Effects of dietary distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on growth performance,oxidative stress,and immune function in broiler chickens

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from corn contain relatively large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids and some yeast components, which may increase oxidative stress and alter immune function, respectively, when fed to broilers. Therefore, the study was undertaken to assess the effects of distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) on broilers under immunosuppressive challenge. One-day-old male broiler chickens (300) were assigned to 2 treatments with 6 replicates pretreatment. Birds were fed diets formulated to contain 0, 15% corn-based DDGS, respectively. The experimental diets were fed for 6 weeks in 2 phases. On day 21, serum IgA, IgG content and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) capacity were analyzed. Chickens were then randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatment groups: negative control (NC) corn-soybean meal diet without dexamethasone (DEX) challenge, positive control (PC) corn-soybean meal diet with (DEX) challenge, 15% DDGS without DEX challenge (D), 15% DDGS with DEX (D+DEX). Based on these results, dietary DDGS did not influence ADG, ADFI and F:G of 21 d, 28 d and 42 d chicks (P > 0.05), however, DEX affected ADG and F:G of 28 d chicks remarkably (P < 0.05). Relative weights of liver, abdominal fat, spleen, thymus, and bursa were influenced by DEX challenge on d 28 (P < 0.05). DDGS reduced serum T-AOC, T-SOD, whereas increased IgA, IgG and MDA of 21-day-old broilers significantly (P < 0.05). Dietary DDGS also reduced liver T-SOD of 21-day-old broilers significantly (P < 0.05). Based on real-time PCR, 28 d chicks fed DDGS had a greater relative abundance of mRNA encoding IL-4 and IL-6 (P < 0.05), whereas DEX decreased the expression of GPX, IL-6, IL-10 (P < 0.05). Thus, 15% dietary DDGS inclusion has the beneficial effects on immune functions for broilers to some degree.     

Effects of supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,organ weight,fecal microbiota,blood profile,and excreta noxious gas emissions in broilers

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, relative organ weight, fecal microbiota, blood profile, and excreta noxious gas emissions in broilers. A total of 714 one-day-old mixed sex ROSS 308 broilers with the initial BW = 40 ± 0.69 g was used in a 4-week trial. All birds were raised in wire cages. Birds were randomly allotted to 7 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 17 broilers per pen. Dietary treatments included: 1) T1 (control), 2) T2 [T1 + 0.2% probiotics (Bacillus sp. 1 × 10⁹ CFU, Lactobacillus sp. 1 × 10⁸ CFU, Aspergillus niger. 1 × 10⁷ CFU)], 3) T3 (T1 + 1% chicory fiber), 4) T4 (T1 + 1% rice bran), 5) T5 (T1+ 0.2% probiotics + 1% chicory fiber), 6) T6 (T1 + 0.2% probiotics + 1% rice bran), and 7) T7 (T1 + 0.2% probiotics + 1% chicory fiber + 1% rice bran). During d 1 to 14, broilers fed the T5, T6, and T7 diets had greater body weight gain (BWG) compared with the T1 diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, probiotics-included treatments resulted in higher BWG compared with the probiotics-free diets (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the T7 diet increased more in BWG compared with those fed the T1 diet, whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased more in the T7 diet than the T1 diet overall (P < 0.05). Dry matter (DM) digestibility increased more in the T5, T6, and T7 diets compared with the T1 diet (P < 0.05). Broilers fed probiotics-based diets had more improved DM digestibility compared with those fed probiotics-free diets (P < 0.05). Excreta Lactobacillus counts increased more in the T7 diet compared with the T1 diet (P < 0.05). Broilers fed with probiotics diets had higher excreta Lactobacillus counts compared with those fed the probiotics-free diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 0.2% probiotics and 1% dietary fiber as prebiotics could improve the growth performance, DM digestibility, and excreta Lactobacillus counts in broilers raised in wire cages.     

Effects of lactulose supplementation on performance,blood profiles,excreta microbial shedding of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli,relative organ weight and excreta noxious gas contents in broilers

This study was to evaluate the effects of lactulose supplementation on performance, blood profiles, excreta microbial shedding of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli, relative organ weight and excreta noxious gas contents in broilers. A total of 720 ROSS 308 broilers with a body weight of 46 ± 0.1 g (1 day of age) were used in a 28‐d experiment. Broilers were randomly allotted to 4 experiment diets with 12 replicate pens and 15 birds per pen. Dietary treatments were as follows: NC, negative control (without antibiotic); PC, NC + 0.1% tiamulin; L1, NC + 0.1% lactulose; and L2, NC + 0.2% lactulose. Broilers were fed with phase 1 (1–8 day), phase 2 (9–18 day) and phase 3 (19–28 day) diets in the form of mash. During day 1–8, broilers fed the PC and L2 diets had higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain than those fed the NC diet. During day 19–28, broilers fed the L1 and L2 diets had lower (p < 0.05) feed intake than those fed the NC diet. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased (p < 0.05) in L1 treatment compared with NC treatment. Overall, the FCR was improved (p < 0.05) in all supplementation treatments compared with NC treatment. The apparently metabolizable nitrogen in L1 treatment was higher (p < 0.05) than that in NC treatment at day 28. The excreta Lactobacillus was increased and E. coli was decreased in PC and L2 treatments compared with NC treatment at day 28 (p < 0.05). The excreta NH₃, H₂S and acetic acid contents were decreased (p < 0.05) in L1 and L2 treatments compared with NC treatment. The relative weight of abdominal fat of broilers fed the PC diet was lowest (p < 0.05) compared with other treatments. In conclusion, this study indicated that dietary supplementation of 0.1% or 0.2% lactulose could improve growth performance, decrease excreta E. coli and excreta NH₃ and H₂S contents.     

Effects of star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f.), essential oil,and leavings on growth performance,serum, and liver antioxidant status of broiler chickens

An experiment using 384 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers that were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 8 replicates in a completely randomized design was conducted to assess the effects of star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f.), essential oil, and leavings on growth performance and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. The treatments were corn-soybean meal based diets supplemented with 5 g/kg star anise, 0.2 g/kg essential oil, and 5 g/kg leavings of the diets for 42 days. All broilers had similar feed conversions over the entire experimental period. However, broilers supplemented with star anise and its essential oil had higher (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI than those of the control and leavings. Supplementation of star anise and its essential oil increased (P < 0.05) activities of super dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase but decreased (P < 0.05) content of malondialdehyde in the serum of broilers at 21 d and 42 d of age. And it also increased (P < 0.05) activities of super dismutase and catalase but decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of malondialdehyde in the liver of broilers at the same periods. Dietary supplementation of star anise and its essential oil improved growth performance and serum and liver antioxidant status. The efficacy is best at 5 g/kg star anise or 0.2 g/kg essential oil in the diet.     

Performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed wheat dried distillers’ grain with solubles‐containing diets supplemented with phytase and multi‐carbohydrase

Effect of supplementing wheat dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS)‐containing diet with enzymes on nutrient utilization by growing pigs was evaluated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 60 pigs weighing ~30 kg were fed five diets that included a corn‐based diet (Control), Control with 10% wheat DDGS (DDGS‐PC), DDGS‐PC without inorganic P source (DDGS‐NC), and DDGS‐NC plus phytase alone or with multi‐carbohydrase for 4 weeks to determine average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F). In Experiment 2, 30 barrows weighing 22 kg were fed five diets fed in Experiment 1 to determine nutrient digestibility and retention. Pigs fed DDGS‐PC and Control diets had similar ADG and G:F. The ADG and G:F for DDGS‐PC diet were higher (P < 0.05) than those for DDGS‐NC diet. Phytase improved (P < 0.05) ADG, G:F, total tract P digestibility and P retention by 6.6, 8.7, 86.0 and 85.5%, respectively. Addition of multi‐carbohydrase to phytase‐supplemented diet did not affected growth performance, but reduced (P < 0.05) P retention. In conclusion, inclusion of 10% wheat DDGS in growing pig diet may not affect growth performance of growing pigs. Phytase supplementation to wheat DDGS‐containing diet can eliminate the need for inorganic P supplement in pig diets.     

Effect of long-term feeding of graded levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) on growth performance,nutrient utilization,and organ health in finishing pigs and DON content in biological samples

The prevalence of deoxynivalenol (DON) is a concern for swine producers, and although there has been extensive research into the effects of DON in pigs, focus has been in young pigs and/or in short-term studies. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of long-term exposure to DON-contaminated diets in finisher pigs. A total of 200 pigs (76.6 ± 3.9 kg initial weight) were group housed (five pigs per pen; n = 10 pens/treatment) in a 6-wk trial. Pigs were fed a wheat-barley-soybean meal-based control (CONT) diet with no DON or the basal diet in which clean wheat was replaced by DON-contaminated wheat and wheat screenings to provide DON content of 1, 3, or 5 ppm (DON1, DON3, and DON5, respectively). Individual BW and pen feed intake were recorded weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). Blood was collected on days 0, 14, and 43 and analyzed for indicators of liver and kidney health. Nitrogen (N)-balance was conducted immediately following the growth performance period to determine the effect of DON on nutrient utilization. Blood and urine samples collected during N balance were analyzed for DON content. Feeding DON reduced (P < 0.05) ADFI and ADG from days 0 to 28 compared with CONT, after which there was no effect of diet on ADFI and ADG. The G:F was lower (P < 0.05) in DON5 fed pigs compared with all treatments during days 0 to 7; however, no treatment effects on G:F was observed from days 8 to 42. Nitrogen retention was lower (P < 0.05) in DON3 and DON5 compared with DON1-fed pigs. Nitrogen retention efficiency was higher (P < 0.05) in DON1 compared with DON3 and DON5 and protein deposition for DON1 pigs was higher (P < 0.05) than all treatments. There were no treatment effects on indicators of liver and kidney health. As dietary DON intake increased, concentration of DON in blood and urine increased. Overall, although there was an initial decrease in ADG and ADFI in pigs receiving diets containing >1 ppm DON, pig performance recovered after a period of time, whereas nutrient utilization continued to be affected after recovery of performance. Moreover, the lack of DON on G:F indicates that the negative effects of DON on growth performance are largely due to reduced feed intake. Overall, although pigs maybe capable of adapting to intake of DON-contaminated diets, their final body weight will be reduced when fed diets containing >1 ppm DON.     

Voluntary feed intake and growth performance of slow-growing pigs fed on increasing levels of ensiled potato hash meal

The objective of the study was to determine voluntary feed intake and growth performance of Windsnyer pigs fed on increasing levels of potato hash silage meal. Thirty-six growing Windsnyer pigs (19 kg ± 5.59) (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) were individually and randomly assigned to six experimental diets containing 0, 80, 160, 240, 320 and 400 g/kg DM of potato hash silage. Diets containing the potato hash silage were formulated using diet dilution method from 0 g/kg and 400 g/kg. Six pigs were fed on each diet ad libitum for 6 weeks. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed (G/F) ratio, scaled feed intake (SFI) and scaled average daily gain (SADG) were measured weekly. Increasing levels of potato hash silage caused a decrease (P < 0.05) in ADG, G/F ratio and SADG. The ADFI interacted significantly (P < 0.05) with the inclusion level of potato hash silage and week of feeding. Pigs fed on 240 g/kg potato hash silage had greater ADFI in the second, third and fourth week of feeding. There was a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) in ADFI. There was a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in ADG and G/F ratio and SADG as the potato hash silage level increased. Using piecewise regression, potato hash silage can be included up to 240 g/kg DM in Windsnyer pigs without undermining growth performance.     

Betaine Alleviates Heat Stress-Induced Hepatic and Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage in Broilers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary betaine (BET) on growth performance, redox state, and related gene expression in broilers under heat stress (HS). A total of 144 21-day-old male broiler chickens with similar body weights were assigned randomly to three treatments with six replicates (eight chickens per replicate cage). Broilers in the control (CON) group were kept at thermoneutral (TN, 22±1°C) conditions and fed a basal diet until they were 42 days of age. Broilers in the other two groups (defined as HS and HS + BET) were exposed to HS (34±1°C, 8 h/day) and fed the basal diet without or with 1000 mg/kg BET, respectively. Rectal and cockscomb temperature of broilers was increased (P<0.05) in HS and HS + BET groups compared with the CON group, whereas there was no difference between HS and HS + BET groups. Dietary BET supplementation restored (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers and reversed (P<0.05) the increase in serum alanine transaminase (ALT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver tissue of broilers under HS. The HS + BET group had higher (P<0.05) activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the liver tissue and mitochondria than the HS group, and the same pattern was observed for glutathione (GSH) and GSH/glutathione disulphide (GSSG) in the liver tissue. The decreased mRNA levels of GPX1 and uncoupling protein (UCP) in the liver induced by HS were restored by BET supplementation. In conclusion, dietary BET supplementation can alleviate HS-induced hepatic and mitochondrial oxidative damage of broilers by regulating mRNA expressions of GPX1 and UCP.     

Effect of quantitative feed restriction on broiler performance

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of quantitative feed restriction on the performance of broilers. A total of 270 unsexed broilers were randomly allocated to three treatments: with no feed restriction (T1), one week (T2) and two (T3) weeks of feed restriction from 22 days of age and then fed ad libitum until the age of 42 days. Treatments were replicated three times with 30 birds per replicate. Birds were fed with starter, grower and finisher diets. The feed consumed and body weights were recorded every week from the third to the sixth week. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed for each week. At Week 6, body weights of T3 birds were similar (P > 0.05) to those of T1 and T2 birds. There were also no treatment effects on the ADG at Week 6. In addition, no treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed on ADFI at each stage of growth. Since ADFI and FCR were similar among the three groups, it was concluded that feed restriction by limiting the time to eat was not successful. There was also no evidence of compensatory growth in the restricted groups.     

Effect of supplemental zinc source and corn particle size on 40-day broiler performance

Zinc (Zn) supplementation source and particle size of feed ingredients are two factors that can affect poultry performance and should be considered for proper feeding of poultry. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of Zn supplementation source and corn particle size on broiler performance, breast yield, and tibia Zn concentration. Treatments were arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial randomized complete block design with the main effects Zn treatment and corn particle size (550 micron vs. 1,050 micron). Zinc treatments included a basal diet (no added Zn), 80 mg/kg Zn sulfate, and 3 diets with 40 mg/kg Zn sulfate + 40 mg/kg of either Zn-glycine amino acid (AA) chelate (Zn-gly), Zn-AA complex (Zn-AA), or Zn bis(-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio)butanoic acid (Zn-HMTBA). A total of 8 replications per treatment were fed to 23 broilers per pen from d one to 40. A Zn treatment x corn particle size interaction was observed for ending bird weight (EBW; P < 0.05) demonstrating that feeding small particle corn produced larger broilers except when supplemental Zn was not included. Broilers fed small particle corn or diets supplemented with Zn consumed the most feed (P < 0.05); however, FCR was decreased (P < 0.05) by 1.9 points for broilers fed large particle corn diets. Tibia Zn concentration was higher (P < 0.0001) for Zn supplemented diets, but no other treatment effects were observed. In conclusion, Zn supplement source had little effect on broiler performance; however, Zn supplementation per se optimized performance.     

Evaluation of a thermotolerant xylanase on broiler growth performance and dietary ileal digestible energy value

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of a thermotolerant xylanase on male broiler performance and dietary ileal digestible energy (IDE). The first experiment consisted of 3 treatment groups with 12 replications per treatment each containing 35 Cobb 500 males for a total of 1,260 broilers placed in floor pens for a 42 d grow-out. The experiment treatments included a corn/soy diet with DDGS control formulated at a low energy level, and the control supplemented with one of 2 concentrations of xylanase (20,000 XU/kg [XYL20] and 40,000 XU/kg [XYL40]). No significant differences in body weight were observed with the inclusion of xylanase when compared to the control diet throughout the experiment. At d 28, the inclusion of XYL20 improved (P < 0.05) mortality corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control diet. Feed conversion ratio was also improved (P < 0.01) at d 42 for birds fed XYL20 when compared to the control. At d 42, inclusion of XYL20 and XYL40 significantly (P < 0.05) increased IDE compared to the control. Experiment 2 consisted of 4 treatment groups with 10 replications per treatment each containing 44 Cobb 500 males for a total of 1,760 broilers placed in floor pens for a 41 d grow-out. The dietary treatments included a positive control (PC) based on a corn/soy diet containing DDGS and phytase, a negative control (NC) diet (PC -150 kcal/kg in AME), NC + xylanase at 10,000 XU/kg (XYL10), and NC + xylanase at 20,000 XU/kg (XYL20). A significant increase (P < 0.05) in BW was observed in broilers fed the inclusion of XYL20 in the NC diet increased (P < 0.05) on d 14. A significant increase in cumulative body weight gain was observed on d 27 and d 41 with xylanase (XYL20) inclusion compared to the NC. These data demonstrate that xylanase inclusion increased energy utilization through improvements in IDE, which improved broiler performance.     

Effects of feeding cracked corn and concentrate protein pellets on broiler growth performance

Typically, in a vertically integrated poultry (broiler or turkey) operation, maintaining adequate feed manufacturing production proves to be a challenge. To evaluate an alternative management strategy, 2 studies were conducted to examine the effects of feeding broilers cracked corn and a concentrated pellet on broiler growth performance from 0 to 41 d of age. Cracked corn (0, 25, 50, 75, or 100%) was used to replace the corn fraction in the diet for all 3 stages of growth. Cracked corn and concentrate pellets were blended together to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric among all treatments, so only feed form would differ. Experiment 1 diets included a control (0% cracked corn) and experimental diets (25, 50, 75, or 100%) in which cracked corn directly replaced the ground corn fraction. Overall (0 to 41 d), a linear decrease (P < 0.001) for ADG and ADFI and a linear increase (P < 0.003) for FCR was observed as cracked corn levels increased. In experiment 2, a “step-up” feeding program of cracked corn was evaluated with dietary treatments including the following: 1) control (0% cracked corn throughout feeding), 2) 0% cracked corn (0 to 17 d) and 25% (18 to 41 d), 3) 0% cracked corn (0 to 17 d) and 50% (18 to 41 d), 4) 25% cracked corn (0 to 41 d), and 5) 50% cracked corn (0 to 41 d). Overall (0 to 41 d), ADG for treatment 1, 2, and 4 was greater than 3 and 5 (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was superior for treatments 2 and 4 (P < 0.05) in comparison with treatments 3 and 5. Up to 25% of the dietary corn can be fed to the broiler as cracked corn from 0 to 41 d without a negative response on growth performance.     

Improving performance of finishing pigs with added valine,isoleucine, and tryptophan: validating a meta-analysis model

Based on results of a recent meta-analysis, we hypothesized that increased dietary Val, Ile, or Trp could correct possible amino acid interactions because of excess Leu in diets containing high levels of corn protein, namely dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS). A total of 1,200 pigs (PIC TR4 × (Fast LW × PIC L02); initially 33.6 ± 0.6 kg) were used in a 103-d study. The 6 dietary treatments were corn–soybean meal (SBM)-DDGS-based as follows: (1) high SBM and low level of l-Lys HCl (HSBM), (2) high l-Lys HCl and moderate Ile, Val, Trp (AA above NRC 2012 estimates; NC), (3) moderate l-Lys HCl and high Ile, Val, and Trp (PC), and PC with either increased (4) L-Val (PC+Val), (5) L-Ile (PC+Ile), or (6) L-Trp (PC+Trp). Pigs fed the NC diet were predicted to have the poorest average daily gain (ADG), the PC diet to be intermediate, and pigs fed the HSBM, PC+Val, PC+Ile, and PC+Trp have the same and highest predicted ADG. In the grower period (34 to 90 kg), ADG was greater (Ρ < 0.05) for the pigs fed HSBM and PC+Val diets than the NC with pigs fed other diets intermediate. Pigs fed HSBM were more (Ρ < 0.05) efficient (G:F) than the NC and PC with pigs fed other diets intermediate. In the finisher period (90 to 136 kg), ADG was greater (Ρ < 0.05) for pigs fed PC+Ile than that of the NC with pigs fed other diets intermediate. Pigs fed PC+Val had greater (Ρ < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI) than the NC with pigs fed other diets intermediate. However, PC+Ile pigs were more (Ρ < 0.05) efficient than PC+Val with pigs fed other diets intermediate. Overall, ADG was greater (Ρ < 0.05) for pigs fed HSBM, PC+Val, and PC+Ile diets than the NC with pigs fed other diets intermediate. Pigs fed the PC+Val diet had greater (Ρ < 0.05) ADFI than the NC with pigs fed other diets intermediate. No differences were detected between treatments for overall G:F or other carcass characteristics. In conclusion, increasing Val or Ile in high l-Lys-HCl-DDGS-based diets improved growth performance compared with pigs fed diets containing high levels of l-Lys HCl without added Val and Ile. These results present evidence that the recently developed meta-analysis can predict the relative differences in overall ADG for pigs fed the NC, PC, PC+Val, and PC+Ile diets; however, the predicted G:F was less accurate. The data demonstrate that the negative effects of high Leu concentrations in corn-DDGS-based diets can be reversed by increasing the ratios of Val and Ile relative to Lys.     

Alfalfa polysaccharides improve the growth performance and antioxidant status of heat-stressed rabbits

The study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties of alfalfa polysaccharides (APS) extracted from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) through 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and the effects of the inclusion (0%, 0.1%, and 0.5%) of APS in the diet on the growth performance and antioxidant status in heat-stressed rabbits. 120 New Zealand male rabbits (average body weight 1123 g, 40 d old) were divided into three groups (40 rabbits per group) and were fed with a basal diet or the basal diet with 1 g or 5 g of APS/kg of diet. Rabbits had free access to diets and water in an environmentally controlled room at 30 ± 1 °C and 55% relative humidity during the entire period (21 d). On days 7, 14 and 21 of the trial, body weight and feed intake were measured and blood samples were collected for assay of antioxidant induces. Liver tissue samples were collected on day 21 for assay of antioxidant induces. Results in vitro showed the scavenging effect of APS on DPPH radicals increased (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. The APS exerted an inhibitory effect on DPPH radical generation, with 66.3% inhibition at 100 µg/mL and 74.5% inhibition at 250 µg/mL. Results in vivo showed that APS 0.1% supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and reduced (P < 0.05) feed conversion rate (FCR) in the first week of trial. Compared with the control group, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced by APS treatment. From days 8 to 14 of the trial, ADG of the APS 0.5% group was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the control group. Compared with the control group, FCR was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by APS treatment. From days 15 to 21 of the trial, ADFI of the APS 0.1% group was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the control group. For the overall period, APS 0.5% supplementation had a significantly (P < 0.05) positive effect on ADG. ADFI and FCR were lower (P < 0.05) with APS than without APS. Furthermore, on day 7, the inclusion of APS reduced significantly MDA (P < 0.01). The rabbits fed with APS 0.1% had significantly (P < 0.01) lower cortisol and greater (P < 0.05) T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px than the control group. On day 14, addition of APS increased T-AOC (P < 0.01) and reduced MDA (P < 0.05). The APS 0.5% group showed lower (P < 0.05) cortisol and greater (P < 0.05) GSH-Px than the control group. On day 21, the rabbits fed with the APS 0.5% diet had greater (P < 0.05) GSH-Px and T-AOC compared with the control rabbits. In contrast, the opposite was true for cortisol (P < 0.05) and MDA (P < 0.05). On day 21, MDA was lower (P < 0.01) with APS than without APS in the liver tissue. Hepatic GSH-Px activity of rabbits fed with the APS 0.5% diet was greater (P < 0.05) than those of other groups. APS supplementation seemed to have a positive influence on the growth performance and antioxidant status of heat-stressed rabbits.     

Growth performance,nutrient digestibility,and fecal microbial composition of weaned pigs fed multi-enzyme supplemented diets

A study determined the effects of supplementing corn-based diets for weaned pigs with multi-enzymes on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, fecal score, and fecal microbial composition. A total of 132 pigs (initial body weight = 7.23 kg) that had been weaned at 21 d of age and fed a drug-free nursery diet for 7 d were housed in 33 pens of 4 barrows or gilts, blocked by body weight and gender, and fed 3 experimental diets at 11 pens per diet. The diets were corn-based diet without or with multi-enzyme A or B. Multi-enzyme A supplied 4,000 U of xylanase, 150 U of β-glucanase, 3,500 U of protease, and 1,500 U of amylase per kilogram of diet. Multi-enzyme B was the same as multi-enzyme A except that it supplied amylase at 150 U/kg, and that its source of amylase was different from that of multi-enzyme A. All diets contained phytase at 1,000 U/kg. The diets were fed for 35 d in 2 phases; phase 1 for the first 14 d and phase 2 for the last 21 d of the trial. Fecal score was determined daily during the first 7 d of the trial. Fecal samples were collected from rectum of 1 pig per pen on days 2, 7, 14, and 35 of the trial for determining bacterial composition. Also, fresh fecal samples were collected from each pen on days 41 and 42 to determine ATTD of nutrients. Multi-enzyme B increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) for phases 1 and 2. For the overall study period, multi-enzyme B increased (P < 0.05) ADG from 262 to 313 g, and average daily feed intake (ADFI) from 419 to 504 g. Multi-enzyme A increased (P < 0.05) overall ADG from 262 to 290 g, but did not affect ADFI. Multi-enzyme A or B did not affect ATTD of gross energy, but increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of ether extract from 30% to 36% or 37%, respectively. Multi-enzyme A did not affect fecal score; however, multi-enzyme B tended to decrease (P = 0.09) fecal score, implying that it tended to decrease diarrhea. Firmicutes were the most abundant phylum of fecal bacteria (its relative abundance ranged from 58% to 72%). Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were the 2nd and 3rd most abundant phyla of fecal bacteria. Neither multi-enzyme affected fecal bacterial composition. In conclusion, the addition of multi-enzyme A or B to phytase-supplemented corn-based diet for weaned pigs can improve their growth performance and fat digestibility. However, multi-enzyme B was more effective than multi-enzyme A in terms of improving the growth performance of weaned pigs fed corn-based diet.     

发酵亚麻籽饼对肉鸡生长性能、免疫及抗氧化功能的影响

试验旨在研究发酵亚麻籽饼对肉鸡生长性能、抗氧化功能及免疫功能的影响.选取180只1日龄健康、体重约为(46.37±1.09)g的爱拔益嘉肉鸡,随机分为3组,每组6个重复,每个重复10只鸡.试验分为两个阶段:前期(1～21 d)和后期(22～42 d).对照组(CON组)饲喂玉米-豆粕型日粮,试验组分别在基础日粮中添加5...     

Effects of amino acids supplementation in low crude protein diets on growth performance,carcass traits and serum parameters in finishing gilts

This study investigated the effects of amino acids (AA) supplementation in low crude protein (CP) diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics in finishing gilts. One hundred and eighty gilts (59.1 ± 5.1 kg) were randomly allotted to one of five diets which consisted of a high CP (15.6%) diet or four low CP (11.6%) diets for 50 days. The low CP diets were supplemented with lysine + threonine + methionine (LCM), LCM + tryptophan (LCT), LCT + valine (LCV) or LCV + isoleucine (LCI), respectively. Gilts were housed at six pigs per pen with six pens per treatment. At the end of the 50‐day experiment, 30 gilts (one pig per pen) with average body weight (BW) of 98 kg were killed to evaluate carcass traits. The pigs fed the diet supplemented with LCV obtained the highest average daily gain (ADG), which was higher than those of pigs fed the diet supplemented with LCM (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with tryptophan, valine and isoleucine in low CP diets increased ADG (linear and quadratic effect, P < 0.05), serum levels of valine (quadratic effect, P < 0.05) and isoleucine (linear and quadratic effect, P < 0.05) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA (linear and quadratic effect, P < 0.05) in finishing gilts. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science     

Effect of mannan oligosaccharides and fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs

A total of 150 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average BW of 7.22 ± 0.80 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 28-d trial to determine the effects of dietary fructan and mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs. Pigs were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) negative control (NC), basal diet; 2) positive control (PC), NC + 0.01% apramycin (165 mg/kg); 3) NC + 0.1% fructan (FC); 4) NC + 0.1% mannan oligosaccharide source (MO); and 5) NC + 0.05% fructan + 0.05% mannan oligosaccharide source (FM). There were 3 replications per treatment with 10 pigs per pen (5 barrows and 5 gilts). From d 0 to 14, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets were greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. From d 15 to 28, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in ADG, ADFI, and G:F. During the overall period (d 0 to 28), pigs fed the MO diet had a greater ADG than pigs fed the NC diet (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the PC and MO diets increased ADFI (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. However, no differences were detected among dietary treatments in G:F during the overall experimental period. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and N in pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets was greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. The ATTD of DM increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the MO and FM diets compared with pigs fed the FC diet. However, at the end of the experiment, pigs fed the FM diet had a greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Additionally, there were no differences in IgG, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocyte counts among dietary treatments on d 0, 14, or 28. The diarrhea score in pigs fed the MO diet was reduced (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. In conclusion, mannan oligosaccharides have a beneficial effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs. Furthermore, mannan oligosaccharides can decrease diarrhea score in weanling pigs.     

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.     

The effects of pelleting and glucanase supplementation in hulled barley based diets on feed manufacture,broiler performance,and digesta viscosity

Feeding broilers barley-based diets requires special consideration primarily due to effects on increased digesta viscosity and decreased nutrient digestion. Pelleting and glucanase supplementation are commonly performed prior to feeding broilers barley-based diets; however, the interaction of these practices is complex. The objective of this study was to establish a comprehensive evaluation of glucanase efficacy including: degree of processing, activity postpelleting, broiler performance, and digesta viscosity. Treatments were arranged in a 5 (diet formulation) × 2 (processing) factorial in a randomized complete block design with 8 replications/treatment. The 5 diet formulations consisted of positive control (PC), negative control (NC), glucanase A (GA) 125 or 1,000 β-Glu-U/kg feed, and glucanase B (GB) 1,000 β-Glu-U/kg feed. The PC and NC diets differed in metabolizable energy by 150 kcal/kg and enzymes were added to NC formulations. Diets were either fed as unprocessed mash or ground pellets. Diet formulation × processing did not interact for feed intake (FI), FCR, or total tract viscosity (P > 0.05); however, a trend was observed for ending bird weight, demonstrating that for ground pellets, GA 1,000 β-Glu-U/kg feed was improved relative to NC and similar to PC (P = 0.0903). Benefits associated with GB were not of similar magnitude, perhaps in part due to a 50% decrease in activity postpelleting. In addition, GA benefits were not suggested for unprocessed mash. The main effect processing was significant (P < 0.0001) demonstrating that broilers fed ground pellets resulted in greater pen ending bird weight, FI, and bird live weight gain (LWG) compared to birds fed unprocessed mash diets. Evaluations of glucanase should go beyond in vitro activity and include live bird performance using feed that has undergone pelleting.