The effect of applying two levels of net energy (NE) reduction to a nutrient-reduced, mixed-cereal diet supplemented with two levels of a consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) was evaluated in weaned pigs. In total, 360 TN70 × Tempo (Greater York × Norsvin Landrace) weaned pigs (8.40 ± 0.78 kg) were assigned to 60 floor pens (five treatments, 12 pens/treatment, six pigs/pen) in a randomised complete block design. Diets were formulated in two phases (day 0 to 14 and day 14 to 35) and fed ad libitum in pelleted form. Treatments comprised a nutritionally adequate mixed-cereal positive control (PC) and four negative control (NC) diets. The NC diets were reduced in digestible P, Ca, digestible amino acids (AA) and Na according to the matrix for PhyG added at 1,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg or 2,000 FTU/kg. Each NC was formulated with low (L) or high (H) NE reduction vs PC ((for 0-14 days/14-35 days) L-58/53 or L-65/58 kcal/kg, H-78/73 or H-86/80 kcal/kg with PhyG at 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg, respectively). The NC diets were not tested alone without supplementation on ethical grounds. Pigs fed PC had a final body weight (BW) of 23.1 ± 2.0 kg and overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.34. Pigs fed PhyG-supplemented, NE and nutrient-reduced diets had final BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and FCR responses not different from to or better than the PC group, per phase and overall. Estimated feed costs and carbon footprint (CFP) per kg BW gain (BWG) were lower in PhyG-supplemented treatments vs PC; lowest feed cost for L-NE reduction and PhyG at 2,000 FTU/kg (–5.5% vs PC). The data confirmed that PhyG supplementation could maintain growth per-formance at a reduced feed cost and CFP.
The use of probiotics as growth promoters in animal production has been extensively studied, yet performance outcomes vary significantly based on the strain and application method. Four dietary treatments – microencapsulated probiotic mixtures (D1 and D2), antibiotics (D3), and copper sulphate (D4) – were compared in terms on piglet growth performance, gut health, and economic profitability in a pre-fattening stage. A total of 108 piglets, aged 21 days and weighing an average of 6 kg, were randomly divided into four groups, each receiving a different diet. The experiment used three replicate pens per treatment, with nine piglets per pen. No significant differences were observed in body weight (BW) across treatment groups; however, feed intake was significantly lower for probiotic-fed piglets (D2) compared to other treatments during phase 1 and cumulatively ( P <0.05). Monte Carlo simulations, a method that uses repeated random sampling to model and predict system behaviour under uncertainty, confirmed these findings. This showed that probiotic-supplemented diets delivered higher gross margins (43%) compared to antibiotics (28%) and copper sulphate (40%). Probiotic-fed piglets exhibited significant gut microbiota modulation, characterised by reduced pathogens (e.g. Escherichia coli ) and increased beneficial bacteria, like Lactobacillus spp. These diets enhanced microbial diversity, as shown by higher Shannon and Simpson index values, which indicated improved gut resilience and overall health. In contrast, diets supplemented with antibiotics and copper sulphate showed reduced microbial diversity, highlighting the adverse impact of these treatments on gut health. This study demonstrated that encapsulated probiotics are a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters, supporting similar zootechnical performance while promoting gut health and enhancing profitability.
Male chicks from the chicken egg industry are typically culled after hatching, but European authorities are re-examining this policy and alternative approaches are needed. This study investigated the effect of supplementing feed enzymes in combination with reductions in dietary nutrients, on growth performance and production costs of male chicks from the egg industry. A total of 3,240 slow growing male layer breed Dekalb White birds were randomly assigned on day-of-hatch to two treatments with six replicate floor pens/treatment and 270 birds/pen. Dietary treatments comprised: (1) a positive control (PC) based on wheat, maize and soybean meal, nutritionally adequate in protein and energy and reduced in Ca and digestible P in accordance with the matrix for a Buttiauxella spp. phytase added at 500 phytase units (FTU)/kg, and XB containing 1,220 XU/kg xylanase and 152 U/kg β-glucanase and (2) as PC but with reduction in digestible amino acids, energy and minerals in accordance with the matrix for phytase added at 1000 FTU/kg plus XB 2440 XU/kg xylanase and 304 U/kg β-glucanase (positive control-high enzyme dose: HD). Diets were fed ad libitum for 96 d in three phases. For the overall period, birds fed diet HD showed no differences in growth performance compared to those fed PC but had reduced production costs, at €0.036 or 2.4% reduction in feed cost per kg BW gain vs PC. In conclusion, using feed enzymes in combination with appropriate reductions in dietary nutrients can be an effective approach for reducing costs of producing male chicks from the egg industry.
This study evaluated the impact of feeding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RS5 probiotic and its products on gut health and immune status in laying hens under heat stress. A total of 192 Isa White pullets were randomly assigned to individual cages in four environmentally controlled chambers. During the adaptation period from 1 to 21 d, all birds received the same basal diet. On d 22, the birds were divided into six treatment groups, with half in two rooms subjected to cyclic daily heat stress reaching about 30 °C and the other half allocated to two houses under regular temperature conditions. The layers were fed one of three diets: (1) Control, (2) Control + L. plantarum RS5 probiotic, or (3) Control + L. plantarum RS5 postbiotic. The feeding trial lasted for five months. The study found that heat stress negatively impacted the birds’ blood profile, with significant decreases in red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, mean platelet volume and plateletcrit compared to the control groups at two and five months of the trial ( P <0.05). The intestinal lesions caused by heat stress showed numeric improvements with probiotic/postbiotic supplementation, including mucosal cell degeneration and the number of villi ( P >0.05). Dietary probiotics numerically increased the humoral immune response to Newcastle Disease vaccine at 2 and 4 weeks post-vaccination ( P> 0.05), compared to the control group. In conclusion, the study showed that dietary L. plantarum probiotics and postbiotics may alleviate the impact of heat stress in the poultry industry. The findings highlighted the potential for evaluating various dietary probiotics and postbiotics in new heat stress models for layers.
Abstract Yeast cell wall (YCW) prebiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can be added to the diet of animals as an effective decoy molecule for Gram negative bacteria, helping to prevent colonisation of the gut by disease-causing organisms. However, the form and processing of YCW can affect its efficacy in preventing attachment of pathogens to the gut wall and, hence, colonisation. Several commercial yeast cell wall products, A, B and C, including a mannan rich fraction (MRF) product, were assessed for their ability to interfere with the attachment of Salmonella spp. to intestinal IPEC-J2 cells. Attachment of three serovars S. enterica Enteritidis, S. enterica Heidelberg, and S. enterica Typhimurium to IPEC-J2 cells was consistently inhibited with addition of MRF and, to a lesser extent, products B and C, while product A resulted in a greater attachment compared to the control. The reduced attachment of the three Salmonella spp. serovars to IPEC-J2 cells in the presence of MRF coincided with lower gene expression and protein of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor α. However, products B and C had a more limited impact. Inversely IPEC-J2 cells in the presence of product A demonstrated higher inflammatory gene expression likely as a consequence of higher Salmonella attachment rates. This is important regarding gut health and function, as inflammation is implicated in poor performance and health. The use of MRF and, to a lesser extent, products B and C provided a means to limit the proliferation of foodborne strains of Salmonella spp. found in pig intestinal cells.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of the Bonga sheep supplemented with noug seed cake (NSC; Guizotia abyssinica ) with dried mulberry leaf meal (DMLM; Morus indica ) and higher protein Vernonia amygdalina leaf (DVLM) meal mixtures maintained on Desho ( Penisetum glaucifolium ) grass hay ad libitum . The five experimental diets were 100% NSC (T1), 75% DMLM+25% DVLM (T2), 100% DMLM (T3), 50% DVLM+25% NSC (T4) and 100% DVLM (T5). Thirty lambs at the age of eight months with an initial body weight (BW) 15.63±1.4 kg were assigned in randomised complete block design with six replications to each experimental diet. The intake of crude protein, ash, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent lignin were significantly ( P <0.0001) different for animals fed T2, and dry matter intake (DMI), total dry matter intake (TDMI), total dry matter intake as % of body weight (TDMI %BW) and total dry matter intake of metabolic body weight was relatively higher for T3 ( P <0.0001). There was a significant ( P <0.05) effect on slaughter body weight among treatments which was higher for sheep fed T2 and T3, at 25.7 kg each. There was no effect ( P >0.05) on other carcass traits, edible or non-edible offal components. Total DMI was strongly and positively correlated with carcass traits and crude protein intake was positively correlated with body weight. Total replacement with DMLM and the mix of 75% DMLM + 25% NSC with Desho grass hay can be used to give better growth performance and carcass yield of lambs.
Abstract This study investigated the impact of multi-component protease and papain on broiler performance and protein digestion. A total of 360, one-day-old chicks were reared for 42 days and fed a diet that included maize, soybean meal and alternative protein sources, such as meat and bone meal and mustard de-oiled cake. The trial involved five groups: a positive control, a negative control (reduced soybean meal and crude protein levels), and three treatment groups that received a negative control diet supplemented with either multi-component protease, papain or a combination of both. The results showed that birds fed the combination group had significant performance improvements, with six points improvement in feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) compared to the negative control group. Additionally, there were improvements in faecal nitrogen retention and reduced dysbacteriosis scores. The addition of proteases to the reformulated diet increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreased harmful bacteria. The combination group had higher levels of Lactobacillus salivarius, which indicated improved gut health and performance. In conclusion, the combination of multi-component protease and papain improved protein digestibility and modified the intestinal microbiota, leading to better performance of broiler chickens fed unconventional protein sources.
Abstract This study evaluated the effects of a phytogenic blend (PB) on the performance and critical genes relevant to the detoxification (i.e. aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway) and antioxidant responses (i.e. nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways) in the duodenum and the caeca of laying hens. The PB consisted of selected Mediterranean plants containing olive oil polyphenols, carvacrol and thymol among its main bioactive components. A total of 385, 21-week-old Hy-Line Brown layers were assigned to one of five dietary treatments with seven replicates of 11 hens each for a 12 week feeding experiment. The experimental treatments included a control corn-soybean meal basal diet with no PB (C) or supplemented with PB at 250 (PB250), 750 (PB750), 1000 (PB1000) or 1,500 mg/kg diet (PB1500). During the experimental period, the 0–6 weeks laying rate, egg mass, feed intake and FCR did not differ among the treatment groups. For the period 7–12 weeks, laying rate, egg mass and FCR were significantly increased with PB inclusion compared to birds fed the C diet. In the duodenum and the caeca, increasing dietary PB concentration beneficially affected (P≤0.05) the expression of the majority of the AhR and Nrf2 pathway genes studied. Phytogenic inclusion modulated the layer adaptive cytoprotection in the gut and documented further the improved production, with PB750 displaying optimal benefits. In conclusion, PB inclusion beneficially modulated the layer adaptive cytoprotection in the gut which improved performance, with PB750 displaying the optimal benefits.
Abstract Phosphorus (P) is required by laying hens for various biological functions, and it is usually provided in excess, in a readily digestible inorganic form in diet formulations. By adding enzymes to diets, the availability of phytate-bound P can be increased, allowing for the reduced inclusion of inorganic P in the diet formulation. The following study was conducted to examine the effect of a natural enzyme complex that contains phytase and xylanase on P digestibility in laying hens. Novogen Brown Classic layers (n=314, 95 weeks of age, approximately 14 weeks into second lay) were fed one of two diets; either a basal control diet or a the basal control diet plus a natural mixed-enzyme product (Allzyme® Spectrum; ASC, Alltech Inc, KY, USA) containing phytase (1000 SPU/g) and xylanase (7,500 EPU/g). The experimental diets were provided for 15 days, and excreta was collected from each pen at day 13–15 of the trial to determine total tract retention and apparent ileal digestibility of P and gross energy. At the end of the trial, birds were euthanised and ileal contents were collected. Productivity parameters, including egg production and feed conversion ratio, were recorded over the course of the study. The amount of P in the excreta from birds in the control group was significantly higher than the ASC enzyme-supplemented group. Both P retention, its ileal digestibility and gross energy digestion (ileum and total tract) were significantly higher in the ASC enzyme-supplemented birds. This study showed that the ASC enzyme supplement can improve the total retention and ileal digestibility of P and gross energy in older layers.
Abstract New systems have been developed over the last three decades, which differ from conventional broiler feeding systems in two ways: (1) the composition of the feed varies daily by blending standard broiler feeds with whole wheat at each chicken house, and (2) the normal 24-h day is divided equally into typically four mini days, each with a light period and a dark period (totalling 6 h), enabling all birds to fill their crops multiple times within each 24 h period. The new systems were evaluated in three phases. In Phase 1 in the1980s, collaboration with an English university made it possible to feed broilers a different diet each day under commercial conditions. In Phase 2, in 1998, work at the Silsoe Research Institute, Bedford UK, developed a control system enabling broilers to be grown along predetermined growth curves. In the 2010s, Phase 3 achieved these growth curves by varying the frequency of meal-time feeding. Following each phase, field trials in the UK showed that the new system decreased mortality by over 20%, increased live weight per bird by 55 g and improved feed conversion efficiency by 0.053. Under controlled conditions these new systems were compared with the conventional system of feeding broilers ad libitum, initially in the UK on commercial farms, and proved superior to conventional systems in terms of standard quantitative performance parameters, leading to better quality litter, cleaner birds, and lower incidence of lameness and metabolic disorders including ascites and the sudden death syndrome. Similar benefits were confirmed from the Phase 3 system with broiler integrators in Australia, South Africa, China, Japan and in several countries in America and Europe.
Good nutritional practices are essential to support the high milk production of modern dairy cows. This requires an active rumen microbial biomass which supplies microbial protein and short-chain fatty acids to the cow. Glycal Forte® (GF) a calcium-stabilised glycerol product, increased microbial biomass in an in vitro gas production study, by some 37%. The efficacy of GF was substantiated in a trial with high-producing dairy cows fed a TMR with or without GF for 28 d. Cows fed GF showed behaviour differences. Chewing was reduced from 710 GF vs 769 for the control (CON) min/d; P=0.01 and they spent more time in an inactive state (429 GF vs 383 CON min/d; P=0.01). There was a statistically significant improvement in feed efficiency with GF (2.19 CON vs 2.34 GF kg ECM/kg dry matter intake (DMI); P=0.03). Feed efficiency has an important bearing on costs and profitability of a dairy operation. Cows fed GF yielded an improved profit of $1.45 per cow per day over 28 d with an ROI of 2.23. Extrapolated to a 100 dairy cow herd for 28 d gave an additional profit of $4,060. Milk yields continued to show benefits for 70 d in milk (DIM) after the GF treatment was stopped, showed a numerical increase in milk yield of 3.2 kg/d. The benefits in rumen function continues after the feeding of GF had ceased. In summary, this trial with high-producing dairy cows was consistent with the in vitro trial data and showed that GF can improve rumen function manifested as less time chewing, more inactive time and most importantly, improved feed efficiency. This has both economic and environmental advantages in that dairy cow productivity can be enhanced solely by nutritional means
Abstract Feed efficiency is a crucial parameter in pig production due to its economic and environmental impact. This trial evaluated feed efficiency in pre-fattening pigs subjected to two diets. Diet 1 (D1) was a commercial pelleted feed supplemented with growth-promoting antibiotics and microencapsulated probiotics (Fortcell FeedTM). Diet 2 (D2) was a commercial pelleted feed supplemented with the microencapsulated probiotics. A total of 280 piglets were randomly assigned into two groups with different diets, using four replicated pens per treatment, with five pigs per pen. Seven independent trials (replications) were done. Each replication lasted for 49 days with two phases, 1 (day 1 to 21) and 2 (day 22 to 49). Pigs were individually weighed at the end of each phase. Food consumption and rejection were recorded weekly to determine weight gain, feed conversion and average feed intake per pen. There was no difference in body weight between pigs fed with the two diets during phases 1 and 2. The average daily gain in phase 1 was 11% lower in animals that received D2 (0.27 kg for D1 vs 0.24 kg for D2; P<0.05). The consumption in phase 2 and overall consumption was higher in pigs fed D1 (P<0.05). Overall feed conversion ratio was not statistically different, but was numerically 9.5% lower in animals that received D2 in Phase 2 (1.43 kg for D1 vs 1.35 kg for D2). It was concluded that supplementation with microencapsulated probiotics provides a suitable option to replace antibiotics in pig production.
Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the impact and adoption of nutrition technologies and their effect on milk production at the Nharira-Lancashire dairy scheme. Sixty households (30 from each scheme) were randomly selected and interviewed by use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Fisher’s exact and Monte Carlo tests were carried out to determine the association between farmer experience and feed technology. Logistic regression was used to rank farmers’ awareness and adoption of feed technologies. The results indicated that farmers have been exposed to at least five new feed technologies and adoption is influenced by education status, sex, age and gender of household head (P < 0.05). Feed technology adoption was in the order: silage 70.83% > sunflower cake 41.66% > legume reinforcement 27.1% > legume trees 16.66% > napier fodder 8.33% > urea treatment 4.17%. Milk yield was affected by month and year (P < 0.05). The impact of adoption was below anticipation, as indicated by lack of economic surpluses. A cost-benefit analysis needs to be carried out for all feed technologies within the study area to streamline viable options.
Abstract The high rates of obesity and degenerative joint disease in companion animals has resulted in a demand for dietary supplements that support joint health and reduce inflammation. Polyphenols have received considerable attention in this space, although literature in companion animals is lacking or conflicting. This study determined whether a diet supplemented with olive polyphenol extract had the potential to reduce inflammation and/or bodyweight. Eight senior domestic cats aged 11.01 ± 0.74 years (mean ± standard error of the mean) and weighing 3.6 ± 0.3 kg (mean ± SEM) were used for this study. The cats were fed, ad libitum with a complete (AAFCO) canned diet supplemented with 0.1% olive polyphenol extract for 56 days. Cats were weighed weekly and blood samples taken on day 0 (baseline), 28, and 56 of the study. Biochemistry, haematology, and cytokine (19 cytokines or chemokines) panels were run for each blood sample. While there was an initial aversion to the supplemented diet, intakes of the cats increased, and they consumed enough to meet or exceed their daily maintenance energy requirements by day 10 of the trial. On average, the cats lost approximately 8% of their starting weight over the trial, which was interesting given that feed intake exceeding maintenance energy requirements for most of the study. Whether the decrease in bodyweight was due to seasonal changes, the supplemented diet, or a combination of the two warrants further investigation. There were little to no changes to any of the blood parameters, which was surprising given that previous studies have reported reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines following polyphenol supplementation. Perhaps a higher concentration of olive polyphenols is required to elicit the anti-inflammatory response observed in other species. A study evaluating the dose-dependent effects of dietary polyphenols on inflammatory and oxidative markers in cats would be valuable in this context.
Abstract There is increasing interest in understanding the fermentative benefits of animal-derived fermentable substrates (ADFS) in pet foods. While previous research has assessed various ADFS using faecal inoculum derived from the cat, there is no published literature available for the dog. Additionally, very little is understood of the fermentation profiles of ADFS, such as skin and bone. Therefore, faeces were collected from a cohort of cats and dogs fed a complete and balanced high-protein diet and a selection of substrates were analysed in this study. Individual ADFS (tendon, bone cake, mechanically deboned meat (MDM), corium and hydrolysed collagen (a positive control)) were digested in vitro, followed by fermentation using either canine or feline faecal inoculum. Concentrations of butyrate, indole and ammonia were determined after 24 h of fermentation. Regardless of whether cat or dog faecal inoculum was used, fermentation of hydrolysed collagen produced the highest (P < 0.01) concentrations of butyrate and ammonia and the lowest concentrations of indole. For the other substrates, there were differences in the fermentation profiles between the canine and feline inocula. During the feline faecal fermentations, in comparison to the other substrates bone cake produced high (P < 0.05) butyrate concentrations, whereas in the dog faecal fermentations, MDM resulted in high (P < 0.05) butyrate concentrations. In conclusion, ADFS from different alternative co-products lead to different fermentation products, providing valuable information which may be considered in canine and feline dietary formulations.
Abstract A new distiller’s high protein product (corn fermented protein – CFP) from the dry grind bioethanol process was evaluated as an alternative to soybean meal (SBM) protein in starter and grower diets for turkey poults. One-day- old male BUT6 poults (250) were distributed randomly into 50 pens. Each pen was allocated to one of the following treatments (10 pens each), control (high protein with soybean meal as primary protein source), CFP4% (4% CFP in replacement of SBM); CFP8% (8% CFP in replacement of SBM); HF-CFP4% (4% CFP with lower protein, higher fibre SBM, as primary protein source) and Premium (5% soy protein isolate (SPI) in place of high protein SBM). All diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Growth performance was measured weekly. At day 42, three poults per pen were sampled to obtain the ileal digesta. Apparent amino acid digestibility (AAAD), nitrogen retention (ANR) and apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) were measured. At day 42 poult weight and day 0–d42 weight gain for birds fed CFP8% were significantly better than the control. From day 0–42 feed intake nor feed conversion ratio were affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Poults receiving CFP 8% had higher AMEn and ANR compared to the control (P < 0.05). The CFP8%-fed poults had significantly higher valine, isoleucine and proline digestibility compared to the control. Feeding the CFP8% diet significantly lowered growth carbon footprint (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CFP8% can increase ANR and growth performance of turkeys. This would decrease the dependency on SBM, reducing both economic and the environmental cost of turkey production.
Abstract The combined measurement uncertainty of quantitative microbiological methods in the area of food and feed is calculated according to ISO 19036:2019 from the technical (intra-laboratory reproducibility standard deviation), the distributional and the matrix uncertainty (umatrix) of the respective sample type. The matrix uncertainty is a property of a certain sample type and independent of the individual laboratory and analysis, respectively. This study broadens the, so far, comparatively small data base on matrix uncertainties for feeding stuffs by investigating 20 representative feed types in 46 sample series. Thereby, difficulties and limitations arising from sample preparation, the selection of different microbial groups (bacteria and fungi) and the nature of different feed types are highlighted. In addition, the applicability with industrially added feed additives (e.g. probiotics) is discussed. In conclusion, the postulated independence and scope of the matrix uncertainty are limited in these respects.
Abstract The present study investigated the feeding value of maize distillers dried grains with solubles (mDDGS) for broiler chickens. As the first step, the nutrient composition, apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of mDDGS were determined. These values were used to formulate iso-nutrient and isocaloric diets to evaluate the influence of graded levels of mDDGS on broiler performance, digestive tract development and carcass characteristics. Five maize-soybean based diets containing 0 or 5, 10, 15 and 20% of mDDGS, were formulated and cold-pelleted at 65 °C. Each diet was offered ad libitum to six replicates (eight birds per replicate cage) during starter (day 1–21) and finisher (day 22–35) phases. The mDDGS was analysed to contain (% dry matter (DM) basis): CP, 27.8; total non-starch polysaccharides, 28.6 and soluble non-starch polysaccharides, 5.6. The AME was determined to be 10.23 MJ/kg DM. The average ileal digestibility coefficient of indispensable AA was 0.826. The Inclusion of 20% mDDGS resulted in poorer (P < 0.05) feed per gain (quadratic effect, P < 0.05) during the starter period, but no negative effects (P > 0.05) were observed finisher period and the overall production period (day 1–35). Feed intake and feed per gain (linear effect, P < 0.05) decreased with increasing inclusions of mDDGS during finisher period and overall period. A tendency (P = 0.06) for linear improvement in excreta quality was observed with increasing inclusion levels of mDDGS. Relative digestive tract weights and carcass and breast meat yields were not influenced (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. A linear (P < 0.05) decrease was observed for the relative lengths of jejunum, ileum and the small intestine. The results indicated that, when balanced for metabolisable energy and digestible amino acids, mDDGS can be incorporated into broiler starter and finisher diets up to 15 and 20%, respectively, with no adverse effects on live performance, carcass characteristics or excreta quality.
Gut health is multifaceted and is largely influenced by the rearing environment and the diet. The use of phytochemicals rich in phenolics and flavonoids can improve the digestive health of chickens and lead to better growth performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, absorption function, organ weights and immunity of broilers. Two hundred and forty, one-day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups: an unsupplemented control and VA-1, VA-3 and VA-5 receiving VALM incorporation at concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 g/kg, respectively. Each treatment had six replicates of 10 chickens. On d 42, six chickens per replicate were isolated and euthanised. Digesta from the jejunal segments (10 cm) was collected for analysis of the digestive enzymes. The remaining digesta was then washed out with ice-cold phosphate-buffered saline before the jejunal segments (10 cm) were opened longitudinally to collect the mucosa by scraping. For the preparation of the homogenate, intestinal mucosa samples were homogenised with 154 mmol/l of ice-cold sodium chloride solution and centrifuged at 4 °C for 900 s. To determine immunoglobulins, glutathione and D-xylose, the supernatant was extracted and stored at -20 °C. Supplementation with VALM did not significantly influence the relative weights of organs in the different treatments. However, VALM at 3 g/kg caused a significant increase in amylase and trypsin concentration (P<0.05). Immunoglobulin A and intestinal secretory immunoglobulin G concentrations were significantly improved (P<0.05) in the birds fed 3 g/kg VALM. This supported the premise that 3 g/kg VALM in feed can improve gastric immunity status and digestive enzyme secretion.
This study was conducted to examine effects of ensiling, toasting or ensiling plus toasting in partial-crop field peas and faba beans harvested each with 375 g dry matter/kg (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale 79 and 81, respectively) on gas production and post-ruminal crude protein (PRCP) concentration by in vitro incubation in ruminal fluid batch-cultures. The silages made from partial-crop field peas and faba beans (Rostock Model Silages) had a pH of 4.3 and 4.6, respectively, and were not typically lactic acid dominated. The silages remained stable after opening for 100 h (peas) and 168 h (faba beans). Toasting was simulated in a drying oven at 160 °C for 60 min. Post-incubation pH and gas accumulation profiles were little affected by treatment. Ensiling did not alter effective PRCP. Toasting and ensiling plus toasting increased effective PRCP up to 25 and 20%-points in peas and up to 35 and 11%-points in faba beans, respectively. Ensiling increased non-protein nitrogen and soluble protein concentration, whilst toasting decreased soluble protein. Significant correlations existed between protein fraction B3 (neutral detergent-insoluble protein) and effective PRCP (r≥0.84; P<0.05) and fraction C (acid detergent-insoluble protein) and effective PRCP (r≥0.79; P<0.05). Ensiling and toasting both decreased arginine and lysine levels. It was concluded that partial-crop peas and faba beans with BBCH 79 and 81, respectively, can provide readily available nutrients and high-quality fibre in the residual plant. However, preserving by ensiling required balance between the reduction of non-protein nitrogen and fermentability characteristics. Toasting reduced protein solubility and increased PRCP, but it was not clear if PRCP was usable for ruminants or was partially bound into Maillard polymers.
