Effect of feeding Tephrosia bracteolate on the bioavailability of macro minerals in goat

Sixteen West African Dwarf Goats (8 bucks and 8 does) were balanced for age, sex and weight (average of 5.79±0.60 kg), to evaluate the effect of Tephrosia bracteolata (Tb) on macro mineral utilization. To examine the effect of Tephrosia bracteolata (Tb), different levels of Tb were used (Tb20, Tb40, Tb60 and Tb80). Ca absorbed (gm) ranged from 0.64 (Tb20) to 1.57 (Tb80) and Ca retention was from 0.62 (Tb20) to 1.56 (Tb80) which was partially linear. In both absorption and retention of Ca, Tb20 and Tb80 found the lowest (P<0.05) and the highest (P<0.05) value respectively. Like Ca, P also followed the same trend in case of retention and absorption as well. Concerning Mg, the lowest (0.41, 0.40) and the highest (0.67, 0.65) absorbed and retained value (g/day) was observed in Tb 20 and Tb 80 respectively. Tb80 showed significantly higher Na absorption than Tb20. In case of Na retention, Tb80 showed the highest (P<0.05) retention than other groups. In K absorption (g/day), increasing trends (P<0.05) were observed from Tb20 (0.44) to Tb80 (1.25). In case of retention, Tb80 found the highest (P<0.05) K retention than other groups. These positive balances of minerals result linearly appreciating with the increase of T. bracteolata in the diets which might be due to leguminous properties in T. bracteolata. T. bracteolata can be used as a roughage source for goats without any remarkable adverse or, side or ill effects which affect the well-being of animals feeding. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2020. 49 (2): 119-127

Nitrogen Sources and Iron Availability Affect Pigment Biosynthesis and Nutrient Consumption in Anabaena sp. UTEX 2576

Anabaena sp. UTEX 2576 metabolizes multiple nitrogen (N) sources and is deemed a biotechnological platform for chemical production. Cyanobacteria have been identified as prolific producers of biofertilizers, biopolymers, biofuels, and other bioactive compounds. Here, we analyze the effect of different N-sources and Fe availability on the bioproduction of phycobiliproteins and β-carotene. We characterize nutrient demand in modified BG11 media, including data on CO2 fixation rates, N-source consumption, and mineral utilization (e.g., phosphorus (P), and 11 metallic elements). Results suggest that non-diazotrophic cultures grow up to 60% faster than diazotrophic cells, resulting in 20% higher CO2-fixation rates. While the production of β-carotene was maximum in medium with NaNO3, Fe starvation increased the cellular abundance of C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin by at least 22%. Compared to cells metabolizing NaNO3 and N2, cultures adapted to urea media increased their P, calcium and manganese demands by at least 72%, 97% and 76%, respectively. Variations on pigmentation and nutrient uptake were attributed to changes in phycocyanobilin biosynthesis, light-induced oxidation of carotenoids, and urea-promoted peroxidation. This work presents insights into developing optimal Anabaena culture for efficient operations of bioproduction and wastewater bioremediation with cyanobacteria.

Effect of feed grade acidifiers on total tract mineral retention, intestinal pH and phytate utilization by broiler finisher chickens

Mineral chelators such as organic acids have been reported to compete favourably with phytate by forming soluble complexes with feed minerals. Effect of feed grade acidifiers on total tract mineral retention and intestinal pH of broiler finisher chickens was investigated. A total of 300-broiler finisher chickens were assigned to four treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated thrice with twenty chickens per replicate in a completely randomized design. The control treatment (T1 ) was fed the control diet adequate in available phosphorus at 0.5% while other treatments (T2 -T4 ) were fed sub-optimal available phosphorus diets at 0.4%. Three blends of acidifiers; Fysal®, Orgacid® and Acidomix® were supplemented in the diets of chickens in treatments 2, 3 and 4 at 0.1% (1kg per ton/feed). Chickens fed diet supplemented with Fysal® showed the best (P<0.05) results in total tract mineral retention 56.5+/-5.75 compared to the control and other treatments. The poor mineral retention i.e. 35 and 46% for calcium and phosphorus respectively by chickens fed the control diet was attributed to the insoluble phytate-mineral complex that limits mineral bioavailability. Intestinal segments of chickens fed acidified diets showed significant reduction (P<0.05) in pH in the range of 5.26-7.16 across duodenum to ileum compared to the control group 6.83-8.76. It is concluded that feed acidification at 0.1% improves mineral utilization in broiler chickens as it competes favourably with phytate in the lumen of the gut leading to better nutrient utilization.

Phytate Degradation, Transcellular Mineral Transporters, and Mineral Utilization by Two Strains of Laying Hens as Affected by Dietary Phosphorus and Calcium

Laying hens require less phosphorus (P) but markedly more calcium (Ca) in their diet than broilers. These differences may cause more distinct interactions with phytate degradation and utilization of minerals in laying hens than those in broilers. The objective of the study was to characterize intestinal phytate degradation, ileal transcript copy numbers of transcellular Ca and P transporters, and mineral utilization by two laying hen strains fed with standard or reduced levels of dietary Ca and P at the laying peak. The strains showed differences regarding several traits driving Ca and P metabolism along the digestive tract. Thus, the two strains may use different mechanisms to meet their respective P demand, i.e., via effective phytate degradation and transcellular transport. Clear effects of the Ca level on myo-inositol concentrations and mineral utilization revealed the significance of this element for the measured traits. The absence of P-mediated effects confirmed the findings of several studies recommending that P concentrations used in laying hen feeds are too high. Differences were noted between individuals within one treatment. The next step would be to evaluate the data in individual birds to identify birds that better cope with a challenging diet.

A Review of the Effect of Formic Acid and Its Salts on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Performance of Pigs

Out of the alternatives to antibiotics and zinc oxide, organic acids, or simply acidifiers, play significant roles, especially in ensuring gut health and the growth performance of pigs. Regarding acidifiers, formic acid and its salts have shown very promising results in weaning, growing and finishing pigs. Although it is known that the main mechanisms by which acidifiers can improve livestock performance and health are related to the regulation of gastrointestinal pH, an improvement in intestinal digestibility and mineral utilization, and their antimicrobial properties against specific pathogens has been observed, while poor consensus remains in relation to the effect of acidifers on bacteria and the complex microbiome. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to critically evaluate the effects of formic acid and its salts on the performance and the gastrointestinal microbiota balance of pigs.

Copper bioavailability, mineral utilization, and lipid metabolism in broilers

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of copper (Cu) sources and levels on mineral utilization, tissue copper residues, and lipid metabolism in Arbor Acres broilers. A total of 640 male broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 8 replicates per group and 16 broilers per replicate. The experiment was used in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial experiment design. Broilers in the control group were fed a basal diet, and animals in the other four groups were fed basal diets supplemented with Cu from copper sulphate and copper methionine. Copper concentrations of the experimental diets were 20 and 40 mg Cu/kg dry matter. A metabolism trial of 4 days was conducted during the last week of experimental feeding. Neither Cu source nor Cu level affected average daily gain, average daily feed intake or feed gain ratio (P &gt; 0.05). Broilers fed 40 mg Cu/kg diets had lower plasma cholesterol than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Copper supplementation decreased (P &lt; 0.05) plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but did not alter plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations or plasma triglyceride concentrations. Copper sulphate supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.05) liver Cu but did not alter pectorals Cu, heart Cu, tibia Cu and tibia P. Broilers fed 40 mg/kg Cu from copper sulphate had a lower (P &lt; 0.05) tibia Ca level. The concentration of liver Cu in the broilers fed copper methionine diets was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than that in those fed copper sulphate. Compared with copper sulphate (100%), the relative bioavailability value of copper methionine was 117%. In conclusion, the relative bioavailability of copper methionine obtained in this study was greater than that of copper sulphate. Copper plays an important role in plasma lipids and in the digestion of dietary Ca in broiler chickens.

In vivo effects of prebiotic sugar free Brazilian cerrado fruits jam

Purpose The purpose of this research is to develop and characterize a sugar-free Brazilian mixed fruit jam, containing marolo, sweet passion fruit and soursop, enriched with polydextrose and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and evaluate in vivo the effect of consumption of this product. Design/methodology/approach In total, 48 male rats were divided into six groups and fed a AIN-93M rodent diet supplemented with 10% jam enriched with different proportions of FOS and polydextrose. The effects on glycemic response, mineral utilization and fecal and histological characteristics were evaluated. Findings The addition of the jams enriched with the fibers in different levels based on current legislation, in the diet of the rats, for 30 days, did not affect significantly (p = 0.05) parameters such as daily mean consumption (DMC) and daily weight gain (DWG), fecal weight, mineral absorption, glycemic responses and glycemic index of the diets and histological parameters. Moisture and ether extract contents of the stool, however, were positively affect by these ingredients. These parameters were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in groups treated with FOS and polydextrose. Originality/value The sugar-free Brazilian mixed fruit jam besides to increase availability and add value to exotic Brazilian fruits could be an alimentary source of interest. However, more specific studies, aimed at questioning and confirming the optimal doses of prebiotics to normal and dysglycemic individuals and with longer duration, are needed.