The applicable merit of untreated, HCl-treated and partly-hydrolysed straw meal in the feeding regimen of piglets after early weaning. 4. Histological findings in the digestive epithelium of the piglet

In studies with piglets of the country race the applicability of variously treated straw materials was tested in comparison with conventional concentrate feeding (I) after an early weaning date (30th-35th day of life) over an 8-week period (1st-8th week of keeping). In the rations containing 10% straw (straw-concentrate mixtures), untreated (II), HCl treated (III: HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolyzed straw meal (IV: HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were used in the feeding. Samples were taken of 4 killed animals each in the 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping for the qualitative histologic assessment of palatum durum, oesophagus and stomach, duodenum and caecum, colon ascendens, colon descendens and rectum. Although significantly lower pH values in the stomach were registered after the feeding of feed mixtures III and IV due to increased acidity (pH value decrease by 1.3 to 1.5 units) in comparison to the values in I and II, the lamina epithelialis of the palatum durum remained intact in all groups and without any signs of cauterization. Equally, considerable changes in the comparison of the feeding groups could not be detected in the structures of the oesophagus and the stomach walls or in the qualitative histologic assessment of the duodenum and the caecum. However, there were clearly distinguishable group specifics with regard to the formation of lymphoreticular tissue in the stomach and for the colon ascendens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The merit of using untreated, HCl-treated amd partly-hydrolyzed straw meal in the feeding regime for piglets after early weaning. 3. Parameters of protein, fat, carbohydrates and mineral metabolism in the blood serum of the piglet

In parallel studies with piglets of the country race the applicability of variously treated straw materials was tested in comparison with the conventional feeding of concentrate (I) after an early weaning date (30th-35th day of life) over a feeding period of 8 weeks (1st-8th week of keeping). In the rations containing 10% straw (concentrate-straw mixtures), untreated (II), HCl treated (III:HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolyzed straw meal (IV:HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were tested. In the 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping blood samples were taken from 4 animals of each group and selected parameters of the protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism were subsequently ascertained from the blood serum. About half of the total of the 13 selected parameters showed reactions of the intermediary metabolism of the test groups caused by the feeding. With the parameters on the whole varying in the normal physiologic range, a decrease in the blood urea and creatinine concentration and an increase in the blood glucose level were detected after the use of the concentrate-straw mixtures (III and IV) in comparison with the sole feeding of concentrate (I) and partly also in comparison with untreated straw meal (II), their intensity varying in dependence on feeding and test duration. Particularly towards the end of the experiment, an increase of the activity of alkaline phosphatase was also characteristic, which was in negative correlation with the P content of the serum and in positive correlation with growth performance. The physiologic parameters are discussed in connection with the higher growth performance at reduced concentrate expenditure achieved in III and IV in comparison to I and II.     

The use of a partly-hydrolysed straw meal in the feeding of weaned piglets. 2. Concentration and production of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine by the use of test rations with various portions of straw

The ad libitum influence of various quotas of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PHSM) on the fermentation and production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the colon in the measuring periods 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping was checked within a feeding experiment with weaned piglets of the country species (42nd-98th day of life; 1st-8th week of keeping). The straw hydrolysis product was fed in a parallel experiment without or after neutralization with CaCO3 in quotas of, 5, 10 and 15% related to dry matter in comparison to the feeding of sole concentrate feed. The measuring in the 2nd week of keeping (adaptation phase) was blurred by the diarrhea in the groups with regard to the concentration, production and molar proportion of VFA. The concentration and production quota of VFA was diminished and the C2:C3 relation as well as the molar quota of branched-chain fatty acids increased in the comparison of the groups above all under the feeding conditions of the sole use of concentrate and--less distinctly--of quotas of 5% PHSM (insufficient dietetic effect) in the feed mixture. Measuring in the 8th week, in which diarrhea did not play a role in any of the groups, showed a significant, ration specific influence on the fermentation pattern of VFA. With the increasing quota of PHSM in the feed mixture (x) a significantly positive relation with the molar acetate quota (y) could be calculated (y = 52.6 + 0.36x;r = 0.50). The C2:C3 relation after sole concentrate feeding rose to 2.6:1 at a 15% PHSM integration. In this, the molar increase of acetate was predominantly linked with a decrease of the butyrate and valerate quotas. A falling tendency of the molar iso-acid quota in the colon digesta was registered with the growing straw quota in the feed mixture. The daily production quota of VFA varied in the measuring period in the 8th week of keeping between 400 and 800 mmol/animal.d without an ascertainable influence of the crude fibre quota of the straw. In comparative calculations with other test results, however, a significant positive correlation between the daily intake of digestible organic matter and the production of VFA in the large intestine could be proved.     

The use of a partly-hydrolysed straw meal for the feeding of weaned piglets. 1. Increased production and feed expense as well as nutrient digestibility and buffer capacity in rations with various high portions of partly-hydrolysed straw meal

In studies with weaned piglets of the land race the usability of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PSM) in concentrate - straw meal mixtures was tested over a period of 56 days (42nd-98th day of life; 1st-8th week of feeding. The hydrolysed straw product was there tested in a parallel experiment each without and after neutralization (by means of CaCO3) in quotas of 5, 10 and 15% as supplement to the concentrate feed (based on dry matter) in comparison to a sole concentrate feeding. Daily weight gain and feed and energy expenditure as well as nutrient digestibility and the buffer effect of the PSM rations were ascertained. Measured by weight gain, feed intake and concentrate- and energy expenditure related weight gain, a 10% quota of partly hydrolysed straw meal in a period near weaning (1st-4th week of feeding) had the highest effect and was far superior to traditional concentrate feeding. Lower quotas of PSM in this period did not show a sufficient dietetic effect (diarrhea symptoms), higher reduced the effect on the performance parameters. In the period more remote from weaning (5th-8th week of feeding) the effect of the straw meal integration was generally reduced, a quota of about 5% proved optimal. The registered higher daily weight gains in the total test period (1st-8th week of feeding in which concentrate - straw meal mixtures (relative 106-130%) were closely related to the daily intake of digestibility organic matter. The decrease in digestibility of organic matter in the total ration remained small with the use of the well fermentable crude fibre from the hydrolysed straw product and the balance was overcompensated by higher feed intake. A pH-value decrease of the feed mixtures and a physiologically suitable influence on the pH-value in the stomachs of the test animals could be ascertained due to the buffer capacity of the hydrolysed straw products used. With regard to this, the non-buffered hydrolysed straw product had a higher effect, which was, among other things, reflected in higher performances.     

The use of partly-hydrolyzed straw meal in the feeding of weaned piglets. 3. The concentration of several parameters of protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism in the blood serum during the use of rations with different portions of partly-hydrolyzed straw meal

Rations containing varied quotas of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PHS) were provided in mixtures of concentrate and straw meal, and selected parameters of the protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism were registered in the blood serum at intervals (2nd and 8th week of keeping) in studies with weaned piglets of the country species. In a parallel experiment the straw hydrolysis product was provided without or after neutralization (with CaCO3) in quotas of 5, 10 and 15% in the mixed feed in comparison to the sole feeding of concentrate. Only some out of the total of 16 parameters ascertained in the blood serum showed reactions of the intermediary metabolism in the test groups caused by feeding. In general, straw crude fibre integration decreased the cholesterol level in the blood serum. Urea concentration in the blood decreased with the growing quota of PHS in the feed mixture. Deviations from the norm of various metabolites, which were mainly reflected in the period near weaning (2nd week of keeping) in an increased concentration of free glycerol and urea in the blood serum, could predominantly be registered after the sole feeding of concentrate. On the whole, there were thus certain interactions with growth performance, which clearly advocate the use of quotas of 10% of the hydrolysed straw product in the feed mixture.     

The use of partly-hydrolyzed and untreated straw meal in the feeding of breeding sows. 5. Concentration, production and absorption of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine

In 2 experiments with a total of 28 breeding sows of the country species studies were made of the fermentation, production and absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the large intestine after feeding variously treated straw materials in concentrate--straw meal mixtures. Experiment 1 ascertained that supplements of untreated (I), HCl treated (II) and partly hydrolysed straw meal (III, treatment with subsequent steaming) caused a decrease of the VFA concentration as well as considerable molar changes of the VFA in the caecal and colonal digesta in comparison of the sole feeding with concentrate (IV). The straw fibre integration increased the molar acetate quota at the expense decreased propionate and butyrate fermentation. Considering the straw meal variants this effects was least distinct after the feeding of partly hydrolysed straw meal (III). In experiment 2, which comprised the simultaneous ascertainment of VFA production in the feeding variants I and III and which was based on a representative number of animals per test group (n = 10), there were significant differences between the production quotas (I = 992; III = 1,300 mmol/animal.d) and in the absorption quotas of VFA (I = 63; II = 78%). The digestible energy from the VFA in the large intestine amounted to 711 kJ/d (I) and 1,183 kJ/d (III). The derived higher net energy gain from the hydrolysed straw product (III) was calculated at 590 kJ (40EFUpig/kg DM) and discussed together with results of feed value increase from the digestibility experiments.     

Use of partially hydrolyzed and untreated straw meal in the feeding of breeding sows. 3. Nutrient digestibility, feed passage time and mineral balance with the addition of variously treated straw materials compared to concentrate feeding alone

In studies with 16 breeding sows of the country species the feed value of straw materials and their fitness for use were ascertained in a long-term experiment. On the feeding basis of a concentrate ration (IV) untreated (I), HCl treated (II = HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolysed straw meal (III = HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were tested. In the course of the experiment and at a nutrient level of 1 (maintenance requirement), the digestibility of the organic matter of the ration and that of some major and trace elements, N and mineral balances as well as feed passage rate and water excretion in faeces were ascertained at selected measuring times. The following mean results were achieved: The integration of all straw materials tested lead to a significant reduction of the digestibility of the organic matter of the total ration, the least negative effect was caused by partly hydrolysed straw meal (III). The fractions crude protein, crude fibre and N-free extracts were mainly affected. Straw meal integration had a gravidity-conditioned influence on the daily N balance. Increased N excretion in faeces could only be compensated by non-pregnant animals by a decreased N excretion in urine. The mineral balance (Ca, P, Na, Cu and Mn) remained largely uninfluenced by the straw supplement. The feed passage rate was reduced by the use of all straw meal variants to ca. 50% of the value measured after the sole feeding of concentrate (IV). Feed passage rate and water excretion in faeces were approximately reciprocal. The digestibility of the organic matter of the straw materials ascertained according to the difference method amounted to 7.4 (I), 18.1 (II) and 27.9% (III); that of the N-free extracts in the same sequence to 10.0, 22.0 and 34.9%. The calculated energetic feed value was for I = 70.7, for II = 154.9 and for III = 240.7 EFUpig/kg DM.     

Use of partly hydrolyzed and untreated straw meal in the feeding of breeding sows. 4. Influence on embryonic mortality and fertility

The influence of a supplement of variously treated straw materials to a ration to dry concentrate (= 1), (untreated = 2, steamed = 3, HCl-treated = 4 and partly hydrolysed = 5) during gestation on fertility and rearing performance, the embryonic survival quota of fertilized ova as well as on some selected metabolites in the blood serum was studied in 3 experiments. The integration of untreated straw meal resulted in significantly diminished performances in comparison to test groups 1 and 5 in all tested parameters of fertility and rearing performance (weight of litter). The best results were achieved in all experiments with rations of concentrate and partly hydrolysed straw meal. The individual test groups the following performance values (number of piglets born alive, weight of litter in kg) were achieved: 1 = 9.3, 12.3; 2 = 6.5, 8.2; 3 = 7.5, 9.6; 4 = 8.6, 12,4; 5 = 10.6, 14.4). Ration specific reactions could only be proved for the parameters glucose and urea out of the metabolites (insulin, glucose, cholesterol, urea tri-iodine thyronine and thyroxine).     

Nitrogen metabolism in the large intestine of ruminants. 3. Microbial utilization of intracecally administered 14C- and 15N-marked urea in the large intestine of sheep in simultaneous intracecal administration of partially hydrolyzed straw meal

Two experiments were performed on sheep, receiving on maintenance level a pelleted straw ration high in crude fibre (straw, 70.5%; dried sugar beet pulp, 12%; cereals, 10%; urea, 2%; ammonium hydrogen carbonate, 3%; minerals 2,5%). The animals were fitted with ileo-caecal re-entrant cannulas. The effects of the introduction of HC1-partly hydrolysed straw meal into the digesta of the large intestine on the digestion processes in that segment were studied. Under these conditions the metabolism of 14C and 15N labelled urea, which was given into the caecum, was estimated. In experiment 1 (E 1; 2 animals) unlabelled, precollected digesta were hourly reintroduced together with 14C and 15N labelled urea via the caecal cannula. In experiment 2 (E 2; 3 animals) the digesta were supplemented with partly hydrolysed straw meal (10% of the mean daily DM-intake with the ration). The supplement of partly hydrolysed straw meal caused an increase of the 15N excretion with faeces from 13.4% (E 1) to 19.8% (E 2) of the dose. The 15N was mainly incorporated in the bacterial fraction (98% E 1; 96% E 2). As a reason for the increased 15N incorporation into the bacterial fraction of 106.4 mg15N' in E 2 vs. 67.3 mg15N' in the experiment without straw meal supplement the higher supply of energy as fermentable carbohydrates was assumed.     

Metabolism and hematology studies of intensively raised fattened lambs under various feeding and management conditions. 3. The effect of weaning age under various management conditions on the blood picture, serum mineral and bilirubin concentration and vitamin A concentration in the liver]

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and bilirubin, blood picture and liver vitamin A were studied in six groups of lambs weaned at various ages and fattened under four types of management, in comparison with a control group. Results are shown in graphs and tables, with a comparison with conventionally fattened lambs. Age at weaning had no demonstrable effect on the parameters investigated.     

The effect of straw meal on the crude protein and amino acid metabolism and the digestibility of crude nutrients in broiler breeding hens. 3. Digestibility of amino acids

In two experiments with colostomized broiler hens the influence of a straw meal supplement on the apparent digestibility of the amino acids of the ration and the 15N labelled basic amino acids in wheat was studied. In experiment 1 the animals received 120 g mixed feed plus 0, 20, 30 and 40 g straw meal per animal and day. The digestibility of the amino acids decreased on average from 86% to 83%, 80% and 79% with the growing straw intake. In contrast to the control variant, 20 g straw meal intake resulted in a significant decrease of digestibility for lysine, histidine, glycine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine and methionine. 30 and 40 g straw meal reduced significantly the digestibility of all amino acids with the exception of arginine. The amino acid composition of the crude protein in faeces changed only very slightly due to the straw supplement. In experiment 2 15N labelled wheat was a component of the ration. Of the 15N labelled amino acids lysine, histidine and arginine, 88, 90 and 95% were apparently digested. The adaptation of the animals to straw meal intake did not change the digestibility of the amino acids.     

Dietary administration of probiotics to sows and/or their neonates improves the reproductive performance,incidence of post‐weaning diarrhea and histopathological parameters in the intestine of weaned piglets

Probiotics have gained considerable attention with respect to their beneficial effects on livestock performance and health. The most significant effects of probiotics on the gut microbiota and the host animals take place when they are included in diets during particularly stressful periods such as weaning and/or at the beginning of the lactation period. The probiotics Bacillus mesentericus strain TO‐A at 1 × 10⁸ colony forming units (CFU)/g, Clostridium butyricum strain TO‐A at 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g and Enterococcus faecalis strain T‐110 at 1 × 10⁹ CFU/g were used. Litter weight at delivery and ratio of return to estrous improved significantly (17% and 24% improvement, respectively) by probiotic administration to sows (0.2% (w/w)). Furthermore, the feed intake of the probiotics‐administered sows was greater than that of the control sows during the late lactation period. Post‐weaning diarrheal incidence and growth performance was improved by probiotics administration to neonates (0.02% (w/w)), while the combined use of probiotics in sows and their neonates induced the enlargement of villous height and prevented muscle layer thinning in the small intestine of weaning piglets. The administration of probiotics of three species of live bacteria improved the porcine reproductive performance around stressful periods of sows (farrowing) and piglets (weaning). [Corrections added on 26 April 2016, after first online publication: ‘Enterococcus faecalis strain T‐100’ has been corrected to ‘Enterococcus faecalis strain T‐110’ in the above paragraph and in the ‘Probiotics’ section under the Materials and Methods heading.]     

Nitrogen exchange in the large intestine of ruminants. 4. Exchange and isotope balance of intracecally administered 14C- and 15N-urea in sheep with simultaneous intracecal dose of a partly hydrolyzed straw meal

Two experiments were performed with wethers (Body weight 34 to 44 kg) receiving a ration rich in crude fibre at maintenance level. The animals were fitted with ileocaecal cannulas into which 14C-, 15N-labelled urea together with digesta was introduced hourly for a 24 hours period (V1; 2 animals). In experiment two (V2; 3 animals) in addition HCl-partly hydrolysed straw meal was introduced. After ureolytic degradation the intracaecal applied urea entered mainly the intermediary metabolism. The resulting ammonia was resynthesized to urea without any time lag. The rate constant for the increase in 15N labelling of urea was 3.2 d-1 in both experiments. Urea leaves the plasma with half lives of 10.6 (V1) and 5.2 (V2) hours. More than 60% of the applied urea were excreted with urine. Formed 14CO2 appeared at proportions of 66% (V2) and 71% (V1) in the respiration gases. Both, the decline of the 14C-activity in blood plasma and the specific 14C-activity of CO2 in the respiration gases after the end of the labelling period do not follow a kinetic of first order. The 15N-labelling of the NH3-N in ileal digesta was very high and reached plateau values similar with those of plasma urea (2.54 vs. 2.56 atom-% 15N-excess). A direct entry of plasma urea into the small intestine was concluded.     

Nutritional physiology effect of dietary fats in the diet of growing pigs. 1. Effect of an isocaloric exchange of carbohydrate energy compared with fat energy on protein retention, in vitro synthesis of fat from glucose and on several blood parameters in piglets

Three groups of male, castrated piglets of the German Landrace breed, weight range 3-30 kg, were used to study the relation between fattening performance and blood parameters when feeding rations containing different amounts of fat. The fat content of the rations was either 5% (group I), 18% (group II) or 35% (group III). Concomitantly with the increased metabolizable energy (ME) content of the ration the content of digestible protein (DP) was increased and the amount of feed reduced in order to guarantee an equal intake of ME and DP in all three groups. The digestibility of the crude nutrients and protein retention of the subjects were determined in nine subsequent trials each lasting 7 days. At a body weight of 27 kg the blood concentrations of insulin, glucose, free fatty acids, neutral lipids and cholesterol were determined at different times after feeding. In addition, an oral glucose tolerance test was made and the in-vitro synthesis of fat from glucose was measured. The apparent digestibility of fat amounted, unexpectedly, to approximately 94% on the high rat rations II and III. In all groups a significant positive relation between body weight and digestibility of the fat was determined. Despite equal daily intakes of ME in all groups, in group III daily weight gain and protein retention were 7% (p less than 0.01) and 4% (p less than 0.01) higher than in group I, respectively. Blood urea levels of group III were 67% (p less than 0.01) lower than in group I. The mean daily nitrogen retention of the three groups rose gradually from 4 g at a body weight of 5 kg to 16-17 g at a body weight of 25 kg. The feed conversion of group I was lower by 22 and 36% as compared to groups II and III, respectively. Highly significant differences were observed among either groups (p less than 0.01). It has been calculated that in group III the consumption of ME/kg weight gain was about 8% (p less than 0.05) lower than in the two other groups. According to the increased fat percentage of the rations, body protein content diminished from 17,1% in group I to 16,5 and 16% in groups II and III, respectively. Only the difference between groups I and III proved to be significant (p less than 0.05). In group I feed intake resulted in an increase in the insulin level by 55% (p less than 0.05) whereas glucose did not change significantly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Metabolism and hematology studies of intensively raised fattened lambs under various feeding and management conditions. 1. The effect of various feeding methods on the blood picture, serum mineral and bilirubin concentration, and vitamin A concentration in the liver]

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and bilirubin content, blood picture and liver vitamin A were determined in six groups of lambs fattened on different rations, in comparison with a control group. The results are presented in graphs and tables. There was no clear difference between the various groups, in the criteria examined.     

Nutritive physiological effect of dietary fats in growing swine rations. 3. Effect of sunflower and coconut kernels on protein and fat retention, backfat fatty acid pattern and various blood parameters in piglets

Two groups, each of 9 castrated male piglets of the German Landrace breed, body weight 13-29 kg, were fed ad libitum for a 5 week period in order to determine the influence of the fatty acid composition of the dietary fat on protein and fat retention. The concentrations of urea, insulin, glucose, free glycerol and triglycerides were also determined. That fat in ration I (derived from 27% sunflower seed) contained 50% linoleic acid while that of ration II (derived from 12,5% coconut kernels) had a maximum lauric acid content of 41,8%. The relationship between digestible crude protein and ME-content was calculated to be similar in both rations. In addition protein quality was calculated to be similar in both rations. Protein deposition was determined from both nitrogen and comparative slaughter procedures. The results can be summarized as follows: The animals fed ration I had a higher daily ME-intake and growth rate than those fed ration II, although no great difference was observed in ME required per kg body weight gain. The efficiency of protein utilization was significantly better in group I and this was associated with a lower blood urea concentration. The concentrations of insulin and glucose in the blood, measured before as well as 20, 45, 60 and 120 minutes following feeding, showed little differences between the groups. The triglyceride concentration measured before and 1 and 5 hours following feeding was significantly higher (p less than 0,01) in group II. There was no significant difference in the protein and fat content of the body as well as in the daily protein and fat deposition. The fatty acid composition of the back fat was significantly influenced by the fatty acid pattern of the dietary fat. In group I the linoleic acid content was 3,6 times higher and the lauric- and myristic acid content 11,7 times lower compared to that of group II.     

Metabolism and hematology studies of intensively raised fattened lambs under various feeding and management conditions. 2. The effect of various management methods on the blood picture, serum mineral and bilirubin concentration and vitamin A concentration in the liver]

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and bilirubin content, blood picture and liver vitamin A were studied in four groups of intensively fattened lambs kept under different conditions of management, in comparison with a control group. Results are shown in graphs and tables, Group-specific differences were found in some of the parameters examined: - Ca, P, erythrocytes, leucocytes, vitamin A.     

The effect of straw meal on the crude protein and amino acid metabolism and digestibility of crude nutrients in broiler hen breeds. 1. Problems, experimental review and N-excretion in the urine

The metabolization of the straw N and the influence of the straw on N excretion in urine were studied in 2 experiments with colostomized broiler hens and with 15N labelled wheat straw as well as 15N labelled wheat. In experiment 1 the test animals divided up into 4 groups received 0 g, 20 g, 30 g and 40 g straw meal per animal and day in addition to 120 g mixed feed. The daily 15N-excess (15N') intake from the straw was 18.4 mg, 27.5 mg and 36.7 mg. The amount of 15N' daily consumed with the labelled wheat in experiment 2 was 119.7 mg. 40 g straw meal resulted in a significantly increased amount of urine (p less than 0.05). The amounts of urine N and uric acid N were only increased as a tendency. On average the productive N decreased as a consequence of the straw meal supplement from 1070 mg/animal and day (control) to 764 mg/animal and day after 40 g straw meal supplement. The productive 15N' of the labelled wheat was not influenced by the straw meal supplement. The productive 15N' of the straw increased from 3.8 mg/animal and day (20 g straw) to 13.4 mg/animal and day (40 g straw). In contrast to 15N wheat, straw as a 15N source resulted in a lower labelling of uric acid N in comparison with urine N. It can be assumed that the changed metabolization of the straw N is influenced by microbial processes in the intestines.