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The world's increasing need for protein faces challenges in aquaculture production. New applications and tools will need to be added at every stage of the manufacturing line to attain this expansion sustainably, safely, and effectively. Utilizing experimental methods to increase aquatic animal production has become more common as aquatic biotechnology has advanced. High‐throughput omics technologies have been introduced to address these issues, including transcriptomic, metabolomic, proteomic, and genomes. But it also faces many difficulties, like other food manufacturing industries. One of the best and most durable approaches to address these issues is probably to understand nutritional requirements and modify diet based on need. Molecular approaches are a subset of multiomics technology. Previously, most of the published work was devoted to the biochemical aspects of protein–lipid interactions in biological systems. In this review, we explore this idea and highlight various works that fall under the umbrella of nutrigenomics, with a particular emphasis on protein utilization and its interactions with carbohydrates and lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global demographic shifts toward an aging population, understanding the efficiency of protein utilization in older adults becomes crucial. Our study explores the intricate relationship between protein intake and aging, with a focus on precision nutrition for older people. Through a meta-analysis, we confirm a decline in protein-utilization capacity in older individuals and examine the different contributions of plant and animal protein. In experiments involving mice of different ages, older mice exhibited decreases in the biological utilization of four proteins (casein, beef protein, soy protein, and gluten), particularly casein. In subsequent research, casein was studied as a key protein. A decline in gastric digestion function was observed through peptidomics and the examination of pepsin levels using casein. Nevertheless, this decline did not significantly affect the overall protein digestion during the aging process. The combined application of targeted amino acid metabolomics identified abnormal absorption of amino acids as the underlying cause of decreased protein utilization during aging, particularly emphasizing a reduction in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in older mice. Delving deeper into the proteomics of the intestinal protein digestion and absorption pathway, a reduction of over 60% in large neutral amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2) protein expression was observed in both older humans and aged mice. The reduction in LAT2 protein was found to be a key factor influencing the diminished BCAA availability. Overall, our study establishes the significance of amino acid absorption through LAT2 in protein utilization during aging and offers a new theoretical foundation for improving protein utilization in the older adults.

With strong demand for aquatic products, as well as a rapid decrease in global fishery resources and capture fisheries, domesticating animals to provide more highquality proteins is meaningful for humans. Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is widely distributed in the wild habitats of North America. However, the research on A. grunniens and the feed domestication with diets composed of artificial compounds remains unclear. In this study, a 4-month feeding domestication experiment was conducted with A. grunniens larvae to evaluate the underlying mechanism and molecular targets responsible for alternations in the ingestion performance. The results indicated that a significant increase in the final body weight was exhibited by the feed domesticated group (DOM, 114.8 g) when compared to the group that did not ingest the feed (WT, 5.3 g) as the latest version we raised From the result, the final body weight exhibited significant increase between unfavorable with the feed (WT, 5.3 g) and feed domesticated group (DOM, 114.8 g). In addition, the enzyme activity of digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and trypsin was increased in DOM. Genes related to appetite and perception, such as NPY4R, PYY, and LEPR, were activated in DOM. 16s rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that Pseudomonas sp. increased from 58.74% to 89.77% in DOM, which accounts for the dominant upregulated microbial community at the genus level, followed by Plesiomonas. Analogously, Mycobacterium, Methylocystis, and Romboutsia also accounted for the down-regulated microbes in the diversity. Transcriptome and RTPCR analysis revealed that feed domestication significantly improved protein digestion and absorption, inhibited apoptosis by AGE-RAGE signaling, and activated extracellular matrix remodeling by relaxin signaling. Integrated analysis of the microbiome and host transcriptome revealed that Pseudomonas-mediated ingestion capacity, protein utilization, and cellular homeostasis might be the underlying mechanism under feed domestication. These results indicate Pseudomonas and its key genes relating to food ingestion and digestion could serve as the molecular targets for feed domestication and sustainable development in A. grunniens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • H-MIL-100(Fe) and R-MIL-100(Fe) improved CH 4 yield by 16.01 % and 14.99 % than CC. • MIL-100(Fe) facilitated the secondary structure's disruption and degradation of proteins. • Geolatea and Methanobacterium were enriched in H-MOF-CC and R-CC-MOF compare to CC. • H-MIL-100(Fe) enhanced electrochemical performance by promoting cellular activities. • R-MIL-100(Fe) tended to metabolize amino acid into methane production. Microbial electrolysis cell-anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD) is an emerging technology for methane production. However, low substrate degradation efficiency remains a challenge when processing protein substrates. This study developed a MIL-100(Fe) carbon cloth anode to enhance methane production and substrate degradation in MEC-AD. The effects of MIL-100(Fe) prepared under hydrothermal (H-MIL-100(Fe)) and room temperature conditions (R-MIL-100(Fe)) were compared. Results indicated that H-MIL-100(Fe) and R-MIL-100(Fe) increased cumulative methane production by 16.01% and 14.99%, respectively compared to normal cloth, each influencing methane production through distinct mechanisms. Electrochemical characterization showed that H-MIL-100(Fe) enhanced the electrochemical performance more significantly due to the enrichment of Geotalea , with the oxidation current improved by 7.39-fold (R-MIL-100(Fe) increased it by only 2.95-fold) to promote growth of Methanobacterium. Metagenomic analysis revealed that R-MIL-100(Fe) tended to metabolize amino acids into methane rather than support cellular life activities, indicating its practicality under limited substrate concentration. In summary, R-MIL-100(Fe) shows greater potential for application due to its mild synthesis conditions and advantages in treating complex substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of non-grain protein source and water temperature on growth and feed utilization differences of grass carp, the effects of different protein sources on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, digestive enzymes, amino acid transport and intestinal health of grass carp were studied at 24 °C, 28 °C and 32 °C. In this study, a total of 1350 grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) (initial weight 5.00 ± 0.02 g) were selected, and Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), Tenebrio molitor meal (TMM), cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) and Chlorella powder (CHP) were used as a single protein source to completely replace soybean meal for 56 days. The results showed that the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of grass carp increased significantly with the increasing temperature (P < 0.001). The CHP and SBM groups showed no significant differences in FBW, WGR, SGR and PER (P > 0.05), which were higher than the CAP, TMM and CPC groups (P < 0.001). The alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations of grass carp at 32 °C were significantly lower than those at 24 °C and 28 °C (P < 0.001). The acid phosphatase (ACP) activity decreased significantly with the increase of temperature (P = 0.001). The amylase (AMS) activity of the TMM, CPC and CHP groups was significantly lower than that of the SBM and CAP groups (P < 0.001), and the ACP and lipase (LPS) activities in the TMM group were significantly lower than those in the SBM group (P < 0.001). In addition, the interaction between temperatures and protein sources significantly affected the gene expression levels of amino acid transport including solute carrier family 1 member 3 (SLC1A3), solute carrier family 7 member 1 (SLC7A1), solute carrier family 7 member 5 (SLC7A5), solute carrier family 15 member 1b (SLC15A1b), solute carrier family 7 member 7 (SLC7A7), target of rapamycin (TOR), 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), intestinal inflammatory including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin1, claudin3, claudin7 and claudin11) (P ≤ 0.001). Collectively, our results indicated that CHP could be a potential protein source in the case of complete replacement of soybean meal in grass carp. • Chlorella powder (CHP) was a potential protein source in the case of complete replacement of soybean meal in grass carp. • Growth and amino acid translocation of grass carp were significantly affected by temperature and protein source. • Intestinal inflammatory factors and tight junction proteins were significantly affected by temperature and protein source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity of nutritive protein is a major global problem, the severity of which is bound to increase with the rising population. The situation demands finding additional sources of proteins that can be both safe as well as acceptable to the consumer. Food waste, particularly from seafood is a plausible feedstock of proteins in this respect. Fishing operations result in appreciable amounts of bycatch having poor food value. In addition, commercial processing results in 50 to 60% of seafood as discards, which consist of shell, head, fileting frames, bones, viscera, fin, skin, roe, and others. Furthermore, voluminous amounts of protein-rich effluents are released during commercial seafood processing. While meat from the bycatch can be raw material for proteinous edible products, proteins from the process discards and effluents can be recovered through biorefining employing upcoming, environmental-friendly, low-cost green processes. Microbial or enzyme treatments release proteins bound to the seafood matrices. Physico-chemical processes such as ultrasound, pulse electric field, high hydrostatic pressure, green solvent extractions and others are available to recover proteins from the by-products. Cultivation of photosynthetic microalgae in nutrient media consisting of seafood side streams generates algal cell mass, a rich source of functional proteins. A zero-waste marine bio-refinery approach can help almost total recovery of proteins and other ingredients from the seafood side streams. The recovered proteins can have high nutritive value and valuable applications as nutraceuticals and food additives.

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With strong demand for aquatic products, as well as a rapid decrease in global fishery resources and capture fisheries, domesticating animals to provide more high-quality proteins is meaningful for humans. Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is widely distributed in the wild habitats of North America. However, the research on A. grunniens and the feed domestication with diets composed of artificial compounds remains unclear. In this study, a 4-month feeding domestication experiment was conducted with A. grunniens larvae to evaluate the underlying mechanism and molecular targets responsible for alternations in the ingestion performance. The results indicated that a significant increase in the final body weight was exhibited by the feed domesticated group (DOM, 114.8 g) when compared to the group that did not ingest the feed (WT, 5.3 g) as the latest version we raised From the result, the final body weight exhibited significant increase between unfavorable with the feed (WT, 5.3 g) and feed domesticated group (DOM, 114.8 g). In addition, the enzyme activity of digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and trypsin was increased in DOM. Genes related to appetite and perception, such as NPY4R, PYY, and LEPR, were activated in DOM. 16s rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that Pseudomonas sp. increased from 58.74% to 89.77% in DOM, which accounts for the dominant upregulated microbial community at the genus level, followed by Plesiomonas. Analogously, Mycobacterium, Methylocystis, and Romboutsia also accounted for the down-regulated microbes in the diversity. Transcriptome and RT-PCR analysis revealed that feed domestication significantly improved protein digestion and absorption, inhibited apoptosis by AGE-RAGE signaling, and activated extracellular matrix remodeling by relaxin signaling. Integrated analysis of the microbiome and host transcriptome revealed that Pseudomonas-mediated ingestion capacity, protein utilization, and cellular homeostasis might be the underlying mechanism under feed domestication. These results indicate Pseudomonas and its key genes relating to food ingestion and digestion could serve as the molecular targets for feed domestication and sustainable development in A. grunniens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pirarucu is a carnivorous fish species from the Amazon river basin. There is growing interest in pirarucu farming, but scarce information for specific diets is a limitation. We analyzed the muscle tissue amino acid profile of pirarucu in order to estimate its amino acid requirements by using a diverse sample pool. Wild pirarucu was captured in the Araguaia and Caiapós river basins (Tocantins, Brazil). Farmed pirarucu was purchased from fish farms in the states of Maranhão and Tocantins (Brazil). Fish were sampled in two size classes: 1.66 ± 0.22 and 10.49 ± 1.07 kg body weight. Multivariate statistical analyses were applied to amino acid profiles among the groups, using R software with Vegan package. Muscle amino acid profiles varied according to pirarucu origin and size class. Estimated values can be adopted to formulate diets for pirarucu. Pirarucu fillet is a good source of essential amino acids for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variable proportion of slaughtered livestock, generally referred to as the fifth quarter, is not part of the edible dressed meat and regarded as animal byproduct. In order for the fifth quarter to play a significant role in the current effort toward a circular bio‐based economy, it has to successfully support food security, social inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and a viable economy. The high volume of these low‐value streams and their nutrient‐dense nature can facilitate their position as a very important candidate to explore within the context of a circular bio‐based economy to achieve some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs). While these sources have been traditionally used for various applications across different cultures and industries, it seems evident that their full potential has not yet been exploited, leaving these products more like an environmental burden rather than valuable resources. With innovation and well‐targeted interdisciplinary collaborations, the potential of the fifth quarter can be fully realized. The present review intends to explore these low‐value streams, their current utilization, and their potential to tackle the global challenges of increasing protein demands while preventing environmental degradation. Factors that limit widespread applications of the fifth quarter across industries and cultures will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body protein losses in lactating sows have a negative impact on sow and litter performance. Improving dietary amino acid utilization may limit protein mobilization. The effects of dietary protein kinetics on sow body condition loss, blood plasma metabolites, and plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and also on litter gain during lactation, were investigated in this study. In total, 57 multiparous sows were fed one of three lactation diets with the same crude protein level: low level of slow protein diet (LSP) (8% slowly degradable protein of total protein), medium level of slow protein diet (MSP) (12% slowly degradable protein of total protein), or high level of slow protein diet (HSP) (16% slowly degradable protein of total protein) in a complete block design. Our results showed that HSP sows lost the least body weight compared to MSP and LSP sows (11.9 vs. 17.3 and 13.5 kg, respectively; p = 0.01), less body protein than MSP sows (1.0 vs. 2.1 kg; p = 0.01), and tended to lose less loin muscle thickness than LSP sows (1.7 vs. 4.9 mm; p = 0.09) between Day 2 to Day 21 post-farrowing. LSP sows had greatest plasma urea level on Day 6 than MSP and HSP sows (4.9 vs. 3.6 and 3.1 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.01) and on Day 13 (5.6 vs. 4.1 and 3.7 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.01). HSP sows had the lowest plasma urea level at Day 20 compared to LSP and MSP sows (4.0 vs. 5.5 and 4.9 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.01). The average plasma urea level of Days 6, 13, and 20 post-farrowing was negatively correlated with slow protein intake (r = −0.49, p < 0.01). Litter gain, milk composition, and nitrogen output to the environment did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. Therefore, the dietary protein kinetics affected mobilization of maternal reserves in multiparous sows during lactation, with a high fraction of slow protein-sparing protein mobilization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing a CP-reduced diet with rumen-protected methionine on growth performance of Fleckvieh bulls. A total of 69 bulls (367 ± 25 kg BW) were assigned to three feeding groups (n = 23 per group). The control (CON) diet contained 13.7% CP and 2.11 g methionine/kg diet (both DM basis) and was set as positive control. The diet reduced in CP (nitrogen) (RED) diet as negative control and the experimental RED + rumen-protected methionine (MET) diet were characterised by deficient CP concentrations (both 9.04% CP). The RED + MET diet differed from the RED diet in methionine concentration (2.54 g/kg DM vs. 1.56 g/kg DM, respectively) due to supplementation of rumen-protected methionine. Rumen-protected lysine was added to both RED and RED + MET at 2.7 g/kg DM to ensure a sufficient lysine supply relative to total and metabolisable protein intake. Metabolisable energy (ME) and nutrient composition were similar for CON, RED, and RED + MET. Bulls were fed for 105 days (d) on average. Individual feed intake was recorded daily; individual BW was recorded at the beginning of the experiment, once per month, and directly before slaughter. At slaughter, blood samples were collected and carcass traits were assessed. Reduction in dietary CP concentration reduced feed intake, and in combination with lower dietary CP concentration, daily intake of CP for RED and RED + MET was lower compared with CON (P

• Rapeseed meal protein concentrate (RPC) with low anti-nutrients was prepared. • Ultrasound pretreatment enhanced enzymolysis efficiency of RPC. • Amino acid composition of RPC hydrolysates was changed by ultrasound pretreatment. • Ultrasound pretreatment prior to enzymolysis improved bioavailability of RPC. In order to improve the bioavailability of rapeseed meal protein concentrate (RPC), sequential dual frequency (50/28 kHz) ultrasound was applied to pretreat RPC and its protein bioavailability was investigated by in-vivo nitrogen-balance trials. Based on Box-Behnken experimental design, a set of preferred ultrasound pretreatment condition was determined to be at power density of 65.6 W/L for 38.6 min with an incubation temperature of 39.0 °C. Under these conditions, degree of hydrolysis and protein conversion rate of RPC respectively increased by 26.6 % and 32.9 % compared to the control. Meanwhile, the macromolecular protein of sonicated RPC was converted into more small molecular peptides with a molecular weight of 200∼1000 Da by enzymolysis, accompanied by the changes of amino acid composition in supernatant. Furthermore, the rats fed with hydrolysates (including supernatant and precipitate) derived from ultrasound pretreatment coupled with enzymolysis rather than traditional enzymolysis showed higher weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, net protein ratio, apparent digestibility and true digestibility. These findings revealed that ultrasound could be considered as a promising pretreatment technology for preparing enzymatic hydrolysates with high bioavailability and thus realize the maximum utilization of rapeseed meal protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to illustrate the effect of dietary protein levels on the growth and physio‐metabolic responses of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei reared in inland saline water (ISW). Six isoenergetic (15 MJ/kg) and isolipidic (60 g/kg) diets with graded level of crude protein viz., 240 (T240), 260 (T260), 280 (T280), 300 (T300), 320 (T320) and 340 (T340) g/kg diet were formulated. Significantly higher (p <.05) weight gain (%), specific growth rate, with lower food conversion ratio were found in T320 and T340 groups. The protein utilizing efficiency and whole‐body protein content were significantly higher (p <.05) in the T320 group. Trypsin activity increased with the increasing dietary CP level but amylase activity decreased with the increasing dietary CP level. Transaminase enzymes, haemolymph protein and haemocyanin were elevated in T320 and T340 groups. The lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly higher (p <.05) in the T240 group. Shrimp of T240 group had the lowest (p <.05) glycogen and total haemocyte count with highest (p <.05) haemolymph glucose and antioxidant enzymes activities than the other groups. Based on the results, feeding 320 g CP/kg is found to be optimum for supporting maximum growth and health status of L. vannamei reared in ISW at 8 g/L salinity. The finding of the present study will help in developing a low‐cost feed for L. vannamei reared in ISW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal with sunflower meal had on common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. fingerlings. A total of 455 fish with an average weight of 3.03 ± 0.36 g were distributed in 15 fiberglass tanks and fed five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with replacement levels of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% of fish meal with sunflower meal for 10 weeks. Based on the results, the highest and lowest final weights were observed at 25 and 100%, respectively, although the differences at 50 and 75% were not significant compared to the control. Significant differences were observed in body composition excluding ash content. Differences in all hematological indices among treatments were not significant, but in plasma biochemical indices, there was a significant decline in triglyceride levels at 100%, and cholesterol was significantly higher in the control. The results of the current study demonstrate that replacing fish meal with sunflower meal is possible up to 75% for common carp fingerlings without negative impacts on growth, body composition, or hematological and plasma biochemical indices.

A 60 days feeding trial was conducted to illustrate the effect of graded levels of protein on the growth and metabolic enzymes of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus L.) fingerlings reared in inland saline water (ISW). Six isoenergetic (16 MJ/kg) and isolipidic (60 g/kg) diets containing 240, 260, 280, 300, 320 and 340 g crude protein (CP)/kg diet were formulated and fed to triplicate. Weight gain %, specific growth rate, protein utilizing efficiency, feed efficiency and RNA:DNA ratio were significantly higher (p <.05) in 320 and 300 g CP/kg diets. Fish fed with 240 g CP/kg diet showed significantly higher (p <.05) feed intake, whole‐body lipid content, hepatosomatic index value and liver glycogen content. Transaminase enzymes and malate dehydrogenase activities were elevated in fish fed 340 g CP/kg diet. Protease activity increased with increasing dietary CP level, but amylase activities showed an inverse relationship. No significant (p >.05) variations were observed for lactate dehydrogenase, oxidative stress enzymes, blood parameters and serum osmolality among all the treatment groups, but red blood cell count increases with increasing dietary CP levels. Based on the results, feeding dietary protein level of 300 g CP/kg is economically viable for rearing of grey mullet in ISW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty nonvegetarian active males were pair-matched and randomly assigned to receive 2 g of L-carnitine L-tartrate (LC) or placebo per day for 2 wk. Participants exercised for 90 min at 70% VO2max after 2 days of a prescribed diet (M ± SD: 13.6 ± 1.6 MJ, 57% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 26% fat, 2% alcohol) before and after supplementation. Results indicated no change in carbohydrate oxidation, nitrogen excretion, branched-chain amino acid oxidation, or plasma urea during exercise between the beginning and end of supplementation in either group. After 2 wk of LC supplementation the plasma ammonia response to exercise tended to be suppressed (0 vs. 2 wk at 60 min exercise, 97 ± 26 vs. 80 ± 9, and 90 min exercise, 116 ± 47 vs. 87 ± 25 μmol/L), with no change in the placebo group. The data indicate that 2 wk of LC supplementation does not affect fat, carbohydrate, and protein contribution to metabolism during prolonged moderate-intensity cycling exercise. The tendency toward suppressed ammonia accumulation, however, indicates that oral LC supplementation might have the potential to reduce the metabolic stress of exercise or alter ammonia production or removal, which warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs are among the most important farm animals for meat production worldwide. In order to meet the amino acid requirements of the animals, pigs rely on the regular intake of proteins and amino acids with their feed. Unfortunately, pigs excrete about two thirds of the used protein, and production of pork is currently associated with a high emission of nitrogen compounds resulting in negative impacts on the environment. Thus, improving protein efficiency in pigs is a central aim to decrease the usage of protein carriers in feed and to lower nitrogen emissions. This is necessary as the supply of plant protein sources is limited by the yield and the cultivable acreage for protein plants. Strategies to increase protein efficiency that go beyond the known feeding options have to be investigated considering the characteristics of the individual animals. This requires a deep understanding of the intestinal processes including enzymatic activities, capacities of amino acid transporters and the microbiome. This review provides an overview of these physiological factors and the respective analyses methods.

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of fish meal replacement with sunflower meal on growth performance, feed efficiency and body proximate composition of common carp fingerlings. Five experimental diets with replacement levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of fish meal with sunflower meal were formulated with equal protein, fat and energy contents. Fish meal proportion of control diet was 28%. Fish with average weight of 3.03 ± 0.36 g were distributed in 15 fiberglass tanks. After 10 weeks of feeding by experimental diets, growth performance and feed efficiency were evaluated and 6 fish per tank were taken for body composition analysis. According to the results, highest final weight was derived in 25% treatment (p0.05), but in 100% treatment significant decline in growth and feed efficiency was observed (p0.05) among treatments. Results of this study showed, it is possible to replace fish meal with sunflower meal up to 75% in common carp fingerlings diet without negative impacts on growth performance, feed efficiency and body composition.

In some geographical areas and in certain breeding situations, the interpretation of increased gain in the bovine is difficult to investigate. Due to their inherent genetic variations, their energy and protein needs vary as a function of inherent genetic differences, making these requirements difficult to accurately assess in bull species, e.g., Thai swamp buffalo. The study aimed at investigating and predicting protein requirement systems, by the provision of an abundant energy intake of 2.2 Mcal/kg DM for the maintenance and growth of Thai swamp buffaloes using a comparative prolonged feeding trial for 90 days. Sixteen bull Thai swamp buffaloes at the initial (Age: 18–24 months; BW: 233 ± 25.0 kg) were assigned into four treatment groups, four buffaloes each, fed 5.4, 6.6, 8.5, and 10.5% DM crude protein (CP). CP intake, BW, and physiological fluid were determined. The net CP requirements for maintenance and growth of Thai swamp buffaloes were 5.41 g CP/kg W0.75 and 0.46 g CP/g average daily gain (ADG), respectively. Our results indicated that CP requirement increases when the BW increases. An increased dietary CP resulted in increased amounts of blood urine nitrogen (N), N absorption, total volatile fatty acid, urinary purine derivative, and the microbial N. Notably, the net CP requirement for growth of Thai swamp buffalo was higher than it reported in NRC, but the maintenance was lower.

Sixteen Ettawah cross bred goats were used to study the effect of waru leaf (Hibiscus tiliaceus)sapponin combined with soybean meal protein supplementation on some parameters of proteinmetabolism. Goats had body weight average of 16 kg and aged at 7 months. The experimental dietswere: T0 = total mixed ration (0.9% saponin of hibiscus leaf, 8% CP, 62% TDN), T1 = T0 + 3% soybeanmeal protein, T2 = T0 + 6% soybean meal protein, and T3 = T0 + 9% soybean meal protein. Thetreatments were allocated in a completely randomized design. The parameters observed in this studywere dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intakes, DM and CP digestibilities, ruminal amonia andVFAs concentrations, blood urea level, nitrogen retention, digestible organic matter in rumen (DOMR),urinary allantoin, and estimated microbial nitrogen (N) synthesis. DM intake, DOMR, urinary allantoinand estimated microbial N synthesis were not affected significantly (P>0.05) by treatments. CP intake,DM and CP digestibilities, ruminal amonia and VFAs concentrations, blood urea level and nitrogenretention increased (P

Feeding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to lactating dairy cows has been implicated as a cause of late blowing defects in the production of Swiss-style cheeses. Our objectives were (1) to test the effect of feeding reduced-fat DDGS (RF-DDGS; ∼6% fat) to lactating dairy cows on the composition of milk and on the suitability of the milk for production of baby Swiss cheese and (2) to evaluate the effect of diet on cow lactation performance. Lactating Holstein dairy cows were fed both dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 crossover design. Cows were housed in a 48-cow freestall pen equipped with individual feeding gates to record feed intake. The control diet was a corn, corn silage, and alfalfa hay diet supplemented with mechanically expelled soybean meal. The experimental diet was the same base ration, but 20% (dry matter basis) RF-DDGS were included in place of the expelled soybean meal. The RF-DDGS diet was additionally supplemented with rumen-protected lysine; diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Cows were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water, fed twice daily, and milked 3 times daily. For cheese production, milk was collected and pooled 6 times for each dietary treatment. There was no treatment effect on milk yield (35.66 and 35.39 kg/d), milk fat production (1.27 and 1.25 kg/d), milk fat percentage (3.65 and 3.61%), milk protein production (1.05 and 1.08 kg/d), lactose percentage (4.62 and 4.64%), milk total solids (12.19 and 12.28%), and somatic cell count (232.57 and 287.22 × 103 cells/mL) for control and RF-DDGS, respectively. However, dry matter intake was increased by treatment, which implied a reduction in feed efficiency. Milk protein percentage also increased (3.01 and 3.11%), whereas milk urea nitrogen decreased (14.18 and 12.99 mg/dL), indicating that protein utilization may be more efficient when cows are fed RF-DDGS. No differences in cheese were observed by a trained panel except cheese appearance; control cheese eyes were significantly, but not practically, larger than the RF-DDGS cheese. These results indicate that RF-DDGS can be effectively used in the rations of lactating Holstein cows with no deleterious effects on milk production and composition and metrics of the physiology of the cow (i.e., blood glucose and nonesterified fatty acids); however, feeding RF-DDGS increased dry matter intake, which decreased feed efficiency. Finally, feeding RF-DDGS did not negatively influence quality and suitability of milk for production of baby Swiss cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An experiment was conducted with barramundi (Lates calcarifer) juveniles (initial weight 10.3 g ± 0.3 g) to examine the partial efficiency of utilization of methionine (Met) from intact protein (fishmeal or lupin protein concentrate) and a crystalline DL‐Met source. Fish were fed at one of three ration levels: Low (0.4 g/fish/day), Moderate (0.8 g/fish/day) and High (1.6 g/fish/day). Those fed the fishmeal‐based diet (Diet FML) at the highest ration level grew to an average weight of 37.3 ± 0.46 g, whereas those fed the Lupin Protein Concentrate (LPC)‐based diet fortified with all EAA (Diet LPCM) at the highest ration level grew to 25.4 ± 2.27 g. The weight of the fish fed the LPC diet with no additional Met (Diet LPC) even at the highest ration level declined over the course of the experiment resulting in a final weight of 9.2 ± 0.88 g, clearly demonstrating the impact of dietary Met deficiency. The partial efficiency of protein utilization was also significantly reduced when Met was limiting (a coefficient of 0.06, compared to 0.39 in the Met‐supplemented LPC diet). The results suggested that the partial efficiencies (coefficients) of both Met and protein utilization in diets where crystalline Met is the primary source of Met (Diet LPCM: 0.26 and 0.39 respectively) were significantly poorer than from an intact protein source (Diet FML: 0.89 and 0.67 respectively) when Met is provided in excess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal with sunflower meal had on common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. fingerlings. A total of 455 fish with an average weight of 3.03 ± 0.36 g were distributed in 15 fiberglass tanks and fed five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with replacement levels of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% of fish meal with sunflower meal for 10 weeks. Based on the results, the highest and lowest final weights were observed at 25 and 100%, respectively, although the differences at 50 and 75% were not significant compared to the control. Significant differences were observed in body composition excluding ash content. Differences in all hematological indices among treatments were not significant, but in plasma biochemical indices, there was a significant decline in triglyceride levels at 100%, and cholesterol was significantly higher in the control. The results of the current study demonstrate that replacing fish meal with sunflower meal is possible up to 75% for common carp fingerlings without negative impacts on growth, body composition, or hematological and plasma biochemical indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal-based diets formulated as semi-purified diets can provide flexibility for researchers, enabling open controlled formulas, besides being cheaper than purified diets. Seeking to widen the researchers' options in their experimental design developments, we aimed at assaying the chemical score, growth performance and protein utilization of nine semi-purified experimental chows. These diets were formulated at 17.8%, 12% and 8% protein contents, using three variations of ingredients for each one, as follows: casein (C), caseinþsoybean meal (CþS, 1:1 w/w protein) and caseinþsoybean mealþcorn gluten meal (CþSþG, 1:1:1 w/w protein), without cysteine supplementation and setting casein 17.8% (AIN-93G) as reference diet. The diets C and CþS (17.8%) had the Cys as the limiting amino acid once the addition of gluten turns the Lys as second limiting. All diets had the potential for promoting growth with body mass gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR; chow consumed per body weight gain, average 3.12) and feed efficiency ratio (FER; body weight gain per chow consumed, average 0.3), except for CþSþG 8% (FCR ? 6 g; FER ? 0.13). These variations were mainly due to the protein amounts independently from the protein ingredient used and could characterize the CþSþG 8% as unable to support growth. For the other parameters (digestibility, net protein ratio, net protein utilization and protein efficiency ratio), there were no relevant differences between the diets. We can conclude that 17.8%, 12% and 8% chows (C and CþS) allowed a proper combination of ingredients from the point of view of palatability, nutrient availability/utilization, metabolic processes, growth performance and feed utilization parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soy sauce is the most popular traditional fermented condiment in Asia. However, some proteins are unutilized during fermentation, causing resource waste. Therefore, this study aimed to improve protein utilization and fermentation quality by adding protease in the moromi. Firstly, Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) endogenous proteases were found to play an important role in nitrogen element utilization, including increasing total nitrogen (TN), amino acid nitrogen (AAN), and relative protein expression. Secondly, among six exogenous proteases, neutral protease (NP) performed better both alone and synergistically with A. oryzae crude protease powder (CPP), because of the enhancement of small peptides and enzymatic effect. Importantly, adding NP increased AAN and TN by 7.45 % and 2.21 % respectively, as well as increasing peptides below 500 Da, Maillard peptides and the proportion of lactic to acetic acid, hence improving the umami and richness of soy sauce. Overall, adding NP could increase soy sauce protein utilization and fermentation quality. • TN, AAN and protein expression were increased by the proteases secreted by koji. • Flavor of soy sauce was promoted by adding NP. • TN, AAN and below 500 Da peptides were enhanced in moromi due to NP. • Lactic to acetic acid rate and Maillard peptides level were elevated with added NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of graded dietary levels of fish meal ( FM) replacement with meat and bone meal ( MBM) with garlic powder (G) or without garlic powder ( WG) garlic powder were investigated on growth, digestive enzymes, apparent digestibility, body composition and fatty acid profile of juvenile rainbow trout ( Oncorynchus mykiss; 8.26 ± 1.10 g). A total of eight dietary treatments were evaluated: control with garlic powder (0 MBM+G), 250 MBM+G, 450 MBM+G, and 650 MBM+G (g MBM/kg diet; treatments with garlic powder; G treatments), control without garlic powder (0 MBM), 250 MBM, 450 MBM and 650 MBM (g MBM/kg diet; treatments without garlic powder; WG treatments). Our results demonstrated that increased dietary content of MBM impaired growth and production performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, tissue fatty acid profile and overall digestibility. Addition of garlic powder was able to correct fish performance, body composition, enzyme activity and digestibility to some extent. Dietary supply of garlic resulted in increased digestive enzyme activity improving fish performance. The current results indicated that fish fed 650 g MBM/kg feed exhibited impaired growth that could be attributed to reduce digestibility of protein, fat, energy and dry matter, PUFAs and n-3 LC- PUFAs in muscle. We suggest that 450 g FM per kilo feed can be successfully replaced with MBM supplemented with 30 g garlic powder per kilo feed without impairing fish performance and physiology, however distorting tissue fatty acid composition resulting in lesser levels of n-3 LC- PUFAs compared to the 0 MBM+G diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth and digestibility trials were conducted to evaluate the use of flash dried yeast ( FDY) as a supplement in practical shrimp feeds. The six-week growth trial evaluated the effects of FDY supplementation (0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 g kg-1) in the plant-based practical diet on the performances and proximate compositions of juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Final biomass, final mean weight, per cent weight gain ( WG), feed conversion ( FCR) and protein retention efficiency ( PRE) of Pacific white shrimp were not significantly influenced when FDY was added up to 40 g kg-1 of the diet. However, 60 g kg-1 FDY supplementation significantly reduced growth, feed utilization and protein retention. Supplementation of FDY in the practical diets of Pacific white shrimp did not affect protein, moisture, lipid, crude fibre, and ash content of whole shrimp body. Apparent digestibility coefficients of energy, protein, and amino acid ( AA) for FDY were determined using chromic oxide as an inert marker and the 70:30 replacement technique. The energy and protein digestibility of FDY were 38.20% and 53.47%, respectively, which were significantly lower than fishmeal ( FM) and soybean meal ( SBM) that were run at the same time. Most amino acid digestibility of FDY was lowest among the three ingredients tested. Results of this work indicated that energy, protein and amino acid digestibility of FDY are lower compared to SBM and FM, and high levels supplementation (≥60 g kg-1) of FDY can cause negative effects to the growth response of Pacific white shrimp. Based on these results, further research regarding the effects of the low level inclusion of FDY in practical diets on immune responses of Pacific white shrimp is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growth trial and a digestibility trial were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of phytase supplemented to practical shrimp feeds. The 5 weeks growth trial evaluated the effects of phytase supplementation in replete phosphorus (P) diets on the performances and compositions of juvenile Pacific white shrimp , Litopenaeus vannamei. No significant differences were observed in final biomass, final mean weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio ( FCR), protein retention and survival across all the treatments. Shrimp reared on the P deficient diet had significantly higher P retention and lower whole body P levels as compared to shrimp fed the other diets. Copper content in the whole shrimp body was significantly increased in the treatment supplemented with 1,000 IU kg−1 feed phytase. The digestibility trial was conducted to study the combined effects of phytase supplementation levels and diet type (plant-based versus fishmeal-based) on apparent digestibility coefficients of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. There were no effects of diet type so the data was combined. Phytase incorporation at both 500 and 2,000 IU kg−1 significantly improved protein digestibility, whereas P digestibility was enhanced when 2,000 IU kg−1 phytase was supplemented to the diet. Apparent digestibility coefficients of alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine and valine were significantly increased when fed diets contained 500 and 2,000 IU kg−1 phytase supplementation. Results of this work demonstrate that under the conditions of the study growth was not enhanced by phytase supplementation in P replete diets. However, nutrient retention for Cu and digestibility of P, protein and a number of amino acids were enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Probiotics have been reported to support healthy digestive and immune function, aid in protein absorption, and decrease inflammation. Further, a trend to increase vertical jump power has been observed following co-administration of protein and probiotics in resistance-trained subjects. However, to date the potential beneficial effect of probiotics on recovery from high intensity resistance exercise have yet to be explored. Therefore, this study examined the effect of co-administration of protein and probiotics on muscle damage, recovery and performance following a damaging exercise bout. Design. Twenty nine (n = 29) recreationally-trained males (mean ± SD; 21.5 ± 2.8 years; 89.7 ± 28.2 kg; 177.4 ± 8.0 cm) were assigned to consume either 20 g of casein (PRO) or 20 g of casein plus probiotic (1 billion CFU Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, PROBC) in a crossover, diet-controlled design. After two weeks of supplementation, perceptional measures, athletic performance, and muscle damage were analyzed following a damaging exercise bout. Results. The damaging exercise bout significantly increased muscle soreness, and reduced perceived recovery; however, PROBC significantly increased recovery at 24 and 72 h, and decreased soreness at 72 h post exercise in comparison to PRO. Perceptual measures were confirmed by increases in CK (PRO: +266.8%, p = 0.0002; PROBC: +137.7%, p = 0.01), with PROBC showing a trend towards reduced muscle damage (p = 0.08). The muscle-damaging exercise resulted in significantly increased muscle swelling and Blood Urea Nitrogen levels in both conditions with no difference between groups. The strenuous exercise significantly reduced athletic performance in PRO (Wingate Peak Power; PRO: (−39.8 watts, −5.3%, p = 0.03)), whereas PROBC maintained performance (+10.1 watts, +1.7%). Conclusions. The results provide evidence that probiotic supplementation in combination with protein tended to reduce indices of muscle damage, improves recovery, and maintains physical performance subsequent to damaging exercise.

The objective of this study was to validate three different models for predicting milk urea nitrogen using field conditions, attempting to evaluate the nutritional adequacy diets for dairy cows and prediction of nitrogen excreted to the environment. Observations (4,749) from 855 cows were used. Milk yield, body weight (BW), days in milk and parity were recorded on the milk sampling days. Milk was sampled monthly, for analysis of milk urea nitrogen (MUN), fat, protein, lactose and total solids concentration and somatic cells count. Individual dry matter intake was estimated using the NRC (2001). The three models studied were derived from a first one to predict urinary nitrogen (UN). Model 1 was MUN = UN/12.54, model 2 was MUN = UN/17.6 and model 3 was MUN = UN/(0.0259 × BW), adjusted by body weight effect. To evaluate models, they were tested for accuracy, precision and robustness. Despite being more accurate (mean bias = 0.94 mg/dL), model 2 was less precise (residual error = 4.50 mg/dL) than model 3 (mean bias = 1.41 and residual error = 4.11 mg/dL), while model 1 was the least accurate (mean bias = 6.94 mg/dL) and the least precise (residual error = 5.40 mg/dL). They were not robust, because they were influenced by almost all the variables studied. The three models for predicting milk urea nitrogen were different with respect to accuracy, precision and robustness.

Sixty three male Wistar albino rats of 124.3±3.1 g mean body weight were divided into nine equal groups and fed a common basal diet, except for selenium (Se) source and levels. While in group T1 (control) no Se was supplemented; in group T2 and T3, 150 ppb Se was supplemented as sodium selenite and Se nano particles, respectively. Rats in groups T4, T5, T6 and T7 were supplemented with Se nano particles at 75, 37.5, 18.75 and 9.375 ppb levels, respectively. Rats in groups T8 and T9 were supplemented with 300 ppb Se nano particles and sodium selenite, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for a period of 45 days including a digestion trial of 5 days. The intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract were similar (p>0.05) among the nine groups. However, wistar rats given 150 ppb Se nano particles had significantly (p<0.05) higher crude protein digestibility than sodium selenite and control. The results suggested that nano particles of selenium had no adverse effect on nutrient intake and exerted positive effect on the protein utilization in the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi validar modelos de predição de nitrogênio uréico no leite (NUL), visando contribuir para avaliação nutricional de dietas de vacas. Foram utilizadas 8.833 observações de vacas holandesas de um rebanho comercial. A produção de leite, o pesovivo, o número de dias em lactação e o número de lactações foram coletados no dia da amostragem do leite. Amostras de leite foram coletadas mensalmente para determinação da sua composição. Para a avaliação dos 3 modelos, foram medidas acurácia, precisão e robustez. O modelo 3, apesar de mais acurado (viés=-0,21 mg/dL), foi menos preciso (erro residual=5,24 mg/dL) que o modelo 2 (viés=-1,72 e erro residual=4,90 mg/dL), enquanto o modelo 1 foi o menos acurado (viés=2,93 mg/dL) e o menos preciso (erro residual=5,99 mg/dL). Houve falta de robustez para os 3 modelos. Os três modelos de predição de NUL diferiram entre si quanto à acurácia, precisão e robustez.The objective of this study was to validate prediction models for milk urea nitrogen (MUN), aiming at evaluating utilization efficiency of diets for dairy cows. Data (8,833 observations) from Holstein cows were used. Milk production, body weight, days in milk and lactation number were collected on the milk sampling days. Milk samples were collected monthly for composition analysis. In order to evaluate the three models, accuracy, precision and robustness were tested. Despite being more accurate (mean bias=-0.21 mg/dL), model 3 was less precise (residual error=5.24 mg/dL) than model 2 (mean bias=-1.72 and residual error=4.90 mg/dL), while model 1 was the least accurate (mean bias=2.93 mg/dL) and the least precise (residual error=5.99 mg/dL). There was lack of robustness for the three models. Models for predicting MUN differ among themselves with regard to accuracy, precision and robustness.

This study assessed the capacity of non-transgenic (NTG) and growth-hormone transgenic (TG; gene construct EO-1α) Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.), comprised of conventional diploid (DIP) and reproductively-sterile triploid (TRIP) fish, to utilize a diet containing relatively high amounts of plant protein (PP) concomitant with lower levels of fish meal (FM) protein. Triplicate groups of full-sibling NTG/DIP, NTG/TRIP, TG/DIP and TG/TRIP salmon (initial weight, 27–35 g) were held in freshwater and fed two experimental diets until they exceeded 400% growth. Two isonitrogenous (50% crude protein), isolipidic (21% lipid) and isoenergetic (22 MJ/kg gross energy) experimental diets were tested. The control diet (FM) contained 64 and 36%, while PP diet contained 32 and 68% of total dietary protein from FM and PP, respectively. TG and NTG fish achieved the target (> 150 g) weight in 89 and 206 days, respectively. TG fish exhibited significantly higher specific growth rates (SGR) (2.48 vs 0.7%/day) and thermal growth coefficient (TGC) (3.04 vs 0.79) than NTG, regardless of ploidy or diet. TG/TRIP fish had significantly lower growth rates than DIP due to lower feed intake, while no ploidy effect was observed within the NTG group. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better in TG/DIP and TG/TRIP fish having achieved the same target weight with 20–25% less feed due to improved protein utilization and retention efficiency compared to NTG fish. NTG fish had higher digestibility of protein (93% vs 89%), lipid (95% vs 94%) and energy (89% vs 85%) relative to their TG siblings, and was similar between DIP and TRIP fish. Nutrients' digestibility was significantly lower in TG fish fed PP diet than those fed FM diet, regardless of ploidy. At the end of the study, TG fish had significantly lower whole-body protein (56% vs 59%) and higher lipid (36% vs 34%) and energy (2746 vs 2694 kJ/100 g) content than NTG fish. However, as a result of the rapid growth rate and efficient feed utilization, nutrient gain and retention efficiencies were significantly higher in TG than NTG fish. DIP and TRIP TG Atlantic salmon have the ability to maintain accelerated growth even when fed a high PP diet (68% of dietary protein), which may have important benefits for the production of growth hormone transgenic Atlantic salmon. Statement of relevance The results from the present study are innovative and may have important benefits for the optimization and production of growth hormone transgenic Atlantic salmon using sustainable feed ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen Ettawah cross bred goats were used to study the effect of waru leaf (Hibiscus tiliaceus) sapponin combined with soybean meal protein supplementation on some parameters of protein metabolism. Goats had body weight average of 16 kg and aged at 7 months. The experimental diets were: T0 = total mixed ration (0.9% saponin of hibiscus leaf, 8% CP, 62% TDN), T1 = T0 + 3% soybean meal protein, T2 = T0 + 6% soybean meal protein, and T3 = T0 + 9% soybean meal protein. The treatments were allocated in a completely randomized design. The parameters observed in this study were dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intakes, DM and CP digestibilities, ruminal amonia and VFAs concentrations, blood urea level, nitrogen retention, digestible organic matter in rumen (DOMR), urinary allantoin, and estimated microbial nitrogen (N) synthesis. DM intake, DOMR, urinary allantoin and estimated microbial N synthesis were not affected significantly (P>0.05) by treatments. CP intake, DM and CP digestibilities, ruminal amonia and VFAs concentrations, blood urea level and nitrogen retention increased (P<0.05) with increasing levels of soybean meal protein. Balancing energy level should be considered for the dietary protein supplementation in Hibiscus tiliaceus leaf contained diet of goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes are ubiquitous in healthy root tissue, but little is known about their ecosystem functions, including their ability to utilize organic nutrient sources such as proteins. Rootassociated fungi may secrete proteases to access the carbon and mineral nutrients within proteins in the soil or in the cells of their plant host. We compared the protein utilization patterns of multiple isolates of the root endophytes Phialocephala fortinii s.l., Meliniomyces variabilis and Umbelopsis isabellina with those of two ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, Hebeloma incarnatulum and Laccaria bicolor, and the wooddecay fungus Irpex lacteus at pH values of 2-9 on liquid BSA media. We also assessed protease activity using a fluorescently labeled casein assay and gelatin zymography and characterized proteases using specific protease inhibitors. I. lacteus and U. isabellina utilized protein efficiently, while the ECM fungi exhibited poor protein utilization. ECM fungi secreted metallo-proteases and had pH optima above 4, while other fungi produced aspartic proteases with lower pH optima. The ascomycetous root endophytes M. variabilis and P. fortinii exhibited intermediate levels of protein utilization and M. variabilis exhibited a very low pH optimum. Comparing proteolytic profiles between fungal root endophytes and fungi with well defined ecological roles provides insight into the ecology of these cryptic root associates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of concentrates restriction on feed consumption, diet digestibility, and utilization of nitrogen in captive Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus), two feeding trials were conducted on three juveniles, four sub-adults, and three adults. During trial I, the conventional zoo diets of juveniles, sub-adults, and adult contained 22, 17, and 16% of concentrates on dry matter (DM) basis, respectively. During trial II, the amount of concentrate was reduced by 50%. A digestion trial of five days collection period was conducted during each period. The animals ate more roughages when concentrates were restricted. Intake of DM (g/kg BW0.75/day) was highest in sub-adults, followed by juveniles and adults. Apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent soluble (NDS), and supply of digestible energy (DE) was highest in juveniles, followed by sub-adults and adults. Based upon the estimated metabolic fecal nitrogen (MFN) and calculated endogenous urinary nitrogen (EUN) and dermal losses, minimum dietary CP required to meet maintenance requirement was estimated to be 6.12, 6.05, and 5.97% in juveniles, sub-adults, and adults, respectively. Restriction of concentrates resulted in decreased ( P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and GE, but the diet still supplied adequate amounts of DE and CP to fulfill estimated requirements of energy and protein during the period of experimentation. Thus, the concentrates portion of the diets of captive Asian elephants should be fed in a restricted way so as to reduce the intake of excessive calories and the potential risk of obesity. Zoo Biol. 34:60-70, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth response of fingerling Heteropneustes fossilis (6.8 ± 0.2 g; 11.2 ± 0.3 cm) to dietary l-leucine levels was assessed by conducting 8-week feeding trial in a flow-through system (1-1.5 L min−1) at 28 °C water temperature. Casein-gelatin-based isonitrogenous (380 g kg−1; crude protein) and isoenergetic [17.9 MJ kg−1; gross energy ( GE)] basal diet was supplemented with different levels of l-leucine to achieve desired leucine levels ranging between 10 and 22.5 g kg−1 dry diet. Analysed values were 9.9 (Lc9.9), 12.4 (Lc12.4), 15.1 (Lc15.1), 17.4 (Lc17.4), 20.1 (Lc20.1) and 22.4 (Lc22.4) g leucine kg−1 diet. Fishes were stocked randomly in quadruplicates and fed to satiation at 07:00 and 17:30 h. Maximum absolute weight gain (AWG g fish−1), feed conversion ratio ( FCR), protein utilization efficiency ( PUE%), leucine retention efficiency ( LRE%) and haematological parameters were found in fish fed diet Lc17.4. For precise determination of dietary leucine requirement of Singhi, AWG g fish−1, FCR, PUE% and LRE% were subjected to broken-line and second-degree polynomial regression analysis. Second-degree polynomial regression analysis fitted the data more accurately ( P > 0.05) exhibiting high R2 values. Hence, based on this analysis, dietary leucine requirement of fingerling H. fossilis is recommended to be 16.5 g kg−1 of the diet, corresponding to 43.4 g kg−1 protein for developing leucine-balanced commercial feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing levels of a mixture of Ulva spp. produced in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system were evaluated in Nile tilapia juveniles for partial replacement of dietary fish meal. A control diet (CTRL) was compared with three experimental diets containing 10 % (U10), 15 % (U15), and 20 % (U20) of Ulva spp. meal. Triplicate groups of fish (13 g initial body weight) were fed each diet for 63 days at 26 °C. Nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients and nitrogen retention efficiency did not vary significantly among diets. By the end of the trial, all groups of fish more than tripled their initial body weight. Specific growth rate and final body weight of U10 diet were similar to CTRL and significantly higher than U15 and U20 diets. Increasing Ulva dietary incorporation levels significantly increased feed conversion ratio (FCR), from 1.0 (CTRL) to 1.4 (U20). Fish fed with U10 diet had the highest protein efficiency ratio and nitrogen retention efficiency allowing this fish to growth and reach a final body weight similar to the CTRL group. Protein content was highest in fish fed with the CTRL diet, whereas the highest lipid content was observed in fish fed with U20 diet. The results show that the incorporation of IMTA-produced Ulva meal in Nile tilapia diets is possible up to 10 % without compromising growth performance, protein utilization, and protein retention of juveniles. The high capacity of Nile tilapia to digest all experimental diets suggests that Ulva meal is a practical partial replacement for fish meal in Nile tilapia diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper gives an overview on the use of plant protein and plant oils as replacers for fish meal and fish oil in diets for Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. In focus are effects on growth, feed utilization, digestibility, gut health, muscle and liver uptake and retention of nutrients, and muscle quality. Plant oil can replace fish oil without affecting growth provided that the requirement of marine long chain ( LC) n-3 fatty acids is met, but the altered dietary fatty acid profile in diet will be reflected in both muscle and liver. This can reduce the value of cod liver as an oil source for cod liver oil production. For the fish itself, there are more challenges replacing fish meal than fish oil, due to the amount of fibre and antinutrients in plant protein meals. However, A. cod seems to tolerate a wide range of plant types and their inclusion levels provided that the amino acids requirements are met. It is our view that there is sufficient knowledge to be able to design an A. cod diet based on a mixture of plant and marine ingredients and be able to predict performance such as growth, feed utilization, digestibility, liver size and fish health in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Full-sibling, size-matched ‘all-fish’ growth hormone transgenic (TG; gene construct EO-1α) and non-transgenic (NTG) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) comprised of conventional diploid (DIP) and reproductively-sterile triploid (TRIP) fish were fed the same experimental grower diet in freshwater until they tripled their weight. The study was conducted to provide baseline data on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, skeletal disorders, bone ash content and bone mineral composition of NTG/DIP, NTG/TRIP, TG/DIP and TG/TRIP fish and to determine if a practical grower diet for conventional NTG/DIP Atlantic salmon requires modification for TG/TRIP fish. TG fish consumed a significantly higher amount of feed on a daily basis but due to enhanced growth rates, better feed conversion ratios and higher nitrogen retention efficiency they achieved target weight gain in a considerably shorter period (40%) than NTG fish. Total feed required to produce the same fish biomass was reduced by 25%; representative of a significant reduction in overall feed intake. Of TG fish, TRIP had some significant effects on production traits primarily due to lower feed intake relative to DIP fish. Although feed intake was lower in TG/TRIP fish, feed efficiency, digestibility and nutrient retention efficiencies were equal to those of TG/DIP fish and, without exception; TG/TRIP fish out-performed their conventional NTG counterparts, regardless of ploidy. TG/DIP and TG/TRIP fish demonstrated a higher cellular capacity to direct dietary non-protein energy towards satisfying their daily metabolic energy requirements, allowing for a higher proportion of dietary amino acids to be directed towards protein biosynthesis; rather than catabolised as a dietary energy source. Since dietary protein is the largest and most expensive component of salmon feeds and also the major source of nitrogenous pollution from salmon farming, this could represent a highly beneficial alteration of energy metabolism which could result in more economical and ecologically-sustainable Atlantic salmon aquaculture, especially when conducted in closed-containment land-based systems. Although bone ash content of TG fish was slightly lower than NTG fish, no significant differences in key bone mineral composition were observed and the occurrence of skeletal disorders was low (<4%), regardless of transgenics or ploidy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]