Debaryomyces hansenii supplementation in low fish meal diets promotes growth,modulates microbiota and enhances intestinal condition in juvenile marine fish

Background The development of a sustainable business model with social acceptance,makes necessary to develop new strategies to guarantee the growth,health,and well-being of farmed animals.Debaryomyces hansenii is a yeast species that can be used as a probiotic in aquaculture due to its capacity to i)promote cell proliferation and differen-tiation,ii)have immunostimulatory effects,iii)modulate gut microbiota,and/or iv)enhance the digestive function.To provide inside into the effects of D.hansenii on juveniles of gilthead seabream(Sparus aurata)condition,we inte-grated the evaluation of the main key performance indicators coupled with the integrative analysis of the intestine condition,through histological and microbiota state,and its transcriptomic profiling.Results After 70 days of a nutritional trial in which a diet with low levels of fishmeal(7%)was supplemented with 1.1%of D.hansenii(17.2×10^(5) CFU),an increase of ca.12%in somatic growth was observed together with an improve-ment in feed conversion in fish fed a yeast-supplemented diet.In terms of intestinal condition,this probiotic modu-lated gut microbiota without affecting the intestine cell organization,whereas an increase in the staining intensity of mucins rich in carboxylated and weakly sulphated glycoconjugates coupled with changes in the affinity for certain lectins were noted in goblet cells.Changes in microbiota were characterized by the reduction in abundance of several groups of Proteobacteria,especially those characterized as opportunistic groups.The microarrays-based transcrip-tomic analysis found 232 differential expressed genes in the anterior-mid intestine of S.aurata,that were mostly related to metabolic,antioxidant,immune,and symbiotic processes.Conclusions Dietary administration of D.hansenii enhanced somatic growth and improved feed efficiency param-eters,results that were coupled to an improvement of intestinal condition as histochemical and transcriptomic tools indicated.This probiotic yeast stimulated host-microbiota interactions without altering the intestinal cell organization nor generating dysbiosis,which demonstrated its safety as a feed additive.At the transcriptomic level,D.hansenii pro-moted metabolic pathways,mainly protein-related,sphingolipid,and thymidylate pathways,in addition to enhance antioxidant-related intestinal mechanisms,and to regulate sentinel immune processes,potentiating the defensive capacity meanwhile maintaining the homeostatic status of the intestine.

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.

Impact of numerous larval diets on the biology of pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella(Saunders)(Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae)under laboratory conditions

Background Pink bollworm,Pectinophora gossypiella(Saunders)(Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae)has become a poten-tial pest of cotton by causing substantial yield losses around the world including Pakistan.Keeping in view the facts like limited research investigations,unavailability,and high cost of artificial diet’s constituents and their premixes,the present research investigations on the dietary aspect of P.gossypiella were conducted.The larvae of P.gossypiella were reared on different diets that were prepared using indigenous elements.The standard/laboratory diet com-prised of wheat germ meal 34.5 g,casein 30.0 g,agar–agar 20.0 g,sucrose 10.0 g,brewer’s yeast 5.0 g,α-cellulose 1.0 g,potassium-sorbate1.5 g,niplagin 0.5 g,decavitamin 0.01 g,choline-chloride 0.06 g,maize-oil 3.30 g,honey 2.0 g,and water 730.0 mL.Alternatives to cotton bolls and wheat germ meal were okra seed sprouts,okra fruit,cottonseed meal,and okra seed meals,which were included in the study to introduce an efficient and economic mass-rearing system.Results The larval development completed in 19.68d±0.05 d with a weight of 20.18mg±0.20 mg at the fourth instar fed on the cottonseed meal-based diet instead of wheat germ meal based diet.On the same diet,84.00%±4.00%,17.24 mg±0.03 mg,and 7.76d±0.06 d were recorded as pupae formation,pupal weight,and pupal duration,respectively.Adult emergence,76.00%±1.00%was recorded from pupae collected from larvae raised on cottonseed meal-based diet.These male and female moths lived for 40.25d±0.10 d,and 44.34d±0.11 d,respectively.Females deposited 21.28±0.04 eggs per day with the viability of 65.78%±0.14%.The larval mortal-ity at the fourth instar was 37.20%±1.36%and malformed pupation of 12.00%±1.41%was recorded.Replacement of wheat germ meal with that of local meals(cottonseed and okra seed)in the standard laboratory diet has saved 463.80 to 467.10 PKR with 1.62 to 1.63 cost economic returns,respectively.Conclusion This research is of novel nature as it provides a concise and workable system for the economic and suc-cessful rearing of P.gossypiella under laboratory conditions.

Effect of the Dietary Substitution of Fish Meal with Achatina fulica Meat Meal on the Growth Performance and Production Cost of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

Fishmeal is the most preferred source of protein in aquafeeds, but it is expensive and scarce. Hence, Achatina fulica meat meal (AFM), which is much less preferred for human consumption out of three species of African giant land snails, was tested as a fishmeal substitute for Clarias gariepinus growth. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-calorific diets were formulated, in which AFM substituted fish meal at 0% (control or Diet A), 25% (Diet B), 50% (Diet C), 75% (Diet D) and 100% (Diet E). These dietary treatments were each replicated thrice in a completely randomized design experiment, using 36-L plastic tanks in which the fish were fed daily rations corresponding to 5% of their body weight, for 8 weeks. Water quality parameters in the tanks were monitored. Proximate analyses were conducted on the fish meal, snail meal and experimental diets before the feeding trials. Cost-benefit analysis of the different diets was performed. The crude protein content of AFM (69.18%) was significantly higher than that of fish meal (55.81%). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate in fish fed Diet A and Diet B. The best protein efficiency ratio (0.77) was recorded in fish fed Diet B. Furthermore, the survival rate of fish increased with increased levels of AFM substitution. Water quality parameters were within a suitable range for tropical fish culture, indicating that the AFM did not pollute the water. The fish fed 25% AFM diet significantly (P Clarias gariepinus diets at a 25% substitution level. The aquaculture industry can thus exploit the availability of this feed resource.

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.

Literature review on waste management of online food delivery industry in China

Meituan Waimai,which was officially launched in November 2013,has created a huge market for food delivery in China.After years of development,China’s online food delivery market reached RMB 664.62 billion in 2020.In 2022,Meituan Waimai and Ele.me,two food delivery platforms,have created a duopoly in China’s food delivery industry.Due to the success of the food delivery industry,a significant amount of food delivery packaging waste has caused far-reaching harm.This literature review primarily organizes the research on the impact of online food delivery packaging from the perspective of environmental protection.It uses the criterion layer index of online food delivery waste management ecosystem to analyze the impact of the government,environmental non-governmental organizations(NGOs),garbage recycling processors,consumers,online food delivery platforms,takeaway merchants,and takeaway packaging manufacturers.The review shows that scholars generally believe that takeaway waste management is a complex process involving multiple factors.The implementation of policies at the government level is inadequate,and studies at the environmental NGO level are scant.At the consumer level,more environmental awareness education is required.Online food delivery platforms and takeaway merchants should assume greater corporate social responsibility,and manufacturers of takeaway packaging need prioritize the substitution of environmentally friendly materials.There is a consensus that paper-made and recyclable packaging boxes are more environmentally friendly than degradable packaging,which is not as environmentally friendly as is commonly believed.The academia and the industry have conducted various studies and pilot projects on recyclable packaging.If all levels cooperate well,this will be an effective way to manage takeaway packaging garbage.At last,we propose the following assumptions for future research:Besides environmental hazards,takeaway garbage has caused direct or indirect physical harm to humans and animals.Increasing consumer awareness may increase their propensity to participate in governance.Additionally,existing food delivery platforms may need to improve their corporate social responsibility awareness to provide environmentally conscious consumers with sufficient and effective plastic reduction guidance measures during the ordering process.Moreover,will biodegradable plastic products face the same ironic situation as biofuels?That is,the initial intention of technology development is to improve the environment,but the actual process of production or processing may controversially aggravate the environment.

Sanitary Quality of the Meals Served in the Canteens and Vicinity of the Lagoon Mother and Child University Hospital Centre and National Hospital and University Centre Hubert Koutoukou Maga of Cotonou (Benin)

Background: Food safety is an integral part of food security. It refers to the protection of the food supply against risks of microbial, chemical and physical origin at every stage of the food chain. The study aimed to investigate the sanitary quality of meals served in the canteens and vicinity of the Lagoon Mother and Child University Hospital Centre (CHU-MEL) and National Hospital and University Centre Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) of Cotonou. Methods: It was a cross-sectional with a data collection period from 16 March to 22 April 2021. There were 32 vendors surveyed and 40 meals sampled for microbiological examination. We collected data on the vendors’ socio-demographic characteristics, working environment, health status, knowledge and food hygiene practices. Results: About 83% of the meals contained pathogenic microorganisms. All meals had a temperature from 4°C to 60°C called the “danger zone”. The level of knowledge about food hygiene was low in 65.7% of the vendors. About 47% had poor personal and clothing hygiene, food storage and service practices. Conclusion: These results show that the meals sold in the CHU-MEL and CNHU-HKM could present a health risk for the consumer. There is a need for improvement of the sanitary quality of the meals delivered in the canteens and vicinity of these hospitals.

Water Quality and Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia Fries Fed on Insect-Based Feeds

Fish feed is one of the main constraints on the growth of aquaculture in Kenya. The lack of high-quality and competitively priced feeds means that the fish farmers are unable to expand their production. To ensure that aquaculture remains viable and sustainable, it is necessary to optimize production through the utilization of locally available feeding materials. Insect-based feeds are alternative least-cost feeding resource in fish production. Using alternative protein sources such as black soldier fly larvae (BSF) and daphnia meal in place of fishmeal (Omena and Dagaa) is an ingenious strategy for sustainable fish aquaculture. This study evaluated the effect of four treatments: BSF, daphnia, Omena from Lake Victoria and Dagaa from Lake Tanganyika on the fish pond environmental parameters and fish fries’ performance (body weight and length). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with 30 fingerlings in each experimental unit. The feeding trials took 23 days. Results indicated that the four treatments have a varied effect on the BW and L of fish fries. A high growth rate was observed in Daphia, followed by BSF, Omena and Dagaa in that order. On the other hand, the treatments have varied effects on pond parameters with BSF promoting too much growth of algae. BSF have higher amounts of ammonia, nitrates and phosphorus, which stimulate the high growth of algae.

Evaluation of Nutritional Value and Safety of Black Soldier Flies Fed on Dead Pig Meat and Bone Meal

[Objectives]This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value and safety of black soldier flies fed with dead pig meat and bone meal(DPMBM)and to explore the resource utilization of DPMBM.[Methods]The general nutrient composition,amino acids,fatty acids and mineral elements of black soldier fly meal(BSLM)were detected and analyzed.[Results]The results showed that the contents of moisture,crude protein,crude fat and ash in BSLM were 3.42%,42.31%,34.04%and 5.40%,respectively.The contents of total amino acids(TAA),essential amino acids(∑EAA)and non-essential amino acids(∑NEAA)and umami amino acids(∑DAA),the EAA/TAA value and the EAA/NEAA value were 37.93%,13.08%,24.85%,13.43%,34.47%,52.61%,respectively.A total of eight kinds of saturated fatty acids and seven kinds of unsaturated fatty acids were detected,accounting for 63.65%and 32.67%of the total fatty acids.Among the major mineral elements,the content of Ca was the highest,followed by K,Mg and Na.Among the trace mineral elements,the content of Mn was the highest,followed by Fe,Zn,Cu,Ni,Cr,Cd,As,Pb,Se,Sn,Ti,Sb and Hg.The contents of heavy metal mineral elements in BSLM were far lower than the limits specified in Hygienical Standard for Feeds.[Conclusions]In conclusion,BSLM has high nutritional value and good safety of heavy metals,and thus great potential for development and utilization as a high quality dietary protein,fat and mineral elements source.

医疗器械库存策略模型的研究

针对医疗器械库存管理的现状,建议采用Silver Meal算法、供应商库存管理(VMI)库存策略,分别对低值、高值器械进行管理,来降低整个医疗物资供应链的库存成本,减少"牛鞭效应"的影响,提高供货及时性和准确性,大大改善供应链运作效率。

B型超声波与X线钡餐检查联合应用对小儿先天性肥厚性幽门狭窄的诊断价值

[背景]探讨B型超声波与X线钡餐检查联合应用在小儿先天性肥厚性幽门狭窄诊断中的临床价值.[病例报告]给175例先天性肥厚性幽门狭窄的患儿进行B型超声波和X线钡餐检查,B型超声波检查测量幽门管长度、宽度及幽门肌厚度,X线钡餐检查观察对比剂透过食道和胃部情况,适时摄取X线检查片,并与手术所见进行比较.用B型超声波与X线钡餐2种检查联合应用诊断小儿先天性肥厚性幽门狭窄未见假阳性.[讨论]2种检查结合具有互补性,可提高术前诊断的准确性.

枯草芽孢杆菌发酵玉米黄粉制备可溶性肽

采用枯草芽孢杆菌发酵玉米湿法生产淀粉的副产物来制备玉米可溶性肽。通过单因素和响应面试验对发酵培养基及培养条件进行了系统优化,得到最佳发酵培养基为:脱淀粉玉米黄粉(destarch corn gluten meal,DCGM)添加量100 g/L、蔗糖添加量8 g/L、NaCl添加量1.0 g/L。最佳发酵条件为:发酵时间42 h、培养基初始pH 9.0、发酵温度37℃、接种量4%、发酵转速180 r/min。在此优化条件下,摇瓶发酵获得可溶性肽含量为22.7 g/L,是优化前的13.3倍。理化分析显示,该可溶性肽以分子质量<1 000 Da的低聚肽为主(将近80%),具有突出的抗氧化活性,尤其是O^2-·清除率达60%,DPPH·清除率达80%,远优于目前的商品肽。该研究表明,利用枯草芽孢杆菌发酵玉米黄粉产可溶性肽是可行的,为玉米黄粉的高值化利用提供技术依据。

基于碳排放约束的需求预测与订货批量决策

在给定碳排放约束条件下,将需求预测的移动平均法、指数平滑法与Wagner-Wthin、Silver-Meal两种动态批量算进行组合分析,并对库存持有成本、单位碳排放费用、固定订货成本和固定订货碳排放量等相关参数进行基于算法的灵敏度分析,发现移动平均法预测和Wagner-Within动态批量算法组合下的总成本最小。

Nutritional value of a partially defatted and a highly defatted black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) meal for broiler chickens: apparent nutrient digestibility,apparent metabolizable energy and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility

Background: The study aimed to determine the apparent total tract digestibility coefficients(ATTDC) of nutrients, the apparent metabolizable energy(AME and AMEn) and the amino acid(AA) apparent ileal digestibility coefficients(AIDC)of a partially defatted(BSFp) and a highly defatted(BSFh) black soldier fly larvae meal. The experimental diets were: a basal diet and two diets prepared by substituting 250 g/kg(w/w) of the basal diet with BSFp or BSFh, respectively.Results: Significant differences were found between BSFp and BSFh meals for ATTDC of the nutrients: BSFp resulted more digestible than BSFh, except for ATTDC of CP which did not differed between meals, while a statistical trend was observed for ATTDC of DM and EE. The AME and AMEn values were significantly(P < 0.05) different between the two BSF meals, with higher levels for BSFp(16.25 and 14.87 MJ/kg DM, respectively). The AIDC of the AA in BSFp ranged from 0.44 to 0.92, while in BSFh they ranged from 0.45 to 0.99. No significant differences were observed for the AA digestibility(0.77 and 0.80 for BSFp and BSFh, respectively), except for glutamic acid, proline and serine that were more digestible in the BSFh meal(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Defatted BSF meals can be considered as an excellent source of AME and digestible AA for broilers with a better efficient nutrient digestion. These considerations suggested the effective utilization of defatted BSF larvae meal in poultry feed formulation.

Evaluation of the suitability of a partially defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal as ingredient for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) diets

Background: Two trials were performed to evaluate a partially defatted Hermetia illucens(HI) larvae meal as potential feed ingredient in rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) diets. In the first trial, 360 trout(178.9 ± 9.8 g of mean initial body weight) were randomly divided into three experimental groups(4 tanks/treatment, 30 fish/tank). The fish were fed for 78 days with isonitrogenous, isolipidic and isoenergetic diets containing increasing levels of HI, on as fed basis: 0%(HI0, control diet), 25%(HI25) and 50%(HI50) of fish meal substitution, corresponding to dietary inclusion levels of 0, 20% and 40%. In the second trial, 36 trout(4 tanks/treatment, 3 fish/tank) were used to evaluate the in vivo apparent digestibility coefficients(ADC) of the same diets used in the first trial.Results: Survival, growth performance, condition factor, somatic indexes, and dorsal fillet physical quality parameters were not affected by diet. The highest dietary inclusion of HI larvae meal increased dry matter and ether extract contents of trout dorsal fillet. The use of HI larvae meal induced a decrease of valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) even if differences were only reported at the highest level of HI inclusion. The insect meal worsened the lipids health indexes of the same muscle. Dietary inclusion of insect meal did not alter the villus height of the fish. No differences were found among treatments in relation to ADC of ether extract and gross energy, while ADC of dry matter and crude protein were higher in HI25 if compared to HI50.Conclusions: The obtained results showed that a partially defatted HI larvae meal can be used as feed ingredient in trout diets up to 40% of inclusion level without impacting survival, growth performance, condition factor, somatic indexes, dorsal fillet physical quality parameters, and intestinal morphology of the fish. However, further investigations on specific feeding strategies and diet formulations are needed to limit the observed negative effects of the insect meal on the FA composition of dorsal muscle.

Partially defatted black soldier fly larva meal inclusion in piglet diets: effects on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility,blood profile, gut morphology and histological features

Background:The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of different inclusion levels of a partially defatted black soldier fly (BSF,Hermetia illucens L.) larva meal on the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profile,gut morphology and histological features of piglets.A total of 48 newly weaned piglets were individually weighed (initial body weight (IBW):6.1 ± 0.16 kg) and randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments (4 boxes as replicates/treatment and 4 animals/box).BSF larva meal was included at increasing levels (0% [BSF0],5% [BSFS] and 10% [BSF10]) in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets formulated for two feeding phases:Ⅰ (from d 1 to d 23) and Ⅱ (from d 24 to d 61).The weight gain (WG),average daily gain (ADG),average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for each feeding phase and for the whole trial.The haematochemical parameters and nutrient digestibility of the piglets were also evaluated.A total of 3 piglets per box were slaughtered on d 61 and the slaughtered piglets were submitted to morphometric investigations and histopathological examinations.Results:No overall significant differences were observed for growth performance (P > 0.05),except for the ADFI of phase Ⅱ,which showed a linear response to increasing BSF meal levels (P < 0.05,maximum for the BSF10 group).Dietary BSF meal inclusion did not significantly influence the blood profile,except as far as monocytes and neutrophils are concerned,and these showed a linear and quadratic response,respectively,to increasing BSF meal levels (P < 0.05,maximum for the BSF10 and BSF5 groups,respectively).On the other hand,the nutrient digestibility,gut morphology and histological features were not affected by dietary BSF meal inclusion (P > 0.05).Conclusions:The obtained results show that a partially defatted BSF larva meal can be used as a feed ingredient in diets for weaned piglets without negatively affecting their growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profile,gut morphology or histological features.

Black soldier fly defatted meal as a dietary protein source for broiler chickens:Effects on growth performance,blood traits,gut morphology and histological features

Background: The present study has evaluated the effects of different inclusion levels of a partially defatted black soldier fly(Hermetia illucens L.; HI) larva meal on the growth performance, blood parameters and gut morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 256 male broiler chickens(Ross 308) were reared from d 1 to d 35 and assigned to4 dietary treatments(8 replicates/treatment and 8 birds/replicate). HI larva meal was included at increasing levels(0, 5%, 10% and 15%; HI0, HI5, HI10 and HI15, respectively) in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets formulated for 3 feeding phases: starter(1–10 d), growing(10–24 d) and finisher(24–35 d). Two birds per pen were slaughtered at d 35 and morphometric investigations and histopathological alterations were performed.Results: The live weight(LW) showed linear and quadratic responses to increasing HI larva meal(maximum for HI10 group). Average daily gain(ADG) showed a linear and quadratic responses to HI meal(maximum for HI10 group) during starter and growing periods. A linear decrease was observed for ADG during the finisher period. The daily feed intake(DFI) showed a linear and quadratic effect during the starter period(maximum for HI10 group).Linear and quadratic responses were observed for the feed conversion ratio(FCR) in the growing period and for the whole period of the experiment. The FCR showed a linear response in the finisher period(maximum for HI15).No significant effects were observed for the blood and serum parameters, except for the phosphorus concentration,which showed linear and quadratic responses as well as glutathione peroxidase(GPx) activity, the latter of which showed a linear response. The HI15 birds showed a lower villus height, a higher crypt depth and a lower villus height-to-crypt depth ratio than the other groups.Conclusions: Increasing levels of dietary HI meal inclusion in male broiler chickens may improve the LW and DFI during the starter period, but may also negatively affect the FCR and gut morphology, thus suggesting that low levels may be more suitable. However, no significant effects on the haematochemical parameters or histological findings were observed in relation to HI meal utilization.

Alfalfa-containing diets alter luminal microbiota structure and short chain fatty acid sensing in the caecal mucosa of pigs

Background: Pork produced by outdoor-reared pigs raised mostly on alfalfa pastures attracts increasing population of consumer from most of the world. In China, pigs were raised with alfalfa-containing diets to seek for good quality pork.However, the influence of dietary alfalfa involving high level of insoluble dietary fiber(IDF) on pig intestinal luminal microbiota composition remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of alfalfa on luminal microbiota and short chain fatty acids(SCFA) production, and gene expressions involved in SCFA sensing, transporting and absorbing in pig caecal mucosa.Results: Twenty-four growing pigs were randomly allotted to four diets containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% alfalfa meal for a 28-d experiment. Ingestion of alfalfa meal-contained diets significantly increased the ratio of body weight gain to feed consumption. Illumina MiS eq sequencing of the V3 region of the 16 S r RNA genes showed that alfalfa-containing diet significantly decreased the relative abundance of genera Turicibacter, Acidiphilium, Paracoccus, Propionibacterium,Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Staphylococcus, and increased the relative abundance of genera Lachnospira, Marvinbryantia, and Desulfovibrio in the caecal digesta. Butyrate concentration was significantly increased in the hindgut by the supplementation of alfalfa meal in diets. The m RNA gene expressions of FFAR3, SMCT1, MCT1,PYY, and GCG were significantly increased in the caecal mucosa of pigs fed alfalfa meal.Conclusions: Our results suggested that alfalfa-containing diet has exerted significant impacts on caecal microbiota composition, butyrate concentration and significantly upregulated m RNA expression of host caecal mucosal genes involved in SCFA sensing and absorption as well as regulation of satiety.

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.

Net energy of corn,soybean meal and rapeseed meal in growing pigs

Background: Two experiments were conducted to estimate the net energy(NE) of corn, soybean meal, expel er-pressed rapeseed meal(EP-RSM) and solvent-extracted rapeseed meal(SE-RSM) using indirect calorimetry and to validate the NE of these four ingredients using pig growth performance.Methods: In Exp.1, 24 barrows(initial BW = 36.4 ± 1.6 kg) were allotted to 1 of 4 diets which included a corn basal diet,a corn-soybean meal basal diet and two rapeseed meal diets containing 20% EP-RSM(9.5% ether extract) or SE-RSM(1.1% ether extract) substituted for corn and soybean meal. The design allowed the calculation of NE values of corn,soybean meal and rapeseed meals according to the difference method. In Exp.2, 175 growing pigs(initial BW = 36.0± 5.2 kg) were fed 1 of 5 diets for 28 d, with five pigs per pen and seven replications(pens) per treatment in order to validate the measured energy values. Diets were a corn-soybean meal diet and four diets including 10% or 20% EP-RSM and 10% or 20% SE-RSM.Results: The NE of corn, soybean meal, EP-RSM and SE-RSM were 12.46, 11.34, 11.71 and 8.83 MJ/kg DM, respectively. The NE to ME ratio of corn(78%) was similar to tabular values, however, the NE to ME ratios of soybean meal(70%) and rapeseed meal(76%) were greater than tabular values. The greater NE value in EP-RSM than in SE-RSM is consistent with its higher EE content. Increasing EP-RSM or SE-RSM did not affect the growth performance of pigs and the caloric efficiency of NE was comparable for al diets.Conclusions: The NE of EP-RSM was similar to soybean meal, and both were greater than SE-RSM. The DE, ME and NE values measured in Exp.1 are confirmed by results of Exp. 2 with comparable caloric efficiencies of DE, ME or NE for all diets.