Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Effects of Powdery Mildew on 1 000-Kernel Weight, Crude Protein Content and Yield of Winter Wheat in Three Consecutive Growing Seasons

In order to clarify the impact posed by wheat powdery mildew （Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici） on the yield and yield components in different epidemic seasons, field trials were conducted in three growing seasons, 2009-2010, 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, in Langfang City, Hebei Province, China. The relationships between 1000-kernel weight, crude protein content of grain and yield and disease index （DI）, as well as area under disease progress curve （AUDPC） were studied. The models of the percentage of loss of 1000-kernel weight, crude protein content and yield were constructed using DI at critical point （CP） of growth stages （GS） and AUDPC in the three growing seasons, respectively. The CPs for estimating 1 000-kernel weight, crude protein content of grain and yield of wheat caused by powdery mildew were GS 11.1, GS 10.5.3 and GS l 0.5.3, respectively. Models based on DI at CP to estimate the percentage of loss of 1000-kernel weight, crude protein content of grain and yield were better than models based on AUDPC. And models of the percentage of loss of 1000-kernel weight, crude protein content and yield for 2011-2012 season were significant different from these for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons. These results indicated that besides powdery mildew, weather conditions also had influence on 1 000-kernel weight, crude protein content of grain and yield loss of wheat when powdery mildew occurred.

Effects of Different Dietary Crude Protein Levels on Reproductive Performance in Breeder Roosters

[Objective] To investigate effects of different dietary crude protein levels on reproductive performance and find out the optimal additive proportion of crude protein. [Method] A total of 45 New Yangzhou breeder roosters at 21 weeks old were sampled and divided into three groups, namely, low-protein diet group, medium-protein diet group and high-protein diet group. They were fed with diets respectively at crude protein levels of 17.23%, 13.04% and 11.32%. The sperm volume, testicular traits and levels of reproductive hormones were analyzed during the whole repro- ductive period. [Result] The sperm volume, sperm motility and sperm density of the medium-protein diet group were higher than that of the other two groups, and the sperm deformity rate of the medium-protein diet group was lowest. The rooster＇s testicular traits including weight, volume and testis indexes were not significantly affected by different protein levels, but the testis shrank slowly with aging （ P 〈 0.05）. The levels of testosterone （T）, luteinizing hormone （LH） and follicule stimulating hormone （FSH） in plasma were respectively 6.34%, 19.64% and 3.88% higher in the lowprotein diet group than in the medium-protein diet group, and these indexes were respectively 7.20%, 17.54% and 9.84% higher in the low-protein diet group than in the high-protein diet group. But all these differences were not significant. [ Conclusion] The breeder roosters fed with the diet at the crude protein level of 13.04% show better reproductive performance and economic efficiency.

Rumen Degradation Regularity of Dry Matter and Crude Protein of Common Roughage in Beef Cattle

Three individuals of Horqin yellow cattle equipped with permanent fistula, weighed （548 ±21） kg, were sdected as the experimental animals. The ru- men degradation characteristics of dry matter （DM） and crude protein （CP） of roughage at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h were measured by nylon bag method. The re- suits showed that the effective degradation rates of DM and CP of alfalfa hay were the highest, while higher contents of rapid degradation part and potential degrada- tion part of DM and CP also resulted in higher degradation rates of DM and CP. The effective degradation rates of CP and DM of roughage presented strong positive correlation with CP, but showed strong negative correlation with neutral detergent fiber （NDF）. The effective degradation rates of CP of five roughages successively were alfalfa hay 〉 alfalfa block 〉 ryegrass 〉 silage corn 〉 straw.

Prediction of Crude Protein in Ramie by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy(NIR)

[Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of deter- mining crude protein in ramie using near-infrared （NIR） spectrometer. [Method] Par- tial least square regression （PLSR） was performed to establish a calibration model based on 50 samples for predicting the crude protein content in ramie, and the model was validated with data in the validation set consisting of 10 samples. [Result] The correlation coefficient of the model was 0.98. There was a good correla- tion between the predicted values by the near-infrared prediction model and the measured values by chemical analysis, and the relative error was 3.54% on aver- age between the predicted and the measured values. [Conclusion] The results showed that it is feasible to determine crude protein content in ramie using NIR spectroscopy-based prediction model.

Effects of Dietary Metabolizable Energy and Crude Protein Levels on Reproductive Performance of Magang Geese

[ Objective] To investigate the effects of different levels of metabolizable energy and crude protein on egg laying performance and hatch- ing efficiency in Magang geese. [Method] The healthy Magang geese at 2 years old were randomly assigned into four groups, group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ, group Ⅲ and control group. They were fed with diets at different levels of metabolizable energy and crude protein, and then their eggs were collect- ed and hatched. During the test, their health was observed, and the egg weight, egg yield and hatching rate were recorded. [ Result] The average egg laying rates and average egg weight were significantly higher in the group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ than in the control group. The hatchable egg rates and egg fertilization rates of the group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were also increased, and significance was found between the group Ⅲ and the other group （P 〈 0.05）. The feed costs of the three test groups were lower than that of the control group, and the feed cost was higher in the group Ⅲ than that in the group Ⅰ and Ⅱ. [ Conclusion] The levels of metabolizable energy and crude protein in diet have significant effects on laying performance and hatching efficiency in Magang geese.

Effects of NaOH Treatment on Fiber, Crude Protein and Soluble Sugar Content of Corn Straw

[Objective] The paper was to study the effects of different levels of NaOH on fiber, crude protein and soluble sugar content of cornstraw. [Method] Four treatments were designed in the test, namely control group, group 1, group2 and group 3, which were added with 0, 2%, 3%and 4% NaOH according to the dry weight of corn straw, and the moisture of corn straw after treatment was 45%. After being treated at room tem-perature for 48 h, sensory evaluation and nutrient composition analysis were performed for each group, and the contents of neutral detergent fiber（NDF）, acid detergent fiber （ADF）, crude protein （CP） and soluble sugar （SS） were measured. [Result] With the increasing addition level of NaOH,the content of NDF and ADF decreased gradually, and significant differences were observed between group 3 （adding 4% NaOH） and control group（P〈0.05）. There was no significant difference in CP content among treatment groups（P〉0.05）; the SS content gradually increased, and there weresignificant differences between treatment groups and control group （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] 4% NaOH reduced the fiber content and increased thesoluble sugar content of corn straw.

Predicting Levels of Crude Protein, Digestibility, Lignin and Cellulose in Temperate Pastures Using Hyperspectral Image Data

Hyperspectral sensors provide the potential for direct estimation of pasture feed quality attributes. However, remote sensing retrieval of digestibility and fibre (lignin and cellulose) content of vegetation has proven to be challenging since tissue optical properties may not be propagated to the canopy level in mixed cover types. In this study, partial least squares regression on spectra from HyMap and Hyperion imagery were used to construct predictive models for estimation of crude protein, digestibility, lignin and cellulose concentration in temperate pastures. HyMap and Hyperion imagery and field spectra were collected over four pasture sites in southern Victoria, Australia. Co-incident field samples were analyzed with wet chemistry methods for crude protein, lignin and cellulose concentration, and digestibility was calculated from fiber determinations. Spectral data were subset based on sites and time of year of collection. Reflectance spectra were extracted from the hyperspectral imagery and collated for analysis. Six different transformations including derivatives and continuum removal were applied to the spectra to enhance absorption features sensitive to the quality attributes. The transformed reflectance spectra were then subjected to partial least squares regression, with full cross-validation “leave-one-out” technique, against the quality attributes to assess effects of the spectral transformations and post-atmospheric smoothing techniques to construct predictive models. Model performance between spectrometers, subsets and attributes were assessed using a coefficient of variation (CV), —the interquantile (IQ) range of the attribute values divided by the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) from the models. The predictive models with the highest CVs were obtained for digestibility for all spectra types, with HyMap the highest. However, models with slightly lower CVs were obtained for crude protein, lignin and cellulose. The spectral regions for diagnostic wavelengths fell within the chlorophyll well, red edge, and 2000-2300 nm ligno-cellulose-protein regions, with some wavelengths selected between the 1600 and 1800 nm region sensitive to nitrogen, protein, lignin and cellulose. The digestibility models with the highest CV’s had confidence intervals corresponding to ±5% digestibility, which constitutes approximately 30% of the measured range. The cellulose and lignin models with the highest CV’s also had similar confidence intervals but the slopes of the prediction lines were substantially less than 1:1 indicating reduced sensitivity. The predictive relationships established here could be applied to categorizing pasture quality into range classes and to determine whether pastures are above or below for example threshold values for livestock productivity benchmarks.

The Effect of Varied Dietary Crude Protein Levels with Balanced Amino Acids on Performance and Egg Quality Characteristics of Layers at First Laying Phase

Four diets were formulated to study the influence of varying crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, serum and haematological characteristics at the first phase of laying cycle of sixty Bovan Nera laying birds that were randomly allotted to dietary treatments. The four experimental diets had five replicates each and three birds per repli-cate. Diet 1 contained 14% crude protein (CP), while diet 2 contained 15% CP, diets 3 and 4 contained 16% and 17% CP respectively. The experimental birds were fed for 10 weeks and the data collected were statistically analysed. Apparent variations recorded for all the performance characteristics such as Egg number, Hen-day production, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and weight gain were significantly different (p < 0.05). The best FCR value were recorded by birds fed 17% CP (3.45), while the highest weight gain mean value were also recorded by birds fed 17% CP value. Findings indicated a direct relationship between dietary crude protein values and performance.

The influence of phytase, pre-pellet cracked maize and dietary crude protein level on broiler performance via response surface methodology

Background:The reduction of crude protein levels in diets for broiler chickens may generate economic,environmental and flock welfare and health benefits;however,performance is usually compromised.Whole grain feeding and phytase may improve the utilization of reduced crude protein diets.Results:The effects of pre-pellet cracked maize(0,15%and 30%)and phytase(0,750 and 1500 FTU/kg)in isoenergetic maize-soy diets with three levels of crude protein(22%,19.5%and 17%)were evaluated via a BoxBehnken response surface design.Each of 13 dietary treatments were offered to 6 replicate cages(6 birds/cage)of male Ross 308 broiler chicks from 7 to 28 d post-hatch.Model prediction and response surface plots were generated from experimental data via polynomial regression in R and only significant coefficients were included and discussed in the predicted models.Weight gain,feed intake and FCR were all influenced by pre-pellet cracked maize,phytase and crude protein level,where crude protein level had the greatest influence.Consequently,the reduction from 22%to 17%dietary crude protein in non-supplemented diets reduced weight gain,feed intake,relative gizzard weight,relative gizzard content and relative pancreas weight but improved FCR.However,the inclusion of 30%cracked maize to 17%crude protein diets restored gizzard weight and 1500 FTU phytase inclusion to 17%crude protein diets increased relative gizzard contents and pancreas weights.Cracked maize and phytase inclusion in tandem to 17%crude protein diets increased weight gain,feed intake and FCR;however,this FCR was still more efficient than broilers offered the non-supplemented 22%crude protein diet.Broilers offered the prepellet cracked maize and phytase inclusions reduced AME in 22%crude protein diets but improved AME by 2.92 MJ(14.16 versus 11.24 MJ;P<0.001)in diets containing 17%crude protein.Ileal N digestibility was greater in broilers offered diets with 17%crude protein than those offered the 22%crude protein diet;irrespective of phytase and pre-pellet cracked maize.Conclusion:Pre-pellet cracked maize and phytase inclusions will improve the performance of broilers offered reduced crude protein diets.

Influence of Varying Crude Protein Levels and Balanced Amino Acids on the Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Laying Hens at the Second Phase of Production

Varying levels of dietary crude proteins and balanced amino acids were fed to layers for a period of eight weeks starting from the twenty-sixth week of age of birds and six weeks into egg production. Effects on performance and haematological characteristics were investigated at this second phase of production. Sixty Black Nera hens were randomly allotted into four (4) dietary treatments, containing the following levels of crude protein 14%, 15%, 16%, 17% and the metabolizable energy was iso-caloric for each treatment. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) observed for lymphocyte, Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC), these haematological parameters were within the range for healthy birds. Thus crude protein level of 14% can be used in diets of layers at the second phase of production provided that adequate amino acids are given, without adverse effect on egg laying, feed intake and measured blood parameters.

Growth performance,serum parameters,inflammatory responses,intestinal morphology and microbiota of weaned piglets fed 18%crude protein diets with different ratios of standardized ileal digestible isoleucine to lysine

The present study was to explore the Ile requirement of piglets fed 18%crude protein(CP)diets.Two hundred and fifty 28-day-old Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire piglets(8.37±1.92 kg)were randomly divided into 5 dietary treatments(10 piglets per replicate,5 barrows and 5 gilts per replicate)with 45%,50%,55%,60%,65%standardized ileal digestible(SID)Ile-to-Lys ratios,and the SID Lys was formulated to1.19%.The experimental design consisted of two phases(d 1 to 14 and d 15 to 28).Results showed that average daily gain(ADG)had a tendency to quadratically increase as the SID Ile-to-Lys ratio increased(P=0.09),and the optimum SID Ile-to-Lys ratios required to maximize ADG were 48.33%and 54.63%for broken-line linear model and quadratic polynomial model,respectively.Different SID Ile-to-Lys ratios had no significant effects on average daily feed intake and gain-to-feed ratio.Dry matter(P<0.01),CP(P=0.01),ether extract(P=0.04),gross energy(P<0.01)and organic matter(P<0.01)digestibility increased quadratically.Serum total cholesterol levels decreased linearly(P=0.01)and quadratically(P<0.01);aspartate aminotransferase(P<0.01),interleukin-1β(P=0.01),and tumor necrosis factor-a(P<0.01)levels decreased quadratically;immunoglobulin G(P=0.03)and immunoglobulin M(P=0.01)concentrations increased quadratically.Serum Ser levels decreased linearly(P<0.01)and quadratically(P=0.01);Glu(P=0.02),Arg(P=0.05),and Thr(P=0.03)levels decreased quadratically;Gly(P<0.01)and Leu(P=0.01)levels decreased linearly;Ile(P<0.01)concentration increased linearly.Duodenal villus height(P<0.01)and villus height to crypt depth ratio(P<0.01)increased quadratically.The deficiency or excess of Ile decreased short chain fatty acid-producing bacteria abundance and increased pathogenic bacteria abundance.Overall,taking ADG as the effect index,the optimum SID Ile-to-Lys ratios of piglets offered 18%CP diets were 48.33%and 54.63%based on two different statistical models,respectively,and the deficiency or excess of lle negatively affected piglet growth rates and health status.

Effects of a two-meal daily feeding pattern with varied crude protein levels on growth performance and antioxidant indexes in pigs

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of daily feeding pattern on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant indexes in pigs. One hundred and eighty female Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire(DLY) pigs with similar body weight(11.00 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly assigned to 3 groups: the control group(fed 17.01% CP diet, twice daily); high-low group(H-L group, fed18.33% CP diet in the morning, followed by 15.70% CP diet in the afternoon); and low-high group(L-H group, fed 15.70% CP diet in the morning, followed by 18.33% CP diet in the afternoon)(n = 6). Comparable amounts of their respective diets were given at 05:30 and 15:00 throughout the experimental periods to make all the treatments consumed the same type of food and the same amount of calories on a daily basis. On day 30, one pig was randomly selected per litter for blood samples. Compared with the control group, ADG in the H-L and L-H groups increased by 8.11% and 16.23%, but not significant(P > 0.05); and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in the H-L and L-H groups decreased by 26.76% and 41.04%(P < 0.05), respectively. The H-L group feeding pattern could significantly improve levels of serum superoxide dismutase(SOD), when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that the twomeal daily feeding pattern with varied levels of CP affects serum levels of BUN and SOD. These changes could effectively silightly improve growth performance and antioxidant capacity in pigs without incurring increased feeding costs.

Facilitating the acceptance of tangibly reduced-crude protein diets for chicken-meat production

Inclusions of non-bound amino acids particularly methionine,lysine and threonine,together with the"ideal protein"concept have allowed nutritionists to formulate broiler diets with reduced crude protein(CP)and increased nutrient density of notionally"essential"amino acids and energy content in recent decades,However,chicken-meat production has been projected to double between now and 2050,providing incentives to reduce dietary soybean meal inclusions further by tangibly reducing dietary CP and utilising a larger array of non-bound amino acids.Whilst relatively conservative decreases in dietary CP,in the order of 20 to 30 g/kg,do not negatively impact broiler performance,further decreases in CP typically compromise broiler performance with associated increases in carcass lipid deposition.Increases in carcass lipid deposition suggest changes occur in dietary energy balance,the mechanisms of which are still not fully understood but discourage the acceptance of diets with reductions in CP,Nevertheless,the groundwork has been laid to investigate both amino acid and non-amino acid limitations and propose facilitative strategies for adoption of tangible dietary CP reductions;consequently,these aspects are considered in detail in this review.Unsurprisingly,investigations into reduced dietary CP are epitomised by variability broiler performance due to the wide range of dietary specifications used and the many variables that should,or could,be considered in formulation of experimental diets.Thus,a holistic approach encompassing many factors influencing limitations to the adoption of tangibly reduced CP diets must be considered if they are to be successful in maintaining broiler performance without increasing carcass lipid deposition.

Capping dietary starch:protein ratios in moderately reduced crude protein,wheat-based diets showed promise but further reductions generated inferior growth performance in broiler chickens

The hypothesis that capping dietary starch:protein ratios would enhance the performance of broiler chickens offered reduced-crude protein(CP)diets was tested in this experiment.A total of 432 off-sex,male Ross 308 chicks were allocated to 7 dietary treatments from 7 to 35 d post-hatch.The experimental design consisted of a 3×2 factorial array of treatments with the seventh treatment serving as a positive control.Three levels of dietary CP(197.5,180.0 and 162.5 g/kg)with either uncapped or capped dietary starch:protein ratios constituted the factorial array of treatments,whilst the positive control diet contained 215.0 g/kg CP.The positive control diet had an analysed dietary starch:protein ratio of 1.50 as opposed to a ratio of 1.68 in the uncapped 197.5 g/kg CP diet and 1.41 in the corresponding capped diet and the capped 197.5 g/kg CP diet displayed promise.The growth performance this diet matched the positive control but outperformed the uncapped 197.5 g/kg CP diet by 10.4%(2,161 vs.1,958 g/bird;P=0.009)in weight gain,by 3.10%(3,492 vs.3,387 g/bird;P=0.019)in feed intake on the basis of pairwise comparisons and numerically improved FCR by 4.04%(1.616 vs.12684).However,the growth performance of birds offered the 180.0 and 162.5 g/kg CP dietary treatments was remarkably inferior,irrespective of dietary starch:protein ratios.This inferior growth performance was associated with poor feathering and even feather-pecking and significant linear relationships between feather scores and parameters of growth performance were observed.The amino acid profile of feathers was determined where cysteine,glutamic acid,glycine,proline and serine were dominant in a crude protein content of 931 g/kg.Presumably,the feathering issues observed were manifestations of amino acid inadequacies or imbalances in the more reduced-CP diets and consideration is given to the implications of these outcomes.

Low crude protein diets supplemented with casein hydrolysate enhance the intestinal barrier function and decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the small intestine of pigs

To reduce nitrogen excretion and lower feeding costs,low crude protein(CP)diets are sometimes pro-posed,however,a great reduction of dietary CP concentration(>4%reduction vs.recommended con-centration),even supplemented with essential and nonessential amino acids(AA)can detrimentally affect small intestinal barrier function and immunity,possibly due to the excessive lack of peptides.Here we hypothesize that with an extremely low CP concentration diet,protein-derived peptides,rather than AA supplementation,can improve intestinal barrier development and health.To test this hypothesis,21 growing pigs(19.90±1.00 kg body weight)were randomly assigned to 3 treatments with control diet(16%CP),or low CP diets(13%CP)supplemented with AA(LCPA)or casein hydrolysate(LCPC)for 28 days.In comparison with the control diet,the LCPA diet decreased the protein expression level of jejunal barrier factor zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and stem cell proliferation factor leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor-5,whereas the LCPC diet enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the protein expression level of jejunal occludin and ZO-1 and ileal mucin-2.The LCPA diet reduced Lactobacillus counts,whereas the LCPC diet increased Lactobacillus counts and reduced Escherichia coli counts in the ileum.The LCPA diet also increased protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6(IL-6)and IL-22,whereas the LCPC diet decreased protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β,IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor-αin the ileum.Collectively,the casein hydroly-sate supplementation of low CP diets showed beneficial effects on the small intestinal barrier,bacterial community,and immunity in pigs,pointing to the important role of protein-derived peptides in small intestinal health in cases of low crude protein diets.

Implications of excreta uric acid concentrations in broilers offered reduced crude protein diets and dietary glycine requirements for uric acid synthesis

In a previous experiment,male Ross 308 broiler chickens were offered dietary treatments with 3 levels of crude protein(222,193,165 g/kg)and 3 feed grains(ground maize,ground wheat,whole wheat)from 7 to 35 d post-hatch.Maize-based diets supported superior growth performance in comparison to wheatbased diets.Uric acid concentrations in excreta were retrospectively determined and related to total nitrogen(N)excreta concentrations.Uric acid concentrations ranged from 28.5 to 69.4 mg/g and proportions of uric acid-N to total excreta-N ranged from 27.4%to 42.6%in broiler chickens offered the 3×3 factorial array of dietary treatments.Proportions of uric acid-N to total N in excreta in birds offered the165 g/kg CP,maize-based diet were significantly lower by 10.6 percentage units(27.4%versus 38.0%;P=0.00057)than their wheat-based counterparts.Total excreta analysed had been collected from 35 to37 d post-hatch when feed intakes and excreta outputs were monitored.There were linear relationships between proportions of uric acid-N to total N in excreta in birds offered the three 165 g/kg CP diets with weight gain(r=-0.587;P=0.010),feed intake(r=-0.526;P=0.025)and feed conversion ratios(r=0.635;P=0.005).The possibility that increasing uric acid-N proportions in excreta is indicative of excessive ammonia accumulations compromising growth performance is discussed.The mean proportion of dietary glycine involved in uric acid excretion was 49.2%across all dietary treatments but ranged from 25.0%to 80.9%.Thus,the appropriate amount of dietary glycine is variable and largely dependent on the volume of uric acid synthesised and excreted.

Reduction of dietary crude protein and feed form:Impact on broiler litter quality,ammonia concentrations,excreta composition,performance,welfare,and meat quality

Nitrogen(N)excreted by poultry is converted to ammonia(NH3),presenting an environmental risk and a health risk to the farmer and animals.A study was performed to investigate the effect of reduced CP and feed form on broiler performance and welfare,meat and litter quality,N utilization,and NH3 concentrations at litter level.A total of 2,232 Ross 308 male broilers was divided into 6 treatments and 6 replicates,which was fed diets in both pellet and mash forms with different CP levels of 205.0 g/kg(H,high),187.5 g/kg(M,intermediate)and 175.0 g/kg(L,low)in the grower phase and 195.0 g/kg(H),180.0 g/kg(M)and 165.6 g/kg(L)in the finisher phase.Individual amino acids(AA)were supplemented to maintain digestible AA-to-digestible lysine ratios.Decreasing dietary CP content to 187.5 g/kg in the grower phase and 180.0 g/kg in the finisher phase reduced NH3 concentrations at litter level(P<0.001),but a further reduction in dietary CP had no additional effect.Mash treatments had better litter qualities and lower incidences of foot and hock lesions than pellet treatments at d 38(P<0.001).In addition,treatments with reduced CP had lower incidence of foot lesions at d 38(P<0.001).Broilers fed pelleted diets had higher ADFI,ADG,and final BW,improved feed conversion ratio(FCR),and heavier carcasses(P<0.001)than those fed mash diets over a production period of 39 d.Performance could not be maintained when birds were fed L CP pelleted diets.This study demonstrated that,with the supplementation of AA to meet requirements,the concentration of dietary CP can be reduced to 187.5 and 180.0 g/kg in the grower and finisher phases respectively,without impairing broiler performance,meat yield and quality.Mash diets were favorable when considering the overall litter quality and welfare of the birds.However,they could not maintain the same broiler performance and slaughter yield as pelleted diets.Results from the present study may assist the poultry sector towards a socially acceptable lowemission farming system.

Assessment of limiting dietary amino acids in broiler chickens offered reduced crude protein diets

As lowering crude protein(CP)in poultry diets continues to minimize amino acid excess,it is important to understand the limiting order of amino acids and the impact of their deficiencies.Therefore,a pair of experiments were conducted to observe the effects of individual amino acid deletions on growth performance,carcass traits,and nutrient utilization.Both experiments involved 3 control diets based on wheat and soybean meal,including a 210.0 g/kg CP industry control(IC),186.7 g/kg CP positive control(PC)supplemented with feed-grade amino acids to match the IC amino acid profile,186.7 g/kg CP negative control(NC)with reducing N corrected apparent metabolizable energy(AMEN)by 0.5 MJ/kg and removing feed-grade amino acids beyond L-Lys-HCl,DL-Met,and L-Thr from PC.Ten deletion diets where the following supplemented amino acids were individually removed from the PC:Val,Ile,Leu,Trp,Arg,His,Phe t Tyr,glycine equivalence(Glyequi),Pro,and Energy(0.5 MJ/kg reduction in AMEN of the PC).All diets were formulated to contain similar concentrations of digestible Lys,total sulfur amino acid(TSAA)and Thr.Experimental diets were offered to broiler chickens from 15 to 22 d postehatch in a cage study(Exp.1)to gain digestibility and nutrient utilization data;whereas they were offered from 15 to 35 d post ehatch in a floor-pen study(Exp.2)to gain performance and carcass yield data.The removal of supplemented Val,Arg,and Ile resulted in reduction on broiler performance(P<0.05),and the removal of Val,Arg,Ile,and Glyequi negatively influenced carcass traits(P<0.05).Results from both experiments indicate that Val and Arg are co-limiting in wheat-soybean meal diets,but that Ile and Glyequi may potentially limit breast and thigh development.

Antibacterial Activity of Bacillus subtilis and Properties of Protein Crude Extract

In order to get biological drugs with no resistance or toxic side effects and to reduce the use of antibiotics, a strain of Baci//us subtilis was isolated from animal intestine, and the isolate was identified by molecular biological method; in vitro an- tibacterial test of the isolate was performed using agar diffusion method; the optimal fermentation condition of the isoJate was screened by conventional culture method; the antibacterial crude protein of the isolate was extracted by saturated ammonium sulfate method; the physicochemical properties of antibacterial crude protein was de- tected by comparison method; The results showed that the isolate was B. subti/is, which had antibacterial effects on Staphy/ococcus aureus, streptococcus and swine erysipelas. The fermentation effect of the isolate was the best under the condition of temperature 30 ~C, pH 7, liquid volume 75 ml/250 ml, inoculation volume 20% and culture time 48 h. The antibacterial effect of the isolate was the best when extract- ed by 80% saturated ammonium sulfate. The antibacterial crude protein had strong resistance to heat and acid. Organic solvent and UV irradiation had some influences on antibacterial crude protein. Proteases had hydrolytic effects on antibacterial crude protein. The isolated B. subti/is can be used to prevent and control the diseases caused by S. aureus, streptococcus and swine erysipelas, and can regulate intesti- nal microecology by adding into expanded feeds.