Search Results (95)

Ruminant livestock production faces rising challenges related to feed costs, sustainability, and methane (CH₄) emissions, with the rumen microbiome playing a central role. This study evaluated the effects of processed and unprocessed orange peel waste, valorized as secondary feedstuff, on rumen microbial composition and methanogen abundance in dairy sheep while assessing primer-dependent biases in microbial detection. Eighteen mid-lactation Chios ewes were assigned to three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets: control, 11% processed orange peel, and 11% unprocessed orange peel, over an 84-day trial. Rumen samples collected on days 0 and 84 were analyzed using Oxford Nanopore sequencing with full-length 16S (V1–V9) and prokaryotic (V3–V4) primers. Firmicutes (39.5–58.0%) and Bacteroidota (20.0–37.4%) predominated across diets, while Methanobacteria (6.9–8.8%) were detected exclusively with the prokaryotic primer. Orange peel inclusion attenuated the rise of Proteobacteria in controls and stabilized Prevotella populations. Notably, the processed orange peel diet reduced Methanobacteria abundance by 19.3% (p < 0.05) after 84 days, suggesting enhanced antimethanogenic effects. These results highlight both the methodological relevance of primer selection and the potential of citrus by-products as sustainable feed ingredients that promote rumen microbial stability and contribute to methane mitigation in dairy sheep production. Full article

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in animal-derived foods are increasingly important for human health. Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), rich in n-3 PUFA, is a promising feedstuff for producing n-3 PUFA-enriched animal products. However, research on dietary Sacha inchi oil (SIO) supplementation in laying hens remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of SIO on production performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid (FA) composition in laying hens. A total of 192 hybrid hens [(♂ White Leghorn × ♀ Egyptian Fayoumi); initial body weight: 1910 ± 22.14 g; age: 25 weeks old] were randomly assigned one of the four diets: a basal diet (CONT), and three tested diets based on CONT with the addition of 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% SIO (as-feed basis) (SI15, SI30, and SI45, respectively). Each dietary treatment included 48 hens housed in 12 battery cages for 56 days with 4 birds per cage. Increasing dietary SIO levels significantly reduced average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). Egg yolk weight linearly increased (p < 0.05) with higher SIO inclusion, while other egg quality traits were unaffected. SIO supplementation significantly increased (p = 0.001) yolk n-3 PUFA level (from 0.79% to 8.29% on day 28, and from 0.87% to 9.13% on day 56) and substantially reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio by about nine-fold on both 28 and 56 days. In conclusion, SIO is a promising n-3 PUFA-rich feed ingredient for egg production. Adding 3.0–4.5% SIO in laying hen diets can enhance egg yolk weight and n-3 PUFA level while reducing feed intake without negatively affecting egg production or quality. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three drying methods, namely sun drying, microwave–vacuum drying, and hot-air-oven drying, on the physical and nutritional properties of cricket powder for use in poultry feed. The results showed that the drying method significantly affected color parameters (L*, a*, and b*; p < 0.05), and particle size distribution at 850 µm and 250 µm (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Microwave–vacuum drying produced the lightest powder with a higher proportion of coarse particles, while sun drying resulted in a darker color and greater particle retention at 850 µm. Hot-air-oven drying yielded the lowest moisture content (1.99%) and the highest gross energy (6126.43 kcal/kg), with no significant differences observed in crude protein (p = 0.61), ether extract (p = 0.08), crude fiber (p = 0.14), ash (p = 0.22), or amino acid profiles (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that all drying methods preserved the nutritional value of cricket powder, and based on the overall results, hot-air-oven drying is the most suitable method for producing high-quality cricket meal with optimal physical properties and feed value, while also providing a practical balance between drying efficiency and cost. Full article

Camelina sativa (CS) is an emerging sustainable oilseed crop with interesting feed application potentialities. The research assessed the potentiality of Camelina sativa (CS) in the diet for free-range laying hens, aiming at reaching a nutritional claim. To this purpose, two feeding groups of hens (n = 100 Livorno hens, n = 25 hens/pen) were farmed outdoor and received either a Control diet, which was a commercial diet for laying hens, or a CS diet. The latter was formulated to include the 5% CS cake and 1% CS oil, replacing conventional feedstuffs. Diets were isoprotein and isoenergy and were available ad libitum throughout the laying period (February–September). At day 1, n = 12 eggs/diet were sampled to assess the initial proximate composition and FA profile. Every 7 days the sampling was repeated to analyze the eggs’ FA profile, up to day 35. At the end of the laying season, n = 6 hens/dietary treatment were slaughtered and subjected to meat quality evaluations. Results highlighted that a 28-day feeding was the period required to obtain 227 mg of C18:3 n-3 and 81 mg of C20:5 n-3 + C22:6 n-3/100 g egg, whereas a further 7 days of feeding trial were ineffective in further enhancing the omega-3 FA content of eggs. CS eggs were comparable to Control ones for overall physical traits, proximate composition, and shelf-life. In addition, at the end of the laying period, the meat of CS hens was also found to be healthier than that of Control ones, thanks to a higher omega-3 FA proportion (p < 0.01), which was, however, not sufficient to reach any nutritional claim. Instead, the proximate composition of CS meat was overall comparable to Control hens. In conclusion, the present research demonstrated that feeding Camelina sativa meal and oil to laying hens is feasible and allows to reach the nutritional claim in eggs “rich in omega-3 FA” after a feeding period of 28 days, without any negative effects on other eggs’ quality trials. Camelina sativa can thus be defined as a promising sustainable feedstuff for the poultry sector for diversification purposes and to enhance the nutritional quality of eggs. Full article

The study aimed to provide a possible strategy to evaluate the detoxifying efficacy of mycotoxin adsorbents in vivo by analyzing deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration in feces. Fifteen pigs were randomly assigned to five groups (groups A–E, 3 replicates/group). The pigs in each group were fed twice a day for 10 d with 500 g of designed diets (group A, commercial feedstuffs; group B, DON-contaminated (mildewed) feedstuffs; groups C, D, E, mildewed feedstuffs containing 0.2% adsorbent 1, 2, and 3, respectively). For each pig, 2-g fecal samples were collected pre-feeding and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Nondetectable or low concentrations of DON (<1.38 μg/g) were found in fecal samples from groups A and B. High concentrations of DON (>20 μg/g) were detected in six out of twenty fecal batches from pigs in group C. Moderate concentrations of DON (5.54–6.50 μg/g) were detected in one out of twenty fecal batches from pigs in group D and two out of twenty in group E. Based on the predefined evaluation criteria, higher DON concentration and frequency in feces indicate better adsorbent efficacy. Notably, Absorbent 1 demonstrated a more pronounced detoxification efficacy in vivo compared to the other two absorbents. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of feedstuffs and additives in dairy cow rations on rumen methane production and nitrate content in groundwater. Two basal rations and their supplements were analyzed in regard to proximate parameters, and an in vitro rumen fermentation system assessed methane release and nitrate levels over 72 h. Supplementing dairy cow rations with Brassica rapa (BR) boosted the ether extract content, while silage produced the highest amount of methane. Rapidly degrading substrates like BR and ground maize produced methane faster, but in smaller amounts, than straw and silage. BR, Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), and Posidonia oceanica (PO)-supplemented rations had mixed effects; PO reduced the methane yield, while OFI increased methane production rates. BR-supplemented rations had the lowest nitrate levels, making it suitable for anaerobic digestion. The multivariate analysis showed strong correlations between crude protein, dry matter, and ash, while high-nitrate substrates inhibited methane production, supporting the literature on the role of nitrates in reducing methanogenesis. These results emphasize the need to balance nutrient composition and methane mitigation strategies in dairy cow ration formulations. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of solid-state fermentation inoculated with Aspergillus spp. on the nutritional profile of selected agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs: cowpea shell, groundnut shell, soybean hull, and maize shaft). These AIBPs were assessed as potential feedstuffs in weaner rabbit diets, which often exhibit digestive disorders when introduced to highly lignified feed ingredients. The AIBPs were milled to a particle size of 2 mm, sterilized, and subjected to fermentation with Aspergillus spp. under microaerophilic conditions at 28 ± 2 °C for 10 days. Samples (four replicates per treatment) were analyzed for chemical constituents (mineral and proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors, and fibre fractions) before and after fermentation. Digestible energy and digestibility coefficient of gross energy were calculated. Data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was an increase (p < 0.05) in mineral profile, proximate composition, digestible energy, digestibility coefficient of gross energy, and dry matter, with a reduction (p < 0.05) in crude fibre, fibre fractions, and anti-nutritional factors. It was concluded that fermentation with Aspergillus spp. improved the nutritional value of the selected agro-industrial by-products. Therefore, fermented materials possess a better nutritional profile to be used in feeding programs for weaner rabbits. This will ensure sustainable animal production and add value to agricultural waste, which would otherwise constitute an environmental nuisance. Full article

The use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feed represents a useful alternative to enhance the sustainability of the agri-food chain. Grape pomace represents an environmental problem mainly for wine-producing countries. Because of the high water content and the seasonality of this feedstuff, ensiling might be a technology to preserve its nutritional quality for a long time, and this must be considered and studied on a commercial scale. This study aimed to characterise the ensiling process of white grape pomace, evaluate its suitability for inclusion in the ruminant diet and compare its shelf life to untreated storage conditions. White grape pomace silos were made with baled silage (300 kg approx.). Samples were analysed at days 0, 7, 14, 35, 60 and 180 of conservation to determine microbial populations, fermentation metabolites, nutritional components and bioactive properties. The collected data were analysed using a general linear model, considering the effect of the treatment, sampling days and their interaction (Proc. GLM, SAS v9.4). White grape pomace showed good suitability for ensiling, and stabilisation was achieved on day 35. The microbial populations and fermentative components observed in silage treatments adhered to the expected standards for high-quality ensiling processes. There were no significant losses of dry matter, and no significant differences were observed in the nutritional composition for ruminant feeding. A small reduction in antioxidant potential was observed and considered irrelevant in terms of the bioactive properties of the silages. Additionally, the cost analysis demonstrated that white grape pomace silage could serve as a more economical feedstuff compared to conventional forages, considering its nutritional value. So, the ensiling of white grape pomace in baled silage is a suitable and cost-effective technique that allows its preservation over a long period. Full article

This study aimed to explore the impacts of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y), tannase-producing bacteria (D), cellulase (M), and their combined treatment (L + Y + D + M) on the sensory quality, chemical composition, silage quality, and microbial community of Caragana korshinskii. In light of the scarcity of research on the use of tannase-producing bacteria, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and cellulase as composite silage additives in the utilization of desert shrubs as feed resources, this study centers on this area and endeavors to offer a novel theoretical foundation for relevant fields. Different microorganisms and enzymes were individually added to 500 g of Caragana korshinskii, and anaerobic fermentation was carried out in an incubator at 40 °C for 14 days. The results show that compared to the control group (CK) without any additives, the sensory evaluation of all treatments improved, with the L + Y + D + M treatment being the best (p < 0.05). All treatments reduced the contents of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and tannin (p < 0.05), while increasing the content of crude protein and relative feeding value (p < 0.05), with the L + Y + D + M treatment showing the most significant effect (p < 0.05). Lactic acid levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) and the pH significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in all treatments, with the L + Y + D + M treatment outperforming the other treatments (p < 0.05). The L + Y + D + M treatment increased the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Weissella (p < 0.05), significantly reduced harmful microbial abundance and diversity (p < 0.05), and improved the microbial community structure in silage. In summary, the addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y), tannase-producing bacteria (D), cellulase (M), and their combined treatment (L + Y + D + M) can promote the silage-related characteristics of Caragana korshinskii, with the L + Y + D + M treatment performing better compared to the other treatments. The research shows that the compound bacterial and enzymatic preparation is more effective than the single-component. The components exert synergistic effects and can effectively enhance the quality aspects of silaged Caragana korshinskii. This research provides theoretical underpinnings for the utilization of Caragana korshinskii as feedstuff. This application has the potential to alleviate feed scarcity, reduce reliance on traditional feed, enhance the stability and diversity of the feed supply system, and thereby drive the development of the animal husbandry industry. Full article

Replacing traditional agricultural ingredients with biotechnologically improved agro-industry by-products in fish diets promotes sustainable aquaculture, reduces production costs and carbon footprint, and promotes a circular economy. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is one such by-product. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) of BSG with Aspergillus ibericus enhances its nutritional value and digestibility for European seabass. The present study further evaluates the potential of dietary inclusion of BSG-SSF on growth performance, feed utilization, plasma metabolite profile, intermediary metabolism, and oxidative status of European seabass juveniles compared to the unfermented product. A practical diet (45% protein; 18% lipids) was tested against diets incorporating 10% or 20% of BSG or BSG-SSF, replacing plant-protein feedstuffs. Triplicate groups of European seabass juveniles (49 g initial weight) were fed for 10 weeks. Unfermented BSG (10% and 20%) reduced growth and feed efficiency. In comparison, the 20% BSG-SSF diet promoted growth and feed efficiency similar to the control group, while the 10% BSG-SSF diet surpassed the control diet. Whole-body protein content was unaffected, but lipid and energy content decreased with increasing BSG levels, regardless of fermentation. Plasma glucose and phospholipid levels and hepatic activities of glucokinase and malic enzymes decreased with increasing BSG, irrespective of fermentation. BSG-SSF incorporation increased plasma triglyceride levels and decreased hepatic transaminase activities but did not affect hepatic key enzyme activity of β-oxidation or lipogenesis. It also reduced antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, BSG negatively impacted growth performance, while BSG-SSF supported inclusion levels up to 20% without performance loss. Further, the 10% BSG -SSF diet outperformed the control diet. Full article

Yellowtail snapper Ocyurus chrysurus has great potential as a production fish in aquaculture, yet there is very limited information on its nutritional requirements. To establish baseline data, two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels in practical diets on growth and protein retention. The first trial, conducted over 14 weeks, used a series of diets with varying levels of protein (36%, 40%, and 44%) and lipids (6%, 10%, and 14%). The second trial, conducted for 10 weeks, used a series of diets with 36% protein and scaled lipid levels (7%, 10%, 13%, and 16%). Additionally, a commercial reference diet with 44% protein and 12% lipids was included. Growth performance and feed utilization parameters for Trial 1 indicated that the yellowtail snapper were able to effectively utilize practical diets containing 36% protein and 10% lipids, which produced the highest apparent net protein retention (ANPR; %) and survival. No significant differences were found in growth performance metrics, though there were numerical differences in final weight, weight gain, and survival. Similarly, in Trial 2, most growth metrics did not show significant differences. There were variations in weight gain, feed offered, and ANPR, with the highest performance observed in the fish given feed with 13% lipids. Based on the growth performance and ANPR values across these trials, we recommend 36% protein and dietary lipid levels of 7–13%, which are lower than the currently used commercial diets for marine finfish. The data gathered from the current study may be helpful for nutritionists in formulating feed to include more sustainable and cheaper feedstuffs and promote sustainable yellowtail snapper aquaculture production. Full article

Background: The high dairy production of Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) cows determines high energy requirements in the early stages of lactation. Unfortunately, it is very often difficult to meet this demand through feedstuffs; therefore, homeostasis may be disturbed and metabolic diseases may occur, causing a majority of cows’ health problems. Breeders are, therefore, looking for alternatives to the PHF breed using crossbreeding. Methods: This experiment involved 30 PHF cows and 30 PHF × Swedish Red (SRB) crossbred hybrid cows, divided into two age groups, <2 years and >2 years, at first calving. Milk and blood samples were collected at 35 ± 5 days postpartum for analysis. Data on reproductive performance were also analyzed. Results: This study revealed lower milk production for the crossbreds hybrid (27.44 kg compared to 32.08 kg), with a higher basic composition content than PHF cows (fat: 3.97% compared to 3.83%, protein: 3.53% compared to 3.27%). The heifers of the crossbreds hybrid reached sexual maturity earlier but did not affect the lower age at first calving. Dividing the cows into age categories provided a more detailed perspective of the impact of genotypic differences on reproductive and metabolic profiles in PHF and PHF × SRB cattle. The findings highlight the importance of considering age-specific effects when assessing the performance and health of dairy cattle with diverse genotypes. Conclusions: The choice between PHF and PHF × SRB should depend on the specific goals and priorities of the cattle farming operation. Factors such as overall milk yield requirements, market demands, reproductive management strategies, and health considerations should be carefully evaluated to determine the most suitable breed for a given farming context. Full article

Diversifying feed with annual legumes could help to reduce reliance on imported sources of alfalfa hay, ensuring a consistent supply of forage throughout year, and potentially decreasing the cost of raising ruminants. This study evaluated the varietal variability in hay yield, chemical composition, carbohydrate and protein fractions, and in vitro digestibility of five common vetch varieties used in this experiment during the full-flowering period in Jianghuai region during the 2022 crop season. Results showed that improved varieties (Lanjian No. 1 and Lanjian No. 2, 6.30 and 6.11 t DM/ha) had significantly higher hay yields than the local variety (333A, Longjian No. 1), with Lanjian No. 3 showing intermediate yields. Variety Lanjian No. 1 had the highest non-protein nitrogen concentration and in vitro digestibility, while Lanjian No. 2 had the highest starch concentration, fraction of intermediately degradable pectin and starch, and fraction of neutral detergent-soluble protein and acid detergent-soluble protein. Pearson correlation showed that hay yield was not significantly correlated with quality parameters. Principal component analysis showed that Lanjian No. 1 and Lanjian No. 2 received higher nutritive value. In summary, Lanjian No. 1 and Lanjian No. 2 had better potential use as high-protein feedstuffs for dairy cattle and sheep in the Jianghuai region based on yield, protein fractions, and in vitro digestibility. Full article

The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a promising protein source in the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. This study assessed the impact of three by-product diet formulations on intensively reared agoutis, including a cost analysis and nutritional evaluation as well as the nutritional composition, digestibility, and economic viability of three experimental diets. Sixteen adult male agoutis were individually housed at the University of the West Indies’ Field Station. After a two-week acclimatization, a four-week data collection phase followed. The four treatments included a control diet of commercial rabbit pellets and three experimental diets with varying by-product ratios. Key findings revealed that Treatment 2 had elevated Dry Matter, Crude Fat, and fiber but potentially compromised digestibility due to higher fiber and lignin. Treatment 1 resulted in the highest morbidity and was discontinued after two weeks due to significant weight loss but demonstrated the most cost-effective results, with the lowest variable cost per 45 kg, the lowest feeding cost to reach 3 kg, and the highest gross margin. Treatment 2 effectively maintained animal weight. Treatment 3 showed promising growth due to low levels of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL). Alternative dietary feedstuffs from agricultural by-products show potential for sustaining body weight in adult male agoutis, but further research is needed to refine nutritional requirements for growing agoutis. Full article

For protein evaluation of feedstuffs for ruminants, the Streptomyces griseus protease test provides a solely enzymatic method for estimating ruminal protein degradation. Since plant proteins are often structured in carbohydrate complexes, the use of carbohydrase during the test might improve its accuracy. It is advisable to co-incubate protease and carbohydrase, risking that the carbohydrase activity is reduced under the influence of the protease. The present study was conducted to investigate this impact by using α-amylase or the multi-enzyme complex Viscozym^® L as carbohydrase. The detection of active protease was determined fluorescence photometrically using internally quenched fluorogenic substrates (IQFS). Cellulose, pectin, and starch degradation were determined spectrophotometrically using 3,5-dinitro salicylic acid as a colorimetric agent. The Streptomyces griseus protease mixture proved to be active for the selected IQFS immediately after the start of measurements (p < 0.05). Starch hydrolysis catalyzed by α-amylase or Viscozym^® L, respectively, was decreased by co-incubation with protease mixture by maximal 3% or 37%, respectively, at 5 h incubation time (p > 0.05). Pectin and cellulose hydrolysis catalyzed by Viscozym^® L, respectively, was not significantly influenced by co-incubation with a protease mixture (p > 0.05). Although a decrease in carbohydrase activity during co-incubation with Streptomyces griseus protease occurred, it was only numerical and might be counteracted by an adapted carbohydrase activity. Full article