Physiological responses of dietary tryptophan fed Labeo rohita to temperature and salinity stress

Two experiments were conducted to elucidate the possible effects of dietary L‐tryptophan (TRP) in Labeo rohita based on growth performance and physio‐biochemical responses. In the experiment I, a 60‐day feeding trial was carried out to elucidate the effects of dietary TRP enrichment on growth performance and physio‐biochemical responses. In the experiment II, the TRP pre‐fed L. rohita, from experiment I, was exposed to temperature and salinity stress to evaluate stress‐mitigating efficacy of TRP. In L. rohita, dietary supplementation of TRP showed significant effect on weight gain percentage and feed conversion ratio but not on blood glucose. A significant increase in RNA content and RNA/DNA ratio upon TRP supplementation was observed and was positively correlated with growth performance. The results of experiment II indicated that weight gain percentage, serum T3 and T4 levels were significantly reduced in groups that were exposed to temperature and salinity stress and fed diets without TRP supplementation. However, dietary supplementation of TRP significantly augmented weight gain percentage in stress‐exposed groups. Tryptophan supplementation helped in bringing back T3 and T4 levels comparable with control. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, Adenosine triphosphatase, blood glucose and serum cortisol was observed in temperature‐ and salinity‐exposed groups fed without TRP‐supplemented diets. However, TRP supplementation was found to be effective in restoring the above parameters. The results of these experiments suggest that dietary TRP supplementation augments growth, lowers energy demand and helps in mitigating thermal and salinity stress in L. rohita.     

Non‐gelatinized starch influences the deposition of n‐3 fatty acids in the muscle of a tropical freshwater fish,Labeo rohita

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to study the influence of gelatinized (G) to non‐gelatinized (NG) starch ratio in the diet on fatty acids profiles and oxidative status in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Two hundred and thirty‐four fingerlings (average weight: 2.53 g) were distributed in six treatment groups with each of three replicates. Six semi‐purified diets either containing NG and/or G corn starch (42.43%) viz., T₁ (100% NG and 0% G starch), T₂ (80% NG and 20% G starch), T₃ (60% NG and 40% G starch), T₄ (40% NG and 60% G starch), T₅ (20% NG and 80% G starch) and T₆ (0% NG and 100% G starch) was fed to respective groups. Catalase, superoxide dismutase and malic enzyme activities decreased linearly with the increasing level of G starch, whereas reverse trend was found for glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Total saturated fatty acids in muscle increased with the increasing level of G starch in the diet. Total n‐3 fatty acids decreased linearly with the increasing level of G starch in the diet. Among the n‐3 fatty acids, linolenic acids content was more in NG starch fed group. Similarly, eicosapentaenoic acid contents gradually decreased with increasing level of G starch content. The n‐6/n‐3 ratio was higher in G starch fed group. This suggests that dietary starch type may be manipulated for quality improvement of fish flesh.     

Haemato-immunological and stress responses of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings: effect of rearing temperature and dietary gelatinized carbohydrate

A feeding trial of 70‐days was carried out to study the haemato‐immunological and stress responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings reared at two water temperatures [ambient (Amb) – 27 °C and 32 °C] fed with graded levels of gelatinized corn carbohydrate (GC). Two hundred and sixteen fingerlings were randomly distributed into six treatment groups in triplicate. Three semi‐purified diets were prepared containing 30% crude protein with graded levels of GC 40%, 50% and 58%. The six treatment groups were T₁ (40% GC × Amb), T₂ (40% GC × 32 °C), T₃ (50% GC × Amb), T₄ (50% GC × 32 °C), T₅ (58% GC × Amb) and T₆ (58% GC × 32 °C). The blood glucose level was significantly (p < 0.05) lowered in groups fed with 58% GC level. Neither dietary GC levels nor temperature had a significant (p > 0.05) effect on serum cortisol and superoxide dismutase activity. Lysozyme activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in T₁ during pre‐ and post‐challenge period while temperature alone had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on post‐challenge Nitroblue Tetrazolium and found higher at 32 °C. A significant effect of GC levels and rearing temperature was recorded on WBC in the pre‐ and post‐challenge period. Highest pre‐challenge WBC was observed in T₄ group and in the post‐challenge period T₁ group recorded maximum. Water temperature had significant effect on pre‐challenge haemoglobin content, highest being at 32 °C (T₂). A significant (p < 0.05) effect of rearing temperature and dietary GC level on total serum protein and albumin was also observed. Highest total serum protein and albumin was recorded in T₁ and globulin in T₂. Percentage survival after challenging with Aeromonas hydrophila was highest in T₁ followed by T₃ group and lowest in T₆. The results obtained in the present study suggest that L. rohita fingerlings may utilize higher levels of dietary GC at higher temperature (32 °C) but may affect its immunity status.     

Effects of different roughage sources and feeding levels on adipogenesis of ovine adipocytes

The objective of the present study was to conduct an adipogenic evaluation of different roughage sources and feeding levels during ruminant adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Six wether sheep were divided into a timothy hay feeding group (TFG, n = 3) and an Italian ryegrass straw feeding group (IFG, n = 3). The sheep were fed high‐roughage (HR), medium roughage (MR) and low‐roughage (LR) diets in a one‐way layout design each over a 6‐day period. Sheep serum samples collected on the last day of each dietary treatment were added to an adipogenic induction medium for differentiation of preadipocytes derived from sheep subcutaneous adipose tissue. The cytoplasmic lipid accumulations in the TFG serum‐treated preadipocytes were significantly higher than those of the IFG‐serum treated preadipocytes on day 12. Messenger RNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)‐α, C/EBP‐β, C/EBP‐δ, fatty‐acid‐binding protein (aP2) and stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) were regulated by each serum treatment. This study shows that different roughage source diets and roughage‐to‐concentrate ratio diets can regulate adipocyte differentiation via ruminant blood composition.     

Effects of astaxanthin and esterified glucomannan on hematological and serum parameters,and liver pathological changes in broilers fed aflatoxin‐B1‐contaminated feed

The effects of astaxanthin (ASTA) and esterified glucomannan (EMG) on hematological and serum parameters, and liver pathological changes in broilers fed on aflatoxin‐B1 (AFB1) contaminated diet were investigated. Two hundred and forty 10‐day‐old broilers were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments including: (i) control diet; (ii) AFB1‐contaminated diet; (iii) AFB1 + EGM diet; (iv) AFB1 + ASTA diet; and (v) AFB1 + EGM + ASTA diet. At 35 days old, blood and liver tissue samples were collected for analysis. Results indicated that total white blood cell (WBC) number, hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct) level, serum alanine amino transferase (AST) and γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities, red blood cell (RBC) number, serum globulin (GLB) and urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations (P < 0.05) were increased by feeding AFB1‐contaminated diet. EMG and ASTA alleviated the alteration of RBC, WBC, Hgb and AST caused by AFB1‐contaminated diet. Liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced, while myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was increased by AFB1‐contaminated diet (P < 0.05). Both EGM and ASTA restrained the increase of MPO activity (P < 0.05). Degeneration of the liver tissues was found in broilers fed AFB1‐contaminated diet. It suggested that feeding 0.4 mg/kg AFB1‐contaminated diet resulted in adverse effects on blood parameters and liver morphology. Dietary addition of EGM addition at 5 g/kg diet, ASTA at 10 mg/kg diet and especially their combination showed positive protection effects on alleviating the alteration of feeding AFB1. The results indicated that supplementation of 5 g EGM/kg diet, 10 mg ASTA/kg diet and their combination could partially or greatly alleviate the adverse effects caused by AFB1, with the EGM+ASTA group receiving the most effective treatment.     

Effect of placenta feeding to sows on plasma biochemical composition and growth of their piglets

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects on the plasma biochemical composition and growth of piglets of placenta‐fed sows. The experimental animals were a total of 21 sows (L × LW) of third parity, and each sow was suckled by 11 ± 1 piglets. Sows fed without placenta were considered as the control (C), treatment 1 (T1) were placenta‐fed from days 1–7 after farrowing and treatment 2 (T2) were placenta‐fed from day 7 before farrowing to day 7 after farrowing. Glucose of piglets was lower (P < 0.05) in T2 than C and T1 on day 10. Total cholesterol of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 than C on day 4. Fe of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 than C on days 4, 20 and 30. Unsaturated iron‐binding capacity was lower (P < 0.05) in T2 than C on days 4 and 30. Immunoglobulin G of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than C on days 4 and 10. Daily gain of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T1 than C and T2 on day 4 when daily gain was calculated. Total daily gain increased (P < 0.05) by prolongation of placenta feeding period. The results indicate that feeding placenta to sows may improve the plasma biochemical composition and growth of their piglets.     

Impact of restricting feed and probiotic supplementation on growth performance,mortality and carcass traits of meat‐type quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of quantitative feed restriction, along with dietary supplementation with a probiotic blend (Protexin) as a natural growth promoter, on the performance, water consumption, mortality rate and carcass traits of meat‐type quails. A total of 250 1‐day unsexed quails were randomly allocated to five equal groups in a completely randomized design. The first group (A) fed a basal diet without any restriction (24 hr/day); the second group (B1) fed the basal diet for 20 hr/day; the third group (B2) fed the basal diet enriched with probiotic (0.1 g/kg diet) for 20 hr/day; the fourth group (C1) fed the basal diet for 16 hr/day; and the fifth group (C2) fed the basal diet enriched with probiotic (0.1 g/kg diet) for 16 hr/day. Birds were fed ad‐libitum from 0–14 days of age, and then the feed restriction regimes started from 14 till 28 days of age. Results showed that quails in the control‐group consumed more feed and water than the other treatment groups (p < .01), however their body weights did not differ (p > .05) compared with the other treated groups. The best feed conversion values were achieved in quails supplemented with probiotic blend (B2 and C2) in comparison with the other groups (p < .01). Feeding probiotic had a positive effect on bird health which reduced the mortality rate. Further, mortality rate was significantly reduced (p < .05) by feed restriction, with or without probiotic supplementation. No carcass parameters were significantly affected (p > .05) by treatments. Our results show that quail could be reared under a feed restriction system, for 4–8 hr daily, along with dietary supplementation of probiotic as growth promoter for better growth performance.     

Effect of dietary manipulation and vaccination of turkey breeder hens on immunoglobulin levels of yolk,yolk sac and neonate poults

Two hundred turkey breeder hens and 24 viable toms of 30–35 weeks age of small white variety were distributed into two treatment groups having four replicates of 25 hens and three toms in each treatment. First four replicates were offered a turkey breeder diet (Diet A) (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academic Press, Washington, DC) and the rest four replicates were maintained on a higher plane of nutrition (Diet B) for 8‐week duration. After 6 weeks of experimental feeding, two replicates from each treatment groups were vaccinated with ND (R₂B) vaccine. Yolk sac of embryo from birds fed Diet B had a significantly higher (p < .05) IgG, IgM level and HI titre (log 2) than those fed Diet A. HI titre values of embryonic yolk sac from the vaccinated birds fed Diet B were significantly higher (p < .05) than that of the control groups. In addition, HI titre values were significantly higher (p < .05) in the day‐old poults of the birds fed Diet B than that of those fed Diet A. There was significantly (p < .01) positive correlation between serum IgG and IgM of the breeder birds and day‐old chicks. Similarly, there was significantly (p < .05) positive correlation between yolk IgG and IgM after 1‐month experimental feeding and yolk sac IgG and IgM. Positive correlation (p < .05) also existed between yolk sac IgM and day‐old chick serum IgM. Furthermore, the HI titres of breeder birds' serum at 14 days post‐vaccination were positively correlated with their egg yolk after 10 and 15 days post‐vaccination, yolk sac and day‐old chicks. Thus, the study envisaged that a higher immunity in neonate poults from turkey breeders maintained on a higher plane of nutrition may be elicited as there was maternal transfer of antibodies from the serum of breeder birds to their offsprings through their yolk sac.     

Yeast extract, brewer’s yeast and spirulina in diets for Labeo rohita fingerlings affect haemato-immunological responses and survival following Aeromonas hydrophila challenge

A feeding trial was conducted for 60 days to study the immunomodulatory role of three different immunostimulants yeast extract (YE), brewer’s yeast (BY) and spirulina (SP) in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Four hundred and fifty fingerlings (avg. wt 3.35 ± 0.15 g) were randomly distributed in ten treatments and fed with either of ten iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric semi-purified diets, prepared with three incremental levels (1%, 2% and 4%) of different immunostimulants except the control. Growth parameters did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among the experimental groups. Haematology and serum parameters was performed before Aeromonas hydrophila challenge whereas respiratory burst activity was analysed following challenge. The respiratory burst activity, total leucocyte count, serum total protein and globulin was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in YE 1% supplemented group. The survival (%) after challenging with A. hydrophila was also highest in the YE fed groups. The results indicate that among the different sources and levels of immunostimulants, YE at lower inclusion level is more effective in promoting the immune status of L. rohita fingerlings.     

Immunomodulation by dietary vitamin C in healthy and aflatoxin B1-induced immunocompromised rohu (Labeo rohita)

The aim of this study was to examine the immunomodulatory effect of high levels of dietary vitamin C in healthy and immunocompromised rohu (Labeo rohita) treated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Four groups of rohu were fed experimental diets containing either no vitamin C or supplemented with vitamin C at 500 ppm for 60 days. On the first day of feeding, one group fed the high vitamin C diet and one fed the vitamin C deficient diet, were injected intraperitoneally with a single doses of AFB1 at 1.25 mg kg(-1) body weight. The effect of AFB1 and high dietary vitamin C on specific and non-specific immunity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila were examined in the rohu. The ability of vitamin C to counteract immunosuppression induced by AFB1 was also examined. Specific immunity indicated by haemagglutination and haemolysin titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), and bacterial agglutination appeared to be unaffected by either the AFB1 treatment or the vitamin C enriched diet. A significant reduction was observed in the non-specific immunity of AFB1-treated fish, however, indicated by lowered bactericidal and lysozyme activities. High dietary vitamin C, on the other hand, enhanced the non-specific immunity of fish, including an enhanced phagocytic ratio and increased serum lysozyme activity. Feeding a high level of dietary vitamin C to AFB1-treated fish increased these parameters to levels similar to those found in control fish. High dietary vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in both healthy and immunocompromised fish. Results from this study help to establish the beneficial effect of dietary vitamin C on AFB1-induced immunosuppression, as well as confirming the immunostimulatory effect of vitamin C in rohu.     

Immunoresponsiveness of fast‐growing chickens as influenced by feeding regimen

1. Immunoresponsiveness and disease resistance were measured in broiler males maintained on ad libitum feeding throughout or on alternate‐day feeding. Alternate‐day restrictions were started 1 and 2 d after hatch so that on any one day there were chicks fed and fasted.

2. Severity of response to E. coli challenge as measured by lesion scores, and mortality was greater for chicks fed ad libitum than those fed on alternate days. For chicks fed on alternate days, lesion scores were lower for those without access to feed for the 24‐h period immediately after challenge.

3. Spleen weights, the indicator of response to marble spleen disease virus challenge, were higher for chicks fed ad libitum than those fed on alternate days.

4. Antibody response to sheep red blood cell antigen was not affected by feeding regimen.

5. Ratios of heterophils to lymphocytes were higher for chicks given access to feed for the previous 24‐h period than for those fasted during the previous 24‐h or those that had been fed ad libitum.

6. Results of this experiment suggest that for alternate‐day feeding programs, vaccination be administered on the day that chicks are not fed.     

Alternate day supplementation of corn stalk diets with soybean meal or corn gluten meal fed to ruminants.

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of adding corn gluten mean (CGM) or soybean meal (SBM) at 24- or 48-h intervals to diets based on corn stalks. In each experiment corn stalks was the primary diet ingredient fed to wethers or steers. Monensin was also fed to determine whether its effects on ruminal fermentation would improve the efficiency of N utilization under these conditions. Evaluation criteria included ruminal fermentation characteristics, DM intake and utilization, N balance in sheep, and steer feedlot performance. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3 N) concentrations measured over time were higher (P < .05) when diets contained SBM. Diet did not influence (P > .10) total VFA concentrations in ruminal fluid. Differences in diurnal shifts in ruminal NH3 N and total VFA due to protein source resulted in diet x hour interactions (P < .05). Dry matter intake response to protein source and frequency of supplement feeding was variable. Dry matter digestibility and nitrogen digestibility were not affected (P > .10) by protein source or feeding interval. The 48-h interval feeding of CGM was favorable compared with 24-h interval feeding (P < .05). The opposite response occurred with SBM, resulting in a diet x feeding interval interaction (P < .05). Nitrogen retention was greater (P < .05) when CGM was fed and with alternate day feeding. Diets that contained CGM supported higher (P < .05) ADG and gain/feed than diets that contained SBM when fed to steer calves. Alternate day feeding of supplements that contained monensin was detrimental to steer performance under the conditions of these experiments. Corn gluten meal is an effective substitute for SBM when alternate day protein supplementation is practiced.     

Performance of broiler breeder pullets as influenced by composition of grower and layer diets 1

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of three grower systems upon the subsequent performance of broiler type breeder pullets. The grower systems were full feeding a 10 per cent protein diet, full feeding a 16 per cent protein diet, and a skip‐a‐day feeding of the 16 per cent diet. One‐third of the pullets fed according to each of the feeding programmes were fed on each of three different layer diets. The use of the low protein and the skip‐a‐day feeding resulted in delaying age at sexual maturity. Total rate of egg production was not affected by the grower diet; however, the number of “ settable “ eggs was increased when maturity was delayed.

Performance of the laying hens was not influenced by the composition of the layer diet. Fertility or hatchability was not influenced by composition of either the grower or layer diet. These data would indicate that the low protein diet or the skip‐a‐day feeding system can be effectively used with feeding replacement broiler type birds.     

Relieving effect of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract on immune stress in broilers

This experiment aimed to investigate the relieving action of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract (AAE) on immune stress in broiler chickens. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to test the effect of 2 dietary treatments (adding 0 or 1000 mg/kg AAE) and 2 immune stress treatments (injecting saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). A total of 96 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four treatment groups with six replicates, four birds in each replicate. Broilers in Treatment groups 1 and 2 were fed with the basal diet, and those in Treatment groups 3 and 4 were fed with the experimental diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg AAE. On days 14, 16, 18 and 20, broilers in both Treatments 1 and 3 were injected intra‐abdominally with LPS solution at the dose of 500 μg LPS per kg BW with the LPS dissolved in sterile saline at a concentration of 100 μg/ml, and those in Treatments 2 and 4 were injected intra‐abdominally with equal amount of sterile 0.9% saline. Blood samples were collected on days 21 and 28. The results showed that dietary supplementation of AAE prevented reductions in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers caused by LPS on d 15–21. On day 21, the injection of LPS increased serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT); meanwhile, feeding AAE reduced the rise of CORT caused by LPS. Immune parameters such as interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were also improved by LPS, but the content of IL‐2 and IgG in broilers fed with AAE diet was significantly lower than that of broilers fed with control diet. All the data suggested that diets supplemented with AAE could relieve the immune stress response of broilers.     

The effects of dose and diet on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole in the horse

This study aimed to investigate the effect of diet and dose on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole in the horse. Six horses received two doses (1 and 4 mg/kg) of omeprazole orally once daily for 5 days. Each dose was evaluated during feeding either a high‐grain/low‐fibre (HG/LF) diet or an ad libitum hay (HAY) diet in a four‐way crossover design. Plasma samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis on days 1 and 5. Plasma omeprazole concentrations were determined by ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. In horses being fed the HG/LF diet, on day 1, the area under the curve (AUC) and maximal plasma concentration (C_max) were higher on the 4 mg/kg dose than on the 1 mg/kg dose. The AUC was higher on day 5 compared to day 1 with the 4 mg/kg dose on the HG/LF diet. On days 1 and 5, the AUC and C_max were higher in horses being fed the HG/LF diet and receiving the 4 mg/kg dose than in horses being fed the HAY diet and receiving the 1 mg/kg dose. These findings suggest that both dose and diet may affect pharmacokinetic variables of omeprazole in the horse.     

Evaluating two multistrain probiotics on growth performance,intestinal morphology,lipid oxidation and ileal microflora in chickens

An experiment was conducted to investigate the supplementation of two commercially available multistrain probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, intestinal morphology, lipid oxidation and ileal microflora in broiler chickens. A total of 280‐day‐old ROSS 308 mixed‐sex broiler chickens with an average initial body weight of 42 ± 0.5 g were randomly divided into four treatments with five replicate cages of 14 birds each cage in a completely randomized design and fed with the following diets for 42 day: (a) control (CON) (antibiotic‐free diet), (b) antibiotic (ANT) (CON + Avilamycin 150 g/ton feed), (c) probiotic A (CON + Protexin^® 150 g/ton feed) and (d) probiotic B (CON + Bio‐Poul^® 200 g/ton feed). The results showed the broilers fed the ANT diet had greater average daily gain than broilers fed the CON diet during day 1–14 (p < 0.05). At day 42, two birds were randomly selected per replicate for evaluation intestinal morphology, lipid oxidation and ileal microflora. birds fed diet supplemented with probiotic A and probiotic B increased villus height and goblet cells numbers in the jejunum and villus height to crypt depth ratio and villus height in the ileum as compared to birds fed CON diet (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde value was reduced (p < 0.05) in the ANT, probiotic B and probiotic A groups compared with the CON group. The Lactobacillus population was increased and Clostridium spp. population decreased in the ileum of broilers fed diets containing the probiotic B and probiotic A compared with those fed CON diet (p < 0.05). The results from this study indicate that the probiotic A (Protexin^®) and probiotic B (Bio‐Poul^®) used in this trial may serve as alternatives to ANT.     

Rumen fermentation,milk production and conjugated linoleic acid in the milk of cows fed high fiber diets added with dried distillers grains with solubles

The effects of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) feeding on rumen fermentation and milk production in cows were evaluated using diets high in neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 45.9–46.6%). The control diet (Control) consisted mainly of hay, corn silage and concentrates. In the experimental diets, the concentrates were replaced with DDGS as 10% dry matter (DM) (10%DDGS) and 20% DM (20%DDGS). Eight cows were used for each 14‐day treatment period. Effect of DDGS feeding on DM intake was not significant. Ruminal volatile fatty acids and ammonia‐N at 5 h after feeding of 20%DDGS were decreased compared to Control, whereas protozoal count at 2 h after feeding of 20%DDGS was higher than that of 10%DDGS. Milk yield of cows fed DDGS diets was greater than that of Control, although percentages of milk protein and solids‐not‐fat were decreased by DDGS diets. The proportions of C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 in the milk fat decreased, and those of C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increased markedly with elevated DDGS. Increase in trans‐11 C18:1 was observed in the rumen fluid at 5 h after feeding. These findings suggest that DDGS feeding enhanced milk yield, as well as CLA synthesis under a high dietary NDF condition.     

Free availability of high‐energy foods led to energy over‐ingestion and protein under‐ingestion in choice‐fed broilers

The objective of this study was to compare energy and protein content of the diet selected by choice‐fed broilers with that of broilers fed a balanced diet. One hundred and eighty 1‐day‐old male broilers were randomly assigned in groups of 10 to one of three experimental treatments (n = 6). Control broilers were fed a standard balanced diet, whereas choice‐fed broilers were fed three foods which were more concentrated (Choice C+ treatment) or less concentrated (Choice C– treatment) in protein, carbohydrate or fat. We evaluated food intake behavior, nutrient intake, and performance parameters of broilers from 2 to 7 weeks of age. Choice C+ broilers showed enhanced preference for the high‐fat food, which led to higher energy intake and lower protein intake than those of control broilers at 2 to 4 weeks of age. Body weight, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were negatively affected by diet selection of Choice C+ broilers. Choice C– broilers selected a balanced diet, and showed performance parameters similar to those of control broilers. Our results supported the hypothesis that free availability of high‐energy foods bias ingestive behavior of choice‐fed broilers toward selecting a diet with higher energy and lower protein than needed for normal growth.     

Effects of fat supplementation on plasma glucose,insulin and fatty acid analysis in ponies maintained on a forage‐based diet

The objective of this study was to observe how fat incorporated into an equine forage‐based diet through supplementation altered levels of plasma glucose, insulin and fatty acids. Five Shetland/Hackney cross pony mares were fed alfalfa pellet diets top dressed with commercially available vegetable oil (blend of soya bean, canola and corn oils) at 0%, 5%, 10% or 15% of diet. Ponies were randomly assigned one of four diets to start, with a 14‐day adjustment period between transitioning to another one of the four diets. Ponies were gradually adapted to the new diet within the 14‐day period before a five‐day trial period. Each pony received all four diets by the end of the study. Each trial was a five‐day period with a three‐day sample collection. Blood samples for each collection week were taken 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240 and 270 min and at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 hr post‐feeding. Excess fat did not impact plasma glucose (p > .1), nor did it affect blood plasma insulin concentration. While there was no time alteration found for plasma fatty acid concentration (p > .1), C14:0 increased when ponies were fed 0% fat and C18:2 decreased when ponies were fed 0% fat. Plasma fatty acids (% of total FA) were higher in C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C20:1 in the added fat diets (p < .1). These findings suggest the amounts reported in this study of fat supplementation on a forage‐based diet did influence the fatty acid analysis within the pony, but did not negatively impact blood glucose and insulin concentrations.     

Effects of fermented mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) by‐product diets on growth performance and carcass traits in growing‐fattening Berkshire pigs

This study was conducted to investigate effects of fermented mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) by‐product diets on the growth performance and carcass traits in growing‐fattening Berkshire pigs. The fermented diets mainly contained 40.0% mushroom by‐product, 20.0% formula feed, 26.0% rice bran and supplemental 0.1% probiotics. The mixed ingredients were fermented for 5 days at room temperature. Berkshire pigs (n = 225) were divided into five groups and three replications. The basal diets (C) were substituted by 10% (T1), 30% (T2), 50% (T3) and 70% (T4) fermented mushroom by‐product diets. Crude protein concentration and total calorie in fermented diets were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at the end of fermentation days compared with initial fermentation day. Body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass weight were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the T2, T3 and T4 groups than in the control group. Carcass grade was significantly better (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed fermented diets than in the pigs fed control diet and the ratio of high grade (1 plus 2 grades) was higher in the fermented diet groups compared with the control group. Therefore, although a diet of fermented mushroom by‐product decreased growth performance and feed efficiency, it improved the carcass grade in Berkshire pigs.