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The amount of digesta flowing to the duodenum is a relevant measurement for the evaluation of nutrient supply to ruminants, which is usually estimated in animals fitted with a duodenal T-type cannula using internal or external markers. This study evaluated acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared with external (C32 n-alkane) and internal [sulfuric acid lignin (ADL) and n-alkanes C31 and C33] markers for estimating duodenal flow and(or) ruminal digestibility of dry matter (DM) in cattle and sheep. In the first assay, 4 duodenally cannulated Holstein steers housed in metabolism cages, dosed with C32 n-alkane, and fed Avena strigosa plus concentrate and increasing levels of tannin extract to reduce ruminal digestibility, were used in a Latin square design. The mobile-bag technique was used to measure the intestinal disappearance of ADL and ADF from forage (Avena strigosa, Pennisetum purpureum, Cynodon dactylon, and Medicago sativa) and concentrate (corn grain, soybean meal, and sunflower meal) samples that were previously incubated in the rumen of additional fistulated steer for 12, 24, 36, or 48 h. The ADF concentration in residues recovered in the feces was strongly related to the ADF concentration in residues at the duodenum (R² = 0.93, standard deviation = 30.0, n = 901). This relationship showed a lower precision for ADL fraction (R² = 0.88, standard deviation = 12.6, n = 590). In a second assay, duodenal flow and ruminal DM digestibility were calculated from the duodenal and fecal concentration of either marker. We observed a significant effect of marker type on ruminal DM digestibility values, and the effect of tannin treatments was observed only when ADF or ADL was used as the marker. The lowest residual error was obtained for ADF. Ruminal DM digestibility was, on average, higher for C31 and C33 n-alkanes, and the use of dosed C32 n-alkane resulted in a negative value. In the third assay, a data set of 235 individual observations was compiled from digestibility trials to compare ADF and ADL as markers for estimating duodenal digesta flow in weathers (n = 204) and cattle (n = 31). We observed a strong relationship between markers (R² = 0.84 in sheep and R² = 0.88 in cattle), but variance analysis within trials indicated that ADF was more precise than ADL. In conclusion, in digestibility trials in which fecal output was measured and spot samples of the duodenal digesta were obtained, duodenal flow and ruminal digestibility of the DM may be estimated from the relationship between the ADF concentration in feces and that in the duodenal digesta of ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elephantgrass stands out for its high potential for forage production in different tropical and subtropical regions. In most properties, it is cultivated intensively with high doses of mineral fertilizers, mainly nitrogen, which makes production expensive and less sustainable. In this context, the mixtures of elephantgrass with forage legumes can make the system more efficient and with less environmental impact. Thus, the objective is to evaluate elephantgrass-based grazing systems,with or without a legume in terms of sward characteristics, herbage accumulation and nutritional value of pastures during one, agricultural year. Two grazing systems (treatments) were analyzed: (i) elephantgrass-based (EG) with mixed spontaneous-growing species (SGE) in the warm-season and ryegrass (R) in the cool-season; and (ii) EG + SGE + R + pinto peanut. The standardization criterion between the systems was the level of nitrogen fertilization (120 kg N/ha/year). The presence of pinto peanut positively affected the botanical composition of the pasture, with a reduction in SGE and dead material, and in the morphology of elephantgrass, with a greater proportion of leaf blades, and less stem + sheath and senescent material. In themixture with pinto peanut, there was an increase in herbage accumulation and greater nutritional value of forage.

Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to evaluate the effects of a novel exogenous sfericase protease on growth performance and ileal digestibility of broiler chickens until day 35 of age. In Exp. 1, 1350 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated in 54 floor pens and fed one of the three dietary treatments, with 18 replicates of 25 birds each in a completely randomized design. Diets consisted of positive control [PC; commercially relevant ME and balanced amino acids (AA)]; negative control (NC; with reduction of 6% dig. Lys and proportional reductions for adjacent AA compared to the PC), and NC supplemented with sfericase protease [30,000 New Feed Protease units (NFP)/kg]. On day 35, ileal digesta was collected to determine apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (N). In Exp. 2, 1620 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated in 54 floor pens having three treatments and 18 replicates of 30 birds each in a completely randomized design from day 1-35. Broilers were fed a control basal diet (Control); Control supplemented with sfericase at 30,000 NFP/kg and at 60,000 NFP/kg. In Exp. 1, from day 1-35, body weight gain (BW gain) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers improved 3.4 and 2.5% when diets were supplemented with sfericase, respectively, whereas the digestibility of N increased by 2.7% compared to the NC. In Exp. 2, diets with usual protein and AA levels and supplemented with 30,000 NFP/kg had 2.3 and 1.75% improved BW gain and FCR from day 1-35, respectively. When diets were supplemented with 60,000 NFP/kg, BW gain and FCR were enhanced by 3.9 and 3.2%, respectively compared to the Control. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the novel sfericase protease could be successfully used in corn-soy diets with protein and AA reductions or in feed formulations with usual digestible AA levels to enhance growth performance of broilers., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Insect meal as a protein source has been considered a sustainable way to feed animals. H. illucens and T. molitor larvae meal are considered high-protein sources for poultry, also presenting considerable amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, other potential components in insect meal and insect oil have been more extensively studied in recent years. Chitin, lauric acid, and antimicrobial peptides can present antimicrobial and prebiotic functions, indicating that low levels of their inclusion in insect meal can beneficially affect broilers' health and immune responses. This systematic review was developed to study the impact of insect products on the health parameters of broilers, and a metanalysis was conducted to evaluate the effects on performance. A database was obtained based on a selection of manuscripts from January 2016 to January 2023, following the mentioned parameters. Both H. illucens and T. molitor meal or oil products had positive effects on poultry health status, especially on the ileal and cecal microbiota population, immune responses, and antimicrobial properties. The average daily gain was greater in broilers fed T. molitor meal compared to H. illucens meal ( p = 0.002). The results suggest that low levels of insect meal are suitable for broilers, without resulting in negative effects on body weight gain and the feed conversion ratio, while the insect oil can totally replace soybean oil without negative impacts.

Oral fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) are common, benign, nonneoplastic lesions in humans that often develop slowly in sites of local irritation or trauma. This study analyzed 23 oral fibroepithelial polypoid lesions retrieved from 21 dogs (2014-2021). All lesions were pedunculated with usually an irregular/cauliflower-like or rarely smooth surface. FEPs most commonly arose under or lateral to the tongue; other sites included the labial and gingival mucosa, soft palate, and hard palate. All the lesions were characterized by a thick fibrovascular stalk consisting of bundles of fibrocytes and fibroblasts embedded in a collagenous matrix rich in blood vessels. The surface squamous epithelium, when evaluable, was hyperplastic (22/22; 100%) with frequent parakeratotic hyperkeratosis (12/22; 54.5%). Ulceration of variable extent was observed in 13/23 cases (56.5%). Inflammation was associated with 18/23 cases (78.3%), and was mostly lymphoplasmacytic. The connective tissue was consistently immunoreactive for vimentin and generally negative for smooth muscle actin and desmin. All FEPs in cases with available clinical outcome data did not recur after surgical excision. The presence of chronic inflammation and ulceration suggests a causative role of chronic irritation in the pathogenesis of canine oral FEPs. FEPs should be included among the differential diagnoses of proliferative lesions of the oral cavity in dogs.

Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to evaluate the effects of exogenous carbohydrases on nutrient and energy utilization of corn with different compositions by broilers. In Exp. 1, a total of 448 Cobb 500 male chicks were distributed in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (corn from regions geographically located in the North or South of Brazil × 4 carbohydrases supplementation), with 8 replicate cages of 7 birds each. In Exp. 2, 672 Cobb 500 male chicks were fed 12 experimental feeds, in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement [3 corn endosperm compositions (waxy, semi-dent, or semi-flint) × 4 carbohydrases], with 8 replicate cages of 7 birds. Birds were fed semi-purified test diets with 95.9% corn from d 14 to 24 in both studies. In Exp. 1, α-amylase, β-xylanase, or carbohydrase complex (cellulase, glucanase, and xylanase) were added to the diet. In Exp. 2, α-amylase, β-xylanase, or α-amylase + β-xylanase were supplemented. Digestibility of DM, N, ether extract (EE), Ca, and P as well as AME, AME n , and IDE were determined. In Exp. 2, jejunal starch digestibility was determined on d 24. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05). Corn from the North origin had higher AME, AME n , and digestibility of DM and N compared to the South (P ≤ 0.05). Amylase supplementation led to increases of 3% in AME and 2% in N digestibility when compared to the non-supplemented feeds (P ≤ 0.01). In Exp. 2, the highest ME values and EE digestibility were observed in the semi-flint corn compared to the waxy, whereas the semi-dent presented the highest digestibility of N and starch. Corn diets supplemented with amylase + xylanase had improvements of 2.5% AME n and 3% starch digestibility. In conclusion, energy and nutrient utilization of corn by broilers depend on the region where it was grown. Corn genetics, expressed by the endosperm composition, and carbohydrase supplementation influenced energy and nutrient utilization by broilers., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A study was conducted to evaluate performance, eggshell quality, nutrient metabolizability, and incubation traits of laying breeder hens fed diets supplemented with an additive containing polyphenols and saponins of a proprietary blend from Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera (QY) biomass. Hens were fed 4 feeds in 5 periods of 28 days each from 30 to 49 weeks of age. Experimental feeds were a Control diet; Control + virginiamycin (33 g/ton); Control + QY (250 g/ton) and Control + virginiamycin + QY. A total of 40 White Plymouth Rock and 44 Rhode Island Red breeder hens were allocated in individual cages using a completely randomized block design with 21 replicates. Performance parameters, evaluated per period, were egg production, egg weight, FCR, egg mass, and culled eggs. All eggs were collected in the last 4 days of each period to evaluate specific egg weight, percentage of albumen, yolk and shell, and Haugh unit as well as cuticle quality, shell strength, and shell thickness. At the end of the experiment, nutrient metabolizability assessment and four incubations were conducted. There were no interactions between diet and period in all evaluated responses ( P > 0.05). Experimental diets did not affect daily egg production, egg weight, and egg mass as well as Haugh unit, yolk and albumen percentage, and yolk color ( P > 0.05). However, hens fed Control + QY produced eggs with better shell strength, shell thickness, and cuticle quality than hens fed the Control ( P < 0.05). Hens fed Control + QY or Control + virginiamycin + QY had lower culled eggs, better FCR and higher egg specific weight, shell percentage, and yolk strength compared to breeder hens fed the Control ( P < 0.05). In general, hens fed QY achieved enhanced performance and egg quality compared to virginiamycin. In conclusion, laying breeder hens fed diets supplemented with Quillaja and Yucca additive, from 30 to 49 weeks of age, maintained their productive performance, had improved eggshell and cuticle quality and reduced culled, dirty and contaminated eggs., Competing Interests: Authors LG and SB were employed by Phibro Animal Health Corporation. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Souza, Adams, Agilar, Biselo, Mello, Gomez, Bonaspetti and Stefanello.)

Direct-fed microbials (DFM) are added to broiler chicken diets in order to promote the proliferation of beneficial intestinal bacterial populations, which may lead to gains in performance efficiency and, potentially, reduce the level of enteric pathogens in the broiler chickens. The selection and laboratory evaluation of Bacillus subtilis strains as well as the experimental trial results of a novel Bacillus -based commercial DFM product are described. Fifteen wild-type Bacillus subtilis strains were characterized and assayed for their enzyme production capability, spore resistance to pH, salinity, and temperature, and ability to inhibit the growth of E. coli and Salmonella spp. The final DFM formulation was evaluated and compared to an antibiotic growth promoter (AGPs) in two experimental trials. In Experiment 1, broilers were given a defined challenge of Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens to induce intestinal dysbiosis. The optimal dose of the DFM was determined to be 0.3 kg/ton of feed. At this dose, the broilers fed the DFM performed as well as the Flavomycin ® -fed broilers. Further, intestinal microbiome analysis indicates that the use of the DFM enhances bacterial diversity of the gut flora by day 5 of age, increasing levels of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Clostridiales by 25 days of age, which may enhance the digestion of feed and promote growth of the birds. In Experiment 2, the broilers were raised on recycled litter and given an undefined challenge orally to mimic commercial growth conditions. In this trial, the DFM performed as well as the bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD)-11%-fed birds. The results of the present studies suggest that this novel DFM, Zymospore ® , improves the performance of broiler chickens under experimental challenge conditions as effective as an AGP, providing a safe and effective substitute to the poultry industry.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtillis PB6, chromium propionate or a combination of the two on the performance, egg and eggshell quality, nutrient metabolizability and serum biochemistry of layer breeders. White Plymouth Rock and Red Rhodes Island breeder hens at 55 weeks of age were allocated in individual cages using a completely randomized block design with 16 replicates. Hens were fed control, control + probiotic (500 g/ton of Bacillus subtilis PB6), control + CrProp (50 g/ton of chromium propionate) and control + probiotic + CrProp diets from 55 to 70 weeks of age. Productive parameters and eggshell quality as well as cortisol and blood biochemistry were grouped each 28 d as well as for the overall period. The metabolizability of nutrients and energy was determined at 70 weeks of age. In the overall period, hens fed the control + probiotic or control + probiotic + CrProp diets had significantly higher egg production, egg mass, shell percentage, thickness and shell strength. The metabolizability of dry matter, nitrogen and energy increased in hens that were fed the control + probiotic + CrProp diet. In conclusion, diets supplemented with Bacillus subtillis PB6 and chromium propionate resulted in improved productive performance, eggshell quality and nutrient metabolizability of layer breeders, without modifying serum cortisol, albumin and triglycerides.

The growing restriction of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) use in farming animals has raised a concern regarding the viability of the animal production system. In this new context, feed additives with proven positive impact on intestinal health may be used as strategy to avoid losses on performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a protected blend of organic acids and essential oils [P(OA+EO)] on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 1,080 Cobb × Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly distributed in four treatments with 10 replicates (27 birds/each). Treatments were as follow: non-challenged control; challenged control; AGP (enramycin at 10 g/t); and P(OA+EO) at 300 g/t. All birds on challenged groups were challenged with Eimeria spp. at 1 day and with Clostridium perfringens at 11, 12, and 13 days. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated until 42 days. At 17 days, one bird per pen was orally gavaged with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d) and blood samples were collected for FITC-d detection to assess intestinal permeability. At 21 days, apparent ileal nutrient and energy (IDE) digestibility, intestinal macroscopic and histologic alterations (ISI) and, expression of mucin2 (MUC2), claudin1 (CLDN1), and occludin (OCLN) genes in the jejunum were evaluated. From 1 to 42 days, birds from the non-challenged and P(OA+EO) groups had greater ( P < 0.001) BWG compared to challenged control and AGP groups. The challenged control group presented the worst FCR ( P < 0.001). IDE was 106 kcal/kg greater when broilers were fed P(OA+EO) compared to the challenged control group. Broilers supplemented with P(OA+EO) had improved intestinal integrity with lower blood FITC-d concentration and ISI scores, and greater expression of MUC2, CLDN1, and OCLN genes compared to the challenged control group ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the P(OA+EO) and the AGP led to increased growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal health of challenged broilers. A marked difference occurred in favor of the P(OA+EO), suggesting that this blend may be used to improve intestinal health and broiler growth performance in AGP free programs., (Copyright © 2020 Stefanello, Rosa, Dalmoro, Segatto, Vieira, Moraes and Santin.)

A study was conducted to investigate Fe requirements of broiler breeders. One-hundred-fifty-six Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens were individually placed in electrostatically painted cages at 22 weeks. The study was composed of an adaptation phase, in which hens were fed corn-soy-wheat bran diets until 35 wks. An Fe deficient mash diet (24.6 ppm Fe) was provided from 35 to 46 wk in order to induce a partial body Fe depletion. A production phase followed from 47 to 70 wk when hens were fed 6 diets with increasing Fe sulfate supplementation, which, upon analyses had 24.6, 48.6, 74.3, 99.6, 125.6, and 148.2 ppm Fe. Thirty hatching eggs from each treatment were randomly collected in the last wk of each production period and incubated. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were analyzed from 6 hens as well as all hatched chicks per treatment. Analyses of production and hatching data were conducted using quadratic polynomial (QP), broken-line (BL), and exponential asymptotic (EA) models. Effects of dietary Fe were observed for total eggs and total hatching eggs, egg yolk Fe content, and hen and chick hematocrit and hemoglobin (P < 0.05). These responses to added Fe were optimized when dietary Fe were 96.8, 97.1, 130.6, 122.6, 120.0, and 125.0 ppm (QP) and 76.4, 89.3, 135.0, 128.4, 133.8, and 95.0 ppm (BL) for total hatching eggs, egg yolk Fe content, and hen and chick hematocrit and hemoglobin, respectively. Optimization with the EA model was obtained for total hatching eggs, egg yolk Fe, and hen and chick hemoglobin at 97.9, 111.0, 77.9, and 96.3 ppm Fe for total hatching eggs, egg yolk Fe, and hen and chick hemoglobin, respectively. Adequate Fe levels are needed to maintain egg production as well as hatching chicks' indexes. Fe concentration in the yolk and diet are positively influenced. The average of all Fe requirement estimates obtained in the present study was 106 ppm total Fe, whereas averaged values for BL, QP, and EA models were 107, 113, and 97 ppm Fe, respectively., (© 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

Introduction:: This study reports, for the first time, the presence of Panstrongylus lignarius in the State of Rondonia, Brazil., Methods:: Specimen of P. lignarius was collected from a flat in an urban area of the municipality of Porto Velho, Western Amazon., Results:: With this finding of P. lignarius, the number of Triatominae species in the State of Rondonia has increased from six to seven., Conclusions:: The occurrence of P. lignarius is worrisome, because this species has been found to be naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and there has been evidence of its domiciliation capabilities in other countries of South America.