The nutritional value of flaxseed meal (FSM), a by-product of the flax crushing industry, has not been evaluated properly for use within swine rations. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the nutritional profile of this novel feed ingredient for pigs.<p>The analysis of FSM revealed that it contains, on a dry matter (DM) basis, 133 g/kg ether extract (EE), 345 g/kg crude protein (CP), 60 g/kg ash, 164 g/kg ADF, 250 g/kg NDF, 102 g/kg crude fibre, 14 g/kg starch and 9 g/kg phosphorus. The gross energy (GE) content of the meal was 5.2 Mcal/kg DM. The ether extract fraction was characterized by, as a percent of total fat, 46.6% á-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids accounted for 9.5, 4.8, 20.7 and 18.4% of the total fat content respectively. The crude protein content was well balanced for all amino acids with the exception of lysine (4.1% of CP), the level of which falls below that of the requirements for growing pigs (5.3% of CP for pigs 20-50 kg). The apparent digestibility of DM, nitrogen, ash, EE and GE as well as determination of the DE and NE content of FSM was determined for both growing pigs (32 pigs, initial weight 70 ± 3 kg) and gestating sows (26 pigs, parities 2 4). Animals were fed wheat/barley based diets containing 0, 10, 20 or 30% FSM. Faecal grab samples were collected for 3 days after a dietary adaptation period. The apparent digestibility of nutrients in FSM was determined both by regression and by difference calculations. As calculated by difference, the apparent digestibility coefficients for DM, nitrogen, ash, and GE were 63.0, 60.8, 22.3 and 60.5% respectively for growing pigs. The values obtained for sows were 64.1, 58.8, 20.8, 94.9 and 65.4% for DM, nitrogen, ash, EE and GE respectively. The DE content was 3.37 Mcal/kg for growing pigs and 3.52 Mcal/kg for sows. Net energy was then estimated by use of a prediction equation to be 2.34 and 2.44 Mcal/kg for growing pigs and sows. <p>An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performances and carcass fatty acid profiles of pigs fed with graded levels of FSM. A total of 200 pigs (100 barrows, 100 gilts; initial weight 32 ± 4 kg) were blocked by gender and housed in groups of 5 pigs per pen. The experiment was divided into three phases for pigs 32-60 kg, 60-85 kg and 85-115 kg. Each group was assigned to one of four dietary treatments containing 0, 5, 10 or 15% FSM at the expense of wheat and soybean meal. At the time of market, 6 pigs per treatment group were randomly selected for carcass fatty acid analysis, and backfat and rib-end loin samples were collected. The average daily gains, average daily feed intakes and gain to feed ratios were not affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Inclusion of 15% dietary FSM increased the ALA content from 11 to 47 (± 0.8) mg/g of backfat (P < 0.001) and from 5 to 10 (± 0.4) mg/g of loin tissue (P < 0.001). Increasing dietary FSM decreased the saturated fatty acid content of backfat (P < 0.01). <p> The final experiment was designed to determine the availability of phosphorus in semi-synthetic diets containing FSM, and to determine the effects of microbial phytase inclusion of this availability. Five treatment groups, 8 barrows (45 ± 4 kg initial weight) each, were fed a diet containing 30% FSM with increasing levels of phytase (0, 575, 1185, 2400 and 2570 FTU/kg). Apparent P digestibility increased from 20.6 to 61.3% with the inclusion of up to 2570 FTU/kg microbial phytase (P < 0.001), and followed a quadratic response pattern with an R2 value of 0.96. A broken-line analysis estimated the optimal phytase inclusion level to be 1415 FTU/kg of diet. Inclusion of just 575 FTU/kg accounted for half of the response, improving the apparent P digestibility by 20% and reducing P excretion by 850 mg/kg dry matter intake.

With the aim to enhance the efficiency of utilization of crystalline methionine supplemented in the high plant-protein diet for grouper (Epinephelus coioides), this study used Bacillus subtitlis spore as a probiotic additive in the diet to shorten the absorption time difference between protein-bound amino acid and crystalline methionine. The study was conducted in two parts. In the first part, juvenile groupers were fed for 14 weeks with 5 experimental diets: fish meal diet, high plant-protein diet with/without crystalline methionine, as well as with/without B. subtitlis spore separately. Growth performance, PER, protein digestibility, amino acid digestibility, non-specific immune responses, and free amino acid concentration in both muscle and serum were assessed. The second part was a time-series study on serum free amino acids concentration after a force-feeding experiment. The results showed that crystalline methionine supplementation in the high plant-protein diet effectively improved the growth of E. coioides (P<0.05). However, B. subtitlis spore supplementation did not affect fish growth performance significantly (P>0.05). A delay in the appearance of peak serum amino acid concentration was observed when fishmeal was partially replaced by soy protein. On the other hand, the force-feeding experiment showed that serum essential amino acid (include methionine) concentrations droped drastically after they reached the peak concentrations from being forced-fed with the B. subtilis containing diet. Supplementation of crystalline methionine seemed to ease the drop of serum methionine concentration. Based on these results, it is concluded that addition of B. subtitlis spore in high plant-protein diet for the grouper does not enhance the utilization of crystalline methionine, but supplementation of crystalline methionine significantly improve the growth performance of the grouper.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Skara : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2009. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Yeast is considered to be a valuable raw protein, having high nutritional value. However, data about yeast use in poultry feeding are inconsistent and depend on a number of factors, such as yeast origin, substrates and technological parameters. The purpose of the study was to define nutritional yeast value, analyze the influence of yeast addition to diet on broiler chicken productivity and feed consumption, determine the effect of feeding yeast on broiler chicken digestibility and meat quality. While achieving the purpose of the study nutritional value of the yeast was established (quantity of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, organic substance, fat acids). The data of the study show that yeast has a relatively high protein level from 42,44 to 46,79%. Quantity of crude fat varied from 5,30 to 6,50%. Analysis of mineral materials indicated calcium amount of 2,11-2,24% and phosphorus amount of 0,80-0,88%. Linoleic acid and linolenic acid made 60,32-60,81% and 3,80-4,17% respectively, of all fat acids. The main amino acids compiled 0,22-0,27% of lyzine, 0,49-0,55% of metionine, 0,56-0,62% of treonine. After experiments on meat quality, muscle maturation and chemical composition have been performed and chicken broilers’ breasts and thighs anlysed it was estimated that these indices did not vary to a higher quantity of yeast addition. Data of the sensory evaluation show that in presence of more than 6% of yeast, broiler breast muscles were of a sour taste. While assessing other... [to full text]

Approaches for the evaluation of plant protein ingredients for salmonid feeds were investigated in a series of four trials. The first trial compared the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AAs) of two novel products - Indian mustard protein concentrate (IMC, 62% CP) and Indian mustard protein meal (IMM, 42% CP), to a commercially available soy protein concentrate (SPC, 57% CP) for two salmonid species, rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. The second trial involved assessment of relative bioavailability of arginine (Arg) from IMC, IMM and SPC compared to that of a crystalline Arg (L-Arg) in rainbow trout using slope-ratio assay. In the third trial, the effects of phytic acid (PA) and lignin on nutrient utilization and partitioning in rainbow trout were assessed. Finally, a series of experiments was conducted in the final trial to establish the evaluation criteria for pellet quality assessment. The ADC of CP and most AAs in IMC and IMM were high (>90%). Differences in the ADCs of some AAs can be attributed to the high PA intake by fish fed 30%-IMC diet. The significantly higher (P<0.05) bioavailability of Arg from IMC (123 to 187%) and IMM (116 to 211%) relative to that of L-Arg, as determined by various regression approaches, reaffirmed the findings of the first trial that these ingredients are of excellent protein quality and can readily be used in compounded fish feeds. It can be inferred from the lack of effects of PA, lignin or PA plus lignin on most indices of physiology, performance, and nutrient utilization in the pair-fed fish, that like any other animal, controls feed intake when in the presence of one or more dietary ANF. It was also shown in the pellet quality assessment trial that minor changes in dietary composition can significantly alter physical properties of aquaculture feed. This study highlighted the importance of a comprehensive assessment for the effective evaluation of the nutritive value of plant protein ingredients for use in aquaculture feeds. / Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; BIOEXX Specialty Proteins Ltd.; Martin Mills Inc.; MITACS

A static in vitro digestion method was developed as a strategy to understand the effects of modelled digestion on the solubility of nutrients and selected bioactive compounds of autoclaved and untreated wheat bran. Brans from common soft, hard, and durum wheats were evaluated. Results indicated that the in vitro digestion protocol was suitable and effective. Effects of gastrointestinal simulation were considerably larger than gastric digestion alone. Digestibility of the brans ranged from 28.1 to 47.9%. Digestibility of bran minerals, starch and protein was substantial compared to lesser, but still significant, effects on fibre. Fibre solubility was significantly enhanced due to autoclaving. Total phenolic content, free radical scavenging and metal chelation activity were all substantially increased in soluble digests. Yields of these factors indicated that digestion of wheat bran releases ample levels of antioxidants that would be available for absorption in the small intestine to promote beneficial health effects.

While forage plays an important role in equine nutrition, little research has been conducted evaluating fiber utilization by young horses. Therefore, studies were conducted to compare in vivo digestibility and digesta passage in weanlings and mature horses (Exp 1) and yearlings and mature horses (Exp 2). All horses were fed forage-based diets at the same rate (on a metabolic BW basis; Exp 1: 67% alfalfa cubes, 33% concentrate; Exp 2: 75% timothy cubes, 25% concentrate). Ytterbium labeled hay and cobalt-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid were used to estimate digesta mean retention time (MRT), while in vivo digestibility (DM, OM, and NDF) was measured using a total fecal collection method. Feed and water intake was similar between young and mature horses in both experiments. In Exp 1, there were no differences in digestibility or MRT due to age. The results suggested that weanling horses are capable of digesting a relatively high quality diet as efficiently as mature horses and that most of the development of the gastrointestinal tract occurs before 6 mo of age. In Exp 2, digestibility estimates were greater (P < 0.0311) for the yearlings than for the geldings. The increased digestive capacity of the yearlings was likely due to the longer MRT observed for the particulate phase in the yearlings (P = 0.0190). A third study was conducted to compare the microbial profiles of the feces of mares and foals. Fecal samples were collected from mare-foal pairs as the foal matured. The profiles of each pair, obtained using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, were compared and used to describe bacterial colonization in the foal. Mean similarity between mares and their foals on the day of parturition was low, but rapidly increased. Within 2 wk of parturition, similarity among mares and their foals was higher than among mature mares, suggesting that by 2 wk of age the bacterial species found in the foals’ gut are similar to those found in the mature horse. Collectively, the results from this series of experiments describe the early development of the foal’s digestive capacity.

A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the nutritional value of a new oat variety developed by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. Trials 1 and 2 evaluated performance of steers fed a low lignin hull, high oil groat (LLH-HOG) oat as a replacement for barley or corn. In trial 1, 400 steers were fed one of two diets with barley or the LLH-HOG oat at 37.8% of the diet DM. Dry matter intake was lower (P=0.02) and gain to feed improved (P0.01) for steers fed the oat-based diet. In trial 2, 240 steers were finished diets with barley, corn or the LLH-HOG oat at 88.2% of the finishing diet (DM). During finishing, steers on the oat diet had lower (P0.01) ADG, body and carcass (P<0.01) weights than barley or corn-fed cattle reflecting lower (P0.01) DMI. In trial 3, 20 steers were fed one of seven diets consisting of barley silage and 0, 28, 56, or 84% LLH-HOG oat or barley grain (DM basis) to compare nutrient digestibility. Apparent DM, OM, ADF and NDF digestibility coefficients were lower (P<0.05) for LLH-HOG oat-based diets compared to barley-based diets. Apparent CP and EE digestibility coefficients were higher (P<0.05) for the LLH-HOG oat diets. Trial 4 was conducted to assess ruminal fermentation differences between LLH-HOG oat- or barley-based finishing diets using four rumen cannulated steers. No diet effects (P>0.05) were observed for total ruminal VFA concentration or molar proportions of individual VFA however mean ruminal pH was lower (P=0.01) for steers fed the LLH-HOG oat-finishing diet. Further, the extent of pH decline in oat-fed cattle was greater (P<0.01) than for barley-fed cattle. The results indicate that the energy value of the LLH-HOG oat is equivalent or superior to that of barley for growing cattle. However, further research is required to identify factors limiting feed intake of cattle fed this new oat type in finishing diets.

A static in vitro digestion method was developed as a strategy to understand the effects of modelled digestion on the solubility of nutrients and selected bioactive compounds of autoclaved and untreated wheat bran. Brans from common soft, hard, and durum wheats were evaluated. Results indicated that the in vitro digestion protocol was suitable and effective. Effects of gastrointestinal simulation were considerably larger than gastric digestion alone. Digestibility of the brans ranged from 28.1 to 47.9%. Digestibility of bran minerals, starch and protein was substantial compared to lesser, but still significant, effects on fibre. Fibre solubility was significantly enhanced due to autoclaving. Total phenolic content, free radical scavenging and metal chelation activity were all substantially increased in soluble digests. Yields of these factors indicated that digestion of wheat bran releases ample levels of antioxidants that would be available for absorption in the small intestine to promote beneficial health effects.

Darbo tikslas: Ištirti skirtingų miežių, kviečių ir kvietrugių genotipų maistinę vertę bei skirtingo nesmulkintų miežių ir kvietrugių kiekio įtaką broilerių produktyvumui, virškinimo procesams, paukštienos morfologinei sudėčiai bei kokybei. Darbo uždaviniai: 1. Ištirti skirtingų miežių, kviečių ir kvietrugių genotipų maistinę vertę konkrečiai definuotomis jų auginimo sąlygomis. 2. Nustatyti skirtingų miežių ir kvietrugių genotipų įtaką, naudojant NKP skaldančius fermentus, viščiukų broilerių virškinamosios masės tranzitui, klampumui, amoniakinio azoto koncentracijai aklųjų žarnų turinyje. 3. Ištirti skirtingų nesmulkintų miežių kiekių įtaką viščiukų broilerių produktyvumui, virškinimo procesams ir paukštienos kokybei. 4. Ištirti skirtingų nesmulkintų kvietrugių kiekių įtaką viščiukų broilerių produktyvumui, virškinimo procesams ir paukštienos kokybei. Darbo aktualumas ir naujumas: Viščiukų broilerių lesinimui dažniausiai naudojami nesmulkinti kviečiai. Jie sąlygoja geresnį virškinamojo trakto išsivystymą, mažina paukštienos gamybos kaštus. Nesmulkintų miežių ir kvietrugių panaudojimas viščiukų broilerių mityboje yra menkai ištirtas, o šių grūdų pardavimo kaina dažnai esti mažesnė už kviečių. Nėra galutinai ištirta miežių ir kvietrugių maistinė vertė, nėra publikuotų duomenų apie įvairiais kiekiais ir skirtingais broilerių auginimo periodais panaudotų nesmulkintų šių javų grūdų įtaką viščiukų broilerių virškinimo fiziologiniams procesams bei paukštienos kokybei. Taigi šie... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of the study: To investigate nutritive value of a variety of barley, wheat and triticale genotypes and influence of whole barley and triticale used in various amounts on broilers’ productivity, digestive processes and morphological composition and quality of poultry meat. Objectives of the study: 1. To investigate nutritive value of a variety of barley, wheat and triticale genotypes under concretely defined conditions of their growth. 2. To determine impact of various genotypes of barley and triticale on transit, viscosity of broiler chickens’ digesta and ammonia nitrogen concentration in the content of cecum. 3. To examine impact of various whole barley amounts on broilers’ productivity, digestive processes and quality of poultry meat. 4. To examine impact of various whole triticale amounts on broilers’ productivity, digestive processes and quality of poultry meat. Actuality and novelty of the work: Whole triticale is most frequently used for broiler chickens’ feeding. Their usage preconditions a better development of digestive system and decreases the cost of poultry meat production. The use of whole barley and triticale for broilers’ nutrition is scarcely investigated, whereas the price of aforesaid grains is frequently lower comparing with that of wheat. Besides, nutritive value of barley and triticale has not been completely investigated; there is no published data on the in-fluence of whole barley and triticale (used in various amounts at different growth... [to full text]