早期数量限饲对肉仔鸡生长性能和胴体特性的影响

试验研究了早期数量限饲对肉仔鸡生长性能和胴体品质的影响。200只8日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡被随机分成4组,每组五个重复,每重复10只鸡。对照组基础饲粮根据NRC营养水平配制,试验组肉仔鸡从8日龄开始喂料量分别为对照组的90%、80%和70%,限饲1周后各组恢复自由采食。试验结果表明:在第2周,限饲各组肉仔鸡的体重和日增重分别显著低于对照组(P<0.05);在第3周,限饲90%组完成补偿生长,体重与对照组差异不显著(P>0.05);在第4周,限饲80%和70%组完成补偿生长,体重与对照组差异不显著(P>0.05);5、6、7周及2～7周各组在体重、日增重、日采食量和饲料转化率等方面都无显著差异(P>0.05)。早期数量限饲对肉仔鸡胴体特性没有显著影响(P>0.05)。     

Intestinal microbiota of broilers submitted to feeding restriction and its relationship to hepatic metabolism and fat mass: Fast‐growing strain

The present study was conducted to verify how feed restriction affects gut microbiota and gene hepatic expression in broiler chickens and how these variables are related to body weight gain. For the experiment, 21‐d‐old Cobb500^TM birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments: T1. Control (ad libitum—3.176 Mcal/kg ME—metabolizable energy—and 19% CP—crude protein); T2. Energetic restriction (2.224 Mcal/kg ME and 19% CP) from 22 to 42 days with consumption equivalent to control; T3. Quantitative restriction (70% restriction, i.e., restricted broilers ingested only 30% of the quantity consumed by the control group—3.176 Mcal/kg ME and 19% CP) for 7 days, followed by refeeding ad libitum from 28 to 42 days. Ileum and caecum microbiota collections were made at 21, 28 and 42 days of age. Hepatic tissue was collected at 28 and 42 days old for relative gene expression analyses. At 43‐d‐old, body composition was quantified by DXA (Dual‐energy X‐ray Absorptiometry). Both feed restriction programmes decreased Lactobacillus and increased Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae counts. No differences were found in the refeeding period. Energetic restriction induced the expression of CPT1‐A (Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A) gene, and decreased body fat mass. Quantitative feed restriction increased lipogenic and decreased lipolytic gene expression. In the refeeding period, CPT1‐A gene expression was induced, without changing the broilers body composition. Positive associations were found between BWG (Body Weight Gain) and Lactobacillus and Clostridium cluster IV groups, and negatively associations with Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus bacterial groups. In conclusion, differences found in microbiota were similar between the two feed restriction programmes, however, hepatic gene expression differences were only found in quantitative restriction. Higher counts of Lactobacillus and Clostridium cluster IV groups in ileum are likely to be related to better broiler performance and low expression of lipogenic genes.     

Excess crude protein for nongravid gilts

Twenty-five nongravid crossbred gilts (avg initial wt, 126 kg) were placed on either a high (38%) or a low (13%) crude protein (CP) diet and fed either at the rate of 1.82 kg/d or had ad libitum access to feed. In addition, a fifth group was pair-fed the 13% CP diet to the average intake of the gilts fed high CP ad libitum. The experimental period lasted 30 d. Corn-soybean meal diets were used and CP levels were varied by altering the corn:soybean meal ratio. Gain and gain/feed were reduced (P less than .01) in gilts fed 1.82 kg/d compared with the gilts fed ad libitum or pair-fed gilts. Gain (P less than .03) and feed intake (P less than .01) of gilts with ad libitum access to the 13% CP diet were higher than those of gilts with ad libitum access to the 38% CP diet. Gain/feed was not different (P greater than .10) between the two groups, however. Rate of gain and feed efficiency of gilts pair-fed the 13% CP diet were similar (P greater than .10) to those of gilts with ad libitum access to the 38% CP diet. Plasma total free amino acids, NH3 and total protein were not (P greater than .10) affected by treatment. Plasma urea-N and urinary total N, urea-N and orotic acid were increased (P less than .01) in gilts fed the high CP diet regardless of feed intake level. However, urinary NH3 was higher (P less than .01) in gilts fed the low-protein diet. These results indicate that excess dietary CP for nongravid gilts decreases gain and feed intake and has no effect on efficiency of feed utilization, but it increases plasma urea-N and urinary total N, urea-N and orotic acid.     

Intake restriction strategies and sources of energy and protein during the growing period affect nutrient disappearance, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics of crossbred heifers.

Two trials were conducted to evaluate intake restriction, energy, and protein source on the performance and carcass merit of heifers limit-fed corn gluten feed. Trial 1 crossbred heifers (n = 140) were allotted to ad libitum wet corn gluten feed (WCGF)-hay, ad libitum WCGF-corn, WCGF-corn continuously limit-fed to achieve a gain of 1.1 kg/d or WCGF-corn fed in the following sequence: 70% of ad libitum for 20 d, ad libitum for 20 d, and 2 d common intake during the 84-d growing period. One-half of these restricted-refed heifers received a rumen-undegraded protein supplement, and the other half received a rumen degraded protein supplement. Heifers were fed a common finishing diet ad libitum subsequent to the growing period. Heifers offered ad libitum WCGF-hay and WCGF-corn were slaughtered at a common compositional fat end point. Heifers limit-fed WCGF-corn were slaughtered at the same time as heifers offered ad libitum WCGF-corn, regardless of subcutaneous fat cover. Limit-feeding WCGF-corn diets to growing heifers reduced ADG (P < or = 0.01) but did not compromise feed efficiency. Method of intake restriction, continuous or ad libitum-interrupted, and supplemental protein source did not affect combined growing-finishing performance. However, when fed for a common length of time, the average of the limit-fed heifers had lighter carcass weights (P < or = 0.01) and lower (P = 0.04) marbling scores. Heifers offered ad libitum WCGF-hay gained slower (P < or = 0.01) and less efficiently (P < or = 0.01) than heifers offered WCGF-corn. Trial 2 crossbred heifers (n = 222) were allotted to dry corn gluten feed (DCGF)-corn ad libitum or restricted to 80% of ad libitum for 42, 84, or 126 d; or ad libitum corn silage or DCGF-corn silage at 80% of ad libitum for 84 d. Feed efficiency (P = 0.07) and ADG (P = 0.08) tended to behave quadratically, being poorer for heifers limit-fed for 126 d during the growing period. Heifers limit-fed DCGF-corn gained more efficiently (P = 0.05) than heifers grown on ad libitum corn silage. Limit-feeding CGF-corn to growing beef heifers can be used to achieve moderate rates of gain without compromising feed efficiency. However, limit-feeding during the growing period may result in lighter weight carcasses with lower quality grades if not fed to the same fat end point as heifers grown with free access to concentrate.     

Level of dietary energy during prepubertal growth and reproductive development of gilts.

Development of gilts that conceive early and continue to produce offspring is a primary objective of swine production. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of feed restriction during development required to optimize reproductive performance and efficiency in gilts. The effects that various patterns of growth had on reproductive development and performance of gilts through d 30 of gestation were investigated. At 13 wk of age and 41 kg BW, 192 white crossbred gilts were penned individually and assigned to receive 87.5%, 75%, 62.5%, and 50% of predicted ad libitum energy intake. The study was replicated in two seasons. At 25 wk of age, gilts were moved to group pens and allowed ad libitum access to feed, and estrous detection was initiated. Gilts were inseminated at first observed estrus and those recycling were remated. Post-mating gilts were fed 1.5x maintenance in stalls. Gilts that did not return to estrus 17 to 30 d after mating were slaughtered at 30 d of gestation. Reproductive tracts were collected and numbers of corpora lutea and live embryos were recorded. Feed restriction during development resulted in differences in BW and backfat thickness at the start of the breeding period and differences in feed intake during breeding. Gilts subjected to the greatest feed restriction during development consumed the greatest quantity of feed during breeding. Feed intake during breeding was associated with BW and backfat gain during breeding. The treatment group that entered breeding lightest and leanest (50% of predicted ad libitum intake) had the least number of days to first estrus, followed by the fattest, heaviest group (87.5% of predicted ad libitum intake). Treatment groups did not differ (P > 0.38) in ovulation rate or live embryo numbers. Significant relationships between quantity of GE consumed during development and variables considered important in reproductive development and performance were evident, such as BW and fatness at start of breeding and first detected estrus, and ovulation rate. Variation in dietary energy during the development period impacted many aspects of reproductive development and performance. However, coupling restricted energy intake during development with ad libitum intake during breeding negated many of the effects of feed restriction during the development period.     

Influence of reduced water supply on the digestibility of nutrients and on some metabolic parameters in sheep

A digestibility experiment was carried out under conditions of reduced water supply (1/3 in comparison to the control group) and feed supply ad libitum or on maintenance level with 5 wethers of an average body weight of 43.2 kg. They were fed with alfalfa pellets with a Na supplement in the form of NaH2PO4. The water restriction increases the apparent digestibility of the nutrients (except crude fat), significantly so, however, only in the group fed ad libitum as a result of the lower digestibility in ad libitum feed intake. In the group with water restriction the absolute amount of digested nutrients is diminished, however, and in group Ib (feed supply on maintenance level) falls clearly below maintenance requirements. In a comparison of the values of apparent digestibility of the nutrients acquired by various methods (traditional method and indicator method - HCl insoluble remaining ash) the latter method is more susceptible to error. This method is, however, considerably easier in its execution. In comparison to ad libitum water supply the mean retention time of the feed increases due to restricted water supply. The decreased feed intake seems to have a bigger influence on the mean retention time of the marker than water restriction.     

Effects of early feed restriction on live performance,carcass characteristics,meat and liver composition,some blood parameters,heterophil-lymphocyte ratio,antibody production and tonic immobility duration

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early feed restriction on performance, carcass characteristics, meat and liver composition, some blood parameters, H-L ratio, antibody titers against SRBC and tonic immobility duration in broilers. One hundred ninety male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into two treatment groups each of 95 chicks. Broilers in one treatment fed ad libitum until 42 day of age, however in other treatment, broilers were deprived of feed for 4 h per day from 7 to 21 day. Body weight, feed consumption, feed to gain ratio, carcass characteristics and the percentage of examined organs except heart were not statistically significant in groups. Percentage of heart was higher (p < 0.05) in broilers fed ad libitum. At 41 d of age, H-L ratio (p < 0.05) and TI duration (p = 0.001) were higher, serum glucose (p < 0.05) and triglyceride (p < 0.001) levels were lower in broilers fed ad libitum. Chemical composition of breast and thigh and also fat and ash of liver were not affected by early feed restriction. Moisture of liver (p = 0.001) was lower and protein of liver (p < 0.01) was higher in broilers fed ad libitum     

Influence of level of dietary protein or energy on effects of ractopamine in finishing swine.

The effect of ractopamine, a beta-adrenergic agonist, on growth, nutrient utilization, and carcass composition was studied in pigs fed either 18% CP, 12% CP, or 18% CP restricted (RES = 67% of ad libitum) diets. The 18 and 12% CP diets provided 3.52 and 3.68 Mcal of DE/kg, respectively. All pigs were fed a low-protein (12% CP) diet during pretreatment growth from 15 to 60 kg. Ractopamine at 20 or 30 ppm (30 ppm for RES pigs) in the diet was fed from 60 kg live BW until slaughter at 105 kg (9 pigs/treatment). No ractopamine treatment effect (P greater than .05) was observed for either daily gain or gain/feed, although gain/feed was improved by 8% in both of the ad libitum groups. Ractopamine treatment resulted (P less than .01) in an overall reduction of carcass lipid by 8%, an increase of carcass protein by 5%, and a 21% improvement in the efficiency of protein utilization; the greatest changes occurred in the pigs fed the 12% CP diet (-17%, +11%, and +32%, respectively). The ad libitum daily feed intake was 15% less for pigs fed the 12% CP diet than for those fed the 18% CP diet (P less than .01), and there was a 10% reduction in intake of both diets with the addition of ractopamine (P less than .05). Both carcass lipid and protein deposition seemed to be closely related to energy intake (P less than .01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of early feed restriction and cold temperature on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites morbidity in broilers under normal and cold temperature

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of early feed restriction on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites incidence in broilers under normal and low ambient temperature. In experiment 1, the restricted birds were fed 8h per day either from 7 to 14 d or from 7 to 21 d, while the controlled birds were fed ad libitum. In experiment 2, the restricted birds were fed 80 or 60% of the previous 24-h feed consumption of full-fed controls for 7 d from 7 to 14 d. On d 14, half of the birds in each treatment both in experiment 1 and experiment 2 were exposed to low ambient temperature to induce ascites. Body weight and feed conversion ratio were measured weekly. The incidences of ascites and other disease were recorded to determine ascites morbidity and total mortality. Blood samples were taken on d 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 to measure the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). On d 42, samples were taken to determine the right/total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV), vessel wall area/vessel total area ratio (WA/TA) and mean media thickness in pulmonary arterioles (mMTPA). Low-temperature treatment increased plasma MDA concentration. When broilers were exposed to a cool environment for 3 weeks, plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity were decreased compared with normal-temperature chicks. RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA on d 42 were increased in birds exposed to cold, consistent with the increased pulmonary hypertension and ascites morbidity. Early feed restriction markedly decreased plasma MDA concentration. The plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity of feed-restricted birds were markedly higher than those fed ad libitum on d 35 and d 42. All early feed restriction treatments reduced ascites morbidity and total mortality. On d 42, the RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA of feed-restricted broilers were lower than that of the ad libitum-fed broilers. The results suggested that early feed restriction alleviated the lipid peroxidation, promoted the activity of enzymatic antioxidant and inhibited pulmonary vascular remodelling. These changes might be associated with reduced ascites incidence.     

限饲对辽宁绒山羊生产性能及消化代谢的影响

本试验旨在研究限饲对辽宁绒山羊生产性能及消化代谢的影响。将20只1周岁、体重(22.29±1.05)kg辽宁绒山羊母羊随机分为4个采食水平组,即干物质为基础分别为自由采食100%(AL),以及自由采食组采食量的90%(IR90)、80%(IR80)和70%(IR70)。结果表明:不同限饲水平对绒山羊的体重和日增重有显著影响(P<0.05),日增重随饲喂水平的下降而显著下降,分别为32.20、17.40、10.80 g/d和-8.20 g/d;饲料增重比在AL和IR90两组间无显著差异(P>0.05),其余各组间差异显著(P<0.05)。不同限饲水平对绒山羊的营养物质表观消化率无显著性影响(P>0.05)。不同限饲水平显著影响进食氮、粪氮排出和沉积氮(P<0.05);随限饲水平的下降,沉积氮分别为3.05、2.62、1.87 g/d和1.18 g/d;限饲水平对尿氮的排出和氮的利用率影响差异不显著(P>0.05)。在本试验条件下,限饲显著影响绒山羊的体重、日增重和氮沉积,辽宁绒山羊育成母羊粗蛋白的维持需要为46.16 g/d,高于NRC(1981)的相同生长阶段山羊蛋白质维持需要量推荐值。     

Quantitative feed restriction or meal-feeding of broiler chicks alter functional development of enzymes for protein digestion

1. Two experiments were performed on broiler chicks to determine the effect of either quantitative feed restriction (QFR) from 5 to 11 d of age or meal-feeding (MF) from d 5 to 17 on development of activity of enzymes associated with protein digestion. 2. Proteolytic activity of the proventriculus was reduced by QFR but unaffected by MF. 3. General proteolytic and carboxypeptidase A activities of the pancreas were reduced by QFR and MF. 4. Amino- and dipeptidase activities of the small intestine were increased by QFR. Dipeptidase activity was unaffected by MF. 5. Nitrogen retention of QFR chicks was lower immediately following feed restriction but not in the 2 weeks following return to ad libitum access to feed. 6. Feeding regimen alters functional development of the enzymes of protein digestion and may therefore influence growth rate of broilers.     

Effects of compensatory growth on some body component weights and on carcass and noncarcass composition of growing lambs.

A trial was conducted in 1983 and repeated in 1984 to measure effects of restricted feed intake and realimentation on weights of organs and on carcass and noncarcass composition. A total of one hundred six weaned lambs from two breeds (Timahdit and D'man) and a breed cross (Ile de France x D'man) were used in both years. Lambs were allotted to one of six feed intake regimens: HH (ad libitum access to feed from 21 to 30 kg); HM (ad libitum access to feed from 21 to 26 kg then 70% ad libitum to 30 kg); MH (70% ad libitum from 21 to 26 kg then ad libitum to 30 kg); MM (70% ad libitum from 21 to 30 kg); LH (restricted to lose weight from 21 to 17 kg then ad libitum to 30 kg); and LM (restricted to lose weight from 21 to 17 kg then 70% ad libitum to 30 kg). Weights of visceral organs and mesenteric and kidney fat showed dramatic responses to alteration of feed allowances. After recovery from 20% live weight loss, weight of liver equaled or exceeded that of both the ad libitum and 70% refed lambs. Mesenteric and kidney fat did not. Refeeding was accompanied by an increase in water (P less than .05) and a decrease in fat (P less than .01) of both carcass and noncarcass components. These results indicate that weight loss of lambs incurred during feed shortage was largely in internal organ weights, and that these lambs can recover these losses during realimentation and undergo compensatory growth with better feed efficiency and lean carcasses.     

Impacts of dietary protein level and feed restriction during prepuberty on mammogenesis in gilts

The possible roles of dietary protein level and feed restriction in regulating mammary development of prepubertal gilts were investigated. Cross-bred gilts were fed a commercial diet until 90 d of age and then divided into four nutritional regimens based on two pelleted diets (as-fed basis): a high-protein diet (HP = 13.8 MJ of ME, 1.0% total lysine, 18.7% CP) and a low-protein diet (LP = 13.8 MJ of ME, 0.7% total lysine, 14.4% CP). Nutritional regimens were as follows: 1) HP ad libitum until slaughter (n = 22, T1); 2) HP ad libitum until 150 d of age followed by LP until slaughter (n = 20, T2); 3) LP ad libitum until slaughter (n = 21, T3); and 4) HP with a 20% feed restriction until slaughter (n = 19, T4). Gilts were weighed, their backfat thickness was measured, and jugular blood samples were obtained on d 90, 150, and at slaughter to determine concentrations of prolactin, IGF-I, leptin, and glucose. Gilts were slaughtered 8+/-1 d after their first or second estrus (202.7+/-14.5 d of age). Mammary glands were excised, parenchymal and extraparenchymal tissues were dissected, and composition of parenchymal tissue (protein, fat, DM, DNA, protein/DNA) was determined. The T4 gilts weighed less (P < 0.01) and had less backfat (P < 0.01) than did gilts on other treatments on d 150 and at slaughter. Treatments had no significant effects on prolactin, IGF-I, or glucose concentrations, but there was a treatment x day interaction (P < 0.01) for leptin, with concentrations being lower at slaughter in restricted-fed (T4) vs. LP (T3) gilts (P < 0.05). There was less extraparenchymal mammary tissue (P < 0.01) in T4 gilts than in gilts from the other groups and a tendency (P = 0.13) for the amount of parenchymal tissue to be lower in T4 gilts. In conclusion, a lower lysine intake during prepuberty did not hinder mammary development of gilts, but a 20% feed restriction decreased mass of parenchymal and extraparenchymal tissues. The effect of feed restriction on extraparenchymal tissue is most likely associated with the lower fat deposition.     

早期限饲对肉鸡肺动脉高压综合征发病率、生产性能和腹脂率的影响

采用低温诱发肉鸡肺动脉高压综合征,对比观察不同的早期限饲方法对于常温和低温条件下PHS的发病率、肉鸡生产性能和腹脂率的影响。在试验1中,限饲处理组肉鸡分别于7￣14日龄或7￣21日龄每天给料8h,对照组肉鸡全程自由采食。在试验2中,限饲组肉鸡分别于7￣14日龄给予对照组肉鸡前1d饲料消耗量的60%或80%。结果表明:早期限饲能够降低肉鸡PHS的发病率,在低温条件下尤其明显;早期限饲改善了饲料效率,同时未对肉鸡的胴体品质产生显著的影响,且适当限饲不影响肉鸡的最终上市体重。这表明早期限饲是一种有效的控制肉鸡PHS的方法,值得在实际生产中推广应用。     

Effects of dietary crude protein concentration during periods of feed restriction on performance, carcass characteristics, and skeletal muscle protein turnover in feedlot steers.

In Exp. 1, 36 individually penned steers (initial BW = 294 +/- 3.8 kg) were used to determine effects of dietary CP percentage and programming gain on performance and carcass characteristics. Steers were fed to achieve a predicted gain of 1.13 kg/d for the first 84 kg of gain and 1.36 kg/d for the next 124 kg of gain and were offered feed for ad libitum consumption for the final 58 kg of gain before slaughter. In these three phases of growth, steers were fed diets, sequentially, with the following CP percentages: HHH (16, 13.5, and 12.5%), LHH (9, 13.5, and 13%), or LLL (9, 9, and 9%). When predicted gain was 1.13 kg/d, ADG was greater (P < 0.01) for steers in the HHH (1.09 kg/d) vs LHH and LLL (0.83 kg/d) systems. When predicted gain was 1.36 kg/d, ADG and gain efficiency were greatest (P < 0.01) for steers in the LHH system. Overall ADG and gain efficiency were greater (P < 0.01) for steers in the HHH (1.46 kg/d, 0.194) and LHH systems (1.38 kg/d, 0.190), compared with steers in the LLL (1.21 kg/d and 0.166) system. Carcass fat thickness was lower for steers in the LHH (0.74 cm) system than for steers in the LLL system (1.09 cm). In Exp. 2, 18 individually penned steers (initial BW = 225 +/- 5.8 kg) were either offered a 13% CP diet for ad libitum intake (AL) throughout the 134-d experiment or fed a high- (16% CP; PI-HH) or low- (10% CP; PI-LH) CP diet and fed to achieve a predicted gain of 1.13 kg/d for the first 85 d of the experiment. Steers in the PI-HH and PI-LH feeding regimens were then offered a 13% CP diet for ad libitum consumption from d 86 to 134. Fractional protein accretion rate was greater (P < 0.01) for steers in the PI-HH and PI-LH feeding regimens than for steers in the AL regimen at d 92, 106, and 120. Fractional breakdown and synthesis rates were not affected (P = 0.63) by feeding regimen. Increased ADG and gain efficiency of steers during compensatory growth periods may in part be due to greater fractional accretion rates of skeletal muscle protein.     

Influences of wet feeding and supplementation with ascorbic acid on performance and carcass composition of broiler chicks exposed to a high ambient temperature.

In two experiments was investigated whether feeding with an air-dry feed mixed with different amounts of water and/or supplemental ascorbic acid affect performance and carcass compositions of broilers exposed to a high ambient temperature (35 to 37 degrees C for 8 h/d and thermoneutral for 16 h/d). In the first trial, 64 one-week-old male broiler chicks were fed ad libitum in four dietary treatment groups for a 6-week period. Experimental mash diets were prepared by mixing a maize-soybean based standard broiler starter or finisher with tap water in the ratios of 0.0:1.0, 0.5:1.0, 1.0:1.0 and 1.5:1.0 (water:air-dry feed, w/w). More water in the diet increased BWG, DMI, abdominal fat and carcass weight, carcass CP, crude fat, but it deteriorated DM conversion efficiency. In the second experiment, 64 one-week-old male broiler chicks were given air-dry or wet (water:feed, 1.5:1) starter or finisher diets without or with ascorbic acid supplementation (0 and 250 mg/kg air-dry feed, resp.) ad libitum for a 6-week period. Ascorbic acid supplementation increased BWG, carcass weight and carcass CP significantly, while reducing carcass crude fat content. However, feeding broilers with a diet mixed with water in a ratio of 1.5:1.0 increased BWG, DMI, carcass weight and carcass lipid markedly, but deteriorated DM conversion efficiency. There was also a significant interaction between ascorbic acid and wet feeding, whereby ascorbic acid supplementation induced a significant reduction in carcass lipid contents of broilers fed on air-dry diets but not on wet diets. It is concluded that wet feeding, especially an addition of 150% water to produce a porridge like consistency, improved growth performance by increasing fat, ash and protein deposition in the body, while reducing DM conversion efficiency. It is also concluded that under heat stress supplemental ascorbic acid in air-dry diets stimulates broiler performance but not in wet diets.     

Effects of feeding level on efficiency of high- and low-residual feed intake beef steers

Comparing heat production after ad libitum (ADLIB) and restricted (RESTRICT) feeding periods may offer insight into how residual feed intake (RFI) groups change their energy requirements based on previous feeding levels. In this study, the authors sought to explain the efficiency changes of high- and low-RFI steers after feed restriction. To determine RFI classification, 56 Angus-cross steers with initial body weight (BW) of 350 ± 28.7 kg were individually housed, offered ad libitum access to a total mixed ration, and daily intakes were recorded for 56 d. RFI was defined as the residual of the regression of dry matter intake on mid-test BW^0.75 and average daily gain. High- and low-RFI groups were defined as >0.5 SD above or below the mean of zero, respectively. Fourteen steers from each high and low groups (n = 28) were selected for the subsequent 56-d RESTRICT period. During the RESTRICT period, intake was restricted to 75% of previous ad libitum intake on a BW^0.75 basis, and all other conditions remained constant. After the RESTRICT period, both RFI groups had decreased maintenance energy requirements. However, the low-RFI group decreased maintenance energy requirements by 32% on a BW^0.75 basis, more (P < 0.05) than the high-RFI group decreased maintenance requirements (18%). Thus, the low-RFI steers remained more efficient after a period of feed restriction. We conclude that feed restriction decreases maintenance energy requirement in both high- and low-RFI groups that are restricted to the same degree.     

Effects of programmed growth rate and days fed on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate a feeding regimen in which a programmed amount of feed was offered daily to control growth rate of steers. In Exp. 1, steers (n = 107, 309 +/- 3 kg) were used to determine effects of offering ad libitum access to feed (AL) vs a programmed intake feeding regimen (PI) and the number of days steers were fed (168 vs 203) on performance and carcass characteristics. Steers in the programmed intake feeding regimen were fed to achieve a predicted gain of 1.13 kg/d for the first 78 kg of gain, 1.36 kg/d for the next 124 kg of gain, and were given ad libitum access to feed for the final 54 or 103 kg of gain before slaughter (for steers fed for 168 d or 203 d, respectively). Feed efficiency was greater (P < 0.02) for steers in the PI than for those in the AL feeding regimen (0.193 vs 0.183 kg gain/kg feed, respectively). From d 169 to 203, steers in the PI feeding regimen had greater (P < 0.06) ADG (1.60 vs 1.38 kg/d) and similar (P = 0.38) feed efficiency than steers in the AL regimen. In Exp. 2, steers (n = 96; 308 +/- 3 kg BW) were offered feed ad libitum throughout the experiment (AL) or were programmed to gain at a high (PI-H) or low (PI-L) growth rate. For the first 78 kg of gain, intake was restricted to achieve predicted gains of 1.13 kg/d (PI-L) or 1.25 kg/d (PI-H). For the next 124 kg of gain, intake was restricted to achieve predicted gains of 1.36 kg/d (PI-L) or 1.47 kg/d (PI-H). Feed was offered ad libitum for the final 58 kg of gain. Overall ADG was similar (P > 0.37) among feeding regimens despite lower DMI for the steers in the PI-L and PI-H feeding regimens than for those in the AL regimen. Feeding regimen did not affect (P < 0.22) carcass characteristics. Programmed intake feeding regimens sustained growth rate and feed efficiency for an extended period of time without detrimental effects on carcass characteristics.     

Effect of altering nutrient density (concentrate to roughage ratio) and restricting energy intake on rate, efficiency and composition of growing lambs

Two hundred ninety-eight Rambouillet ewe and wether lambs approximately 9 mo old from Texas were allotted to pens (29 to 30 lambs/pen). Two replicate pens were fed each of five diets. Two methods of restricting energy intake were evaluated: altering nutrient density (55% vs 72.5% vs 90% concentrate levels) and restricting intake of the 90% concentrate pelleted diet (92.5% or 85% ad libitum intake). Daily gains were highest with the 72.5% concentrate level and feed efficiency was poorest with the 55% concentrate diet fed ad libitum. Altering nutrient density did not reduce energy intake because lambs compensated by increasing feed intake at the lower nutrient densities. Actual feed intake was 89.5% of ad libitum for the 92.5% of ad libitum intake level and 84% of ad libitum at the 85% of ad libitum intake level due to refusal to consume some fines from the 90% concentrate diet. Feed refusal was greatest for lambs with ad libitum access to feed. Average daily gain was depressed by 8% at the 85% intake level. However, feed efficiency was improved (P less than .01) by 20% when intake was restricted to 92.5% of the ad libitum intake level. Differences in carcass traits were small, but consistent; carcass fat content was reduced slightly by restricting feed intake at constant slaughter weight.