Effects of a rumen protected B vitamin blend upon milk production and component yield in lactating dairy cows

Results from 12 switchback field trials involving 1216 cows were combined to assess the effects of a protected B vitamin blend (BVB) upon milk yield (kg), fat percentage (%), protein %, fat yield (kg) and protein yield (kg) in primiparous and multiparous cows. Trials consisted of 3 test periods executed in the order control-test-control. No diet changes other than the inclusion of 3 grams/cow/ day of the BVB during the test period occurred. Means from the two control periods were compared to results obtained during the test period using a paired T test. Cows include in the analysis were between 45 and 300 days in milk (DIM) at the start of the experiment and were continuously available for all periods. The provision of the BVB resulted in increased (P < 0.05) milk, fat %, protein %, fat yield and protein yield. Regression models showed that the amount of milk produced had no effect upon the magnitude of the increase in milk components. The increase in milk was greatest in early lactation and declined with DIM. Protein and fat % increased with DIM in mature cows, but not in first lactation cows. Differences in fat yields between test and control feeding periods did not change with DIM, but the improvement in protein yield in mature cows declined with DIM. These results indicate that the BVB provided economically important advantages throughout lactation, but expected results would vary with cow age and stage of lactation.

Effects of a rumen protected B vitamin blend substituted for biotin upon milk production and component yield in lactating dairy cows

Results from 4 switchback field trials involving 608 cows were combined to assess the effects of a protected B vitamin blend (BVB) vs 10 mg of unprotected biotin upon milk yield (kg), fat %, protein %, fat yield (kg) and protein yield (kg) in primiparous and multiparous cows. Trials consisted of 3 DHIA periods executed in the order control-test-control. Cows from 45 to 300 days in milk (DIM) at the start of the experiment that were available for all 3 periods were included in the analysis. No diet changes other than the substitution of 3 grams/cow/day of the BVB for 10 mg of biotin during the test period occurred. Results from the two control periods were compared to results obtained during the test period by individual cow using a paired T test. Results for all cows showed that the provision of the BVB resulted in increased (P < 0.05) milk, fat percentage (%), protein %, fat yield and protein yield. Analysis by age revealed that milk production and milk protein yield were only improved in mature cows. Milk production had a negative effect upon the magnitude of the increase in milk components. The change in milk yield was greatest in early lactation and declined with DIM. Protein % and fat % increased with DIM in mature cows, but not in first lactation cows. Differences in fat yields between test and control feeding periods did not change with DIM, but the improvement in protein yield in mature cows declined with DIM. These results indicate that the BVB provided economically important advantages throughout lactation beyond those witnessed with biotin, but expected results would vary with cow age and stage of lactation.

Assessment of Lactational Performance in Dairy Cows Receiving a Rumen Protected B Vitamin Blend during Lactation: Part 1: A Meta-Analysis of 50 Studies

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of a dietary supplemental rumen protected B vitamin blend (RPBV: Folic acid, B12, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and biotin;Jefo, St. Hyacinthe, QC Canada) on milk, fat, and protein yield in cows past peak lactation. Results from 50 double reversal design trials (control-test-control) were evaluated using meta-analyses. All herds participated in monthly milk recording services, and all were Holstein herds. Within each of the 50 trials, cows included in the statistical analysis were over 45 days in milk (DIM) at the first milk test, averaged 159 ± 26 DIM on the first test date, and were available for all milk collection periods. A total of 6483 cows from 7 countries were represented in the 50 studies, with an average herd size of 129.7 ± 118.0. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine effect size for milk, fat, and protein yield based on the treatment differences and standard errors (SE) from the individual trials. Results indicated that dairy cows responded positively to the inclusion of the rumen protected B vitamin blend. Forest plots revealed trial-to-trial variation and might be related to age, level of milk production, and stage of lactation of the cows.

日粮中添加过瘤胃保护B族维生素对奶牛健康、产奶量和繁殖性能的影响

围产期日粮中添加过瘤胃保护B族维生素对奶牛健康、产奶量和繁殖性能都会产生影响。试验结果表明,添加过瘤胃保护B族维生素可以显著降低刚分娩奶牛亚临床酮病的发病率、奶牛平均人工授精成本以及泌乳190天内的淘汰率(P<0.05);显著增加乳脂率和泌乳150天怀孕率(P<0.05);胎衣不下的发病率从18.5%减少到16.0%,但是差异不显著。这说明在围产期日粮中添加过瘤胃保护B族维生素可以提高牛奶乳脂率、奶牛健康状况以及繁殖性能,并能为奶牛场节省成本,提高经济效益。

Methods to Evaluate Rumen Protected Lysine for Dairy Cows

There are many rumen protected amino acid products available for dairy cattle feeding. However, feed formulation programs require values related to rumen solubility, rate of disappearance in the rumen and total tract digestibility and often such values are not available. In vivo testing procedures are complex, time consuming and expensive. This study was conducted to determine if a newrapid, lower cost in vitro method developed for feed ingredients could be applied to a rumen protected lysine product (DairynatLys-30, Jefo Nutrition Inc). In vivo determination of the rapidly solubilized protein fraction, rate of degradation of the slowly solubilized fraction and total tract digestibility studies were compared to the in vitro method in use in many ingredient analysis laboratories for feed ingredients such as forages, protein supplements and grains. Results showed that the rapidly soluble fraction (8.33% and 8.66% of total N for in vivo and in vitro methods) and rates of disappearance in the rumen (2.64%/h and 2.43%/h for in vivo and in vitro procedures) compared favorably between the two methods for the rumen protected product. Total tract digestibility values were slightly higher (84.4%) with the in vivo method used than with the in vitro method (75.9%), and both are in the expected calculated range of digestibility of 80%. In conclusion the in vitro method appears to be an acceptable alternative for evaluating rumen protected amino acids.

Modification of Campylobacterjejuni Broiler Colonization by a Feed Additive Composed of Encapsulated Organic Acids and Essential Oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel feed additive on chicken intestinal colonization and carcass contamination by Campylobacterjejuni. The feed additive was composed of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils （OA/EO）. The feed additive tested was provided by Jefo Nutrition Inc., St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada. Day-old birds were separated into two rooms and subdivided into two groups. Chicken were fed with OA/EO or not fed with OA/EO until they reached 35 d of age. At 14 d of age, chickens received an oral suspension of two well characterized C. jejuni strains, depending on the room they were housed in. The levels of C. jejuni were periodically monitored in the caecum and on the carcasses. C. jejuni colonization was further characterized by the use of high-resolution melt analysis of the C. jejuniflaA gene （HRM-flaA）. The effect of the feed additive was strain-dependent. In room two, the feed additive had no effect on the caecal counts. In room one, at 35 d of age, caecal C. jejuni counts were higher with OA/EO, as opposed to carcasses counts which were lower in the treated group. The HRM-flaA analysis showed that an amplification profile was predominant in birds fed with OA/EO at 35 d of age in room one, suggesting the selection of a C. jejuni strain. In conclusion, the OA/EO seemed to be effective to reduce C. jejuni levels but this effect appeared strain dependent.

Handling Characteristic Evaluation of Free, Standard and Lipid Microencapsulated Vitamin and Mineral Premixes

Feed ingredients can change physically or chemically when exposed to moisture,heat or pressure.These changes impact how well they flow through a bin and disperse throughout the feed.Microencapsulation is a relatively new technique used to reduce reactivity and improve storage and handling characteristics(HC)of nutrients.The authors hypothesize that lipid matrix microencapsulation of free vitamin and mineral(VM)premixes significantly improve their HC making them more desirable products for feed mills.Triplicate samples of free,standard and lipid microencapsulated VM premixes were evaluated for the following HC:particle size(dgw),particle size variability(Sgw),flowability(measured by angle of repose(AOR)and minimum orifice diameter(MOD)),lumping,compressibility,bulk and tapped density,solubility and hygroscopic percent change in weight(day 0-1,0-3,0-5,5-9,0-9).Results were analyzed in a 3×2 factorial(JMP Pro 14)of form(free,standard,microencapsulated)by type(vitamin,mineral).Microencapsulated VM had the highest dgw(611.0mm and 722.7mm,respectively,p=0.002);free and microencapsulated vitamins had the smallest Sgw(1.67 and 1.49,respectively,p<0.001).Microencapsulated premixes had significantly lower AOR(p<0.001)and MOD values(p<0.001)than other premixes,indicating improved flowability.From days 0-3 and 0-5,microencapsulated premixes absorbed approximately half as much moisture(1.62%and 2.24%,respectively)than the free(3.48%and 5.04%,respectively)or standard(3.74%and 5.26%,respectively)premixes(p=0.001).The benefits gained from lipid matrix microencapsulation technology not only improve the HC of animal feed additives,but also improve the stability of VM premixes.

Assessment of the Effects of Supplemental Rumen Protected B Vitamins and Choline for Periparturient Cows: A Meta-Analysis of 28 Feeding Studies

There are currently no prescribed requirements for B vitamins or choline for dairy cows during the transition period, but many recent studies have shown a variety of benefits from supplying these nutrients to periparturient cows. The purpose of this research effort was to determine the potential benefit of including a rumen protected blend composed of B vitamins (riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B12) and choline (RPBlend, Jefo Nutrition Inc., St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) for dairy cows during the transition period, based on results from 28 on-farm feeding studies (USA-12, Mexico-7, Canada-4, Chile-3, Australia-1, Brazil-1) conducted between 2011 and 2018. All farms participated in monthly herd management record keeping systems and were selected to participate in studies due to their excellent management. Meta-analyses in which risk differences were determined were used to assess the effects of the supplemental RPBlend on health parameters and reproduction. The effect size was used as the determinant of the possible contribution of RPblend on the yields of milk, energy corrected milk (ECM), fat and protein yields during the first four weeks of lactation. Results showed that the inclusion of RPblend reduced (P < 0.05) involuntary culling and mastitis by cows during the first 30 days after calving. There was a tendency (P < 0.10) for reduced retained placenta and metritis. The meta-analyses revealed that the risk of the displaced abomasum and milk fever did not diminish (P > 0.10) with the inclusion of the BPBlend. The incidence rate of subclinical ketosis, determined as blood beta hydroxy butyric acid greater than 1.2 mM was lower (P (than those not supplemented. The proportion of cows confirmed pregnant by 100 days in milk was greater for cows given the BPBlend (P < 0.05). Milk yield and ECM were greater for cows receiving the RPBlend (1.13 and 0.93 kg/cow respectively, P < 0.05). There was no change in fat yield (P > 0.10) while the yield of milk protein was greater (P < 0.05) when the cows received the blend. These results suggest that the inclusion of rumen protected B vitamins and choline can assist cow health, reproduction and production at the start of lactation.

Assessment of Lactational Performance in Dairy Cows Receiving a Rumen Protected B Vitamin Blend during Lactation: Part 2: A Regression Analysis of 50 Studies

A previous series of meta-analyses demonstrated that a protected blend of B vitamins (RPBV: folic acid, B12, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and biotin;Jefo, St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) improved milk fat and protein yield, with variation in the extent of the response. These results represent additional analyses of the same dataset to determine if the degree of response to RPVB on milk, fat and protein yield might be related to the level of production, lactation number, or days in milk (DIM). Results from 50 on-farm switchback trials conducted in 7 countries between 2005 and 2015 were included in the analysis. All herds participated in monthly milk recording services, and all were Holstein herds. A total of 6483 cows, averaging 163 DIM on the first test date, participated in the studies. Data were analyzed using regression models that accounted for the effects of trial, period, days in milk (DIM) and lactation number on milk and component yield. Milk yield and fat yield increased with B vitamin inclusion, and the extent of change was determined to increase with lactation number (P < 0.05). Protein yield increased with the RPBV and was unaffected by lactation number (P < 0.05) Responses to the RPBV occurred throughout lactation but were found to decline with DIM for milk, fat and protein yield. The global equation revealed that milk yield with the rumen-protected B vitamin blend = 4.05 + [0.917 × control milk] - [0.0063 × DIM] + [0.246 × Lactation number] (R2 = 0.798) The use of regression models allows changes in milk, fat and protein yields with the rumen-protected B vitamin blend to be more accurately predicted.

Essential oils as alternatives to antibiotics in swine production

This review article summarizes the efficacy, feasibility and potential mechanisms of the application of essential oils as antibiotic alternatives in swine production.Although there are numerous studies demonstrating that essential oils have several properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects, feed palatability enhancement and improvement in gut growth and health, there is still a need of further investigations to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their functions.In the past,the results has been inconsistent in both laboratory and field studies because of the varied product compositions, dosages, purities and growing stages and conditions of animals.The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC) of essential oils needed for killing enteric pathogens may not ensure the optimal feed intake and the essential oils inclusion cost may be too high in swine production.With the lipophilic and volatile nature of essential oils, there is a challenge in effective delivery of essential oils within pig gut and this challenge can partially be resolved by microencapsulation and nanotechnology.The effects of essential oils on inflammation, oxidative stress, microbiome, gut chemosensing and bacterial quorum sensing(QS) have led to better production performance of animals fed essential oils in a number of studies.It has been demonstrated that essential oils have good potential as antibiotic alternatives in feeds for swine production.The combination of different essential oils and other compounds(synergistic effect) such as organic acids seems to be a promising approach to improve the efficacy and safety of essential oils in applications.High-throughput systems technologies have been developed recently,which will allow us to dissect the mechanisms underlying the functions of essential oils and facilitate the use of essential oils in swine production.

Effect of dietary supplementation with protease on growth performance,nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, digestive enzymes and gene expression of weaned piglets

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary protease supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, digestive enzymes and gene expression in weaned piglets. A total of 300 weaned piglets(21 days of age Duroc x Large White x Landrace; initial BW = 6.27 ± 0.45 kg) were randomly divided into 5 groups. The 5 diets were: 1) positive control diet(PC), 2) negative control diet(NC), and 3) protease supplementations, which were 100, 200, and 300 mg per kg NC diet. Results indicated that final BW, ADG, ADFI, crude protein digestibility, enzyme activities of stomach pepsin, pancreatic amylase and trypsin, plasma total protein, and intestinal villus height were higher for the PC diet and the supplementations of 200 and 300 mg protease per kg NC diet than for the NC diet(P < 0.05). Supplementations of 200 and 300 mg protease per kg NC diet significantly increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(VH:CD) of duodenum, jejunum and ileum compared with NC diet(P < 0.05). Feed to gain ratio, diarrhea index, blood urea nitrogen, and diamine oxidase were lower for the PC diet and supplementations of 200 and 300 mg protease per kg NC diet than for the NC diet(P < 0.05). Piglets fed the PC diet had a higher peptide transporter 1(PepTl) mRNA abundance in duodenum than piglets fed the NC diet(P < 0.05), and supplementations of 100, 200 and 300 mg protease per kg NC diet increased the PepTl mRNA abundance in duodenum(P < 0.05) comparing with the NC diet. Piglets fed the PC diet had a higher b0,+AT mRNA abundance in jejunum than piglets fed the NC diet(P < 0.05), and supplementations of 200 and 300 mg protease per kg NC diet increased the b0,+AT mRNA abundance in jejunum and ileum comparing with the NC diet(P < 0.05). In summary, dietary protease supplementation increases growth performance in weaned piglets, which may contribute to the improvement of intestinal development, protein digestibility, nutrient transport efficiency, and health status of piglets when fed low digestible protein sources.

Micro-encapsulated essential oils and organic acids combination improves intestinal barrier function,inflammatory responses and microbiota of weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4(K88^+)

This study evaluated the effects of micro-encapsulated(protected)organic acids(OA)and essential oils(EO)combination,P(OA+EO),and effects of a regular blend of free acids(FA)on the growth,immune responses,intestinal barrier and microbiota of weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC)F4(K88^+).A total of 30 crossbred(Duroc×Landrace×Large White)weaned barrows(7.41±0.06 kg,28 d old)were assigned randomly to 5 treatments:1)non-challenged positive control(PC),2)ETEC F4(K88^+)-challenged negative control(NC),3)NC+kitasamycin at 50 mg/kg+olaquindox at 100 mg/kg+free acidifier(FA)at 5 g/kg,4)NC+kitasamycin at 50 mg/kg+olaquindox at 100 mg/kg+P(OA+EO)at 1 g/kg(P1),5)NC+kitasamycin at 50 mg/kg+olaquindox at 100 mg/kg+P(OA+EO)at 2 g/kg(P2).Each dietary treatment had 6 replicates of one piglet each and the study lasted for 3 wk.On d 7,pigs in NC,FA,P1 and P2 were orally dosed with 10 mL of ETEC F4(K88^+)culture(1×10^9 CFU/mL).From d 7 to 14 after the ETEC F4(K88^+)challenge,P1 increased gain-to-feed ratio(G:F)significantly(P<0.05)compared with NC and FA groups.From d 14 to 21,P2 increased the average daily gain of pigs(P<0.05)compared with NC and FA groups.Compared with NC,P2 reduced tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations(P<0.05)in sera collected at 4 h later after ETEC F4(K88^+)challenge.On d 21,P1 increased occludin and zonula occludens-1 protein expression in ileum compared with NC(P<0.05).After this 3-wk experiment,alpha diversity of gut microbiota was decreased by P2 compared with PC,and P1 increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in ileum,cecum and colon(P<0.05).In co nclusio n,dietary P(OA+EO)additive at 2 g/kg combined with antibiotics could improve piglet performance and attenuate inflammation,and P(OA+EO)additive at 1 g/kg combined with antibiotics improved intestinal barrier and increased beneficial microbiota composition after an F4(K88^+)challenge.

Impact of essential oils and organic acids on the growth performance,digestive functions and immunity of broiler chickens

The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of feeding blends of sorbic acid, fumaric acid, and thymol(EOA) on growth performance, digestive functions, and immunity of broiler chickens. A total of 640 one-day-old male Cobb 500 chicks with similar BW(41.8 ± 0.6 g) were randomly divided into 4dietary treatment groups consisting of 10 replicates with 16 birds per replicate and fed a basal diet until d 42(CON) or diets with 0.15 g/kg enramycin during the grower period(AG), 0.30 g/kg EOA during the grower period(EG), or 0.30 g/kg EOA during the finisher period(EF). At d 42, the feed conversion ratio was reduced(P < 0.05) for birds in EG group compared with other groups. Birds in EG group showed a higher villus height of the duodenum and jejunum and muscular layers of the duodenum and ileum than birds in CON group(P < 0.05). Compared with other groups, crypt depth of the jejunum and ileum was markedly increased(P < 0.05) by EOA supplementation during the finisher period at d 42. The EOA supplementation during grower period increased significantly lipase, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities of the duodenum at d 21 and 42, as well as lipase and trypsin at d 21, and trypsin and chymotrypsin at d 42 in the jejunum, and trypsin and chymotrypsin activities of the ileum at d 21 compared to the control diet(P < 0.05). Birds of EG and EF groups showed a higher(P < 0.05) spleen index than birds of CON group. The level of secretory immunoglobulin A in duodenal and ileal mucosa was increased(P < 0.05) in EF group at d 42 compared with other groups. In conclusion, the results indicate that EOA can be effectively applied in broiler diets, especially during the grower phase by improving intestinal morphology and increasing digestive enzyme activity.

Effect of organic acids—essential oils blend and oat fiber combination on broiler chicken growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal health

This study evaluated the effect of organic acids-essential oils blend with or without oat hulls(OH)on growth performance,organ weights,blood parameters,gut morphology,microbiota,and short-chain fatty acids(SC FA)in broilerchickens.Day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 dieta ry treatments consisting of 1)a corn-soybean meal-wheat based diet(BAS),2)BAS+0.05%bacitracin methylene disalicylate(BMD),3)BAS+protected organic acids-essential oils at 300 g/1,000 kg of feed(OE),and 4)BAS+protected organic acids-essential oils at 300 g/1,000 kg of feed+3%OH(OEOH),in 8 replicate groups.Feeding was in starter(d0 to 14),grower(d 14 to 24),and finisher(d 24 to 36)phases.Body weight(BW),feed intake(FI),feed conversion ratio(FCR),and mortality were determined weekly.On d 36,8 chickens per treatment were sampled for blood biochemistry,organ weights,cecal SCFA production,and microbiota.Treatments had no effect on FI and FCR at all phases.Both OE and OEOH treatments reduced(P<0.001)the body weight gain of birds at the starter phase.Birds fed the OEOH treatment had higher(P<0.001)gizzard weight,while those offered the BMD diet showed a tendency(P=0.08)to have higher cecal weight.Birds in the OEOH treatment recorded increased ileal villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio,as well as reduced duodenal crypt depth,while birds in the OE treatment had increased j ej unal villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio.Both OEOH and OE treatments increased the number of goblet cells produced in the duodenum and jejunum.Treatments had no effecton SCFA concentrations.Birds in the OE treatment recorded the lowest concentration of blood urea(P=0.05)and cholesterol(P<0.05).Both OE and OEOH treatments increased(P<0.05)the relative abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria in the genus Firmicutesunclassified,Ruminococcus,Turicibacter,and Erysipelotrichaceaeunclassified,while reducing(P<0.001)the relative abundance of potentially harmful Coprobacillus.Conclusively,both protected organic acids-essential oils blend and its combination with oat fibers show potential as tools to achieve antibiotics reduction in broiler production.