei.

Use of fermented spent coffee grounds as a substrate supplement for rearing black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens (L), (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

Background: Spent coffee grounds (SCG), an increasingly abundant waste product with environmental disposal problems, has been used as a dietary supplement for many animals and have the potential to be used as a dietary supplement for black soldier fly (BSF) larvae; however, its effective use is still under scrutiny. To date, no studies have considered the use of SCG after microbial fermentation (fSCG) and its effects on BSF life history. Methods: A mixture of fruit and vegetable pulp residue supplemented with one of six different fSCG percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% by weight) were provided as a diet substrate in order to evaluate the effect of the fSCG quantity on BSF growth, yield, and conversion ability. Results: The addition of fSCG to the pulp diet prolonged larval development times, while 100% fSCG affected the larval survival rate and resulted in a male-biased adult sex ratio. The 20-40% fSCG and 40-60% fSCG treatments supported the largest prepupal and mature larval sizes, respectively. The highest waste reduction efficiency and feed conversion rate by BSF larvae was found with 20% fSCG, similar to the control (0% fSCG). Discussion: From the short rearing time, high yield, and high bioconversion efficiency, a 20% fSCG supplementation of the mixed pulp was recommended for rearing BSF larvae. These data are valuable for coffee by-product waste management in urban areas.

Poultry Meat Quality in Antibiotic Free Production Has Improved by Natural Extract Supplement.

Modern consumers are conscious of the relationship between meat quality and animal welfare. Today, slow-growing chickens are associated with a higher broiler welfare. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of dietary natural extract supplementation with polyphenols and seaweed mixtures (PPE) on breast and thigh muscles quality parameters in Hubbard JA57 slow growth chicken in antibiotic-free production. Five hundred Hubbard female chickens (250 from control and 250 from experimental group) were housed on floor pens (10 pens/treatment, 25 birds/pen) and assigned to two experimental groups: a control group (CON) receiving a commercial diet and another group receiving the same diet supplemented with 0.3% of polyphenols and seaweed mixtures (PPE). Dietary supplementation with PPE did not affect (p > 0.05) growth performances. The breast pH tended to be lower (p = 0.062) in PPE groups. The protein content of breast muscles resulted higher in PPE samples (p < 0.05) than controls. The thigh muscles from PPE group showed a lower (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde content than CON during refrigerated storage. In conclusion, the PPE supplement improves breast muscle protein content and oxidative stability of thigh muscle. This feeding practice is suggested to enhance the nutritional and technological parameters of meat Hubbard slow growth chicken in antibiotic-free production.

Partial replacement of soybean meal with Chlorella vulgaris in broiler diets influences performance and improves breast meat quality and fatty acid composition.

Alternative feed ingredients, such as microalgae, may be more sustainable in comparison to conventional feedstuffs that need large amounts of arable land and are often imported. This study evaluates the effects of Chlorella vulgaris various inclusion levels in the diet of broiler chickens on performance, carcass yield, organ measurements, breast meat quality, fatty acids profile, and antioxidant capacity. A total of two hundred forty 5 d old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly allotted to 4 groups (6 replicates of 10 birds each). Each group received either a control diet or a diet where soybean meal was replaced with 10% (CV10%), 15% (CV15%), or 20% C. vulgaris for 40 d. Performance parameters, carcass and meat traits were evaluated. Compared to the control group, birds supplemented with C. vulgaris (15% and 20%) had lower body weight, weight gain, and feed intake (P < 0.0001), whereas no differences were observed between the control and CV10% groups (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio did not differ between control and CV groups. Diets containing C. vulgaris significantly increased ileal digesta viscosity, weight and size of several gastrointestinal compartments, as well as breast muscle yield (P < 0.0001). Incorporation of C. vulgaris resulted in yellower breast muscle (P < 0.0001), with significantly increased chlorophyll a (P < 0.05), chlorophyll b, and total carotenoids contents (P < 0.0001). Inclusion of C. vulgaris decreased bacterial count in meat samples in comparison to controls (P < 0.0001). A 20% C. vulgaris inclusion resulted in higher water holding capacity (P < 0.05) and lower cooking loss (P < 0.05). As dietary C. vulgaris increased, concentrations of DHA + EPA (P < 0.05) and n-3 PUFA (P < 0.0001) increased in breast meat, while the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased (P < 0.0001). Sensory analysis showed that breast meat from the CV10% group had the highest acceptance score. Overall, dietary concentrations of C. vulgaris of up to 20% improve breast meat quality, whereas 10% of C. vulgaris inclusion is recommended.

Productive and reproductive performances of smallholder West African shorthorn Lagune cattle herds under village conditions in Southern Benin.

The West African shorthorn Lagune cattle has long been incriminated as of low productivity and subjected to gradual replacement or indiscriminate crossbreeding with zebu breeds. But there are still insufficient studies reporting the productive and reproductive performances of this breed under village conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and reproductive performances of the Lagune cattle herds kept under village conditions in two agroecological zones in Southern Benin. Sixteen herds (seven in the Oueme Valley zone and nine in the Pobe zone), chosen from a previous retrospective survey, were regularly visited on a bi-monthly basis between January 2018 and February 2019. At the first visit to each selected herd, all animals present were identified, their ages determined through their dentition, and their breeding history recorded. At each subsequent visit, information on calving, birth weights, herd entries and exits, disease incidence, and changes in the physiological status of the animals were recorded. In addition, all suckling calves from birth to 6 months of age were weighted and measured. The average age at first calving was 37.2 ± 3.5 months and varied from 3 to 4 years. With no significant variations between agroecological zones, the parturition rate, fertility rate, fecundity rate, and abortion rate were, respectively, 74.3% ± 10.7, 77.0% ± 12.0, 68.9% ± 9.1, and 2.7% ± 1.4. The overall annual mortality rate and perinatal mortality rate were 8.4% ± 3.1 and 7.3% ± 2.7, respectively. The annual offtake rate was 12.9% ± 4.3 and varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between zones. The average birth weight varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between sex and was 10.2 ± 0.7 kg and 10.8 ± 0.9 kg for female and male, respectively. The average daily body weight gain of calves, calculated over the period from birth to 6 months of age, was 160.5 ± 8.5 g/day. In addition to environmental conditions, individual farmers' management practices varied significantly among herds and probably influenced the recorded reproductive and productive performances. The estimates of reproductive parameters obtained in this study suggest a good reproductive ability of the Lagune breed which could be improved with better management conditions.

Lysine Depletion during Different Feeding Phases: Effects on Growth Performances and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens.

The present study aimed at assessing the impact of lysine restriction performed during different feeding phases on growth performances, meat quality traits and technological properties as well as on the incidence and severity of breast muscle abnormalities. For this purpose, a total of 945 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks was randomly divided into three experimental groups: CONT, fed a four feeding phases commercial diet, GRW I, and GRW I + II fed CONT diet with the depletion of synthetic lysine during grower I and grower I and II feeding phases, respectively. Productive performances were recorded throughout the whole rearing cycle and the incidence of breast muscle growth-related abnormalities assessed at slaughter (49 d) on 280 breasts/group. Quality traits and technological properties of breast meat were measured on a total of 54 Pectoralis major muscles. Lysine restriction only marginally affected the productive performances and the quality parameters of breast meat. The increased (p < 0.05) solubility of the protein fraction along with the remarkably higher (p < 0.05) anserine content found in GRW I + II suggests an increased energy requirement in the pectoral muscles belonging to lysine-restricted birds and supports the hypothesis of a reduced protein synthesis taking place within these muscles.

Assessment on bioactive role of Moringa oleifera leaves as anthelmintic agent and improved growth performance in goats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive effect of Moringa oleifera leaves hydroalcoholic extract as a dietary feed additive on helminths load and growth performances of goats. Initially, the availability of bioactive compounds in M. oleifera hydroalcoholic extract was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which showed the presence of heneicosane (35.69%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (22.89%), heptacosane (18.26%), pentatriacontane (4.77%), and hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (3%) as predominant compounds in the leaves extract. The anthelmintic effect of M. oleifera extract (0 and 60 mL of extract animal-1) was evaluated against disparate nematodes using standard methodology. M. oleifera leaves extract exhibited significant (P = 0.002) anthelmintic activities against Trichuris sp. and Ostertagia sp. with reduced counts of eggs. A completely randomized experiment of 3 treatments comprised of 10 goats in each treatment was designed for the growth performance study. Treatments used in the present experiment were as follows: treatment 1 (T1), 0 mL of extract animal-1; treatment 2 (T2), 30 mL of extract animal-1; and treatment 3 (T3), 60 mL of extract animal-1. Growth performance parameters (body weight, daily weight gain, and feed intake values) of goats fed varied concentrations of M. oleifera extract were estimated as per standard protocols. The T2 and T3 groups' goats offered significant (P < 0.05) increment in body weight. Daily weight gain of the T2 and T3 groups' goats was also increased. Group T3 exhibited maximum feed intake value of 588, 678, 652, and 678 g d-1 at 0, 30, 45, and 60 days, respectively. Feed conversion efficiency was increased for T2 and T3 groups' goats versus T1. Findings of this study concluded that M. oleifera hydroalcoholic extract can be used not only as an effective anthelmintic agent against disparate nematodes but also as a prominent feed additive to improve growth performances of goats.

Broken rice in a fermented total mixed ration improves carcass and marbling quality in fattened beef cattle.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effects of replacing cassava chips with broken rice in a fermented total mixed ration diet on silage quality, feed intake, ruminal fermentation, growth performance, and carcass characteristics in the final phase of fattening beef cattle. METHODS: Eighteen Charolais-Thai native crossbred steers (average initial body weight: 609.4±46 kg; average age 31.6 mo) were subjected to three ad libitum dietary regimes and were maintained in individual pens for 90 d before slaughter. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design by initial age and body weight with six replicates. The dietary regimens used different proportions of broken rice (0%, 16%, and 32% [w/w] of dry matter [DM]) instead of cassava chips in a fermented total mixed ration. All dietary treatments were evaluated for in vitro gas production and tested in in vivo feeding trials. RESULTS: The in vitro experiments indicated that organic matter from broken rice was significantly more digestible than that from a cassava-based diet (p<0.05). Silage quality, nutrient intake, ruminal fermentation characteristics, carcass fat thickness, and marbling score substantially differed among treatments. The ruminal total volatile fatty acids, propionate concentration, dietary protein intake, and digestibility increased linearly (p<0.05) with broken rice, whereas acetate concentration and the acetate:propionate ratio decreased linearly (p<0.05) with broken rice (added up to 32 g/kg DM). Broken rice did not influence plasma metabolite levels or growth performance (p>0.05). However, the marbling score increased, and the carcass characteristics improved with broken rice. CONCLUSION: Substitution of cassava chips with broken rice in beef cattle diets may improve fattened beef carcass quality because broken rice increases rumen fermentation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and metabolic energy supply.

Effect of melatonin and folic acid supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant status, and liver histology of the farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) under standard rearing conditions.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary of melatonin (MLT) and folic acid (FA) administrations on growth performance, antioxidant status, and liver histological structure of juvenile gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L. under standard rearing conditions. Four diets were considered: a basal diet considered a control and three diets supplemented with 40 mg/kg of melatonin (MLT), 2 mg/kg of folic acid (FA), and with the mixture of melatonin and folic acid (MLT + FA). Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish (mean initial weight was 2.99 ± 0.55 g) for 41 days. The obtained results clearly indicated that the melatonin-supplemented diet decreased significantly the growth performance parameters (final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate) and IGF-1 level of the gilthead sea bream, while the folic acid-supplemented diet has no significant effect on these parameters. The mixture supplementation of melatonin and folic acid has no significant effect on the growth parameters due to the possible interaction between melatonin and folic acid effects. Furthermore, fish fed with all experimental diets showed significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and protein sulfhydryl level (PSH) and lower lipid peroxidation level (TBARS) and catalase activity (CAT) which confirm their powerful antioxidant role. The acetylcholinesterase activity (ACHE) decreased in fish fed with all experimental diets. The underlying mechanisms of driving melatonin and folic acid to reduce acetylcholinesterase activity require further studies. The histological structure of liver of control S. aurata fish shows severe hepatic lipid accumulation in large vacuoles that diminished after dietary individual or mixture folic acid and melatonin supplementations over 41 days. This work proved that 2 mg/kg of dietary folic acid has a positive effect on the growth performance, oxidative stress defense, and hepatic lipid accumulation reduction in the gilthead sea bream fish. Under our experimental conditions, melatonin failed to improve the growth indexes WGR, SGR, and IGF-I. This study recommends the diet supplementation with a dose lower than 2 mg/kg of food due to the observed effects on tissue ACHE activity.

Soluble and insoluble fibers in ostrich nutrition: influences on growth performance and blood biochemical indices during different ages.

This experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different levels of soluble and insoluble fibers on growth performance and blood indices in ostrich at the age of 1 to 6 months. Thirty 30-day-old ostriches (males and females) were randomly assigned to five treatments with six replicates. There were five dietary treatments consisted of (1) basal diet; (2 and 3) diets containing 2 and 4% more soluble fibers (SF) than basal diet, and (4 and 5) diets containing 2 and 4% more insoluble fibers (ISF) than the basal diet. The dietary treatments had no significant influence on growth performance of ostriches. By increasing the levels of SF and ISF, the concentration of blood glucose (P < 0.0001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, P = 0.0046) increased, while the plasma concentration of triglyceride (P < 0.0001) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL, P = 0.0006) decreased. The plasma enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased in ostriches fed diet containing 4% more SF as compared with control (P < 0.0006). Body weight gain (BWG) at the starter phase (3-4 months) was higher than the pre-starter (1-2 months) and grower (5-6 months) phases (P < 0.0001). The highest concentration of blood glucose was observed at 2 months of age while the lowest magnitude was found at 4 months of age (P < 0.0001). The plasma cholesterol concentration increased at 4 months and decreased at 6 months as compared with 2 months (P < 0.0001). The concentration of HDL and LDL at 4 months of age was higher than two other ages (P < 0.0001). The blood concentration of triglyceride (P < 0.0001), VLDL (P < 0.0001), and ALT (P = 0.0005) decreased as ostriches grew up. It could be concluded that increasing the levels of soluble and insoluble fibers in the diet up to 4% more than previous recommendation may not have negative effects on growth performances and blood indices in ostrich.

Effect of Alliaceae Extract Supplementation on Performance and Intestinal Microbiota of Growing-Finishing Pig.

The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether an Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, such as propyl thiosulfonate (PTSO), added to the feed of growing-finishing pigs at 5 g/kg enhances growth performance or affects the fecal microbiome, the levels of short-chain fatty acids, or the antioxidant capacity of the animals. Fifty male growing pigs (large white) of 23.07 ± 2.87 kg average body weight were randomly allotted to two treatments in a 103-day trial. The trial was divided into two periods, an initial growing phase (56-days) and a finishing phase (47-days). Two dietary treatments for each phase (growing and finishing) were used: a control diet (CON) and an experimental diet consisting of the control diet to which 5 g/kg of Allium spp. extract was added to substitute sepiolite (GAR). Throughout the study, body weight, average daily gain (kg/day, ADG), feed intake (kg/day), and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg) were measured, while the backfat thickness and muscle depth were determined at the end of the study. Besides, feces samples were taken for bacterial counts by means of real-time PCR and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile determination, and the antioxidant capacity was assessed in serum and saliva. In the animals receiving Allium spp. extract (5 g/kg) in the feed, ADG increased (p < 0.05) throughout the trial, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium spp. counts in feces had decreased (p < 0.05) when measured on day 56, and, by day 103, Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., and Enterobacteriaceae counts had decreased (p < 0.05) and Lactobacillus spp. counts had increased (p < 0.01) in feces. Regarding the SCFA profile in feces and antioxidant capacity measured in serum and saliva, supplementation with Allium spp. extract significantly increased the levels of propionic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids and the percentage of total branched fatty acids, while the c2/c3 and (c2 + c4)/c3 ratios were lower (p < 0.05) in feces; the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity levels in serum were significantly higher in the same pigs on day 103 than on day 0. Consequently, based on the current results, Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, added to the diet at 5 g/kg, had a beneficial effect on the microbiota and would seem to be a possible alternative for increasing the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. However, further studies on the effects of Allium spp. supplementation on carcass quality are necessary.

Replacement of corn with rice grains did not alter growth performance and rumen fermentation in growing Hanwoo steers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was realized to evaluate the nutritional value of rice grains as a replacement for corn grains in the diet of growing Hanwoo steers. METHODS: Two experimental diets were prepared: i) Corn total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of 20% corn grains and ii) Rice TMR consisting of 20% rice grains, in a dry matter (DM) basis. These treatments were used for in vitro rumen fermentation and in vivo growth trials. In the rumen fermentation experiment, the in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility, pH, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were estimated at 48 h, and the gas production was measured at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Twenty four growing Hanwoo steers (9 months old; body weight [BW]: 259±13 kg) were randomly divided into two treatment groups and the BW, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. RESULTS: The in vitro experiment showed that the IVDMD, IVCPD, and VFA production of the Rice TMR were higher than those of the Corn TMR (p<0.05). The growth trial showed no differences (p>0.05) in the final BW, ADG, DMI, and FCR between the two TMRs. CONCLUSION: The use of rice grains instead of corn grains did not exhibit any negative effects on the rumen fermentation or growth performance, thereby rice grains with a DM of less than 20% could be used as a starch source in the diet of growing steers.

Effects of dietary levels of brown seaweeds and plant polyphenols on growth and meat quality parameters in growing rabbit.

Growth performances, carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters from growing rabbit fed with two levels of dietary brown seaweed (Laminaria spp) and plant polyphenols were investigated. One hundred and forty-four New Zealand White rabbits were allotted into three dietary treatments containing 0 (C), 0.3% (T1), and 0.6% (T2) of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols mixture for 42 days. Growth performances and carcass weight were improved in T1 group. Vitamin A and E content in Longissimus thoracis and lumborum (LTL) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscle were enhanced in the treated groups. In the SM muscle, the oxidative stability was improved in rabbit fed with both dosages of dietary supplement, and the cholesterol content tended to be lower in T1 than in T2 and C groups. The LTL and SM muscle sensory characteristics were improved. In conclusion, dietary integration with a low dosage of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols is a valid strategy for enhance growth performance and produce healthier rabbit meat.

Responses of Pigs of Different Genotypes to a Variation in the Dietary Indispensable Amino Acid Content in Terms of Their Growth and Carcass and Meat Quality Traits.

We studied the response of pigs from two crossbred genetic lines (GL) in the 60 to 145 kg body weight interval to a variation in the indispensable amino acid (AA) content of their feed. Ninety-six barrows of two paternal GLs (Hypor Maxter and PIC 337) were housed in eight pens and fed quasi ad libitum on feeds differing in their standardized ileal digestible (SID) indispensable AA contents. Pigs in four pens received feeds containing 9.4 to 8.0 g/kg of SID Lys (HAA), considered non-limiting, while the others received feeds containing 8.5 to 6.5 g/kg of SID Lys (LAA). The two feeds had identical indispensable lysine, methionine, tryptophan and threonine contents per unit of crude protein (CP). Feed intake, growth, carcass weight, and the weights of the lean and fat cuts were recorded, and samples of longissimus lumborum were analyzed. Data were analyzed using a two-way factorial mixed model. The LAA feed lowered the estimated N excretion (p < 0.001) compared with HAA, without affecting growth, carcass or meat quality traits. Genetic line had trivial effects and the AA level × genotype interaction was never significant. The two pig genotypes did not differ sufficiently in growth potential and leanness to respond differently.

Replacing Fish Meal with Defatted Insect Meal (Yellow Mealworm Tenebrio molitor) Improves the Growth and Immunity of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Recently, ecological and economic issues have affected fish meal (FM) supply, the main source of protein for shrimp. This triggered a search for alternative dietary protein sources for shrimp production. We studied the consequences of replacing FM with a defatted insect meal, ŸnMealTM (YM), comprised of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Growth and immune parameters of juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannanmei) were compared after an eight-week feeding trial. Shrimp were kept in aquaria with densities of 60 and 40 shrimp/m2 and fed one of five diets in which a proportion of FM was replaced by YM. All diets were isoproteic, isoenergetic, and balanced in lysine and methionine. After the feeding trial, shrimp were challenged with pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus). Growth and feed conversion parameters improved when YM was included in shrimp diets; with the highest weight gain and best food conversion ratio (FCR) achieved when 50% of FM was replaced by YM versus the control diet that contained no YM (initial weight: 1.60 g/shrimp; growth: 5.27 vs. 3.94 g/shrimp; FCR 1.20 vs. 1.59). In challenged shrimp, mortality rates were significantly less among groups that received YM, with a 76.9% lower mortality rate in the 50% FM replacement group versus the control.

Heme and Non-heme Iron on Growth Performances, Blood Parameters, Tissue Mineral Concentration, and Intestinal Morphology of Weanling Pigs.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of heme and non-heme iron sources on growth performances, blood parameters, tissue mineral concentration, and intestinal morphology in weanling pigs. At 25 days of age, 32 newly weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 8.66 ± 0.59 kg) were allocated to one of the following dietary treatments: control group (basal diet with no extra iron addition), FeSO4 group (basal diet + 100 mg Fe/kg as FeSO4), Fe-Gly group (basal diet + 100 mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly), and Heme group (basal diet + 100 mg Fe/kg as Heme). Each treatment had eight replicates and one pig per replicate. The experiment lasted for 28 days. The results showed that compared with basal diet, supplement with 100 mg/kg iron can increase ADG of the piglets, especially in the late experiment period (15~28 days). Heme significantly increased the a* value of longissimus dorsi muscle of piglets when compared with other iron sources (P < 0.05). The iron supplementations had no significant effect on hematological parameters, while Fe-Gly and heme increased pigs' serum iron content on day 28 when compared with FeSO4 and basal diet (P < 0.05). The liver iron deposition in pigs fed Fe-Gly and heme was also higher than those fed FeSO4 or basal diet (P < 0.05). Besides, diet supplement with iron significantly increased villus height (P < 0.05) in duodenum and it had tendency to increase villus height and crypt depth ratio in duodenum (P = 0.095). In conclusion, iron supplementation in diets can improve piglet's body iron state and intestinal development, but Fe-Gly and heme exhibited better bioavailability than traditional additive of FeSO4.