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This study addressed the urgent need for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture due to the depletion of marine resources and rising costs. Animal protein sources, particularly poultry by-product meal (PBM) and insect exuviae meal, were investigated as viable alternatives to fishmeal (FM). The research study confirmed the successful replacement of FM with a combination of PBM and insect exuviae meal (up to 50%) in the diet of European seabass without compromising growth, feed conversion, gut health, and liver fat content. In particular, growth was robust with both PBM formulations, with the 25% PBM diet showing better results. Histological examinations showed good gut and liver health, contradicting the concerns of previous studies. This paper emphasizes the importance of holistic analyzes that go beyond growth parameters and include histomorphological investigations. The results show that PBM in combination with insect/exuviae meal is well tolerated by seabass, which is consistent with reports in the literature of it mitigating negative effects on gut health. A detailed analysis of the microbiota revealed a decrease in the Firmicutes/Proteobacteria ratio due to an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, the formulation containing insect exuviae partially counteracted this effect by preserving the beneficial Lactobacillus and promoting the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate. Chitin-rich components from insect exuviae were associated with improved gut health, which was supported by the increased production of SCFAs, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This paper concludes that a combination of PBM and insect/exuviae meal can replace up to 50% of FM in the diet of seabass, supporting sustainable aquaculture practices. Despite some changes in the microbiota, the negative effects are mitigated by the addition of insect exuviae, highlighting their potential as a prebiotic to increase fish productivity and contribute to a circular economy in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of new feed ingredients are emerging in the aquaculture feed sector. While the technology readiness of these options varies across and within the new ingredient classes, it remains important to consider them in terms of the overall feed ingredient spectrum. In this review, the use of marine, grain, terrestrial animal by-product and a range of novel (e.g., bacterial and yeast) resources being considered as potential protein feedstuffs for use in aquafeeds is explored. In comparing the nutritional attributes of each of the ingredient classes, an assessment framework is applied based on understanding the critical knowledge required to be able to accommodate any ingredient in a formulation process. To further examine each of the different ingredient classes a Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-and-Threats (SWOT) analysis is applied, to enable some consideration of what future potential may exist across the spectrum and what risks and opportunities they may bring. It is noted that all ingredients have strengths and weaknesses, and that there is no such thing as the perfect ingredient. By better appreciating the positives and negatives of each ingredient, it becomes possible to increase adaptability in responding to the various opportunities for their use in feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) to replace animal protein supplements on mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Fifty-six newly weaned pigs (BW = 6.4 ± 0.6 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (P; 1, 2, 3) for 10, 12, 13 d, respectively. Dietary treatments were: (1) basal diet with fish meal (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), poultry meal (P1: 10%, P2: 8%, and P3: 4%), and blood plasma (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), where SPC replacing none (NC); (2) basal diet with SPC replacing fish meal (RFM); (3) basal diet with SPC replacing poultry meal (RPM); (4) basal diet with SPC replacing blood plasma (RBP); and (5) basal diet with SPC replacing all animal protein supplements (PC). Growth performance was recorded for each phase. Pigs were euthanized on d 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissue to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota, and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Overall, RFM, RPM, and RBP did not affect growth performance, whereas PC decreased (P

This study addressed the urgent need for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture due to the depletion of marine resources and rising costs. Animal protein sources, particularly poultry by-product meal (PBM) and insect exuviae meal, were investigated as viable alternatives to fishmeal (FM). The research study confirmed the successful replacement of FM with a combination of PBM and insect exuviae meal (up to 50%) in the diet of European seabass without compromising growth, feed conversion, gut health, and liver fat content. In particular, growth was robust with both PBM formulations, with the 25% PBM diet showing better results. Histological examinations showed good gut and liver health, contradicting the concerns of previous studies. This paper emphasizes the importance of holistic analyzes that go beyond growth parameters and include histomorphological investigations. The results show that PBM in combination with insect/exuviae meal is well tolerated by seabass, which is consistent with reports in the literature of it mitigating negative effects on gut health. A detailed analysis of the microbiota revealed a decrease in the Firmicutes/Proteobacteria ratio due to an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, the formulation containing insect exuviae partially counteracted this effect by preserving the beneficial Lactobacillus and promoting the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate. Chitin-rich components from insect exuviae were associated with improved gut health, which was supported by the increased production of SCFAs, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This paper concludes that a combination of PBM and insect/exuviae meal can replace up to 50% of FM in the diet of seabass, supporting sustainable aquaculture practices. Despite some changes in the microbiota, the negative effects are mitigated by the addition of insect exuviae, highlighting their potential as a prebiotic to increase fish productivity and contribute to a circular economy in aquaculture.

The objective of this study was to determine the energy utilization responses of growing pigs and broiler chickens to poultry meal that was autoclaved at 134 °C for 0 to 180 min. Poultry meal from the same batch was autoclaved at 134 °C for 7 autoclaving times of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 min to generate 7 samples. Eight experimental diets consisting of a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, and seven test diets in which 15% of energy-contributing ingredients in the basal diet were replaced with each of the seven poultry meal samples were used. In experiment 1, there were 64 barrows (initial body weight = 19.4 ± 1.0 kg) allotted to 8 experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. Each pig received an experimental diet during 5 d of adaptation followed by 5 d of quantitative total, but separate, collection of urine and feces. In experiment 2, a total of 512 male broiler chickens at day 17 post-hatching (initial body weight = 660 ± 80 g) in 8 replicate cages were allotted to 8 experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. Excreta were collected from days 20 to 22 post-hatching, and birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation for ileal digesta collection. Data from experiments 1 and 2 were pooled together for statistical analysis as a 2 × 7 factorial treatment arrangement with the effect of species (pigs or broiler chickens) and autoclaving time of poultry meal (7 autoclaving times between 0 and 180 min). An interaction between species and their linear effect of autoclaving time was observed (P < 0.05) in metabolizable energy (ME) of poultry meal. Specifically, linear decrease in ME values in poultry meal with increasing autoclaving time was greater (P < 0.05) in growing pigs (4,792 to 3,897 kcal/kg dry matter) compared with broiler chickens (3,591 to 3,306 kcal/kg dry matter). The ME value of unautoclaved poultry meal was greater (P < 0.01) for pigs than broiler chickens at 4,792 vs. 3,591 kcal/kg dry matter. Although decrease in ME values with autoclaving time of poultry meal was greater in growing pigs than in broiler chickens, the ME in autoclaved poultry meal fed to pigs was greater than ME in non-autoclaved poultry meal fed to broiler chickens. Furthermore, the ratio of cysteine to crude protein concentration is a potential indicator for estimating the ratio of ME to gross energy in poultry meal for growing pigs (r 2 = 0.81) and broiler chickens (r 2 = 0.84). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Two experiments were conducted to determine energy (Exp. 1) and P (Exp. 2) utilization in poultry meal (PM) for broiler chickens. A total of 192 birds were allotted to 3 experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor on d 15 and 16 post hatching in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Each diet was fed to 8 replicate cages with 8 birds per cage in both experiments. Initial BW of birds in Exp. 1 and 2 were 438 ± 76.9 g and 543 ± 50.2 g, respectively. Three corn-soybean meal-based diets were prepared to contain 0, 80, or 160 g/kg in Exp. 1 and 0, 50, or 100 g/kg in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, the addition of PM to the reference diet linearly decreased (P < 0.01) the apparent ileal digestibility of DM and gross energy (GE), as well as the apparent total tract utilization (ATTU) of DM, GE, and N in diets; but did not affect the ileal digestible energy, ME, and MEn of diets. The ileal digestible energy, ME, and MEn of PM estimated by the regression method were 4,002, 3,756, and 3,430 kcal/kg DM, respectively, representing 58 to 68% of the GE in PM. In Exp. 2, graded concentration of PM in the reference diet linearly decreased (P < 0.05) ATTU of DM but linearly increased (P < 0.01) ATTU of P and quadratically increased ATTU of Ca in diets. The true ileal digestibility and true total tract utilization of P in PM estimated by the regression method were 77.5 and 79.0%, respectively. In conclusion, these results showed that inclusion of poultry meal in the diets of broiler chickens reduced the digestibility of GE but increased the utilization of P. The regression-estimated energy values and P digestibility of PM in the current studies may be used in diet formulation.

This study was conducted to determine egg yield performance and quality, animal partiality to poultry meal, and consumer preferences for eggs produced by various feeding methods. A total of 72 Nick Brown laying hens, aged 22 weeks, were offered three feeding methods with 24 replicates per treatment and one hen per experimental unit. These methods consisted of i) vegetarian (no poultry meal), ii) omnivorous (5% poultry meal), and iii) a choice between vegetarian and omnivorous. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The study lasted for 10 weeks. Feeding methods did not affect feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg yield, and egg quality. However, they affected the malondialdehyde (MDA) value of eggs on the 42nd day of storage significantly (P <0.05). The highest MDA value was obtained from the eggs of 'omnivorous' hens. More hens (51.4%) in the choice group preferred omnivorous feed to 'vegetarian'. Panellists found organoleptic differences among sample eggs from hens subjected to various feeding methods. They reported that the eggs obtained from vegetarian hens were preferable. The conclusions were that i) no feeding method changed egg yield performance and quality, ii) omnivorous feeding shortened the shelf-life of eggs, iii) hens with a choice of feed did not reject the omnivorous diet, but increased their intake, and iv) the panellists disliked eggs from the omnivorous hens. Finally, these preferences should be considered in legislation for poultry feeding and animal husbandry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacific whiteleg shrimp is the topmost aquacultured species produced in the world. However, shrimp feeding behavior results in unnecessary expenditures, as some of the feed offered is not entirely consumed. Nowadays, aquaculture has become more accepting of using animal by-products such as poultry meal as a protein source to replace fishmeal. Unfortunately, such by-products might affect shrimp acceptance of the offered feed. The present work evaluates the use of a chemosensory feed effector with attractive properties on the feeding behavior, growth performance, and salinity stress tolerance in juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Nine diets were formulated to contain either poultry meal (6%), or fishmeal (6% or 12%) as animal protein source, with feed effector supplemented at 0, 0.1, and 0.2%. The various diets were offered to naïve and non-naïve shrimp to evaluate feed consumption. Concurrently, shrimp feeding behavior was monitored using passive acoustic monitoring. Afterwards, a 42-days growth trial was performed followed by a salinity stress trial were performed to evaluate the effect of the feed effector in shrimp diets on animal growth, survival, and stress tolerance. Results of the present study indicate significant positive relationships between the number of clicks and feed consumed after 30 min (p < 0.001, r = 0.46 to 0.69). Additionally, shrimp offered the poultry meal-based diets produced significantly more "clicks" when the diets were supplemented with the feed effector, compared with the rest of the diets. However, the shrimp consumed poultry meal-based diets similarly to the fishmeal-based diets, only when supplemented with the feed effector. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed in terms of final biomass, final average individual weight, weight gain, FCR, or survival. However, salinity stress trial results indicate significantly better survival when offered diets supplemented with the feed effector, regardless of the level of inclusion. Results of the present work suggest that supplementing the feed effector to shrimp diets improves palatability and shrimp acceptance of diets formulated with poultry meal as sole animal protein source, as well as improves shrimp tolerance to salinity fluctuations. In an era of limited resources, supplementation of poultry meal-based shrimp diets with feed effector improves overall profitability by obtaining good shrimp growth with less expensive diets, and despite of stressors. • Feed effectors can improve shrimp acceptance to feed formulated with animal by-products proteins to replace fishmeal. • Passive acoustic monitoring is useful to assess shrimp feeding on animal by-products based feed, with feed effectors added. • Feed effectors have the potential to improve shrimp tolerance to salinity stress. • The feed effector positively influenced the number of clicks emitted by the shrimp when feeding. • Despite not influencing growth or survival, shrimp tolerance to salinity stress improved with feed effector addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A balanced combination of protein sources to partially replace fishmeal in the diets of cultured carnivorous fish can promote optimal fish health and production performance. In the present study, the growth, body condition and gut microbiota of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus fed fishmeal-substituted diets comprising different blends of animal and plant protein sources, with crystalline amino acid supplementation, were compared. The fish (15.7 [SE 0.12] g fish−1) were fed one of three isonitrogenous (41% protein) and isoenergetic (13 kJ g−1) diets for 60 days. Fish fed a diet with no fishmeal (D0; blood meal and soybean protein sources only) displayed the lowest specific growth rate (p < 0.001). Longer body lengths were achieved in fish fed a 50% fishmeal diet (D50; supplemented with poultry meal, bloodmeal, canola meal and soybean) (13.2 [SE 0.4] cm) compared with those fed either a 100% fishmeal diet (D100) (12.8 [SE 0.4] cm) or a diet with no fishmeal (D0) (12.1 [SE 0.08] cm) (p < 0.001). There were no differences in condition factor, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) between fish fed diets D50 and D100; whereas fish fed diet D0 had a lower HSI and a higher FCR when compared with the other treatments (p < 0.01). The dietary protein source did not alter the gut microbiota of these fish. In conclusion, 50% replacement of dietary fishmeal with a favourable balance of meals processed from poultry, blood, canola and soybean improved length gain in juvenile dusky kob compared with those fed a diet with no fishmeal replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable interest in developing diets that maintain growth performance and market appeal for salmon aquaculture while relying less on fishmeal as a major ingredient. Here, we compared growth rate, survival, fat content, tissue colouration and carotenoid levels (astaxanthin) in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fed two diets. The first diet was a typical commercial salmon diet with 59% fishmeal content, while the second diet reduced the fishmeal content to 15% (75% reduction) and substituted 28% corn gluten meal and 16% poultry meal. Over an approximately 14-month growth period, we found no significant difference between fish fed the high fishmeal or low fishmeal diet in either growth rate or survival. Individuals fed the low fishmeal diet did have 25% higher total body fat percentage than those fed the high fishmeal diet. Individuals fed the low fishmeal diet also had flesh that was significantly less red than fish fed the high fishmeal diet. Carotenoid analysis confirmed that the change in tissue colour was the result of reduced astaxanthin levels in salmon fed the low fishmeal diet. Due to the importance of red tissue colour for the market appeal of salmon, the corn gluten and poultry meal diet is not viable for salmon aquaculture in its present formulation, but our results suggest further modifications to the diet that could mitigate this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry meal, a rendered byproduct of poultry slaughter, is a valuable protein source in swine and poultry diets because of its highly digestible protein content and balanced amino acid (AA) profile. Rendering of poultry meal may reduce its AA digestibility because of heat damage to the byproduct. The effect of heat damage on AA digestibility of poultry meal may be different between broiler chickens and growing pigs. For this reason, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of autoclaving time on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in poultry meal fed to broiler chickens and growing pigs. Poultry meal from the same batch was autoclaved at 134 °C for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 min to produce seven heat-treated samples. Eight experimental diets were formulated. Poultry meal served as the sole source of nitrogen in seven diets that each contained one of the heat-treated byproducts and a nitrogen-free diet was formulated to assess basal ileal endogenous losses of AA. In experiment 1, 656 male broiler chickens (initial body weight = 719 ± 97 g) at day 18 post hatching were assigned to the eight diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. On day 23, birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation and dissected for the collection of ileal digesta. In experiment 2, 16 barrows (initial body weight = 23.3 ± 0.7 kg) were surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum and allotted to a duplicate 8 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with the eight diets and four periods. Each experimental period consisted of 5-day adaptation and 2-day ileal digesta collection periods. Data for experiments 1 and 2 were pooled and analyzed as a 2 × 7 factorial treatment arrangement with the effects of species (i.e., pigs and broiler chickens) and autoclaving time (i.e., 0 to 180 min) as the two factors. Increasing autoclaving time decreased SID of nitrogen and all AA in both species, but the decrease in SID values except for leucine was greater (interaction, P < 0.05) or tended to be greater in pigs compared with broiler chickens. Given the species differences in AA utilization response to the severity of heat damage, target species should be considered when using SID of AA values of poultry meal in diet formulation., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The objective of this study was to examine the potential of poultry wastes to be used as feedstock in non-catalytic and catalytic fast pyrolysis processes, which is a continuation of our previous research on their conversion into biofuel via slow pyrolysis and hydrothermal conversion. Both poultry meal and poultry litter were examined, initially in a fixed bed bench-scale reactor using ZSM-5 and MgO as catalysts. Pyrolysis of poultry meal yielded high amounts of bio-oil, while pyrolysis of poultry litter yielded high amounts of solid residue owing to its high ash content. MgO was found to be more effective for the deoxygenation of bio-oil and reduction of undesirable compounds, by converting mainly the acids in the pyrolysis vapours of poultry meal into aliphatic hydrocarbons. ZSM-5 favoured the formation of both aromatic compounds and undesirable nitrogenous compounds. Overall, all bio-oil samples from the pyrolysis of poultry wastes contained relatively high amounts of nitrogen compared with bio-oils from lignocellulosic biomass, ca. 9 wt.% in the case of poultry meal and ca. 5-8 wt.% in the case of poultry litter. This was attributed to the high nitrogen content of the poultry wastes, unlike that of lignocellulosic biomass. Poultry meal yielded the highest amount of bio-oil and was selected as optimum feedstock to be scaled-up in a semi-pilot scale fluidised bed biomass pyrolysis unit with the ZSM-5 catalyst. Pyrolysis in the fluidised bed reactor was more efficient for deoxygenation of the bio-oil vapours, as evidenced from the lower oxygen content of the bio-oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quadruplicate groups (10 fish/tank) of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (initial body weight: 1.56 ± 0.10 g) were fed for 60 days on five isonitrogenous (crude protein: 40%) diets. Total 200 Nile tilapia were fed with five graded levels of PM (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) substituted fish meal. After 60 days, PM0, PM25 and PM50 groups were showed significantly [(P<0.05) elevated weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and protein growth rate than those for the PM75 and PM100 diets. Survival and whole-body proximate composition were not significantly (P>0.05) changed by the inclusion of the graded PM in the diet. Hematological [Hemoglobin (7.40±0.01), red blood cells (1.98±0.03), white blood cell (47.50±0.54), lymphocyte (94.20±0.70) and hematocrit (24.80±0.48)] and the serological [Plasma protein (4.93±0.01), total immunoglobulin (0.85±0.00), albumin (1.51±0.01) and globulin (3.42±0.01)] parameters were obtained to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treatment PM50. The current resultssuggested that PM up to 50% could effectively substitute fish meal in diets for tilapia with better growth and feed utilization and explained a minor change in the hematological and serologicalindices without conceding fish health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry meal (PoMe), a rendered product of slaughtered poultry carcasses, is widely used in swine and poultry diets because of its highly digestible protein and balanced amino acid profile. Rendering may reduce amino acid digestibility of PoMe because rendering can induce heat damage to PoMe, and the effect of heat damage on amino acid digestibility in PoMe may be different between broiler chickens and growing pigs. For this reason, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of autoclaving on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid in PoMe fed to broiler chickens and growing pigs. Poultry meal from the same batch was autoclaved at 134°C for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 min for 7 samples. Eight experimental diets consisted of 7 diets containing each PoMe sample as a sole source of nitrogen and a nitrogen-free diet. In Exp. 1, 656 male broiler chickens (initial BW = 719 ± 97 g) at d 18 post hatching were assigned to the 8 diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. On d 23, birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation and dissected for the collection of ileal digesta. In Exp. 2, 16 barrows (initial BW = 23.3 ± 0.7 kg) surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum were allotted to duplicate 8 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with the 8 diets and 4 periods. Each experimental period consisted of 5-d adaptation and 2-d ileal digesta collection periods. Data for Exp. 1 and 2 were pooled together as a 2 × 7 factorial treatment arrangement with the effects of species (i.e., pigs and broiler chickens) and autoclaving time (i.e., 0 to 180 min). An Interaction between species and linear effect of autoclaving time was observed (P < 0.05) in SID of nitrogen, arginine, and threonine in PoMe. To be specific, the linear decrease in ileal digestibility of nitrogen and those AA with increasing autoclaving time was greater in pigs compared with broiler chickens. The SID of AA both linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) as autoclaving time increased. The SID of isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan in PoMe was greater (P < 0.05) in growing pigs compared with broiler chickens regardless of autoclaving time. In conclusion, increasing autoclaving time decreases SID of amino acids in PoMe, and SID values in some indispensable amino acids are greater in growing pigs compared with broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meat industry generates loads of residues, and its efficient utilization as animal meals is important from the environmental, economic, nutritional and safety points of view. The objective of this study was to investigate free amino acids and amines by ultra-performance liquid chromatography – UPLC™ in different types of animal meals and the feasibility of using them as quality and differentiation indices. Overall, 48 samples were analyzed; four types of meal [Feather meals (FM), meat & bone meals - bovine (MBM), pork/swine meals (SM), and Poultry meal (PM)] from 4 rendering plants; 3 different lots each). FM had higher protein and lower fat, whereas MBM) had higher ash, Ca and P (P < 0.05). Mercury was found in every sample (≤0.2 mg/kg). Total free amino acids were higher in MBM, and FM compared to the others (P < 0.05). FM had higher methionine, aspartic acid, and asparagine; SM had higher histidine (P < 0.05), which was not detected in MBM and FM. Phenylalanine was only found in MBM. Umami amino acids were prevalent in MBM; sweet amino acids in SM and FM; and bitter amino acids in SM and FM, thereby affecting palatability. PM had the widest diversity of amines (8), whereas MBM had the lowest (4). Higher amines levels were found in PM, and SM had the least (P < 0.05). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) differentiated FM from MBM and from SM+PM, mainly by free amino acids and amines. The rendering plant D did not fit into any of the clusters, suggesting the poorest quality. Free amino acids and amines may be used as authenticity and quality indices for animal meals and rendering plants. [Display omitted] • Free amino acids and amines are useful authenticity, safety and quality indices for animal meals. • Principal Components Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis discriminated meat & bone and feather meals. • Feather and meat & bone meals are rich in free amino acids. • Poultry meals have higher total amines compared to pork, meat & bone and feather meals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) to replace animal protein supplements on mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Fifty-six newly weaned pigs (BW = 6.4 ± 0.6 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (P; 1, 2, 3) for 10, 12, 13 d, respectively. Dietary treatments were: (1) basal diet with fish meal (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), poultry meal (P1: 10%, P2: 8%, and P3: 4%), and blood plasma (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), where SPC replacing none (NC); (2) basal diet with SPC replacing fish meal (RFM); (3) basal diet with SPC replacing poultry meal (RPM); (4) basal diet with SPC replacing blood plasma (RBP); and (5) basal diet with SPC replacing all animal protein supplements (PC). Growth performance was recorded for each phase. Pigs were euthanized on d 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissue to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota, and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Overall, RFM, RPM, and RBP did not affect growth performance, whereas PC decreased ( P  < 0.05) ADG and ADFI. The RPM increased ( P  < 0.05) Prevotella stercorea and decreased ( P  < 0.05) Helicobacter rappini . The PC decreased ( P  < 0.05) H. rappini , whilst increasing ( P  < 0.05) Prevotella copri , Propionibacterium acnes , and Pelomonas aquatica . The RFM tended to increase ( P  = 0.096) immunoglobulin A in the jejunum. The PC tended to decrease ( P  = 0.078) jejunal crypt cell proliferation. There were no differences in the villus height, AID of nutrients, intestinal inflammation, and intestinal oxidative stress among treatments. In conclusion, SPC can replace fish meal, poultry meal, or blood plasma individually without affecting growth performance and intestinal health, and AID of nutrients of nursery pigs. Particularly SPC replacing poultry meal benefitted intestinal health by reducing H. rappini and increasing P. stercorea . However, SPC replacing all three animal protein supplements reduced growth of nursery pigs mainly by reducing feed intake., Competing Interests: We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work, and there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the content of this paper., (© 2023 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.)

Walleye Sander vitreus is a popular sport- and food-fish in areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Walleye are mainly provided as food-fish by limited capture fisheries, but have potential for profitable production to market-size in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). Walleye are piscivorous with a supposed requirement for fishmeal in artificial diets, thus little information is available regarding the effects of feeding fishmeal-free diets to walleye. During this study, the health and growth performance of juvenile walleye cultured in RAS were compared between groups fed either a traditional fishmeal-based diet (FM) or a low phosphorous, fishmeal-free (FMF) diet. Water quality and waste production rates resulting from feeding each diet were evaluated. The FM diet contained fishmeal, poultry meal, soybean meal, wheat flour, and blood meal proteins; and the FMF diet used poultry meal, wheat flour, soy protein concentrate, and corn protein concentrate proteins. The only lipid source used in the FM diet was fish oil from menhaden, whereas the FMF diet used menhaden oil and poultry oil. Each diet was formulated with a protein: fat ratio of approximately 42/18. Fish (initial weight 85 g fish −1 ) were cultured in 6 replicated RAS for 9 months, each operated with 99.9% water recycle on a flow basis, a mean system hydraulic retention time of 135 days, and a mean feed loading rate of 3.5 kg feed/m 3 of daily makeup water. At study’s end, mean weights ± standard error of fish fed the FM and FMF diets were 571 ± 26 and 589 ± 15 g, respectively ( P > 0.05). Cumulative survival for both diet treatments was ≥98.5%. Average thermal growth coefficient (TGC), condition factor (CF), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were similar ( P > 0.05) for the FM and FMF diets, respectively: TGC was 0.82 ± 0.01 and 0.83 ± 0.02; CF was 1.05 ± 0.02 and 1.03 ± 0.02; and FCR was 1.32 ± 0.02 and 1.27 ± 0.03. Water color index and UV transmittance values ( P < 0.05) indicated slightly clearer water in RAS where the FMF diet was fed. Total nitrogen (TN) was greater ( P < 0.05) in the culture water of RAS associated with the FM diet; however, TN production per unit feed was similar between treatments; 0.031 ± 0.010 kg TN/kg feed for the FM diet and 0.030 ± 0.009 kg TN/kg feed for the FMF diet. Total phosphorous (TP) concentration in the culture water of RAS associated with the FMF diet was 48% of that measured for the FM diet; TP produced per unit feed reflected this trend, 0.107 ± 0.003 vs. 0.0049 ± 0.006 kg TP/kg feed for the FM and FMF diets, respectively. Average fillet yield (skin and scales on) of fish harvested at the end of the trial was 47–49% ( P > 0.05). Whole-body and fillet proximate composition was similar between treatments; however, gonadosomatic index and the ratio of omega 6: 3 fatty acids was greater ( P < 0.05) for walleye fed the FMF diet. This was the first study of its kind to report comparable walleye growth when feeding a specially formulated diet devoid of fishmeal and while culturing this species in RAS. Reduced phosphorous discharge resulting from feeding this fishmeal-free diet formulation increases the feasibility of meeting stringent effluent requirements and possibly reduces the capital investment required for waste treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramoplanin A2 is the last resort antibiotic for treatment of many high morbidity- and mortality-rated hospital infections, and it is expected to be marketed in the forthcoming years. Therefore, high-yield production of ramoplanin A2 gains importance. In this study, meat-bone meal, poultry meal, and fish meal were used instead of soybean meal for ramoplanin A2 production by Actinoplanes sp. ATCC 33076. All animal origin nitrogen sources stimulated specific productivity. Ramoplanin A2 levels were determined as 406.805 mg L in fish meal medium and 374.218 mg L in poultry meal medium. These levels were 4.25- and 4.09-fold of basal medium, respectively. However, the total yield of poultry meal was higher than that of fish meal, which is also low-priced. In addition, the variations in pH levels, protein levels, reducing sugar levels, extracellular protease, amylase and lipase activities, and intracellular free amino acid levels were monitored during the incubation period. The correlations between ramoplanin production and these variables with respect to the incubation period were determined. The intracellular levels of l-Phe, d-Orn, and l-Leu were found critical for ramoplanin A2 production. The strategy of using animal origin nitrogen sources can be applied for large-scale ramoplanin A2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlantic salmon farming industry has progressively decreased the proportion of fishmeal used in commercial diets due to rising costs and sustainability concerns. A variety of alternate proteins have been identified to partially replace fishmeal; however, very little research has described the effect of feeding alternate protein, fishmeal-free diets to Atlantic salmon, particularly post-smolts cultured in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). Therefore, a 6-month study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding a fishmeal-free diet (FMF) versus a fishmeal-based diet (FM) on post-smolt Atlantic salmon performance, water quality, and waste production rates in six replicated RAS. Experimental diets were fed to Atlantic salmon (281 ± 5 g to begin) in triplicate RAS. Protein ingredients used in the FMF diet included mixed nut meal, poultry meal, wheat flour, and corn protein concentrate; while the FM diet contained menhaden meal, poultry meal, soy protein concentrate, and blood meal proteins. Fish oil derived from whiting fish trimmings was used in the FMF diet to establish a wild fisheries input to farmed fish output ratio of 0:1; while menhaden oil was the primary lipid source for the FM diet. Both diets were formulated with approximately 42% crude protein and 27% crude fat. Each RAS was operated with flushing rates that created an average system hydraulic retention time of 20 days (5% system volume flushed daily) and a mean feed loading rate of 3.2 kg feed/m 3 of daily make-up water volume. Atlantic salmon growth, survival, and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were unaffected ( P > 0.05) by diet. At the conclusion of the study, Atlantic salmon fed the FMF and FM diets were 1.716 ± 0.076 and 1.720 ± 0.065 kg; cumulative survival was >99% for both; and average FCR was 0.89 ± 0.03 and 0.90 ± 0.02, respectively. The FMF diet resulted in greater total phosphorous (TP), carbonaceous biochemical oxygen (cBOD), and total suspended solids (TSS) mass per kg feed in the effluent ( P < 0.05). The FMF and FM diets produced 0.009 ± 0.001 v. 0.006 ± 0.001 kg TP/kg feed; 0.079 ± 0.005 v. 0.056 ± 0.005 kg cBOD/kg feed; and 0.297 ± 0.028 v. 0.221 ± 0.032 kg TSS/kg feed, respectively. A significantly higher percentage of TSS was captured by radial flow settlers of RAS receiving the FMF diet compared to capture by settlers associated with the FM diet. Mass balance data, radial settler removal efficiency, and observations of flushed solids suggested that the FMF diet produced fecal matter with better settling characteristics. Lower TSS and true color values ( P < 0.05), indicative of clearer water, were measured in RAS receiving the FMF diet. Total phosphorous (most of which was dissolved) was 4 times greater in the culture water of RAS that received the FMF diet, e.g., 4.3 ± 0.1 mg/L v. 0.9 ± 0.0 mg/L for the FM Diet. This was the first research attempt to formulate a fishmeal-free diet for Atlantic salmon with this ingredient profile and one of few studies to demonstrate uncompromised Atlantic salmon performance when feeding a diet without fishmeal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Union regulations (e.g. Commission Regulation (EU) No 56/2013) set restrictions on the use of poultry meals in animal nutrition, which requires the species composition of manufactured feeds to be constantly monitored. The aim of this study is to develop a method for qualitative analysis of poultry meals, enabling the four main poultry species (chicken, turkey, duck, goose) to be detected using one pair of primers, and a method for quantitative determination of chicken meals in poultry meals. The qualitative identification method was developed using PCR technology, whereas qPCR and TaqMan probes were used for quantitative identification. The study was performed with samples of feed mixture containing poultry and chicken meal. The limit of determination was 0.08% and 0.02% for qualitative and quantitative identification, respectively. The results of quantitative determinations obtained for independent DNA isolations from the same samples are repeatable (RSDcT ≤0.46%). The determined concentrations are accurate (Dc ≤11.23% for c ≥0.06). The identification of target sequences in both tests is good enough for commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of poultry meal on weight gain and carcass yield, under a housing system. 30 Swiss x Zebu steers were used, with an approximate weight of 353 kg, which were assigned under a completely randomized design in three treatments. T1 (control) concentrate without poultry meal; T2 concentrate + 30% poultry meal and T3 concentrate + 35% poultry meal. The composition of the concentrate was based on ground sorghum, maize grain, wheat bran, ground mineral salt bale with 18% crude protein and 70% TDN. A significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the percentage of carcass weight of 53.0 was observed; 59.5 and 58.8% for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The results indicate that supplementation based poultry meal 35% promoted greater yield in feedlot steers.

The effects on Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.) metabolic health of including modern processed land animal by-products ( LAP) to a plant- and marine-based diet (50% marine and 50% plant ingredients) were investigated. Three experimental diets were made with systematic replacements of both marine and plant ingredients with LAP as a source of protein (poultry meal and porcine blood meal) and fat (poultry oil) to fit a two-way factorial design. A 16-week feeding trial was performed with postsmolts in seawater (initial weight 372 g). The diet with both protein and lipids from LAP reduced liver triacylglycerols more than fourfold compared to the diet without LAP. This was confirmed by histological examinations showing reduced fatty degeneration in the liver of fish fed the high LAP diet. No severe negative effects on gut or tissue health were seen by histological examinations or by measuring genetic markers with q PCR, although a trend in the histological results indicated an improved gut health by including LAP in the diets. Clinical analyses of plasma and lipoprotein fractions showed no differences between dietary groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitability of land animal by-products (ABPs) in feed for Atlantic salmon postsmolts (initial weight 372 g) in sea water was studied in a feeding experiment, using poultry by-product meal (PBM) and porcine blood meal (BM) as protein sources and poultry oil as fat source. Four extruded feeds were tested in a 2 * 2 factorial model, with or without ABP protein sources and with or without poultry oil. The control feed contained a mix of marine and plant ingredients. Initial feed intake was highest in the ABP protein-based diets, whereas poultry oil had a weak opposite effect. No differences were seen in growth rate or body weight. Addition of PBM and BM led to increased FCR, and lower retention of crude protein and energy. This could be explained by lower digestibility of amino acids and crude protein, and a slightly lower energy level in these diets. Reduced igf1 mRNA levels in liver and muscle were seen in fish fed dietary ABP protein and oil. Despite lower protein digestibility of ABP protein, this study confirms the suitability of ABP protein and lipid in combination with plant ingredients in feed for Atlantic salmon growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to determine whether commercial proteases are capable of hydrolyzing denatured poultry by-product proteins that have gone through a rendering process. The material used for this research was low-ash poultry meal obtained from a local poultry processor. Samples of poultry meal were treated with the commercial proteases Alcalase, Flavourzyme, Protamex, and Liquipanol that were added individually or as a combination of 2 proteases, which were incorporated either simultaneously or sequentially. Temperature was controlled during the reaction to the optimal level for each enzyme, and pH was initially adjusted to the most favorable level for each enzyme and was maintained during the course of the reaction by addition of NaOH at established intervals. Consumption of NaOH was used to calculate the degree of hydrolysis. At the end of the hydrolysis, the molecular weight of selected hydrolysates was determined by size exclusion chromatography and by gel eledtrophoresis. In addition, amino acid analysis was performed on selected hydrolysates. Results show that the sequential treatment with Alcalase and Flavourzylie served best for the preparation of poultry meal hydro1ysates with a maximum degree of hydrolysis of 11.1% and the highest hydrolyzable material recovered at 58%, which is attributed to the combined nature of the endoand exocatalytic action of Alcalase and Flavourzyme, respectively. Hydrolysate with Flavouirzyme or the combination of Flavourzyme and Alcalase were both good methods to produce significant an!iounts of free amino acids. This research shows the feasibility of hydrolyzing poultry by-products that went through a rendering process using different brands of commercial proteases. Findings from this research are important in the preparation of palatants, in which relatively inexpensive hydrolyzed poultry meal could be used to improve the flavor of companion animal food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of dietary substitution of animal and/or plant protein sources for fishmeal on the growth and body composition of juvenile abalone was determined. Nine experimental diets in triplicate were prepared: Con, SM, PM, CM, SPM, MB, SM+CM, SM+SPM and CM+SPM diets. A 350 g kg−1 fishmeal was included in the Con diet, and the whole fishmeal was substituted with a 580 g kg−1 soybean meal (SM), 335 g kg−1 poultry meal (PM), 370 g kg−1 corn gluten meal (CM), 325 g kg−1 silkworm pupae meal dehydrated (SPM), 590 g kg−1 meat and bone meal (MB), the combined 290 g kg−1 soybean meal and 180 g kg−1 corn gluten meal (SM+CM), 290 g kg−1 soybean meal and 160 g kg−1 silkworm pupae meal dehydrated (SM+SPM) and 180 g kg−1 corn gluten meal and 170 g kg−1 silkworm pupae meal dehydrated (CM+SPM) diets respectively. All experimental diets were iso-nitronic and iso-lipidic. The survival of abalone fed with the SM and SM+SPM diets was higher than that of abalone fed with the CM, SPM, MB and CM+SPM diets. Weight gain of abalone fed with the SM+SPM diet was higher than that of abalone fed with all the other experimental diets, except for that of abalone fed with the SM+CM diet. The combined soybean meal and corn gluten meal (SM+CM) or silkworm pupae meal (SM+SPM) could be replaced with the whole fishmeal in the diet for abalone and improved its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replacement of marine proteins with vegetable proteins or terrestrial animal byproducts in aquaculture diets has been gaining momentum. This study examines the viability of replacing fish meal in shrimp production diets with alternative protein sources (combinations of vegetable proteins) in inland low salinity waters of west Alabama. The test diets were formulated to contain 36% protein and 8% lipid. The basal diet contained 10% fish meal. The fish meal was then replaced (on a weight to weight basis) with poultry meal (PM), pea meal or distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS). Two separate experiments (laboratory trial and farm trial) were devised to test the efficacy of the diets for Litopenaeus vannamei reared in low salinity waters. The laboratory trial was conducted at the E. W. Shell Fisheries Research Station in Auburn, Alabama, USA, whereas the farm trial examined the same diets in an outdoor flow-through system at a low salinity shrimp farm in west Alabama. Results indicate no significant differences in shrimp growth, weight gain, survival or feed conversion ratio among dietary treatments, suggesting that PM, pea meal and DDGS can serve as alternatives to fish meal as a protein source for shrimp reared in low salinity environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the ethanol industry matures and adopts new technologies, the co-products produced are also changing with their composition adjusted to meet feed industry needs. High protein distillers dried grain with yeast (HP40Y) is a relatively new product which is a variant of distillers dried grains that could be used as an improved protein source in catfish feed formulations. To evaluate the efficacy of HP40Y, a 10-weeks growth trial was conducted on the growth performance of juvenile catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (mean initial weight 1.80 ± 0.05 g). In the growth trial, graded levels of HP40Y (0.00, 3.10, 6.20 and 9.30%) were used to replace poultry meal (PM: 6.0, 4.0, 2.0 and 0.0%) and other series of diets were used with HP40Y (5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 30.0 and 40.0%) to replace soybean meal (SBM: 51.00, 46.49, 41.90, 37.40, 28.20, 19.20%). Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) indicated a significant interaction between replaced protein (PM and SBM) and the inclusion level of HP40Y (up to 20%) on biomass, mean final weight, weight gain, and FCR (P < 0.05) of catfish. Therefore, the two sets of diets were analyzed separately. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey multiple comparison test was used to detect significant differences between treatment means while regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between HP40Y inclusion level in the diet and weight gain and whole-body protein level of fish. In PM replacement series, complete replacement of PM with HP40Y in diet PDG9 resulted in poor performance, indicating a possible nutritional deficiency when the animal protein was removed. As a replacement for SBM, increasing levels of HP40Y only resulted in reduced growth of catfish when included in the diet at 30 and 40%. Results indicate that HP4Y is a good protein source when used at levels less than 30% of the diet. • HP40Y was replaced with soybean meal (SBM) and poultry meal (PM). • Complete replacement of PM resulted poor performance. • HP40Y is good plant protein source, used up to 20% to replace SBM. • No differences were found in protein, fat content and ash of body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The determination of apparent nutrient digestibility and availability coefficients (ADC and AAC) of ingredients is an important process in the formulation of cost efficient diets for fish. Collection of feces by repeated manual stripping is commonly practiced. However, due to the stress and possible physical damage imposed on fish during repeated stripping, this practice may influence ADC and AAC values. Our study evaluates the effects of repeated stripping three times over a period of five days on the ADCs and AACs of nutrients from hydrolyzed whole poultry egg meal for rainbow trout. We also evaluated the effects of repeated stripping on the stress status (plasma cortisol), innate immune response (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression) and physical damage of the distal section of the digestive tract (histological examination) of rainbow trout (mean weight 308 g). Plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated at the completion of each stripping event, indicating the procedure was stressful to rainbow trout. While the gene expression of TNF-α indicated a compounding chronic effect of the repeated stripping procedure on the innate immune response of rainbow trout. However, microscopic histological examination of the distal section of the digestive tract indicated no apparent sign of physical damage due to the repeated fecal stripping procedure. Dietary ADCs and AACs for dry matter, organic matter, protein, amino acids and energy were unaffected by repeated stripping. While ingredient ADCs and AACs for dry matter, organic matter, protein, amino acids and lipid were also unaffected by repeated stripping. However, dietary lipid and ingredient energy ADCs were significantly affected by repeated stripping. Additionally, the repeated stripping significantly (P <0.05) affected the dietary and ingredient AACs for minerals, suggesting that although the collection of feces by repeated manual stripping may be a useful method for the determination of protein ADCs and amino acid AACs, for lipid, energy ADCs and mineral AACs single stripping is a more accurate alternative. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents abstracts of several studies on the nutrition of sheep species. "Effect of Substitution of Alfalfa Hay With Sun Dried Pig Excreta on Performance of Sheep Feed Growing Diets," by A. Estrada-Angulo et al; "Comparative Effect of Tallow and Dark Poultry Fat on Apparent Digestibility of Diets for Sheep," by J. C. Robles and colleagues; "Digestibility of Fermented Bagasse Fed to Suffolk Ewes," by R. Pradhan, E. Shirakabe, T. Nishioka and K. Batajoo.

Presents abstracts of several studies on the nutrition of sheep species. "Effect of Substitution of Alfalfa Hay With Sun Dried Pig Excreta on Performance of Sheep Feed Growing Diets," by A. Estrada-Angulo et al; "Comparative Effect of Tallow and Dark Poultry Fat on Apparent Digestibility of Diets for Sheep," by J. C. Robles and colleagues; "Digestibility of Fermented Bagasse Fed to Suffolk Ewes," by R. Pradhan, E. Shirakabe, T. Nishioka and K. Batajoo.

Presents abstracts of several studies on the nutrition of sheep species. "Effect of Substitution of Alfalfa Hay With Sun Dried Pig Excreta on Performance of Sheep Feed Growing Diets," by A. Estrada-Angulo et al; "Comparative Effect of Tallow and Dark Poultry Fat on Apparent Digestibility of Diets for Sheep," by J. C. Robles and colleagues; "Digestibility of Fermented Bagasse Fed to Suffolk Ewes," by R. Pradhan, E. Shirakabe, T. Nishioka and K. Batajoo.

The replacement of fish meal with soybean meal in fish diets has met with varying degrees of success. Quite often, poor responses to high soybean meal diets are due to a reduced palatability of the diet when fish meal is removed. Recent work has demonstrated that poultry by- product meal can be used as a substitute for fish meal in practical diets for juvenile red drum, (Sciaenops ocellatus), indicating it may have favorable palatability characteristics for this species. The present research was designed to evaluate the replacement of menhaden fish meal with solvent-extracted soybean meal in practical diets containing 20% poultry by-product meal and formulated to contain 44% protein and 10% lipid. Test diets were adjusted for phosphorus and methionine content to ensure that minimal dietary requirements were maintained. The response of red drum (mean initial weight 179 g) to diets containing fish meal ranging from 40 to 5% of the diet, as well as the response to a low fish meal diet supplemented with krill hydrolysate were evaluated over a 14-week growth period. Final weights (percent gain) ranged from 588 g (237.8%) to 651 g (258.5%) with feed conversion efficiencies ranging from 62.1% to 69.9% and protein conversion efficiencies ranging from 27.8% to 30%. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed for diet intake, feed conversion efficiency, protein conversion efficiency, intraperitoneal fat ratio, or weight gain. Significant differences in protein intake and the hepatosomatic index were observed. The present findings suggest that fish meal can be reduced to 5% of the diet by replacing it with solvent-extracted soybean meal as well as methionine and phosphorus supplements. Although diets without poultry by-product meal were not tested, it is presumed that the poultry meal enhanced the palatability of the diets, allowing the replacement of fish meal with soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Dehydrated/rendered broiler mortality-soybean meal products (DPS) were evaluated in two trials as high-protein feedstuffs for pig diets. Broiler mortalities, collected and frozen on-farm and transported to a central facility, were minced, blended with soybean meal, and dried with a final product temperature of 120 to 130°C. The final DPS products used contained approximately 30 and 45% (DM basis) dried broiler mortality for the first and second trials, respectively (DPS1 and DPS2). The first trial involved 50 young, growing pigs (9 to 26 kg) and the second, 72 growing and finishing pigs (27 to 111 kg). The trials compared corn-based diets containing either soybean meal (SBM; 48%) or DPS products as the supplemental protein source. The DPS products averaged 50% CP and 2.9% total lysine; crude fat content of DPS used in the first trial was 8%, and for the second, 14.6% (asfed basis). The ADG of pigs fed the DPS diets in either trial was similar to that of pigs fed the SBM control diets. In the second trial, pigs fed DPS2 had an overall average G:F ratio that was 9% better (P < 0.01) than that of pigs fed the SBM control diets. Carcass characteristics and pork quality from pigs of the growingfinishing trial were not affected by dietary treatment. Subjective carcass fat firmness scores indicated slightly softer fat (P < 0.05) from pigs fed DPS2. The mincing, blending with SBM, and dehydration of frozen stored on-farm broiler mortalities produced a safe and nutritious protein feedstuff for pigs, while also offering a viable disposal option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to determine energy (Exp. 1) and P (Exp. 2) utilization in poultry meal (PM) for broiler chickens. A total of 192 birds were allotted to 3 experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor on d 15 and 16 post hatching in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Each diet was fed to 8 replicate cages with 8 birds per cage in both experiments. Initial BW of birds in Exp. 1 and 2 were 438 ± 76.9 g and 543 ± 50.2 g, respectively. Three corn-soybean meal-based diets were prepared to contain 0, 80, or 160 g/kg in Exp. 1 and 0, 50, or 100 g/kg in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, the addition of PM to the reference diet linearly decreased (P < 0.01) the apparent ileal digestibility of DM and gross energy (GE), as well as the apparent total tract utilization (ATTU) of DM, GE, and N in diets; but did not affect the ileal digestible energy, ME, and MEn of diets. The ileal digestible energy, ME, and MEn of PM estimated by the regression method were 4,002, 3,756, and 3,430 kcal/kg DM, respectively, representing 58 to 68% of the GE in PM. In Exp. 2, graded concentration of PM in the reference diet linearly decreased (P < 0.05) ATTU of DM but linearly increased (P < 0.01) ATTU of P and quadratically increased ATTU of Ca in diets. The true ileal digestibility and true total tract utilization of P in PM estimated by the regression method were 77.5 and 79.0%, respectively. In conclusion, these results showed that inclusion of poultry meal in the diets of broiler chickens reduced the digestibility of GE but increased the utilization of P. The regression-estimated energy values and P digestibility of PM in the current studies may be used in diet formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing demand for natural ingredients from the pet food market, new sources of natural antioxidants have been identified. However, many of them have low solubility in the traditional oil‐based delivery systems. To improve their distribution in dry matrices, new carriers and processes have been developed. To evaluate the effect of new delivery systems, a confocal microscopy method is developed. Based on confocal images, an emulsion carrier improves the distribution of hydrophilic antioxidants in poultry meal. Shelf life study shows that it slows down the decomposition of some lipophilic antioxidants even though it does not improve the oxidative stability of poultry meal directly. In extruded kibbles, confocal images show that hydrophilic compounds distribute better when added into premix before extrusion, while lipophilic compounds distribute well no matter when they are added. Confocal microscopy is a great tool for evaluating the effect of new delivery systems on antioxidants' distribution. The overall performance of the antioxidant needs to be further evaluated through a comprehensive oxidative stability study. Practical Applications: Results presented in this paper may help renderers and pet food scientists to understand the distribution, migration, and performance of natural antioxidants in poultry meal and extruded kibbles. The confocal microscopy method developed in this study can be used to evaluate other delivery systems and in other protein‐rich dry matrices. Even though the water‐in‐oil emulsion improves the distribution of hydrophilic antioxidants and keeps the good distribution of lipophilic antioxidants, antioxidants in oil carrier still has the best performance in poultry meal. This reminds us of the importance of comprehensive oxidative stability studies in evaluating antioxidants performance. Two proprietary carriers' effect on antioxidants' performance in poultry meal through confocal imaging and shelf life study are evaluated. The confocal imaging method has been also tentatively used to estimate the distribution of antioxidants when added before and after extrusion in kibbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]