Effects of dietary replacement of fish meal by soybean meal on growth,feed utilization,and health condition of stinging catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis

Soybean meal (SBM) is a cost-effective alternative protein source to replace costly fish meal in aquaculture. This present study determined to measure the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) protein with SBM on growth, feed utilization, and health condition of stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. Four isonitrogenous (35 %) diets were applied in four treatment groups designed as SBM₀, SBM₂₅, SBM₅₀, and SBM₇₅, where 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % of FM protein were substituted by SBM, respectively. Significantly higher mean final weight (g), weight gain (g), percent weight gain (%), specific growth rate (% day^?1), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were recorded in SBM₀, SBM₂₅, and SBM₅₀ groups than SBM₇₅ group. Consequently, significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in SBM₀, SBM₂₅, and SBM₅₀ groups than SBM₇₅ group. Moreover, protein content of whole-body carcass was significantly higher in SBM₂₅ and lower in SBM₀ group however, lipid content was significantly higher in SBM₀ and SBM₇₅ than in other groups. Hemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells were significantly higher in SBM₀, SBM₂₅, and SBM₅₀ groups compared to SBM₇₅. However, the higher the substitution of FM protein by SBM in diets higher the values of glucose. Morphological analysis of the intestine including villi length (μm), width (μm), and area (mm²); crypt depth (μm); wall thickness (μm); abundance of goblet cell (GB); and muscle thickness (μm) showed an increasing trend in fish fed diet containing upto 50 % replacement of FM protein by SBM. Therefore, the results suggest that SBM could replace upto 50 % FM protein in diets of H. fossilis without compromising growth, feed efficiency, and health status.     

The nutritional value of narrow-leafed lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) for fattening pigs

The aim of this study was to determine the nutrient digestibility of seeds of four varieties of narrow-leafed lupines (Lupinus angustifolius) and the possibility of soya bean meal (SBM) substitution by lupine seeds alone and in combination with rapeseed meal (RSM) in the diets of pigs. The seeds of the lupine varieties Kalif, Sonet, Zeus and Boruta were analysed. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) was determined on 50 cross-bred pigs using the difference method with titanium dioxide as a marker. The substitution of SBM by lupine seeds alone (at 0 – 100%) was tested on 60 pigs (20–105 kg body weight (BW)) and by a combination of lupine seeds and RSM on 180 fattening pigs (35–80 kg BW). The chemical composition of lupine seeds differed considerably, especially in terms of crude protein and mineral content. All seeds contained less than 0.05% alkaloids and 9.3% oligosaccharides in dry matter. The ATTD of protein ranged from 70% to 74%, those of ether extract from 36% to 55% and those of gross energy from 77% to 84%. The entire replacement of SBM by lupine seeds (var. Sonet) did not have a negative effect on the performance of grower and fattener pigs. The substitution of SBM by a combination of lupines and RSM reduced the performance of growing and finishing pigs significantly.     

Replacing soybean meal with flax seed meal: effects on nutrient digestibility,rumen microbial protein synthesis and growth performance in sheep

Flax seed meal (FSM) is rich in various nutrients, especially CP and energy, and can be used as animal protein feed. In animal husbandry production, it is a long-term goal to replace soybean meal (SBM) in animal feed with other plant protein feed. However, studies on the effects of replacing SBM with FSM in fattening sheep are limited. The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of replacing a portion of SBM with FSM on nutrient digestibility, rumen microbial protein synthesis and growth performance in sheep. Thirty-six Dorper × Small Thin-Tailed crossbred rams (BW = 40.4 ± 1.73 kg, mean ± SD) were randomly assigned into four groups. The dietary treatments (forage/concentrate, 45 : 55) were isocaloric according to the nutrient requirements of rams. Soybean meal was replaced with FSM at different levels (DM basis): (1) 18% SBM (18SBM), (2) 12% SBM and 6% FSM (6FSM), (3) 6% SBM and 12% FSM (12FSM) and (4) 18% FSM (18FSM). The rams were fed in individual pens for 60 days, with the first 10 days for adaptation to diets, and then the digestibility of nutrients was determined. There was no significant difference in DM intake, but quadratic (P < 0.001) effects on the average daily gain and feed efficiency were detected, with the highest values in the 6FSM and 12FSM groups. For DM and NDF digestibility, quadratic effects were observed with the higher values in the 6FSM and 12FSM groups, but the digestibility of CP linearly decreased with the increase in FSM in the diet (P = 0.043). There was a quadratic (P < 0.001) effect of FSM inclusion rate on the estimated microbial CP yield. However, the values of intestinally absorbable dietary protein decreased linearly (P < 0.001). For the supply of metabolisable protein, both the linear (P = 0.001) and quadratic (P = 0.044) effects were observed with the lowest value in the 18FSM group. Overall, the results indicated that SBM can be effectively replaced by FSM in the diets of fattening sheep and the optimal proportion was 12.0% under the conditions of this experiment.     

Citric acid improves growth performance and phosphorus digestibility in Beluga (Huso huso) fed diets where soybean meal partly replaced fish meal

A 2 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of dietary fish meal with soybean meal and citric acid (CA) supplementation on growth, food utilization, muscle composition and nutrient digestibility of Beluga, Huso huso. Three isonitrogenic and isoenergetic diets, as SBM₁ (soybean meal protein (SBP):fishmeal protein (FP) = 1:3), SBM₂ (SBP:FP = 2:3) and SBM₃ (SBP:FP = 1:1) containing two levels of CA (0 and 30 g kg⁻¹) were fed to triplicate groups of fish for 8 weeks. The results revealed that adding CA increased (P<0.05) the weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) and decreased (P<0.05) food conversion rate (FCR) whereas partial substitution of fishmeal with soybean meal decreased (P<0.05) growth performance. Partial replacement of fishmeal with SBM (P=0.021) as well as CA supplementation (P=0.019) and their interaction (P<0.001) affected hepatosomatic index (HSI). No differences (P>0.05) were observed for viscerosomatic index (VSI) among treatments (P>0.05). No differences (P>0.05) were detected in moisture, protein of muscle sample among treatments, but lipid content was reduced (P<0.05) while ash content increased (P=0.035) by CA. Soybean meal decreased (P<0.05) nutrient digestibility, whereas CA improved apparent protein and phosphorus (P) digestibility (P=0.011 and P<0.001 respectively). No interaction (P<0.05) between levels of SBM and CA was found on these parameters. Results of the present study indicate that Beluga has a limited ability to utilize SBM as a protein source in practical diets whereas CA can improve growth and nutrient utilization in Beluga.     

Effects of mineral and rapeseed phosphorus supplementation on phytate degradation in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet composition on phytate (InsP₆) degradation in dairy cows. In Experiment 1, four diets that differed in the amount and source of phosphorus (P) were fed to 24 lactating cows in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design. The control diet (Diet C) contained 4.18 g P/kg dry matter (DM). Diet MP contained additional mineral P (5.11 g P/kg DM), Diet RS contained rapeseed and rapeseed meal as organic P sources (5.26 g P/kg DM) and Diet RSM contained rapeseed meal and rapeseed oil (5.04 g P/kg DM). Total P (tP) and InsP₆ excretion in faeces were measured. In Experiment 2, we used a rumen simulation technique (Rusitec) to estimate ruminal disappearance of tP and InsP₆ from Diets C, MP and RSM. In Experiment 1, tP concentration in faeces increased with tP intake and was highest for Diets RS and RSM. The source of supplemented P had no influence on tP digestibility, but tP digestibility was reduced for Diets MP, RS and RSM in comparison to that for Diet C. InsP₆ disappearance decreased in Diet MP (85.0%) and increased in Diets RS (92.7%) and RSM (94.0%) compared to that in Diet C (90.0%). In Experiment 2, P source influenced ruminal tP disappearance (Diet MP, 78.6%; Diet RSM, 75.3%). InsP₆ disappearance for Diet C (98.1%) was higher than that for Diets MP (95.6%) and RSM (94.9%). The results confirmed the high potential of ruminants to degrade InsP₆, but differences in diet composition influenced InsP₆ disappearance. Further studies of the site of InsP₆ degradation are required to understand the relevance of InsP₆ degradation for the absorption of P.     

Amino acid utilization and body composition of growing pigs fed processed soybean meal or rapeseed meal with or without amino acid supplementation

Feed ingredients used in swine diets are often processed to improve nutritional value. However, (over-)processing may result in chemical reactions with amino acids (AAs) that decrease their ileal digestibility. This study aimed to determine effects of (over-)processing of soybean meal (SBM) and rapeseed meal (RSM) on post-absorptive utilization of ileal digestible AAs for retention and on body AA composition of growing pigs. Soybean meal and RSM were processed by secondary toasting in the presence of lignosulfonate to obtain processed soybean meal (pSBM) and processed rapeseed meal (pRSM). Four diets contained SBM, pSBM, RSM or pRSM as sole protein source. Two additional diets contained pSBM or pRSM and were supplemented with crystalline AA to similar standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA level as the SBM or RSM diet. These diets were used to verify that processing affected AA retention by affecting ileal AA digestibility rather than post-absorptive AA utilization. The SID AA levels of the protein sources were determined in a previous study. In total, 59 pigs were used (initial BW of 15.6±0.7 kg) of which five were used to determine initial body composition at the start of the experiment. In total, 54 pigs were fed one of six experimental diets and were slaughtered at a BW of 40 kg. The organ fraction (i.e. empty organs plus blood) and carcass were analyzed separately for N and AA content. Post-absorptive AA utilization was calculated from AA retention and SID AA intake. An interaction between diet type, comprising effects of processing and supplementing crystalline AA, and protein source was observed for CP content in the organ fraction, carcass and empty body and for nutrient retention. Processing reduced CP content and nutrient retention more for SBM than for RSM. Moreover, processing reduced (P<0.001) the lysine content in the organ fraction for both protein sources. Supplementing crystalline AA ameliorated the effect of processing on these variables. Thus, the data indicated that processing affected retention by reducing digestibility. Correcting AA retention for SID AA intake was, therefore, expected to result in similar post-absorptive AA utilization which was observed for the RSM diets. However, post-absorptive AA utilization was lower for the pSBM diet than for the SBM diet which might be related to an imbalanced post-absorptive AA supply. In conclusion, processing negatively affected nutrient retention for both protein sources and post-absorptive utilization of SID AA for retention for SBM. Effects of processing were compensated by supplementing crystalline AA.     

Influence of incrementally substituting dietary soya bean meal for rapeseed meal on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen excretion, growth performance and ammonia emissions from growing-finishing pigs

A completely randomised design experiment was performed to examine the effects of replacing different levels of soya bean meal (SBM) with rapeseed meal (RSM) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance and manure ammonia emissions of growing-finishing pigs. Pigs (n = 336; mean live weight 42.1 kg) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments containing per kg diet: 210 g SBM; 140 g SBM and 70 g RSM; 70 g SBM and 140 g RSM; and 210 g RSM. All diets were formulated on an ileal digestible amino acid, net energy and available phosphorus basis. There was no significant treatment effect on average daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass characteristics. There was a linear decrease in gross energy digestibility (p < 0.01) as RSM increased at the expense of SBM in the diet. There was a linear decrease in urinary N excretion (p < 0.01), N digestibility (p < 0.05), total N excretion (p < 0.05) and N retention (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of RSM. There was no effect of dietary treatment on manure ammonia emissions. The results of this study indicate that RSM can be used as a direct replacement for SBM with no associated depression in performance, when formulated on an ileal digestible amino acid and net energy basis. Consumption of diets containing incremental levels of RSM linearly decreased urinary N and total N excretion, reflecting the associated decrease in crude protein concentrations.     

Increasing levels of rapeseed expeller meal in diets for pigs: effects on protein and energy metabolism

The heavy reliance on imported soybean meal (SBM) as a protein source makes it necessary for the European pig industry to search for alternatives and to develop pigs that perform efficiently when fed such ingredients. Digestion and metabolism are major physiological processes contributing to variation in feed efficiency. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to assess the effects of replacing SBM with increasing levels of rapeseed meal (RSM) in diets for young pigs on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients, nitrogen (N) balance, energy metabolism and carbohydrate, protein and fat oxidation. Four diets were fed to 32 pigs (22.7±4.1 kg initial BW) for three weeks. The diets consisted of a control cereal grain-SBM basal diet and three test diets where SBM and wheat were partially replaced with 10%, 20%, and 30% of expeller RSM. Increasing level of RSM in the diets linearly reduced ATTD of organic matter, CP, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber and energy. Utilization of digested nitrogen (DN) for N retention and total N excretion were not affected by RSM inclusion, however, RSM inclusion induced a shift in N excretion from urine to feces. Despite a linear increase in liver to metabolic BW ratio, heat production and utilization of metabolizable energy (ME) for retention were not affected by increasing RSM inclusion. In conclusion, replacing SBM with up to 30% of expeller RSM in nutritionally balanced diets for young pigs reduced the ATTD of most nutrients and energy, but did not affect N and energy retention in the body or efficiency of utilization of DN or ME for retention.     

Narrow-leaved lupine seeds as a dietary protein source for fattening rabbits: a comparison with white lupine seeds

Lupine seeds have the potential to be an alternative to imported dietary proteins. In rabbits, it has been indicated that White lupine seed (WLS) is a suitable protein source. Other lupine species, for example, narrow-leaved lupine seed (NLS), have not yet been tested in rabbit diets. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of the dietary inclusion of NLS on growth performance, sanitary risk index (SRI), coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and nitrogen output in fattening rabbits. Narrow-leaved lupine was compared with WLS as a main protein source. For Experiment I, a total of 198 Hyplus rabbits (37 days of age) were allocated into two groups (99 rabbits per group), fed the WLS I diet (120 g/kg of WLS cv. Amiga) or the NLS I diet (150 g/kg of NLS cv. Probor), and used for performance and carcass trait evaluations. In addition, the CTTAD of the diets and the nitrogen output were determined in 10 Hyplus rabbits per treatment (37 days of age). For Experiment II, a total of 180 Hyplus rabbits (32 days of age) were allocated into two groups (90 rabbits per group), fed the WLS II diet (120 g/kg of WLS cv. Amiga) or the NLS II diet (130 g/kg of NLS cv. Primadona), and used for performance and carcass trait evaluations. In addition, the CTTAD of the diets was determined in 10 Hyplus rabbits per treatment (32 days of age). Regardless of the treatment, the dietary inclusion of NLS had a negative effect on growth of the rabbits. The nitrogen excretion and coefficients of nitrogen retention of rabbits were not affected by the treatments. In Experiment I, SRI (37 to 80 days of age) was higher in rabbits fed the NLS I diet than in those fed the WLS I diet (38.4% v. 23.2%, respectively; P = 0.031). Similarly, in Experiment II (32 to 74 days of age), SRI was higher in rabbits fed the NLS II diet than in rabbits fed the WLS II diet (37.8% v. 23.3%, respectively; P = 0.052). In conclusion, regardless of the variety, the dietary inclusion of NLS had no negative effect on the nitrogen output or dressing-out percentage of rabbits when compared to those of rabbits fed the WLS diets. With respect to the SRI and performance, however, NLS did not provide a satisfactory outcome.     

The nutritive value of Tower rapeseed meal for swine

Two experiments involving 144 Yorkshire × Lacombe gilts, with an average initial weight of 20 kg, were conducted. In Experiment 1 the gilts were allotted to a control diet containing soya bean meal (SBM) or to diets in which either 50% or all of the supplementary protein was provided by Tower rapeseed meal (RSM). In the second experiment the two diets had either SBM or Tower RSM as the supplementary protein source. In a third diet Tower RSM was supplemented with sufficient lysine to equal the calculated available lysine level of the SBM control diet. In Experiment 1, gilts given the SBM diet grew from 20 to 60 kg significantly faster (P<0.01), and had better feed conversion efficiency (P<0.01), than those given the RSM diets. A 50% replacement of SBM by Tower RSM gave intermediate results. Partial or total replacement of SBM by Tower did not significantly affect the growth rate or feed conversion efficiency of the gilts when growing from 60 to 100 kg liveweight. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations of the gilts at 100 kg were lower in pigs fed on the RSM diets but the differences were not significant. In the second experiment, total replacement of SBM by Tower RSM, with or without the addition of lysine, significantly (P<0.001) reduced growth rate and feed conversion efficiency during the growing period (20–60 kg) but did not significantly affect performance during the finishing period (60–90 kg). Serum T3 concentration was not significantly affected by the addition of Tower RSM to the diet but T4 concentrations were significantly reduced (P<0.01). None of the carcass parameters studied were significantly affected by the addition of Tower RSM to the diets.     

Effects of balancing crystalline amino acids in diets containing heat-damaged soybean meal or distillers dried grains with solubles fed to weanling pigs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate if adjustments in diet formulations either based on total analysed amino acids or standardized ileal digestible (SID) amino acids may be used to eliminate negative effects of including heat-damaged soybean meal (SBM) or heat-damaged corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets fed to weanling pigs. In Experiment 1, four corn–SBM diets were formulated. Diet 1 contained non-autoclaved SBM (315 g/kg), and this diet was formulated on the basis of analysed amino acid concentrations and using SID values from the AminoDat® 4.0 database. Diet 2 was similar to Diet 1 in terms of ingredient composition, except that the non-autoclaved SBM was replaced by autoclaved SBM at 1 : 1 (weight basis). Diet 3 was formulated using autoclaved SBM and amino acid inclusions in the diet were adjusted on the basis of analysed total amino acid concentrations in the autoclaved SBM and published SID values for non-autoclaved SBM (AminoDat® 4.0). Diet 4 also contained autoclaved SBM, but the formulation of this diet was adjusted on the basis of analysed amino acids in the autoclaved SBM and SID values that were adjusted according to the degree of heat damage in this source of SBM. Pigs (160; initial BW: 10.4 kg) were allotted to the four treatments with eight replicate pens per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Diets were fed to pigs for 21 days. The gain to feed ratio (G : F) was greater (P<0.05) for pigs fed Diet 1 compared with pigs fed the other diets and pigs fed Diet 4 had greater (P<0.05) G : F than pigs fed Diet 2. In Experiment 2, 144 pigs (initial BW: 9.9 kg) were allotted to four diets with eight replicate pens per diet. The four diets contained corn, SBM (85 g/kg) and DDGS (220 g/kg), and were formulated using the concepts described for Experiment 1, except that heat-damaged DDGS, but not heat-damaged SBM, was used in the diets. Pigs fed Diet 1 had greater (P<0.05) G : F than pigs fed Diet 2, but no differences were observed for G : F among pigs fed diets containing autoclaved DDGS. Results demonstrate that the negative effects of heat damage of SBM or DDGS may be ameliorated if the reduced concentration and digestibility of amino acids in heat-damaged SBM or DDGS is taken into account in diet formulation. Further research is needed to improve the prediction of the ileal digestibility of amino acids in heat-processed ingredients used in practical diet formulations.     

Effect of extrusion on trypsin inhibitor activity and nutrient digestibility of diets based on fish meal,soybean meal and white flakes

Abstract

The effects of moist extrusion processing of diets containing fish meal (FM) and conventional defatted soybean meal (SBM) or untoasted defatted soybean meal (white flakes [WF]) on amino acid composition, trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients were studied. Three diets with the nutritional characteristics of feeds for salmonid fish were formulated: one control based on FM as protein source and two others where 40% of total amino acids from FM were substituted by either SBM or WF. Each diet was fed to mink either as an unextruded mixture of the ingredients or as extruded pellets in order to determine the effect of extrusion processing. Extrusion did not change the amino acid composition of the diets significantly, but reduced the TIA of both diets containing soy products by approximately 76%. Intake of the unextruded WF diet was only one-third compared with the other diets. The dry matter concentration in faeces from mink fed diets containing soy products was significantly lower than in mink fed the FM diet. Digestibility of crude protein, all amino acids and fat was lower, but starch higher, in the unextruded WF diet than in the FM and SBM diets, whereas no significant differences were found among the extruded diets. Extrusion of the WF diet increased digestibility of protein and all amino acids. The greatest increase in digestibility after extrusion of the WF diet was observed for cysteine followed by tryptophan. Extrusion of the FM and SBM diets had no significant effect on amino acid digestibility. Digestibility of starch was, in general, increased by extrusion. It is concluded that the heat treatment involved in typical moist extrusion processing used for fish feed may be sufficient to inactivate most of the TIA in unheated soybean meal, and to increase digestibility of the protein in WF to approximately the same level as found for SBM and FM. Still, extrusion is a lenient process with minor effects on nutrient digestibility of diets containing fish meal or toasted soybean meal as major protein sources.     

Effect of extrusion on trypsin inhibitor activity and nutrient digestibility of diets based on fish meal, soybean meal and white flakes

The effects of moist extrusion processing of diets containing fish meal (FM) and conventional defatted soybean meal (SBM) or untoasted defatted soybean meal (white flakes [WF]) on amino acid composition, trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients were studied. Three diets with the nutritional characteristics of feeds for salmonid fish were formulated: one control based on FM as protein source and two others where 40% of total amino acids from FM were substituted by either SBM or WF. Each diet was fed to mink either as an unextruded mixture of the ingredients or as extruded pellets in order to determine the effect of extrusion processing. Extrusion did not change the amino acid composition of the diets significantly, but reduced the TIA of both diets containing soy products by approximately 76%. Intake of the unextruded WF diet was only one-third compared with the other diets. The dry matter concentration in faeces from mink fed diets containing soy products was significantly lower than in mink fed the FM diet. Digestibility of crude protein, all amino acids and fat was lower, but starch higher, in the unextruded WF diet than in the FM and SBM diets, whereas no significant differences were found among the extruded diets. Extrusion of the WF diet increased digestibility of protein and all amino acids. The greatest increase in digestibility after extrusion of the WF diet was observed for cysteine followed by tryptophan. Extrusion of the FM and SBM diets had no significant effect on amino acid digestibility. Digestibility of starch was, in general, increased by extrusion. It is concluded that the heat treatment involved in typical moist extrusion processing used for fish feed may be sufficient to inactivate most of the TIA in unheated soybean meal, and to increase digestibility of the protein in WF to approximately the same level as found for SBM and FM. Still, extrusion is a lenient process with minor effects on nutrient digestibility of diets containing fish meal or toasted soybean meal as major protein sources.     

Digestibility and utilisation of diets composed of wet distillers' solids or soyabean meal and supplemented with liquid lysine product for growing pigs

A digestibility and balance trial was carried out to study the nutrient digestibility and utilisation of protein and energy in wet distillers' solids derived from barley or soyabean meal. Eight growing pigs (30–72 kg liveweight) were used in an 8 × 6 cyclic change-over experimental design, in which eight experimental diets were arranged 2 × 2 × 2 factorially. The corresponding factors were the protein source (wet distillers' solids (DS) or soyabean meal (SBM)), protein supply (130 or 162 g crude protein (CP) kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM)) and liquid lysine product supplementation.DS and SBM contained 565 g and 485 g CP kg⁻¹ DM, respectively, and the respective lysine contents in CP were 39 g and 64 g per 160 g N. The liquid lysine product contained 527 g CP kg⁻¹ DM and lysine in CP 193 g per 160 g N.No differences were found in the total tract digestibility of the nutrients or energy among diets composed of DS or SBM without lysine supplementation. Those diets with liquid lysine product supplementation, however, had opposite effects on the digestibility of the diets composed of the different protein sources. Lysine supplementation improved the digestibility of ash (P < 0.001), ether extract (P < 0.05) and crude carbohydrates (CCH) (P < 0.05) in diets composed of DS and adversely impaired the digestibility of organic matter and CCH (P < 0.05) in diets composed of SBM. The calculated digestibility of CP and gross energy were respectively 91.2% and 88.3% in SBM and 90.2% and 85.0% in DS. The digestible and calculated net energy contents were respectively 18.16 MJ kg⁻¹ DM and 10.73 MJ kg⁻¹ DM for SBM and 19.31 MJ kg⁻¹ DM and 10.40 MJ kg⁻¹ DM for DS.The pigs on the diets composed of DS had higher total (P < 0.001) and urea (P < 0.01) nitrogen (N) excretion in urine and lower daily retention of N (P < 0.001) than the pigs on the diets composed of SBM. The liquid lysine product supplementation of the diets decreased the total and urea N excretion in urine (P < 0.001) and improved the daily N retention (P < 0.001). With lysine supplementation, the protein utilisation of the diets composed of DS was improved to the level of the diets composed of SBM. No differences were observed in the utilisation of energy among the diets composed of different protein sources.It is concluded that DS is highly digestible, but its protein is efficiently utilised only with lysine supplementation.     

Caecal fermentation characteristics, blood composition and growth of rabbits on substitution of soya-bean meal by unconventional high-glucosinolate mustard ( Brassica juncea) meal as protein supplement

Effect of graded levels of high-glucosinolate mustard (Brassica juncea) meal as substitute of soya-bean meal (SBM) in broiler rabbit diets was studied. Forty weaning rabbits of Soviet Chinchilla and White Giant breed were randomly allocated to one of four experimental diets containing mustard meal (MM) 0, 80, 160 and 245 g/kg. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. MM had 54.8 mg total glucosinolates (TGLSs) per g dry matter (DM). Diets had TGLS 3.8, 8.4 and 11.98 mg/g DM in 80, 160 and 245 g MM diets, respectively. MM-incorporated diets had higher digestible and linearly (P < 0.01) higher metabolisable energy (ME) content. However, the effect on total tract apparent digestibility of DM, and crude protein was quadratic. Average daily gain (ADG) reduced (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing MM levels in diet, still 80 and 160 g MM diets had similar ADG compared to that of SBM diet. Caecum weight reduced linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing MM levels in diet. The pH of caecal content ranged between 5.85 and 6.19, total N between 1.19 and 1.48 (g per 100 g) and total volatile fatty acids between 4.7 and 5.8 mmol per 100 g, and they were not statistically different. NH3-N ranged between 31.2 and 39.0 mg per 100 ml, and reduced linearly (P < 0.05) while trichloroacetic acid-precipitable nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.01, ranged between 114 and 247 mg per 100 ml) with increasing MM levels in diet. Blood haemoglobin, packed cell volume and lymphocytes were higher (quadratic effects, P < 0.05) on 245 MM diet, whereas white blood cell count reduced linearly (P < 0.01). Serum aspartate aminotransferase increased linearly (P < 0.01) while alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity, protein, erythrocytes sedimentation rate and red blood cell counts were not affected by MM. Serum Cu, Na and K content increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing MM levels. Liver Cu concentration showed quadratic (P < 0.05) increase. Rabbits tolerated 8.4 mg TGLS per g diet (160 g MM per kg) during active growth without any apparent effect on health and growth. It is concluded that MM can replace up to 66% SBM protein in rabbit feeding, whereas complete replacement of SBM with MM reduced feed intake and ADG by 23% and 13%, respectively. Further studies are required to confirm these inclusion levels and glucosinolate tolerance of rabbits.     

The effects of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and cold-pressed hexane extraction on the chemical composition and feeding value of rapeseed meal for broiler chickens

ABSTRACT

The chemical characteristics of rapeseed meal (RSM) produced from two cultivars of UK-grown rapeseed, by both supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (ScCO₂) and cold-pressed hexane extraction (CpHe) were examined. Their nutritional value, with and without protease, was then assessed in a broiler digestibility trial. Basal feed was substituted with one of four RSM batches (200 g/kg) following adjustments for dry matter (DM) and ether extract (EE) content. Half of each diet was supplemented with a mono-component protease derived from Bacillus subtilis (Axtra®PRO, Danisco Animal Nutrition, Malborough, UK) giving a total of eight test diets. Two control diets, with and without protease were also fed. At 13 d age male Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to seven replicate pens (five birds per pen) and assigned to one of 10 diets. Total excreta were collected from 17 to 21 d age and feed intake was recorded. Pre-caecal protein digestibility (pcPd) was determined using TiO₂ as an indigestible marker. Colourimetrically CpHe RSM was substantially darker than ScCO₂ counterparts. The influence of oil recovery method (ORM) was also evident in DM, EE, ash free neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom), neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) and glucosinolate content (GLS). The content of DM, EE and GLS was higher in ScCO₂ RSM whereas aNDFom and NDICP levels were greater in CpHe RSM. Protein solubility in KOH was greater in ScCO₂ RSM whilst levels of NDICP were lower. Collectively these results suggest that less heat damage was incurred to the RSM during ScCO₂ extraction. There was no significant main effect of cultivar nor were any significant interactions observed between treatment factors. Rapeseed meal ScCO₂ produced greater metabolisable energy, pcPd, nitrogen retention and energy metabolisability (p < 0.05). Protease supplementation increased pcPd (p < 0.05) irrespective of ORM and cultivar. The key implications of these findings are that by adopting oil recovery methods that minimise the exposure of RSM to thermal treatments and by adding a compatible protease there is scope to increase the nutritional value of RSM for broilers and increase its utilisation in modern poultry production.     

Effects of diets differing in protein source and technical treatment on digestibility,performance and visceral and biochemical parameters of fattening pigs

The aim of the experiment on 100 cross-bred barrows was to compare commercial diets for fattening pigs based on either soya bean meal (SBM) imported from non-European countries with diets based on a mixture of locally produced rape seed meal, distillers’ dried grains with solubles and soya beans as main protein sources. In addition, these both types of diets were processed by two different technical feed treatments, i.e. coarse grinding without hydrothermal treatment or fine grinding and pelleting. With only few exceptions, nutrients of the diet without SBM were more digestible (p < 0.05) resulting in a higher metabolisable energy (ME) content. Fine grinding and pelleting increased also the ME content and the nutrient digestibility with the exception of crude fibre. Higher feed intake of animals that fed diets without SBM (p < 0.01) resulted in higher average daily gain (p < 0.01). However feeding this diet, the higher digestibility was not reflected in a decreased feed-to-gain ratio (FGR), but fine grinding and pelleting reduced FGR (p < 0.001). A higher pH value and a lower DM content of caecal chymus were detected in animals that received coarsely ground feed (p < 0.05). Animals that fed finely ground and pelleted feed had higher slaughter and relative liver weights and higher blood cholesterol concentrations (p = 0.040). The urea concentrations of blood were lower (p = 0.019) after feeding diets without SBM. In conclusion, SBM imported from non-European countries can be replaced by alternative local protein sources without compromising digestibility or performances of animals. Although fine grinding and thermal treatment particularly seemed to be advantageous for digestibility and performance, the possible risk of development of stomach lesions should be considered.     

Environmental impact of replacing soybean meal with rapeseed meal in diets of finishing pigs

The major impact of the livestock sector on the environment may be reduced by feeding agricultural co-products to animals. Since the last decade, co-products from biodiesel production, such as rapeseed meal (RSM), became increasingly available in Europe. Consequently, an increase in RSM content in livestock diets was observed at the expense of soybean meal (SBM) content. Cultivation of SBM is associated with high environmental impacts, especially when emissions related to land use change (LUC) are included. This study aims to assess the environmental impact of replacing SBM with RSM in finishing pig diets. As RSM has a lower nutritional value, we assessed the environmental impact of replacing SBM with RSM using scenarios that differed in handling changes in nutritional level. Scenario 1 (S1) was the basic scenario containing SBM. In scenario 2 (S2), RSM replaced SBM based on CP content, resulting in reduced energy and amino acid content, and hence an increased feed intake to realize the same growth rate. The diet of scenario 3 (S3) was identical to S2; however, we assumed that pigs were not able to increase their feed intake, leading to reduced growth performance. In scenario 4 (S4), the energy and amino acid content were increased to the same level of S1. Pig performances were simulated using a growth model. We analyzed the environmental impact of each scenario using life-cycle assessment, including processes of feed production, manure management, piglet production, enteric fermentation and housing. Results show that, expressed as per kg of BW, replacing SBM with RSM in finishing pig diets marginally decreased global warming potential (GWP) and energy use (EU) but decreased land use (LU) up to 12%. Between scenarios, S3 had the maximum potential to reduce the environmental impact, due to a lower impact per kg of feed and an increased body protein-to-lipid ratio of the pigs, resulting in a better feed conversion ratio. Optimization of the body protein-to-lipid ratio, therefore, might result in a reduced environmental impact of pig production. Furthermore, the impact of replacing SBM with RSM changed only marginally when emissions related to direct (up to 2.9%) and indirect LUC (up to 2.5%) were included. When we evaluated environmental impacts of feed production only, which implies excluding other processes along the chain as is generally found in the literature, GWP decreased up to 10%, including LUC, EU up to 5% and LU up to 16%.     

The influence of narrow-leafed lupin seed fermentation on their chemical composition and ileal digestibility and microbiota in growing pigs

The aims of this study were to provide a controlled fermentation process of blue lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius, cv. Neptun), monitor the changes in seed composition and determine the influence of the fermentation on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids in growing pigs, compared with raw lupin seeds. The fermentation with bacteria and yeast was conducted for 24 h at 25ºC under aerobic conditions. Seed fermentation increased the contents of CP, fibre, fat and ash and most of the analysed amino acids but reduced the levels of the nitrogen-free extractives. Furthermore, fermentation decreased the contents of raffinose family oligosaccharides and phytic acids but increased the alkaloid content. The AID was estimated on three barrows (mean initial body weight 25 kg), surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. The pigs received three diets, each for 6 d, within three experimental periods (3 × 3 Latin Square design). The diets contained soybean meal (Group SBM), raw lupin seeds (Group RL) or fermented lupin seeds (Group FL) as solely protein sources. Fermentation had a positive impact on the AID of CP and methionine, cysteine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and valine (p < 0.05). Feeding raw or fermented lupin seeds did not affect the microbial status of the ileal digesta. Moreover, ammonia content in the caecal digesta did not differ between Groups RL and FL, although it was significantly higher than in Group SBM. It can be concluded that the fermentation process modified the chemical composition of nutrients in seeds, which can influence the digestibility and utilisation of the fermentation product in animal diets compared to raw seeds.     

Bacterial protein meal produced on natural gas replacing soybean meal or fish meal in broiler chicken diets

Abstract

The effects of replacing soybean meal or fish meal with 2, 4 or 6% bacterial protein meal (BPM) on growth performance, ileal digestibility of amino acids and sensory quality of meat, were examined using 630 broiler chickens. Weight gain from 7 – 32 days of age did not differ significantly among the treatments. Efficiency of feed conversion was increased when BPM replaced soybean meal, and abdominal fat deposition tended to decline. Feed conversion was not affected when BPM replaced fish meal. Amino acid digestibility was unaffected or improved when BPM replaced soybean meal, whereas replacement of fishmeal with BPM resulted in similar digestibility. Sensory quality of fresh thigh meat was similar among treatments, but for freeze-stored chest meat replacement of fish meal with BPM reduced off-odour and off-flavour and increased juiciness. It was concluded that 6% BPM can replace soybean meal or fish meal protein in broiler chicken diets.