Improving digestive utilization of fiber-rich feedstuffs in pigs and poultry by processing and enzyme technologies: A review

Effects of Italian ryegrass with multi-enzymes supplementation on growth performance, gut microbial, and manure odor emission in finisher pig

This study investigated the effects of addition of Italian ryegrass with multi-enzyme on growth performance, fecal odor, and microbiome. The experiment had a two-factor factorial design, using three levels of Italian ryegrass (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) and two levels of multi-enzymes (no enzyme and commercially recommended level) to formulate experimental diets. In total, 60 crossbred Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc (LYD) pigs (88.35 ± 2.57 kg) were allocated into six dietary treatments with five replicates. After four weeks, fecal samples were collected via rectal massage for microbiome and odorous compound analysis. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in growth performance, except for feed intake (p < 0.05), which was higher in enzyme-added diets. Fecal microbiome exhibited no differences (p > 0.05) between treatments, with Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes being the major phyla, similar to the general pig population. Alpha and beta diversity analyses showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Odorous compounds displayed no significant differences (p > 0.05), except for indoles (p < 0.05) influenced by the enzyme. In conclusion, 5% Italian ryegrass with multi-enzymes can be used as an alternative feed ingredient, having no negative effects on the growth performance, microbiome, and odorous compounds of growing pigs.

Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Hybrid Rye Ground to Two Particle Sizes and Fed With or Without Multienzyme Supplement to Young Growing Pigs

A newly developed hybrid rye with enhanced ergot resistance has potential as an alternative energy source for pigs. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of particle size (PS) and multienzyme supplement (MES) on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in hybrid rye fed to growing pigs. Bono and Gatano, two hybrid rye varieties, were ground to either a coarse (1111 and 1210 μm) or a fine (594 and 717 μm) PS using a hammer mill. Eighteen ileal-cannulated barrows (initial BW = 18.2 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments in a replicated 9 × 3 incomplete Latin square design to give six observations per treatment. Among the nine experimental diets, eight featured two hybrid rye varieties (Bono or Gatano), either coarsely or finely ground, as the only source of AA with or without MES, while an N-free diet was used to estimate the endogenous losses of AA at the distal ileum. All diets contained titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Each period lasted 9 days, with the first 5 days being for adaptation followed by 2 days each for faecal and ileal digesta collection. Data were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with the final model having variety, PS, MES, their two-way interactions, and a three-way interaction. No interactions were noted except that the apparent ileal digestibility and SID of crude protein (CP) and most AA in Gatano had greater effects of MES than Bono (Variety × MES; p < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE) and CP were greater (p < 0.05) in Bono diets than in Gatano diets. Finely ground hybrid rye diets had higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of neutral detergent fibre assayed with a heat stable amylase and expressed inclusive of residual ash (NDF) and ether extract compared to coarsely ground hybrid rye diets. Dietary MES supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the ATTD of DM, GE, CP, NDF, acid detergent fibre expressed inclusive of residual ash, and ash in hybrid rye diets. In conclusion, the nutrients digestibility of hybrid rye can be affected by its variety. PS reduction improved the nutrient digestibility in hybrid rye, and MES supplementation improved the energy and AA digestibility in hybrid rye fed to growing pigs.

Influence of grain type and fat source on performance, nutrient utilization, and gut properties in broilers fed pelleted diets

The influence of grain type and fat source on the performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID), and intestinal characteristics in broiler starters fed pelleted diets were studied. The experiment included 8 treatments arranged as a 2 × 4 factorial with 2 grains (wheat and corn) and 4 fat sources (soybean oil, fish oil, tallow, and palm oil). In all fat sources, corn-fed birds had a higher weight gain than those fed wheat-based diets. However, improvement in the weight gain of birds fed wheat-based diets supplemented with tallow resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) interaction between grain type and fat source. Inclusion of wheat and tallow increased feed intake compared to corn and other fat sources, respectively. Pellets made from wheat were harder (P < 0.01) than those based on corn. Broilers fed corn-based diets, had higher CAID of fat, Ca, and phosphorus (P < 0.01) than those fed wheat-based diets. Soybean oil inclusion, also increased (P < 0.01) fat digestibility compared to other fat sources. An interaction occurred between grain type and fat source where pellets made from corn and soybean oil had higher protein digestibility compared to the other treatments (P < 0.01). Feeding wheat-based diets increased pH of gizzard and proventriculus compared to corn-based diets (P < 0.01). Highest viscosity value was observed in wheat-diets supplemented with fish oil, and palm oil (P < 0.01). The pancrease, gizzard and cecum were heavier in corn-based fed birds compared to those fed wheat-based diets (P < 0.01). A significant interaction between grain type and fat source was noted for Lactobacillus spp. and the total anaerobic bacteria population in the cecum. Overall, the effect of grain type on weight gain, CIAD of protein and cecal microbiota differed depending on the fat sources. Feeding corn and soybean oil resulted in better gut development and growth performance in broilers fed pelleted diets.

Amino acid and energy digestibility of conventional corn dried distillers grains with solubles, high protein distillers dried grains, and corn fermented protein, and impacts on turkey poult growth performance and intestinal characteristics

Amino acids (AA) are an expensive nutritional components of poultry diets. Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is the primary co-product produced by the dry grind bioethanol industry, although new technologies are being implemented to produce high protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) and corn fermented protein (CFP), but data on their nutritive value in poultry are lacking. Two experiments (EXP) were conducted to determine the energy and AA digestibility of DDGS, HP-DDG, and CFP in poults in addition to a feeding trial to evaluate increasing dietary levels of HP-DDG and CFP on growth performance and intestinal characteristics. In EXP 1, 6 different DDGS sources were evaluated using poults to determine their nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) concentrations, and cecectomized roosters were used to determine their standardized ileal (SID) AA digestibility (SID-AA). In EXP 2, AMEn and SID-AA for HP-DDG and CFP were determined in young poults, and a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate growth performance and intestinal morphology and permeability of poults fed diets containing 7.5 and 15% HP-DDG or CFP from 1 to 32 d of age. In EXP 1, the AMEn concentration among the DDGS samples ranged from 2,530 to 3,573 kcal/kg DM but was not different (P = 0.57) among the samples, with an average SID for LYS of 66.6%. In EXP 2, different (P = 0.001) AMEn concentrations for HP-DDG and CFP were observed (3,114 and 3,760 kcal/kg DM, respectively), with the SID for LYS being 66.55 and 77.00% for HP-DDG and CFP, respectively. Including HP-DDG or CFP into the diet at 7.5 and 15% had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth, feed intake, or feed conversion. Neither co-product nor its inclusion rate affected intestinal morphology and permeability (P > 0.05). Overall, DDGS, HP-DDG, and CFP are excellent sources of AMEn and digestible AA, with dietary inclusion rates of up to 15% of HP-DDG or CFP having no impact on growth or intestinal characteristics.

Alternative protein sources in aquafeed: Current scenario and future perspectives

Fish meal represents the main protein source for most commercially farmed aquatic species, as it is characterized by high nutritional value and lack of anti-nutritional factors. However, its availability and the market price have been recognized as serious problems at least for over a decade, making it necessary to search for non-conventional protein sources, as an alternative to fish meals. This review aims to comprehensively examine and critically revise the use of fish meal and all alternative protein sources explored to date on the health, welfare, and growth performance of the major aquatic species commercially interesting from a global scenario. The investigation revealed that the inclusion levels of the different protein sources, plant- and animal-derived, ranged from 10 to 80 % and from 2 to 100 % respectively, in partial or complete replacement of fish meal, and generated positive effects on health, welfare, growth performance, and fillet quality. However, the results showed that above a certain level of inclusion, each protein source can negatively affect fish growth performance, metabolic activities, and other biological parameters. Moreover, it is likely that by mixing different protein sources, the combination of each ingredient causes a synergistic effect on the nutritional properties. Therefore, the future of aquatic feed formulation is expected to be based on the blend of different protein sources. Overall, the analysis highlighted the need for additional research in the field of replacing fish meals with new protein sources, given that many knowledge gaps are still to be filled on aquatic species, which deserve to be investigated.

Effect of extrusion on energy and nutrient digestibility of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant or animal protein fed to growing pigs

Non-food grade and excess lentil grain production may be included in swine feeds to provide starch and protein and reduce feed cost. Extrusion processing may increase energy and nutrient digestibility of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant or animal protein sources. Therefore, the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), and digestible energy (DE) value of lentil-based diets were assessed in growing pigs. Two diets were formulated to provide 2.4 Mcal net energy (NE)/kg and 4.35 g standardized ileal digestible lysine/Mcal NE: (1) soybean meal (SBM) diet, containing 50% lentil, 31% wheat, and 12.8% SBM; and (2) fish meal (FM) diet, containing 40% lentil, 45% wheat, and 10% FM. Following mixing, each diet batch was divided into two parts: one part remained as mash, whereas the other part was extruded using a single-screw extruder (400 rpm, 250 kg/h). Eight ileal-cannulated barrows (32.3 ± 1.5 kg) were fed the four diets at 2.8 times maintenance DE requirement (110 kcal per kg of body weight0.75) for four 9-d periods in a double 4 × 4 Latin square to achieve 8 observations per diet. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including protein source, post-mixing processing, and their interaction as fixed effects. The lentil sample contained 32.3% starch, 24.4% CP, 9.3% total dietary fiber, and 1.7 mg/g of trypsin inhibitor activity on as is-basis. Interactions between dietary protein source and post-mixing processing were not observed. Feeding FM diets resulted in greater (P < 0.05) AID of dry matter (DM), GE, and most AA, and ATTD of CP, but lower apparent hindgut fermentation of DM and GE than SBM diets. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of GE and DE value of diets. The AID of CP and AA was 3.2 and 4.7%-units greater (P < 0.05), respectively, for the extruded than mash diets. In conclusion, feeding FM diets resulted in greater ileal digestibility of DM, GE, and AA than SBM diets. Extrusion increased the AID of CP and most AA, and DE value of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant protein or animal-protein, indicating that extrusion can increase the energy and protein value of plant-based diets fed to pigs.

Spatial activity mapping of ß-mannanase on soybean seeds

For farm animals the supplementation of exogenous enzymes, like ß-mannanase, to soybean-based diets is beneficial to improve feed digestibility. In order to unravel the effect of ß-mannanase on soybean meal's cell structure, a novel imaging concept was developed which allows visualizing the spatial activity pattern of ß-mannanase with high sensitivity by fluorescence microscopy before any visible degradation of the cellular structure occurs. It is based on fluorescence labeling of newly formed reducing ends of ß-mannanase-hydrolyzed polysaccharides after the native reducing ends of all polysaccharides present were chemically reduced. It was revealed that ß-mannanase is not only active at the cell wall but also at previously unknown sites, like the middle lamella and, most prominently, at an intracellular matrix enclosing the protein storage vacuoles. Based on these findings it can be hypothesized that the evaluated ß-mannanase can degrade the enclosing matrix of encapsulated proteins and the cell wall structure and thereby improves efficiency of feed utilization.

Unveiling the influence of adaptation time on xylanase and arabinoxylan-oligosaccharide efficacy: a study on nutrient digestibility, viscosity, and scanning electron microscopy in the small and large intestine of growing pigs fed insoluble fiber

The experiment objective was to evaluate the impact of xylanase over time on viscosity and digestibility in growing pigs fed corn-based fiber. Twenty gilts with an initial body weight of 30.6 ± 0.2 kg (n = 5 per dietary treatment) were fitted with t-cannulae in the medial jejunum and terminal ileum, housed individually, and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: low-fiber control (LF) with 10.4% total dietary fiber (TDF), 30% corn bran high-fiber control (HF; 26.4% TDF), HF + 100 mg xylanase/kg (XY; Econase XT 25P; AB Vista, Marlborough, UK), and HF + 50 mg arabinoxylan-oligosaccharide/kg (AX). Gilts were limit fed for three 17 d periods (P1, P2, P3); each included 5 d adaptation, 2 d fecal collection, 3 d ileal collection, 3 d jejunal collection, and 4 d related rate of passage study. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using a linear mixed model with surgery date as a random effect, and dietary treatment, period, and their interaction as fixed effects. Jejunal and ileal digesta viscosity did not differ among dietary treatments or periods (P > 0.10). There was a dietary treatment × period interaction for the apparent jejunal digestibility (AJD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total arabinoxylan (T-AX), total non-starch polysaccharide (T-NSP), and TDF (P≤ 0.05). In P1, LF had the greatest AJD of DM (15.5%), and relative to HF and AX, XY decreased it (9.3%, 10.1 %, and 6.3%, respectively). In P2, the AJD of DM in XY was greater than HF (11.7% vs. 9.1%) but did not differ from AX (10.5%). Relative to HF, in P3, XY increased AJD of DM (11.7 vs 15.3%), and AX decreased it (7.2%). For the AJD of NDF, AX performed intermediately in P1; in P2, relative to HF, XY, and AX increased the AJD of NDF (8.4%, 13.1%, and 11.7%, respectively), and in P3, XY, and LF did not differ (13.6 vs. 14.4%). A similar response was observed for the AJD of IDF and TDF, except for XY having the greatest AJD of IDF, T-AX, T-NSP, and TDF in P3 (P < 0.05). Compared to LF, irrespective of period, HF decreased the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of IDF, TDF, and NDF (P < 0.05). Relative to HF, XY partially mitigated this effect, improving the AID and ATTD of TDF, IDF, and NDF (P < 0.05). Increased corn-based fiber decreased nutrient digestibility, but XY partially mitigated that effect in the small intestine through enhanced fiber digestibility when given sufficient adaptation time.

Sugary and salty former food products in pig diets affect energy and nutrient digestibility, feeding behaviour but not the growth performance and carcass composition

Former foodstuff products (FFPs) are promising alternative ingredients for reducing the waste of natural resources and the environmental impact of food production. This study investigates the effects of salty and sugary FFPs on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and growing-finishing pigs' empty body and carcass composition. Thirty-six Swiss Large White male castrated pigs were assigned to three growing (G) and finishing (F) diets: (1) standard diet (ST), 0% FFPs; (2) 30% conventional ingredients replaced by sugary FFPs (SU); and (3) 30% conventional ingredients replaced by salty FFPs (SA). Faecal samples from 24 selected pigs were collected to assess the ATTD of gross energy, crude fibres, and CP. The BW was measured weekly, while feed intake was determined daily. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and ATTD were calculated for both the growing and finishing periods. Pigs' body composition was determined at ≥20 and ≥98 kg using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In the growing but not finishing period, the FCR was lower (P < 0.05) in ST compared to SA and SU pigs. Considering the entire growing and finishing period, neither the inclusion level nor the type of FFPs influenced (P > 0.05) ADG, ADFI, FCR, or BW at slaughter. In both the growing and finishing periods, the gross energy ATTD was higher (P < 0.05) in the SA than in the ST group, with intermediate values in the SU group. In the growing period, the CP ATTD was higher (P < 0.05) in the SA than in the SU and ST groups. In the finishing period, the crude fibre ATTD was lower (P < 0.05) in the SA and SU than in the ST group. Throughout the overall period, the average daily fat intake was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed an SU diet, even though both categories of FFPs had no (P > 0.05) effects on the parameters related to the pigs' body composition (e.g., average daily fat weight gain). Finally, the carcasses of the SU group had the thickest belly fat, even though the total fat content was similar among the groups. This study confirms that including FFPs has no detrimental effects on growth performance or live body/carcass composition in growing and finishing pigs.

Effect of Dietary Orange Peel Meal and Multi-Enzymes on Productive, Physiological and Nutritional Responses of Broiler Chickens

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of various concentrations of orange (Citrus sinensis) peel meal (OPM), with or without the supplementation of multi-enzymes, on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant properties, and blood metabolic profile of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted on 240 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks, assigned to eight dietary treatments with 30 broilers per treatment group. Four dietary orange peel meal (OPM) concentrations were supplemented, namely, the control (without OPM), and with 80, 160, and 240 g/kg of the diet. To each of these diets was added two concentrations of multi-enzyme inclusion (0 or 0.6 g as a combination of 0.5 g of Nutrikem and 0.1 g Optiphos per kg diet) in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. The experiment lasted until 42 days of age. Body weight gain (BWG) was influenced during the grower period (22-42 days) and the overall period (0-42 days), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved by supplementations of OPM compared with the control for 22-42 days and overall (0-42 days) periods. Moreover, BWG, FCR during the grower and overall periods, and crude fiber digestibility were improved (p < 0.01) by multi-enzyme supplementation compared to the non-supplemented groups. Broilers with diets supplemented with OPM had considerably lower abdominal fat (p < 0.01) than the control. In addition, when compared to the non-supplemented enzyme group, serum T3 and T3/T4 ratios were significantly improved in response to enzyme addition. When compared to the control group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in the OPM groups, showing the largest improvement in antioxidant response. Interaction effects were observed only for serum SOD levels. Based on our findings, it is recommended that OPM be used as a feed supplement for raising broilers, and adding 0.6 m g/kg of multi-enzymes could provide additional benefits to the performance of broilers.

Review: Composition and utilisation of feed by monogastric animals in the context of circular food production systems

Food production has a major impact on environmental emissions, climate change and land-use. To reduce this impact, the circularity of future food production systems is expected to become increasingly important. In a circular food system, crop land is primarily used for plant-based food production, while low-opportunity cost feed materials (LCF), i.e. crop residues, co-products of the food industry, grass from marginal land and food waste form the basis of future, animal feeds. Animal diets thus contain much less cereals and soybean meal and include a higher proportion of diverse co-products, residues and novel human-inedible ingredients. These diets are characterised by a lower starch content, and a higher content of fibre, protein, fat, and phytate compared to present diets. In this review, possible consequences of the development towards a more circular food system for the type, volume and nutritional characteristics of feed materials and complete feeds are addressed and related research questions in the area of animal nutrition, physiology and metabolism are discussed. Additional attention is given to possible effects on intestinal health and gut functionality and to (bio)technological processing of LCF to improve their suitability for feeding farm animals, with a focus on the effects in pigs and poultry. It is concluded that an increased use of LCF may limit the use of presently used criteria for the efficiency of animal production and nutrient utilisation. Development of characteristics that reflect the efficacy and efficiency of the net contribution of animal production in a circular food system is required. Animal scientists can have an important role in the development of more circular food production systems by focussing on the optimal use of LCF in animal diets for the production of animal-source food, while minimising the use of human-edible food in animal feed.

Digestion and utilization of plant-based diets by transgenic pigs secreting β-glucanase, xylanase, and phytase in their salivary glands

Novel transgenic (TG) pigs co-expressing three microbial enzymes, β-glucanase, xylanase, and phytase, in their salivary glands were previously generated, which exhibited reduced phosphorus and nitrogen emissions and improved growth performances. In the present study, we attempted to explore the age-related change of the TG enzymic activity, the residual activity of the enzymes in the simulated gastrointestinal tract, and the effect of the transgenes on the digestion of nitrogen and phosphorus content in the fiber-rich, plant-based diets. Results showed that all the three enzymes were stably expressed over the growing and finishing periods in the F2 generation TG pigs. In simulated gastric juice, all the three enzymes exhibited excellent gastrointestinal environment adaptability. The apparent total tract digestibility of phosphorus was increased by 69.05% and 499.64%, while fecal phosphate outputs were decreased by 56.66% and 37.32%, in the TG pigs compared with the wild-type littermates fed with low non-starch polysaccharides diets and high fiber diets, respectively. Over half of available phosphorus and water-soluble phosphorus in fecal phosphorus were reduced. We also found the performance of phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen retention rates were significantly improved, resulting in faster growth performance in TG pigs. The results indicate that TG pigs can effectively digest the high-fiber diets and exhibit good growth performance compared with wild type pigs.

Chemical and nutritional characteristics, and microbial degradation of rapeseed meal recalcitrant carbohydrates: A review

Approximately 35% of rapeseed meal (RSM) dry matter (DM) are carbohydrates, half of which are water-soluble carbohydrates. The cell wall of rapeseed meal contains arabinan, galactomannan, homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I, type II arabinogalactan, glucuronoxylan, XXGG-type and XXXG-type xyloglucan, and cellulose. Glycoside hydrolases including in the degradation of RSM carbohydrates are α-L-Arabinofuranosidases (EC 3.2.1.55), endo-α-1,5-L-arabinanases (EC 3.2.1.99), Endo-1,4-β-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78), β-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.25), α-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22), reducing-end-disaccharide-lyase (pectate disaccharide-lyase) (EC 4.2.2.9), (1 → 4)-6-O-methyl-α-D-galacturonan lyase (pectin lyase) (EC 4.2.2.10), (1 → 4)-α-D-galacturonan reducing-end-trisaccharide-lyase (pectate trisaccharide-lyase) (EC 4.2.2.22), α-1,4-D-galacturonan lyase (pectate lyase) (EC 4.2.2.2), (1 → 4)-α-D-galacturonan glycanohydrolase (endo-polygalacturonase) (EC 3.2.1.15), Rhamnogalacturonan hydrolase, Rhamnogalacturonan lyase (EC 4.2.2.23), Exo-β-1,3-galactanase (EC 3.2.1.145), endo-β-1,6-galactanase (EC 3.2.1.164), Endo-β-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), α-xylosidase (EC 3.2.1.177), β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) endo-β-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), exo-β-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.91), and β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21). In conclusion, this review summarizes the chemical and nutritional compositions of RSM, and the microbial degradation of RSM cell wall carbohydrates which are important to allow to develop strategies to improve recalcitrant RSM carbohydrate degradation by the gut microbiota, and eventually to improve animal feed digestibility, feed efficiency, and animal performance.

Influence of dietary fermented Folium mori on growing performance, lipometabolism and disease resistance of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus

Folium mori, as a plant unconventional feedstuff, are comparatively available due to cost-effectiveness, whereas their usage as aquafeed in pure form is restricted owing to the great fibre and antinutritional factors (ANFs) levels. Thereof, several methods of processing are introduced to remove antinutrient factors from the plant products, leading to improvement of bioactivity and digestibility. The assay was completed to evaluate the method of fermentation and the role of dietary fermented Folium mori (FFM) in golden pompano. Each of 5 diets with FFM at contents of 0.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0% and 8.0% (D0.0, D2.0, D4.0, D6.0 and D8.0) was fed to the fishes with original body weight of 9.02g in triplicate sea cages for 56 days. The outcomes revealed that FFM in D4.0 and D6.0 elevated the growing performance of the fishes and the growing performance of D4.0 was remarkably improved in contrast to D0.0 and D2.0(P < 0.05). Whole body lipidic levels were obviously elevated when the diet FFM contents were below 8.0% (P < 0.05), whereas the contents of muscular moisture were generally reduced. In addition, FFM significantly increased serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and remarkably reduced overall triglyceride (TG) in D2.0 to D6.0(P < 0.05). Moreover, FFM remarkably elevated the activities of lipase of stomach and hepatopancreas in contrast to D0.0 (P < 0.05) as well as intestinal tryptic enzyme in the entire FFM groups (P < 0.05). Eventually, FFM remarkably ameliorated disease-resistant characters of golden pompano to Vibrio harveyi in D4.0 and D6.0 (P < 0.05) and the RPS in D4.0 was optimal. To sum up, the present research displayed favorable role of FFM in growing performance, digestion, lipometabolism and disease-resistant characters, and the recommendation as to the supplementation content of diet FFM in compound feed of juvenile golden pompano is 4.0% as per the experiment status herein.

Starch Properties, Nutrients Profiles, In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Molecular Structure of Corn Processed in Different Ways

Processing will improve the digestion of corn by ruminant animals. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of processing methods (grinding, G; steam flaking, SF; extrusion, E) on the starch properties, nutrient profiles, in vitro ruminal fermentation and molecular structure of corn. Compared with G, SF and E increased (p < 0.05) the starch content, starch gelatinization, ruminal gas production (GP, 0.5–32 h), propionic acid, starch degradability (SD), the area and height of carbohydrate peaks, and decreased (p < 0.05) starch crystallinity, content of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, ruminal NH3-N, the area and height of amide I and II, α-helix, and β-sheet. The total VFA (24 h, 48 h) tended to be increased by SF and E (p < 0.10). The carbohydrate peak area and height were positively (p < 0.05) correlated with GP (1–24 h) and SD. The protein molecular absorption intensity was negatively correlated with SD (p < 0.05). The change in starch properties, GP (1–24 h) and molecular structure caused by E was greater than SF (p < 0.05). These results indicated that the higher starch gelatinization and lower starch crystallinity of E corn, induced by the high temperature and pressure, enabled more fermentation and digestion in the artificial rumen. The carbohydrate and protein molecular structures were correlated with the nutritional characteristics of corn.

Ideating A Sustainable Swine Feed Prototype: A Qualitative Approach in Farmers’ Pain Point Identification and Product Development

There is a growing interest and trend in new product development (NPD) from food waste. However, most qualitative approaches rarely use the lean entrepreneur concept in the context of new product development (NPD), which allows for understanding customer insight rather than the traditional qualitative approach. Therefore, this study aims to (1) explore the swine farmer behaviors, desired outcomes, and pain points in using swine feedstuffs, (2) select three representative segments and identify high-value customers of swine feeds, and (3) develop a sustainable swine feed prototype from the fermented fish industrial residues. The target users, 24 pig farmers from 11 provinces across the Northeastern Region of Thailand, were recruited to participate in this research. Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were conducted to analyze their behaviors, desired outcomes, and pain points towards pig feed usages. The framework was combined with in-depth qualitative interviews and the customer, problem, and solution zoom tools. The results revealed that household farmers were the target customer segment of swine feed made from fermented fish industrial wastes. In addition, the findings showed that the household farmers typically fed their pigs with instant feeds and alternative feeds. Moreover, their desired outcomes were the pellet feed with nutrients. Furthermore, the pain points of the household farmers were the expensive cost of feeds and mold in feeds. Therefore, this segment needs to minimize the cost of feeds by using other sustainable alternatives.

Fractionation of linseed and obtaining ingredients rich in protein and fibers: alternatives for animal feed

BACKGROUND

Linseed fractionation was performed in laboratory scale to obtain concentrated protein and fiber fractions. Three methods were tested to obtain the linseed protein concentrate (LPC). The isoelectric pH method was more efficient in increasing the protein content and also provided higher yield. In the fractions obtained, the chemical composition (dry matter, ash, lipids, crude protein, total dietary fiber, calcium and phosphorus), total phenolic compounds and the physicochemical properties were evaluated. The profile of amino acids was determined for linseed meal and LPC, and the profile of monosaccharides was evaluated for linseed grain, soluble and insoluble fractions of the fiber.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the protein concentration method by isoelectric pH improved the amino acidic profile and in vitro digestibility of LPC. The fractioning of the linseed fiber was efficient, since the soluble fiber of the soluble fraction corresponded to 675 g kg^-1 . The separation of the fiber from the linseed concentrated the phenolic compounds in the insoluble fraction. For linseed grain there was a higher concentration of glucose, followed by xylose, galacturonic acid and arabinose. The same monosaccharides were identified in the insoluble fraction, with the exception of arabinose. In the soluble fraction, higher levels of xylose were found, followed by glucose, galacturonic acid and arabinose.

CONCLUSION

The present study allows us to conclude that it is possible to separate the linseed into different fractions, obtaining a protection concentrate and fibers. The inclusion of these products in animal feed needs to be evaluated to determine levels of acceptance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of treating Prosopis juliflora pods with multienzyme, with and without bacterial cultures on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), fermentation kinetics, and performance of growing pigs

This study was conducted to determine the effects of treating Prosopis juliflora pods with multienzyme and bacterial cultures on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), fermentation kinetics, and performance of growing pigs. Experiment one consisted of a pepsin-pancreatine hydrolysis method to simulate, in vitro, the pig digestive system and was followed by in vitro gas production to assess fermentation kinetics. Samples of ground Prosopis pod meal (GPPM) were allocated to four treatments with three replicates each. Treatments included GPPM treated with multienzyme (Natuzyme®) (T1); untreated (GPPM) (T2); GPPM fermented with (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD1 Ecosyl ®) (T3), and GPPM treated using natural fermentation (T4). The second experiment assessed the performance of pigs fed the best treatment from experiment 1. Thirty Landrace × large white crosses of 20 ± 2 kg were allotted to five treatments with six pigs each (replicates). The dietary treatments were PC, 0% GPPM + enzyme; NC, 0% GPPM and 0% enzyme; D1, 10% GPPM + enzyme; D2, 20% GPPM + enzyme; and D3, 30% GPPM + enzyme. A randomized complete block design was used for both experiments. Enzyme treatment (T1) and T3 improved the IVDMD of the GPPM compared to T2 by 3.68% and 1.2%, respectively (p < 0.05). Cumulative gas was highest and Tmax lowest for T1 but significantly different only to T4 (p < 0.05). Average daily gain and intake were highest for pigs fed GPPM up to 10% (PC, D1). Feed conversion ratio increased with the level of GPPM in the diet. The results suggest Prosopis juliflora pods treated with enzymes can be added in pig diets up to 30%.

Identifying Suitable Supplements to Improve Piglet Survival during Farrowing and Lactation

Piglet mortality during parturition and prior to weaning is an ongoing economic and welfare issue. This review collates the current literature describing the effects of specific dietary supplements on key parameters affecting piglet survival. Four distinct parameters were identified as having a direct impact on the survival of piglets to weaning: stillbirth rate, birth weight and weight variation, daily gain and weaning weight, and colostrum and milk quality. In the primary stage, relevant literature from the past 5 years was reviewed, followed by a secondary review of literature older than 5 years. The focal parameters benefitted from different supplements. For example, stillbirth may be reduced by supplements in late gestation, including forms of arginine, alpha-tocopherol-selenium, uridine, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, whereas average daily gain and weaning weight were related closely to supplements which improved colostrum and milk quality, most commonly fats and fatty acids in the form of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, soybean oil, and fish oil, and polysaccharides, such as ginseng polysaccharide. Therefore, an effective supplement plan for piglet mortality reduction must consider the circumstances of the individual system and target one or more of the highlighted parameters.

Identifying Suitable Supplements to Improve Piglet Survival during Farrowing and Lactation

Piglet mortality during parturition and prior to weaning is an ongoing economic and welfare issue. This review collates the current literature describing the effects of specific dietary supplements on key parameters affecting piglet survival. Four distinct parameters were identified as having a direct impact on the survival of piglets to weaning: stillbirth rate, birth weight and weight variation, daily gain and weaning weight, and colostrum and milk quality. In the primary stage, relevant literature from the past 5 years was reviewed, followed by a secondary review of literature older than 5 years. The focal parameters benefitted from different supplements. For example, stillbirth may be reduced by supplements in late gestation, including forms of arginine, alpha-tocopherol-selenium, uridine, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, whereas average daily gain and weaning weight were related closely to supplements which improved colostrum and milk quality, most commonly fats and fatty acids in the form of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, soybean oil, and fish oil, and polysaccharides, such as ginseng polysaccharide. Therefore, an effective supplement plan for piglet mortality reduction must consider the circumstances of the individual system and target one or more of the highlighted parameters.

Effect of pelleting on nutrients and energy digestibility in growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal-based diet or diet containing corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS), wheat middlings, and bakery meal

This study was conducted to determine the effect of pelleting and diet type on the apparent ileal (AID) and total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy in growing pigs. Six pigs were cannulated at the ileum and were assigned to treatments following a crossover design. One diet was a control diet based on corn and soybean meal (CT). Part of it was replaced by corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS), wheat middlings, and bakery meal in the second diet (ByP). Diets were in mash (CT-MH and ByP-MH) or pelleted (CT-PT and ByP-PT) form. Results showed that pelleting increased digestibility in all diets with a distinct effect on the CT diet (interaction diet × pelleting, P < 0.05). Pelleting improved the AID of dry matter, crude protein, and energy by 17%, 27%, and 17% in the CT diet and by 10%, 9%, and 17% in the ByP diet (P < 0.01). The AID of amino acids followed the effect observed on crude protein (P < 0.01). Pelleting increased AID of total non-starch polysaccharides for the CT diet by 63% and 42% for the ByP diet (P < 0.01). The pelleting conditions improved the degradability of the compounds in the diets during digestion in pigs.

Feed endoxylanase type and dose affect arabinoxylan hydrolysis and fermentation in ageing broilers

Despite the general use of endoxylanases in poultry feed to improve broiler performance, the abundance of different endoxylanase products and the variable response to their application in the field prevent a clear understanding of endoxylanase functionality in vivo. To gain insight into this functionality, we investigated the impact of endoxylanase type (Belfeed from Bacillus subtilis versus Econase XT from Nonomuraea flexuosa) and dose (10, 100, 1,000 mg/kg) in combination with broiler age on arabinoxylan (AX) hydrolysis and fermentation in broilers (Ross 308) fed a wheat-soy based diet. In a digestibility trial and a performance trial, a total of 1,057 one-day-old chicks received the control diet or 1 of the 6 endoxylanase supplemented wheat-soy based diets with, respectively, 5 replicate cages and 8 replicate pens per dietary treatment per trial. The AX content and structure, the AX digestibility values and the short-chain fatty acids produced were analysed at the level of the ileum, caeca and excreta at d 11 and 36. Endoxylanase supplementation resulted in a more extensive solubilisation of wheat AX and a reduction in the intestinal viscosity compared to the control (P < 0.05). A high endoxylanase dose was, however, required to obtain increased hydrolysis of the dietary AX along the gastrointestinal tract against the control (P < 0.001). Depending on the type of endoxylanase, a pool of AX with distinct physicochemical properties was created. The B. subtilis endoxylanase created a large pool of soluble AX in the ileum, thereby increasing ileal viscosity compared to broilers fed an endoxylanase from N. flexuosa (P < 0.001). The N. flexuosa endoxylanase mainly triggered caecal AX fermentation in young broilers, by delivering easily fermentable AX substrates with a low degree of polymerisation (P = 0.03). The effects were particularly present in young broilers (d 11). From this study, it is clear that the type and dose of endoxylanase added to wheat-soy based diets determine the nature of AX substrates formed. These, in turn, affect the intestinal viscosity and the interplay between the dietary AX compounds and microbiota, hence dictating AX digestion at young broiler ages and performance outcomes towards slaughter age.

The influence of xylanase on the fermentability, digestibility, and physicochemical properties of insoluble corn-based fiber along the gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs

In theory, supplementing xylanase in corn-based swine diets should improve nutrient and energy digestibility and fiber fermentability, but its efficacy is inconsistent. The experimental objective was to investigate the impact of xylanase on energy and nutrient digestibility, digesta viscosity, and fermentation when pigs are fed a diet high in insoluble fiber (>20% neutral detergent fiber; NDF) and given a 46-d dietary adaptation period. A total of 3 replicates of 20 growing gilts were blocked by initial body weight, individually housed, and assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: a low-fiber control (LF) with 7.5% NDF, a 30% corn bran high-fiber control (HF; 21.9% NDF), HF + 100 mg xylanase/kg (HF + XY [Econase XT 25P; AB Vista, Marlborough, UK]) providing 16,000 birch xylan units/kg; and HF + 50 mg arabinoxylan-oligosaccharide (AXOS) product/kg (HF + AX [XOS 35A; Shandong Longlive Biotechnology, Shandong, China]) providing AXOS with 3–7 degrees of polymerization. Gilts were allowed ad libitum access to fed for 36-d. On d 36, pigs were housed in metabolism crates for a 10-d period, limit fed, and feces were collected. On d 46, pigs were euthanized and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta were collected. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model with block and replication as random effects, and treatment as a fixed effect. Compared with LF, HF reduced the apparent ileal digestibility (AID), apparent cecal digestibility (ACED), apparent colonic digestibility (ACOD), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), NDF, and hemicellulose (P < 0.01). Relative to HF, HF + XY improved the AID of GE, CP, and NDF (P < 0.05), and improved the ACED, ACOD, and ATTD of DM, GE, CP, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose (P < 0.05). Among treatments, pigs fed HF had increased hindgut DM disappearance (P = 0.031). Relative to HF, HF + XY improved cecal disappearance of DM (162 vs. 98 g; P = 0.008) and NDF (44 vs. 13 g; P < 0.01). Pigs fed xylanase had a greater proportion of acetate in cecal digesta and butyrate in colonic digesta among treatments (P < 0.05). Compared with LF, HF increased ileal, cecal, and colonic viscosity, but HF + XY decreased ileal viscosity compared with HF (P < 0.001). In conclusion, increased insoluble corn-based fiber decreases digestibility, reduces cecal fermentation, and increases digesta viscosity, but supplementing xylanase partially mitigated that effect.

Nutrient digestibility of extruded canola meal in ileal-cannulated growing pigs and effects of its feeding on diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance in weaned pigs

Canola meal (CM) contains less crude protein (CP) and more fiber and anti-nutritional factors such as glucosinolates than soybean meal (SBM) and consequently has a lower nutrient digestibility. Therefore, processing strategies that may increase the feeding value of CM warrant study. In two experiments, the effects of extrusion of Brassica napus CM on apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) in growing pigs, and growth performance and diet digestibility in weaned pigs were assessed. Solvent-extracted CM was extruded using a single-screw extruder at three screw speeds: 250 (CM-250), 350 (CM-350), or 450 (CM-450) rpm. In exp. 1, in a double 4 × 4 Latin square, eight ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight [BW], 68.1 kg) were fed corn starch-based diets containing 50% CM or extruded CM. The CM sample contained 43.2% CP, 33.2% total dietary fiber (TDF), and 8.9 µmol of total glucosinolates/g on a dry matter (DM) basis. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) the AID of CP, reduced (P < 0.05) apparent hindgut fermentation of CP, and decreased (P < 0.05) predicted net energy (NE) value of diets. Extrusion increased diet AID and CM SID of most indispensable AA by 3.1 to 5.3%-units. In exp. 2, 200 weaned pigs (initial BW, 8.3 kg) were fed diets containing 20% SBM, CM, or extruded CM starting 2 wk postweaning for 3 wk. The CM sample contained 42.7% CP, 28.3% TDF, and 5.3 µmol total glucosinolates/g DM. Wheat-based diets provided 2.3 Mcal NE/kg and 5.1 g SID Lys/Mcal NE. Dietary inclusion of extruded CM replacing SBM decreased (P < 0.05) diet ATTD of DM, GE and CP, and DE value. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and gain:feed (G:F) of pigs did not differ between extruded CM and SBM diets and were not affected by extrusion, but increasing extruder screw speed linearly increased (P < 0.05) ADG for day 1 to 7 and G:F for the entire trial. In conclusion, extrusion increased diet AID and CM SID of AA but not DE and predicted NE values of CM. However, increasing extruder speed did not further increase the SID of most of the AA of CM in growing pigs. Dietary inclusion of 20% CM or extruded CM did not affect the growth performance in weaned pigs.

Impact of fiber on growth, plasma, gastrointestinal and excreta attributes in broiler chickens and turkey poults fed corn- or wheat-based diets with or without multienzyme supplement

Effects of fiber on growth performance, gizzard attributes, ileal digesta viscosity, plasma uric acid (PUA) and excreta characteristics were investigated in broiler chickens (experiment 1) and turkey poults (experiment 2) fed corn or wheat-based diets with or without multienzyme supplement (MES). Fibrous diets were created by adding 10% corn distillers dried grains with solubles or wheat middlings in corn or wheat-based diets, respectively. The MES had main activities of xylanase and β-glucanase. A total of 960-d old Ross x Ross 708 male chicks and 720-d old male Hybrid toms were allocated to eight grain, fiber and MES combinations to give 6 replicates per combination. In each experiment, birds had free access to feed and water for 28 days. Excreta samples were collected for 3-d prior to the end and on d 28, body weight and feed intake were recorded, birds bled and subsequently necropsied for gastrointestinal samples. There was an interaction (P ≤ 0.036) between grain, fiber and MES in broilers final body weight (FBW) and BW gain (BWG). In this context, high fiber corn diets reduced FBW and BWG and supplementation of MES improved these parameters. Broilers fed corn had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,462 vs. 1,424 g) and BWG (1,416 vs. 1,378 g) than birds fed wheat diets. Broilers fed corn-based diets without fiber diets had a higher ileal viscosity and excreta moisture compared to birds fed wheat-based and high fiber diets. Broilers fed low fiber wheat diets without MES had higher (P < 0.05) PUA concentration compared to birds fed low fiber corn diets without MES. Poults fed wheat diets had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,441 vs. 1,408 g) and BWG (1,376 vs. 1,343 g) than poults fed corn diet. The MES supplementation in corn-based diets rich in fiber increased (P = 0.03) gizzard weight in poults. In conclusion, there were varied growth and physiological responses in broilers and turkey suggesting the need for refining enzyme application for different poultry species.

Effects of Dietary Fiber on Nutrients Utilization and Gut Health of Poultry: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities

Simple Summary

The inclusion of agricultural co-products has been increased to utilize the nutrients in these products available at low cost, but inherently, it adds a high dietary fiber content in the poultry diets. The use of exogenous feed enzymes along with advancements in feed milling, feed formulation, and processing of these non-conventional ingredients to improve their digestibility and utilization have played an emphatic role in boosting their use globally. Despite such developments, the presence of a high level of dietary fibers (DF) acting in an anti-nutritive manner still poses challenges in poultry feeding. Various isolated forms of fiber or feed enzymes to break DF into fermentable substrates are being used extensively to provide potential prebiotics to support beneficial gut microbiota or probiotics to improve the gut health of poultry raised without antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). This review reports and discusses the existing challenges in feeding high-DF feed ingredients to poultry and the opportunities that are available to improve the nutritive value of such non-conventional feed ingredients by adopting various technologies.

Abstract

Many fibrous ingredients incorporated in poultry feed to reduce production costs have low digestibility and cause poor growth in poultry. However, all plant-based fibers are not equal, and thus exert variable physiological effects on the birds, including but not limited to, digestibility, growth performance, and microbial fermentation. Several types of fibers, especially oligosaccharides, when supplemented in poultry diets in isolated form, exhibit prebiotic effects by enhancing beneficial gut microbiota, modulating gut immunity, boosting intestinal mucosal health, and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the gut. Recently, poultry producers are also facing the challenge of limiting the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry feed. In addition to other alternatives in use, exogenous non-starch polysaccharides digesting enzymes (NSPase) and prebiotics are being used to provide substrates to support the gut microbiome. We also conducted a meta-analysis of different studies conducted in similar experimental conditions to evaluate the variability and conclusiveness in effects of NSPase on growth performance of broilers fed fibrous ingredients. This review presents a holistic approach in discussing the existing challenges of incorporating high-fiber ingredients in poultry feed, as well as strategies to fully utilize the potential of such ingredients in improving feed efficiency and gut health of poultry.

Xylanase increased the energetic contribution of fiber and improved the oxidative status, gut barrier integrity, and growth performance of growing pigs fed insoluble corn-based fiber

The experimental objective was to investigate the impact of xylanase on the bioavailability of energy, oxidative status, and gut function of growing pigs fed a diet high in insoluble fiber and given a longer adaptation time than typically reported. Three replicates of 20 gilts with an initial body weight (BW) of 25.43 ± 0.88 kg were blocked by BW, individually housed, and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: a low-fiber control (LF) with 7.5% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), a 30% corn bran without solubles high-fiber control (HF; 21.9% NDF), HF + 100 mg/kg xylanase (HF + XY; Econase XT 25P), and HF + 50 mg/kg arabinoxylan-oligosaccharide (HF + AX). Gilts were fed ad libitum for 36 d across two dietary phases. Pigs and feeders were weighed on days 0, 14, 27, and 36. On day 36, pigs were housed in metabolism crates for a 10-d period, limit fed (80% of average ad libitum intake), and feces and urine were collected the last 72 h to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME). On day 46, serum and ileal and colonic tissue were collected. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model with block and replication as random effects, and treatment, time, and treatment × time as fixed effects. There was a significant treatment × time interaction for BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed (G:F; P < 0.001). By design, BW at day 0 did not differ; at day 14, pigs fed LF were 3.5% heavier, and pigs fed HF + XY, when compared with HF, were 4% and 4.2% heavier at days 27 and 36, respectively (P < 0.001). From day 14 to 27 and day 27 to 36, when compared with HF, HF + XY improved ADG by 12.4% and 10.7% and G:F by 13.8% and 8.8%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with LF, HF decreased DE and ME by 0.51 and 0.42 Mcal/kg, respectively, but xylanase partially mitigated that effect by increasing DE and ME by 0.15 and 0.12 Mcal/kg, over HF, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed HF + XY had increased total antioxidant capacity in the serum and ileum (P < 0.05) and tended to have less circulating malondialdehyde (P = 0.098). Pigs fed LF had increased ileal villus height, and HF + XY and HF + AX had shallower intestinal crypts (P < 0.001). Pigs fed HF + XY had increased ileal messenger ribonucleic acid abundance of claudin 4 and occludin (P < 0.05). Xylanase, but not AX, improved the growth performance of pigs fed insoluble corn-based fiber. This was likely a result of the observed increase in ME, improved antioxidant capacity, and enhanced gut barrier integrity, but it may require increased adaptation time to elicit this response.

Pretreatment of Rapeseed Meal Increases Its Recalcitrant Fiber Fermentation and Alters the Microbial Community in an in vitro Model of Swine Large Intestine

The aim of current study was to investigate in an in vitro study how enzymatic and chemical pretreated rapeseed meal (RSM) influences the fiber fermentation and microbial community in the swine large intestine. RSM was processed enzymatically by a cellulase (CELL), two pectinases (PECT), or chemically by an alkaline (ALK) treatment. 16S rRNA gene sequencing data was performed to evaluate changes in the gut microbiota composition, whereas short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production (ion-chromatography) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) composition (using monoclonal antibodies; mAbs) were used to assess fiber degradation. The results showed that ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2 changed microbial community composition, increased the predicted abundance of microbial fiber-degrading enzymes and pathways, and increased acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFA production. The increased microbial genera positively correlated with SCFA production. Monoclonal antibody analyses showed that the cell wall polysaccharide structures of RSM shifted after ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2 treatment. The degradation of NSP during the fermentation period was dynamic, and not continuous based on the epitope recognition by mAbs. This study provides the first detailed analysis of changes in the swine intestinal microbiota due to RSM modified by ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2, which altered the microbial community structure, shifted the predicted functional metagenomic profile and subsequently increased total SCFA production. Our findings that ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2 increased fiber degradability in RSM could help guide feed additive strategies to improve efficiency and productivity in swine industry. The current study gave insight into how enzymatic treatment of feed can alter microbial communities, which provides good opportunity to develop novel carbohydrase treatments, particularly in swine feed.

Effects of supplemental xylanase on health of the small intestine in nursery pigs fed diets with corn distillers' dried grains with solubles

Forty pigs [10.7 ± 1.2 kg initial body weight (BW) at 6 wk of age] were used in a 21-d study to evaluate the effects of supplemental xylanase (Hostazym X 100, Huvepharma, Inc., Peachtree City, GA) in nursery diets on digesta viscosity, nutrient digestibility, health of the small intestine, and growth performance when supplemented with corn distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Pigs were individually housed and randomly allotted to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (n = 20/factor, 0% or 30% DDGS and 0 or 1,500 endo-pentosanase unit/kg xylanase as two factors) based on sex and initial BW. Feed intake and BW were recorded weekly. On day 15 of the study, TiO2 in diets (0.3%) was used as an indigestible marker to calculate apparent ileal digestibility (AID). Plasma samples were collected on day 19 to measure tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde, and peptide YY. On day 21, all pigs were euthanized to collect tissues from duodenum, jejunum, and colon to measure morphology, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde concentrations. Distal jejunal digesta were collected to measure viscosity. Ileum digesta were collected to measure AID of nutrients. During the entire period, supplemental xylanase increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG; 616 to 660 g/d) of nursery pigs, whereas DDGS (0 or 30%) did not affect ADG. On week 3, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was increased (P < 0.05) when fed DDGS (1,141 to 1,267 g/d) and there was an interaction (P < 0.05) between two factors indicating that supplemental xylanase decreased ADFI when DDGS was used in a diet. Use of DDGS increased (P < 0.05) viscosity [1.86 to 2.38 centipoise (cP)], whereas supplemental xylanase reduced (P < 0.05) viscosity (2.27 to 1.96 cP) of jejunal digesta. The AID of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) were improved (P < 0.05) by supplemental xylanase. Plasma TNF-α was decreased (P < 0.05, 108.5 to 69.9 pg/mL) by supplemental xylanase. Use of DDGS reduced (P < 0.05) villus height:crypt depth ratio (1.46 to 1.27), whereas supplemental xylanase increased (P < 0.05) the crypt depth (360 to 404 µm) in duodenum. In conclusion, feeding a diet with 30% DDGS to nursery pigs for 3 wk had no negative effect on growth performance, whereas reduced AID of DM and GE, increased TNF-α level in colon tissue, and reduced the ratio of villus height to crypt depth. Dietary supplementation of xylanase reduced digesta viscosity improving AID of nutrients, reduced inflammatory response, and altered intestinal morphology, collectively improving ADG of nursery pigs regardless of the use of DDGS in a diet.

Effect of feeding different levels of lignocellulose on performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta dry matter, and intestinal microbiota in slow growing broilers

Lignocellulose is a constituent of plant cell walls and might be used as a fiber source in poultry nutrition. The current study investigated the impact of increasing dietary levels of lignocellulose on performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta DM, intestinal microbiota, and bacterial metabolites in slow growing broilers. At an age of 10 wk, 60 male broilers of an intercross line (New Hampshire × White Leghorn) were allocated to cages and fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets containing 0.8% (LC1), 5% (LC2), or 10% (LC3) lignocellulose. After 23 D of feeding, broilers were killed and digesta samples of ileum and excreta analyzed for nutrient digestibility and DM. Cecal contents were analyzed for microbial composition and metabolites. Broiler performance was not affected by feeding dietary lignocellulose. LC3 fed broilers showed reduced ileal digestibility of protein compared to chickens fed LC1 (P = 0.003). Moreover, increasing levels of dietary lignocellulose reduced apparent digestibility of organic matter and gross energy (P < 0.001). Feeding of lignocellulose had no impact on the excreta DM of broilers. Increasing levels of dietary lignocellulose lowered cecal counts of Escherichia/Hafnia/Shigella (P = 0.029) and reduced the total concentration of short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.001), lactate (P < 0.05), and ammonia (P = 0.009). The molar ratio of cecal acetic acid was higher in LC3 fed broilers (P < 0.001), while the proportions of cecal propionic acid and n-butyric acid were higher in LC1 and LC2 fed chickens (P < 0.001). Correlation analyses indicated that dietary lignocellulose was negatively related to the total concentration of cecal bacterial metabolites (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the feeding of lignocellulose did not affect growth performance, but impaired nutrient digestibility of slow growing broilers. While minor changes in cecal microbial composition were detected, cecal bacterial metabolite concentrations were significantly reduced with increasing levels of dietary lignocellulose. These findings suggest that lignocellulose is not extensively degraded by bacteria residing in the large intestine of broilers.

Effects of soybean hulls and lignocellulose on performance, nutrient digestibility, microbial metabolites and immune response in piglets

A feeding trial with 96 piglets was performed to investigate the effect of added soluble (SDF) and insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) sources on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), concentration of microbial metabolites and pro-inflammatory marker genes as indicators for immune response. Piglets were allotted to four treatments (T): T1 control, T2 with soybean hulls (IDF/SDF: 8.35) and T3 and T4 with two different kinds of lignocellulose (IDF/SDF: >70). Diets were isofibrous for their value of total dietary fibre to underline the particular physicochemical properties of fibre sources. No differences were observed regarding average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio and body weight, while T2 expressed higher ADG in the grower phase (day 14-54) vs. T3. Soybean hulls (T2) resulted in higher ATTD of dry matter and organic matter vs. T4; ether extract vs. T1 and neutral detergent fibre vs. T1, T2 and T3. The concentration of short chain fatty acids did not differ among treatments. Ileal digesta in T2 generated higher amounts of cadaverine vs. T3 and T4, likewise T1 vs. T4. Finally, no impact on immune response was detected. In conclusion, soybean hulls affected ATTD positively and lignocellulose prevented the formation of cadaverine, no overall direct response of SDF nor of IDF for the inclusion level  were observed.

Digestibility of amino acids, energy, and minerals in roasted full-fat soybean and expelled-extruded soybean meal fed to growing pigs without or with multienzyme supplement containing fiber-degrading enzymes, protease, and phytase

Indigestible fiber-protein-phytate complexes reduce the feeding value of soy products. We investigated the effects of multienzyme supplement (MES, Victus) on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and minerals in roasted full-fat soybean (FFSB) seeds and expelled-extruded soybean meal (SBM) fed to growing pigs. The crude protein (CP) was 33.4% and 42.8% dry matter (DM) in FFSB seeds and SBM, respectively and corresponding values for crude fat were 17.4% and 11.8% DM. Semi-purified diets with 50% of either FFSB seeds or SBM as the sole source of AA were prepared without or with MES supplying phytase, protease, xylanase, and β-glucanase at 2,200, 8,300, 400, and 100 U/kg of feed, respectively. Diets had TiO2 as an indigestible marker and the ratio of cornstarch to sucrose and corn oil was identical to calculate DE by the difference method. Eight ileal-cannulated barrows (22.1 ± 0.61 kg) were fed diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to give eight replicates per diet. The period lasted for 9 d: 5 d for acclimation, 2 d for fecal, and 2 d for ileal digesta samples. There was no (P > 0.05) interaction between soy type and MES or MES effect on SID of AA; SBM had higher (P < 0.05) SID of CP, His, Leu, and Lys. There was no (P > 0.05) interaction between soy type and MES on energy digestibility. The FFSB seeds had higher ATTD of gross energy (GE, 80.2% vs. 76.6%; P < 0.01) than SBM. Pigs fed MES had higher (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM (91.3% vs. 87.7 %), GE (87.5% vs. 82.4%), CP (86.4% vs. 82.9%), crude fat (70.6% vs. 54.9%), Ca (63.2% vs. 60.2%), and P (67.5% vs. 63.2%). In conclusions, differences on AA and energy digestibility in soy products could be linked to processing and compositional differences. Although MES had no effect on SID of AA, the effects on the utilization of minerals and energy demonstrated the value of fiber-degrading enzymes, protease, and phytase in improving the nutritive value of soy products independent of processing.

Evaluation of Extrusion Temperatures, Pelleting Parameters, and Vitamin Forms on Vitamin Stability in Feed

Simple Summary

Since African Swine Fever is a pandemic in China, the Chinese feed mills implemented specific thermal processing to inactivate the virus. Farmers and animal nutritionists gradually focus on the destructive effects of feed processing on substances, e.g., vitamins, because vitamins are labile nutrients that are sensitive to the chemical and physical factors during thermal processing. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of vitamin forms, extrusion temperature, and pelleting parameters on vitamin stability, and to determine which vitamins are destroyed by thermal processing. The deleterious impact of feed processing is of practical relevance to vitamin stability. The majority of B complex vitamins have great stability in feed processing, but the stability of fat-soluble vitamins was negatively affected by feed processing. In addition, microencapsulated vitamins had greater stability compared to non-microencapsulated vitamins. Based on the current results, decreasing the strength of feed processing and choice of suitable forms of the vitamin could be recommended in feed production.

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the stability of microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated forms of vitamins in diets during extrusion and pelleting. We investigated the recovery of vitamins in swine diets after extrusion at 100 °C, 140 °C, or 180 °C. Next, two diets were conditioned at 65 °C (low temperature; LT) or 85 °C (high temperature; HT), and pellets were formed using a 2.5 × 15.0 mm (low length-to-diameter ratio; LR) or 2.5 × 20.0 mm (high length-to-diameter ratio; HR) die. The extrusion temperature had a significant effect on the recovery of vitamins E, B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₅ in the diets. The diet extruded at 100 °C had higher B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₅ vitamin recoveries than diets extruded at 140 °C and 180 °C. Microencapsulated vitamins A and K₃ had greater stability than non-microencapsulated vitamins A and K₃ at 100 °C and 140 °C extrusion. In the diet extruded at 180 °C, microencapsulated vitamins A, D₃, and K₃ had higher recoveries than non-microencapsulated vitamins A, D₃, and K₃. The recovery of vitamin K₃ in diets after LTLR (low temperature + low length-to-diameter ratio) or HTLR (high temperature + low length-to-diameter ratio) pelleting was greater (p < 0.05) than after LTHR (low temperature + high length-to-diameter ratio) and HTHR (high temperature + high length-to-diameter ratio) pelleting. Our results clearly show that low extrusion temperature and low pellet temperature, and a low length-to-diameter ratio (L:D ratio) for pellet mill die are recommended for pig feed. Moreover, microencapsulated vitamins had greater stability compared to non-microencapsulated vitamins.

Effect of a "diluted" diet containing 10% lignocellulose on the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal microbiota, and excreta characteristics of dual purpose laying hens

Low performing dual purpose hens have different nutritional requirements compared to conventional hybrid hens. Lignocellulose is a low fermentable polymer, acting as a diet diluent and may influence physiological and digestive processes. This study investigated the effect of a 10% dietary lignocellulose dilution on the development of gastrointestinal organs, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiota, and excreta characteristics of dual purpose hens. One-day-old female Lohmann Dual chicks were allocated to 12 pens and fed two different diets: A standard control diet (CON) and a treatment diet (LC), based on CON but diluted with 10% lignocellulose (ARBOCEL®). At 52 wk of age, gastrointestinal organs were extracted and weights determined. Colorectal tissue samples were chemically fixed and stained for histomorphological examinations. Cecal digesta samples were analyzed for bacterial metabolites and composition using gas chromatography, HPLC, photometry, and PCR. Excreta dry matter and viscosity was consistently assessed during the trial. LC-fed hens showed increased weights of the gizzard (P = 0.003), small (P < 0.001), and large intestine (P = 0.048) compared to hens fed CON. LC-fed hens had a larger colorectal villus area (P = 0.049), a higher mucosal enlargement factor of villi (P = 0.016) and crypts (P = 0.030) than CON-fed hens. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (P = 0.017) and ammonia (P = 0.013) was higher in CON-fed hens compared to LC-fed hens. Bacterial composition and activity was generally not affected by feeding the different diets. LC-fed hens had a higher excreta dry matter content than hens fed CON at 10 (P < 0.001), 17 (P < 0.001), and 22 (P = 0.002) wk of age. Correlation analyses revealed a negative relationship between the concentration of SCFAs in the cecum and the colorectal villus surface area (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the feeding of high levels of lignocellulose increased gastrointestinal organ weights and colorectal surface area in dual purpose laying hens. A higher intestinal surface area in combination with lower concentrations of SCFAs might indicate a compensatory reaction of hens fed LC enhancing the absorption of bacterial metabolites by increasing the intestinal mucosal surface.

Performance of broilers and layers supplemented with Moringa stenopetala leaf meal under hot humid tropical conditions

Context Heat stress poses a major limit to poultry production. Moringa stenopetala leaf meal (MSL) could be a promising feed additive for poultry raised under heat stress, as it is rich in antioxidants. Aims To determine the effect of (MSL) supplementation on the production and quality of broilers under heat-stress conditions. Methods In the broiler performance trial, 156 1-day old Cobb 500 broilers were assigned to four groups, with each containing three replicates of 13 chicks. For the egg production trial, 108 Bovan Brown layers aged 20 weeks were allocated to four groups, with each containing three replicates of nine hens. The four groups of broiler and layer chicken were supplemented with MSL at a level of 0% (control), 1% (MSL1), 1.5% (MSL1.5) and 2% (MSL2). Relative humidity, and minimum and maximum temperatures were 82%, 13°C and 23°C respectively. The effects of MSL supplementation on growth performance, characteristics of digestive organs, carcass traits, egg production and egg quality were analysed with one-way ANOVA. Key results Moringa stenopetala-leaf supplementation at a level up to 2% (MSL2) did not significantly affect feed intake, weight gain or feed conversion ratio of the birds. Supplemented broilers had a significantly longer large intestine (24% for MSL1, 37% for MSL1.5 and 49% for MSL2) and a heavier pancreas (82% for MSL1, 67% for MSL1.5, and 57% for MSL2) than did the control broilers. Hot and cold carcass weights, dressing yield, dressing percentage, breast-meat weight, drumstick and thigh-meat weights, wing-meat weight, back weight and meat pH were not significantly affected by MSL supplementation. Ash content of meat of the MSL2-fed birds was significantly higher than that of the control birds (3.51% vs 2.74% respectively). Egg production, feed conversion ratio and interior and exterior egg-quality parameters were not significantly affected by MSL supplementation. Intensity of yolk colour was significantly and linearly enhanced due to MSL supplementation (by ~5–8 times compared with the control). Conclusions Supplementation with MSL at a level up to 2% improved yolk colour of Bovan Brown layer eggs, with no effect on meat and egg production. Implications Yolk colour of eggs of layers raised under heat stress can be improved by MSL supplementation at 1%, with there being a minimum increase in the diet cost.