Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in soybean meal fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows

Background Two studies were designed to determine standard ileal crude protein(CP)and amino acid(AA)digestibility of soybean meal(SBM)from different origins fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows.Seven solvent-extracted SBMs from soybeans produced in the USA,Brazil,and China were selected.In Exp.1,eight different diets were created:a nitrogen(N)-free diet and 7 experimental diets containing SBM from different origins as the only N source.Eight non-pregnant,multiparous sows were arranged in an 8×8 Latin square design(8 periods and 8 diets).In Exp.2,the diet formula was the same as in Exp.1.Eight gestating sows(parity 3)were assigned to 4 different diets in a replicated 4×3 Youden square design(three periods and four diets)in mid-gestation and again in late-gestation stages.Results When fed to non-pregnant and late-gestating sows,the standardized ileal digestibility(SID)of CP and most AAs from different SBM were not significantly different(P>0.05).When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for Arg,His,Lys,Phe,Cys,Gly,Ser,and Tyr in SBM 1 were lower than in SBM 4 and 5(P<0.05),whereas SID for Leu from SBM 5 was higher than in SBM 1 and 4(P<0.05).SID values for Ile,Ala,and Asp from SBM 4 were lower than in SBM 1 and 5(P<0.05).Sows had significantly greater SID values for Lys,Ala,and Asp during mid-gestation when compared with late-gestation stages(P<0.05).Mid-gestating sows had greater SID value for Val and lower SID value for Tyr when compared with non-pregnant and late-gestating sows(P<0.01),whereas non-pregnant sows had significantly greater SID value for Met when compared with gestating sows(P<0.01).Conclusions When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for most AAs varied among SBM samples.The SID values for Lys,Met,Val,Ala,Asp,and Tyr in SBM were affected by sow gestation stages.Our findings provide a cornerstone for accurate SBM use in sow diets.

Comparative effects of soy protein concentrate,enzyme‑treated soybean meal,and fermented soybean meal replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs

Background Soy protein supplements,with high crude protein and less antinutritional factors,are produced from soybean meal by different processes.This study evaluated the comparative effects of various soy protein supplements replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on the intestinal immune status,intestinal oxidative stress,mucosaassociated microbiota,and growth performance of nursery pigs.Methods Sixty nursery pigs(6.6±0.5 kg BW)were allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks.Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases(P1,P2,and P3).Treatments were:Control(CON),basal diet with fish meal 4%,2%,and 1%,poultry meal 10%,8%,and 4%,and blood plasma 4%,2%,and 1%for P1,P2,and P3,respectively;basal diet with soy protein concentrate(SPC),enzyme-treated soybean meal(ESB),fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus(FSBL),and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus(FSBB),replacing 1/3,2/3,and 3/3 of animal protein supplements for P1,P2,and P3,respectively.Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.Results The SPC did not affect the BW,ADG,and G:F,whereas it tended to reduce(P=0.094)the ADFI and tended to increase(P=0.091)crypt cell proliferation.The ESM did not affect BW,ADG,ADFI,and G:F,whereas tended to decrease(P=0.098)protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa.The FSBL decreased(P<0.05)BW and ADG,increased(P<0.05)TNF-α,and Klebsiella and tended to increase MDA(P=0.065)and IgG(P=0.089)in jejunal mucosa.The FSBB tended to increase(P=0.073)TNF-α,increased(P<0.05)Clostridium and decreased(P<0.05)Achromobacter and alpha diversity of microbiota in jejunal mucosa.Conclusions Soy protein concentrate,enzyme-treated soybean meal,and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus could reduce the use of animal protein supplements up to 33%until 7 kg body weight,up to 67%from 7 to 11 kg body weight,and entirely from 11 kg body weight without affecting the intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs.Fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus,however,increased the immune reaction and oxidative stress in the intestine consequently reducing the growth performance.

Isolation of bacteria from fermented food and grass carp intestine and their efficiencies in improving nutrient value of soybean meal in solid state fermentation

Background: Soybean meal is an excellent and cost-effective protein source; however, its usage is limited in the piglet due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors and the antigens glycinin and β-conglycinin. The objective of the current study was to screen and select for bacteria that can be efficiently adopted to ferment soybean meal in order to solve this problem.Results: Bacteria were isolated from fermented soy foods and the grass carp intestine, and strains selected for high protease, cellulase and amylase activities. The isolated bacteria were characterized as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacilus amyloliquefacien, respectively. Fermentation with food-derived Isolate-2 and fish-derived F-9 increased crude protein content by 5.32% and 8.27%, respectively; improved the amino acid profile by increasing certain essential amino acids, broke down larger soy protein to 35 k Da and under, eliminated antigenicity against glycinin and β-conglycinin, and removed raffinose and stachyose in the soybean meal following a 24-h fermentation.Conclusions: Our results suggest these two B. amyloliquefaciens bacteria can efficiently solid state ferment soybean meal and ultimately produce a more utilizable food source for growing healthy piglets.

Optimization of Solid-State Fermentation with Lactobacillus brevis and Aspergillus oryzae for Trypsin Inhibitor Degradation in Soybean Meal

The aim of the present study was to optimize trypsin inhibitor degradation in soybean meal by solid-state fermentation （SSF） with Lactobacillus brevis and Aspergillus oryzae, and to determine the effect of SSF on phytic acid, crude protein, crude fat, and amino acid profile. Response surface methodology （RSM） with Box-Behnken design was used to optimize SSF. The optimal conditions derived from RSM for L. brevis fermentation were： pH=5. 1; inoculum size=10%; duration=72 h; substrate to water ratio=1.5. The minimum content of trypsin inhibitors was 6.4 mg g^-1 dry matter. The optimal conditions derived from RSM for A. oryzae fermentation were： substrate to water ratio= 0.8 1; inoculum size=4%; duration=120 h. The minimum content of trypsin inhibitors was 1.6 mg g^-1 dry matter. Both L. brevis and A. oryzae decreased trypsin inhibitors dramatically （57.1 and 89.2% respectively）. L. brevis fermentation did not affect phytic acid （0.4%） and crude fat （5.2%） considerably, whereas A. oryzae fermentation degraded phytic acid （34.8%） and crude fat （22.0%） contents to a certain extent. Crude protein content was increased after both fermentation （6.4 and 12.9% for L. brevis and A. oryzae respectively）. Urease activity was reduced greatly （83.3 and 58.3% for L. brevis and A. oryzae respectively）. In conclusion, SSF with A. oryzae and L. brevis reduced trypsin inhibitor content and modified major macronutrients in soybean meal.

An initial investigation replacing fish meal with a commercial fermented soybean meal product in the diets of juvenile rainbow trout

The inclusion of PepSoyGen (PSG), a commercially-available fermented soybean meal product, was evaluated with juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss in an initial 70-day feeding trial, with a supplemental trial involving a subset of the experimental diets continuing for an additional 40 d. Six diets containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% PSG, with the PSG directly replacing fish meal, were used in the first trial. There were no significant differences in weight gain or feed conversion ratio between the fish meal-based control diet and diets containing up to 30% PSG. However, weight gain was significantly reduced and feed conversion ratio significantly increased with the 40% and 50% PSG diets. No health assessment differences were observed in fish receiving any of the diets, and no evidence of gross gut inflammation was evident. There were no significant differences in weight gain or feed conversion ratio among the four dietary treatments ranging from 0% to 30% PSG which were fed for an additional 40 d after the initial 70-d trial (110 days total). Based on these results, juvenile rainbow trout diets can contain up to 30% PSG without any loss of rearing performance, thereby replacing at least 60% of the fish meal.

Study on Lysine and Methionine Content Promotion of Soybean Meal by Probiotic Fermentation Process

Soybean meal （SBM） is commonly used for livestock feeds, but its application in diets for livestock is limited due to some antinutritional factors. The contents of methionine and lysine of soybean meal were promoted by Bacillus natto and Leuconostoc mesenteroides fermentation, benefial for the livestock feeds. It was crude protein （CP） 56.8%, methionine 43.56 mg · g^-1, and lysine 74.87 mg · g^-1, cows fed a diet with FSBM milk yield raised 14.2%, the change in the milk protein, the lactose and the dry matter content had also obvious increase. This convenient technique offers helpful exploration for industrialization of soybean meal fermentation.

Effects of Brown Fish Meal Replacement with Fermented Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency and Enzyme Activities of Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis

A 120-day feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacement of brown fish meal (BFM) by fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in diets of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). The turtles (initial mean body weight, (115.52 ± 1.05) g) were fed with three experimental diets, in which 0%, 4.72% and 9.44% BFM protein was replaced by 0%, 3% and 6% FSBM, respectively. Results showed that the feeding rate (FR), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of turtles fed with the diet containing 3% FSBM were not significantly different from the control group (0% FSBM) (P > 0.05). However, FR, SGR and FER of turtles fed with the diet containing 6% FSBM were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the activities of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and glutamicpyruvic transaminase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). However, the uric acid concentration in turtles fed with the diet containing 3% or 6% FSBM was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the activities of lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and total superoxide dismutase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The results suggested that FSBM could replace 4.72% BFM protein in turtle diets without exerting adverse effects on turtle growth, feed utilization and measured immune parameters.

Effect of Replacing Fish Meal with Extruded Soybean Meal on Growth, Feed Utilization and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility of Juvenile White Shrimp(Litopenaeus vannamei)

Extruded soybean meal （ESBM） was evaluated as a protein source for partial replacement of fish meal （FM） in diets of juvenile Litopenaeus vannarnei. In the control diet （Diet 1）, FM protein was replaced with increasing dietary levels of ESBM （4.28%, 8.40%, 12.62%, 16.82%, and 25.26%） at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 60% levels （Diets 2 to 6, respectively）. An eight-week feeding trial was conducted on 720 juvenile shrimp （0.67 g ± 0.01 g mean initial Weight）, and nutrient digestibility of the six diets was determined. ESBM could replace 20% of FM without causing a significant reduction in growth of shrimp, but other dietary treatments strongly affected whole body composition. Crude protein content of the whole body fed Diet 6 was significantly lower than that fed Diet 2 （P〈0.05）, while crude lipid content of the whole body fed Diet 5 or 6 was significantly higher than that fed Diet 2 （P〈0,05）. Protein digestibilities of Diets 5 and 6 were significantly lower than that of Diet 1 （P〈0.05）. Digestibility of lipids ranged from 96.97% in Diet 6 to 98.34% in Diet 3, whereas dry matter digestibility decreased with increasing replacement level. This study indicates that 20% FM replacement with ESBM in the basic diet containing 40% protein and 30% FM is optimal for juvenile L. vannamei.

Horizontal transfer of vanA between probiotic Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis in fermented soybean meal and in digestive tract of growing pigs

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the intergeneric transfer of vancomycin resistance gene vanA between probiotic enterococci in the fermentation progress of soybean meal and in the digestive tract of growing pigs.One vanA genotype vancomycin resistant E.faecium strain,Efm4,and one chloramphenicol-resistant E.faecalis strain,Efs2,were isolated from twenty-nine probiotic basis feed material/additive samples.For in vitro conjugation,Efm4 and Efs2 were used as starter to ferment soybean meal.For in vivo conjugation,thirty growing pigs were randomly assigned to five groups(n = 6),treated with a basic diet,or supplemented with 10% fermented soybean meal,1% Efm4,5% Efs2 or a combination of 1% Efm4 + 5% Efs2 for 7 d,respectively.Fecal samples of pigs in each group were collected daily for the isolation and dynamic analysis of Efm4,Efs2 and transconjugants.The sequence types(STs) of Efm4,Efs2 and transconjugants were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing(MLST).The vanA harboring plasmid in Efm4 and transconjugants was analyzed by S1-pulsed field gel electrophoresis(PFGE)and further verified by multiple alignments.Results: The results showed that,in FSBM,transconjugants were detected 1 h after the fermentation,with a conjugation frequency of ~ 10^-3 transconjugants/recipient.Transconjugants proliferated with Efm4 and Efs2 in the first 8 h and maintained steadily for 10 d till the end of the experiment.Additionally,in vivo experiment showed that transcojugants were recovered in one of six pigs in both FSBM and Efm4 + Efs2 groups,with conjugation frequency of ~ 10^-5 and ~ 10^-4,respectively.MLST revealed the ST of Efm4,Efs2 and transconjugants was ST1014,ST69 and ST69,respectively.S1-PFGE confirmed the existence of the vanA-harboring,142,988-bp plasmid,which was also a multi-drug resistant plasmid containing Tn1546-like transposon.Conclusions: The findings revealed the potential safety hazard existing in the commercial probiotic enterococci in China,because the horizontal transfer from farm to fork could potentially pose a safety risk to the public.

The variation of two extracellular enzymes and soybean meal bitterness during solid-state fermentation of Bacillus subtilis

The debittering effect of extracellular enzymes from Bacillus subtilis ACCC 01746 was studied using soybean meal as a substrate for solid-state fermentation(SSF).Results showed that B.subtilis produces proteases and carboxypeptidase in the early stage of SSF(0–8 h).Proteases are dominant and can hydrolyze the soybean protein into long-chain peptides with mild bitterness.Carboxypeptidase production is dominant at 8–16 h SSF,at which point soybean protein is further hydrolyzed and bitterness is enhanced.The strain then produces additional carboxypeptidase after 16 h,and bitterness is reduced.We compared the amino acid composition of the hydrolysates from soybean protein isolates to that of the fermented liquid of SSF.In the hydrolysates from soybean protein isolates that exhibit strong bitterness,62.81%of amino acids are hydrophobic and occur in the form of peptides.In the fermented liquid from soybean meal,16.22%of amino acids are hydrophobic and are mainly present in the form of free amino acids.The bitterness of fermented soybean hydrolysate is reduced from 5 to 0 when fermented for 24 h,suggesting that B.subtilis can effectively reduce bitterness,possibly due to the carboxypeptidase.Enzyme analysis shows that B.subtilis excretes carboxypeptidase during growth.The amino acids phenylalanine,alanine,tyrosine,and leucine at the C-terminal of the soybean bitter peptides in hydrolysates are cleaved in the presence of carboxypeptidase,resulting in complete debitterness.

Estimate of the energy value of soybean meal relative to corn based on growth performance of nursery pigs

Background:Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increasing amounts of soybean meal(SBM)in swine diets and estimate the energy value of SBM.Methods:A total of 2233 pigs(PIC 337×1050,Hendersonville,TN)and 3796 pigs(PIC 359×C40),initially 11.0 kg and 17.6 kg body weight(BW),were used in Exp.1 and 2,respectively.In Exp.1,pigs were placed in 92 pens each containing 20 to 27 pigs.In Exp.2,pigs were placed in 84 pens each containing 37 to 43 pigs.Treatments were assigned in a randomized complete block design with BW as the blocking factor.Dietary treatments consisted of 21%,27%,33%,or 39%SBM in Exp.1 and 17.5%,22%,26.5%,31%,35.5%,or 40%SBM in Exp.2,obtained by changing the inclusion rate of feed-grade amino acids and corn grain.For Exp.1,representative samples of corn grain,SBM,and distillers dried grains with solubles were analyzed for total AA content prior to diet formulation.For Exp.2,diets were formulated using NRC(2012)nutrient loadings.Treatment diets were fed for 21 and 22 d(Exp.1 and 2)and there were 23 replicates in Exp.1 and 14 replicates in Exp.2.Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured weekly to calculate average daily gain(ADG),average daily feed intake(ADFI),gain-to-feed ratio(G:F),and caloric efficiency(CE).Data were analyzed with block as a random effect and treatment as a fixed effect,and contrasts were constructed to test the linear and quadratic effects of increasing SBM.Results:In Exp.1,there was a tendency(linear,P=0.092)for a decrease in ADFI as SBM increased.There was a tendency(P=0.090)for a quadratic response for ADG,with a decrease in ADG observed with 39%SBM inclusion.Pigs fed diets with increasing SBM had a tendency(quadratic,P=0.069)for an increase in G:F up to 33%SBM and an improvement(linear,P=0.001;quadratic,P=0.063)in CE with increasing SBM.Using CE to estimate the energy of SBM relative to corn,a value of 105.4%of corn energy or 2816 kcal/kg NE was determined using all data points.When removing the CE value of the 39%SBM treatment due to the quadratic tendency,SBM was estimated to have 121.1%of corn energy or 3236 kcal/kg NE.In Exp.2,there was a decrease(linear,P=0.001)in ADFI.Pigs fed increasing SBM had a tendency(linear,P=0.065)for reduced ADG but an improvement(linear,P=0.001)in G:F and CE as SBM increased.The energy value of SBM was estimated as 124.7%of corn energy or 3332 kcal/kg NE.Conclusions:The results suggest that feeding increasing levels of SBM improves G:F and CE.The energy value of SBM was estimated to be between 105%and 125%of corn,which is much greater than the NRC(2012)would indicate.

Effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal with dried distillers grains with solubles on the microbiota occupying different ecological niches in the rumen of growing Hu lambs

Background:Diet has a profound impact on the rumen microbiota,and the impact can vary among the different rumen ecological niches(REN).This study investigated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal(SBM)with dried distillers grains with solubles(DDGS)on the rumen microbiota occupying different REN of growing Hu lambs.After a 9-week feeding trial,6 lambs from each dietary treatment(SBM vs.DDGS-based diets)were slaughtered for sample collection.The microbiota of the rumen solid,liquid,and epithelium fractions was examined using amplicon sequencing analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene,functional prediction,and qPCR.Results:No interaction of dietary protein source(PS)and REN were detected for virtually all the measurements made in this study.The DDGS substitution resulted in very limited influence on bacterial community structure.However,the metabolic pathways predicted from 16S rRNA gene sequences varied greatly between SBM-and DDGS-based diets.The populations of rumen total bacteria,fungi,sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB),and methanogens were not influenced by DDGS substitution,but the population of protozoa was reduced.The bacterial communities in rumen solid(RS)and liquid(RL)were similar in taxonomic composition but were different in relative abundance of some taxa.In contrast,the bacterial composition and relative abundance of rumen epithelium(RE)were greatly distinct from those of the RS and the RL.In alignment with the bacterial relative abundance,the metabolic pathways predicted from 16S rRNA genes also varied greatly among the different REN.The populations of total bacteria,protozoa,and methanogens attached to the RE were smaller than those in the RS and RL,and the fungal population on the rumen epitheliumwas smaller than that in the RS but similar to that in the RL.On the contrary,the SRB population on the RE was greater than that in the RS and RL.Conclusions:Substitution of SBM with DDGS had greater impact to the protozoa than to the other microbes,and the microbial community structure and functions at different REN are distinct and niche-adapted.

Possible Mechanism Associated with Herbicidal Activity of Soybean Meal Hydrolysate (SMH)

Soybean meal hydrolyzate （SMH） has been proposed for use as a natural preemergence herbicide.However,the mechanism by which SMH exerts its herbicidal activity remains unclear.In this paper,the herbicidal activities of SMH against perennial ryegrass （Lolium perenne L.） under non-sterile and sterile conditions were evaluated and the relationship between the molecular weight of the ultrafiltration （UF） fractions of SMH and their herbicidal activities were investigated.Besides,the ammonia content changes of the media of SMH treatments 7 d after incubation were also analyzed.The results showed that SMH inhibited the radicle growth of germinating L.perenne seeds in a dose-dependent manner under non-sterile condition.However,SMH in the concentrations investigated increased the radicle length and shoot length by 14-17% and 11-15% respectively under sterile condition.The ammonia contents in the SMH media at all treatments increased greatly from less than 0.01 mg L-1 to up to 11.86-41.37 mg L-1 after 7 d incubation under non-sterile condition.However,ammonia content did not change under sterile condition,proposing that the herbicidal activity might be caused by the free ammonia released from SMH by microbial activity.There was no difference on the perennial ryegrass radicle inhibition among the UF fractions of SMH on an equivalent N basis.It could be concluded that SMH exerted its herbicidal activity through the free ammonia released under non-sterile condition instead of by specific peptide（s） in SMH.

The Effect of Soybean Meal Fermented by Aspergillus usami on Phosphor Metabolism in Growing Pigs

[Objective] The experiment aimed to check the pigs＇ digestive utilization of phosphor and other nutrient components in fermented soy- bean meal. [ Method] 15 8-week old two-way cross growing pigs （average weight was 23.6 kg） were selected and divided randomly into 3 groups, 5 pigs per group. The method of total feces collection was adopted to compare the digestibility of phosphor and other nutrient components in growing pigs fed respectively by fermented soybean meal by Aspergillus usami and normal soybean meal. The experimental design were normal soybean group （NS group, P： 0.087%）, fermented soybean meal group （FS group, P： 0.089%）, normal soybean ＋ fermented soybean meal mixing group （ MS group, P： 0.089% ）. [ Result] The results indicated that the digestibility of growing pigs in FS group was significantly higher than that of NS group. Meanwhile, the digestibility of crude protein was significantly improved. [ Conclusion] The above results indicated that Feeding with soybean meal fermented by Aspergillus usami not only could increase the digestibility of phosphor and protein, but also decrease the excretion of phosphor and nitrogen.

Phytoestrogen Enriched Tofu from Soybean Meal

Isoflavone, a group of phytoestrogen, reduces postmenopausal symptoms and the risk of osteoporosis of women. Glycosidic forms of isoflavones are presented in non-fermented soyfoods such as tofu and they are less bioavailable than the aglycone isoflavones. Aglycone forms of isoflavones or more bioavailable forms can be increased by acid hydrolysis during tofu processing. The present study investigated the possibility of increasing the aglycone forms of isoflavones by acid hydrolysis. We used five types of tofu in this study: soybean tofu with hydrolysis, soybean meal tofu with hydrolysis, soybean tofu in general process, soybean meal tofu in general process, and commercial tofu. Defatted soybean meal was used as the major ingredient in the tofu which was made by using the new method—acid hydrolysis. To identify the isoflavone quantities in all five types of tofu, high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis was employed. The genistein ratio between hydrolyzed tofu and standard tofu was 1:1-8, and the daidzein ratio between hydrolyzed tofu and standard tofu was 1:6-12. The five types of tofu were analyzed for the crude protein and micronutrients such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) by the modified Kjeldahl method and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-ES), respectively. The mean crude protein concentration of hydrolyzed tofu from soybean meal was 40.8%. In addition, especially the hydrolyzed soybean meal tofu showed the higher concentration of Ca (27,307 mg/kg) and K (25,553 mg/kg). By and large, soybean meal tofu with acid hydrolysis is a rich source of isoflavone aglycone compared with other types of tofu.

Rearing Performance of Juvenile Brown Trout (<i>Salmo trutta</i>) Subjected to Exercise and Dietary Bioprocessed Soybean Meal

This 121-day experiment evaluated the rearing performance of brown trout Salmo trutta fed one of two isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets and reared at velocities of either 2.8 or 16.1 cm/s. Fishmeal was the primary protein source for the reference diet, and bioprocessed soybean meal replaced approximately 67% of the fishmeal in the experimental diet. At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences in gain, percent gain, feed conversion rates, or specific growth rates between the dietary treatments. There were also no significant differences in intestinal morphology, splenosomatic, hepatosomatic, and viscerosomatic indices related to diet composition. However, gain, percent gain, feed fed, and specific growth rate were all significantly greater in brown trout reared at the higher velocity. No significant differences in any of the other variables measured were observed between the velocity treatments. There were no significant interactions between diet and velocity in any of the variables. Based on the results of this study, bioprocessed soybean meal can replace at least 67% of the fishmeal in brown trout diets, regardless of the rearing velocities used in this study. However, higher rearing velocities are recommended to maximize juvenile brown trout growth rates.

Concerns about the misleading conclusions regarding estimation of the net energy value of soybean meal relative to corn using the caloric efficiency approach in pigs

Apart from energy balance trials such as calorimetry,growth trials could also be used to estimate the energy values of feed ingredients with caloric efficiency as an indicator.Recent work used such methods reported greater net energy(NE)value of soybean meal(SBM)relative to corn in nursery pigs.We theoretically compared the NE values of SBM and corn according to the definition of NE and properties of the major chemical compositions in each ingredient.Meanwhile,we thoroughly examined the diet formulations and related analysis used in this work and compared this study with some peer works.We found that this study may suffer from problems with experimental design,reference citation,and data interpretation.In summary,the conclusion from the recent work that the SBM NE value may be greater than the corn NE value is likely to be erroneous.

Prediction of net energy value of corn and soybean meal for broiler chicken

Net energy （NE） is the most accurate and unbiased way in characterizing the energy content of feed. Comparatively speaking, research on NE prediction is still limited and under development. Therefore, it is important to correctly assess NE for further study. In this study, an energy balance trial and a fasting metabolism trial were used to measure the net energy for production （NEp） and the net energy for maintenance （NEm）, respectively. Meanwhile, a backward method of multiple linear regression was applied to establish prediction equations for NE. The results showed that corn NE is about 2 times higher than that of soybean meal, due to the efficiency of ME （k） utilization by the ingredients. Meanwhile, AME and acid detergent fiber （ADF） were found to be better predictors for the NE of corn and soybean meal, respectively. Furthermore, Equations 1（R^2=0.993, RSD=0.0091） and 12 （R^2=0.999, RSD=0.0008） were found to be better prediction equations in multiple linear regression analyses for corn and soybean meal, respectively. However, considering the cost of the analytical procedures, the accuracy of the prediction （RSD）, and the additional variability or errors due to interlaboratory variance, Equation 4 （R^2=0.990, RSD=0.0109） and Equation 20 （R^2=0.996, RSD=0.0043） were better models for corn and soybean meal, respectively. Nevertheless, these equations for corn and soybean meal should be applied only under similar experimental conditions.

Soybean meal as a source of protein in formulated diets for tiger grouper, <i>Epinephelus fuscoguttatus</i>juvenile. Part I: Effects on growth, survival, feed utilization and body compositions

The effects of fish meal (FM) replacement with graded level of soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance, feed utilization, survival rate and body composition were investigated in juvenile tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (initial body weight 13.9 ±0.65 g). Six experimental diets were formulated to contain 50% crude protein, 16% crude lipid and 365.8 kcal/100g feed with SBM replacing FM protein at 0% (SM 0), 10% (SM 0), 20% (SM 20), 30% (SM 30), 40% (SM 40) and 20% with phytase (SM 20P) replacement levels. At the end of the ten-week feeding trial, there were no significant differences detected in terms of growth performances (weight gain and specific growth rate), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survival rates of fish fed with the control diet (SM 0), SM 20, SM 30 and SM 20P. Net protein utilization of fish fed SM 20P was higher than those fed with other diets suggesting an improved utilization of nutrients with phytase addition in the diet. Replacements of FM protein with SBM at 10% and 40% have resulted in significantly lower growth and poorer FCR than other replacement levels. Survival rates remain high (≥90%) throughout the trial. Whole-body proximate composition of the fish was significantly affected by the inclusion of SBM in the diets. It can be concluded that 20%-30% of FM protein replacement with SBM is recommended and addition of phytase in the SBM-based diet should be considered to improve nutrient utilization of tiger grouper juvenile.

Effect of Rice Bran Quality and Protein Supplement, Base Mix, and/or Soybean Meal on Growing Pig Performance in Cambodia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rice bran quality and dietary supplement source on growing pig performance. A total of 60 castrated male pigs (Yorkshire × Duroc, initially 16.1 kg) were used for 52-day trial. Pigs were allotted to pens in a completely randomized design (4 pigs per pen) and assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial with factors being rice bran source (high or low-quality) and source of protein, vitamins, and minerals (supplement or soybean meal and base mix). Analyzed protein and fat level for the high- and low-quality rice bran was 11.07% and 5.86% and 11.20% and 4.50%, respectively. Crude fiber content for high- and low-quality rice bran was 13.44% and 27.79%. Diets were formulated in two phases (phase 1: 16 to 27 and phase 2: 27 to 48 kg) to adjust to the pig’s nutrient requirements. There was no evidence for an interaction (P > 0.05) between rice bran quality × supplement type or main effect of supplement type (soybean meal + base mix vs protein supplement) for final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (F/G). However, pigs fed high-quality rice bran had improved (P < 0.001) ADG and F/G and lower ADFI compared to pigs fed low protein rice bran. In conclusion, rice bran quality as measured by protein, crude fiber, and fat influenced growing pig performance, while the type of dietary protein supplement did not. Additionally, rice bran with high protein, fat, and low fiber improved ADG and F/G.