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This work evaluated an anaerobic sequencing batch membrane bioreactor (AnSBR-MBR) equipped with waste-based ceramic membranes for treating low-strength real drain wastewater. Two feeding regimes, viz. settled feed (Phase 1) and mixed feed (Phase 2) were compared. The biological performance (chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phosphate (PO43-) removal) and filtration performance (total suspended solids (TSS) removal and membrane fouling) were investigated. The reactor characteristics in terms of solids content, sludge settling behaviour, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were also assessed. In Phase 1, the settled feed (with the absence of particulate organic matter) resulted in low volatile suspended solids (VSS; 0.23 ± 0.15 g/L), causing low COD removal (28.38 ± 8.14%). In the mixed feed regime in Phase 2, VSS increased (1.82 ± 0.60 g/L) due to the organic content in the particulate matter, which gave microorganisms additional food, resulting in increased COD removal (47.42 ± 2.81%); this phase was also characterised by lower membrane fouling because of the lower EPS content. Marginally higher TSS removal was obtained as well in Phase 2 (96.72 ± 3.26%) than in Phase 1 (90.48 ± 8.14%). This work demonstrates that AnSBR-MBR performance is superior with mixed drain wastewater containing suspended solids and thus pre-settling is not recommended. HIGHLIGHTS Feeding strategies are important in the anaerobic treatment of dilute drain wastewater.; Mixed wastewater containing organic particulate matter is recommended as an influent.; Mixed wastewater resulted in higher COD removal and lower membrane fouling.; Waste-based ceramic membranes were successfully field tested.;

The study aims to determine the production performance of Isa Brown laying hens who are given finished feed and mixed feed. Research materials include finished feed for laying hens 524AX produced by PT. Charoen Pokphand Indonesia, and mixed feed consisting of a special layer concentrate super 36 SPR added yellow corn and bran. The study was conducted for 4 weeks in Suruhwadang Village, Kademangan District, Blitar Regency. The method used in the study was a survey and observation with the number of samples taken as many as 180 laying hens Isa Brown aged 44 weeks. The variables observed in the study were feed consumption, hen day production (HDP) and feed conversion (Feed Conversion Ratio). The data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis and the test conducted was a t-test of 2 samples using SPSS software version 2.6 to compare production performance given finished feed and mixed feed. The results showed the performance of finished feed production for feed consumption: 113gr/head/day; HDP: 86.50%; FCR: 2.09. While laying hens are given mixed feed as follows: feed consumption: 112.47gr / head / day; HDP: 83.80% FCR: 2.11. The variable results of feed consumption and FCR from finished feed and mixed feed did not differ markedly while HDP from finished feed and mixed feed differed markedly. The conclusion of the results of the study is that Isa Brown laying hens that are given finished feed have more advantages than nutritional content compared to mixed feed, such as amino acids. The finished feed has a crumble shape that is preferred by livestock compared to mixed feed l finer than crumble. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, many countries worldwide have been revising the existing standards for introducing trace elements in mixed feed for high-performance crosses and poultry breeds, taking into account new scientific data. This also applies to Selenium, which is recognized as an indispensable biotic ultramicroelement according to the modern classification. The norms for introducing selenium into mixed feed for broiler chickens have specific differences and range from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg of feed, which are recommended in different countries and at other times. The reason for the disagreement is probably that the experiments were conducted under different conditions, against the background of different diets, on different poultry crosses, and using other selenium-containing compounds. In addition, the norms of selenium additives recommended by foreign and domestic scientists in mixed feed for broiler chickens are not always supported by mathematical calculations, and, in our opinion, they should be evaluated as indicative, requiring further justification and clarification depending on the regional characteristics of poultry feeding. Two scientific and economic experiments were conducted to determine the optimal rate of introducing selenium into mixed feed for broiler chickens, which lasted 42 days each. The study was conducted on broiler chickens of the Coob 500 cross. Selenium was additionally introduced into mixed feeds for broiler chickens of the experimental groups in doses of 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg. Poultry in the control group did not receive Selenium supplementation. Statistical processing of experimental data obtained in two scientific and economic experiments, using graphical, variance, and regression analysis methods, allows us to conclude that the optimal dose of Selenium administration in mixed feed for broiler chickens should be considered 0.3 mg/kg. Feeding broiler chickens during the growing period of mixed feed enriched with Selenium in this amount contributed to a likely increase in their live weight in the first experiment by 7.8 % (Р < 0.001), in the second by 5.1 % (Р < 0.01), compared to the control group. Higher doses of Selenium (0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg) in mixed feed, as well as a lower dose (0.2 mg/kg), caused less intensive growth and lower live weight of broiler chickens of other experimental groups, compared to young animals fed mixed feed with the addition of selenium 0.3 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Firat Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Veteriner Dergisi is the property of Firat Universitesiu, Saglik Bilimleri Enstitusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Today, indicators controlling poultry's mineral nutrition have significantly increased. However, the physiological need of various types and technological poultry groups for certain mineral elements that perform essential biochemical functions in the body has yet to be definitively established. This also applies to such an element as Selenium, which, according to modern classification, is recognized as an indispensable biotic ultramicroelement with a broad spectrum of biological action. The inclusion of Selenium in the composition of mixed feed for young poultry changes the direction of physiological and biochemical processes in the body and improves metabolism and, as a result, contributes to the increase in their live weight, viability, feed conversion, slaughter, and meat qualities, improvement of organoleptic indicators of meat, its amino acid composition, energy, and biological value. We conducted comprehensive scientific studies to deepen and expand modern ideas about the biological role of Selenium, its influence on the productive qualities, and internal indicators of ducklings in the postembryonic period of ontogenesis. One of the tasks was to study the causal relationship between the level of consumption of Selenium with feed by ducklings and the studied indicators. Experimental studies were conducted on ducklings of the Ukrainian white breed. Following existing standards, feeding ducklings daily to 56 days of age was carried out with complete mixed feeds, balanced in essential nutrients and biologically active substances. Ducklings of the first control group did not receive selenium supplementation in mixed feed. Poultry of experimental groups (2–4) was additionally injected with different amounts of Selenium, respectively, by 0.2 mg/kg, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg. When conducting a correlation analysis of the obtained experimental data, it was found that between the economically useful and interior features included in the analysis, there are different levels and directions of the relationship, which may vary depending on the level of selenium consumption by ducklings. A scheme of modeling the effect of Selenium on the ducklings’ organism raised for meat is proposed.

Today, indicators controlling poultry's mineral nutrition have significantly increased. However, the physiological need of various types and technological poultry groups for certain mineral elements that perform essential biochemical functions in the body has yet to be definitively established. This also applies to such an element as Selenium, which, according to modern classification, is recognized as an indispensable biotic ultramicroelement with a broad spectrum of biological action. The inclusion of Selenium in the composition of mixed feed for young poultry changes the direction of physiological and biochemical processes in the body and improves metabolism and, as a result, contributes to the increase in their live weight, viability, feed conversion, slaughter, and meat qualities, improvement of organoleptic indicators of meat, its amino acid composition, energy, and biological value. We conducted comprehensive scientific studies to deepen and expand modern ideas about the biological role of Selenium, its influence on the productive qualities, and internal indicators of ducklings in the postembryonic period of ontogenesis. One of the tasks was to study the causal relationship between the level of consumption of Selenium with feed by ducklings and the studied indicators. Experimental studies were conducted on ducklings of the Ukrainian white breed. Following existing standards, feeding ducklings daily to 56 days of age was carried out with complete mixed feeds, balanced in essential nutrients and biologically active substances. Ducklings of the first control group did not receive selenium supplementation in mixed feed. Poultry of experimental groups (2-4) was additionally injected with different amounts of Selenium, respectively, by 0.2 mg/kg, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg. When conducting a correlation analysis of the obtained experimental data, it was found that between the economically useful and interior features included in the analysis, there are different levels and directions of the relationship, which may vary depending on the level of selenium consumption by ducklings. A scheme of modeling the effect of Selenium on the ducklings' organism raised for meat is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, mixed feed (MF), a mixture of probiotics and formulated feed, were fed to sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus. The specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) of sea cucumbers, the crude protein content (CPC) and protease activity (PA) in different parts of their intestines, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER), as well as the water quality of the culture water, were determined and compared with that of the control (formulated feed, FF) diet. The results showed that WG and PER of sea cucumbers were significantly (p <.05) higher in MF groups compared with FF groups. The SGR and PA in the intestines of MF groups increased significantly (p <.01) compared with FF groups. The CPC in the intestines of MF individuals was far lower (p <.01) than FF ones. The FCR was significantly (p <.05) lower in MF groups than the control groups. The culture water in MF groups showed lower (p <.05) levels of ammonia–nitrogen and nitrite–nitrogen than in the other groups. These results revealed that probiotics enhanced growth performance, PER and PA, and improved water quality in culture aquariums. The addition of probiotics to feed was beneficial for sea cucumbers and maybe good for other aquaculture animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single concentrate feeds are mixed together forming compound feeds for cattle. However, knowledge regarding the potential interactions (associative effects) between the feeding values of single feeds in compound feeds is lacking. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate ruminal fermentation characteristics and feeding values of eight industrially produced compound feeds in mash form from their constituent single feeds for dairy cows through in vitroassays. Additivity was given for gas production (GP), digestibility of organic matter (dOM) and utilisable CP at the duodenum (uCP). Additivity of CP fractions (determined using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS)) was dependent on the fraction and compound feed type; however, the effective degradation calculated from CP fractions (EDCNCPS) showed additivity. Additivity was not given for intestinal digestibility of rumen-undegraded protein (IDRUP) for five out of eight compound feeds. Precise calculation of metabolisable energy (ME) of compound feeds from ME of single feeds was possible when using the same ME equations for all single and compound feeds. Compound feeds are often provided in pellet form; therefore, our second objective was to evaluate the effects of pelleting on ruminal fermentation characteristics and feeding values of compound feeds. Pelleting affected GP at 24 h (GP24; up to 2.4 ml/200 mg DM), dOM (up to 2.3 percentage point (pp)) and ME (up to 0.3 MJ/kg DM), but these differences were overall small. More considerable effects of pelleting were observed for uCP, which was increased in all compound feeds except the two with the highest CP concentrations. The IDRUPwas lower in most compound feeds following pelleting (up to 15 pp). Pelleting also affected CP fractions in a non-systematic way. Overall, the effects of pelleting were not considerable, which could be because pelleting conditions were mild. Our third objective was to compare in situruminal CP degradation (EDIN_SITU) of compound feeds with ED using two prediction methods based on CP fractions. EDIN_SITUreference data were obtained from a companion study using the same feeds. Prediction accuracy of EDIN_SITUand EDCNCPSwas variable and depended on the compound feed and prediction method. However, future studies are needed as to date not enough data are published to draw overall conclusions for the prediction of EDIN_SITUfrom CP fractions.

In farm “Mriya” of the Rivne region, obstetric and gynecological dispensaries of cows during lactation and dry period were conducted. The purpose of the first stage of clinical examination was to determine the nutritional value of feeds for their compliance with quality and safety indicators. The research of fodder was conducted for the purpose of determining the presence of mycotoxins, general contamination and the species composition of microscopic fungi, the content of nitrates and nitrites and macro-trace elements. The toxicological, mycological, zootechnical and statistical methods of research are used in this work. The bio test on white mice has found that sunflower oil is toxic and can not be used for feeding cows. The micronutrient studies of corn silage, mixed fodder, sunflower oil, straw have established high levels of toxic generative species of Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Rhizopus spp. Their degree of contamination far exceeds the maximum allowable levels. Due to the inconsistency of these indicators, it is not recommended to use such feed for cows during lactation and lactation. Contamination of feed raw materials Aflatoxin B1, zerralenom, sterigmatocysteine and patulin was not detected. According to the results of studies on the content of inorganic elements of mixed fodder and sunflower oil, excessive maximum levels of Ferum and Nickel were set against the backdrop of Selenium, Cobalt, and Kuprum deficiencies. According to the results of chemical research of forages, the non-conformity of corn silo with its normative index of 3rd class due to high content of fiber in dry matter by 25,0 %, which caused the decrease of exchange energy and feed units by 4,5 % and 13,0 % respectively, which greatly impairs its quality. In sunflower seed oil, the moisture content increased by 7,1 %, the percentage of crude fiber by 17,5 %, and the lower content of crude protein by 21,0 %, but did not have a negative effect on the level of exchange energy. In the mixed fodder relative to the normative values, the level of crude protein is reduced by 7,2 %, while other determined indicators are within the reference level. The developed measures allowed to reduce the toxicity of sunflower oil, to decontaminate contaminated micronutrient feeds and to adjust the diet on the basis of indicators of maximum permissible levels of safety.

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research (TURKAGER) is the property of Publisher Ebubekir Altuntas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Organization and engineering concepts of establishing the productive intrafarm feed manufacture based on the building block system of separate processing lines and their use, both independently and as part of the whole feed-milling complexes, are proved. The developed system of machinery and equipment, its technical features, and operating modes of this equipment under the feed ingredients processing and complete feed making are described. The research on the process module prototypes of preparing and applying liquid fortifying and medicinal (vitamin) emulsions into the complete feed, the processing line of applying enzymatic and other nutritional (dry) supplements is resulted. The automated feed workshop basic diagram based on the modular principle of separate processing lines, and economic effectiveness of its application are developed.

The effect of the die hole configuration in the screw extruder on the pellet quality of the fish formula feed is considered. The results of the corresponding theoretical and experimental research are presented. The surface form of the die hole that allow to produce uniform pressure of the pressable material throughout the hole length is equated. The curvilinear equation to determine the capacity under the even pressure distribution in the die hole is obtained. The pressure values along the hole length are determined experimentally, and the dependences of the hole capacity and the length on the pressures are developed. Basic requirements to the pellet quality are connected with the fish feeding specificity: durability, water resistance, crumbling, and density of pellets. The hole configuration is evaluated just according to the final quality of the mixed feed. The obtained results prove the advantages of the developed experimental die hole in comparison with the common forms. Firstly, the application of such hole in the extruder increases energy efficiency of the pressing-through process. Secondly, the pellet quality is improved.

A number of limitations exist for production of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in Pichia pastoris. In this study, two different specific growth rates (0.015 h−1, 0.01 h−1) were used sequentially in the mixed substrate feeding period during methanol induction phase to enhance the G-CSF titer in the culture broth. Necessary parameters required for implementing the feeding strategy, such as specific product yield on biomass (YP/X) and maintenance coefficient (m) on glycerol, methanol, and sorbitol were estimated using continuous culture technique. Using this strategy, for the same volumetric productivity, about 20% increase in protein titer was achieved over that obtained from the run carried out at a single pre-set value of 0.015 h−1 alone. Thus, implementation of higher specific growth rate (0.015 h−1) set during initial stages of the methanol induction phase followed by a lower specific growth rate (0.01 h−1) helped in achieving increased protein titers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single concentrate feeds are mixed together forming compound feeds for cattle. However, knowledge regarding the potential interactions (associative effects) between the feeding values of single feeds in compound feeds is lacking. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate ruminal fermentation characteristics and feeding values of eight industrially produced compound feeds in mash form from their constituent single feeds for dairy cows through in vitro assays. Additivity was given for gas production (GP), digestibility of organic matter (dOM) and utilisable CP at the duodenum (uCP). Additivity of CP fractions (determined using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS)) was dependent on the fraction and compound feed type; however, the effective degradation calculated from CP fractions (EDCNCPS) showed additivity. Additivity was not given for intestinal digestibility of rumen-undegraded protein (IDRUP) for five out of eight compound feeds. Precise calculation of metabolisable energy (ME) of compound feeds from ME of single feeds was possible when using the same ME equations for all single and compound feeds. Compound feeds are often provided in pellet form; therefore, our second objective was to evaluate the effects of pelleting on ruminal fermentation characteristics and feeding values of compound feeds. Pelleting affected GP at 24 h (GP24; up to 2.4 ml/200 mg DM), dOM (up to 2.3 percentage point (pp)) and ME (up to 0.3 MJ/kg DM), but these differences were overall small. More considerable effects of pelleting were observed for uCP, which was increased in all compound feeds except the two with the highest CP concentrations. The IDRUP was lower in most compound feeds following pelleting (up to 15 pp). Pelleting also affected CP fractions in a non-systematic way. Overall, the effects of pelleting were not considerable, which could be because pelleting conditions were mild. Our third objective was to compare in situ ruminal CP degradation (EDIN_SITU) of compound feeds with ED using two prediction methods based on CP fractions. EDIN_SITU reference data were obtained from a companion study using the same feeds. Prediction accuracy of EDIN_SITU and EDCNCPS was variable and depended on the compound feed and prediction method. However, future studies are needed as to date not enough data are published to draw overall conclusions for the prediction of EDIN_SITU from CP fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, administrative and technical infrastructures, production, marketing, raw material, quality, capacity utilization ratio (CUR), employment and problems of the factories were investigated in order to determine the current status of feed mills in Balıkesir and to propose solutions for the problems of the mixed feed sector. For this purpose, 24 feed factories in the province were visited and a questionnaire consisting of a total of 48 questions was interviewed and the data obtained were analyzed. As a result of the research, it was determined that the installed capacity of feed mills in Balıkesir province was 4.50 million ton year-1 and in contrast to this installed capacity, the CUR was 41.5% by producing 1.87 million tons of feed in 2018. Seventeen factories were joint stock companies, 7 factories were limited companies of the feed factories in the province. Percent of 37.5 the feed factories were automatic, 41.7% were semi-automatic and 20.8% were manual, and a total of 1005 people were employed in feed factories. According to the results of the survey, it was determined that 66.7% of feed factories in the province had raw material and feed analysis laboratories, and 83.3% of factories used a ration preparation program. It was determined that 95.8% of the factories have both vertical and horizontal silos for use in raw material and feed storage. Mixed feed produced in the province in 2018 were consisted of 50% of the poultry, 45% of cattle, 5% of sheep feeds. It was determined that 79% of the production costs consisted of raw materials and 21% were operating costs. High raw material prices and difficulty in supply, high exchange rate and exchange rate volatility, unfair competition and unregistered production and insufficiency of domestic demand have been identified as the most important problems. As a result, the administrative and technical equipment and laboratory infrastructures of the majority of the feed mills in the province are sufficient, and the most important problems of the factories are the low CUR and high raw material prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is a well-studied host organism for recombinant protein production, which is usually regulated either by a constitutive promoter (e.g. promoter of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; PGAP) or an inducible promoter (e.g. promoter of alcohol oxidase 1; PAOX1). Both promoter systems have several advantages and disadvantages; with one of the main disadvantages being their lack of tunability. Various novel promoter systems, which are either inducible or de-repressed, allowing higher degrees of freedom, have been reported. Recently, bi-directional promoter systems in P. pastoris with two promoter systems regulating recombinant expression of one or more genes were developed. In this study, we introduce a novel bi-directional promoter system combining a modified catalase promoter system (PDC; derepressible and inducible) and the traditional PAOX1, allowing tunable recombinant protein production. Results We characterized a recombinant P. pastoris strain, carrying the novel bi-directional promoter system, during growth and production in three dynamic bioreactor cultivations. We cloned the model enzyme cellobiohydralase downstream of either promoter and applied different feeding strategies to determine the physiological boundaries of the strain. We succeeded in demonstrating tunability of recombinant protein production solely in response to the different feeding strategies and identified a mixed feed regime allowing highest productivity. Conclusion In this feasibility study, we present the first controlled bioreactor experiments with a recombinant P. pastoris strain carrying a novel bi-directional promotor combination of a catalase promoter variant (PDC) and the traditional PAOX1. We demonstrated that this bi-directional promoter system allows tunable recombinant protein expression only in response to the available C-sources. This bi-directional promoter system offers a high degree of freedom for bioprocess design and development, making bi-directional promoters in P. pastoris highly attractive for recombinant protein production.

There are small number of tables that show digestibility and energy contents of compound feeds produced by feed factory in different regions of Turkey. Thus, in this paper, four different compound feed types (dairy cattle, beef cattle, calf and lamb growing feeds), totalling 78 compound feeds were analysed to determine their feeding value, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) digestibility and energy content (digestible energy (DE), metabolisable energy (ME) and net energy for lactation (NEL). As a result of this study, the crude fiber (CF) levels were higher than standard values in calf and lamb compound feeds and beef cattle compound feeds; however, in the dairy cattle and calf and lamb compound feeds, the crude protein (CP) values were lower than standard values. These findings are considered highly important for the region’s animal feeding. According to our results, the compound feeds for dairy cattle and lamb being used for ruminant nutrition in Diyarbakir Province of Turkey were found to have low nutrient qualities; however, in the calf feed both the metabolisable energy level and nutrient quantities were low.

Selenium is a biologically active microelement, contained in a number of hormones and enzymes. In a bird or animal organism selenium performs the following functions: strengthens the immune system, stimulates formation of antibodies, macrophages and interferons. Also, it is a powerful antioxidant agent. It stimulates processes of metabolism in the organism, protects the organism against toxic manifestations of cadmium, lead, thalium and silver; stimulates reproductive function, decreases acute development of inflammatory processes; stabilizes functioning of the nervous system; normalizes functioning of the endocrine system. Furthermore, it stimulates synthesis of hemoglobin, takes part in secretion of erythrocutes, neutralizes toxins, prevents and stops development of malignant tumors. It also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system of an animal organism: prevents myocardosis and decreases the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases. Deficiency of selenium in the organism causes (depending upon the extent of deficiency) either physiological changes within the regulatory norm, significant disorders of the metabolism, or specific diseases. Around 75 different diseases and symptoms of pain are related to selenium deficiency. In most countries, the level of selenium consumption remains low (20–40 µg/day). There are several ways of improving of the selenium consumption of a population: consumption of selenium as a medication or dietary supplement, producing selenium-enriched bread, growing greens and vegetables rich in selenium, producing selenium-enriched beverages, products of animal origin, which would be rich in selenium. In the scientific-agricultural sphere studies have been made on the influence of adding different doses (0.2–0.6 mg/kg) of selenium in mixed feeds and peculiarities of its depositing and distribution in the muscle tissues of young growth of different species of poultry. It has been found that feeding broiler chickens, baby geese and ducklings with mixed feeds containing selenium in studied doses contributed to a reliable increase in concentration of this microelement in the chest muscles respectively by 21.7–106.7%, 35.1–40.0% and 23.2–66.0% and the leg muscles – by 13.0–85.7%, 57.4–61.7% and 20.5–79.4%. The meat of these types of birds is safe for human consumption from the perspective of food hygiene, for its selenium content is not higher than the TLV of this microelement for meat products (1.0 mg/kg). Consuming selenium-enriched meat of chickens, baby geese and ducklings within recommended physiological norms (115 g of meat products/day) satisfies the daily need of an adult for this microelement (70 µg) y 12.0–23.5%, 29.1–30.6% and 11.3–21.5% respectively. Taking this into account, selenium-enriched bird meat can be considered a dietary foodstuff suitable for biocorrectional function in humans. The viability of enriching bird meat products with selenium by adding selenium-containing premixes to fodder was proven experimentally. It was proven that adding optimum doses of selenium to mixed feeds for young birds bred for meat has a positive effect on the quality of meat, particularly on its biological value.

Abstract Background Corn and soybean meal (SBM) are two of the most common feed ingredients used in pig feeds. However, a variety of antinutritional factors (ANFs) present in corn and SBM can interfere with the bioavailability of nutrients and have negative health effects on the pigs. In the present study, two-stage fermentation using Bacillus subtilis followed by Enterococcus faecium was carried out to degrade ANFs and improve the nutritional quality of corn and SBM mixed feed. Furthermore, the microbial composition and in vitro nutrient digestibility of inoculated mixed feed were determined and compared those of the uninoculated controls. Results During the fermentation process, B. subtilis and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were the main dominant bacteria in the solid-state fermented inoculated feed, and fermentation produced a large amount of lactic acid (170 mmoL/kg), which resulted in a lower pH (5.0 vs. 6.4) than the fermented uninoculated feed. The amounts of soybean antigenic proteins (β-conglycinin and glycinin) in mixed feed were significantly decreased after first-stage fermentation with B. subtilis. Inoculated mixed feed following two-stage fermentation contained greater concentratioin of crude protein (CP), ash and total phosphorus (P) compared to uninoculated feed, whereas the concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemicellulose and phytate P in fermendted inoculated feed declined (P

Two experiments conducted on laying hens, aged 50 and 52 weeks, were carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary Mg and its relationship to the Ca : NPP (non-phytate phosphorus) ratio using a various grain-size of limestone. The Ca : NPP ratio in each experiment was 12.8 and 18, respectively. Two Mg levels were evaluated in the first (1.56 and 4.0 g/kg) and the second experiment (1.52 and 4.0 g/kg). A fine-grained limestone (< 0.5 mm; FL) or a coarse-grained limestone (0.8-2 mm; CL) was used in the first experiment. In the second experiment, a mixture of both the aforementioned limestone forms (FCL) was used as the third alternative. The main parameters estimated in this study were egg production and egg shell breaking strength. In the first experiment, CL significantly increased hen-day egg production (P = 0.043) and Mg (in dietary concentration up to 4 g/kg) increased egg weight (P < 0.001). The addition of Mg to the mixed feed, together with CL, decreased yolk percentage (P = 0.008), increased egg shell percentage (P = 0.044), increased egg shell thickness (P = 0.014), and egg shell breaking strength (P = 0.003). Higher dietary Mg, together with a wider Ca : NPP ratio in the second experiment, increased egg production and egg weight (P < 0.001), but it did not influence egg shell breaking strength. CL increased egg shell breaking strength compared to the addition of FL, as well as FCL (P < 0.05), regardless of the Mg levels. Lower level of Mg with FL decreased ash content of shells (P = 0.004).

Substandard sunflower seeds surpass the sunflower meal and oil cake by their level of metabolic energy by 1.2-1.5 times and can replace these high-calorie feed materials in the rations of cattle. In mixed feed, whose structure includes the substandard sunflower seeds (5% in mass), the share of the cleavable protein decreased by 1.3% and digestibility of the dry matter increased by 2.3% as compared to mixed feed, whose structure includes sunflower cake (8% in mass). Both variants of the mixed feeds were used in the experiment on cows of the white-and-black breed with the live weight of 600 kg and average daily milk yield of 25-28 kg within the first lactation phase in the structure of the total feed mix ration. The metabolism and digestive processes in the rumen of the animals fed with the substandard sunflower seeds proceeded without any disturbances. In the ruminal fluid, the concentration of the ammonia nitrogen was lower by 6.75 mg % on average. Furthermore, in the milk of the cows, the content of the milk fat increased by 5.2% and the urea content decreased by 9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is a well-studied host organism for recombinant protein production, which is usually regulated either by a constitutive promoter (e.g. promoter of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; PGAP) or an inducible promoter (e.g. promoter of alcohol oxidase 1; PAOX1). Both promoter systems have several advantages and disadvantages; with one of the main disadvantages being their lack of tunability. Various novel promoter systems, which are either inducible or de-repressed, allowing higher degrees of freedom, have been reported. Recently, bi-directional promoter systems in P. pastoris with two promoter systems regulating recombinant expression of one or more genes were developed. In this study, we introduce a novel bi-directional promoter system combining a modified catalase promoter system (PDC; derepressible and inducible) and the traditional PAOX1, allowing tunable recombinant protein production. Results: We characterized a recombinant P. pastoris strain, carrying the novel bi-directional promoter system, during growth and production in three dynamic bioreactor cultivations. We cloned the model enzyme cellobiohydralase downstream of either promoter and applied different feeding strategies to determine the physiological boundaries of the strain. We succeeded in demonstrating tunability of recombinant protein production solely in response to the different feeding strategies and identified a mixed feed regime allowing highest productivity. Conclusion: In this feasibility study, we present the first controlled bioreactor experiments with a recombinant P. pastoris strain carrying a novel bi-directional promotor combination of a catalase promoter variant (PDC) and the traditional PAOX1. We demonstrated that this bi-directional promoter system allows tunable recombinant protein expression only in response to the available C-sources. This bi-directional promoter system offers a high degree of freedom for bioprocess design and development, making bi-directional promoters in P. pastoris highly attractive for recombinant protein production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a 2-stage solid-state fermentation process using Bacillus subtilis followed by Enterococcus faecium was performed with the purpose of improving the nutritional quality of corn and soybean meal (SBM) mixed feed (MF). The matrix of native MF and fermented MF (FMF) was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to determine external structures after solid-state fermentation. Results of the present study indicated that the FMF had a greater concentration of CP and total P compared with the unfermented feed, whereas the contents of β-conglycinin, glycinin, phytate P, raffinose, stachyose, and NDF in FMF declined by 77.6, 86.7, 41.2, 47.2, 36.6, and 38.9%, respectively. The content of trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein, particularly those of small peptides and free AA, increased more than 3 times after fermentation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that irregular shapes and a lot of porous structures were observed in the SBM of FMF, the cell wall of corn in FMF was destroyed, and the number of starch granules was decreased after 2-stage fermentation. Two animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the digestibility of CP and P in FMF when fed to pigs. In Exp. 1, 6 barrows (15.20 ± 1.27 kg initial BW) fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were allotted to a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square with 3 diets and 3 periods per square. Two diets containing unfermented MF or FMF as the only source of protein and a N-free diet were formulated. Results indicated that the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of total AA and Lys in FMF (74.98 and 75.34%) were greater (P < 0.05) than in untreated MF (69.66 and 68.56%). The standard ileal digestibility (SID) of Lys in FMF (82.17%) was also greater (P < 0.05) than in MF (75.91%). In Exp. 2, 16 barrows (17.57 ± 1.08 kg initial BW) were allotted to 2 diets formulated to contain MF or FMF as the sole source of P to determine the digestibility of P. The apparent total tract digestibility and standardized total tract digestibility of P in FMF were 58.14 and 64.72%, respectively. These values were greater (P < 0.01) than in untreated MF (37.11 and 44.89%, respectively). Our results indicate that a solid-state fermentation process using B. subtilis followed by E. faecium offers an effective approach to improving the quality of corn and SBM MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the die hole configuration in the screw extruder on the pellet quality of the fish formula feed is considered. The results of the corresponding theoretical and experimental research are presented. The surface form of the die hole that allow to produce uniform pressure of the pressable material throughout the hole length is equated. The curvilinear equation to determine the capacity under the even pressure distribution in the die hole is obtained. The pressure values along the hole length are determined experimentally, and the dependences of the hole capacity and the length on the pressures are developed. Basic requirements to the pellet quality are connected with the fish feeding specificity: durability, water resistance, crumbling, and density of pellets. The hole configuration is evaluated just according to the final quality of the mixed feed. The obtained results prove the advantages of the developed experimental die hole in comparison with the common forms. Firstly, the application of such hole in the extruder increases energy efficiency of the pressing-through process. Secondly, the pellet quality is improved.

Organization and engineering concepts of establishing the productive intrafarm feed manufacture based on the building block system of separate processing lines and their use, both independently and as part of the whole feed-milling complexes, are proved. The developed system of machinery and equipment, its technical features, and operating modes of this equipment under the feed ingredients processing and complete feed making are described. The research on the process module prototypes of preparing and applying liquid fortifying and medicinal (vitamin) emulsions into the complete feed, the processing line of applying enzymatic and other nutritional (dry) supplements is resulted. The automated feed workshop basic diagram based on the modular principle of separate processing lines, and economic effectiveness of its application are developed.

Light alkanes are the important intermediates of many refinery processes and their catalytic dehydrogenation gives corresponding alkenes. The aim behind this experimentation is to investigate reaction behavior of mixed alkanes during direct catalytic dehydrogenation and emphasis has been given to enhance propene. Bi-metallic zeolite supported catalyst Pt-Sn/ZSM-5 was prepared by sequentional impregnation method and characterized by BET, EDS and XRD. Direct dehydrogenation reaction is highly endothermic and its conversion is thermodynamically limited. Results showed that the increase in temperature increases the conversion to some extent but there is no overall effect on selectivity of propene. Increase in time-on-stream (TOS) remarkably improves propene selectivity at the expense of lower conversion. The performances of bi-metallic zeolite based catalyst largely affected by coke deposition. The presence of butane and ethane adversely affected propane conversion. Optimum propene selectivity is about 48 %, obtained at 600 oC and time-on-stream 10 h.