Effects of Moringa oleifera leaves as a substitute for alfalfa meal on nutrient digestibility,growth performance,carcass trait,meat quality,antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of rabbits

This contribution reports the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOLs) meal on the growth performances, nutrient digestibility, carcass trait, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of growing New Zealand white rabbits. The MOL was substituted for alfalfa meal at levels of 0, 10%, 20% and 30% to obtain respective diets MOL0, MOL10, MOL20 and MOL30. Each treatment was replicated five times with 10 rabbits per replicate. Results showed the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rabbits fed MOL20 diet were significantly better (p < 0.05) than those of other three dietary groups. Liver and spleen index of rabbits fed MOL20 and MOL30 diets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the groups fed with lower M. oleifera leaves (MOL0, MOL10). The meat drip loss of rabbits fed with diet MOL10 was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of rabbits fed other diets. All rabbits fed MOL dietary groups had lower (p < 0.05) shear force of longissimus dorsi than the group without M. oleifera leaves. No significant differences were found in the digestibility of crude fibre (CF), crude fat (EE), ash, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) among the dietary groups. Moringa oleifera leaves also have a significant impact on serum albumin (ALB), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triiodothyroxine (T₃) and tetraiodothyroxine (T₄) values and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and liver. The results indicated that M. oleifera leaves could be developed as a good feed source, and it not only could substitute for alfalfa meal well but also has a significant effect on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant and biochemical parameters of rabbits.     

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,faecal microbial shedding,immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs

A 12‐week trial with 120 [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] pigs (45.65 ± 1.93 kg) was conducted to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture (HM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs. Pigs were allocated to one of three treatments with 0, 0.025% (HM1) and 0.05% (HM2) HM supplementation in a randomized complete block design according to sex and BW. Each treatment contained 10 replications with four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Dietary HM resulted in a higher G:F (p < 0.05) than CON group during weeks 7 to 12 and the overall periods. Pigs fed HM2 diet had higher ADG than pigs fed CON diet. Pigs fed HM2 supplementation diet led to a higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) than pigs fed CON diet at week 6, while the supplementation of HM led to a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than pigs fed CON diet at week 12. The faecal E. coli counts were reduced, and Lactobacillus counts were increased by increasing HM supplementation (p < 0.05). Pigs fed HM1 diet had higher (p < 0.05) WBC concentration than those fed CON and HM2 diets at week 6. Pigs fed HM‐supplemented diet had higher (p < 0.05) IgG and IgA concentrations than those fed CON diet at week 12. Pigs fed HM diet noted better (p < 0.05) meat colour and redness value than pigs fed CON diet. Pig fed HM2 reduced (p < 0.05) the lightness value compared with CON group. In conclusion, dietary HM supplementation exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbial balance (increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), immune response and meat quality.     

Effects of multistrain probiotics on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profiles,faecal microbial shedding,faecal score and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of multistrain probiotics in weaning pigs. A total of 125 28‐day‐old weaning pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial average body weight (BW) of 7.26 ± 0.76 kg were randomly allotted into 5 treatments, 5 replicate pens/treatment with 5 pigs/pen for 42‐day experiment. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; PC1, CON + 0.01% multistrain probiotics; PC2, CON + 0.03% multistrain probiotics; PC3, CON + 0.06% multistrain probiotics; PC4, CON + 0.1% multistrain probiotics. On day 14, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. From days 1 to 14, pigs fed the PC2, PC3 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed the CON diet. From day 15 to 42, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain: feed ratio (G:F) than pigs fed the CON diet. In the overall period, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG and pigs fed the PC2 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) G:F than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and gross energy (GE), faecal Lactobacillus counts and lower (p < 0.05) E. coli counts and NH₃ emission than pigs fed the CON diet. Pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had lower (p < 0.05) H₂S and total mercaptans emissions than pigs fed the CON diet. Conclusions, dietary supplementation with 0.1% probiotics improved growth performance, nutrition digestibility and intestinal microflora balance and decreased faecal noxious gas emissions in weaning pigs.     

Effects of dietary sorghum dried distiller's grains with solubles on growth performance,diet nutrient digestibility,carcass characteristics and immunity in growing rabbits

Sorghum dried distiller's grains with solubles (S‐DDGS) are distillation extract residues from the ethanol fuel industry. In this experiment, two hundred 42‐day‐old rabbits were randomly allocated to five experimental diets containing 0 g/kg (control), 75, 150, 225 and 300 g/kg S‐DDGS. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. No difference was found in the average daily feed intake (ADFI; p > 0.05). With increasing sorghum inclusion, the average daily gain (ADG) was linearly (p < 0.001) and quadratically (p = 0.039) reduced, while, conversely, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly (p < 0.001) increased. Increasing the amount of S‐DDGS in the diet linearly decreased (p < 0.001) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ash. Carcass weight, carcass yield, heart and liver weights were linearly decreased by an increase in the amount of S‐DDGS added to diets (p < 0.001), but no difference was observed between the 0, 75 and 150 g/kg S‐DDGS groups (p > 0.05). Serum IL‐6, IL‐10 and SIgA linearly increased (p = 0.008) with increasing levels of S‐DDGS in the diet. Rabbits fed 0, 75 and 150 g/kg of S‐DDGS had similar IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels. Statistically significant differences in SIgA were observed between rabbits fed control diets and feed mixtures containing S‐DDGS (p < 0.01). To conclude, S‐DDGS can safely be added up to 75 g/kg, to the diet of rabbits. Increasing dietary S‐DDGS inclusion may decrease the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass traits, and activate immune responses.     

Effects of different levels of dietary protein with or without plant extract YGF251 on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profiles,fecal microbial shedding,and fecal gas emission in growing pigs

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant extract YGF251 supplementation in different protein level diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs. A total of 144 pigs (24.72 ± 1.54 kg) were randomly assigned to the treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of dietary protein levels (15.50%, 14.00% or 12.50%) and plant extract YGF251 levels (0 or 0.05%) with 6 replications per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. Pigs fed low protein diets had reduced average daily gain (p < 0.05) and increased feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01) compared with pigs fed high protein diets. The apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen was decreased (p < 0.05) when reducing dietary protein level. Fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were reduced (p < 0.05) when reducing dietary protein level. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that reducing dietary protein level impaired growth performance and nitrogen digestibility but reduced ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions in growing pigs. Dietary supplementation with 0.05% herbal extract YGF251 was not effective in improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility, or in decreasing gas emission in different protein diets.     

Meat goat diet supplementation with crude glycerine: Ruminal fermentation metabolism,blood chemistry profile,animal performance and carcass traits

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of feeding varying levels of crude glycerine (CG) on dry matter intake (DMI), animal performance, carcass traits and rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration in meat goats. Twenty-four intact male Boer goats (23.9 ± 1.0 kg initial BW and 4–5 months of age) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets (n = 6) containing 30% bermudagrass hay plus 70% concentrate mix with 0, 5, 10 or 15% CG in the diet on an as-fed basis, substituted for the corn portion of the concentrate. Feed offered and refusals were monitored daily for 84 days. Goats were weighed at 28-days interval. Blood and rumen samples were collected on day 84. At the end of the 84-days feeding period, goats were harvested, and carcass characteristics measured. Feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), carcass traits and VFA concentrations were analysed as a completely randomized design. The CG did not influence animal body weight (BW) changes, ADG and G:F ratio but tended to (p = 0.06) decrease DMI. Molar per cent propionic acid increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing CG. The acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing amounts of CG in the diet. The CG addition tended to increase (p = 0.09) the longissimus muscle (LM area) in meat goats. In conclusion, CG can replace corn in diet for growing meat goats when fed up to 15% of diet, improving ruminal propionate concentration, but decreasing A:P ratio without affecting animal performance and carcass traits.     

Effect of graded levels of dietary corn steep liquor on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,haematology and histopathology of broilers

This experiment was conducted to assess nutritional potential of corn steep liquor (CSL) as an alternative protein source in broiler's diet. A total of 280‐day‐old unsexed broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four experimental groups in a simple randomised experimental design (each group had seven replicates; 10 birds per each). Four iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐caloric broiler starter and finisher diets (C, LCSL, MCSL and HCSL) were formulated containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% CSL respectively. Results revealed that chicks fed MCSL diet had significantly (p ≤ .05) the heaviest Body weight, highest Body weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio followed by those fed HCSL diet. In the starter period, LCSL and MCSL diets resulted in better (p ≤ .05) dry matter (DM) (89.57%) and crude protein (67.67%) digestibilities respectively. In the finisher period, DM, crude fibre and fat digestibilities were not affected by CSL inclusion levels; while crude protein digestibility was significantly (p ≤ .05) high in the groups fed LCSL and HCSL diets. The CSL inclusion had no effect on blood haematology except serum uric acid, which tended to increase with increasing CSL levels. No microscopic changes were exhibited on liver, heart, kidneys and intestine of birds across all dietary treatments. However, crops in birds fed HCSL diet showed moderate to severe hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the mucosal lining. The study showed that CSL could be added up to 15% in broiler's diet without any adverse effect on bird's performance.     

Effect of dietary inclusion of sorghum milling waste on growth response,nutrient utilisation,gut characteristics and cecal microflora of weaner rabbits

Growth response, nutrient digestibility and cecal microflora of 80 male, mixed breed weaner rabbits fed with varying dietary inclusions of sorghum milling waste (SMW) was investigated. Four experimental diets were formulated such that SMW was included at 0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 g/kg, respectively. Each dietary treatment was performed on 20 rabbits. Feed intake increased (P < 0.05) while final live weight and feed conversion ratio of rabbits decreased (P < 0.05) following increased dietary inclusion of SMW. Rabbits fed with 100 and 200 g/kg SMW had similar feed conversion ratios, weight gain, crude fiber, dry matter and crude protein digestibility values. Rabbits fed with 300 g/kg SMW recorded the lowest (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and rack weight. Similar dressing percentage and rack weight were recorded for rabbits fed with control diet, 100 and 200 g/kg SMW. The weight of cecal content increased (P < 0.05) with increased dietary inclusion levels of SMW. Rabbits fed with 300 g/kg SMW recorded the lowest (P < 0.05) coliform and lactobaccillus counts. Dietary inclusion of up to 200 g/kg SMW supported improved growth response and carcass yield without imposing any detrimental effect on cecal microflora.     

Plane of nutrition affects growth rate,organ size and skeletal muscle satellite cell activity in newborn calves

Plane of nutrition effects on body, tissue and cellular growth in the neonatal calf are poorly understood. The hypothesis that a low plane of nutrition (LPN) would limit skeletal muscle size by reducing fibre growth and muscle progenitor cell activity was tested. At birth, calves were randomly assigned to either a LPN (20% CP, 20% fat; GE=1.9 Mcal/days) or a high plane of nutrition (HPN; 27% CP, 10% fat, GE = 3.8 Mcal/days) in a 2 × 3 factorial design to test the impact of diet on neonatal calf growth, organ weight and skeletal muscle morphometry with time. Groups of calves (n = 4 or 5) were euthanised at 2, 4 and 8 week of age and organ and empty carcass weights were recorded. Body composition was measured by DXA. Longissimus muscle (LM) fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA), fibre/mm² and Pax7 were measured by immunohistology. Satellite cells were isolated at each time point and proliferation rates were measured by EdU incorporation. Calves fed a HPN had greater (p < 0.05) BW, ADG and hip height than those fed a LPN for 2, 4 or 8 weeks. HPN calves contained a greater (p < 0.05) percentage of fat tissue than LPN calves. Liver, spleen and thymus weights were less (p < 0.05) in LPN calves than HPN animals. Calves fed HPN had larger (p < 0.05) LM CSA at 8 weeks than LPN fed animals with no differences between the groups in numbers of satellite cells per fibre. Proliferation rates of satellite cells isolated from HPN fed calves were greater (p < 0.05) at 2 weeks than LPN fed animals, which exhibited greater (p < 0.05) proliferation rates at 4 weeks than HPN fed calves. We conclude a LPN diet reduces body growth and organ size and metabolically reprograms satellite cell activity.     

Low-tannin sorghum grain could be used as an alternative to corn in diet for nursery pigs

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that low-tannin sorghum grain produced in China as a potential substitute for corn in diets could not impair the performance of nursery pigs. A total of 60 pigs (7.2 ± 1.2 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 diets with 5 replicate pens per treatment. Corn-based diet (CBD) included 60% corn grain during the overall experimental period, and sorghum-based diet (SBD) consisted of 30% (d 1 to 14) or 60.55% (d 15 to 28) sorghum grain in partial or total replacement of corn grain. Both diets were formulated to contain the same amount of digestible energy and indispensable amino acids. The results demonstrated no differences in growth performance or apparent digestibility of gross energy between treatments over the whole period. However, the substitution of corn by sorghum reduced (p < 0.05) or tended to reduce (p = 0.09) apparent digestibility of crude protein associated with an increased faecal nitrogen excretion per weight gain (p < 0.05). Pigs fed SBD had higher contents of urea nitrogen, total triglyceride and insulin in serum than those fed CBD (p < 0.05). Visceral organ weights or antioxidant enzyme activities in serum or liver were not different between treatments. Compared with CBD, SBD increased or tended to increase amylase activity in jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05) or trypsin activity in duodenal mucosa (p = 0.08). Replacement of corn by the low-tannin sorghum in diets did not influence the microbiota community based on alpha and beta diversity in caecal and colonal digesta. Overall, the home-grown low-tannin sorghum could be an alternative energy source in diets for pigs without adverse effects on growth performance.     

Effects of thermo‐resistant non‐starch polysaccharide degrading multi‐enzyme on growth performance,meat quality,relative weights of body organs and blood profile in broiler chickens

This research was conducted to study the performance and carcass parameters of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with heat‐treated non‐starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme. A total of 432 one‐day old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to five treatments: (i) CON (basal diet), (ii) E1: CON + 0.05% multi‐enzyme, (iii) E2: CON + 0.1% multi‐enzyme, (iv) E3: CON + 0.05% thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme and (v) E4: CON + 0.1% thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme, each treatment consisted of six replications and 12 chickens in each replication. The chickens were housed in three floor battery cages during 28‐day experimental period. On days 1–7, gain in body weight (BWG) improved by feeding the diets supplemented with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme. On days 7–21 and 1–28, chickens fed the diets containing thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme showed improved (p < 0.05) BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to CON group. Supplementing the diets with multi‐enzyme or thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme affected the percentage of drip loss on d 1 (p < 0.05). Drip loss percentage on days 3 and 5 and also meat colour were not affected significantly. Supplementing the diets with multi‐enzyme or thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme did not affect the relative weights of organs but compared to CON group, relative weight of breast muscle increased and abdominal fat decreased (p < 0.05). Among measured blood constituents, chickens fed supplemented diets with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme showed higher (p < 0.05) IgG. Counts of red and white blood cells and lymphocyte percentage were not affected. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that supplementing pelleted diets with thermo‐resistant multi‐enzyme improved performance of broiler chickens.     

Effects of food processing and fibre content on the digestibility,energy intake and biochemical parameters of Blue‐and‐gold macaws (Ara ararauna L. – Aves,Psittacidae)

Considering the increased incidence of obesity and metabolic diseases in caged psittacines, the effect of fibre and food processing was evaluated in the Blue‐and‐gold macaw. Four food formulations (0%, 7%, 14% and 21% of sugarcane fibre) processed by pelleting or extrusion were studied, resulting in eight diets. To study digestibility, 48 macaws housed in pairs in cages was used in a block design. Subsequently, diets containing 0% or 21% sugarcane fibre, pelleted or extrude was fed for 4 months to evaluate energy intake and blood metabolites. A 2 × 2 × 2 (two fibre levels, two food processing methods and two genders) factorial arrangement with subplots (beginning and end) was used. When differences were detected in anova 's F test, data were submitted to polynomial contrasts in the first experiment and to orthogonal contrasts in the second experiment (p < 0.05). Fibre addition reduced protein, fat and energy (p < 0.001) digestibility in both food processing. Pelleted foods presented higher dry matter digestibility and food metabolisable energy (ME) than the extruded ones (p < 0.05). Fibre addition or the type of processing did not change ME ingestion (p > 0.05). The macaws gained body weight (p < 0.05) regardless of the diet (p > 0.05), but females fed with the high‐fibre diets did not gain weight (p > 0.05), suggesting a low food ME (12.5 kJ/g).The substitution of the original diet (sunflower seeds, fruits and cooked maize) by the experimental foods decreased the basal (12‐h fast) concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides (p < 0.001). The consumption of pelleted diets reduced serum glucose and cholesterol (p < 0.05). Results suggest that the pelleted diets were more beneficial and can be used to reduce blood metabolites related to metabolic disorders that are commonly observed in macaws.     

Interactive effect of corn particle size and insoluble fiber source on performance,nutrient utilization and intestine morphology in broilers fed pelleted diets

The effects of corn particle size and dietary fibre on the performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) and intestinal characteristics in broiler starters fed pelleted diets were studied. The experiment included 10 treatments arranged as a 2 × 5 factorial with two corn particle sizes (GMD of 1071 [CGC] vs. 534 [FGC]) and five diets that consisted in a low-fibre diet and four extra diets resulting from the inclusion of insoluble fibre sources (10 g/kg of lignocellulose (LC), and 30 g/kg of oat hulls; OH, rice hulls; RH, and sunflower hulls; SFH). In coarse grinding, all-fibre sources improved body weight gain and feed intake compared to the control diet (p < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with fibre supplementation (p < 0.01) and fine grinding of corn (FGC) (p < 0.01). Coarse grinding of corn (CGC) and inclusion of RH, SFH and OH reduced gizzard pH (p < 0.01). Fibre inclusion increased ileal fat and Ca digestibility (p < 0.01), gizzard weight (p < 0.01), digesta transit time (p < 0.01) and length of duodenum and small intestine (p < 0.01). The CAID of phosphorus increased in CGC fed birds and inclusion of RH, SFH and OH (p < 0.05). The weight of gizzard, proventriculus and pancreas (p < 0.01) was greater in CGC fed birds. Feeding SFH, RH and OH (p < 0.01), and CGC (p < 0.01) increased the villus height (VH) of the duodenum. The OH, RH and SFH supplementation increased the caecal population of Lactobacillus spp. and total anaerobic bacteria (p < 0.01) only in FGC fed birds. Overall, birds fed pelleted diets containing RH, OH and SFH (3%) exhibited improved performance, and increased nutrient digestibility, which may be caused by developed gizzards and intestine. Furthermore, coarse grinding of corn is beneficial to gizzard development.     

Effects of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid supplementation on antioxidant status,blood hormones and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs undergoing transport stress

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a natural nonprotein amino acid distributed in animals, plants and microbes. GABA is an inhibiting neurotransmitter which takes great effect in mammalian central nervous system. We carried out the research to study the influence of GABA on blood hormone concentrations, antioxidant status and meat quality in fattening pigs after transportation. The 72 pigs with a starting weight of approximately 32.67 ± 0.62 kg were randomly allocated to 2 groups based on dietary treatments, containing 6 replicates with 6 pigs in each. The pigs were fed dietary supplementation of GABA (0 or 30 mg/kg of diets) for 74 days. Twelve pigs were randomly selected from each group and assigned to the either 1 hr of transport (T group) or no transport (N group), resulting in two-factor factorial design. Compared to the control, GABA supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG) (p < .01) and decreased feed–gain ratio (F/G) (p < .05). The pH_45 min was lower and drip loss was greater in the longissimus muscles (LM) of post-slaughter of transported pigs (p < .05). The pH_45 min of 0/T group (group with 0 mg/kg GABA and transport) was significantly lower than the pH_45 min of the 30/T group (diet × transport; p < .05). GABA supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentration (p < .05) before transportation. Following transport, pigs fed GABA had decreased concentrations of serum malonaldehyde (MDA), adrenal cortical hormone and cortisol (p < .05). The results indicate that feeding GABA significantly increased the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. The transportation model negatively impacted meat quality, antioxidant indexes and hormone parameters, but dietary supplementation of GABA could suppress the rise of drip loss of LM, ACTH and COR and suppress the drop of pH_45 min of LM after transportation stress in growing-finishing pigs. Feeding GABA alleviated transportation stress in pigs.     

Effects of feeding different dietary protein and energy levels on the performance of 12–15-month-old buffalo calves

The study investigated the performance response of different dietary protein and energy levels of Nili-Ravi buffalo calves. Sixty buffalo calves of 12–15 months of age and similar body weight (140 ± 14 kg) were divided in to 12 groups, five animals in each group, according to 4 × 3 factorial arrangements. Twelve rations were formulated containing four levels of crude protein (CP; 10.5%, 12.20%, 13.80%, and 15.55%) each with three levels (1.72, 2.11, and 2.5 Mcal/Kg) of metabolizable energy (ME). Experiment lasted for 100 days; first 10 days were given for dietary adaptation. Daily feed consumption in calves fed all experimental diets were statistically significant (p < 0.05) across all treatments. Higher feed intake was observed in buffalo calves fed diets containing 12.20% and 13.85% CP with 2.11 Mcal/kg ME. Results of dry matter (DM) digestion were significantly different (p < 0.05) across all treatments. There was a quadratic (p < 0.05) response of DM digestibility for levels of dietary protein while, curvilinear (p < 0.05) trend with respect to dietary energy levels. Daily weight gain of buffalo calves did not show any treatment effect. The outcome of the present study indicate that 12–15-month-old buffalo calves perform adequately well when fed on diets containing 12.2% CP and 2.10 ME Mcal/Kg.     

Influence of various concentrate‐to‐roughage ratios on dietary intake and nutrient digestibilities of weanling horses

The objective of this study was to compare the feed intake and the apparent digestibilities of three different diets varying in concentrate‐to‐roughage ratios in weanling horses (n = 24) at 5 and 8 months of age. Horses were stratified by breed, gender, birth date and body weight and assigned to one of three dietary treatments containing the following concentrate‐to‐roughage ratios on an as‐fed basis: 70:30 (High Con), 50:50 (Equal) and 30:70 (Low Con). All horses were fed their respective diets for a 10‐day adaptation period and a 4‐day collection period at 5 and 8 months. There were no differences in BW or daily feed intake among treatments during both trials. The horses consuming Low Con had a greater amount of faecal output than High Con at both 5 and 8 months (p < 0.01). At 5 months, High Con had the highest crude protein (CP) digestibility (p < 0.05). At 8 months, High Con had a higher CP digestibility than Low Con (p < 0.01) and tended to be higher than Equal (p = 0.07). Acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility did not differ among treatments; however, horses fed the Low Con tended to digest a higher percentage of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) than both the Equal and High Con treatments (p = 0.09). Horses in the High Con treatment tended to digest a higher percentage of energy than those in the Low Con treatment (p = 0.06). Weanlings seem to digest protein more thoroughly when fed high‐concentrate diets and may digest fibre more efficiently when fed diets higher in fibre.     

Supplementation of protease,alone and in combination with fructooligosaccharide to low protein diet for finishing pigs

Effects of adding protease with or without fructooligosaccharide (FOS) to low protein diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fecal noxious gas emission were evaluated in 160 finishing pigs (57.70 ± 1.16 kg) in a 9‐week study. Pigs were randomly divided into four dietary treatments, PC: positive control diet (15.97% crude protein (CP)); NC: negative control diet (12.94% CP); PRO: NC supplemented with 0.05% protease; PROFOS: NC supplemented with 0.05% protease and 0.1% FOS. During weeks 4–9 and weeks 0–9, gain : feed ratio was impaired (P < 0.05) in pigs fed NC diet compared with those fed PC, PRO and PROFOS diets. Pigs fed PC, PRO and PROFOS diets had higher (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of CP than pigs fed NC diet. Pigs fed PROFOS diet had reduced (P < 0.05) ammonia emissions compared to pigs fed NC and PRO diets. These data indicate that reducing dietary CP concentrations impaired growth performance, decreased ATTD of CP and reduced ammonia emissions. Supplementation of protease in low CP diet improved growth performance and increased ATTD of CP. Dietary supplementation with protease and FOS in low CP diet improved growth performance, increased ATTD of CP and decreased fecal ammonia emission.     

Effects of carboxy methyl cellulose and thymol + carvacrol on performance,digesta viscosity and some blood metabolites of broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of thymol + carvacrol as plant essential oils on performance, digesta viscosity and some blood metabolites of broilers fed diets supplemented with carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and/or thymol+carvacrol. In a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, two levels of CMC (0% and 2%) and three levels of thymol+carvacrol (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were used. Each of the six dietary treatments was fed to five replicate pens of 12 birds each from 0 to 42 days of age. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), intestinal digesta viscosity and pH, plasma lipids and some blood metabolites were recorded. The inclusion of 2% CMC decreased (p < 0.05) BWG by 2.2% and increased FCR by 2.3% at 42 days of age. Carboxy methyl cellulose significantly increased the digesta viscosity and decreased serum total cholesterol, but had no significant effect on triglyceride, pH, HDL, LDL and other blood metabolites measured in this experiment. Thymol+carvacrol had no effect on feed intake, but significantly increased (p < 0.05) BWG from 1 to 42 days of age and improved FCR (p < 0.05) by the addition of 100 and 200 mg/kg thymol+carvacrol respectively. Inclusion of thymol+carvacrol at levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg in the diets decreased digesta viscosity and serum total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and also increased AST at a 200 mg/kg thymol+carvacrol without any effect on creatine kinase (CK). Thymol+carvacrol significantly increased total protein (TP), albumin and globulin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CMC at an inclusion level of 2% of diet increased digesta viscosity and reduced growth performance. However, thymol+carvacrol decreased digesta viscosity and consequently improved the performance of broilers fed the CMC‐based diet. Therefore, thymol+carvacrol addition to viscose‐based diets might be helpful to alleviate the negative effects of viscous compounds in poultry diets.     

Growth performance,apparent nutrient digestibility,caecal fermentation,ileal morphology and caecal microflora of growing rabbits fed diets containing probiotics and prebiotics

Ninety eight male, mixed breed weaner rabbits were used in a 70 day feeding trial to study the performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, caecal fermentation, ileal morphology and caecal microflora of growing rabbits fed diets containing Prediococcus acidilactis (1×10¹⁰ cfu/g; 0.5 g/kg), Bacillus cereus (1×10⁹ cfu/g; 0.5 g/kg), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS; 1 g/kg), arabinoxylans oligosaccharides (AX; 1 g/kg), oxytetracycline (1 g/kg), or synbiotics (TGI; 1 g/kg). A basal diet containing no feed additive was formulated. There were 14 rabbits per treatment. Rabbits fed diets containing MOS had the highest (P<0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Dietary inclusion of prebiotics (MOS, AX) resulted in higher (P<0.05) weight gains and improved feed to gain ratios. Rabbits fed diets containing MOS showed the highest (P<0.05) while those fed diets containing probiotics (Prediococcus acidilactis, Bacillus cereus) had the least (P<0.05) caecal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. Rabbits fed diets containing prebiotics (MOS, AX) had longer ileal villi than groups fed with other treatments (P<0.05). Inclusion of various additives showed reduced caecal coliform counts. The lowest (P<0.05) lactobacillus count was obtained in the caecal content of rabbits fed diets containing MOS. Poor growth response was obtained with rabbits fed diets containing Prediococcus acidilactis or Bacillus cereus while inclusion of prebiotics in growing rabbits resulted in improved growth and gut morphology. Rabbits fed diet containing MOS showed the highest overall final live weight, weight gain, total VFA concentration and reduced caecal lactobacillus count.     

Replacement effects of Panicum maximum with Ficus polita on performance of West African dwarf goats

The replacement value of Ficus polita for Panicum maximum was evaluated on 32 female post‐weaned West African dwarfs goats. Ficus polita was fed with P. maximum at different proportions of 0:90 (F. polita:P. maximum), 30:60, 60:30 and 90:0 constituting diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Each diet was supplemented with 10% cassava peels. Dry matter intake per kg metabolic weight of goats was not significantly (p > 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. However, crude protein intake per kg metabolic weight was higher (p < 0.05) in animals fed 60% and 90%F. polita than those fed sole P. maximum diet. Daily weight gain of goats fed diet 3 (60%F. polita) was higher (p < 0.05) (27.3 g) than those fed diets 4 (18.9 g), 2 (20.8 g) and the control (6.6 g). Dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were higher (p < 0.05) in goats fed 60%F. polita than those fed other diets, except for DM digestibility which was statistically similar to diets 2 and 4 but higher than those fed diet 1 without F. polita. Organic matter and CP digestibility were highest (72.0 and 65.7% respectively) in animals fed 60%F. polita. Nitrogen retention of goats fed 60%F. polita (diet 3) was higher (p < 0.05) than that obtained with other diets. The results suggest that feeding combination of F. polita and P. maximum at ratio 60:30 respectively has associative effects that can enhance growth rate, feed intake, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen utilization for goat production during dry season in the tropics.