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1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of equol (4ʹ,7-isoflavandiol; a bacterial polyphenol metabolite which is an isoflavandiol oestrogen metabolised from daidzein from plants) enriched eggs from free-range hens fed different pasture species. Four species were tested: red clover, white clover, ryegrass and chicory. 2. The study was conducted from June to September 2017 on eight free range, outdoor areas, each containing fifteen laying hens and sown with a single pasture species 3. Precursors of equol (daidzein, formononetin) were analysed every fortnight from the fresh pasture cover in each area, as well as equol and daidzein levels in eggs. 4. Daidzein and formononetin concentrations in the fresh pasture samples differed significantly according to species (P

1. The grain drying process may affect the feeding value of maize but until now, no general consensus has been reached. This knowledge is essential to manage maize nutritional value in feed and ensure optimal growth performance of broiler chickens. 2. A total of 72 male Ross 308 were used in a complete randomised block design to assess the effect of initial moisture content (MC) at harvest (high or low MC after the appearance of the black layer) and drying temperature (54°C, 90°C or 125°C) on the apparent faecal digestibility and the AMEn value of two maize grain types (flint and flint-dent varieties). Moreover, the relationship between

1. This study assessed the impact of drying temperature (54, 90, and 130°C) and maize grain moisture content at harvest (36% and 29%) on in vitro digestibility, the growth performance and ileal digestibility of broiler chickens. 2. In contrast to the results from the in vitro digestibility, apparent ileal digestibility of starch and energy decreased when the drying temperature was raised from 54 to 130°C, and this effect was more pronounced in maize grain harvested at high initial moisture content (36%). Ileal protein digestibility of maize grain decreased significantly when dried at the intermediate temperature (90°C) and with a high harvest moisture content (36%). Drying temperature and initial moisture content did not significantly affect AMEn. 3. When maize was dried at 130°C, the particle sizes of flour recovered after standard milling procedures decreased significantly, which would influence animal growth performance and in vivo digestibility through animal feed selection.