Relationship between wheat characteristics and nutrient digestibility in broilers: comparison between total collection and marker (titanium dioxide) technique

The Effect of Encapsulated Propyl Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO) on Apparent Ileal Digestibility and Productive Performance in Broiler Chickens

This study analyzed the effects of different dietary doses of encapsulated propyl propane thiosulfonate (Pe-PTSO) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients and productive performance in broilers. A total of 100 one-day-old Cobb 500 were housed in battery cages for 20 days. At 10 days of age, the birds were assigned to one of five diets: negative control (P0), 250 mg/kg of Pe-PTSO (P250), 500 mg/kg of Pe-PTSO (P500), 750 mg/kg of Pe-PTSO (P750), and positive control, nicarbazin-narasin (ION). Titanium dioxide was the external marker, which was added to the diets from day 17 to 20. In the birds fed the P250 diet, there was a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the AID values for amino acids and energy compared to those that consumed the P0 diet. Furthermore, the P250 diet significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) the average daily weight gain compared to the P0 diet. No significant differences were observed between treatments in average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. In summary, the inclusion of 250 mg of encapsulated PTSO per kg in broiler chickens diet improved the digestibility of amino acids and energy, as well as weight gain.

Xylanase impact beyond performance: A microbiome approach in laying hens

Anti-nutritional compounds such as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are present in viscous cereals used in feed for poultry. Therefore, exogenous carbohydrases are commonly added to monogastric feed to degrade these NSP. Our hypothesis is that xylanase not only improves laying hen performance and digestibility, but also induces a significant shift in microbial composition within the intestinal tract and thereby might exert a prebiotic effect. In this context, a better understanding on whether and how the chicken gut microbial population can be modulated by xylanase is required. To do so, the effects of dietary supplementation of xylanase on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and cecal microbiome in laying hens were evaluated in the present study. A total of 96 HiSex laying hens were used in this experiment (3 diets and 16 replicates of 2 hens). Xylanase was added to the diets at concentrations of 0, 45,000 (15 g/t XygestTM HT) and 90,000 U/kg (30 g/t Xygest HT). The diets were based on wheat (~55%), soybean and sunflower meal. The lowest dosage, 45,000 U/kg, significantly increased average egg weight and improved feed efficiency compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Egg quality parameters were significantly improved in the experiment in response to the xylanase addition. For example, during the last 28 days of the trial, birds receiving the 45,000 U/kg and the 90,000 U/kg treatments exhibited an increase in Haugh units and albumin heights (P<0.05). Compared with the control, the ATTD of organic matter and crude protein were drastically improved in the 45,000 U/kg treatment group (P<0.05). Furthermore, gross energy and the ATTD of crude fat were improved significantly for birds fed 90,000 U/kg group compared to the control. Importantly, 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that xylanase at 45,000 U/kg dosage can exert a change in the cecal microbiome. A significant increase in beneficial bacteria (Bacilli class; Enterococcaceae and Lactobacillales orders; Merdibacter, Enterococcus and Nocardiopsis genera; Enterococcus casseliflavus species) was documented when adding 45,000 U/kg xylanase to the diet of laying hens. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of xylanase 45,000 U/kg significantly improved laying hen performance and digestibility. Furthermore, microbiome data suggest that xylanase modulates the laying hen bacterial population beneficially, thus potentially exerting a prebiotic effect.

A Multicarbohydrase and Phytase Complex Is Able to Compensate a Nutrient-Deficiency in Growing-Finishing Pigs

Simple Summary

Phytate is the primary storage form of phosphorus in grain-based feedstuffs, which can reduce the utilization of the phosphorus, calcium, and other minerals. Additionally, non-starch polysaccha-rides can increase digesta viscosity and thus decrease the nutrient digestion and utilization. The current study has evaluated the effects of a next-generation multicarbohydrase and phytase com-plex on the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs fed a corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diet. The results showed that dietary supplementation of the multicarbohydrase and phytase complex improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility but had little effect on carcass traits and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs fed a corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet. These findings indi-cate that the multicarbohydrase and phytase complex could be used as a promising enzymes product to mitigate the negative effects of phytate and non-starch polysaccharides.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supplementing a corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diet with a multicarbohydrase and phytase complex (MCPC) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 300 pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace; body weight = 25.3 ± 0.7 kg) were randomly allotted to three groups with 10 replicates of 10 pigs each. Pigs from three groups were fed positive control (PC) or negative control (NC), without or with MCPC diets, respectively. The MCPC supplied at least 1800, 1244, 6600, and 1000 units of xylanase, β-glucanase, α-arabinofuranosidase, and phytase per kilogram of diet, respectively. The NC diet was the PC diet but reduced in net energy (NE), digestible amino acids (dig. AA), digestible P (dig. P), and Ca by 74 kcal/kg, 7.0%, 0.134, and 0.119 percentage points, respectively. The diets were fed in 4 growth phases based on body weight (BW): phase 1: 25–50 kg, phase 2: 50–75 kg, phase 3: 75–100 kg, and phase 4: 100–135 kg. Compared to the PC, the NC diet decreased (p < 0.05) body weight gain, feed intake, and(or) feed to gain ratio during the growing/finishing phases 1, 2, 3, and 4. It also reduced (p < 0.05) the ATTD of crude protein, crude fat, P, and Ca of pigs. MCPC supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the body weight gain, feed intake, and(or) feed to gain ratio in phases 2, 3, and 4 and the ATTD of crude protein, crude fat, ash, P, and Ca for the NC diet. Additionally, dietary treatment had no effects on carcass traits and meat quality with the exception that the loin eye area in the NC plus MCPC diet was higher (p < 0.05) than the NC diet. In conclusion, the addition of MCPC to a corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet reduced in energy and nutrients improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility but had little effect on carcass traits and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

Arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides kick-start arabinoxylan digestion in the aging broiler

While arabinoxylans (AX), an important dietary fiber fraction of wheat-based broiler diets, are known for exerting antinutritional effects in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of broilers, the prebiotic potential of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS) is also well-documented. However, inconsistent performance responses as well as the effectiveness of low amounts of AXOS used in diets of previously conducted experiments put into question the classical prebiotic route being the sole mode of action of AXOS. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary AXOS addition on the rate of AX digestion in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers as a function of broiler age to gain more insight into the mode of action of these oligosaccharides. A feeding trial was performed on 480 one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) receiving a wheat-based diet supplemented with or without 0.50% AXOS, containing no endoxylanases. Digesta samples from ileum and caeca and fecal samples were analyzed for AX content, AX digestibility, intestinal viscosity, and microbial AX-degrading enzyme activities at 6 different ages (day 5, 10, 15, 21, 28, 35). Chicks fed from hatching with 0.50% AXOS demonstrated a higher ileal viscosity (P < 0.05). Also higher levels of AX solubilization and fermentation compared to control birds at 10 D were observed. This was noted by the higher total tract AX digestibility of water-extractable AX (WE-AX) and total AX (TOT-AX) at this age (P < 0.05). Although no significant difference in AX-degrading enzyme activities was observed among the dietary treatments, AXOS supplementation in young broilers was shown to stimulate or "kick-start" dietary AX digestion, thereby speeding up the development of a fiber-fermenting microbiome in the young broiler. This stimulation effect of AXOS could enable greater functional value to be extracted from dietary fiber in broiler feeds.

Age-related arabinoxylan hydrolysis and fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers fed wheat-based diets

Endoxylanases are frequently used in cereal-based broiler feeds to improve the nutritional quality of the feed. It is hypothesized that the age of broilers and the age-related development of their intestinal microbiota influence the efficacy of these enzymes. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify possible age-related changes in arabinoxylan (AX) digestion in the different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of broilers. A feeding trial was performed with 240 1-day-old chicks (Ross 308) receiving a wheat-based feed containing no supplemented endoxylanase. Digesta samples from every section of the GI tract were collected at 5, 10, 15, 21, 28, and 35 d of age and analyzed for AX content, AX digestibility, intestinal viscosity, and microbial endoxylanase and arabinofuranosidase activities. In the first 2 wk, the microbiota were able to solubilize a part of the water-unextractable arabinoxylan (WU-AX), thereby increasing intestinal viscosity and water-extractable arabinoxylan (WE-AX) concentrations in the GI tract. In these young birds, WU-AX and WE-AX with low arabinose to xylose ratios were able to enter the caeca but were not yet extensively fermented by the caecal microbiota as indicated by the high caecal AX concentrations at 5 and 10 d (P < 0.01). Establishment of a more mature microbial community at 3 wk of age resulted in a further increase in both the solubilization of WU-AX and fermentation of WE-AX at the ileum and caecum (P < 0.10). Furthermore, the increase in AX degrading enzyme activities with age denotes the high AX degrading capacity of the caecal microbiota. Finally, a total tract AX digestion of 24% was achieved at slaughter age (day 35). Our results clearly indicate that the capacity of intestinal microbiota to degrade AX in the hindgut increases as the broiler ages. This suggests that the benefits of endoxylanase supplementation of broiler feeds depend on the interaction of the intestinal microbiota and AX present in the GI tract at specific broiler ages.

Determination of gastrointestinal passage rate using three different markers in laying hens

The titanium dioxide (TiO₂ ) marker technique is currently widely practiced as a method to evaluate gastrointestinal (GI) passage rate in poultry. However, this method requires sacrificing the animal to obtain digesta samples, is labour-intensive and eliminates the possibility of follow-up studies with the same individual. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the radiographic methods barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres (BIPS) and barium sulphate (BaSO₄ ) suspension are in agreement with the TiO₂ technique and can be used as an alternative method for GI passage rate determination in laying hens. Whole-body radiographs were taken at different time points. Hens of group 3 (n = 55) were orally inoculated with 5 g of feed mixed with 0.15 g TiO₂ , 5 hens per time point sacrificed, and whole gastrointestinal organs (crop, proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine and large intestine) were collected and analysed for TiO₂ content. The average marker passage rate of hens administered BaSO₄ was significantly faster than those administered BIPS (gizzard: 15.2 hr vs. 43.2 hr; small intestine: 15.2 hr vs. 38.4 hr, respectively). A greater percentage of BIPS remained in the crop at 0, 0.5, 2, 3 and 8 hr post-inoculation (p.i.) and in the gizzard at 2, 24, 36 and 48 hr p.i. (all p < 0.05) compared to TiO₂ . In conclusion, the evaluation of the GI transit time is feasible using BIPS, TiO₂ and BaSO₄ . The evaluation of the GI transit time using BIPS and BaSO₄ needs further investigation.

Wheat sample affects growth performance and the apparent metabolisable energy value for broiler chickens

1. The aim of this study was to examine chemical composition, quality characteristics, apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and nutrient utilisation of wheat samples currently available to the UK poultry industry and their effect on broiler growth performance. 2. Seventeen current UK wheat samples were used to formulate 17 diets, all of which included 670 g/kg of each wheat sample and 330 g/kg of a balancer feed. Eight hundred 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated randomly to 160 raised floor pens. Each diet was replicated eight times, fed ad libitum from 0 to 21d age in a randomised complete block design. Excreta were quantitatively collected during the last 3 days for AME determination. 3. The content of protein, ash and gross energy (GE) ranged from 97 to 143 g/kg DM, 12.8 to 19.6 g/kg DM and 17.81 to 18.24 MJ/kg DM, respectively. The amount of starch and total non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) ranged from 671 to 728 and 80.1 to 98.2 g/kg DM, respectively. The quality characteristics of wheat samples were in the expected range. 4. There were differences (P < 0.05) in AME and N-corrected AME (AMEn) of wheat samples. The AME of the wheat had a maximum range of 1.13 MJ/kg DM between samples. Dry matter retention (DMR) and fat digestibility (FD) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between wheat samples. 5. The daily feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) of broilers fed two wheat samples were significantly (P < 0.05) lower as compared to other samples and their low FI and WG were not related to their chemical composition and quality characteristics. 6. The ash content of wheat samples was negatively associated with AMEn (r = - 0.489, P < 0.05). The coefficient of FD was positively related to AMEn (r = 0.552, P < 0.05). 7. Chemical composition and quality characteristics of the wheat did not relate (P > 0.05) to FI and WG of broilers. There was no relationship between growth performance of broilers and AMEn of the wheat samples.

Comparison of four digestibility markers to estimate fecal output of dogs

Twelve adult beagle dogs (10.6 ± 1.4 kg) were fed extruded dog diets in which the starch sources were whole sorghum, sorghum flour, sorghum mill-feed, or an equal combination of rice, corn, and wheat. The experiment was conducted as a replicated Latin square design digestibility study. Estimates of fecal organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), and gross energy (GE) outputs were determined by four methods: total fecal collection (TFC), chromic oxide (Cr₂O₃), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and acid insoluble ash (AIA). The correlation among the fecal output estimates by the four methods by partial correlation coefficients from the Error SSCP Matrix (Pearson) were considered significant at P < 0.05. The external markers, Cr₂O₃ and TiO₂, had a higher (P < 0.05) OM fecal output Pearson correlation to TFC than the intrinsic marker AIA (R = 0.931 for Cr₂O₃ vs. TiO₂; R = 0.559 for TFC vs. Cr₂O₃; R = 0.592 for TFC vs. TiO₂; R = 0.291 for AIA vs. TFC). Interestingly, TiO₂ highly correlated (P < 0.05) to Cr₂O₃ (R = 0.93 for OM), and was also correlated highly to TFC and AIA. The study suggests that TiO₂ may be a preferred marker to estimate fecal output in dogs vs. Cr₂O₃. The use of AIA represents a potential option for determining digestibility for diets in which external markers are impractical.

Interactions between the concentration of non-starch polysaccharides in wheat and the addition of an enzyme mixture in a broiler digestibility and performance trial

Two broiler trials were designed to investigate the relationship between the concentration of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in wheat and 1) its nutritional value for broilers and 2) the efficacy of exogenous enzymes. In a balance trial, diets were formulated with 3 wheat cultivars (Rustic and Viscount—medium NSP, Centenaire—high NSP) and were tested with or without the addition of an exogenous enzyme mixture. The diets were fed to 144 male Ross 308 broiler chickens housed in digestibility cages. Total tract nutrient digestibilities and AME_n were measured from 18 to 22 d of age. In a performance trial, diets were formulated with wheat (medium NSP diet) or with wheat mixed with rye and barley (high NSP diet) and were tested with or without the addition of an exogenous enzyme mixture. The diets were fed to 960 male Ross 308 broilers housed in pens and broiler performance during starter, grower and finisher periods was measured.

In the balance trial, wheat cultivar did not affect nutrient digestibility or AME_n. Enzyme addition caused a significant increase in nutrient digestibilities and AME_n for the diet formulated with the high NSP wheat Centenaire only. In the performance trial, feeding the high NSP diet resulted in a higher feed conversion ratio and lower final body weight compared to the medium NSP diet. The largest improvements by enzyme addition were observed in the high NSP diet.

In conclusion, the study was not able to show a consistent relationship between the NSP concentration of wheat and its nutritional value, but did demonstrate that the effect of an enzyme mixture on nutrient digestibility or broiler performance depends upon the NSP concentration in the diet.

Effect of feeding broccoli floret residues on leghorn layer performance and egg quality and nutrient digestibility

1. A study was conducted to determine the effects of dried broccoli floret (DBF) on egg production parameters, egg quality and apparent nutrient digestibility of laying hens. It was hypothesised that feeding DBF can improve egg quality without adversely affecting layer performance.2. Seventy-two White Leghorn layers aged 62 weeks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments (6 cage replicates with 3 hens each) and fed diets containing 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg DBF in feed for 56 d.3. Inclusion of DBF had no effect on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio or egg components. However, egg weight increased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF in the diet increased. Egg breakage strength, eggshell strength and Haugh unit were not influenced by dietary treatments. Egg yolk colour (quadratic effect, P = 0.002) and α-tocopherol concentration (quadratic effect, P < 0.0001) improved as a result of DBF inclusion. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not altered by DBF inclusion. Apparent total tract nutrient (dry matter, organic matter and crude protein) digestibility coefficients decreased (linear effect, P < 0.05) as the level of DBF increased.4. Feeding DBF to layers up to 120 g/kg of the diet had no negative effects on feed intake, egg production and feed efficiency and improved egg yolk colour and α-tocopherol concentration. However, total tract nutrient digestibility coefficients were negatively decreased as a result of DBF inclusion.

Evaluation of methodological aspects of digestibility measurements in ponies fed different haylage to concentrate ratios

Methodological aspects of digestibility measurements were studied in four Welsh pony geldings consuming haylage-based diets with increasing proportions of a pelleted concentrate according to a 4×4 Latin square design experiment. Ponies were fed four experimental, iso-energetic (net energy (NE) basis) diets (i.e. 22 MJ NE/day) with increasing proportions of a pelleted concentrate (C) in relation to haylage (H). The absolute amounts of diet dry matter fed per day were 4.48 kg of H (100H), 3.36 and 0.73 kg of H and C (75H25C), 2.24 and 1.45 kg of H and C (50H50C) and 1.12 and 2.17 kg of H and C (25H75C). Diets were supplemented with minerals, vitamins and TiO2 (3.7 g Ti/day). Voluntary voided faeces were quantitatively collected daily during 10 consecutive days and analysed for moisture, ash, ADL, acid-insoluble ash (AIA) and Ti. A minimum faeces collection period of 6 consecutive days, along with a 14-day period to adapt the animals to the diets and become accustomed to the collection procedure, is recommended to obtain accurate estimations on dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in equids fed haylage-based diets supplemented with concentrate. In addition, the recovery of AIA, ADL and Ti was determined and evaluated. Mean faecal recovery over 10 consecutive days across diets for AIA, ADL and Ti was 124.9% (SEM 2.9), 108.7% (SEM 2.0) and 97.5% (SEM 0.9), respectively. Cumulative faecal recovery of AIA significantly differed between treatments, indicating that AIA is inadequate to estimate the OMD in equines. In addition, evaluation of the CV of mean cumulative faecal recoveries obtained by AIA, ADL and Ti showed greater variations in faecal excretion of AIA (9.1) and ADL (7.4) than Ti (3.7). The accuracy of prediction of OMD was higher with the use of Ti than ADL. The use of Ti is preferred as a marker in digestibility trials in equines fed haylage-based diets supplemented with increasing amounts of pelleted concentrate.