True Metabolizable Energy and Amino Acid Digestibility of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles

In recent years, policies encouraging the production of ethanol have stimulated an enormous increase in the production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The form of the ingredient that is becoming increasingly available differs from that of previous decades in that it is derived almost entirely from corn and is dried under less severe conditions. Seventeen DDGS samples were obtained from 6 different plants in the midwestern United States from 2002 to 2004. Each sample was analyzed for TME_n, and 8 representative samples were analyzed for total and digestible amino acids (AA) by the precision-fed rooster assay using conventional or cecectomized Single Comb White Leghorn roosters, respectively. Color [lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)] of each DDGS sample was measured with a Minolta Chroma Meter CR-300. The TME_n ranged from 2,490 to 3,190 kcal/kg (86% DM basis) and had a mean of 2,820 kcal/kg. Variation was noted among samples, presumably reflecting differences in the original corn composition, fermentation, and disposition of solubles. Considerable differences were observed among the true AA digestibilities of the DDGS samples. Most samples were golden in color, and true AA digestibility values were relatively consistent among these samples. The average total concentration and digestibility coefficients of several most limiting AA for the 8 DDGS samples were as follows: Lys, 0.71% (70); Met, 0.54% (87); cystine, 0.56% (74); Thr, 0.96% (75), Val, 1.33% (80), Ile, 0.97% (83); and Arg, 1.09% (84). Correlations were found among digestible Lys, Thr, Arg, His, and Trp and the yellowness (b*) and lightness (L*) of the DDGS samples. In general, DDGS samples that were more yellow and lighter in color had higher total and digestible AA levels. The variation in TME_n and AA digestibility observed among samples strongly indicated that confirmatory analyses should be conducted prior to using samples from a new supplier.     

Silage preparation and nutritive value of Chinese yam by-product

The objective of this experiment was to determine the ensiling characteristics, nutrient composition and nutritive value of Chinese yam by-product (CYBP) silage treated without additive (Control), with lactic acid bacteria (LY), with dried beet pulp (BY), or with mixtures of lactic acid bacteria and dried beet pulp (LBY) for a fermentation period of 150 days. The nutritive value of CYBP silage was studied in an in vivo digestibility trial using wethers in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Addition of lactic acid bacteria and/or dried beet pulp greatly improved fermentation quality of CYBP silage. The pH was reduced to below 4.0 and lactic acid was produced at above 4.6% on dry matter basis. There were no statistical differences among treatments in the digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and energy in the silages, but neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility were higher ( P  < 0.001) in wethers fed BY and LBY silages compared to the control and LY silages. It was estimated that total digestible nutrient and digestible energy in the CYBP silage averaged 79.1% and 14.3 MJ/kg on dry matter basis. The study suggests that CYBP can be well preserved by making a silage and it is a good potential energy source for ruminant diets.     

The metabolisable energy of a sample of maize dextrin for poultry

The digestible and metabolisable energy values of a sample of maize yellow dextrin, determined using five colostomised hens were 11.602 ± 0.276 and 9.142 ± 0.230 MJ/kg (2473±66 and 2185±55 kcal/kg), respectively. These values are 65 and 57 % respectively of the gross energy of the dextrin.     

籽粒苋籽实粉作为肉仔鸡日粮组分的营养价值评定

通过梯度饲养、消化代谢和比较屠宰试验,综合评定了籽粒苋籽实粉对星布罗(Star-bro)肉仔鸡的营养价值和对日粮氨基酸利用率的影响.结果测得籽粒苋籽实粉含可消化粗蛋白质132.75g/kg,表观代谢能13.44MJ/kg;日粮中纳入16％苋籽实粉,显著提高了氨基酸利用率和血浆游离赖氨酸、亮氨酸及甘氨酸浓度,日粮粗蛋白质和能量代谢率分别提高6.91％和5.33％,日粮中营养物质转化为胴体蛋白质、脂肪的效率及料肉比均得到改善.     

Growth and meat yield responses of Ross × Ross 708 male broilers fed diets formulated with distillers dried grains with solubles varying in ether extract content and inclusion rate from 1 to 49 days of age

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing low-, moderate-, or high-oil dried distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) included at conventional- or increased-inclusion rates fed to 1,500 Ross × Ross 708 male broilers that were assigned to 60 floor pens from 1 to 49 d of age. Three sources of DDGS had ether extract composition of 6.06, 8.80, or 11.59%, on dry matter (DM) basis, representing low-oil, moderate-oil, or high-oil DDGS, respectively. Diets were formulated to contain corn, soybean meal, animal protein meal as the primary ingredients, and 1 of the 3 DDGS sources at either 5, 7, 9, or 11% (conventional-inclusion rate) and 8, 10, 12, or 14% (increased-inclusion rate) in the starter (1 to 14 d), grower (15 to 24 d), finisher 1 (25 to 34 d), and finisher 2 (35 to 49 d) periods, respectively. Apparent ME_n (low-oil:1,975, moderate-oil: 2,644, and high-oil: 3,137 kcal/kg) and digestible amino acid (AA) values of the 3 DDGS sources were determined from previous research. No differences were detected for cumulative BW gain and feed conversion 1 to 49 d of age or meat yields at 50 d of age. Feeding broilers diets containing the low-oil DDGS source increased feed cost per BW gain and breast meat weight of $0.025/kg and $0.004/kg compared with birds fed diets containing high-oil DDGS or moderate-oil and high-oil DDGS sources, respectively. These data indicated that DDGS source and inclusion rate did not affect cumulative growth and carcass characteristics of broilers from 1 to 50 d of age but demonstrate differences in feed cost/BW gain and feed cost/breast meat weight.     

麦麸猪消化能与能量消化率预测方程的建立

本试验旨在测定麦麸的猪消化能(DE)及麦麸各化学成分对DE与能量消化率(DCE)的影响,分析用麦麸化学成分建立其DE与DCE的预测方程。试验选用12头三元杂交(杜×大×长)去势公猪[初始体重为(36.6±2.9)kg],采用2个6×6拉丁方试验设计(6期,11种饲粮),应用全收粪法测定10种不同产地和批次麦麸的DE,通过分析麦麸原料中的粗蛋白质(CP)、粗纤维(CF)、酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维、淀粉(St)、粗脂肪、粗灰分、总能与DE及DCE之间的相关关系,筛选出最佳的预测因子并建立预测方程。结果表明:10种麦麸的平均DE为11.72 MJ/kg(干物质基础),平均DCE为61.31%,St为DE和DCE的最佳预测因子。推荐DE预测方程:DE=0.31×St+3.71(R2=0.76,RSD=0.42,P<0.01)、DE=-0.91×CF-0.71×CP+33.80(R2=0.76,RSD=0.35,P<0.01)。推荐DCE预测方程:DCE=1.70×St+22.28(R2=0.76,RSD=2.89,P<0.01),DCE=-5.02×CF-3.65×CP+182.81(R2=0.80,RSD=1.79,P<0.01)。由此可知,本试验利用麦麸原料营养成分建立的DE及DCE的预测方程相关指数较高,且由本试验结果预测的DE值比较准确。     

Hatchery Feeding of Starter Diets to Broiler Chicks

This study examined hatchery feeding of starter diets differing in amino acid density and moisture on live performance measurements up to 37 d and processing measurements at 38 d. Eggs from a Cobb × Cobb 500 slow-feathering cross broiler strain were set in a common incubator and hatched. Chicks were feather-sexed, placed in 36 chick trays (25 chicks of each sex), and weighed by tray. One of 4 dietary treatments was administered (454 g/tray) in crumble form: 1) no feed; 2) feed containing 1.24% digestible Lys, 0.84% digestible TSAA, 0.80% digestible Thr, 23.2% CP, and 3,080 kcal/kg of ME; 3) feed containing 1.45% digestible Lys, 0.94% digestible TSAA, 0.84% digestible Thr, 26.0% CP, and 3,080 kcal/kg of ME; and 4) treatment 3 plus 100 mL of potable water added to the crumbles 5 min before administration in the trays. Chicks received feed treatments in trays in the hatchery, during transportation to the research facility, and in the research facility until placement (5 h of total tray feeding). Body weight gain at d 7 was increased in birds fed the high density diet alone or in combination with water as compared with birds that were fasted. Subsequent live performance, processing, and small intestine weights, however, did not differ among treatments. Lack of 37-d improvements (average 4.6-lb birds) to early feed allocation may be a result of diet composition, duration of diet allocation, and the genetic strain of bird used, because much literature has pointed to the importance of posthatch nutrition of broilers.     

几种非常规粗饲料养分及其饲用价值的比较研究

为明确苎麻（Boehmeria nivea L.）青贮、构树（Broussonetia papyrifera）青贮、芦笋（Asparagus officinalis）及芦笋皮的饲用价值,利用饲料分析技术及氨基酸分析仪进行了测定,并对其饲用价值进行比较分析。结果表明：芦笋中粗蛋白质（CP）、粗脂肪（Fat）和粗灰分（Ash）的含量最高;苎麻青贮中粗纤维（CF）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）和酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）的含量最高;构树青贮中干物质（DM）和总能（GE）为最高;芦笋的总必需氨基酸与总非必需氨基酸含量最高。芦笋的干物质采食量（DMI）、可消化干物质（DDM）、相对饲用价值（RFV）和有机物质消化率（OMD）均显著高于其他3种粗饲料（P<0.05）,苎麻青贮的饲用价值显著低于其他3种粗饲料（P<0.05）。本研究可以为苎麻青贮、构树青贮、芦笋及芦笋皮在动物营养中的应用提供参考依据。     

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of male broilers fed diets varying in digestible threonine to lysine ratio from 21 to 49 days of age

Two experiments were conducted to ascertain digestible Thr to Lys ratio of male broilers from 21 to 35 d of age (experiment 1) and 35 to 49 d of age (experiment 2) based on growth performance and processing yields. In both experiments, 2 diets (dilution and summit; 3,108 kcal ME/kg and 18.2% CP in experiment 1; 3,163 kcal ME/kg and 17.2% CP in experiment 2) consisting of corn, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal, and peanut meal formulated to be surfeit in limiting amino acids with exception of digestible Lys and Thr were mixed at various proportions to create 8 titration dose-response diets. Digestible Lys was formulated to contain 95% of the requirements from 21 to 35 and 35 to 49 d of age. In each experiment, gradient treatment structure was arranged in a randomized complete block design. Calculated digestible Thr to Lys ratios ranged from 0.512 to 0.806 in approximately increments of 0.040 (1,600 Hubbard × Cobb 500 broilers; experiment 1) and 0.552 to 0.793 in approximately increments of 0.035 (3,000 Ross × Ross 708 broilers; experiment 2). In experiment 1, digestible Thr to Lys ratio for male Hubbard × Cobb 500 broilers was estimated at 0.68 and 0.67 for BW gain and feed conversion from 21 to 35 d of age. In experiment 2, digestible Thr to Lys ratio of Ross × Ross 708 was determined at 0.68 and 0.63 for feed conversion ratio with quadratic and linear broken-line models, respectively. Meat weights and yields were not affected by the dietary treatments in either experiment. These data indicate that a digestible Thr to Lys ratio of 0.68 can optimize growth performance of broilers from 21 to 35 and 35 to 49 d of age.     

Chemical composition,energy and amino acid digestibility in double-low rapeseed meal fed to growing pigs

Background:The nutritional value of rapeseed meal may be variable due to the variation of its chemical composition.And a precise understanding of the nutritional value of an ingredient is beneficial for the accurate diet formulation and reduction of feed costs.This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition,digestible energy(DE) and metabolizable energy(ME) content,and apparent ileal digestibility(AID) and standardized ileal digestibility(SID) of amino acids(AA) for growing pigs.Thirteen solvent-extracted double-low rapeseed meal(DLRSM) samples were obtained from the main double-low rapeseed producing areas in China.Methods:The DE and ME contents of the 13 DLRSM samples were measured in growing pigs(six pigs per DLRSM sample,average initial body weight(BW) = 48.3 kg).The AID and SID of AA of 10 DLRSM samples were determined in 12 crossbred barrows(average initial BW = 35.3 kg) by using two 6x6 Latin square designs.Each Latin square comprised one N-free diet and 5 DLRSM test diets.Results:The chemical composition of DLRSM varied among samples,and the coefficient of variation was greater than 10%for ether extract(EE),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),acid detergent fiber(ADF),calcium(Ca),and total glucosinolates.The AA content of DLRSM varied among samples especially for lysine(Lys) and methionine(Met).On a dry matter(DM) basis,the apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD) of gross energy(GE),the DE and ME and the ME:DE ratio of DLRSM averaged 62.39%,2862 kcal/kg and 2723 kcal/kg,and 94.95%,respectively.The mean value of SID of Lys was 70.52% which varied from 66.54-76.54%.The SID of crude protein(CP),Met,and threonine(Thr) averaged 72.81%,82.41%,and 69.76%,respectively.Conclusions:There was great variability in chemical composition especially in the concentration of EE,NDF and ADF,but no significant differences in energy content of the DLRSM samples were observed.In addition,the AID and SID of all AA were relatively similar among DLRSM samples except for that of Lys.     

山东省羊常用粗饲料营养价值评定

试验旨在综合评价从山东省17个市采集的羊常用粗饲料原料的营养价值。试验测定了109个样本10种常用原料的常规营养成分及总能(GE),应用两级离体消化法测定干物质消化率(IVDMD),以计算消化能(DE)和代谢能(ME),并根据预测干物质随意采食量(DMI),进而计算出分级指数(GI)。结果表明,不同粗饲料间的常规养分的差异不能准确地评价饲料营养价值;以NDF、ADF所得GI综合评价粗饲料中营养价值得到苜蓿>冬牧70>地瓜秧>羊草>花生秧>青贮玉米秸>玉米秸>水稻秸>豆秸>麦秸;IVDMD与NDF、ADF均呈显著负相关,而与CP呈显著正相关;DE与NDF、ADF相关性较强,且均呈负相关。     

不同省份来源的稻谷干酒糟及其可溶物饲喂生长猪有效能和氨基酸回肠末端消化率的测定

本试验旨在测定不同省份来源的稻谷干酒糟及其可溶物(DDGS)饲喂生长猪的消化能、代谢能和氨基酸回肠末端消化率。试验一:选用30头初始体重为(35.02±1.61) kg杜×长×大三元杂交去势公猪,随机分成5组,每组6个重复,每个重复1头猪。各组分别饲喂玉米饲粮和4种稻谷DDGS饲粮。试验期19 d。试验二:选用30头初始体重为(42.04±1.90) kg装有T型瘘管的杜×长×大三元杂交去势公猪,随机分成5组,每组6个重复,每个重复1头猪。各组分别饲喂无氮饲粮和4种稻谷DDGS饲粮。试验期16 d。结果表明:1)来源于黑龙江、安徽和河北的稻谷DDGS的总能、粗蛋白质和氨基酸含量高于来源于广西的稻谷DDGS。来源于黑龙江、安徽和河北的稻谷DDGS的中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维含量低于来源于广西的稻谷DDGS。2)来源于广西的稻谷DDGS的消化能、代谢能,粗蛋白质、干物质和能量表观全肠道消化率,以及氨基酸表观和标准回肠末端消化率均显著低于来源于黑龙江、安徽和河北的稻谷DDGS(P<0.05)。由此可见,不同省份来源的稻谷DDGS由于营养成分不同,导致其在生长猪上的消化能、代谢能和氨基酸回肠末端消化率存在差异,其中粗纤维含量是影响稻谷DDGS营养价值的关键因素之一。     

Initial research on the use of mixed corn grain and stalk silage in broiler fattening

The suitability of a corn and cob maize silage (CCM) as a component rich in energy in the fattening ration was investigated in a growth experiment with male broilers. The CCM silage with a dry matter content of 60.2% contained the following substances determining its value (per 1 kg dry matter of the feed): 102 g crude protein, 61 g crude fibre and 682 energetic feed units for chickens (EFUc). CCM silage was either fed as a component of a feed mixture consisting of 70.5% CCM silage and 29.5% protein concentrate (all values of original substance) or both components of the ration were fed to broilers separately. The protein concentrate was composed as follows (values per kg): 650 g soybean oilmeal, 110 g fishmeal, 85 g tankage from rendering plants, 55 g torula yeast, 70 g mineral mixture and 30 g of a mixture of biologically active substances. The broilers of the control group received commercial fattening feed for broilers with coarse maize meal as cereal component. The feed mixture with CCM silage and separate CCM silage were accepted readily. When CCM silage and protein concentrate were offered alternatively, the same amount of CCM silage was consumed but 8% less protein concentrate. The broilers fed with CCM silage plus protein concentrate reached 96-97% of the live weight of the control animals (1.952 g/animal, 49th day), which received conventional feed, although their net energy intake was 10% lower. This proves a more favourable net energy expenditure for the test groups fed with CCM silage.     

Renal energy excretion of horses depends on renal hippuric acid and nitrogen excretion

The prediction of renal energy excretion is crucial in a metabolizable energy system for horses. Phenolic acids from forage cell walls may affect renal energy losses by increasing hippuric acid excretion. Therefore, the relationships were investigated between renal energy, nitrogen (N) and hippuric acid excretion of four adult ponies (230–384 kg body weight (BW)) consuming diets based on fresh grass, grass silage, grass cobs (heat‐dried, finely chopped, pressed grass), alfalfa hay, straw, extruded straw and soybean meal. Feed intake was measured; urine and faeces were quantitatively collected for three days. Feed was analysed for crude nutrients, gross energy, amino acids and neutral‐detergent‐insoluble crude protein (CP); faeces were analysed for crude nutrients and cross energy; urine was analysed for N, hippuric acid, creatinine and gross energy. Renal energy excretion (y; kJ/kg BW^0.75) correlated with renal N excretion (x₁; g/kg BW^0.75) and renal hippuric acid excretion (x₂; g/kg BW^0.75): y = 14.4 + 30.2x₁+20.7x₂ (r = .95; n = 30; p < .05). Renal hippuric acid excretion was highest after intake of fresh grass and lowest after intake of soybean meal. The ratio of hippuric acid to creatinine in urine and the excretion of hippuric acid per gram of dry matter intake was significantly higher for fresh grass than for all other rations. There was no relationship between aromatic amino acid intake and renal hippuric acid excretion. The results of the present study and literature data suggest that feed can be categorized into four groups with regard to the energy losses per gram CP intake: (i) protein supplements (e.g., soybean meal): 4.2–4.9 kJ/g CP intake (ii) alfalfa hay, grains, dried sugar beet pulp: 6.4 kJ/g CP intake, (iii) hay, preserved grass products, straw: 5.2–12.3 kJ/g CP intake (mean 8) and (iv) fresh grass. For group (iii) a negative relationship was observed between renal energy losses per gram of CP and the content of CP or neutral‐detergent‐insoluble CP in dry matter.     

Evaluation of a high-protein DDGS product in broiler chickens: performance,nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy,and standardised ileal amino acid digestibility

ABSTRACT

1. New production processes and additional uses for corn co-products have increased the availability of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with varying energy and amino acid digestibility, for use in poultry feed. The objective of this study was to determine the performance, N-corrected metabolisable energy (AME_n), and amino acid (AA) digestibility of a 34% CP (as fed) high-protein DDGS (HP-DDGS) included in poultry diets for Cobb 500 broiler chickens.

2. A total of 832 Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing 5% conventional DDGS (CV-DDGS) as a control or 10%, 15% and 20% HP-DDGS and fed for 42 d. After the performance trial, 240 birds from the original 832 were selected for a concurrent AME_n and AA digestibility experiment consisting of two AME_n diets and two AA diets.

3. Birds fed diets containing 15% and 20% HP DDGS gained less weight than birds fed the CV-DDGS (P < 0.05) but did not differ in feed intake (FI), and therefore had a less efficient FCR than the control (P < 0.05). The AME_n of HP-DDGS was determined to be 11.4 MJ/kg. The standardised ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) of the essential amino acids Lys and Met were determined to be 80.9% and 88.6%, respectively.

4. HP-DDGS can be included in broiler diets up to 10% without any negative impact on performance or requiring supplemental Lys and Arg. The results from the AA digestibility study indicated that HP-DDGS could be a good source of digestible Lys.     

水稻秸秆、麦麸、葡萄糖添加对绿狐尾藻青贮质量影响研究

为探究添加不同比例的水稻秸秆、麦麸与葡萄糖对新鲜绿狐尾藻青贮品质的影响规律，采用双因素完全随机设计，A因素为稻秸添加比例：0%，5%，10%，15%(相应计算麦麸和绿狐尾藻添加比例)；B因素为葡萄糖添加比例：0%，2%，4%，6%，青贮原料充分混合后青贮。结果表明：稻秸与葡萄糖添加比例及二者互作对青贮效果有显著或极显著影响(P<0.05或P<0.01)。随稻秸添加比例增加，丁酸含量显著增加(P<0.05)，纤维含量极显著增加，粗蛋白含量极显著降低(P<0.01)；随葡萄糖添加比例增加，pH值显著下降(P<0.05)，可溶性糖含量极显著升高(P<0.01)，粗蛋白、纤维含量及有氧稳定性极显著降低(P<0.01)。综合来看，70%绿狐尾藻与30%麦麸混合青贮添加2%~6%葡萄糖可制备饲用品质和有氧稳定性均优的青贮饲料；添加5%或10%水稻秸秆并添加4%葡萄糖可制备原料成本更低的青贮饲料。     

The nutritive value of cassava starch extraction residue for growing ducks

The cassava root meal (CRM) has been utilized as a cheap energy alternative to replace maize in poultry diets. Recently, the CRM in turn has an increasing demand for starch extraction industry, which renders large amounts of residues. This study evaluated the nutrient composition, amino acid profile, and feeding value of cassava starch extraction residue meal (CReM) for growing ducks. A total of 960, 11-day-old, ducklings were housed in 24 floor pens and allocated randomly into four dietary treatments: (i) 0CReM (control), (ii) 50 g CReM/kg, (iii) 100 g CReM/kg, and (iv) 150 g CReM/kg. The analyses (/kg) of CReM showed high gross energy (3306.88 kcal), ME (2109.54 kcal), and starch (514.0 g), with poor crude protein (20.9 g) and moderate crude fiber (140.0 g) and ash (60.0 g) contents. The total amino acid (AA) content amounted to 19.9 g/kg of CReM DM, in which the methionine, lysine, cystine, and isoleucine were present in low levels. The dietary inclusion of CReM up to 150 g/kg, between 11 and 42 days of age, had no significant effects (P?>?0.05) on duck growth parameters, mortality, dressed weight, internal organs, or abdominal fat. Besides, the tested CReM levels did not show any significant effect on the blood proteins or liver enzymes. The results, therefore, revealed that the CReM contains a considerable amount of energy and could be incorporated successfully up to 150 g/kg in the diets of growing ducks.     

Energy evaluation of extruded compound foods for dogs by near-infrared spectroscopy

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to predict the chemical composition, apparent digestibility and digestible nutrients and energy content of commercial extruded compound foods for dogs. Fifty-six foods of known chemical composition and in vivo apparent digestibility were analysed overall and 51 foods were used to predict gross energy digestibility and digestible energy content. Modified partial least square calibration models were developed for organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), nitrogen free extracts (NFE) and gross energy (GE) content, the apparent digestibility (OMD, CPD, EED, NFED and GED) and the digestible nutrient and energy content (DOM, DCP, DEE, DNFE and DE) of foods. The calibration equations obtained were evaluated by the standard error and the determination coefficient of cross-validation. The cross-validation coefficients of determination (R) were 0.61, 0.99, 0.91, 0.96, 0.94 and 0.92 for OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE and GE, the corresponding standard error of cross-validation (SECV) being 5.80, 3.51, 13.35, 3.64 and 16.95 g/kg dry matter (DM) and 0.29 MJ/kg DM respectively. The prediction of apparent digestibility was slightly less accurate, but NIRS prediction of digestible nutrient (g/kg DM) and DE (MJ/kg DM) gave satisfactory results, with high R (0.93, 0.97, 0.93, 0.83 and 0.93 for DOM, DCP, DEE, DNFE and DE respectively) and relatively low SECV (11.55, 6.85, 12.14 and 22.98 g/kg DM and 0.47 MJ/kg DM). It is concluded that the precision of NIRS in predicting the energy value of compound extruded foods for dogs is similar or better than by proximate analysis, as well as being faster and more accurate.     

Effect of diet on chemical composition of rabbits slaughtered at fixed body weights

Four hundred and thirty-two Spanish Giant rabbits were fed 12 diets of variable energy to protein ratio [kcal digestible energy (DE)/g digestible crude protein (DCP)] from weaning to slaughter, both at different ages and weights. Body composition analysis for various chemical components indicated that body weight accounted for the greatest part of the variation in these constituents. Sex influenced only the N content (P less than .05). Dietary E/P accounted for greater variability in body composition than crude protein or crude fiber content of the diet. High dietary E/P increased (P less than .001) the proportion of body fat and reduced the proportion of body protein. This effect was made more obvious by adjustment to equal rate of weight gain and it showed that there may be a greater influence of dietary E/P on body composition than previously recognized.     

Studies in male sheep on the feeding value of excreta from young hens and broilers]

5 digestibility trials were carried out, each with 4 male sheep, to investigate the excreta of young hens and broilers produced as litter in hen batteries for rearing and fattening stock. Data on the digestibility of organic matter and energy of broiler excreta were 76.0% and 76.4%; i.e. these values were only slightly lower than those for the basal ration (barley + dried green lucerne: 76.6% and 76.8%). Digestibility coefficients for organic matter and energy content in the excreta of young hens were 69.4% and 70.4%, respectively. The protein digestibility of excreta of broilers and young hens was 82.3% and 84.3%; that is to say, the investigated dropping contained 330 g and 260 g of digestible crude protein per kg of dry matter. Due to the high ash content of the samples the energy content of the analyzed excreta was only 474 EFr and 421 EFr per kg of dry matter.