Effects of fermented soybean residues on growth performance,apparent nutrient digestibility,meat quality and serum biochemical indexes of Hu sheep北大核心CSCD

The experiment was conducted to study the effects of fermented soybean residues on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, meat quality and blood physiological indexes of Hu sheep, and to investigate the value of fermented soybean residues in the production of meat sheep. In the present study, twenty-one healthy male Hu sheep with similar body weight were selected and randomly allocated into a basal diet （control） group, a soybean residue group （basal diet+20% soybean residue, SR） or a fermented soybean residues group （basal diet+20% fermented soybean residues, FSR）, with 7 animals in each group. The experiment lasted for 49 days, including a 7-day adaptation period. The results were as follows: 1）Compared with the control and SR groups, addition of 20% fermented soybean residues in the diet （FSR） significantly increased the average daily weight gain of Hu sheep （P< 0.05） and significantly reduced the weight gain cost （P<0.05）. 2） The apparent digestibility of dry matter （DM）, crude protein （CP） and neutral detergent fiber （NDF） of Hu sheep in the fermented soybean residues group was significantly higher than that in other groups （P<0.05）. 3） Compared with the SR group, the carcass weight of the FSR group was increased （P<0.05）, while the dressing percentage, meat redness values of the FSR group were greater than those of the other groups （P<0.05）, and the drip loss was lower than other groups （P<0.05）. 4） Compared with the control and SR groups, the serum total protein content of the FSR group was increased （P< 0.05）, and the urea nitrogen content was reduced （P<0.05）. Compared with the SR group, the serum albumin content of the FSR group was increased significantly （P<0.05）. In conclusion, the addition of fermented soybean residues in the diet significantly improved the average daily gain of Hu sheep, reduced the feed cost, improved the apparent digestibility of DM, CP and NDF, and improved the meat quality and serum biochemical indexes. © 2022 Editorial Office of Acta Prataculturae Sinica. All rights reserved.     

The influence of graded levels of available phosphorus on growth performance,muscle antioxidant and flesh quality of young grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Growth, muscle composition, meat quality characteristics and antioxidant capacity in muscle of young grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)(initial weight 282.9 ± 3.3 g) fed graded levels of phosphorus(1.0,2.5, 3.8, 5.6, 7.8 and 9.5 g/kg diet) for 8 wk were investigated. Results indicated that percentage weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were improved with optimal phosphorus supplementations(P 0.05). Muscle protein content and water holding capacity were significantly elevated, while moisture, lipid and ash contents were significantly decreased with dietary phosphorus to a certain level(P 0.05). The meat shear force value and hydroxyproline content were not influenced by different levels of phosphorus. Muscle anti-hydroxyl radical, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase activities and glutathione content were significantly improved(P 0.05). Conversely, anti-superoxide anion, glutathione reducase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased(P 0.05) with dietary phosphorus to a certain level. These results indicated that suitable dietary phosphorus improved growth performance, meat quality and muscle antioxidant capacity. Dietary available phosphorus requirement of young grass carp for percentage weight gain was4.0 g/kg diet.     

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.     

Supplemental Chromium Picolinate Promotes Growth of Broiler Chickens by Enhancing Insulin Receptor Gene Expression

Chromium has been recognized for decades as a nutritional factor that promotes the growth of broiler chickens,but the molecular mechanism is still not clearly understood.The present study was designed to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms of the effects of supplemental chromium picolinate on the growth of broiler chickens.A total of 144 21-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group.The control group was fed a basal diet,and the experimental group was fed the same basal diet supplemented with 200 μg/kg chromium picolinate.The experiment lasted for three weeks from day 28 to 42 of the birds..Supplementation with 200 μg/kg chromium picolinate significantly increased body weight (P 0.05).Serum insulin levels in chickens of the experimental group were increased significantly (P 0.05),whereas serum glucose concentrations were decreased (P 0.05).No significant changes were observed in serum lipid profiles in chickens fed the diet supplemented with chromium picolinate.Gene expression levels of the insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1),two pivotal components of the insulin signaling pathway,were also investigated using Real-time quantitative PCR.IR expression was significantly (P 0.05) increased following chromium supplementation.Therefore,supplemental chromium picolinate had a beneficial effect on the growth of broilers.In agreement with observations in mammals,chromium might exert its effect via potentiating insulin action,and ultimately by stimulating anabolism without altering body composition in chickens.     

Effects of liquid feeding of corn condensed distiller's solubles and whole stillage on growth performance,carcass characteristics,and sensory traits of pigs

Background: The immense growth in global bioethanol production has greatly increased the supply of by-products such as whole stillage and condensed distiller's solubles, which could be potentially used for animal feeding. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of liquid feeding high levels of corn condensed distiller's solubles(CCDS) and whole stillage(CWS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, belly firmness and meat sensory traits of pigs.Methods: A total of 256 pigs were blocked by sex and initial BW(13.5 ± 2.5 kg), and pens of pigs(8 pigs/pen) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments(8 pens/treatment): 1) corn-soybean meal based diet as control, 2) 25%CWS + 5% CCDS, 3) 19.5% CWS + 10.5% CCDS, and 4) 19.5, 26, and 32.5% CWS + 10.5, 14, and 17.5% CCDS in phases 1(28 d), 2(38 d), and 3(60 d), respectively. Inclusion levels of CCDS and CWS for Treatments 1, 2, and 3 were fixed during all the three phases of the experiment. Inclusion levels of CWS and CCDS were on 88% dry matter basis. The liquid feeding system delivered feed from the mixing tank to feed troughs by high-pressure air, had sensors inside feed troughs, and recorded daily feed intake on the basis of a reference feed intake curve. The pigs were fed 5 to 10 times per day with increasing frequency during the experiment.Results: Control pigs had greater(P 0.05) average daily gain(0.91 vs. 0.84, 0.85, 0.85 kg/d) and gain to feed ratio(0.37 vs. 0.33, 0.34, 0.34) than pigs in the other three treatments during the overall period. Compared with the control, the other three groups had(P 0.05) or tended to have(P 0.10) lower carcass weight and backfat depth due to lighter(P 0.05) slaughter body weight, but similar(P 0.10) dressing percentage, loin muscle depth, and lean percentage were observed among the four treatments. Inclusion of CWS and CCDS reduced(P 0.05) or tended to reduce(P 0.10) belly firmness but did not influence(P 0.10) the overall like,flavor, tenderness and juiciness of loin chops when compared with the control group.Conclusion: In conclusion, our results indicate that including 30–50% of a mixture of whole stillage and condensed distiller's solubles in the growing-finishing diets may reduce growth performance, carcass weight and belly firmness, but does not affect pork sensory traits.     

Comparisons of carcass traits,meat quality,and serum metabolome between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs

This study aims to compare the meat quality of Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs and to find the potential indicator in serum for superior meat quality.Six Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs at 30,60,90,150,210,and 300 d of age were selected to examine carcass traits,meat quality,and serum metabolome.The results showed that the body weight,carcass length,and loin eye area of Shaziling pigs at 150,210,and 300 d of age were significantly lower than those of Yorkshire pigs(P<0.05).Shaziling pigs at 150 and 300 d of age had significantly lower backfat thickness than Yorkshire pigs(P<0.05).Compared with Yorkshire pigs,Shaziling pigs at all 6 ages had a lower lean percentage and a higher fat percentage(P<0.05).At 60,90,and 150 d of age,the post-mortem pH-decline,b*value(yellowness),and drip loss of Shaziling pigs were significantly lower than those of Yorkshire pigs(P<0.05).Moreover,at 150 d of age,Shaziling pigs had significantly higher a^*value(redness)and intramuscular fat(IMF)content than Yorkshire pigs(P<0.05).Correlation analysis between the top 40 metabolites and phenotypes indicated that L-carnitine had positive correlations with fat percentage,pH24h,and IMF content,but had negative correlations with lean percentage,L^*value(lightness),and b^*value(P<0.05).Serum L-carnitine content,fat percentage,pH24h,and IMF content all decreased first and then increased as the pigs grew,which verified the positive correlations between L-carnitine and these phenotypes.In conclusion,Shaziling pigs have a slower growth rate but a better meat quality than Yorkshire pigs.The meat quality of Shaziling pigs is the best from 150 to 210 d of age.This study suggests that a higher serum L-carnitine content is a promising indicator for better meat quality.     

Vitamin A administration at birth promotes calf growth and intramuscular fat development in Angus beef cattle

Background: Marbling, or intramuscular fat, is an important factor contributing to the palatability of beef. Vitamin A, through its active metabolite, retinoic acid, promotes the formation of new fat cells(adipogenesis). As intramuscular adipogenesis is active during the neonatal stage, we hypothesized that vitamin A administration during the neonatal stage would enhance intramuscular adipogenesis and marbling.Methods: Angus steer calves(n = 30), in a completely randomized design, were randomly allotted to three treatment groups at birth, receiving 0, 150,000, or 300,000 IU of vitamin A at both birth and one month of age.A biopsy of the biceps femoris muscle was collected at two months of age. After weaning at 210 d of age, steers were fed a backgrounding diet in a feedlot until 308 d of age, when they were transitioned to a high concentrate finishing diet and implanted with trenbolone/estradiol/tylosin mixture. Steers were harvested at an average of 438 d of age. All diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements.Results: Weaning weight and weight during the backgrounding phase were linearly increased(P 0.05) by vitamin A level, though no difference in body weight was observed at harvest. Intramuscular fat of steers at 308 d of age, measured by ultrasound, quadratically increased(P 0.05) with vitamin A level from 4.0±0.26 % to 4.9±0.26 %.Similarly, carcass marbling score in the ribeye quadratically increased(P 0.05).Conclusion: Administration of vitamin A at birth increased weaning weight and enhanced marbling fat development.Thus, vitamin A administration provides a practical method for increasing marbling and early growth of beef cattle.     

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Fructooligosaccharides on Growth Performance,Nutrient Digestibility and Serum Biochemical Indices of Arctic Foxes (Alopex lagopus) during Early Growth Period北大核心CSCD

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical indices of Arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) during early growth period. Sixty male post-litter Arctic foxes with the average body weight of (1.16±0.15) kg and at the age of (45±3) days were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 3 replicates per group and 5 foxes per replicate. The foxes were fed the following diets, respectively: basal diet (control group), basal diet+3×109 CFU / kg LAB (LAB group), basal diet+5 g / kg FOS (FOS group) and basal diet+3×109 CFU / kg LAB+5 g / kg FOS (LAB+FOS group). The experiment lasted for 30 days. The results showed as follows: 1) on the days 1 to 15, the diarrhea rate of foxes in the LAB group and LAB+FOS group was significantly lower than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05). On the days 16 to 30, the average daily gain of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly higher than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB group (P>0.05); the diarrhea rate of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly lower than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB group (P>0.05); compared with the FOS group, the feed to gain ratio of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). 2) The dry matter digestibility of foxes in the LAB + FOS group was significantly higher than that in the control group and FOS group (P < 0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB group (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in nitrogen intake, fecal nitrogen, urine nitrogen, nitrogen deposition, net protein utilization and protein biological value among all groups (P>0.05). 3) Serum total protein (TP) content of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly higher than that in the FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with control group and LAB group (P>0.05). Serum albumin (ALB) content of foxes in the LAB group was significantly higher than that in the control group and FOS group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference with LAB+ FOS group (P>0.05). Serum urea nitrogen (UN) content of foxes in the LAB+FOS group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0. 05). In conclusion, the combined supplementation of 3 × 109 CFU / kg LAB and 5 g / kg FOS in the diet is beneficial to reduce diarrhea rate, improve dry matter digestibility, improve body immune level, and promote the growth of Arctic foxes during early growth period. © 2023 Chinese Journal of Urology. All rights reserved.     

Maternal body condition during late-pregnancy is associated with in utero development and neonatal growth of Holstein calves

Background: Nutritional management in the dry period can alter body condition score(BCS) in dairy cows, a subjective measure of body fat. As such, differences in BCS during late-pregnancy not only mirror nutrient utilization by fat depots, but also can play important roles on the metabolic and hormonal environment. We investigated the association between cow BCS during late-pregnancy on developmental parameters and blood variables of neonatal calves. Forty-nine multiparous Holstein cows were retrospectively divided by prepartal BCS into normal BCS ≤3.25(NormBCS; 3.02 ± 0.17, n = 30) or high BCS ≥3.75(HighBCS; 3.83 ± 0.15, n = 19) groups.Plasma samples were collected from cows at-10 d relative to parturition. Body weight, hip and wither height, hip width and body length were measured at birth and weekly through weaning(42 d of age) and until 9 weeks of age. Calf blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at birth(before receiving colostrum, 0 d), 24 h after first colostrum and at 7, 21, 42 and 50 d of age. The data were subjected to ANOVA using the mixed procedure of SAS. The statistical model included day, BCS, and their interactions.Results: Dry matter intake(kg/d or % of body weight) during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy was lower(P ≤ 0.06) in HighBCS cows. Plasma concentrations of fatty acids, ceruloplasmin, and nitric oxide were greater overall(P 0.05) at d-10 prior to calving in HighBCS cows, and they tended(P = 0.08) to have greater concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites. Birth body weight was lower(P = 0.03) in calves born to dams with HighBCS. In addition,plasma concentrations of fatty acids, albumin and urea(P 0.05) were greater in those calves. Although calves born to cows with HighBCS maintained a lower postnatal body weight(P = 0.04), hip and wither height, hip width, and body length, there was no difference(P 0.05) in daily starter intake and average daily gain due to maternal BCS.Conclusions: Overall, results highlight an association between BCS during late-gestation on in utero calf development and postnatal growth. A high maternal BCS during late-gestation was associated with lower calf body weights, which could be due to lower maternal intakes and a state of inflammation and metabolic stress.     

Effect of dietary stable isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen on the extent of their incorporation into tissues of rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different dietary ratios of 13C to 12C or 15N to 14N on their relative incorporation into tissues. Eighty male rats were used in two 21-day feeding trials in which they were fed diets with either high δ13C levels (δ13C = 13.89% and δ15N = 2.37% in experiment 1 and δ13C = 19.34% and δ15N = 4.73% in experiment 2) or low δ13C levels (δ13C = 17.90% and δ15N = 3.08% in experiment 1 and δ13C = 21.76% and δ15N = 0.53% in experiment 2), meanwhile, the dietary δ15N levels were designed to two ranks. Blood, liver, adipose and muscle tissues were collected on day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 for determination of 13C, 12C, 15N and 14N isotopes. Rat growth rate, antioxidant capacity and metabolic parameters were also assessed. The results indicate that adipose tissue tend to deplete 13C before the stable isotopic ratios achieved final equilibrium. Therefore, feeds with different isotopic signatures had different incorporation rates into tissues. Low dietary 13C levels decreased tissue δ13C values whereas high dietary 13C levels did not alter tissue δ13C values during the 21-d experiment. Blood δ15 N values were a reliable parameter in assessing the relative contribution of dietary nitrogen to tissues. This study revealed a relationship between dietary isotopic signatures and their incorporation rates into rat tissues. However, more studies are needed to illustrate the mechanism through which dietary isotopic ratios influence the extent of isotopic incorporation into the tissues.     

Effects of corn gluten feed inclusion at graded levels in a corn-soybean diet on the ileal and fecal digestibility of growing pigs

Background:This study aimed to determine the effect of the inclusion of com gluten feed(CGF) on the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids and the apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of energy in growing pigs.The study was performed using 16 barrows(weight,45.3 ± 4.5 kg) that were fitted with a T cannula at the terminal ileum.There were four treatments:a corn-soybean diet without CGF and three corn-soybean diets containing increasing levels of CGF(65,130,and 195 g/kg).Data were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design,four blocks with four pigs each(one pig per treatment).The trend of the response(linear or quadratic) was determined using orthogonal contrasts,and when a linear effect was determined,a linear equation was obtained.Results:The results showed that the inclusion up to 195 g/kg of CGF in the corn-soybean diet did not diminish the ileal digestibility(apparent and standardized) of protein and amino acids(P 0.05),except that of phenylalanine,cystine,and proline.A linear decrease(P 0.05) per gram of CGF added to the diet in the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of phenylalanine(0.011 and 0.015 percentage units,respectively),cystine(0.048 and 0.043 percentage units,respectively),and proline(0.045 and 0.047 percentage units,respectively) was noted.Similarly,ileal digestibility of dry matter and energy were adversely affected(reduced by 0.028 and 0.025 percentage units,respectively,per gram of CGF increment in the diet).A significant(P 0.05) linear reduction in total tract digestibility with increase in CGF amount in the diet was observed for energy(0.027 percentage units),dry matter(0.027 percentage units),crude protein(0.020 percentage units),and neutral detergent fiber(0.041 percentage units) per gram of CGF added to the diet.Conclusion:CGF did not affect the ileal digestibility of protein and most amino acids but reduced the ileal and total tract digestibility of energy.     

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.     

Comparative effects of enzymatic soybean,fish meal and milk powder in diets on growth performance,immunological parameters,SCFAs production and gut microbiome of weaned piglets

Background:The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement effects of milk powder(MK)and fish meal(FM)by enzymatic soybean(ESB)in diets on growth performance,immunological parameters,SCFAs production and gut microbiome of weaned piglets.Methods:A total of 128 piglets with initial body weight at 6.95±0.46 kg,were randomly assigned into 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates per treatment and 4 piglets per replicate for a period of 14 d.Piglets were offered isonitrogenous and iso-energetic diets as follows:CON diet with MK and FM as high quality protein sources,ESB plus FM diet with ESB replacing MK,ESB plus MK diet with ESB replacing FM,and ESB diet with ESB replacing both MK and FM.Results:No significant differences were observed in growth performance among all treatments(P>0.05).However,piglets fed ESB plus FM or ESB diet had increased diarrhea index(P<0.01),and lower digestibility of dry matter(DM),gross energy(GE)or crude protein(CP),relative to piglets fed CON diet(P<0.01).Moreover,the inclusion of ESB in diet markedly decreased the plasma concentration of HPT and fecal concentration of butyric acid(BA)(P<0.01).The High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene V3?V4 region of gut microbiome revealed that the inclusion of ESB in diet increased the alpha diversity,and the linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe)showed that piglets fed with ESB plus FM or ESB diet contained more gut pathogenic bacteria,such as g_Peptococcus,g_Veillonella and g_Helicobacter.Conclusion:The inclusion of ESB in diet did not markedly affect growth performance of piglets,but the replacement of MK or both MK and FM by ESB increased diarrhea index,which could be associated with lower nutrients digestibility and more gut pathogenic bacteria.However,piglets fed diet using ESB to replace FM did not markedly affect gut health-related parameters,indicating the potential for replacing FM with ESB in weaning diet.     

Different dietary starch sources alter the carcass traits,meat quality,and the profile of muscle amino acid and fatty acid in finishing pigs

Background: With increasing health awareness among consumers, the demand for healthier, tastier, higher quality and nutritional value pork is increasing. It has been shown that different dietary starch sources can alter the carcass traits and meat quality. However, research on the effects of different starch sources with clear different amylose/amylopectin ratio on the amino acid and fatty acid composition in Longissimus thoracis(L. thoracis) muscle of pigs is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary starch sources on carcass traits, meat quality, muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition, and the mRNA expression levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism and muscle fiber characteristics in finishing pigs. A total of 72 Duroc × Landrace × Large White barrows were randomly allocated to 3 different dietary treatment groups with 8 replicate pens/group and 3 pigs per pen.Tapioca starch(TS), corn starch(CS), and pea starch(PS), with amylose/amylopectin ratio of 0.11, 0.25, and 0.44,respectively, were used as their dietary starch sources for 40 days.Results: Results showed that the PS diet significantly increased(P < 0.05) the final body weight, average daily gain,loin-eye area, and fat-free lean index compared with the TS diet, but significantly decreased(P < 0.05) the feed to gain ratio and backfat thickness. Compared with the TS diet, PS diet also increased(P < 0.05) the pH45 min, marbling scores, the content of intramuscular fat and inosine monophosphate in the L. thoracis, and decreased(P < 0.05) the drip loss and shear force. In addition, compared with the TS diet, PS diet increased(P < 0.05) the proportions of flavor amino acids, DHA, EPA, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA) in the L. thoracis compared with TS diet,but decreased(P < 0.05) the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA. Furthermore, compared with the TS diet, PS diet also upregulated(P < 0.05) the lipogenic genes(FAS, LPL, SCD, ACCα) and myosin heavy-chain(MyHC)-IIa mRNA expression levels compared with the TS diet, but downregulated(P < 0.05) the CPT1 B and MyHC-IIb mRNA levels.Conclusions: In conclusion, these results provided compelling evidence that the different dietary starch source altered the carcass traits, meat flavor and quality in finishing pigs, and consumption of a diet with higher amylose/amylopectin ratio results in the production of a healthy, higher quality, and nutritional value pork.     

Lipopolysaccharide immune stimulation but not β-mannanase supplementation affects maintenance energy requirements in young weaned pigs

Background: Pathogen or diet-induced immune activation can partition energy and nutrients away from growth,but clear relationships between immune responses and the direction and magnitude of energy partitioning responses have yet to be elucidated. The objectives were to determine how β-mannanase supplementation and lipopolysaccharide(LPS) immune stimulation affect maintenance energy requirements(ME_m) and to characterize immune parameters, digestibility, growth performance, and energy balance.Methods: In a randomized complete block design, 30 young weaned pigs were assigned to either the control treatment(CON; basal corn, soybean meal and soybean hul s diet), the enzyme treatment(ENZ; basal diet + 0.056% β-mannanase),or the immune system stimulation treatment(ISS; basal diet + 0.056% β-mannanase, chal enged with repeated increasing doses of Escherichia coli LPS). The experiment consisted of a 10-d adaptation period, 5-d digestibility and nitrogen balance measurement, 22 h of heat production(HP) measurements, and 12 h of fasting HP measurements in indirect calorimetry chambers. The immune chal enge consisted of 4 injections of either LPS(ISS) or sterile saline(CON and ENZ), one every48 h beginning on d 10. Blood was collected pre-and post-challenge for complete blood counts with differential,haptoglobin and mannan binding lectin, 12 cytokines, and glucose and insulin concentrations.Results: Beta-mannanase supplementation did not affect immune status, nutrient digestibility, growth performance,energy balance, or MEm. The ISS treatment induced fever, elevated proinflammatory cytokines and decreased leukocyte concentrations(P 0.05). The ISS treatment did not impact nitrogen balance or nutrient digestibility(P 0.10),but increased total HP(21%) and MEm(23%), resulting in decreased lipid deposition(-30%) and average daily gain(-18%)(P 0.05).Conclusions: This experiment provides novel data on β-mannanase supplementation effects on immune parameters and energy balance in pigs and is the first to directly relate decreased ADG to increased MEm independent of changes in feed intake in immune challenged pigs. Immune stimulation increased energy partitioning to the immune system by 23% which limited lipid deposition and weight gain. Understanding energy and nutrient partitioning in immune-stressed pigs may provide insight into more effective feeding and management strategies.     

Effects of quantitative feed restriction and sex on carcass traits,meat quality and meat lipid profile of Morada Nova lambs

Background: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed restriction(FR) and sex on the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of Morada Nova lambs. Thirty-five animals with an initial body weight of 14.5 ± 0.89 kg and age of 120 d were used in a completely randomized study with a 3 × 3 factorial scheme consisting of three sexes(11 entire males, 12 castrated males and 12 females) and three levels of feeding(ad libitum – AL and 30% and 60% FR).Results: Entire males presented greater hot and cold carcass weights(P 0.05), followed by castrated males and females. However, the hot carcass yield was higher for females and castrated males than for entire males. Luminosity values were influenced(P 0.05) by sex, with entire males presenting higher values than castrated males and females.Females showed higher(P 0.05) concentrations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in the meat of the longissimus thoracis muscle. The meat of animals submitted to AL intake and 30% FR showed similar(P 0.05) concentrations, and the concentrations of palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid were higher(P 0.05) than those of animals with 60% FR. The meat of females had a higher ω6/ω3 ratio and lower h/H ratio, and females had greater levels of feeding. The meat of animals on the 60% FR diet had a greater ω6/ω3 ratio, lower h/H ratio and lower concentration of desirable fatty acids in addition to a greater atherogenicity index(AI) and thrombogenicity index(TI).Conclusion: Lambs of different sexes had carcasses with different quantitative traits without total influence on the chemical and physical meat characteristics. The lipid profile of the meat was less favorable to consumer health when the animals were female or submitted to 60% feed restriction.     

Effect of different dietary protein levels and amino acids supplementation patterns on growth performance,carcass characteristics and nitrogen excretion in growing-finishing pigs

Background: This study was conducted to determine the effects of different dietary protein levels and amino acids supplementation patterns in low protein diets on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen excretion in growing-finishing pigs.Forty-two barrows(25.00 ± 0.39 kg) were randomly assigned to 7 diets. Diet 1: the high crude protein diet with balanced for 10 essential amino acids(EAAs). Diet 2: the medium crude protein diet with 2%(approx) decreased protein level of Diet 1 and balanced 10 EAAs. Diet 3: the low crude protein diet with 4% decreased protein level of Diet 1 and balanced 10 EAAs. The protein levels of Diet 4, 5, 6 and 7 were the same as that of Diet 3. Diet 4 was only balanced for lysine(Lys), methionine(Met), threonine(Thr) and tryptophan(Trp); Diet 5 and 6 were further supplemented with extra isoleucine(Ile) or valine(Val), respectively; Diet 7 was further supplemented with extra Ile + Val.Results: Over the 112 days trial, the reduction of dietary protein by 2% or 4% with balanced10 EAAs significantly decreased nitrogen excretion(P 0.05), but had no effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics(P 0.05). In low protein diet, Val supplementation significantly increased body weight gain at 25–50 kg phase(P 0.05), while Ile supplementation at 75–100 kg phase and 100–125 kg phase significantly reduced the ratio of feed to gain(P 0.05). No effect of different dietary protein levels and amino acids supplementation patterns in low protein diets on carcass characteristics was observed(P 0.05). The total N excretion of pigs supplemented with only Lys, Met, Thr and Trp was numerically higher than that of pigs fed with extra Ile, or Val, or Ile + Val diets.Conclusion: In low protein diet, Val is more required than Ile in the early growing phage(25–50 kg), while Ile becomes more required in the late growing and finishing phage(75–125 kg).     

The effects of tannins-containing ground pine bark diet upon nutrient digestion,nitrogen balance,and mineral retention in meat goats

Background:Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins,phenolic acids,anthocyanins,and fatty acids.These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and animal production.The goal of this work is to measure the effects of tannins in ground pine bark as a partial feed replacement on feed intake,dietary apparent digestibility,nitrogen balance,and mineral retention in meat goats.Results:Eighteen Kiko cross goats(initial BW = 31.8 ± 1.49 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups(n = 6).Dietary treatments were tested:control(0%pine bark powder(PB) and 30%wheat straw(WS));15%PB and 15%WS,and 30%PB and 0%WS.Although dry matter(DM) intake and digestibility were not affected(P0.10) by feeding PB,neutral detergent fiber(linear;P = 0.01),acid detergent fiber(linear;P = 0.001) and lignin digestibility(linear;P = 0.01) decreased,and crude protein(CP) digestibility tended to decrease(P = 0.09) as PB increased in the diet,apparent retention of Ca(P=0.09),P(P = 0.03),Mg(P = 0.01),Mn(P = 0.01),Zn(P = 0.01) and Fe(P = 0.09) also increased linearly.Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were not affected(P0.05) by addition of PB in the diet,but N balance in the body was quadratically increased(P 0.01) in the 15%PB diet compared to other diets.This may be due to more rumen escape protein and less excreted N in the urine with the 15%PB diet.The study showed that a moderate level of tannin-containing pine bark supplementation could improve gastrointestinal nitrogen balance with the aim of improving animal performance.Conclusion:These results suggest that tannin-containing PB has negative impact on fiber,lignin,and protein digestibility,but positively impacted on N-balance.     

The effect of the ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine to metabolizable energy on growth performance, blood metabolites and hormones of lactating sows

A total of 335 lactating sows (Landrace × Large White) were used in two experiments to determine the optimum ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID-Lys) to metabolizable energy (ME) for mixed parity sows during lactation. In Exp. 1, 185 sows (weighing an average of 256.2 ± 6.5 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.3) were allocated to one of six experimental diets in a completely randomized block design within parity groups (1, 2, and 3+). The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3.06, 3.16, 3.20, 3.25, 3.30 or 3.40 Mcal/kg of ME and each diet was fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. All diets provided a similar SID-lysine level (0.86%). As a result, the diets provided a SID-Lys:ME ratio of 2.81, 2.72, 2.69, 2.65, 2.61 or 2.53 g/Mcal ME. Sow feed intake was significantly (P < 0.01) affected by the energy content of the diet as well as by sow parity. Using regression analysis, feed intake was shown to be maximized at 3.25, 3.21, 3.21 and 3.21 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 1, 2, 3+ sows and the entire cohort of sows respectively (quadratic; P < 0.01). In addition, the result of feed intake can be expressed as 2.65, 2.69, 2.69 and 2.68 g/Mcal based on analysis of SID-Lys:ME ratio. Litter weight gain was affected by dietary treatment for parity 3+ sows and the entire cohort (P < 0.01). Based on regression analysis, litter weight gain was maximized at 3.25 and 3.24 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 3+ (quadratic; P < 0.01) and the entire cohort (quadratic; P < 0.01). Similarly, the result of litter weight gain could be expressed as 2.65 and 2.66 g/Mcal of SID- Lys:ME ratio. Therefore, 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME was selected for Exp. 2 in which 150 sows (weighing 254.6 ± 7.3 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.4) were allocated to one of five treatments in a completely randomized block design within parity (1, 2, and 3+). The experimental diets were formulated to contain 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0 or 3.3 g/Mcal of SID-Lys:ME ratio with all diets providing 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME. The diets were fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. Sow body weight loss was affected by dietary treatment (parity 3+ sows, P = 0.02; entire cohort, P < 0.01) and by sow parity (P < 0.01). Litter weight at weaning and litter weight gain were affected by dietary treatment for parity 1, 2, 3+ sows and the entire cohort (P < 0.01) as well as by sow parity (P < 0.01). Plasma urea nitrogen (P < 0.01), creatinine (P < 0.01) and non-esterifide fatty acids (P = 0.04) were decreased as the SID-Lys:ME ratio of the diet increased. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (P = 0.02), estradiol (P < 0.01) and luteinizing hormone (P = 0.02) were increased as the SID-Lys:ME ratio in diet increased. Based on a broken-line model, the estimated SID-Lys: ME ratio to maximize litter weight gain was estimated to be 3.05 g/Mcal.     

Effects of Bacillus amylolyticus on Rumen Dry Matter Digestibility,Fermentation Parameters and Metabolites of Dairy Cows北大核心CSCD

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of Bacillus amylolyticus on rumen dry matter digestibility, fermentation parameters and metabolites of dairy cows. Experiment 1: six dairy cows with permanent fistula and had the similar parity (2 to 3 fetuses), body weight [(662 ±57) kg], lactation days [(160 ± 22) d] and milk yield [(36.1 ±3.8) kg / d], were randomly divided into 3 groups with 2 cows per group. Using 3 ×3 Latin square design, each group was extra fed 0 (control group), 5 ×109 and 5 ×1010 CFU / d Bacillus amylolyticus, the trial period was 3 periods, 13 days for each period, including 10 days for the pre-trial period and 3 days for the trial period. At the beginning of the trial period, the rumen dry matter digestibility of cows was measured by nylon bag method. Experiment 2: thirty dairy cows with similar parity [(2.5 ±0.3) fetuses], initial body weight [(559.2 ± 7. 4) kg], milk yield [(35. 2 ± 1. 5) kg / d] and lactation days [(99 ± 22) d] were randomly divided into three groups with 10 cows in each group. Cows in the 3 groups were extra fed with 0 (control group), 5 ×109 and 5 ×1010 CFU / d Bacillus amylolyticus, respectively. The pre-trial period was 10 days and the trial period was 42 days. The rumen fluid was collected on the last day of the trial period, and the rumen fermentation parameters and metabolites were determined. The results showed as follows: compared with the control group, 1) supplementary feeding of 5 × 1010 CFU / d Bacillus amylolyticus could significantly improve the rumen dry matter digestibility of dairy cows at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h (P <0.05), supplementary feeding of 5 ×109 CFU / d Bacillus amylolyticus could significantly improve the rumen dry matter digestibility of dairy cows at 36 and 48 h (P <0.05); 2) supplementary feeding of 5 ×109 CFU / d Bacillus amylolyticus could significantly increase the contents of isobutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, total volatile fatty acid and microbial protein in the rumen of dairy cows (P < 0. 05), supplementary feeding of 5 × 1010 CFU / d Bacillus amylolyticus could significantly increase the contents of isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid in the rumen of dairy cows and significantly reduce the rumen acetic acid / propionic acid (P < 0. 05), supplementary feeding of 5 ×109 and 5 ×1010 Bacillus amylolyticus had no effects on rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen content (P >0.05); 3) eleven metabolic pathways related to differential metabolites were detected, and ascorbic acid and alginate metabolism were significantly enriched (P < 0. 05) . In conclusion, Bacillus amylolyticus can increase the rumen dry matter digestibility, and improve the rumen fermentation function of dairy cows by affecting the content of rumen metabolites. By comprehensive analysis, supplementary feeding of 5 × 109 CFU / d Bacillus amylolyticus can achieve better effect. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.