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It aimed to estimate the forage intake by lambs managed in different leaf allowances on Brachiaria-grass using internal and external markers. Forty-eight Texel lambs with 17.52 ± 3.48 kg were evaluated which were 12 testers and 36 regulators. The lambs were kept in twelve paddocks, subdivided into four treatments based on green leaf allowance (60, 75, 90, and 105 g/kg of BW). The experimental design was completely randomised. To estimate dry matter intake (DMI), the following markers were used: indigestible dry matter (iDM); indigestible neutral detergent fibre (iNDF); indigestible acid detergent fibre (iADF); lignin in indigestible acid detergent (iADL) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). Comparisons between intake markers were made using Chromic Oxide (Cr2O3) as a control marker. The leaves allowance tested did not alter the voluntary intake by lambs kept in Brachiaria-grass pasture. Comparison between the control intake marker (Cr2O3) and the other markers by Dunnett's test showed that, regardless of green leaf allowance, the Cr2O3, TiO2 and iADL markers provided similar estimates of DMI, but with lower values than the other markers. External marker TiO2 and the internal iADL were demonstrated to be more suitable for estimating the dry matter intake in grazing lambs regardless of the leaf allowance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and phase composition of high-alumina, chromic oxide, and AZS/Cr refractories containing 30% and 60% (by mass) Cr2O3 after exposure to aluminaboronsilicate glasses and basalt melts depending on the type of melts and temperature have been studied. The mechanisms of refractory corrosion by the used melts and the factors contributing to the inhibition of corrosion development have been investigated by the method of petrographic analysis. On the basis of obtained results, the use of high-alumina, chromic oxide, and AZS/Cr refractories in the sections of glass furnace linings, experiencing the intensive impact of aluminaboronsilicate glasses and basalt melts, has been confirmed and scientifically substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr2O3-bearing castables bonded with reactive MgO (RM) or calcium aluminate cement (CAC) were studied to evaluate the binder effect on their performance in corrosive environments. The properties of the as-prepared castables were compared with respect to the differences in phase composition and microstructure. The corrosion behavior of the as-prepared castables by CaO-Al2O3-Fe2O3-SiO2-based slag was systematically compared via refractory cup testing at 1 600 ℃ with respect to the differences in phase composition and microstructure. The analysis indicates that RM bonded castables show higher apparent porosity, lower bulk density and strengths after drying at 110 ℃ and firing at 1 300 ℃, and higher permanent linear change after firing at 1 300 ℃, but better slag corrosion and infiltration resistance compared with CAC bonded castables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Measurement of nutrient digestibility is a key pillar in estimating the value of feeds for livestock. Conditions are not always amendable to estimating feed digestibility through total collection methods, and as a result digestibility markers are frequently employed. The first “Digestibility markers” were reported in the early 1900s where colored glass beads were used to estimate the flow of digesta through the digestive tract. Subsequently, a myriad of digestibility markers has been assessed with the internal markers; acid insoluble ash, acid detergent lignin, indigestible neutral detergent fiber and n-alkanes and the external markers titanium dioxide and chromic oxide being the most common. Chromic oxide (Cr2 O3) was first proposed as a digestibility maker in 1918 and continues to be widely used in modern day metabolism, confined performance and grazing livestock experiments. It was the demand to use chromic acid as a digestibility marker that led Terry and Mira Fenton to publish the article “An improved procedure for the determination of chromic oxide in feed and feces” in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science in 1979. This became the most cited article in the history of the journal with over 800 citations. The procedure eliminated the use of nitric acid in a pre-digestion step and ashing reduced the organic matter content, making it less likely that perchloric acid would be converted to anhydrous perchloric acid which poses an explosive hazard. The procedure continues to be widely used to measure Cr2 O3 as a digestibility marker and has made a significant contribution to our assessment of the value of a wide range of feeds for Canadian livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of dietary fibre and types of indigestible markers (IM) on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and nutrients as well as IM recovery in diets fed to growing pigs were investigated. A total of 30 barrows (initial body weight 40.5 ± 1.4 kg) were allotted to five experimental diets, based on a completely randomised block design, with body weight as a blocking factor. The five diets comprised a corn–soya bean meal basal diet, and four diets in which sugar beet pulp (SBP) or defatted rice bran (DFRB) partly replaced 10% or 20% of corn, soya bean meal and soya bean oil in the basal diet. All diets were formulated to contain two types of IM, namely 0.5% chromic oxide (Cr) and 1.0% celite as the source of acid-insoluble ash (AIA). Animals were subjected to a 7-d adaptation period, and their faeces were collected over a 5-d period using the total faecal collection (TC) method. Results showed that the AIA method determined similar ATTD of GE and nutrients as the TC method. Values of dietary nutrients determined via AIA and TC methods were significantly higher than those obtained by Cr (p < 0.05). The ATTD of GE and nutrients linearly decreased with an increased inclusion level of SBP or DFRB (p < 0.01), whereas recoveries of AIA and Cr were not affected by the aforementioned inclusions. Results from the faecal analysis revealed that AIA recovery (90.5%) was significantly higher than that of Cr (84.9%, p < 0.05), while diets with DFRB (91.3%) had significantly greater IM recovery rates than those with SBP (84.4%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the type of dietary fibre, rather than the level, significantly affects IM recovery. Notably, AIA should be preferred to Cr when using the IM method to determine ATTD of GE and nutrients for diets in growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromic oxide (Cr2O3) is one of the most important chromic salts and is widely used in industrial applications. Traditionally, Cr2O3 is prepared from chromium trioxide (CrO3) or sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7), both of which are manufactured from chromite ore. However, traditional manufacturing processes are time-consuming, inefficient, and energy-consuming, and they can catheuse severe environmental pollution by discharging large quantities of solid residues containing Cr in the form of Cr(VI) compounds. These compounds are also harmful to human health. Therefore, developing an environmentally friendly production process is of great concern to the chromic oxide industry. In this study, a new method for producing Cr2O3 without hexavalent chromium pollution was investigated. In this novel process, 97% of the total Cr—in the form of chromium sulfate (Cr2(SO4)3)—and Fe are leached from ferrochrome alloy using sulfuric acid. The concentration of Fe in the Cr2(SO4)3 solution can be reduced to 2 mg/L after precipitating with oxalic acid and extracting with di (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate. Cr2O3 is then produced by precipitating Cr from the Cr2(SO4)3 solution with sodium hydroxide, followed by calcination of the precipitated Cr(OH)3 at 500°C. Using this method, Cr2O3 with a purity of up to 99.3% was obtained in this study. Throughout the process, Cr existed only in the form of Cr(III); thus, the pollution caused by hexavalent Cr was eliminated, and environmentally friendly production of Cr2O3 was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients can be assessed by total collection of faeces (TC), which is the reference method, or by the indicator method (IM). Little information is available on proper faecal sampling methodologies for IM in canines to obtain results comparable to TC. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum number of sub-samples required for the IM to make it comparable with TC. A total of 11 adult male dogs were individually housed in metabolism cages. Dogs had access to a grass yard to facilitate defaecation. Faecal sub-samples (1/day) were taken from the daily faecal output to prepare the pooled samples for IM, obtaining cumulative sample combinations of 3 (IM3), 4 (IM4), 5 (IM5), 6 (IM6) and 7 d (IM7). Digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein and crude fibre was similar between TC and IM5, IM6 and IM7 (p > 0.05). The IM7 presented the greatest statistical similarity with TC. Nevertheless, IM was not a good predictor of crude fibre digestibility. In conclusion, IM can replace the TC method in dogs to evaluate ATTD of several nutritional fractions as long as the composite sample is collected during seven consecutive days. For estimation of fibre digestibility by IM, longer collection periods are probably required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of chromium in stainless steel slag can be enhanced by increasing the spinel crystal size. The effect of Fe2O3 on the size of spinel crystals in the CaO−SiO2−MgO−Al2O3−Cr2O3 system was investigated using lab experiments carried out in a carbon tube furnace. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM−EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the microstructure, components, and the mineral phases of synthetic slags. FactSage 7.1 was used to calculate the crystallization process of the molten slag. The results showed that the addition of Fe2O3 promoted the precipitation of spinel crystals and inhibited the formation of dicalcium silicate. The size of spinel crystals increased from 2.74 to 8.10 µm and the contents of chromium and iron in the spinel varied as the Fe2O3 addition was increased from 0 to 20wt%. Fe2O3 thermodynamically provided the spinel-forming components to enhance the formation of FeCr2O4, MgFe2O4, and Fe3O4. The addition of Fe2O3 increased the fraction of liquid phase in a certain temperature range and promoted diffusion by decreasing the slag's viscosity. Therefore, Fe2O3 is beneficial to the growth of spinel crystals in stainless steel slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, Cu-SiO 2 and Cu-Cr metal matrix composites were fabricated by the powder metallurgy method. The morphologies, microstructures and tribological behaviors of the Cu-SiO 2 and Cu-Cr interfaces were studied. The results indicated that the amorphous SiO 2 in the vicinity of the Cu-SiO 2 interface was transformed into cristobalite crystal after sintering. The interfaces of the fcc-Cu and cristobalite SiO 2 were mostly incoherent interfaces. The Cu-Cr interface consisted of an interlaced bcc-Cr-rich multiphase and some microvoids. These microvoids were generated from the clustering of the vacancies resulting from the asymmetric mutual diffusion of Cu and Cr atoms. The vacancies present in the Cu-Cr interface provided an abundance of fast-diffusion channels for the O atoms, resulting in the presence of the Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles in the vicinity of the microvoids. The Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles enhanced the mechanical properties of the interface via the dispersion strengthening mechanism. When the indenter slid through the Cu-SiO 2 and Cu-Cr interfaces, the penetration depth increased rapidly, and the friction coefficient first decreased and then rapidly increased. Both the Cu-SiO 2 and Cu-Cr interfaces were easily broken during the sliding test. The interfaces were broken more severely at the higher load, thereby reducing the rate of the change in the penetration depth and friction coefficient during their dynamic damage process. Highlights • Linking the morphologies, microstructures and tribological behaviors of the Cu-SiO 2 and Cu-Cr interfaces. • The transformation mechanisms of the Cu-SiO 2 and Cu-Cr interfaces were discussed from the view of the kinetics and thermodynamics. • Both the Cu-SiO 2 and Cu-Cr interfaces were easily broken during the sliding test due to the weak bonding interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The reaction efficiency increased with the addition of SO 2 on the Cr 2 O 3 catalyst. • The increased SCR efficiency could be attributed to the acid sites and O a on the catalyst surface. • The SCR reaction on the Cr 2 O 3 catalyst followed a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. • The Cr 2 O 3 catalyst is a promising marine SCR catalyst with a good sulfur & H 2 O resistance. Abstract Cr 2 O 3 catalysts for the marine NH 3 -selective catalytic reduction (NH 3 -SCR) reaction have been synthesized by precipitation, and their catalytic performances were evaluated. The experimental results revealed that the as-synthesized Cr 2 O 3 catalysts presented an enhanced NO removal efficiency when combined with SO 2. Notably, the reaction efficiency increased from 61% to 94% with 100 ppm SO 2 and from 61% to 82% with 500 ppm SO 2 at 280 °C. The lifetime test confirmed the promotional effect of SO 2 and the good sulfur and H 2 O resistance of Cr 2 O 3 , and the deactivation by SO 2 proved to be irreversible. The NO removal efficiency remained at 89% after 28 h of reaction with 100 ppm SO 2 and 3% H 2 O. The catalyst was characterized and the results confirmed eskolaite (Cr 2 O 3) was successfully synthesized, the SCR reaction followed a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism, and the increased SCR efficiency could mainly be attributed to the acid sites and O a on the catalyst surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the present study were to estimate dry-matter intake and output of faeces using two external and four internal markers in sheep fed Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu on an ad libitum basis over 3- and 5-day periods. Six sheep fitted with ruminal cannulas were randomly assigned in a crossover design experiment to receive either of two treatments of external markers, namely titanium dioxide (TiO2) and chromic oxide (Cr2O3). Faecal output was obtained by total faecal collection and faecal grab sampling. Faeces were collected for 3- or 5-day periods, and, for each collection period, two sampling methods were compared; grab samples were collected directly in the rectum once daily, and a second sample was taken at the same time directly in faecal collection bags after having determined the daily total output of faeces. Faecal concentrations of the internal markers, indigestible dry matter, indigestible neutral detergent fibre, indigestible acid detergent fibre and indigestible acid detergent lignin (iADL), were determined. Faecal output was not accurately predicted with indigestible dry matter, indigestible neutral detergent fibre, indigestible acid detergent fibre and iADL. Dry-matter intake was predicted with iADL and TiO2 when faeces were collected for 5 days as grab samples once daily, or as total collection and with Cr2O3 when faecal grab samples were collected for 5 days. The results using external markers indicated that TiO2 is not a marker equivalent to Cr2O3 for estimating intake and faecal output. TiO2 was the only external marker to accurately estimate faecal output, independent of the method (total or grab) and time period (3 or 5 days) used; this suggests that TiO2 is the best marker tested for predicting the faecal output of sheep that are fed a diet of fresh Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu) grass ad libitum. The information of forage intake is very important for sheep production systems. Our research aimed to evaluate markers and the faecal collection method to help to estimate dry-matter intake and output of faeces over 3- and 5-day periods. Independent of the method and period evaluated, titanium dioxide was the best marker available for predicting output of faeces in sheep fed fresh Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu) grass on an ad libitum basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve adult beagle dogs (10.6 ± 1.4 kg) were fed extruded dog diets in which the starch sources were whole sorghum, sorghum flour, sorghum mill-feed, or an equal combination of rice, corn, and wheat. The experiment was conducted as a replicated Latin square design digestibility study. Estimates of fecal organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), and gross energy (GE) outputs were determined by four methods: total fecal collection (TFC), chromic oxide (Cr2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and acid insoluble ash (AIA). The correlation among the fecal output estimates by the four methods by partial correlation coefficients from the Error SSCP Matrix (Pearson) were considered significant at P < 0.05. The external markers, Cr2O3 and TiO2, had a higher (P < 0.05) OM fecal output Pearson correlation to TFC than the intrinsic marker AIA (R = 0.931 for Cr2O3 vs. TiO2; R = 0.559 for TFC vs. Cr2O3; R = 0.592 for TFC vs. TiO2; R = 0.291 for AIA vs. TFC). Interestingly, TiO2 highly correlated (P < 0.05) to Cr2O3 (R = 0.93 for OM), and was also correlated highly to TFC and AIA. The study suggests that TiO2 may be a preferred marker to estimate fecal output in dogs vs. Cr2O3. The use of AIA represents a potential option for determining digestibility for diets in which external markers are impractical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexandre-Léon Étard (1852-1919) was a French chemist who studied the chemistry of chrome and its derivatives, in particular the reactions that transformed the salts of chromic oxide from one derivative into another, and the action of chlorochromic acid on organic compounds. He found that the oxidation of organic compounds followed different paths according to the nature of the substance attacked and the substitution groups present. The reaction allowed the formation of ketones or quinones, with the simultaneous release of chlorine or hydrogen chloride (the Étard reaction). This reaction transformed the methyl group attached to an aromatic nucleus into the pertinent aldehyde and allowed the synthesis of aldehydes directly from hydrocarbons. The attack of an aromatic ring yielded quinones. Étard discovered that sulfates were able to intermix to generate complex acids or neutral salts presenting coloration properties quite different from those of the simple salts from which they were derived. Together with Bémont they studied the ferricyanides and synthesized many of new complex salts; He determined the solubility of a large number of inorganic and organic salts and their mixtures as a function of the temperature, carried on the synthesis of many new organic compounds, and together with Gal determined the composition of strychnine by reacting it with a variety of chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance and nutrient utilization responses of broiler chickens and the nutrient utilization of pigs to xylanase, experimental diet formulation method for energy (FME), and digestibility index marker (DIM). In Exp. 1, a total of 448 male broiler chickens were used in a randomized complete block design with body weight (BW) as a blocking factor. Seven dietary treatments were prepared in a 3 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement with inclusion of sand, diatomaceous earth (DAE), or wheat bran (WB) as FME and without or with xylanase (26,400 units/kg of diet) plus positive control. Each of chromic oxide and titanium dioxide was incorporated at 5 g/kg in diets. There were eight replicate cages of eight birds per cage. Birds were weighed on d 7, 14, and 21, and feed intake was recorded. Excreta samples were collected from d 19 to 21. On d 21, birds were euthanized, and ileal digesta samples were collected. In Exp. 2, twenty-one barrows (initial BW = 33.0 ± 0.3 kg), fitted with simple T-cannulas at the distal ileum, were used in a triplicate 7 × 2 incomplete Latin Square design with seven dietary treatments, which were prepared by the same arrangement as in broiler chickens, and two periods giving six replicates per diet. Fecal samples were collected on d 4 and 5, and ileal digesta samples were collected on d 6 and 7 of each period. In Exp. 1, the growth performance of birds was not affected by xylanase. There were interactions (P < 0.05) between xylanase and FME for apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein, His, Met, Thr, and Trp. Inclusion of xylanase decreased (P < 0.05) the AID of crude protein and Trp in sand diet and AID of His and Thr in DAE diet, but increased (P < 0.05) AID of Met in WB diet. The AID of energy and nutrients except Arg and Met were greater (P < 0.05) observed with Cr than Ti as DIM. In Exp. 2, there were interactions (P < 0.05) between xylanase and FME for AID of dry matter, energy, Arg, and Lys. Inclusion of xylanase decreased (P < 0.05) the AID of Lys in DAE or WB diet, but increased (P < 0.05) AID of Arg in sand diet and AID of energy in WB diet. The DIM type had no effect on responses in pigs. In conclusion, the efficacy of xylanase on ileal energy and amino acids digestibility depends on the choice of FME in broiler chickens and pigs, and DIM affects the determination of ileal digestibility in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of controlled‐release devices (CRDs) for providing zinc and for estimating faecal output in alpacas and sheep at pasture. Methods: The study groups of 10 alpacas and 10 sheep at pasture were paired within species and allocated at random to receive by mouth either one CRD containing chromium sesquioxide designed to function for at least 21 days or two CRDs, one containing chromium sesquioxide and the other zinc oxide designed to release over a nominal 60‐day period. Faecal concentrations of chromium, zinc and ash, blood and plasma concentrations of zinc and plasma activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured over a period of 117 days after treatment. Results: The mean faecal chromium excretion profiles suggested that the CRDs performed in a similar manner in both species, releasing chromium for nearly 30 days in alpacas and for slightly more than 30 days in sheep. Using a common predetermined release rate of chromium from the CRDs, the daily faecal outputs of alpacas and sheep were estimated to be 0.54 kg dry matter and 0.33 kg dry matter, respectively. The CRD containing zinc oxide provided after 1 week an estimated daily release rate of 40 mg zinc with a lifetime of between 60 and 70 days in both species. The additional zinc did not elicit a response in blood zinc concentrations or in plasma ALP activity. Conclusion: The CRDs were retained in the gastrointestinal tracts of the alpacas and sheep and both types functioned as expected. The CRD delivering chromium sesquioxide at a known release rate provided an estimate of faecal dry matter output over a period of almost 3 weeks and the CRD formulated to deliver supplementary zinc did so at the nominal release rate over a period of approximately 60 days in both species. These data indicated that the standard sheep CRD is applicable for use in alpacas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the additivity of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in mixed diets containing wheat, canola meal (CM), meat and bone meal (MBM), and sorghum distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) fed to pigs with chromic oxide (Cr2O3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as digestibility index markers. Four diets were prepared to contain wheat, CM, MBM, or DDGS as a sole source of nitrogen; three mixed diets were prepared to contain wheat, CM, and MBM; wheat, MBM, and DDGS; or wheat, CM, MBM, and DDGS; also, a nitrogen-free diet was prepared to estimate the basal ileal endogenous losses (BEL) of CP and AA. Both Cr2O3 and TiO2 were incorporated at 5 g/kg into each diet. Sixteen barrows (initial body weight = 34.7 ± 0.6 kg) surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum were allotted to a duplicate 8 x 4 Youden square design with eight experimental diets and four periods. During each 7-d period, the ileal digesta was collected for 2 d after a 5-d adaptation, and the AID and SID of CP and AA were determined using Cr2O3 or TiO2 as marker. There was no interaction between diet and marker type for both AID and SID of CP and AA. Similar BEL, AID, and SID of CP and AA were determined by Cr2O3 and TiO2. In the wheat-CM- MBM diet, the measured AID of CP and most AA determined with Cr2O3 or TiO2 were not different from the predicted values, which was determined based on the measured AID values in wheat, CM, and MBM. In the wheat-MBM-DDGS diet, the measured and predicted AID of CP and seven indispensable AA differed (P < 0.05) using Cr2O3 as marker, and the measured and predicted AID of CP and four indispensable AA differed (P < 0.05) using TiO2 as marker. The measured AID of CP and most indispensable AA were greater (P < 0.05) than predicted AID regardless of marker type for the wheat-CM-MBM-DDGS diet. The measured SID of CP and indispensable AA were consistent with the predicted values, except Lys in the wheat- CM-MBM diet using either marker and His in the wheat-MBM-DDGS diet with Cr2O3 as marker. In conclusion, more accurate prediction of ileal digestibility of CP and AA was achieved using SID rather than AID in mixed diets containing wheat, CM, MBM, and DDGS. The determination of endogenous loss, AID, and SID of CP and AA were not affected by marker type in this study. In addition, the additivity of AID and SID of CP and most indispensable AA in mixed diets was not affected by marker type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four Zn(II) coordination polymers (CPs), [Zn(4-pzpt) 2 (H 2 O)] n ( 1 ), {[Zn(4-pzpt) 2 ]·CH 3 OH} n ( 2 ), [Zn 2 (4-pzpt) 2 (suc)(H 2 O)] n ( 3 ) and [Zn 2 (4-pzpt) 2 (ndc)] n ( 4 ) were obtained from 3-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (4-Hpzpt), 1,4-Naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H 2 ndc) and succinic acid (H 2 suc) ligands. Structural analysis reveals that 1 represents a five coordinated 0D structure. 2 possess a network featuring 2D 4 4 grid-like layers structure. 3 displays a network featuring 2D (6 3 )- hcb layered structure. 4 shows a rare 3D (4,4)-connected topology with a Schläfli symbol of (4.6 4. 7) 2 (6 4. 7 2 ). Complexes 1 and 2 can mutual conversion between different solvent ratios. Luminescence properties reveal that 1 and 2 exhibit excellent selectivity for Hg 2+ and Cr 2 O 7 2- ions in aqueous solution, in which suggests that 1 and 2 is a promising multifunctional sensing materials. The possible sensing mechanism is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The edge-on ternary heterostructured composite of MoS 2 nanoflowers/chromic oxide/protonated titanate nanoflakes (Cr-TM) with different amounts of chromic oxide (Cr 2 O 3 ) nanoparticles is prepared via solvothermal method. A layered structure of nanoflowers obtained as Cr 2 O 3 /protonated titanate nanoflakes (Cr-TNFs) form good contact with the active edges of MoS 2 . The analysis of XPS results indicate the existence of coupled electron orbits which is attributed to the formation of Ti O Mo bonds at interface between Cr-TNFs and MoS 2 , and stabilization of loaded Cr 2 O 3 on the titanate nanoflakes (TNFs). The as-prepared Cr-TM composites exhibit overall enhancement in visible-light response as well as characteristic absorption of Cr 2 O 3 . The MoS 2 plays the role of co-catalyst to improve the interfacial transfer efficiency of the photogenerated electrons, and accelerate the transport and separation of in-layered holes. The results of visible-light-driven photocatalytic H 2 production test indicate that the H 2 production rate of Cr-TM (20 wt.% of MoS 2 ) is optimum, giving a relatively high H 2 generation rate of 217 μmol h -1  g -1 for 0.5%Cr-TM. The MoS 2 /Cr 2 O 3 /titanate heterostructure show a good synergism with MoS 2 co-catalyst under visible light, as a result photo-induced electrons pass through MoS 2 basal planes and reach the active edge sites, participating in the proton-reduction reaction. The cyclic tests demonstrated outstanding stability and recycling performance of samples as well as good contact of MoS 2 nanoflowers with the TNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different diet formulations: F1 (Two complicated basal diets containing different crude protein levels plus tested feedstuff) vs F2 (A simple corn soybean meal [SBM] basal diet plus tested feedstuff) combined with total collection (TC) or chromic oxide (Cr2O3) marker or acid-insoluble ash (AIA) marker method, and freeze-dry or oven-dry (OD) technique on estimation of nutrient digestibility in diets fed to growing pigs. Methods: In F1, twelve barrows were allocated to two 6×4 Youden Squares. The treatment diets included a high protein basal (HPB) diet, a low protein basal (LPB) diet, a corn diet and a wheat bran (WB) diet formulated based on the HPB diet, and a SBM diet and a rapeseed meal (RSM) diet formulated based on the LPB diet. In F2, eight barrows were allocated to two 4×4 Latin Squares. The treatment diets included a corn basal diet, a SBM basal diet formulated based on the corn diet, and a WB diet and a RSM diet formulated based on the SBM diet. Results: Concentration of digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), and the apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, ash, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre determined by Cr2O3 marker method were greater than those determined by TC and AIA marker methods in HPB, LPB, and RSM diets formulated by F1 and in corn diet formulated by F2 (p<0.05). The DE values in WB and both DE and ME values in SBM and RSM estimated using F1 were greater than those estimated using F2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: From the accuracy aspect, the AIA marker or TC method combined with OD technique is recommended for determining the energy concentration and nutrient digestibility of components in diets fed to growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding an extruded flaxseed (EF) on layer performance, apparent total tract nutrient retention (ATTR) and egg yolk fatty acid concentrations. 2. Seventy-two White Leghorn laying hens (58-week-old; three per cage) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments: 0%, 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of EF-supplemented diets for 8 weeks. 3. Supplementation with EF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg weight. Egg components (yolk, albumen and shell percentages) were similar among treatments, except that shell percentage was greater for layers fed 22.5% EF than those fed 7.5% and 15% EF. The ATTR of dry matter and organic matter were highest for 0% and 7.5% EF, intermediate for 15% EF and lowest for 22.5% EF. Similar reductions on ATTR of crude protein and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy were observed for layers fed 22.5% EF relative to those fed 0% or 7.5% EF. 4. Feeding EF at 7.5%, 15.0% and 22.5% of the diet markedly increased (by 92%, 198% and 271%, respectively) egg yolk concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and reduced saturated fatty acid and n-6 PUFA concentrations. 5. It was concluded that omega-3 labelled eggs (300 mg/60 g of egg) may be produced with low (7.5% of diet) levels of dietary EF without compromising egg production parameters. However, feeding moderate to high levels of EF (i.e. 15% and 22.5% EF) may reduce total tract nutrient and energy utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk replacer (MR) feeding programs have traditionally fed at less than ad libitum amounts to promote calf starter (CS) intake and allow early weaning. More recently, increased amounts of MR preweaning have been shown to increase preweaning ADG, although postweaning growth may be reduced. Several studies suggest that limited postweaning digestion of nutrients in CS may contribute to postweaning growth impairment. It is not clear whether CS formulation might also contribute to differences in postweaning nutrient digestion when calves are fed different MR programs. A 56-d feeding and digestion trial was conducted to compare growth and digestion in 2- to 3-d-old male Holstein calves (n = 48; initially 41.9 kg of body weight) fed a moderate (MRM) or high (MRH) MR program and either a pelleted CS containing 9.9% starch or a texturized CS containing 41.3% starch. Programs were 0.66 kg of dry matter (DM)/d of MR to d 46, then 0.33 kg/d to d 49 (MRM) and 0.85 kg of DM/d to d 5, then 1.07 kg/d to d 42, then 0.53 kg/d to d 49 (MRH). The MR contained 25% crude protein and 18.6% fat and was reconstituted to 13 (MRM) or 15% (MRH) solids. Calves were also assigned randomly to receive a pelleted CS (9.9% starch, 36.9% NDF) or a textured CS (41.3% starch, 13.3% NDF) and water for ad libitum intake for 56 d. During d 31 to 35 and 52 to 56, fecal samples were collected from 5 calves per treatment for estimates of digestibility. Selected nutrients and chromic oxide (d 31–35) or acid-insoluble ash (d 52–56) were analyzed in feed and feces to estimate digestibility. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design. Repeated measures analysis was performed when data were measured by week. Calves fed MRH gained more body weight (but not hip width) and were more efficient to weaning compared with calves fed MRM, although fecal scores and days treated with medications were greater. We found no effect of CS on animal performance, although calves fed textured CS had higher fecal scores. Digestibilities of nutrients were affected by treatment and time of sampling (5 or 8 wk). At 5 wk, digestion of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and fat were lower and digestion of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and starch were higher in calves fed MRM and reflected greater CS intake. Also, digestion of DM, organic matter, acid detergent fiber, starch, crude protein, and fat were greater in calves fed textured CS at 5 wk. By 8 wk, when CS was the only source of nutrients, digestion of DM, organic matter, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber were greater in calves fed MRM and digestion of DM and organic matter were greater, and acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber digestion were lower in calves fed textured CS. Formulation of CS as well as amount of MR offered to young calves influenced animal performance and digestion in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed intake assessment is a valuable tool for herd management decisions. The use of markers, either internal or external, is currently the most used technique for estimating feed intake in production animals. The experiment used 10 multiparous Holstein cows fed a corn silage-based diet, with 55:45 forage-to-concentrate ratio, the average fecal recovery (FR) of TiO2 was higher than FR of Cr2O3, and both FR were more than unity. With internal markers, acetyl bromide lignin and cutin FR were lower than unity, and average FR for indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) was 1.5. The FR was unaffected by the fecal sampling procedure and appears to be an intrinsic property of each molecule and how it interacts with digesta. Of the 2 external markers, only Cr2O3 produced accurate fecal output (FO) estimates and the same happened to dry matter digestibility (DMD) when iNDF and iADF were used. Estimates for DMD and FO were affected by sampling procedure; 72-h bulk [sub-sample from total feces collection (TFC)] sampling consistently produced accurate results. The grab (sub-samples taken at specific times during the day) sampling procedures were accurate when using either of the indigestible fibers (iNDF or iADF) to estimate DMD. However, grab sampling procedures can only be recommended when concomitant TFC is performed on at least one animal per treatment to determine FR. Under these conditions, Cr2O3 is a suitable marker for estimating FO, and iNDF and iADF are adequate for estimating DMD. Moreover, the Cr2O3+iADF marker pair produces accurate dry matter intake estimates and deserves further attention in ruminant nutrition studies. The method of dosing the external markers is extremely important and greatly affects and determines results. Whichever the method, it must allow the animals to display normal feeding behavior and not affect performance. The grab sampling procedures can replace TFC (once FR is established), which may open new possibilities for pasture-based or collectively housed animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate whether the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of GE or nitrogen (N) was influenced by inclusion level and type of digestibility index marker (DIM) and inclusion level of oat bran (OB) and whether the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE or DIM recovery was influenced by the 3 aforementioned factors and duration of feces collection. Six diets were formulated as a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of OB (0 or 100 g/ kg) and 3 levels of DIM (2.5, 5.0, or 7.5 g/kg). Chromic oxide and titanium dioxide were used as DIM. Both chromic oxide and titanium dioxide were added to the same diet, and their inclusion levels were consistent in each experimental diet. In Exp. 1, 18 barrows fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum were used in a triplicate 6 x 2 incomplete Latin Square design with 6 dietary treatments and 2 periods. The ileal digesta were collected for 3 d after 5-d adaptation, and the AID of GE and N were determined by measuring Cr or Ti in diets and ileal digesta samples. In Exp. 2, a total of 72 barrows were used in a randomized complete block design, and the feces were collected for either 3 or 5 d after a 7-d adaptation according to the assignment. Experimental diets were same as Exp. 1. The ATTD of GE was determined by both total collection and index methods, and DIM recovery was determined by measuring Cr or Ti. In Exp. 1, there was no interaction among OB level, DIM level, and DIM type for AID of GE and N. The AID of GE and N determined by Ti were greater (P < 0.05) than Cr regardless of the OB level or DIM level. Neither the OB level nor the DIM level affected the AID of GE or N. In Exp. 2, no interaction among OB level, DIM level, duration of feces collection, and DIM type for ATTD of GE and DIM recovery was observed. The DIM level and duration of feces collection had no effect on ATTD of GE and DIM recovery. The total collection method resulted in greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE than Ti, which was greater (P < 0.05) than that determined by Cr. Similarly, the recovery of Ti was greater (P = 0.007) than Cr. Inclusion of 100 g/kg OB decreased (P = 0.003) ATTD of GE but did not affect the recovery of DIM. In conclusion, the AID of GE and N, the ATTD of GE, and the recovery of Cr or Ti were affected by DIM type, but not DIM level; the inclusion of OB had no effect on AID of GE and N, and DIM recovery; and the duration of feces collection had no effect on ATTD of GE and DIM recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in brewers rice, full-fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), peanut meal, sesame meal, rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, soybean expellers, cassava meal, and bakery meal fed to young growing pigs. Twenty-two barrows (initial BW: 14.09 ± 1.48 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and randomly allotted to a replicated 11 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and four 7-d periods in each square. Eleven experimental diets were prepared and test ingredients were the sole source of CP and AA in 10 diets and the eleventh diet was a N-free diet used to measure basal ileal endogenous losses of CP and AA. Chromic oxide (0.4%) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker and ileal digesta were collected on day 6 and 7 of each period. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA was greatest (P < 0.05) in brewers rice and sesame meal and least (P < 0.05) in cassava meal. The SID of indispensable AA was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal compared with all other ingredients except brewers rice. Full-fat rice bran had greater (P < 0.05) SID of Arg, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Met compared with DFRB. The SID of CP and most AA was not different among rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. Bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) SID of most AA compared with all other ingredients, with the exception of cassava meal. The concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP was greater (P < 0.05) in sesame meal and peanut meal (482.32 and 452.44 g/kg DM, respectively) than in all other ingredients. Soybean expellers had the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible Lys (22.98 g/kg DM) followed by rapeseed meal (16.11 g/kg DM) and rapeseed expellers (16.17 g/kg DM). Cassava meal and bakery meal had the least (P < 0.05) concentration of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA compared with the other ingredients. Concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and AA in brewers rice, FFRB, and DFRB were less (P < 0.05) than in rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers. In conclusion, peanut meal and sesame meal have greater concentrations of standardized ileal digestible CP and most AA, with the exception of Lys, than other ingredients. Rapeseed meal, rapeseed expellers, and soybean expellers have the greatest concentrations of standardized ileal digestible Lys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present work aimed to evaluate whether the use of chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as dietary inert marker in fish digestibility studies interferes with gut microbial community modulation and gut morphology. To assess the effects of Cr2O3 under potential diverse microbiota populations, dietary Cr2O3 was tested using challenging plant feedstuffs (PF)‐based diets supplemented or not with prebiotics, as prebiotics are expected to modify gut microbiota populations. For that purpose, three diets were formulated to include circa 20:80 fish meal and PF as protein sources, without (CTR) or with prebiotic supplementation (10 g/kg XOS or GOS). These diets did not include Cr2O3 (−Cr2O3 diets). Three similar additional diets were formulated to include 5 g/kg Cr2O3 (+Cr2O3 diets). Cr2O3 effects on gut microbiota were assessed for the first time in the allochthonous (digesta) and autochthonous (mucosa) community by a culture‐independent molecular approach, using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). No differences in gut bacterial profiles (number of operational taxonomic units, microbiota richness, diversity and similarity indices) were observed between dietary treatments. No significant alterations in submucosa layer structure, enterocytes and eosinophilic granular cells structure, goblet cells and leucocytes quantity were detected in the distal intestine among diets. In conclusion, data indicate that dietary inclusion of 5 g/kg Cr2O3 does not interfere with gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) gut microbiota and gut morphology, suggesting that a dietary incorporation level of 5 g/kg Cr2O3 can safely be used as inert marker in digestibility studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure Cr2O3 and NiO/Cr2O3 nanocomposite were luckily synthesized by simple hydrothermal technique. X-ray films diffraction (XRD), Filed Emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), were used to research the crystalline structures, surface morphologies and nanostructures, and element components and their valences of the assynthesized samples. Moreover, gas sensors based on the synthesized pure Cr2O3 and NiO/ Cr2O3 composites were fabricated and their sensing behavior, to NH3.Gas sensing experiments reference that the NiO/ Cr2O3 composites showed much higher gas response and lower working temperature than those of pure Cr2O3. These results assure that the as-synthesized NiO/ Cr2O3 composites a favorable NH3 sensing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of canola meal source on the standardized ileal digestible amino acids (AA) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) contents of canola meal (CM) from 6 processing plants in Canada. Two plants provided CM in both mash and pellet forms, while the other 4 provided CM in mash form only, giving a total of 8 samples. In the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) assay, 280 birds were housed 7 per cage and fed a commercial starter diet from 1 to 14 d of age followed by the test diets from 15 to 21 d. Diets were formulated to contain CM as the only source of protein. Chromic oxide was included in all diets as an indigestible marker. Diets were randomly assigned to 5 cages of 7 birds. On d 21, birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation and digesta samples were collected from the terminal ileum for SID of AA. The SID values were calculated using ileal endogenous AA losses determination. In the AMEn assay, 330 birds were housed 6 per cage and fed a commercial starter diet from 1 to 14 d of age followed by the experimental diets from 15 to 19 d. The 8 experimental diets contained 30% of CM and 70% of a corn-soybean mealbased diet. There were differences (P < 0.05) among CM samples in the standardized ileal digestible content of all AA. Standardized ileal digestible contents of Arg, Lys, Met, and Thr averaged 2.17, 1.74, 0.53, and 1.03%, respectively. Pelleting reduced (P < 0.05) the standardized ileal digestible content of all AA in CM from one of the plants. There were differences (P<0.05) among CM samples in the AMEn contents with values ranging from 1,590 to 2,041 kcal/kg DM. In conclusion, there was effect of CM source on the standardized ileal digestible AA and AMEn contents. Regression equations for predicting standardized ileal digestible contents of selected AA from a simple measure of acid detergent fiber (ADF) were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various chromic oxide catalysts were prepared by the precipitation method and used for NO oxidation at ambient temperature. It was found that the catalytic performance of chromic oxide catalysts was greatly dependent on the calcination temperature and the choice of the precipitants. The best catalyst was obtained under 300 °C with ammonia solution as the precipitant, which can oxidize NO to NO for more than 500 min running. The examinations of catalysts based on XRD, BET, HRTEM, SEM, TG, RAMAN, XPS and in situ DRIFTS revealed that ammonia solution as the precipitant presented amorphous phase, large surface area with hydroxyl, packing particles with small size, distorted octahedral metal-oxygen bonds with high surface concentration of Cr and then exhibited high catalytic activity of chromic oxide catalysts. The precipitants displayed difficulty to decompose and introducing impurity showed low catalytic performance over the chromic oxide catalysts for NO oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant activity of meals, growth performance, dry matter, crude protein and amino acid apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) were determined for three macroalgae in Pacific white shrimp juveniles: Gracilaria vermiculophylla, Dictyota dichotoma and Ulva lactuca. For the digestibility determination, test diets included 15% of the test ingredients and 85% of a control diet supplemented with 1% chromic oxide. The amino acid content in the ingredients, diets and feces were analyzed using HPLC. In general, nutrient digestibility values were far higher in the diets with macroalgae meals than in the control diet. In conclusion, diets with the macroalgae U. lactuca and G. vermiculophylla in particular showed high antioxidant activity, high amino acid digestibility and improved Litopenaeus vannamei growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspectral imaging is becoming an important detection method, which can identify the subtle differences between the reflection spectra of a target and its background. Considering that vegetation is one of the most important backgrounds, a bionic membrane containing hygroscopic material and chromium sesquioxide (Cr 2 O 3 ) pigment was prepared to counter the hyperspectral detection through simulating the solar spectrum reflectance of natural leaf. The effects of water and Cr 2 O 3 contents on the reflectance of the bionic membrane were discussed, and the absorption and scattering coefficients of the bionic membrane were calculated via a four-flux model to elucidate its reflection mechanism. Based on the obtained absorption and scattering coefficients, the reflectances of the bionic membranes (with a volume fraction of water in the range of 9.75–51.92% during the day time) containing different volume fraction of Cr 2 O 3 ( f c ) were calculated through the four-flux model. Besides, a military specification of USA was used as the spectrum requirement of the bionic membrane in our work to determine an appropriate Cr 2 O 3 content. It was found that when f c is 1.61%, the reflection spectra of the 3 mm thick bionic membranes can not only meet the military specification but also become opaque, which are capable to camouflage a target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of feedlot lambs fed diets formulated with hay of different genotypes of Cynodon spp. and to compare the dry matter digestibility of diets using different evaluation methods (total fecal collection and chromium oxide). Suffolk crossbred neutered male lambs (n=30), with an average age of 90 days and average body weight of 21.5 kg ± 1.6. Diets were formulated using a standard concentrate and hay of the following genotypes of Cynodon dactylon: Jiggs, Vaquero, Tifton 68, Coast-Cross, Tifton 85 and Russell, in a 60:40 forage concentrate ratio, composing the treatments distributed in a randomized block design in a factorial 5 x 2 arrangement of 5 diets and 2 digestibility evaluation methods. Animals receiving Vaquero hay showed dry matter intake of 18.3; 16.9; 25.6; 20.7 and 24.2% higher than those fed hay of Jiggs, Tifton 68, Coast Cross, Tifton 85 and Russell, respectively. There was no difference between diets for digestibility using total fecal collection, chromium oxide and final weight of animals. Jiggs hay based diets allowed greater daily weight gain and better feed conversion.

This study was conducted to investigate if the concentration patterns of digestibility markers (DMr) are influenced by dietary fiber (Diet), ileal digesta collection day (Day), and time period (TP). Eighteen barrows fitted with a T-cannula at the end of the ileum were used in a 2-period randomized complete block design. Three corn-soybean meal-based diets were formulated with corn starch (CS), corn bran (CB) or oat bran (OB) at 100 g/kg. All 3 diets contained 3 DMr, which were chromic oxide (Cr), titanium dioxide (Ti), and acid-insoluble ash (AIA). The ileal digesta was collected every 3 h between 09:00–21:00 h with 4 TP on each of the 3 day. Due to the interaction between Diet and TP, diet comparison within TP using appropriate standard error of the difference of two means were discussed. The Ti or AIA concentration on Day 1 was lower (P < 0.05) than that on Day 3, while there was no difference between Day 2 and Day 3. The Cr concentration was not affected by the Day. The distribution of Cr concentration in ileal digesta of pigs fed CS, CB and OB was similar to that of Ti and AIA irrespective of TP. When comparing OB and CB, OB had greater (P < 0.05) Ti and AIA concentrations than CB at TP 2, 3 and 4, but OB had similar DMr concentration with CB at TP 1. In conclusion, the Day had limited effect on DMr concentration; the three DMr moved synchronously in digesta irrespective of TP; and the Ti and AIA concentrations varied over the OB and CB at TP 2, 3 and 4, but not at TP 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal starch (FS) has been used as a tool to evaluate starch and diet digestibility in lactating dairy cows and feedlot steers. Some on-farm advisors also use FS to evaluate calf starter digestibility in preweaned dairy calves. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of starter intake (SI), starch and organic matter digestibility, milk replacer (MR) feeding rate, and age on FS concentrations in preweaned dairy calves. Male Holstein calves (43 ± 2.9 kg of body weight; n = 35) from a single farm were fed different amounts of MR ranging from 0.44 to 1.10 kg of dry matter (DM) daily (27% crude protein, 17% fat) and weaned by 7 wk of age. Starter ingredient composition was 37% whole corn, 20% whole oats, 35% protein pellet, and 3% molasses and contained 43 ± 1.9% starch. Fecal grab samples were taken at 3 (n = 20), 6 (n = 20), and 8 wk (n = 35) of age. Twelve fecal samples per calf were taken via rectal palpation over a 5-d period each week, frozen daily, combined on an equal wet-weight basis, and subsampled for analysis. Chromic oxide was used as an external digestibility marker at 3 and 6 wk (included in MR), whereas acid-insoluble ash was used as an internal marker at 8 wk. Milk replacer and starter intakes (offered and refused) were recorded daily during collection periods. Multiple and linear regression of organic matter digestibility (% of DM), total-tract starch digestibility (TTSD; % of DM), MR intake (kg/d), SI (kg/d), and age (week) versus FS (% of fecal DM) were determined using PROC REG of SAS (version 9.2, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Prior to weaning, SI, age, and MR rate explained 89% of the variation in TTSD, where TTSD = [19.7 × SI (±4.25)] + [3.8 × age (±0.79)] - [24.8 × MR (±3.19)] + 56.2 (±3.39). At 3 wk of age, TTSD increased (coefficient of determination = 0.53) and SI decreased (coefficient of determination = 0.20) with increasing FS. At 6 wk of age, TTSD and SI were unrelated to FS. In 8-wk-old calves (with 2 trials), SI, MR rate, FS, and trial explained 92% of the variation in TTSD, where TTSD = -[2.6 × SI (±0.67)] - [2.4 × MR (±0.56)] - [0.6 × FS (±0.04)] + [1.1 × trial (±0.33)] + 100.4 (±1.02). Postweaning, TTSD decreased linearly as FS increased (coefficient of determination = 0.86), whereas FS and SI were unrelated, a relationship in contrast to the previously observed result in calves still consuming milk replacer. In the current study, FS was not a good estimate of TTSD or dry feed intake in the preweaned calf, but has potential for evaluating TTSD in calves after weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the use of hydrolysed rubber seed meal as a locally grown alternative feed ingredient to reduce the use of fishmeal within formulated feeds for tilapia. Five experimental diets were prepared by formulating different inclusion levels of hydrolysed rubber seed meal (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of plant-based protein contribution). Dried and defatted rubber seed meal was hydrolysed by adding rumen digesta liquid to the ingredient. For digestibility measurement, chromic oxide was added to each diet as an inert marker. The digestibility trial was conducted over a 14-day period by collecting faecal matter from the rearing tanks. In addition, a growth trial was conducted over a period of 50 days using four replicates per dietary treatment. In both experiments, all fish were fed three times daily to apparent satiation. At the end of growth trial, the inclusion level of hydrolysed rubber seed meal up to 50% of plant-based protein contribution did not give any significant difference compared to the control diet in terms of feed efficiency, specific growth rate and protein retention parameters. In the digestibility study, fish fed diets containing hydrolysed rubber seed meal up to a 50% of plant-based protein inclusion level did not give any significant difference compared to the control diet in terms of protein and dry matter apparent digestibility. Based on the result of this growth and digestibility study, up to a 50% of plant-based protein contribution of hydrolysed rubber seed meal can be used within formulated tilapia feeds without any adverse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soya bean meal-based formulated feeds have recently become available for snakehead culture in Vietnam. This study was conducted to determine the appropriate replacement of fish meal ( FM) protein by another soya product, soya protein concentrate ( SPC), in snakehead ( Channa striata) diets. Five iso-nitrogenous (45% crude protein) and iso-caloric (19 KJ g−1) practical diets were formulated to replace 0% (control), 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of protein FM by protein SPC (100% FM, 40% SPC, 60% SPC, 80% SPC and 100% SPC respectively). A digestibility experiment was also conducted with the same formulated diets with addition of 1% chromic oxide. Fish fed 100% FM and 40% SPC diets had significantly better growth and survival compared with other treatments. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and net protein utilization, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities of experimental fish fed 100% FM and 40% SPC diets were significantly higher than those fed other diets. The apparent digestibility coefficient ( ADC) of the diet and diet components, ADCdiet, ADCprotein and ADClipid, of fish fed diet 40% SPC and 100% FM treatment were significantly higher than those of other treatments. The cost/kg fish produced in diets 100% FM and 40% SPC was much lower compared with other treatments. Dietary inclusion levels of SPC in diet above 40% significantly affected fish survival, growth, digestibility and trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, although fish chemical composition was not greatly affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean coproducts are important protein sources in aquaculture because of their amino acid profile. Tilapia can be reared on soybean coproducts as the only source of dietary protein without compromising growth. This study estimated apparent digestibility coefficients for five soybean coproducts for juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fed with extruded diets. A reference diet and test diets consisting of 70% reference diet and 30% coproduct ingredient were formulated, along with 5.0 g kg−1 chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as a marker. Apparent digestibility coefficients ( ADC) for dry matter ( ADCDM), gross energy ( ADCGE) and crude protein ( ADCCP) for soybean coproducts were estimated as 84.2-88.4%, 86.9-91.1% and 96.8-97.9%, respectively. ADCDM and ADCCP values did not vary among the ingredients, but low-protein soybean meal exhibited lower ADCGE values than did soybean protein concentrate. ADCs of all amino acids were >95%, and mean ADCs for amino acids were similar to the values observed for ADCCP. Soybean coproducts had good nutritional value in extruded diets fed to tilapia. Methionine, histidine and valine were the limiting amino acids in all evaluated ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of three experiments, focused on the determination of endogenous ileal flow ( EIF) of amino acids ( AA) and nitrogen (N) (Exp. 1), apparent ileal digestibility ( AID) of AA and N (Exp. 2), and apparent total tract digestibility ( ATTD) of dry matter ( DM), organic matter ( OM), N, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) (Exps. 2 and 3), were used to compare chromic oxide (Cr2O3) and acid-insoluble ash ( AIA) as digestibility markers. In Exps. 1 and 2, a total of six gilts fitted with T-cannula in terminal ileum, and in Exp. 3, a total of 24 pregnant sows were used. In Exps. 1 and 2, the pigs were assigned into four dietary treatments according to 4 × 6 crossover design (Exp. 1; diets with 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% of casein; Exp. 2 basal diet with different levels of phytase). In Exp. 3, the sows were assigned to four dietary treatments (basal diet with different levels of phytase) of six sows. In Exps. 1 and 2 ileal digesta and in Exps. 2 and 3 faeces were collected for the determination of EIF, AID and ATTD. Differences in EIF of AA determined by Cr2O3 and AIA ranged (p ˃ 0.05) from −4.62 to 4.54%. The lowest EIF was for methionine and the greatest one for proline, determined by both markers. Apparent ileal digestibility determined by Cr2O3 was slightly greater (p ˃ 0.05) in comparison with AIA. Differences ranged from 1.88% (Arg) to 7.08% (Gly). The greatest AID was for arginine and the lowest one for glycine, determined by both Cr2O3 and AIA. Similarly for ATTD of DM, OM, N, Ca and P, there were no differences in digestibility determined by Cr2O3 and AIA. Both, Cr2O3 and AIA, are suitable and comparable markers for digestibility studies in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of heavy-metal contamination by biomineralization has become an environmentally very important issue in the last two decades. Here we describe the transformation of amorphous organo-Cr(III) to chromium hydroxide oxide (guyanaite/grimaldiite) by hydrothermal treatment (HTT). First, glycine-Cr(III) was synthesized to serve as a simple model for exploring the conditions favoring HTT. Cell-bound Cr(III) was obtained by the reduction of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] to trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] byBacillus cereus. Then the reduced Cr(III) was chelated by ligands at the cell surface, forming cell-bound Cr(III). Subsequently, HTT was applied to treat cell-bound Cr(III) at different temperatures and for different lengths of time. The results showed that, by this treatment at 200°C for 7 days or at 250°C for 1 day, glycine-Cr(III) was converted to trivalent chromium mineral (guyanaite/grimaldiite), having the form of nanosheets with a length of 10∼20 nm and a width of 3∼5 nm under the described conditions. Cell-bound Cr(III) could also be converted to guyanaite/grimaldiite at 250°C for 9 days if it was bound by an organic compound more complex than glycine. Our finding showed that organo-Cr(III) could be transformed into minerals by an appropriate hydrothermal process, which is applicable to bioremediation of heavy-metal pollution. Our findings also suggest that organo-Cr(III) may play an important role in the biogeochemistry of chromium. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The experiment was carried out to evaluate forage intake, performance and ingestive behavior of beef heifers. Productive, structural and chemical characteristics of the pasture were also evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three pasture systems (Alexandergrass [Urochloa plantaginea Link.] with and without supplement to heifers and Coastcross [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]) and two phenological stages: vegetative and flowering. The grazing method was put-and-take stocking. Grazing, ruminating and idle activities, feeding stations, displacement patterns, bite mass and bite rate were evaluated. The forage intake was estimated using chromic oxide as an indicator of fecal output. The heifers modified the use of feeding stations and displacement patterns between phenological stages and pasture systems. Heifers consumed more forage in the vegetative stage (2.81% of body weight in dry matter) than in the flowering stage (1.92% of body weight in dry matter). Average daily gain, body condition and stocking rate were similar for heifers in the evaluated systems. Beef heifers receiving protein supplement on Alexandergrass pasture consumed more forage than heifers fed Coastcross exclusively. Regardless of the species, no difference was observed when the heifers were exclusively on pasture. Pasture systems on Alexandergrass or Coastcross provide suitable nutrient intake for heifers to be mated at 18 months of age.

Many markers can be used in digestibility assays for swine, but needs to be evaluated before its use. An assay was carried out with the objective of measuring the coefficients of ileal apparent (CIAD) and standardized digestibility (CISD) of amino acids in meat and bone meal for swine using different markers. Eight crossbred barrows were equipped with T-cannulas in the distal ileum. Four animals received a free protein diet and another four received a diet containing meat and bone meal as the only protein source in the diet. The treatments consisted in evaluating the chromic oxide, acid-insoluble ash naturally occurring in the diet, cellulose and lignin as markers to determine the apparent and standardized digestibility of the amino acids contained in the meat and bone meal. All data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared using the Tukey test, with a significance of 5%. The CIAD, obtained using chromic oxide as external marker, were lower (PMuitos indicadores podem ser utilizados em ensaios de digestibilidade para suínos, mas precisam ser avaliados antes de serem utilizados. O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar os coeficientes de digestibilidade ileal aparentes (CDIA) e estandardizados (CDIE) dos aminoácidos da farinha de carne e ossos, para suínos, utilizando diferentes indicadores. Oito suínos, machos castrados, foram submetidos à cirurgia para aimplantação de cânulas T simples, no íleo distal. Quatro animais receberam uma dieta isenta de proteína e outros quatro uma dieta contendo farinha de carne e ossos como única fonte protéica na dieta. Os tratamentos consistiram em avaliar o óxido crómico, cinza insolúvel em ácido naturalmente contido na dieta, celulose e lignina como indicadores para determinar os CDIA e CDIE dos aminoácidos da farinha de carne e ossos. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, ao nível de 5% de significância. Os CDIA, obtidos usando o óxido crômico como indicador externo, foram menores (P

Realizou-se um ensaio metabólico para avaliar a lignina purificada de eucalipto (LIPE®), como indicador na determinação da digestibilidade da proteína bruta e matéria seca de alimentos para frangos de corte. Os tratamentos corresponderam a uma dieta basal e outras oito dietas contendo os alimentos-teste. Os alimentos foram: milho, milho expandido, farelo de soja, farelo de soja expandido, glúten de milho 22%, glúten de milho 60%, farinha de carne e ossos e farinha de penas e vísceras. Os alimentos protéicos e os com menor teor de proteína substituíram 25 e 40% da dieta basal, respectivamente. Foram utilizados 270 pintos de corte, linhagem Ross, de ambos os sexos, dos 21 aos 31 dias de idade. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 9×3 (rações × métodos), com três repetições. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade (CD) da proteína e da matéria seca e os valores da proteína bruta digestível e da matéria seca digestível de sete das nove dietas, calculados pelos métodos da coleta total de excretas e dos indicadores óxido crômico e LIPE®, foram semelhantes. Com os alimentos-teste, farelo de soja expandido e farinha de penas e vísceras, o uso de óxido crômico resultou em CD e valores de proteína e matéria seca digestível mais altos, quando comparado com o uso da LIPE® e da coleta total de excretas que foram semelhantes entre si. Pode-se considerar que a proteína bruta digestível e matéria seca digestível dos alimentos, calculada pelos três métodos, foram equivalentes. A LIPE® pode ser validada como indicador de digestibilidade da proteína e matéria seca de alimentos para frangos de corte.A metabolism experiment was carried out to evaluate the use of LIPE® as an external indicator of dry matter and protein digestibility in broilers. The treatments corresponded to a basal diet and eight other different diets. The foods used were: corn grain, expanded corn, soybean meal, expanded soybean meal, gluten meal 22% crude protein; gluten meal 60% crude protein, meat and bone meal and feather meal. The basal diet was replaced with 40% or 25% of the food containing more energy or protein, respectively. Two hundred and seventy broiler chickens were used from 21 to 31 days old. A completely randomized design in a 9x3 factorial arrangement (nine forms of rations x three methods) with three replicates was used. The digestible dry matter and protein and metabolizable energy of the food was calculated by the total fecal collection method and by the indicator methods of chromic oxide and LIPE®; the three methods were further compared. Chromic oxide use resulted in higher values of coefficient of digestibility for expanded soybean meal and feathers and viscera meal when compared to the use of LIPE® and total feces collection which were similar. The results validated the LIPE® as an external protein and dry matter digestibility index of the feed of broiler chicks evaluated.

Em pastagem de milheto (Pennisetum americanun (L.) Leeke), foram avaliadas a ingestão de matéria seca (MS) da forragem por novilhas de corte e a massa de bocado. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com medidas repetidas no tempo, com dois tratamentos de massas de lâmina foliar (600 e 1.000kg ha-1 de MS), mantidos por lotação contínua e com ajuste de carga, e três repetições de área. A ingestão de matéria seca foi estimada por meio do uso de óxido de cromo (Cr2O3) como indicador da produção fecal e da fibra em detergente ácido indigestível como indicador interno. Os parâmetros qualitativos avaliados na forragem foram a fibra em detergente neutro, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica e o teor de proteína bruta. Bocados mais pesados foram observados quando o milheto foi manejado com 1.000kg ha-1 de MS de lâminas foliares, mesmo que as novilhas tenham ingerido a mesma quantidade de matéria seca, 1,8% do peso corporal, nas duas massas de lâminas foliares. A pastagem de milheto manejada com massas de lâminas foliares de 600 ou 1.000kg ha-1 de MS proporciona aos animais em pastejo oportunidade semelhante de consumo de forragem.It was evaluate the dry matter (DM) herbage intake by beef heifers and the bite mass on a Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanun (L.) Leeke) pasture. The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measures in time, two leaf blade mass (600 and 1,000kg ha-1 of DM), which were maintained by continuous stocking with variable stocking rate, and three replicate areas. The herbage intake was evaluated using chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as a faecal production indicator and the acid detergent indigestible fiber as an internal indicator. The qualitative parameters evaluated in the forage were the neutral detergent fiber, in vitro organic mater digestibility and the crude protein content. The heavier bites were achieved in a Pearl Millet pasture managed with 1,000kg ha-1 of leaf blade dry matter (DM) even though the steers have eaten the same dry matter amount, 1.8% of live weight, in the two leaf blade mass. The Pearl Millet pasture managed with leaf blade herbage mass of 600 or 1,000kg ha-1 of DM provides to the grazing animals similar opportunity of herbage intake.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the fecal excretion profile and the short term bias of the external markers chromic oxide and titanium dioxide and the internal markers indigestible dry matter (iDM), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) in a digestion trial with cattle fed different diets. Fourteen F1 Red Angus × Nellore bulls averaging 12 months old and 287 kg were kept in individual stalls. The animals were fed elephant grass silage, corn silage or signal grass hay, supplemented or not with 20% of concentrate mixture. The experiment consisted of two 13-day experimental periods according to a 2 × 2 Latin square design with seven squares grouping. The animals received 10 g of chromic oxide and 10 g of titanium dioxide through esophageal sounder daily. Fecal grab samples were obtained directly from the rectum of the animals at 1:30 a.m., 3:00 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. There was no effect of forages or concentrate levels on the dimension of excretory cycle. The fundamental period of excretory cycle was 15.06 and 18.66 hours for chromic oxide and titanium dioxide, respectively and 9.93, 9.29 and 10.55 hours for iDM, iNDF and iADF, respectively. The oscillation range was higher for external markers. Considering the characteristics of all evaluated markers together, it is recommended fecal sampling designs with at least four collections, distributed during the day or only in the diurnal period for obtaining fecal excretion estimates free of short term bias.Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil de excreção fecal e o vício de tempo curto dos indicadores externos óxido crômico e dióxido de titânio e dos indicadores internos matéria seca indigestível (MSi), fibra em detergente neutro indigestível (FDNi) e fibra em detergente ácido indigestível (FDAi) em ensaio de digestão com bovinos alimentados com diferentes dietas. Foram utilizados 14 novilhos F1 Red Angus × Nelore, não-castrados, com idade e peso médios de 12 meses e 287 kg, mantidos em baias individuais. Os animais foram alimentados com silagem de capim-elefante, silagem de milho ou feno de capim-braquiária, suplementados ou não com 20% de mistura concentrada. O experimento foi constituído de dois períodos de 13 dias, segundo delineamento em quadrado latino 2 × 2, com agrupamento de sete quadrados. Os animais receberam diariamente 10 g de óxido crômico e 10 g de dióxido de titânio por meio de sonda esofágica. Foram realizadas coletas fecais pontuais (grab samples), diretamente do reto dos animais, nos horários de 1h30, 3h00, 4h30, 6h00, 7h30, 9h00, 10h30, 12h00, 13h30, 15h00, 16h30, 18h00, 19h30, 21h00, 22h30 e 24h00. Não foram observados efeitos das forragens ou dos níveis de concentrado sobre a dimensão do ciclo excretório. O período fundamental do ciclo excretório foi de 15,06 e 18,66 horas para o óxido crômico e dióxido de titânio, e de 9,93; 9,29 e 10,55 horas para MSi, FDNi e FDAi respectivamente. Verificou-se maior amplitude de oscilação para os indicadores externos. Considerando-se conjuntamente as características dos indicadores avaliados, recomendam-se delineamentos de amostragem fecal com o mínimo de quatro coletas, distribuídas ao longo do dia ou somente no período diurno, para obtenção de estimativas de excreção fecal isentas de vício de tempo curto.