Nutrient Content of Organically Grown Feedstuffs

Many smaller farms in the United States are switching to organic crop production to remain competitive with industrial agriculture. In doing so, they are cultivating crops not traditionally grown in the area. Organically grown corn, wheat, barley, oats, soybeans, field peas, buckwheat, and flaxseed samples were obtained from producers throughout the Midwest. The nutrient content of the organically grown feedstuffs was compared with published values for industrially grown counterparts. The nutrient content of a given feedstuff has been shown to vary because of differences in climate, soil conditions, maturity, cultivar, management, and processing factors. As an emerging industry, organic crop production practices vary considerably from farm to farm. As a result, there is considerable variation in the nutrient content of organically grown feedstuffs, as noted with the samples analyzed. This variation will affect the formulation of organic livestock feeds and demonstrates the need to develop a database of the nutrient content of organically grown feedstuffs.     

Energy and nutrient digestibility in NutriDense corn and other cereal grains fed to growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to measure the energy and nutrient digestibilities in NutriDense corn and other cereal grains. An additional objective was to evaluate the effect of balancing diets with AA on the values measured for DE and ME of corn varieties. In Exp. 1, 6 growing pigs were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and allotted to a 6 x 6 Latin square design to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values for CP and AA in NutriDense corn, yellow dent corn, barley, wheat, and sorghum. Diets based on each of the 5 cereal grains were formulated, along with a N-free diet. Results of this experiment showed that the AID for most indispensable AA were greater (P < 0.05) in NutriDense corn and wheat than in the other cereal grains. The SID for Lys in NutriDense corn (77.6%) was greater (P < 0.05) than in yellow dent corn (68.5%), and sorghum (56.9%), but not different from wheat (75.1%) and barley (71.7%). The SID for Arg and Met in NutriDense corn also were greater (P < 0.05) than in yellow dent corn (88.1 and 87.2% vs. 84.5 and 82.8%, respectively). For the remaining indispensable AA, no differences in SID between NutriDense corn and yellow dent corn were observed. For all AA, the lowest values (P < 0.05) for AID and SID were obtained for sorghum. If calculated as grams of standardized ileal digestible AA per kilogram of DM, concentrations of all indispensable AA in NutriDense corn were greater (P < 0.05) than in yellow dent corn, but barley and wheat had greater concentrations of most AA than yellow dent corn and NutriDense corn. In Exp. 2, 12 growing barrows were placed in metabolism cages, and the DE and ME of NutriDense corn and yellow dent corn were measured. Both grains were used in diets without or with crystalline AA supplementation. Each diet was fed to 6 pigs in a 2-period, changeover design. The DE and the ME in NutriDense corn (4,004 and 3,922 kcal/kg of DM, respectively) were greater (P < 0.01) than in yellow dent corn (3,878 and 3,799 kcal/kg of DM, respectively). Values for DE and ME were not affected by the addition of crystalline AA to the diets. It is concluded that NutriDense corn has a greater value than yellow dent corn in diet formulations due to increased concentrations of digestible, indispensable AA and energy. However, barley and wheat have greater concentrations, whereas sorghum has lower concentrations, of many digestible AA than NutriDense corn.     

Digestible and metabolizable energy in corn grains from different origins for growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) concentrations in nine sources of corn grains fed to growing pigs and to compare the energy values among their countries of origin. A total of nine sources of corn grains including five sources of yellow corn from the United States (USY), two sources of yellow corn from South Africa (SAY), and two sources of white corn from South Africa (SAW) were used. Nine barrows with an initial body weight of 37.1 ± 8.6 kg were allotted to a 9 × 9 Latin square design with nine diets and nine periods. The DE concentration in SAY (3347 kcal/kg) was greater (P < 0.001) than in USY (3269 kcal/kg), but was less (P < 0.001) than in SAW (3436 kcal/kg) on an as‐fed basis. Similarly, the ME concentration in SAY (3291 kcal/kg) was greater (P < 0.001) than in USY (3209 kcal/kg), but was less (P < 0.001) than in SAW (3386 kcal/kg). In conclusion, the DE and ME concentrations in nine sources of corn grains are different among their countries of origin.     

Nutritional properties of dried salmon silage for broiler feeding

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, energy and amino acid profile of dried salmon silage (DSS) for broilers. The DSS was obtained by acid digestion of salmon mortalities and subsequently co‐dried with wheat bran in a 70:30 ratio (70 parts silage and 30 parts wheat bran). Samples of DSS were evaluated for chemical composition, gross energy, nitrogen‐corrected true metabolizable energy (TME_n), mineral content, total and digestible amino acids for broilers, and amino acid score. The chemical composition of DSS was (mean ± SD): moisture (12.3 ± 0.8%), crude protein (44.0 ± 1.1%), ether extract (5.0 ± 2.4%), crude fiber (3.3 ± 0.4%) and ash (9.4 ± 0.6%). The gross energy and TME_n for broilers were 4 069 kcal/kg and 2 613 kcal/kg, respectively. The DSS mineral composition showed a high content of calcium (1.01%) and phosphorus (1.08%). The DSS had high levels of digestible methionine (0.74%), lysine (2.27%), and threonine (1.16%), and did not present limiting amino acids for broilers. Nutritional composition of DSS showed high protein content with an amino acid profile considered to be suitable as a protein source for broiler feeding.     

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.     

利用饲料原料中的营养成分和可消化营养成分含量建立肉羊常用蛋白质饲料原料代谢能的预测模型

本试验应用套算法分析肉羊常用蛋白质饲料原料中的营养成分含量和可消化营养成分对有效能值的影响,基于饲料原料中的营养成分含量和可消化营养成分建立蛋白质饲料原料代谢能(ME)的预测模型。选取36只22月龄、体重为(52.6±1.4)kg的杜泊×小尾寒羊F1代杂交去势肉羊,采用完全随机区组设计分为6个处理,包括1个基础饲粮处理和5个试验饲粮处理,每个处理6只羊。利用消化代谢试验和呼吸代谢试验并结合套算法计算5种蛋白质饲料原料的消化能(DE)和ME,并分析蛋白质饲料原料DE、ME与该原料中营养成分[干物质(DM)、有机物(OM)、总能(GE)、粗蛋白质(CP)、粗脂肪(EE)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)]和可消化营养成分[可消化干物质(DDM)、可消化有机物(DOM)、可消化粗蛋白质(DCP)、可消化粗脂肪(DEE)、可消化中性洗涤纤维(DNDF)、可消化酸性洗涤纤维(DADF)]含量之间的相关关系。结果表明:饲料原料中的OM、DDM、DOM、DCP含量与DE和ME均存在极显著正相关(P0.01);另外,DADF与DE存在极显著负相关(P0.01),与ME存在显著负相关(P0.05)。通过饲料原料中的营养成分含量预测ME的方程为:ME(MJ/kg)=-82.855+2.391OM(%)+1.802EE(%)-6.21GE(MJ/kg)-0.121ADF(%)(R2=0.910,n=30,P0.01);通过饲料原料中的可消化营养成分含量预测ME的方程为:ME(MJ/kg)=-5.564+30.526DOM(%)+55.402DEE(%)(R2=0.841,n=30,P0.01);通过饲料原料中的可消化营养成分含量与DE共同预测ME的方程为:ME=-5.787+1.126DE(MJ/kg)+20.769DEE(%)(R2=0.879,n=30,P0.01)。综上所述,在本试验中,蛋白质饲料原料中的部分营养成分和可消化营养成分含量与ME之间存在显著相关,可通过饲料原料中的营养成分和可消化营养成分含量对肉羊蛋白质饲料原料的ME进行有效预测。     

Evaluation of Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis) for Broiler Chicks

Illinois bundleflower (IBF; Desmanthus illinoensis) is a warm-season perennial legume native to the central plains of the United States and has potential as both a forage and grain crop. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of IBF seeds as a feed ingredient in broiler starter diets. One-day-old broiler chicks were fed 1 of 4 isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental diets containing 0, 5, 10, or 15% IBF seed. Illinois Bundleflower seed is a high-protein (31.5% CP) feed ingredient with a Lys:Met similar to that of soybean meal. The TME content of IBF seed depends on the form in which it is fed. When fed ground, the TME_n content was determined to be 1,974 kcal/kg. When fed whole, with supplemental grit, the TME_n content was 1,067 kcal/kg. Inclusion of IBF seed in broiler starter diets had adverse affects on both feed consumption and BW gain, even at a 5% inclusion level. Further studies are required to determine whether IBF seed could be included in diets for older broiler chicks or laying hens.     

Metabolisable energy determinations using chicks and turkeys

Experimental mashes containing different proportions of maize, wheat, barley and oats were fed to young broiler chickens and turkeys. Metabolisable energy (ME) determinations were carried out from 5 to 7 and from 19 to 21 d of age.

The turkeys obtained 3.2 and 1.7% more metabolisable energy than chicks from the diets used when assessed on a classical ME and N‐corrected ME basis respectively. The difference was smaller when maize formed a major part of the diet than for the other cereals. Higher ME values were also obtained in the older birds but the effect was not reproducible.     

奶牛常用饲料蛋白质在瘤胃的降解参数

用三头安装瘤胃瘘管的成年牛,采用半体内法(in．situ)研究奶牛日粮中常用的饲料在瘤胃不同时间点的降解率和动态降解率,试验得出32种饲料粗蛋白质2h、6h、12h、24h、36h、48h、72h瘤胃降解率和相关参数,为奶牛日粮配制提供依据。     

高粱在畜禽日粮中的应用研究

高粱的抗旱性强，比玉米的生长环境条件更宽广。随着玉米、小麦等能量原料价格的高涨，为了降低成本，提高产品竞争力，很多大型饲料企业开始从国外进口高粱。然而，由于高粱中含有丹宁，与玉米相比，用高梁作为饲料原料降低了非反刍动物对能量和其它养分的消化利用率。文章就目前高粱在非反刍动物营养中的研究应用进行了总结。     

Comparison of yellow dent and NutriDense corn hybrids in swine diets

Two experiments were conducted to verify the feeding value of NutriDense (ND) and Nutri-Dense Low-Phytate (NDLP) corn (Exseed Genetics LLC, BASF Plant Science, Research Triangle Park, NC) relative to that of yellow dent (YD) corn in swine diets. NutriDense corn is a high-protein, high-oil variety, and NDLP is a high-protein, high-oil, low-phytate variety. In Exp. 1, 315 nursery pigs that initially weighed 15.2 kg were used in a 21-d growth assay. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial; main effects were corn source (YD, ND, and NDLP) and added fat (0, 3, or 6%, as-fed basis). Diets were formulated to contain 3.83 g of lysine/Mcal using calculated nutrient values. There were no corn source x fat interactions observed. Pigs fed YD, ND, and NDLP had ADG of 750, 734, and 738 g/d and G:F of 0.64, 0.66, and 0.65, respectively. No differences (P > 0.10) in ADG were observed among the three corn sources; however, pigs fed diets containing either ND or NDLP corn had decreased ADFI (P < 0.02) and improved G:F (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed diets containing YD corn. Increasing dietary fat increased ADG (727, 746, and 748 g/d; linear, P < 0.04) and G:F (0.62, 0.66, and 0.68; linear, P < 0.01) and decreased ADFI (linear, P < 0.01). Using the NRC (1998) value for ME in YD corn, we calculated the energy value for ND and NDLP based on G:F differences compared with pigs fed YD corn. These data indicated the ME values for ND and NDLP corn are 4.5 and 2.5% greater (3,575 and 3,505 Kcal/kg), respectively, than for YD corn (3,420 Kcal/kg). In Exp. 2, 1,144 gilts (initial BW = 50.1 kg) were used in a commercial research facility to evaluate the effects of corn source (ND and YD) and added fat (0, 3, or 6%, as-fed basis) in a 2 x 3 factorial on pig performance and carcass traits. There was a corn source x fat interaction for ADFI and G:F. Increasing added fat resulted in greater changes in ADFI and G:F in pigs fed YD corn diets compared with those fed ND corn. Feeding ND corn increased ADG (main effect, P < 0.04), and greater percentages of added fat increased ADG (main effect; linear, P < 0.01). Results of Exp. 2 suggest that ND corn has 5.3% more ME than YD corn. The additional energy provided by ND corn improves G:F in both nursery and grow-finish pigs, and ND corn offers a means of formulating diets more concentrated in energy than YD corn.     

A comparison of the energy availability for chickens of ground and whole grain samples of two wheat varieties

1. The objective of this study was to examine whether the energy availabilities of two wheat samples, which differed in endosperm hardness, were changed when they were fed ground or as whole grains to chickens. Wheat samples of a variety Haven (hard endosperm) and a variety Riband (soft endosperm), both harvested in 1993 from the same growing site, were used in the experiment.

2. True metabolisable energy (TME_n) was measured in a flock of 24 adult cockerels and the mean of all the samples was 14.68 MJ/kg dry matter (DM). The TME_n of ground wheat was 0.306 MJ/kg DM greater (P< 0.05) than whole grain. There was no significant difference (P> 0.05) in TME_n between the Riband and Haven wheat samples and there were no (P> 0.05) variety X wheat form interactions.

3. The apparent metabolisable energy (AME_n) of the wheat samples was determined with 96 broiler chickens from 19 to 27 d of age. Different amounts of either whole or ground wheat samples were added to a basal diet. Extrapolation of the regression lines indicated AME_n concentrations (MJ/kg DM) of ground Haven 14.33, whole Haven 14.28, ground Riband 14.33 and whole Riband 14.51. There was no evidence (P> 0.05) that whole grain wheat had a different AME_n than ground wheat.

4. A feeding trial used 192 broiler chickens in 48 cages from 24 to 42 d of age. They were fed on a broiler grower diet either mixed with ground wheat before pelleting or with the pelleted grower diet loosely mixed with the whole wheat. There were no differences (P> 0.05) between the 2 wheat varieties or the diet form in growth rates or food conversion ratios. The growth rates of the broilers given a conventional grower and finisher dietary regimen tended (P> 0.05) to be slightly greater than the broilers given the wheat‐diluted diets.     

Nutritional evaluation of organically grown fodders in lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

A study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional response of organically grown diets in buffaloes on nutrients utilization and nutrient efficiency for milk production. For this, ten milch Murrah buffaloes of average body weight (490.72?±?6.65 kg), milk yield (8.13?±?0.33 kg), and lactation stage (85?±?5.28 days) were distributed in inorganic (InDg₎ and organic dietary groups (OrDg) with five animals in each. Buffaloes of InDg and OgDg were fed sorghum hay–berseem fodder-concentrate mixture-based diets grown inorganically and organically, respectively. After 60 days of feeding, a digestion cum metabolism trial was conducted to assess feed intake, nutrient utilization, and N balance, while milk yield and composition were recorded fortnightly. DM, CP, digestible crude protein (DCP), and metabolizable energy (ME) intake (g/Kg w^0.75) were similar in animals of InDg and OrDg. NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose digestibility were (P?<?0.05) higher in animals on OrDg (59.20, 51.55, and 62.67) than InDg diet (54.57, 43.72, and 56.61 %), respectively. Urinary n loss (g/day) was (P?<?0.05) lower in OrDg (67.23) than in InDg (83.55); however, milk N was comparable in animals of both dietary groups (47.36 vs 45.82 g/day). Nitrogen balance was higher in animals of OrDg (39.72) than in InDg (28.08). DCP, TDN, and ME values of both diets were similar. No effect of diet was observed on milk yield and its composition; however, increased lactation length decreased milk yield. Buffaloes on both diets had similar efficiency and conversion ratio of nutrients for milk production. Results revealed that diets (organically vs. inorganically grown) have no effect on milk yield and its composition; however, buffaloes on organic diet have higher fiber digestibility and low urinary N loss which did not affect the dietary nutrients efficiency and conversion ratio for milk production.     

Digestibility of energy and phosphorus in ten samples of distillers dried grains with solubles fed to growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to measure DE and ME and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy, N, and P in distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) fed to growing pigs. Ten sources of DDGS were obtained from ethanol plants in South Dakota and Minnesota, and 11 diets were formulated. One diet was based on corn (96.8%), limestone, salt, vitamins, and microminerals. Ten additional diets were formulated by mixing the corn diet and each of the 10 sources of DDGS in a 1:1 ratio. Eleven growing pigs (initial BW of 29.3 +/- 0.42 kg) were allotted to an 11 x 11 Latin square design, with 11 periods and 11 pigs. Each of the 11 diets was fed to each pig during 1 period. Pigs were placed in metabolism cages that allowed for the total, but separate, collection of feces and urine. Samples were analyzed for GE, N, and P and energy and N balances, and the ATTD of GE, N, and P were calculated for each diet. By subtracting the contribution from the corn diet to the DDGS-containing diets, the energy and N balances and the ATTD for GE, N, and P for each source of DDGS were calculated. Results of the experiment showed that the DE and ME differed (P < 0.001) among the 10 sources of DDGS (3,947 to 4,593 kcal of DE/kg of DM and 3,674 to 4,336 kcal of ME/kg of DM). The average DE and ME in DDGS were 4,140 and 3,897 kcal/kg of DM, respectively. These values were not different from the DE and ME in corn (4,088 and 3,989 kcal/kg of DM, respectively). Based on the analyzed GE and nutrient composition of DDGS and the calculated values for DE and ME, prediction equations for DE and ME were developed. These equations showed that DE and ME in DDGS may be predicted from the concentration of ash, ether extract, ADF, and GE. The retention of N from DDGS was greater (P < 0.001) than from corn, but when calculated on a percentage basis, the N retention did not differ between DDGS and corn. The ATTD of P in DDGS was 59.1% on average for the 10 samples. This value was greater (P < 0.001) than the ATTD of P in corn (19.3%). It is concluded that the DE and ME in DDGS is not different from the DE and ME in corn. However, if DDGS is included in diets fed to growing swine, a greater portion of the organic P will be digested and absorbed, thus reducing the need for adding inorganic P to the diets.     

Predicting corn digestible and metabolizable energy content from its chemical composition in growing pigs

Background

The nutrient composition of corn is variable. To prevent unforeseen reductions in growth performance, grading and analytical methods are used to minimize nutrient variability between calculated and analyzed values. This experiment was carried out to define the sources of variation in the energy content of corn and to develop a practical method to accurately estimate the digestible energy (DE) and metabolisable energy (ME) content of individual corn samples for growing pigs. Twenty samples were taken from each of five provinces in China (Jilin, Hebei, Shandong, Liaoning, and Henan) to obtain a range of quality.

Results

The DE and ME contents of the 100 corn samples were measured in 35.3 ± 1.92 kg growing pigs (six pigs per corn sample). Sixty corn samples were used to build the prediction model; the remaining forty samples were used to test the suitability of these models. The chemical composition of each corn sample was determined, and the results were used to establish prediction equations for DE or ME content from chemical characteristics. The mean DE and ME content of the 100 samples were 4,053 and 3,923 kcal/kg (dry matter basis), respectively. The physical characteristics were determined, as well, and the results indicated that the bulk weight and 1,000-kernel weight were not associated with energy content. The DE and ME values could be accurately predicted from chemical characteristics. The best fit equations were as follows: DE, kcal/kg of DM = 1062.68 + (49.72 × EE) + (0.54 × GE) + (9.11 × starch), with R² = 0.62, residual standard deviation (RSD) = 48 kcal/kg, and P < 0.01; ME, kcal/kg of dry matter basis (DM) = 671.54 + (0.89 × DE) – (5.57 × NDF) – (191.39 × ash), with R² = 0.87, RSD = 18 kcal/kg, and P < 0.01.

Conclusion

This experiment confirms the large variation in the energy content of corn, describes the factors that influence this variation, and presents equations based on chemical measurements that may be used to predict the DE and ME content of individual corn samples.     

蒸汽压片对玉米在肉仔鸡的养分生物学效价的影响

本试验旨在研究蒸汽压片对玉米在肉仔鸡的养分生物学效价的改善作用。选96只21日龄AA肉仔鸡,按体重均匀分成4组,每组6个重复,每个重复4只鸡,采用全收粪法进行代谢试验,测定蒸汽压片玉米和粉碎玉米在淀粉消化率、干物质消化率、氮存留率、代谢能以及氨基酸利用率上的差异。试验结果表明,蒸汽压片能够显著改善玉米常规养分利用率、代谢能值及氨基酸利用率;应用蒸汽压片玉米配制日粮还可以显著减少肉仔鸡粪便及其中氮的排泄量,减轻环境污染。     

Characterization of energy and performance of swine fed a novel corn-soybean extruded product

Background

A novel extruded product was characterized with a metabolism and lactation trial to establish the product’s energy content, and its effects on lactating sow performance. The product was composed of a 60:40 corn-soybean blend, which was then extruded. This product containing the co-extruded 60:40 corn-soybean blend was commercially developed and is used extensively in swine diets in southwest Minnesota. GE of dietary treatments were determined by isoperibol bomb calorimetry. Twelve barrows (59.9 ± 1.4 kg), were used to determine the digestible and metabolizable energy of the extruded product. DE of treatments was determined by subtracting fecal energy from GE provided to barrows by each respective treatment. ME was determined by subtracting urinary energy from calculated digestible energy. Sixty-three sows were used for the lactation trial. Three dietary treatments were utilized: CONTROL (an industry standard diet); PRODUCT (contained the product, vitamins and minerals); OIL (matched the lysine:ME ratio of PRODUCT by addition of soy oil). Sow weight, backfat thickness at the right and left last ribs, body condition score, number of piglets, and litter weights were recorded on the date of farrowing (d 0), (d 9), and at weaning. Blood and milk samples were obtained at weaning, and blood was analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), milk was analyzed for total protein and fat content.

Results

On a dry-matter basis, the test diet provided 3,908 kcal/kg DE and 3,833 kcal/kg ME, which was significantly greater than the basal diet, which provided 3,633 kcal/kg DE and 3,567 kcal/kg ME (P < 0.0001). These data were used to establish the DE and ME of the product, which were 3,882 kcal/kg and 3,798 kcal/kg, respectively, on an as-fed basis. No effect of diet was observed for changes in sow backfat (RBF P = 0.24; LBF P = 0.07) or body condition score (P = 0.12) during lactation. Milk total protein (P = 0.69), fat (P = 0.66), PUN, average piglet gain (P = 0.55) and piglet mortality (P = 0.70) did not differ between treatments.

Conclusions

While the novel extruded product was higher in energy content than traditional feedstuffs, it resulted in the same lactational sow performance. Thus, the co-extruded corn-soybean product is a reasonable inclusion in sow lactation diets.     

Effect of Corn Particle Size and Pellet Texture on Broiler Performance in the Growing Phase

A review of past literature revealed inconsistencies in recommended grain particle size for optimal broiler performance. Changing diet formulation and subsequent processing variables may alter pellet texture and potentially affect broiler performance. In the current study, ground corn, varying in size (781, 950, 1,042, 1,109, and 2,242 μm), was added to a soybean-based premix to create 5 different mash diets. Water and a commercial pellet binder were added separately to corn-soybean-based diets before steam pelleting to create 2 pelleted diets differing in texture (soft and hard, respectively). The objective was to evaluate corn particle size, pellet texture, and feed form variation of compound diets on 3- to 6-wk broiler performance, nutrient retention, carcass characteristics, TME_n, feed passage time, and particle size preference. Soft and hard pellets had similar pellet durability (90.4 and 86.2%, respectively) and fines (44.5 and 40.3%, respectively). Increasing particle size of mash diets improved nutrient retention. However, broiler performance and energy metabolism were decreased when corn particle size exceeded 1,042 μm. This observation was due, in part, to increased size and maintenance requirement of the gastrointestinal tract. Broilers fed hard pellets (1,856 g of pellet breaking force) had improved nutrient retention, TME_n, and subsequent performance compared with broilers fed soft pellets (1,662 g of pellet breaking force). Pellet texture may affect broilers in a manner similar to particle size.     

Nutrients,amino acid,fatty acid and non‐starch polysaccharide profile and in vitro digestibility of macadamia nut cake in swine

The highly variable cost and limited availability of conventional feedstuffs make it imperative to explore alternative feedstuffs to be used in swine. Macadamia nut cake (MNC), a coproduct of the macadamia nut oil industry, has not been well studied. MNC was analyzed for its nutrient profile, gross energy (GE), fibers, amino acids and fatty acids content. Dry matter (DM) and GE digestibility of MNC in swine was determined using an in vitro model. On a DM basis, ash, crude protein, ether extract, NDF, ADF, lignin and GE were found to be 3.7, 25.5, 11.9, 35.8, 28.0, 16.0% and 5581 kcal/kg, respectively. Total and soluble non‐starch polysaccharide content were 32.2 and 11.8%, respectively. The concentration of lysine was found to be 0.7%. The DM and GE digestibility were found to be 75.7 and 71.4%, respectively. Gross energy content of MNC is comparable with that of corn and higher than soybean meal, while protein content is twice as high as corn but lower than soybean meal. In conclusion, MNC is not merely a good source of protein and energy but also has fairly high digestibility in swine. Hence, it can be used as a viable alternative source of energy and protein in swine diets.     

Evaluation of alfalfa meal as a dietary ingredient for young Turkeys

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate alfalfa meal in the diet of turkeys aged between 1 d and 4 weeks. Turkeys were fed on diets containing 0, 5, 10 or 15% alfalfa meal from two sources. By adding increments of 5% alfalfa meal containing 20 or 17% protein in place of 4.0% ground yellow corn and 1.0% dehulled soybean meal, food efficiencies were decreased by 2.3 and 3.1%, respectively. Body weights decreased and food consumptions increased in a linear manner.

Two additional experiments were conducted to determine the effects of adding alfalfa meal to diets of turkeys aged between 4 and 8 weeks. Adding 5% alfalfa meal containing 17% protein to the diet did not affect the average body weight gain but food consumption was increased by 3.4% and the efficiency of food utilisation decreased by 3.0%.

To produce the efficiencies of food utilisation in the turkeys as observed in this study, the alfalfa meals containing 20 and 17% protein would be expected to contain about 1870 and 1320 kcal ME/kg (7.82 and 5.52 MJ/kg) respectively.