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The hemp plant Cannabis sativa Linn, referring to industrial hemp, is a high-yielding annual industrial crop grown providing fibers from hemp stalk and oil from hemp seeds. Although hemp is a niche crop, hemp production is currently undergoing a renaissance. More than 30 countries grow hemp, with China being the largest hemp producing and exporting country. Europe and Canada are also important actors in the global hemp market. Traditionally, hemp as a fiber plant has been used for the production of apparels, fabrics, papers, cordages and building materials. The hurds, as waste by-product of fiber production, were used for bedding of animals, the seeds for human nutrition, e.g., as flour, and the oil for a wide range of purposes, from cooking to cosmetics. Hemp has also been an important crop throughout human history for medicine. Other more recent applications include materials for insulation and furniture, automotive composites for interior applications and motor vehicle parts, bioplastics, jewelry and fashion sectors, animal feed, animal bedding, and energy and fuel production. Foods containing hemp seed and oil are currently marketed worldwide for both animal and human nutrition. They also find applications in beverages and in neutraceutical products. Hemp oil is also used for cosmetics and personal care items, paints, printing inks, detergents and solvents. It is estimated that the global market for hemp consists of more than 25,000 products. Currently, the construction and insulation sector, paper and textile industries, and food and nutrition domains are the main markets while the cosmetics and automotive sector are growing markets. Innovative applications, e.g., in the medical and therapeutic domains, cosmeceuticals, phytoremediation, acoustic domain, wastewater treatment, biofuels, biopesticides and biotechnology, open new challenges. Hemp is also the object of numerous fundamental studies. This review presents and discusses the traditional and new uses of industrial hemp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review seeks to understand how scientific research on trace elements in beef cattle has been developed and how the interaction of this theme with topics related to animal, environmental and human health has been established. Given the duality of many of the trace elements, being known as nutrients in small amounts or toxic when they exceed small concentrations, we brought the One Health perspective to analyse how researchers approach this research theme. In this work, we propose a path through scientific production to promote innovation, sustainability of animal production, food safety and human health. The objective was to investigate the context, approach and research topics present in the papers that analysed trace elements in beef cattle to identify gaps and scientific perspectives for the sustainable management of trace elements in livestock. The main research groups came from the United States, Spain, Japan, Brazil, India and Slovakia, which represented 31% of the papers produced. Only 37% of studies addressed aspects that integrated animal, environmental and human health. The reviewed papers concerned 56 elements and 15 bovine tissues (Cu, Zn, Pb, liver, muscle and kidney highlighted). The main gaps were (1) lack of research in developing countries, (2) the need to understand the impact of different environmental issues and their relationship to the conditions in which animals are raised, and (3) the need to understand the role of many trace elements in animal nutrition and their relationship to environmental and human health. Finally, we highlight possible ways to expand knowledge and provide innovations for broad emerging issues, primarily through expanding collaborative research networks. In this context, we suggest the adoption of the One Health approach for planning further research on trace elements in livestock. Moreover, the One Health approach should also be considered for managers and politicians for a sustainable environmental care and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During this centennial year of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), it is of interest to look back over the history of our Society and, in particular, to the many contributions made by researchers in the area of swine nutrition. A great number of basic and applied research studies involving the nutrition of weanling, growing, and finishing pigs, and gestating and lactating sows have been conducted by swine nutritionists during the past 100 yr. Most of these studies were conducted at universities by animal scientists or by the graduate students under their leadership. Others were conducted by nutritionists in the feed and pharmaceutical industries and government scientists at ARS/USDA research centers. Contributions were also made by animal scientists beyond our borders. Much of the research was published in the Journal of Animal Science during its 66 yr of existence. Before the first issue of the journal was published in 1942, some of the earlier studies were reported in the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Society of Animal Production, the forerunner of ASAS. These research studies have progressively led to a better understanding of the role and utilization of dietary energy, protein, AA, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins by pigs and have helped to quantify the nutrient requirements of pigs for various stages of growth, for sows during gestation and lactation, and to a limited extent, for boars. Determining the nutritional value of a wide array of feedstuffs, evaluating feeding strategies, and assessing the value of growth-promoting and carcass-enhancing agents have been important research contributions as well. To identify the particular studies that were among the most instrumental in contributing to our present knowledge of swine nutrition is, to say the least, a daunting assignment. To aid in this task, a survey of swine nutritionists was conducted in which they were asked to identify and rank the 10 most significant findings in swine nutrition during the past 100 yr. The results of that survey are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage-animal production agriculture is implementing infrastructure changes and management strategies to adjust to increased energy-related costs of fuel, feed grains, fertilizers, and seeds. The primary objectives of this position paper are to assess future research and extension scientific needs in forage utilization, financial support for the discipline, and changing status and number of scientists. A survey questionnaire returned from 25 land-grant universities in the eastern half of the United States rated the top 4 research needs as 1) pasture systems and efficiency of production; 2) interfacing with energy concerns; 3) forage cultivar evaluations and persistence; and 4) environment impacts. Plant-animal future research needs at 11 USDA-ARS regional locations are targeted at sustainable management and improved livestock performance, ecophysiology and ecology of grasslands, environment impacts, and improved technologies for nutritive value assessments. Extension scientists from 17 southern and northeastern states listed the top 3 needs as forage persistence, soil fertility and nutrient management, and pasture systems and efficiency of production. Grant funds currently provide more than 40% of land-grant university research and extension efforts in forage utilization, and scientists estimate that this support base will increase to 55 to 60% of the funding total by 2013. Reduced allocation of state and federal funding has contributed to a reduction in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) scientists engaged in forage utilization research and extension activities. The current 25 state FTE conducting research number about 2.8 per state. This includes 10 states with >3, 11 states with <2, and 3 states with <1 FTE. Increased interest in cellulosic energy, climate change, and environmental impact may offer new opportunities for these FTE to participate in integrated cross-discipline research Extension programming, and technology transfer methods will change to accommodate reduced funding but with increasing numbers of novice, recreation-oriented landowners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the chemical composition, nutritional and usable value of sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) and the possibility of using it for animal nutrition in fresh and canned form. Tests show that sunchoke cut in mid-June contains about 9.43% of crude protein, 2.49% of crude fat, 19.93% of crude cellulose, 50.50% of NFE (nitrogen-free extractives) and 17.65% of ash in the dry matter. Although lucerne biomass had a more favorable chemical composition (18.13% crude protein, 6.72% crude fat, 25.24% crude cellulose, 39.35% BEM and 10.56% ash), the benefits of sunchoke are in the more successful growing in less favorable natural, primarily soil conditions, the more suitable it is for ensiling and the longer it stays on one planted plot. Since it is predominantly an energy (carbohydrate) nutrient, the possibility of ensiling the green biomass of sunchoke in a mixture with 25, 50 and 75% fresh lucerne (25% dry matter) was investigated. The obtained results show that with the increase of lucerne participation, the nutritional value of silage increases, but the quality decreases. In addition to its role in conventional feed production, sunchoke can be an important plant in the system of organic production, production for industrial processing and for extensive cultivation in hunting grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the paper is to analyze the land use as cultivated area and grasslands for producing animal feed in Romania in the interval 2013-2022 utilizing the data from National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and Eurostat. The dynamics was highlighted as graphical trend lines, regression equations and R square, fixed basis and structural indices reflecting the changes across the time. The results showed that the surface with green forages in arable land was 847,978 ha in 2022 representing 10.59% of the total cultivated area and also reflected a reduction by 1.26% versus 2013. The perennial forages covered 675,207 ha in 2022 (+3.7% vs. 2013). Alfalfa accounted for a larger surface with a share of 62.52% in 2022(vs. 52.39% in 2013), while the clover area decreased its weight from 18.5% to 14.2%. In 2022, annual green forages covered 179,952 ha, by 13.35% less than in 2023. Fodder maize was cultivated on only 48,634 ha in 2022 (-13.36% vs. 2013) and root crops on only 3,033 ha, a surface smaller by 79.32% in 2022. The declined is justify by the negative influence of climate change which reduced forage production and also by the decreasing trend in livestock. Romania has also 5,172,800 ha grasslands, coming on the 3rd position in the EU after France and Germany. This area plays an important role in animal nutrition at a lower cost, in soil conservation, mitigating the effects of climate change, preserving biodiversity and the beauty of the landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discuses claimed erratum for the article "Western Purple-Faced Langurs (Semnopithecus vetulus nestor) Feed on Ripe and Ripening Fruit in Human-Modified Environments in Sri Lanka" edited by Joanna M. Setchell published in the periodical. Topics discussed include original paper's author argued that scientific data of his 2012 paper overlapped with his previous paper, he noted difference in studies such as feeding strategies and periodical's editor apologies for the overlapping.

Lists books and related resources on animal nutrition, which appeared in the December 2004 issue of the "Journal of Animal Physiology & Animal Nutrition."

Presents the study entitled “The Maximum Legal Limit for Vitamin D3 in Broiler Diets may Need to Be Increased,” at the 2004 Spring Meeting of the WPSA UK Branch.

Evaluates the effects of dietary extruded soybean meal on the growth performance of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus juveniles. Proximate composition of the diets; Survival rates in diet groups; Final body weight; Weight gain; Taurine as feeding stimulant.

Simple Summary: Age at puberty is a main factor affecting reproductive efficiency and, thus, livestock production. Besides species and breed, nutrition during growth plays a crucial role in the attainment of puberty. Controversial results are reported about the critical period during which heifers are more sensitive to the effects of nutrition on pubertal acceleration. Numerous papers are available about such topics, but they are characterized by very different experimental conditions (such as genetics, feeds, planes of nutrition, season and pasture quality, time windows, and parameters considered), making difficult the comparison among inconstant results by various trials. Several indicators during growth have been proposed as predictors of age at puberty, such as body weight gains, body fat reserves, and linear body measurements. Blood concentrations of hormones strictly linked to growth and reproduction have also been considered: higher Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 levels are reported to be related to earlier puberty, while leptin is not. More uniform experimental conditions should be encouraged for future research. Puberty onset and age at first calving have a critical impact on livestock production for good reproductive efficiency of the herd and to reduce the duration of the non-productive stage of the growing heifer. Besides genetic factors, sexual maturation is also affected by environmental factors, such as nutrition, which can account for up to 20% of the observed variability. The rate of body weight gain during growth is considered the main variable influencing the age at puberty, dependent on planes of nutrition in growing animals during the prepubertal-to-pregnancy stage. This paper reviews current knowledge concerning nutrition management and attainment of puberty in heifers, considering the relevance of some indicators such as body measurements and hormones strictly linked to the growth and puberty process. Puberty onset is dependent on the acquisition of adequate subcutaneous adipose tissue mass, as it is the main source of the hormone leptin. Until a certain level, body condition score and age at puberty are negatively correlated, but beyond that, for fatter animals, such correlation is gradually lost. Age at puberty in heifers was reported to be negatively related to IGF-1. Future research should be planned considering the need to standardize the experimental animals and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding biological mechanisms is fundamental for improving animal production and health to meet the growing demand for high-quality protein. As an emerging biotechnology, single-cell transcriptomics has been gradually applied in diverse aspects of animal research, offering an effective method to study the gene expression of high-throughput single cells of different tissues/organs in animals. In an unprecedented manner, researchers have identified cell types/subtypes and their marker genes, inferred cellular fate trajectories, and revealed cell‒cell interactions in animals using single-cell transcriptomics. In this paper, we introduce the development of single-cell technology and review the processes, advancements, and applications of single-cell transcriptomics in animal research. We summarize recent efforts using single-cell transcriptomics to obtain a more profound understanding of animal nutrition and health, reproductive performance, genetics, and disease models in different livestock species. Moreover, the practical experience accumulated based on a large number of cases is highlighted to provide a reference for determining key factors (e.g., sample size, cell clustering, and cell type annotation) in single-cell transcriptomics analysis. We also discuss the limitations and outlook of single-cell transcriptomics in the current stage. This paper describes the comprehensive progress of single-cell transcriptomics in animal research, offering novel insights and sustainable advancements in agricultural productivity and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smooth brome (Bromus inermis L.) is a species of perennial grass with growing economic importance. Initially, this species had attracted interest as a source of animal feed. Over the years, the interest in smooth brome increased significantly due to the growing knowledge about its advantages. The aim of this study was to explore the contemporary significance of smooth brome. This plant is characterized by a high tolerance to many negative environmental factors, such as periodic droughts, low temperatures and salinity, which contributes to its constant presence in the landscape of many countries. The moderate soil requirements of smooth brome, combined with the effective use of soil resources and rational nutrient utilization, contribute to high biomass yields that can reach 13 t/ha DM. The usefulness of this grass species in various management systems has been recognized in numerous research studies. Smooth brome can generate benefits in many branches of the economy. This efficient energy plant is used in paper production, and it is also recommended for the protection of fallow land or the reclamation of degraded land. Smooth brome prevents erosion, enhances biodiversity, and provides shelter for many animal species. This species fits well into the current assumptions of agricultural policy and increasingly demanding environmental standards. According to the latest guidelines, modern agriculture should pursue economic and environmental goals simultaneously. In this context, smooth brome constitutes a valuable link in sustainable development. Due to its numerous advantages, smooth brome not only provides high-quality feed and biomass but also effectively sequesters CO2, improves soil fertility and enhances biodiversity, which makes it an important element of agriculture and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the dynamic co-evolution and feedback mechanisms within socio-ecological systems is crucial for determining the resilience and sustainability of environmental governance strategies. The grass-livestock system, as a complex entity encompassing livestock nutrition, foraging behavior, vegetation ecology, pastoralists' economic income, and policy interventions, indicates that any change in a single element may trigger a chain reaction within the system. This paper uses a system dynamics approach to construct a simulation model of the grass-livestock system in alpine pastoral areas, simulating the long-term dynamic co-evolution of the socio-ecological system in the Qilian Mountains region of China. Four optimization schemes were proposed, and the synergistic development of the grass-livestock system in alpine pastoral areas under each scheme was simulated. The results show that, under the premise of sustainable use of grazing-based artificial grassland, the combination of reasonable use of fenced grasslands and cooperative management by pastoralists can effectively control livestock numbers, ensure pastoralists' income, and maintain grassland quality within the next 20 years, thereby achieving coordinated socio-economic and ecological development. Additionally, optimizing feed supply can significantly improve grass production, livestock weight, and income. Therefore, it is recommended that alpine pastoral areas prioritize both grassland ecological management and development, adopt grassland restoration technologies, strengthen the management of artificial grasslands, set reasonable grazing bans, develop pastoralist cooperative organizations and design internal operational mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current feed raw material supply chain in China still has structural problems and conflicts between human and animal food, and the development of efficient utilization of alternative feed will be the research focus for sustainable development of the livestock industry in the present era. Alternative feed has the advantages of wide resource distribution, high single nutrient and biological active component content, and low feed cost. However, the limiting factors such as unbalanced nutrient content, feeding restrictions, antinutrient factors, poor palatability, and unstable quality also require corresponding technical means to be overcome. This paper reviews the distribution of resources, nutritional characteristics, processing methods, and application examples of alternative functional feed such as by-products of legumes, distiller's grains, woody feed, single-cell protein, animal-source protein, by-products of grain processing, straw, herbal by-products, and tea by-products. Finally, the paper discusses the strategic system for establishing the utilization and industrialization of alternative feed resources, and explores the innovative technologies for processing alternative feed raw materials in the future, providing a new perspective for accelerating the solution of China's grain and oil crisis and diversification problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents the chemical composition, bioactive properties, and diverse applications of Chlorella vulgaris, a green microalga widely recognized for its exceptional nutritional value and therapeutic potential. The study emphasizes the presence of key nutrients, including high-quality proteins, essential vitamins, minerals, and an array of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, chlorophyll, and polysaccharides. These compounds have been shown to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and detoxifying effects. The review explores the multifaceted applications of C. vulgaris in various sectors, including its growing role as a functional food ingredient, a nutraceutical supplement in animal feed, and a promising therapeutic agent for combatting chronic diseases. This paper also highlights its potential for enhancing immune responses, mitigating oxidative stress, promoting detoxification of heavy metals, and improving overall health outcomes. However, current limitations in clinical evidence surrounding its medicinal efficacy present challenges that need to be addressed. Furthermore, significant obstacles remain in scaling up C. vulgaris production, including optimizing cultivation techniques and improving bioavailability. Additionally, this review identifies crucial research gaps, particularly in optimizing cultivation techniques, improving bioavailability, and validating the clinical efficacy of C. vulgaris. By addressing these challenges, C. vulgaris holds significant promise in contributing to global health, sustainable nutrition, and environmental conservation efforts by serving as a source of protein and bioactive components for a growing population while simultaneously having a lower environmental impact and requiring fewer resources in production compared to traditional ingredients like soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of Summon Preferred Food Source on feeding, tunneling, and bait station discovery by the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Bioassays were conducted to determine whether Summon disks affected the aggregation and feeding behavior of termites and to determine whether the presence of Summon disks caused increased recruitment of termites to wood blocks. When termites encountered the disk, they immediately clustered on top of the disk. Termites were observed aggregating on top of the disk throughout the experiment. Consumption of Summon disks was significantly greater than consumption of cardboard disks in paired choice tests. The presence of a Summon disk on top of a wood block caused a significant increase in consumption of the wood block. Bioassays also were conducted to determine whether water extracts of Summon disks affected termite behavior. Consumption of filter paper disks treated with a water extract of Summon disks was significantly greater than consumption of control filter paper disks. Termites tunneled through sand treated with a water extract of Summon disks faster than they tunneled through untreated sand. In a field test, the rate of infestation of monitoring stations with a Summon disk was 3 times greater than the rate of infestations of stations without a disk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts from papers related to animal behavior that were published in the February 2005 issue of the "Journal of Animal Science." The paper "Characteristics and Potential Nutritive Value of Sagebrush-Grassland Vegetation Collected From Sites Continuously Grazed, Rested for One Year and One Year Post-Disturbance," by R. Weston, R.A. Olson, S.L. Lake, J.D. Derner, G.E. Schuman and B.W. Hess, studied initial impacts of rangeland management practices on characteristics and nutritive value of native sagebrush-grassland vegetation. The paper "Resumption of Ovarian Cycling Activity and Breeding Performance of First-Calf Suckled Beef Cows Exposed to Mature Bull Urine," by S. Tauck, and N. Johnson, determined if continuous exposure to bull urine alters resumption of ovarian cycling activity or breeding performance of first-calf suckled beef cows. The paper "Assessing Storage of Wet Brewers' Grains With Straws," by M. Kennedy, J. Males and M. Keller, evaluated the ensiling properties of wet brewers' grain alone and with various levels of straw so it can be used as part of the sole ration for ruminants.

The document discusses feeding strategies and quality assessments of animal-derived products, emphasizing the importance of these strategies in influencing animal health, productivity, and the quality of products like meat, eggs, and milk. Various techniques are explored, including formulating balanced diets and using alternative feed sources to meet consumer demands for safer products. The document also highlights research articles from six different countries, focusing on topics such as sustainable feeding strategies, nutritional solutions for small ruminants, and the impact of different feeding systems on animal health and meat quality. [Extracted from the article]

Context: Proximate analysis is also called the Weende method. It has been the standard used for describing the chemical composition of feed ingredients for the past 150+ years. Understanding of the chemical composition of feeds has changed greatly in that time. Most of the current terms used for proximate analyses are unclear and misleading: (1) Crude protein , nitrogen × 6.25 describes true protein plus any other nitrogen-containing compounds including nucleotides and even phospholipids. (2) Crude fibre represents approximately half of the true fibre in most ingredients, but only approximately one-seventh of the fibre in important ingredients like soybean meal. (3) Ether Extract represents the neutral lipids in ingredients but little of the polar lipids like the lecithins. (4) The Nitrogen-free Extract is not an extract at all. It is supposed to represent starch in feed, but it contains large proportions of pectin, hemicellulose and even some cellulose. It reflects the error in Crude Fibre. Inadequacies of the Weende system have been known for a very long time. Animal producers desire to embrace modern technology and adapt more precise feeding techniques. Aims: This paper explains how 19th century chemistry relates to 21st century understandings of feed composition and proposes an updated method of feed ingredient analysis. Methods: A new method of describing feed composition based on 13 modern chemical categories was conceived and called the 'Armidale Method', to distinguish it from the Weende method. The new feed chemical category method was used to compile a preliminary database based on: moisture, sugars, oligosaccharides, starch, pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, ash, neutral lipids, polar lipids, true protein, and nonprotein nitrogenous compounds. Key results: Composition values for 26 ingredients compiled from three sources averaged 1032.0 ± 49.5 g/kg, comparable to the theoretical 1000 g/kg. Conclusions: The Armidale Method of analyses could be the starting point for discussions of new standardised procedures for ingredient trade and feed formulation. Implications: It is time for producers, in conjunction with nutritionists and analytical chemists, to explore the best ways to represent the composition of feed ingredients for feeding value and trade. Since the 19th century, when little was known about chemical composition of feeds, gross feed analysis for trade and estimating energetic contributions has been based on the Weende method (moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash and nitrogen-free extract). A new, Armidale Method, is proposed here. It consists of 13 chemical categories based on modern knowledge of feed chemistry (moisture, true protein, nonprotein nitrogenous compounds, neutral and polar lipids, sugars, oligosaccharides, starch, pectin, lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose, and ash). This paper belongs to Animal Science Reflections and Collection: Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition - Australia 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review paper examines the advancements in breeding techniques and omic innovations for fodder cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)], a key crop in semi-arid regions for both human and animal nutrition. It highlights the effective combination of traditional breeding methods, which leverage natural genetic variation and controlled mating, with advanced omic technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. These approaches have facilitated the development of cowpea varieties with improved yields, early maturity and enhanced resistance to environmental stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent attention has been given to animal feeding and its impact on human nutrition. Animal feeding is essential for meeting human dietary needs, making it a subject of significant interest and investigation. This review seeks to outline the current understanding of this disciplinary area, with a focus on key research areas and their potential implications. The initial part of the paper discusses the importance of animal feed resources and recognizes their crucial role in guaranteeing sufficient nutrition for both humans and animals. Furthermore, we analyzed the categorization of animal feeds based on the guidelines established by the National Research Council. This approach offers a valuable structure for comprehending and classifying diverse types of animal feed. Through an examination of this classification, we gain an understanding of the composition and nutritional content of various feedstuffs. We discuss the major categories of metabolites found in animal feed and their impact on animal nutrition, as well as their potential health advantages for humans. Flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, terpenoids, vitamins, antioxidants, alkaloids, and essential oils are the primary focus of the examination. Moreover, we analyzed their possible transference into animal products, and later we observed their occurrence in foods from animal sources. Finally, we discuss their potential to promote human health. This review offers an understanding of the connections among the major metabolites found in feedstuffs, their occurrence in animal products, and their possible impact on the health of both animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Presents the study entitled “The Effect of Dietary Concentration of Rapeseed Meal or Whole Rapeseed on Broiler Performance and Litter Quality,” at the 2004 Spring Meeting of the WPSA UK Branch.

Presents the study entitled “How Many Broiler Feeding Tests Are Required to Elaborate Working Models for the Prediction of Nutritional Effects of Pronutrients in Praxis?,” at the 2004 Spring Meeting of the WPSA UK Branch.

Presents the study entitled “Broiler Breeders: Potential Alternatives to Restricted Feeding,” at the 2004 Spring Meeting of the WPSA UK Branch.

Debate surrounding the adverse consequences of feeding human-edible feedstuffs to livestock can be addressed through calculation of the net protein contribution (NPC) of the production system. If the NPC is greater than 1.0 for the production system, then there are net benefits from the system for human populations with an ever-increasing requirement for protein and amino acids. The aim of this paper was to calculate the NPC for an Australian pork supply chain on the basis of the unique characteristics of Australian ingredients. While calculation of NPC is not complex, intimate knowledge of the source of the nutrients and their quality, and interpretation of their human-edible protein fractions is essential if an accurate estimate is to be achieved. The NPC for an Australian pork supply chain was calculated using (a) actual, published or estimated values for human-edible fractions of feedstuffs, (b) the percentage of protein available within raw materials considered to be human edible, (c) recommended amino acid scoring patterns for infants, adolescents and adults, (d) published, and calculated from standard reference nutrient databases, digestible indispensable amino acid scores, (e) carcase yields and carcase composition from published studies, and (f) actual feed formulations, feed volumes and production data from a large Australian pork supply chain. The NPC for the assessed Australian pork supply chain was 3.26. This means the supply chain generates more than three times the human-edible protein it consumes in the process. This NPC is higher than previously published values, largely because of the composition of Australian pig diets, but demonstrates the positive value that livestock production systems make to human food supply. Livestock systems are often targeted as net consumers of vital nutrients such as protein and amino acids and the diversion of these nutrients from human diets. If production systems focus on the utilisation of waste streams, co-products and human-inedible feedstuffs, then they can make a net contribution to human-edible protein supply. Debate surrounding the adverse consequences of feeding human-edible feedstuffs to livestock can be addressed through calculation of the net protein contribution (NPC) of the production system. This paper calculates the NPC from an Australian pork supply chain to be 3.26. This number is higher than previously published values, largely because of the composition of Australian pig diets, but demonstrates the positive value that livestock production systems make to human food supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts on veterinary medicine topics which include the effect of starch level in the growing phase on performance and carcass traits, nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed with wheat-based diets supplemented with phytase and xylanase, and effect of starch and protein digestion rates on nitrogen retention in pigs.

The article presents abstracts of topics related to nutrition of dairy cattle which include the relationship between negative energy balance and mastitis in dairy cattle during early lactation, the use of the Rumensin Premix in dairy cows: factors influencing its effects on milk production and milk composition and pre-pubertal nutrition affects mammary development and first lactation performance depending on growth potential in dairy sheep.

Wheat bran separated in the standard milling process as a by-product contains many substances of importance in livestock and human nutrition. In the Czech Republic, as in other Central European countries, a significant part of the bran is not traditionally used as a raw material for feed production and is used as a heating fuel. This means that many interesting and health-promoting components of fiber, phenolic compounds, vitamins, proteins, and minerals are lost. The bran is made up of particles of the grain outer coating and sub-coating layers, particularly the pericarp, testa, and aleurone layer. Their composition varies, but while the pericarp in particular is largely composed of cellulose and lignin, the testa and aleurone layer contain many valuable non-starch polysaccharides (hemicelluloses), as well as the macro- and micronutrients mentioned above. Wholemeal flours contain all the anatomical parts of the grain mentioned above, which brings both technological problems in terms of their bakery processing and a not always acceptable sensory impact on the products. This paper summarizes selected physical and physicochemical methods that can be used to remove those components that may cause technological and sensory problems and retain those that, on the other hand, represent a significant nutritional benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unconventional protein feeds, characterized by low nutritional value, high variability, and poor palatability, have limited their application in swine production. Fermentation technology holds the key to addressing these shortcomings. Given the ban on antibiotics in China, the inferior quality of imported pig breeds, and long-term dependence on imported soybean, the prospects for fermented unconventional protein feeds are promising. This paper delves into the common types of fermented unconventional protein feeds, factors influencing the fermentation process, the mechanisms by which they enhance swine health, and the challenges and prospects of fermented feeds, offering theoretical insights for the future development of the feed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage maize is a versatile crop extensively utilized for animal nutrition in agriculture and holds promise as a valuable resource for the production of fermentable sugars in the biorefinery sector. Within this context, the carbohydrate fraction of the lignocellulosic biomass undergoes deconstruction during ruminal digestion and the saccharification process. However, the cell wall's natural resistance towards enzymatic degradation poses a significant challenge during both processes. This so-called biomass recalcitrance is primarily attributed to the presence of lignin and ferulates in the cell walls. Consequently, maize varieties with a reduced lignin or ferulate content or an altered lignin composition can have important beneficial effects on cell wall digestibility. Considerable efforts in genetic improvement have been dedicated towards enhancing cell wall digestibility, benefiting agriculture, the biorefinery sector and the environment. In part I of this paper, we review conventional and advanced breeding methods used in the genetic improvement of maize germplasm. In part II, we zoom in on maize mutants with altered lignin for improved digestibility and biomass processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-conventional feed resources (NCFR) as potential alternative feed ingredients for animal production continue to be a topic of great interest in recent years. As a promising solution for livestock feeding to reduce feed costs and ensure productivity and environmental sustainability with maximum efficiency, some of the potentially available NCFR are useful oilseed by-products. Some of them have a high nutritional value and contain several bioactive compounds (dietary fiber, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, etc.) which can promote the health and well-being of animals. However, the protein content, low energy level or the presence of some anti-nutritional factors can compromise its quality and restrict its use in animal feeding. Therefore, this paper reviews the nutritional value of three NCFR cold-pressed cakes, i.e., flax, hemp, and pumpkin) and the effects of their inclusion in monogastric diets (poultry and pigs), to provide a theoretical reference for their usefulness in the nutrition field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]