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The present study demonstrates the vermistabilization of paper mill wastewater sludge (PMS) spiked with cow dung (CD) employing indigenous epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus Perrier. A total of six treatments were prepared along with a positive control (PC) and negative control (NC). Twenty earthworms were released into each treatment including PC and NC without earthworms. The different proportions viz., T1 (CD – 100%), T2 (PMS:CD – 1:3), T3 (PMS:CD – 1:2), T4 (PMS:CD – 1:1), T5 (PMS:CD – 3:1), T6 (PMS:CD – 2:1), PC (PMS – 100%) and NC (PMS – 100%) and changes in chemical parameters and microbial properties were recorded during the course of 60 days. Vermistabilization caused a significant decrease in the level of heavy metals: Cd (2.9–27.8%), Cu (0.22–42.3%), Pb (1.3–56.3%) and Cr (0.8–46.2%). The bioconcentration factor (BCFs) was also calculated and great amount of heavy metals accumulated in their body (mg kg−1) that ranged from 0.31 ± 0.003–0.45 ± 0.007 for Cd, 0.12 ± 0.005–0.24 ± 0.003 for Cu, 0.15 ± 0.005–0.31 ± 0.006 for Pb and 0.29 ± 0.007–0.56 ± 0.001 mg kg−1 for Cr, accumulation of heavy metals are in the order: Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu. The physicochemical parameters of earthworm treated substrate such as electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium were significantly increased; whereas, pH, total organic carbon, C:N ratio (carbon: nitrogen) and C:P ratio (carbon: phosphorus) were reduced after 60 days of vermistabilization. The vermistabilized materials also had a higher population of bacteria (98.90 ± 0.30 CFU × 106 g−1), fungi (43.75 ± 0.55 CFU × 103 g−1) and actinomycetes (67.65 ± 0.45 CFU × 105 g−1) than initial mixtures. Moreover, several histopathological changes were observed in earthworm tissues viz., disintegration of cells, irregular surface of epidermis, cellular debris, irregular cellular compartmentation, and oval-shaped nucleus. Higher level of histopathological abnormalities was recorded in PC (PMS-100%) while none were detected in lower concentrations of PMS. Furthermore, the study concludes that the paper mill sludge in a mixture of cow dung (1:1 ratio) can be a useful proposition for utilizing this hazardous waste through the adoption of vermitechnology.

The interactions between earthworms and microorganisms activity has prompted several researchers to evaluate the potential of artificially inoculating vermicomposts with additional specific microbes, with the intention of enhancing the vermicomposting process. This study evaluated the potential of inoculating fly ash (F)-cow dung-paper waste (CP) mixture (F-CP) with a specialized microbial cocktail called Effective micro-organisms (EM) during vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida earthworms. Inoculation with EM alone did not result in significantly (P>0.05) different changes in C/N ratio and dissolved organic matter (DOC) compared to the control with no EM and E. fetida. A significant interaction between EM and E. fetida presence resulted in greater changes in C/N ratio and DOC, which were not statistically different from the E. fetida alone treatment. It was also noteworthy that the activity of s-Glucosidase was not influenced by the presence of EM, but was significantly influenced (P=0.0014) by the presence of E. fetida. However, the EM+E. fetida treatment resulted in a rate of weekly Olsen P release of 54.32mgkg(-1) which was 12.3%, 89.2% and 228.0% more that the E. fetida alone, EM alone and control treatments, respectively. Similarly, though higher in the E. fetida plus EM treatment, the phosphate solubilizing bacteria counts were not significantly different (P>0.05) from the E. fetida alone treatment. It is concluded that inoculation of F-CP composts with EM alone may not be beneficial, while combining EM with E. fetida results in faster compost maturity and significantly greater Olsen P release. It would be interesting to evaluate higher optimized rates of EM inoculation and fortifying EM cocktails with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on F-CP vermicompost degradation and phosphorus mineralization.

Pulp and paper mill effluents (PPMEs) have been shown to increase gonad size, cause early maturation, and disrupt hormone functions in native and non-native Chilean fish. In this study, we assessed reproductive (plasma vitellogenin; VTG, gonad development) and metabolic (ethoxyresorufin-. O-deethylase activity; EROD) end points, relative liver size (LSI) and condition factor (K) of juvenile female and male rainbow trout exposed to effluents. Unlike previous studies, which have focus either on the specific effects of effluent on fish in laboratory exposures or biotic population statuses downstream of discharge sites, we simultaneously assessed the impacts of PPMES on trout using two approaches: (1) laboratory exposures of tertiary treated PPME produced from processing Eucalyptus globulus or Pinus radiata; and (2) in situ bioassay downstream of the combined discharge of the same pulp mill. Despite an increase in the average gonadosomatic index (GSI) in exposed fish, no statistical differences in gonad size between exposed and unexposed individuals was detected. However, both female and male fish exposed to effluents showed significantly higher concentrations of plasma VTG, so more in fish exposed to Eucalyptus-based effluent when compared to Pinus PPME. In addition, male fish showed intersex characteristics in all exposure assays (Eucaliptus and Pinus) and, despite the low concentration of effluent in the river (

Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) with cowdung (CD) and green manure plants, Tephrosia purpurea (TEP) and Gliricidia sepium (GLS) in different combinations (21 days pre-decomposed) was carried out using Eisenia fetida (60 days). Results revealed that electrical conductivity, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and N NO3- levels were higher in vermicomposts generated from PMS + CD with TEP/GLS combination than in composts prepared without earthworms; while total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and organic matter content depicted significant reduction. C/N and C/P of final vermicompost ranged from 13.45 to 22.33 and 15.54 to 28.56 respectively. The total microbial population was significantly higher in CD + TEP/GLS vermicomposts (P

Blood samples from 34 workers at a pulp and paper mill and from 14 control persons were analysed for 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs. There were no statistically significant differences in total lipid-adjusted PCDD/PCDF concentrations, expressed as toxic equivalents, in blood plasma between the potentially exposed bleaching plant or paper mill workers and the controls. The mean level was 61 pg/g I-TEQ in bleaching plant workers, 60 pg/g I-TEQ in paper mill workers and 49 I-TEQ pg/g in controls. Regarding the concentrations of individual isomers, however, there was an indication that the blood plasma concentrations might be affected by the living and working environment.

The impact of utilizing chopped computer and bond paper as a litter material on growth performance of broilers reared to market age was evaluated. In the first experiment, broilers were placed in pens at 10 birds per square meter, and four different litter treatments were used; 1) 100% chopped computer and bond paper (CCP); 2) a mix of 75% CCP and 25% wood shavings (WS); 3) 50% CCP and 50% WS; 4) 100% WS. Experiment 2 evaluated the same treatments, but with densities of 14 birds per square meter. Litter treatments had no effect on body weight gain, feed consumption, conversion, or mortality for either of the two experiments. No differences were found for percentage litter moisture among treatments. Chopped computer and bond paper alone or mixed in different percentages with WS can be used as an alternate litter material for rearing broilers as long as there is good waterer management, especially with open watering systems. These systems may have the tendency to increase the incidence of litter caking.

Roughage plays a vital role in ruminant diets. This review considered the effects of roughage in diets for newly received cattle, the physical and physiological effects of roughage in feedlot cattle diets, the use of NDF as a means of assessing the roughage value for feedlot cattle, and potential alternatives to traditional roughages and roughage feeding practices. In newly received, stressed cattle, a meta-analysis from trials conducted at a single location indicated that receiving period morbidity (percentage of cattle pulled and treated for bovine respiratory disease) decreased slightly as roughage level increased. Nonetheless, increasing roughage level decreased receiving period ADG and G:F; therefore, unless cattle are able to compensate at later stages of the feeding period, the small decrease in morbidity with added roughage might be offset by decreased performance. For growing-finishing cattle, a meta-analysis indicated that intakes of DM and NEg increased linearly as dietary NDF concentration increased over a range of approximately 7.5 to 35% NDF. Both roughage and total dietary NDF were effective for determining the relative value of different roughage sources to achieve equal DMI in beef feedlot diets. Fiber in by-product feeds, such as wet corn gluten feed and distillers grains, dilute grain starch and might have the ability to substitute, in part, for traditional roughage; however, NDF concentration of these by-products is not an effective measure of roughage equivalency. Altering methods of roughage delivery, such as feeding a lower level of dietary roughage with intermittent delivery of additional dietary roughage or coarser forms of roughages that stimulate chewing or alter digesta passage rate, might provide a means of decreasing overall roughage use without compromising animal health and performance, but research is needed to test the merits of these approaches. Significant research questions remain to be addressed before we fully understand the chemical, physiological, and physical roles of roughage in feedlot diets.

Self-monitoring has traditionally been done using a paper record, which can be tedious and burdensome. A personal digital assistant (PDA) with dietary software can provide an alternative to a paper record. The study aimed to describe the differences in dietary changes at 6 months between participants randomly assigned to use a paper record or PDA for self-monitoring in a clinical trial of weight-loss treatment. Self-monitoring adherence and changes in weight and diet were assessed between 2006 and 2009. The sample (n=192) was 84% female and 78% white, with a mean age of 49 years and body mass index (calculated as kg/m(2)) of 34.1. At baseline, the groups did not differ in energy intake, percent calories from fat, and number of servings of the examined food groups. At 6 months, both groups had significant reductions in weight, energy intake, and percent calories from total fat and saturated fatty acids (P

This paper described physiochemical characteristics of the pH curve of saliva that accompanied escape of CO(2) and that was recorded by a previously reported method. Monthly sample of the resting saliva was collected by a small paper slip from five adults (59.9+/-16.5 years old) over 36 months. The pH curves were examined to represent differences in secretion characteristics among individuals. The following results were obtained: (1) Three variables, pH(1), Delta pH(I), and Delta pH(L), that represent a saliva pH curve indicated secretory characteristics of each individual since the intra-individual variance of them was significantly smaller than the inter-individual variance. (2) These values (mean+/-S.D.) obtained from five adults were 7.03+/-0.54, 0.24+/-0.21, and -0.10+/-0.12, and those obtained from 663 young adults (21.7+/-2.4 years old) were 7.14+/-0.44, 0.26+/-0.23, and -0.08+/-0.13. (3) A characteristic about amplitude of the Delta pH(I) of each individual was maintained over 36 months under the healthy condition. Seasonal variation of the three pH variables and their statistical distribution were also investigated.

PCDD and PCDF measurements were made on selected retail milk products, including paper packaged milk samples, covering all known paper carton suppliers in the state of California during 1989. Significant levels of 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) and 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were found in the paper packaged milk in all brands investigated except one. All other 2,3,7,8 substituted PCDFs and PCDDs were either not detected or detected at very low levels. Two non 2,3,7,8 substituted TCDFs were consistently detected in the contaminated milk samples. Using the mean concentration of 2,3,7,8 TCDF and TCDD detected and assuming a 480 ml daily consumption of milk for an adult, we estimated that the milk represented an additional 2.3 pg/kg/day of TCDD equivalent exposure based on the California toxic equivalence (CA TE), but only a 0.56 pg/kg/day increase using the International TE (ITE). The lifetime cancer risk was calculated to be 470 10 6 (CA TE) and 80 10 6 (ITE). Monitoring of retail milk products continued during 1990 but 2,3,7,8 TCDD and 2,3,7,8 TCDF were either not detected or detected at very low levels in all products investigated.

The suitability of recycled paper chips (RPC), formed by completely reprocessing waste newspaper, as litter material for rearing broilers was investigated in two successive trials. In Trial 1, broilers were reared in pens prepared with a 9-cm layer of either unused RPC or pine shavings (PS). In Trial 2, broilers were reared in pens prepared by adding 3 cm of clean RPC or PS to used litter of the same type remaining from Trial 1. Mortality, BW, feed consumption and conversion, carcass yield, and incidences of breast blisters and leg abnormalities were not influenced by litter treatments. Litter moisture was greater in RPC during Week 3 of Trial 1, but did not differ between treatments at other times during either trial. Litter caking was greater in RPC throughout Trial 1, but did not differ between treatments during Trial 2. Populations of aerobic, psychrotrophic, and coliform bacteria, and fungi (yeasts and molds) in the two litter types did not differ during the rearing period of either trial. Populations of aerobic bacteria and fungi were greater in unused PS, and fungi populations were greater in used PS prior to initiation of Trial 2. Populations of psychrotrophic bacteria were greater in used PS 6 days after bird removal in Trial 2. Generally, RPC are comparable to PS and have potential as an alternative litter material for rearing broilers.

The toxicity of pulp and paper mill effluents was estimated by exposing rainbow trout to the effluents in situ during four seasons. The experiments were carried out using one control group and three test groups at different distances from the discharge. After a 10-day exposure mainly hematological parameters were determined from the caged fish. The caging site affected most of the 15 parameters analyzed (blood Hct, MCHC, erythrocyte, and leucocyte counts; plasma gluc, prot, urea, Ca2+, Mg2+). Some changes were detected even at the farthest caging site, 8 km from the discharge. The time of year strongly influenced the results. Seasonal variation exceeded the variation caused by caging site. In addition, the season influenced the responses of rainbow trout to the effluent in many parameters. None of the responses detected were observed in all the experiments. The only significant changes in the median values of the parameters from the caging experiments were a decrease in the plasma Mg2+ and an increase in the plasma K+ concentration.

Rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) fingerlings were exposed to sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in semistatic LC 50 tests for 48 h in dechlorinated Helsinki tap water and water from Lake Vatia (21 km downstream from a kraft pulp mill). Fish were also exposed for 17 days to Lake Vatia water after which an acute exposure to sodium hypochlorite was made, for which physiological samples were analyzed. The 48 h LC 50 of bleached kraft pulp mill effluent was 35%. The 17 days' caging period in the recipient water 21 km downstream from the mill caused disturbances in osmotic regulation, depletion of liver glycogen and inhibition of liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. The gills of the exposed fish were microscopically examined. The epithelium of the secondary lamellae in the NaClO exposed gills was thicker than in the controls (48 h LC 50 0.35 mg Cl 2 /l) and the lamellae were curled with constricted blood spaces. The gill epithelium of fish exposed to NaClO in water from Lake Vatia was swollen and vacuolized (48 h LC 50 0.09 mg Cl 2 /l). The gills of fish exposed to 20% pulp mill effluent as well as the gills of fish acclimatized for 17 days in Lake Vatia water were quite normal in structure. However, after hypochlorite exposure the gills of the pre-acclimatized fish were almost totally destroyed (48 h LC 50 0.07 mg Cl 2 /l).

The suitability of three types of recycled paper products for use as broiler litter was studied in three trials using a total of 9,600 broilers. Litter, consisting of hardwood sawdust (SD) as a control, shredded newspaper (SN), processed newspaper (PN), or processed cardboard (PC), was placed in each of four replicate pens in the first trial and reused in subsequent trials. Body weights at 28 and 49 days were significantly influenced by treatment with broilers reared on SN weighing more than SD controls. Broilers on PC were the lightest. Statistically, the PN broilers were heavier than SD broilers at 28 days but similar to controls by market age. Feed conversion was improved with SN at 28 days but did not differ by 49 days. Mortality was not significantly affected by litter material. The moisture content of paper litters was numerically higher than that of the SD control with significantly greater litter caking occurring in the paper litters. However, only broilers on PC had a greater incidence of breast blisters. Overall and total disease condemnation were not influenced by litter material. Skin color scores were improved with the PN treatment.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the response of bobwhite quail chicks when reared in pens with and without brooding paper. Half the chicks in each experiment was brooded Days 1 to 7 on brooding paper, which covered the litter within a brooder ring. The other half was brooded on either new or reused litter without paper. Results of all three experiments showed a consistent trend of higher 1-week body weights and lower cumulative 1 to 3 week mortality when birds were reared in pens without paper. Overall, no net performance advantages were found for rearing quail with brooding paper at the termination of the 3-week trials.

Introduction This study investigated the effects of a beet nitric oxide enhancing (NOE) supplement comprised of nitrite and nitrate on cycling performance indices in trained cyclists. Methods: Subjects completed a lactate threshold test and a high-intensity interval (HIIT) protocol at 50% above functional threshold power with or without oral NOE supplement. Results: NOE supplementation enhanced lactate threshold by 7.2% (Placebo = 191.6 ± 37.3 W, NOE = 205.3 ± 39.9; p = 0.01; Effect Size (ES) = 0.40). During the HIIT protocol, NOE supplementation improved time to exhaustion 18% (Placebo = 1251 ± 562s, NOE = 1474 ± 504s; p = 0.02; ES = 0.42) and total energy expended 22.3% (Placebo = 251 ± 48.6 kJ, NOE = 306.6 ± 55.2 kJ; p = 0.01; ES = 1.079). NOE supplementation increased the intervals completed (Placebo = 7.00 ± 2.5, NOE = 8.14 ± 2.4; p = 0.03; ES = 0.42) and distance cycled (Placebo = 10.9 ± 4.0 km, NOE = 13.5 ± 3.9 km; p = 0.01; ES = 0.65). Also, target power was achieved at a higher cadence during the HIIT work and rest periods (p = 0.02), which enhanced muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) recovery. Time-to-fatigue was negatively correlated with the degree of SmO2, desaturation during the HIIT work interval segment (r = −0.67; p 0.008), while both SmO2 desaturation and the SmO2 starting work segment saturation level correlated with a cyclist's kJ expended (SmO2 desaturation: r = −0.51, p = 0.06; SmO2 starting saturation: r = 0.59, p = 0.03). Conclusion: NOE supplementation containing beet nitrite and nitrate enhanced submaximal (lactate threshold) and HIIT maximal effort work. The NOE supplementation resulted in a cyclist riding at higher cadence rates with lower absolute torque values at the same power during both the work and rest periods, which in-turn delayed over-all fatigue and improved total work output., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Beet nitric oxide enhancing supplementation comprised of inorganic nitrite and nitrate, but relying predominately on nitrite for nitric oxide production, improved lactate threshold power by 7.2% compared to placebo in trained cyclists and triathletes. • Beet nitric oxide enhancing supplementation increased the total number of work intervals completed while improving time to exhaustion 18%, the total energy expenditure expended during high intensity intervals 22.3%, and the total cycling distance completed 23.9% compared to placebo. • Beet nitric oxide enhancing supplementation improved performance by allowing each subject to maintain interval power targets at higher cadences and lower absolute torque which in turn enhanced SmO2 recovery during the rest intervals. • A beet nitric oxide enhancing supplement with an appropriate concentration of inorganic nitrite can be an effective ergogenic aid, and response faster than a nitrate supplement.

Summary This study aimed to investigate the effects of modified-dietary fiber from cassava pulp (M-DFCP), mostly classified as insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), as a feed supplement on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, weight of digestive organs, abdominal fat storage, and cholesterol in meat and blood of broiler chickens. A total of 336 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to 4 groups in 7 replicate pens with 12 chicks each, based on a completely randomized design. Four dietary treatments composed of control and 3 M-DFCP inclusion levels: 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%. The results showed that M-DFCP showed no negative effects on growth performance in broiler chickens. The inclusion of M-DFCP in diets at 1.0 to 1.5% had positive effects on increased gizzard weight, reduced gizzard pH, and reduced abdominal fat. The M-DFCP at 1.0% can also increase nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, and ether extract). In addition, the supplementation of M-DFCP at 1.0 to 1.5% in diets represented lower cholesterol in serum, breast and thigh meats, and liver of broiler chickens. In conclusion, these results indicate that M-DFCP can be used as an IDF source in broiler diets. The inclusion of 1.0% M-DFCP in broiler diet has positive effects on enhancing gizzard function, improving nutrient digestibility, and reducing abdominal fat and cholesterol in chicken meat, blood, and liver.

This study was carried out to assess the degradation and accumulation rates of fresh human excreta and how addition of anal cleansing materials affect performance during vermicomposting by Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae. Vermicomposting setups consisting of two transparent containers (length 0.27 m, breadth 0.17 m and depth 0.12 m) stacked on top of each other were installed and operated under laboratory conditions. Earthworms, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae, were obtained from Green Cycle Technologies Limited in Accra, Ghana and the species verified and cultured before use. Fresh human excreta for feeding the experimental setups was collected from an Enviro-loo public toilet and 13 g applied to the setups daily. Similar setups were fed with 0.3 g of anal cleansing material in addition to the fresh excreta. A setup without any earthworms (NW) was set up as a control. Physicochemical characteristics of vermicompost accumulating in the setups were determined weekly for 28 days using standard laboratory procedures while the sludge accumulated in the various setups were weighed and recorded daily. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc LSD tests were conducted to determine whether the differences in results between the two earthworm species and among setups with and without anal cleansing materials were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The study showed 12.3% and 26.2% reduction in volatile solids in EE (Eudrilus eugeniae and excreta only) and EF (Eisenia fetida and excreta only) while ash content increased indicating good degradation. The percentage mass reductions recorded at the end of the fourth week were 67.5%, 58.8% and 40.5% in systems EE, EF and NW respectively, while reductions of 73.7% and 68.5% were realized in EEA (Eudrilus eugeniae with excreta and toilet paper) and EFA (Eisenia fetida with excreta and toilet paper) respectively. There was greater amount of sludge accumulated in systems without earthworms, 0.00020 m3 (59.5%) in NW, than in systems with earthworms where 0.00011 m3 (32.5%) and 0.00014 m3 (41.2%) were recorded for EE and EF respectively. The rate of accumulation in vermibeds EE and EF was relatively higher than in vermibeds with excreta and toilet paper (EEA and EFA). EEA and EFA recorded accumulation rates of 0.00009 m3 (26.3%) and 0.00011 m3 (31.5%) respectively. Complete removal of helminth eggs was not achieved in any of the treatment systems.

Green biorefineries provide novel opportunities to use the green biomass efficiently and utilize the ecosystem services provided by grasslands more widely. The effects of the inclusion of fractionated grass silage solid fraction (pulp) on feed intake, rumen fermentation, diet digestion and milk production in dairy cows were investigated. Pulp was separated from grass silage using a screw press simulating a green biorefinery. Partial removal of liquid from forage increased DM concentration from 220 to 432 g/kg and NDF from 589 to 709 g/kg DM while CP decreased from 144 to 107 g/kg DM. A feeding trial using an incomplete changeover design with 24 Nordic Red cows and two 3-week periods was conducted. The pulp replaced grass silage in the diet at 0 (P0), 25 (P25) and 50 (P50) percentage of total forage, which was fed ad libitum with 13 kg of concentrate for all treatments. The forage DM intake was highest on P25 (14.1 kg/day) while P0 and P50 did not differ from each other (13.2 and 13.0 kg/day, respectively). There were no differences between the treatments in rumen pH or ammonia N, but the proportion of acetate increased with increasing pulp inclusion. The digestibility was measured using acid insoluble ash and indigestible NDF (iNDF) as internal markers. Neither of the markers detected differences in NDF digestibility, but according to iNDF, apparent total tract organic matter digestibility decreased with increasing pulp inclusion. The cows maintained milk production at P25, but it showed some decline at P50 (energy-corrected milk at P0 and P25 was 39.8 kg/day while for P50, it was 38.5 kg/day, P = 0.056) and the milk protein yield significantly declined with higher pulp inclusion. Simultaneously, the nitrogen use efficiency in milk production increased. It seems that the fibrous grass-based fraction from a biorefinery process has potential to be used as a feed for ruminants.

There are instances where shell eggs may be moved from refrigeration into ambient temperature with high humidity, such as before wash and during transportation. Under these conditions, it is of concern that bacteria on wet eggs can grow and migrate through the shell pores into the egg. Objectives of this experiment were: 1) to compare 3 methods of quantifying condensate on eggs and 2) to quantify condensate on refrigerated shell eggs at 2 temperatures (22°C and 32°C). For objective 1, 270 fresh shell eggs (3 replications, 90 eggs per replication) were stored at 4°C, 60% relative humidity (RH), then placed at 22°C, 60% RH for 1 h. After this time, 30 pre-weighed eggs were randomly selected and weighed. Thirty eggs were thoroughly wiped with pre-weighed paper towels to collect condensate. Thirty eggs were evaluated with a pinless moisture meter for quantifying egg condensate, which was found to be an ineffective method. There was no difference in quantifying egg condensation by egg weight or weight of moisture absorbed on a paper towel (0.2% vs. 0.19% percentage gain mL condensation/egg surface area) (P > 0.05). For objective 2, 104 fresh eggs formed condensation at 2 temperatures (22°C and 32°C, 60% RH). Each egg weight was continuously recorded from the beginning of condensation formation to the point where the egg reached a constant weight. There was a difference found in the time it took for an egg to reach maximum condensation (11 min at 32°C, 17 min at 22°C), as well as completely dry (25 min at 32°C, 34 min at 22°C) between the 2 temperatures (P

Awassi dairy sheep farmers in the Middle East are facing high feed costs, particularly during the milk production season, along with large fluctuation in grain and straw prices. Incorporating agro-industrial byproducts into the diet of Awassi dairy sheep can help to balance diets and decrease costs. But it may affect milk quality through changes in the fatty acid profile. Six experimental diets were compared to a control diet in the research station of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) in Tal Hadya, Syria. Milking Awassi ewes (n = 56) were used to test six experimental diets, in which supplements comprised molasses, sugar beet pulp, or cotton seed cake to a traditional control diet contained barley, wheat bran, and barley straw. Milk samples were collected on a weekly basis from April to June. The daily milk production and fat content were enhanced in diets containing urea-treated wheat straw (P

L-theanine, a natural nonprotein amino acid with a high biological activity, is reported to exert anti-stress properties. An experiment with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary L-theanine on growth performance and immune function in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 432 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments (control, antibiotic and L-theanine diets) with 2 subgroups of each (6 replicate cages; 12 birds/cage). Birds from each subgroup of the 3 dietary treatments were intra-abdominally injected with the same amount of LPS or saline at 24, 25, 26 d of age. Both dietary L-theanine and antibiotic improved (P

Molassed sugar beet pulp (Bp) is a human inedible by-product of the sugar industry being a suitable dietary energy alternative to grains particularly in terms of increasing the net food production efficiency of high-producing dairy cattle. However, there are concerns that feeding large amounts of Bp can limit cow’s feed intake, jeopardizing both the production performance and metabolic health especially of high-producing dairy cows that have high energy needs. In the present study dietary inclusion of Bp as a substitute for maize grain was tested in a longitudinal block-randomized experimental design in early lactation high-yielding Simmental cows. The Bp inclusion rates were 0 g/kg (i.e., no Bp inclusion as control), 120 g/kg (12Bp), or 240 g/kg (24Bp) on a dry matter basis. The replacement of maize grain with Bp reduced the human edible input from 135.4 MJ GE/d in the control diet to 50.7 MJ GE/d in the 24Bp diet (P 0.05), whereas dietary fibre digestibility was linearly improved (P = 0.038) with Bp feeding, indicating enhanced rumen health and functioning with Bp feeding. In conclusion, feeding molassed sugar beet pulp as partial substitution of maize until 240 g/kg is a viable alternative that can improve net food production without impairing the cows’ production performance and the metabolic health status of cows while improving the digestibility of fibre.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:36:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Citrus pulp pellets (CPP) and orange fiber (OF) are coproducts of the citrus juice industry. OF is a novel fiber source that contains elevated amounts of soluble fiber and has not yet been studied in dog nutrition. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the inclusion of CPP and OF in dog foods and their effects on the extrusion parameters, the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, fermentation end products, and palatability. A control diet (CO) without an added fiber source tested was formulated, and the experimental diets were composed of 30 g/kg, 60 g/kg and 120 g/kg CPP or 60 g/kg OF inclusion (as-fed basis). Extrusion parameters were recorded to determine extruder energy balance and kibble macrostructure. Thirty beagle dogs (3.2 ± 0.7 years; 12.4 ± 1.5 kg body weight) were distributed in a randomized block design with 6 dogs per group to evaluate the CTTAD of nutrients and the fermentation products in feces. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance, and means were compared by polynomial and orthogonal contrasts. The inclusion of CPP and OF reduced motor amperage (P < 0.001), mass pressure (P = 0.002), and specific mechanical energy transference (P < 0.001). Kibble macrostructure was affected by a decrease in expansion and an increase in hardness by CPP and OF inclusions (P < 0.001). Starch gelatinization was reduced by CPP (P < 0.001) but not by OF inclusion (P > 0.05). Total dietary fiber (TDF) intake increased (P < 0.001) with the addition of CPP, with a linear reduction in CTTAD of nutrients and energy (P < 0.05). The OF treatment, however, presented similar CTTAD values of DM and CP to those of the CO diet (P > 0.05). The TDF CTTAD was higher for 60 g/kg OF than for 60 g/kg CPP (P = 0.028). The fecal pH decreased, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), acetic acid, butyric acid, and lactate concentrations increased with CPP and OF inclusion (P < 0.05). However, the diet supplemented with OF induced the production of feces with a lower pH and higher total SCFA concentrations than those of feces produced from CPP inclusion (P < 0.001). The OF diet presented a higher preference (65%) than the CO diet (35%) by dogs (P < 0.05). The CPP and OF were fermentable fiber sources, increasing SCFA and butyric acid concentrations in feces. The OF was more fermentable than CPP, with a limited impact on kibble formation, starch cooking, and CTTAD of nutrients and showing good acceptance on diets by dogs. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária CNPq: 142191/2016-7

Nesting material, for example shredded paper, is a common form of enrichment for laboratory mice. However, there has been limited research performed regarding its apparent safety when given to mice fitted with exteriorised devices such as head plates. Anecdotally, shredded paper has been deemed unsafe for use with such animals due to frequently observed entanglement. This study assessed the safety of four nesting materials (Pure Comfort White, Rodent Roll, Short Paper Shavings and Facial Tissue) to identify a suitable alternative to shredded paper. The four nesting materials were each tested on 5 head plate mice over a 14-day period. The quality of the nests produced was scored throughout the trial period and incidences of tangling monitored. Tangling was only observed in the Facial Tissue group, and the highest quality nest scores were recorded in the Pure Comfort White group. As shredded paper has been anecdotally alleged to cause entanglement, Pure Comfort White, Rodent Roll and Short Paper Shavings may present more suitable options, given that their use did not result in any incidences of tangling throughout this trial. Pure Comfort White was concluded to be the safest and most suitable nesting material for head plate mice as it produced nests of high quality while reducing the risk of entanglement.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the water and nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, productive performance and carcass traits of sheep fed diets containing levels of sisal pulp silage (SPS) in substitution of tifton hay. Forty Santa Ines lambs (average initial body weight of 22 ± 3.4 kg) were randomly distributed among four diets containing 0, 167, 333, and 500 g/kg of SPS in the total dietary dry matter (DM), containing 500 g/kg of concentrate. The experimental period lasted 72 days, after 21 days of adaptation to the diets. Linear and quadratic effects of SPS levels were analyzed using orthogonal contrast. Intake of DM and OM were not affected by the substitution of tifton hay with SPS (P > 0.05). Intake of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral digestible fiber (NDF) and acid digestible fiber (ADF) decreased linearly as SPS increased (P 0.05). Sisal pulp silage is a suitable source to feed sheep, since animals showed similar intake and performances and it can be a consistent water source in arid and semiarid regions. Because of moderate concentration of physically effective fiber in the 333 g/kg SPS diet group, we recommend the inclusion of 333 g/kg of SPS in dietary dry matter in combination with tifton hay.

The objectives of this study were to test whether the time-based total fecal collection (TC) method or the index method (IM) using acid-insoluble ash could obtain similar energy values as the reference (RF) method (TC method with marker-to-marker collection procedure) for growing pigs fed fiber-rich ingredients with different solubility. A total of 24 barrows (initial body weight, 33.3 ± 3.4 kg) were assigned to 4 diets and each diet was fed to 6 pigs. Experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 3 fiber-rich diets which were formulated by replacing corn, soybean meal, and soybean oil in the basal diet with 200 g/kg defatted rice bran (DFRB), soybean hulls (SBH), and sugar beet pulp (SBP), respectively. All diets were formulated to contain 10 g/kg celite as a source of acid-insoluble ash to estimate the energy values by the IM method. Each group of pigs was adapted to diets and crates for 7 d, then followed by 5-d feces and urine collections using the time-based procedure and 5-d feces collection using the marker-to-marker procedure, then the same portion of fecal sample collected by the time-based TC method and the RF method for individual pigs were composited into a sample for the IM method. The results showed that the energy values and nutrients digestibility coefficients of each diet estimated by the time-based TC method agreed with the values estimated by the RF method; the IM method with acid-insoluble ash underestimated the energy values and nutrients digestibility coefficients of the SBH diet and the SBP diet compared with the RF method (P

Background It has been suggested that the increase in carbohydrate at the expense of fat has contributed to the obesity epidemic in North America and some European countries. However, obesity rates in China have increased rapidly in parallel with a transition from the traditional low fat, high carbohydrate diet to a diet relatively high in fat and reduced in carbohydrate. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine whether the traditional Chinese diet was likely to be more effective than a diet with higher fat and lower carbohydrate — which is consumed in most Western societies, at weight control among a non-obese healthy population in China. Methods The 6-month, two-center, three-arm, randomized, parallel-group, controlled-feeding trial was conducted at People's Liberation Army General Hospital in north China and Zhejiang University in south China. We recruited healthy young adults (aged 18–35 years, body mass index, Highlights • A LF-HC diet was associated with a greater weight loss and great reduction in waist circumference than a higher fat, lower carbohydrate diet. • Cardiometabolic risk profiles were more favorable on the LF-HC diet than on a higher fat, lower carbohydrate diet. • Measures of glycemia were unchanged throughout the trial, regardless if the macronutrient composition. This is a controlled-feeding trial to evaluate the effects of altering dietary fat and carbohydrate intake on weight change among non-obese subjects in a country experiencing nutritional transition. All the foods and most beverages were provided in order to maximize dietary targets and reduce other dietary or lifestyle related confounding factors during the intervention period. Our findings in conjunction with all other available evidence suggest that the Chinese population should be discouraged from following the continuing trend towards increasing dietary fat intake at the expense of carbohydrate.

In the scenario of increased reports on boron (B) supplementation in animal diets for beneficial effects, there is inadequate information on B content of animal feeds. The present study was carried out to quantify the level of B in animal feeds commonly used in tropical feeding systems. Samples of a total of 225 feeds were procured. The feed samples were oven dried, ground to 1 mm size and wet digested, filtered using Whatman filter paper (no 42) and volume made up to 100 ml by deionized water. Boron (B) content was estimated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The level of B in fibrous feeds ( n = 83) was higher than in concentrate feeds ( n = 120) and unconventional feeds ( n = 22). The range of B content among the feed samples analyzed ( n = 225) showed a wide range from rice bran to cowpea fodder (0.69–59.1 mg/kg). The spatial distribution of B indicates that most feed samples analyzed showed B content lower than 20 mg/kg with mean and median of 17.7 ± 0.96 and 14.4, respectively. It is evident from the present study that appreciable quantity of B is detected in all the major categories of feedstuffs which was comparable to the levels of essential trace elements like copper and zinc. These findings would facilitate in assessing the supplementary value of tropical feeds for boron.

This study evaluated the effects of Chilean pulp mill effluent extracts (untreated, primary and secondary treated pulp mill effluents), along with steroid standards (testosterone and 17β-estradiol) and a wood extractive standard (beta-sitosterol) on developing post-fertilized fish embryos. Our study included a cold freshwater species, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and two warm freshwater species American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Embryotoxicity results included delay in time to hatch and decreased hatchability but no significant egg and larvae mortality was observed in the pulp mill extract exposed embryos. By contrast, significant early hatching and increased hatchability were observed in beta-sitosterol exposed embryos, along with high mortality of testosterone exposed embryos across species. Teratogenic responses were observed in medaka embryos in all treatments. Abnormalities were detected starting at development stages 19-20 (2-4 somite stages) and included optical deformities (micro-opthalmia, 1 or 2 eyes) and lack of development of brains and hearts. Additionally, phenotypic sex identification of surviving offspring found female-biased sex-ratios in all treatments except testosterone across species. Overall, our study indicated that Chilean pulp and paper mill extractives caused embryotoxicity (post-fertilized embryos) across species and irrespective of the effluent treatment. The effects were mainly associated with delayed time to hatch, decreased hatchability, and species-specific teratogenesis.

This study aimed to examine the effects of replacing rolled barley (high in starch) with citrus pulp (high in digestible fibre) in a supplement on intake and performance of young growing cattle offered grass silage ad libitum for 101 days. Weaned, early- and late-maturing breed, male suckled beef calves (n=120) were blocked by sire breed, gender and weight and from within block randomly assigned to one of two concentrate supplements based mainly on rolled barley (BAR) or citrus pulp (CIT) and formulated to have similar concentrations of true protein digestible in the small intestine. On day 87, blood samples were taken before and 2 h after feeding, and rumen fluid samples were collected 2 h post-feeding. Supplement type did not affect (P>0.05) grass silage intake, live weight gain, final live weight, ultrasonically assessed body composition or measurements of skeletal size. Rumen pH (6.64 v. 6.79), ammonia (51 v. 81 mg/l) and acetate-to-propionate ratio (2.7 v. 3.2) were lower (P

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential use of dried cassava pulp (DCP) with reference to productive performance, nutrient digestibility, egg quality, egg yolk cholesterol, cecal microbial populations, and volatile fatty acids production in laying hens. In experiment 1, a total of 48 laying hens (Isa Brown) were placed in individual cages and assigned randomly to one of 6 dietary treatment groups consisting of a control and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% DCP for 10 d. Feeding laying hens with diets containing up to 20% DCP did not affect the dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility and nitrogen (N) retention (P > 0.05). In experiment 2, a total of 288 laying hens (Isa Brown) were randomly distributed to 6 dietary groups (one control and 5 DCP: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%) for 12 wk. The results show that diets containing up to 20% DCP had no significant effects on productive performance or egg quality (P > 0.05). The inclusion of DCP at levels of 20 to 25% showed a positive effect on decreased egg yolk cholesterol (P

Accumulating evidence suggests that hyperphenylalaninemia in phenylketonuria (PKU) can cause neuropsychological and psychosocial problems in diet-off adult patients, and that such symptoms improve after resumption of phenylalanine-restricted diet, indicating the need for lifetime low-phenylalanine diet. While limiting protein intake, dietary therapy should provide adequate daily intake of energy, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and microelements. We evaluated nutrient balance in 14 patients with classical PKU aged 4–38 years. Approximately 80–85% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein in Japanese was supplied through phenylalanine-free (Phe-free) milk and Phe-free amino acid substitutes. Nutritional evaluation showed that the calorie and protein intakes were equivalent to the RDA. Phenylalanine intake was 9.8 ± 2.2 mg/kg of body weight/day, which maintained normal blood phenylalanine concentration by the 80% Phe-free protein rule. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratio was 9.5:23.9:66.6% with relative carbohydrate excess. Phe-free milk and amino acid substitutes provided 33.7% of carbohydrate, 82.1% of protein, and 66.7% of fat intake in all. Selenium and biotin intakes were 25.0% and 18.1% of the RDA and adequate intake (AI) for Japanese, respectively; both were not included in Phe-free milk. PKU patients showed low serum selenium, low urinary biotin, and high urinary 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid in this study. The intakes of magnesium, zinc, and iodine were low (71.5%, 79.5%, and 71.0% of the RDA, respectively) and that of phosphorus was 79.7% of the AI, although they were supplemented in Phe-free milk. PKU patients depend on Phe-free milk and substitutes for daily requirement of microelements and vitamins as well as protein and fat. Development of low-protein food makes it possible to achieve the aimed phenylalanine blood level, but this lowers the intake of microelements and vitamins from natural foods. The dietary habits vary continuously with age and environment in PKU patients. We recommend the addition of selenium and biotin to Phe-free milk in Japan and the need to review the composition of microelements and vitamins in A-1 and MP-11 preparations., Highlights • 80- 85% of the recommended amount of protein should be supplied from Phe-free amino acid substitutes for good control. • Nutritional evaluation in PKU patients is necessary for dietary control and for checking the contents of medical foods. • Selenium, and biotin in Phe-free milk in Japan is insufficient and should be supplied immediately. • Microelement from early children to adults is necessary more than in infants due to low protein diet.

Highlights • Blood glucose and fat oxidation were simultaneously measured in Asian males. • The whole body calorimetre measured fat oxidation over 10 hours. • Low GI meals increased fat oxidation in subjects who were in a sedentary state. • Low GI meals minimized large blood glucose fluctuations throughout the day., Objective Low glycaemic index (GI) foods are known to minimize large fluctuations in blood glucose levels and have been suggested to increase fat oxidation. The objective of this study was to simultaneously investigate glucose excursion and substrate oxidation in a whole body calorimetre when Chinese male subjects were provided a low or high GI meal. Materials/Methods In a randomized, controlled crossover non blind design, 12 healthy Chinese male adults (BMI 21.8 ± 1.3 kgm−2) attended two sessions consisting of either four low or high glycaemic meals (LGI vs HGI). Breakfast, lunch and snack were consumed in a whole body calorimetre while dinner was consumed at home. Daily changes in glycaemic response (GR) and postprandial GR responses were measured using a continuous glucose monitoring system. The GR was further calculated to obtain the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for glucose concentrations. Glycaemic variability was calculated as mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (MAGE). Substrate oxidation was calculated by measuring respiratory quotient and urine nitrogen excretion. Results After LGI meals in the whole body calorimetre, iAUC for glucose (P = 0.008) was lower compared to the HGI session. The HGI treatment produced a significantly greater MAGE than the LGI treatment over the 24 hour period (P

Objective Low glycemic index (GI) foods have been suggested to minimize large fluctuations in blood glucose levels and reduce food intake. However, the majority of studies have been conducted on Caucasian populations with limited data on Asians. The objective of this study was to investigate how the provision of a low GI breakfast and afternoon snack affected daily blood glucose profiles and food intake. Materials and methods In a randomized, controlled crossover non blind design, 11 healthy Chinese male adults (body mass index 22.4 ± 1.3 kg m−2) attended two sessions where they consumed either a high or low GI breakfast and afternoon snack, and a standardized buffet lunch. Daily changes in glycemic response (GR) were measured using the Medtronic MiniMed (Northridge, CA) iPro™2 continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). The GR was further calculated to obtain the incremental area under the curve (IAUC). Glycemic variability was calculated as mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) and energy intake (kcal) was measured quantitatively at the buffet lunch. Results Compared to the high GI intervention, the low GI intervention significantly reduced the GR following breakfast (p = 0.02), lunch (p = 0.02) and dinner (p = 0.05). The low GI treatment showed a reduction in daily AUC (p = 0.03). There was a significant reduction in IAUC after a low GI breakfast compared to the high GI breakfast (p = 0.03). The low GI breakfast resulted in a significantly lower food intake at lunch and a resulting decreased energy intake of 285 kcal (p = 0.02). The MAGE was significantly lower during the entire low GI treatment (p = 0.03). Conclusions Consumption of a low GI breakfast and afternoon snack was capable of attenuating 24-h blood glucose profiles, minimize glycemic excursions and reduce food intake in healthy Asian males. This simple dietary intervention may be an acceptable approach in improving overall glycemia and energy balance in Asians. Clinical trial registration number NCT02340507, Highlights • The impact of low and high glycemic index foods on 24 h blood glucose profile. • The CGMS provides detailed information on how diets affect longer term glycemia. • Low GI breakfast and afternoon snack minimize large blood glucose fluctuations. • Low GI foods reduce glycemic variability and total energy intake.

Chronic changes were measured in fish downstream from a pulp and paper mill located in the Humber Arm, Newfoundland, Canada. Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) downstream of the mill were longer and heavier at an earlier age than reference fish. Condition factor was similar among sites. Hepatosomatic indices and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity were higher in fish near the mill. Gondal condition suggested that gametogenesis might have been delayed in these same fish. Although splenosomatic indices were greater in exposed fish, splenic hemosiderin was not significantly different from reference values. Gill and liver changes in exposed cunner were significant. Gill parasites showed no site difference; however, the prevalence and abundance of gastrointestinal acanthocephalans were significantly greater in fish from impact sites. These results suggest that effluent from this mill may be responsible for observed biological effects; however, further study is needed to determine whether gradients in nutrient loading and untreated sewage discharge may also contribute to fish health in the Humber Arm.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of three agricultural processing wastes (APWs) on aggregate formation and aggregate stability in a sandy loam textured soil (Typic Xerofluvent) in Antalya, Turkey. The effects of APW applications on aggregate formation and aggregate stability were observed for different aggregate size groups (>4; 4-2; 2-1; 1-0.5; 0.5-0.25; 0.25-0.050 and

In a previous cumulative impacts assessments of fish populations along the Waikato River, New Zealand, reduced ovary pigmentation was observed in the common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) with an associated reduction in recruitment in the pulp mill-impacted Kopakorahi Arm of Lake Maraetai compared to an upstream reference site. Carotenoid pigments are typically responsible for the yellow to red colouration of fish eggs and a number of functions for these pigments such as pro-vitamins and antioxidants have been proposed. The purpose of the current study was first to quantify the observed pigment reduction and then to establish possible consequences of carotenoid deficiency. Significantly lower levels of all measured carotenoids were observed in the ovaries of fish from below the mill outfall compared to the reference site. Using in vitro incubations of ovarian follicles, it was also found that these fish had a significantly reduced ability to produce the sex steroids testosterone and estradiol. This study demonstrates changes in ovarian carotenoids associated with pulp mill effluent exposure. Significantly reduced biosynthetic capacity of ovarian follicles demonstrates reproductive endocrine disruption potential associated with exposure to this particular effluent. These results may provide an important link between reproductive dysfunction, oxidative stress and food chain modifications in pulp mill-impacted systems.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different feed particle sizes and fiber sources on nutrient digestibility and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in different intestinal segments of pigs. Eighteen barrows with T-cannula in the distal ileum were randomly allotted to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 different high-fiber diets including corn bran (CB), sugar beet pulp (SBP) and soybean hulls (SH), and 2 different feed particle sizes. The experiment contained 2 periods, and each period lasted for 15 days, including 10 days for diets adaptation, 3 days for fecal collection, and 2 days for ileal digesta collection. The results indicated that coarse diets decreased (P

Three experiments, which included 4 broiler flocks, were conducted to examine the usefulness of a novel bedding material for rearing broilers. The control bedding was pine shavings. The novel bedding, aGroChips (AC), was a chopped material made from cotton lint waste, gypsum, and old newsprint using a proprietary paper manufacturing process (Novovita, Inc., Raleigh, NC). All birds were fed the same feeding program: starter from 0 to 3 wk, grower from 3 to 5 or 6 wk, and finisher during the last week. Birds were marketed at either 6 or 7 wk of age. Feed consumption by pen and individual bird BW were measured at 3 and 6 or 7 wk. Mean BW and feed conversion, adjusted to include weight of mortality, were calculated. A sample of birds (n = 10) from each pen was evaluated for hock and foot pad condition. Each pen was evaluated at the end of the trial for litter cake index in 3 of the 4 flocks. Litter cake index scores were generally higher for birds reared on AC litters. There were no other differences in bird performance for any of the flocks. In conclusion, broilers reared on AC bedding perform as well as those reared on pine shavings.

In total, 504 female broilers were used to study the effects of inclusion of oat hulls (OH) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) in the diet on growth performance, coefficient of total tract apparent retention (CTTAR) and coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of nutrients from 1 to 18 days (d) of age. A control diet based on rice that contained 69 g dietary fibre (16 g crude fibre)/kg was diluted with 25, 50 and 75 g/kg of either OH or SBP. Each of the seven treatments was replicated six times (a cage with 12 chicks). Growth performance and CTTAR of nutrients were recorded at d 6, 12 and 18 and the CAID of organic matter and crude protein were determined at d 18. From d 1 to 18, fibre inclusion did not affect feed intake or body weight gain of the birds. However, feed conversion ratio was improved quadratically (Q) with OH (P

Levels of cytochrome P4501A mRNA were measured in Atlantic tomcod caged in the effluents of a bleached kraft pulp and paper mill on the Miramichi River, NB, Canada and two sites downstream, and compared to levels in fish caged upstream of the mill and in unexposed laboratory-maintained tomcod. Additionally, the rate of clearance of CYP1A mRNA in tomcod exposed at the mill and transferred to clean water was compared to that observed in tomcod treated in the laboratory with a single dose of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (0.5 μg/kg). Levels of CYP1A mRNA in tomcod caged upriver of the mill were low and comparable to those observed in untreated laboratory control fish. Levels of CYP1A mRNA were elevated up to 11-fold in tomcod caged at the mill site and a gradient in levels of gene expression was seen at the two downstream sites. Tomcod i.p. injected with a single dose of 2,3,7,8-TCDD exhibited a profile of prolonged CYP1A mRNA induction of at least 25 days. Levels of CYP1A mRNA in tomcod caged at the mill site and transferred to clean water remained significantly induced for at least 3 days post-transfer. In combination, these results suggest that CYP1A mRNA was induced in caged tomcod by constituents of the mill's effluents and that the rates of clearance of CYP1A mRNA may provide additional information concerning the identity of environmental inducers.

Juvenile female rainbow trout was exposed for 4.5 months (June to October) to two dilutions of untreated and activated sludge treated whole mill effluent from a pulp mill producing bleached ECF pulp. Two controls were used, on fed ad libitum and a second receiving 0.5% feed of the body weight. All effluent exposed groups were fed ad libitum. Mean weight of the fish was measured monthly. At the end of the experiment a number of physiological and biochemical parameters were analyzed in order to establish the physiological status of the exposed fish in comparison with unexposed fish that obtained ad libitum or restricted amount of feed. The fish exposed to treated effluent grew significantly more than ad libitum control fish until August, whereupon growth retarded in fish exposed to the lower effluent dilution (400 v/v). The growth of fish exposed to untreated effluent did not deviate significantly from the control fed ad libitum. The results from the hematological analysis clearly showed that fish fed restricted amount of feed deviated significantly in most parameters compared with the control fed ad libitum. Fish exposed to treated effluent showed a response pattern similar to that of the control fed restricted amount of feed, whereas the fish exposed to untreated effluent showed a response pattern that did not deviate from that of the ad libitum control. The metabolic parameters suggested that fish exposed to treated effluent had a higher metabolic demand than ad libitum control and that the energy allocation at the end of the experiment was directed to processes other than growth. The responses on hematology were mainly a consequence of the increased energy demand and were not primary effects. The implications of using feed related parameters at field studies are discussed.

Previous studies have indicated that 15N enrichment of solid-associated bacteria (SAB) may be predicted from the same value in liquid-associated bacteria (LAB). The aims of this study were to confirm this and to measure the error in the nutrient supply from SAB, when LAB are used as the reference sample. For this purpose, the chemical and amino acid (AA) compositions of both the bacterial populations were studied in four experiments carried out on different groups of three rumen cannulated wethers. Diets (one in Experiments 1 and 4 and three in Experiments 2 and 3) had forage-to-concentrate ratios (dry matter (DM) basis) between 2 : 1 and 40 : 60, and were consumed at intake levels between 40 and 75 g DM/kg (BW) 0.75. The bacteria samples were isolated after continuous infusion of ( 15NH 4) 2SO 4 (40, 18, 30 and 25 mg 15N/day, in Experiments 1 to 4, respectively) for at least 14 days. In all experiments, SAB had consistently higher concentrations of organic matter (826 v. 716 g/kg DM, as average) and total lipids (192 v. 95 g/kg DM, as average) than LAB. Similar CP concentrations of both populations were observed, except a higher concentration in SAB than in LAB in Experiment 3. A consistent (in Experiment 4 only as tendency) higher AA-N/total N ratio (on average 17.5%) was observed in SAB than in LAB. The 15N enrichment in SAB was systematically lower than in LAB. On the basis of the results of all studies a close relationship was found between the 15N enrichment in SAB and LAB, which was shown irrespective of experiments. This relationship was established from Experiments 1 and 2 and the above cited previous results (n = 20; P < 0.001; R 2 = 0.996), and then confirmed from the results of Experiments 3 and 4. These relationships between SAB and LAB demonstrate that CP supply from SAB is underevaluated by, on average, 21.2% when LAB are used as the reference. This underevaluation was higher for true protein and even higher for the lipid supply (32.5% and 59.6%, respectively, as an average of the four experiments). Large differences in AA profile were observed between SAB and LAB. The prediction equation obtained using 15N as the marker may be used to correct the errors associated with the traditional use of LAB as the reference sample, and therefore to obtain more accurate estimates of the microbial nutrient supply to the ruminants. © Copyright The Animal Consortium 2011., Financial support was provided by the CICYT funded Projects AGL 2001-3662, AGL 2005-01712 and AGL 2006-08300. Analyses of 15N isotope ratios were performed at the Servicio Interdepartamental de Investigacio´ n, Universidad Auto´ noma de Madrid, Spain.

Exposure to impaired water quality, as in bleached kraft mill effluents (BKMEs), has recently been demonstrated to impair the ability of fish to elicit an acute stress response. Acute stress caused by catching is, in most field studies, an unavoidable incident that may markedly affect physiological functions. Consistently, dissimilar stress responses to catching procedures in exposed and reference animals may lead to altered results. In this study, juvenile whitefish (Coregonus levaretus) were caged for 30 days in two reference areas and three areas affected by different BKMEs, and the immediate effects of low-level handling on physiological functions in four periods within an hour of the start of the disturbance were clarified. Both primary and secondary stress responses were evident and consistent in fish caged in the two reference areas. Instead, despite the strong cortisol response in fish caged in polluted areas, the secondary stress response was weak or altered with respect to all other measured parameters excluding blood glucose in two of the three polluted areas. Thus, exposed fish may, when compared with reference fish, give different results depending on the exact period from the onset of the catching disturbance to sampling, and therefore, the results may be masked or totally inverted. Because the impacts of acute stress on physiological parameters are immediate and, in exposed areas after low-level handling, dissimilar in nature, this study points to the necessity for time-dependent standardization in field studies whenever sampling is delayed.

This study determined the chemical composition and metabolizable energy (ME) value for ruminants of seeds and pulps from grape pomaces (GP), which were produced from white and red Vitis vinifera cultivars in Italy and California (USA). Six Italian (i.e., three white and three red) and five California red cultivars were collected after the crush of grape juice had been completed and were ensiled in micro-silos for 45 d. Fresh and ensiled samples were manually sieved to separate seeds from the pulp plus skin fraction and an overall inventory of 44 samples was obtained from the 24 Italian and 20 California samples (i.e., seeds and pulp fractions, fresh or ensiled from 6 or 5 cultivars, respectively). Both in seeds and pulp, the red Italian samples had higher organic matter (P

Ruminal, post-ruminal and total tract protein disappearance of various feeds originating from Iranian plant varieties classified as grains (barley and maize), by-products (sugar beet pulp and wheat bran), protein sources (soybean and cottonseed meals), forages [alfalfa hay and maize silages treated with 16 (MS16) or 24 (MS24) g of urea per kg dry matter (DM)] and halophytes (Atriplex sp., Sauda sp. and Kochia sp.) were evaluated using the in situ mobile bag technique, an in vitro enzyme procedure and a three-step in situ/in vitro enzyme procedure. Linear regression equations were determined between results from the mobile bag technique and the two other procedures. Mean ruminal protein disappearance of grains, by-products, protein sources and forages were higher (P 0.05) on rates of ruminal, post-ruminal and total tract protein disappearance of the various feeds originating from Iranian plant varieties. The best correlation was observed when results of total tract protein disappearance determined by the in vitro method were plotted against the three-step procedure (r2 = 0.66). The coefficient of determination (r2) for the relationship of total tract protein disappearance between the mobile bag technique and in vitro, and three-step procedures were 0.61 and 0.55, respectively.

Chemical composition and nutritive values of by-product feedstuffs (BPF) used for small ruminants were evaluated. Four BPF from groundnut shells (GNS), maize cobs (MC), cassava peels (CaP), and citrus pulp/peels waste (CPPW) were used to prepare complete diets fed to goats and sheep in separate trials. Twelve goats and 16 sheep 16–18 months old weighing on average 12.96±0.28 and 14.05±0.18 kg, were divided into three and four groups, respectively, and used in two separate growth and digestibility studies. In vitro digestibility trial was carried out. In vivo and in vitro data were compared. Chemical composition of BPF differed in nutrient contents. MC had the least crude protein content (3.4%). CaP and CPPW had low NDF and ADF. GNS and MC were higher in cell wall constituents. Voluntary DMI was expressed as g/kg live weight (LW) per day and this ranged between 58.0–62.0 g/kg LW per day in goats and 70.0–83.0 g/kg LW per day in sheep. DM and CP digestibility were better (P>0.05) in goats fed CaP diet compared to the other BPF. NDF digestibility was better (P>0.05) in the GNS fed group compared to MC and CaP groups. GE was lower in CaP fed goats than in the others. Nutrient digestibility of the four by-products was better (P>0.05) in sheep that received CPPW diet. Other by-products (GNS, MC, CaP) digestibility followed the trend observed in goats. Net gas production, DM, NDF and OM digestibility and metabolizable energy (ME, MJ/kg of DM) were significantly different among the BPF (P

Forty-eight Suffolk Mule entire male lambs (22.3 kg average live weight, two months old) were used to study the effects of addition of sodium bicarbonate and increasing quantities of molassed sugar beet pulp (MSBP) to diets based on barley grain (780 g kg ˇ1 fresh weight and approximately iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous). Measurements were made of dry matter (DM) intake, growth, some ruminal and blood plasma metabolites and hormone profiles and body composition. The animals were allocated by randomised block design on the basis of live weight to one of six dietary treatments and an initial slaughter control group (na 7 and mean live weighta 22.3 kg per treatment). Animals in the initial slaughter control group were slaughtered on Day 1 of the study in which barley was supplemented with sodium bicarbonate (15 g kg ˇ1 fresh weight) (Experiment A) or replaced with increasing quantities of MSBP in a separate experiment (B) to provide diets containing 75, 50, 25 and 0% of the maximum quantity of barley (Experiment B). The diets had similar in vitro dry matter digestibility and contained similar estimated values for metabolisable energy concentration. In Experiment A, the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate had no significant effect on live weight gain, DM intake, feed utilisation efficiency, ammonia concentration and the molar proportion of ruminal volatile fatty acids, rumen fluid, carcass and soft tissue characteristics and composition. In Experiment B, increases in level of barley in the diet had no effect on ruminal pH, but linearly increased the molar proportion of propionate in rumen fluid (p < 0.01), hot- and cold-carcass weights (p < 0.01), empty body weight (p < 0.01), perirenal and retroperitoneal fat (p < 0.05) and gain of crude protein in cold carcass (p < 0.01). Evidence was also obtained for decreases in

An experiment was carried out to compare the digestibility of five concentrate ingredients (barley, beet pulp, citrus pulp, maize gluten feed and grain screenings) in cattle or sheep, fed at ≈1.2 maintenance. Four wether sheep and four steers were fed each concentrate, which comprised ≈800 g/kg of the dietary dry matter (DM). The remaining 200 g/kg was a hay/soyabean meal mixture whose digestibility was determined simultaneously in another four sheep and cattle. Following diet introduction and adaptation, faeces were collected for a 10-day period. Across diets, there was no difference (p >0.05) between sheep and cattle in digestibility of organic matter (OM, 0.784 and 0.78, respectively, standard error of the difference (s.e.d.), 0.0049), crude protein (0.586 and 0.577, respectively, s.e.d. 0.0192), or neutral detergent fibre (0.632 and 0.628, respectively, s.e.d. 0.0116). However, cattle digested the OM (0.749 vs. 0.724, p 0.05) between sheep and cattle with any of the other four feeds. These results do not support previous conclusions that sheep digest concentrates better than cattle, but they do suggest that there are differences within specific feeds.