Feeding a high amount of starch-rich grains is common practice for performance horses even though the horse has evolved to eat a grass based, i.e. low starch diet. To our knowledge, there are no studies using metabolomics to investigate the effects of a high-starch diet in horses. In this study we investigated differences in the plasma metabolic profile of 6 Standardbred horses fed a no-starch, forage-only (F) diet or a high-starch forage-concentrate (FC) diet for 29 days, respectively in a cross-over design. Postprandial plasma samples were collected on the morning of day 25 of each dietary period. Metabolomics analysis of plasma using a targeted 1H NMR resulted in the quantification of 52 metabolites. Both a univariate and multivariate analysis of metabolites was performed. The univariate analysis found increased (p < 0.05) plasma concentrations of 2-hydroxybutyrate, citrate, dimethyl sulfone, hippurate, methionine, myo-inositol and proline in diet F and higher concentrations of glycine in diet FC. A PLS-DA analysis could discriminate between diets with good predictive power (Q2 (cum) = 0.745, p = 0.032 in CV-ANOVA). We conclude that diet F was strongest identified by metabolites originating from host-microbial co-metabolism and that the clear metabolomic profile discrimination between diets may have implications for health, performance and behaviour.

With more efficient utilisation of dietary nutrients and energy, diversified production systems, modifications of diet composition with respect to feedstuffs included and the use of free amino acids, the negative impact of animal food production on the environment and climate can be reduced. Accurate requirements for nutrients and energy for animals with differing physiological needs, and the use of robust and accurate feed evaluation systems are key for more efficient feed utilisation. Data on CP and amino acid requirements in pigs and poultry indicate that it should be possible to implement indispensable amino acid-balanced diets with low- or reduced-protein content without any reduction in animal performance. Potential feed resources, not competing with human food security, can be derived from the traditional food- and agroindustry, such as various waste streams and co-products of different origins. In addition, novel feedstuffs emerging from aquaculture, biotechnology and innovative new technologies may have potential to provide the lack of indispensable amino acids in organic animal food production. High fibre content is a nutritional limitation of using waste streams and co-products as feed for monogastric animals as it is associated with decreased nutrient digestibility and reduced dietary energy values. However, minimum levels of dietary fibre are needed to maintain the normal physiological function of the gastro-intestinal tract. Moreover, there may be positive effects of fibre in the diet such as improved gut health, increased satiety, and an overall improvement of behaviour and well-being.

The effects of early supplementation with oat β-glucan during the suckling period on piglet gut microbiota composition, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, and gut physiological markers were assessed. Fifty piglets from five litters, balanced for sex and birth weight, were divided within litters into two treatment groups: β-glucan and control. Piglets in the β-glucan group received the supplement three times/week from day 7 of age until weaning. Rectal swab samples were collected from 10 piglets per treatment group (balanced across litters) from week 1 to week 4, and plasma samples were collected at 1, 3, and 4 weeks of age. Additional samples of intestinal tissues and jugular and portal vein plasma were collected from 10 animals at weaning (one per treatment group and litter). The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and the microbiota composition in rectal swabs were mainly influenced by piglet age, rather than the supplement. There were significant differences in microbiota composition between litters and several correlations between concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and specific microbial taxa in rectal swabs. Overall, β-glucan supplementation did not have any clear impact on the gut environment in suckling piglets, whereas a clear age-related pattern emerged.

Free faecal liquid (FFL) in horses is characterised by the excretion of faeces in two phases (one solid and one liquid), which may cause dermatitis on the hindlegs. The causes of FFL are not known. Results from previous studies have indicated that feed ration composition and management factors may play important roles in the occurrence of FFL. A case–control study was therefore performed in which data on feed rations, feeding practices and management factors were compared between horses with (case) and without (control) FFL on 50 private farms in Sweden and Norway. The comparisons show that case and control horses were reported to be fed similar average amounts of wrapped forage (p = 0.97) and to be subject to similar management practices, but case horses were fed higher proportions of concentrates in their diet (p < 0.001) and lower average amounts of straw and lucerne (p < 0.05) compared to control horses. Case horses were reported to be fed twice as much concentrate per 100 kg BW and day as control horses and a higher daily intake of starch and water-soluble carbohydrates (p < 0.05). Case horses also had a lower daily intake of digestible crude protein and neutral detergent fibre compared to control horses (p < 0.05). These differences were small but are of interest for further studies of factors causing FFL.

Tail biting is an abnormal behaviour that causes stress, injury and pain. Given the critical role of the gut-microbiota in the development of behavioural problems in humans and animals, the aim of this study was to determine whether pigs that are biters, victims of tail biting or controls (nine matched sets of pigs) have a different microbiota composition, diversity and microbial metabolite profile. We collected faecal and blood samples from each individual for analysis. The gut microbiota composition was most different between the biter and the control pigs, with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes in tail biter pigs than the controls. Furthermore, we detected differences in faecal and plasma short chain fatty acids (SCFA) profiles between the biter and victim pigs, suggesting physiological differences even though they are kept in the same pen. Thus, in addition to supporting an association between the gut microbiota and tail biting in pigs, this study also provides the first evidence of an association between tail biting and SCFA. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these associations, to determine causality and to study how the SCFA profiles of an individual play a role in the development of tail biting behaviour.

Free faecal liquid (FFL) is a condition in horses where faeces are voided in one solid and one liquid phase. The liquid phase contaminates the tail, hindlegs and area around the anus of the horse, resulting in management problems and potentially contributing to impaired equine welfare. The underlying causes are not known, but anecdotal suggestions include feeding wrapped forages or other feed- or management-related factors. Individual horse factors may also be associated with the presence of FFL. This study, therefore, aimed to characterize horses showing FFL particularly when fed wrapped forages, and to map the management and feeding strategies of these horses. Data were retrieved by a web-based survey, including 339 horses with FFL. A large variety of different breeds, ages, disciplines, coat colours, housing systems and feeding strategies were represented among the horses in the study, meaning that any type of horse could be affected. Respondents were asked to indicate if their horse had diminished signs of FFL with different changes in forage feeding. Fifty-eight percent (n = 197) of the horse owners reported diminished signs of FFL in their horses when changing from wrapped forages to hay; 46 (n = 156) of the horse owners reported diminished signs of FFL in their horses when changing from wrapped forages to pasture; 17% (n = 58) reported diminished signs of FFL when changing from any type of forage batch to any other forage. This indicated that feeding strategy may be of importance, but cannot solely explain the presence of FFL. The results also showed that the horses in this study had a comparably high incidence of previous colic (23%, n = 78) compared to published data from other horse populations. In conclusion, the results showed that FFL may affect a large variety of horse types and that further studies should include detailed data on individual horse factors including gastrointestinal diseases as well as feeding strategies, in order to increase the chance of finding causes of FFL.

An investigative field survey was performed to gather baseline data on locally available feed ingredients and fish farming practices in different regions of Tanzania. More than 80% of respondents relied on locally available feed ingredients as a major feed supplement for their cultured fish, with maize bran being the most commonly used feed ingredient in all regions. Crude protein content in most analyzed local feed ingredients was medium-high, while crude fat content was high in some animal and agricultural by-products, and medium-low in other ingredients. Most respondents were males and the majority of fish farms were owned by individuals. Earthen pond was the most common fish farming system in all regions except Dar es Salaam. Semi-intensively mixed-sex tilapia monoculture was the dominating fish farming practice. The results of the survey presented provide a good platform for future development of culture systems and feeding strategies for tilapia in Tanzania.

The proportion of aged horses (>= 20 years old) is increasing in several horse populations, but knowledge of if any nutritional requirements change with age is scarce. An internet-based survey directed towards owners of horses >= 20 years of age was conducted, in order to collect data on demographics, body condition scores (BCS) and feeding practices of aged horses. Total complete responses included were 1443. Approximately 70% of the horses were 20-25 years old, 24% was 26-30 years old and the remaining proportion 31-42 years old. Approximately 40 different breeds were represented. Geldings comprised 57%, mares 42% and stallions 1% of the study population. A majority of the respondents reported moderate to ideal BCS in their horse. Validation of respondent assessment of BCS was performed for 21 horses, where kappa coefficient for agreement was 0.35. Respondents generally underestimated the BCS of their horse. Average age was higher in the lowest BCS compared to higher BCS. Average amount of forage fed daily was 1.5 kg DM per 100 kg BW (sd 0.48 kg per 100 kg BW), and average amount of concentrates fed daily was 0.11 kg per 100 kg BW (sd 0.160 kg per100 kg BW). Commonly used feeds were haylage and commercial concentrates. Horses with BCS 1 (n = 1), 2 (n = 19), 3 (n = 48) and 4 (n = 14) were calculated to be fed 64, 99, 108 and 127% of their estimated theoretical requirement of metabolisable energy (ME), indicating that aged horses may require about 1.1 the theoretical ME requirement to keep a desired BCS. However, controlled studies are required for further insights of if, and how, energy requirements change with increasing age in horses.

Eight locally available protein source ingredients in Tanzania were selected for assessment of apparent digestibility (AD) in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, using faeces samples collected by siphoning or stripping. The selected protein source ingredients were Lake Victoria sardines (FM), brewers spent yeast (BSY), moringa leaves (ML), freshwater shrimp (FSH), marine shrimp (MSH), cattle blood (CB), duckweed (DW) and fish frames (FF). The AD (%) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) was unaffected (p > 0.782–0.901) by the faeces collection method (i.e., siphoning or stripping), with correlation coefficient (r) of 0.98, 0.99 and 0.93 between AD values for DM, OM and CP, respectively, following siphoning and stripping. The AD (%) of DM, OM, CP and gross energy (GE) in the test ingredients differed (p < 0.0001). The AD (%) of DM and OM was lowest in BSY and DW, followed in increasing order by ML, MSH, FF, FSH and CB. In general, the AD (%) of CP was high (>76%), but with a low value (46%) for DW. The AD (%) of GE was closely correlated (r = 0.96) with the AD of OM. In conclusion, FSH, MSH, CB, FF, BSY and ML have acceptable protein digestibility to be used in tilapia diet formulation.

Effects of reducing dietary content of crude protein (CP) and Lys on performance and carcass traits of growing finishing pigs were studied in 690 crossbred (Swedish Yorkshire dams x Hampshire sires) female and vaccinated entire male pigs with an average initial live weight (LW) of 32.3 kg. The pigs were raised in pens with mixed sexes and were fed restrictedly using 2 different feeding plans, single-phase and 2-phase. Within each feeding plan, 3 CP contents were investigated: 13.5 (low), 14.5 (medium), and 15.5 (high) g standardized ileal digestible (SID) CP/g SID Lys. Each CP comprised 2 Lys contents. For single-phase-fed pigs this implied either 0.76 or 0.85 g SID Lys/MJ net energy (NE). For 2-phase-fed pigs, the contents were either 0.89 in phase 1 and 0.71 in phase 2 or 0.98 in phase 1 and 0.79 in phase 2 g SID Lys/MJ NE. In low and high Lys, the expected total consumption of digestible Lys from start to slaughter was calculated to be equal for single-phase- and 2-phase-fed pigs. The change of diet in the 2-phase feeding plan was at an average LW of 60.8 kg and slaughter was performed at 117.3 kg. Irrespective of dietary CP and Lys content, 2-phase-fed pigs had higher daily weight gain (DWG) and better feed conversion in phase 1 than single-phase-fed pigs. In phase 2, single-phase-fed pigs fully compensated, so that overall DWG and feed conversion did not differ between single-phase- and 2-phase-fed pigs (1014 vs. 1013 g/d; 24.5 vs. 24.5 MJ NE/kg DWG). Dietary CP content had no effect on DWG and feed conversion in phase 1. However, pigs grew faster and had better feed conversion in phase 2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.018, respectively) and during the entire raising period with the high CP content (P = 0.003 and P = 0.006, respectively). For both single-phase- and 2-phase-fed pigs, high dietary Lys content improved DWG and feed conversion in phase 1 compared with the low content (1002 vs. 968 g/d; P = 0.001 and 20.7 vs. 21.5 MJ NE/kg DWG; P = 0.004), whereas no difference was observed in phase 2. Overall, Lys content did not affect DWG, while feed conversion was better for pigs fed the high Lys content (P = 0.035). Carcass traits were unaffected by feeding plan, CP, and Lys content. Reducing dietary CP content from high to low diminished the N output by approximately 20%. The conclusions are that growing-finishing pigs had the capacity for compensatory growth and can therefore be single-phase-fed, and that the current recommendations of CP and Lys could be reduced.

Coastal Asian seabass farming is an emerging industry in Cambodia, but most farmers depend upon trash fish to feed seabass due to the high cost of formulated diets, with inherent biosecurity and sustainability problems. Use of locally sourced, low-cost ingredients would overcome the major cost obstacle to integration of dry, formulated diets into Cambodian seabass aquaculture. We conducted two feed trials, one in tanks and one in hapas, to evaluate replacement of fishmeal in dry formulated diets with spent yeast sourced from a local brewery. Replacement of fishmeal with dry brewer’s yeast at 0%, 20%, 37% and 47% did not significantly affect performance in terms of growth and feed conversion in either culture system. Brewer’s yeast can thus be an affordable, locally sourced replacement for fishmeal in formulated diets for farmed seabass in Cambodia.

This study investigated the content of selected minerals (P, Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe and I) in local feed ingredients used by tilapia fish farmers in Tanzania. Analyses were performed on 26 local feed ingredients collected at four different geographical locations in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Mbeya and Mwanza). The samples were taken randomly from fish farmers, fish feed producers, fingerling producers and animal feed shops or centers near fish farms in each region. The results showed a wide range of mineral concentrations. The highest levels of P was found in fish skeletons (17.8 g kg-1), of Ca in limestone (107.3 g kg-1), of K in gallant soldier (51.0 g kg-1), of Na in marine shrimp (Exhippolysmata oplophoroides) (11.7 g kg-1), of Mg in prawn head waste (4.2 g kg-1), of Fe in azolla (2355 mg kg-1) and of I in full fat soybean (447 mg kg-1). The data on mineral content in feed ingredients can be used as a platform for better-targeted feed formulation for tilapia farming systems. In conclusion, the data suggest that if more than two ingredients are used in the diet, this may be sufficient to meet the mineral requirements of all cultured tilapia species and their hybrids, without inclusion of any mineral premix.

A survey of small-holder cage and pond farming of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) was conducted in the Preah Sihanoukville, Kampot and Koh Kong provinces of the coastal region of Cambodia. Most of the fish farms used open net-cages for culturing Asian seabass. Few farmers kept the fish in brackish water ponds before final grow-out in coastal sea cages. The farmers were predominantly male and most of them owned the fish cages and ponds used for culturing. The educational level of fish farmers was low with 36 to 45% having finished only primary school. The fish farming experience varied between provinces and comprised experience gained from own practice, workshops and from neighbours. All the interviewed farmers had income from other occupations, related to aquaculture production. Hired labour was most common in Preah Sihanoukville. It was common among fish farmers in all provinces to culture Asian seabass in poly-culture with grouper (Epinephelus spp.), pompano (Trachinotus spp.), snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) and cobia (Rachycentron canadum). A high proportion of Asian seabass fingerlings were imported from Thailand and Vietnam rather than produced in local hatcheries. Trash fish was the main feed source for the grow-out fish while commercial pellets were only used for small-sized fish. There were differences in almost all parameters investigated relating to cultivation including culture period, harvest and price between the provinces. All farmers had problems with fish diseases throughout the whole year but the competence and skills to diagnose the fish varied between fish farmers.

This study investigated the effect of providing extra water and nesting material to Moo Lath sows on piglet survival and growth. Three treatments were evaluated in a randomized block design with six sows/treatment. In the Control treatment, sows were not provided with nesting material or extra water apart from that included in the feed (conventional smallholder practice). In treatment NM, nesting material was provided 1–2 days before expected farrowing. In treatment NMW, nesting material as in NM and extra water were provided ad libitum throughout the study. Data on sow feed and water intake, plasma protein concentration (TPP), body weight, and re-mating period, and on litter size, body weight, and survival of piglets, were collected for two reproduction cycles. NMW sows had higher water intake than Control and NM sows (14.7, 4.5, and 4.5 L/day, respectively, SE = 0.2). The weight loss from 2 weeks prior to farrowing until weaning was smaller in NMW than in NM and Control sows (16.0, 23.8, and 22.9 kg, respectively, SE = 0.9). TPP dropped from farrowing until 21 days of lactation in NMW sows, whereas it increased or was unchanged in NM and Control sows. The re-mating period was shorter and the number of litters/year was higher in NMW than in Control and NM sows (2.2, 2.0, and 2.0, respectively, SE = 0.01). Piglet mortality was lower in NMW than in Control and NM (9.5, 43.9, and 26.7%, respectively, SE = 4.9). Piglets in NMW were heavier at weaning and had higher daily weight gain than Control and NM piglets. It was concluded that providing water ad libitum and nesting material improved piglet survival and growth, and that providing water ad libitum improved sow physiological and reproductive fitness. However, provision of nesting material without access to ad libitum water might increase susceptibility to heat stress in sows.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of solid-state fermentation with Arxula adeninivorans or Hypocrea jecorina to improve hygienic quality and digestibility of banana peels by mono-gastric animals. Green peels of cooking bananas (Musa AAA-group) were solid-state fermented in ziploc plastic bags for 14 d either non-inoculated or inoculated with A. adeninivorans or H. jecorina. Colonies of aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and moulds were enumerated. In-vitro digestibility (total tract and pre-caecal) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) was also determined. Solid-state fermentation significantly improved (P<0.05) in-vitro total tract digestibility (9.9% for DM and 10.1% for OM), and in-vitro pre-caecal digestibility (25.0% for DM, 30.9% for OM and 74.5% for CP); however, no significant effect (P>0.05) due to inoculation was observed. Conversely, inoculation (with A. adeninivorans or H. jecorina) significantly improved (P<0.05) the hygienic quality; with lower (P<0.05) aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and mould counts than the non-inoculated treatment. However, H. jecorina triggered a significantly superior (P<0.05) improvement in both hygienic quality and in-vitro pre-caecal digestibility than A. adeninivorans.

This study evaluated diets including whole or peeled (legs removed) crickets (Teleogryllus testaceus) in terms of diet digestibility, growth and nitrogen retention, using pigs as an animal model. The experiment included three isonitrogenous diets (18.4% crude protein) including either whole cricket meal (WC), body cricket meal (legs removed, BC) or fish meal (control) as the main protein source. Castrated male piglets (n=21, 30-45 days) with initial body weight 13.0 +/- 0.3 kg were allocated to one of the dietary treatments (7 piglets/treatment) in a fixed block design. The piglets were kept in single bamboo/wooden stalls with slatted floors and were adapted to the feeds and the housing for 5 days before starting the 25-day experiment. The diets were offered ad libitum, but close to appetite (approximately 5% of body weight). Feed intake was recorded and piglets were weighed every 5 days. During days 20-25, total collection of faeces and urine was performed. Dry matter and nutrient intake were higher for piglets fed the WC and BC diets than for those fed the control diet. From day 10, piglets fed BC and WC were heavier than piglets fed the control diet, but there were no differences between WC and BC. Dry matter digestibility was highest for diet WC, and ash, crude fibre and crude fat digestibility was higher for BC and WC than for the control diet. Feed conversion ratio was lower for the WC and BC diets than for the control diet, and nitrogen retention (% of digested) was higher. We concluded that field cricket meal is a nutritious feedstuff for mono-gastric animals, and most likely also for humans. Removal of legs did not facilitate or improve the digestibility values and nitrogen retention. Thus, in order to minimise food waste, crickets should not be peeled in this way if they are going to be processed into meal.

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for four protein-rich alternative feed ingredients, intact baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), extracted baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae), zygomycetes (Rhizopus oryzae) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), were determined for Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis). Diets contained 30% of test ingredients, and ADCs were compared to a reference diet containing fish meal. For Arctic charr, ADCs for dry matter (DM, 71–99%), sum of amino acids (SAA, 84–99%) and gross energy (70–99%) were significantly lower for intact S. cerevisiae than for extracted S. cerevisiae, R. oryzae and M. edulis. The ADCs for the indispensable amino acids (IAA) in Arctic charr varied between 84% and 99%. Significant differences were found in ADCs for IAA between the test ingredients for Arctic charr, with higher values for extracted S. cerevisiae and M. edulis. The ADCs in Eurasian perch varied between 83% and 95% for DM, 89% and 98% for CP, 92% and 100% for SAA, 81% and 96% for gross energy. No significant differences were found for ADCs between the test ingredients in Eurasian perch, indicating a species effect on digestibility. Furthermore, the absence of intact cell walls had a positive effect on digestibility of S. cerevisiae for Arctic charr.