Effects of dietary supplementation of cysteamine on growth performance,carcass quality,serum hormones and gastric ulcer in finishing pigs

A study was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of dietary inclusion of a cysteamine (Cs) preparation on growth performance, carcass quality, plasma hormone levels, gastric pH and occurrence of gastric ulcer in finishing pigs. A total of 384 Landrace × Large White finishing pigs, (192 gilts and 192 barrows) with an average initial body weight of 66.05 ± 0.623 kg (mean ± SEM) were randomly divided into 24 floor pens, with eight gilts and eight barrows in each pen (9.2 m²) as one experimental unit. The 24 pens of pigs were randomly allocated to one of three diets: (1) a maize/soybean meal basal diet; (2) the basal diet plus 30 mg Cs kg^?1 diet; and (3) the basal diet plus 50 mg Cs kg^?1 diet. Dietary supplementation of Cs had quadratic effects (P < 0.01) on final body weight and average daily gain, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1. Dietary supplementation of Cs quadratically improved (P < 0.01) average daily feed intake and feed/gain ratio, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1. Dietary supplementation of Cs had a quadratic effect (P < 0.01) on muscle RNA/DNA ratio. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of Cs reduced (P < 0.05) back‐fat thickness. Dietary supplementation of Cs had quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on plasma glucagon and T₃ hormone levels, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1, but had no effect (P > 0.05) on plasma growth hormone, insulin and T₄ levels. There were no apparent pathological changes seen in the stomach mucosa of pigs fed at 30 mg Cs kg^?1 compared with the control diet. It is concluded that a low dose of dietary inclusion of Cs at 30 mg kg^?1 can improve growth performance and carcass quality without adverse effects on the stomach in finishing pigs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterization and prediction by near-infrared reflectance of mineral composition of rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa and Eruca vesicaria subsp. vesicaria)

BACKGROUND: Minerals are essential for human nutrition and must be obtained from our diet. Crucifer vegetables are a good source of these nutrients. Our objectives were to determine the genetic variability for mineral content and to evaluate the use of near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for prediction of ashes and minerals among and within the rocket species Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa and vesicaria. The minerals studied were iron (Fe), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). RESULTS: The maximum mean values obtained for all the accessions (mean ± SE) were 235.5 ± 1.5 mg ashes kg^?1, 273.3 ± 4.2 mg Fe kg^?1, 18.1 ± 0.4 mg Cu kg^?1, 2.8 ± 0.1 g Na kg^?1, 71.6 ± 1.0 g K kg^?1, 64.6 ± 1.2 g Ca kg^?1, 6.8 ± 0.1 g mg kg^?1, 101.6 ± 1.2 mg Mn kg^?1, and 67.1 ± 0.4 mg Zn kg^?1 of dry weight. CONCLUSION: The statistical analysis showed significant differences for all the minerals, except Ca, for each accession studied individually and for accessions grouped within countries. The results indicate that NIRS can be used as a rapid screening method for determining total mineral, Fe, Na, K, and Zn in rocket. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens on diets supplemented with a mannan oligosaccharide

A study was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to a commercial synthetic mannan oligosaccharide, Bio‐Mos? (BM), included in sorghum/lupin‐based diets at 0.0, 1.0, 3.0 or 5.0 g kg^?1 diet. The diets were fed between 7 and 28 days of age, and both the gross response and mechanisms involved were evaluated. The highest level of BM in the diet resulted in longer (P < 0.01) jejunal villi than those observed at other levels of supplementation. The RNA content of the ileal mucosal homogenate was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in chicks raised on diets supplemented with 3.0 and 5.0 g BM kg^?1 diet than in other groups. The protein/DNA ratio of the jejunal mucosal homogenate was also higher (P < 0.05) in chicks fed the 1.0 g BM kg^?1 diet than in chicks fed the other diets. The protein/RNA and RNA/DNA ratios in ileal homogenates were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by the presence of BM in the diet. There were significantly greater specific activities of maltase (P < 0.01), leucine aminopeptidase (P < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001) in the jejunum as a result of supplementation with BM. Digestive enzyme activities in the ileum were unaffected. L ‐Tryptophan uptake by jejunal brush‐border membrane vesicles was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in chicks raised on the 5.0 g BM kg^?1 diet than in the other chicks. The supplement led to minor improvement in body weight but no improvement in feed conversion ratio. These effects were related to changes in digestive enzyme activities and, perhaps, amino acid transport. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of fibre level and fat supplementation in expander‐processed diets on grower–finisher pig performance

Seventy‐two entire male pigs (40.4 ± 1.0 kg) were used to study the effects of increasing crude fibre (CF) level in the diet and maintaining the digestible energy (DE) content of the diet by increasing dietary fat inclusion on pig performance and nutrient digestibility in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment. Productive performance and nutrient digestibility were determined in individually fed pigs offered expander‐processed pelleted diets ad libitum containing three levels of CF (50, 60 and 70 g kg^?1) and two levels of fat supplementation (25 and 50 g kg^?1) until slaughter at 100 kg. All diets were expander processed at 105 °C for 5 s at 35 bar pressure having been previously conditioned at 85 °C for 5 s. All diets were formulated to have similar concentrations of digestible energy (13.5 MJ kg^?1) and lysine (10 g kg^?1) and the fat source was a 60:40 blend of tallow and palm oil. The increase in dietary CF level decreased (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of crude protein, organic matter (OM) and energy, while the inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat decreased (P < 0.01) OM and energy digestibility. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet increased (P < 0.01) ether extract digestibility at the 50 and 60 g kg^?1 CF levels; however, fat inclusion had no effect at the 70 g kg^?1 CF level. There was no CF × fat interaction in any growth criteria. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet significantly reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (2.28 versus 2.43 kg day^?1, SEM 0.039), average daily gain (ADG; 0.877 versus 0.927 kg day^?1, SEM 0.017) and DE conversion ratio (36.1 versus 35.0 MJ kg^?1, SEM 0.40). The increase in dietary CF level decreased (linear, P < 0.05) feed intake (2.45 versus 2.32 versus 2.29 kg day^?1, SEM 0.040), ADG (0.940 versus 0.896 versus 0.872 kg day^?1, SEM 0.021) and kill‐out proportion (740 versus 741 versus 730 g kg^?1, SEM 3.6). In conclusion, increasing both the CF level and supplementary fat inclusion rate had a negative effect on pig growth performance and nutrient digestibility. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of phytase inclusion and calcium/phosphorus ratio on the performance and nutrient retention of grower–finisher pigs fed barley/wheat/soya bean meal‐based diets

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (P) level and calcium (Ca)/total P (tP) ratio on the efficacy of microbial phytase. Experiment 1 examined the effects of P concentration and microbial phytase inclusion on mineral excretion and pig performance, while experiment 2 examined the effects of Ca/tP ratio and microbial phytase inclusion on mineral excretion and pig performance. In experiment 1, nutrient and mineral digestibility (n = 4) and growth performance (n = 12) were determined in pigs individually fed diets containing (T1) 5.5 g kg^?1 tP, 2.3 g kg^?1 available P (aP) and 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca, (T2) 5.5 g kg^?1 tP, 2.3 g kg^?1 aP, 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 Peniophora lycii phytase, (T3) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 1.4 g kg^?1 aP and 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and (T4) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 1.4 g kg^?1 aP, 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 P lycii phytase. In experiment 2, nutrient and mineral digestibility (n = 4) and growth performance (n = 12) were determined in pigs individually fed diets containing (TT1) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP and 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca, (TT2) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 8.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 P lycii phytase, (TT3) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP and 5.0 g kg^?1 Ca and (TT4) 4.3 g kg^?1 tP, 5.0 g kg^?1 Ca and 750 FYT kg^?1 P lycii phytase. All diets were formulated, using standard feeding values for the ingredients, to have similar concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and lysine. In experiment 1, pigs offered the low‐P diets had significantly lower P intake (P < 0.001), faecal P excretion (P < 0.05), Ca intake (P < 0.05) and faecal Ca excretion (P < 0.05) compared with pigs given the adequate‐P diets. These pigs also had significantly lower daily gain (P < 0.01), feed intake (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). The inclusion of phytase in both the adequate‐ and low‐P diets increased the digestibility of energy (P < 0.05) and Ca (P < 0.01) but had no effect on pig performance. In experiment 2, lowering the Ca/tP ratio from 1.85:1 to 1.15:1 increased the DE content of the diet (P < 0.05). The inclusion of phytase increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of protein (0.874 versus 0.840, SEM 0.009) and Ca (0.427 versus 0.380, SEM 0.019) as well as the DE content of the diet (14.47 versus 14.26 MJ kg^?1, SEM 0.073). There was a significant ratio × phytase interaction (P < 0.5) for P digestibility. Microbial phytase significantly increased P digestibility when added to the 1.15:1 ratio diet but had no effect when added to the 1.85:1 ratio diet. The inclusion of microbial phytase increased feed intake (2.16 versus 2.00 kg day^?1, SEM 0.05; P < 0.05) and weight gain (0.893 versus 0.818 kg day^?1, SEM 0.022; P < 0.05). Lowering the Ca/tP ratio resulted in a significant improvement in FCR (2.32 versus 2.40 kg kg^?1, SEM 0.03; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the beneficial effects of microbial phytase supplementation of pig diets are adversely affected by a wide Ca/tP ratio. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutritional value of animal feed grade wheat as replacement for maize in lamb feeding for mutton production

The utilization of abundantly available animal feed grade wheat (AFW) as a replacement for conventional and costly cereal supplement in lamb feeding to lower the cost of mutton production was explored. Thirty‐five growing lambs divided into five equal groups and were fed diets containing 0, 118, 235, 353 or 470 g kg^?1 AFW replacing equal quantity of maize. The diets were fed in the form of composite feed mixture, which had a roughage (Prosopis cineraria leaves) to concentrate ratio of 25:75. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not different in these groups, ranging from 35 to 42 g kg^?1 body weight, while AFW inclusion linearly (P < 0.05) reduced DMI. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and cellulose were not affected by AFW addition, whereas neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility coefficients were reduced (P < 0.05). The digestible CP content (142.7–162.7 g kg^?1 diet) increased (P < 0.01) linearly with increased AFW inclusion levels. However, AFW additions did not affect metabolizable energy (ME) value of diet (10.2–10.5 MJ kg^?1 diet DM). Digestible CP intake was similar but digestible DM and OM intake tended to decrease (P < 0.05) linearly when expressed in terms of g kg^?1 W^0.75. ME intake (MJ d^?1) was not different among the diets but showed linear (P = 0.041) reducing trends with increasing AFW levels in diet. The efficiency of ME and N utilization for unit gain was also not affected by AFW incorporation. N retained as g d^?1, percentage of intake and percentage of absorbed ranged from 15.4 to 19.5 g, 49.7% to 60.3% and 62.6% to 74.6%, respectively. Intake and utilization of dietary N was not affected but urinary N excretion reduced (P < 0.05) linearly by AFW. Daily microbial N (MN) flow estimated by urinary purine derivative excretion was significantly (P < 0.01) higher for lambs fed a diet with AFW 235 g kg^?1 (3.05 g MN) and 353 g kg^?1 (2.51 g MN) compared to without AFW diet (1.31 g MN). MN when expressed as g kg^?1digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) and microbial protein g kg^?1 digestible organic matter apparently fermented in rumen (DOMR) followed a similar trend. During the growth trial, lambs fed diets containing AFW (353 g kg^?1), which replaced 75% maize had higher total gain (14 kg, P < 0.05) and average daily gain (ADG 154 g, P < 0.05). However, feed efficiency (feed consumed kg^?1 live weight gain) was not different. Rumen pH and microbial enzyme activities studied 4 h post feeding revealed that AFW did not affect rumen pH, which ranged from 5.95 to 6.30. Similarly, carboxymethyl cellulase and β‐xylosidase enzyme activities were not different among treatments, but AFW inclusion linearly (P = 003) increased carboxymethyl cellulase enzyme activities. The α‐amylase enzyme activity differed significantly (P < 0.05) and was highest (22.6 IU) in groups where AFW replaced maize completely. It was concluded that, in lambs reared under intensive system for mutton production on high concentrate diets, conventional and costly energy supplements like maize can be replaced up to 75% with a low‐cost animal feed grade wheat to economize on cost of production. However, more studies are required to confirm these inclusion levels for greater economic returns. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of garlic consumption on total antioxidant status and some biochemical and haematological parameters in blood of rats

BACKGROUND: The effect of diet garlic supplementation on total antioxidant status (TAS), nitric oxide (NO) and routine biochemical and haematological parameters was investigated in blood of rats. A total of 30 male rats were divided equally into two groups. Each of 15 rats of treatment group was fed 600 mg kg^?1 garlic solution in distilled water by gavage and controls only received distilled water. After garlic consumption for 1 month, blood serum total antioxidant, nitrate and some biochemical and haematological tests including serum lipids parameters, blood sugar, complete blood count (CBC), and haemoglobin were measured. RESULTS: The garlic treatment group showed significantly increase in the mean level of TAS from 0.77 ± 0.10 mol L^?1 to 1.18 ± 0.11 mol L^?1 (P < 0.01) and nitrate (a NO metabolite) from 0.78 ± 0.06 µmol L^?1 to 1.44 ± 0.27 µmol L^?1 (P < 0.05) in the blood sera of rats compared with the controls. There were no significant differences between the routine biochemical and haematological parameters. CONCLUSION: Garlic consumption should have antioxidant properties and may not affect the lipids profile and total blood cell counts. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of albusin B (a bacteriocin) of Ruminococcus albus 7 expressed by yeast on growth performance and intestinal absorption of broiler chickens--its potential role as an alternative to feed antibiotics

BACKGROUND: Bacteriocins with antimicrobial activity are considered as potential alternatives to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of albusin B (bacteriocin) of Ruminococcus albus 7 expressed by yeast on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Ninety 1‐day‐old healthy broiler chickens were randomly divided into three groups: control, albusin B (2.5 g kg^?1) and nosiheptide (2.5 mg kg^?1, antibiotic control). Growth performance and intestinal functions were measured at 5 weeks of age. RESULTS: Albusin B‐supplemented broilers showed increased body weight gain compared with control broilers (54.7 ± 5.3 vs 48.5 ± 6.1 g day^?1 per bird, P < 0.05). Broilers supplemented with nosiheptide had a less developed mucosal layer than broilers in the other two groups. Compared with the control group, broilers supplemented with albusin B or nosiheptide showed increased mRNA expression of sGLT1, GLUT2 and PEPT1 in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The faecal Lactobacillus count was higher in the albusin B group than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Albusin B supplementation increased intestinal absorption and elevated the faecal Lactobacillus count, thereby promoting the growth performance of broiler chickens. These improvements resulting from albusin B supplementation provide evidence of potential alternatives to antibiotics in broiler chicken feed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nanoparticles of chromium picolinate enhance chromium digestibility and absorption

BACKGROUND: Trivalent chromium (Cr) is a trace element that is difficult to digest and absorb. The objective of this study was to determine whether reducing organic Cr to nanometre size would increase its digestibility. RESULTS: Forty‐eight 8‐week‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (1) basal diet (control); (2) basal diet plus 300 µg kg^?1 Cr as chromium chloride (CrCl₃); (3) basal diet plus 300 µg kg^?1 Cr as chromium picolinate (Crpic); (4) basal diet plus 300 µg kg^?1 Cr as nanoparticulate Crpic (nanoCrpic). NanoCrpic was prepared from Crpic with a particle size of 55–100 nm. The experiment lasted 48 days. Cr digestibility and serum Cr concentration were 1.66 and 1.96 times greater respectively in rats fed nanoCrpic than in rats fed Crpic (P < 0.05). The average daily gain was greater in rats fed nanoCrpic or Crpic than in control rats (P < 0.05). The high‐density lipoprotein content increased while the very‐low‐density plus low‐density lipoprotein content decreased in rats fed nanoCrpic as compared with rats fed Crpic or CrCl₃ (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that reducing the particle size of Crpic enhances Cr digestibility and absorption in rats and alters some blood metabolite concentrations. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Energy and nutrient digestibilities in wheat dried distillers' grains with solubles fed to growing pigs

The aim of this study was to characterize the nutritional profile and to determine the digestibilities of nutrients in wheat‐based dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) fed to growing pigs. Six ileal cannulated barrows individually housed in metabolism crates were fed experimental diets which consisted of a basal wheat‐based diet or the basal diet with wheat replaced by 400 g kg^?1 mixed wheat or winter wheat DDGS in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Ileal digesta and fecal samples were collected for determining apparent ileal (AID) and apparent total tract digestibilities (ATTD), respectively. The contents of proximate components and amino acids in DDGS were about three times higher than in wheat. The AID and ATTD of dry matter, nitrogen and energy were lower (P < 0.05) in DDGS compared with wheat. The DDGS samples had lower (P < 0.05) AID of amino acids compared with wheat; average values for lysine, threonine and isoleucine in DDGS were 43.8, 62.9 and 68.0%, respectively. The ileal and fecal digestible energy content in DDGS averaged 9.7 ± 1.18 and 13.5 ± 0.61 MJ kg^?1, respectively. Respective values for wheat were 13.3 ± 0.52 and 14.6 ± 0.22 MJ kg^?1 and both were higher (P < 0.05) than in DDGS. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen capture efficiency and nutrient utilisation in sheep fed on finger millet straw (Eleucine coracana)-based diet with different rumen-degradable nitrogen levels

BACKGROUND: Microbial protein synthesised in the rumen is a very important protein source for ruminants. It is essential to provide an adequate amount of rumen‐degradable nitrogen (RDN) for optimum microbial protein synthesis in the rumen on straw‐based diets. The objective of this study was to determine the RDN requirement for optimum microbial protein synthesis (MPS), nitrogen capture efficiency (NCE) and nutrient utilisation in Nellore rams fed on a finger millet straw (FMS)‐based diet. RESULTS: Thirty‐six Nellore sheep were randomly divided into four groups of nine animals each using a balanced, completely randomised design. The animals in group 1 (RDN0) were fed with ad libitum FMS. Those in groups 2, 3 and 4 (RDN1, RDN2 and RDN3) were supplemented with groundnut cake to provide RDN levels of 14, 18 and 23 g RDN kg^?1 digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) or 21, 27 and 35 g RDN kg^?1 digestible organic matter apparently digested in the rumen (DOMR) respectively along with FMS. The digestibility coefficients of all nutrients and MPS increased (P < 0.05) quadratically with increasing level of RDN supplementation. NCE decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as the level of RDN increased. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that 12 g RDN kg^?1 DOMI or 19 g RDN kg^?1 DOMR may be adequate for optimum MPS, NCE and digestibility of nutrients in sheep fed on an FMS‐based diet. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of folic acid on the performance of suckling piglets and sows during lactation

BACKGROUND: The present research was conducted to investigate the influences of supplementation with different levels of folic acids in diet on the performance of lactating sows. Twenty Landrace × Yorkshire sows received the same basal corn–soybean diets (folic acid, 1.3 mg kg^?1) from gestation to parturition (day 107). After parturition, sows were allotted to four treatments: control group (folic acid supplementation level, 0 mg kg^?1), group 1 (12.5 mg kg^?1), group 2 (50 mg kg^?1) and group 3 (100 mg kg^?1), with five replicates of one sow. The experiment lasted for 21 days. RESULTS: (1) Folic acid increased milk production (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with the control, supplementation with folic acid (100 mg kg^?1) increased the concentration of butter fat, total substance and non‐lipoid substance significantly (P < 0.01), the concentration of milk protein was also significantly increased in group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.01) in milk. (3) Folic acid supplementation could increase litter weaning weight, average piglet weaning weight and average piglet daily gain (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that supplementation with folic acid in the diets of lactating sows increases milk production, improved milk quality and the performance of piglets. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition and nutritive value of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) in rats

The peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is the starchy fruit of a palm tree widely cultivated in Central and South America. The present study aimed at determining its chemical composition and its nutritive value in rats. The average chemical composition of 17 samples was as follows: 410 g kg^?1 water and, in g kg^?1 of dry matter (DM), 54 g crude protein, 114 g oil, 39 g neutral detergent fibre, 716 g starch, 21 g sugars and 18 g ash. The main variability was observed for the oil (60–180 g kg^?1 DM) and starch (590–780 g DM) contents. The proteins contained, on average, in g kg^?1 of proteins, 49 g lysine, 13 g methionine, 19 g cysteine, 39 g threonine and 7 g tryptophan. The mineral fraction contained, per kg DM: 1.0 g Ca, 0.8 g P, 0.6 g Mg, 0.3 g Na, 44 mg Fe, 4 mg Cu and 10 mg Zn. The digestibility of four peach palm genotypes was determined in rats fed a diet composed of 350 g kg^?1 of peach palm and 650 g of a control diet based on maize and soybean meal. The digestibility of DM, energy, starch and protein of peach palm alone reached, on average 91, 87, 96 and 95%, respectively. No difference was observed between varieties, except for starch (p < 0.05). On average, peach palm contained 51 g of truly digestible protein kg^?1 DM and 3.691 kcal digestible energy kg^?1 DM. A growth trial was also carried out for 1 month on rats (initial weight: 78 g) fed a diet containing 0, 200, 400, 600 or 800 g peach palm kg^?1, at the expense of a diet composed of maize starch and casein. The growth rate of the rats decreased (p < 0.05) as the peach palm concentration increased. The growth decrease was due to a decrease (p < 0.05) in DM intake and to the lower quality of the peach palm protein. It is concluded that peach palm is mainly an energy source for humans and animals. It is poor in protein and minerals but can be consumed in large amounts. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of dietary level of methionine on growth performance and immune response in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

BACKGROUND: Methionine (Met) being the first limiting amino acid in maize/soybean‐based quail diets, its supplementation provides scope for improvement of protein quality and reduction of dietary protein concentration. The question remains to what extent it can be incorporated in the diet of genetically improved quails. Therefore the effect of dietary Met level was assessed on growth performance and immune response in growing Japanese quails (n = 400) divided equally into 20 groups. Five dietary treatments (～230 g kg^?1 crude protein and 12.14 MJ kg^?1 metabolisable energy) were formulated with 3.5, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 g kg^?1 Met respectively, and each was offered to four groups of birds from 0 to 35 days of age. RESULTS: Live weight at day 35 increased (P < 0.0001) up to 5.0 g kg^?1 dietary Met level but did not improve further at higher Met levels (5.5 and 6.0 g kg^?1). Improved (P < 0.039) feed conversion ratio was achieved at 5.5 g kg^?1 Met level, which was statistically similar to that at 5.0 g kg^?1 Met level during 0–14 days of age. Cellular (phytohaemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris) immune response increased (P < 0.0001) with increasing dietary Met concentration, whereas humoral (sheep red blood cells) immune response did not differ. CONCLUSION: The optimal requirement of Met was 5.0 g kg^?1 for growth and 5.5 g kg^?1 for maximum cellular immune response. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of egg yolk from chickens fed diets supplemented with purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of purslane on egg production, egg weight, feed efficiency, yolk fatty acid composition, and egg cholesterol content in laying hens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty 80‐week‐old layers were allocated randomly to receive diets supplemented with 0 (control), 10 g kg^?1 or 20 g kg^?1 dried purslane for 84 days. Egg weights and egg production in the groups were recorded daily, whereas feed intake was measured weekly. RESULTS: Diet supplemented with 20 g kg^?1 purslane significantly decreased body weight of the chickens compared to the control. Inclusion of purslane at the level of 10 g kg^?1 or 20 g kg^?1 into the diet significantly (P < 0.05) improved egg weight compared to the control. Chickens fed the diet including 20 g kg^?1 purslane had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher egg production and improved feed efficiency compared to the control. Cholesterol content of eggs from the hens fed 0, 10 or 20 g kg^?1 did not differ and was 10.45, 9.51 or 9.51 mg g^?1 dried egg yolk, respectively. Inclusion of purslane at the level of 20 g kg^?1 into the diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased ω‐3 fatty acids such as C18:3(ω‐3) and C22:6(ω‐3). The ratio of ω‐6 to ω‐3 also was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the eggs from chickens fed 10 g kg^?1 or 20 g kg^?1 purslane supplemented diets compared to the control. CONCLUSION: This study showed that adding dried purslane to the diet of laying hens significantly increased egg production and egg weights although there was no reduction in the egg cholesterol concentration. This study also showed that inclusion of purslane into diet enriched eggs with ω‐3 fatty acids and decreased the ratio of ω‐6/ω‐3 in the yolk. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers fed periwinkle flesh (Pachymelania aurita), palm kernel cake and oil‐based rations

The effect of supplementation of palm kernel oil in periwinkle flesh and palm kernel cake‐based diets on carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers was evaluated. Birds were assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The first diet, which was the control, contained 20 mg kg^?1 fishmeal but it did not contain palm kernel cake and periwinkle flesh. The second diet contained 20 mg kg^?1 fishmeal, 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake but no periwinkle flesh. The third diet contained 60 mg kg^?1 periwinkle flesh, 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake and no fishmeal. Present in the fourth diet were 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake, 30 mg kg^?1 periwinkle flesh, no fishmeal and 20 mg kg^?1 palm kernel oil. Similarly, the fifth diet contained 250 mg kg^?1 palm kernel cake, 30 mg kg^?1 periwinkle flesh, no fishmeal and 40 mg kg^?1 palm kernel oil. Carcass measures and cuts were significantly influenced (P < 0.05) by dietary treatments. Diets 2, 3 and 5 gave significantly higher plucked dressed weights, total edible meat and total bone weights, respectively. Also carcass cuts were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in birds on periwinkle and palm kernel oil diets, with abdominal fat being highest in diet 5 having 40 mg kg^?1 palm kernel oil. However, proximate composition, physical and sensory properties were not significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatment. Results showed that carcass characteristics improved as compared to the control group. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Interaction between lactose levels and antimicrobial growth promoters on growth performance of weanling pigs

In experiment 1, 224 pigs (initially 8.85 kg and 28 ± 2 days of age) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to investigate the interaction between lactofeed (LF70) (860 g kg^?1 whey permeate, 140 g kg^?1 soya bean meal) level (175 g kg^?1 and 350 g kg^?1) and avilamycin (0 and 40 mg kg^?1) inclusion in piglet starter diets. Pigs were fed starter diets from day 0 to day 22 and a transition diet was fed from day 23 to day 39. The inclusion level of LF70 in the transition diet was 75 g kg^?1 and 150 g kg^?1. Pigs fed 350 g kg^?1 LF70 had a higher daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.01) and an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05) during the starter period than the pigs fed 175 g kg^?1 LF70. Pigs fed medicated diets had a higher ADG (p < 0.05) and an improved FCR (p < 0.05) than the non‐medicated fed pigs during the starter period. There was an increase in feed intake (AFI) (p < 0.05) during the transition period with increasing levels of LF70. There was an improvement in FCR during the transition period with the inclusion of avilamycin (p < 0.01). There was a significant interaction (p < 0.01) between LF70 and avilamycin for ADG during the transition period. The inclusion of avilamycin at 175 g kg^?1 LF70 inclusion had no effect (p > 0.05) on ADG. However at 350 g kg^?1 LF70 inclusion the pigs offered medicated diets had a higher ADG (p < 0.001) compared with non‐medicated diets. In experiment 2, 224 pigs (initially 8.85 kg and 28 ± 2 days of age) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial to investigate the interaction between LF70 level (175 g kg^?1 and 350 g kg^?1) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (0 and 3.1 g kg^?1) inclusion in piglet starter diets. The inclusion level of LF70 in the transition diet was 75 g kg^?1 and 150 g kg^?1 and of ZnO was 2 g kg^?1. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in ADG with increasing levels of LF70 during the starter period. The inclusion of ZnO during the starter period resulted in an increase in ADG (p < 0.001) and FCR (p < 0.05) compared with no ZnO inclusion. Neither the inclusion of zinc oxide not of LF70 had an effect (p > 0.05) on performance during the transition period. In conclusion the supplementation of starter diets with increasing levels of LF70, ZnO and avilamycin resulted in increased ADG and improved FCR. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutrient utilisation in response to dietary supplementation of chicory inulin in growing pigs

The digestive and post‐absorptive utilisation of dietary crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in response to dietary supplementation of chicory inulin extract was investigated with six Yorkshire barrows with an average initial body weight of 30 kg. The barrows were fed a corn (maize) and soybean meal‐based diet containing 0 or 50 g kg^?1 chicory inulin extract according to a two‐period crossover design. The digestive utilisation of CP, Ca and P did not differ (P > 0.05) between the control and the inulin‐fed pigs. Furthermore, the post‐absorptive urinary loss of CP and Ca was not affected (P > 0.05) by 50 g kg^?1 chicory inulin supplementation. However, inulin supplementation improved post‐absorptive P utilisation through a reduction (P = 0.01) in urinary P loss by 1.6 percentage units compared with the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 50 g kg^?1 chicory inulin does not affect dietary CP and Ca utilisation but does reduce urinary P loss in growing pigs. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Dietary fibre level and enzyme inclusion affect nutrient digestibility and excreta characteristics in grower pigs

An experiment was conducted with 12 grower pigs to determine the effects of (1) manipulating dietary neutral detergent fibre (NDF) level and (2) dietary inclusion of fibre‐degrading enzymes on nutrient digestibility and excreta characteristics in pigs. Four diets were formulated to contain three levels of NDF: 1, 66 g kg^?1 NDF (low fibre); 2, 121 g kg^?1 NDF (moderate fibre); 3, 222 g kg^?1 NDF (high fibre); 4, diet 3 plus 2.0 g kg^?1 enzyme. Increasing levels of dietary NDF linearly decreased dry matter and energy digestibilities (r² = 0.99, P < 0.05). Lowering dietary NDF from 222 to 121 g kg^?1 improved nitrogen digestibility by 13% (P < 0.01). Faecal production was decreased by 9% for each 1% decrease in dietary NDF content (r² = 0.99, P < 0.05). Inclusion of fibre‐degrading enzymes in the high‐fibre diet improved dry matter and energy digestibilities by 2 and 3% respectively, and reduced faecal production by 10% (P < 0.01). Faecal and manure (faeces plus urine) pH values from pigs fed the high‐fibre diet and the high‐fibre plus enzyme diet were lower than those from pigs fed the other experimental diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lowering the dietary NDF level or inclusion of fibre‐degrading enzymes in high‐fibre diets may offer relatively practical and easy methods for reducing waste production in pigs. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of curcuma (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb) on lipid metabolism in rabbits

The efficacy of curcuma (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) in lowering blood plasma lipid was evaluated in rabbits. Forty male New Zealand white rabbits (2.3 kg) were divided into four equal groups and offered isoatherogenic diets with no curcuma, low curcuma (2 g kg^?1), medium curcuma (3 g kg^?1) and high curcuma (4 g kg^?1) for 120 days. Faeces and feed samples were collected. Body weight was measured weekly. Blood samples at 1, 2 and 4 months and liver samples at the last blood collection were taken. Curcuma did not influence feed, protein and fat consumption and protein excretion (P > 0.05) but significantly (P < 0.05) increased fat excretion. Cholesterol concentration was decreased by 46.6, 56.4 and 63.2% and HDL concentration was decreased by 9.9, 14.5 and 21.9% at 2, 3 and 4 g kg^?1 curcuma respectively. Curcuma significantly (P < 0.05) decreased LDL concentration and significantly (P < 0.01) decreased triglyceride concentration by 20.4, 28.5 and 29.5% at 2, 3 and 4 g kg^?1 respectively. HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by curcuma. Glucose was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 6.2, 7.6 and 18.0% at 2, 3 and 4 g kg^?1 curcuma respectively. Lipid peroxidation was prevented at 3 and 4 g kg^?1 curcuma. The enhanced fat excretion could have been mediated through an acceleration of lipid metabolism from extrahepatic tissues to the liver, which would increase the excretion of cholesterol via the bile and into the faeces. Since this is central to lipid metabolism, curcuma has potential as a phytotherapeutic agent under atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease conditions. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry