Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) seed survival and digestibility in cattle and sheep

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Stanton ◽  
J. Piltz ◽  
J. Pratley ◽  
A. Kaiser ◽  
D. Hudson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Seed Survival ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

A trial was conducted to investigate the survival and digestibility of annual ryegrass (ARG) seed (Lolium rigidum L.) eaten by sheep and cattle. Sheep (n= 8) and cattle (n = 8) were fed a basal diet containing 1:1 lucerne chaff:oaten chaff with (ARG) or without (control) the inclusion of 20% total dry matter of annual ryegrass seed in a changeover design. Intake was restricted to 17 g/kg liveweight. Digestibility of the control diet was lower (P<0.01) for sheep than cattle. Annual ryegrass seed was present (P<0.01) in the faeces of both sheep and cattle within 24 h of first ingestion. Some 10.8 and 32.8% of seed ingested was excreted by sheep and cattle respectively, with 3.9% (sheep) and 11.9% (cattle) remaining germinable. Annual ryegrass seed continued to be excreted by both sheep and cattle up to 5 days after removal from the diet. Dry matter digestibility of the annual ryegrass diet was 53% in cattle.

scholarly journals The digestibility of biofloc meal from African catfish culture medium as a feed raw material for Pacific white shrimp

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Ekasari ◽  
Muhammad Agus Suprayudi ◽  
Putri Elas ◽  
Reza Karunia Senja
Keyword(s):  
Litopenaeus Vannamei ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Pacific White Shrimp ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
White Shrimp ◽  
African Catfish ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of biofloc meal collected from catfish culture as a feed raw material for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei diet. A basal feed with 43% crude protein content was used as a control diet and mixed with 2% of binders and 0.5 % of Cr2O3 as a marker for digestibility. The experimental diets were made by mixing 67.5% of the basal diet with 30% of biofloc meal, 2% of binders and 0.5 % of Cr2O3. Nine units of glass tanks (90 cm ×40 cm× 35 cm) filled with 100 L seawater were used as the experimental culture units. White shrimp with an average body weight of 5.61 ± 0.09 g was randomly distributed to each experimental tank at a density of 20 shrimp/tank. The feed was offered at a level of 5% shrimp biomass per day at a frequency of four times a day. The results showed that the dry matter digestibility of feed with 30% biofloc meal in shrimp were similar to that of the reference diet. However, protein and fat digestibility of feed containing biofloc meal were considerably higher than those of the reference diet. Feeding shrimp with 30% biofloc meal diet resulted in higher survival and specific growth rate and lower feed conversion ratio than those of the control. The digestibility of bioflocs dry matter, protein and lipid in Pacific white shrimp obtained in this study were 54.9%, 76.3% and 79.3%, respectively.Keywords: biofloc, digestibility, catfish, shrimp  ABSTRAKPenelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengevaluasi kecernaan tepung bioflok yang diambil dari media pemeliharaan ikan lele sebagai bahan pakan udang vaname Litopenaeus vannamei. Pakan yang mengandung kadar protein 43% digunakan sebagai pakan control dan dicampur dengan 2% binder dan 0.5% Cr2O3 sebagai marker untuk kecernaan. Pakan perlakuan dibuat dengan mencampurkan 67.5% pakan control dengan 30% tepung bioflok, 2% binder dan 0.5% Cr2O3. Penelitian menggunakan sembilan unit akuarium (90 cm ×40 cm ×35 cm) yang diisi 100 L air laut. Udang vaname dengan bobot rata-rata 5.61 ± 0.09 g ditebar secara acak pada setiap akuarium perlakuan pada kepadatan 20 ekor/akuarium. Pakan diberikan dengan tingkat pemberian pakan 5% biomassa per hari sebanyak empat kali sehari. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kecernaan pakan dengan 30% tepung bioflok tidak berbeda nyata dengan pakan acuan. Namun kecernaan protein dan lemak pakan yang mengandung tepung bioflok terlihat lebih tinggi daripada pakan kontrol. Pemberian pakan dengan tepung bioflok sebanyak 30% juga menghasilkan tingkat kelangsungan hidup, laju pertumbuhan spesifik udang dan rasio konversi pakan yang lebih baik daripada udang yang diberi pakan kontrol. Kecernaan bahan, protein dan lemak tepung bioflok pada udang yang didapat dalam penelitian masing-masing adalah 54.9%, 76.3% dan 79.3%.Kata-kata kunci: bioflok, ikan lele, kecernaan, udang 

Manipulation of the feeding value of senescing annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) with imazethapyr and glyphosate

1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1653
Author(s):  
MC Crawford ◽  
RJ Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Herbicide Treatment ◽  
Herbicide Treatments ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Control Application ◽  
Days After Anthesis

The effect of applying imazethapyr [(RS)-5-ethyl-2-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin- 2-y1)nicotinic acid] on the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of annual ryegrass was studied and compared with the effects of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] . Application of imazethapyr 20 days before anthesis delayed loss of digestible dry matter (DDM) more effectively than when applied at anthesis or 8 days after anthesis. Digestibility of the stems of ryegrass when measured at anthesis was 57.9% and 61.9% for 50 g (a.i.) ha-1 and 100 g (a.i.) ha-1 of imazethapyr, respectively, compared with 50.4% for the control. Application of either imazethapyr or glyphosate decreased dry matter yield initially, mainly because growth of seed heads was reduced. Both glyphosate- and imazethapyr-treated plants produced secondary tillers. In the case of the imazethapyr-treated plants, yield forgone as a result of herbicide treatment was recovered through the production of secondary tillers and because seed head yield were not suppressed to the same extent as in the gylphosate-treated plants. When applied 20 days before anthesis, both herbicides maintained stem IVDMD at 54-60% for up to 42 days after spraying, whereas IVDMD of stems in the control declined. The IVDMD of leaf sheaths was intermediate between that of stems and leaf blades and was improved by herbicide treatment. The IVDMD of leaf blades was unaffected by herbicide treatment. Herbicide treatments 20 days before anthesis therefore delayed loss of DDWI from the vegetative part of the sward for up to 22 days after anthesis. By comparison, in the untreated sward, DDM was lost at a rate of 34.4 kg per ha per day. The total DDM of swards (including seed heads) in all treatments did not differ.

ACCEPTABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF GRADED LEVELS OF GMELINA ARBOREA AND CASSAVA PEELS CONCENTRATES IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-422
Author(s):  
Amoka Pius ◽  
Tawose O M
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Gmelina Arborea ◽  
Leaf Meal ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Cassava Peels

The nutritive value ,voluntary dry matter intake, and the nutrient digestibility of graded levels of Gmelina arborea and cassava peels concentrates in WAD sheep was investigated. Twelve WAD sheep aged 1-2 years old and weighting 14.00± 0.45 kg were used in a complete randomized design. Diets were formulated such that cassava peels was replaced with Gmelina arborea leaf meal at 0, 33.33, 66.67, 100% levels, designated as diets A, B, C, and D respectively. Diet without Gmelina arborea leaf meal was tagged the control diet. The concentrate feed was compounded to contain 16% CP. Diets with 33.33% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea had significantly (P<0.05) higher dry matter intake (DMI) 598.80g day-1, while the lowest DMI 425.00g day-1 was obtained in animals fed 100% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea. Crude protein intake (CPI) of animals fed diets with 33.33% inclusion levels of Gmelina arborea were significantly (P<0.05) highest, followed by 66.67% inclusion level and the least was observed in 0% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) was significantly (P<0.05) different across the dietary treatments, animals placed on diets with 33.33% inclusion level had the highest DMD, followed by animals on diets with 66.67, 100 and 0% inclusion levels. CP digestibility (P<0.05) increased from 33.33% to 100% inclusion levels of Gmelina arborea leaf meal, the lowest CP digestibility was observed at 0% inclusion level. CF digestibility (P<0.05) increased from 33.33% to 100% inclusion levels of Gmelina arborea leaf meal, while the lowest CF digestibility was observed at 0% inclusion level. N intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in the level of Gmelina arborea inclusion from 33.33% to 100%. N retention was significantly (P<0.05) different, diets with 33.33% Gmelina arborea inclusion had the highest value (64.36g day-1) followed by 66.67%, 100% and the least (52.64g day-1) was at 0% inclusion level of Gmelina arborea.  N balance values also followed the same trend. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the inclusion of Gmelina arborea leaf meal in WAD rams diet was well tolerated without adverse effect on acceptability, intake and nutrient digestibility, and inclusion level of 33.33% is hereby recommended in ruminants diet for optimum performance and productivity.

scholarly journals GRAIN SCREENINGS AS A DIETARY COMPONENT FOR PIGS AND SHEEP. II. ANIMAL UTILIZATION

1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 483-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. TAIT ◽  
R. M. BEAMES ◽  
J. LITSKY
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Replacement Level ◽  
Mixed Feed ◽  
Biological Value ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Ruminant Diets ◽  
Dietary Component ◽  
Animal Utilization

The digestibility of four types of grain screenings, No. 1 screenings, rapeseed screenings, mixed feed oats and refuse screenings was measured with pigs, rats and sheep. For the pig diets, hammermilled screenings replaced 60% of a complete basal diet, with the exception of the rapeseed screenings, where replacement level was 10% (hammermilled) and 20% (whole). Digestibility values were determined by difference. In the rat diets screenings were incorporated to provide 1.5 g N 100 g−1 dry matter (DM) and the biological value (BV) of the protein was also measured. In the sheep diets, all screenings except rapeseed were provided as the sole dietary component, with the No. 1 feed screenings and the mixed feed oats pelleted without prior grinding and the other screenings ground before pelleting. For rapeseed screenings, incorporation in the sheep diets was at a level of 30%. For No. 1 screenings, apparent digestibility of organic matter (OMD) and nitrogen (ND) for pigs was 82.3 and 83.2%, respectively; BV for rats was 77.4%, while OMD and ND for sheep was 73.9 and 72.7%, respectively. For rapeseed screenings, OMD and ND for pigs for the hammermilled screenings were 46.1 and 50.7%, respectively, and for the whole screenings were 30.3 and 11.5%, respectively. Biological value (rats) was 80.0%, while for sheep OMD and ND it was 63.9 and 77.4%, respectively. For mixed feed oats, OMD and ND for pigs were 63.8 and 82.6%, respectively; BV (rats) was 61.1% and OMD and ND for sheep were 64.2 and 73.4%, respectively. For refuse screenings, OMD and ND for pigs were 63.8 and 65.4%, respectively; BV (rats) was 83.8%, while OMD and ND for sheep were 59.9 and 65.3%, respectively. Number 1 feed screenings are of a high nutritive value and are suitable as a grain for both pigs and sheep. Unprocessed rapeseed screenings are unpalatable for pigs with both dry matter and protein poorly utilized. With sheep, pelleted rapeseed screenings are readily accepted, and the nitrogen is well digested. If mixed feed oats are ground, protein is well digested by both species although dry matter digestibility is low. Refuse screenings appear to be suitable only for ruminant diets. Key words: Grain, wheat, barley, oats, rapeseed, screenings

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTATION OF CORNCOB DIETS FOR SHEEP: COMPARISON WITH HIGHER VOLATILE FATTY ACIDS, SOYBEAN PROTEIN AND ALFALFA FIBER ON INTAKE, ENVIRONMENT AND DIGESTION IN THE RUMEN AND DIGESTA PASSAGE

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1083-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. NDLOVU ◽  
J. G. BUCHANAN-SMITH
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Soybean Protein ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Latin Squares ◽  
Protein Preparation ◽  
Alfalfa Hay

Nine lambs fitted with rumen cannulae were used in two 5 × 5 Latin squares to measure the effect of alfalfa hay, C4- and C5-branched- and straight-chain volatile fatty acids (C4/C5 VFAs), cell wall from alfalfa hay (ALFCW) and a soybean protein preparation on intake and rumen digestion of a basal corncob diet with urea included at 30 g kg−1. Relative to the control, alfalfa hay decreased (P < 0.05) intake of the basal diet but increased (P < 0.05) total dry matter intake. ALFCW and soybean protein did not affect intake of the basal diet and total dry matter (P > 0.05). C4/C5 VFAs increased intake of basal diet by sheep in one square (P < 0.05) but had no effect (P > 0.05) on intake with sheep in the other square. Alfalfa hay, ALFCW and soybean protein increased (P < 0.05) total VFA concentration in rumen fluid while only alfalfa hay and C4/C5 VFAs consistently increased isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate levels in rumen fluid (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control diet, soybean protein elevated (P < 0.05) mean rumen ammonia-N levels whereas C4/C5 VFAs depressed them; however, values exceeded 17 mg dL−1 rumen fluid on all treatments. Most measures of digestion kinetics of fiber from corncobs were unaffected by supplementation (P > 0.05). Alfalfa hay and ALFCW increased (P < 0.05) rate of passage of digesta from the reticulo-rumen. It was concluded that alfalfa hay has a reduced role in improving intake of corncob diets when there is also sufficient NPN in the diet. Key words: Roughage (poor quality), volatile fatty acids, rumen ammonia levels, chromium-mordanted cell walls

scholarly journals Effect of replacing maize and starch with Shoti meal (Curcuma zedoaria) in broiler

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46
Author(s):  
S Datta ◽  
S Rahman ◽  
O Islam ◽  
M Hassan ◽  
M Hossain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Curcuma Zedoaria ◽  
Physical Treatment ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility

The effects of raw and autoclaved Shoti (Curcuma zedoaria) meal on the growth and N utilization of growing broilers were determined. Shoti from Bangladesh Agricultural University campus was collected and sorted on the basis of white color of the rhizome. Then they were chopped into pieces, sun dried and pulverized in a flour mill. Aliquot samples were autoclaved at 1200C under 15 lb of pressure per square inch for 30 min. Autoclaved samples were stored in tightly lid contained for future use. 3 One hundred -day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared on the floor and a total of 24 growing broilers, 4 birds in each group were weighed on d 15 Two broilers were placed in each cage. There were a total of four experimental and two control (positive and negative Non-protein control) diets. Diets were fed ad libitum from day 15 to 33days. Body weight, feed intake, feed refusal and fecal weights were recorded every day. Cumulative feed efficiency per bird was calculated as the ratio of weight gained to feed consumed. Dry matter of excreta was determined from the last 10 d of feeding trial by drying aliquots of every day’s droppings by drying for 6 h at 1050C. On d 19, birds were bled to death. Immediately after slaughter, the carcasses were examined systematically. The chemical composition of Shoti meal showed that it is low in protein, fat and trace minerals and therefore mainly a source of energy. The bulk of the tuber (75 percent) consists of carbohydrates, made up of 10.6% fiber, and 64.9% nitrogen free extracts (NFE). A peculiarity of Curcuma rhizome meal contains high level of ash (9.9%) on DM basis. The results showed that at day 33, the weight of the broiler chicken fed shoti 100g, 200g, 300 g and 200g (autoclaved shoti meal)/ Kg diet was significantly different from the weight of the chicken fed on a maize-soybean diet. The birds given shoti meal consumed less feed than those provided with a maize diet. Feed efficiency or weight gain to feed ration over 19-d period was the poorest when fed 300 g Shoti/ Kg diet. Intake picked up when the shoti meal was incorporated after having been autoclaved and there was slight improvement in body weight gain as compared to that of other Shoti fed group. However, feed efficiency and body weight gain as % of initial weight remained significantly lower than the maize-soybean control. The inclusion of Shoti meal generally had an adverse effect on the apparent dry matter digestibility compared with the control diets. The group fed autoclaved shoti meal had a similar effect and the true N digestibility was the lowest when compared to those of control fed on maize-soybean meal. Thus, physical treatment like using autoclave, caused further reduction of digestibility of its N. Lipid digestibility was reduced by ingestion of shoti meal. Since the diets were isocaloric, after correction for the apparent endogenous lipid losses, which were obtained from the results of non-protein control feeding, the net faecal losses was around 66.2% of the ingested lipid against control diet fed birds. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2018. 47 (1): 40-46

scholarly journals THE INFLUENCE OF VARYING RATIO OF COWPEA HUSK AND MAIZE MILLING WASTE ON THE FEED INTAKE, PROTEIN AND ENERGY UTILIZATION BY THE GOAT.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 108-112
Author(s):  
A. A. Adeloye
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility

The acceptability and efficacy of. combinations of cowpea husk (CH) and maize milling waste (MMW) as feed for the goat were tested. The experiment, in a 4x4 Latin square design involved digestion trials with 4 West African dwarf grower goats weighing 8.2 to 9.6 kg. and about 4 months old. There were 3 experimental diets made up of CH and MMW in 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 ratio of mixture. The control diet was 60 percent chopped Pennisetum purpureum plus 40 percent concentrate ration. The animals were fed at 5 percent of body weight. All trials lasted 80 days. Parameters for assessment were dry matter intake, protein and energy intakes and utilization. Feed intake values (%of body weight) in all experiemental diets were higher than 3 percent and increased with increasing levels of cowpea husk, Only the intake of 4.38% of body weight from 75:25 CH-MMW supported weight gain. Increases in MMW in the experimental diets resulted in significant (P<0.05) increases in dry matter digestibility. The crude protein intake and digestion increased with increasing inclusion of cowpea husk, but intake and utilization were not adequate at CH-MMW 25:75 and 50:50. The energy intake and utilization increased (P<0.05) across the treatment. Increasing levels of cowpea husk enhanced dry matter, energy intakes and energy utilization, Decreasing levels of cowpea, consistent with increasing MMW improved dry matter digestibility but not dry matter intake. The high crude fibre of cowpea husk is implicated. The utilization of the available energy in the mixture is limited by protein intake.

scholarly journals Pemberian Kulit Biji Kopi dalam Ransum Sapi Aceh Terhadap Kecernaan secara In Vitro

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-52
Author(s):  
Yunasri Usman ◽  
M. Nur Husin ◽  
Riantia Ratni
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Animal Nutrition ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Coffee Beans ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

The supplementation peel coffee beans in the ration Aceh cattle on in vitro digestibilityABSTRACT. This research was carried out at the Laboratory of  Feed and Animal Nutrition,  Department of Animal Husbandry Faculty of Agriculture Syiah Kuala University for  73 days from December 26, 2011 to March 7, 2012. The purpose of this experiment was to find out the effects of the coffee peeling on in vitro digestibility of Aceh beef cattle. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was applied in this experiment consisting of 4 treatments  namely levels of  coffee peeling on basal diet   (R0=0%, R1=10%, R2=20%, R3=30%). Each treatment consists of 5 replications. Parameters observed in this research were dry and organic matter digestibility. The results showed that dry matter digestibility was not significantly different (P0,05)amongst treatments  54,42%, 49,32%, 45,97%, 42,08%) for R0, R1, R2 and R3 respectively.  On the other hand, organic metter digestibility was significantly different (P0,05) in which R2 treatment was the highest and R0 treatment was the lowest (54,59%).

Effects of fermented whole-crop wheat and barley with or without supplementing inoculant (probiotics) on palatability, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota and blood constituents in finishing pigs

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Hee Lee ◽  
Min Ho Song ◽  
Won Yun ◽  
Ji Hwan Lee ◽  
Woo Gi Kwak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Blood Constituents ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of fermented whole crop cereal on palatability and performance in finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 20 finishing pigs ((Landrace ´ Yorkshier) Duroc) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments to check the palatability of the dietary feed. Diet treatments were included a basal diet; FW = basal diets + 1% fermented wheat without inoculum, FWI = basal diets + 1% fermented wheat with inoculum, FB = basal diets + 1% fermented barley without inoculum, FBI = basal diets + 1% fermented barley with inoculum. Throughout the experimental period, pigs fed FWI and FBI diets had significantly higher feed palatability compared with FW, FB diets. In Exp. 2, a total of 20 finishing pigs were allotted to 4 dietary treatments (1 pigs/pen, 5 pigs/treatment). Dietary treatments were same as Exp. 1. In nutrient digestibility, pigs fed FWI had higher dry matter digestibility. The number of Lactobacillus in feces was significantly higher in FWI treatments inoculated with feed microorganisms. Our results indicated that dietary supplementation with fermented wheat and barley with supplementing inoculant had a beneficial effect in finishing pigs.

Apparent faecal digestibility and nitrogen retention in piglets fed whole and peeled Cambodian field cricket meal

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Miech ◽  
J.E. Lindberg ◽  
Å. Berggren ◽  
T. Chhay ◽  
A. Jansson
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Field Cricket ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Dietary Treatments

This study evaluated diets including whole or peeled (legs removed) crickets (Teleogryllus testaceus) in terms of diet digestibility, growth and nitrogen retention, using pigs as an animal model. The experiment included three iso-nitrogenous diets (18.4% crude protein) including either whole cricket meal (WC), body cricket meal (legs removed, BC) or fish meal (control) as the main protein source. Castrated male piglets (n=21, 30-45 days) with initial body weight 13.0±0.3 kg were allocated to one of the dietary treatments (7 piglets/treatment) in a fixed block design. The piglets were kept in single bamboo/wooden stalls with slatted floors and were adapted to the feeds and the housing for 5 days before starting the 25-day experiment. The diets were offered ad libitum, but close to appetite (approximately 5% of body weight). Feed intake was recorded and piglets were weighed every 5 days. During days 20-25, total collection of faeces and urine was performed. Dry matter and nutrient intake were higher for piglets fed the WC and BC diets than for those fed the control diet. From day 10, piglets fed BC and WC were heavier than piglets fed the control diet, but there were no differences between WC and BC. Dry matter digestibility was highest for diet WC, and ash, crude fibre and crude fat digestibility was higher for BC and WC than for the control diet. Feed conversion ratio was lower for the WC and BC diets than for the control diet, and nitrogen retention (% of digested) was higher. We concluded that field cricket meal is a nutritious feedstuff for mono-gastric animals, and most likely also for humans. Removal of legs did not facilitate or improve the digestibility values and nitrogen retention. Thus, in order to minimise food waste, crickets should not be peeled in this way if they are going to be processed into meal.

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