Search

This study evaluated the effects of different energy sources, as corn substitutes, on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs. Twenty-four intact ram lambs were identified, weighed, and assigned to one of four dietary treatments: corn, citrus pulp, rice bran, and soybean hulls. The ram lambs were confined in feedlots, and when they reached 30 kg of live weight, they were slaughtered. A completely randomized design with different replicates was used for the analysis, along with the Tukey-5% test. For hot and cold carcass weight, rice bran produced lower values than the other dietary treatments. For the red color content of the meat, citrus pulp presented superior values when compared to corn, whereas meat and fat color, loin eye area, and objective tenderness did not differ between treatments. Different energetic sources used to replace corn in ram lambs finishing diets did not affect the proximate composition and quality of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studying the effect of citrus pulp silage in the growth performance, amino acid retention of sharpsnout sea bream juveniles. Methods: Citrus pulp is an energy and protein source that has been used to replace wheat meal in Diplodus puntazzo fingerlings; 96 fish of 21.5 ± 0.67 g were nourished with two experimental diets for 105 days. The control diet (CON) contained 421.6 g/kg of protein and 22.6 MJ/kg of energy. The citrus pulp diet (CPD) included 442.7 g/kg of protein and 22.02 MJ/kg of energy. Results: At the end of this trial, the CPD did not affect the growth parameters, but the feed efficiency values exhibited statistically significant differences, with those fish fed the CPD having higher values, possibly due to the presence of limonene in the diet. The CPD also resulted in a reduction in amino acid (AA) content due to the protein being bound to fibre; this consequence did not affect the final fish AA profile. For AA retention, only arginine displayed significant differences, although the rest of the AAs also showed effects of AA reduction from the CPD. Conclusion: Citrus pulp silage can be used in D. puntazzo feeding, without adverse in the growth performance and the amino acid profile, although it did cause a reduction in feed efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus pulp is a major by-product of the citrus processing industry. A total of 192 post-weaning, 35-day-old Hyla rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Each group contained four replicates and each replicate comprised 12 rabbits. The four groups were given 0 (control group), 7%, 14% and 21% citrus pulp in the feed. Results indicated no significant difference in the performance of rabbits (P >.118). Rabbits fed with increasing citrus pulp demonstrated an increase in hot carcass weight (linear, P =.041) and liver weight (linear, P =.015). An upward trend (linear, P =.087) was found in thymus with increasing citrus pulp. The experimental groups all displayed an increase of at least 8.28%, 11.7% and 5.07% in serum albumin (ALB), ALB:GLO ratio and calcium (Ca) levels, respectively, compared with the control group (P <.05), and the experimental groups also presented high serum P (linear, P =.023). Hepatic total antioxidant capacity activities in the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P <.05), but no difference was found in glutathione peroxidase activities (P >.05). In summary, inclusion of increased citrus pulp did not impair growth performance, could improve immunization, serum Ca and hepatic antioxidant status of growing rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the renewable energy sources, the production of biogas from biomass by anaerobic digestion has developed significantly in the last twenty years in Italy, especially in the North. In this field, a new concept proposes the production of biogas in a more sustainable way by a sustainable intensification of crop rotation, use of agro-industrial wastes, and recycling the nutrients of by-products used to produce biogas. Among the by-products used to extract biogas, re-using residual biomass of citrus processing industries, like citrus pulp, has been recently put forward. Given the uncertainty of data relating to biomass quantities, this research aims at filling the gap in the knowledge of the production and yield of citrus pulp for energy uses. Therefore, this study investigates the suitability of using citrus pulp as a possible matrix of the blend needed to feed anaerobic digesters in territorial areas where biogas sector is still developing. This aim is relevant to plan the development of new biogas plants in a sustainable way with regard to environmental protection, and specifically, in terms of reduction of both soil consumption for dedicated energy crop and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions derived from biomasses logistic supply, as well as the re-use of agro-industrial wastes. On this basis, a case study was analysed by using GIS tools and descriptive statistics as well as by investigating the specific regulatory framework. The results of the statistical analyses showed that there is great variability in citrus production for the different citrus fruits because of the species specialisation of some farms and their various production capacities. The results of the GIS analyses highlighted that localisation of the citrus processing areas is highly concentrated in specific geographic areas. Therefore, it would be desirable that the future policies of development of biogas sector, take into account the availability and distribution of agricultural biomasses in the territory. Finally, the regulatory framework was found of crucial importance in supporting or inhibiting the utilisation of the biomass in a specific sector, with regard to the case study considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we have hypothesized that replacing barley with high proportions of dried citrus pulp in a concentrate-based diet for lambs could increase the intake of unsaturated fatty acids and could reduce the rate of the ruminal biohydrogenation of PUFA, with a consequent improvement of the intramuscular fatty acid composition. To test this hypothesis, 26 Comisana lambs were divided into 3 groups and for 56 d were fed a barley-based concentrate diet (CON; 8 lambs) or 2 diets in which barley was replaced with 24% (CIT24; 9 lambs) or 35% (CIT35; 9 lambs) dried citrus pulp. An overall improvement of the fatty acid composition of LM from lambs fed citrus pulp-containing diets was found. The PUFA/SFA ratio was lower (P < 0.05) in the LM from lambs in the CON group compared with both the CIT24 and CIT35 groups. The thrombogenic index was lower (P < 0.05) in meat from lambs fed the CIT35 diet compared with those fed the CON diet. The CIT35 diet increased the proportion of C20:5 n-3 in the LM (P < 0.05), whereas the CIT24 diet enhanced that of C22:6 n-3 (P < 0.05) compared with the CON diet. Some of these results might be explained considering that feeding the CIT24 and CIT35 diets increased the intake of total fatty acids (P < 0.05) and of C18:3 n-3 (P < 0.01) compared with feeding the CON treatment. On the other hand, phenolic compounds present in citrus pulp could have inhibited the ruminal biohydrogenation of PUFA. This is supported by the fact that regardless of the level of inclusion in the diet, citrus pulp increased the proportion of rumenic acid (P < 0.001) in LM compared with the CON diet. The plasma from lambs fed both CIT24 and CIT35 diets had a greater percentage of vaccenic acid (VA; P < 0.001) compared with that from lambs fed the CON diet, and the CIT35 diet increased the proportion of rumenic acid in plasma compared with the CON treatment (P < 0.05). In the ruminal fluid, stearic acid (SA) tended to decrease, and the sum of CLA tended to increase (P = 0.09) with increasing level of citrus pulp in the diets. Furthermore, the SA/(SA + VA) ratio tended to be lower (P = 0.10) in the ruminal fluid from lambs fed the CIT35 diet compared with that of the CON group. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that replacing barley with citrus pulp in the diet of growing lambs improves intramuscular fatty acid composition and underline the need for specific studies to clarify the mechanisms by which feeding citrus pulp affects the fatty acid metabolism in ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With aim to provide information on chemical contaminants in byproducts in animal feed, the data from an official control by the Danish Plant Directorate during 1998–2009, were reviewed and several samples of citrus pulp and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) were additionally collected for analysis and risk assessment. The levels of contaminants in the samples from the official control were below maximum limits from EU regulations with only a few exceptions in the following groups; dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in fish-containing byproducts and dioxins in vegetable and animal fat, hydrogen cyanide in linseed, and cadmium in sunflowers. The levels of pesticides and mycotoxins in the additionally collected samples were below maximum limits. Enniatin B (ENN B) was present in all DDGS samples. The hypothetical cases of carry-over of contamination from these byproducts were designed assuming total absorption and accumulation of the ingested contaminant in meat and milk and high exposure (a byproduct formed 15–20% of the feed ration depending on the species). The risk assessment was refined based on literature data on metabolism in relevant animal species. Risk assessment of contaminants in byproducts is generally based on a worst-case approach, as data on carry-over of a contaminant are sparse. This may lead to erroneous estimation of health hazards. The presence of ENN B in all samples of DDGS indicates that potential impact of this emerging mycotoxin on feed and food safety deserves attention. A challenge for the future is to fill up gaps in toxicological databases and improve models for carry-over of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the effect of three energy sources on the intake, total apparent digestibility and excretion of nutrients in cattle diet. Materials and methods. Six ruminally cannulated cows (730 ± 70 kg) were distributed into three treatments in a replicated 3x3 Latin square experimental design, where: (I) Control: Low ether extract diet (3.50% EE); (II) Soybean: High ether extract diet (5.30% EE) with inclusion of 15% soybean and (III) Citrus pulp: Low ether extract diet (3.00% EE) and high pectin involvement with inclusion of 15% citrus pulp. To determine the digestibility of DM and its fractions, chromic oxide was used as a marker. Nutrient excretion was calculated from the digestibility coefficient of each fraction. Results. The soybean treatment reduced (p<0.05) dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen-free extract and organic matter intake and increased ether extract intake. There was no effect (p>0.05) of the energy source on the digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, NDF, EE, NFE or OM. The TDN value was higher for the soybean treatment. The excretion of DM, NFE and OM was lower (p<0.05) for the soybean treatment. All energy sources influenced the excretion of crude protein. Conclusions. The energy sources used did not affect the digestibility of the diets and are indicated as high potential sources to be used in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of replacing cereal concentrates with high levels of dried citrus pulp in the diet on lamb meat oxidative stability. Over 56 days, lambs were fed a barley-based concentrate (Control) or concentrates in which 24% and 35% dried citrus pulp were included to partially replace barley (Citrus 24% and Citrus 35%, respectively). Meat was aged under vacuum for 4 days and subsequently stored aerobically at 4°C. The Control diet increased the redness, yellowness and saturation of meat after blooming (P< 0.01). Regardless of the level of supplementation, dietary dried citrus pulp strongly reduced meat lipid oxidation over 6 days of aerobic storage (P <0.001), while colour parameters did not change noticeably over storage and their variation rate was not affected by the diet. In conclusion, replacing cereals with dried citrus pulp in concentrate-based diets might represent a feasible strategy to naturally improve meat oxidative stability and to promote the exploitation of this by-product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fermentation kinetics, digestibility, faecal characteristics and bacterial populations (aerobes, anaerobes, lactobacilli, lactic acid bacteria, enterococci, coliforms and clostridia) of dog food mixed with citrus pulp and apple pomace were evaluated. Thein vitrogas production of a pre-digested dog food mixed with 0, 30, 50 and 70 g/kg dry matter (DM) of citrus pulp or apple pomace was measured, and also an experiment with dogs fed the same dog food with or without the addition of 70 g/kg of either fresh citrus pulp or apple pomace was conducted. Gas production increased linearly (p < 0.001) and quadratically (p < 0.001) as fibre levels augmented. The inclusion of fibre sources in the diets resulted in higher faecal output (p = 0.005) and defecation frequency (p < 0.001), and lower faecal pH (p < 0.001) and digestibility values (p < 0.01). Faecal consistencies and microbial populations did not differ among treatments. The addition of fresh citrus and apple was effective to stimulate the hindgut fermentation, but slightly depressed the digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

At the "Victoria de Girón" Citrus Fruit Production Enterprise, Matanzas province, Cuba, a study was conducted for 138 days with 433 crossbred bulls of dairy breeds (Holstein x Zebu), in which a diet based on restricted grazing (four hours in the morning), green forage and citrus fruit pulp ad libitum, was evaluated, supplemented with grass hay, mineral salt and North gold. The citrus fruit pulp was supplied as silage since August 8 until October 31, and fresh since November 1st until December 24. The latter was enriched with urea, at a rate of 0,04 kg per 5 kg of citrus fruit pulp. In the rainy season, the forage showed the lowest DM percentages and the highest ME and PDIN values, with little variation between periods for PDIE. The fresh and ensiled citrus pulp maintained analogous values to other studies; the hay had low quality and forage intake was similar in both periods; preserved citrus pulp was less consumed than the fresh one. The gain was higher with preserved citrus pulp (0,593 vs. 0,556 kg/animal/day). Nutritional balances indicated that the DM and ME requirements were covered, although in nitrogen compounds inefficient utilization was made because there was excess of PDIE, which was not corrected through urea incorporation. In both periods the highest percentages of nutrient contributions corresponded to forage and citrus fruit pulp in its two modalities. The conversion values had a better response with silage (13,3 vs. 15,5 kgDM/kg of gain). The feasibility of using fresh or ensiled citrus fruit pulp is concluded; although, to increase gains and feeding conversion, it is necessary to increase protein supplementation and have feedstuffs which balance the quantities of PDIN and PDIE in the diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência Animal Brasileira is the property of Universidade Federal de Goias, Escola de Veterinaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: A simple and accurate method has been developed to simultaneously separate and determine 10 bioactive compounds in citrus fruits by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD–ESI/MS). This HPLC assay was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column with acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid as mobile phase. DAD has been performed at 273, 283 and 324nm for quantification of the alkaloids, flavanones and hydroxycinnamic acids. MS was also employed to identify the each analyte. Ten analytes (naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, octopamine, synephrine and tyramine) demonstrated good linearity (r ⩾0.9990) in a relatively wide concentration range. The method revealed high average recovery (range, 92.1–97.9%) and good precision with interday and intraday variations with less than 4.71%. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.02 to 0.11μg/ml, while the limits of quantification (LOQs) were defined in the range of 0.08–0.39μg/ml. The proposed method has been successfully applied to analyse three types of bioactive constituents in eight citrus hybrids pulps and eight citrus hybrids peels, which has been successfully cultivated in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sixteen West African dwarf goats weighing 5.0–5.6 kg were used in an experiment that lasted 112 days to investigate the utilization of citrus pulp based diets and E. cyclocarpum. A control diet which contained 88.5% dried brewers'' grains (DBG) and other three experimental diets in which DBG was replaced with dried citrus pulp (DCP) at 25, 50 and 75% levels, respectively constituted the four treatments. The goats were divided into four groups of four animals each to balance for variation in live weight before they were assigned to the four different experimental diets. Significant differences (P <0.05) were obtained in growth rate with (22.14–34.02 g/d) the highest and lowest value from 50 and 75% DCP inclusion respectively. The digestibility coefficients of DM, Ash, NFE, NDF, ADL, cellulose and hemicellulose increased with increasing levels of dried citrus pulp in the diets and were highest at 75% level of replacement. However, the CP digestibility of 83.85% was highest in the control diet and was significantly (P <0.05) different from other diets containing citrus pulp. Nitrogen intake (g/d) decreased significantly (P <0.05) with increasing levels of dried citrus pulp in the diets from 45.57–33.28 and was lowest in the control diet. Nitrogen balance also followed the same trend, being highest (42.07 g/d) at 25% DCP and lowest at 75% DCP. The Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and total blood protein (TBP) were significantly (P <0.05) different across the dietary treatments at the start and end of the trial. The values for PCV, RBC, MCH, glucose and total protein decreased slightly in the control diet. Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) values also increased significantly (P <0.05) with increasing levels of dried citrus pulp in the diets at the end of the experiment and were highest (6.50 IU/L) at 75% level of citrus pulp. Therefore, the efficient utilization of citrus pulp and E. cyclocarpum by WAD goats was attained at the 50% level of inclusion in the diets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the objective of evaluating the effect exerted by the Sorbial probiotic on the nutritive value of citrus pulp silages conserved with different absorbing materials, a study was carried out with sheep consisting in evaluating first the silage under study and afterwards the same treatment, with Sorbial probiotic (20 g probiotic/animal/ day). The treatments were: a) orange pulp (OP); b) OP + 10% sugarcane bagasse; c) OP + 20% pre-wilted mulberry (40% DM); and d) OP + 10% bean straw. In the silages dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, pH and N-NH3 /Nt were determined. In order to guarantee the maintenance needs of the animals in crude protein, 1 kg of fresh mulberry was supplied; while the silages were supplied ad libitum. The nutritive value was determined through intake and digestibility percentages of organic matter, crude protein and crude fiber. Dry matter and crude fiber increased with the incorporation of the absorbing materials. The integral evaluation of the treatments indicates that the probiotic supply increased the ration intake in 5 g DM/kg P0.75, as well as the ingestion of organic matter (+ 5,6 g),crude protein (+ 0,8 g) and digestible crude fiber (+ 3,1 g). The use of probiotic in diets of orange pulp mixed silages is concluded to improve the nutritional indicators and zootechnical responses depend on the absorbing material used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the objective of evaluating the effect exerted by the Sorbial probiotic on the nutritive value of citrus pulp silages conserved with different absorbing materials, a study was carried out with sheep consisting in evaluating first the silage under study and afterwards the same treatment, with Sorbial probiotic (20 g probiotic/animal/ day). The treatments were: a) orange pulp (OP); b) OP + 10% sugarcane bagasse; c) OP + 20% pre-wilted mulberry (40% DM); and d) OP + 10% bean straw. In the silages dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, pH and N-NH3/Nt were determined. In order to guarantee the maintenance needs of the animals in crude protein, 1 kg of fresh mulberry was supplied; while the silages were supplied ad libitum. The nutritive value was determined through intake and digestibility percentages of organic matter, crude protein and crude fiber. Dry matter and crude fiber increased with the incorporation of the absorbing materials. The integral evaluation of the treatments indicates that the probiotic supply increased the ration intake in 5 g DM/kg P°-75, as well as the ingestion of organic matter (+ 5,6 g),crude protein (+ 0,8 g) and digestible crude fiber (+ 3,1 g). The use of probiotic in diets of orange pulp mixed silages is concluded to improve the nutritional indicators and zootechnical responses depend on the absorbing material used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some feedstuffs containing significant levels of fiber may be a good source of bioactive compounds that may contribute to improving broiler meat quality. However, high fiber level can have a negative impact on broiler performance. A study was undertaken to investigate the impact of incorporating citrus pulp (5 or 10%) or dehydrated pasture (5 or 10%) on the performance, carcass yield, and characteristics of broiler chickens. A diet containing neither citrus pulp nor dehydrated pasture was used as control. The results on growth performances showed that daily weight gain was reduced by 26% in birds of the 10% citrus pulp treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the control treatment, increases in feed intake occurred in birds consuming diets with 5 or 10% citrus pulp, which resulted in significantly higher feed conversion rates with the 10% level. Under the same in- corporation rate, dehydrated pasture had effects less evident on the performances of broiler chicken. In addition, diets containing citrus pulp, displaying higher percent- ages of soluble nonstarch polysaccharides, increased small intestine relative length, and reduced carcass yield. Inclusion of 10% dehydrated pasture in diets resulted in improved breast skin yellowness (P < 0.05). Finally, the results revealed that incorporation of the nonstarch poly- saccharide-rich feedstuffs had a major impact on the fatty acid profile (affected 16 of 21 fatty acids) of broiler meat. Polyunsaturated fatty acids content in meat was higher in birds consuming the highest levels of both citrus pulp and dehydrated pasture, leading to increased ratios of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids. Together, the results suggest that incorporation of moderate levels of dehydrated pastures in poultry diets has a minor impact on broiler performance and can contribute significantly to improve breast skin yellowness and fatty acid composition of meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three stowages of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi cv. Marsh) peel were used to study for 10 d some of its bromatological and chemical characteristics. A completely randomized design was used with factorial arrangement 3 x 7 for the variables pH, temperature, dry matter (DM), and 3 x 2 for Ca, P, ash, and CP. The factors were the depth of the stowage from 5 to 15, from 15 to 30, of more than 30 cm and the sampling days. The variables DM, pH, and temperature had interaction (P < 0.001) between the depth and the sampling days. The water motion to the medium (from 15 to 30 cm) and deep (more than 30 cm) strata, with DM values lower than 18 %, was proved up to the eighth day. The temperature did not surpass 38.1 °C. The stratum from 5 to 15 cm always kept the highest value during the sampling days, suggesting the existence of fermentation. Despite variations, the pH was kept under 4.11, with acid conditions. The values were lower than 3.53, since the third day. Ashes showed interaction (P < 0.05) between the depth and the sampling day, suggesting losses of minerals for the stratum from 15 to 30 cm in the tenth day. However, from the first to the tenth day, the values of Ca, P, and CP were not modified by the depth. This proved that the grapefruit peels, kept in stowages for 10 d, did not show changes that affect their use as ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objectives were to compare the effects of sources of supplemental N on ruminal fermentation of dried citrus pulp (DCP) and performance of growing steers fed DCP and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) hay. In Exp. 1, fermentation of DCP alone was compared with that of isonitrogenous mixtures of DCP and solvent soybean meal (SBM), expeller soybean meal (SoyPLUS; SP), or urea (UR). Ground (1 mm) substrates were incubated in buffered rumen fluid for 24 h, and IVDMD and fermentation gas production kinetics and products were measured. Nitrogen supplementation increased (P < 0.10) ruminally fermentable fractions, IVDMD, pH, and concentrations of NH3 and total VFA, but reduced the rate of gas production (P < 0.10) and the lag phase (P < 0.01). Supplementation with UR vs. the soy-based supplements increased ruminally fermentable fractions (P < 0.05) and concentrations of total VFA (P < 0.10) and NH3 (P < 0.01), but these measures were similar (P > 0.10) between SBM and SP. In Exp. 2, 4 steers (254 kg) were fed bahiagrass hay plus DCP, or hay plus DCP supplemented with CP predominantly from UR, SBM, or SP in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with four 21-d periods, each with 7 d for DMI and fecal output measurement. Nitrogen-supplemented diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (11.9% CP), and all diets were formulated to be isocaloric (66% TDN). Intake and digestibility of DM, N, and ADF were improved (P < 0.05) by N supplementation. Compared with UR, the soy-based supplements led to greater (P < 0.05) DM and N intakes and apparent N and ADF digestibilities. Plasma glucose and urea concentrations increased (P < 0.10) with N supplementation and were greater (P < 0.01) for the soy-based supplements than for UR. Intake, digestibility, and plasma metabolite concentrations were similar (P > 0.1) for SBM and SP. In Exp. 3, 24 steers (261 kg) were individually fed bahiagrass hay plus DCP (control), or hay plus DCP supplemented with CP predominantly from UR or SBM. Over 56 d, DMI and ADG were greatest (P < 0.05) in steers fed SBM. Nitrogen supplementation increased (P < 0.05) DMI, ADG, and G:F. However, SBM supplementation produced greater (P < 0.05) DMI and ADG and similar (P > 0.05) G:F compared with UR supplementation. We conclude that supplemental N is important to optimize ruminal function and performance of growing steers fed forage diets supplemented with DCP. Diets with supplemental N mainly from SBM improved diet digestibility and animal performance beyond that achieved by UR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twenty-seven Italian Merino male lambs, equally divided into three groups, were used to evaluate the effects of the dietary incorporation of citrus pulp dried by exploiting solar energy (solar-dried citrus pulp, SDCP) on growth and carcass and meat quality. The diet consisted of oat hay and concentrate, with a hay/concentrate ratio of 30/70. The concentrates of the SDCP-0, SDCP-30 and SDCP-45 groups were formulated to incorporate 0, 30 and 45% of SDCP, respectively, as partial replacement of cereal grain. The lambs were slaughtered after 80 days of feeding (at 150 days of age) and carcass and some meat quality parameters were measured. No significant differences were found in final live-weights and average daily gains among the groups. Lambs in the SCP-45 group showed impaired (P <0.001) feed conversion efficiency, lower (P <0.05) carcass weight and lower (P <0.05) dressing percentage compared with the other two groups. The majority of SDCP-45 carcasses (88.9%) fell within the bis-grid EU system (light carcasses weighing ≤13kg), while most SDCP-0 (66.7%) and SDCP-30 (77.8%) carcasses fell within the SEUROP system (heavy carcasses weighing >13kg). The bis-grid EU carcass classification highlighted how all carcasses produced an ideal meat colour and fatness, while the SEUROP grid carcass classification showed good carcass conformation and optimal fatness in the SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 groups. Carcass compactness was found to be significantly higher (P <0.05) in groups SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 compared to group SDCP-45. The histological dissection of the pelvic limb evidenced a higher (P <0.01) adiposity in the SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 groups. Chemical analysis of meat did not differ significantly among the groups. Physical analysis of the meat showed higher (P <0.05) redness value and higher (P <0.05) chroma value in the SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 groups. Based on the results of the present study it may be concluded that SDCP can be incorporated in concentrate mixtures for fattening lambs at levels equal to 30% without adverse effects both in growth and slaughter performances as well as in carcass and meat quality and, at this replacement level, it appears also to be economically convenient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this trial was to study the effects of citrus pulp inclusion in ostrich diets on meat quality, evaluated on iliofibularis and gastrocnemius muscles. M. iliofibularis had a lower ultimate pH (P<0.05) and was lighter in colour (P<0.05) than M. gastrocnemius. The latter had higher moisture (P<0.05) and lower crude protein contents (P<0.05) as compared to M. iliofibularis. M. gastrocnemius had a lower proportion of C14:0 (P<0.05), C16:0 (P<0.05) and C16:1 (P<0.05) and a higher percentage of C18:0 (P<0.05), C20:2ω6 (P<0.05), C20:4ω6 (P<0.05) and C20:5ω3 (P<0.05) than M. iliofibularis. Citrus pulp diet increased (P<0.05) meat ultimate pH and reduced cooking losses (P<0.05) as compared to the control diet. Meat from animals given citrus pulp had lower crude fat (P<0.05) and ash percentages (P<0.05) in comparison to that from the control group. The proportions of intramuscular saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were lower (P<0.05) in the citrus pulp group as compared to the control one. Meat from the citrus pulp treatment group had a higher (P<0.05) percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids than meat from the control treatment. In particular, meat from ostriches given citrus pulp diet exhibited higher C18:2ω6 (P<0.05) and C20:4ω6 (P<0.05) contents that accounted for a higher ω6/ω3 ratio (P<0.05) as compared to the control group. Overall, the use of a citrus pulp-included diet in ostrich feeding did not adversely affect meat quality and, therefore, citrus pulp seems to be a possible ingredient to reduce feeding costs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Twenty-eight lactating ewes (mean 48 (s.e. 0.37) kg live weight) were used from days 12 to 52 after lambing to evaluate the effects on digestibility and production performance of replacing barley grain with citrus pulp in diets based on ammonia-treated barley straw. Concentrates included 0.82 to 0.83 of different barley to citrus pulp proportions : 100 : 0 (T1); 66 : 33 (T2); 33 : 66 (T3) and 0 :100 (T4), 0.115 of soya-bean meal, and urea to make diets isonitrogenous. Ewes were adapted to a common diet for 11 days after lambing, and then were given 850 g/day of each experimental concentrate together with 8508/day of chopped barley straw for 14 days and milk production and lamb growth were recorded. During the following 14 days ewes received the same amount of concentrate but the straw was offered ad libitum and straw intake was recorded as well as milk production and lamb growth. After completing both periods, four ewes per treatment were used for total collections of faeces and urine. Apparent digestibility of organic matter and neutral-detergent fibre increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of citrus pulp although no differences were found in the digestible organic matter content of dry matter of diets because of differences in ash content. Urinary excretion of allantoin and purine derivatives per unit of digestible organic matter intake tended to decrease with increasing inclusion of citrus pulp (proportionately by 0.15), suggesting a decrease in microbial protein synthesis, though this effect was not significant (P > 0.05). Faecal excretion of purine bases also decreased (P < 0.05) as citrus pulp inclusion increased. No treatment effect (P > 0.05) on ewe live weight, milk composition or serum glucose and 3-OH butyrate was observed when a 1:1 straw to concentrate ratio was given, but milk production and lamb daily gain decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased proportions of citrus pulp in the concentrate. Similar responses were... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with dehydrated citrus pulp (DCP) on the performance of growing kids and apparent digestibility of their diets. Thirty-two Saanen kids (16 intact males and 16 females) were placed in individual pens and fed grass hay (42%) plus concentrate mixture (58%) with four levels of replacement of corn by DCP (0, 33, 66, 100%) during 60 days. Daily live-weight gain, dry matter intake, and feed conversion were evaluated. After this period, male kids (n=16) were transferred to metabolic cages and apparent digestibility was evaluated. Daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion and the apparent dry matter digestibility coefficient showed a quadratic effect (P<0.05) with the increasing levels of replacement. Crude fiber, NDF, ADF and ether extract digestibility showed a linear increase (P<0.01) and the digestibility of other organic nutrients were not modified (P>0.05). Apparent digestibility of Ca, P differed among diets (P<0.05) fitted in a quadratic model and showed a great decrease at the highest level of replacement. Replacing around 40% of corn by DCP can attain the best performance for growing kids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which discusses effect of source of supplemental nitrogen on the utilization of citrus pulp-based diets by sheep. It mentions that two trials were conducted to examine influence of N enrichment of dried citrus pulp (DCP) through ammoniation versus urea supplementation on digestion and feeding value. It reveals that digestibility of CP-A was lower than that of the other diets supplemented with nonprotein N (NPN).

Abstract: Citrus pulp was evaluated as an alternative feedstuff in diets for growing-finishing pigs. Three diets were formulated on an iso-nutrient basis to contain 0 (C), 50 (PM) or 100 (PH) g of ensiled citrus pulp per kg on a dry matter basis (DM). At 56.7±7.1kg of body weight, 72 pigs were allocated into 3 groups according to the citrus pulp level in the diet. Body weight and voluntary feed intake (VFI) were recorded on days 0, 29 and 55. Backfat thickness (BF) and loin depth (LD) were measured at P2 using ultrasounds. Faecal samples were taken directly from the rectum and cultured for Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus counts. At slaughter, carcass weight, BF at gluteus medius and meat colour was recorded. Also fatty acid profile in subcutaneous fat was determined. Pigs fed citrus pulp showed a lower (P <0.05) VFI on a DM basis and, consequently, a lower (P <0.05) weight gain (ADG) compared to C pigs during the first 4weeks of study. Thereafter, no differences were found between groups. At the end of the study, C pigs showed a greater level of BF at P2 than PM and PH. The inclusion of citrus pulp significantly reduced (P <0.05) Enterobacteriaceae in faeces, not affecting Lactobacillus population. The inclusion of citrus pulp lead to no differences in BF at gluteus medius and meat colour but tended (P <0.10) to decrease carcass yield and increase oleic acid percentage in subcutaneous fat. It was concluded that growing pigs can adapt their gastrointestinal tract to citrus pulp as a source of high-fermentable carbohydrates without detrimental effects on growth performance and meat quality, and potential benefits on gut microbiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]