Effect of amino acid blend as alternative to antibiotics for growing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing arginine (Arg) + glutamine (Gln) replacing antibiotics on performance, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of pigs in the growing phase. One hundred and fifty 63-d-old pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 25.0 ± 1.46 kg were distributed in a randomized block design, with three treatments and ten replicates. The three diets were control; antibiotic, control + 100 mg/kg tiamulin and 506 mg/kg oxytetracycline; amino acid, control + 10 g/kg Arg and 2 g/kg Gln. Dietary treatments were fed from 63 to 77 d. Following the treatment period, all pigs were fed the control diet from 77 to 90 d. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and UNIVARIATE in SAS 9.4. From 63 to 70 d, pigs fed diets with antibiotics had improved (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), and 70 d BW compared to those fed control or amino acid diets. From 70 to 77 d, including antibiotics in the diet increased (P < 0.05) ADG and 77 d BW. From 77 to 90 d, pigs fed the amino acid diet had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI than those fed an antibiotic diet. From 63 to 90 d, although pig performance was not affected (P > 0.05), growth curve of pigs fed the antibiotic diets was different (P < 0.05) from those fed the control and amino acids diets. At 70 d, serum tumor necrosis factor-α and diamine oxidase (DAO) were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet than the control diet, and pigs fed the amino acid diet had intermediate results. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid diet than the antibiotic diet, and pigs fed the control diet had intermediate results. At 70 and 77 d, serum urea nitrogen was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid diet. At 77 d, DAO and serum immunoglobulin G was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet. FRAP was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid and control diets. Serum malondialdehyde was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid diet than those fed the control diet, and pigs fed the antibiotic diet had intermediate results. At 90 d, antibiotics or amino acids did not affect (P > 0.05) serum parameters. Amino acid blend supplementation at the selected doses in this study did not positively affect growing pigs. Although from 63 to 77 d, antibiotics improved performance, when considering the overall study period, growing pigs did not benefit from a diet containing antibiotics.

Effect of mineral-energy supplementation on the performance of young bulls from different genetic groups on pasture

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of young bulls from three genetic groups, ½ Brangus x ½ Nellore (BRN), Nellore (NEL) and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore (CAN), reared on pasture and supplemented with mineral (MS) or energy-mineral (MES) supplement. Eighty-one bulls, with a mean age of 12 months and mean body weight of 252 ± 33 kg were used. The experiment was conducted in a 3x2 factorial completely randomized design. Each genetic group was subdivided into six experimental plots, three received MS and three received MES. Animals were managed in a rotational stocking system in a Tifton 85 grass pasture. The consumption of MS was similar between the genetic groups with an average of 0.073 kg animal-1 day-1, whereas the consumption of MES was higher for BRN, 2.10 kg animal-1 day-1, followed by CAN, with 1.57 kg animal-1 day-1, and lower for NEL, with 1.28 kg animal-1 day-1. The average daily weight gain (ADG) was greater for animals that received MES compared to those that were given MS. For animals that received MS, the BRN group had ADG of 0.64 kg animal-1, while the NEL and CAN groups were similar with a mean of 0.46 kg animal-1. For animals that received MES, the CAN group had higher ADG, 0.97 kg animal-1, while the NEL and BRN groups were similar, with an average of 0.86 kg animal-1. Blood levels of total protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol did not change depending on the types of supplements used or between genetic groups. Higher serum urea levels were observed in NEL and CAN animals that received MS. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in BRN and CAN animals that received MES. Gains in rump height, height at the withers, body length, rump width and chest perimeter were greater in animals that received MES. Mostly, the gains in morphometric measurements were greater for crossbred animals than for the NEL group. The supply of mineral-energy supplement in Tifton 85 grass pasture during the rainy season is recommended only for Nellore and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore young bulls. Crossbred young bulls show greater gains in morphometric measurements than Nellore young bulls during rearing.

Effect of replacement of forage sorghum silage with biomass sorghum silage in diets for dairy heifers

This trial aimed to analyze the replacement of forage sorghum silage (FS silage) with biomass sorghum silage (BRS 716 silage) in diets for heifers ¾ Holstein x ¼ Zebu on their nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial production, feeding behavior, and animal performance. Eight heifers with average age 18±4 months (mo) and average body weight (BW) 271 ± 57 kg were used. The experimental design was double-Latin square, 4×4, being four diets, four experimental periods and four animals. Four experimental diets with 0, 33, 67 and 100% substitution of forage sorghum silage with biomass sorghum silage were used. The roughage:concentrate ratio in the total dry matter (DM) of the diets was 75:25. The fraction “b” of DM was higher in the BRS 716 silage. There was no difference (p> 0.05) for dry matter intake (DMI; p = 0.45) and total digestible nutrients intake (p = 0.76). The dry matter digestibility (DMD), crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber increased linearly with the inclusion of BRS 716 silage. The feeding times, ruminating and idle have not been changed (p > 0.05). The replacement of FS silage with BRS 716 silage did not modify the average daily weight gain (ADG; p > 0.05; mean 1.30 ± 0.025 kg). Biomass sorghum silage can replace up to 100% forage sorghum silage in the diets of ¾ Holstein x ¼ Zebu heifers.

Effect of mangosteen peel extract on BPA-exposed murine during gestation

Aim: To evaluate the potential protective effects of mangosteen peel extract against BPA-induced abnormalities on-pregnant mice fetus at implantation stage and offspring at post-parturition. Methodology: Pregnant mice were orally administered with BPA (100mg kg-1 b.wt.) and mangosteen peel extract (200mg kg-1 b.wt.) for 16 days. In order to evaluate the effect of MPE treatment on fetus at implantation stage, the pregnant mice were euthanized at day 18 and the fetus number and morphology were examined. Another group of treated dams, were allowed to undergo parturition for evaluating the of maternal weight, litter size and offspring sex-skewness. Results: Upon feeding Mangosteen peel extract (MPE), the average daily weight gain of dams were not significantly different from the control and BPA treated dams. The fetus derived from BPA treated dams were detected with abnormalities such as under development, haemorrhage and absence of vein, whereas fetus from dam treated with MPE and BPA as well as control were normal. The average litter size of all the treatment groups were not significantly different from the control group. BPA treated mice had lower pups survival up to 6 weeks compared to the groups treated with MPE and control. Test of proportion analysis showed BPA-treated group had significantly higher fraction female ratio. Interpretation: BPA is known as endocrine disruptor causing oxidative stress to female reproductive system, hence mangosteen peel extract contains antioxidant substances that have the potential to ameliorate the adverse effects of BPA exposure on dams during pregnancy and its fetus development.

The effect of the feed additive Bioprotectin-KD on the productivity of dairy cows and the correction of the microbiota of calves

The results of tests of a new combined feed additive Bioprotektin-KD based on milk thistle extract with the addition of a complex of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to restore intestinal microbiota of animals are presented. Preclinical studies on the effectiveness of the feed additive were conducted on mice with experimental antibiotic-associated dysbacteriosis. Studies on the intestinal microbiota of mice revealed varying degrees of effect of different doses of feed additive on the recovery of resident microflora. The results of pre-clinical studies have proven the harmlessness, non-toxicity and efficacy of the feed additive. Clinical trials of the additive were carried out on productive animals. Its effect on the productivity of black-motley breed cows in a livestock farm in the Belgorod region was studied. The use of the functional feed additive Bioprotectin-KD had a positive effect on the milk productivity of black-motley breed cows. Cows in the experimental groups that received the feed additive had increased their milk yield per lactation by 209.41-499.01 kg compared to the control animals, which was 4.01-8.78%. The quality indicators of milk have increased. The composition of the microflora of the experimental (feed supplement recipients) and control calves was studied. It was found that the quantitative composition of probiotic flora in the intestines of young calves of the control group remained practically unchanged throughout the experiment. The number of indigeneous microflora (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) increased in the experimental animals. The content of lactic acid microorganisms in the experimental calves began to increase on day 6 of feed supplementation and reached physiological norm on day 30. The safety index of the product has been calculated. The use of the functional feed additive Bioprotektin-KD in conditions of a livestock complex has improved such production indicators as calf survival, average daily weight gain, and milk productivity of cows in the experimental groups of animals as compared to the control ones.

Effects of Dietary Incorporation of Grape Stalks Untreated and Fungi-Treated in Growing Rabbits: A Preliminary Study

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of untreated grape stalks (UGS) and fungi-treated grape stalks (Lentinula edodes, TGS) in rabbits’ diets. The control group was fed with a control diet without grape stalks (C), two experimental groups were fed on diets with 5% and 10% incorporation of UGS (5UGS and 10UGS), and two with 5% and 10% incorporation of TGS (5TGS and 10TGS). Rabbits fed with TGS diets showed higher daily weight gain (p = 0.034), feed conversion rate (p = 0.002), carcass weight (p = 0.038), and reference carcass weight (p = 0.03) when compared to the control diet. Moreover, animals fed with TGS diets showed an increase in the caecum (p = 0.015) and small intestine (p = 0.021) lengths and in the total volatile fatty acid content (p = 0.005) compared to animals fed UGS diets. Blood triglyceride levels were lower in animals fed with TGS diets compared to UGS (p = 0.005) and C (p ≤ 0.001) diets (12% and 19% lower, respectively), and a trend to lower cholesterol levels was observed (p = 0.071). Meat from rabbits fed with TGS diets had higher levels of linoleic acid, γ-linolenic, ∑ω-6, ∑PUFA, and ∑PUFA/∑SFA ratio compared to rabbits fed with the C diet. Results indicated that grape stalks (UGS and TGS) could be effectively used as an alternative raw material in rabbits’ diets without compromising animal performance.

Influence of feed additive with low degree of protein degradability on indicators of nitrogen metabolism in steers body during fattening

The development of beef cattle breeding and obtaining high-quality beef in Russia is currently one of the important tasks. The results of investigations on the influence of a feed additive with a low degree of protein breakdown on the efficiency of nitrogen use in the body of fattening steers and their productivity traits have been presented in the paper. The ration of steers included the feed additive as the source of hard-to-break down protein, which includes components of animal origin (feather fl our, fi sh meal, poultry waste), which have the high biological value of protein and its low degradation in the rumen. The feed additive was introduced into the daily ration at a dose of 1,5 g/kg of live weight. The accounting period of the experiment was 92 days. The degree of protein breakdown in the feed additive was determined on fistula animals in sacco, which was 55,2 %. The feed additive contains (%): 40–43 crude protein, 20–25 crude fat, 2,2 lysine, 1,9 methionine, 2,6 tryptophan, 1,5 calcium, 6,5 phosphorus. It has been found that the introduction of the protein additive with the low protein breakdown in the dose of 1,5 g/kg of live weight into the ration of steers had the positive influence on the indicators of the biochemical composition of blood, digestion in rumen, promoted better use of feed nitrogen and increased the productivity of fattening steers. There were significant differences in the increase in nitrogen deposition in the body of the experimental group of steerls by 29,5 %; the coefficients of nitrogen use from the feed consumed and from the digested increased by 5,57 and 7,71 abs.%, respectively. The average daily weight gain of the steers in the experimental group was 1102,17 g, which was 11,79 % higher compared to the animals of the control group that did not receive the protein additive. The research results indicate the effectiveness of the use of protein feed additive in the ration of young cattle during fattening.

Nutritional evaluation of differently processed plant protein sources on the performance of broiler chickens

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to assess four differently protein sources on performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty (250) day old unsex Anak 2000 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four differently processed plant protein sources i.e. cooked soybean, salt treated African locust bean and sprouted Bambara nut with groundnut cake (GNC) based diet as control, the treatments were replicated five times (12 birds per replicate) in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Results showed that daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were affected by different protein sources (p<0.05) at starter, finisher and overall phase. The carcass characteristics showed that live weight (1988-2160 g), slaughter weight (1610-1965 g) and plucked weight (1600-1814 g) were affected by different protein sources(p<0.05). The dressing percentage (83.31-86.25%) are not affected by different protein sources (p>0.05). The abdominal fat (0.61-0.64%), gizzard (1.61-1.77%), small intestine (40.80-43.20 cm) and large intestine (141.80-201.60 cm) were affected by the different protein sources (p<0.05). All the prime cuts were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the dietary protein sources. Total feed cost is highest in soya-bean based diet (N 379.30). The highest body weight (4.53 kg) is in soya bean-based diet. The feed cost per kg gain is highest in GNC based diet (N 158.34) and lowest in soya bean based diet (N 126.43). All the protein sources enhanced the growth performance of broiler chickens; however, soybean was more effective in enhancing the performance of broiler chickens.

Ferric citrate is a safe and digestible source of iron in broilers and piglets

Background Iron (Fe) is traditionally supplemented in poultry and swine diets using inorganic forms (e.g. sulfates, oxides). However, research suggests that organic sources are more beneficial due to greater bioavailability. In this paper, we present results from four studies aimed at assessing ferric citrate (CI-FER™, Akeso Biomedical Inc., Burlington, MA, USA) as a safe and effective source of Fe for broilers and piglets. Methods A total of four studies were performed in Germany following standard farming practices for each species. One study in day-old broiler chicks and one study in weaned piglets were designed as target animal safety studies where animals were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: a negative control group, the proposed dose group and a multifold dose group. Broilers and pigs were fed the experimental diets for 35 and 42 days, respectively. In each study, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured, and blood samples were taken at study end for routine biochemistry and haematology. The other two studies were designed to evaluate different sources of dietary Fe for weaned piglets bred and managed under standard farm conditions. All piglets received routine Fe injections (200 mg Fe dextran, intramuscular) on day 3 of age, as well as the experimental diets for 42 days. In both studies, performance parameters were measured. In one study, Fe digestibility and serum Fe, superoxide dismutase and haptoglobin were also measured. In all studies, the general health status of the animals was monitored daily and all culls and mortality recorded. Each study followed a complete randomised block design. Results In broilers, ferric citrate was well tolerated up to 2,000 mg/kg feed (×10 the recommended inclusion rate) and no adverse effects on growth, blood parameters or mortality were observed. In piglets, ferric citrate was well tolerated up to 5,000 mg/kg feed (×10 the recommended inclusion rate) with no adverse effects on growth, blood parameters or mortality. In addition, piglets fed ferric citrate performed significantly better than animals fed the negative control diet (containing only endogenous Fe) and those fed inorganic forms of Fe. Moreover, piglets fed ferric citrate demonstrated improved Fe digestibility and improved oxidative status. Altogether, these findings show that ferric citrate is a safe and easily digestible source of dietary Fe for broilers and piglets.

Assessment of Lung Disease in Finishing Pigs at Slaughter: Pulmonary Lesions and Implications on Productivity Parameters

Swine respiratory disease is associated with productive losses. We evaluated the prevalence of lung lesions with an emphasis on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mh), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), as well as the impact on productive parameters in 108 finishing pigs at slaughter. Pathologic, immunohistochemical (IHC) and serologic analyses were performed. Pneumonic processes were observed in 73.1% of the animals. They mainly consisted of cranioventral bronchopneumonia (CBP) (46.3%) and pleuritis (17.6%). Microscopically, bronchointerstitial pneumonia (67.4%) was common and was occasionally combined (27.9%) with interstitial pneumonia (IP). Mh and PCV2-antigens were detected in bronchointerstitial pneumonia (70.7%) and IP cases (33.3%). There were low titers against Mh (18%) and high titers against PRRSV (100%) and PCV2 (65%). Animals with CBP remained at the farm longer; those with >10% of lung parenchyma involvement were sent later (208.8 days old) and had a lower average carcass weight (74.1 kg) and a lower daily weight gain (500.8 gr/day) compared with animals without lesions (567.2 gr/day, 77.7 kg, 200.8 days old). We suggest that animals that do not reach the weight at slaughter should be sent to slaughter regardless to avoid further negative impacts of respiratory disease in productive parameters.