Cassava chip(Manihot esculenta Crantz) as an energy source for ruminant feeding

Cassava(Manihot esculenta Crantz) is widely grown in sub-tropical and tropical areas, producing roots as an energy source while the top biomass including leaves and immature stems can be sun-dried and used as cassava hay. Cassava roots can be processed as dried chip or pellet. It is rich in soluble carbohydrate(75 to 85%) but low in crude protein(2 to 3%). Its energy value is comparable to corn meal but has a relatively higher rate of rumen degradation. Higher levels of non-protein nitrogen especially urea(1 to 4%) can be successfully incorporated in concentrates containing cassava chip as an energy source. Cassava chip can also be processed with urea and other ingredients(tallow, sulfur, raw banana meal, cassava hay, and soybean meal) to make products such as cassarea, cassa-ban, and cassaya. Various studies have been conducted in ruminants using cassava chip to replace corn meal in the concentrate mixtures and have revealed satisfactory results in rumen fermentation efficiency and the subsequent production of meat and milk. In addition, it was advantageous when used in combination with rice bran in the concentrate supplement. Practical home-made-concentrate using cassava chip can be easily prepared for use on farms. A recent development has involved enriching protein in cassava chips, yielding yeast fermented cassava chip protein(YEFECAP) of up to 47.5% crude protein, which can be used to replace soybean meal.It is therefore, recommended to use cassava chip as an alternative source of energy to corn meal when the price is economical and it is locally available.     

不断寻求可持续性能源资源

农业的责任是要引领绿色明天．饲料和食品业作为农业的生产商和供应商．也要担当创造可持续性环境的责任。     

Rice bran lysolecithin as a source of energy in broiler chicken diet

1. Rice bran lysolecithin (RBL) was evaluated in broiler chicken diets. In the first experiment, RBL was included in diet at 0, 0·5, 2, 8 and 32?g/kg and fed to 250 broiler chickens from 0 to 42?d of age. In the second experiment, RBL was fed at 0, 25 and 50?g/kg diet to 405?day-old broiler chickens until 21?d of age, while during the finisher phase (22–35?d of age) chickens receiving each concentration of RBL were given all three concentrations of RBL in a 3?×?3 factorial manner. The diets were isocaloric.

2. Body weight, food consumption and food conversion efficiency were unaffected by feeding RBL, while the weight of pancreas increased at ≥2?g/kg of RBL in diet (experiment 1). In experiment 2, body weight was greater in the chickens receiving RBL at either 25 or 50?g/kg (21?d) and 50?g/kg (35?d of age). At 21?d of age, food consumption was greater at 25 or 50?g RBL/kg diet, while food conversion efficiency improved with 50?g RBL/kg diet.

3. Fat digestibility increased with RBL at 32?g/kg (experiment 1) and ≤25?g/kg (experiment 2). Rice bran lysolecithin increased ready to cook weight at 50?g/kg during starter phase and decreased abdominal fat at 25 and 50?g/kg during finisher phase (experiment 2). Liver and meat fat content were not affected.

4. It is concluded that lysolecithin from rice bran oil could be used as energy supplement in broiler chicken diet.     

Effect of lincomycin as a growth promoter for broiler chicks

1. The effects of adding lincomycin to either the food (2.2 mg/kg) or drinking water (equivalent or 0.5 equivalent amount) of male broiler chicks were examined. 2. There were four treatments: control (no lincomycin), diet containing 2.2 mg lincomycin/kg, control diet plus drinking water containing lincomycin at concentrations calculated to provide an intake equivalent to treatment 2, and treatment 14 with lincomycin concentration reduced by half. 3. There was no significant effect of any treatment upon mortality, efficiency of food utilisation at 42 d of age, final body weights or monetary indices. 4. Analyses of breast, thigh and liver tissues, using a method with a sensitivity of 1.0 mg/kg, failed to reveal any evidence of lincomycin residues. 5. It is concluded that the use of lincomycin at 2.2 mg/kg may not be effective in improving either the biological or economic performance of the broiler chicken.     

Metabolisable energy,nitrogen absorbability and feeding value of expeller processed mustard cake for chicks

Four experiments were carried out to compare the nutritional indices of expeller processed mustard cake (MS) with that of groundnut cake (GN). The indices measured were metabolisable energy (ME), nitrogen absorbability and growth rate. The average ME values of MS and GN were 2.19 Mcal/kg (9.16 MJ/kg) and 2.75 Mcal/kg (11.51 MJ/kg) respectively. The apparent nitrogen absorbabilities were 63.3% and 67.5% respectively, when the chicks were fed on assorted sources of protein containing either of the cakes but were 70.8% and 73.7% respectively when these cakes served as the sole source of protein in the diet. Although ME content and nitrogen absorption of MS were lower than GN its feeding value was similar when growth and food conversion were compared.     

复合酶在三黄肉鸡降能日粮中的应用研究

试验选用健壮、活泼且均匀的1日龄快大型粤禽黄肉鸡960羽，随机分为4个处理，每个处理6个重复，每重复40羽，进行为期50d的饲养试验。试验以珠海某饲料厂的三黄肉鸡料为基础日粮，研究在基础日粮的基础上分别降低252、336和420kJ／kg代谢能，并研究添加1kg/t溢多酶9680（分别添加在试验1组、试验2组和试验3组）对肉鸡的平均日增质量、饲料转化率和存活率的影响，并进行生物学综合评定。试验结果显示，3个试验组的日采食量、平均日增质量和成活率与对照组相比差异均不显著。与对照组相比，3个试验组小鸡阶段的料肉比分别下降了9．25％、2．31％和4．05％，其中试验1组达到了显著水平，其余2组差异均不显著；中鸡阶段的料肉比分别下降了3．49％、1．75％和3．93％，差异均不显著；试验1组和试验3组大鸡阶段的料肉比分别下降了5．14％和3．71％，差异均不显著。3个试验组的全期成活率与对照组相比分别提高了3．05％、2．56％和8．16％，其中，试验3组达到了极显著水平，其余2组差异均不显著。生物学评定结果显示，试验组小鸡、中鸡、大鸡及全期的生物学综合评定值均≥100，这说明，在珠海某公司三黄肉鸡料中添加1kg/t溢多酶9680，其日粮代谢能降低幅度控制在420kJ／kg范围内时，不仪不会对肉鸡的生产性能产生不利影响，而且还在一定程度上改善了肉鸡的生产性能。     

Suitability of day‐old chicks as food for captive snakes

Snakes are increasingly kept by private hobbyists and their numbers in the pet trade are increasing. Since suitable diets are essential for the health, welfare and maintenance of captive animals, objective research is required to improve and evaluate current feeding practices. Unfortunately, the husbandry of reptiles is frequently led by tradition, resulting in methods which are not evidence based. One such occurrence is the widespread belief that day‐old chicks (DOCs) are unsuitable as food for captive snakes. Since this assumption has not been systematically assessed, herein I review the evidence in order to provide a more informed basis from which to evaluate the suitability of chicks in relation to rodent prey. Commonly expressed nutritional, ecological and husbandry‐related concerns are examined using compilations of previously published data, new data, prior experience and nutrient compositions obtained from the Zootrition? database. Day‐old chicks were compared with two rodent species (mice and rats) since these are the most commonly used alternative prey item. Rodents were clearly the better option only in their ‘naturalness’, in that mammalian prey species are more frequently represented in natural diets than birds. I conclude that DOCs are a suitable prey item for snakes in captive collections since the available data provide no firm evidence for their avoidance, contrary to popular belief. Many gaps in our knowledge remain that would assist further discussion of this issue, and these are highlighted within. It is pertinent that although these data indicate that DOCs are a viable alternative to rodent prey for captive snakes, they do not necessarily indicate its superiority. In most instances, rodents and DOCs may be regarded as practically equivalent and interchangeable. It is therefore the individual keeper’s preference as to which to use, informed in particular circumstances by the information presented herein.     

Reduced selenium status in chicks given diets low in sulphur-containing amino acids and containing sodium nitroprusside as a source of cyanide

1. Two experiments were carried out to study the effect of dietary cyanide, given in the form of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on the growth and selenium status of chicks fed on diets low in sulphur-containing amino acids. 2. In experiment 1, SNP (0.3 g/kg) depressed growth rate and food intake when included in diets low in total sulphur-containing amino acids. It also reduced plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and kidney selenium concentration. These latter variables also showed increases in response to supplements of selenium of 0.1 and 0.2 mg selenium/kg (as sodium selenite) although growth was not affected. 3. In experiment 2, SNP did not affect growth when reduced to 0.1 g/kg in diets low both in methionine and total sulphur-containing amino acids. It did, however, reduce plasma GSH-Px activity, which again increased in response to similar dietary supplements of selenium. 4. It is concluded that dietary cyanide effectively increases the requirement for selenium and could induce deficiency in diets only marginally adequate in selenium, particularly when the supply of sulphur-containing amino acids was marginal or inadequate.     

An evaluation of a dry-fat product as a source of supplemental energy in pig diets

Three feeding trials (278 pigs) and one balance trial (14 pigs) were conducted to evaluate acceptance and utilization of diets containing a dry-fat product containing 90% fat. The fat was a mixture of equal parts vegetable and animal fats. In Trial 1, 4-wk-old pigs fed diets with 5% dry-fat added had average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain/feed (G/F) values equal to pigs fed the diet containing 4.5% liquid fat, the unprocessed equivalent to the dry-fat. Values for G/F with both diets were higher (P less than .05) than for pigs fed the unsupplemented control diet. In Trial 2, dry-fat and roasted soybeans were compared as sources of supplemental fat in diets for finishing pigs. Both were efficiently utilized, with no differences (P greater than .05) among diets. In Trial 3, diets with 0, 5 and 10% levels of added dry-fat were fed to pigs from 34 to 100 kg. Rates of gain were not affected, but ADFI decreased (P less than .05) and G/F increased (P less than .05) with increased fat level. Carcass measurements were not affected by dietary treatment, but iodine number of backfat increased (P less than .05) with dietary fat level. In Trial 4, values for grams of N absorbed and retained and megacalories of energy absorbed and metabolized did not differ (P greater than .05) between diets with 0 and 5% added dry-fat. These results show that the dry-fat product was efficiently utilized by growing and finishing pigs.     

Newcastle disease: an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the control of antibodies in chicks

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a vaccine strain of Newcastle disease as antigen has been developed. It allows the control of the drop in the maternal antibody level of 1 and 28 days old chicks. Thus it can be used as alternative to the inhibition of hemagglutination method. A comparative study has shown a good correlation between the enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay and the inhibition of hemagglutination.     

Heart rate measurements as an index of energy expenditure and energy balance in ruminants: a review

A major part of the ME consumed by ruminants (MEI) is dissipated as heat. This fraction, called heat production or energy expenditure (EE), is assayed largely by measuring O2 consumption (VO2). Conventional measurement of EE in controlled conditions in chambers does not reflect the complexity of natural, environmental, and social conditions of free-ranging animals. In mammals, most of the measured VO2 is transferred to the tissues through the heart; therefore, regression of heart rate (HR) against VO2 can be used to estimate the EE of free-ranging animals. The present article reviews the current knowledge on the use of HR for estimating EE. Energy expenditure can be determined from HR measurements, recorded daily over the course of several days, multiplied by the VO2 per beat. When an animal does not perform significant exercise, a constant value of VO2 per beat [O2 pulse (O2P)] measured over a short period (10 to 15 min) is used; during exercise, O2P increases, and the regression equation of VO2 against HR is used. Under extreme heat load, HR increases to improve heat dissipation, and O2P decreases; therefore, the effect of heat load on O2P needs to be taken into account. Cold stress that doubles heat production does not affect O2P. Heart rate and EE are highly correlated with MEI, but there is significant individual variation in the relationship; therefore, the daily change in the HR of individual animals can be used as an indicator of changes in the individual energy status of a ruminant, and the average HR of the group can serve in the estimation of the energy status of the group. When O2P is measured, the average group EE is an indication of the energy balance of the whole group. Because the MEI of nondraft animals is the sum of EE and retained energy (RE), the MEI of free-ranging ruminants can be determined by measurement of EE by the HR method and adding the RE. Similarly, the RE can be determined without slaughtering the animals from measurements of EE and MEI. Soon when devices for automatic HR monitoring of domestic ruminants become available at a reasonable price, continuous monitoring of HR might provide producers with a sensitive tool for identifying changes in the energy status of their animals. This will also significantly help to shorten the time needed to identify health problems of individual animals.     

Soybean hulls as a dietary fiber source for dogs.

In Exp. 1, soybean hull samples were obtained from nine sources across the United States and analyzed for nutrient content to determine their suitability for inclusion in dog diets. Compositional data revealed variation in both the amount of total dietary fiber (TDF; 63.8 to 81.2%) in the soybean hulls and the ratio of insoluble:soluble fiber (5.0:1 to 15.4:1). Crude protein content varied widely among sources, ranging from 9.2 to 18.7%. An in vivo trial (Exp. 2) was conducted using a premium dog diet containing 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, or 9.0% soybean hulls (DM basis). There was a negative linear effect (P < .05) of soybean hull inclusion in the diet on DM, OM, TDF, and GE total-tract digestibilities, as well as on calculated ME. Crude protein and fat digestibilities were unaffected by treatment. Based on these results, ileally cannulated dogs were fed diets containing 6.0, 7.5, or 9.0% soybean hulls (DM basis) in addition to diets containing either 0% supplemental fiber or 7.5% beet pulp (Exp. 3). Nutrient digestion at the ileum was unaffected by inclusion of supplemental fiber. Total tract digestion of DM, OM, and GE was lower ( P < .05) for diets containing supplemental fiber when compared with the diet containing 0% fiber. Crude protein and fat digestibilities were unaffected by treatment. There was no difference in nutrient digestibility between those diets containing soybean hulls and a diet containing beet pulp. Soybean hull inclusion in the diet resulted in a negative linear effect (P < .05) on calculated ME, in addition to lowering ME (P < .05) when compared with the 0% fiber control diet. Calculated ME for dogs fed a 7.5% beet pulp-containing diet was lower (P < .05) than that for dogs fed the soybean hull-containing diets. Results indicate that soybean hulls can be an effective dietary fiber source in dog diets.     

Raw mung beans as a protein source for bred gilts

A study involving 546 crossbred gilts from six seasons was conducted to evaluate raw mung beans as a partial replacement for soybean meal in diets for gilts during gestation. Gilts were randomly allotted to either a control sorghum grain-soybean meal diet or a diet in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with mung beans. In the first three seasons, gilts were fed diets in which the protein supplement was totally soybean meal or 89% mung beans (high level) and 11% soybean meal. In the last three seasons the level of mung beans in the supplemental protein was reduced to 61% mung beans with 39% soybean meal (moderate level). Feeding the high level of mung beans decreased (P less than .05) weight gain during gestation and reduced (P less than .05) weight loss during lactation compared with gilts fed the control diet or the moderate level of mung beans. Little difference was noted in litter size at birth, but litter size at 21 d for gilts fed moderate levels of mung beans was less (P less than .05) than for gilts fed the control diet or the high level of mung beans. Little difference was noted in survival rate to 21 or 42 d or individual and litter weights at birth and 21 d. Pig and litter weights at 42 d, however were reduced in gilts fed the high level of mung beans (P less than .05 and P less than .10, respectively) compared with the control diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

玉米DDGS作为反刍动物能量或蛋白饲料原料的营养价值

为准确评价不同来源的DDGS作为反刍动物饲料的营养价值,研究采用美国康奈尔大学净碳水化合物和净蛋白质体系(CNCPS)的原理和方法,测定和分析了8种不同来源的玉米干酒糟及其可溶物(DDGS)的营养价值及营养特性,并且把DDGS和当地的玉米、豆粕的营养价值进行了比较。经测定,8种DDGS常规营养成分(占干物质%)的平均数为:粗蛋白(28.28±2.56)%,粗脂肪(11.01±1.03)%,碳水化合物CHO(56.10±5.65)%,NDF(45.06±4.24)%,ADF(18.94±1.52)%,木质素(3.67±0.35)%。在蛋白组分中,PA、PB1、PB2、PB3和PC分别占粗蛋白的(5.67±0.27)%、(4.9±0.51)%、(22.89±2.39)%、(49.8±4.77)%和(16.68±2.61)%,其中,PA、PC的含量变化大,变异系数分别为8.8%和16.7%。在碳水化合物组分中,CA、CB1、CB2和CC分别占CHO的(25.74±0.82)%、(13.74±3.14)%、(44.76±4.49)%和(15.76±1.23)%。作为能量饲料和玉米相比,DDGS的载能物质主要是脂肪和可消化纤维,所估计的产奶净能低于玉米(6.56MJ/kg比7.73MJ/kg)。作为蛋白质饲料和豆粕相比,DDGS中主要的蛋白质组分是慢速降解蛋白(PB3),且能为小肠提供多于豆粕的过瘤胃蛋白(96.50g/kg比62.57g/kg)。上述结果表明,不同来源或不同生产工艺产生的DDGS营养价值差异较大,可溶性蛋白的含量和酸性洗涤不溶蛋白质含量的变化是引起DDGS营养价值变化的主要原因。因此,改善玉米DDGS的加工工艺,准确测定DDGS蛋白质组分和碳水化合物组分的含量是科学利用DDGS饲料产品的必要条件。     

Decreasing egg weight by energy or protein restriction and energy required for repletion 1

1. A diet containing 110 g crude protein/kg caused smaller losses in egg weight, numbers and body weight in Babcock B300 layers than diets containing 90 g protein/kg, 6.56 MJ ME/kg or 7.90 MJ/kg.

2. The sequence of repletion of depleted birds was body weight, egg weight and egg number. For the first alone more than 420 kJ/d was required, for body weight and egg weight more than 630 kJ/d and for all three more than 1170 kJ/d.     

Foot-and-mouth disease and the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). 1. Carriers as a source of infection for cattle

Ten pregnant buffalo cows, six of which were subsequently shown to be carriers of SAT 1, 2 and 3 viruses, were captured in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and allowed to calve in captivity. The buffalo cows and calves were separated by a fence from 6 FMD susceptible cattle but the buffalo and cattle were obliged to use common drinking troughs and hay racks. Over a period of 15 months, during which the buffalo calves lost their maternally-derived immunity, neither the buffalo calves nor the susceptible cattle became infected with FMD virus. By the end of the observation period, however, only 1 buffalo cow still had detectable virus in its oesophageal/pharyngeal specimens.     

Pork and pork products as a source for human salmonellosis in Germany

Pork and pork products are increasingly recognized as an important source of human salmonellosis. In the present study, we describe the characteristics of recent German salmonellosis outbreaks related to pork, and discuss legal efforts for Salmonella control. From 2001 to 2005,five large salmonellosis outbreaks were reported in Germany for which pork was the probable vehicle of infection. Evidence came from epidemiologic studies, microbiologic testing, and trace back investigations. All outbreaks showed disperse spatial distribution, affecting multiple federal states. A full trace back of implicated food items was not possible in three of these outbreaks. In two outbreaks, international trade in pigs appears to have played a role. To prevent further human disease from contaminated pork and pork products, an integrated programme for the reduction of Salmonella on all steps of the production chain is warranted. In addition, close collaboration between epidemiologists and microbiologists from both the human and the veterinary side should be further strengthened.     

Animals as a source of infections for humans--diseases caused by EHEC]

EHEC (enterohaemorrhagic E. coli) bacteria are new, only since 1982 recognized zoonotic pathogens. EHEC differ from E. coli intestinal commensales by the fact that they are lysogenic infected with bacteriophages, which carry the genetic information for the production of shigatoxins (Stx type 1 and/or 2). Due to the obligatory released Stx EHEC are classified also among the Shigatoxin producing E. coli (STEC). EHEC are capable of causing a Hemorrhagic Colitis and some sequelae of diseases such as the haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Due to their virulence factors they can be divided into typical and non-typical EHEC. Typical EHEC possess a pathogenicity island (Locus of Enterocyte Effacement) harboring genes, which apart from the characteristic necrotic activity of Stx enable the pathogens to closely attach to the epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa and to destruct the microvilli. Additionally a so-called virulence plasmid codes for the production of a haemolysin, a peroxidase-katalase, an enterotoxin as well as a serine protease. EHEC are one of the world-wide most important causes of foodborne infections. Depending upon the country, most of the incidences in 1998 varied between 1 to 3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Since EHEC are only notifiable in a few countries, one must count however on substantially higher numbers. In Germany the estimated incidence is about 13 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Since the first EHEC outbreaks were recognized in humans, studies investigating the prevalence of EHEC within animals were repeatedly performed. From the outset one assumed that cattle are a possible reservoir. Actually EHEC were isolated from fecal samples world-wide (typical and non-typical EHEC) from a large percentage of cattle (> 50%). Besides EHEC were isolated sporadically from fecal samples of other animals and healthy humans. The EHEC bacteria are shed by infected humans and animals, in particular by infected ruminants. They are spread over manure, slurry, sewage etc. Humans can get infected directly by contact with infected persons or animals or indirectly by contaminated food, water etc. The clinical outcome within humans appears as aqueous to bloody diarrhea. Beyond that approximately 5 to 10% of the patients develop the haemolytic uraemic syndrome. In contrast to humans, animals are mostly infected clinically inapparent. The therapy is based upon a symptomatic treatment. At present in man the control of EHEC infections concentrates on a particularly strict hand hygiene after the contact with infected humans and animals (above all ruminants). Since EHEC are heat sensitive, the prophylaxis by sufficient heating of risk food (raw milk, ground beef) is of special importance. In veterinary medicine above all EHEC infections must be controlled in ruminants, which are the primary reservoir. Due to the wide spread of EHEC in the ruminant population it is not realistic to demand an EHEC free cattle stock. Since EHEC are spread only via fecal excretion, at present it is most important to reduce the fecal shedding and to avoid fecal contamination of food of animal origin. In detail prophylactic hygienic measures concerning the farm management, the feeding hygiene, the food hygiene, the meat hygiene as well as the food hygiene are available.