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Context. Phytase plays a crucial role in the nutrition of piglets. Incorporating phytase into weaner pigs' diet may alleviate the anti-nutritional effect by catalyzing the hydrolysis of phytic acid. As a result, bounded phosphorus and other minerals become more available for absorption, thereby enhancing nutrient utilization growth performance. Aims. This study evaluated the efficacy of dietary phytase supplementation on the performance of weaned piglets. Methods. Two hundred and forty cross-bred piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc), of initial average bodyweight (BW) of 5.57 ± 1 kg at weaning, were assigned to five dietary treatments in a complete randomized block design. The study was conducted in the following three phases: Phase 1 (Days 1-7), Phase 2 (Days 8-21), and Phase 3 (Days 22-35). The treatments included basal diet containing 0.15% lower concentration of both total calcium and total phosphorus (NC), a standard basal diet (PC), NC + 500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC500), NC + 1000 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1000), and NC + 1500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1500). Key results. In Phase 1, the final BW was higher (P < 0.01) in PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. In Phase 2, Phase 3, and the overall days the average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were greater (P < 0.05) in the PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatments. The ADG and G:F were also higher (P < 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. The digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, and blood myo-inositol was higher (P < 0.05) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment in Phase 2. In Phase 3, the level of blood myo-inositol was higher (P < 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC. Fecal inositol hexakisphosphate was lower (P < 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC in both Phases 1 and 2. Conclusion. Dietary supplementation of phytase increased the digestibility of phytate by releasing phosphorus, calcium, and myo-inositol concentration, leading to improved growth performance. Implications. Inclusion of phytase in pig diets can help farmers save money on feed additives such as phosphorus, improve environmental sustainability, and promote better growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics (SYP) in feeds for sows on the growth of offspring (Exp. 1), for nursery pigs on their growth (Exp. 2), and for nursery and finishing pigs on their growth (Exp. 3). Methods Exp. 1 had 80 sows at breeding assigned to 4 groups with SYP at 0, 0.050, 0.175, and 0.500 g/kg. Offspring were fed a common diet for 126 d. Exp. 2 had 144 barrows at 8 kg body weight (BW) allotted to CON (no SYP); YPC (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); and YPD (SYP at 1.25, 0.75, and 0 g/kg; d 0 to 7, d 8 to 21, and d 22 to 42, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (6 pigs/pen). Exp. 3 had 96 barrows at 8 kg BW allotted to CON (no SYP); YPN (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); YPF (SYP at 0.100 g/kg; d 43 to 119); and YPA (SYP at 0.175 and 0.100 g/kg; d 0 to 42 and d 43 to 119, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (3 pigs/pen). Results In Exp. 1, increasing SYP increased (p

To study the effects of compound Chinese medicine feed additives on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant indicators, fecal score of small tailed Han sheep. 100 female small tailed Han sheep aged about three months were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates per group and five sheep per replicate, namely the control group, test group Ⅰ, test group Ⅱ, and test group Ⅲ. The growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, antioxidant indicators, and fecal score of the small tailed Han sheep were tested and statistically analyzed. The test lasted for 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the final weight of group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05); the weight gain and average daily weight gain of groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ in the test were significantly increased (P<0.05); the serum TP levels in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ significantly increased (P< 0.05); the serum ALB content in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05); the serum MDA content in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ significantly decreased (P<0.05); in terms of sheep fecal score, On day 28, the fecal scores of group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ significantly decreased (P<0.05); on day 42, the fecal scores of group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ significantly decreased (P<0.05). In summary, adding compound Chinese medicine feed additives to the diet can effectively improve the growth performance of small tailed Han sheep, improve serum growth biochemical indexes, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve fecal morphology, making it suitable for clinical application, the appropriate amout of additive is 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding milk replacer (MR) with varying levels of lactose and the increased supply of total solids (from 750 to 960 g/d) on performance, blood metabolites, and health of Holstein male calves during the preweaning period. Methods Forty newborn Holstein calves (10 per treatment) were blocked according to birth weight and date of birth and distributed in a randomized block design to different liquid diets: Whole milk powder (WMP) diluted to 125 g/L solids; MR with 48% lactose (48L), diluted to 125 g/L solids; MR with 53% lactose (53L), diluted to 125 g/L solids; 53L MR corrected to 160 g/L solids (16TS) by the inclusion of a solid corrector. Calves were individually housed in wood hutches, fed 6 L/d of the liquid diet, and had free water and starter concentrate access. The study lasted 56 days. Results Liquid diet intake was higher for calves fed 16TS than for other treatments. Calves fed 16TS presented higher protein and fat intake, followed by those fed WMP and the 48L or 53L MRs. Lactose intake was higher for 16TS-fed calves, followed by 53L, 48L, and WMP-fed calves. Starter and total dry matter intake did not differ among liquid diets. The average daily gain was higher for 16TS than 48L-fed calves, with the other treatments being intermediary. The lowest feed efficiency was observed for calves fed 48L. No effects on health were observed, as well as on selected blood metabolites, except for albumin concentration, which was higher for calves fed 16TS and WMP. Conclusion Higher total solids content (160 g/L) in MR increases nutrient intake and consequently improves the performance of dairy calves. Feeding MRs with levels of lactose up to 53% of the DM had no deleterious effect on the performance or health of the calves.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding milk replacer (MR) with varying levels of lactose and the increased supply of total solids (from 750 to 960 g/d) on performance, blood metabolites, and health of Holstein male calves during the preweaning period. Methods: Forty newborn Holstein calves (10 per treatment) were blocked according to birth weight and date of birth and distributed in a randomized block design to different liquid diets: Whole milk powder (WMP) diluted to 125 g/L solids; MR with 48% lactose (48L), diluted to 125 g/L solids; MR with 53% lactose (53L), diluted to 125 g/L solids; 53L MR corrected to 160 g/L solids (16TS) by the inclusion of a solid corrector. Calves were individually housed in wood hutches, fed 6 L/d of the liquid diet, and had free water and starter concentrate access. The study lasted 56 days. Results: Liquid diet intake was higher for calves fed 16TS than for other treatments. Calves fed 16TS presented higher protein and fat intake, followed by those fed WMP and the 48L or 53L MRs. Lactose intake was higher for 16TS-fed calves, followed by 53L, 48L, and WMP-fed calves. Starter and total dry matter intake did not differ among liquid diets. The average daily gain was higher for 16TS than 48L-fed calves, with the other treatments being intermediary. The lowest feed efficiency was observed for calves fed 48L. No effects on health were observed, as well as on selected blood metabolites, except for albumin concentration, which was higher for calves fed 16TS and WMP. Conclusion: Higher total solids content (160 g/L) in MR increases nutrient intake and consequently improves the performance of dairy calves. Feeding MRs with levels of lactose up to 53% of the DM had no deleterious effect on the performance or health of the calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of feeding homozygous β-CN A1 or A2 milk on the body composition, milk intake, and growth of German Holstein (GH), German Simmental (GS), and crossbred (CR) dairy calves of both sexes during the first 2 wk of life. A total of 104 calves (n = 54 female, f; and n = 50 male, m) from the breed groups GH (n = 23), GS (n = 61), and crossbred GH × GS (n = 20) were evaluated. Calves were weighed after birth and received colostrum ad libitum. On the second day, calves were alternately housed in pairs in double-igloo systems according to their random birth order and received either A1 milk (n = 52; 27 female and 25 male) or A2 milk (n = 52; 27 female and 25 male). They were offered 7.5 L/d, and the individual actual total milk intake was recorded. Daily energy-corrected milk intake was also calculated based on the milk composition (fat and protein). Fecal scores were recorded daily. On d 15, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume was assessed by open magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In addition, fat and lean mass (g), as well as bone mineral content (g) and bone mineral density (g/cm2), were determined by DXA. The body composition, milk intake, and growth were similar between the 2 types of milk in the first 2 wk of life. Female calves had more VAT and fat mass, but less lean mass than male calves. GH and CR calves had more VAT and less lean mass than GS calves. Male calves were heavier than female calves after birth and on d 15. The average days with diarrhea and diarrhea occurrence were similar between calves fed A1 and A2 milk and between both sex groups. GS calves presented slightly more days with diarrhea and increased odds of having diarrhea compared with GH calves, not differing from CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of mixed-species direct-fed microbial (DFM) on growth performance, gas emissions, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and the fecal score of finishing pigs. A total of 100 crossbred finishing pigs ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc) weighing 58.97 ± 3.12 kg were randomly assigned to one of two diets (5 pigs per pen (2 barrows and 3 gilts); 50 pigs per treatment) in an 8-week trial. Dietary treatments comprised of the basal diet without probiotics control or basal diet + (0.1%) mixed probiotics (DFM). Mixed DFM supplementation showed a tendency to increase (P = 0.093) the body weight of finishing pigs during day 56. Comparing mixed DFM with the control diet, mixed probiotics significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) during weeks 5–8 (P = 0.024) and overall (P = 0.013). DFM-supplemented diets reduced the emission of CH4 and NH3 significantly at weeks 4 and 8 compared with control. DFM supplementation did not affect H2S, methyl mercaptans, acetic acid, or CO2 emissions. Mixed DFM supplementation showed a tendency to increase (P = 0.07) nitrogen digestibility. Pigs receiving mixed DFM had improved ADG and reduced NH3 and CH4 emissions without affecting meat quality, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbes, and fecal score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of Quillaja saponin (QS) and seaweed (SW) on growth performance, fecal score, and gas emissions in weaning pigs. A total of 120, 21-day old crossbred ([Yorkshire�×�Landrace] × Duroc) weaning pigs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. These dietary treatments consisted of (1) TRT1: CON (basal diet), (2) TRT2: CON + 200�mg/kg QS, and (3) TRT3: CON + 500�mg/kg SW. Pigs were raised in 10 replicate pens per treatment (two males per pen and two females per pen) for 5 weeks based on body weight and sex. The inclusion of QS significantly (p�<�0.05) increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the overall period compared to the control diet. Moreover, the tendency to increase ADG was found at weeks 1 and 5, whereas ADFI showed a tendency to increase at week 1 with the supplementation of QS compared to the CON diet. However, the feed conversion ratio, fecal score, and gas emission failed to show significant effects throughout the experiment. In summary, QS has a beneficial effect on the growth performance of weaning pigs without any negative effect on gas emission and fecal score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the impact of postbiotics on the pet health. Twelve Beagle dogs were selected, and following the principles of consistent weight and gender, they were randomly divided into two groups (Group A and Group B), each replicate consisting of six dogs, with one dog in each replicate. A crossover trial design was employed to compare the differences in serum biochemical indexes and fecal microbiota between adult healthy Beagle dogs during the consumption of a diet supplemented with 200 g/d postbiotics and a control diet. The results showed that the average fecal score for Beagle dogs consuming the base diet was 2.97, while for those consuming the diet supplemented with postbiotics, the average fecal score was 2.54. Compared to the base diet, Beagle dogs consuming the postbiotic-supplemented diet exhibited a 51.16% decrease in serum triglyceride levels (P<0.05), a 29.92% decrease in cholesterol levels (P<0.05), and an 11.43% decrease in the serum uric acid levels (P<0.05). In comparison to the base diet, dogs fed the postbiotic-supplemented diet showed a 7.85%, 23.97%, and 29.54% decrease in the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels, respectively (P<0.05). The supplementation of postbiotics increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus in the feces, while reducing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria like Fusobacterium and Anaerobiospirillum. The study suggests that supplementing postbiotics in the diet can improve the intestinal health of dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Potato protein concentrate (PPC) has been included in piglet diets for many decades because of its properties with respect to piglets' protein requirements. The inclusion level was limited because of the content of toxic anti-nutritional factors, such as glycoalkaloids (GA). Glycoalkaloid content in PPC is reduced via resource-requiring processing, but if piglets tolerate GA in levels like in the standard PPC, energy-consuming processing can be reduced. The concern when increasing standard PPC levels is the potential negative effects of GA on growth performance. In the experiment, it was shown that piglets' growth performance was not affected negatively, nor was the fecal score, when fed increasing levels of PPC and hence increasing GA. All diets were formulated to meet the national nutritional requirements for weaner pigs. Interestingly, one of the dietary treatments with high inclusion of standard PPC (and thus GA) displayed greater performance as compared with the group fed a diet without standard PPC. Therefore, it was concluded that standard PPC can be included with high inclusion rates in weaner diets without negatively affecting growth performance or fecal score and that the focus must be on the GA content of the diets rather than the inclusion rate of the standard PPC. Glycoalkaloids (GA) are anti-nutritional factors in standard potato protein concentrate (PPC) fed to piglets. Increasing levels of standard PPC was expected to affect growth performance and fecal score negatively. Seven-hundred-and-twenty pigs (7–30 kg) were fed one of the following four diets within three feeding phases (days 0–13, 13–24, and 24–45): control (CTRL), PPC standard inclusion (PPC-S; 4%, 2%, and 0%), high PPC inclusion (PPC-H; 8%, 3.5%, and 2%), and extremely high PPC inclusion (PPC-EH; 12%, 5%, and 3.5%). During days 0–13, CTRL displayed no difference in growth performance compared with the three experimental groups (PPC-S, PPC-H, and PPC-EH). During days 13–24, PPC-H achieved greater (p < 0.001) average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to CTRL. During days 24–45, no differences between groups were observed. For the overall experimental period (0–45 days), PPC-H displayed greater average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.010) and ADFI (p = 0.024) compared to CTRL. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained unaffected between the groups for all experimental periods. Increasing levels of PPC and hence GA did not affect the probability of diarrhea. In conclusion, increased standard PPC and hence increased levels of GA in isonitrogenous diets did not negatively affect growth performance nor fecal score in piglets (7–30 kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The study evaluated the effects of bacteriophage cocktail (BP) and ZnO administered during weaning time for piglets exposed to a non-sanitary environment. The bacteriophages were designed to eliminate Escherichia coli (K88, K99 and F41), Salmonella (typhimurium and enteritidis), and Clostridium perfreingens (types A and C). Forty 21-day-old crossbreed piglets were assigned to four treatments, including the PC (sanitary environment), NC (non-sanitary environment), BP (NC plus 108 pfu/kg BP), and ZO (NC plus 2,500 mg/kg ZnO). Piglets in the NC, BP and ZO were kept in a non-sanitary environment for 14 d, which was contaminated with the feces of infected pigs. Results Pigs in the BP and ZO treatments had a higher final body weight compared with the NC. The NC treatment showed the highest concentration of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the plasma. The administration of BP and ZO showed lower myeloperoxidase concentrations compared with the NC. The NC treatment showed a lower concentration of superoxide dismutase in serum compared with the PC. Among the treatments in non-sanitary environment, the NC treatment showed a higher concentration of malondialdehyde compared with the ZO. The PC treatment showed a lower concentration of butyric acid in the feces compared with the BP treatment. Among non-sanitary treatments, the villus height in the duodenum was greater in the BP and ZO compared with the NC. The lower abundance of Proteobacteria phylum was observed in the BP and PC treatments compared with the NC. The highest relative abundance of Eubacterium was recorded in the BP treatment. The abundance of Megasphaera and Schwartzia was higher in the NC pigs compared with the BP piglets. The abundance of Desulfovibrio was lower in the supplemented treatments (BP and ZO) compared with non-supplemented (NC and PC). The abundance of Cellulosilyticum genera was higher in the BP and ZO treatments rather than in the NC. The piglets in the NC treatment had the highest abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, followed by the PC and ZO treatments. Conclusion In conclusion, these results suggest that the supplementation of bacteriophage cocktail could effectively control Proteobacteria phylum, Clostridium spp. and coliforms population and mitigated the adverse influences of weaning stress in piglets.

Simple Summary: Living microorganisms, known as probiotics, provide health benefits to the host and improve livestock performance. Bacillus strains are most commonly used as probiotics. In the present study, sows and piglets were fed diets supplemented with a probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens during two production cycles. Dietary probiotic supplementation improved the performance of sows and contributed to higher birth weight and weaning weight of piglets in two cycles. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Bacillus-based probiotic diets on reproduction performance, fecal scores, microflora, and economic factors in lactating sows and suckling piglets across two productive cycles. A total of 96 sows, reared in a continuous farrowing system for two full cycles, were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. Sows were fed a basal diet without the probiotic or a diet supplemented with viable bacterial spores. At seven days of age, control group piglets were offered standard creep feed, whereas piglets in the experimental (probiotic) group received a diet containing the probiotic fed to their dams. Sows receiving probiotic-supplemented diets were characterized by significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) average daily feed intake in lactation, lower (p ≤ 0.01) body weight (BW) loss during lactation, and reduced loss of backfat thickness as well as higher body condition score after lactation. Dietary probiotic supplementation increased (p ≤ 0.01) birth weight, total creep feed consumption, litter weight gain, and piglet weaning weight. The probiotic also improved (p ≤ 0.01) overall fecal scores, decreased total E. coli count on day seven and Clostridium perfringens count (trend) in sucking piglets. The total feed cost per weaned piglet was lower in the experimental (probiotic) group. Supplementing the diet with a probiotic containing Bacillus strains improved the reproductive performance of sows and the performance and health of piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate effects of β-glucan with vitamin E supplementation on the growth performance, blood profiles, immune response, fecal microbiota, fecal score, and nutrient digestibility in weaning pigs. Methods A total of 200 weaning pigs with an average body weight (BW) of 7.64±0.741 kg were allotted to five treatment groups and were divided based on sex and initial BW in four replicates with ten pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet with or without 0.1% or 0.2% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E. The pigs were fed the diets for 6 weeks. A total of 15 barrows were used to evaluate the nutrient digestibility by the total collection method. The BW and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. Blood samples were collected at the end of each phase, and fecal samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Results The addition of β-glucan with vitamin E to weaning pig feed increased BW, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake. A significant decrease in yeast and mold and Proteobacteria and a tendency for Lactobacillus to increase compared to the control was shown when 0.1% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E were added. The fecal score in weaning pigs was lower in the treatments supplemented with 0.1% or 0.2% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E compared to the control. In addition, vitamin E was better supplied to weaning pigs by increasing the concentration of α-tocopherol in the blood of weaning pigs when 0.02% vitamin E was supplemented. However, there was no significant difference in either the immune response or nutrient digestibility. Conclusion Inclusion of 0.1% β-Glucan with 0.02% vitamin E in a weaning pig’s diet were beneficial to the growth performance of weaning pigs by improving intestinal microbiota and reducing the incidence of diarrhea.

In Egypt, dogs are routinely fed a home-cooked diet prepared by their owner (e.g. boiled chicken legs). The nutrition of pets is crucial to the health state of various body systems and that can be reflected in the complete blood count picture as well as general health of the animal. Poor nutrition can result in various nutritional deficiency disorders such as nutritional deficiency anemia. Nine native breed puppies were screened at regular intervals using a general health physical examination including monitoring their temperature, general inspection, heart and respiratory rate measurements before changing their diet in a controlled experiment. The dogs were kept indoors and their diet was changed from the traditional home cooked food into a commercially available dry diet. Blood samples were also collected for a complete blood count on day one before starting the commercial diet and day 30 at the end of the experiment. The complete blood picture was monitored on set days throughout the experiment and the fecal score was assessed using a fecal scoring system of Royal Canine on day 1 before starting the commercial diet and day 30 at the end of the experiment. There was a significant difference in most blood parameters following the change in diet. Those that were significantly higher were: the total RBCs count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p<0.05). The fecal score also improved from loose stool into clearly defined shape and that change was statistically significant (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study evaluated the effects of bacteriophage cocktail (BP) and ZnO administered during weaning time for piglets exposed to a non-sanitary environment. The bacteriophages were designed to eliminate Escherichia coli (K88, K99 and F41), Salmonella (typhimurium and enteritidis), and Clostridium perfreingens (types A and C). Forty 21-day-old crossbreed piglets were assigned to four treatments, including the PC (sanitary environment), NC (non-sanitary environment), BP (NC plus 108 pfu/kg BP), and ZO (NC plus 2,500 mg/kg ZnO). Piglets in the NC, BP and ZO were kept in a non-sanitary environment for 14 d, which was contaminated with the feces of infected pigs. Results: Pigs in the BP and ZO treatments had a higher final body weight compared with the NC. The NC treatment showed the highest concentration of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the plasma. The administration of BP and ZO showed lower myeloperoxidase concentrations compared with the NC. The NC treatment showed a lower concentration of superoxide dismutase in serum compared with the PC. Among the treatments in non-sanitary environment, the NC treatment showed a higher concentration of malondialdehyde compared with the ZO. The PC treatment showed a lower concentration of butyric acid in the feces compared with the BP treatment. Among non-sanitary treatments, the villus height in the duodenum was greater in the BP and ZO compared with the NC. The lower abundance of Proteobacteria phylum was observed in the BP and PC treatments compared with the NC. The highest relative abundance of Eubacterium was recorded in the BP treatment. The abundance of Megasphaera and Schwartzia was higher in the NC pigs compared with the BP piglets. The abundance of Desulfovibrio was lower in the supplemented treatments (BP and ZO) compared with non-supplemented (NC and PC). The abundance of Cellulosilyticum genera was higher in the BP and ZO treatments rather than in the NC. The piglets in the NC treatment had the highest abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, followed by the PC and ZO treatments. Conclusion: In conclusion, these results suggest that the supplementation of bacteriophage cocktail could effectively control Proteobacteria phylum, Clostridium spp. and coliforms population and mitigated the adverse influences of weaning stress in piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundNonantibiotic alternatives providing local gut immunity have been recommended for managing calf diarrhea.AnimalsOne hundred and two calves with diarrhea.HypothesisOral supplementation with immunoglobulins in calves with diarrhea will reduce time to resolution of diarrhea, number of treatment events, and mortality rate.MethodsRandomized controlled trial. Calves were assigned into 1 of 3 groups. The treatment group was supplemented with 20 g of immunoglobulins in milk twice daily for 14 days. The placebo group was supplemented with 20 g of a product with similar nutritional value as the treatment group, but without immunoglobulins, in milk, twice daily for 14 days. The control group received no supplements. Medical treatments, time to resolution of diarrhea, and case fatality rates were compared.ResultsThere was no difference in the proportion of treatment events (treatment, 79% versus placebo, 77% versus control, 71%) among groups (P = .69). The median time to resolution of diarrhea was not different between the treatment (10.5 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7, 13) and control (8 days; 95% CI, 5, 10) groups (P = .08) or between the placebo (6.5 days; 95% CI, 3, 9) and control groups (P = .89). Median time to resolution was shorter (P = .008) in the placebo compared to the treatment group (6.5 versus 10.5 days). Case fatality rates among groups (treatment, 12% versus placebo, 3% versus control, 3%) were not different (P = .36).Conclusions and clinical importanceExpected benefits of conferring local gut immunity by immunoglobulin supplementation in calves with diarrhea were not evident.

Background: Weaning is the most stressful event in pig’s life, resulting in postweaning diarrhea and growth retardation. The supplementation of Advanced Digestion Enhancing Protein Plus Technology (ADEPPTTM), which contains iron-binding polypeptides and non-starch polysaccharides, to nursery diets may reduce the occurrence of diarrhea and enhance growth performance of weaning pigs. Objective: To evaluate the effect of ADEPPTTM supplementation on growth performance and fecal score in weaning pigs. Methods: At weaning, a total of 54 weaning pigs (initial body weight: 7.42 ± 0.52 kg) were assigned to 3 treatments in 3 replicates with 6 pigs per pen based on sex, breed, and body weight for a 28-d feeding trial. The pigs were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0% of the ADEPPTTM product in 2 phases (d 0-14 and d 15-28 postweaning, respectively). In the first week (d 3-5 postweaning) of the trial, a pig was removed from each pen when diarrhea was observed, housed in a separate pen within treatment, and then treated for 3 days with a 100-ml solution of electrolytes and ADEPPTTM by drenching. Growth performance and fecal score (1=normal to 4=watery diarrhea) were measured. Results: In the feeding trial, there were no significant differences in body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake throughout the overall period. However, a quadratic trend was observed in gain to feed ratio (p=0.09) for d 0-7 postweaning and overall period with increasing ADEPPTTM supplementation levels in which the greatest value was observed in the 0.5% ADEPPTTM level. The fecal score tended to decrease linearly with increasing ADEPPTTM levels during d 0-7 (p=0.11) and 0-14 (p=0.12) postweaning. There was no significant difference on fecal score of diarrheic pigs and average daily gain tended to increase linearly in d 21-28 postweaning (p=0.08) with increasing ADEPPTTM levels. Conclusion: These results indicate that 0.5% ADEPPTTM supplementation has a potential to enhance growth performance of weaning pigs and might be effective to prevent and control postweaning diarrhea.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of propolis ethanol extract, on performance, fecal structure, and general health status of calves during the preweaning phase. For this purpose, 24 Simmental calves that were given colostrum for the first 3 days after birth were enrolled in the study. The study started when the calves were 4 days old and finished when they were 60 days old. These calves were divided into two groups as propolis and control groups according to their weight and gender. Both groups were given the same ration and housed in individual calf huts under the same environmental conditions. Differently from the control group, the calves in the propolis group were given 4 mL of propolis extract (300 mg/mL) with an oral feeding syringe for 56 days after morning feeding. The amounts of feed intake and fecal scores of the calves were recorded daily. Health scores, rectal body temperature, fecal pH, body weight, and body measurements were recorded weekly. For the determination of the counts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., fecal samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study. The results indicated that oral administration of propolis had positive effects in terms of some performance parameters, the number of days with diarrhea, and fecal scores. In this study, it was concluded that propolis extract had the potential to positively affect the growth performance and health status of preweaning calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In animal feeds and pet food, meat industry rendered by-products as a source of high-quality protein are commonly used. Among all rendered protein sources, poultry carcasses and neck meal are frequently used as ingredients in commercial pet foods due to their agreeable fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and they have no impact on the palatability of the diet. Nonetheless, it is unclear how poultry by-product meal affects companion animals regarding diet digestibility and fecal quality. This study either aimed to provide information on poultry by-product meal, including coarsely, finely, or very finely ground varieties, regarding their nutrient digestibility and characteristics of feces in dogs. One type of animal by-product meal was used in the three aforementioned particle sizes. Beagle dogs (n = 6; body weight, 16.6 kg ± 2.03) participated in a crossover experiment design. Each trial consisted of a five day adaptation period to the diet, and five days of fecal samples were collected and measured for individual apparent nutritional digestibility and fecal scores. The animal by-product supplementation in the diet of dogs was well accepted, with an acceptable percentage of apparent nutrient digestibility. Different particle sizes had no significant effect on the organic matter, crude protein, and crude fat digestibility as well as the fecal fatty acid concentrations. In addition, feces remained firm and well-formed and increased fecal dry matter. This indicates that poultry by-products should be taken into account as a potential dietary protein source in dog food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Obesity in dogs is a common problem that can have a negative impact on the health and welfare of these animals. For weight reduction, commercial diets with fibrous ingredients are produced. Because of the added fiber, energy intake can be reduced, and the feeling of satiety can be promoted. Cellulose is a common dietary fiber used mainly in powdered form; however, other processing forms or additives are available. This work aimed to investigate the influences of various types of fibers on palatability, apparent total tract digestibility, and fecal quality in dogs. Four different diets were fed to eight dogs for 14 days each. In addition to a basic diet without added fiber (control group), three experimental diets with the following fiber sources were fed: powdered cellulose, granulated cellulose, and lignocellulose. The study showed that all fiber supplements led equally to a reduction in energy intake compared with the basal diet, without affecting palatability. Fecal quality was not negatively affected by the fiber supplements; only wet fecal excretion was higher in the fiber groups than in the control groups. This study demonstrated that other fiber sources, such as granulated cellulose or lignocellulose, can be used as an alternative to cellulose without limitations. In order to enhance the health and welfare of obese dogs and to facilitate the required loss of body weight, commercial diets are produced with fibrous ingredients. Cellulose is a common dietary fiber used mainly in powdered form. However, other processing forms and fibers are available as fibrous additives. This work aimed to test the effects of different fiber sources on apparent total tract digestibility and fecal quality in dogs. Four diets were fed to eight dogs (experimental design: 4 × 4 Latin square) for a 14-day period each. In addition to a basal diet (CO), three experimental diets varying in fiber sources were used: powdered cellulose (CE), granulated cellulose (GC), and lignocellulose (LC). Dogs fed the CO had lower crude fiber digestibility than those fed the other experimental diets (p < 0.0033). Dogs fed diets supplemented with fiber sources had lower gross energy digestibility (range: 76.2–77.3%) compared with those fed the CO (84.4%). In all groups, the fecal score (consistency and shape) ranged within the optimal values; solely wet fecal output was increased for the fiber groups compared with those on the CO. This study demonstrated that various sources of fiber such as GC and LC can be used as alternatives to CE without restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

At weaning, one hundred pigs (21 d of age; 6.96 ± 0.23 kg BW) were used to determine the effect of partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) in corn- and SBM-based nursery diets on growth performance, fecal scores, Escherichia coli (E. coli) colony forming units (CFU), and cecal mucosal microbial profile when weaned into non-disinfected nursery pens. Pens were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n  = 5): high-complexity (contained highly digestible animal proteins and 10.8% SBM) with and without 3,000 ppm ZnO (HC  +  and HC−, respectively; representative of commercial diets), low-complexity (corn- and SBM-based; 31.8% SBM; LC), or LC with 30% inclusion of full-fat black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) to partially replace SBM (LCFL; 8.0% SBM). Diets were fed for 14 d (phase I), followed by 4 wk of a common corn-SBM diet (phase II). Fecal E. coli CFU and cecal mucosal microbial 16s rRNA community profiles were assessed 7 d after weaning. During phase I, pigs fed LC and LCFL had lower average daily gains (P  < 0.05) than pigs fed HC + and HC−, which were not different. Average daily feed intake was not different for pigs fed LC and LCFL, but lower than for pigs fed HC− (P  < 0.001); pigs fed HC + had greater feed intake in phase I vs. all other treatment groups (P  < 0.001). Upon nursery exit, only pigs fed LCFL had lower BW than pigs fed HC− (P  < 0.05), with intermediate values observed for HC + and LC. Day 3 fecal scores were greater for pigs fed LCFL vs. HC + (P  < 0.05) and day 7 E. coli CFU were greater for all treatment groups vs. HC + (P  < 0.001). Pigs fed HC− (P  < 0.01), LC (P  < 0.05), and LCFL (P  < 0.05) had lower alpha diversity for cecal mucosal microbiota compared to HC+. At the genus level, pigs fed LC had lower Lactobacillus relative abundance vs. pigs fed HC + (P  < 0.01). Therefore, BSFLM can partially replace SBM without sacrificing growth performance vs. nursery pigs fed corn- and SBM-based diets, but both groups had reduced phase I growth performance vs. pigs fed highly digestible diets containing animal proteins when weaned into non-disinfected pens. The BSFLM did not influence fecal E. coli CFU or improve fecal consistency after weaning and therefore, is less effective at minimizing digestive upsets vs. HC + diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Bacillus-based probiotic diets on reproduction performance, fecal scores, microflora, and economic factors in lactating sows and suckling piglets across two productive cycles. A total of 96 sows, reared in a continuous farrowing system for two full cycles, were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. Sows were fed a basal diet without the probiotic or a diet supplemented with viable bacterial spores. At seven days of age, control group piglets were offered standard creep feed, whereas piglets in the experimental (probiotic) group received a diet containing the probiotic fed to their dams. Sows receiving probiotic-supplemented diets were characterized by significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) average daily feed intake in lactation, lower (p ≤ 0.01) body weight (BW) loss during lactation, and reduced loss of backfat thickness as well as higher body condition score after lactation. Dietary probiotic supplementation increased (p ≤ 0.01) birth weight, total creep feed consumption, litter weight gain, and piglet weaning weight. The probiotic also improved (p ≤ 0.01) overall fecal scores, decreased total E. coli count on day seven and Clostridium perfringens count (trend) in sucking piglets. The total feed cost per weaned piglet was lower in the experimental (probiotic) group. Supplementing the diet with a probiotic containing Bacillus strains improved the reproductive performance of sows and the performance and health of piglets.

Background: Weaning is the most stressful event in pig’s life, resulting in postweaning diarrhea and growth retardation. The supplementation of Advanced Digestion Enhancing Protein Plus Technology (ADEPPTTM), which contains iron-binding polypeptides and non-starch polysaccharides, to nursery diets may reduce the occurrence of diarrhea and enhance growth performance of weaning pigs. Objective: To evaluate the effect of ADEPPTTM supplementation on growth performance and fecal score in weaning pigs. Methods: At weaning, a total of 54 weaning pigs (initial body weight: 7.42 ± 0.52 kg) were assigned to 3 treatments in 3 replicates with 6 pigs per pen based on sex, breed, and body weight for a 28-d feeding trial. The pigs were fed cornsoybean meal-based diets containing 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0% of the ADEPPTTM product in 2 phases (d 0-14 and d 15-28 postweaning, respectively). In the first week (d 3-5 postweaning) of the trial, a pig was removed from each pen when diarrhea was observed, housed in a separate pen within treatment, and then treated for 3 days with a 100-ml solution of electrolytes and ADEPPTTM by drenching. Growth performance and fecal score (1=normal to 4=watery diarrhea) were measured. Results: In the feeding trial, there were no significant differences in body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake throughout the overall period. However, a quadratic trend was observed in gain to feed ratio (p=0.09) for d 0-7 postweaning and overall period with increasing ADEPPTTM supplementation levels in which the greatest value was observed in the 0.5% ADEPPTTM level. The fecal score tended to decrease linearly with increasing ADEPPTTM levels during d 0-7 (p=0.11) and 0-14 (p=0.12) postweaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction1 Animal feed additives are used worldwide for many different reasons. Breeding management of sucking animals, including proper nutrition and prevention of common diseases up to the age of weaning, has an effective role in the economic value of the livestock industry. Some help to cover the needs of essential nutrients and others to increase growth performance, feed intake and therefore optimize feed utilization. The health status of animals with a high growth performance is a predominant argument in the choice of feed additives. Herbs, spices and their extracts (botanicals) have a wide range of activities. They can stimulate feed intake and endogenous secretions or have antimicrobial, coccidiostatic or anthelmintic activity. Among the advantages of using medicinal plants are simple use, no adverse effects in most of them on animal performance, no harmful residues in livestock and poultry products and less cost than antibiotics. The aim of the present investigation was to study of effect of Ziziphora tenuior on the performance of suckling kids, dry matter digestibility, blood parameters and the effect on the incidence of diarrhea. Materials and Methods In order to investigate the effect of adding different levels of Ziziphora tenuior on performance, blood parameters and fecal score of Sistani infants from 18 lambs aged 1 to 2 months with an average weight of 13 2. 2.7 kg in a completely randomized design with three treatments and 6 replications Were. Treatments included: control (milk without additive), 2) milk contains 2.5 g powder Ziziphora tenuior, 3) milk contains 5 g powder Ziziphora tenuior. The duration of the experiment was 70 days. The diets used in this experiment were prepared according to the tables of the National Association of Sheep Research (NRC) and were given to the goats in the morning (8 o'clock) and in the evening (16 o'clock) as an appetite suppressant. Daily feed was provided to the animals in a completely mixed form. The Ziziphora tenuior plant used was dried in an oven, ground and added to milk as a powder, and milk was given to the goats twice a day (10% of body weight) by pacifiers. Kids were weighed one day per week to evaluate weight changes. Dry matter intake was measured and fecal score was recorded daily. Feces samples were collected for digestibility in the final week for 5 days. Goat feces were evaluated daily. Feces scores were determined based on 1-firm and consistent, 2-soft and loose, 3-loose and watery, 4-watery with some blood and 5-watery with blood and mucus. Blood sampling was performed on day 63 so that all goats were sampled intravenously before the morning meal and with dietary restriction for 12 to 14 hours and the blood was taken in two separate tubes, one containing heparin to obtain plasma and the other without heparin. The concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, albumin and total protein were also determined by spectrophotometer. About 3 ml of blood was transferred to tubes containing EDTA solution and hematological parameters including white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes were measured and red blood cells, hemoglobin, hemoglobin, hemoglobin, hematogram. The mean concentration of cellular hemoglobin was also counted and calculated. Results and Discussion The dry matter, crude protein and ether extracts of Ziziphora tenuior were 87.91, 7.91 and 3.21 percent, respectively. Based on the obtained results, adding of different levels Ziziphora tenuior to milk. Dry matter digestibility in two leves 2.5 and 5 grams significantly increase compared to control. Daily gain, feed conversion ratio, blood parameter and immune respones were not affected by treatment trials. Fecal score significantly decreased between treatment level 5g and control. There were no significant differences between treatments for blood parameter. Ziziphora tenuior has appetizing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of linalool and stimulates the digestive process Can increase dietary intake and weight and improve feed conversion ratio. The result showed that adding herbal to milk in neonatal calves have positive effect because of affecting on starter intake, dry matter digestibility and fecal consistency score. Conclusion This study showed that the inclusion of Ziziphora tenuior kids diet increase dry matter intake, Improved the fecal score and incidence of diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended to use this additive plant in milk or starter diet of suckling animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is one animal by-product used in pets. This study purposed to provide information on MBM including either coarsely (MBMc) or finely (MBMf) ground with regard to diet digestibility and fecal characteristics in dogs. Three different levels of MBM (6%, 12% and 24%) of each grinding form (MBM6, MBM12 and MBM24) were added to a basic diet. Six Beagle dogs (body weight 16.7 kg ± 0.42) participated in a Latin Square experiment. Each trial began with the animals adapting to the food for a five-day period, followed by five days of fecal collection. The feed particle size had no effect on the apparent digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and crude fat. The fecal score was significantly affected by the particle size × level interaction among treatments (p < 0.0001). It was noted that the different particle sizes or levels of MBM as main effects had no significant effect on the fecal fatty acid concentrations. These findings suggest that using coarse or fine grinding even including MBM up to 24% in dog diets does not affect the apparent digestibility of protein nor fecal quality negatively in our experimental study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary probiotic blend and liquid feed program at different nutritional densities on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score of weaning piglets. Methods A total of 120 weaning pigs with an initial body weight of 7.05±0.93 kg per pig (21 days of age) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 8 dietary treatments (3 replicates per treatment with 5 pigs per replicate) in a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement (nutrition levels: apparent metabolic energy [AME] = 3,500 kcal/kg, crude protein [CP] = 20% vs AME = 3,400 kcal/kg, CP = 19.42%; feed types:dry vs wet; probiotics levels: 0 mg/kg vs 300 mg/kg). Results During d 5 to d 15, greater average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p

In animal feeds and pet food, meat industry rendered by-products as a source of high-quality protein are commonly used. Among all rendered protein sources, poultry carcasses and neck meal are frequently used as ingredients in commercial pet foods due to their agreeable fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and they have no impact on the palatability of the diet. Nonetheless, it is unclear how poultry by-product meal affects companion animals regarding diet digestibility and fecal quality. This study either aimed to provide information on poultry by-product meal, including coarsely, finely, or very finely ground varieties, regarding their nutrient digestibility and characteristics of feces in dogs. One type of animal by-product meal was used in the three aforementioned particle sizes. Beagle dogs (n = 6; body weight, 16.6 kg ± 2.03) participated in a crossover experiment design. Each trial consisted of a five day adaptation period to the diet, and five days of fecal samples were collected and measured for individual apparent nutritional digestibility and fecal scores. The animal by-product supplementation in the diet of dogs was well accepted, with an acceptable percentage of apparent nutrient digestibility. Different particle sizes had no significant effect on the organic matter, crude protein, and crude fat digestibility as well as the fecal fatty acid concentrations. In addition, feces remained firm and well-formed and increased fecal dry matter. This indicates that poultry by-products should be taken into account as a potential dietary protein source in dog food.

Objective: Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics (SYP) in feeds for sows on the growth of offspring (Exp. 1), for nursery pigs on their growth (Exp. 2), and for nursery and finishing pigs on their growth (Exp. 3)., Methods: Exp. 1 had 80 sows at breeding assigned to 4 groups with SYP at 0, 0.050, 0.175, and 0.500 g/kg. Offspring were fed a common diet for 126 d. Exp. 2 had 144 barrows at 8 kg body weight (BW) allotted to CON (no SYP); YPC (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); and YPD (SYP at 1.25, 0.75, and 0 g/kg; d 0 to 7, d 8 to 21, and d 22 to 42, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (6 pigs/pen). Exp. 3 had 96 barrows at 8 kg BW allotted to CON (no SYP); YPN (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); YPF (SYP at 0.100 g/kg; d 43 to 119); and YPA (SYP at 0.175 and 0.100 g/kg; d 0 to 42 and d 43 to 119, respectively) with 8 pens/ treatment (3 pigs/pen)., Results: In Exp. 1, increasing SYP increased (p<0.05, quadratic) the sow body score (maximum at 0.30% SYP), reduced (p<0.05, quadratic) the days-wean-to-estrus (minimum at 0.27% SYP), and increased (p<0.05) offspring BW at weaning and their average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) at d 126. In Exp. 2, ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and G:F of YPC were the greatest (p<0.05). The ADG and ADFI of YPD were greater (p<0.05) than CON. Fecal score of YPC and YPD was smaller (p<0.05) than CON. In Exp. 3, YPA had the greatest (p<0.05) ADG and YPN and YPF had greater (p<0.05) ADG than CON., Conclusion: SYP enhanced sow performance, offspring growth, growth of nursery and growing pigs with the greater efficacy at 0.27 to 0.32 g/kg feed.

In order to enhance the health and welfare of obese dogs and to facilitate the required loss of body weight, commercial diets are produced with fibrous ingredients. Cellulose is a common dietary fiber used mainly in powdered form. However, other processing forms and fibers are available as fibrous additives. This work aimed to test the effects of different fiber sources on apparent total tract digestibility and fecal quality in dogs. Four diets were fed to eight dogs (experimental design: 4 × 4 Latin square) for a 14-day period each. In addition to a basal diet (CO), three experimental diets varying in fiber sources were used: powdered cellulose (CE), granulated cellulose (GC), and lignocellulose (LC). Dogs fed the CO had lower crude fiber digestibility than those fed the other experimental diets (p < 0.0033). Dogs fed diets supplemented with fiber sources had lower gross energy digestibility (range: 76.2–77.3%) compared with those fed the CO (84.4%). In all groups, the fecal score (consistency and shape) ranged within the optimal values; solely wet fecal output was increased for the fiber groups compared with those on the CO. This study demonstrated that various sources of fiber such as GC and LC can be used as alternatives to CE without restrictions.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of including canola meal (CM) in diets for weaning pigs challenged with a F18 strain of Escherichia coli on growth performance and gut health. A total of 36 individually housed weaned pigs (initial body weight [BW] = 6.22 kg) were randomly allotted to one of the three diets (12 pigs/diet). The three diets were corn– soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet (control diet) and the basal diet with 0.3% zinc oxide, 0.2% chlortetracycline, and 0.2% tiamulin (antibiotic diet) or with 20% CM diet. The diets were fed in two phases: Phase 1: days 0 to 7 and Phase 2: days 7 to 20. All pigs were given an oral dose of 2 × 109 CFU of F18 strain of E. coli on day 7. Fecal score was assessed daily throughout the trial. Dietary antibiotics increased (P < 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared by 48% and 47%, respectively. Dietary CM increased (P < 0.05) overall ADG and ADFI by 22% and 23%, respectively; but the ADG and ADFI values for CM-containing diet did not reach those for the antibiotics-containing diet. Dietary antibiotics reduced (P < 0.05) fecal score; however, dietary CM unaffected fecal score. Dietary antibiotics decreased (P < 0.05) liver weight per unit live BW by 16% at day 20, whereas dietary CM did not affect liver weight per unit live BW (29.2 vs. 28.6). Also, dietary antibiotics increased (P < 0.05) serum triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine levels for day 14, whereas dietary CM did not affect the serum level of these hormones. Dietary antibiotics reduced (P < 0.05) the number white blood cells and neutrophils by 38% and 43% at day 20, respectively, whereas dietary CM tended to reduce (P = 0.09) the number white blood cells by 19% at day 20. The number white blood cells for CM diet tended to be greater (P < 0.10) than that for antibiotics diet. The dietary antibiotics decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of individual volatile fatty acids and hence of total volatile fatty acid in cecum by 61% at day 20, whereas dietary CM decreased (P < 0.05) cecal butyric acid concentration by 61% and tended to reduce (P < 0.10) total volatile fatty acid concentration by 30% at day 20. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of 20% CM improved ADG and tended to reduce white blood cell counts. Thus, inclusion of CM in antibiotics-free corn-SBM-based diets for weaned pigs that are challenged with F18 strain of E. coli can result in their improved performance partly through a reduction of the inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Nonantibiotic alternatives providing local gut immunity have been recommended for managing calf diarrhea. Animals One hundred and two calves with diarrhea. Hypothesis Oral supplementation with immunoglobulins in calves with diarrhea will reduce time to resolution of diarrhea, number of treatment events, and mortality rate. Methods Randomized controlled trial. Calves were assigned into 1 of 3 groups. The treatment group was supplemented with 20 g of immunoglobulins in milk twice daily for 14 days. The placebo group was supplemented with 20 g of a product with similar nutritional value as the treatment group, but without immunoglobulins, in milk, twice daily for 14 days. The control group received no supplements. Medical treatments, time to resolution of diarrhea, and case fatality rates were compared. Results There was no difference in the proportion of treatment events (treatment, 79% versus placebo, 77% versus control, 71%) among groups (P = .69). The median time to resolution of diarrhea was not different between the treatment (10.5 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7, 13) and control (8 days; 95% CI, 5, 10) groups (P = .08) or between the placebo (6.5 days; 95% CI, 3, 9) and control groups (P = .89). Median time to resolution was shorter (P = .008) in the placebo compared to the treatment group (6.5 versus 10.5 days). Case fatality rates among groups (treatment, 12% versus placebo, 3% versus control, 3%) were not different (P = .36). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Expected benefits of conferring local gut immunity by immunoglobulin supplementation in calves with diarrhea were not evident.

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the animal welfare levels in Akkaraman sheep breed in Türkiye. In this direction, welfare assessment was carried out at the farm level with the Animal Needs Index (ANI 35L/2000) method in a total of 71 Akkaraman sheep flock applications on animals were carried out on a total of 1525 sheep. According to the ANI score scale, the average score of all farms was determined as 39.52. In the study, welfare scores were found as 38.32, 41.47, and 38.78 in Çankırı, Çorum and Kırşehir provinces, respectively ( p = 0.034); it was found as 39.70, 40.14, and 38.69 in small (≤100), medium (100-200) and large (>200) farms ( p = 0.535), respectively. While the Famacha and Fecal scores of sheep were found to be low score in sheep raised in Çankırı than in sheep raised in other two cities, the differences were found to be statistically significant in both parameters ( p = 0.007 and 0.021). As a result, it has been observed that having opportunity for animals to go out to yard and pasture has a positive effect on animal welfare.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding milk replacer (MR) with varying levels of lactose and the increased supply of total solids (from 750 to 960 g/d) on performance, blood metabolites, and health of Holstein male calves during the preweaning period., Methods: Forty newborn Holstein calves (10 per treatment) were blocked according to birth weight and date of birth and distributed in a randomized block design to different liquid diets: Whole milk powder (WMP) diluted to 125 g/L solids; MR with 48% lactose (48L), diluted to 125 g/L solids; MR with 53% lactose (53L), diluted to 125 g/L solids; 53L MR corrected to 160 g/L solids (16TS) by the inclusion of a solid corrector. Calves were individually housed in wood hutches, fed 6 L/d of the liquid diet, and had free water and starter concentrate access. The study lasted 56 days., Results: Liquid diet intake was higher for calves fed 16TS than for other treatments. Calves fed 16TS presented higher protein and fat intake, followed by those fed WMP and the 48L or 53L MRs. Lactose intake was higher for 16TS-fed calves, followed by 53L, 48L, and WMP-fed calves. Starter and total dry matter intake did not differ among liquid diets. The average daily gain was higher for 16TS than 48L-fed calves, with the other treatments being intermediary. The lowest feed efficiency was observed for calves fed 48L. No effects on health were observed, as well as on selected blood metabolites, except for albumin concentration, which was higher for calves fed 16TS and WMP., Conclusion: Higher total solids content (160 g/L) in MR increases nutrient intake and consequently improves the performance of dairy calves. Feeding MRs with levels of lactose up to 53% of the DM had no deleterious effect on the performance or health of the calves.

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is one animal by-product used in pets. This study purposed to provide information on MBM including either coarsely (MBMc) or finely (MBMf) ground with regard to diet digestibility and fecal characteristics in dogs. Three different levels of MBM (6%, 12% and 24%) of each grinding form (MBM6, MBM12 and MBM24) were added to a basic diet. Six Beagle dogs (body weight 16.7 kg ± 0.42) participated in a Latin Square experiment. Each trial began with the animals adapting to the food for a five-day period, followed by five days of fecal collection. The feed particle size had no effect on the apparent digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and crude fat. The fecal score was significantly affected by the particle size × level interaction among treatments (p < 0.0001). It was noted that the different particle sizes or levels of MBM as main effects had no significant effect on the fecal fatty acid concentrations. These findings suggest that using coarse or fine grinding even including MBM up to 24% in dog diets does not affect the apparent digestibility of protein nor fecal quality negatively in our experimental study.

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that torula yeast may replace animal and plant proteins in diets for weanling pigs without negatively impacting growth performance or blood characteristics. In exp. 1, 128 weanling pigs (6.71 ± 0.76 kg) were allotted to four treatments with four pigs per pen and eight replicate pens per diet. Pigs were fed one of four diets from day 1 to 14 post-weaning (phase 1), whereas all pigs were fed a common diet in phase 2 (day 15 to 28). The four dietary treatments included a control diet with 5% fish meal, 2.5% plasma protein, and no torula yeast. The second diet contained 5% fish meal, 4.75% torula yeast, and no plasma protein. The third diet contained 2.5% plasma protein, 6% torula yeast, and no fish meal, and the last diet contained 10.75% torula yeast, no fish meal, and no plasma protein. The inclusion of torula yeast was calculated to replace the amount of digestible Lys provided by fish meal, plasma protein, or both fish meal and plasma protein in the control diet. During the initial 14 d, fecal scores were visually assessed. At the end of phase 1, blood samples were collected and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), peptide YY, immunoglobulin G, total protein, and albumin were analyzed. Results indicated that torula yeast could replace fish meal and plasma protein without affecting growth performance, fecal scores, or blood characteristics of pigs. In exp. 2, 160 weanling pigs (6.11 ± 0.62 kg) were allotted to one of four diets with five pigs per pen and eight replicate pens per diet. Phase 1 diets contained 0%, 10%, 18%, or 26% torula yeast, whereas phase 2 diets contained 0%, 8%, 14%, or 20% torula yeast. Torula yeast was included in diets at the expense of animal proteins and soybean meal. On days 14 and 28, blood samples were collected and concentrations of cytokines, BUN, total protein, and albumin were analyzed. Phase 2 gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) linearly increased (P < 0.01) as the concentration of torula yeast increased in the diets. The concentration of albumin on day 14 linearly increased (P < 0.05) and the concentration of TNF-α was linearly reduced (P < 0.01) as the concentration of torula yeast increased in the diets. In conclusion, under the conditions of this research, torula yeast could replace fish meal and plasma protein without affecting the growth performance of pigs, but inclusion of increasing levels of torula yeast improved G:F of pigs, which may be because of greater nutrient utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dietary fibers have gained renewed interest in companion animal nutrition as a means to manage pet obesity and improve gut and host health. Soybean hulls (SBH), a coproduct of the soybean oil extraction process, is an accessible and economical fiber source. However, limited research is available on the use of SBH in feline nutrition. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of a high SBH inclusion level on daily food intake, apparent total tract (ATT) macronutrient digestibility, fecal quality, and fecal fermentative end products in diets of adult cats. Four diets were formulated with either SBH, beet pulp (BP), or cellulose (CL) as the main source of dietary fiber, with the control diet formulated with no added fiber (NF). The fiber treatments were formulated to achieve approximately 15% total dietary fiber (TDF). Eight adult male cats (mean age = 10.5 yr ± 0.1; mean BW = 6.1 ± 0.8 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each period consisted of 14 d, with 10 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collections. Food was offered twice daily and cats were fed to maintain BW. Food intake on a DM basis (DMB) was lower (P < 0.05) in cats fed BP (55.2 g/d) when compared with SBH (70.8 g/d). As-is fecal output did not differ in cats fed BP or SBH, and when expressed on a DMB, fecal output did not differ among fiber treatments. The ATT digestibility of DM, OM, and GE was greater (P < 0.05) in cats fed NF when compared with those fed BP, CL, or SBH. Cats fed CL had the greatest (P < 0.05) ATT CP digestibility (88.5%), followed by cats fed NF (84.9) and SBH (81.7%) with the lowest values (77%) noted for cats fed BP. Acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) digestibility was greater for cats fed CL (92.9%) than for cats fed BP (86.9%) and SBH (88.6%). The TDF ATT digestibility was lowest for cats fed NF and CL (8.5% and 15.1%, respectively), followed by SBH (18.0%), with BP having the highest digestibility (33.7%). Total short-chain fatty acid concentration was greatest (P < 0.05) in cats fed BP (699.7 μmole/g) when compared with the other 3 treatments, whereas phenol and indole concentrations did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, a high inclusion level (15% TDF) of SBH appears acceptable in diets for adult cats, resulting in no negative effects on daily food intake, fecal scores, and similar ATT digestibility for most macronutrients when compared with BP and CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: dietary supplementation with organic acids and essential oils has positive effects on growth improvement and nutrient digestion. Microencapsulation of nutrients allow for the slow release of core materials in a specific period and/or environment. Objective: to investigate the effect of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood and fecal characteristics in weanling pigs. Methods: one-hundred twenty-five weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) x Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.76 ± 0.11 Kg were used in a 42-d experiment. Pigs were allotted to five dietary treatments according to initial body weight, using five replicates per treatment and five pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were: 1) NC (negative control): basal diet free of antibiotics; 2) PC (positive control), basal diet with tiamulin 39 mg/kg; 3) MOE0.5, basal diet with 0.5 g MOE/kg; 4) MOE1, basal diet with 1 g MOE/kg; and 5) MOE2, basal diet with 2 g MOE/kg. Results: final BW was greater in MOE2 and PC treatments compared to NC treatment (p0.05). During 22 to 42 d, ADG was greater for PC compared with NC (p

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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different levels of starter protein and amounts of milk fed on animal health, fecal score, immune responses and microbial population in the rumen of Holstein male calves. Two levels of starter crude protein (17 and 20% of starter dry matter (DM) and two levels of milk fed (7 and 10% of body weight) were combined in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design. Forty newborn male Holstein calves (initial body weight 40±2 kg) were used for 75 days. Feeding the colostrum was performed immediately after birth for 3 days. Every calf consumed the probiotic mixture of protexin and Saccharomyces cerevisiae via milk (2 g/day). Water and calf starter were offered free choice. Individual fecal score was measured daily. Results showed that starter intake and weight gain were affected by days of age (P<0.05). But, there were no interactions between starter protein levels and amounts of milk fed on starter intake and weight gain (P>0.05). Starter protein levels, amounts of milk fed and their interactions had no effect on protozoa population, fecal consistency, general health score (GHS) and number of days with diarrhea (P>0.05). There were significant interactions between amounts of milk fed and starter protein levels on bacteria population (P<0.05). Also, amounts of milk fed and starter protein levels did not affect fecal fluidity, but interaction between them was significant (P=0.046). By increasing starter protein levels, the numbers of bacteria and protozoa decreased and increased, respectively. The effects of starter protein levels, amounts of milk fed and their interactions on immune response of calves were not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the dietary inclusion of symbiotic in post weaning piglets with nutritional challenge. A total of 84 castrated male piglets were used in a 2x2 factorial arrangement (Diet and Symbiotic), with 7 replicates and 3 animals per replicate. Treatments: HDD (high digestibility diet), LDD (low digestibility diet), HDD+S (high digestibility diet with symbiotic) and LDD+S (low digestibility diet with symbiotic). Variables studied: average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and fecal consistency. The performance parameters were compared with the Dunnett test; considering as controls the HDD and absence of symbiotic. In the diet factor, the DBD resulted in a lower ADG (P <0.1) from 42 to 63 and lower FI and ADG in the total period (P <0.1). On the other hand, the symbiotic inclusion worsened (P <0.1) FI and ADG from 21 to 42, ADG and FCR from 42 to 63 and in the total period (P <0.1). In the interaction (diet x symbiotic), from 21 to 42 days of age was verified better ADG and FI in the group with HDD; while, from 42 to 63, worsening (P <0.1) in the ADG in the groups with symbiotic inclusion and worsening in the FCR only in the HDD+S group (P <0.1) was observed. In the total period HDD resulted in higher ADG (P <0.1). As for the fecal consistency, the group with LDD had a lower frequency of the normal type and a higher frequency of the aqueous type (p <0.05). The use of diets composed of high digestibility ingredients is important for the best ADG and FI in nursery phase, whereas the inclusion of the symbiotic studied, in general, worsened the performance in both diets and may increase the incidence of diarrhea in piglets when associated with LDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different liquid-feeding systems using a medium crude protein milk replacer on performance, rumen, and blood parameters. Thirty newborn Holstein calves were blocked according to birth weight and date of birth, and randomly distributed to different liquid-feeding systems: conventional (4 L/d), intensive (8 L/d), or stepup/step-down (wk 1, 4 L/d; wk 2 to 6, 8 L/d; wk 7 and 8, 4 L/d). The commercial milk replacer (12.5% solids, 20.2% crude protein, 15.6% fat) was fed twice daily (0700 and 1700 h) until calves were weaned, at 8 wk of age. Calves were individually housed in wood hutches, with free access to water and starter concentrate, and to hay only after weaning. They were followed through 10 wk of age. Milk replacer and starter intake were inversely affected by feeding system. After weaning, starter intake and hay intake were similar among feeding systems. Total dry matter intake was higher during the liquid-feeding period for calves on the intensive system compared to calves on the conventional system, but conventional feeding resulted in the highest dry matter intake after weaning. Feed efficiency was similar among feeding systems before and after weaning. Average body weight and daily gain were not affected by feeding system before or after weaning. During liquid feeding, diarrhea occurrence was lower for calves on the conventional system; however, when calves on the step-up/step-down system were fed lower volumes of liquid feed, diarrhea occurrence was similar to that of calves on the conventional system. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate were higher for calves on the conventional system, reflecting starter intake. Rumen pH, short-chain fatty acids, and N-NH3 were not affected by feeding system. Feeding higher volumes of milk replacer with a medium crude protein content had no beneficial effect on the performance of calves up to 10 wk of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the route of administration of mannan-oligosaccharides in the diet of dairy calves and their effects on performance and plasma parameters indicative of rumen development. Following birth, twenty-four male Holstein calves were used in a completely randomized design and assigned to the following treatments: Control; 4 g/d Bio-Mos® (Alltech Biotech.) added to starter concentrate; and 4 g/d Bio-Mos® mixed into milk replacer. Animals were housed in individual hutches with free access to water, and fed 4L/d of milk replacer until weaning at six weeks. Calves also received 23g/kg crude protein of starter concentrate ad libitum. Fecal scores were evaluated daily. Body weights, growth measurements and blood samples for glucose, urea-N and β-hidroxibutyrate analyses were taken weekly until 8 weeks of age. There were no significant effects of treatment or treatment × age interactions for mean starter concentrate intake, weight gain or body growth. However, there was a significant age effect for all parameters. Fecal scores were not affected by treatments. Also, plasma concentration of glucose, urea-N or β-hidroxibutyrate were not affected by treatment or the treatment × age interaction. However, urea-N and β-hidroxibutyrate concentrations significantly increased with age, suggesting adequate rumen development. Under the conditions of this study, there were no calf performance benefits when mannan-oligosaccharides were incorporated into milk replacer or calf starter concentrate.