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A study was conducted to evaluate the use of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) as a protein supplement for pigs. In addition, an evaluation of detoxifying LLM, by sun-drying, water-soaking, or treating with ferrous sulphate (FeS04) solution was undertaken. The research involved two experiments; a growth study and a metabolic study. In the growth study sixteen, 12 weeks old Large White x Landrace pigs (average body weight 22.9 ± 2.12 kg) were fed four experimental rations; a commercial grain-based grower /finisher ration (control); or a ration containing 20% of either sun-dried LLM, water-soaked LLM, or FeS04-treated LLM, replacing the basal diet. There was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in liveweight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency in pigs fed the ration containing sun-dried LLM. Growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were not affected by the addition of water-soaked and FeS04-treated LLM to the basal diet. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels in the blood plasma were not affected by the dietary treatments. However, addition of FeS04-treated LLM to the basal diet significantly (P<0.05) decreased the back fat thickness of the pigs. In the metabolic study, the digestible dry matter (DDM) and digestible CP (DCP) were measured as well as mimosine, 3-hydroxy-4-(1H) pyridone (3,4-DHP) and 2,3DHP output in the faeces and urine. / Addition of water-soaked LLM to the diet significantly (P<0.05) lowered the DDM of the diet, whereas addition of FeS04-treated LLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced the DCP. Sun-drying, water-soaking and treatment of LLM with FeS04 solution, did not enhance the output of mimosine or 3,4-DHP in the urine and faeces. The results suggest that water soaking or treatment with FeS04 solution reduces the antinutritional factors (presumably including mimosine) and therefore improves the nutritional quality of LLM containing diets for pigs.

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Com o objetivo de avaliar a ingestão calórica e características fecais de cães adultos em manutenção e em atividade, dois grupos de animais foram utilizados, sendo o primeiro grupo composto por 4 cães ativos da raça Border Collie e o segundo composto por 14 cães de raças variadas. Foram fornecidos dois tipos de alimentos comerciais secos, um deles considerado superpremium (S) e o outro considerado popular (P). O experimento teve duração de 40 dias, e os resultados mostraram que o alimento S produz menor peso fecal e consistência mais firme, enquanto que o alimento P obteve peso fecal maior e consistência menos firme. Além disso, os animais ativos necessitam de maior demanda energética para o seu conforto metabólico do que os animais inativos, apesar de não terem perdido peso vivo e o escore corporal não ter sido modificado. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy comsumption and faecal characteristics of the adult dogs in maintenance and agility, two groups of animals have been used, first four active dogs Border Collie breed and the second 14 dogs of different breeds. Two tips of commercial dry feeds were offered, one of them superpremium (S) and the second usual (P). The experiment were carried out in 40 days, and the results should that feed S produced lower faecal weight and more consistent. Forthermore, the agility animals needed higher energetic demand for it metabolic comfort then inactive animals, otherwise had not lost body weight and score had not modified.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Aleksan Shanoyan / Competition in the retail animal feed business can be challenging. Millennials are emerging as an increasingly important consumer group. Companies want to attract Millennials as new customers while at the same time retaining current customers of Baby Boomers and Gen X generations. Consequently, an important question is how do Millennial retail shopping habits for animal feed differ from that of other generations. To help answer this question the thesis research utilizes customer survey data obtained, from the Kent Nutrition Group. The data was collected through an online survey which was conducted with customers from Company W’s customer list. The total sample consists of 1068 customers. The data is analyzed using exploratory data analysis to gain insights on key differences and important attributes related to marketing and selling to customers from different generation groups. The results indicate that word of mouth serves as the largest initial source of awareness for all customers. Not surprisingly, the results show higher tendency to shop online and a preference for social media as a source of information by Millennials compared to Baby Boomers and Gen X customers. Knowledgeable staff and a positive in-store shopping experience continue to be a high priority for all customers. In general, e-mail or a mailed newsletter were identified as important communication methods by respondents of all generations. The results also show high preference by customers of all generations for receiving sales circulars and tips for animal and pet care. Sales circulars, direct mailers and newspaper ads are the core communication channels that customers view advertising from Company W. Three quarters of Company W’s customers expressed some level of interest in shopping online through Company W if the option were available. This implies that offering online shopping options will not only enhance the current customers’ experience but also attract new customers. The gained insights will be used by Company W to adapt and enhance their marketing and sales strategies to a) effectively engage and attract more Millennial customers and b) improve retention and service for customers of Baby Boomers and Gen X generations. The researcher will use the insights gained from this study to improve marketing efforts for the Kent Nutrition Group.