Excess dietary cholesterol may have an adverse effect on growth performance of early post-larval Litopenaeus vannamei

One experiment was conducted to determine the nutritive value of cholesterol for post-larval shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Four isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets supplemented with four levels of cholesterol (D1, D2, D3 and D4 with 0, 0.5%, 1% and 2% cholesterol, respectively) were fed to triplicate groups of L. vannamei shrimp (mean initial wet weight 0.8 mg) for 27 days. After the trial, shrimp fed the D1 diet had the best growth performance (final body weights: FBW; weight gain: WG; specific growth rate: SGR), while there was no significant difference between diet treatments with respect to survival. The whole body crude protein level in the shrimp decreased with the increase in dietary cholesterol levels, while the whole body crude lipid level in shrimps in the D4 diet treatment was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in other diet treatments. Dietary analysis indicated that the D1 diet contained 0.92% cholesterol prior to supplementation, which may have satisfied the dietary cholesterol requirement of post-larval L. vannamei; excess dietary cholesterol may thus lead to adverse effects on the growth performance of post-larval shrimp.     

Serine-to-glycine ratios in low-protein diets regulate intramuscular fat by affecting lipid metabolism and myofiber type transition in the skeletal muscle of growing-finishing pigs

Serine and glycine are 2 of the first-affected nonessential amino acids in low crude protein (CP) diets for pigs. Therefore, we explored the effects of different dietary serine-to-glycine ratios on growth performance and lipid metabolism in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 160 crossbred healthy barrows, with a similar body weight of around 59.50 kg, were randomly allotted into 1 of 5 treatments (8 pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen). The serine-to-glycine ratios of the 5 dietary treatments were as follows: diet A (NORMAL group), 1.18:1 (16% CP); diet B (LOW group), 1.2:1 (12% CP); diet C (S2G1 group), 2:1 (12% CP); diet D (S1G2 group), 1:2 (12% CP); and diet E (S1G1 group), 1:1 (12% CP).We found that the pigs fed a low CP diet (12% CP), when maintaining serine-to-glycine ratio at 1:2 and a total amount of 1.44%, had the same average daily gain as the pigs fed a normal CP diet (16% CP) (P > 0.05), but they had increased intramuscular fat (P < 0.05). Furthermore, they exhibited higher expression of genes involved in lipid oxidation (P < 0.05), which was regulated by modulating methylation levels in the promoters of acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase medium chain (ACADM). When compared with the pigs fed a normal CP diet, these pigs had more oxidative myofibers (P < 0.05), which were regulated by AMPK-PGC-1α and Calcineurin-MEF2/NFAT pathways in a coordinated manner. Our findings suggested that a dietary serine-to-glycine ratio of 1:2 is beneficial for improving meat quality in pigs fed a low CP diet.     

Protein and lipid sources affect cholesterol concentrations of juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone)

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of protein and lipid sources on cholesterol, AA, and fatty acid content, and on biological performance of juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone). In Exp. 1, seven isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were prepared using fish meal; soybean meal; casein; fish meal + soybean meal; fish meal + casein; soybean meal + casein; and fish meal + soybean meal + casein. In Exp. 2, seven isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were prepared using fish oil; soy oil; poultry fat; fish oil + soy oil; fish oil + poultry fat; soy oil + poultry fat; and fish oil + soy oil + poultry fat. Nine shrimp (average BW 570 mg) were stocked per 60-L tank, with three tanks per diet in each experiment. Shrimp were fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 28 d. Protein sources affected shrimp cholesterol, feed consumption, feed efficiency, protein consumption, protein efficiency ratio, and crude body fat (P < or = 0.05), but not weight gain, survival, hepatosomatic index, body protein, ash, and AA composition. Body (without hepatopancreas) cholesterol concentrations were the highest in shrimp fed the diet containing fish meal (0.81%), lowest for those fed the casein diet (0.64%), and intermediate in the other dietary treatment groups (range 0.71 to 0.74%). Lipid source also affected shrimp body cholesterol, body fatty acid profiles, and fatty acid profiles in the hepatopancreas (P < or = 0.05), but not growth performance, body protein, fat, ash, and cholesterol concentrations in the hepatopancreas. Shrimp fed the fish oil diet had the highest body cholesterol (0.75%), whereas those fed the soy oil or poultry fat diets were lowest (0.66 and 0.65%, respectively). Results indicate that by replacing fish meal and fish oil with soybean meal and soy oil, shrimp growth performance is not affected, but body cholesterol concentration is reduced.     

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on alfalfa nutrient degradation characteristics and rumen microbial populations of steers fed diets with different concentrate-to-forage ratios

Live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) constitutes an effective additive for animal production; its probiotic effect may be related to the concentrate-to-forage ratio (CTFR). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of S. cerevisiae (SC) on fiber degradation and rumen microbial populations in steers fed diets with different levels of dietary concentrate. Ten Simmental × Local crossbred steers (450 ± 50 kg BW) were assigned to a control group or an SC group. Both groups were fed the same basal diet but the SC group received SC supplementation (8 × 10⁹ cfu/h/d through the ruminal fistula) following a two-period crossover design. Each period consisted of four phases, each of which lasted 17 d: 10 d for dietary adaptation, 6 d for degradation study, and 1 d for rumen sample collection. From the 1^st to the 4^th phase, steers were fed in a stepwise fashion with increasing CTFRs, i.e., 30:70, 50:50, 70:30, and 90:10. The kinetics of dry matter and fiber degradation of alfalfa pellets were evaluated; the rumen microbial populations were detected using real-time PCR. The results revealed no significant (P > 0.05) interactions between dietary CTFR and SC for most parameters. Dietary CTFR had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on degradation characteristics of alfalfa pellets and the copies of rumen microorganism; the increasing concentrate level resulted in linear, quadratic or cubic variation trend for these parameters. SC supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) affected dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation rates (c_DM, c_NDF) and NDF effective degradability (ED_NDF). Compared with the control group, there was an increasing trend of rumen fungi and protozoa in SC group (P < 0.1); copies of total bacteria in SC group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Additionally, percentage of Ruminobacter amylophilus was significantly lower (P < 0.05) but percentage of Selenomonas ruminantium was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the SC group. In a word, dietary CTFR had a significant effect on degradation characteristics of forage and rumen microbial population. S. cerevisiae had positive effects on DM and NDF degradation rate or effective degradability of forage; S. cerevisiae increased rumen total bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and lactate-utilizing bacteria but reduced starch-degrading and lactate-producing bacteria.     

Effects of dietary 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol in calcium and phosphorous-deficient diets on growth performance,tibia related indices and immune responses in broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol (1α-OH-D₃) in calcium (Ca)- and phosphorous (P)-deficient diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, tibia related parameters, and immune responses of broiler chickens. A total of 280 one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to 20 floor pens and 4 dietary treatments with 5 replicates. Dietary treatments consisted of starter diets (starter diet of treatment A: 1% Ca, 0.73% total phosphorus [tP]; starter diet of treatment B: 0.85% Ca, 0.64% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃; starter diet of treatment C: 0.85% Ca, 0.59% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃; starter diet of treatment D: 0.85% Ca, 0.54% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃), grower diets (grower diet of treatment A: 0.86% Ca, 0.68% tP; grower diet of treatment B: 0.73% Ca, 0.59% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃; grower diet of treatment C: 0.73% Ca, 0.55% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃; grower diet of treatment D: 0.73% Ca, 0.50% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃) and finisher diets (finisher diet of treatment A: 0.81% Ca, 0.64% tP; finisher diet of treatment B: 0.68% Ca, 0.56% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃; finisher diet of treatment C: 0.68% Ca, 0.52% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃; finisher diet of treatment D: 0.68% Ca, 0.48% tP + 5 μg/kg of 1α-OH-D₃). Results showed that body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) of broilers in treatment B were similar to those of broilers in treatment A at the end of the trial (P < 0.05). Broilers in treatments C and D had lower BWG and FI than those in treatment A during the whole trial (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio, carcass traits and relative weight of lymphoid organs were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effect on antibody titers against Newcastle and Influenza disease viruses as well as sheep red blood cells. Dietary treatments had no significant effects on tibia ash and tibial dyschondroplasia score. Broilers fed Ca-P deficient diets had lower tibia Ca and P than those in treatment A (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results indicated that broilers fed Ca-P deficient diets supplemented with 5 μg/kg 1α-OH-D₃ failed to achieve the same tibia Ca and P values as broilers fed nonphytate phosphorus adequate diets.     

Glutamic acid supplementation recovers the reduced performance of weanling pigs fed reduced crude protein diets

This study was conducted to evaluate the supplementation of glutamic acid(Glu)to reduced protein diets on the performance of weanling pigs.One hundred and eighty crossbred weanling pigs([Yorkshire
Landrace]
Duroc,21 d old)having similar body weight(BW)of 6.45 kg were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments(5 pigs per pen[2 barrows and 3 gilts];6 pens per treatment)based on BW and sex during a 6-week trial.Dietary treatments consisted of positive control(PC)diet formulated to have 226.9,205.6,and 188.8 g crude protein(CP)during phases 1,2,and 3,respectively,and negative control(NC)diets with 20 g CP reduction from PC diets and addition of Glu with increasing levels,resulting in the calculated Lys-to-Glu ratios of 1:2.25,1:2.30.1:2.35,1:2.40,and 1:2.45,designated as NC,NC1,NC2,NC3,and NC4,respectively.The BW of pigs receiving PC diet was higher(P<0.05)than those receiving NC diet at d 7,21 and 42.A higher(P<0.05)average daily gain(ADG)from d 1 to 7,8 to 21,22 to 42 and during the overall experiment period was observed in pigs fed PC than NC diet.Pigs fed NC diets including the graded level of Glu linearly increased(P<0.05)BW at d 42,ADG and gain-to-feed ratio(G:F)during the overall experimental period.In addition,trends in linear increase in BW(P=0.056)at d 7 and ADG from d 1 to 7 and d 22 to 42(linear effect,P=0.081,P=0.058 respectively)were observed.A tendency in the linear increment of NH3(P=0.082)at d 21 and linear reduction in methyl mercaptans(P=0.054)emission at d 42 was observed in pigs fed NC diets supplemented with graded level of Glu.In conclusion,supplementing the reduced protein diet with Glu enhanced the growth performance in weanling pigs suggesting that supplementation of Glu can compensate the reduction of 2%CP in the basal diets.     

饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平及添加表面活性素对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期的影响

通过2组试验分别研究饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)蜕壳间期及添加表面活性素对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期和肝胰脏抗氧化能力的影响。试验一:将100尾均重为(0.61±0.02)g的凡纳滨对虾随机分为10组(每组10个重复,每个重复1尾虾),即饲喂基础饲料的对照组以及饲喂分别添加0.2%、0.4%和0.6%胆固醇与1.0%、2.0%和3.0%卵磷脂的试验饲料的9个试验组,试验期为35 d,研究饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期的影响。试验二:将90尾均重为(0.48±0.03)g的凡纳滨对虾随机分为6组(每组15个重复,每个重复1尾虾),对照组饲喂试验一中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%的试验饲料,5个表面活性素添加组分别饲喂在对照组饲料基础上添加10、20、40、80和160 mg/kg表面活性素的试验饲料,研究饲料中添加表面活性素对凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期及肝胰腺抗氧化能力的影响,试验期为28 d。结果表明:饲料中胆固醇水平显著影响凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期(P0.05),卵磷脂水平对蜕壳间期的影响不显著(P0.05);饲料中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平对蜕壳间期的影响存在显著的交互作用(P0.05)。胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和1.0%组、胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%组以及胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.6%和2.0%组的蜕壳间期显著短于其他组(P0.05),其中胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%组蜕壳间期最短。与对照组相比,仅10 mg/kg表面活性素添加组凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期显著缩短(P0.05),肝胰腺总抗氧化能力显著提高(P0.05);各表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺超氧化物歧化酶活性均较对照组显著上升(P0.05);与对照组相比,10和20 mg/kg表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺过氧化氢酶活性升高(P0.05),其他表面活性素添加组则显著降低(P0.05);除10 mg/kg表面活性素添加组外,各表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性均较对照组显著上升(P0.05);仅10和20 mg/kg表面活性素添加组的肝胰腺丙二醛水平较对照组显著降低(P0.05)。由此得出,本试验条件下,饲料中胆固醇水平及其与卵磷脂水平的交互作用显著影响凡纳滨对虾蜕壳间期,胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%时蜕壳间期最短;在胆固醇和卵磷脂水平分别为0.4%和2.0%的饲料中添加10 mg/kg表面活性素可缩短凡纳滨对虾的蜕壳间期,提高肝胰腺抗氧化能力。     

Effects of a multi-enzyme complex on growth performance,nutrient utilization and bone mineralization of meat duck

Background

Previous studies with broiler have shown dietary supplementation with multi-enzyme complex containing non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) degrading enzymes and phytase is efficient in releasing phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), energy and amino acids from corn-soybean meal diets or corn-sorghum diets, hence compensating considerable levels of nutrients in formulation. Notwithstanding, such potentials have not been well defined in duck nutrition. Giving China being the largest duck producing country, we conducted this study to establish adequate specifications of major nutrients along with multi-enzyme complex to meat duck from day-old to slaughter, focusing on performance, utilization of nutrients and bone mineralization. Five dietary treatments were: Positive control (PC,T1 ): the nutrients concentration of diet for 1 to 14 d of age were apparent metabolizable energy(AME) 2,800 kcal/kg, crude protein (CP)19.39%, Ca 0.85%, available phosphorus (avP) 0.42%; for 15 to 35 d of age these parameters were AME 2,900 kcal/kg, CP 16.47%,Ca 0.76%,avP 0.38%; Negative control 1(NC1,T2), the AME and digestible amino acids (DAA) were reduced by 70 kcal/kg and 2.0%, avP and Ca by 1.0 g/kg from PC diet; Negative control 2( NC2,T4), the down-spec from PC diet was AME 100 kcal/kg, DAA 2.5%, avP 1.5 g/kg and Ca 1.2 g/kg; The enzyme complex was added at the same dosage (200 mL/ 1,000 kg) on NC1 (T3) and NC2 (T5) diets.

Results

Comparing with the ducks fed on T1, T3 and T5 diets, the birds fed on NC2 diet showed the lowest (P < 0.05) body weight ( d 14 and 35), feed intake (d 35), tibia ash, Ca and P contents (d 14 and 35), and the utilization of nutrients (P < 0.05). The supplementation with the enzyme complex to the NC diets restored growth rate, utilization of nutrients and bone mineralization to the level of the PC diet, and increased AME by 60 kcal/kg and 117 kcal/kg, respectively for the NC1 and NC2 diets.

Conclusion

These results suggest that down-spec AME by 100 kcal/kg, DAA by 2.5%, avP by 1.5 g/kg and Ca by 1.2 g/kg caused detrimental effects on duck performance compared with those fed on the PC diet, and these performance losses can be compensated by the addition of the multiple-enzyme complex.     

Preslaughter diet management in sheep and goats: effects on physiological responses and microbial loads on skin and carcass

Sixteen crossbred buck goats (Kiko x Spanish; BW = 32.8 kg) and wether sheep (Dorset x Suffolk; BW = 39.9 kg) were used to determine the effect of preslaughter diet and feed deprivation time (FDT) on physiological responses and microbial loads on skin and carcasses. Experimental animals were fed either a concentrate (CD) or a hay diet (HD) for 4 d and then deprived of feed for either 12-h or 24-h before slaughter. Blood samples were collected for plasma cortisol and blood metabolite analyses. Longisimus muscle (LM) pH was measured. Skin and carcass swabs were obtained to assess microbial loads. Plasma creatine kinase activity (863.9 and 571.7 ± 95.21 IU) and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (1,056.1 and 589.8 ± 105.01 mEq/L) were different (P < 0.05) between sheep and goats. Species and diet treatments had significant effects on the ultimate pH of LM. Pre-holding total coliform (TCC) and aerobic plate counts (APC) of skin were significantly different between species. Goats had lower (P < 0.05) TCC (2.1 vs. 3.0 log₁₀ CFU/cm²) and APC (8.2 vs. 8.5 log₁₀ CFU/cm²) counts in the skin compared to sheep. Preslaughter skin E. coli counts and TCC were different (P < 0.05) between species. Goats had lower (P < 0.05) counts of E. coli (2.2 vs. 2.9 log₁₀ CFU/cm²) and TCC (2.3 vs. 3.0 log₁₀ CFU/cm²) in the skin compared with those in sheep. Diet, species, and FDT had no effect (P > 0.05) on E. coli and TCC in carcass swab samples. The APC of carcass swab samples were only affected (P < 0.05) by the FDT. The results indicated that preslaughter dietary management had no significant changes on hormone and blood metabolite concentrations and sheep might be more prone for fecal contamination than goats in the holding pens at abattoir.     

Growth performance,fatty acid composition,and lipid metabolism are altered in groupers(Epinephelus coioides)by dietary fish oil replacement with palm oil

In this study,we conducted a 56-d feeding trial to investigate the effects of replacing the fish oil(FO)with palm oil(PO)on the performance,tissue fatty acid(FA)composition,and mRNA levels of genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism in grouper(Epinephelus coioides).Five isolipidic(13%crude lipid)and isonitrogenous(48%CP)diets were formulated by incrementally adding PO to the control diet(25%fish meal and 9%added FO)to replace FO in the control diets.Triplicate groups of 30 groupers(initial weight:12.6±0.1 g)were fed one of the diets twice daily,to apparent satiety.The replacement of FO with 50%PO revealed maximum growth without affecting the performance and whole-body proximate compositions,and replacing FO with 100%PO revealed a comparable(P>0.05)growth with that of the control diet,suggesting PO as a suitable alternative to FO.The analysis of FA profiles in the dorsal muscle and liver though reflected the FA profile of the diet,PO substitutions above 50%could compromise(P<0.05)the FA profile in the liver and flesh of the fish species in comparison with the control diet.Furthermore,the mRNA levels of FAS,G6PD,LPL,PPARА,and D6FAD genes in the liver had positive linear and/or quadratic responses,but the SCD,HSL,ATGL,FABP,SREBP-1C and ELOVL5 had the opposite trend,with increasing dietary PO inclusion levels,whereas the mRNA level of ACC was not affected by dietary treatments.The optimal level of PO substitution for FO was estimated to be 47.1%of the feed,based on the regression analysis of percent weight gains against dietary PO inclusion levels;however,it might affect the FA profile in the liver and flesh of the fish species,and further study is required to investigate whether the changes in tissue FA composition will affect the welfare and market value over a production cycle of grouper.     

Effects of novel vaccines on weight loss in diet-induced-obese (DIO) mice

The purpose of the study was to test the therapeutic effects of novel vaccines for reducing weight gain and increasing weight loss in diet induced obesity (DIO) model. Male C57BL/6 J mice, fed a 60% Kcal fat diet for 8 weeks prior to the start of the study, were vaccinated via the intraperitoneal route with two formulations (JH17 & JH18) of chimeric-somatostatin vaccines at 1 and 22 days of the study. Control mice were injected with PBS. All mice continued to be feed the 60% Kcal fat diet for the 6 week study. Body weights were measured two times a week and food intake was measured weekly. At week 6, mice were euthanized and a terminal bleed was made and antibody levels to somatostatin and levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were determined. Vaccination with both vaccine formulations induced a statistically significant body weight change over the study period, as compared with PBS controls. Percentage of baseline body weight was also significantly affected by vaccination during the study period. Vaccinates finished the study at 104% and 107% of baseline weight, JH17 & JH18 respectively, while untreated controls reached 115% of baseline weight. Food intake per mouse was similar in all mouse groups during the entire study. Control mice did not demonstrate any antibody titers to somatostatin, while all vaccinated mice had measurable antibody responses (> 1:500,000 titer). IGF-1 levels were not statistically significant among the groups, but were elevated in the JH18 vaccinates (mean 440.4 ng/mL) when compared with PBS controls (mean 365.6 ng/mL). Vaccination with either JH17 or JH18 chimeric –somatostatin vaccines produced a statistically significant weight loss as compared with PBS controls (P < 0.0001), even though the DIO mice with continually fed a 60% Kcal fat diet. The weight loss/lower weight gain observations were even more significant, as all mice consumed similar amounts of food for the entire study. The presence of high levels of anti-somatostatin antibodies at 6 weeks was correlative with the weight observations and confirmed the success of vaccination.     

A preliminary study of dietary protein requirement of juvenile marbled flounder (Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal dietary protein level for juvenile marbled flounder. Five semi-purified test diets were formulated to contain different protein levels (CP) including 42.7%, 47.4%, 53.3%, 58.8%, and 64.5% (dry matter), named as CP42.7, CP47.4, CP53.3, CP58.8, and CP64.5, respectively. Five hundred and twenty-five juveniles (6.0 ± 0.1 g) were randomly distributed into 15 tanks (300 L tanks), resulting in 35 fish per tank (n = 3 tanks). Fish were fed the test diets 5 times per day until satiation. The CP58.8 resulted in the highest gain in weight and the best efficiency in feed utilization among the tested protein levels (P < 0.05). Fish fed the CP58.8 diet showed significantly higher whole-body protein and lipid contents than the fish that were fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Fish fed the CP53.3, CP58.8, and CP64.5 diets showed a significantly higher dorsal-muscle lipid content than the fish that were fed the CP42.7 and CP47.4 diets (P < 0.05). The one-slope straight broken-line regression analysis on the results of the thermal growth coefficient and feed conversion ratio indicated that the estimated optimum dietary protein level was 58.8%. Taken together, it is suggested that the dietary protein level of 58.8% is optimal for better growth and high efficiency in feed utilization for the juvenile marbled flounder.     

Effects of soybean raffinose on growth performance,digestibility,humoral immunity and intestinal morphology of growing pigs

There are appreciable does of raffinose in soybean, but the impacts of raffinose on pigs are poorly investigated. We used 2 experiments to investigate the influence of soybean raffinose on growth performance, digestibility, humoral immunity and intestinal morphology of growing pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 30 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) barrows (21.93 ± 0.43 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups, and were fed with the control diet, the control diets supplemented with 0.2% and 0.5% raffinose, respectively, for 21 d. Results showed that the addition of 0.2% or 0.5% raffinose reduced (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and nutrient digestibility, and dietary 0.5% raffinose increased the ratio of feed to gain (P < 0.05). For serum indexes, dietary 0.5% raffinose decreased growth hormone and increased glucagon-like peptide-2, immunoglobulin G, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 concentration (P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, a total of 24 crossbred barrows (38.41 ± 0.45 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups, and were fed with the control diet (ad libitum), the raffinose diet (0.5% raffinose, ad libitum), and the control diet in the same amount as the raffinose group (feed-pair group) for 14 d, respectively. Compared with the control diet, dietary 0.5% raffinose decreased ADFI (P < 0.05). Intriguingly, the raffinose group had lower ADG than the feed-pair group, lower nutrient digestibility, lower amylase activity in duodenum, lower amylase, lipase and trypsin activities in jejunum and higher TNF-α concentration in serum compared with the other 2 groups, and a higher ratio of villus height to crypt depth compared with the control group (P < 0.05). These results showed that soybean raffinose could reduce feed voluntary intake and body gain while improving intestinal morphology without a significant negative influence on immunity. Taken together, dietary raffinose could decrease growth performance by reducing both feed intake and nutrient digestibility while inducing humoral immune response of growing pigs.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of emulsifier and carbohydrase on the growth performance,serum cholesterol and breast meat fatty acids profile of broiler chickens

A total of 540 2‐day‐old male Ross 308 broilers were used in a 35‐day experiment and were randomly divided into five treatments: (i) NC (low energy); (ii) PC (high energy diet); (iii) P1 (NC + 0.1% carbohydrases); (iv) P2 (NC + 0.05% emulsifier); and (v) P3 (NC + 0.1% carbohydrases + 0.05% emulsifier). From days 0 to 21, body weight gain in PC and P3 treatments increased (P < 0.05) compared with NC treatment. The chicks fed PC, P1, P2 and P3 improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio compared with the NC treatment throughout the whole experiment. Abdominal fat weight was heavier (P < 0.05) in PC, P2 and P3 treatments than in NC and P1 treatments. On day 35, serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were higher (P < 0.05) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in NC and P2 treatments than in PC, P1 and P3 treatments. The concentration of oleic acid, linoleic acid and total unsaturated fatty acids were highest (P < 0.05) in PC than in the other treatments. In conclusion, the results indicate that low energy density diet had lower growth performance, while the inclusion of emulsifier and carbohydrases in low energy diets can partially improve growth performance.     

Effects of dietary lysine/protein ratio and fat levels on growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary lysine/protein ratio and fat levels on the growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of finishing pigs fed feed made from food waste, including noodles and chocolate. Four dietary treatments, 2 levels of lysine/protein ratio (0.035 and 0.046) and 2 levels of fat (3.3% and 6.0%), were adapted to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Each diet for the finishing pigs contained the same levels of adequate crude protein (16%) and lysine (0.58–0.75%), and similar levels of high total digestible nutrients (90.2–92.6%). In total, 32 LWD pigs with an average body weight of 57.2 kg were assigned to 4 dietary groups. The pigs were slaughtered at about 115 kg. Growth performance was not influenced by the dietary treatments. Carcass characteristics were slightly influenced by the dietary fat level. As the dietary lysine/protein ratio decreased, the marbling score of Longissimus dorsi muscle increased and the intramuscular fat (IMF) increased from 6.82% to 9.46%. Marbling score was not significantly influenced by the dietary fat level. These results indicate that IMF increased without adverse effects on growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality, when pigs were fed a diet with low lysine/protein ratio.     

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.     

豆粕替代鱼粉饲料中添加胆固醇和牛磺酸对凡纳滨对虾生长性能、肝胰腺和血清胆固醇含量及体成分的影响

本试验旨在探讨豆粕替代鱼粉饲料中添加胆固醇和牛磺酸对凡纳滨对虾生长性能、肝胰腺和血清胆固醇含量及体成分的影响。配制6种等氮等能的试验饲料,1种为含30%鱼粉的高鱼粉饲料(FM组),另外5种为含12%鱼粉的低鱼粉高豆粕饲料(SBM1~5组),其中SBM1组不添加胆固醇和牛磺酸,SBM2和SBM3组分别添加0.3%和0.6%的胆固醇,SBM4组添加0.3%的胆固醇和0.2%的牛磺酸,SBM 5组添加0.6%的胆固醇和0.2%的牛磺酸。将初始体重为(0.35±0.01)g的凡纳滨对虾幼虾540尾随机分成6组,每组3个重复,每个重复30尾虾,进行为期8周的生长试验。结果表明:FM、SBM3、SBM4和SBM5组对虾的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)和成活率(SR)显著高于SBM1组(P0.05),饲料系数(FCR)显著低于SBM1组(P0.05),其中以FM组对虾的WGR、SGR和SR最高,且FCR最低,但与SBM3、SBM4和SBM 5组无显著差异(P0.05)。SBM 3、SBM 4和SBM 5组对虾的血清和肝胰腺总胆固醇(TC)含量显著高于SBM1组(P0.05),但与FM组差异不显著(P0.05)。此外,SBM1组对虾的血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量显著低于FM、SBM2、SBM3、SBM4和SBM5组(P0.05),血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)含量显著低于SBM 3和SBM 5组(P0.05)。对虾全虾水分和粗灰分含量各组间无显著差异(P0.05)。SBM1组对虾全虾粗蛋白质和粗脂肪含量显著低于FM、SBM3和SBM5组(P0.05),与SBM2和SBM4组相比无显著差异(P0.05)。根据本试验结果得出,低鱼粉高豆粕饲料中添加0.6%的胆固醇或同时添加0.3%的胆固醇和0.2%的牛磺酸能够有效地提高凡纳滨对虾的生长性能和饲料效率。     

Dietary replacement of fish meal by defatted and fermented soybean meals with taurine supplementation for pompano fish: effects on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,and biological parameters in a long-term feeding period

A 16-wk growth trial was conducted to examine the effects of dietary replacement of fish meal by defatted soybean meal (SBM) and fermented soybean meal (FSBM) with taurine supplementation on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) and biological parameters of pompano fish. The FSBM was produced by fermenting SBM with Lactobacillus spp. Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to replace 35% or 50% of fish meal by SBM or FSBM with taurine supplementation. The diets are denoted as follows: FM, SBM35, SBM35T, FSBM35T, SBM50, SBM50T, and FSBM50T. The FM (the basal diet) contained fish meal as a main source of dietary protein. Taurine was supplemented to SBM35T, FSBM35T, SBM50T, and FSBM50T at the level of 15 g/kg diet. Pompano juveniles with an initial body weight (BW) of 80 g reared in floating net cages were fed the experimental diets twice daily for 16 wk. Results showed that the final BW, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of fish fed SBM35 and SBM50 were significantly lower than those of fish fed FM (P < 0.05), indicating that the replacement of fish meal by SBM at the rate of 35% in the diet is excessive for pompano. Supplementation of taurine to the SBM-included diets significantly increased growth performance and feed utilization (P < 0.05); however, these diets did not restore the performance back to a level equivalent to that of fish offered the basal diet. Meanwhile, fish fed FSBM35T had comparable growth and feed performances to those fed FM. Hematocrit values, total biliary bile acid levels, whole body lipid contents, and tissue taurine concentrations of fish fed SBM35 and SBM50 were the lowest among the treatments, but these parameters were improved by taurine supplementation and FSBM inclusion in the diet. Taurine supplementation increased lipid ADC, and SBM fermentation slightly enhanced both lipid and protein ADCs of the fish. These findings suggest that the combination of FSBM and taurine supplementation is an effective way to improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and biological parameters, and that FSBM with taurine supplementation can replace 35% of fish meal in pompano diets without any negative effects on growth and feed performances in a long-term feeding period.