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This study aimed to characterize different Aspergillus section Flavi isolates in search for nonaflatoxigenic strains for use as biocontrol agent. A total of 434 isolates of A. flavus were isolated from soil and stored maize grain samples collected from four agroecological zones (AEZ) i.e., AEZ-A, AEZ-B, AEZ-C and AEZ-D of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. The mycological analysis of the samples demonstrated that the highest population of Aspergillus section Flavi was existed in soil (n = 236) than in maize grain samples (n = 198). Across all the four zones, the highest population of Aspergillus section Flavi was observed in AEZ-C (n = 115) whereas the lowest population was found in AEZ-B (n= 99). The isolates of Aspergillus section Flavi were then characterized for their aflatoxigenicity and nonaflatoxigenicity by cultural (i.e., production of blue fluorescence, room temperature phosphorescence, ammonium hydroxide vapor induced color change and sclerotia production) and immunological methods i.e., enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the four cultural methods successfully differentiated aflatoxigenic and nonaflatoxigenic isolates, however ammonium hydroxide vapor induced test was found to be the most efficient (80.29%) for segregation of the isolates. Among all isolates, thirty were screened for their total aflatoxin production in corn meal agar medium by using ELISA technique. The results showed that isolate AFS32 produced highest level of total aflatoxin (230.78 µg Kg-1) while isolates AFS5, AFS17, AFS25 and AFS33 produced no aflatoxin. These nonaflatoxigenic isolates were considered as isolates of interest and could be used as biocontrol agent in agricultural fields for prevention of pre-harvest aflatoxins production in different crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The productivity and profitability of commercial broiler largely depend on nutrition and growth performance and, therefore, this industry requires high quality protein sources, such as corn gluten meal (CGM). Many studies have been conducted on protein quality changes and other nutritional characteristics of CGM in several countries Corn gluten meal contains around 60% CP and is a byproduct of wet milling of corn, most of which is used for manufacture of high fructose corn syrup and corn flour. Being high in crude protein, it is often compared to animal protein ingredients during feed formulation. Thus, this study was intended to evaluate the effect of feeding corn gluten meal in feed ration on growth performance of commercial broiler chicken. Methods: A feeding trial was conducted in the year 2018 with an objective to assess the effect of feeding corn gluten meals (CGM) in broiler chicken. Six hundred broiler chickens (day old) were randomly allotted to three groups, comprising of fifty broiler chickens in each treatment group with four replicates. The group-I (T1) broiler chicken were fed with composite diet containing 5% corn gluten meal where as group-II (T2) received composite diets comprising of CGM 10%. The group-III (T3) served as control group with normal broiler diet. The experimental period lasted for six weeks. Weekly body weight and feed consumption were measured in each group. Result: Diet composite of 10% of corn gluten meal had significantly (P≤0.05) higher weight gain, lower feed intake and improved FCR than T1 and T3 group. CGM supplementation can be ideally improved broiler weight gain, feed consumption and FCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different protein sources (corn gluten meal; CGM, and fish meal; FM) was evaluated on the performance, blood metabolites, microbial protein synthesis, and insulin concentration in Holstein dairy calves. Forty-four Holstein female calves with average body weight (BW) 42 ± 0.81 kg and 3-d age were allocated in a completely randomized design with four treatments: 1) control diet with soybean meal as a sole protein source (SBM); 2) partial replacement (5%) of SBM with corn gluten meal (CGM); 3) partial replacement (5%) of SBM with fish meal (FM) and 4) replacement of SBM with a combination (2.5% each) of CGM and FM meal (CGM-FM). The study lasted 11 weeks with the weaning date on d-66, though the study lasted until d-80. The statistical analysis was considered as three separate periods including pre-weaning (3-66 d), post-weaning (66-80 d), and the entire period (3-80 d). The results revealed that the starter intake and average daily gain were not affected among experimental treatments (P>0.05). Replacing SBM with a combination of fish meal and corn gluten meal (CGM-FM) caused improved feed efficiency (P<0.05). Among the growth indices, wither height was enhanced in the CGM-FM treatment at weaning time (P<0.05), and in the final stage of recording, a tendency was significant for this trait (P=0.05). The results suggested that the protein digestibility slightly improved in the CGM-FM treatment compared to other treatments (P=0.06); however, it did not affect others. The microbial protein yield did not differ among experimental treatments (P>0.05). The greatest insulin concentration was found to be for CGM-FM among experimental treatments (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that the partial replacement of SBM with the combination of CGM and FM in dairy calves' starter diet improved the growth performance and contributed to a higher insulin concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The experiment was conducted to study the regulatory effect of genistein on the reproductive performance of breeder hens during the late laying period, in an effort to lay the foundation for the development of feed additives for breeder hens. [Methods] 180 58-week-old Qiling breeder hens with similar body weight and physiological status were randomly divided into three groups: control group, low dose genistein(L-Gen) group and high dose genistein(H-Gen) group, with 5 replicate per group. The preparation period lasted for 2 weeks, while the formal experimental period lasted for 4 weeks. Hens in all groups were fed with the corn soybean meal basal diet for 2-week preparation period. During the formal experimental period, the control group was fed with the basal diet. The L-Gen and H-Gen groups were fed with 20 and 40 mg·kgkg-1 genistein, respectively. [Results] The results showed that adding 20 mg·kgkg-1 genistein in the diet significantly increased the average egg weight, eggshell thickness and GnRH mRNA expression in the hypothalamus(P<0.05); 40 mg·kgkg-1 genistein treatment significantly increased the egg production rate and average egg weight in the 3rd and 4th weeks of the experiment, and the increased level of estrogen and progesterone in the serum(P<0.05). In addition, the egg yolk color grade and eggshell strength of L-Gen and H-Gen groups were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05). Furthermore, genistein treatment significantly increased the SOD activity and T-AOC content(P<0.05), and up-regulated the mRNA expression of ERα and FSHR in the yolk follicle(P<0.05). [Conclusions] In conclusion, genistein can activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, enhance the antioxidant capability and reproductive hormone secretion of the ovary, and improve the reproductive performance of breeder hens in the late laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels contribute environment‐friendly, renewable energy, minimizing dependence on fossil energy. The pretreatment of biomass is a practical step that accelerates and facilitates the hydrolysis of complex materials. This work aimed to screen, select, and study cocktail formulations for biomass hydrolysis, where the enzymes were provided both from a commercial source (Trichoderma reesei, Novozymes®) and through the cultivation of Aspergillus brasiliensis and Aspergillus tamarii Kita. Experimental mixture designs were used to optimize the enzymatic conversion of substrates into simple sugars. A crude extract rich in amylase (AAB) had a significant favorable influence on cornmeal hydrolysis by maximizing the yield of reducing sugars (RS) (173 μmol mL–1). Celluclast™, rich in cellulase, significantly affected the hydrolysis of banana peel, maximizing the RS yield (175 μmol mL–1). Variable degrees of enzyme synergism were evident from statistical analysis of the biomass hydrolysis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn germ meal (CGM) and corn gluten feed (CGF) are the two main corn byproducts (CBs) obtained from corn starch extraction. Due to their high fiber content, low protein content, and severe imbalance of amino acid, CBs are unable to be fully utilized by animals. In this study, the effect of microorganism, proteases, temperature, solid–liquid ratio, and time on nutritional properties of CB mixture feed (CMF) was investigated with the single-factor method and the response surface method to improve the nutritional quality and utilization of CBs. Fermentation with Pichia kudriavzevii , Lactobacillus plantarum , and neutral protease notably improved the nutritional properties of CMF under the fermentation conditions of 37°C, solid–liquid ratio (1.2:1 g/ml), and 72 h. After two-stage solid-stage fermentation, the crude protein (CP) and trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein (TCA-SP) in fermented CMF (FCMF) were increased (p < 0.05) by 14.28% and 25.53%, respectively. The in vitro digestibility of CP and total amino acids of FCMF were significantly improved to 78.53% and 74.94%, respectively. In addition, fermentation degraded fiber and provided more organic acids in the CMF. Multiple physicochemical analyses combined with high-throughput sequencing were performed to reveal the dynamic changes that occur during a two-stage solid-state fermentation process. Generally, Ascomycota became the predominant members of the community of the first-stage of fermentation, and after 36 h of anaerobic fermentation, Paenibacillus spp., Pantoea spp., and Lactobacillales were predominant. All of these processes increased the bacterial abundance and lactic acid content (p < 0.00). Our results suggest that two-stage solid-state fermentation with Pichia kudriavzevii , Lactobacillus plantarum , and protease can efficiently improve protein quality and nutrient utilization of CMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary isoleucine (Ile) on reproductive performance and certain indices of metabolism and oxidative stress in Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens. 2. A total of 600, 40-week-old Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens were fed a basal diet formulated with maize, corn gluten meal and spray-dried blood cell meal containing 3.3 g/kg Ile, or supplemented to contain 4.5, 5.7, 6.9, or 8.1 g/kg Ile for five weeks. Each dietary treatment had six replicates with 20 birds per replicate. After three weeks of receiving the trial diets, 24 eggs were collected at random from each replicate to measure egg quality. Starting after four weeks of treatment, 50 settable eggs per replicate were collected for 7 d in succession for hatching. After five weeks of being fed the treatment diets, birds were slaughtered for tissue and organ collection. 3. For the overall period, laying rate, egg weight, egg mass and hatchling weight linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05) increased with dietary Ile levels. Final body weight, feed intake and relative liver weight of birds fed 3.3 g/kg Ile was lower compared to birds fed the other diets (P < 0.05). There was no effect of Ile level on egg quality (P > 0.05). Hatchling weight was linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in line with dietary supplemental Ile. 4. After three weeks on the trial diets, birds fed the diet containing 3.3 g/kg Ile had decreased blood TG concentrations compared to breeders fed 6.9 or 8.1 g/kg Ile (P < 0.05). Activities of CK were significantly higher in breeders fed the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet compared to all other levels of dietary Ile after five weeks of treatment. A quadratic effect (P < 0.05) was evident for glucose at 8.1 g/kg Ile level. After five weeks of treatment, plasma TG concentrations in birds fed 3.3 g/kg Ile were significantly lower than in birds fed all other levels of Ile. Glucose concentrations in breeder hens receiving the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet were lowest and the highest concentrations were in birds fed 5.7 g/kg Ile (P < 0.05). Plasma activities of LDH were highest in breeders on the 3.3 g/kg Ile diet but were only significantly different (P < 0.05) for birds fed 5.7 g/kg Ile. 5. The current study indicated that Ile deficiency decreased reproductive performance and appeared to serve as a stressor. The optimal dietary Ile for Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens in the laying period was 5.79 g/kg feed (0.75 g/d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of feed ingredients with different protein digestion kinetic profiles on the intestinal health of growing pigs. Two protein sources were selected, namely casein (CAS) as a rapid release source of amino acids (AAs), and corn gluten meal (CGM) as a slow-release source. Twenty-four crossbred barrows (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) with similar bodyweight (43.27 ± 3.51 kg) were selected and randomly assigned to four treatments with six barrows. These consisted of T1: 13.2% digestible crude protein (CP) with supplemental CAS; T2: 13.2% digestible CP with supplemental CGM; T3: 11.2% digestible CP with supplemental CAS (T3); and T4: 11.2% digestible CP with supplemental CGM. Diets with CGM had increased crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and reduced villi height in the jejunum in comparison with CAS. They also had increased intestinal permeability, as seen by the high level of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) compared with CAS. The diets with CAS increased health-promoting Lactobacillus and decreased health-threatening Treponema compared with those fed CGM diets. The CAS diets had a positive effect on gut functions with increased villi height, decreased crypt depth and high villi height/crypt depth. Thus, use of CAS in diets for pigs is favoured over CGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to evaluate effects of corn grain endosperm type and fineness of grind on feed intake, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, and productive performance of lactating cows. Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows in mid lactation (130 ± 42 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with main effects of corn grain endosperm type (floury or vitreous) and fineness of grind of corn grain (fine or medium). Rations were formulated to contain 29% starch, 27% neutral detergent fiber, 18.2% forage neutral detergent fiber, and 18% crude protein. Corn grain treatments supplied 86.2% of dietary starch. Endosperm was 25% vitreous for floury corn and 66% vitreous for vitreous corn. Fineness of grind did not affect dry matter intake (DMI), but floury corn tended to reduce DMI (23.8 vs. 25.1 kg/d) compared with vitreous corn. Floury corn increased meal frequency more for fine grind size (9.57 vs. 9.41 meals/d) than medium grind size (9.78 vs. 9.75 meals/d). However, there were no effects of treatment on any other measure of feeding behavior. Endosperm type did not affect yields of milk or milk components or milk composition except that vitreous corn tended to decrease milk lactose concentration compared with floury corn. Finely ground corn decreased yields of milk (31.1 vs. 33.1 kg/d), 3.5% fat-corrected milk (33.1 vs. 35.1 kg/d), milk fat (1.22 vs. 1.32 kg/d), milk lactose (1.48 vs. 1.59 kg/d), and solids not fat (2.46 vs. 2.63 kg/d) compared with medium grind size. However, fineness of grind did not affect milk composition. Treatments had no effect on change in body weight or body condition score or efficiency of milk production (kg of 3.5% fat-corrected milk/kg of DMI). Mean ruminal pH was not affected by treatment, but pH variance was decreased by vitreous compared with floury corn. Total volatile fatty acids and propionate concentrations in the rumen were increased by floury compared with vitreous corn but were not affected by fineness of grind. Effects of fineness of grind on yield of milk and milk components were greater than the effects of corn grain vitreousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, microalgae, natural marine resources, have gained increasing interests as a feed for animals. Chlorella vulgaris microalgae are single-cell microorganisms that have been used to provide nutrition to humans and animals for centuries. In the present review, we unveil the composition and nutritive value of C. vulgaris microalgae as a feed for ruminants. Research has shown that inclusion of C. vulgaris microalgae in diets improved feed utilization, milk production and quality, growth performance, and meat quality in ruminants, as a result of improved diet nutritive value. Very low doses of C. vulgaris in feed enhance growth and lactational performance of ruminants. Additionally, C. vulgaris showed very promising results as an alternative to corn and soybean meal; however, it is an expensive protein feed. Therefore, the main constraint to use of C. vulgaris as a feedstuff is its high cost of production, making improvement of cultivation technology to reduce the production costs a critical issue in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to investigate the characterization of a novel Aspergillus sulphureus JCM01963 xylanase (AS-xyn10A) with a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) and its application in degrading alkali pretreated corncob, rapeseed meal and corn stover alone and in combination with a commercial cellulase. In this study, the 3D structure of AS-xyn10A, which contained a CBM at C-terminal. AS-xyn10A and its CBM-truncated variant (AS-xyn10A-dC) was codon-optimized and over-expressed in Komagaella phaffii X-33 (syn. Pichia pastoris) and characterized with optimal condition at 70 °C and pH 5.0, respectively. AS-xyn10A displayed high activity to xylan extracted from corn stover, corncob, and rapeseed meal. The concentration of hydrolyzed xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs) reached 1592.26 μg/mL, 1149.92 μg/mL, and 621.86 μg/mL, respectively. Xylobiose was the main product (~70%) in the hydrolysis mixture. AS-xyn10A significantly synergized with cellulase to improve the hydrolysis efficiency of corn stover, corncob, and rapeseed meal to glucose. The degree of synergy (DS) was 1.32, 1.31, and 1.30, respectively. Simultaneously, XOSs hydrolyzed with AS-xyn10A and cellulase was improved by 46.48%, 66.13% and 141.45%, respectively. In addition, CBM variant decreased the yields of xylo-oligosaccharide and glucose in rapeseed meal degradation. This study provided a novel GH10 endo -xylanase, which has potential applications in hydrolysis of biomass. • The optimal condition for full-length and truncated AS-xyn10A is 70 °C and pH 5.0. • The removal of CBM had great influence on the synergistic action. • Xylobiose was the main product of AS-xyn10A degradation of alkali-pretreated corncob, rapeseed meal and corn stover. • AS-xyn10A showed synergistic effect with cellulase on biomasses hydrolyzing into glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility of dry matter and NDF, ingestive behavior, production and composition of milk and the economic evaluation of dairy cows fed diets containing cake of babassu (CB) in confinement regime. We used nine crossbred Holstein Gir cows in three 3 x 3 Latin squares. The treatments consisted of three diets, a standard based on corn and soybean meal (CB0), another with 25% (CB25) and the last one with 50% (CB50) replacing corn. There was no effect of diets on the intake of DM (DMI) and other nutrients. The replacement of 50% of the maize by CB was reduced milk production at 1.10 kg/day, but did not affect the DMI and other nutrients, in the same way the digestibility of DM was not affected, already the digestibility of NDF was influenced, where diets with CB presented lower values. The rate of ingestion in minutes/kg of DM consumed was higher for cows fed with diets CB, which indicates a low acceptability of this food for dairy cattle. The cake of babassu can replace corn at up to 25% in diets for lactating cows, without depreciating the performance with daily production of 13 kg of milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural rubber (NR) consists of rubber and non-rubber components. Under prolonged storage, non-rubber components of NR promote network or gel formation and increase Mooney viscosity, a phenomenon otherwise known as the storage hardening phenomenon. Generally, NR properties can be stabilized by commercial synthetic stabilizers such as hydroxylamine sulfate, hydrazine stearate, and so forth. The objective of this study is to prepare constant viscosity (CV) NR with natural extract (NE) from waste corn meal. The effect of NE on storage hardening of NR was investigated. Several types of samples were prepared: NR without stabilizer, NR with 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 phr (parts per hundred rubber) of NE. Samples were characterized immediately and after 12 weeks of storage time at room temperature. Physical and mechanical properties of all NR samples changed with time, but less with 2.0 phr NE because it inhibits network formation within NR. These results suggest NE is a natural stabilizer for preparing environmentally friendly CV natural rubber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although corn gluten meal (CGM) is rich in protein, its application in the food industry is limited because it contains high concentrations of zein and an unbalanced composition of amino acids. In this study, probiotics and keratinase were used to conferment a corn gluten-wheat bran mixture (CGW) with wheat bran as the carbon source. After fermentation under optimal conditions, the trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein (TCA-SP) content of CGW was increased from 1.61% to 22.67%, and the small peptide yield reached 52.90%. After fermentation, the contents of essential amino acids and free amino acids in CGW increased significantly. The macromolecular proteins in CGW were effectively degraded, intermolecular force of proteins was decreased, α-helixs and random coils were transformed to β-sheets and β-turns. Animal experiments showed that both fermented CGW (FCGW) and wet fermented CGW (WFCGW) products significantly increase the crude protein digestibility, trypsin activity and amino acid transporter mRNA expression in the small intestine of piglets. Notably, fermentation changed the structure of the CGW protein by degrading tightly folded structures into looser structures, leading to better digestion and absorbtion in the small intestine. Briefly, this novel fermentation technology is an effective method for increasing the nutritional value of CGM as a food ingredient. • The protein structure in corn gluten meal limits its utilization. • Moisture, wheat bran content, and time determine the outcome of fermentation. • Fermentation increases the small peptide content of corn gluten-wheat bran mixture. • Fermentation can alter the protein structure of corn gluten-wheat bran mixture. • Fermented corn gluten-wheat bran mixture promotes the digestion of protein in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a promising alternative protein source for human consumption, yet it remains under utilized due to its low protein digestibility and poor functionality. Thermal processing techniques have been demonstrated to effectively improve digestibility of plant proteins. The presence of other components such as starch also play a vital role in protein digestibility. However, the impact of starch removal and various thermal processing methods (such as microwaving, extrusion, heating, and baking) on the in vitro protein digestibility of CGM, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remains unexplored. This study demonstrated that the applied thermal processing did not significantly enhance CGM protein digestibility, while starch removal using α-amylase significantly improved protein digestibility by 26.3%–37.8% (P < 0.05). The elevated protein digestibility resulting from starch removal could possibly be attributed to the improved water absorption capacity and zeta potential, reduced disulfide bond content and particle size, and changes in secondary structures from ordered β-sheet to disordered random coils. The altered surface morphology with more pores and lower aggregation, as evidenced by SEM and CLSM images, also contributed to the increased digestibility after starch removal. This study presented novel evidence supporting the potential applications of CGM with removed starch as a sustainable protein source with enhanced digestibility and has unraveled its underlying chemistry mechanism. [Display omitted] • Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a major by-product of corn wet milling industry. • Starch removal improves in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of corn gluten meal. • Thermal processing had no significant effect on protein digestibility of CGM. • Improved IVPD was attributed to changed physicochemical and structural properties. • Starch removal CGM is a promising alternative protein source for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was intended to assess the effect of graded replacements of corn gluten meal with Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), with and without Bacillus megaterium supplementation, on performance, carcass characteristics, and the gut broilers microflora composition. A total of 720 mixed sex one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to six dietary treatment groups (6 replicates each) in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, including 3 levels of Brewer's yeast (BY; 0, 25, and 50%, to replace corn gluten meal; CGM) in the presence (+) or absence (-) of B. megaterium used as probiotic (Pro). The results showed that broilers fed diets containing BY up to 25% had comparable body weight (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) to the birds fed only CGM, over the entire feeding period (days 1-35). Conversely, higher levels of BY (50% replacing CGM) registered the lowest BWG values (P < 0.001) and impaired FCR (P < 0.010), but without effects on FI. The BY diets did not significantly affect the main broiler's carcass traits. The diets with Pro did not involve modifications on carcass and organs size, but a tendency to increase the gizzard weight (P = 0.094) and to decrease SIL (P = 0.076) was observed. Pro addition also, reduced the cecal pH (P = 0.040) and diminish the total coliforms (P < 0.010), Clostridium spp. (P < 0.0001), and E. coli (P < 0.0001) count, whereas LAB, Bacillus spp., and Enterococcus spp. bacteria were increased (P = 0.022; P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial tested whether rumen-protected Lys (RPL) supplementation would improve the nutritive value of rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) from corn protein. Thirty-two lactating Holstein cows were blocked by days in milk and parity into 8 squares of 4 cows each in replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares. Treatments provided all supplemental crude protein from: (1) soy protein (67% expeller soybean meal plus 33% solvent soybean meal); (2) a blend of soy and corn protein (33% expeller soybean meal, 17% solvent soybean meal, 25% corn gluten meal plus 25% distillers dried grains with solubles); (3) corn protein (50% corn gluten meal plus 50% distillers dried grains with solubles); or (4) corn protein plus RPL [diet 3 top-dressed with RPL (125 g/d of AjiPro-L Generation 1, supplying an estimated 20 g of absorbable Lys/d)]. Diets contained (dry matter basis) 22% alfalfa silage, 43% corn silage, 18% ground high-moisture and dry corn, 2.4% mineral-vitamin premix, 1.5 to 3.9% soy hulls, 15% crude protein, 30 to 32% neutral detergent fiber and predicted to contain equal rumen-degradable protein, RUP, and metabolizable protein. Cows within squares were randomly assigned to treatment sequences and fed diets for 4-wk periods before switching; production data and blood samples were collected during last 2 wk of each period. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedures of SAS. Intake was highest on diet 1, intermediate on diets 2 and 3, and lowest on diet 4; body weight gain was highest on diet 3, intermediate on diets 1 and 2 and lowest on diet 4. Intakes and body weight changes were reflected by differences in milk/dry matter intake, which was highest on diets 2 and 4 and lowest on diet 3. Milk yield was lower on diet 3 (44.3 kg/d) than on diets 1, 2, and 4 (average 45.8 kg/d) and protein yield was highest on diets 1 and 2 (average 1.35 kg/d), intermediate on diet 4 (1.30 kg/d), and lowest on diet 3 (1.25 kg/d). No effects of diet were detected on ruminal metabolites. Free nonessential amino acids and total protein AA were elevated in blood plasma on diet 3, reflecting reduced utilization for milk protein synthesis. These results indicated that 50% dilution of soybean meal RUP with that from corn protein did not reduce yield and that supplementing RPL to the corn protein-based diet increased yield 1.1 kg of milk/d and 50 g of true protein/d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, response surface method was used to optimize the extraction of antioxidant extract from corn meal using pulsed electric field (PEF)‐subcritical water extraction (SWE) method. Then the extract was used to evaluate its effect on the oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of sesame oil. The corn meal was subjected to different PEF intensities (0.5, 2.5, and 4.5 kV/cm) and then SWE was performed at 110, 130, and 150°C for 30 min. Different properties of the extract including extraction efficiency, phenolic compounds, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and Vitamin C content were measured. The results showed that extraction efficiency, total phenol, and ability to DPPH radical scavenging activity increased at first, but they then decreased by increasing in PEF intensity and subcritical water temperature. In addition, vitamin C content of the extract decreased at higher subcritical water temperature. The optimum processing condition to achieve the highest extraction efficiency and nutritional values was 2.51 kV/cm and 127.91°C. The addition of antioxidants had no effect on changing the profile of fatty acids in sesame oil. The samples containing BHA and 750 ppm of extract showed the same oxidative stability. Finally, PEF‐SWE method is introduced as a suitable method for extracting antioxidants. Novelty impact statement: Pulsed electric field (PEF)‐subcritical water method was used to improve the antioxidants extraction from corn meal.The optimum extraction conditions were 2.51 kV/cm and 127.91°C.Addition of antioxidants had no effect on changing the profile of fatty acids in sesame oil, and the antioxidant extract improved the oxidative stability of the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following research report provides information regarding the bacterial contamination that exists in feed ingredients and mixed animal feeds collected from 4 commercial feed mills and the research feed mill from Auburn University. The experiment was conducted to establish if feed ingredients or commercial animal feeds serve as sources of contamination of Salmonella, Escherichia coli (EC), and Clostridium perfringens. During microbiological isolation, an unknown group of bacteria belonging to the Clostridium genus was identified. Therefore, the second aim of this research was to characterize the unknown group of bacteria. No Salmonella serovars were detected on ingredients or feed samples collected; however, the presence of C. perfringens was confirmed in some mixed animal feeds. Peanut meal and corn gluten meal were the ingredients with highest contamination of Clostridium spp. (CS), and peanut meal and corn meal for EC. Soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles had the lowest contamination with CS and EC. The stage of feed processing (postmixing, postpelleting, postcooling, and loadout) did not influence the degree of contamination with CS. However, contamination with EC was higher at the postmixing stage, but it was significantly reduced after the pelleting process (9/10 times), which suggests low stability of EC during thermal processing. Recontamination of mixed feed with EC after the pelleting process was observed in 2 of 5 feed mills studied; therefore, strategies must be developed by feed mills to prevent feed recontamination after thermal processing and thus guarantee EC-free animal feed. The unknown bacteria found in mixed feeds were identified as Bacillus proteolyticus or Clostridium argentinense, the latter representing a potential risk for farm animals because of its ability to produce a neuroparalytic toxin that can cause botulism. The present research report underscores the importance of evaluating alternatives to control bacterial pathogens such as EC, C. perfringens, and C. argentinense that may be present on animal feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing 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.)

Eight lactating cows were fed 4 diets in which dietary crude protein (CP) was increased in steps of approximately 2 percentage units from 11 to 17% of DM by replacing high-moisture corn with soybean meal supplemented with rumen-protected Met to maintain a Lys:Met ratio of 3:1 in metabolizable protein. Trial design was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square; experimental periods lasted 28 d, with data and sample collection being performed during wk 3 and 4 of each period. Digesta samples were collected from the rumen as well as the omasum to measure metabolite concentrations and ruminal outflow of N fractions using infusion of 15N-enriched ammonia to quantify microbial nonammonia N (NAN) and nonmicrobial NAN. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). There were linear increases in the yields of milk and true protein and concentration of milk urea N, and a linear decrease in N efficiency, with increasing dietary CP. Apparent ruminal and total-tract N digestibility increased linearly with increasing dietary CP, but estimated true total-tract N digestibility was not affected. Apparent digestibility of the other macronutrients was not influenced by diet. Ruminal ammonia, total AA and peptides, and branched-chain VFA also increased linearly with dietary CP. The 15N enrichment of liquid- and particle-associated microbes linearly declined with increasing dietary CP due to decreasing 15N enrichment of the ammonia pool. Although no effect of dietary CP on nonmicrobial NAN flow was detected, total NAN flow increased linearly from 525 g/d at 11% CP to 637 g/d at 17% CP due to the linear increase in microbial NAN flow from 406 g/d at 11% CP to 482 g/d at 17% CP. Under the conditions of this study, when dietary CP was increased by adding soybean meal supplemented with rumen-protected Met, improved milk and protein yields were driven not by RUP supply but by increased ruminal outflow of microbial protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnut is a genus of plants from the family Juglandaceae. In area of our country, the species Juglans regia L. is the most widespread. Until now, the prevalence of walnuts in Serbia has been more a consequence of favorable natural conditions than the organized influence of science. Samples were collected during July 2019 on the site Dragobraća, Kragujevac. Using standard mycological procedures, several fungal isolates were obtained from infected walnut plants (leaves and branches). Four of these isolates, OS1, OS2 originating from branches and LO1, LO2 originating from leaves, were selected for further studies. Morphological characteristics of four selected isolates of Alternaria spp. were studied on three nutrient media: corn meal agar (CMA), carnation leafpiece agar (CLA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA). All of the tested isolates formed airy, dark olive green colonies on the PDA medium. On the carnation leaf-piece agar (CLA), all the studied isolates form an olive-green substrate mycelium. Conidia size for all four tested isolates ranged from 15.68-53.25 x 7.85-18.59 μm, an average of 36.01 x 14.20 μm. All of the studied isolates on the tested plant parts (leaf, branch and fruit) of walnut caused symptoms typical for fungi of the genus Alternaria, the appearance of dark brown necrotic lesions on leaves, branches and fruits. Based on preliminary research of pathogenic and morphological characteristics, it was determined that the examined isolates of OS1 and OS2, originating from branches, and LO1 and LO2, originating from leaves, belong to fungi from the genus Alternaria (A. alternata). Molecular identification and characterization of the tested isolates is in progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main of this work was to evaluate the nutritional value of three agroindustrial co-products in finishing diets for sheep using the technique of in vitro gas production. The experimental treatments consisted of the inclusion of three different co-products in the diets: corn germ meal, corn germ meal and sunflower meal at levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30%. The kinetics of cumulative gas production was analyzed using the bicompartmental logistic model. The parameters were analyzed through analysis of variance, and when significant, orthogonal contrasts were used for specific partitioning of the effects of dietary inclusion levels on diets. The addition of maize germ meal in the diets, a quadratic behavior (P <0.05) was observed for the gas production and the rate of degradation of the fast digestion fraction, linear reduction (P <0.05) for the production of gas from the slow digestion fraction and no significant difference (P> 0.05) for the degradation rate of this same fraction. In vitro ruminal digestibility reduced linearly (P <0.05) with inclusion of the levels of this co-product. When dry corn distillery was included in the diets, the production of gases of the fast digestion fraction showed a linear reduction (P <0.05), the degradation rate of this same fraction did not show a significant effect (P> 0.05) (P <0.05) and the rate of degradation of this fraction did not change (P> 0.05). In vitro ruminal digestibility of DM did not change (P> 0.05) with inclusion of this coproduct. The inclusion of sunflower meal resulted in a linear reduction (P <0.05) in the gas production of the fast digestion fraction, a non significant effect (P> 0.05) for the degradation rate of this same fraction, 0.05) for the production of slow digestion fraction and quadratic effect (P <0.05) for the degradation rate of this fraction. There was no significant effect (P <0.05) for ruminal digestibility of dry matter in vitro. It was concluded that although the inclusion of the co-products in the diets altered one or more kinetic parameters of ruminal fermentation, ruminal digestibility in vitro did not change significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluated the influence of the substitution of soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor cake (DCC) on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, nitrogen balance and function hepatic and renal of goats fed with diets containing DCC by alkaline solutions in confinement regime during different stages of biological development (growth, pregnancy and lactation). The treatments consisted of three diets, a formulated with corn and soybean meal (SM) and the others were formulated with detoxified castor cake by calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2 DCC] and another composed by detoxified castor by DCC of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). In relation to the biological stages, we observed higher intakes of DM and all the nutrients by goats during lactation, representing up to 4% of body weight. In relation to renal and hepatic parameters showed that there was interaction between the diets and biological stages on the levels of total proteins, direct bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase. In a general way, the goats fed with both castor cake, regardless of the stage evaluated had higher levels. The detoxified castor cake by alkaline solutions in replacement of soybean meal proved to be a viable alternative in the feeding of goats in the three-stage biological, because it does not affect the functionality of the liver and kidney function and the nitrogen balance, in spite of the diets formulated with detoxified castor by sodium hydroxide decrease the intake of dry matter and nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. A trial was conducted to study the effects of partial replacement of sunflower meal (SFM) for soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance and gastrointestinal tract traits (GIT) in pullets. 2. A total of 600 pullets (29 d of age) was randomly assigned to three dietary treatments and fed for 84 d. The birds were fed a practical diet with a low level of crude fibre (CF; LF) or test diets containing a medium or high level of CF (MF and HF) by partial (50% to 75%) replacement of SBM with SFM. Accordingly, the grower diets contained 29, 40 and 51 g CF/kg, which corresponded to 31, 45 and 59 g CF/kg in developer diets. Each dietary treatment was replicated 8 times (25 pullets per replicate). 3. Body weight did not differ significantly among treatments at d 29, 84 and 112 d but increased (P < 0.05) with SFM supplementation at d 54. From 29 to 112 d of age, daily feed and energy intake linearly increased (P < 0.01) with SFM supplementation, but body weight gain and feed conversion ratios were comparable amongst the groups. 4. Digestive organ size was not affected by the dietary treatments, but gizzard weight increased in pullets fed MF and HF diets (P < 0.01). Digesta pH in the gizzard, duodenum, jejunum and ileum were reduced linearly (P < 0.01) with SFM supplementation, while a quadratic response was observed for proventriculus pH (P < 0.05). 5. Small intestine morphology traits improved with a moderate level of CF intake, whereas no benefit was observed with a high level of CF consumption. 6. The results showed that use of SFM up to 140 g/kg can be recommended for pullets fed diets based on corn and soybean meal. However, smaller intestinal absorptive capacity with higher SFM supplementation may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The additivity of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of phosphorus (P) in mixed diets containing corn and canola meal (CCM) with or without phytase supplementation and the impact of age on the basal ileal endogenous loss (BEL) of P were investigated in broiler chickens. 2. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial with two ages (13 d or 21 d post hatching), three diets (corn, canola meal, or CCM), and two phytase levels (0 or 1,000 FYT/kg diet) in a randomised complete block design. There were eight or six birds per cage at 13 d and 21 d of age, respectively, and six replicate cages per treatment, with a total of 588 birds. A P-free diet (PFD) treatment was included at each age to determine the basal endogenous loss (BEL) of P. 3. Birds were fed a commercial starter diet from d 1 to d 10 or d 18 and then fed the experimental diets for 3 d until d 13 or d 21, respectively. Predicted digestibility values calculated from the individual feed ingredients were used to test additivity in the mixed diets. Chromium oxide was included in diets as an indigestible marker. 4. The ileal digesta, collected from birds at d 13 or d 21, was used to determine nutrient digestibility. 5. The AID and SID of P at d 13 was higher (P < 0.01) when compared with older birds at d 21, regardless of dietary phytase supplementation. Regardless of age or phytase supplementation, AID and SID of P were additive, as there were no differences between predicted and determined values in the mixed diets. The BEL of P (g/kg DM intake) in birds at d 13 was higher (P < 0.05) than birds at d 21 (0.197 vs. 0.159). 6. In conclusion, age had an impact on the BEL of P and the utilisation of minerals in the diets. The apparent and standardised ileal digestibility of P in the mixed diet containing corn and canola meal were additive, regardless of age or phytase supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aroma is an important factor affecting mushroom character and quality. According to the different reaction pathway, the key aroma metabolites (sulfur and eight‐carbon volatiles) formation can be classified into enzymatic reactions and nonenzymatic reactions. Aroma volatiles are generated from precursors via the biocatalytic activities of various synthases during the growth stages of shiitake mushrooms. Understanding the specific relationships between the key aroma metabolites and their synthases is key to improving shiitake mushroom quality. At the same time, to reduce forest logging and burning of agricultural by‐products in farmland, agricultural by‐products have been applied to shiitake mushroom cultivation. Nevertheless, how to further improve the production of aroma volatiles in mushroom cultivated with agricultural waste is still a challenge. In order to understand the biosynthesis of volatiles via enzymatic reactions and screen the agricultural by‐products that can improve the production of aroma volatiles in mushroom cultivation, the mechanism of producing aroma volatiles needs to be further elucidated. In this study, the activities and gene expression levels of the key synthases involved in volatile metabolism, the contents of key aroma volatiles, and the correlations between related synthetase, volatiles, and cultivation substrate (CS) were investigated. Network models for visualizing the links between synthetase, volatiles, and CSs were built through partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis. The correlation coefficients among three related synthetase and enzymatic gene expression were high, and the combined effects of multiple synthetase promoted the production of volatiles. PLS analysis showed that the corncob and corn meal were more related to the production of volatiles and synthetase gene expression, and they can be added to the CSs as flavor promoting substances. The enrichment of key aroma volatiles in shiitake mushroom cultivated by the gradient of 20% corn meal combination CS was noticeable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of South China Fisheries Science is the property of South China Fisheries Science Editorial Department 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.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Oil Crop Sciences is the property of Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 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.)

Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas emitted by cattle that is produced as a byproduct of ruminal fermentation. Dietary inclusion of anthocyanins has previously decreased in vitro CH4 production from both high- and low-roughage diets. Anthocyanins potentially sequester hydrogen in the rumen which may limit CH4 production from methanogenic bacteria. As such, feeding anthocyanins represents a promising CH4 mitigation strategy. Thus, the objective of this preliminary experiment was to determine the effects of replacing conventional [CONV; 0.04 mg anthocyanin×g-1 of dry matter (DM)] corn cob meal (CCM) with a novel high-anthocyanin (Hi-A) CCM [TAMZ101 corn hybrid (4.99 mg anthocyanin×g-1 DM; Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Lubbock, TX)] in a high-roughage (40% DM) diet on growth performance and gas flux of beef cattle. Steers (n =14; average initial body weight = 286 kg ± 17 kg) were trained to individual Calan bunks and randomly assigned to dietary treatments on d 0 using a completely randomized design, where 20% of total diet DM was either Hi-A or CONV CCM. The trial consisted of a 63-d feeding period in which carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, CH4 emission, and oxygen (O2) consumption (g×animal×d-1) were measured using a GreenFeed system (C-Lock Inc.; Rapid City, SD). Statistical analyses were conducted using JMP Pro v.16 (SAS Institute Inc.; Cary, NC) where individual animal served as the experimental unit and treatment was a fixed effect. Cook's distance values were used to identify and remove outliers for each individual response variable. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05 with a tendency toward significance defined as 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Due to insufficient statistical power, 10.2% and 5.7% numeric increases were statistically undetectable in total dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.13; 1-β = 0.31) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.19; 1-β = 0.25) when CONV CCM was replaced with Hi-A CCM. Similarly, marginal numeric differences in feed efficiency, CO2 emission, daily CH4 emission, and O2 consumption were statistically undetectable across treatments (P ≥ 0.18; 1-β ≤ 0.22). Numeric differences in DMI of steers fed Hi-A CCM contributed to a 7.5% decrease (P = 0.05; 1-β = 0.51) in CH4 yield (g CH4×kg DMI-1) when compared with steers fed CONV CCM. Treatment did not affect CH4 emission intensity (g CH4×kg ADG-1; P = 0.26; 1-β = 0.19). Results from this preliminary experiment and a previous in vitro experiment indicate that anthocyanins from Hi-A CCM have CH4 mitigation potential in high-roughage diets. Further research is warranted to determine if anthocyanins are effective at reducing CH4 yield across a range of diet compositions and if anthocyanins from Hi-A CCM can be extracted, condensed, and repackaged into a delivery system that is both economically and logistically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being the largest vegetarian population across the globe, vegetables are an integral part of Indian meals. The proposed research finds significant wavelengths to discriminate healthy and unhealthy vegetable plants. Spectral-reflectance (SR) and first-derivative (FD) in the visible, red edge and near infrared region (350--1000 nm) of three vegetables brinjal, cluster beans and long beans were used. The significant wavelengths were selected using ReliefF and Support-Vector-Machine (SVM). Random forest algorithm was used for classification. The binary classification was used for each vegetable separately, and multiclass classification was applied for all the samples. The most significant spectral wavelengths, for the prediction of diseased brinjal, correspond primarily to the red edge in SR. Long beans samples were classified accurately in the red-edge. In the case of cluster beans, SR is more effective than FD in the red-edge. The results substantiate the utility of HS data for discrimination of healthy and unhealthy vegetable plants and even vegetable types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the patient expose to gluten intolerance during their life and the only way to treat it using a gluten-free diet. This study aimed to produce a glutenfree diet Sohan using replacing sucrose with isomalt and complete replacing wheat flour with soybean meal and corn flour. For this purpose, replacing sucrose with isomalt (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%), soybean meal to corn flour ratio (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1%) and cooking temperature (160, 165, 170, 175, 180 and 180 °C) were investigated on density, hardness, and color of samples. Modeling and optimization were performed by response surface method and central composite design with α two and six central points and two replications in factorial and axial points using design expert software. The results showed that the density and hardness at higher levels of soybean meal to corn flour ratio increased and decreased, respectively. An increase in hardness and (L*) index were observed with increasing replacing levels of sucrose with isomalt. As well as, the interaction effect of sucrose replacement with isomaltand soybean meal to corn flour ratio at lower levels of these variables resulted in decreased density. The low-calorie Sohan formulas including, sucrose replacement with isomalt 79%, soybean meal flour to corn flour ratio 0, and the cooking temperature 180 °C. In addition, sucrose replacement with isomalt100%, soybean meal flour to corn flour ratio 0.41, the cooking temperature 171 °C. In addition, sucrose replacement with isomalt 71%, soybean meal flour to corn flour ratio 1, and the cooking temperature 160 °C as the best treatments introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two trials were conducted to assess the acceptance, safety and digestibility of diets containing various inclusion levels of partially defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) meal and BSFL oil by dogs. In trial 1, 5 extruded diets were evaluated for acceptance in adult Beagle dogs (n = 20; 10 male, 10 female) during a 48-hr period. Diets contained graded levels of BSFL meal (5.0%, 10.0%, and 20.0%), or graded levels of BSFL oil (2.5% and 5.0%), and all diets were well accepted. Thus, a digestibility trial (trial 2) was run with 56 adult dogs (16 male, 40 female) allocated into 7 dietary treatments; dogs were offered an extruded control diet containing no BSFL meal or oil, or extruded diets where BSFL meal partially replaced poultry by-product meal and corn meal at dietary levels of 5%, 10%, or 20% inclusion, or diets with BSFL oil partially replacing poultry fat at a 1:1 ratio at levels of 1%, 2.5%, or 5% inclusion. The treatment diets were fed for 28 d, during which time dogs were monitored for health (via physical examinations, clinical observations, and blood chemistry and hematology) and ingredient evaluation (via body weight, feed consumption, stool observation, and fecal nutrient apparent total tract digestibility). There were no significant differences in body weight or food consumption between treatment groups (P > 0.05) and daily observations indicated that the general health of the animals was maintained throughout the study. Stool quality was maintained at 3.2 to 3.4 (on a 5-point scale with a score of 1 being watery diarrhea and a score of 5 being hard, dry, and crumbly) per treatment group over the fecal observation period (days 22 to 27), indicating a well formed, sticky stool. All group mean hematology and blood chemistry parameters remained within normal limits for dogs. Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, and calories was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). In general, amino acid digestibility was not impacted by treatment although some minor changes were observed. Apparent total tract digestibility was high for all nutrients examined. Overall, it was concluded that BSFL meal and BSFL oil are well tolerated by dogs and their consumption results in no impact to physiology that would be concerning. Based on these data, BSFL meal and oil did not affect general health and could be included safely in dog diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to establish the optimal digestible arginine (dArg) to digestible lysine (dLys) ratio of Yield Plus Male × Ross 708 male broilers from 1 to 14 d of age, 1 to 25 d of age (experiment 1), and 25 to 42 d of age (experiment 2) based on growth performance, feed utilization, and processing yields. Diets were comprised of corn, wheat middlings, corn gluten meal, poultry meal, and soybean meal, and formulated to be surfeit in limiting amino acids except dArg. For both experiments, dietary treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. Optimum values calculated were obtained from quadratic broken line methodology. In experiment 1, the dArg/dLys ratio for optimizing BW gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was determined to be 106 for both variables from 1 to 14 d of age, and 105 and 108 from 1 to 25 d of age, respectively. In experiment 2, the optimum dArg/dLys value was estimated to be 129 and 116 for BW gain and FCR, respectively, during the 25 to 42 d period. Optimum dArg/dLys values for carcass yield, breast weight, and breast yield were estimated to be 136, 112, and 109, respectively. Absolute and relative weights of thighs increased linearly (P > 0.001) with progressive increases in dArg/dLys. The results of this study suggest that the optimum dArg/dLys necessary to maximize performance increases as the bird ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department 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.)

Aureobasidium pullulans LB83 was evaluated for cellulase production under submerged fermentation conditions. Different process variables such as carbon sources (corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, and sugarcane straw), synthetic (urea, ammonium sulfate, and peptone), and non-synthetic (soybean meal, rice, and corn meal) nitrogen sources and inoculum size were evaluated by one parameter at-a-time strategy. Aureobasidium pullulans LB83 showed maximum cellulase activity (FPase, 2.27 U/mL; CMCase, 7.42 U/mL) on sugarcane bagasse. Among the nitrogen sources, soybean meal as a non-synthetic nitrogen sources showed a maximum cellulase activity (FPase 2.45 U/mL; CMCase, 6.86 U/mL) after 60 hr. The inoculum size of 1.6 × 106 CFU/mL had the maximum FPase and CMCase activities of 3.14 and 8.74 U/mL, respectively. For the enzymatic hydrolysis, both the commercial cellulase (10 FPU/g of Cellic CTec 2 (#A) and 10 FPU/g of crude enzyme extract (CEE) (#B), and varying ratio of CTec 2 and CEE in combination #C (5 FPU/g of CTec 2 + 5 FPU/g CEE), combination #D (2.5 FPU/g of CTec 2 + 7.5 FPU/g CEE), and combination #E (7.5 FPU/g of CTec 2 + 2.5 FPU/g CEE) were assessed for enzymatic hydrolysis of delignified sugarcane bagasse. Enzyme combination #C showed maximum hydrolysis yield of 92.40%. The study shows the hydrolytic potential of cellulolytic enzymes from A. pullulans LB83 for lignocellulosic sugars production from delignified sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has attracted much attention in the past several years, due mainly to its two dimensional structure, excellent chemical, physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The fabrication of graphene, as a new carbon nanomaterial, is normally to utilize the traditional Hummers-hydrazine hydrate, mechanical stripping, and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) with the expensive graphite or gases. However, the high price of fabrication is confined the graphene to widely popularize on a large scale. In this study, a feasible biomass graphene was made from the corn flour using the high-temperature carbonization and oxidation-reduction method. Two steps were selected to fabricate the biomass graphene: The first step was high-temperature carbonization of corn meal, and the second step was redox of graphitized corn meal to biomass graphene. The specific preparation procedure was: Firstly, 20 g corn flour was placed into a beaker containing 100 mL potassium hydroxide solution of 0.1 mol/L, while stirred for 12 h further to dry, and then 10 g dried sample was placed into the quartz tube, where the temperature was elevated by a heating rate of 5℃/min to 800℃in the atmosphere of N2 with the flow rate of 25 mL/min, and kept 1 hour to carbonize corn flour. Secondly, the carbonized corn flour was filtered by the dialysis bag for 24 hours, and then 1 g nickel powder was added into the sample in the quartz tube to carbonize again, in which the temperature was raised to 800℃ with nitrogen atmosphere and kept for 2 hours. After that the sample was taken out and cooled down, while 1 mol/L hydrochloric acid solution was put into the previous sample to be neutral to prepare biomass graphite. Finally, the 2 g biomass graphite and 1g sodium nitrate were filled into a 500 mL three-necked bottle, and slowly added 30 mL concentrated sulfuric acid with stirring for 20 min, while added 6 g potassium permanganate in 3 times with stirring for 1.5 h, as well as added the deionized water until neutralize and dry to obtain biomass graphene. The structural characterization of the sample was analyzed using an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) for the composition, an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for the crystalline structure, a Raman spectrometer for the crystal defects, an atomic force microscopy (AFM) on a Multimode 8 SPM platform for the surface topography, and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) for the inner atomic morphology. The carbon content of biomass graphene prepared from corn flour was 95.1%, increased 39.5 percentage points from the original 55.6 %, while the oxygen content was 4.9%, showing that the preparation of graphene from corn flour was feasible. In XRD pattern, the (002) crystal surface of biomass graphene was close to the diffraction peak of commercial graphene at 24.1°. In Raman analysis, the positions of D and G peak of biomass graphene were consistent with those of commercial graphene. The surface of biomass graphene sample showed a thin strip and regular shape with a thickness of about three layers of graphene flakes at 1.53 nm, while the commercial graphene sample showed a dendritic and disorderly with the thickness of about 2.25 nm. It infers that the thickness of biomass graphene sample was thinner than that of the commercial graphene. It can be proved that the structure of prepared biomass graphene is better than that of the commercial graphene. This approach is expected to provide a promising reference for the production of biomass graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine net energy (NE) of expeller-press (EP-RSM) and solvent-extracted rapeseed meal (SE-RSM) and to establish equations for predicting the NE in rapeseed meal (RSM) fed to growing pigs. Methods: Thirty-six barrows (initial body weight [BW], 41.1±2.2 kg) were allotted into 6 diets comprising a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 5 diets containing 19.50% RSM added at the expense of corn and soybean meal. The experiment had 6 periods and 6 replicate pigs per diet. During each period, the pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 16 days which included 7 days for adaption to diets. On day 8, pigs were transferred to respiration chambers and fed their respective diet at 2,000 kJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg BW0.6/d. Feces and urine were collected, and daily heat production was measured from day 9 to 13. On days 14 and 15, the pigs were fed at 890 kJ ME/kg BW0.6/d and fasted on day 16 for evaluation of fasting heat production (FHP). Results: The FHP of pigs averaged 790 kJ/kg BW0.6/d and was not affected by the diet composition. The NE values were 10.80 and 8.45 MJ/kg DM for EP-RSM and SE-RSM, respectively. The NE value was positively correlated with gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), ME, and ether extract (EE). The best fit equation for NE of RSM was NE (MJ/kg DM) = 1.14×DE (MJ/kg DM)+0.46×crude protein (% of DM)-25.24 (n = 8, R2 = 0.96, p<0.01). The equation NE (MJ/kg DM) = 0.22×EE (% of DM)-0.79×ash (% of DM)+14.36 (n = 8, R2 = 0.77, p = 0.018) may be utilized to quickly determine the NE in RSM when DE or ME values are unavailable. Conclusion: The NE values of EP-RSM and SE-RSM were 10.80 and 8.45 MJ/kg DM. The NE value of RSM can be well predicted based on energy content (GE, DE, and ME) and proximate analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy-five individually fed barrows averaging 35 kg were used in a series of three experiments for 6-week growth assays (25 barrows each) to determine the effects of L-tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on growth performance and to establish the lower limits of dietary crude protein (CP) levels. Corn and soybean meal (SBM)-based diets containing 9% (Experiment 1), 10% (Experiment 2), and 11% CP (Experiment 3) fortified with deficient essential amino acids (AAs) except Trp were used as basal diets for each experiment. The experimental diets were supplemented with 0.00%, 0.02%, 0.04%, or 0.06% Trp. A 16% CP corn-SBM-based diet was set as a positive control in each experiment, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio improved quadratically (P < 0.05) as supplemented Trp increased in the 9% and 10% CP group, although these positive effects were not observed in the 11% CP group. Because the maximum performance parameters in 9%, 10%, and 11% CP groups were not different from that of the 16% CP positive control group, the marginally reduced level of dietary CP without growth performance being affected appears to be around 9% at most. A potential reduction of nitrogen intake was clearly indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study determined the proximate composition and sensory evaluation of Guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor) meal enriched with soybeans (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachishypogaea) for infant feeding. Three (3) research questions were raised and one (1) hypotheses formulated and tested at 0.05 significant level. The research design adopted for this study is Research and Development Design. The panelists used for the study comprised of forty (40) Nursing Mothers, who have children age 6 month-2 years. The panelists were presented with 6 coded samples produced from a composite of seven possible formulations of Guinea corn blends enriched with soybeans and groundnut. The study used Sensory Evaluation Score Card, which was filled by participants during the testing session. Proximate analysis was determined by calculating the proximate composition of the products with Association of Analytical Chemists method. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test for the significant differences in the proximate and sensory properties of the samples. Findings of proximate composition revealed that GCS (Guinea corn and Soybean) has the highest protein (14.98%) and moisture content (48.82%). For sensory evaluation, the sample GCG (Guinea corn and Groundnut) was the most preferred with mean score 6.25(±1.01) while the sample GCO (Guinea corn only) was the least preferred with mean score 4.25(±1.51). The findings of hypothesis revealed a significant difference between the sensory qualities of guinea corn only and guinea corn enriched with soybeans (p<0.05). Based on the findings, the study concludes that Guinea corn blend enriched with soybeans and groundnut increases the nutritive and sensory qualities of the products and therefore suitable for children feeding. It was recommended that guinea corn blend enriched with soybeans and groundnut should be incorporated into children feeds to increase the intake of balanced diet by the children and prevent malnutrition in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate of the productive responses of cows fed a dry hay based total mixed ration (TMR) in which sorghum (SOR) or corn (COR) meal (8 kg/h/d) were the main source of starch. The study involved two dairy herds located in the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO area, for a total of 1,400 cows (30% primiparous and 70% pluriparous). Each herd was fed alternatively SOR or COR TMR for 4 periods of 3 weeks: two weeks of adaptation and one week of data collection. Total milk production and composition, cheesemaking properties, fatty acid content and cheese yield were measured. In addition, within each herd, a random subgroup of 50 cows was selected for individual milk production, composition and cheesemaking properties analysis. Fibre digestibility was evaluated on faecal samples collected in 15 cows randomly selected in each subgroup. Data were analysed by a linear mixed model procedure with diet, herd, days in milk, parity and their interactions as fixed effects and cow as random effect. Individual milk production increase in SOR (32.43 vs. 31.34 kg, for SOR and COR, respectively; p<.0001) however, bulk milk and cheese yield did not show differences. Milk urea content was higher in SOR (27.38 vs. 22.79 mg/dL, for SOR and COR, respectively; p <.05). In this study the complete replacement of corn with finely ground sorghum meal in dairy cow diets in the Parmigiano Reggiano region did not result in negative effects on cows' productivity, cheese making properties and production. Sorghum meal can be used as a substitute of corn without negative effect on herd productivity, milk quality and cheese yield. Replacement of corn meal with sorghum meal in the dairy cows' ration permit to decrease the soy content of the ration, thus improving sustainability and costs of feeding. Utilising sorghum meal could increase the amount of crop produced in the geographical area of the farm, contributing to increase its economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Palm-kernel cake (PKC) is a by-product widely evaluated as a feed additive in several species of ruminant animals. However, no information of its use in buffaloes is observed. Thus, considering the characteristics of PKC and that buffaloes are able to digest greater amounts of fibre than are other animals, it is thought that PKC can be used as a supplement for lactating buffaloes in pasture. Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of concentrate supplementation and the inclusion of PKC instead of conventional concentrate ingredients on the production and composition of milk, intake and nutrient digestibility of lactating buffaloes in pasture during the dry season. Methods: Five crossbred buffaloes with average bodyweight of 641.45 ± 45.87 kg were used and distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square-design experiment. The treatments consisted in one treatment with mineral salt supplementation (cows fed just forage; MSS control group), and four other treatments in which the cows grazed and received 3 kg/day of concentrated supplementation. The four treatments with concentrated supplementation had different inclusion levels of PKC as a supplement, which were 0%, 30.24%, 66.38% and 90.62% of dry matter (DM) replacing corn and soybean meal. A contrast between the treatment with mineral salt supplementation (MSS control group) versus the four treatments supplemented with concentrate was analysed. In addition, to analyse the effect of inclusion of PKC in the concentrate supplement, the linear and quadratic effects were analysed by decomposing the sum of squares of each level of inclusion of PKC. Key results: There was no difference (P > 0.05) in pasture DM intake among the supplemented animals and the control-group animals (MSS). The supplemented animals (regardless of the level of inclusion of PKC) had higher (P < 0.05) fat-corrected milk production and a higher percentage of fat and lactose in the milk than did the MSS control-group animals. The intake of the supplement, crude protein and total digestible nutrients showed a decreasing linear effect (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of PKC. The daily milk production showed a decreasing linear effect (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of PKC in the concentrate. Conclusions: Concentrate supplementation for lactating buffaloes in pasture increases the amount of fat in the milk and the production of energy-corrected milk. The inclusion of PKC in concentrate supplement, replacing corn and soybean meal, decreases supplement intake and milk production. Implications: The data suggested that PKC reduced milk solids when replacing conventional concentrate ingredients; however, PKC supplements stimulated milk yield when compared with mineral salt supplementation (MSS control group). Therefore, if the inclusion of PKC reduces feeding costs, it is an economic source of supplement to promote milk production. Concentrate supplementation, as well as the substitution of conventional concentrate ingredients with palm-kernel cake, was evaluated for lactating buffaloes during the dry period under pasture. Although concentrate supplementation did not increase milk production, it promoted an increase in the total solids in the milk, and in the production of energy-corrected milk. When corn and soybean meal were replaced with palm-kernel cake, there was a decrease in the intake of total digestible nutrients and, in particular, of crude protein and ether extract, but the total intake of dry matter did not decrease. However, milk production has decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) feed concentration after cattle, goat, and sheep ruminal incubation, compare results with different estimate methods and connect with chemical analysis data. Four forages (corn silage, sugarcane, Brachiaria decumbens cv. Marandu, and Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia), two concentrates (ground corn and soybean meal), a by-product (soybean hull), and three fecal samples (cattle, goat, and sheep) were incubated in Nellore steers, dry Saanen goats and Santa Inês sheep. Animals were previously adapted to the experimental diet for eight days, and incubation was performed for 240 hours. The concentration of iNDF was higher when samples were incubated in goat rumen compared with samples incubated in the rumen of cattle. Sheep ruminal incubation increased forages and tended to increase concentrate and by-product iNDF concentration, relative to cattle ruminal incubation. Moreover, sheep and goat ruminal incubation result in similar feed iNDF concentration. Besides, cattle feces had a higher level, and goat feces had lower iNDF levels than sheep feces. The CNCPS underestimated iNDF feed concentration. Estimates of uNDF from Conrad et al. (1984) were lower than iNDF level of sugarcane and higher than iNDF level of P. maximum and concentrates. In general, lignin concentration was the primary composition data related to the iNDF level. However, ADF was the best for forages (R2 = 0.668), and NDF was better for concentrates (R2 = 0.454). In conclusion, digestive process of different species affects iNDF feed concentration. The bias of models was considerable, and feed characteristics affect chemical composition and iNDF level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate in broiler diets, the feeding value of corn germ meal (CGM) mixture at 50% and the addition of 50% corn liquor (CL) without and with carbohydrase enzymes (CH) and fermentation for 24 hours. A trial with CL + enzymes for non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and CL with fermentation for 24 h was carried out. A total of 240 male Ross 708 broilers were used, from 6 to 50 days of age fed corn + soybean paste based diets (starter, grower and finisher), with 5, 10 and 20 % CGM, with the inclusion of different presentations of CL (0 % CL, natural CL and fermented CL) in percentages equal to those of CGM without and with carbohydrase enzymes (103 000 U/g of xylanases, 128 000 U/g of cellulases and 33 000 U/g of beta-glucanases) at 25 ppm. Weight gain of 6- to 50-day-old chicks improved 5 % (P<0.05) with the addition of natural CL to CGM. The combination of CGM + natural CL increased feed value in broiler diets. The addition of enzymes in diets with CGM + natural CL did not affect broiler performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]