Performance and incidence of diarrhea in suckling Jersey calves supplemented with mineral-vitamin complex and Virginiamycin.

The rearing of calves is an essential activity of a dairy system, as it impacts the future production of these animals. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of diarrhea, performance, and blood parameters of suckling calves that received mineral-vitamin supplementation in milk plus virginiamycin that was offered in milk (via the abomasum) or by esophageal tube (via the rumen). Twenty-seven calves were used, from the first week to 60 days of age, submitted to the following treatments: CONTROL, without supplementation; MILK, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex with 100 mg of virginiamycin, diluted in milk; RUMEN, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex diluted in milk and 100 mg of virginiamycin in gelatin capsules via an esophageal applicator. MILK and RUMEN calves had lower fecal consistency scoring, fewer days with scores 2 and 3 throughout the experimental period, and lower spending on medication compared to the CONTROL animals. Supplemented calves had higher fat and protein intake and reached feed intake of 600 g earlier than CONTROL animals, but did not differ in performance and hematological parameters. Supplementation with virginiamycin and vitamin-mineral complex for suckling calves reduced the incidence and days of diarrhea, and reduced medication costs, with no difference in performance, but the supplemented animals had higher initial protein and fat intake and reached targeted feed intake earlier to begin the weaning process.

Impact of combined management strategies of monensin and virginiamycin in high energy diets on ruminal fermentation and nutrients utilization.

Feed additives such as monensin (MON) and virginiamycin (VM) are commonly utilized in feedlot diets to enhance rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, the precise effects of combining MON and VM during specific feedlot periods and the advantages of this combination remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effects of withdrawal of MON when associated with VM during the adaptation and finishing periods on ruminal metabolism, feeding behavior, and nutrient digestibility in Nellore cattle. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin square, where each period lasted 28 days. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore yearling bulls were used (414,86 ± 21,71 kg of body weight), which were assigned to five treatments: (1) MON during the entire feeding period; (2) VM during the entire feeding period; (3) MON + VM during the adaptation period and only VM during the finishing period 1 and 2; (4) MON + VM during the entire feeding period; (5) MON + VM during the adaptation and finishing period 1 and only VM during the finishing period 2. For the finishing period 1, animals fed T3 had improved potential degradability of dry matter (p = 0.02). Cattle fed T3 and T5 had the highest crude protein degradability when compared to animals receiving T2 (p = 0.01). Animals fed T2 and T3 had reduced the time (p < 0.01) and area under pH 6.2 (p = 0.02). Moreover, animals fed T4 had greater population of protozoa from the genus Diplodinium (p = 0.04) when compared to those from animals fed T2, T3 and T5. For the finishing period 2, animals fed T3 had greater starch degradability when compared to animals receiving T4 and T5 (p = 0.04). Animals fed T3, T4 and T5 had increased the duration of time in which pH was below 5.6 (p = 0.03). The area under the curve for ruminal pH 5.2 and pH 5.6 was higher for the animals fed T3 (p = 0.01), and the area under pH 6.2 was higher for the animals fed T3 and T5 (p < 0.01) when compared to animals receiving T2. There is no substantial improvement on the rumen fermentation parameters by the concurrent utilization of MON and VM molecules, where the higher starch and protein degradability did not improve the rumen fermentation.

Surface Engineering of Escherichia coli to Display Its Phytase (AppA) and Functional Analysis of Enzyme Activities.

Escherichia coli phytase (AppA) is widely used as an exogenous enzyme in monogastric animal feed mainly because of its ability to degrade phytic acid or its salt (phytate), a natural source of phosphorus. Currently, successful recombinant production of soluble AppA has been achieved by gene overexpression using both bacterial and yeast systems. However, some methods for the biomembrane immobilization of phytases (including AppA), such as surface display on yeast cells and bacterial spores, have been investigated to avoid expensive enzyme purification processes. This study explored a homologous protein production approach for displaying AppA on the cell surface of E. coli by engineering its outer membrane (OM) for extracellular expression. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of total bacterial lysates and immunofluorescence microscopy of non-permeabilized cells revealed protein expression, whereas activity assays using whole cells or OM fractions indicated functional enzyme display, as evidenced by consistent hydrolytic rates on typical substrates (i.e., p-nitrophenyl phosphate and phytic acid). Furthermore, the in vitro results obtained using a simple method to simulate the gastrointestinal tract of poultry suggest that the whole-cell biocatalyst has potential as a feed additive. Overall, our findings support the notion that biomembrane-immobilized enzymes are reliable for the hydrolysis of poorly digestible substrates relevant to animal nutrition.

Effects of Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Sows' Emotional and Cognitive States and Progeny Welfare.

The intensification of production systems has resulted in detrimental effects on sow welfare, which can have an adverse influence on their offspring. Considering the relevance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, probiotics can mitigate such impacts. To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of probiotics on the welfare of sows and piglets, 147 multiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group or a group supplemented with a multistrain probiotic from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of lactation. The human-animal relationship (HAR), stereotypic behavior, position changes, salivary cortisol, and plasma serotonin levels were assessed in the sows. The piglets' back test behavior and organ weight were analyzed. The probiotic-supplemented sows exhibited a better HAR index (p = 0.017), which indicated reduced aversion towards humans. The frequency of stereotypies was not influenced by the treatments. However, the supplemented sows spent more time standing (p = 0.054) and less time lying down (p = 0.008). The cortisol level of the supplemented sows was 50% lower (p = 0.047) and the serotonin levels were 11% higher (p = 0.034) than control animals. The multistrain piglets were more passive and less resistant (p = 0.076) in the back test. The organ weights were not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, the sows supplemented with probiotics showed less fear and more motivation indicators, while their piglets showed less aggression behaviors.

In vitro effects of phytogenic feed additive on Piscirickettsia salmonis growth and biofilm formation.

Piscirickettsiosis is the main cause of mortality in salmonids of commercial importance in Chile, which is caused by Piscirickettsia salmonis, a Gram-negative, γ-proteobacteria that can produce biofilm as one of its virulence factors. The Chilean salmon industry uses large amounts of antibiotics to control piscirickettsiosis outbreaks, which has raised concern about its environmental impact and the potential to induce antibiotic resistance. Thus, the use of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) with antibacterial activity emerges as an interesting alternative to antimicrobials. Our study describes the antimicrobial action of an Andrographis paniculate-extracted PFA on P. salmonis planktonic growth and biofilm formation. We observed complete inhibition of planktonic and biofilm growth with 500 and 400 µg/mL of PFA for P. salmonis LF-89 and EM-90-like strains, respectively. Furthermore, 500 µg/mL of PFA was bactericidal for both evaluated bacterial strains. Sub-inhibitory doses of PFA increase the transcript levels of stress (groEL), biofilm (pslD), and efflux pump (acrB) genes for both P. salmonis strains in planktonic and sessile conditions. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the antibacterial effect of PFA against P. salmonis in vitro, highlighting the potential of PFA as an alternative to control Piscirickettsiosis.

Dietary supplementation with Lippia sidoides essential oil improves organ integrity but the specific activity of antioxidant enzymes is dose-dependent in Danio rerio.

The nutritional quality of food can affect the health of animals. This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with Lippia sidoides essential oil (LSEO) on the physiology of Danio rerio. Four hundred fourty-eight fish were divided into 28 tanks and subjected to different dietary treatments: a control group with no supplementation, a group with grain alcohol supplementation and five groups with LSEO at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25%. After 15 days, histological and enzymatic analyses were conducted. The 0.25% LSEO group exhibited lower glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity compared to the 1.00% group. Additionally, fish in the 0.25% LSEO group showed improved liver, kidney and splenic integrity indices. These findings support the inclusion of 0.25% LSEO in the diet of D. rerio, suggesting potential benefits for fish physiology and encouraging further research on phytotherapeutics in fish diets.

Veterinary sanitary assessment of mutton after application of antihelminth feed additive with albendazole / Avaliação sanitária veterinária de carneiro após aplicação de aditivo anti-helmíntico com albendazol

Abstract This study assessed the anthelminthic feed additive albendazole effect on the main indicators of the quality of sheep meat obtained from infected and deworming animals. A total of 20 heads of Akzhaik meat and wool sheep (i.e. 2 years of age, of different sex) were used in a 20-day experiment and 2 groups of 10 heads were formed (n = 4). The sheep were fed with the basic diet (i.e. control, group CON), without adding anything, and the second group was fed the basic diet orally with the addition of a dose of 1.2 g / head (an experimental group). At the end of the experiment, a control slaughter was carried out from each group in order to study the biochemical composition of meat and its quality. The anthelmintic feed additive albendazole did not have a significant effect on the indicators (organoleptic and physicochemical) of meat quality (P> 0.04). However, the ratio of fat and ash in the meat of the control group has differences in indicators and is reduced by 24.81% and 0.03%, respectively. The drug had a significant effect on the biological value of meat in the experimental group, where there is a higher content of essential amino acids (P = 0.06), nonessential (P = 0.05) concentrations in comparison with the CON groups. The results obtained show that the meat of the experimental groups of sheep, when using the anthelminthic feed additive albendazole, did not have a significant effect on organoleptic parameters, but significantly positively influenced the metabolism, live weight gain and biological value of meat.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol sobre os principais indicadores de qualidade da carne ovina obtida de animais infectados e desparasitados. Um total de 20 cabeças de carne Akzhaik e ovelhas de lã (ou seja, 2 anos de idade, de sexo diferente) foi usado em um experimento de 20 dias e dois grupos de 10 cabeças foram formados (n = 4). As ovelhas foram alimentadas com dieta básica (ou seja, controle, grupo CON), sem adicionar nada, e o segundo grupo foi alimentado com dieta básica por via oral com a adição de uma dose de 1,2 g / cabeça (um grupo experimental). Ao final do experimento, foi realizado um abate controle de cada grupo para estudar a composição bioquímica da carne e sua qualidade. O aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol não teve efeito significativo sobre os indicadores (organolépticos e físico-químicos) de qualidade da carne (P > 0,04). No entanto, a proporção de gordura e cinzas na carne do grupo de controle tem diferenças nos indicadores e é reduzida em 24,81% e 0,03%, respectivamente. A droga teve efeito significativo sobre o valor biológico da carne no grupo experimental, onde há maior teor de aminoácidos essenciais (P = 0,06), concentrações não essenciais (P = 0,05) em comparação com os grupos CON. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a carne dos grupos experimentais de ovinos, ao utilizar o aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol, não teve efeito significativo nos parâmetros organolépticos, mas influenciou positivamente de forma significativa no metabolismo, ganho de peso vivo e valor biológico da carne.

Veterinary sanitary assessment of mutton after application of antihelminth feed additive with albendazole

Abstract This study assessed the anthelminthic feed additive albendazole effect on the main indicators of the quality of sheep meat obtained from infected and deworming animals. A total of 20 heads of Akzhaik meat and wool sheep (i.e. 2 years of age, of different sex) were used in a 20-day experiment and 2 groups of 10 heads were formed (n = 4). The sheep were fed with the basic diet (i.e. control, group CON), without adding anything, and the second group was fed the basic diet orally with the addition of a dose of 1.2 g / head (an experimental group). At the end of the experiment, a control slaughter was carried out from each group in order to study the biochemical composition of meat and its quality. The anthelmintic feed additive albendazole did not have a significant effect on the indicators (organoleptic and physicochemical) of meat quality (P> 0.04). However, the ratio of fat and ash in the meat of the control group has differences in indicators and is reduced by 24.81% and 0.03%, respectively. The drug had a significant effect on the biological value of meat in the experimental group, where there is a higher content of essential amino acids (P = 0.06), nonessential (P = 0.05) concentrations in comparison with the CON groups. The results obtained show that the meat of the experimental groups of sheep, when using the anthelminthic feed additive albendazole, did not have a significant effect on organoleptic parameters, but significantly positively influenced the metabolism, live weight gain and biological value of meat.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol sobre os principais indicadores de qualidade da carne ovina obtida de animais infectados e desparasitados. Um total de 20 cabeças de carne Akzhaik e ovelhas de lã (ou seja, 2 anos de idade, de sexo diferente) foi usado em um experimento de 20 dias e dois grupos de 10 cabeças foram formados (n = 4). As ovelhas foram alimentadas com dieta básica (ou seja, controle, grupo CON), sem adicionar nada, e o segundo grupo foi alimentado com dieta básica por via oral com a adição de uma dose de 1,2 g / cabeça (um grupo experimental). Ao final do experimento, foi realizado um abate controle de cada grupo para estudar a composição bioquímica da carne e sua qualidade. O aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol não teve efeito significativo sobre os indicadores (organolépticos e físico-químicos) de qualidade da carne (P > 0,04). No entanto, a proporção de gordura e cinzas na carne do grupo de controle tem diferenças nos indicadores e é reduzida em 24,81% e 0,03%, respectivamente. A droga teve efeito significativo sobre o valor biológico da carne no grupo experimental, onde há maior teor de aminoácidos essenciais (P = 0,06), concentrações não essenciais (P = 0,05) em comparação com os grupos CON. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a carne dos grupos experimentais de ovinos, ao utilizar o aditivo anti-helmíntico albendazol, não teve efeito significativo nos parâmetros organolépticos, mas influenciou positivamente de forma significativa no metabolismo, ganho de peso vivo e valor biológico da carne.

Soluble and insoluble fibre sources in weaning piglets' diets / Fibras solúvel e insolúvel em dietas de leitões na creche

This study evaluated the effect of diets containing low levels of soluble and insoluble fiber sources on performance, diarrhea score, chemical and physical characteristics of feces, and behavior in weaning piglets. Thirty-six weaned piglets of 30 days of age with an initial body weight of 8.8 kg were distributed in 36 pens using a completely randomized design in an experimental period of 21 days. The experimental treatments were the Control diet (CONT), the Control diet + 1% beet pulp inclusion (SBP), and the Control diet + 1% lignocellulose inclusion (LCE, Arbocel®). Feed and water were available ad libitum. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly to calculate the average daily intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. The fecal consistency was determined visually twice daily, classifying feces according to three scores. To determine fecal pH and concentration of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), samples of fresh feces were collected two weeks after weaning and measured by a digital pH meter and gas chromatography, respectively. The behavior of piglets was observed once a week, using four animals per treatment, from 14:00 to 16:00, every 12 min. Fibre sources had no effect (P>0.05) on performance, except in the period 15 to 21 days after weaning, which was a tendency (P=0.061) of feed intake decrease in SBP and LCE diets. Fiber sources did not affect the fecal consistency score (P>0.05). However, piglets fed SBP and LCE showed a tendency (P<0.10) to have less diarrhea incidence 15 to 21 days post-weaning and in the entire experimental period. Fecal pH and SCFA concentration were not influenced by fiber source (P>0.05), with acetic, propionic, and butyric acids representing around 71%, 19%, and 10% of the total, respectively. Fiber sources did not influence the social and feeding behavior of weaning piglets (P>0.05). Diets containing 1% fiber sources did not alter performance, diarrhea score, fecal pH, fecal SCFA concentration, or feeding and social behavior of weaned piglets.(AU)

O estudo avaliou o efeito de dietas contendo baixos níveis de fontes de fibra solúvel e insolúvel sobre o desempenho, escore de diarreia, características químicas e físicas das fezes e comportamento de leitões desmamados. Trinta e seis leitões desmamados, com 30 dias de idade e peso vivo inicial de 8,8 kg, foram distribuídos em 36 baias, totalizando 12 repetições por tratamento, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos experimentais foram: dieta controle (CONT), dieta controle + 1% de inclusão de polpa de beterraba (SBP) e dieta controle + 1% de inclusão de lignocelulose (LCE, Arbocel®). A ração e a água foram disponibilizadas ad libitum durante os 21 dias experimentais. O consumo médio diário de ração (CRM), ganho de peso diário (GPD) e a conversão alimentar (CA) foram medidos semanalmente. A consistência fecal foi determinada visualmente duas vezes por dia, classificando as fezes de acordo com três classificações. Amostras frescas de fezes, colhidas no 14° dia experimental, foram usadas para determinação do pH e ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCC). O pH foi medido utilizando pHmetro digital, enquanto os AGCC foram determinados com auxílio de cromatografia gasosa. Para avaliar o comportamento foram observados quatro leitões por tratamento, uma vez por semana, das 14:00 às 16:00, a cada 12 minutos. As fontes de fibra não apresentaram efeito (P>0,05) sobre as variáveis de desempenho, exceto no período de 15 a 21 dias pós desmame, onde se observou uma tendência (P=0,061) de redução no consumo médio nos leitões que receberam as dietas contendo SBP e LCE. Não foi observado efeito das fontes de fibra sobre o escore de consistência fecal (P>0,05), embora leitões alimentados com SBP e LCE apresentaram uma tendência (P<0,10) de redução na incidência de diarreia no período de 15 a 21 dias pós desmame e no período total. O pH e a concentração de AGCC não foram influenciados pelas fontes de fibra (P>0,05), onde entres os tratamentos os perfis dos ácidos acético, propiônico e butírico foram semelhantes 71%, 19% e 10%, respectivamente. Não houve efeito das fontes de fibra sobre os comportamentos social e alimentar dos leitões (P>0,05). Dietas contendo 1% de fontes de fibra não alteram o desempenho, escore de diarreia, pH fecal, concentração de ácidos graxos voláteis nas fezes, bem como o comportamento alimentar e social de leitões desmamados.(AU)

Calcium anacardate and its association with citric acid in diets for meat-type breeding quails.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of using calcium anacardate (CaA) as a source of anacardic acid and its association with citric acid (CA) in diets for breeding quails on the performance, the egg quality, incubation parameters, and progeny performance. Were used 540 quails European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) that were 21 weeks old, housed in laying cages based on a completely randomized design, with nine treatments and six replications of 10 quails per parcel, with each experimental unit having eight females and two males. The following additions to the diet were evaluated: 1, no addition (control diet); 2, 0.25% CaA; 3, 0.25% CaA and 0.25% CA; 4, 0.50% CaA; 5, 0.50% CaA and 0.25% CA; 6, 0.50% CaA and 0.50% CA; 7, 0.75% CaA; 8, 0.75% CaA and 0.25% CA; and 9, 0.75% CaA and 0.50% CA. The treatments had no significant effects on the performance of the breeding quails, incubation parameters, and progeny performance. For egg quality, there was only an effect on yolk lipid oxidation, which was lower for eggs from quails fed the diets containing 0.50% CaA and 0.25% CA, 0.50% CaA and 0.50% CA, or 0.75% CaA alone, when compared with the control group. Considering that including CaA with or without CA in diets for breeding quails only affected yolk lipid oxidation, it can be recommend including 0.50% CaA and 0.25% CA or 0.75% CaA alone to mitigate oxidative damage in the yolk of fertile eggs.

In-feed nutritional additive probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii RC009 can substitute for prophylactic antibiotics and improve the production and health of weaning pigs.

Background and Aims: Non-therapeutic antibiotic use is associated with the current decrease in antibiotic therapeutic efficiency and the emergence of a wide range of resistant strains, which constitutes a public health risk. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009 as a nutritional feed additive to substitute the prophylactic use of antibiotics and improve the productive performance and health of post-weaning piglets. Materials and Methods: Four regular nutritional phases were prepared. Post-weaning pigs (21-70 days old) received one of two dietary treatments: T1-basal diet (BD-control group) with in-feed antibiotics as a prophylactic medication (one pulse of Tiamulin in P3 and one pulse of Amoxicillin in P4); and T2-BD without in-feed antibiotics but with Saccharomyces boulardii RC009 (1 × 1012 colony forming unit/T feed). The feed conversion ratio (FCR), total weight gain (TWG-kg), and daily weight gain (DWG-kg) were determined. A post-weaning growth index (GI) was calculated and animals (160 days old) from each treatment were analyzed at the abattoir after sacrifice for carcass weight and respiratory tract lesions. Results: Pigs consuming probiotics had higher TWG and DWG than the control group. The group of animals with low body weight obtained the same results. Saccharomyces boulardii administration decreased diarrhea, and FCR reduction was related to a GI improvement. A significant increase in carcass weight and muscle thickness reduction was observed in animals received the probiotic post-weaning. Conclusion: Saccharomyces boulardii RC009, a probiotic additive, was found to improve the production parameters of pigs post-weaning and enhance their health status, indicating that it may be a promising alternative to prophylactic antibiotics.

Feeding amylolytic and proteolytic exogenous enzymes: Effects on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and performance in dairy cows.

Exogenous enzymes are added to diets to improve nutrient utilization and feed efficiency. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary exogenous enzyme products with amylolytic (Amaize, Alltech) and proteolytic (Vegpro, Alltech) activity on performance, excretion of purine derivatives, and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows. A total of 24 Holstein cows, 4 of which were ruminally cannulated (161 ± 88 d in milk, 681 ± 96 body weight, and 35.2 ± 5.2 kg/d of milk yield), were blocked by milk yield, days in milk, and body weight, and then distributed in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Experimental periods lasted 21 d, of which the first 14 d were allowed for treatment adaptation and the last 7 d were used for data collection. Treatments were as follows: (1) control (CON) with no feed additives, (2) amylolytic enzyme product added at 0.5 g/kg diet dry matter (DM; AML), (3) amylolytic enzyme product at 0.5 g/kg of diet DM and proteolytic enzyme product at 0.2 g/kg of diet DM (low level; APL), and (4) amylolytic enzyme products added at 0.5 g/kg diet DM and proteolytic enzyme product at 0.4 g/kg of diet DM (high level; APH). Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc.). Differences between treatments were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts: CON versus all enzyme groups (ENZ); AML versus APL+APH; and APL versus APH. Dry matter intake was not affected by treatments. Sorting index for feed particles with size <4 mm was lower for ENZ group than for CON. Total-tract apparent digestibility of DM and nutrients (organic matter, starch, neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, and ether extract) were similar between CON and ENZ. Starch digestibility was greater in cows fed APL and APH treatments (86.3%) compared with those in the AML group (83.6%). Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was greater in APH cows compared with those in the APL group (58.1 and 55.2%, respectively). Ruminal pH and NH3-N concentration were not affected by treatments. Molar percentage of propionate tended to be greater in cows fed ENZ treatments than in those fed CON. Molar percentage of propionate was greater in cows fed AML than those fed the blends of amylase and protease (19.2 and 18.5%, respectively). Purine derivative excretions in urine and milk were similar in cows fed ENZ and CON. Uric acid excretion tended to be greater in cows consuming APL and APH than in those in the AML group. Serum urea N concentration tended to be greater in cows fed ENZ than in those fed CON. Milk yield was greater in cows fed ENZ treatments compared with CON (32.0, 33.1, 33.1, and 33.3 kg/d for CON, AML, APL, and APH, respectively). Fat-corrected milk and lactose yields were higher when feeding ENZ. Feed efficiency tended to be greater in cows fed ENZ than in those fed CON. Feeding ENZ benefited cows' performance, whereas the effects on nutrient digestibility were more pronounced when the combination of amylase and protease was fed at the highest dose.

Effects of functional oil blend on performance, blood metabolites, organ biometry and intestinal morphometry in nursery piglets / Efeitos da mistura de óleo funcional no desempenho, metabólitos sanguíneos, biometria de órgãos e morfometria intestinal em leitões de creche

This study was conducted to assess the effects of functional oil (FO) blend on performance, blood metabolites, organ biometry and intestinal morphometry in piglets. A total of 128 crossbreed piglets (Landrace × Large White, 64 uncastrated males and 64 females, 21 d of age, and 6.79 ± 1.76 kg BW) were allocated in a randomized complete block design with two dietary treatments: a FO-free (FOF) diet or a diet based on added FO (1,500 mg/kg of diet with castor oil plus cashew nutshell oil). Piglets fed FO showed higher (p ≤ 0.05) average daily feed intake, daily body weight gain and final body weight after 23 d of study. For the total period, piglets fed FO showed greater (p = 0.007) feed conversion ratio. On d 23, higher serum total protein (p = 0.026) and globulin (p = 0.050) concentration, lower liver (p = 0.042) and stomach (p = 0.074) weight, and greater (p = 0.082) villi height (VH) in duodenum were observed in piglets fed FO. Nonetheless, piglets fed FOF showed greater (p = 0.054) ileal VH, but greater (p = 0.004) crypt depth (CD) in jejunum. Piglets fed FO showed higher VH to CD ratio in jejunum (p = 0.068) and duodenum (p = 0.074) on d 23 and 37, respectively. Based on the results, FO blend improved the performance of weaned piglets; however, it negatively affected the feed conversion ratio in the total period. Moreover, FO blend promoted changes in total protein concentrations and improvements in digestive and absorptive capacity assessed through VH to CD ratio, with a significant reduction in organs.

Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos de uma mistura de óleo funcional (OF) no desempenho zootécnico, nos metabólitos sanguíneos, na biometria de órgãos e na morfometria intestinal de leitões. Um total de 128 leitões mestiços (Landrace × Large White, 64 machos inteiros e 64 fêmeas; 21 dias de idade e peso corporal de 6,79 ± 1,76 kg) foram alocados em um delineamento de blocos casualizados completos, com dois tratamentos dietéticos: uma dieta sem OF (SOF) ou uma dieta baseada na adição de OF (1.500 mg/kg de dieta com OF de mamona e castanha de caju). Os leitões alimentados com OF apresentaram maior (p ≤ 0,05) consumo de ração diário médio, ganho de peso corporal diário e peso corporal aos 23 dias de experimento. Entretanto, os leitões que consumiram dietas com OF tiveram conversão alimentar superior (p = 0,007) no período total. No dia 23, houve aumento na concentração de proteína total (p = 0,026) e globulina (p = 0,050), menor peso de fígado (p = 0,042) e estômago (p = 0,074), e maior (p = 0,082) altura de vilosidade (AV) no duodeno em leitões que consumiram OF; entretanto, os leitões SOF tiveram (p = 0,054) AV superior no íleo, mas apresentaram (p = 0,004) profundidade de cripta (PC) superior no jejuno. Uma maior relação AV:PC no jejuno (p = 0,068) e duodeno (p = 0,074) foi observada em leitões com OF nos dias 23 e 37, respectivamente. Com base nos resultados, a mistura de OF melhorou o desempenho dos leitões desmamados; no entanto, afetou negativamente a taxa de conversão alimentar no período total. Além disso, a mistura de OF promoveu alterações nas concentrações proteínas totais e melhorias na capacidade digestiva e absortiva avaliadas através da relação AV:PC, com uma redução significativa nos órgãos.

Use of tannin extract as a strategy to reduce methane in Nellore and Holstein cattle and its effect on intake, digestibility, microbial efficiency and ruminal fermentation.

This study was carried out to evaluate the use of tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii as a strategy to reduce methane (CH4 ) in two distinct cattle genotypes and its effect on intake, digestibility, microbial efficiency and ruminal fermentation. Four Nellore (Bos indicus) and four Holstein (Bos taurus) dry cows fitted with rumen cannula were assigned to two 4 × 4 Latin square design, in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, where each genotype represented a square receiving four tannin levels (commercial extract of A. mearnsii) in the diet (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% of dry matter). Tannin levels used did not cause a reduction in feed intake or rumen passage rate for both genotypes (p > 0.05), although there was a linear reduction in the degradation rate and ruminal disappearance of diet (p < 0.05). The increase in tannin levels reduced the amount of entodiniomorph protozoa in the Nellore cattle (p < 0.05). There was no change in N retention or microbial efficiency (p > 0.05), despite the linear reduction of nutrient digestibility and the synthesis of microbial nitrogen (p < 0.05). The ruminal CH4 production was reduced (p < 0.05) without reducing the short-chain fatty acid production. The threshold of 0.72% of tannin in the diet was estimated as the starting point for the reduction of ruminal CH4 production with long-term efficacy. Therefore, the use of low levels of tannin extract from A. mearnsii is a potential option to manipulate rumen fermentation in Nellore and Holstein cattle and needs to be further investigated.

Diets Supplemented with Probiotics Improve the Performance of Broilers Exposed to Heat Stress from 15 Days of Age.

The poultry sector demands alternative additives to antibiotics that can be used as performance enhancers. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the probiotics effects on performance, intestinal health, and redox status of 720 broilers exposed to heat stress from 15 days of age. Eight dietary treatments were evaluated: basal diet (BD) without antibiotic and probiotic (T1); BD supplemented with antibiotic zinc bacitracin (T2), BD supplemented with commercial probiotic of Bacillus subtilis DSM 17,299 (T3), BD supplemented with non-commercial probiotic of Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118, Lactobacillus delbrueckii CNRZ 327, Escherichia coli CEC15, or Saccharomyces boulardii (T4 to T7), and BD simultaneously supplemented with the four non-commercial probiotics (T8). Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion were determined in the period from 1 to 42 days of age. Carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, cloacal temperature, weight and length of intestine, activity of myeloperoxidase and eosinophilic peroxidase enzymes in the jejunum, jejunal histomorphometry, relative gene expression in the jejunum (occludin, zonulin, interleukin-8, cholecystokinin, ghrelin, and heat shock protein-70), and liver (heat shock protein-70), in addition to malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase activity in the intestine, liver, and blood, were measured in broilers at 42 days old. As main results, broilers fed T1 diet exhibited lower weight gain (3.222 kg) and worse feed conversion (1.70 kg/kg). However, diets containing non-commercial probiotics resulted in up to 3.584 kg of weight gain and improved feed conversion by up to 10%, similar to that observed for broilers of the T2 and T3 groups.

Feeding spray-dried plasma to broilers early in life improved their intestinal development, immunity and performance irrespective of mycotoxins in feed.

Introduction: Fungi that produce mycotoxins can grow on certain food products, such as grains and feed, and can cause a variety of health issues if consumed by animals, including chickens. The use of spray-dried plasma (SDP) is one strategy for combating the health problems caused by mycotoxins. Materials and methods: In the present study, Ross 308 chickens (n = 960) were divided into four treatment groups. T1 group was given a control diet (corn-soybean meal), T2 group was given a control diet +2% SDP, T3 group was given a control diet +2% SDP + mixture mycotoxins and T4 group was givena control diet + mycotoxin mixture. Results: The presence of SDP resulted in weight gain and decreased feed efficiency, whereas mycotoxins resulted in weight loss and increased feed efficiency. SDP increased the thymus' relative weight. The presence of mycotoxins increased the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio. The presence of mycotoxins reduced the production of IL-2 and macrophage inflammatory protein-3 Alpha (MIP-3a), whereas the presence of SDP increased the production of macrophage colony-stimulating Factor (M-CSF). SDP resulted in higher IgA concentrations in the intestinal and tracheal washes than mycotoxin. Finally, adding SDP to broiler diets boosts weight gain, feed efficiency, and immune system development. Discussion: Our results provide information supporting that SDP is a promising tool for improving poultry immunity and performance.

Cardanol in the feeding of meat-type quail breeders.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of cardanol in the diet of quails on productive performance, egg quality, reproductive performance, and progeny performance. A total of three hundred European quail breeders of 32 weeks of age, with average body weights of 305.98 g, were housed in laying cages in groups (4 females and 1 male), following a distribution in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 6 replications of 10 quails, being the experimental unit constituted by the set of two cages. The treatments consisted of diets with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% of cardanol. There was reduction in the performance of the quail with the inclusion of 1.00% of cardanol in the diet when compared to the control treatment, while egg weight and egg mass were lower in the treatments with 0.75 and 1.00% of cardanol, respectively. It was observed that there was decrease in the specific gravity, and increase in color and TBARS value of the yolk in all treatments with cardanol. The inclusion of 0.50% of cardanol decreased the percentage of albumen, and increased the percentage of yolk, while the shell thickness decreased with 0.75%. The weight of the incubated eggs and the chick weight at hatching were lower in the treatments with 0.75 and 1.00% of cardanol. In the evaluation of the progeny performance, it was found that the weight at 7 days of age of chicks from breeders fed the diet containing 1.00% of cardanol was decreased when compared to the chicks from breeders fed the control diet. It was concluded that the inclusion of cardanol did not present benefits to the quail breeders.

Impact of orange essential oil on enteric methane emissions of heifers fed bermudagrass hay.

In this study, the effects of orange essential oil (OEO) on the rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and methane (CH4) emissions of beef heifers fed a diet of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) were examined. In addition, in vitro and in situ experiments were conducted. The in vitro experiment consisted of three treatments: control (CTL, no OEO), OEO1 (0.25% OEO), and OEO2 (0.5% OEO). The forage to concentrate ratio was 70:30 (dry matter [DM] basis) in all treatments. No changes in pH, proportions of volatile fatty acids, and the acetate:propionate ratio were observed (P > 0.05). The addition of 0.25% OEO resulted in a reduction in CH4 production (mL/g) relative to the control (P < 0.05). In the in situ experiment, 5 g of total mixed ration (CTL, OEO1, and OEO2) were incubated for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Potential and effective degradability were not affected by OEO supplementation (P > 0.05). In the in vivo study, six crossbred beef heifers (Bos indicus × Bos taurus), fitted with rumen cannulas, were assigned to three different treatments: no additive (CTL), 0.25% OEO (OEO1), and 0.5% OEO (OEO2) in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square (21-day periods). Heifers were fed at 2.8% body weight. In vivo CH4 production was measured in open-circuit respiration chambers. Reductions in gross energy consumption, apparent total tract digestibility, and rumen valerate concentration were observed for OEO2 compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, decreases in CH4 emissions (g/day; P < 0.05) and CH4 (MJ gross energy intake/day; P < 0.05) were observed in response to supplementation of 0.5% OEO as compared to the CTL treatment. Thus, supplementation of 0.5% OEO reduced CH4 emissions (g/day) by 12% without impacting the DM intake of heifers fed bermudagrass hay as a basal ration.

Thermogenic oils as a substitute forractopamine in the production of heavy pigs / Óleos termogênicos em substituição a ractopamina na produção de suínos em fase de pós-terminação

This study aimed to assess the effects of thermogenic oils (safflower and coconut oils) as a replacement for ractopamine in heavy pig diets. A total of 24 mix-breed barrows with an average weight of 98.70 ± 1.63 kg were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replicates. Treatments were as follows: basal diet, modified basal diet + 10 ppm ractopamine, basal diet + safflower oil, and basal diet + coconut oil. Animal performance, organ weights, meat quality, carcass traits, and economic viability were determined. Data were analyzed using Duncan's test at the 5% significance level. The safflower oil diet resulted in the highest carcass meat and ham weights, whereas the coconut oil diet provided the highest loin eye area and the lowest fat area, resulting in the highest meat/fat ratio. Analysis of economic viability indicators revealed that vegetable oil treatments differed significantly from other treatments in feed cost, feed cost per kilogram of live weight, economic viability index, and cost index, given that oil inclusion increased the price of diets. Supplementation of heavy pig diets with thermogenic oils is a viable alternative to enhance lean meat production, but its use depends on market availability and product price.(AU)

Este estudo visou avaliar os efeitos dos óleos termogênicos (óleos de cártamo e de coco) como substitutos da racto-pamina em dietas de suínos pesados. Um total de 24 suínos machos castrados com um peso médio de 98,70 ± 1,63 kg foram distribuídos em um modelo de blocos aleatorizados com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: dieta basal (RB), RB modificada + 10 ppm de ractopamina, RB + óleo de cártamo, e RB + óleo de coco. Foram determinados o desempenho animal, pesos dos órgãos, qualidade da carne, características da carcaça, e viabilidade económica. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o teste de Duncan ao nível de 5% de significância. A dieta de óleo de Cártamo resultou na maior quan-tidade de carne de carcaça e pesos de pernil, enquanto que a dieta de óleo de coco forneceu a maior área do olho do lombo e a menor área de gordura, resultando na maior relação carne/gordura. A análise dos indicadores de viabilidade económica reve-lou que os tratamentos com óleo vegetal diferiram significativamente de outros tratamentos no custo da alimentação, custo da alimentação por quilograma de peso vivo, índice de viabilidade económica, e índice de custo, dado que a inclusão do óleo aumentou o preço das dietas. A suplementação de dietas de suínos pesados com óleos termogênicos é uma alternativa viável para aumentar a produção de carne magra, mas a sua utilização depende da disponibilidade no mercado e do preço do produto.(AU)

Feeding Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate to Lactating Dairy Goats: Milk Quality and Ruminal Fermentation Responses.

We aimed to investigate the effects of calcium-ammonium nitrate (CAN) fed to lactating dairy goats on dry matter (DM) intake, digestibility of nutrients, milk properties (composition, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profile, and nitrate residues), and ruminal fermentation parameters. Twelve lactating Saanen goats averaging 98.5 ± 13.1 days in milk, 53.5 ± 3.3 kg of body weight, and 2.53 ± 0.34 kg of milk/day were randomly assigned in four 3 × 3 Latin squares to receive the following diets: a control group (without CAN) with 7.3 g/kg DM of urea (URE), 10 g/kg DM of CAN (CAN10), and 20 g/kg DM of CAN (CAN20). Each period lasted 21 days, with 14 days for diet adaptation and seven days for data and sample collection. The DM intake, digestibility of nutrients, yields of milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk were not affected by treatments. Similarly, there were no treatment effects on the yields and concentrations of milk fat, true protein, and lactose, along with minor effects on milk fatty acid profile. Total antioxidant capacity in milk was unaffected by treatments; however, concentration of conjugated dienes increased, while thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in milk decreased linearly. Nitrate and nitrite residues in milk were elevated by treatments, while the total of volatile fatty acids and ammonia-N concentration in the rumen were unaffected. Collectively, feeding CAN (up to 20 g/kg of DM) to lactating dairy goats did not affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and milk composition; however, it may increase milk lipid oxidation, as evidenced by increased conjugated diene concentration.