The significan e of N-carbamoylglutamate in ruminant productionOA

Improving the efficiency and production of grazing ruminants to support food and fiber production, while reducing the environmental footprint and meeting the welfare needs of the animals, is important for sustainable livestock production systems. Development of new technologies that can improve the efficiency of nitrogen(N) utilization in ruminants, and that are effective and safe, has important implications for ruminant livestock production. N-carbomoylglutamate(NCG) is a functional micronutrie...     

Dietary sophorolipid accelerates growth by modulation of gut microbiota population and intestinal environments in broiler chickensOA

Background: Gut is a crucial organ for the host’s defense system due to its filtering action of the intestinal membrane from hazardous foreign substances. One strategy to strengthen the gut epithelial barrier function is to upregulate beneficial microflora populations and their metabolites. Sophorolipid(SPL), which is a glycolipid biosurfactant, could increase beneficial microflora and decrease pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.Therefore, herein, we conducted an experiment with b...     

Dietary calcium supplementation promotes the accumulation of intramuscular fatOA

Background: In the livestock industry, intramuscular fat content is a key factor affecting meat quality. Many studies have shown that dietary calcium supplementation is closely related to lipid metabolism. However, few studies have examined the relationship between dietary calcium supplementation and intramuscular fat accumulation.Methods: Here, we used C2C12 cells, C57BL/6 mice(n = 8) and three-way cross-breeding pigs(Duroc×Landrace×Large white)(n = 10) to study the effect of calcium addition o...     

Single-cell transcriptomic atlas of goat ovarian agingOA

Background The ovaries are one of the first organs that undergo degenerative changes earlier in the aging process, and ovarian aging is shown by a decrease in the number and quality of oocytes. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of female age-related fertility decline in different types of ovarian cells during aging, especially in goats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms driving ovarian aging in goats at single-cell resolution.Results For the firs...     

Stage-specific nutritional management and developmental programming to optimize meat productionOA

Over the past few decades,genetic selection and refined nutritional management have extensively been used to increase the growth rate and lean meat production of livestock.However,the rapid growth rates of modern breeds are often accompanied by a reduction in intramuscular fat deposition and increased occurrences of muscle abnormalities,impairing meat quality and processing functionality.Early stages of animal development set the longterm growth trajectory of offspring.However,due to the seasona...     

Effects of supplemental xylanase and xylooligosaccharides on production performance and gut health variables of broiler chickensOA

Background: This study evaluated the effects of supplemental xylanase and xylooligosaccharides(XOS) in a cornsoybean meal(SBM)-based diet on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 288 day-old chicks(Cobb 500) were allocated to 36 floor pens(8 birds/pen) equally in 9 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. The treatments were combinations of 3 levels of xylanase(0, 0.005% and 0.01% Econase XT) and 3 levels of prebiotics(0, 0.005% and 0.01% XOS) added to basa...     

Dietary supplementation of laminarin improves the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling pigletsOA

Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry. Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity, reduce the inflammatory response, and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota. However, the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace × Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation, similar i...     

Genomic patterns of homozygosity and inbreeding depression in MurcianoGranadina goatsOA

Background: Inbreeding depression can adversely affect traits related to fitness, reproduction and productive performance. Although current research suggests that inbreeding levels are generally low in most goat breeds, the impact of inbreeding depression on phenotypes of economic interest has only been investigated in a few studies based on genealogical data.Results: We genotyped 1040 goats with the Goat SNP50 BeadChip. This information was used to estimate different molecular inbreeding coeffi...     

Dietary supplementation with branched-chain amino acids enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of suckling pigletsOA

Background: Under current dietary regimens, milk production by lactating sows is insufficient to sustain the maximal growth of their piglets. As precursors of glutamate and glutamine as well as substrates and activators of protein synthesis, branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs) have great potential for enhancing milk production by sows.Methods: Thirty multiparous sows were assigned randomly into one of three groups: control(a corn-and soybean meal-based diet), the basal diet + 1.535% BCAAs; and the...     

Gut health benefit and application of postbiotics in animal productionOA

Gut homeostasis is of importance to host health and imbalance of the gut usually leads to disorders or diseases for both human and animal. Postbiotics have been applied in manipulating of gut health, and utilization of postbiotics threads new lights into the host health. Compared with the application of probiotics, the characteristics such as stability and safety of postbiotics make it a potential alternative to probiotics. Studies have reported the beneficial effects of components derived from ...     

Effects of direct-fed microbial supplementation on digestibility and fermentation end-products in horses fed low- and high-starch concentrates

A study was conducted to determine whether direct-fed microbials (DFM) could be used to increase digestibility and minimize the risk of acidosis associated with feeding an increase in the amount of starch fed to horses. Fifteen mature Thoroughbred geldings were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments in a 3 x 3 Latin square design balanced for carryover effects. Within each 26-d period, horses were offered grass hay + low-starch concentrate (LS; 1.2 g of starch x kg of BW(-1) x meal(-1)) from d 1 to 13 and then were abruptly changed to hay + high-starch concentrate (HS; 2.4 g of starch.kg of BW(-1)x meal(-1)) on d 14 continuing through d 26. The DFM treatments were offered in concentrate pellets at a target dosage of 10(8) cfu/(50 kg of BW x d) as follows: no DFM (CON; control), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC1; single-species DFM), or a mixture of L. acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Enterococcus faecium (LAC4; multiple-species DFM). Total feces were collected over 72 h from d 11 to 13 (LS; low dietary starch collection), from d 15 to 17 (AC; abrupt change in dietary starch collection), and at the end of each experimental period, from d 24 to 26 (HS; high dietary starch collection). Data collected consisted of total DM intake and fecal output, fecal pH, fecal acetate and propionate concentrations, and viable numbers of DFM in the feed. With the exception of Fe digestibility, there were no starch x DFM interactions. There was an effect of starch level (P 0.10). Horses supplemented with LAC4 had increased ether extract (P < 0.05) and a tendency for decreased Na (P < 0.10) digestibilities compared with CON horses. All DFM-supplemented horses had increased Cu (P < 0.05) and Fe and numerically increased Zn digestibilities compared with CON horses. Fecal pH decreased (P < 0.05), and fecal propionate concentration increased (P < 0.05) as dietary starch content changed from LS to HS. There was a tendency for elevated fecal pH (P < 0.10) in LAC1 horses compared with CON horses. These results confirm that increasing starch in the equine diet can enhance nutrient digestibility of the diet. Supplementing equine diets with either a single or mixed strain direct-fed lactic acid bacteria had limited effects on nutrient digestibility or on reducing the risk of acidosis associated with feeding high-starch concentrates to horses. The potential response of DFM supplementation should be evaluated when a more acute acidotic state is induced in horses than in the current study.     

Effects of direct-fed microbial supplementation on broiler performance,intestinal nutrient transport and integrity under experimental conditions with increased microbial challenge

1. The effects of Aspergillus oryzae- and Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbials (DFM) were investigated on the performance, ileal nutrient transport and intestinal integrity of broiler chickens, raised under experimental conditions, with increased intestinal microbial challenge.

2. The first study was a 3 × 2 factorial experiment, with 3 dietary treatments (control (CON), CON + DFM and CON + antibiotic growth promoter) with and without challenge. Chicks were fed experimental diets from 1 to 28 d, while the challenge was provided by vaccinating with 10 times the normal dose of commercial coccidial vaccine on d 9. In a second experiment, two groups of 1 d-old broilers, housed on built-up litter (uncleaned from two previous flocks), were fed the same CON and CON + DFM diets from 1 to 21 d.

3. The challenge in the first experiment reduced performance, but no differences were observed among dietary treatments from 8 to 28 d. The challenge reduced the ileal epithelial flux for D-glucose, L-lysine, DL-methionine and phosphorus on d 21. Epithelial flux for D-glucose, L-lysine and DL-methionine were increased by DFM. Ileal trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TER) was increased in challenged broilers fed DFM, although this was not observed in unchallenged birds as indicated by a significant interaction.

4. Ileal mucin mRNA expression and colon TER were increased, and colon endotoxin permeability was reduced by DFM on d 21 in the second experiment.

5. It was concluded that the addition of DFM in the diet improved the intestinal integrity of broiler chickens raised under experimental conditions designed to provide increased intestinal microbial challenge.     

The critical importance of planned small ruminant livestock health and production in addressing global challenges surrounding food production and poverty alleviation

ABSTRACT

Small ruminants are particularly well suited to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goals surrounding food security, human wellbeing and poverty alleviation in different environmental and climatic settings. However the current efficiency of food production from small ruminants in both developed agricultural regions and in lower and middle income countries is woefully inadequate to meet predicted global needs over the forthcoming decades. Most global research to address this challenge is focussed on the genetics of animal growth, conformation and disease tolerance or resistance traits, albeit the practical consequences of such selection and strategies to use genetically improved animals in the field are uncertain. Any long-term benefits derived from small ruminant genetic selection will only be impactful if steps are first taken to keep animals alive, healthy and productive through iterative planned health management. Parasites are the foremost global infectious disease constraints to efficient small ruminant production. Their genetic adaptability to exploit opportunities afforded by effects of climatic or management changes on free-living stages, or exposure of parasitic stages to drugs, presents specific challenges to their sustainable control. Hence, parasite control provides a relevant means of engagement with livestock keepers and farmers on the topic of planned animal health management. The value of parasitology in this regard is enhanced by the availability of simple to use and accessible diagnostic tools.     

Post-ruminal non-protein nitrogen supplementation as a strategy to improve fibre digestion and N efficiency in the ruminant

The ruminant is able to transform plant fibres and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) into edible foods for human consumption. In an effort towards improving our understanding of this process, we sought to challenge convention and examine how the source, amount and site of NPN delivery in the gastrointestinal tract of the ruminant may affect fibre digestibility, rumen stability and N metabolism. In the first study presented here, we used four ruminally cannulated non-lactating heifers in a Latin square design to infuse 59 g/days of N in the form of ammonia (A) or urea (U) into either the rumen (R) or the abomasum (A). We found that intake was higher (p = .03) for animals receiving supplementary NPN as urea compared with ammonia. In addition, abomasally infused urea (UA) improved fibre fermentation by 9.4% (p = .05) and decreased ruminal pH fluctuations (lower slope in the cumulative pH parameters, p = .04) when compared with the same amount of urea infused ruminally (UR). In a second study, using the same group of heifers, we infused 50 or 150 g/day of urea into the rumen (UR50 and UR150) or 150 g of urea in the abomasum (UA150) or 50 g in the rumen and 100 g in the abomasum (URA150). Fibre digestion was improved by 4% (p = .02) when the same dose of urea was infused into the abomasum compared with the rumen, while estimated microbial protein production and N efficiency were not different between a low rumen dose and high post-ruminal dose of urea. Collectively, these studies provide insight into the viability of post-ruminal NPN supplementation as a strategy to improve fibre digestion and NPN inclusion in the ruminant diet.     

Effect of supplementation with an electrolyte containing a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on immune development in dairy calves

Immune characteristics in 65 calves were evaluated in response to a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) provided in electrolyte scour treatment. Blood samples were analyzed for cell surface markers and α(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentration. AGP increased in scouring calves given electrolyte containing Bacillus at day 7 post-placement compared to scouring calves administered electrolyte alone and non-scouring calves, enhancing the inflammatory response for pathogen clearance. The Bacillus promotes T cell subsets including greater proportions of activated, mature cells (CD8(-)CD25(+), CD8(-)CD45RO(+), CD8(-)TCR1(+)) in calves given electrolyte containing Bacillus than scouring calves administered electrolyte alone and non-scouring calves. Also, the Bacillus may be alleviating inflammation at day 3 post-placement as the proportion of monocytes and granulocytes lacking L-selectin (CD172a(+)CD62L(-)) was greater in scouring calves given electrolyte compared to the other groups. Electrolyte containing Bacillus administered at the onset of scours influences components of innate and adaptive immune development during and following the scouring event.     

Development of feeding systems and strategies of supplementation to enhance rumen fermentation and ruminant production in the tropics

The availability of local feed resources in various seasons can contribute as essential sources of carbohydrate and protein which significantly impact rumen fermentation and the subsequent productivity of the ruminant. Recent developments, based on enriching protein in cassava chips, have yielded yeast fermented cassava chip protein (YEFECAP) providing up to 47.5% crude protein (CP), which can be used to replace soybean meal. The use of fodder trees has been developed through the process of pelleting; Leucaena leucocephala leaf pellets (LLP), mulberry leaf pellets (MUP) and mangosteen peel and/or garlic pellets, can be used as good sources of protein to supplement ruminant feeding. Apart from producing volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins, greenhouse gases such as methane are also produced in the rumen. Several methods have been used to reduce rumen methane. However, among many approaches, nutritional manipulation using feed formulation and feeding management, especially the use of plant extracts or plants containing secondary compounds (condensed tannins and saponins) and plant oils, has been reported. This approach could help todecrease rumen protozoa and methanogens and thus mitigate the production of methane. At present, more research concerning this burning issue - the role of livestock in global warming - warrants undertaking further research with regard to economic viability and practical feasibility.     

Development of feeding systems and strategies of supplementation to enhance rumen fermentation and ruminant production in the tropics

The availability of local feed resources in various seasons can contribute as essential sources of carbohydrate and protein which significantly impact rumen fermentation and the subsequent productivity of the ruminant.Recent developments,based on enriching protein in cassava chips,have yielded yeast fermented cassava chip protein（YEFECAP） providing up to 47.5% crude protein（CP）,which can be used to replace soybean meal.The use of fodder trees has been developed through the process of pelleting;Leucaena leucocephala leaf pellets（LLP）,mulberry leaf pellets（MUP） and mangosteen peel and/or garlic pellets,can be used as good sources of protein to supplement ruminant feeding.Apart from producing volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins,greenhouse gases such as methane are also produced in the rumen.Several methods have been used to reduce rumen methane.However,among many approaches,nutritional manipulation using feed formulation and feeding management,especially the use of plant extracts or plants containing secondary compounds（condensed tannins and saponins） and plant oils,has been reported.This approach could help todecrease rumen protozoa and methanogens and thus mitigate the production of methane.At present,more research concerning this burning issue-the role of livestock in global warming-warrants undertaking further research with regard to economic viability and practical feasibility.     

Effect of direct-fed microbial and antibiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal microflora, mucin histochemical characterization, and immune populations of weanling pigs

Direct-fed microbials (DFM) have the ability to alter gastrointestinal microflora, morphology and immunity. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the effect of Lactobacillus brevis, Bacillus, and antibiotic supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbiota. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two levels of L. brevis supplementation and three diets (control, Bacillus, and antibiotic) fed during the nursery period. Microbial diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota increased in response to any of the treatments containing L. brevis, Bacillus, or antibiotic compared to unsupplemented pigs. Pigs provided L. brevis and Bacillus in combination exhibited more bands of high G/C content than pigs provided only the antibiotic treatment. Supplementation with L. brevis resulted in a unique band that was identified as unculturable, low G/C content, gram positive bacteria. Furthermore, L. brevis increased pig body weight at the end of the nursery by 1.6 kg compared to pigs not provided L. brevis. L. brevis increased the number of acidic goblet cells present on villi within the duodenum and jejunum, and decreased the number of sulfated goblet cells, whereas Bacillus and antibiotic supplementation decreased the number of sulfated goblet cells on villi within the duodenum. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed that L. brevis supplementation lowered the number of CD2⁺ cells, antigen presenting cells (MHCII⁺), and CD4⁺ T cells within jejunal villi. These data illustrate the potential for DFM to improve pig growth rate after weaning, as well as elicit alterations in the gut microbial community, mucin-producing goblet cells, and immune cells.