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Camel meat is being explored as a potential solution to combat hunger, malnutrition, and food shortages. It is nutritionally valuable, with low cholesterol and high levels of important nutrients. However, challenges such as local conflicts, droughts, diseases, and limited access to veterinary services limit its production and consumption. A study on the sensory evaluation of camel meat found that its tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability varied depending on the slaughter age and aging period. The authors suggest addressing constraints related to production, processing, and exportation to fully utilize camel meat as a valuable source of high-quality animal protein. [Extracted from the article]

Compared with conventional soybean meal (SBM), processed soy protein has been demonstrated to have greater nutrient digestibility, leading to better animal growth performance and gut health. The aim of the present study was to test hypothesis that Provisoy, a SBM product produced via hydrothermal mechanical treatment could improve weaning piglet growth performance via greater crude protein (CP) digestibility compared with SBM, and this benefit would be greater in pigs under Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenged conditions. A total of 268 weaned pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 6.82 ± 0.85 kg] were allotted to a split plot design and pigs were housed in either a regular nursery condition (5 pigs/pen, 10-11 pens/treatment) or an ETEC challenged condition (3 pigs/pen, 12 pens/treatment, 1 pig per pen was orally gavaged with 10 mL O149K91K88 on d 5 post-weaning). All pigs were fed one of the following diets: SBM, Provisoy or HP300. A standard wheat-barley-SBM based nursery diet was used and test soy products were added to replace SBM in the treatment diets. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and had similar standardized ileal digestible lysine level in a three-phase (38 days) nursery program. One pig per pen was euthanized for ileal digesta and fecal samples were collected on post-weaning day 13 and 14. Data were analyzed by general linear model in R. In summary, there was no interaction between challenge condition and dietary protein source on intake and gain throughout all three phases. A significant interaction in G:F between d 0-7 post-weaning (P < 0.05) was observed. As expected, pigs performed better in regular conditions compared with challenged conditions (P < 0.05). Dietary protein source significantly affected ADG (P < 0.05) and BW (P < 0.01) on post-weaning d 7 regardless of challenge condition, with pigs fed Provisoy exhibiting increased ADG and d 7 BW versus the control but not different than HP300. Similar improvements in growth performance were observed during d 7-12 post-weaning. However, the effect of protein source on piglet growth was no longer evident during the last phase of nursery. There was no interaction observed between challenge condition and protein source on CP apparent ileal digestibility (AID) or apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). Dietary protein source affected CP ATTD (P < 0.01), with Provisoy treatment having the greatest value compared with other treatments. Challenge conditions tended to decrease CP AID (P = 0.109). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of Provisoy could improve piglet growth performance during the early nursery phase regardless of challenge condition and this benefit was likely partially due to better CP digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible insects such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are alternative protein sources for animal feeds due to their high-protein content and potential low environmental footprint. However, protein quality and AA content may vary across insect species and age. Our objective was to determine the effects of age on nutrient and AA digestibility of BSFL intended for use in pet foods using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prior to experimentation. Twenty-four cecectomized roosters (four roosters per substrate) were randomly assigned to test substrates [BSFL0 = day 0 (day of hatch); BSFL11 = day 11; BSFL14 = day 14; BSFL18 = day 18; BSFL23 = day 23; BSFL29 = day 29]. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 20 g of test substrates. Following crop intubation, excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using five additional cecectomized roosters. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design and the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. DM and OM digestibilities were not different among substrates, but acid-hydrolyzed fat digestibility tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for BSFL23 and BSFL29 than BSFL14 and BSFL18. Although all substrates had a high digestibility, BSFL0 and BSFL11 had the lowest (P < 0.05) digestibilities for most indispensable and dispensable AA. Digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to AAFCO nutrient profiles and NRC recommended allowances for dogs and cats. In general, BSFL18 had the highest, and BSFL11 had the lowest DIAAS-like values for most indispensable AA. Threonine, methionine, and tryptophan were often the first-limiting AA. Our results suggest that BSFL are a high-quality protein and AA source, but that age can affect the AA digestibility and protein quality of this alternative protein source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken-based ingredients are commonly used in pet food products, but vary greatly in nutrient composition and processing conditions that may affect their protein quality and digestibility. Testing the quality of protein sources undergoing different processing conditions provides important information to pet food producers. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, nutrient digestibility, protein, and AA digestibility scores, and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) of chicken-based ingredients that had undergone different processing conditions (i.e. chicken meal, raw chicken, retorted chicken, and steamed chicken) using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. True nutrient digestibility was variable among the protein sources (60% to 76% of DM, 66% to 81% of OM, 83% to 90% of AHF, 50% to 95% of AA and 73% to 85% of TMEn/GE). In general, the chicken meal had a lower (P < 0.05) nutrient digestibility than other ingredients tested, including DM, OM, and most indispensable and dispensable AA, with most having a true digestibility between 75% and 85%. The steamed chicken had the highest indispensable AA digestibilities, with all having a true digestibility greater than 88% and most being over 90%. TMEn value and digestible indispensable AA scores (DIAAS)-like values were higher (P < 0.0001) in the less processed chicken-based ingredients in comparison to chicken meal. Although animal proteins are often considered to be complete proteins, DIAAS-like values <100% suggest that ingredients like chicken meal may not provide all indispensable AA when included at levels to the meet minimal crude protein recommendation. Although raw protein sources are often touted as being the most digestible and of the highest quality, the steamed chicken had the highest (P < 0.0001) DIAAS-like values in this study. This study demonstrates the considerable variability that exists, not only in the chemical composition but also in the true nutrient digestibility among chicken-based ingredients undergoing different processing conditions. These data justify more in vivo testing and the use of DIAAS-like values that consider AA profile, in vivo digestibility, and species-specific recommendations, to evaluate protein-based ingredients intended for use in dog and cat foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, 5% powders of Tenebrio molitor (TM), Musca domestica larvae (MDL), or Zophobas morio (ZM) were used as a source of dietary protein in piglets weaned at 14 ± 2 d of age instead of 5% plasma protein powder in the basal diet (4 groups with 6 replicates of 6 piglets). Growth performance, diarrhea rate, plasma biochemical parameters, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) were determined on Days 28 and 56 after the initiation of treatment. The ADFI in the TM and MDL groups on Day 7 were decreased (P < 0.05) whereas the ADFI in the ZM group on Days 28 and 56 were increased (P < 0.05) compared with the respective values in the control group. Diarrhea rates in all of the insect groups from Days 15 through 28 were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. On Day 28, the plasma ammonia concentration in all of the insect groups was decreased (P < 0.05) compared with that in the control group. On Day 56, plasma concentrations of total protein and albumin were decreased (P < 0.05) in the ZM group whereas the Met AID in all of the insect groups was increased (P < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in nutrient AID on Day 28 compared with the control group, except for Ile and Met. Collectively, these findings indicate that the use of insect powder as a source of dietary protein is associated with apparent good bioavailability of several AA and a reduced diarrhea rate in early-weaned piglets without affecting growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide variety of animal protein-based ingredients is commonly used in the pet food products. The raw ingredients and processing procedures used may greatly affect protein quality. Testing the quality of alternative protein sources is necessary and contributes to the sustainability of pet foods. The objective of this study was to test the chemical composition of 8 protein sources intended for use in dog and cat foods (calamari meal, pork peptone, alligator meal, lamb meal, venison meal, chicken meal, and 2 duck meals), and evaluate their true nutrient digestibility and nitrogen-corrected true ME (TMEn) using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Calamari meal and pork peptone had lower ash (4.4 and 3.6% of DM, respectively) but greater CP (88.1 and 80.5% of DM, respectively) and either greater or similar GE (5.6 and 5.3 kcal/g of DM, respectively) compared with alligator, lamb, venison, chicken, and duck meals (11.8 to 24.5% ash, 58.7 to 65.9% CP, and 4.6 to 5.3 kcal GE/g). Acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) was lower in calamari meal (8.7% of DM) compared with the other proteins tested (15.5-22.1% of DM). True nutrient digestibility was variable among the protein sources (52 to 79% of DM, 60 to 83% of OM, 78 to 92% of AHF, and 70 to 89% of GE) with pork peptone having the highest DM, AHF, and GE digestibility and calamari meal having the highest OM digestibility. True indispensable AA digestibility was highest for calamari meal, with all AA having a digestibility greater than 90%. Except for histidine, all indispensable AA had a digestibility over 85% for pork peptone. In contrast, true indispensable AA digestibility was lowest for lamb meal, with histidine having digestibility less than 70% and the other entire indispensable AA having digestibility between 72 and 88%. The TMEn of calamari meal (4.82 kcal/g DM and 86.9% of GE) was greater (P < 0.05) than the other protein sources. The lamb meal had the lowest TMEn value (3.12 kcal/g DM and 66.9% of GE), with others being intermediate (3.46-4.09 kcal/g DM and 71.2-77.9% of GE). This study demonstrates the considerable variability that exists not only in the chemical composition but also in the true nutrient digestibility among protein sources intended for use in dog and cat foods and justifies further in vivo testing of novel protein sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding plant based (PB) nursery diets may aggravate the effects of disease in pigs, which may be attenuated by functional amino acid (FAA) supplementation. The objective was to determine the effects of nursery dietary protein source and FAA supplementation in pigs subsequently challenged with Salmonella (ST). Thirty-two pigs (8.7 ± 0.23 kg) were assigned to 1 of 4 diet programs for 4 wk post-weaning in a 2 × 2 factorial with dietary protein source [PB vs. animalbased (AB)] with basal (FAA-) or supplemented FAA profile (FAA+; Thr, Met, and Trp at 120% of requirements). Pigs were then placed onto a common grower diet and, after a 7-d adaptation period, were inoculated with ST (3.0 × 109 CFU/mL) and monitored for 7 d post-inoculation. Growth performance, fecal score, gut health, ST shedding, intestinal colonization and translocation were measured pre- and post-inoculation. Nursery fecal score was decreased in AB-FAA+ pigs compared with the other groups (0.42 vs. 0.68±0.06 score; P< 0.05) and post-inoculation fecal score was increased in PB compared to AB pigs (1.12 vs. 0.95±0.15 score; P< 0.05). Overall ST shedding (2.20 vs. 2.42±0.22 score), cecal (1.69 vs. 2.50±0.36 score) and colonic ST colonization (2.05 vs. 2.83±0.36 score), and cecal myeloperoxidase (1.92 vs. 2.65±0.37 µU/mL) were reduced in AB compared with PB pigs (P< 0.05). Translocation of ST to spleen was decreased by FAA+ compared with FAA- (0.88 vs. 1.50±0.36 score; P< 0.05). Post-inoculation, AB pigs had greater weight gain compared with PB-FAA- (0.72 vs. 0.52±0.07 kg/d; P< 0.05). Pigs fed AB-FAA- had increased feed intake compared with PB-FAA- (1.45 vs. 1.17±0.08 kg/d; P< 0.05). Gain:feed was increased in AB-FAA+ compared with PB-FAA- pigs (0.54 vs. 0.44±0.05 kg/kg; P< 0.05). Pigs fed PB nursery diets were more susceptible to a subsequent ST challenge, and FAA supplementation attenuated the negative effects of PB diets in ST-challenged pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) were colonized so that larval growth rates could be compared. Colonies were also established to provide insight into the protein needs of adult C. rufifacies and developmental rates of the ensuing larvae. The C. megacephala and C. rufifacies laboratory colonies were reared for five and six generations, respectively, at 28° C. C. megacephala developmental mean rate from egg to adult was 20.4 ± 0.38 d. First-instar larvae emerge in 1.4 ± 0.24 d, second-instar larvae develop in 2.6 ± 0.38 d and third instars occur at 6.3 ± 0.72 d. Development from egg to pupation occurred in 12 ± 1.10 d. C. rufifacies developed at a mean rate of 16.2 ± 0.78 d from egg to adult emergence. Each stage occurred in succession from first-instar larvae 1.1 ± 0.25 d, second-instar larvae developed 2.3 ± 0.25 d later, and the third-instar larvae developed 5.7 ± 0.41 d later. The larvae pupated 10.0 ± 0.57 d after oviposition. Both of these flies can be collected in the wild and easily colonized using conditioned chicken as an oviposition and larval medium. C. megacephaïa apparently prefers a lower development and maintenance temperature than C. rufifacies, as evidenced by the high pupal mortality. Laboratory-reared C. rufifacies benefited from bloodmeal as a protein supplement to enhance egg production. C. rufifacies larvae were not observed preying on each other and additional larval species were not provided to serve as prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Does protein source or human serum albumin (HSA) in embryo culture media influence the subsequent birthweight? SUMMARY ANSWER A significant difference was observed in gestational age- and gender-adjusted birthweight (Z scores) and the proportion of large-for-gestational age (LGA) babies between embryos cultured in G1 v5 and those cultured in G1-PLUS v5 media. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY It has been reported that the birthweights of singletons born from embryos cultured in Vitrolife are significantly higher than those cultured in the Cook group of media, and that G1-PLUS (Vitrolife, Gothenburg, Sweden) is associated with increased birth and placenta weights compared with Medicult ISMI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION This study was a retrospective analysis of neonatal birthweights, and included 1097 singletons born from fresh embryo transfer cycles at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital between January 2011 and August 2012. The number of singletons born from G1 v5 culture media was 489, and the number of singletons born from G1-PLUS v5 media was 608. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, AND METHODS Patients <40 years of age with a BMI <30 kg/m2 were analysed. Only data from newborns from singleton pregnancies and born alive after the 28th week of gestation were included. Patients with a vanishing twin or with pregnancy-related complications, such as diabetes and hypertension, were excluded, as were patients who received preimplantation genetic diagnosis or used donor oocytes. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of individual factors on birthweights of singleton newborns. The birthweights and Z scores of singletons and LGA babies were compared between the G1 v5 and G1-PLUS v5 media groups. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The absolute birthweights for singletons resulting from G1-PLUS v5 were not different from singletons resulting from G1 v5 (3375.9 ± 479.6 g versus 3333.2 ± 491.6 g, respectively; P = 0.14). However the Z scores for singletons from embryos cultured in G1-PLUS v5 were significantly higher than for singletons cultured in G1 v5 (0.28 ± 1.12 versus 0.09 ± 1.15, respectively; P = 0.04), and more LGA babies were born from G1-PLUS v5 culture compared with G1 v5 (16.8 versus 12.1%, respectively; P = 0.03) culture. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis suggested that female weight (P = 0.00), male height (P = 0.04), gestational age at birth (P = 0.00), infant gender (P = 0.00) and culture media (P = 0.04) all had significant effects on the birthweights of singleton newborns. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was limited by its retrospective design. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THESE FINDINGS Our study suggests that protein source/HSA has a significant effect on birthweights of singleton newborns. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Young Scholars (81300483). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of dietary inclusion of white lupin seed (WLS) on the milk composition and yield of rabbit does as well as the performance of their litters was studied. Two lactation diets having identical digestible protein (DP):DE ratio and two weaning diets having identical DP:DE ratio were formulated. The first lactation diet (SL) contained soybean meal (SBM; 13.0%) and sunflower meal (5.0%) as the main CP sources, whereas the second lactation diet (LL) was based on WLS (25.0%). As a result, the LL diet had a greater ether extract (EE) content than did the SL diet. The first weaning diet (SW) included SBM (7.0%) as the main CP source, whereas the second weaning diet (LW) diet was based on WLS (12.0%). No additional fat was added to any of the diets. A total of 32 (16 per treatment) Hyplus PS 19 does (4,225 ± 607 g BW, at the second parturition) were fed 1 of the 2 lactation diets. The litters were standardized to 9 kits (564 ± 81 g BW) on the day of birth and were fed 1 of the 2 weaning diets from d 17 to 69 of age. At d 30 of age (weaning), 66 rabbits on each weaning diet (689 ± 71 g B W; 3 per cage) were used to evaluate performance. Feed intake and doe BW were not affected by the dietary treatments. Milk yield tended to be higher between d 1 and 30 of lactation in does fed the LL diet (P = 0.094), a finding that is related to the higher dietary EE content and intake in the LL diet. When expressed per kilogram of metabolic weight, milk output (P < 0.05) and fat output (P < 0.05) were greater in these does. Improved G:F (P < 0.05) between d 1 and 21 of lactation and greater ADG (P = 0.072) and milk efficiency (P < 0.05) of litters was observed in does fed the LL diet. The milk of does fed the LL diet contained less linoleic acid (P < 0.05) and arachidonic acid (C 20:4n-6; P < 0.05) and more oleic acid (P < 0.05), a-linolenic acid (P < 0.05), and eicosa-pentaenic acid (P < 0.05), with a corresponding increase in the total PUFA n-3 :C 20:4n-6 ratio (P < 0.05). The performance of fattening rabbits was not affected by dietary treatment. The number of ill plus dead rabbits caused by digestive disease was lower (P < 0.05) in rabbits fed the LW diet. Therefore, WLS is a suitable dietary CP source for lactating does that can replace traditionally used CP sources without adverse effects on feed intake and milk yield or on the growth and viability of their litters. Due to its fatty acid (FA) composition, the use of WLS in the lactation diet has the potential to improve the milk FA composition of does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five experiments were conducted to evaluate replacing fish meal, meat and bone meal, and poultry byproduct meal with crystalline AA for 7- to 12-kg pigs. In all experiments, pigs (PIC TR4 x 1050) were fed a common diet for 3 d postweaning, treatment diets for 14 d (d 0 to 14), and, again, a common diet for 14 d (d 14 to 28). Treatment diets were com-soybean meal based and formulated to contain 1.30% standard-ized ileal digestible (SID) Lys. Experiment 1 evaluated replacing dietary fish meal with crystalline AA. For the 6 treatments, crystalline Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Ile, Val, Gin, and Gly all increased to maintain minimum AA ratios as fish meal decreased (4.50, 3.60, 2.70, 1.80, and 0.90 to 0.00%). There was no difference in ADG, ADFI, or G:F among treatments, validating a low-CP, AA-fortified diet for subsequent experiments. Experiment 2 evalu-ated deleting crystalline AA from a low-CP, AA-fortified diet with 6 treatments: 1) a positive control similar to the diet validated in Exp. 1, 2) positive control with L-Ile deleted, 3) positive control with L-Trp deleted, 4) posi-tive control with L-Val deleted, 5) positive control with L-Gln and L-Gly deleted, and 6) positive control with L-Ile, L-Trp, L-Val, L-Gln, and L-Gly deleted (NC). Pigs fed the positive control or lie deleted diet had improved (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI during d 0 to 14 compared with pigs fed diets with L-Trp or L-Val deleted or NC. Experiment 3 evaluated 6 treatments with total Lys:CP of 6.79, 6.92, 7.06, 7.20, 7.35, and 7.51%. Fish meal was adjusted as a source of dispensable N to achieve the target Lys:CP. There were no differences in growth performance among pigs fed different Lys:CP diets. Experiment 4 evaluated increasing SID Val:Lys with Val at 57.4, 59.9, 62.3, 64.7, 67.2, and 69.6% of Lys. Average daily gain and ADFI increased (quadratic, P < 0.01) and G:F improved (linear, P = 0.02) during d 0 to 14 as Val:Lys increased from 57.4 to 64.7%. Experiment 5 was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with main effects of low or high level of crystalline AA and 3 animal protein sources (fish meal, meat and bone meal, or poultry byproduct meal). Low- and high-crystalline AA diets contained 4.5 or 1% fish meal, 6 or 1.2% meat and bone meal, and 6 or 1% poultry byproduct meal, respectively. No AA x protein source interactions were observed. From d 0 to 14, no differences in growth per-formance among protein sources was found, whereas increasing crystalline AA improved (P = 0.04) ADG. In conclusion, crystalline AA can replace fish meal, meat and bone meal, and poultry byproduct meal when bal-anced for SID AA ratios of Met and Cys:Lys (58%), Thr:Lys (62%), Trp:Lys (16.5%), Val:Lys (65%), and Ile:Lys (52%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the diets with and without supplemental protein or protein sources on ruminai degradability, duodenal flows, and intestinal digestibility of protein and AA in growing heifers; supplemental protein included canola meal (CM) or dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) that varied in grain source and milling process. Five ruminally and duodenally cannulated Angus heifers (initial BW, 386 kg ± 20 kg) were assigned to a 5 x 5 Latin square with 21-d experimental periods. The diets consisted of 60% barley silage and 40% barley grain-based concentrate (DM basis) varying in protein source: CON (no protein supplement), CM, wheat DDGS (wDDGS), com DDGS (cDDGS), or fractionated com DDGS (fDDGS) plus urea N. Dietary CP concentrations were 11.9, 14.4, 14.4, 14.3, and 14.3% (DM basis), respectively, for CON-, CM-, wDDGS-, cDDGS-, and fDDGS-based diets. Intake of DM was less (P < 0.02) for heifers fed CON than those fed protein-supplemented diets (PSD), which did not differ. Intake of N followed the same pattern as DMI with less (P < 0.01) N intake by heifers fed CON than those fed PSD. Flows of OM, NDF, and starch to duodenum, and their digestibility in the rumen and in the total digestive tract did not differ among treatments. Flows of nonammonia N (NAN) and microbial N to the duodenum were greater (P < 0.05) for heifers fed PSD than those fed CON. Furthermore, heifers fed fDDGS had greater (P < 0.05) duodenal flow of NAN than those fed CM or cDDGS. Ruminai degradability of protein did not differ among diets, whereas digestibility of protein in the intestine was greater (P < 0.04) for fDDGS than CON. Overall, flows of essential AA, nonessential AA, and total AA were greatest (P < 0.05) for wDDGS and fDDGS, intermediate for CM and cDDGS, and least (P < 0.01) for CON diets. Ruminai total VFA concentration was greater for wDDGS (P <0.01) and fDDGS (P < 0.05) than CON and cDDGS with no differences in molar proportion of individual VFA. Ruminai NH3 N was greater for CM {P <0.01) and wDDGS (P < 0.02) than CON, which was not different from cDDGS and fDDGS diets. These results indicate that wDDGS and fDDGS supplemented backgrounding diets delivered greater amounts of protein and AA at the small intestine compared to CM and cDDGS diets when formulated to be isonitrogenous. Supplemental protein increased the supply of protein and AA at the small intestine of cattle fed backgrounding diets comprised of barley silage and barley grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimal quantities of ruminally degradable protein from supplements may improve supplement use efficiency of ruminants grazing dormant forages. In Exp. 1, N retention, ruminai NH3, serum urea N, and NDF digestibility were evaluated for 12 ruminally cannulated cows (Bos spp.) in an incomplete Latin Square design with 3 periods of 42 d each. Cows were fed weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees] hay (4.1% CP, 75% NDF, OM basis) at 1.3 % BW/d and offered 1 of 3 sources of CP [urea, cottonseed (Gossypium spp.) meal (CSM); or 50% blood meal and 50% feather meal combination (BFM)] fed to supply 0,40,80, or 160 g/d of CP. Beginning on d 22 of supplementation, ruminai contents and serum samples were collected at --2,0,3,6,9,12,18,24,30,36, and 48 h relative to the morning offering of hay. On Day 24, feces and urine were collected for 72 h. In Exp. 2, 4 ruminally cannulated steers were used in a replicated 4 by 4 Latin Square to evaluate use of supplements differing in quantity and ruminai CP degradability. Steers were fed 6.8 kg/d chopped sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench nothosubsp drummondii (Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse] hay (3.7% CP, 74% NDF on OM basis) and supplemented with 56 g/d of a salt mineral mix (CON); CON + 28 g/d blood meal + 28 g/d feather meal (BFM); CON + 98 g/d CSM (LCS); or CON + 392 g/d CSM (HCS). Treatments provided 0,40,40, or 160 g/d of CP for CON, BFM, LCS, and HCS respectively. In Exp. 1, N use and total tract NDF digestibility were not affected by protein sources or amounts (P ≥ 0.18). Ruminai NH3 concentrations exhibited a quadratic response over time for UREA (P < 0.05) and was greater with increasing inclusion of urea (P < 0.05); whereas BFM or CSM did not differ (P > 0.05) by amount or across time. In Exp. 2, supplementation had a tendency (P = 0.09) to increase DM disappearance. Supplementation also increased {P < 0.01) serum glucose concentrations; however, no difference (P ≥ 0.28) was found between supplements. Serum urea N and ruminai NH3 concentrations were increased (P ≤ 0.01 ) in steers fed HCS. Feeding low quantities of a high-RUP supplement maintained rumen function without negatively affecting DM or NDF digestibility of a low-quality forage diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma AA in horses fed either an allhay or a hay and grain diet in a traditional format have not been investigated. Eight horses were divided into 2 groups: a hay group fed only grass hay or a hay and a grain group (HG) fed in a crossover design for two 5-wk periods. After the first period, horses were fasted overnight, followed by feeding with blood sampling every hour for 6 h. A 4-d total fecal and urine collection to evaluate N balance followed. A 10-d washout period separated the 5-wk feeding periods, during which horses switched diets. The second period was also followed by fasting, feeding, blood sampling, and a 4-d collection period. Horses consumed 840 g of CP in the hay group and 865 g of CP in the HG group. Horses in the hay group had a 2.4 ± 2.4 g/d N balance, which was not different from 0 (P = 0.34), whereas horses in the HG group had 5.4 ± 2.4 g/d N balance, which was different from 0 (P = 0.045). Fecal N excretion was greater for the hay group compared with the HG group (hay = 51.1 ± 1.3 g/cI and HG = 45.5 ± 1.3 g/d; P = 0.011), and urine N excretion was greater for the HG group cornpared with the hay group (hay = 79.3 ± 2.8 g/d and HG = 89.2 ± 2.8 g/d; P = 0.026). Plasma AA concentrations were greater in the HG group compared with the hay group for Met (P = 0.001), Lys (P = 0.001), Ile (P = 0.047), Arg (P < 0.001), Gln (P 0.009), and Orn (P = 0.002). Plasma concentrations were less for the HG group compared with the hay group for Thr (P < 0.001) and Ala (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of urea were greater for the HG group compared with the hay group (P < 0.001), whereas 3-methyl-histidine concentrations were greater for the hay group compared with the HG group (P < 0.001). The effect of diet on the excretion of N via feces vs. urine in the hay and HG groups is typical. The early increases in the plasma concentrations of Met, Val, Ile, Leu, Phe, Lys, Arg, and Ala during the postfeeding phase are most likely due to increased foregut digestibility as well as a greater quality AA profile in the grain. The greater concentrations of Thr, Leu, and Val later in the postfeeding phase for the hay group most likely reflects slower digestion because of prolonged consumption time compared with the HG group. Improved N balance observed in the HG group supports the fact that the HG group had more available AA via the AA profile and foregut digestibility of the HG diet. Despite the fact that both gropps consumed similar amounts of CP, the AA profile and availability affected N balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cottonseed meal (CM) and rapeseed meal (RM) have been used as alternative protein sources in porcine feed, but their exact digestive regulation remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine the dynamic profiles of AA released from different nitrogen composited diets in the jejunum of pigs. Seventy-two pigs (19.3 kg BW) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (18 pigs per group) and fed diets containing corn and either fish meal (FM), soybean meal (SBM), CM, or RM with equivalent AA for 7 d. The digesta of the jejunum were collected at 1, 4, and 8 h after feeding. The hydrolysate AA of undigested protein (HAA), free AA (FAA), and peptide-bound AA (PAA) in the digesta were determined. The lowest HAA contents were observed in the FM and SBM groups at 4 h. High levels of FAA were released from the SBM diet, whereas low levels of FAA were released from the RM diet at 1 and 4 h after feeding. The concentration of PAA in the CM group was lower than those in the FM and SBM groups. These results showed that the SBM diet could be easily degraded to FAA and peptide, and the FM diet tended to be degraded to peptide in the jejunum. There were less FAA and PAA released from the CM and RM diets although dietary AA were balanced, but the RM diet released more FAA and PAA than the CM diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Two growth assays and 1 N balance trial were conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Iie:Lys ratio in 8- to 25-kg pigs using spray-dried blood cells or corn gluten feed as a protein source. In Exp. 1, 48 individually penned pigs (initial BW = 7.7 kg) were used in a 6-point SID Ile titration study (analyzed SID lie of 0.36, 0.43, 0.50, 0.57, 0.64, and 0.72%) by addition of graded levels of L-Ile. The basal diet contained 1.00% SID Lys, 18.4% CP, and 13.6 MJ of ME/kg. Diets were based on wheat, barley, corn, and 7.5% spray-dried blood cells as a protein source. Dietary SID Leu and Val levels were 1.61 and 1.02%, respectively. For the 35-d period, ADG, ADFI, and G:F increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.04) with increasing SID Ile:Lys. Estimates of optimal SID Ile:Lys ratios were 59% for ADG and ADFI. In Exp. 2, 24 N balances were conducted using the Exp. 1 diets (12 pigs; individually penned; average BW = 11.5 kg). Pigs were fed 3 times daily with an amount equal to 1.0 MJ of ME/kg of BW0.75. Preparation and collection periods (7 d each) were repeated after rearranging the animals to treatments. Increasing the dietary SID Ile:Lys ratio increased N retention linearly (P < 0.01), and N utilization linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.01). An optimal SID Ile:Lys ratio of 54% was estimated for N retention. In Exp. 3, 48 individually penned pigs (initial BW = 8.0 kg) were fed grain-based diets in a 6-point SID Tie titration (analyzed SID Ile of 0.35, 0.41, 0.49, 0.56, 0.62, and 0.69%). Dietary SID Tie was increased by graded addition of L-Ile. The basal diet contained 0.97% SID Lys, 16.8% CP, and 13.6 MJ of ME/kg. In contrast to Exp. 1 and 2, spray-dried blood cells were excluded and corn gluten feed was used as a protein source. Dietary SID Leu and Val were set to 1.05 and 0.66%. For the 42-d period, ADG, ADFI, and G:F increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P <0.01) with increasing SID Ile:Lys. Estimated optimal SID Tle:Lys ratios were 54, 54, and 49 for ADG, ADFT, and G:F, respectively. These experiments suggest that the optimal SID Ile:Lys ratio depends on diet composition. In Exp. 1, AA imbalances because of increased Leu contents may have led to increased lie nutritional needs. For ADG and ADFI, an optimum SID Ile:Lys ratio of 54% was estimated for 8to 25-kg pigs in diets without Leu excess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA and DE, and to estimate ME and NE of rice protein concentrate, salmon protein hydrolysate, whey protein concentrate, and spray-dried plasma protein. In Exp. 1, 6 barrows (initially 29.5 ± 2.5 kg of BW) were fitted with ileal T-cannulas and fed each of 5 cornstarch-based diets in a balanced crossover design over 35 d. During a given week, there were either 1 or 2 replications of each treatment, resulting in 6 total replications over 5 wk. The 4 test diets (fed from d 0 to 28) were formulated to contain 12.5% CP by using analyzed nutrient compositions of rice protein concentrate, salmon protein hydrolysate, whey protein concentrate, or spray-dried plasma protein. The fifth (N-free) diet was fed from d 28 to 35 to estimate basal endogenous losses of CP and AA, which were used to calculate SID. Ileal digesta were collected and analyzed, and AID and SID values were calculated. Apparent ileal digestible Lys, Met, and Thr values were 80.0 ± 3.3, 65.6 ± 3.1, and 68.4 ± 4.5% for rice protein concentrate; 85.6 ± 4.8, 85.5 ± 4.3, and 69.8 ± 8.5% for salmon protein hydrolysate; 93.3 ± 1.4, 89.9 ± 5.8, and 83.6 ± 5.3% for whey protein concentrate; and 92.8 ± 0.9, 85.7 ± 2.1, 86.5 ± 2.3% for spray-dried plasma protein, respectively. In Exp. 2, 6 barrows (initially 37.6 ± 1.7 kg of BW) were fed each of 5 corn-based diets in a balanced crossover design over 35 d. During a given week, there were either 1 or 2 replications of each treatment, resulting in 6 total replications over 5 wk. The 4 diets containing the test ingredients were formulated to contain approximately 20% CP by using their analyzed nutrient compositions. The fifth (corn control) diet containing 8.2% CP was also used to calculate energy values by difference. Feces were collected to determine DE. The ME and NE contents were estimated using published regression equations. The DE, ME, and NE (as-fed) values were 4,724 ± 461, 4,226 ± 437, and 3,235 ± 380 kcal/kg for rice protein concentrate; 4,173 ± 1,052, 3,523 ± 1,002, and 2,623 ± 872 kcal/kg for salmon protein hydrolysate; 4,949 ± 1,002, 4,352 ± 955, and 3,344 ± 831 kcal/kg for whey protein concentrate; and 4,546 ± 673, 3,979 ± 652, and 3,020 ± 567 kcal/kg for spray-dried plasma protein, respectively. The excellent AA digestibility and relatively high DE, ME, and NE values indicate that these protein sources warrant further investigation as ingredients for growing pig diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents abstracts of several studies on poultry nutrition. "Gluconeogenesis and Krebs Cycle Metabolism in 2-Day-Old Fed and Fasted Chicks," by N. E. Sunny, S. W. El-Kadi, M. Oba, S. L. Owens, R. Angel and B. J. Bequette; "Dietary Glycine Needs of Broiler Chicks," by A. Corzo, M. T. Kidd, D. J. Burnham, S. L. Branton and B. J. Kerr; "Comparison of Methionine Requirements Between an Alternative Slow-Growing Genotype and a Commercial Genotype During the Starter Period," by A. C. Fanatico, P. B. Pillai and J. L. Emmert.

Weanling pigs (total of 560) were used in two experiments to determine the effects of poultry meal in nursery diets on pig performance. In Exp. 1, 210 barrows and gilts (initially 7.4 kg and 21 ± 2 d of age) were fed one of five diets, which included a control diet with no specialty protein products or (as-fed basis) the control with 2.5 or 5.0% fish meal, or 2.9 or 5.9% poultry meal (11.8% ash). Poultry meal replaced fish meal on an equal lysine basis. Overall (d 0 to 28), pigs fed diets containing fish meal had greater (P<0.01) ADG than pigs fed poultry meal. Increasing fish meal tended to have increased (quadratic, P<0.07) ADG, with the greatest improvement observed in pigs fed the diet containing 2.5% fish meal. Pigs fed diets containing fish meal had improved (P<0.01) G:F compared with pigs fed diets containing poultry meal. In Exp. 2, a total of 350 barrows and gilts (initially 8.9 kg and 22 ± 2 d of age) were fed one of seven experimental diets, which included a control diet with no specialty protein products, or the control with 2.5 or 5.0% fish meal, 2.9 or 5.8% low-ash (10.9%) poultry meal, and 3.1 or 6.2% high-ash (13.5%) poultry meal. Poultry meal replaced fish meal on an equal lysine basis. Overall (d 0 to 15), there were no differences in ADG and ADFI (P = 0.14); however, pigs fed diets containing fish meal or poultry meal had improved (linear, P<0.01) G:F compared with pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed diets containing low-ash poultry meal had greater (P<0.01) G:F compared with pigs fed diets containing high-ash poultry meal. Based on these data, quality control specifications, such as ash content, need to be considered when using poultry meal as an animal protein replacement in diets for nursery pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted at two locations to determine the effects of dietary CP concentration and source on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) concentrations of finishing beef steers. British × Continental steers were blocked by BW (357 ± 28 and 305 ± 25 kg initial BW; n = 360 and 225; four and five pens per treatment in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). Steam-flaked corn-based diets were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial with three CP concentrations (11.5, 13, or 14.5% of DM) and three sources of supplemental CP (N basis): 100% urea; 50:50 blend of urea and cottonseed meal; or 100% cottonseed meal. Steers in both experiments were initially implanted with Ralgro and reimplanted with RevalorS on d 56. Performance and carcass data were pooled across locations. Crude protein concentration × source interactions were not observed (P = 0.22 to 0.93) for performance and carcass data. Crude protein concentration affected ADG (P = 0.02) and carcass-adjusted (to a common dressing percent within location) ADG quadratically (P = 0.06). Increasing the concentration of supplemental urea linearly increased carcass-adjusted ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) and carcass-adjusted G:F (P <0.001). Dry matter intake was not affected (P = 0.93) by either CP concentration or source. Hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.02), LM area (P = 0.05), and dressing percent (P = 0.03) increased linearly with increasing urea concentration, whereas increasing CP concentration quadratically affected HCW (P = 0.02), with a maximum at 13% CP. Differences in backfat thickness and yield grade were negligible across treatments. Neither marbling score nor percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice was affected by CP concentration or source. At all times measured, SUN concentrations increased (P < 0.05) with increasing CP concentration, but effects of CP source were small and variable across time. Results indicate that increasing CP concentrations from 11.5 to 13% slightly increased ADG and carcass-adjusted ADG, whereas increasing the proportion of supplemental urea increased carcass-adjusted ADG, G:F, and carcass-adjusted G:F and increased HCW, LM area, and dressing percent. A CP concentration above 13% seemed detrimental to ADG and HCW. Serum urea N increased over time, with CP concentration having a greater effect than CP source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-two crossbred (Suffolk x Rambouillet) wether lambs were used to examine the effectiveness of protein source (soybean meal [SBMIor fish meal [FMI) in alleviating decreased performance associated with dietary aflatoxin (AF) in growing lambs. After a 21-d adaptation period toconcentrate diets, lambs were assigned to the following dietary treatments: 1 ) SBM, 0 mg of AF; 2) FM, 0 mg of AF; 3 ) SBM + 2.5 mg of AFkg diet; or 4) FM + 2.5 mg of AF/kg diet (two lambdpen; four pens/treatment).

Two experiments (Exp.) with ileally cannulated growing barrows were conducted. The concentrations of positional inositol phosphate (InsP) isomers in ileal digesta and feces were determined, as well as the prececal and total tract phytate (InsP 6 ) hydrolysis, and digestibility of dry matter, P, Ca, nitrogen, and gross energy. Prececal amino acid (AA) digestibility and digestive enzyme activities in ileal digesta were also studied. In both Exp., pigs had an initial body weight (BW) of 28 kg and were completely randomized to a Double Latin Square Design with eight pigs, four diets, and three periods of 12 d each. Feces and ileal digesta were collected for 5 d and 2 d, respectively. Pigs were housed individually in stainless steel metabolic units. Water was available ad libitum and feed was provided two times daily at an amount of 4% of mean BW. In Exp. 1, pigs received a corn–soybean meal (SBM)-based diet that was supplemented with 0, 750, 1,500, or 3,000 FTU of a microbial phytase/kg diet. In Exp. 2, pigs were allotted to a 2 × 2 arrangement of diets based on corn and SBM or an SBM-rapeseed cake (RSC) mix and phytase supplementation at 0 or 1,500 FTU/kg of diet. In ileal digesta of pigs fed without the phytase supplement, the dominating InsP isomers beside InsP6 were InsP5 isomers. The InsP pattern in ileal digesta changed with the inclusion of microbial phytase in both Exp., as there was a remarkable increase in Ins(1,2,5,6)P4 concentration (P < 0.001). In both Exp., the myo -inositol concentration in ileal digesta was greater upon phytase addition (P < 0.001). Without phytase supplementation, prececal and total tract P digestibility were low, whereas hardly any InsP6 was excreted in feces. There was no difference between prececal and total tract P digestibility values. For most AA studied in Exp. 2, prececal digestibility was lower (P < 0.01) when the diet contained RSC. However, phytase supplementation did not significantly affect prececal AA digestibility in both Exp. The present study showed that InsP6 disappearance by the end of the ileum can be increased up to around 90% in SBM- and SBM–RSC-based diets when microbial phytase is supplemented, but prececal P digestibility hardly exceeded 60%. The study confirms that pigs cannot benefit from a remarkable InsP6 degradation in the hindgut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Diets higher in protein have been reported to improve age-related changes in body composition via increased energy expenditure, shifts in substrate oxidation (SO), and decreased appetite. However, how protein source (e.g., animal compared with plant protein) affects energy expenditure, appetite, and food intake as we age is unknown. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of protein source as part of a high-protein breakfast on appetite, food intake, energy expenditure, and fat oxidation in young men (YM) compared with older men (OM). Methods This study used a randomized, single-blinded crossover design, with a 1-wk washout period between testing days. Fifteen YM (mean ± SD age: 25.2 ± 2.8 y) and 15 OM (67.7 ± 4.5 y), healthy adults, participated in the study. Participants arrived fasted and consumed an isocaloric, volume-matched, high-protein (40-g) test beverage made with either an animal [whey protein isolate (WPI)] or plant [pea protein isolate (PPI)] protein isolate source. Markers of appetite and energy expenditure were determined at baseline and over 4 h postprandial. Results There was a significant effect of time, age, and protein source on appetite (P  < 0.05). There was no effect of protein source on plasma markers of appetite, food intake, energy expenditure, and SO. After controlling for body weight, OM had decreased energy expenditure (P  < 0.05) and lower fat oxidation (P  < 0.001) compared with YM. Conclusions This study indicates that a high-protein breakfast containing WPI or PPI exerts comparable effects on appetite, energy expenditure, and 24-h energy intake in both young and older healthy adult men. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03399812. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rather ideal amino acid composition, soybean meal (SBM) is commonly used as the sole protein source in pig diets. In countries where this protein source is not easily available, alternative protein sources such as Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves have been proposed for pig diets. The aim of the present study was to establish the impact of replacing SBM by MO in a finisher diet on growth performance and carcass and meat quality. For the study, 24 Swiss Large White pigs from 6 litters were selected at 66.7 kg BW and assigned within litter to 2 treatments: finisher diet containing SBM (7.18%) and MO (15.56%) as the major protein source. All pigs were reared in one pen equipped with 4 automatic feeders equipped with individual pig recognition systems. They had ad libitum access to the assigned isonitrogenous (162 g/ kg DM) and isoenergetic (14.4 MJ/kg DM) diets. The pigs were weighed weekly, and individual feed intake was monitored daily. After 55 d of feeding, pigs were slaughtered and organ weights and carcass and meat quality traits were assessed. Body weight at slaughter was 8.59 kg lighter (109.87 vs. 118.46 kg; P < 0.01) in MO than SBM pigs. The lower (771 vs. 954 g/d; P < 0.01) growth rate was a result of the lower average daily feed intake (2.71 vs. 3.41 kg/d; P < 0.01) whereas gain:feed was not affected (284 vs. 280 g/kg; P = 0.49). Hot carcass weight and carcass yield was lower (87.30 vs. 97.45 kg; 79.42 vs. 82.27%; P < 0.01 for each) in the MO group. Due to heavier (P < 0.06) ham (17.46 vs. 16.76%) and shoulder (12.09 vs. 11.23%) and lower (14.78 vs. 16.31%; P < 0.01) subcutaneous fat weight, lean meat percentage was greater in MO than SBM pigs (55.17 vs. 53.36%; P = 0.05). Expressed as percentage hot carcass weight, relative liver weight was greater (8.08 vs. 7.09%; P < 0.01) and relative kidney (1.48 vs. 1.63%) and lung weight (2.61 vs. 2.74%) were lower (P < 0.01 for each) in MO pigs. The loin of MO pigs was less (P < 0.01) red (a*: 5.0 vs. 5.8) and yellow (2.1 vs. 2.6), and ultimate pH was 0.1 units greater (5.6 vs. 5.5; P = 0.02). Similar effects were observed onbackfat color. Water holding capacity but not shear force was impaired in the loin of MO pigs as drip loss (1.35 vs. 0.88%), thaw (8.47 vs. 6.91%), and cooking loss (23.14 vs. 21.90%) were greater (P < 0.06). Despite similar nutrient content of the finisher diets, replacing SBM by MO not only impaired growth but also negatively affected important meat quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty early-weaned barrows (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc, 3.98 ± 0.38kg BW, weaned at 14 d) were used in metabolism trial to evaluate several protein sources on amino acids digestibility. Treatments included 1) SBM (soybean meal), 2) FSP (fermented soy protein), 3) RPC (rice protein concentrate), 4) FM (fish meal) and 5) DSM (dried skim milk). Diets were the protein sources preparations with only vitamins and minerals added as needed to meet or exceed NRC recommendations. Daily feed was provided following equations of 0.05 × BW0.9. In amino acids digestibility, RPC (87.63%) has higher (P < 0.05) total essential amino acids (EAA) digestibility than SBM (67.57%) and FSP (64.15%). Also, there were numerical differences among DSM (75.45%), FM (78.56%) and RPC (87.63%) treatments. Total non- EAA and N digestibilities were improved which pigs fed RPC and FM compared those fed other diets (P < 0.05). Also, biological value (BV) in pigs fed RPC diet was 76.30%, compared with 72.20, 66.42, 60.87 and 57.65% for those fed FM, DSM, FSP and SBM diet, respectively (P < 0.05). DM digestibility of DSM treatment was the highest value as 61.73% compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). Results were showed that RPC, FM has greater AA, N digestibilities than SBM, FSP and DSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]