Interactions between maternal parity and feed additives drive the composition of pig gut microbiomes in the post‑weaning period

Background Nursery pigs undergo stressors in the post-weaning period that result in production and welfare chal-lenges.These challenges disproportionately impact the offspring of primiparous sows compared to those of mul-tiparous counterparts.Little is known regarding potential interactions between parity and feed additives in the post-weaning period and their effects on nursery pig microbiomes.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes and the influence of sow parity on pig fecal microbi-ome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning.At weaning,piglets were allotted into three treat-ment groups:a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu(Con),a group fed a commercial prebiotic only(Preb)based on an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,and a group fed the same prebiotic plus Zn and Cu(Preb+ZnCu).Results Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and mul-tiparous sows,fecal microbiome composition was different(R^(2)=0.02,P=0.03).The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to multiparous offspring at d 0 and d 21 post-weaning(P<0.01),with differences in community composition observed at d 21(R^(2)=0.03,P=0.04).When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment,only the Preb diet triggered significant microbiome distinc-tions between primiparous and multiparous offspring(d 21:R^(2)=0.13,P=0.01;d 42:R^(2)=0.19,P=0.001).Composi-tional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments were observed only at d 21(R^(2)=0.12,P=0.001).Pigs in the Con group gained significantly more weight throughout the nursery period when compared to those in the Preb+ZnCu group.Conclusions Nursery pig gut microbiome composition was influenced by supplementation with an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,with varying effects on performance when combined with pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu or for offspring of different maternal parity groups.These results indicate that the development of nursery pig gut microbiomes is shaped by maternal parity and potential interactions with the effects of dietary feed additives.

Phytogenic feed additives alleviate pathogenic Escherichia coli-induced intestinal damage through improving barrier integrity and inhibiting inflammation in weaned pigs

Background:This study was conducted to investigate the effects of each phytogenic feed additive(PFA;PFA1,bitter citrus extract;PFA2,a microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol;PFA3,a mixture of bitter citrus extract,thymol,and carvacrol;PFA4,a premixture of grape seed,grape marc extract,green tea,and hops;PFA5,fenugreek seed powder)on the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,intestinal morphology,and immune response in weaned pigs infected with Escherichia coli(E.coli).Results:A total of 634-week-old weaned pigs were placed in individual metabolic cages and assigned to seven treatment groups.The seven treatments were as follows:1)NC;basal diet without E.coli challenge,2)PC;basal diet with E.coli challenge,3)T1;PC+0.04%PFA1,4)T2;PC+0.01%PFA2,5)T3;PC+0.10%PFA3,6)T4;PC+0.04%PFA4,7)T5;PC+0.10%PFA5.The experiments lasted in 21 d,including 7 d before and 14 d after the first E.coli challenge.In the E.coli challenge treatments,all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E.coli F18 for 3 consecutive days.The PFA-added groups significantly increased(P<0.05)average daily gain and feed efficiency and decreased(P<0.05)the fecal score at d 0 to 14 post-inoculation(PI).Tumor necrosis factorαwas significantly lower(P<0.05)in the PFA-added groups except for T1 in d 14 PI compared to the PC treatment.The T3 had a higher(P<0.05)immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A concentration compared to the PC treatment at d 7 PI.Also,T3 showed significantly higher(P<0.05)villus height:crypt depth and claudin 1 expression in ileal mucosa,and significantly downregulated(P<0.05)the expression of calprotectin compared to the PC treatment.Conclusions:Supplementation of PFA in weaned pigs challenged with E.coli alleviated the negative effects of E.coli and improved growth performance.Among them,the mixed additive of bitter citrus extract,thymol,and carvacrol showed the most effective results,improving immune response,intestinal morphology,and expression of tight junctions.

The effect of enzymes on release of trace elements in feedstuffs based on in vitro digestion model for monogastric livestock

Background: This experiment was conducted to study the effect of different feed enzymes(phytase,xylanase,β-glucanase) on release rate of trace elements(Fe,Cu,Mn and Zn) in 6 commonly used feedstuffs(corn,wheat,barley,soybean meal,wheat bran,wheat middlings) by using an in vitro model,simulating the digestive processes in stomach for 2 h and then in small intestine for 6 h at 39 °C.Results: Phytase raised(P < 0.05) the release rate of Cu and Zn in corn,Cu,Zn and Mn in wheat,Cu in barley,Cu,Zn and Mn in soybean meal,Zn,Fe in wheat bran and Zn,Fe,Mn in wheat middlings.The release rate of various trace elements in feedstuffs was increased after xylanase addition.Compared with the control group,the release rate of soluble Cu in corn,wheat,barley and soybean meal,soluble Zn in corn,wheat and wheat middlings and soluble of Mn in corn,wheat,barley and wheat bran increased(P < 0.05) after xylanase treatment.After the treatment of β-glucanase,the release rate of soluble Cu in corn,wheat and wheat bran,soluble Fe in barley,soybean meal and wheat bran and soluble Mn in corn and wheat bran all increased(P < 0.05) compared with the control group.In each feedstuff,after corresponding enzyme treatment,the contents of phytic acid,xylan and β-glucan were significantly lower than those of the control group(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Results showed that bound trace elements in feedstuffs can be released by feed enzymes.It may be necessary to take the trace elements in feedstuffs into account in the actual feed preparation including feed enzymes.

Essential oil and aromatic plants as feed additives in non-ruminant nutrition:a review

This paper summarizes the current knowledge regarding the possible modes of action and nutritional factors involved in the use of essential oils （EOs） for swine and poultry. EOs have recently attracted increased interest as feed additives to be fed to swine and poultry, possibly replacing the use of antibiotic growth promoters which have been prohibited in the European Union since 2006. In general, EOs enhance the production of digestive secretions and nutrient absorption, reduce pathogenic stress in the gut, exert antioxidant properties and reinforce the animal＇s immune status, which help to explain the enhanced performance observed in swine and poultry. However, the mechanisms involved in causing this growth promotion are far from being elucidated, since data on the complex gut ecosystem, gut function, in vivo oxidative status and immune system are still lacking. In addition, limited information is available regarding the interaction between EOs and feed ingredients or other feed additives （especially pro- or prebiotics and organic acids）. This knowledge may help feed formulators to better utilize EOs when they formulate diets for poultry and swine.

Effects of exogenous enzymes, Lactobacillus acidophilus or their combination on feed performance response and carcass characteristics of rabbits fed sugarcane bagasse

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus（LAC）, exogenous enzymes of ZAD（exogenous enzyme preparation） or their combination on feed conversion, and dressing of rabbits fed different treatments of sugarcane bagasse（SCB）. Five rations were allotted randomly to five groups of New-Zealand White（NZW） rabbits（n=10） with initial live body weight of（838±42.4） g and 5 weeks of age. Rabbits were fed on diets with different sources of fiber as follows,（i） a control diet composed of 100% berseem hay and 0% SCB,（ii） 50% berseem hay and 50% untreated SCB（USCB）,（iii） 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with L. acidophilus（LAC）,（iv） 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with ZAD（ZAD）, and（v） 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with a combination of LAC＋ZAD（LZ）. Treatments of SCB with L. acidophilus, ZAD and LAC＋ZAD had the highest feed conversion ratio than both USCB and control. The dressing percentage of rabbits that fed the LAC and LZ diets was higher（P〈0.05） compared with that in the other groups. Performance index（PI） for LAC group was improved（P〈0.05） compared to that for the other groups; however, PI for USCB group was the lowest（P〈0.05）. It could be concluded that treating SCB with L. acidophilus, exogenous enzymes of ZAD or their combination improved feed conversion and performance with more positive effects with L. acidophilus than the other treatments.

Effect of Using Baker＇s Yeast and Exogenous Digestive Enzymes as Growth Promoters on Growth, Feed Utilization and Hematological Indices of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus Fingerlings

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of baker yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae （SC） and exogenous digestive enzymes （pepsin, papain and a-amylase, EDE） dietary supplementation on growth performance, feed utilization and hematological indices of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. A total of 630 Nile tilapia fingerlings with an average body weight of 26.4 ± 0.2 g were divided in the seven experimental net-pen treatments （three replicates each）. The experiment was conducted for 119 days. Seven isonitrogenous （26.50%） digestible protein and isocaloric （13.40 MJ kgl） digestible energy experimental diets were formulated. The control diet had no SC and EDE added. Diets 2-3 each contained SC at levels of 2 and 4 g 100 g diet-t, respectively, while diets 4-5 each contained EDE at levels of （0.64, 1.28, 0.16） and （1.28, 2.56, 0.32） g 100 gdiefI of pepsin, papain and a-amylase, respectively. Diet 6 contained mixture of SC and EDE at levels of 1 g yeast and 0.32, 0.64, 0.08 g of pepsin, papain and a-amylase, respectively 100 gdiet1 and diet D7 contained 2 g yeast and 0.64, 1.28, 0.16 g of pepsin, papain and a-amylase, respectively 100 g dietl. Growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of Nile tilapia were significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher in all treatments receiving SC and/or EDE supplemented-diets than the control diet which suggests that the addition of SC and EDE enhanced the growth performance. Red blood cells counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin were significantly （P 〈 0.05） highest in all treatments receiving mixture of SC and EDE supplemented-diets （D6 ＋ D7）. The same trend was observed for total plasma protein and total plasma globulin levels. The results of present study suggested that Nile tilapia fingerlings fed diets containing the mixture of I g yeast, SC and 0.32, 0.64, 0.08 g of pepsin, papain and a-amylase, respectively 100 gdiet^-1, for 119 days had enhanced growth performance, diet utilization efficiency and hematological indices.

Effects of Using Exogenous Digestive Enzymes or Natural Enhancer Mixture on Growth, Feed Utilization, and Body Composition of Rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus

This study was conducted to study the effects of a commercial exogenous digestive enzymes （EDE） containing cellulases, xylanases, u-amylase and proteases from anaerobic bacterium and natural enhancer mixture （NEM） containing allicin, high unit hydrolytic enzyme, Bacillus subtilis spores and ginseng extracts on survival, growth, carcass composition and feed cost/benefit in rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus. Nine net cages （100 cm × 100 cm × 40 cm; L ×W ×H） were stocked with 10 juvenile rabbitfish （1.1 g per fish） each and placed in a large rectangular tank and offered feed at 4% body weight daily. Three replicates per treatment were offered three isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets, control and two supplemented diets with EDE or NEM at 2 g/kg diet for 74 days. Fish in all cages were weighed at two-week intervals and feed regimen was adjusted accordingly. Rabbitfish offered the control diet exhibited lower growth significantly （P 〈 0.05） and feed utilization than the other two experimental treatments. Experimental diet supplemented with NEM recorded the highest growth performance, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, net protein utilization and energy retention significantly （P 〈 0.05） than the other two tested groups. Carcass composition and somatic parameters index was not affected by dietary EDE or NEM inclusion. Ultimately, when all variables are considered, EDE and NEM inclusion to diets appears to reduce feed cost per unit growth of rabbitfish.

Short-term effect of supplemental yeast extract without or with feed enzymes on growth performance, immune status and gut structure of weaned pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

Background： This study investigated the response of piglets receiving a yeast extract without or with a multi-enzyme mixture compared with an antimicrobial growth promoter（AGP） on performance, immune status and gut structure after an E. coli lipopolysaccharide（LPS） challenge. Thirty-six pigs were allotted to six treatments including： a non-challenged control（NCC）; LPS-challenged control（CC）; CC ＋ AGP; CC ＋ yeast extract; CC ＋ enzymes; and CC ＋ enzymes ＋ yeast extract. On d 7, pigs were bled and thereafter injected with LPS or sterile saline. Blood samples were collected at 6, 48, and 96 h post-challenge. After 96 h post-challenge, pigs were euthanized to obtain duodenal, jejunal and ileal samples.Results： Overall（d 1 to 11）, compared with CC pigs, AGP attenuated the LPS-induced reduction in ADG（P = 0.004）,ADFI（P = 0.03） and gain/feed ratio（P = 0.01）. At 6 h post-challenge, AGP pigs had lower plasma urea N（PUN; P = 0.02）and serum TNF-α concentration（P = 0.07）, and higher platelet count（P = 0.04） and serum IL-10 concentration（P = 0.02） than CC pigs. At 48 h post-challenge, AGP pigs had lower PUN（P = 0.02） than CC pigs, whereas enzymes ＋ yeast extract interacted non-additively（P = 0.001） to reduce PUN. At 96 h post-challenge, AGP pigs had lower PUN（P = 0.02）and higher duodenal（P = 0.03）, jejunal（P = 0.01） and ileal（P = 0.07） villus height than CC pigs. In addition, enzymes ＋yeast extract interacted additively and non-additively to reduce ileal IFN-γ（P 0.10） were observed between AGP and enzymes ＋ yeast extract pigs on other measured parameters except for the downregulation of ileal IFN-γ（P ＆lt; 0.0001） and TNF-α（P = 0.003） in enzymes ＋ yeast extract pigs at 96 h post-challenge.Conclusions： The LPS challenged piglets receiving enzymes ＋ yeast extract showed beneficial responses in gut structure and immunity commensurate with those receiving antibiotics, though the latter had better overall growth performance.

Chinese herb feed additives improved the growth performance, meat quality, and nutrient digestibility parameters of pigs

Background:Since the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a critical concern worldwide due to severe threats to human health and environment,we are in need of finding alternatives to antibiotics in pig breeding,maintaining the health of pigs,and getting high-quality pork.As traditional Chinese herbs(TCH)are rich natural resources in China and show great benefits to human health we propose to transfer this abundant resource into animal production industry as additives.Methods:Three groups of Chinese herbs(groups A,B,and C)were used as feed additives in the diet for pigs.In total 32 pigs were arranged in four groups(groups A,B,C,and control group,NC),fed in the same facility,eight pigs(one group)in each colony,free drinking,for 120 days.The feed:gain ratio(F/G),meat quality,total protein,and amino acid concentration of muscle were checked in the experiments.Results:After 120 days of feeding,the feed:gain ratio(F/G)of pigs in groups A,B,and C was decreased 17.56%,9.31%,and 13.86%compared with NC treatment,respectively.The diets supplemented with Chinese herbs improved meat quality,increased loin eye area(especially group A and C showed significant difference,P<.001),the total protein(increased ratio vs NC was A=4.54%,B=0.38%and C=3.53%),amino acid concentration of muscle,increased the villus height:crypt depth ratio,and induced positive effects on serum biochemical parameters and immune function(serum TC and TG concentrations were significantly lower than those in the NC group,P<.05.).Conclusions:The use of Chinese herbal feed additives can reduce the cost of pig breeding and produce high-quality pock.The combination of these effects would contribute to better absorption ability of the intestinal tract and yield a better growth performance.

Effects of Different Feed Additives on Fur Production Performance of Rex Rabbit

[ Objectivel To investigate the effects of three different levels of feed additives on fur production performance of Rex rabbit. [ Method] A total of 60 healthy American strain Rex rabbits at the age of 60 d （female：male =1：1 ） were randomly divided into group I, group II and group III. The Rex rabbits in the group I were fed basal diet containing nutritional substances; those in the group II were fed basal diet containing nutdtionai substances and Chinese herbal additive; and those in the group III were fed basal diet containing nutritional substances, Chinese herbal additive and enzyme. The trial lasted for 100 d. After slaughtering, the fur area, fur thickness, wool density, wool fineness and coarse wool rate were determined. [Result] The fur production performance of group III was significantly higher than that of group I （ P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference between group III and group II. [ Conclusion] Supplementing Chinese herbal additive and enzyme in diet can improve the fur production performance of Rex rabbit.

Application of enzymes as a feed additive in aquaculture

Modern aquaculture must be sustainable in terms of energy consumption, raw materials used, and environmental impact, so alternatives are needed to replace fish feed with other raw materials. Enzyme use in the agri-food industry is based on their efficiency, safety, and protection of the environment, which aligns with the requirements of a resource-saving production system. Enzyme supplementation in fish feed can improve digestibility and absorption of both plant- and animal-derived ingredients, increasing the growth parameters of aquacultural animals. Herein we summarized the recent literature that reported the use of digestive enzymes (amylases, lipases, proteases, cellulases, and hemicellulases) and non-digestive enzymes (phytases, glucose oxidase, and lysozyme) in fish feed. In addition, we analyzed how critical steps of the pelleting process, including microencapsulation and immobilization, can interfere with enzyme activity in the final fish feed product.

Effects of broccoli extract and various essential oils on intestinal and faecal microflora and on xenobiotic enzymes and the antioxidant system of piglets

Objective: Since the ban of antibiotics as growth promoting feed additives in the EU in 2006 research in alternatives has gained importance. Phytogenic feed additives represent a heterogenous class of different plant derived substances that are discussed to improve the health of farm animals by direct and indirect antioxidant effects and by influencing microbial eubiosis in the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently our study aimed to investigate the influence of broccoli extract and the essential oils of tur- meric, oregano, thyme and rosemary, as selected individual additives, on intestinal and faecal microflora, on xenobiotic enzymes, and on the antioxidant system of piglets. Methods: 48 four weeks old male weaned piglets were assigned to 6 groups of 8. The piglets were housed individually in stainless steel pens with slatted floor. The control group (Con) was fed a diet without an additive for 4 weeks. The diet of group BE contained 0.15 g/kg sulforaphane in form of a broccoli extract. 535, 282, 373 and 476 mg/kg of the essential oils of turmeric (Cuo), oregano (Oo), thyme (To) and rosemary (Ro) were added to the diets of the remaining 4 groups to stan-dardise supplementation to 150 mg/kg of the oils’ key terpene compounds ar-turmerone, carvacrol, thymol and 1,8-cineole. The composition of bacterial microflora was examined by cultivating samples of jejeunal and colonic mucosa and of faeces under specific conditions. The mRNA expression of xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes was determined by reversing transcrip- tase real time detection PCR (RT-PCR). Total antioxidant status was assayed using the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring thiobarbioturic acid reactive substances (TBA- RS). Results: Compared to Con piglets all additives positively influenced weight gain and feed conversion in week 1. Over the whole trial period no significant differences in performance parameters existed between the experimental groups. Compared to group Con performance of Ro piglets was, however, slightly impaired. Com- pared to Con piglets Cuo, Oo and To increased the ratio of Lactobacilli:E. coli attached to the jejunal mucosa, whereas BE and Ro impaired this ratio slightly. In contrast in colonic mucosa Ro improved Lactobacilli:E. coli ratio. In faecal samples an improvement of Lactobacilli:E. coli ratio could be analysed for To and Ro. Ro was the only additive that reduced the incidence rate of piglets tested positive for enterotoxic E. coli (ETEC). All additives significantly increased jejunal TEAC and reduced TBA-RS. In the liver BE, Cuo, Oo and To increased TEAC in tendency and Ro significantly. Liver TBA-RS were slightly reduced by all additives compared to Con piglets. Whereas the influence of BE, To and Ro on jejunal TEAC mainly was derived from the induction of xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes (indirect antioxidant effects), Cuo and Oo influenced TEAC by direct antioxidant effects. Discussion and Conclusions: Our results have shown: That within the labiatae oils Oo and To have the potential to improve performance slightly. That phytogenic substances have a small but not sig- nificant influence on intestinal microflora. That phytogenic feed additives up-regulate the anti- oxidant system of piglets either by direct or by indirect antioxidant effects and that they may thereby improve health status. That within the labiatae oils Oo has a high direct antioxidant potential whereas Ro potently induces xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes. That broccoli extract is an attractive new phytogenic additive, improving antioxidant status by indirect antioxidant effects. That defined combinations of selected phytogenic substances may produce additive effects. That health promoting effects of phytogenic additives in the future should be studied systematically under the challenge with pathogenic microorganisms or food derived to-xins.

Effect of Chinese Herbal Feed Additive on Meat Quality of Rex Rabbit

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to provide a theoretical basis for population and application of Chinese herbal feed additive in the rex rabbit breeding. [ Methyl] 108 weaned -rex rabbits aged 40 days were divided into three groups with thirty -six each group. Group A were fed basal diet, while group B were fed basal diet supplemented with 0.3% Chinese herbal feed additive and group C were fed basal diet supplemented with 0.4% Chinese herbal feed additive. The meat quality indexes were measured when feeding to 150 age in days. [ Result] There was significant difference among pH value, water loss rate, storing loss rate and crude protein content in each group （P〈0.05）, but no significant difference was found in tenderness, cooking percentage, moisture content and crude fat content （ P 〉 0.05）. The total content of ami- no acids, essential amino acids and semi essential amino acids as well as main delicious amino acids was highest in group C accounting for 23.84%, 11.47% and 8.32% respectively, next came group B accounting for 20.94%, 10.64% and 6.81% respectively, and lowest in group C （ control group） accounting for 19.06%, 9.61% and 6.46% respectively. [ Conclusion] The Chinese herbal feed additive can improve meat quality of rex rabbit the best addition of 0.4%.

Effects of Herbal Feed Additive on Milk Production of Dairy Cows

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the herbal feed additive Zengrujianniusan on the milk production of dairy cows. [Method] Thirty-two black-white lactating cows were randomly divided into four groups, and were fed with forage supplemented with 0 （control group）, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% Zengrujianniusan for 60 d. During this period, the contents of fat, protein and non-fat solid in milk were measured every 20 d. [Result] The milk production of the cows whose forage was added with 0.2 %, 0.4 % and 0.6% Zengrujianniusan was 4.02%, 12.50%, 14.00% higher than that of the control （P〉0.05）. The herbal feed additive had no significant influence on the contents of fat, milk and non-fat solid in milk, but significantly reduced the number of somatic cells. [Conclusion] The study will provide reference for developing feed additives which is safe and non-toxic to cows and their milk.

Yeast Culture and Its Application in Feed

Yeast culture is a kind of green feed additive. It has been researched and applied widely in the feed industry. In this paper, the functions of yeast culture and its application in the actual production were discussed. It can be concluded that yeast culture has a great application prospect.

The effects of DDT on the feeding, respiration, survival, and reproduction of Sinocalanus tenellus(Copepoda:Calanoida)

DDT （dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane） as a type of organochlorine pesticides, is an important compo nent of pesticides pollution whose impact on the marine ecosystem is urgently to be evaluated. To investi gate the biological effects of DDT on the marine ecosystem, copepods being the main contributor of sec ondary productivity in the marine ecosystem, were selected as target animals. The influence of DDT on the feeding, respiration, survival, and reproduction of Sinocalanus tenellus （S. tenellus） was analyzed and the antioxidant enzymes activities in the individuals were measured under different exposure concentrations of DDT. The 48 h median lethal concentration （LC50） and 96 h LC50 of DDT to S. tenellus were 5.44 and 2.50 pg/dma, respectively. The filtration rates, grazing rates, and respiration of S. tenellus decreased apparently with increased DDT concentrations. Under lower concentration （〈625 ng/dm3） of DDT, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase in the animals increased significantly compared with those in the animals without any exposure to DDT, which suggested that the antioxidant enzymes can protect the animals from oxidative damage. However, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme decreased when the animals were exposed to higher concentration （1250-2 500 ng/dma） of DDT. The sur-vival rate of both females and males was reduced when they were exposed to DDT less than 250 ng/dm3, but females showed higher survival rate than males when they are under the same concentration. The hatching ratio and the egg diameters of S. tenellus decreased significantly when they were exposed to DDT with a concentration of 25 and 250 ng/dm3, however, the cumulative egg production did not show any significant variation when the animals were exposed to the above DDT concentration. These data in the preset study suggested that exposure to DDT can cause the variation of the species composition of copepods, and further affect the marine ecosystem.

Test of Feeding Dairy Cows with Chinese Herbal Additive for Improving Production and Quality of Milk

At Baiyin dairy farm, the Chinese herbal additive was added into feed which was then fed to dairy cows from August to October, 2014, and the changes in milk production and quality were observed. The test showed that the additive added into the feed had obvious milk-increasing effect, the milk production was im- proved by 12.67%-17.26%, and the milk quality was improved. The additive has the effects of preventing miscarriage, expelling parasite and preventing diseases. The nutritional components in the feed additive were determined, and the results showed that the contents of protein, crude fat, Ca and P in the additive were 12.29%, 2.66%, 1.8% and 0.22%, respectively.

Effect of Different Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on the Growth,Body Composition,and Intestinal Digestive Enzyme Activities of Juvenile Yellow Drum Nibea albiflora(Richardson)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal dietary protein-to-lipid ratio for juvenile Nibea albiflora with an initial weight of(11.76 ± 0.20) g.Nine experimental diets containing different concentrations of protein(40%,47%,or 54%) and lipids(5%,9%,or 13%) in a 3 × 3 factorial experimental design were tested in triplicate groups of fish,while the protein-to-energy(P/E) ratios of the diets varied in the range of 19.74–28.32 mg k J^(-1).Results showed that fish fed diets containing 9% or 13% lipids with 54% protein exhibited significantly higher weight gains and specific growth rates than those fed other diets.The feed conversion rate of fish fed the diet with 40% protein and 5% lipids was significantly poorer than that of fish fed other diets.The protein efficiency rate of fish fed diets with 5% lipids was significantly lower than that of fish fed 9% or 13% lipid diets.Carcass lipid and energy contents were positively correlated with dietary lipid level regardless of protein level.Fish fed a 54% protein diet showed the highest trypsin activity.The intestinal lipase activity of fish fed the diet containing 13% lipids was significantly higher than that of fish fed 5% or 9% lipid diets.These results demonstrate the high protein dietary requirements of N.albiflora.A diet containing 54% protein and 9%–13% lipids with a P/E ratio of 26.2–27.81 mg protein k J^(-1) can be considered optimal for juvenile N.albiflora.

Level and characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in feed and feed additives

Feed security is a prerequisite for safe animal food products.In this study,13 groups of feed and feed ingredients,totaling 2067 samples,were collected in the period of 2011 to 2014 from China.The highest mean level of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans（PCDD/Fs） was found in fish meals and shell powders,with a concentration of 60.35 ng/kg,followed by mineral origin materials.In terms of the toxicity equivalent concentration,the fish oil group showed the highest PCDD/F levels because of their bio-accumulation through the aquatic food chain,with an average concentration of 1.26 ng WHO-TEQ/kg,while the lowest level was observed in compound feed for chickens and pigs,with an average value of0.16 ng WHO-TEQ/kg.OCDD and OCDF were the predominant congeners in all groups except fish oils,in which the primary congeners were 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDF.For zinc chloride samples,different from other zinc-based compound samples,the main congeners were 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF（17%）,1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF（15%）,1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF（12%） and OCDF（30%）.Considering toxicity equivalency factors,the dominant congeners were 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF,1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF,2,3,7,8-TCDF and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD,and the contribution to the total TEQwas29%,16%,14%and 12%,respectively.Overall,2.1%（43 out of 2067） of all the analyzed samples exceeded the different individual ＇European Union maximum limited levels for PCDD/Fs.This study is beneficial for the determination of the status of contamination levels of feed and feed ingredients.

Effects of small peptides, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and oxidative stress in orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, juveniles reared in artificial seawater

Aquaculture production efficiency may increase by using feed additives. This study investigated the effects of different dietary additives [w/w: 2% small peptides, 0.01% probiotics( Bacillus licheniformis) and 0.2% prebiotics(inulin)] on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and oxidative stress in juvenile Epinephelus coioides reared in artificial seawater of two salt concentrations(13.5 vs. 28.5). Weight gain rate was significantly higher in fish fed the diet supplemented with small peptides, B. licheniformis, inulin, or synbiotics than that in fish fed the basal diet; the greatest weight gain rate was found in fish fed the small peptide treatment [56.0% higher than basal diet]. Higher feed efficiency was detected in fish fed the diet supplemented with small peptides than that of fish in the other dietary treatments. Total protease activity in the stomach and intestines was highest in fish fed the small peptide-treated diet, whereas lipase activity was highest in those fed synbiotics(combination of Bacillus licheniformis and inulin) than that in fish fed the other treatments. Antioxidant enzyme(total superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities and hepatic malondialdehyde content were higher in fish receiving the dietary supplements and maintained in artificial seawater containing 13.5 salinity compared with those in the control(28.5). Hepatic catalase activity in grouper fed the diets with small peptides or synbiotics decreased significantly compared with that in control fish. Overall, the three types of additives improved growth rate of juvenile grouper and digestive enzymes activities to varying degrees but did not effectively improve antioxidant capacity under low-salinity stress conditions.