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Simple Summary: It is well known that the application of high-starch diets induces liver injury in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (LMB), but the underlying mechanism is still largely unclear. In this study, an 8-week feeding trial was sufficient to induce liver damages such as inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis in LMB fed diets with 20.1% starch. In line with the histological changes, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DEGs in the liver of the fish fed high-starch diets were prominently enriched in regulation of actin cytoskeleton, apoptosis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, and so on. Transcriptome analysis revealed that liver inflammation was mediated by the Tlr signal transduction via the Pi3k/Akt/Nfκb signaling axis, apoptosis was mediated by the extrinsic pathway, while fibrosis was mediated through the Tgf-β and Hh signaling pathways. Our results provided new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the liver injury of LMB fed high-starch diets. The aim of this study was to explain the mechanism underlying the liver injury of juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in response to high-starch diet intake. Three diets were formulated with different starch levels, being abbreviated as treatment LS (low starch, 8.13% starch), MS (medium starch, 14.1% starch), and HS (high starch, 20.1% starch), respectively. Fish were fed with their respective diets to apparent satiation for 56 days. The results showed that growth retardation of the HS fish was associated with the reduction in feed intake rather than feed utilization. Histological evaluation of the livers showed that vacuolization was the most prevalent characteristic in the MS fish, while ballooning degeneration, apoptosis, fibrosis, and inflammation were observed in the HS fish. Transcriptome profiling suggested that liver inflammation was mediated by Tlr signal transduction, which activated the Pi3k/Akt/Nfκb signaling axis to promote the release of proinflammatory factors including Il-8 and Ip-10. Hepatocyte apoptosis was mediated by the extrinsic pathway through death receptors including Fas and Tnfr, which coordinately activated the Fadd/caspase-8 death signaling axis. An autonomous inhibition program was identified to counteract the apoptosis signal, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway might play an important role in this process through regulating the expression of iap and diablo. Liver fibrosis was mediated through the Tgf-β and Hh signaling pathways. Upon secretion, Tgf-β1/3 bound to TgfβrI/II complex on the liver cell membrane, which induced the phosphorylation of downstream Smad2/3. When Hh interacted with the membrane receptor Ptc, Smo was activated to initiate signaling, driving the activation of Gli. The activation of both Smad2/3 and Gli promoted their nuclear translocation thereby regulating the transcription of target genes, which resulted in the activation and proliferation of HSCs. The activated HSCs constantly expressed colla1 and ctgf, which facilitated substantial accumulation of ECM. It should be noted that the molecular mechanism of liver injury in this study was speculated from the transcriptome data thus further experimental verification is warranted for this speculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Max-profit and stochastic feed formulation are alternative approaches to least-cost feed formulation that have been known for many years; however, despite the potential benefits, they are seldom used in the poultry industry as a tool to formulate diets. Therefore, the authors completed a survey of the Australian poultry industry to determine the barriers to their use. Barriers identified included limited software to assist nutritionists in using these feed formulation techniques, less data collection than in other animal industries, insufficient training, and possible restrictions on nutritionists via KPIs to minimise diet cost. While there are barriers to the implementation of max-profit and stochastic approaches, there are many opportunities to be gained in these areas to reduce the variability of the nutrient content of diets for poultry, improve tools to inform decision-making, and enhance the profitability and sustainability of the Australian poultry industry. Recommendations to overcome these barriers and challenges are discussed. A survey of industry groups including nutritionists, producers, feed manufacturers, and technical personnel in broiler and layer operations within the Australian poultry industry was completed to determine the industry's present views of max-profit and stochastic feed formulation and the barriers they see to implementing these techniques. A total of 32 responses were collected, made up of 17 nutritionists, 4 feed manufacturers, 5 producers, and 6 technical personnel. The survey revealed interest and need to implement stochastic and max-profit feed formulation techniques and identified the key barriers to the implementation of these feed formulation techniques. Barriers identified included limited software to assist nutritionists in using these feed formulation techniques, less data collection than in other animal industries, insufficient training, and possible restrictions on nutritionists via KPIs to minimise diet cost. It was identified that layer farms did not routinely use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate the nutrient content of feed ingredients and so mostly relied on book values and historical data. Thus, stochastic feed formulation may be particularly useful to buffer the uncertainty and ensure the minimum nutrient requirements of flocks are met. Recommendations were drawn to improve the adoption of max-profit and stochastic feed formulations of Australian layer diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to find ways to employ less expensive conventional materials in fish farming to lower production costs without adversely affecting the general performance of the fish. Consequently, certain neglected plants, such as goat weed leaves that have been reported to have the potential to serve as a partial substitute for maize (energy source) must be considered. Therefore, this research evaluated the effects of partially replacing maize with goat weed leaf meal (Ageratum conyzoides) (GWLM) on the growth, haematology, and serum enzyme indices of Clarias gariepinus. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted with a total of 500 juveniles with an average weight of 13.7 g. After sterilizing the fish in a mixture of potassium permanganate and water to reduce stress, a one-week acclimatisation period was ensured using commercial feed (2 mm). Subsequently, the juveniles were randomly stocked in quadruplets of 25 fish per culture tank measuring 1.2 m x 1.2 m x 0.9 m each (labelled Ai-iv, Bi-iv, Ci-iv, Di-iv, and Ei-iv) based on the number of repetition and the diet to be fed. A total of five (5) different diets with varying levels of dietary inclusion (A: 0%, B: 2%, C: 4%, D: 6%, and E: 8%) of goat weed leaf meal (GWLM) as a partial replacement for maize were formulated to contain a minimum crude protein level of 40%. The test diets were administered twice daily (7:00 hrs. and 18:00 hrs.) and the sampled fish were adequately fed (5% body weight) with proper follow-up to monitor feeding behaviour. The data collected from the research were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SPSS version 23 analysis package. Furthermore, a Duncan multiple-range test was employed to separate the means. There were notable (p < 0.05) variations in various parameters (proximate composition, digestibility of nutrients, growth performance, haematological and serological profiles, and water quality) observed in all treatments as the inclusion of the test ingredient in the diet increased. However, as the inclusion levels of the test ingredient increased above 4%, a steady decline was observed between treatments. At a 4% dietary inclusion level, the best performance indices (weight gained (36.52g), feed conversion ratio (2.15), specific growth rate (2.31) and survival rate (95%)), and blood profile (haematology and serum enzyme indices) were observed. Therefore, a 4% replacement of maize using goat weed leaf meal (GWLM) in the diet is suitable for an optimum performance of African catfish.

This study aimed to determine the protein requirements of the fattening phase for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed fish meal-free diets. A total of 75 Nile tilapia were maintained in a water recirculation system, and five isoenergetic diets were formulated with increasing protein levels encompassing three repetitions each. The findings revealed that protein levels significantly affected (p < 0.05) certain Nile tilapia performance, yield, and composition parameters. The determined parameter values clearly indicated that Nile tilapia can be fed fish meal-free soybean meal and corn-based diets. Furthermore, the metabolic plasticity of this species concerning dietary protein concentrations was also demonstrated, with adequate performance results achieved in treatments containing from 267 to 294 g/kg digestible protein (DP), or 298 to 327 g/kg crude protein (CP), where the balance between essential and non-essential amino acids and energy resulted in adequate performance correlated to satisfactory feed conversion values and filet yields and composition. A DP concentration of 267 g/kg (298 g/kg CP) is recommended when offering corn and soybean meal-based diets during the Nile tilapia fattening phase to fish weighing between 400 and 700 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysine, often referred to as the ‘first limiting amino acid’ in pig nutrition, plays a pivotal role in growth performance. Variability in lysine requirements arises due to factors such as age, sex and environmental conditions. Optimising pig health and production efficiency and minimising nitrogen excretion require accurate knowledge of estimated lysine requirements accounting for factors such as genetics, feeding practices, scientific advancements, and environmental considerations. This study aimed to determine standardised ileal digestible (SID) lysine requirements of weaned piglets (5–30 kg) based on a literature review using meta-analytical approaches. The literature review yielded 344 studies that were screened for title and abstract. In total, 41 experiments met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a dataset of 206 treatment means. Linear, quadratic and linear-plateau models were used to gain insight into the effect of SID lysine addition on average daily gain and feed efficiency for the combined dataset and separately for the individual experiments. Regression analysis showed a predominant linear increase in average daily gain and feed efficiency as an overall response to increasing lysine levels across both the combined dataset and individual experiments. Breakpoint estimation from the linear-plateau models was inconclusive, indicating that the optimal SID lysine requirement to maximise piglet growth performance likely exceeded the upper lysine levels tested in most studies, thus surpassing 1.3 g SID lysine per MJ net energy. This review indicates high values for the lysine requirement to achieve maximum growth performance. Results may suggest that piglet feed formulation should focus on an optimal dietary SID lysine to CP ratio, rather than SID lysine per kg of diet or unit of net energy. However, more research is needed to investigate this suggestion.

The aim of the assay was to study the effect of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) as an alternative natural additive on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and biochemical parameters of Japanese quails. The experiment involved 208 unsexed Japanese quails’ chicks initially fed a standard diet without PPP for the first week. Then, they were weighed and divided into four groups: one control group CTRL and three test groups receiving diets supplemented with 3%, 5%, and 7% PPP. Each group composed of four replicates of 13 quails. The results indicated that during the grower period, the group receiving 7% PPP showed higher feed intake (FI) (P=0.029) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P=0.001). However, body weight (BW) (P0.05). Notably, the groups receiving 5% and 7% PPP experienced a significant reduction in FI (P=0.001) and the 7% PPP group showed significant increases in proventriculus weight (P=0.025), relative intestine weight (P=0.017) and cecum length (P

This study aimed to determine the protein requirements of the fattening phase for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed fish meal-free diets. A total of 75 Nile tilapia were maintained in a water recirculation system, and five isoenergetic diets were formulated with increasing protein levels encompassing three repetitions each. The findings revealed that protein levels significantly affected (p < 0.05) certain Nile tilapia performance, yield, and composition parameters. The determined parameter values clearly indicated that Nile tilapia can be fed fish meal-free soybean meal and corn-based diets. Furthermore, the metabolic plasticity of this species concerning dietary protein concentrations was also demonstrated, with adequate performance results achieved in treatments containing from 267 to 294 g/kg digestible protein (DP), or 298 to 327 g/kg crude protein (CP), where the balance between essential and non-essential amino acids and energy resulted in adequate performance correlated to satisfactory feed conversion values and filet yields and composition. A DP concentration of 267 g/kg (298 g/kg CP) is recommended when offering corn and soybean meal-based diets during the Nile tilapia fattening phase to fish weighing between 400 and 700 g.

Nano-sized Zn particles are recognized for its ability to elevate fish health and well-being, enhancing antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities and reinforcing the immune system. In the present study we explored the effects of Zn-NPs supplementation on augmenting the growth performance and nutritional indicators and physiological aspects of the catfish, Clarias batrachus. Zn-NPs were prepared by heating the mixture of [Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O], ethylene glycol and polymer surfactant (PVP) at 70°C for 45  min using an oil bath heater. The resultant solution was centrifuged at 6000  rpm on a heated plate at 70°C until the precipitation of Zn-NPs was achieved. Crystal structure, growth mechanisms and shapes of Zn-NPs were characterized by the atomic force microscopy. Produced Zn-NPs was characterized by spectrophotometer and the zeta potential and mean size was recorded as −32.5  ±  1.0  mV and 14.7  ±  2.5  nm, respectively. The experiment comprised six distinct test diets, categorized by the incorporation of Zn-NPs at levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50  mg/kg into the feed where the initial diet was employed as a control group, devoid of any Zn-NPs supplementation. Three glass aquariums were employed for each diet. In each aquarium, 12 fish with an initial mean weight of 5.23  ±  0.06  g were stocked. The fish underwent experimental feeding for 60  days, with the feed amount set at 3% of their body weight. After the experimental period, growth performance (weight gain, length gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, thermal growth co-efficient, condition factor and survival rate), nutritional indices (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, annual net protein utilization), proximate composition of muscle (protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash and moisture), hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, total protein, albumin and globulin), serum lipid and enzymatic parameters (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, ALP, AST, ALT, amylase, lipase and protease), and bioaccumulation of Zn in different organs of fish were estimated following standard methods. Growth analysis revealed that C. batrachus fed with Zn-NPs at 40  mg/kg of feed had significantly (p  <  0.05) improved growth performance (WG  =  18.87  ±  0.91  g, SGR  =  2.52  ±  0.06% g/day, TGC  =  1.09  ±  0.05 and CF  =  1.47  ±  0.12), nutritional indices (FCR  =  1.35  ±  0.06, PER  =  2.24  ±  0.10 and ANPU  =  41.46  ±  2.56%), hematological parameters, and enzymatic activity compared to control and other groups. The optimal dietary supplementation of Zn-NPs for final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of C. batrachus was estimated to be ranged between 30.4 and 30.5  mg/kg per diet, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Feedstuff variability negatively affects the poultry production chain. The nutritional value of soybean meal (SBM) is variable, especially among countries of origin. Complete nutrient analysis by traditional laboratory methods takes time, and not all this data is applied timely for feed formulation. The nutrient, energy, and digestibility information obtained with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could be used to describe feedstuffs, improve feed formulation, potentially reduce feed costs, and enhance accuracy to meet nutrient target levels. Diets for broilers and laying hens were formulated using variability due to country of origin, harvest year, SBM and corn prices to demonstrate the effects of applying NIRS information on feed cost and SBM valuation. The nutritional data was obtained from the NIRS Precision Nutrition Evaluation (PNE) service (Adisseo) for all feedstuffs. Only SBM by origin (Argentina, Brazil, and the USA) harvested in 2 yr varied in 3 feeding phases for broilers and in 2 phases for white and brown laying hens. The 378 diets were formulated to meet recommended nutrient levels and be similar within each feeding phase. Feed prices were analyzed using a 3 × 2 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with SBM origin, harvest year, corn, and SBM prices as main factors in a mixed model where SBM origin was the only fixed effect. Almost all diets that included USA SBM were cheaper than using other sources. Therefore, USA SBM was the base for estimating relative and premium SBM values. This exercise demonstrated the economic value of segregating SBM by origin and utilizing NIRS to obtain nutritional information.

The aim of this study was to explain the mechanism underlying the liver injury of juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in response to high-starch diet intake. Three diets were formulated with different starch levels, being abbreviated as treatment LS (low starch, 8.13% starch), MS (medium starch, 14.1% starch), and HS (high starch, 20.1% starch), respectively. Fish were fed with their respective diets to apparent satiation for 56 days. The results showed that growth retardation of the HS fish was associated with the reduction in feed intake rather than feed utilization. Histological evaluation of the livers showed that vacuolization was the most prevalent characteristic in the MS fish, while ballooning degeneration, apoptosis, fibrosis, and inflammation were observed in the HS fish. Transcriptome profiling suggested that liver inflammation was mediated by Tlr signal transduction, which activated the Pi3k/Akt/Nfκb signaling axis to promote the release of proinflammatory factors including Il-8 and Ip-10. Hepatocyte apoptosis was mediated by the extrinsic pathway through death receptors including Fas and Tnfr, which coordinately activated the Fadd/caspase-8 death signaling axis. An autonomous inhibition program was identified to counteract the apoptosis signal, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway might play an important role in this process through regulating the expression of iap and diablo. Liver fibrosis was mediated through the Tgf-β and Hh signaling pathways. Upon secretion, Tgf-β1/3 bound to TgfβrI/II complex on the liver cell membrane, which induced the phosphorylation of downstream Smad2/3. When Hh interacted with the membrane receptor Ptc, Smo was activated to initiate signaling, driving the activation of Gli. The activation of both Smad2/3 and Gli promoted their nuclear translocation thereby regulating the transcription of target genes, which resulted in the activation and proliferation of HSCs. The activated HSCs constantly expressed colla1 and ctgf, which facilitated substantial accumulation of ECM. It should be noted that the molecular mechanism of liver injury in this study was speculated from the transcriptome data thus further experimental verification is warranted for this speculation.

A survey of industry groups including nutritionists, producers, feed manufacturers, and technical personnel in broiler and layer operations within the Australian poultry industry was completed to determine the industry’s present views of max-profit and stochastic feed formulation and the barriers they see to implementing these techniques. A total of 32 responses were collected, made up of 17 nutritionists, 4 feed manufacturers, 5 producers, and 6 technical personnel. The survey revealed interest and need to implement stochastic and max-profit feed formulation techniques and identified the key barriers to the implementation of these feed formulation techniques. Barriers identified included limited software to assist nutritionists in using these feed formulation techniques, less data collection than in other animal industries, insufficient training, and possible restrictions on nutritionists via KPIs to minimise diet cost. It was identified that layer farms did not routinely use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate the nutrient content of feed ingredients and so mostly relied on book values and historical data. Thus, stochastic feed formulation may be particularly useful to buffer the uncertainty and ensure the minimum nutrient requirements of flocks are met. Recommendations were drawn to improve the adoption of max-profit and stochastic feed formulations of Australian layer diets.

Reliance on fish meal can be reduced by incorporating plant-based ingredients, making aquaculture more economical, sustainable and environmental friendly. In this study, the efficacy of plant protein ingredients (PPI) such as mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SBM) and rice bran (RB) as Partial substitute of fishmeal (FM) was investigated for a commercially important fish, Labeo rohita in cages for 90 days. Three experimental diets, labeled as Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 3, were formulated to be isonitrogenous (with protein content ranging from 32.20 to 32.29%) and iso-caloric (with gross energy ranging from 4.12 to 4.17 kcal/g). These diets contained different proportions of PPI (45, 68, and 79%) and FM (46, 23, and 11%, respectively). Square-shaped cages with a volume of 1m3 (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) were stocked with 40 fish/m3 each with an average initial weight of 52.97 g in triplicates. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 7 days a week at a feeding rate of 5% in the initial month and 3% for the rest of the culture period. 50% of the caged fish was sampled monthly to monitor growth performance and at the termination of the experiment, all the fish was harvested to measure production economics performance. The results indicated improved growth performance and higher feed utilization at Diet 2, yielding significantly (p < 0.05) higher fish production compared to Diet 3, while these parameters were insignificant with Diet 1. By replacing FM with PPI, the total feed cost compared to Diet 1 was reduced to 20.62 and 32.76% for Diet 2 and Diet 3, respectively. The replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 also yielded a 15.61% higher total economic net return than the Diet 1 group. However, a higher inclusion rate of PPI in Diet 3 potentially reduced fish growth, with a consequent decline of 41.61% total economic net return compared to the Diet 1 group. In conclusion, the replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 returned a higher benefit-cost ratio (1.72) among the feeding groups. Therefore, this FM replacement experiment suggested a 50% FM replaced diet as an unconventional, cost-effective, and readily available novel protein source without compromising the inherent nutritional quality of fish and feed in the cage culture of L. rohita. The results could be widely applicable to the fastgrowing approach of cage culture technology across Asia and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-sized Zn particles are recognized for its ability to elevate fish health and well-being, enhancing antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities and reinforcing the immune system. In the present study we explored the effects of Zn-NPs supplementation on augmenting the growth performance and nutritional indicators and physiological aspects of the catfish, Clarias batrachus. Zn-NPs were prepared by heating the mixture of [Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O], ethylene glycol and polymer surfactant (PVP) at 70°C for 45 min using an oil bath heater. The resultant solution was centrifuged at 6000 rpm on a heated plate at 70°C until the precipitation of Zn-NPs was achieved. Crystal structure, growth mechanisms and shapes of Zn-NPs were characterized by the atomic force microscopy. Produced Zn-NPs was characterized by spectrophotometer and the zeta potential and mean size was recorded as −32.5 ± 1.0 mV and 14.7 ± 2.5 nm, respectively. The experiment comprised six distinct test diets, categorized by the incorporation of Zn-NPs at levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg into the feed where the initial diet was employed as a control group, devoid of any Zn-NPs supplementation. Three glass aquariums were employed for each diet. In each aquarium, 12 fish with an initial mean weight of 5.23 ± 0.06 g were stocked. The fish underwent experimental feeding for 60 days, with the feed amount set at 3% of their body weight. After the experimental period, growth performance (weight gain, length gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, thermal growth co-efficient, condition factor and survival rate), nutritional indices (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, annual net protein utilization), proximate composition of muscle (protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash and moisture), hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, total protein, albumin and globulin), serum lipid and enzymatic parameters (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, ALP, AST, ALT, amylase, lipase and protease), and bioaccumulation of Zn in different organs of fish were estimated following standard methods. Growth analysis revealed that C. batrachus fed with Zn-NPs at 40 mg/kg of feed had significantly (p

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the best combination of protein sources in diets for jundiá, based on growth, metabolism, and nutrient deposition. Five protein combinations were tested: casein + fish meal (control), casein + gelatin, casein + albumin, casein + albumin + fish meal, and albumin + fish meal, in diets containing 370 g Kg-1 of crude protein and 13.4 MJ Kg-1 of digestible energy. The fish (9.38 ± 0.12 g) were allocated in a water recirculation system at a density of 3.35 g L-1 per experimental unit and fed until apparent satiety for 40 days with the diets. The fish fed with the control diet had the highest final weight, specific growth rate, protein and feed efficiency ratio, protein retention, and best apparent feed conversion. On the other hand, fish that received casein + albumin and albumin + fish meal diets showed worse results in growth and body protein retention, low trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, and high intestinal amylase activity. Therefore, the combination referred to as control (casein + fish meal) conclusively provides the best rhythm for nutrient digestion and metabolism processes, enabling fish to reach greater growth and retention of body protein with low whole-fish fat content.

ABSTRACT: A Microsoft Excel workbook, User-Friendly Feed Formulation with Data from Australia (UffdAu.xlsm), has been developed for teaching feed formulation techniques to tertiary level, university students. It runs under both Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS operating systems. The example ingredient composition matrix is based on the Australian Feed Ingredient Database to illustrate the biological and econometric principles of least-cost feed formulation. The nutrient data are based roughly on recent primary breeder company recommendations. The workbook is easily adapted to appropriate ingredients, nutrients, and prices most relevant to the students, wherever it is used. The workbook uses the linear routines of Excel's Solver add-in under the Data heading in the header Ribbon. There is a worksheet illustrating how to adapt non-linear responses such as exogenous enzymes to typical linear models using a step function. Additional worksheets illustrate how proximate analysis can be interpreted in modern analytical chemistry terms and, how various feed energy measures are related to feed composition. UffdAu.xlsm is available free of charge from the Poultry Hub Australia website (https://www.poultryhub.org).

Current methods for feed formulation are based on minimizing costs, not maximizing profits. Complex models of bird growth and reproduction as functions of genetic, feed and other environmental variables are being developed, but their adaptation has been slow. The development of profit maximizing models will evolve to center on the production functions of broilers and layers. The production functions are the relationship between the value of products (mainly meat and eggs) and the cost of feed. The production function is the tool used to maximize profits subject to all the various inputs, not just feed or nutrition. The production function is subject to the law of diminishing returns. The most profitable output levels are those where the marginal value (price) of the meat or eggs is just equal to the marginal cost of the inputs including feed, housing, processing and all other costs. Anything that affects the production function, bird genetics, feed quality, housing and environment, will be considered to maximize profits for the poultry firm. The profit maximizing models of poultry firms will improve as various technical improvements are made: metabolizable energy to describe ingredients will evolve to net energy systems that consider that the heat production (and therefore energetic efficiency) of broilers is different depending on the ingredients used to formulate the feed and the environmental temperatures under which they are reared. Amino acid needs will include a method to find the birds' needs for the non-essential amino acids. “Digestible” amino acid assays will differentiate between digestion and absorption to best balance various sources. The carbohydrate fractions of feed ingredients will be determined to optimize the use of exogenous enzymes. The value of meat and egg co-products will reduce overall costs (e.g., organic fertilizer for crop enhancement). Future profit maximizing production models will be ever evolving processes where field conditions and results are continually being utilized to re-calibrate the technical models so that the management team can use them with cost and return projections to decide on the best choices of inputs and outputs.

Reliance on fish meal can be reduced by incorporating plant-based ingredients, making aquaculture more economical, sustainable and environmental friendly. In this study, the efficacy of plant protein ingredients (PPI) such as mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SBM) and rice bran (RB) as Partial substitute of fishmeal (FM) was investigated for a commercially important fish, Labeo rohita in cages for 90 days. Three experimental diets, labeled as Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 3, were formulated to be isonitrogenous (with protein content ranging from 32.20 to 32.29%) and iso-caloric (with gross energy ranging from 4.12 to 4.17 kcal/g). These diets contained different proportions of PPI (45, 68, and 79%) and FM (46, 23, and 11%, respectively). Square-shaped cages with a volume of 1m3 (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) were stocked with 40 fish/m3 each with an average initial weight of 52.97 g in triplicates. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 7 days a week at a feeding rate of 5% in the initial month and 3% for the rest of the culture period. 50% of the caged fish was sampled monthly to monitor growth performance and at the termination of the experiment, all the fish was harvested to measure production economics performance. The results indicated improved growth performance and higher feed utilization at Diet 2, yielding significantly (p < 0.05) higher fish production compared to Diet 3, while these parameters were insignificant with Diet 1. By replacing FM with PPI, the total feed cost compared to Diet 1 was reduced to 20.62 and 32.76% for Diet 2 and Diet 3, respectively. The replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 also yielded a 15.61% higher total economic net return than the Diet 1 group. However, a higher inclusion rate of PPI in Diet 3 potentially reduced fish growth, with a consequent decline of 41.61% total economic net return compared to the Diet 1 group. In conclusion, the replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 returned a higher benefit–cost ratio (1.72) among the feeding groups. Therefore, this FM replacement experiment suggested a 50% FM replaced diet as an unconventional, cost-effective, and readily available novel protein source without compromising the inherent nutritional quality of fish and feed in the cage culture of L. rohita. The results could be widely applicable to the fast-growing approach of cage culture technology across Asia and beyond.

This research was carried out to examine the potential of yeast as a fish feed stabilizer and growth promoter on Clarias gariepienus with varying levels of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae). Clarias gariepinus fingerlings with mean weight of 2.40 grams fingerlings were obtained from Aliu Farms, Kaduna and transported to the Fishery unit located in the Zoological Garden of the school, Kaduna State University, Kaduna State Nigeria. The fish were acclimatized for two weeks in 60 Liters' plastic tanks. Fish were stocked at 10 fingerlings per tank containing de-chlorinated tap water in triplicate. Four experimental diets with different inclusion levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as follows; Diet I (5%), Diet II (7.5%) Diet III (10%) and Diet IV (12.5%) and the control diet without Saccharomyces cerevisiae were formulated at 40% crude protein. Feed subjected to stability test clearly showed that stability increases with increased level of yeast with Diet IV (12.5%) having the highest at 30 minutes (76%) and 60 minutes (68%). The pelleted feeds were fed to fish at the rate of 5% of the fish biomass throughout the experimental period. The growth response was assessed in terms of daily weight gain, relative weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio. The results showed that diet III (10%) gave the best growth performance with an average weight gain of 2.7 followed by diet IV (12.5%) of average weight gain of 2.39 g when compared to the control diet. Similarly, diet III (10%) recorded the highest survival rate of 80%. Thus, adding baker's yeast cells into commercial fish feed at 10% improved growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted using 18 growing (10-week-old) female Philippine mallard duck-IP Itim (PMD-IPI) breed to establish the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of the commonly used basal feeds (BF), corn (Co), rice bran D1 (Rb), and soybean meal (Sm). The experiment was carried out by in vivo metabolizable energy (ME) assay that lasted for 102 hours with 54-hour excreta collection period. The experimental design was completely randomized with six replications and one duck per replication. The AME of Co, Rb, and Sm were 3.69, 3.49 kcal/g as fed and 3.10, and 4.07, 3.62, and 3.27 kcal/g DM. While the AMEn were 3.60, 3.35, and 2.55 kcal/g as fed and 3.96, 3.47, and 2.68 kcal/g DM. The AME and AMEn generated on the BF for PMD-IPI were higher than the values by PHILSAN, the primary reference standard of feedstuff nutrient composition matrix in the country required in feed formulation. The experiment results suggest that BF have higher energetic values for PMD-IPI and the breed demonstrates additional efficiency in metabolizing BF energy. Therefore, this will facilitate the formulation of least-cost diets and underpins precision feeding for the breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a compilation of research articles that explore various aspects of dairy goat production and management. The articles cover topics such as genetic diversity, heat stress, feed composition, milk quality, and nutritional requirements. They provide valuable information for researchers and practitioners interested in dairy goat farming. The articles discuss the effects of different feed additives, dietary supplements, unconventional feed sources, and herbal additives on digestion, milk production, nutrient utilization, and animal health. They also examine the impact of heat stress and dietary interventions on lactational responses in dairy goats. Overall, the articles offer insights into interventions and feed sources that can enhance production and health outcomes in ruminants. [Extracted from the article]

Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) hatchlings have previously been kept alive for over a year in captive conditions but these were the few survivors of initially larger groups. In this report, newly hatched leatherback sea turtles were randomly harvested from two nests in Thailand and successfully reared before release back to the wild. In captivity, the survival of the turtles decreased sharply during the first 4 or 5 months, and then steadied until the end of the 12‐month trial. The survival of yearlings from one nest was 13.3% and from the other nest 46.7%. Their growth was exponential, reaching 1.36−3.35 kg (n = 9) at the end of program. The causes of death of the reared turtles were accidents (25.0−38.5%) and infections from water and live food (61.5−75.0%). The dietary requirements of the turtles were investigated by determining the digestibility of protein and carbohydrate in vitro, using enzymes from the digestive tracts of hatchlings that had died in an accident (70.1−92.9 g body weight). The results indicated that the most suitable source of protein was wheat gluten, followed by soybean meal, nonruminant meat and bone meal, fish meal, nonruminant meat meal, pork meal, and skimmed milk, while suitable carbohydrate sources were mashed cassava, corn, wheat flour, and alpha starch, followed by cereal meal and rice flour. Findings from the current report provide a practical protocol for head‐starting leatherback sea turtles, and indicate the possible basis of an effective artificial diet for this species. Research Highlights: Survival of yearlings was 46.7% for turtles hatched at the top of the egg chamber.Survival of yearlings was 13.3% for turtles hatched at the bottom of the egg chamber.Accidents and diseases were the main causes of death.In vitro digestibility assays indicated the best food sources for an artificial diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conventional linear programming model (LPM) for feed formulation of lactating cattle will overlook the variation in feed components. LPM only considers the mean composition of feed values, regardless of variations, the confidence in satisfying the nutrient need falls to 50%. Whereas the stochastic model (SM), which takes into account both the mean and variation of feed composition and provides 90-99% confidence in meeting the nutrient need. In present work, we have proposed SM for least-cost feed formulation of lactating cattle where the variation in the composition of nutrients like crude protein (CP), Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) in the feedstuff are considered. Data provided by the National Research Council (2001) are the basis for the current analysis. These SMs are resolved using M.S. Excel's Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) nonlinear and LINGO's Nonlinear solver, and the results are compared to LPM; the feed formulated by SM (90 % and 99 %) has the lowest cost when compared to LPM. Nutrients estimated by LPM, SM by GRG nonlinear, and SM by Nonlinear solver utilized for feed formulation had no significant differences as (p>0.05). When compared to LPM, the stochastic model is a better technique, particularly when dealing with nutrient variation.

This paper reveals the high demand of fish products in many countries, which subsequently highlighted the high demand of grouper fish species for human consumption. This high demand leads to the insufficient supply of wild ocean grouper fish in the market, thus justifying the need for farmed or cultured grouper fish. Basically, in grouper fish farming, large amounts of trash fish are needed as the feed for grouper fish, which is the carnivorous type of fish. However, since the cost of trash fish is too high, searching for alternative ingredients for the feed through modelling of feed formulation is an option for reducing or minimizing the farming cost. This led to the search for methods in giving the best combination of feedstuff ingredients with appropriate nutrients in formulating the feed. One prospective method is the Evolutionary Algorithm (EA) that has been applied in solving similar problems of diet formulation for several types of animals including livestock, poultry and shrimp. Hence, in this paper, an improved EA method known as the SR-SD-EA is proposed highlighting three important EA operators, which are initialization, selection and mutation. A semi random initialization operator is introduced to filter some important constraints thus increase the chances of obtaining feasible formulations or solutions. Subsequently, the novel selection operator embeds the concept of standard deviation in the SR-SD-EA as part of the function in minimizing the total cost of the formulated grouper fish feed. Eventually, the enhanced boundary-based mutation is also introduced in the algorithm to ensure the crucial constraint of the ingredients' total weight must be met. The overall structure of the SR-SD-EA is presented as a framework, where the three methodological contributions are embedded. The preliminary findings of SR-SD-EA show that the obtained cost computed based on the Best-So-Far feed formulation as the solution is comparable, while all the crucial constraints are fulfilled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oak acorn is widely used as animal feed due to its low price. Oak acorns (Quercus brantii) were processed by de-hulling, drying and milling. In a corn flour, the total phenolic compounds, non-tannin phenols and condensed tannins were 14.71, 0.35 and 6.60 g/100g on the basis of dry matter respectively. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with different levels of acorn at 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg, were prepared. A total of 435 fish (average weight 0.3 g) were randomly distributed in 15 tanks with three replicates and fed for 10 weeks. Polynomial orthogonal contrast analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in terms of feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein retention, carcass ash and survival rate between treatments (P>0.05). Dietary intake of acorn significantly affected the weight after four weeks, final weight after 10 weeks, total length, head depth, specific growth rate, condition factor, protein efficiency ratio, lipid retention and carcass lipid and moisture contents, which represented linear order polynomial (LOP) models, but crude protein content of carcass displayed a cubic order polynomial (COP) model, using optimal acorn flour levels of 25.00-64.28 g/kg. Acorn flour improved the protein level of carcass, but deteriorated the growth performance and carcass lipid and moisture levels. Therefore, even if the amount of de-hulled acorn flour in the diet is low (2.5% of diet), it is not allowed to use it without further processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate recording of growth indicators for aquaculture species at different stages is essential for evaluating aquaculture production effectiveness and the rationality of feed formulations. Due to their convenience and non-invasiveness, weight, length, and condition factor are commonly used to assess the growth of aquaculture species. However, fish growth indicators, can vary significantly with age structure and feed components (nutrition), and relying on a single indicator may lead to misjudgments. In this study, we investigated the growth indicators of Gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS V) at different growth stages (juvenile and adult) and different feed formulations. Meanwhile, the fish weight–length relationship ( W = b L a ) was used to assess the growth indicators. The results showed that the weight–length relationship of Gibel carp varied significantly with age and feed formulation. Additionally, the condition factor calculated depended on the weight–length relationship being more similar with weight and length change trend than the condition factor was measured. Weight analysis indicated that weight, length, depth, body width, and carcass ratio had higher weights when analyzing fish growth. Therefore, during aquaculture production, fish growth evaluating requires considering diverse indicators such as weight, length, body depth, body width, and carcass ratio, as well as the condition factor, to avoid misjudging the actual growth situation. Meanwhile, the use of the condition factor should consider the sufficient number of data and whether the assumptions (such as being in an isometric growth period) are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion of guinea fowl flock has been a challenge and one of the reasons is the low feed availability, especially in the dry season. The objective of this study was to contribute to the improvement of the nutritional situation of local guinea fowl with house fly larvae as a protein source. A total of 144 guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) of approximately 16 weeks old were grouped in batches of 12 and randomly distributed to four feeding treatments with three replications per treatment. Pre-egg laying and egg laying feed rations were formulated with different levels of sun-dried fly larvae and standard pre-egg laying and egg laying ration containing fishmeal as controls. The pre-egg-laying rations were served for 11 days, while the egg-laying rations were served for 58 days. The chemical composition of the formulated rations, individual Daily Feed Intake (DFI), Average Daily Gain (ADG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and number of eggs and eggs characteristics (weight, large diameter and shape index) were recorded for each treatment. The dried larvae-based feed showed the highest crude protein content compared to the control feed that was fishmeal-based. In addition, the results showed a relationship between the incorporated quantities of dried fly larvae and the resulting guinea fowl performances. For example, the highest DFI (63.35 g/bird; p≤0.05) and FCR (11.94; p≤0.05) were obtained in the group fed the pre-egg laying and egg-laying rations containing 25 % and 13 % fly larvae, respectively. However, the group fed the ration containing 16.67 % and 12.94 % of fly larvae in the pre-egg laying and egg laying phases, respectively, showed a DFI of 57.05 g/bird and an FCR of 9.09. These were similar to the values obtained for the control group (57.19 g/bird/day and 11.94, respectively), with a better ADG (2.91 g against 1.71 g). Egg laying performance (number of eggs) and egg characteristics (large diameter) were significantly improved (p <0.05) in favor of treatments including dried fly larvae with values proportional to incorporation quantities. Findings from the current study suggest that the incorporation of fly larvae in pre-egg-laying and egg-laying feeds significantly increased the performance of guinea fowls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishmeal (FM) is considered a preferred source of protein for aquatic feed due to its good palatability and digestibility, a balanced amino acid profile, and a low level of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). Shortage of FM supply and increases in price, however, are major challenges faced by feed producers and aquaculture farmers. Fermented soybean meal (FSBM) has been proposed to partially replace FM because of its high nutritional value and low cost. The optimal FSBM concentration for substituting FM and effects of FSBM substitution on growth performance, energy metabolism, and immune response nevertheless remain unclear. We evaluated the effects of shrimp diets containing FSBM at 0% (FM), 25% (FSBM25), 50% (FSBM50), 75% (FSBM75), and 100% (FSBM100) on the shrimp Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931. FSBM50 led to a significantly higher weight gain (postlarvae 1927.36 ± 46.64%, young juveniles 237.00 ± 8.25%, and juveniles 153.96 ± 2.18%) than the other experimental and control diets in different stages of the shrimp. The FM group consumed less oxygen than the experimental diet groups. FSBM75 and FSBM100 led to a significantly higher ammonia-N excretion than FM, FSBM25, and FBSM50. All experimental diet groups exhibited a significantly higher O:N ratio (8.3 ± 0.8–9.4 ± 1.7) than the FM group (7.1 ± 0.2). Shrimp fed with FSBM25- and FSBM50-containing diets exhibited an increased total hemocyte count, and FSBM25, FBSM50, and FSBM100 led to a significantly higher superoxide anion production than FSBM75 and FM. FSBM substitution in shrimp diets resulted in a significantly higher phagocytic activity than the FM diet, suggesting that FSBM substitution improves the cell-mediated immune response in shrimps. In challenge trials with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), all experimental diets led to a higher survival rate than the FM diet, and in Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge trials, FSBM50 led to a higher survival rate than the other experimental and control diets, indicating that FSBM substitution in shrimp diets could improve the defense capacity of shrimps against WSSV and V. parahaemolyticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out to investigate growth performance of Labeo rohita fingerlings fed with Lactobacillus rhamnosus supplemented plant by products based feeds. The study comprised of two experimental and one control groups. In treatment 1 (T1), fish were fed with soybean meal along with L. rhamnosus. In treatment 2 (T2), fish were fed with sunflower meal along with L. rhamnosus. The control group was served with commercial feed. Initial mean weights of the experimental fish was recorded as 40.00 ± 1.00, 40.33 ± 0.76 and 40.01 ± 1.00 g for T1, T2 and control groups, respectively. The highest weight gain was found in T1 (747.96 ± 1.9 g) and control group (479.35 ± 1.8 g). Significant differences were found in the feed conversion ratio between control group (2.02 ± 0.07), T1 (1.48 ± 0.03) and T2 (1.47 ± 0.02). Survival remained 100% in all the treatments. Water quality parameters differed insignificantly for different treatment groups and remained in favorable range throughout the study period. All the treatments showed lower values of fat contents and higher values of crude protein. No negative change was observed in the histological parameters of the liver and intestinal tissues for the fishes fed with plant based feeds added with probiotics. Conclusively, fish production can be enhanced with the addition of probiotics in the feed derived from plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The digestibility of ingredients in fish diets must be known to use the least-cost feed formulation. However, there is very little published information on lipid (fat) digestibility in fish. With this information, commercial feed producers can choose lipids based on high utilization by the fish, as well as cost. We conducted a feeding trial with catfish fed diets with different lipids: soybean oil, soybean oil with conjugated linoleic acids, catfish offal oil, flaxseed oil, menhaden fish oil and poultry fat. After feeding, fish feces were collected for nutrient analysis and compared to the lipid content of the diets. Lipid and fatty acid digestibility were high overall for all of the lipids tested. However, the digestibility of certain fatty acids was different from overall lipid digestibility. This information can be used to choose the best lipids to meet catfish needs, enhance healthy fats in the fish for human consumers, and produce a cost-effective feed. Lipid and fatty acid digestibility is presumably high in Channel Catfish, but data is lacking. We determined the lipid and fatty acid digestibility of traditional and alternative dietary lipids in Channel Catfish to inform lipid choice for commercial diets. Six diets contained 4% of different lipids: soybean oil (SBO), soybean oil containing conjugated linoleic acids (CLA-SBO), catfish offal oil (COO), flaxseed oil (FXO), menhaden fish oil (MFO) and poultry fat (PF). Diets were fed to Channel Catfish (150–200 g) maintained at 26.5 °C in each of six 110 L aquaria. Six hours post-prandial, feces were collected for analysis. Total lipid, crude protein and fatty acids of lyophilized feces were analyzed, and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) were calculated. ADCs of lipid, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid and protein digestibility were similar among diets. CLA isomers (cis-9, trans-11 (84.1%) and trans-10, cis-12 (90%)) in the CLA-SBO diet were highly digestible. Oleic acid digestibility was highest in the PF diet. ADC was high for α-linolenic acid in the FXO diet, and for arachidonic acid and n-3 LC-PUFA in the MFO diet. Overall, total lipid digestibility was high, but ADCs of individual fatty acids differed by source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal's nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog.

In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal's nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog.

Aquaculture recently gained importance due to rising protein consumption and sustainable fisheries production. Any fish farm needs affordable, environmentally friendly feed to maximize profit. Bangladesh imports fish feed materials from neighboring countries at a considerable cost. Therefore, the present research aims to investigate the nutritive value of local organic resources and to evaluate their usage as feedstuffs thus reducing operational costs for Anabas testudineus (Thai koi) farming. The selected nineteen raw materials were subjected to proximate and minerals (Na, P, K, Ca, Fe) content analyses. The results revealed that each ingredient analyzed contains a substantial amount of protein (ranging from 6.07 to 58.76%). The recorded crude fat, moisture, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy contents varied within a range of 0.46–14.78%, 1.40–9.95%, 1.19–81.50%, 0–41.77%, 5.33–71.17%, and 58.77–399.81 kcal/100g respectively. The ingredients also contain an appreciable amount of potassium (78.64–3718.32 mg/100g), calcium (1.20–37175.41 mg/100g), and phosphorous (7.92–258.97 mg/100g). The results demonstrate that the analyzed indigenous raw materials were high in nutritional value and mineral contents and thus could be used as potential substitute compositions for Thai koi feed formulation.

Today, EU is largely (∼92%) dependent on the import of phosphates as most mines are located outside Europe. Because of the limited availability, phosphorus (P) is included on the list of Critical Raw Materials. Precipitated calcium phosphate (PCP) recovered from sewage sludge ash is a novel and sustainable option to replace mined P as raw material in feed phosphates, e.g. monocalcium phosphate (MCP) or dicalcium phosphate, but the digestibility has not yet been tested in vivo. The aim was therefore to determine PCP and MCP apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of P in broiler chickens and apparent (ATTD) and true (TTTD) total tract digestibility of P in growing pigs. A chicken study comprised 240 Ross 308 chickens that were housed in groups of eight from day 21 to day 28. Five diets were used, a basal diet and two test diets, which contributed either 0.075% (low) or 0.150% (high) additional P for each of the test sources (MCP and PCP). The basal and test diets were composed to achieve increasing levels of P and AID was calculated with regression analysis. In the pig study, eight individually housed pigs were used in a change-over study with two experimental periods. The pigs were fed a basal P-free diet in a preperiod to be able to estimate endogenous P losses and then two different diets in two periods using a change-over design, where MCP and PCP were the only P source, providing in total 0.33 (basal diet), 4.42 (MCP) and 3.53 (PCP) g kg-1P, respectively. The AID of P in PCP and MCP for chickens was 58.4 and 75.1% (P = 0.166). The ATTD and TTTD of P in PCP for pigs were 58.4 and 67.2%, respectively, which was lower (P

The growth and development of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) depend on the quality of feed given to meet their nutrient requirements. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary energy, protein and their interaction on the growth performances of indigenous Nigerian guinea fowl keets; 270 keets were assigned into treatments of nine diets replicated three times with 10 keets each in a 3 x 3 factorial design (crude protein, CP, at 22, 24 and 26% and metabolisable energy, ME, levels of 2650, 2750 and 2850 kcal/kg). The interactions of protein and energy for average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (FBW) were both significant (P = 0.05) with the combination of 24% CP and 2650 kcal/kg ME giving the highest ADG of 6.41 g; this treatment also gave the highest FBW of 504 g at the end of the ninth week of age. The interaction for average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significant (P = 0.05) with the combination of 26% CP and 2750 kcal/mg ME having the highest ADFI of 16.66 g. The interaction for feed conversion ratio was not significant (P > 0.05) with values ranging between 2.59 - 2.65. The interaction effects for digestible crude protein (DCP) and digestible nitrogenfree extract (DNFE) were both significant (P = 0.05) with the highest value of DCP being 59.37% for 26% CP and 2850 kcal/kg ME; the highest value of DNFE was for 24% CP and 2650 kcal/kg ME. The interaction for digestible ether extract was significant (P = 0.05) with 22% CP and 2650 kcal/kg ME having a value of 54.69%. The interaction for digestible crude fibre was significant (P = 0.05) with 24% CP and 2750 kcal/kg ME having a value of 65.30%. Based on final body weight diet 24% CP and 2650 kcal/kg are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The following experiment was designed to confirm that the efficiency of dietary protein utilisation (ep) can be reduced when the AMEn to digestible crude protein (DCP) ratio of the feed falls below a critical level. In addition, whether the efficiency would be improved at high DCP contents through the addition of oil or starch was determined. 2. A 14d trial (starting at 21 d of age), using BUT 6 turkeys, was designed to measure the effects on ep of four feeds (12.1 MJ AMEn/kg) with AMEn:DCP ratios ranging from 45 to 72 MJ AMEn/kg, and two additional feeds with the same DCP as the highest protein feed, one with an AMEn:DCP ratio of 59, through the addition of canola oil, and the other with a ratio of 51 MJ/kg supplemented with both starch and oil. Twenty birds constituted each experimental unit, with two replications of each sex being used per dietary treatment. 3. Ten birds per sex were sampled at the start of the trial and a further five per pen at the end for carcass analysis. Each carcass including feathers was ground and subsampled for water, protein and lipid determination. 4. A split-line regression described ep on the four feeds unsupplemented with additional energy (R2 = 0.81) with breakpoint at 60.6 MJ AME/kg DCP, maximum ep at 0.736 g/g, and a slope of 0.017. No improvement in ep resulted from supplementing the high protein feed with oil or a mixture of oil and starch, but feed intake and protein and lipid retention increased significantly (P < 0.05). 5. The argument that insufficient energy is available to enable high protein feeds to be utilised efficiently was not corroborated by the evidence from this trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of low cholesterol alternatives to fish oil (FO) in aquaculture diets could result in alterations to the biosynthesis and availability of bile acids for the digestions and absorption of dietary lipids. In this study the effects of graded substitution of FO with poultry oil (PO) and the replacement of PO with canola oil (CO) in formulated feeds on Yellowtail Kingfish (1.45 ± 0.12 kg; n = 342) liver function was investigated over 84 days. Dietary FO was replaced with PO at 100%, 75% and 50% inclusion levels (Diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively). The lipid source (PO) was further replaced with CO at 0%, 33.3%, 66.7% and 100% (Diets 2, 4, 5 and 6, respectively). The liver vacuole volume as a proportion of the liver cell volume (VPLC%) was significantly increased (P = 0.008) in fish fed the 100% PO diet (Diet 1) compared to that of fish fed diets with greater levels of FO inclusion (Diets 2 and 3). Regression analyses showed that: 1) liver VPLC% increased as FO decreased (r2 = 0.588; P = 0.016), 2) total bile acid concentration in liver tissue decreased with increasing CO and decreasing PO (r2 = 0.402; P = 0.027), and 3) liver CYP7A1 concentration increased with increasing PO and decreasing FO (r2 = 0.506; P = 0.032). No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the blood biochemistry parameters measured from fish fed diets with decreasing FO and increasing PO nor from fish fed diets formulated with FO and a graded PO and CO blend. Yellowtail Kingfish may be able to be fed a formulated diet containing: 1) ∼25% dietary lipid level (2.12 g 100 g−1 of ƩLC n-3 PUFA) with up to 100% of the FO component replaced by PO; and 2) ∼25% dietary lipid level (2.12 g 100 g−1 of ƩLC n-3 PUFA) with up to 100% of the commercially used alternative lipid source (PO) replaced with CO without an apparent negative impact on any of the parameters measured in this study. • Fish oil cost is increasing and alternative sources are required for sustainable aquaculture. • Poultry oil may be a suitable replacement for fish oil in commercial Yellowtail kingfish aquafeeds. • Canola oil may be suitable replacement for commercial alternative oils in Yellowtail kingfish aquafeeds. • Provides new information on the physiological influence of dietary oils on Yellowtail Kingfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to compare the application of iterative linear programming (iteLP), sequential quadratic programming (SQP), and mixed-integer nonlinear programming-based deterministic global optimization (MINLP_DGO) on ration formulation for dairy cattle based on Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (NRC, 2001). Least-cost diets were formulated for lactating cows, dry cows, and heifers. Nutrient requirements including energy, protein, and minerals, along with other limitations on dry matter intake, neutral detergent fiber, and fat were considered as constraints. Five hundred simulations were conducted, with each simulation randomly selecting 3 roughages and 5 concentrates from the feed table in NRC (2001) as the feed resource for each of 3 animal groups. Among the 500 simulations for lactating cows, 57, 45, and 21 simulations did not yield a feasible solution when using iteLP, SQP, and MINLP_DGO, respectively. All the simulations for dry cows and heifers were feasible when using SQP and MINLP_DGO, but 49 and 11 infeasible simulations occurred when using iteLP for dry cows and heifers, respectively. The average ration costs per animal per day of the feasible solutions obtained by iteLP, SQP, and MINLP_DGO were $4.78 (±0.71), $4.45 (±0.65), and $4.44 (±0.65) for lactating cows; $2.39 (±0.52), $1.48 (±0.26), and $1.48 (±0.26) for dry cows; and $0.98 (±0.72), $0.97 (±0.15), and $0.91 (±0.14) for heifers, respectively. The average computation time of iteLP, SQP, and MINLP_DGO were 0.59 (±1.87) s, 1.15 (±0.62) s, and 58.69 (±68.45) s for lactating cows; 0.041 (±0.070) s, 0.76 (±0.37) s, and 14.84 (±39.09) s for dry cows; and 1.60 (±2.90) s, 0.51 (±0.19) s, and 16.45 (±45.56) s for heifers, respectively. In conclusion, iteLP had limited capability of formulating least-cost diets when nonlinearity existed in the constraints. Both SQP and MINLP_DGO handled the nonlinear constraints well, with SQP being faster, whereas MINLP_DGO was able to return a feasible solution under some situations where SQP could not.

Context: Blood and rumen contents, which are currently considered wastes in many abattoirs, could be valuable ingredients in poultry feeding; however, several factors including high fibre and low energy may limit their dietary inclusion. There is need for more research on feed processing and diet formulation to maximise utilisation of these by-products in poultry feeding. Aim: We investigated the effect on broiler finisher performance of feeding bovine blood, rumen digesta and vegetable oil concentrate as a partial replacement for soybean meal. Methods: Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated: a control diet based on maize and soybean meal, and two test diets. In the test diets, heat-processed blood–rumen digesta meal and vegetable oil concentrate replaced 50% of the soybean meal, with and without exogenous enzymes. Diets were allocated to five replicate pens containing six Ross broilers aged 21 days in a completely randomised design for a period of 21 days. Key results: Results showed no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on average daily feed intake but birds fed the test diets gained more weight (P < 0.05) and converted their feed more efficiently (P < 0.05) than the control group. Enzyme supplementation had no additional effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance. There were no dietary effects (P > 0.05) on relative weights of carcass and gut segments. Feed cost of liveweight gain and carcass weight was reduced (P < 0.05) on the test diets. Conclusion: Heat-processed blood–rumen digesta meal and vegetable oil concentrate can replace up to 50% of soybean meal in broiler fishier diets. At this level of replacement, enzyme supplementation is not required. Implications: The use of blood and rumen content in poultry diets has cost and environmental benefits. Optimum utilisation of abattoir by-products in poultry feed can reduce production cost and the need for waste disposal. Heat-processed bovine blood, rumen digesta and vegetable oil concentrate was examined as a partial replacement for soybean meal in poultry diets. Replacement of up to 50% of soybean meal improved liveweight gain and feed conversion efficiency of broilers, additionally providing cost and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste (FW) is a source of inexpensive and readily available nutrients that can be used as animal feed. However, the use of FW in fish feed is limited. In this study of juvenile striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), commercial feed (CD, 34.1% protein and 4.69% lipid based on dry weight) was replaced with graded levels (25, 50, 75, and 100%) of FW (20.3% protein and 14.9% lipid based on dry weight). The dry weight dietary contents of crude protein (32.8 to 19.9%), crude fiber (4.62 to 1.06%), and ash (9.00 to 3.32%) decreased with FW replacement levels, whereas contents of crude lipid (4.69 to 14.5%) and nitrogen-free extract (48.9 to 61.2%) increased. Fish (3.40 ± 0.01 g body weight) were assigned to five treatments, each comprising three tanks (60 cm width × 80 cm length × 45 cm height, 100 L water) containing 15 fish each. They received the experimental diets twice daily (09.00 and 16.00 h) at 3% of body weight over an 8-week feeding trial. At the end of the feeding trial, growth performance, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activities, fillet qualities, carcass composition, and hematological parameters, along with an economic analysis, were used as assessment criteria for a suitable diet. The gradual reduction in growth performance was observed as the proportion of FW increased (P < 0.05), and only the fish that received a diet containing 25% FW showed similar specific growth rates (1.60% body weight day−1) and feed conversion ratios (1.37 g feed g gain−1) to fish that received a diet without FW (P > 0.05). Higher replacement levels had negative effects on these parameters and increased dry matter apparent digestibility coefficients (from 74.0 to 82.2%), while reducing the protein digestibility coefficients (from 85.8 to 67.9%, P < 0.05). Activities of amylase, cellulase, pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, and the amylase to trypsin ratio were modulated differently across the dietary treatments. The diet containing 25% FW showed no adverse effects on fillet qualities, carcass composition, and hematological parameters. The cost of a diet containing 25% FW (0.71 USD kg−1) was lower than the cost of the commercial feed (0.94 USD kg−1), albeit not statistically significant (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that replacing 25% of commercial feed with FW could reduce feed costs and mitigate the environmental difficulties of FW disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water consumption, land use, as well as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and carbon (C) balance of five diet formulation strategies and feeding programs for growing-finishing pigs (25–130 kg body weight) in the three spatially explicit geographic regions where the majority of U.S. pork production occurs. Feeding programs evaluated consisted of 1) standard corn-soybean meal (CSBM) diets, 2) CSBM containing 15% corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), 3) CSBM with 8.6% thermally processed supermarket food waste (FW), 4) low crude protein CSBM diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids (SAA), and 5) CSBM with phytase enzyme (PHY) added at 600 FTU (phytase units)/kg of diet. An attributional Life Cycle Assessment approach using a highly specialized, spatially explicit Food System Supply-Chain Sustainability (FoodS3) model was used to quantify GHG emissions, water consumption, and land use of corn, soybean meal, and DDGS based on county level sourcing. The DDGS, FW, and SAA feeding programs had less estimated N and P intake and excretion than CSBM, and the PHY feeding program provided the greatest reduction in P excretion. The FW feeding program had the least overall GHG emissions (319.9 vs. 324.6 to 354.1 kg CO2 equiv./market hog), land use (331.5 vs. 346.5 to 385.2 m2/market hog), and water consumption (7.64 vs. 7.70 to 8.30 m3/market hog) among the alternatives. The DDGS feeding program had the greatest GHG emissions (354.1 kg CO2 equiv./market hog) among all programs but had less impacts on water consumption (7.70 m3) and land use (346.5 m2) per market hog than CSBM and PHY. The SAA feeding program provided a 6.5–7.4% reduction in land use impacts compared with CSBM and PHY, respectively. Regardless of feeding program, the Midwest had the least contributions to GHG emissions and land use attributed to feed and manure among regions. Water consumption per market hog associated with feeding programs was much greater in the Southwest (59.66–63.58 m3) than in the Midwest (4.45–4.88 m3) and Mid-Atlantic (1.85–2.14 m3) regions. Results show that diet composition and U.S. geographic region significantly affect GHG emissions, water consumption, and land use of pork production systems, and the potential use of thermally processed supermarket food waste at relatively low diet inclusion rates (<10%) can reduce environmental impacts compared with other common feeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbance of L‐carnitine (LC) activity dissipates metabolic energy production in living cells. LC deficiency regards to malabsorption and biosynthetic and transport deficiencies, either due to dietary or metabolic factors. Metal ions interact with LC molecule or its metabolic system elements such as building blocks (lysine and methionine), biosynthetic enzymes (trimethyllysine hydroxylase, TMLH; γ‐butyrobetaine dioxygenase, γ‐BBD) and LC transporters (carnitine acetyl transferase, CAT; organic cation transporter novel 2, OCTN2). Metals such as Cu2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ form complexes with LC, while Pb2+ and Ni form complexes with methionine and lysine. Also, Mg2+ and Mn ions inhibit TMLH and γ‐BBD activities. On the other hand, Ca2+ ions induce TMLH activity while LC forms a complex with it. Also, boron stabilizes B6 and C vitamins as they are co‐enzymes for LC biosynthetic enzymes activity. Metals affect LC homeostasis via affecting its transporters CAT and OCTN2, that Na+ shortage affects OCTN2 activity, while Cu2+ inhibit CAT activity. Dietary fibres mediate ions toxicity by forming complexes with ions, which increase LC absorption in small intestine, while fibre fermentation liberates the bounded minerals and enrich bacterial biomass in large intestine, but the microbiome sequent metals intra‐ and extracellularly increasing LC absorption, in addition to the dietary sparing effect on LC from bacterial consumption as nitrogen source. This review aimed to illustrate effect of metal ions toxicity on LC activity and the mediating effect of dietary fibres. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to illustrate the ion toxicity on LC activity in monogastrics and fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, effects of organic acids and probiotics on growth of Apis mellifera workers were studied under different experimental conditions. Significant weight gain was observed in workers of the experimental group 8 (pollen + Bacillus clausii in 50 % (w/v) sucrose in distilled water), group 9 (pollen + B. clausii in 50 % (w/v) sucrose in 2.99 % lactic acid), group 12 (pollen + Lactobacillus brevis in 50 % (w/v) sucrose in distilled water) and group 14 (pollen + L. brevis in 50 % (w/v) sucrose in 2.91 % acetic acid). The weight gain values (mg) for the experimental groups 8, 9, 12 and 14 appeared as 138.87 ± 6.50, 131.50 ± 4.35, 124.08 ± 5.28 and 127.82 ± 2.32, respectively in comparison to control's 119.90 ± 9.50. Significant increase in body lengths of workers in the experimental groups 8, 9 and 11 (pollen + B. clausii in 50 % (w/v) sucrose in 1.96 % acetic acid) showing mean length values (mm) as 15.33 ± 0.67, 15.75 ± 0.25 and 15.33 ± 0.33, respectively in comparison to control's 14.67 ± 0.33. Similarly, somewhat unexpected, and significant increase in forewing length was also noticed while observing the workers of treatment groups 8 and 12 (pollen + L. brevis in 50 % (w/v) sucrose in distilled water) showing forewing length values (mm) as 6.75 ± 0.09 and 6.55 ± 0.04, respectively in comparison to control's 6.53 ± 0.09. Workers belonging to the experimental groups 1 to 7 depicted insignificant results. Conclusively, api-promotor properties of organic acids and probiotics recommend their use in modern honeybee feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed formulations for marine shrimp have adapted to the stagnant fish meal supplies and increasing prices by progressively moving to alternative protein sources such as plant and rendered animal by-products. This review presents the current challenges on the use of conventional and non-conventional feed sources, with a focus on solving the economical, sustainability and performance challenges of low-fish meal diets. As a case study, this review shows that krill meal can be included to address some of these concerns, such as missing essential nutrients, lower attractability/palatability and antinutritional factors that suppress feeding stimulus, reduce nutrient bioavailability and hence increase production costs. The combination of protein, nutrients and feed attractants of krill meal is useful to address the disadvantages of alternative feed ingredients which range from being poorer feeding effectors to having lower bioavailability of nutrients. It can therefore be used as a formulation tool to decrease the reliance on fish meal, which opens the way for alternative ingredients that improve the cost efficiency and sustainability of feeds.

Accurate recording of growth indicators for aquaculture species at different stages is essential for evaluating aquaculture production effectiveness and the rationality of feed formulations. Due to their convenience and non-invasiveness, weight, length, and condition factor are commonly used to assess the growth of aquaculture species. However, fish growth indicators, can vary significantly with age structure and feed components (nutrition), and relying on a single indicator may lead to misjudgments. In this study, we investigated the growth indicators of Gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS V) at different growth stages (juvenile and adult) and different feed formulations. Meanwhile, the fish weight–length relationship (W=bLa) was used to assess the growth indicators. The results showed that the weight–length relationship of Gibel carp varied significantly with age and feed formulation. Additionally, the condition factor calculated depended on the weight–length relationship being more similar with weight and length change trend than the condition factor was measured. Weight analysis indicated that weight, length, depth, body width, and carcass ratio had higher weights when analyzing fish growth. Therefore, during aquaculture production, fish growth evaluating requires considering diverse indicators such as weight, length, body depth, body width, and carcass ratio, as well as the condition factor, to avoid misjudging the actual growth situation. Meanwhile, the use of the condition factor should consider the sufficient number of data and whether the assumptions (such as being in an isometric growth period) are met.

This study investigated the potential use of acid-fermented chicken silage on growth performance, digestive enzymes, liver and intestinal histology in Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique tilapia) (Peters 1852). Five silage-based diets were formulated by replacing fishmeal at 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, thereafter denoted as D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5, respectively. The control diet (0%) contained 40% of fishmeal while D5 contained no fishmeal. The diets contained the same protein (30.06%), fat (15%) and energy levels (18 MJ kg−1). Silage (29.31% protein and 10.97% fat) fed alone and a commercial feed (35% protein and 2.97% fat) were designated as D6 and D7, respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of O. mossambicus (6.06 ± 0.27 g) stocked in 400-L fiberglass tanks (50 fish/tank). Fish were fed with the diets to apparent satiation twice daily for 45 days. Among the silage-based diets, weight gained was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in D4 (18.34 ± 1.51 g) and D5 (20.86 ± 1.95 g) than in D1 (14.28 ± 1.21 g), D2 (14.19 ± 1.51 g) and D3 (14.43 ± 1.34 g). The highest specific growth rates were found in D4 (1.10 ± 0.19%) and D5 (1.23 ± 0.04%) than in D1 (0.96 ± 0.22%), D2 (0.74 ± 0.06%) and D3 (0.92 ± 0.04%). The best feed conversion ratio was found in D4 (2.55 ± 0.27) and D5 (2.41 ± 0.32) compared to D1 (3.13 ± 0.38), D2 (3.50 ± 0.34) and D3 (3.26 ± 0.42). Apparent digestibility coefficient for protein values was higher in D4 (93.50 ± 2.96%) and D5 (92.55 ± 3.90%) than in the control (86.68 ± 2.80%). However, the best growth rates were recorded in the D6 and D7 diets. The highest protease, amylase and lipase activities were recorded in D6 and D7 followed by D5 and D4. No pathological alterations were observed in the liver and intestines of fish among dietary treatments. This study confirmed that acid-fermented chicken silage could serve as an alternative and cheaper protein source, as well as complete diet for O. mossambicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]