Growth performance and physiological parameters of conventional and specified pathogen‐free rats fed autoclaved diets with different protein sources

The effects of feeding autoclaved commercial SSNIFF (SN) diet and diets containing soya bean (S) and casein (C) to growing conventional (CON) and specified pathogen‐free (SPF) rats were determined. Diets S, C and SN, autoclaved at 121 °C during 20 min (T1), at 134 °C during 10 min (T2) and non‐autoclaved (T0), were fed during four weeks, each to 8 CON males and 8 females of mean initial body weight 56 g, kept individually. Diets S, C and SN, autoclaved at T1, were fed during two months, each to 20 SPF males and 20 females of mean initial body weight 58 g, kept in group of 5 animals per cage. In CON rats, autoclaving did not affect feed intake and weight gain, decreased thyroid and stomach weight, increased caecal tissue and digesta weight, and concentrations of isobutyric, isovaleric and valeric acid in caecal digesta. Among biochemical blood parameters, autoclaving decreased only total protein concentration and aspartate aminotransferase activity. Feeding C diet resulted in lower feed intake and weight gain in CON and SPF males. Diet affected organ weights and the greatest differences were found in rats on SN diet for weights of stomach, caecum and female reproductive organs. Diet affected concentration of all short‐chain fatty acids, pH and weight of caecal digesta, the most important being the greatest butyric acid concentration on SN diet and isoacids on C diet. It is concluded that autoclaving of both soya‐containing and soya‐free diets does not affect negatively animal performance and physiology.     

Evaluating the nutritional value of date pits and demonstrating their application in laying hen diets

This experiment was carried out to study the feeding value of ground date pits (DP) (Phoenix dactylifera L.) with and without enzyme supplementation on laying hens’ performance. Apparent metabolizable energy value of DP was determined by the total collection method using 10 adult Leghorn cockerels. After that, a total number of 144 Lohmann 50‐week‐old LSL‐Lite hens were randomly allocated into six groups consisting of four replicates of six birds, based on a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments. Six iso‐caloric and iso‐nitrogenous experimental diets including I‐corn–soya bean meal‐based control, II‐corn–soya bean meal oil‐based control and III‐ corn–soya bean meal‐based diet (180 g/kg DP) were formulated. Each of the diets was supplemented with two levels of an enzyme (0.0 and 0.07 g/kg Natozim Plus). The experiment lasted 10 weeks after 7 days of adaptation. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg mass, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness and Haugh unit among the treatments. Dietary inclusion of DP significantly decreased body weight gain (BWG), egg weight and yolk colour score. On the other hand, corn–soya bean meal‐based control diet with vegetable oil significantly increased egg weight and BWG of birds in comparison with other treatments. The serum biochemical metabolites were not affected by DP and enzyme supplementation. Thus, DP can be used as alternative feedstuff in laying hen diets, up to 18% of the diet with little effect on the performance of hens, including egg weight, and also, it had an adverse effect on yolk colour. Eventually, in terms of performance, the results failed to demonstrate any positive effect of Natozim Plus on either the controls or 18% DP diets.     

The effects of feeding diets containing potato protein concentrate on reproductive performance of rats and quality of the offspring

Two diets containing either soybean meal (SBM) or SBM and potato protein concentrate (PPC) in proportion of protein 1:1 (diet BS and BPP, respectively), were fed each to 22 females and 22 males from the age of 4-5 weeks throughout two reproductive cycles. A commercial closed-formula SNF diet containing unknown amount of potato protein was fed till the end of the first reproductive cycle. All three diets were also fed during 21 days following weaning, each to 10 offspring males born in the first cycle. The solanidine glycoalkaloids (GA) content in PPC was 2316 mg/kg DM. Feeding diets containing potato protein did not affect pregnancy rate, number and conformation of neonates and number of pups weaned (in all litters number of neonates left with dams being reduced to eight) but it depressed their body weight (weight of weaners on BPP diet only in the first cycle). Growth rate of the offspring males did not differ but feed intake was lower and feed conversion was higher on BPP than on BS and SNF diets. Feeding of BPP diet to offspring did not affect mass of body organs but increased blood urea and albumin concentrations while feeding SNF diet increased relative weight of small intestine and liver and raised blood concentrations of alanine amino transferase, albumin, protein, urea and cholesterol. In dams sacrificed after two cycles only relative weight of uterus and ovaries were lower in females fed on BPP than on BS diet. It is concluded that feeding moderate amounts (6.4%) of high-GA PPC does not impair reproductive performance, does not induce malformation of pups but depresses foetal and postnatal growth rate till weaning but not after weaning.     

维生素、矿物质与能量蛋白质水平对浙东白鹅母鹅繁殖性能、血液生殖激素浓度及生殖轴相关基因mRNA相对表达量的影响

本试验通过在饲粮中添加维生素与矿物质、调整饲粮能量蛋白质水平,旨在研究其对浙东白鹅母鹅繁殖性能、血液生殖激素浓度和生殖轴相关基因mRNA相对表达量的影响.选择138只月龄相近的浙东白鹅种母鹅,按体重相近原则分为3组,分别饲喂不同的饲粮,试验期150 d,测定繁殖性能(平均产蛋数、平均蛋重、受精率和孵化率)、血液生殖激素[卵泡刺激素(FSH)、促黄体生成素(LH)、孕酮(P4)、雌二醇(E2)、催乳素(PRL)]浓度和生殖轴相关基因[促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)、卵泡刺激素-β(FSHβ)、雌激素受体1(ESR1)、雌激素受体2(ESR2)、卵泡刺激素受体(FSHR)、催乳素(PRL)、催乳素受体(PRLR)] mRNA相对表达量的变化.结果表明:1)添加维生素与矿物质可显著提高浙东白鹅母鹅第1产蛋周期平均蛋重和受精率(P＜0.05);提高第2产蛋周期内血液FSH和P4的浓度,降低LH浓度,改变E2、P4和PRL浓度波动(P＜0.05);下调下丘脑PRLR、垂体PRL和卵巢PRLR基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05),上调卵巢ESR2基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05).2)调整饲粮能量蛋白质水平可显著提高浙东白鹅母鹅第2产蛋周期平均蛋重(P＜0.05);提高浙东白鹅第2产蛋周期内血液LH浓度,降低FSH浓度,改变E2和P4浓度波动(P＜0.05);上调下丘脑GnRH、垂体PRL和PRLR基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05),下调卵巢FSHR基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05).由此得出,添加维生素与矿物质、调整饲粮能量蛋白质水平可通过影响产蛋周期内部分血液生殖激素浓度和波动,局部调节生殖轴相关基因的mRNA相对表达量,改善浙东白鹅母鹅的繁殖性能.     

Value of raw soybeans and soybean oil supplementation in sow gestation and lactation diets: a cooperative study

A cooperative study using 215 sows during two parities (349 litters) was conducted at six stations to determine the effect of raw soybeans in gestation and lactation diets on sow and litter performance. Sows were bred and allotted to fortified corn diets containing either soybean meal (control) or raw soybeans. A corn-soybean meal-soybean oil diet, isocaloric to the raw soybean diet, was included as a third treatment at three stations. All diets contained 14% CP. These diets were fed during both gestation and lactation through two parities. The daily gestation feed intake ranged from 1.8 to 2.3 kg/sow, depending on station. During lactation, the sows were allowed ad libitum access to their respective diets. Gestational weight gain was not influenced by diet, but sows fed raw soybeans consumed less (P less than .01) feed during lactation and had greater (P less than .01) lactational weight loss and their pigs were lighter in weight (P less than .05) both at 21 d and at weaning (varied between 3 and 5 wk of age). Sows fed the diet with supplemental oil had reproductive and lactational performance similar to those fed the control diet. Milk obtained at d 10 to 14 of lactation from sows fed raw soybeans had lower (P less than .05) protein content than milk from sows fed the other two diets, but fat content of the milk tended to be increased by raw soybeans or by added soybean oil. Return to estrus was not affected by diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of supplementary choline on the performance of broiler breeders fed on different energy sources

1. Laying performance, egg quality, fertility and hatchability, and fat deposition in liver and abdomen were recorded in broiler breeders (29 to 48 weeks of age) fed on diets containing perarl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) (PM), broken rice (BR) or yellow maize (YM) (600 g/kg diet). Constant ratios of metabolisable energy (ME) to other nutrients were maintained in all the diets. Food grade choline chloride (50%) was added to the diets at 3 concentrations (0, 760 and 1,520 mg/kg). Each diet was offered to 3 replicate groups of 15 birds (12 hens and 3 cockerels), maintained in deep litter pens, to provide 1.46 MJ ME/bird/d. 2. Neither the source of energy nor dietary choline content had any influence on hen-d egg production, fertility or hatchability. Food efficiency and egg weight were significantly reduced in BR-fed groups compared to those fed on the other energy sources. 3. The efficiency of energy and protein utilisation increased and liver fat content was decreased significantly by dietary choline supplementation. 4. Haugh unit score, egg shell weight, liver weight and intestinal weight were not influenced by either supplementary choline or the source of energy. However, the yolk colour index was significantly reduced in PM- or BR-fed groups compared to those fed on the maize-based diet. 5. Deposition of abdominal fat was significantly greater in BR-fed birds compared to those fed on the YM-based diet, while liver fat content was significantly greater in the birds fed on the PM-or BR-based diets than those based on YM. Although supplementation of the diet with choline had no influence on abdominal fat deposition, liver fat content was significantly reduced in birds given diet containing 760 mg supplemental choline/kg diet. 6. The present study indicates that PM or BR can be used as principal energy sources in place of YM in broiler breeder diets without affecting egg production, fertility or hatchability. Liver fat content can be reduced by adding choline at 760 mg/kg to diets based on different energy sources.     

Characterization of straightbred and crossbred rabbits for milk production and associative traits

Two hundred twenty-five lactation and litter performance records from 82 does representing four genetic groups and two diets were analyzed to quantify breed, heterosis, reciprocal F1 cross and diet effects for milk production and associative traits. Doe genetic groups were New Zealand White (NN) and Californian (CC) straightbred and Californian X New Zealand White (CN) and New Zealand White X Californian (NC) reciprocal crossbreds. Pelleted diets fed to does and litters were either a commercial control or a 74% alfalfa diet. Three sire breeds of litters included NN, CC and Flemish Giant (FG) straightbreds. Doe genetic group and diet were important sources of variation (P less than .05) for all traits examined except for litter milk efficiency (litter gain/milk intake) and doe feed efficiency (milk yield/feed intake). The sire breed of litter effect did not influence (P greater than .05) lactational performance of does nor associative preweaning traits. Straightbred NN does were heavier at kindling, yielded more milk, reared a heavier litter by 21 d and were more efficient in converting feed into milk than were straightbred CC does (P less than .01). Significant heterosis was detected for milk production and for litter size and weight at 21 d. Reciprocal differences between crossbred doe groups were observed (P less than .05) for litter milk efficiency and doe feed intake. The 74% alfalfa diet was superior to the commercial control diet for effects on milk production and litter size and weight at 21 d, although doe feed intake was increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

High intake of calcium formiate depresses macronutrient digestibility in veal calves fed milk replacers containing either dairy proteins or whey protein plus soya protein concentrate

A study to determine whether calcium intake and the type of dietary protein would show an interaction with regard to macronutrient digestibility in veal calves was carried out. Eighty four male calves, about 8 weeks of age, were fed four experimental milk replacers in a 2  2 factorial design. The diets contained either dairy protein as a sole source of protein or whey protein (76% of total protein) plus soya protein concentrate (24% of total protein) and either a low or high concentration of calcium. Calcium was added to the high-calcium diets in the form of calcium formiate. The concentration of calcium was on average 0.64% of air-dry matter in the low-calcium rations and 1.25% in the calcium-rich rations. After the experimental diets had been fed for 10 weeks, body-weight gain was significantly lower (on average 5.5 kg) in the calves that had been fed on the diets containing soya protein concentrate and whey protein. Calcium intake did not significantly influence weight gain. In the calves that were fed soya proteins, digestibility of protein and carbohydrates was significantly lower than in those fed dairy protein only, but fat digestion was unaffected. High calcium intake significantly reduced the digestibility of protein, fat and carbohydrates. With regard to carbohydrate digestibility there was an interaction between the amount of calcium and type of protein in the diet such that the effect of calcium was greater when the diet contained 24% of protein in the form of soya protein instead of dairy protein only.     

Effects of dietary star anise (Illicium verum Hook f) supplementation during gestation and lactation on the performance of lactating multiparous sows and nursing piglets

Thirty‐two sows were allocated to four treatments to evaluate the effect of dietary star anise (SA) supplementation during gestation and lactation on the lactational performance of sows. At 85 days of gestation, sows were randomly allotted to one of two diets supplemented with 0.5% SA or basal diet. After farrowing, sows were further allotted to one of two lactation diets supplemented with 0.5% SA or basal diet. On a weekly basis, body weight (BW) of sows and piglets was measured. Blood and milk samples were obtained from the sows and piglets. Number of days from weaning to estrus, milk yield and feed intake were also recorded. Weight gain of piglets from sows fed the SA‐supplemented diet during lactation was greater between days 7 and 14, days 14 and 21 and the overall experimental period compared with control groups. Supplementation of SA during lactation improved weaning weight of piglets, milk yield and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows. The SA diet increased concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in ordinary milk and prolactin (PRL) in serum of sows. In conclusion, this study has indicated the beneficial effects of dietary SA addition in improving the lactation performance of sows.     

Reproductive performance and gestational effort in relation to dietary fatty acids in guinea pigs

Background: Dietary saturated(SFAs) and polyunsaturated(PUFAs) fatty acids can highly affect reproductive functions by providing additional energy, modulating the biochemical properties of tissues, and hormone secretions. In precocial mammals such as domestic guinea pigs the offspring is born highly developed. Gestation might be the most critical reproductive period in this species and dietary fatty acids may profoundly influence the gestational effort. We therefore determined the hormonal status at conception, the reproductive success, and body mass changes during gestation in guinea pigs maintained on diets high in PUFAs or SFAs, or a control diet.Results: The diets significantly affected the females' plasma fatty acid status at conception, while cortisol and estrogen levels did not differ among groups. SFA females exhibited a significantly lower body mass and litter size, while the individual birth mass of pups did not differ among groups and a general higher pup mortality rate in larger litters was diminished by PUFAs and SFAs. The gestational effort, determined by a mother's body mass gain during gestation, increased with total litter mass, whereas this increase was lowest in SFA and highest in PUFA individuals. The mother's body mass after parturition did not differ among groups and was positively affected by the total litter mass in PUFA females.Conclusions: While SFAs reduce the litter size, but also the gestational effort as a consequence, PUFA supplementation may contribute to an adjustment of energy accumulations to the total litter mass, which may both favor a mother's body condition at parturition and perhaps increase the offspring survival at birth.     

Effect of raw soya bean particle size on productive performance and digestion of dairy cows

Differing soya bean particle sizes may affect productive performance and ruminal fermentation due to the level of fatty acid (FA) exposure of the cotyledon in soya bean grain and because the protein in small particles is more rapidly degraded than the protein in large particles, which influence ruminal fibre digestion and the amounts of ruminally undegradable nutrients. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of raw soya bean particle size on productive performance, digestion and milk FA profile of dairy cows. Twelve Holstein cows were assigned to three 4 × 4 Latin squares with 21‐day periods. At the start of the experiment, cows were 121 days in milk (DIM) and yielded 30.2 kg/day of milk. Cows were fed 4 diets: (i) control diet (CO), without raw soya bean; (ii) whole raw soya bean (WRS); (iii) cracked raw soya bean in Wiley mill 4‐mm screen (CS4); and (iv) cracked raw soya bean in Wiley mill 2‐mm screen (CS2). The inclusion of soya beans (whole or cracked) was 200 g/kg on dry matter (DM) basis and partially replaced ground corn and soya bean meal. Uncorrected milk yield and composition were not influenced by experimental diets; however, fat‐corrected milk (FCM) decreased when cows were fed soya bean treatments. Soya bean diets increased the intake of ether extract (EE) and net energy of lactation (NE_L), and decreased the intake of DM and non‐fibre carbohydrate (NFC). Ruminal propionate concentration was lower in cows fed WRS than cows fed CS2 or CS4. Cows fed cracked raw soya bean presented lower nitrogen in faeces than cows fed WRS. The milk of cows fed WRS, CS2 and CS4 presented higher unsaturated FA than cows fed CO. The addition of raw soya bean in cow diets, regardless of the particle size, did not impair uncorrected milk yield and nutrient digestion, and increased the concentration of unsaturated FA in milk. Cows fed cracked raw soya bean presented similar productive performance to cows fed whole raw soya bean.     

High levels of whole raw soya beans in dairy cow diets: digestibility and animal performance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high levels of whole raw soya beans in the diets of lactating cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows were used, randomized in three 4 ×  4 balanced and contemporary Latin squares and fed the following diets: (i) control (C), without including whole raw soya beans; (ii) 80 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G80); (iii) 160 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G160); and (iv) 240 g/kg in DM of whole raw soya beans (G240). There was significant reduction (p < 0.05) in dry matter intake (kg/day) in cows supplemented with G240 compared with C (23.8 vs. 25.3 respectively). G240 diets presented lower crude protein digestibility (g/kg) (p < 0.05) in comparison with C diet (683 vs. 757 respectively). There was significant effect of experimental rations in nitrogen balance (p < 0.05), G240 diet presenting significant reduction in comparison with the other diets, and faecal excretion of nitrogen was higher for G240 diet. The concentration of ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for cows receiving control diet, compared to other diets. G240 diet resulted in significantly lower milk and protein yield (p < 0.05) in comparison with C diet. Significant C18:2 cis fatty acids were observed in milk concentrations (p < 0.05) for G240 diet. The use of high level of whole raw soya beans in dairy cow diets improves the unsaturated fatty acid profile in milk, and the diets (G80 and G160) led to minor alterations in the digestive processes and animal metabolism.     

日粮中使用NUTRI-PAL对夏季初产母猪繁殖性能的影响

试验以20头妊娠90d的初产母猪(长白×大白)为试验动物,研究日粮中使用5%Nutri-Pal对其繁殖性能的影响。试验分对照组及5%Nutri-Pal试验组。结果表明:与对照组相比,试验组母猪的采食量略有提高(P>0.05),窝产活仔数增加0.55头、初生窝重增加1.57kg、断奶后7d内发情率提高了22.3%,弱仔、死胎、木乃伊的比例均有不同程度的下降,但母猪窝总产仔数、断奶到发情的间隔无显著差异(P>0.05)。仔猪15日龄窝重、断奶窝重比对照组分别提高了3.53kg和5.56kg,死亡率下降了37.57%。结果显示,日粮中使用5%Nutri-Pal能促进夏季初产母猪的繁殖性能。     

Effect of level of protein and supplemental choline on reproductive performance of gilts fed sorghum diets

A total of 214 gilts was used (two trials) to determine the effect of protein level and choline supplementation during gestation on weight gain, conception rate and subsequent reproductive performance. The gilts were fed either a 12 or 16% crude protein sorghum-soybean meal diet containing either a high supplemental choline level or no supplemental choline in a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Conception rate was not influenced by either protein or choline level. Choline supplementation increased pig weight at 42 d of age (P less than .14) and litter weight at 21 (P less than .12) and 42 d (P less than .1). Gilts fed the 16% protein diet produced larger pigs at 42 d (P less than .13) and heavier litters at birth, (P less than .1) 21 d (P less than .14) and 42 d (P less than .05) than gilts fed the 12% protein diet. A larger choline effect on litter size and pig and litter weight was observed for gilts fed the 12% protein diet than for those fed the 16% gestation diet, although the protein-choline interaction was not significant for any traits measured. The incidence of spraddle leg condition was low and was not affected by level of dietary protein or supplemental choline.     

Effects of Inulin Supplementation in Low‐ or High‐Fat Diets on Reproductive Performance of Sows and Antioxidant Defence Capacity in Sows and Offspring

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation in low‐ or high‐fat diets on both the reproductive performance of sow and the antioxidant defence capacity in sows and offspring. Sixty Landrace × Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to four treatments with low‐fat diet (L), low‐fat diet containing 1.5% inulin (LI), high‐fat diet (H) and high‐fat diet containing 1.5% inulin (HI). Inulin‐rich diets lowered the within‐litter birth weight coefficient of variation (CV, p = 0.05) of piglets, increased the proportion of piglets weighing 1.0–1.5 kg at farrowing (p < 0.01), reduced the loss of body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BF) during lactation (p < 0.05) and decreased the duration of farrowing as well as improved sow constipation (p < 0.05). Sows fed fat‐rich diets gained more BW during gestation (p < 0.01), farrowed a greater number of total (+1.65 pigs, p < 0.05) and alive (+1.52 pigs p < 0.05) piglets and had a heavier (+2.06 kg, p < 0.05) litter weight at birth as well as a decreased weaning‐to‐oestrous interval (WEI, p < 0.01) compared with sows fed low‐fat diets. However, it is worth noting that the H diet significantly decreased the serum activities of superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and increased the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in sows and piglets (p < 0.05). In contrast, HI diet enhanced the activities of T‐SOD and GSH‐Px and decreased the serum MDA concentrations (p < 0.05) in sows and piglets. In summary, the fat‐rich diets fed to sows during gestation had beneficial effects on reproductive performance, but aggravated the oxidative stress in sow and piglets. Inulin‐rich diets fed to sow during gestation had beneficial effects on within‐litter uniformity of piglet birthweight and enhanced the antioxidant defence capacity of sows and piglets.     

Moldy corn in diets of gestating and lactating swine

Moldy corn was substituted for normal corn in four dietary treatments to provide 0, 2.1, 3.7 and 4.8 ppm of zearalenone. The diets were fed to gilts from the day after first observed estrus through two gestation-lactation periods. Each diets was fed to 11 gifts initially. Overall reproductive performance appeared to decrease as the level of moldly corn in the diet increased, with fewer sows completing two parities and fewer piglets weaned per litter, especially from sows fed the highest level of moldy corn. Three-week-old gilts that nursed sows fed the highest level of moldy corn had increased weight of reproductive tracts. In 35-d-old gilts, symptoms of estrogenism increased as the level of moldy corn in the diet increased, even though there were no symptoms of estrogenism in the mature gilts or sows fed the same diets. Neither zearalenone nor its metabolites (alpha- and beta-zearalenol) were detected in milk obtained 1 or 14 d postpartum.     

Evaluation of high nutrient diets and additional dextrose on reproductive performance and litter performance of heat‐stressed lactating sows

This study investigated the litter performance of lactating sows fed nutrient‐dense diets with or without dextrose at farrowing to weaning, during the summer with an average room temperature of 28.4°C. A total of 60 (13 first parity, 13 second parity, 19 third parity, and 15 forth parity) cross‐bred sows were assigned to three treatments. The three treatments were: standard diet (ST), high nutrient diet (HN; ST + 3% higher energy and 18.0% protein), and high nutrient diet plus dextrose (HND; 3% higher energy, 18.0% protein, and 5% dextrose). BW loss was reduced in the HND sows compared with the ST sows during lactation. The HN and HND sows had a higher piglet and litter weight at weaning. Also, the HND sows had the highest post‐prandial insulin levels at weaning and the shortest weaning‐to‐service interval (WSI). Serum LH was higher in the HND sows than the ST sows. The milk fat level was higher in the HND sows compared with the ST sows, but similar to the HN sows. In conclusion, these results suggest that it is possible to increase the blood insulin response by supplementing dextrose to a high nutrient diet, thus, improving WSI interval and litter growth during heat stress.     

Response of animals to dietary gramine. II. Effects of feeding high-gramine yellow lupin seeds on reproductive performance of rats and on selected hematological and biochemical parameters in offspring.

Two groups of 26 male and 26 female rats at the initial age 30 +/- 2 days were fed during 31 weeks on diets containing 20 percent of yellow lupin seeds having low (LG) or high (HG) gramine content. The animals were mated twice within nutritional groups, 1 male: 1 female, and their main reproductive parameters were recorded. In both reproductive cycles body weight of females at mating, after parturition and after 21-days lactation was lower in HG than in LG group. Fertility rate and body weight of neonates were not affected by the diet while number of neonates per litter tended to be lower by 0.7 and 0.8 pups in HG than in LG group. Body weight of weaners was also substantially smaller in dams fed on HG than LG diet. Relative weight of spleen but not of liver, kidney and heart was significantly greater in HG females. Four weeks old males and females issued from the first litters born to LG and HG animals (ten males and ten females per treatment) were fed individually on respective diets during 3 weeks. Feed intake and growth rate did not differ between the treatments. In males relative weight of liver and testicles was greater, while hematocrit and red blood count were lower in HG than in LG group. In females organ weights did not differ. Activity of liver enzymes determined in males was not affected by the diet. It may be concluded that high-gramine lupin affects negatively lactational performance, probably via lower feed intake, but it does not induce apparent teratogenic effects in the progeny.     

枯草芽孢杆菌对围产期母猪繁殖性能和子代生长的影响

试验旨在研究枯草芽孢杆菌对围产期母猪繁殖性能和子代生长的影响。试验选用2~4胎次、预产期相近的妊娠85 d的健康大白猪40头,随机分为2组,每组20头。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在基础饲粮中添加250 g/t的枯草芽孢杆菌制剂。试验期为妊娠85 d至产后21 d。分别于母猪妊娠85、112 d和产后21 d测量母猪背膘厚并计算背膘损失。于产后1和21 d耳缘静脉采血,肝素抗凝,离心分离血浆,测定血浆生化指标。于产后1 d记录母猪的产仔数和产活仔数,并称取仔猪出生窝重。于产后21 d称取仔猪断奶窝重并计算断奶窝日增重;每天观察并记录每窝仔猪腹泻情况,计算腹泻率。结果表明:与对照组相比,饲粮添加枯草芽孢杆菌制剂对母猪繁殖性能无显著影响(P0.05),但显著降低了仔猪1~7日龄和1~21日龄腹泻率(P0.05),显著增加了产后21 d母猪血浆免疫球蛋白M(Ig M)含量(P0.05),且产后1 d母猪血浆白蛋白(P=0.087)和Ig M(P=0.096)含量以及产后21 d背膘厚(P=0.096)均呈增加趋势。综上所述,饲粮添加枯草芽孢杆菌制剂虽然不影响母猪繁殖性能,但可增强机体对蛋白质的利用和免疫力,降低仔猪腹泻率。     

Fish meal as a protein supplement in ruminant diets: a review

Fish meal (FM) as a protein supplement in ruminant diets is presented to illustrate production responses to FM supplementation and to explain the possible factors that may affect the magnitude of these responses. Positive responses are consistently detected when FM is fed to nonruminants, but the responses when fed to ruminants have lacked consistency. Research indicates that ruminal protein degradation of FM is affected by processing factors including type and freshness of fish, addition of preservatives, stabilization of fat, type of dryer used, temperature and duration of heating, and the amount of fish solubles added back to the meal. Performance data published in the last two decades have been categorized into body weight gain and milk yield and composition. Fish meal was more effective in improving body weight gain in young than in finishing ruminants and in males than in females or castrated males. Daily gains and feed efficiencies were higher when FM supplemented medium- or poor-quality silages than when it was added to high-quality silages. No significant advantage was found for replacing protein sources that were highly ruminally degradable with FM in high-corn diets fed to growing ruminants. Milk yield and milk protein concentration were improved by FM supplementation of low-concentrate diets fed to cows in early lactation. However, milk fat percentage was negatively affected by FM supplementation. Reproduction data indicated that body gain and conception rates of high-producing cows were improved by supplementing their diets with FM during early lactation. Results suggest a significant advantage of FM supplementation to ruminant diets if the physiological status of the animal and the quality of the dietary ingredients are taken into account.