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In order to increase the low-temperature resistance of Nile tilapia, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential effect of ω3 fatty acid incorporation in Oreochromis niloticus diet. To perform this, two experimental diets containing soybean oil (D1) and cod liver oil (D2) have been supplied to juvenile tilapia for 30 days. According to our results, similar improvements in the two diets have been recorded for growth performance of O. niloticus including the final body mass, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. Our results showed that fish fed with diet D2 promoted high polyunsaturated fatty acids mainly n-3 series (PUFA (n-3)) percent, highlighting the increased levels of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) as well as the activation of their conversion enzyme ratios D5D and D6D desaturases. The second objective was to assess the effect of the two experimental diets on low water temperature tolerance. This was done by exposing juvenile fish at the end of the first experiment to 16, 14, 12, 10, and 8 °C for 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. The sub-lethal LT

In the present study, we aimed to explore the interactive effects of high temperature (HT) and dietary crude protein (CP) levels on nitrogen (N) excretion, fecal characteristics, and growth performance of broilers. A total of 288 broilers (Arbor Acres) were divided into six groups with eight replicates (six broilers per replicate). Two temperatures (ambient temperature: AT, 23 °C; HT: 28 ~ 32 ~ 28 °C) and three diets (CP: 14.90%, 18.18%, or 21.19%, with equal amounts of essential amino acids) were examined in a 2 × 3 factorial design. The experiment arrangement was from 4 to 6 weeks of age. The results showed that HT led to a significant decrease in the N excretion (P 0.0001), average daily feed intake (P 0.0001), and weight gain of broilers (P 0.0001), while it markedly increased the fecal pH (P = 0.015), fecal moisture (P = 0.0014), uric acid (UA) contents (P = 0.0018), and feed/gain ratio (P 0.0001). A low CP diet significantly decreased the N excretion (P 0.001), fecal pH (P = 0.016), fecal moisture (P 0.0001), and UA contents (P 0.0001), while it markedly increased the feed/gain ratio (P 0.001). In conclusion, HT had a negative impact on the fecal characteristics and growth performance of broilers but showed positive effects on N excretion. Moreover, decreased CP levels had a positive effect on the N excretion and fecal characteristics in broilers.

The primary goal of this research was to elucidate the novel influence of Brachiaria decumbens supplementation on broiler chicken growth performance, nutritional digestibility, cecal microbiota, intestinal histomorphology, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A total of 300 male day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly subjected to six different treatment groups having five replicates per treatment with 10 birds in each replicate. In treatment 1, broiler chickens were fed commercial diets with no added additives; in treatment 2, broiler chickens were offered commercial diets containing 100 mg/kg of the antibiotic oxytetracycline. However, in treatments 3, 4, 5, and 6, broiler chickens received similar commercial diets supplemented with 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg of B. decumbens ground leaf powder, respectively, without antibiotics. Throughout the 42-day trial, the body weight gain and total feed intake for each replicate were recorded every week to determine the growth performance. Then, on 21th and 42nd day, ten broilers from each treatment (two in each replicate) were randomly selected and slaughtered to assess the digestibility of nutrients, histomorphology of the small intestine, the population of the cecal microbiota, carcass characteristics, as well as quality of both breast and drumstick muscle. There were differences (p 0.05) in the growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Animals supplemented with 25 mg/kg of B. decumbens had higher growth performance and better ileal nutrient digestibility of protein, fiber, and ether extract, as well as higher villi height and carcass percentage with superior meat quality. Besides, the growth of E. faecalis during the starter phase was inhibited. In summary, B. decumbens supplementation at 25 mg/kg may be suggested as an optimal dose of as a prophylactic as well as an alternative for antibiotic growth promoter in stimulating the productivity of commercial broilers. This unconventional phytobiotic supplementation could be the key to replacing unnecessary antibiotics used in poultry feed.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of coconut fruit pulp by-product (CPB) on the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal parameters of sheep. Five intact, male, non-descript lambs with a mean initial body weight of 25.5 ± 1.68 kg were assigned to a Latin square design (5 × 5) of five treatments consisting of CPB inclusion levels, in five proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% dry matter (DM), in diets consisting of sugarcane bagasse as forage, with corn and soybean meal. Each period lasted 15 days for adaptation followed by 6 days for data collection. The inclusion of CPB linearly decreased (P 0.05) the intake of DM, crude protein, non-fibre carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and DM digestibility. The inclusion of CPB linearly increased (P 0.05) the ether extract digestibility, but did not influence (P 0.05) the NDF digestibility. There was a linear reduction (P 0.05) in the absorbed nitrogen (N) and retained N (g/day); however, a quadratic increase (P 0.05) for N absorbed (% consumed) as well as ammonia nitrogen was observed. There was a quadratic increase (P 0.05) for propionate (mMol/L and %) and the ratio of acetate, propionate and butyrate (mMol/L and %) with the inclusion of CPB in the diet. Based on these findings, it was recommended to incorporate CPB up to the level of 5% in the diet of sheep.

The aim of the present study was to assess if weaning time (morning or evening) and feed provision (immediate or 4 h delayed) can influence growth performance and expression of juvenile lamb behaviour immediately after and at the age of 50-125 days old. Forty lambs were randomly assigned to 4 groups: E1 (evening + immediate), E2 (evening + delayed), M1 (morning + immediate) and M2 (morning + delayed). All lambs were especially active during the first hour after weaning. However, their activity within the first 24 h after weaning was mainly affected by their circadian rhythms, since lambs were more active during the day compared to night. On the other hand, no effect of alfalfa hay provision on lamb activity during these first 24 h was observed. At the age of 50-125 days old, body weight was measured, and an isolation and flight distance test was implemented. There were no significant differences among lambs in body weight, number of jumps and heart rates assessed during isolation test and flight distance. However, the number of vocalizations was lower (65-110th day, P 0.05) for the E2 compared to E1 lambs. Breed also slightly affected (95th day, P 0.05) the average heart rate of lambs, with greater values for Karagouniko compared to Chios lambs. It is concluded that no discernible effects of weaning or feeding time were observed on growth performance and the display of stress-induced behavioural components of juvenile lambs till the age of 125 days old.

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing dietary soybean meal with peanut meal, on intake and digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and nitrogen balance in lactating cows. Twelve crossbred Holstein × Gyr cows at 84 days in milk (DIM) were distributed in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square. The treatments consisted of increasing peanut meal levels (0, 330, 670, and 1000 g/kg dry matter basis) in replacement of soybean meal in the diet. Replacing soybean meal with peanut meal had no effect on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients. Nitrogen balance and percentage of retained were similar among treatments. Microbial nitrogen synthesis and microbial protein synthesis efficiency were similar among treatments. Thus, in regions where its cost is lower, peanut meal can totally replace soybean meal in dairy cow diets without affecting nitrogen balance and microbial protein synthesis.

Ensiling of high-moisture agro-industrial wastes with dry roughage as animal feeds may be a secure way to reduce the feeding cost. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of either sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with ground corncobs and used as a replacement of maize silage or maize fodder in total mixed ration (TMR) for fattening of buffalo calves. Twenty male calves of Nili-Ravi buffalo (aged 14 ± 2 months weighing 133 ± 5 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four iso-nutritious (12% CP and 69% TDN) experimental diets with 50:50 forage to concentrate ratio (dry matter basis) as: (1) TMR maize silage, (2) TMR sugarbeet pulp ensiled with corncobs, (3) TMR citrus pulp ensiled with corncobs, and (4) TMR green maize fodder with wheat straw. All calves received TMRs for ad libitum intake twice daily for 80-day period. Daily feed intake, fortnightly body weights, and digestibility and N balance study during last 15 days were recorded of individual animals. The calves fed TMR sugarbeet pulp silage got highest daily gain (856 g/d, P 0.05) than citrus pulp silage (776 g/d) or green maize fodder (704 g/d). Average intake of nutrients was same among all the calves. Feed conversion ratio and digestibility of DM, NDF, and ADF were higher (P 0.05) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage compared to other TMRs. Economic benefit (output/input) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage had 15.46, 34.27, and 37.36% higher effect for fattening of buffalo calves compared to citrus pulp silage, green maize fodder, and maize silage-based TMRs, respectively. In conclusion, sugarbeet pulp ensiled with ground corncobs is simple and appropriate method for silage making and its inclusion up to 50% of DM in TMR had pronounced economic impact to the production of buffalo calves.

This study aimed to explore the effects of corn silage (CS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, digestive system length, and some meat quality traits of geese. A total of 35 19-week-old Turkish indigenous male geese with similar body weight were randomly divided into five groups with individual pens of seven geese per group and fed for 84 D. The treatments were composed of a basal diet (100% concentrate feed) without corn silage (0CS), 10% CS + 90% concentrate feed (10CS), 20% corn silage + 80% concentrate feed (20CS), 30% corn silage + 70% concentrate feed (30CS), and 40% corn silage + 60% concentrate feed (40CS). Dietary CS supplementation did not affect growth performance, dressing percentage, liver and gizzard weights, digestive system length of geese, and the organoleptic quality characteristics of meat. The 0CS and 20CS geese had a higher instrumental hardness value than other treatment geese (p 0.05). Also, the 40CS group had the lowest hardness value (p 0.05). Adhesiveness value was lower in the 0CS group compared to all silage treatments (p 0.05). Gumminess value was lower in the 40CS group compared to the control group (p 0.05). The 10CS treatment reduced the L value of thigh and breast meat compared with those of the other treatments (p 0.05). The a and b color values and pH values of breast and thigh meats were not affected by dietary CS supplementation (p 0.05). Fat content of the meat decreased in the 30CS treatment compared to 0CS (p 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that corn silage could be used up to 40% in the Turkish goose variety diet, without affecting the performance and meat quality, and thus, geese can be produced more economically.

The economic feasibility of replacing corn grain with by-product from biscuit manufacture (BBM) as an energy source in the diet for purebred and crossbred native lambs raised in feedlot was evaluated. Four production systems were developed based on nutritional management and genetic groups: (PS

Bioactive fatty acids present in goat milk have the ability to reduce the risks of coronary heart disease in humans, and condensed tannins (CT) can modulate the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) biohydrogenation process in the rumen and consequently increase the levels of these fatty acids. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the inclusion of CT in the diet for Canindé, Repartida, and Saanen goats to increase the level of bioactive fatty acids in milk. Twenty-two lactating does of three genetic groups, six Canindé, eight Repartida, and eight Saanen, were randomly assigned in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of three genetic groups and two diets (control and with 50 g CT/kg DM). The inclusion of CT in the diet did not change (P 0.05) nutrient intake and performance. However, the inclusion of CT promoted an increase (P 0.05) in C14:1; cis-9; C18:2n6; C18:3n6; C18:3n3; PUFA; and long-chain fatty acids and reduction (P 0.05) of C11; C12; C14; ω6/ω3; and atherogenicity index in milk fat. Thus, it is recommended to include CT in the diet for Canindé, Repartida, and Saanen goats to increase the level of bioactive fatty acids in milk. The inclusion of the tannins of Acacia mearnsii promoted an increase in C14:1; cis-9; C18:2n6; C18:3n6; C18:3n3; polyunsaturated fatty acid; and long-chain fatty acids and reduction of C11; C12; C14; ω6/ω3; and atherogenicity index in milk fat.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of residual feed intake (RFI) on the histological, physical and mechanical characteristics of the sheep skin confined in full sun or shade. Dorper sheep (n = 64), male, with an initial bodyweight of 17.8 ± 2.43 kg was confined for 40 days to determine the RFI. After classification, 30 animals with positive RFI and 30 animals with negative RFI were selected, which were distributed in 2 confinement environments. This was a factorial arrangement of 2 (groups of animals?positive RFI and negative RFI) × 2 (environments?full sun and shade), with 15 animals for each combination of factors. The sheep remained in confinement for 60 days. After slaughter, skins were divided in half, and fragments were collected from the right portion for histological sections. The left part of each skin was subjected to tanning. Interaction effect RFI × environment was found in the evaluation of leather fragments in the horizontal direction on elongation at break, leather thickness and tear strength (p < 0.05). An isolated effect of the environment was found on elongation at break of leather fragments in the evaluation on the vertical direction (p = 0.01) and on the number of secondary follicles during the histological evaluation of the dorsal and lateral regions of the skin (p < 0.05). An effect of the interaction RFI × environment was observed for the thermostatic layer of the hip region (p = 0.03). Sheep with positive RFI and kept in confinement in full sun have a leather with greater elongation at break and tear strength, important aspects in determining the quality of the product by the leather industry. Made available in DSpace on 2022-09-27T13:07:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Histological-and-physicalmechanical-characteristics-of-the-skin-2022.pdf: 985765 bytes, checksum: 3233358cea43e87f72b9aac5cbd80a49 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2022

Essential oils, extracts, their components, and other non-antibiotic beneficial additives are becoming increasingly popular as naturally occurring immunomodulatory agents. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a blend (hereafter refers to as ImmunoMax (IMX)) of peppermint, coneflower, thyme, propolis, and prebiotic on performance, immune response, hematological indices, and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens. A total of 300 day-old broiler male chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: control (A) (not treated), 0.25 mL/L (B), 0.5 mL/L (C), and 1 mL/L (D) supplementing drinking water with IMX on alternate days, starting at day 21. The results demonstrated a higher body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) in groups B, C, and D (P 0.05) with no significant difference in FCR. The results also revealed a superior immune response to NDV, IB, and IBD (P 0.05), albeit no constant linear response. The largest portion of the heterophil, the smallest amount of the lymphocyte, and therefore the highest heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (H:L) were observed in the control group, while the lowest ratio belonged to groups B and C (P 0.05). Hemoglobin content, hematocrit, total number of red blood cells (RBC), and white blood cells (WBC) were also affected by IMX, showing a significant rise compared to the control group (P 0.05). Administering 0.25 mL/L of IMX resulted a higher thigh and breast yield as well as the smallest amount of abdominal fat (P 0.05). The serum content of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) was superior in groups receiving 0.25 and 0.5 mL/L of IMX; these treatments also yielded an inferior content of glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), LDL, and VLDL, in addition to causing the highest content of HDL (P 0.05). The results obtained in this study revealed the immunomodulatory efficacy of a standardized natural multidrug, IMX, thereby improving the performance and carcass yield of modern broiler chickens with the optimal dosages of 0.25 and 0.5 mL/L.

This work was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a postbiotic compound produced by stabilized non-viable Lactobacilli on the health, growth performance, immunity, and gut status against Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge of broiler chickens. A total of 400, day-old broiler chicks were allocated into 4 equal groups (1–4) consisting of 100; each assigned into 2 equal replicates (50 each). Chickens in the 1st group were received the dry form of the compound at doses of 1 kg and 0.5 kg/ton feed for starter and grower, and the finisher diets, respectively. Chickens in the 2nd group were given the aqueous form of the compound in a dose of 4 mL/L of the drinking water during the first 3 days of life and at a day before and after each vaccination. Feed and water treatment regimens were administered to chickens in the 3rd group. Group 4 was kept without treatment. Each bird in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group was challenged with E. coli (O78) at 1-week-old. All groups were kept under observation till 5-week-old. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and other methods as described with significant differences at P ≤ 0.05. The results indicated that feed and water treatments with the postbiotic compound induced more significant (P ≤ 0.05) amelioration of a disease picture, enhancement of growth performance, boosting of immune response, improvement of bursa of Fabricius/body weight ratio, and reduction of intestinal coliform count in challenged chickens when compared with challenged non-treated chickens. In conclusion, the postbiotic compound either in a dry and/or an aqueous form is recommended for improving the health, performance, and immunity of colisepticaemic broiler chickens.

The present study determined the effect of supplementing palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA) on the nutrient intake, digestibility, and serum metabolites of dairy cows fed two different starch levels during the postpartum period. Forty-four multiparous Holstein cows were used in a completed randomized block based on their parity and previous milk yield. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 arrangement with two dietary starch levels (HS: 260 g/kg of diet dry matter (DM) vs LS: 210 g/kg of diet DM) and two fat supplements rich in PA or SA at 15 g/kg of diet DM. Increasing the starch concentration of the postpartum diet improved organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and starch intake. Moreover, HS diets resulted in higher apparent digestibility of OM and CP but lower starch digestibility than LS diets. Feeding HS diets increased fecal starch output compared with LS diets. There was starch levels and FA supplements interaction for serum albumin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), with higher concentrations in HSSA and LSPA compared to HSPA and LSSA. Significant correlations between performance and blood metabolites were observed in weeks 3 and 4. In week 3, a negative correlation was observed between serum TAC with milk protein (r = - 0.51) and lactose percentage (r = - 0.49) in the HS diet. However, non-esterified FA was correlated with the fat to protein ratio in the LS diet (r = 0.54). Moreover, in week 4, serum TAC was negatively related to the body condition score of the cows fed LS diet (r = 0.50), while there was no relationship for cows fed HS diets. In conclusion, feeding HS diets to postpartum cows increased nutrient intake and the digestibility of OM and CP compared with LS diets. The addition of SA to the HS diet may be more beneficial than PA in improving the oxidative status of dairy cows in the postpartum period.

In this research, the effect of mixed feather bioactive peptides (MFBPs) added in water, on intestinal health, meat quality, and plasma cholesterol level of broiler chickens, was evaluated. A total of 80 day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly divided into two treatments with four replication pens. The dietary treatments were the drinking water with no additives (control) and drinking water containing 50 mg/L of MFBPs. Live weight and feed intake were measured at the end of starter (1-10 days), grower (11-24 days), and finisher (25-36 days) periods by calculating the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. The results indicate that body weight gain was greater (P 0.05) in birds that received MFBPs in the final period. At 24 days of age, the villus height and muscle layer thickness in different parts of the intestine were higher in birds that received bioactive peptides but epithelial thickness was lower than that in control birds (P 0.05). In addition, the administration of MFBPs decreased (P 0.01) serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein in broilers. Supplementation with MFBPs significantly reduced (P 0.01) the malondialdehyde (MDA) amount in the thigh muscle. In conclusion, using the MFBPs in the diet of broilers could improve meat quality, cholesterol concentration in serum, and gut health.

Licuri cake (LC) is an interesting alternative nutritional component for high-grain diets for ruminants due to its high protein (21.6% CP), fat (12.0% EE), and fiber (62.8% NDF) contents. We investigated the effect of increasing levels of LC inclusion on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, and carcass traits of cull cows fed high-grain diets. Forty Zebu cows with an initial weight of 318 ± 38.1 kg, at 105 months of age, were confined in collective stalls and fed (ad libitum) a diet containing 0, 50, 100, or 150 g/kg LC on a diet dry matter (DM) basis. Licuri cake inclusion induced quadratic responses (P 0.05) in the intakes of DM (9.57 kg/day at 97.8 g/kg LC), crude protein (CP; 1.02 kg/day at 91.7 g/kg LC), and total digestible nutrients (6.68 kg/day at 75.2 g/kg LC). The digestibility of DM, CP, and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly (P 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and rumination efficiencies increased linearly (P 0.05) with the inclusion of LC in the diet. The inclusion of LC did not influence (P 0.05) on daily weight gain, hot carcass weight, or back fat thickness in the carcass. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of up to 150 g/kg LC in high-grain diets for feedlot cull cows.

Although chemical additives are able to improve the efficiency of ruminal fermentation, they can leave residues in the meat. However, a blend of secondary metabolites can improve ruminal fermentation without harming the population welfare. Five levels (0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 g/day) of a blend of secondary metabolites from mesquite extract in sheep feed to promote increases in the nutritional value, ruminal parameters, nitrogen (N) use efficiency, microbial protein (MP) synthesis, and blood metabolites. Ten intact male Santa Inês sheep with average body weight of 55 ± 9.81 kg were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design, replicated twice. There was a quadratic response of the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). Microbial protein concentrations, MP synthesis efficiency, propionic acid levels, and acetic/propionic acid ratio also showed a quadratic response. The blend promoted a quadratic effect on plasma glucose and lactate levels. On the other hand, it decreased the concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen, plasma urea, and plasma cholesterol. It is recommended to supply a blend of secondary metabolites at 3.43 g/day.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of substitution of Siris foliage with alfalfa forage in the diet of fattening lambs on digestibility, fermentation, and growth performance of fattening lambs. In the present experiment, 27 eight-month-old Arabi lambs (6 ±3 1.3) with an initial weight of 28.8 ± 1.99 kg were used in a completely randomized design. The effect of experimental diets on dry matter intake was not significant; however, had a significant effect on the intake of NDF, ADF, and crude protein (P

This study evaluated the nutritive value of signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf R. D. Webster) and sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.), and animal performance in grass monoculture pastures and in silvopastoral system (SPS) in the early development stage, in the Agreste of Pernambuco. Four treatments were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications: signalgrass + Eucalyptus spp.; signalgrass + sabiá; signalgrass monoculture and sabiá monoculture. Holstein × Zebu crossbred calves (170 ± 15 kg BW) were managed under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate (SR). The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of signalgrass and sabiá were assessed, as well as forage allowance (FA), stocking rate (SR), average daily weight gain (ADG) and weight gain per area (WGA) over eleven evaluation cycles (March 2019 to January 2020). Signalgrass had the highest DM contents in March 2019 and January 2020 (456 and 507 g kg

This study research was carried out to determine the effects of the supplementation of maca powder at different levels to the diet on performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical constituents and hormone concentrations, bone biomechanical properties and ileum histomorphology in Japanese growing quails. In the study, a total of 480 day-old and mixed sex Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed to six treatment groups with four subgroups. Experimental diets were formulated by adding 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/kg maca powder to the basal diet. At the end of the experiment, the body weight and body weight gain increased linearly with the addition of maca powder up to 1.0 g/kg to the diet, feed conversion ratio was also linearly affected and improved significantly at 1.5 g/kg compared to other groups. While the treatments did not affect the slaughtering parameters except for testis weight, testis weight improved linearly with addition of increased levels of maca powder. In female quails, albumin level of the serum decreased linearly with the addition of maca powder to the diet, while in males, triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased linearly, and albumin, calcium, phosphorus levels were also affected quadratically.While serum hormone concentrations were not affected by the treatments in females, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising-hormone were quadratically affected in male quails, and testosterone concentrated linearly with increased levels of maca, and also reached the highest value at 2.5 g/kg. Shear force and shear stress were positively affected by the addition of maca powder up to 1.0 g/kg to the diet, while negatively affected by higher maca powder levels. Villus height, villus width, crypth depth, and villus surface area increased linearly with the administration of maca powder at increased levels to the diet, and the best result was obtained at the level of 2.0 g/kg in these parameters. According to the results obtained from the present research, it can be said that the addition up to 2.0 g/kg maca powder to growing quail diets could be improve performance, serum hormone concentrations, bone biomechanical traits, and ileum parameters.

The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of sesame meal bioactive peptides (SMBP) individually or in combination with a mixture of savory (Satureja khuzestanica) and thyme (Thymus daenensis) essential oils (STEO) on growth performance, carcass, jejunal morphology, and cecal microbial composition of broiler chickens. A total number of 250-day-old male Ross broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments with 5 replicates per each. Dietary treatments were a corn-soybean meal diet as control; control diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of Bacitracin as antibiotic (A); 3 g/kg of SMBP; 0.5 g/kg of STEO; and a combination of 3 g/kg of SMBP and 0.5 g/kg of STEO. Results indicated that inclusion of SMBP + STEO in diet improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during 11 to 24 days (P 0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effect on the carcass characteristics and internal organs. In jejunal morphology, the villus length (VL) and the ratio of VL to crypt depth (CD) were greater in birds which received SMBP + STEO diets, while CD was lower in broilers fed with SMBP + STEO diet (P 0.05). Inclusion of SMBP in combination with STEO increased viable count of Lactobacillus while the population of E. coli decreased in birds fed with SMBP + STEO diet (P 0.05). According to the results of this experiment, it can be concluded that dietary SMBP in combination with STEO had positive effects on the growth performance, jejunal morphometric indices, and cecal microbial composition of broiler chickens.

In the present study, we determined the potential effects of ellagic acid and mesocarp extract of Punica granatum on the productive and reproduction performance of laying hens. Five treatment groups were setup: (1) control group (without ellagic acid), (2) 50 mg of ellagic acid, (3) 100 mg of ellagic acid, (4) 200 mg of ellagic acid, and (5) mesocarp extract of P. granatum. All the groups were investigated for feed intake, body weight, egg production, egg quality, fertility, hatchability, antioxidant status of serum and liver, lipid peroxidation, and antibacterial activities. Egg production, feed intake, and bodyweight were significantly increased (p 0.05) with 100 mg of ellagic acid and P. granatum extract while no significant effect was observed on albumen and yolk weight, yolk index, yolk color, egg-shape index, and Haugh unit. Both ellagic acid and P. granatum extract significantly improved hatchability while 100 and 200 mg/kg of ellagic acid numerically decreased fertility. Besides, ellagic acid (100 mg/kg) and P. granatum extract significantly decreased malondialdehyde concentration and increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and total superoxide dismutase in serum and liver samples of laying hens (p 0.05). The lipid peroxidation was decreased among the treatment groups, with 100 mg of ellagic acid and P. granatum extract showed the best activity. Moreover, ellagic acid demonstrated strong killing activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus while it was ineffective against methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Our results conclude that ellagic acid and P. granatum promoted egg production, hatchability, and antioxidant enzyme activities of the laying hens.

A 42-day study was conducted to consider the effect of composite enzyme (Natuzyme

The objective of this study was to identify the main technologies used in the management of ruminant grazing. We developed a review protocol in which the search terms were previously tested and based on the PVO strategy to determine the guiding question (population [P]: domestic ruminants; variables [V] of interest: grazing management technologies; and outcomes [O]: intake, performance, and productivity of animals raised exclusively on pasture). The guiding question was the following: What technologies are used in the grazing management of domestic ruminants on pasture? The databases used were SCOPUS (Elsevier), SciELO Citation Index, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library, and the search was carried out until October 15, 2021. The search identified 2683 research articles; however, only 43 were considered eligible and included due to their methodological robustness for data extraction. The most commonly used species were Lolium multiflorum and Lolium perenne (20%), Panicum maximum (18%), and Brachiaria brizantha (14%). The most widely used grazing methods were continuous grazing (53.4%) and intermittent grazing (39.5%). Among the technologies, the most widely adopted were pasture height (55.8%) and herbage allowance (11.6%). The most frequent sampling methods were the use of a ruler (37.2%) and measuring stick (13.9%) to measure the height, and clipping with a frame (18.6%) to measure herbage allowance. The animals used in the included studies were cattle (n = 1335), sheep (n = 839), and goats (n = 41). Pasture height and herbage allowance were the most widely used grazing management technologies, with the data concentrated mainly in Brazil, in studies with continuous grazing by cattle.

This study was an attempt at the analysis of the Zambia cattle population, its production systems and management practices using data collected during the 2017/2018 livestock and aquaculture census. The Public User Microdata Sample dataset provided by the Central Statistics Organization were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Traditional system and free range grazing were found to be the main production system and feeding practices (97.2%). Despite large expanse of arable land, crop and fodder production, there was poor integration with cattle production system thus predisposing the animal to poor productivity due to inadequate nutrition. The management practices were found to be limiting and a hindrance to improved performance. The study revealed diverse cattle genetic resources comprising of local and exotic breeds, and their crosses at different genetic proportions. The local breed crosses were mainly directed at exotic beef breeds (and evidence of crosses with exotic dairy breeds) as smallholder farmers tend to improve on the production performances and productivity. Disease prevalence was high and had been an impediment to the growth of the cattle industry. It was clear that cattle production development must be anchored on a value chain system approach. Efforts aimed at capacity building should be targeted at the smallholder farmers with the bulk (93.5%) of the cattle population. This should include impacting farmers with husbandry skills through provision of elaborate livestock extension services aimed at integrating crops and fodder production in feeding practices, communal grazing management and adequate access to veterinary services to control disease prevalence. Value addition and market development would be helpful in unlocking the potential of the beef meat and milk products industry.

The present study evaluated the effect of supplementation alpha-linolenic fatty acid source (ALA) with different rumen undegradable to degradable protein ratios [low ratio (LR) = 26:74; high ratio (HR) = 36:64 based on CP%] on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score, animal feeding behavior, and urinary purine derivatives (PD) in young lambs during hot season. Forty 10-day-old lambs (averaging body weight of 7.9 ± 0.8 kg) were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement as following treatments (10 lambs/treatment): (1) no n-3 FA supplementation with LR diet (NALA-LR), (2) no ALA supplementation with HR diet (NALA-HR), (3) supplementation of ALA with LR diet (ALA-LR), and (4) supplementation of ALA with HR diet (ALA-HR). Results showed that ALA supplementation slightly increased feed efficiency (FE; tendency, P = 0.076), improved fecal score (P = 0.045), and reduced rectal temperature (tendency, P = 0.064) during pre-weaning period. The HR diets improved average daily gain (ADG; P 0.01), wither height (post-weaning; P = 0.015), and final BW (P = 0.048) compared with LR diets. The greatest ADG (pre-weaning; P = 0.012), structural growth, and the lowest urinary nitrogen exertion (P = 0.043) were found in the ALA-HR treatment. No change was found for ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and animal behavior in lambs fed different experimental treatments. In summary, results indicated that concurrent feeding of ALA and high dietary RUP:RDP ratio can be recommendable that is likely due to more efficient nitrogen utilization when young lambs are raised during hot season. HIGHLIGHTS: • The interaction of n-3 FA and nitrogen was evaluated in pre-weaning lambs raised under heat condition. • Supplementation of n-3 FA increased FE and improved fecal score in heat-exposed lambs during pre-weaning period. • The high RUP:RDP ratio improved skeletal growth during post-weaning period. • Concurrent feeding of n-3 FA and high dietary RUP:RDP ratio is recommendable in young lambs raised during hot season.

In this study, we evaluated the feeding behavior of Girolando steers on Brachiaria brizantha cultivar Marandu pastures. Twenty-two animals with an average initial weight of 209.09 ± 8.18 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three seasons and two nutritional plans (NP)) with 11 replicates, as follows: rainy season 1 (NP1, mineral mixture ad libitum, and NP2, nitrogen/energy supplement [2 g.kg

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of increasing levels of red propolis extract (RPE) on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, rumen parameters, metabolic parameters, and performance of feedlot lambs. Thirty-five uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs with an initial weight of 17.08 ± 2.36 kg were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 7, 14, 21, or 28 mL RPE/animal/day). The animals were confined for 68 days. Red propolis extract induced a negative quadratic response (P 0.05) in the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and metabolizable energy. The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber, as well as the rumen concentration of NH

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, feed intake, carcass traits, and economic aspects of cattle fed different levels of supplementation during the growing phase (mineral supplementation-MS; low protein supplementation-PS, at 0.15% of body weight (BW); and a high protein-energy supplementation-PES at 0.40% of BW) and finished on the pasture with concentrate supplementation at 1.6% of BW. Ninety bulls were distributed in a completely randomized design and allocated into paddocks predominantly composed of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu grass. During the finishing phase, cattle were managed in paddocks of Urochloa decumbens grass. The average daily gain (ADG) and total weight gain during the growing phase were not different between animals fed PS (0.670 kg/day; 57.1 kg, respectively) and PES (0.730 kg/day; 62.4 kg, respectively), but both differed significantly from those supplemented with MS (0.540 kg/day; 45.1 kg). There was no difference between groups for average daily gain and total weight gain during the finishing phase (0.600 kg/day; 48.3 kg) and the same response was observed for carcass yield (55.18%, on average). However, bulls fed PES had higher hot carcass weight compared with those supplemented with MS and PS. Protein supplementation (0.15% of BW) and protein-energy supplementation (0.40% of BW) improved beef cattle performance during the growing phase. However, supplementation during the growing phase has a small impact on cattle performance in the finishing phase, although protein-energy supplementation at the growing phase improves the hot carcass weight and carcass traits during the finishing phase.

The aim of this study was to verify that Caragana korshinskii Kom. (CK) as a component of sheep forage influences lamb digestibility and rumen fermentation by altering the rumen microbial community. Hence, 12 female Tan sheep were allocated into 2 groups: receiving (CK group) or not (control group) 10% of the diet forage fraction with CK. During the 60-day experiment, growth performance, apparent digestibility, rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and nitrogen balance were measured. Meanwhile, the rumen bacterial community diversity and composition were detected by the 16S rRNA sequence. The results indicated that the apparent digestibility of acid detergent fibre (ADF) tended to be higher (0.05 P P alfalfa, the composition and abundance of the rumen microbial community were altered in the CK group, and the phylum Firmicutes, which is involved in promoting fibre digestion, increased in abundance. Moreover, VFAs tended to decrease (0.05 P P Fibrobacter spp., which are cellulolytic ruminal bacteria associated with VFA production.

Direct measurement of dry matter intake (DMI) presents a major challenge in estimating gross feed efficiency (GFE) in dairy cattle. This challenge can, however, be resolved through the prediction of DMI and GFE from easy to measure traits such as milk production (i.e. milk yield, energy-corrected milk (ECM), butterfat, protein, lactose) and live weight (LW). The main objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the feasibility of predicting dry matter intake and gross feed efficiency for first-parity Holstein cows using milk production traits and LW. Data comprised of 30 daily measurements of DMI and milk production traits, and 25 daily LW records of a group of 100 first-parity Holstein cows, fed a total mixed ration. Gross feed efficiency was calculated as kg ECM divided by kg DMI. The initial step was to estimate correlations of milk production traits and LW with DMI and GFE, to identify the best potential predictors of DMI and GFE. Subsequently, a forward stepwise regression analysis was used to develop models to predict DMI and GFE from LW and milk production traits, followed by within-herd validations. Means for DMI, butterfat yield (BFY) and LW were 21.91 ± 2.77 kg/day, 0.95±0.14 kg/day and 572±15.58 kg/day, respectively. Mean GFE was 1.32 ± 0.22. Dry matter intake had positive correlations with milk yield (MY) (r = 0.32, p < 0.001) and LW (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001) and an antagonistic association with butterfat percent (BFP) (r = -0.55, p < 0.001). On the other hand, GFE was positively associated with MY (r = 0.36, p < 0.001), BFP (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) and BFY (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001), and negatively correlated with LW (r = -0.23, p > 0.05). Dry matter intake was predicted reliably by a model comprising of only LW and MY [R2 = 0.79; root mean squared error (RMSE) = 1.05 kg/day]. A model that included BFY, MY and LW had the highest ability to predict GFE (R2 = 0.98; RMSE = 0.05). Live weight and BFY were the main predictor traits for DMI and GFE, respectively. The best models for predicting DMI and GFE were: DMI (kg/day) = -54.21 - 0.192 x MY (kg/day) + 0.146 x LW (kg/day) and GFE (kg/day) = 4.120 + 0.024 x MY (kg/day) + 1.000 x BFY (kg/day) - 0.008 x LW (kg/day). Thus, daily DMI (kg/day) and GFE can be reliably predicted from LW and milk production traits using these developed models in first-parity Holstein cows. This presents a big promise to generate large quantities of data of individual cow DMI and GFE, which can be used to implement genetic improvement of feed efficiency.

This study evaluated the effect of amino acids balanced at a specific lysine ratio with exogenous protease supplementation and reduced CP levels in the broiler diet. In total, 480 straight-run broiler chicks (Ross-308) were used for the study. A completely randomized design in the factorial arrangement was applied, with 4 treatments of 6 replicates with 20 birds each. Treatments consisted of 2 lysine ratios (100% and 110%; factor 1) without or with exogenous protease supplementation (200 g/ton; factor 2). Twenty percent reduction of CP from standard requirements of Ross-308 (18.4% vs 23% in starter and 17.2% vs 21.5% in grower phase) was made in all the treatment diets. Growth performance (feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, livability), carcass traits (live and carcass weight, carcass yield, heart, liver, gizzard, leg quarter, breast weight, and abdominal fat percentage), gut morphology (villus height, crypt depth, and villus height and crypt depth ratio), and serum metabolites (total protein, albumin, and uric acid) were evaluated. A significant interaction (p ≤ 0.05) for lysine ratio and protease was noted in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and gut morphology throughout the experimental period yet a non-significant (p0.05) influence was observed on serum metabolites. It was concluded that the broiler diet with a net reduction of 20% CP from Ross-308 standards, balanced for amino acids at lysine ratio 110% and supplemented with exogenous protease, could be used to improve growth performance, intestinal health, and carcass traits.

An experiment was conducted to see how replacing soybean meal with chickpea grains (CHPE) affected the performance, milk production, digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, and blood metabolites of Awassi ewes. Thirty Awassi ewes with an initial body weight of 53.2 ± 2.31 kg and aged between 4 and 5 years were selected and randomly assigned to different feeding treatments (10 ewes per diet). Dietary dry matter (DM) was (1) 0 g/kg CHPE (CON); (2) 150 g/kg CHPE (CHPE150); and (3) 300 g/kg CHPE (CHPE300). The costs of these diets were determined using current ingredient prices. The experiment lasted 9 weeks. During the trial, ewes and their lambs were kept in individual pens. Daily nutrient intake was monitored. Every 2 weeks, the body weight (BW), milk output, and composition of the ewes were measured. In comparison to the CON diet, adding the CHPE to the experimental diets lowered feed costs (US$) per ton by 11% for CHPE150 and 21% for CHPE300. The CHPE300 group had a lower (P 0.05) consumption of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than the CHPE150 group, while the CON group had the highest (P 0.05) intake of NDF. The intake of ether extract (EE) (g/d) was higher (P 0.05) in the ewes fed the CHPE300 compared to the ewes fed CHPE150, and it was lowest in ewes fed the CON diet. When the ewes were fed the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets, the total solids (g/kg) in each kg of milk produced per day was higher (P 0.05) than when they were fed the CON diet. The cost per kg of milk produced by the ewes was lowered (P 0.05) when the CHPE was added to their diets. When the ewes on the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets were compared to the ewes on the CON diet, crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher (P 0.05). The EE digestibility was higher (P 0.05) for the CHPE300 group, while the CHPE150 group had an intermediate outcome. The CHPE300 group had lower amounts of N in their feces and urine (P 0.05) than the other groups. The retention of N (g/100 g) in the ewes fed the CHPE300, and the CHPE150 diets was higher (P 0.05) than in the ewes fed the CON diet. As a result, the current research demonstrates that part of soybean meal and barley grain could be replaced with chickpeas in the diets of lactating Awassi ewes.

Dietary inclusion of Amarula oil cake (AOC) in pig diets can ease pressure of relying on non-native feed sources and benefit the swine industry. The study was conducted to determine the growth performance of Windsnyer pigs fed increasing levels of AOC. Twenty-five clinically growing male boars with an initial body weight of 19.92 ± 8.74 kg were used in the study that lasted 6 weeks. All pigs were allocated to diets in a completely randomised design. Five experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg DM of AOC. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), scaled average daily feed intake (SADFI), scaled average daily gain (SADG) and body weight (BW) were calculated weekly. The diet affected ADFI, ADG, FCR and SADG (P 0.05). Scaled average daily feed intake was not affected by the diet (P 0.05). There was a significant interaction between AOC inclusion and weeks of feeding on ADFI, ADG and FCR (P 0.05). Age of pigs decreased FCR quadratically (P 0.001). A quadratic relationship between ADFI and increasing levels of AOC was observed (P 0.05). Average daily gain, FCR and SADG decreased linearly with increasing AOC levels (P 0.05). Using the broken stick analyses, the maximum inclusion of AOC was 102.17 g/kg DM. Amarula oil cake can be incorporated in diets of Windsnyer pigs up to 100 g/kg DM without constraining growth performance.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the sustainability of the grazing and feeding resources of the sheep in Kashmir, India. The study was conducted in the Ganderbal District of Kashmir to evaluate sustainability, along with the scenario of grazing pattern and feeding system of the sheep during the non-migratory period. The district was divided into three production zones based on altitude, i.e., zone I (high altitude), zone II (medium altitude), and zone III (low altitude). A total of 360 sheep farmers were interviewed from the three zones that consist of 9 blocks, with 40 sheep farmers interviewed from each block. Majority of the sheep farmers (75.00%) follow a semi-migratory type of production system, use forest, and low-mountain areas for grazing purposes (48.88%) and were having medium to high availability of grazing lands. The main feeding source available to majority of the sheep farmers (60.00%) was found to be crop residues and fodder grasses, with local markets (60.00%) and fellow farmers (71.11%) being the main source of procuring concentrates and fodders. Hybrid entropy and TOPSIS method were used for the evaluation of sustainability of grazing and feeding system in the area. The most influencing factors for sustainability of grazing pattern and feeding source were found to be production system followed and the major feed sources available respectively. Most of the variables included in the grazing system were ideally best in zone I and of feeding system were found to be ideally best in zone III. There is a need for improvement in the parameters of the grazing pattern in zone III, i.e., in low-altitude areas or planes where grazing lands are shrinking at an alarming rate. The parameters under the feeding system need due consideration in zone I, i.e., in the high altitudes where the socio-economic situation of the people is comparatively poor than the other two zones.

Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of Tifton hay by Miúda cactus cladodes (Nopalea) or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes (Opuntia) on serum and liver concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in feedlot small ruminants. The experiment 1 (Exp. 1) lasted 86 days, and thirty-six male Santa Inês lambs (22.0 ± 2.9 kg initial body weight-IBW) were used. In experiment 2 (Exp. 2), lasting 100 days, thirty-six male goats of undefined breed (19.0 ± 2.8 kg IBW) were used. In both studies, the animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments (diet control-without cactus; and diets with hay partially replaced by Miúda or O.E.M. cactus cladodes) and twelve replicates. Blood samples were collected to quantify serum micromineral levels, and at the end of the feedlot periods, sheep and goats were slaughtered and liver fragments were collected for micromineral dosage. In Exp. 1, lambs fed Nopalea cactus cladodes diet showed greater hepatic Cu accumulation (441.87 mg/kg DM; P = 0.027). The diets containing cactus cladodes tended to increase serum levels of Cu (P = 0.075) and Zn (P = 0.058). In Exp. 2, goats fed diet containing Opuntia cactus cladodes presented higher serum levels of Fe (P = 0.024) and Cu (P = 0.012). In conclusion, the partial replacement of Tifton hay by cactus cladodes increases hepatic concentrations of Cu in lambs and serum levels of Fe and Cu in goats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) levels on performance characteristics (feed intake, FI; body weight gain, BWG; and feed efficiency, FE), energy balance (retained energy, RE; metabolizable energy ingested, MEI; heat production, HP; and energy retention efficiency, ERE), and the expression of genes related to acid-base balance, nutrient absorption, and transport in broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 245 male Cobb chickens were used in a completely randomized design with five DEB levels (110, 175, 240, 305, and 370 mEq/kg) and seven replicates of seven birds each. The inclusion of DEB levels influenced FE; 110 mEq/kg provided the better values for this characteristic both in the pre-initial phase and in the initial phase but was different only concerning 175 mEq/kg (1-7 days) and 240 mEq/kg (1-21 days). Birds that ingested diets with a level of 240 mEq/kg of DEB had a higher MEI and HP. This DEB level caused a lesser and greater expression of the SLC12A2 gene in the liver and the ATP1A1 gene in the intestine, respectively. On the other hand, the ATP1A1 gene was less expressed in the liver and kidney of broilers supplemented with 370 mEq/kg compared to a level of 110 mEq/kg. In general, a level of 110 mEq/kg DEB in the ration seems to be the most suitable for good performance, energy balance, and gene expression of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age.

Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural product containing soluble fiber that is indigestible in the gastrointestinal tract and has been used as a traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as intestinal inflammation, kidney disease, and liver disorders, which may be reflected in the improved performance of broiler chickens when used. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of GA on the performance, immune system, visceral organs, functional tests, and histological changes of the ileum, liver, and kidneys of broilers. A total of 432 1-day-old male broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% GA) for 35 days. Performance, internal organs, and blood biochemical indices were measured. Morphology and histometry of the intestine were also performed. Meanwhile, tissues of the ileum, liver, and kidney were examined and evaluated microscopically to observe histological changes. All levels of GA (0.12 to 1.0%) had a positive effect on growth performance and feed conversion ratio. In addition, GA had no effect on the relative weight of lymphoid and visceral organs, except for a linear response in the bursa and liver. The levels of GA (0.12 and 0.25%) showed the potential to decrease serum uric acid, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase. The remarkable increase in small intestinal morphology of chickens fed GA and an increase in all histometric values of the ileum. All histological changes in the intestine, liver, and kidneys improved in chickens fed the basal diet containing 0.12 to 0.50% GA. These results provide useful evidence for the potential use of GA powder (Acacia senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve performance and intestinal, liver, and kidney health in broiler chickens.

Aiming at the sustainability of meat production, insects can replace traditional ingredients in the diet of poultry. Studies evaluating performance in birds have emerged to ensure this ability, but few address the health parameters of animals. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of Madagascar cockroach meal in traditional diets on hematological and histopathological traits of meat-type quails. The inclusion of Madagascar cockroach meal in the diet was evaluated in four levels: 0%, 6%, 12%, and 18%. Observations for hematological and histopathological traits from 6 repetitions on each group were recorded for both sexes at 35 days of age. Hematological parameters were not influenced by Madagascar cockroach inclusion on diet and quail's sex. Red and white blood cells count were within the normal range for poultry. No significant findings were observed during the histopathological evaluation of the pancreas, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Liver fatty degeneration was visualized in all treatments in the same intensity. Quail's diets containing up to 18% insect meal during the growth period did not affect the studied health parameters, so the Madagascar cockroach meal could be considered as an alternative to a protein ingredient for poultry production.

The current trial was carried out to evaluate the impacts of adding licury cake (Syagrus coronata) in high-concentrate diets for goat kids feedlot-finished on growth performance and metabolic parameters. Forty crossbred non-castrated Boer goat kids with approximately four months and similar initial live weights (20.15 ± 2.79 kg). The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized, with four diets (0, 10, 20, and 30% of licury cake inclusion in a dry matter basis (DM)). Licury cake inclusion decreased nutrient intake and digestibility (P 0.05). Times spent in feeding (P 0.001) and rumination (P = 0.003) activities, number of events in feeding (P 0.001) and idling (P = 0.015) increased, whereas a linear reduction occurred in feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and neutral detergent fiber (P 0.001). Nitrogen (N) intake, retained N (P 0.001), triglycerides concentrations (P = 0.002), aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase decreased with the licury cake inclusion (P 0.05). Final body weight (P = 0.008), average daily gain (P = 0.001), and total weight gain (P = 0.001) decreased linearly when licury cake was included in diets. High-concentrate diets containing increasing levels of licury cake decrease intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients and performance when supplied for goat kids feedlot-finished. Therefore, the inclusion of the studied levels of licury cake in goat kids fed high-concentrate diets is not recommended for feedlot-finished systems.