Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-02-26Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:19:26Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 gayao_alba_dr_jabo.pdf: 596505 bytes, checksum: 4731607f5c25628a3e998a366fe2f3e9 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O estudo teve como objetivo comparar o desempenho produtivo de tilápias do Nilo revertidas ou não por meio da utilização do hormônio 17-α-metiltestosterona (MT) adicionado a dietas práticas e analisar histologicamente o fígado dos peixes. Foram conduzidos quatro experimentos com tilápias do Nilo, da linhagem tailandesa, revertidas ou não revertidas, desde a larvicultura até a engorda em tanques-rede. As dietas utilizadas nos experimentos foram formuladas de forma a assemelharem-se às dietas comerciais utilizadas nas pisciculturas, sendo isocalóricas, variando os níveis e fontes de proteína bruta. Procurou-se simular as causas de fígado gorduroso e friável e mortalidade próxima ao abate de tilápias do Nilo cultivadas em regime intensivo. No primeiro experimento, conduzido com larvas desde a eclosão até 60 dias de idade, observou-se que o nível de 30 mgMT.kg-1 adicionado à dieta, possibilitou eficiência na reversão, melhor desempenho produtivo e menores danos ao fígado que na dosagem de 60 mgMT.kg-1. Nesse mesmo experimento, os peixes que não receberam hormônio tiveram maior taxa de sobrevivência e não mostraram alterações histológicas no fígado. No segundo experimento, a reversão sexual favoreceu o desempenho dos juvenis na fase de recria. Porém, não foi possível observar diferenças no desempenho entre os níveis de proteína da dieta. Um terceiro experimento com tilápias cultivadas em tanques-rede dos 120 aos 600 g de peso, os peixes mostraram melhor desempenho quando alimentados com dieta contendo 32% PB, sendo que o fato de terem passado pelo processo de reversão ou não, não influenciou o desempenho. Um quarto experimento foi realizado concomitantemente ao terceiro em laboratório com juvenis de 30 g até atingirem 200 g e as tilápias revertidas apresentaram... / The aim of the study was compared reversed or no reversed Nile tilapia growth performance and liver histology. Fishes were sex reversed with addition of 17-α- methyltestosterone (MT) at the diets. The study was divided in four experiments: larval phase, growth phase and the final phases in cages and at laboratory. The diets were isocalorics, formulated as commercials diets common used in the Brazil tilapia cultures, utilizing levels and sources protein. The objective was simulated the fat liver problem detected at tilapia farms. In the first experiment, there were used fries until 60 days of culture. There was observed that the level of 30 mgMT.kg-1 conducted to efficiency in the sex reversal with best growth performance and less liver damages than the level of 60 mgMT.kg-1. The fishes that didn’t receive MT reached best survival and didn’t show any liver alteration. In the second experiment, the facts of the fishes were sex reversed increased the growth performance of juveniles. But there was not difference in the growth performance by protein levels. The third experiment conducted at cages, with fishes of 120g until 600g, showed best growth performance when fed with 32% crude protein, but there was no difference by the fact of they were reversed or no. The fourth experiment was conducted at the same time of the third, at laboratory with tilapias of 30g until 200g. The reversed fishes showed best growth performance than the no reversed ones. Alterations of liver histology of the fishes reversed at the four experiments were noted. But there were more severe in the fishes fed with higher levels of crude protein.

It has been proven that white lupine seeds (WLS) is a suitable crude protein (CP) source for growing-fattening rabbits, as well as for the lactating rabbit does. There are no reports, however, in the literature regarding the effect of blue lupine seeds (BLS) on rabbit doe milk production and composition as well as the growth of their litters. Therefore, the aim of this diploma thesis was to evaluate the effect of lactation and weaning diets based on BLS (Lupinus angustifolius cv Probor) on milk yield and milk composition of the rabbit does, as well as on growth performance and carcass quality of their progeny. Two lactation diets (LLB and LLU, having identical DP/DE ratio) and two weaning diets (VLB and VLU, having identical DP/DE ratio) were formulated. The LLB diet (control) contained WLS (25.0%) as the main CP sources, whereas the LLU diet was based on BLS (28.5%). As a result, the LLB diet had slightly greater ether extract content than did the LLU diet. The VLB diet (control) included WLS (12.0%) as the main CP source, whereas the VLU diet was based on BLS (15.0%). No additional fat was added to any of the diets. A total of 32 Hyplus rabbit does (16 animals per treatment; at the 3rd parturition) were fed 1 of the 2 lactation diets during the entire lactation (35 days). Does were housed in modified cages which allowed controlled suckling (once a day at 7 am) and separate access of does and their litters to feed. Feed intake and milk yield were measured daily during the entire lactation period, whereas litter weight was measured every 7 d. Milk yield was measured by weighing the rabbit does immediately before and after suckling. Five does of each group were used to evaluate milk composition. Milk was collected manually at d 21 of lactation. The litters were standardized to 9 kits on the day of birth. Litters were offered weaning diets with the same CP source as in the lactation diet of their mothers from d 17 to 80 of age. At d 37 of age (weaning), 99 rabbits on each weaning diet were used to evaluate growth performance and health. Feed intake, feed efficiency and milk production of does (on average 263 g/d) were not affected by dietary treatments, as well as milk efficiency (on average 0.59) and the growth of their litters (on average 30.4 g/d per rabbit). Live weight at weaning (P=0.005), milk dry matter (P=0.028) and fat contents (P=0.016), as well as fat output per kg of metabolic weight (P<0.001) were higher in does fed the WLS diet. After weaning, final live weight (by 168 g; P=0.061), average daily weight gain (by 3 g/d; P=0,024) and carcass weights were lower in rabbits fed the diet based on BLS than in those fed with the WLS diet. The number of ill + dead rabbits caused by digestive disease was lower (23 rabbits vs. 38 rabbits; P=0.042) in rabbits fed the diet based on WLS. The results of the diploma thesis confirmed that WLS is a suitable CP source for the rabbit diets. Negative findings such as a higher mobilisation of body reserves of does in the later phase of lactation, as well as the lower final live weight and the higher sanitary risk index of rabbits fed the diets based on blue lupine seeds suggest difference between lupine species in terms of feed efficiency. These findings should be elucidated and confirmed by the comparing with other blue lupine varieties.

Orientador: Elisabeth Criscuolo Urbinati / Banca: João Batista Kochenborger Fernandes / Banca: Luis Henrique Montrezor / Banca: Osmar Angela Cantelmo / Banca: Monica Yumi Tsuzuki / Resumo: Juvenis de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) com peso inicial de 27,6 ± 1,44 g foram alimentados com três dietas isoprotéicas e isoenergéticas com inclusão de carboidrato. A principal fonte de carboidrato utilizado foi o amido de milho pré-gelatinizado com três níveis de inclusão: baixo (16,6%), alto (38,8%) e controle (22,4%) por 60 dias. O estudo avaliou parâmetros de crescimento, desempenho produtivo e metabolismo energético do pacu. Ao término de 60 dias de alimentação, os peixes foram amostrados 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 e 24 horas após a oferta da 1° alimentação do dia para cálculo dos índices estomaco-somático e intestinosomático cheio. Na coleta de 24 horas após a alimentação, o sangue dos animais foi retirado para análise de glicemia, ácidos graxos livres, triglicerídeos, colesterol e proteína total. Nos tecidos foram determinados a concentração de glicogênio e lipídio total no fígado e lipídio total no músculo. Fígado e gordura visceral foram pesados para cálculo dos índices: hepatosomático e índice gorduro-viscero-somático. Para avaliação da digestibilidade das dietas, foi realizado um segundo experimento com 225 pacus (peso médio de 40 ± 5,0 g). Os peixes foram alimentados por 5 dias com as dietas experimentais acrescidas de 1% de óxido de cromo como marcador inerte. Os níveis de amido da dieta não afetaram o ganho em peso e taxa de crescimento específico dos animais. Os peixes alimentados com a dieta de maior nível de amido apresentaram melhor conversão alimentar (1,14 ± 0,02), taxa de eficiência protéica (3,31 ± 0,05), alta digestibilidade da proteína (93,3 ± 0,8%) e amido da dieta (>99%). O tempo de trânsito do alimento diferiu (p<0,05) somente 9 horas após alimentação, quando os peixes alimentados com a dieta de maior nível de amido tinham maior conteúdo de alimento no estômago. Os parâmetros sanguíneos ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) weighing 27.6 ± 1.44 g were fed with three isoproteic and isoenergetic diets containing different levels of carbohydrates. The main source of carbohydrate (CHO) was pre-gelatinized starch in three levels of inclusion in diet: low (16.6%), high (38.8%) and control (22.4%), offered during 60 days. The study evaluated the growth performance and energetic metabolism of pacu. At the end of the experimental period, fish were sampled at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 e 24 h after the first feeding of to day to calculate the full stomach-somatic and intestine-somatic indexes. Twenty-four h after feeding, blood was drawn for glucose, free fat acids, triglicerids, cholesterol and total protein determination. Hepatic glycogen and lipids and muscle lipid were determined. Liver and visceral fat were weighed for hepatic-somatic and fat indexes calculation. A second experiment using 225 pacu (40 ± 5.0 g) was carried out to evaluate the diets digestibility. Fish were fed during 5 days with the experimental diets with chromium oxide 1% as marker. Starch dietary levels did not influence the weight gain and growth rater of fish. Fish fed with the 38.8% CHO presented better feed conversion (1.14 ± 0.02), protein efficiency rate (3.31 ± 0.05), high digestibility of protein (93.3 ± 0.8%) and starch digestibility (>99%). The food transit time differed (p<0.05) only at 9 hours after feeding, when fish fed with 38.8% CHO diet had more food in the stomach. Blood (glucose, free fat acids, triglicerids, cholesterol and total protein) and tissue (hepatic glycogen and muscle lipid) indicators were not influenced by diets but there was an increase of the lipogenic activity of liver, increasing the hepatic somatic index, and visceral fat accumulation in fish fed 16.6% and 22.4% ....(Complete abstract, click electronic access below) / Doutor

Submitted by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2015-01-30T15:53:39Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Moisés Queiroz Resende - 2014.pdf: 891007 bytes, checksum: 48a7b34dc669b45819e19f6d364dfdb5 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2015-01-30T15:54:22Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Moisés Queiroz Resende - 2014.pdf: 891007 bytes, checksum: 48a7b34dc669b45819e19f6d364dfdb5 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-30T15:54:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Moisés Queiroz Resende - 2014.pdf: 891007 bytes, checksum: 48a7b34dc669b45819e19f6d364dfdb5 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-29 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / ABSTRACT: Two experiments were conduct to evaluate the effect of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) in pre-starter piglet diets over performance, intestinal histomofometria and blood parameters. In the first trial 72 piglets weaned at 21 days of age were used and 54 for the second trial. Both were conducted as a randomized blocks design with six replications and three piglets per unit. The first trial had four diets (0% SPC, 3% SPC, 6% SPC and 9% SPC), which evaluated different levels of SPC inclusion in diets, and the second trial, which evaluated the replacement of spray dried blood plasma (SDP) by SPC, had three diets (0.0%-SPC + 5.0-SDP, 2.5%-SPC + 2.5%-SDP and 5.0%-SPC + 0.0%-SDP). In both trials, diets and water were offered ad libitum in pre-starter l (21-32 days old) and pre-starter ll (33-42 days old) phases, but during the starter phase (43-66 days old) all piglets received a single diet. At 32 days of age, blood was collected from one animal per experimental unit and then these animals were euthanized to collect samples of the small intestine. Linear effect was observed In the first trial, over feed conversion (FC) as the level of CPS in diet was increased in the period between 21 and 32 days of age. Linear effect was also observed on the FC in the period of 33-42 days old, however in a reverse form from the previous period, wherein the increase of the SPC level in diets resulted in the increase of FC. In the total period of this trial (21-66 days old), it was found a quadratic effect of SPC on piglets FC. In the second trial, the replacement of SDP by CPS caused effect on performance variables, except for feed conversion (FC) during 21-32 days of piglets age. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) was higher for pigs fed 2.5%-SPC + 2.5%-SDP and the average daily gain (ADG) and the final body weight (FBW) of the piglets in this period was higher for 2.5%-SPC + 2.5%-SDP compared to 5.0%-SPC + 0.0%-SDP. In the period of 21-42 days old, it was observed best results of ADFI and FBW for piglets fed diet containing 2.5%-SPC + 2.5%-SDP compared to piglets fed 5.0%-SPC + 0.0%-SDP. The ADG showed better results for diets containing 0.0%-SPC + 5,0-SDP and 2.5%-SPC + 2.5%-SDP and FC was higher for the diet with 0.0%-SPC + 5.0%-SDP compared to the diet with 5.0%-SPC + 0.0%-SDP. During total period of the experiment (21-66 days old) ADG and ADFI was influenced by substitution of SDP for SPC, wherein the best results was presented by piglets fed 2.5%-SPC + 2.5%-SDP compared to those fed 5.0%-SPC + 0.0%-SDP. In both trials, no effect was observed upon histomorphometric variables (villus height, crypt depth and villus: crypt). Regarding the blood variables (leukocytes, eosinophils and lymphocytes), no effect of SPC at 32 days of age the piglets was observed in the first trial. But in the second trial, total leukocyte count was higher in animals fed 5.0%-SPC + 0.0%-SDP compared to ones fed 0.0%-SPC + 5.0%-SDP and lymphocyte count was lower in piglets receiving 0.0%-SPC + 5.0%-SDP. In the first trial, the use of SPC in diets of post-weaning piglets during pre-starter period (21-42 days old) did not influence performance from 21 to 66 days of life, or intestinal morphology and leukocyte, lymphocytes and eosinophils count in these animals. In the second, the combined use of SPC and SDP in the diets of pigs between 21 and 42 days of age reduces the activation of the immune system and improves productive performance. / Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com objetivo de avaliar o efeito da utilização de Concentrado proteico de soja (CPS) em dietas pré-inicias de leitões sobre o desempenho, histomofometria intestinal e alguns parâmetros sanguíneos. Foram utilizados 72 leitões machos castrados desmamados aos 21 dias de idade no primeiro experimento e 54 no segundo. Ambos foram delineados em blocos ao acaso com seis repetições e três leitões por unidade experimental, tendo o primeiro quatro tratamentos (0% CPS, 3% CPS, 6% CPS e 9% CPS), o qual avaliou diferentes níveis de inclusão de CPS nas dietas, e o segundo, para avaliar a substituição de plasma sanguíneo (SDP) por CPS, três (0,0%-CPS + 5,0-SDP, 2,5%-CPS + 2,5%-SDP e 5,0%-CPS + 0,0%-SDP). Em ambos as rações experimentais e água foram fornecidas à vontade nas fases pré-inicial l (21 a 32 dias de idade) e pré-inicial ll (33 a 42 dias de idade), sendo que na fase inicial (43 a 66 dias de idade) todos os leitões receberam uma única dieta. Aos 32 dias de idade foi coletado sangue de um animal por unidade experimental e em seguida estes animais foram eutanasiados para coleta de amostras de intestino delgado. No primeiro experimento, foi observado efeito linear decrescente sobre a conversão alimentar (CA) à medida que aumentou o nível de CPS na dieta no período entre 21 e 32 dias de idade. Efeito linear também foi observado sobre a CA no período entre 33 e 42 dias de idade dos leitões, entretanto de forma inversa ao período anterior, ou seja, à medida que se aumentou o nível de CPS na dieta a CA aumentou. Foi observado no período total (21 a 66 dias de idade) do primeiro experimento efeito quadrático do CPS sobre a CA dos leitões. No segundo experimento a substituição de SDP por CPS causou efeito sobre as variáveis de desempenho no período entre 21 e 32 dias de idade, exceto sobre a CA. O CDR foi superior para os leitões alimentados com 2,5%-CPS + 2,5%-SDP e o GDP e o peso final (PF) dos animais neste período foi superior com 2,5%-CPS + 2,5%-SDP comparado a 5,0%-CPS + 0,0%-SDP. No período entre 21 e 42 dias de idade foi observado melhores resultados de CDR e PF para a dieta com 2,5%-CPS + 2,5%-SDP comparado a 5,0%-CPS + 0,0%-SDP. O GDP apresentou melhores resultados para as dietas com 0,0%-CPS + 5,0-SDP e 2,5%-CPS + 2,5%-SDP e a CA foi superior para a dieta com 0,0%-CPS + 5,0%-SDP diante da dieta com 5,0%-CPS + 0,0%-SDP. No período total do experimento (21 a 66 dias de idade) foi observado efeito da substituição dos SDP por CPS sobre o GDP e o CDR, sendo que os animais alimentados com 2,5%-CPS + 2,5%-SDP apresentaram resultados superiores aos alimentados com 5,0%-CPS + 0,0%-SDP. Emambos os experimentos nenhum efeito foi observado sobre as variáveis histomorfométricas (altura de vilosidade, profundidade de cripta e relação vilo:cripta). Em relação às variáveis sanguíneas (leucócitos, linfócitos e eosinófilos) do primeiro experimento, não foi observado nenhum efeito do CPS aos 32 dias de idade dos leitões. No segundo experimento, a contagem total de leucócitos foi superior para os animais alimentados com 5,0%-CPS + 0,0%-SDP sobre os alimentados com 0,0%-CPS + 5,0%-SDP e a contagem de linfócitos foi menor nos leitões que receberam 0,0%-CPS + 5,0%-SDP. No primeiro experimento, a utilização de CPS em dieta de leitões pós-desmame no período préinicial (21 a 42 dias de idade) não influenciou o desempenho produtivo dos leitões no período entre 21 e 66 dias de vida, nem a histomorfometria intestinal e a contagem de leucócitos, linfócitos e eosinófilos desses animais. No segundo, a utilização conjunta de CPS e SDP nas rações reduz a ativação do sistema imune e melhora o desempenho produtivo.

Three investigations were conducted in order to investigate the effect of dietary probiotics on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiology and immunity. The first experiment demonstrated that Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus reuteri and Pediococcus acidilactici supplemented individually and as a mixed probiotic (in addition to Enterococcus faecium; AquaStar® Growout) were capable of modulating intestinal microbial populations as determined by culture dependent methods and DGGE. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing reported that >99% of 16S rRNA reads in the mixed probiotic group belonged to the probiotic genera, predominantly assigned to Enterococcus (52.50%) and Bacillus (45.94%). Tilapia in the mixed probiotic group displayed significantly higher intraepithelial leucocyte (IEL) populations in the mid intestine when compared to the control and L. reuteri treatment. The mixed probiotic also improved microvilli density and had a higher absorptive surface area when compared to the control. In the second trial, after six weeks of supplementing tilapia diets with AquaStar® Growout at 3g kg-1, fish demonstrated significantly higher final weight, weight gain and SGR when compared to that of the control (void of probiotic) treatment or an initial probiotic feed (lasting two weeks) followed by control feeding. Probiotic supplementation at 3g kg-1 also caused an increase in the abundance of intestinal IELs and goblet cells and an up-regulation in the gene expression of intestinal caspase-3, PCNA and HSP70 and immunity genes TLR2, TNFα, IL-1β, TGFβ and IL-10 when compared with the expression of control replicates. These changes were not observed when supplementing tilapia diets with a lower dose (1.5g kg-1), nor when supplementing the probiotic in either a pulsed manner or as an initial feed (two weeks) followed by control feeding. Trial three revealed that the probiotic had a more discrete effect on the intestinal allochthonous microbiota as 16S rRNA reads assigned to probiotic genera only accounted for 5-10% of total reads. Nevertheless, the supplementation of dietary AquaStar® Growout at 3g kg-1 improved the localised immune response in tilapia, through the regulation of immunity genes TLR2, MYD88, NFκB, TNFα, IL-1β, TGFβ and IL-10, larger populations of goblet cells and a higher recruitment of IELs. Furthermore, the probiotic also improved the systemic immune response through the regulation of immunity genes (mentioned above) in the head kidney and significantly higher circulating leucocyte levels in whole blood. The extent of these changes were dependent on the probiotic treatment (i.e. continuously supplemented in feed or alternating weekly between probiotic at 3 g kg-1 and control feeding), the duration of feeding and the parameter investigated. This research demonstrates that B. subtilis, L. reuteri, P. acidilactici and AquaStar® Growout can modulate the intestinal microbiota. In addition, AquaStar® Growout can improve intestinal morphology, growth performance and modulate both the localised and systemic immune responses of tilapia when supplemented through the feed at the appropriate dosage and feeding regime.

<p dir="ltr">For this dissertation, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a multienzyme mix and partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal on chicken coccidiosis, focusing on growth performance, intestinal health, and microbiota dynamics. Experiment 1 examined the growth performance, nutrient utilization, microbiota modulations, and other gut health-related indicators of broiler chickens under coccidia challenge, with dietary supplementation of multienzyme, including phytase, xylanase, β-glucanase, amylase, hemicellulase, and pectinase. Ross 308 broilers were assigned to 4 treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement comprising of 0 or 50 g·kg-1 multienzyme and oral challenge with PBS or mixed Eimeria spp. oocysts (250,000 E. acervulina, 50,000 E. maxima, and 50,000 E. tenella). Multienzyme reduced (P < 0.05) Eimeria-induced loss in feed efficiency and nutrient utilization, partially explained by reduced decrease of b0,+ amino acid transporter in jejunum. Multienzyme suppressed (P < 0.05) the overexpression of interleukin-8 in the duodenum and jejunum and ameliorated (P = 0.05) the decreased expression of antioxidant heme oxygenase 1 in ileum induced by Eimeria infections. Multienzyme facilitated (P < 0.01) the bloom of short-chain fatty acid-producing and fiber-degrading microbes. The study concluded that multienzyme supplementation partially alleviated the adverse effects of Eimeria infections through various mechanisms, including enhanced nutrient utilization, reduced local inflammations, and restoration of microbial homeostasis. Experiment 2 investigated the growth dynamics, nutrient assimilation, and gut health responses of broiler chickens under coccidia challenge, with dietary supplementation of partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (pBSFLM) with increasing concentrations of 0, 60, 120 g/kg. During the infection phase (from d 13 to 19), interactions between Eimeria and pBSFLM revealed significant associations with gain to feed ratio (G:F) (P < 0.05) and cecal interferon-γ (IFN-γ, P < 0.05), while showing tendencies for crypt depth (P = 0.088) and cecal acetate concentration (P = 0.06). The incremental inclusion of pBSFLM demonstrated a negative effect on the G:F and the generation of IFN-γ and acetate in the ceca during coccidia challenge. Conversely in the non-challenged birds, the impact of dietary pBSFLM varied from neutral (e.g. G:F) to potentially advantageous (e.g. acetate). Challenged broilers exhibited decreased (P < 0.01) BW, feed intake (FI), G:F, as well as the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and total tract nutrient utilization (ATTU) of DM, gross energy (GE), and nitrogen (N). Eimeria challenge led to reduced (P < 0.01) serum carotenoid concentrations, increased (P < 0.01) ileal crypt depth (CD), and an increase in the generation of branched-chain fatty acids, specifically isobutyrate (P = 0.059) and isovalerate (P < 0.05) in the ceca. Dietary pBSFLM addition caused a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in BW, FI, G:F, and N utilization. Furthermore, a tendency (P < 0.06) was observed where pBSFLM linearly decreased the villi height: CD ratio and reduced goblet cell density in the villi. Results from this experiment reveal that higher levels of pBSFLM supplementation, especially at 12%, had detrimental effects on growth, ileal morphology, cecal acetate production, and downregulated the expression of key cytokines in response to coccidia infection. In summary, these studies shed light on the multifaceted effects of dietary interventions on Eimeria infections in broiler chickens, with a specific emphasis on growth, nutrient utilization, and indicators of gut health.</p>

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Steven S. Dritz / Vaccination against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has become a standard practice to improve pig mortality and growth rate in PCV2-affected herds. Unfortunately, there has been little field-based research evaluating factors which affect circovirus vaccination. The focus of this research was on potential vaccination-affecting factors such as age, dosing strategy, pig genetic makeup, and interaction with other vaccines. A total of 6,275 pigs were used to determine factors which affect circovirus vaccination and the effects of vaccination on average daily gain (ADG), immune responses, and viral circulation under field conditions. In the first study evaluating circovirus vaccination effects on PCV2 antibody titer, regardless of age and dose administration protocol, pigs vaccinated with a 2-dose circovirus vaccine had increased (P ≤ 0.008) antibody titers compared with non-vaccinates. In a second study, dosing strategy failed (P = 0.31) to affect antibody titers. However, product and time after vaccination did affect (P = 0.005) antibody titers. In another 130-d study across the nursery and finishing phases, pigs vaccinated with a 2-dose circovirus vaccine had decreased (P < 0.001) serum PCV2 viral load compared with non-vaccinates and ADG of vaccinates was better than non-vaccinates. However, the effect was more pronounced (vaccination-by-genetic interaction, P ≤ 0.05) in Duroc-based compared to Pietrain-based pigs. In a study limited to the nursery phase, vaccination for PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae independently reduced ADG and consumption, but the effect was product-dependent. In a 155-d study across the nursery and finishing phases, vaccination with a 2-dose, 2-vaccine program for PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae decreased (P < 0.001) nursery ADG but tended to increase (P = 0.06) finishing ADG compared to a 1-dose, 2-vaccine program, with no difference (P = 0.66) observed between final pig weights. Finally, circovirus vaccination affected PCV2-circulation in high-health research herds but not in a commercial herd where PCV2 DNA was detected in the environment. These results indicate that finishing performance was improved by a 2-dose circovirus vaccine; however, nursery performance was negatively affected by the same product. Circovirus vaccination responses of growth, viral load, and antibody titer were affected by pig genetic makeup, product, and PCV2-exposure status.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Joel M. DeRouchey / Steven S. Dritz / A total of 9,979 pigs were used in 11 experiments to quantify production responses under field conditions in growing pigs to PCV2 vaccination, biofuel co-products and dietary supplemental enzymes. Experiments 1 and 2 were conducted to determine the efficacy of a commercial 2-dose Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) vaccine. Growth performance and mortality (P < 0.05) of vaccinated pigs improved compared to non-vaccinated pigs in both experiments with the vaccine causing a greater increase in ADG in vaccinated barrows than vaccinated gilts in Exp. 2. Experiment 3 compared the efficacy of 1-dose and 2-dose commercial PCV2 vaccines, where vaccinated pigs had greater ADG (P < 0.05) than vaccinated pigs regardless of vaccine type. The 2-dose group was heavier (P < 0.05) than the control group while the 1-dose group was intermediate. Therefore, PCV2 vaccines were efficacious under field conditions. Experiments 4, 5, and 6 were conducted to evaluate de-oiled corn dried distillers grains with solubles (dDGS) in grow-finish pigs. In Exp. 4, analyzed CP and AA content were higher, but lysine digestibility and energy content were lower in dDGS than traditional dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). In Exp. 5, 0 to 30% dDGS in nursery diets did not affect growth performance (P > 0.52). In Exp. 6, 0 to 30% dDGS reduced (linear; P < 0.01) ADG and ADFI, tended to improve (linear; P > 0.07) G:F, decreased (linear; P < 0.01) carcass yield, and increased (linear; P < 0.01) fat iodine values. Experiment 7 was conducted to determine the AA digestibility and energy concentration of novel high-CP distillers co-products from corn (HPC-DDG) and sorghum (HPS-DDGS). Digestibility of AA was higher for HPC-DDG but lower in HPS-DDGS than traditional DDGS. Both co-products had lower energy than traditional DDGS. Finally, Exp. 8, 9, 10, and 11 were used in a meta-analysis to evaluate supplementary dietary enzymes in pigs. Supplemental enzymes, alone or in combination, did not improve grow-finish pig performance (P > 0.58) regardless of dietary DDGS level. In conclusion, these experiments provide important empirical data to quantify production responses of various interventions and dietary ingredients under actual field conditions.

Fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) have traditionally been central in aquaculture feed formulation but the finite global supply situation limiting future use along with issues of contaminant levels in these feed ingredients have become critical issues. The objectives of the present study were to investigate alternative feed ingredients as substitutes for both FM and FO in feeds for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to ensure optimal growth, feed efficiency and health of the fish as well as maintaining the nutritional quality of the fish product to the human consumer, especially the levels of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in the flesh. The results of the present study revealed that there were no negative effects on growth performance, feed utilisation and apparent digestibility in Atlantic salmon when FO was substituted with vegetable oil (VO) but these parameters were affected when FM was replaced with alternative protein sources from plants and animals at high levels, despite dietary supplementation with crystalline amino acids and lecithin. Reduction in feed intake was a factor affecting growth retardation when FM inclusion decreased. However, replacing FM with alternative plant and animal proteins along with partial replacement of FO had no major effect on nutritional quality, particularly n-3 HUFA content of salmon tissues. Replacing Northern FO with decontaminated FO or blends of southern hemisphere FO and VOs strategies to reduce POP contaminants and retain high nutritional values in flesh were very successful. Dietary treatments and genetic origin of fish both had effects on tissue compositions and gene expression. All fish groups (strain/family), consist of CAL, LEAN and FAT strains, fed a diet containing VO showed significant differential expression of lipid metabolism-related genes compared to fish fed a FO diet with LEAN strain appearing to adapt to VO inclusion better than FAT strain. This thesis has demonstrated dual replacement of FM and FO with alternative raw materials in salmon feeds without a major negative impact on nutritional quality.

Die Erhöhung der tierischen Leistung von Nutztieren in den Tropen kann am schnellsten durch Kreuzungszucht realisiert werden. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Leistung von Kamerun-Schafen (C) und Ihren Kreuzungen (Kamerun x Fleischschaf, F1) und (F2 aus Kamerun x Milchschaf) unter verschiedenen Fütterungs- und Haltungsbedingungen zu vergleichen. Folgende Merkmale wurden analysiert: - Wachstum vor dem Absetzen über 90 Tage; 127 Tiere; C, F1 und F2, - Wachstum nach dem Absetzen unter verschiedenen Fütterungsbedingungen; Wechsel vom 1,5-fachen des Erhaltungsbedarfs zu ad libitum Fütterung und umgekehrt; 6 Wochen Dauer; 30 Tiere; C, F1 und F2, - Haltung der Lämmer unter zeitlich begrenztem Temperaturstress (8 Stunden täglich bei 31°C und 50% rel. Luftfeuchte): Dauer 12 Wochen; 10 Tiere C und F, - Analyse von Schlachtkörpern nach Versuchsende jeden Versuches; 40 Lämmer, C, F1 und F2. Ergebnisse: - Während der ersten Aufzugphase zeigten die Kreuzungstiere mit 213g/Tag (F1) und 236 g/Tag (F2) eine um 50 bzw. 65% erhöhte Lebendmassezunahme gegenüber den Kamerun-Lämmern (143g/Tag). Die Differenz zwischen F1 und F2 resultierte aus der unterschiedlichen Milchleistung der Muttertiere. - Der zeitlich begrenzte Hitzestress führte zu keinen unterschiedlichen physiologischen Reaktionen zwischen den Rassen. - Es gab keine signifikanten Unterschiede hinsichtlich der relativen Körperzusammensetzung zwischen den Rassen. Die Kreuzungstiere hatten eine signifikant erhöhte Masse des Verdauungstraktes. Schlußfolgerungen: Kreuzungszucht zwischen indigenen und exotischen Rassen ist in den Tropen eine geeignete Methode die Fleischerzeugung zu erhöhen, allerdings nur, wenn die Futterversorgung gesichert ist. Hitzestress über eine begrenzte Zeit am Tag ist für die getesteten Rassen ohne Leistungseinbußen verträglich. / Crossbreeding between indigenous and exotic sheep breeds is the fastest method of increasing the performance of sheep in the tropics. The aim of this work was to assess the performance of Cameroon sheep (C) and their crossbreds (Cameroon x Mutton, F1) and (F2 from Cameroon x Milk sheep) under different housing and feeding conditions. The following traits were analysed: - Pre-weaning performance during the first 90 days; 127 animals, C, F1 and F2. - Post-weaning growth performance at different feeding levels; changing from 1.5 x maintenance to ad libitum feed intake and vice versa; duration 6 weeks; 30 animals; C, F1 and F2. - Housing of lambs under temporal heat stress (8 hours daily at 31°C and 50% relative humidity); duration 12 weeks; 10 animals, C and F2 - Carcass traits; 40 lambs, C, F1 and F2. Results: - During the pre-weaning period the crossbred lambs showed a higher live weight gain than the Cameroon lambs, 213g/d (F1); 236g/d (F2) and 143g/d (C) respectively, that is an increase of 50% and 65% resp. The differences between the F1 and F2 resulted from the different milk yields of the ewes. - The heat stress over 8 hours did not lead to different physiological reactions between the breeds. - There were no significant differences in the relative carcass traits between the breeds. The GIT-weight was increased significantly in the crossbreds. Conclusion: Crossbreeding of indigenous and exotic sheep breeds is a suitable method for increasing meat production in the tropics if the feed supply is guaranteed. Heat stress over a limited time is not crucial for the performance of all breeds.