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SUMMARY: The soybean supply chain incentivizes upstream participants (farmers) to maximize crop yield (volume), while downstream participants (nutritionists) make decisions based on crop quality characteristics such as amino acid concentration and energy content. These parameters tend to decline as soybean yield increases, consequently, the value proposition for soybean meal (SBM) is not fully recognized in the market. Furthermore, on a global basis, SBM sales are based primarily on minimum crude protein (CP) content, which does not fully account for the true value of SBM to the end user. In this study, a systematic framework was developed to quantify SBM value in both poultry and swine diets using the nutritional attributes (digestible amino acids and energy) that are the primary determinants of end-user value. To demonstrate the application value of soybean meal and its nutrient composition, SBM samples were analyzed for moisture, CP, and 11 amino acids. These values were then regressed to estimate 5 SBM CP concentrations (44.0, 45.0, 46.0, 47.0, and 48.0% CP) and the corresponding energy, and then used in a formulation exercise. Least cost diet formulation software calculated the cost of diets for poultry and swine for the 5 SBM CP concentrations. For each scenario, the only change allowed during the least cost optimization was the individual CP concentration of SBM. Relative SBM value was calculated based on SBM use (kg), total diet costs ($/MT) and current market ingredient prices ($/MT) for the diet formulas. The results showed that for each 1% increase in SBM CP concentration from 44.0 to 48.0% (or each 0.065% increase in total lysine from 2.75 to 3.01%) the SBM value increased on average $10.27 for swine and $12.62 for poultry per metric ton of feed. This analysis ties incremental changes in product nutritional composition (amino acid content and energy) to an increase in value of SBM ($/MT) for swine and poultry diets, and quantifies value from the end-user (nutritionist) perspective, allowing alignment across the value chain.

Aim of study: To define freezing conditions that preserve fermentative capacity of microbial inoculum for in vitro studies in pigs. Material and methods: Caecal contents from three slaughtered pigs were obtained for being used as inoculum. Part of it was immediately frozen in liquid N and stored at -80ºC, whereas the rest was directly used as fermentation inocula. Incubation substrate was pre-digested in pepsin and pancreatin to simulate the processes occurring before the caecum. Pre-digested substrate was incubated alone or supplemented by three additives consisting of two commercial additives based on essential oils mixtures (CRINA-TEP and CRINA-TMEC) and riboflavin. Gas production at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h, and methane, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and ammonia concentration at 6 h and 12 h were recorded. Main results: No differences (p>0.05) were recorded along the 12 h incubation between both preservation methods of inocula regarding gas production, methane or total SCFA or their molar proportions. Only a trend for a higher ammonia concentration was detected with frozen than fresh inocula (p=0.062). Although not a main objective of the paper, gas production from the substrate alone (control) was lower than with riboflavin from 8 h onwards, and with CRINA-TEP from 4 to 10 h incubation (p>0.05). Research highlights: Caecal inoculum from pigs for in vitro fermentation studies can be preserved by freezing, provided that freezing and thawing processes are carried out under favorable conditions, especially in terms of time and temperature.

Objective: To evaluate the physicochemical properties of an extruded feed using bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a soymeal substitute and to perform pig growth trials, evaluating nitrogen digestibility. Materials and methods: This research was divided into two stages, the first one consisted on the standardization of the extruded feed, where two formulations of bean flour (Pinto Saltillo variety), cornflour (Cafime variety), and soybean meal were evaluated: 20/67/13% and 30/60/10%, respectively. Samples were processed in a single screw extruder at 120-150°C and moisture content of 18-22%. Evaluated physicochemical properties were: expansion index, bulk density, water absorption index, water solubility index, hardness, water activity and color parameters: L*(clarity), a*(red-green chromaticity) and b* (yellow/blue chromaticity). In the second stage, the in vitro dry matter digestibility and fecal apparent digestibility were evaluated using the optimal treatment obtained from stage 1. Results: Optimal conditions for the 20% of bean flour formulation were: Temperature of 124.4°C and moisture content of 18.59%. Extrusion temperature decreased bulk density, hardness, and water activity, but increased L* and expansion index. Moisture content decreased bulk density, water activity, hardness, and a*. In vitro dry matter digestibility was higher for the extruded bean diet in comparison to the control diet (92.33% vs. 85.33%). Conclusions: Results indicated that bean flour is a viable option for animal consumption in terms of nutritional value and good digestibility.

The effects of dietary macroalgae, or seaweeds, on growth performance and meat quality of livestock animal species are here reviewed. Macroalgae are classified into Phaeophyceae (brown algae), Rhodophyceae (red algae) and Chlorophyceae (green algae). The most common macroalga genera used as livestock feedstuffs are: Ascophyllum, Laminaria and Undaria for brown algae; Ulva, Codium and Cladophora for green algae; and Pyropia, Chondrus and Palmaria for red algae. Macroalgae are rich in many nutrients, including bioactive compounds, such as soluble polysaccharides, with some species being good sources of n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. To date, the incorporation of macroalgae in livestock animal diets was shown to improve growth and meat quality, depending on the alga species, dietary level and animal growth stage. Generally, Ascophyllum nodosum can increase average daily gain (ADG) in ruminant and pig mostly due to its prebiotic activity in animal's gut. A. nodosum also enhances marbling score, colour uniformity and redness, and can decrease saturated fatty acids in ruminant meats. Laminaria sp., mainly Laminaria digitata, increases ADG and feed efficiency, and improves the antioxidant potential of pork. Ulva sp., and its mixture with Codium sp., was shown to improve poultry growth at up to 10% feed. Therefore, seaweeds are promising sustainable alternatives to corn and soybean as feed ingredients, thus attenuating the current competition among food‐feed‐biofuel industries. In addition, macroalgae can hinder eutrophication and participate in bioremediation. However, some challenges need to be overcome, such as the development of large‐scale and cost‐effective algae production methods and the improvement of algae digestibility by monogastric animals. The dietary inclusion of Carbohydrate‐Active enZymes (CAZymes) could allow for the degradation of recalcitrant macroalga cell walls, with an increase of nutrients bioavailability. Overall, the use of macroalgae as feedstuffs is a promising strategy for the development of a more sustainable livestock production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to determine the nutrient composition and effects of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) meal on the growth performance, economics of production and the absolute and relative weights of some internal organs of albino rats. Twelve (12) male albino rats with an average weight of 67.5g were randomly allotted three dietary treatments: T0 with no cockroach meal, and T1 and T2 with 2% and 4% cockroach meal respectively in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Each treatment had four rats and each rat served as a replicate. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The rats were euthanized and their internal organs were weighed at the end of a 28-day feeding trial. Data obtained were analysed using the analysis of variance procedure of the GenStat Statistical Package version 11.1. There were no significant differences in feed intake (P = 0.633), average daily gain (ADG)(P = 0.670) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)(P = 0.326) for the various treatments. The FCR figures recorded for T0, T1 and T2 were 4.81, 4.37 and 4.17 respectively whilst the inclusion of cockroach meal reduced feed cost by 3% and 7% in dietary treatments T1 and T2 respectively. Most of the internal organs recorded no significant difference (P >0.05) but rats on the cockroach meal diets recorded significantly (P = 0.001) lower relative heart weights. Relative kidney weights were also smaller (P = 0.034) for rats on diets containing 4% cockroach meal. Feeding diets containing up to 4% cockroach meal had no negative effects on the feed intake, ADG and FCR of the rats, and can therefore be safely fed to monogastrics up to 4% of the diet.

During the summer, high ambient temperature and humidity cause economic loss to the global livestock industry via reduced livestock productivity and increased mortality. The problem of heat stress (HS) is likely to be exacerbated by global warming and climate change. Recent research has shown that HS not only leads to physiological and metabolic perturbations in live animals but can also affect carcass and meat quality characteristics plausibly by altering the rate and extent of postmortem muscle glycolysis and resultant pH. However, these impacts of HS are not consistent across species. Higher incidence of pale soft and exudative (PSE) meat has been reported in poultry. On the contrary, higher incidence of high ultimate pH and dark firm and dry (DFD) meat or no impacts of HS have been reported in sheep and cattle. With the limited data on HS impacts on meat quality of ruminants, it is difficult to explain the exact mechanisms driving these variable impacts. However, it is hypothesized that the severity and duration of HS may lead to variable impacts due to lack of opportunity to adapdate to acute heat exposure. Longer HS exposure may allow ruminants to adapdate to heat and may not record any negative impacts on meat quality. This paper reviews the recent research on impacts of HS on meat quality characteristics and identify the key areas of further research required to better understand these negative impacts to develop strategies for amelioration. In addition, some mitigation strategies of HS have also been discussed which include both managemental and nutritional interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of natural source additives in animal production is increasingly important because they potentially promote growth in ways similar to synthetic compounds, such as anabolic hormones and antibiotics, but without risks to animal or consumer health or degrading meat quality. Encompassing a wide variety of compounds extracted from different plant parts, natural origin additives can be administered as essential oils, mixtures of compounds or isolated compounds to function as medicinal remedies or dietary supplements. Phenolic compounds are widely used and include hydroxycinnamic acids, present in a variety of vegetables, fruits and grains. These acids exhibit interesting bioactivities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and immunomodulation. Use of hydroxycinnamic acids in animal production is currently limited but may hold promise in promoting growth. Before this can occur further research is needed on their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, posology, exposition period and effects, as well as their possible metabolic routes and biotransformation in animal organisms. This review covers inclusion of hydroxycinnamic acids in livestock diets, their pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacodynamics, and findings on their effects in promoting growth and improving meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great number of studies have investigated the potential of L‐carnitine as feed additive to improve performance of different monogastric and ruminant livestock species, with, however, discrepant outcomes. In order to understand the reasons for these discrepant outcomes, it is important to consider the determinants of L‐carnitine status and how L‐carnitine status is regulated in the animal's body. While it is a long‐known fact that L‐carnitine is endogenously biosynthesized in certain tissues, it was only recently recognized that critical determinants of L‐carnitine status, such as intestinal L‐carnitine absorption, tissue L‐carnitine uptake, endogenous L‐carnitine synthesis and renal L‐carnitine reabsorption, are regulated by specific nutrient sensing nuclear receptors. This review aims to give a more in‐depth understanding of the basic mechanisms of the regulation of L‐carnitine status in monogastrics taking into account the most recent evidence on nutrient sensing nuclear receptors and evaluates the efficacy of L‐carnitine as feed additive in monogastric livestock by providing an up‐to‐date overview about studies with L‐carnitine supplementation in pigs and poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the association of phytase with an enzymatic complex comprised of carbohydrases (α-galactosidase, galactomannan, xylanase and β-glucanase) in nutrition reduction diets for semi-heavy laying hens and its effect on egg performance and egg quality. Four hundred Isa Brown laying hens with 42 to 57 weeks of age were distributed in an entirely random experiment with five treatments and 8 repetitions, during five production periods of 21 days. Variables studied: egg production, feed intake, mean egg weight, feed conversion, Haugh unit, percentage of yolk, egg white and albumen, yolk color, eggshell thickness and specific gravity. There was a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between treatments and experimental periods for feed intake. There were no significant effects (p > 0.05) of treatment on production, egg weight or internal and external egg quality. Treatment effects on feed conversion showed better values for hens fed with the control diet. The levels of nutrient reduction used in the diets with or without enzyme supplementation did not provide good results with regard to feed conversion and feed intake. However, they did not affect the other parameters for egg production and internal and external egg quality.

Microalgae, small-sized algae, have been studied as a natural marine resource for a number of economically relevant applications, including animal feed. In this review, we unveil the dietary microalgae effects currently known on production and meat quality of livestock species (ruminants, pigs, poultry and rabbits). Microalgae are classified into diatoms ( Bacillariophyceae ), green algae ( Chlorophyceae ), golden algae ( Chrysophyceae ) and blue-green algae cyanobacteria ( Cyanophyceae ). The most important phototrophic species belong to Arthrospira , Chlorella , Dunaliella and Haematocussus genus. In addition, heterotrophic marine organisms, such as Crypthecodinium , Schizochytrium and Ulkenia , have been successfully cultivated for n -3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n -3 LCPUFA) production. Microalgae are mainly composed by proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids. This variable nutrient composition depends on species, strain and algae growing conditions. Research evidence so far has shown that the inclusion of microalgae in animal diets could improve growth and meat quality in ruminants, pigs, poultry and rabbits. These findings are highly dependent on microalgae own composition and their amount in the diet. In a general overview, the inclusion of Arthrospira platensis in pig and poultry diets increases average daily gain but negatively affects feed conversion ratio. Regarding Schizochytrium sp., this microalga improves fatty acid composition in pork and poultry meat, essentially due to its high content in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Chlorella , at very low percentages in feed, benefits growth performance parameters of poultry. The use of microalgae as feed ingredients is very promising as an alternative to corn and soybean, thus mitigating the current competition among food-feed-biofuel industries. In addition, microalgae contribute for the protection of environment and natural resources, namely land degradation and water deprivation. Microalgae also provide a sustainable alternative for n -3 LCPUFA availability, thus protecting worldwide fatty fish stocks. However, the cost-effective production and use of microalgae is a major challenge in the near future. In fact, the current microalgae cultivation technology should be improved to reduce their production costs. In addition, we foresee that the efficiency of microalgae incorporation in monogastric diets could be largely improved by the use of Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes). CAZymes will allow the increase of nutrients bioavailability, as a consequence of recalcitrant microalgae cell walls degradation. Overall, the inclusion of microalgae in feed represents a very promising strategy for the maintenance and development of livestock sector, as an environmental friendly alternative to balance food-feed-biofuel industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock contribute to food security by supplying essential macro- and micro-nutrients, providing manure and draught power, and generating income. But they also consume food edible by humans and graze on pastures that could be used for crop production. Livestock, especially ruminants, are often seen as poor converters of feed into food products. This paper analyses global livestock feed rations and feed conversion ratios, with specific insight on the diversity in production systems and feed materials. Results estimate that livestock consume 6 billion tonnes of feed (dry matter) annually – including one third of global cereal production – of which 86% is made of materials that are currently not eaten by humans. In addition, soybean cakes, which production can be considered as main driver or land-use, represent 4% of the global livestock feed intake. Producing 1 kg of boneless meat requires an average of 2.8 kg human-edible feed in ruminant systems and 3.2 kg in monogastric systems. While livestock is estimated to use 2.5 billion ha of land, modest improvements in feed use efficiency can reduce further expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current regulations for organic pig and poultry production systems permit feed ingredients of non-organic origin at an inclusion rate of up to 5 per cent. This is primarily due to concerns that there is an insufficient supply of organic protein on the European Union market, in terms of quality and quantity, to meet the nutritional requirements of pigs and poultry raised on organic farms. However, 100 per cent organic diets for monogastric livestock will become compulsory in the EU from 1 January 2018, and there is therefore a need to develop sustainable feeding strategies based on organic feeds. This feed trial conducted in the UK explores the feasibility of using a silage-based feeding system for Gloucester Old Spot pigs, and compares the inclusion of soya, beans and peas as protein sources in terms of pig growth performance. No significant difference in the pen mean daily live weight gain was observed during the grower phase (pen mean age of 11-14 weeks) between the diet groups. However, during the finisher phase (pen mean age of 15-22 weeks), pigs on the soya and pea rations had significantly faster growth rates than pigs fed the bean ration. It is speculated that the slight shortfall in growth rate observed in the pigs fed the bean ration may be offset by the lower cost of production of beans in the UK. This feasibility trial demonstrates that a 100 per cent organic diet for pigs using alternative, locally-grown sources of protein as part of a forage-based ration can provide a viable alternative to a soya-based diet.

Com a crescente produção de biodiesel no Brasil, aumenta também a produção de glicerina, co-produto dessa indústria. O principal componente da glicerina é o glicerol, altamente energético e, por isso, ela já vem sendo usada como alimento animal em vários países. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição química da glicerina produzida por indústrias de biodiesel no Brasil e discutir seu potencial de utilização na alimentação animal. Dezesseis usinas, responsáveis por 85,1% do biodiesel produzido no país, forneceram 41 amostras para análise. Cromo, cádmio e chumbo não foram detectados em nenhuma das amostras estudadas. Apenas quatro usinas, responsáveis por 36,8% da produção, produzem glicerina que atendem os parâmetros estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento para os teores de umidade e glicerol. Apenas uma usina, responsável por 14,1% da produção, produz glicerina apta para uso na alimentação de ruminantes, por não utilizar sebo bovino como matéria prima para o biodiesel.The increasing production of biodiesel in Brazil also increases glycerin production, a co-product of this industry. The main component of glycerin, glycerol, is highly energetic and because of that, glycerin is already used as animal feed in many countries. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the chemical composition of glycerin produced by biodiesel plants in Brazil and discuss its potential utilization as animal feed. Forty one samples of glycerin from sixteen biodiesel plants, that together yield 85.1% of Brazilian biodiesel, were analyzed. Chromium, cadmium and lead were not detected in any studied sample. Only four plants, that together yield 36.8% of Brazilian glycerin, comply the glycerol and moisture content levels established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. Only one, responsible for 14.1% of Brazilian glycerin, delivers glycerin with the potential to be used as ruminant feed once it doesn't use animal fat to produce biodiesel.

A produção industrial de aves e suínos mostrou enormes avanços nos últimos anos, principalmente devido ao aumento dos conhecimentos na área de genética e de nutrição. Na área de avaliação dos alimentos e das exigências nutricionais de animais monogástricos, as melhoras se dão a passos largos, devido á seriedade com que os profissionais encaram a responsabilidade de fazer pesquisa de qualidade dentro e fora do país. Neste trabalho serão abordadas as metodologias que permitem melhorar a utilização dos alimentos de maneira mais eficiente e econômica. Serão citados alguns cuidados e procedimentos essenciais para executar adequadamente experimentos de desempenho com aves e suínos. Na atualidade, para a realização de experimentos com monogástricos, é necessário: definir claramente os objetivos, utilizar animais com peso inicial uniforme, usar número adequado de repetições e de animais por unidade experimental. Testes de médias devem ser usados para as variáveis qualitativas e quando a variável independente for quantitativa aplicar análise de regressão. O nível de significância utilizado (5, 7, 10%) pode variar conforme a importância econômica da característica estudada. A adequada condução dos ensaios, sejam de crescimento ou de digestibilidade, é fundamental para que as ferramentas apresentadas possam ter efetividade, resultando na melhora da produtividade e na redução dos custos e da excreção de nutrientes.Swine and Poultry production showed enormous progress in the last few years, mainly due to the increased knowledge in genetics and nutrition. In the area of feedstuffs evaluation and nutritional requirements the improvement also was big due to the seriousness of the professionals to make high quality research in Brazil and abroad. This paper shows methodologies that can improve feedstuffs utilization more efficiently with lower costs. Procedures are described for adequate execution of growth experiments with poultry and swine. Actually, to run experiments with monogastric animals it is important to: define clearly the objectives, utilize animals with uniform starting weight, to use adequate number of replicates and animals per experimental unit. Mean test comparation should be used for qualitative variable and regression analysis when the independent variable is quantitative. The level of significance applied may vary (5, 7, 10%) depending upon the economic importance of the parameter evaluated. Adequate execution of growth or digestibility trials is of fundamental importance for the recommendations made in this paper to be effective and result in increased productivity and reduction of costs and nutrient excretion.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização do milheto (Pennisetum glaucum, (L.) R. Brown) na alimentação de suínos na fase inicial (15 aos 30kg de peso vivo). Foi conduzido um experimento de desempenho, utilizando-se 48 leitões híbridos comerciais, sendo metade machos e metade fêmeas, com peso inicial de 14,9 ± 2,01kg. Utilizou-se a variedade IAPAR-IA98301 de milheto (MS: 90,61%; PB: 11,64%; Ca: 0,05%, P: 0,29% e 3.181kcal ED kg-1). Foi utilizado o delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos (0, 20, 40 e 60% de inclusão de milheto), seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. A inclusão do milheto em rações para suínos na fase inicial não influenciou o consumo diário de ração, o ganho diário de peso, a conversão alimentar e o custo em ração por quilograma de suíno produzido. Em uma relação onde o preço do milheto corresponde a 70% do preço do milho, o custo em ração do quilograma de suíno produzido também não foi alterado. Os resultados sugerem que o milheto IAPAR-IA98301 pode ser incluído em rações de suínos na fase inicial até o nível de 60%.The objective of this study was to evaluate the pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Brown) utilization on feeding of initial pigs (15-30kg of body weight). A performance trial was conducted by using 48 crossbred pigs (a half barrows and a half females) with initial weight of 14.93 + 2.01kg with the use of IAPAR-IA98301 species of pearl millet (DM 90.61%; CP 11.64%; Ca 0.05%; P 0.29% and 3,182 kcal DE kg-1). A randomized blocks designwas used, with four treatments (0; 20; 40 and 60% of pearl millet inclusion), with six repetitions and two animals per experimental unit. The pearl millet inclusion on starting pigs diets did not influence on daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed:gain ratio and cost in diet per kilogram of pig produced during the initial phase. The results, suggest that the pearl millet IAPAR-IA98301 can be included in starting pig diets until 60%.

O destino dos resíduos da piscicultura sempre foi um problema para os produtores. Além de serem poluentes, são desperdiçados produtos de alto valor nutritivo. Realizou-se este trabalho com o objetivo de viabilizar ao pequeno e médio produtor um processo de reaproveitamento dos resíduos da piscicultura, a partir de uma silagem ácida. A silagem com ácido muriático foi elaborada em 16 silos, sendo 4 tratamentos e 4 repetições com 2.000 g de resíduo moído/silo e, respectivamente, 150, 200, 300 e 350 ml ácido/tratamento, durante 3 semanas; o pH foi monitorado diariamente. Foram realizadas análises de Contagem Total de Microrganismos e Coliformes Totais após 1 e 3 semanas e análise de coliformes a 45ºC após 3 semanas. Com essas análises determinaram-se baixa contagem bacteriana e ausência de Coliformes a 45ºC, tornando o produto adequado ao consumo animal.The destiny of aquaculture wastes was always a problem to the producers. Besides pollute, they are wastes with high nutritive value. The objective of this research was to produce acid silage using aquaculture wastes. The silage using meiotic acid was elaborated in 16 silos, 4 treatments and 4 replications with 2.000 g of grinded fish/silo and respectively 150, 200, 300 and 350 ml acid/treatment, during 3 weeks. The pH was diary accompanied. Total Count of Microorganisms and Total Coliforms analysis was realized after 1 and 3 weeks and Coliforms at 45ºC after 3 weeks. These analysis determinate low bacteria concentration and absence of Coliforms at 45ºC, changing the product adequate to animal feed.

This review outlines the importance of understanding the true fibre content, which is the sum of non-starch polysaccharides and lignin, of feed in order for animal nutritionists to improve the precision of feed formulation in the future. The continuing use of crude fibre in feed formulation means that up to a quarter of the feed components, mainly non-starch polysaccharides and oligosaccharides that are lost during acid and alkali extractions, are ignored for ingredients such as soybean meal. Furthermore, the values for acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre are not used for feed formulation. They also do not represent unique classes of chemically defined molecules. In some cases, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre values do not cover a large proportion of soluble fibre, for example, in leguminous crops that contain a high level of pectic polysaccharides. Non-starch polysaccharides and their associated lignin content represent the true fibre levels in ingredients and this is the basis from which structural and physicochemical elucidation of fibre can be attained. Only with such understanding will nutritional strategies be applied to target specific fractions/types of fibre in ingredients to produce desired nutritional and health outcomes in pigs and poultry. In this context, an example is given to illustrate how gut microbiota of animals can be manipulated to enhance production performance and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytase, that is extensively used as a feed additive is capable of hydrolyzing phytic acid, an antinutrient found in about 60-80 % of all the plant commodities. This enzyme improves the bioavailability of essential minerals such as Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Fe, that are bound to phytic acid. An extracellular phytase from a local fungal isolate, Aspergillus niger CFR 335 was purified to homogeneity through a three-step column chromatography using DEAE-Sephadex anion exchanger. An active fraction of the enzyme was obtained with NaCl gradient of 2.5 M in DEAE Sephadex column. The enzyme was purified up to 16 fold with a yield of 28.5 %. Substrate specificity studies revealed a highest specific activity of 32.6 ± 3.1 U/mg for sodium phytate with the K value of 0.08 ± 0.1 mM. The molecular weight of the enzyme was 66 kDa with an optimum temperature of 30 °C and pH 4.5. Up to 80 % of the activity was retained even after storing the enzyme for 6 months at 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical equations have been used to add quantitative rigour to the description of animal systems for the last 100 years. Initially, simple equations were used to describe the growth of animals or their parts and to predict nutrient requirements for different livestock species. The advent of computers led to development of complex multi-equation, dynamic models of animal metabolism and of the interaction between animals and their environment. An understanding was developed about how animal systems could be integrated in models to obtain the most realistic prediction of observations and allow accurate predictions of as yet unobserved events. Animal models have been used to illustrate how well animal systems are understood and to identify areas requiring further research. Many animal models have been developed with the aim of evaluating alternative management strategies within animal enterprises. Several important gaps in current animal models requiring further development are identified: including a more mechanistic representation of the control of feed intake; inclusion of methyl-donor requirements and simulation of the methionine cycle; plus a more mechanistic representation of disease and the impact of microbial loads under production environments. Reasons are identified why few animal models have been used for day-to-day decision making on farm. In the future, animal simulation models are envisaged to function as real- time control of systems within animal enterprises to optimise animal productivity, carcass quality, health, welfare and to maximise profit. Further development will be required for the integration of models that run real time in enterprise management systems adopting precision livestock farming technologies. Future animal enterprises are envisaged to include simulation models for real-time control of management systems to optimise animal productivity, carcass quality, health, welfare and to maximise profit. Animal simulation models have evolved over the last 100 years to include detailed representation of nutrient metabolism under varying environments and include components necessary for enterprise decision making. Models require further development to better predict feed intake, methyl group requirements and health status, as well as real-time integration into practical farming operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60–70% increase in consumption of animal products is expected by 2050. This increase in the consumption will demand enormous resources, the feed being the most challenging because of the limited availability of natural resources, ongoing climatic changes and food–feed–fuel competition. The costs of conventional feed resources such as soymeal and fishmeal are very high and moreover their availability in the future will be limited. Insect rearing could be a part of the solutions. Although some studies have been conducted on evaluation of insects, insect larvae or insect meals as an ingredient in the diets of some animal species, this field is in infancy. Here we collate, synthesize and discuss the available information on five major insect species studied with respect to evaluation of their products as animal feed. The nutritional quality of black soldier fly larvae, the house fly maggots, mealworm, locusts–grasshoppers–crickets, and silkworm meal and their use as a replacement of soymeal and fishmeal in the diets of poultry, pigs, fish species and ruminants are discussed. The crude protein contents of these alternate resources are high: 42–63% and so are the lipid contents (up to 36% oil), which could possibly be extracted and used for various applications including biodiesel production. Unsaturated fatty acid concentrations are high in housefly maggot meal, mealworm and house cricket (60–70%), while their concentrations in black soldier fly larvae are lowest (19–37%). The studies have confirmed that palatability of these alternate feeds to animals is good and they can replace 25–100% of soymeal or fishmeal depending on the animal species. Except silkworm meal other insect meals are deficient in methionine and lysine and their supplementation in the diet can enhance both the performance of the animals and the soymeal and fishmeal replacement rates. Most insect meals are deficient in Ca and its supplementation in the diet is also required, especially for growing animals and laying hens. The levels of Ca and fatty acids in insect meals can be enhanced by manipulation of the substrate on which insects are reared. The paper also presents future areas of research. The information synthesized is expected to open new avenues for a large scale use of insect products as animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The increasing production of biodiesel in Brazil also increases glycerin production, a co-product of this industry. The main component of glycerin, glycerol, is highly energetic and because of that, glycerin is already used as animal feed in many countries. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the chemical composition of glycerin produced by biodiesel plants in Brazil and discuss its potential utilization as animal feed. Forty one samples of glycerin from sixteen biodiesel plants, that together yield 85.1% of Brazilian biodiesel, were analyzed. Chromium, cadmium and lead were not detected in any studied sample. Only four plants, that together yield 36.8% of Brazilian glycerin, comply the glycerol and moisture content levels established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. Only one, responsible for 14.1% of Brazilian glycerin, delivers glycerin with the potential to be used as ruminant feed once it doesn't use animal fat to produce biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of enzymes has increased dramatically in the last 20years, and yet the fact that perhaps one of their most important actions is in mediating the size and composition of microbial populations is still largely unrecognized. As the public press for increasingly antibiotic (and by extension coccidiostat) free diets, it is clear that this under-investigated facet of enzyme action warrants far greater scrutiny. Until quite recently it was assumed that the intestinal microbiota were simply reactive to the nutrients left behind after digestion had completed. However it now seems that intestinal microbial population size and composition clearly plays a very large role in determining the extent of digestion accomplished by the host and by extension, growth rate and efficiency. This is becoming increasingly becoming apparent with the advent of new molecular techniques coupled with statistical methods which are beginning to identify desirable and undesirable clusters of organisms as far as good performance is concerned, although the variability in techniques utilised is hampering progress. The fact that exogenous enzymes not only influence the partitioning of nutrients to the host but also, through their action, produce nutrients for specific populations of bacteria, means that they are multifactorial in their effect. As a result their effects are influenced by many other factors such as presence of antibiotics, health status/disease challenge of the animals and quality of ingredients fed. Understanding of such interactions will lead to a more predictable and profitable outcome for the end user. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are expected to cause global warming which results in extreme weather changes that could affect crop yields and productivity, food supplies and food prices. It is also expected that climate change will have an impact on animal metabolism and health, reproduction and productivity. On the other hand, the expected increased demand of animal origin products in the coming years will increase the reared animal numbers and consequently GHG emissions. This paper outlines the main GHGs emitted from livestock which are CO2, CH4 and N2O, coming from respiration, enteric fermentation and manure management respectively, with CH4 and N2O having the highest global warming potential. Ruminant livestock has the highest contribution to these GHG emissions with small ruminants share being 12.25% of the total GHG emissions from livestock''s enteric and manure CH4, and manure N2O in CO2 equivalent, producing 9.45 kg CO2 equivalent per kg body weight with the respective values for cattle, pigs and poultry being 5.45, 3.97 and 3.25. Since the production systems significantly affect the GHG emissions, the grazing, livestock crop complex, and intensive ones account for 30.5%, 67.29% and 5.51% for total CH4 emission (from enteric fermentation and manure management) and 24.32%, 68.11% and 7.57% for N2O respectively. Taking into account the positive and negative impacts of small ruminant livestock production systems to the environmental aspects in general, it is recommended that a number of potentially effective measures should be taken and the appropriate mitigation technologies should be applied in order to reduce effectively and essentially the GHG emissions to the atmosphere, with no adverse effects on intensification and increased productivity of small ruminants production systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This review addresses the question whether host resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes is sensitive to metabolizable protein (MP) or metabolizable energy (ME) scarcity. Several ruminant studies have addressed this question, and with additional data from monogastric models and post-rumen infusion methodologies, there is convincing evidence that host resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes is sensitive to MP scarcity and not (moderate) ME scarcity. A possible evolutionary reason for this variation has been evoked. Attempts to dissect the role of MP and ME scarcity on resistance to parasites in ruminants is hampered by the modifying role of the rumen, as ME supplementation usually results in confounding MP supply, arising from increased microbial protein synthesis. The latter contributes less to intestinal MP than by-pass protein, and has an amino acid composition that is less compatible with that of immune proteins, compared to MP arising from animal protein sources. Thus, the largest benefits from supplementation on host resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes are expected to arise from protein-rich foods rather than from energy-rich foods. In addition, dietary protein quality in terms of level of by-pass protein and amino acid composition of resulting intestinal MP are important factors to consider in non-chemical parasite control strategies in small ruminant production systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phytases have been used commercially since the early 1990s and have been the focus of considerable and sustained research for many decades. Despite this heroic effort there are still areas of persistent uncertainty such as the obscurity surrounding total compared with digestible calcium, appropriate modification to dietary sodium (and other electrolyte) concentrations, the usefulness of the amino acid and energy digestibility improvements and ultimately the effect of phytase on nutrient requirement. One further area which has attracted some attention recently is the effect of unconventionally high doses of phytase (i.e. >2,500 FTU/kg from Aspergillus niger or Escherichia coli) in an attempt to ostensibly ‘de-phytinise’ the diet. The effects of such ‘super’ doses of phytase can be considerable, and often beyond that which may be reasonably expected based on improvement in P digestibility per se. This review article addresses these effects and suggests mechanisms by which they may be explained. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are considered to have important physiological functions. However, to prove this, SCFA must be determined, which is rather difficult as a lot of factors interfere with their production. This review focuses on the factors that influence the prediction of short-chain fatty acid formation in the large intestine of monogastric mammals. To mimic the in vivo situation, when predicting the amount of short-chain fatty acids produced from a certain substrate based on in vitro models, one has to estimate the amount of this substrate entering the large intestine, the retention time in the different parts of the large intestine, and the substrate fermentability. Instead of in vitro models, direct and indirect techniques may be used to measure short-chain fatty acid production in vivo. Direct techniques include the measurement of input and output or measuring differences in SCFA between portal and venous blood whereas indirect techniques measure the end products of fermentation. In this case, other factors have to be taken into account, including technical limitations and ethical considerations. In this review it is concluded that the choice for a method will rely on the purpose of the study taking into account the (dis)advantages of every method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article deals with the studies on the effect of media ingredients, such as carbon, nitrogen, inorganic phosphates, surfactants, and metal salts, on phytase enzyme production by Aspergillus niger CFR 335 in submerged (SmF) and solid-state fermentations (SSF). The results obtained showed a 1.5-fold higher enzyme yield in the presence of sucrose in both SmF and SSF, while peptone was found to be a favorable nitrogen source for SmF. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) favored 34% higher enzyme yield than the control, which was followed by 19% higher activity in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) in SSF at 0.015% w/v. The addition of Tween-20 in SmF showed a maximum yield of 12.6 U/mL while, SDS suppressed the growth of the fungus. None of the surfactants favored the enzyme yield in SSF. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) was extensively efficient in stimulating more than 55% higher phytase production in SmF at 0.01% v/v. In SSF, none of the metal salts stimulated phytase production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a great interest has been put in increasing more the efficiency of the animal production. For this reason, together with the genetic improvements, it has been searched that the animals use at maximum the nutrients of the feeds to attain better growth and lower conversion. Along with this, great attention has been paid to the health of the animals, the effect of the rearing on the environment and security for the human being according to the feeds consumed. In regards to the formulation of feedstuffs, the trend is to decrease the excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus in the feces and urine, while in regards to growth promoters, the primacy of those of antibiotic origin is questioned due to the risk of provoking resistance to pathogen microorganisms and new alternatives are proposed, mainly of natural type to reduce or eliminate them totally. The solutions envisaged nowadays in respect to the use of additives in the production of monogastric animals are addressed primarily to the substitution of the growth promoters of antibiotic origin and to the decrease of the environmental deterioration. Some of them are analyzed here such as the organic acids, the phytogenic additives and the natural zeolite feasible to be used in Cuba and other countries as efficacious and innocuous response to achieve acceptable efficiencies in the production of monogastric animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article characterizes the fibrous matrix of fibrous dietary sources in non-ruminant species as a low cost feeding alternative. The two factors associated with the decrease in the nutritional quality of these sources and their utilization are cited. Dietary fibers have five main components. Fiber quality factors might influence biological processes like nutrient intake and digestion. According to results of one study, fibrous feedstuffs showed lower probability of water solubility and higher water absorption capacity.

Measures of amino acid (AA) digestibility are used widely to estimate bioavailability of AA in feed and food ingredients for monogastric animals. In principle, the digestibility assay is simpler than in vivo assessments of AA bioavailability and allows for simultaneous estimation of the bioavailability of all AA in an experimental diet. It is generally assumed that absorption of intact AA in the hindgut of monogastrics is minimal, even though colonocytes do contain AA transporters and have been shown to absorb AA. This assumption is supported by the observation that infusion of AA into the hindgut does not improve nitrogen balance in monogastrics. In addition, growth performance of monogastrics is more highly correlated with ileal than faecal AA digestibility. Therefore, ileal digestibility coefficients provide better estimates of AA bioavailability than faecal digestibility coefficients. Measures of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA are confounded with endogenous gut AA losses (EAAL). The curvilinear increase in AID of AA with increasing dietary AA level has been attributed to the relatively large contribution of EAAL to total ileal AA flows at low dietary AA levels. Subtracting basal EAAL from total ileal AA flows yields standardized ileal digestibility (SID) coefficients that appear to be more additive than AID coefficients in mixtures of feed ingredients. An implicit assumption when using SID AA coefficients in diet formulation is that the post-absorptive utilization of AA is not influenced by the dietary protein source. This assumption appears inappropriate when using feed or food ingredients that have been over-heated, induce large amounts of EAAL, or contain substantial amounts of fermentable fibre. Improved understanding of processes that contribute to the discrepancy between bioavailability and ileal digestibility will allow a more effective use of AA digestibility coefficients in diet formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]