Sampling for Microorganisms in The Feed Mill
Sampling is an often over-looked area when gathering information about pathogens in the feed mill environment. Certainly, the collection of adequate samples that represent the batch being sampled is important. However, a more basic question must be addressed. Are we certain that the contamination detected in the feed came from the sample or from the hands of person collecting the sample?
At one feed mill facility, mill personnel were instructed to collect sample while researchers collected samples from many of the same locations. While a variety of methods exist for dealing with the issue of cross contamination, perhaps one of the simplest is one developed by Jim Andrews of Holly Farms (now Tyson). Paper cups are purchased in a plastic bag. Mill employees are instructed not to touch sample and to keep cups tightly closed within the plastic bag when not in use. Samples are collected only in new paper cups. Cup are used only once and then discarded. Samples are placed in sterile plastic bags following collection for transport to the laboratory. Although simple, this method is quite effective at preventing cross contamination.
Steps toward Control of Microorganisms in the Feed Mill
Control of microbial pathogens in feeds and feed mills involves procedures to
1. Exclude pathogens form the feed
2. Prevent multiplication of the organism in the feed
3. Kill pathogens within the feed and prevent recontamination.
It should be clearly understood that feed milling processes are incapable of killing certain pathogens (i.e., spore formers) Thus, these pathogens MUST be excluded for control. Furthermore, even when feed mill processes destroy pathogens, higher numbers of these pathogens in feeds require ever-harsher treatments. Harsher treatments cause nutritional damage to the feed as well as costing more. Thus, in reality, each of these control procedures is interdependent and must be pursued simultaneously.
Livestock Farm eBook : http://www.enterfarm.com
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Quality Control in the Feed Mill
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Feed Formulation - Ingredients for change
Feed Formulation Ingredients for change
FEED formulators now know that conventional tabulations for calculating nutrient requirements for livestock species are often too simplistic for modern husbandry operations. Differences in the age, sex and genetics of the animal; the environment, production methods, market requirements and economies in which they are raised; and the availability of local sources of feed ingredients often complicate the approach to feed formulation.
Many intensive livestock industries have since developed simulation models that can provide optimum nutrient levels based on individual production conditions. Affordable computing technology has also introduced concepts such as "least cost", "total amino acid" and even "profit maximisation". Other popular concepts include digestible formulation, precision feeding, ideal proteins and modelling, all of which have been adapted to some extent in livestock sectors worldwide.
But besides these new technologies and variables, feed formulation trends are increasingly affected by factors unrelated to nutrition and costs. These include world events which may have little direct relation with livestock or agriculture, the competition for essential feed grains, and increasingly, consumer perceptions and demands.
A big issue in the industry currently is the growing interest in alternative fuels. Diverting grains and oilseeds into ethanol and biodiesel production, for instance, is widely perceived as a key source of pressure on feed grain resources. Many pundits have argued that distillers' dried grains or DDGS could become widely accepted as an ingredient in livestock feed in the near future.
As the supply of DDGS increases along with biofuel output, nutritionists are faced with the challenge of formulating feed containing increasing amounts of DDGS, while finding solutions to problems related to digestibility issues and mycotoxin contamination.
Nutritionists are not the only ones affected. The ethanol boom has triggered jitters across a feed and livestock industry concerned over its competing use for corn. Glenn Grimes, an economist at the University of Missouri, warns that current corn prices at US$2 per bushel (equivalent to US$79 a tonne) may rise by at least US$0.50 and possibly even US$1 per bushel over the next 10 years, because of competition for the grain from industrial processors.
About 13 percent of the corn consumed in the United States goes into ethanol production, according to Bill Hale, chairman of the North American Export Grain Association. By 2012, or in six years, this figure could rise three-fold to 39 percent. This means that corn use in biofuel will jump from almost 37 million tonnes in 2005 to nearly 108 million tonnes a year by then.
The biofuel trend is also spreading in other regions. A hot region for biofuels, the European Union is pushing through policies to promote its use, either through mandates or tax incentives. Plans are for an increase in biofuel consumption from 2 percent for motor fuel in 2005, to 5.75 percent by 2010.
This is much the same situation in Brazil, a country that typifies how ethanol can be produced from many crops--from sugarcane and sugar beet to grains, rapeseed and potatoes. Brazilian law requires that gasoline should contain a minimum of 26 percent ethanol, where the latter is estimated to represent about a third of all vehicle fuel used nationally. This compares with 2.78 percent in the US today, which may rise to a projected 8.34 percent in 2012.
http://www.efeedlink.com/
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sources of alternative roughage
In widespread droughts, of long duration, the supply of hay (and its escalating price) forces beef producers to look for alternative roughage feeds. In some situations (e.g. lactating cows), some roughage is required to ensure reasonable production and adequate utilisation of high grain rations (i.e. to assist rumen function).
Most alternative roughages are low in quality with regard to energy, protein and digestibility, are bulky to transport (hence expensive to freight), can
contain pesticide residues and are crop or food industry by-products. They are not complete feeds and must be fed (up to 2 kg/head/day as roughage)in conjunction with other energy feeds (such as grain or fortified molasses). The availability of these alternative roughage sources is often inconsistent.
from impaction, leads to starvation deaths (cattle are not fed other, more nutritious feeds) and causes losses from metabolic diseases. Starvation deaths are common. With feeds of low digestibility (less than 45%), cattle can not consume sufficient intake to meet their requirements for energy and hence survival.
Sources of alternative roughage
The Stock Foods Act 1940 and the Stock Diseases Act 1923 have been amended to ban feeding restricted animal material to ruminants.
‘Restricted animal material’ is defined in the Regulations under both Acts as tissue, blood or feathers derived from the carcass of an animal and includes any substance produced from or containing any such tissue, blood or feathers, but does not include tallow or gelatin.
Poultry shed litter. Poultry litter from broiler sheds and manure from layer sheds can contain feathers and portions of dead birds, and may also include
discarded or spilled feed containing meatmeal. Therefore it is illegal to feed these products to ruminants.
Mushroom compost often includes broiler litter or poultry manure. Where this is the case, it is illegal under the Stock Foods Act to feed mushroom compost to ruminants. Mushroom compost therefore should not be fed to ruminants unless it can be proved that the mushroom compost on offer does not contain restricted animal material as
outlined above.
Cotton hulls are a by-product of the oil crushing industry. Manufactured at Narrabri by Cargill Oilseeds, hulls are an excellent roughage widely used in the feedlotting industry.
Rice hulls are a by-product of rice processing, and are manufactured by Rice Growers Co-op, Leeton,and their stockfeed subsidiary Coprice Feeds. It is abrasive, and use is suggested in adult cattle at no more than 1 kg/head/day. At high feeding rates(3–4 kg/head/day), impaction can be expected.
Sunflower hulls are abrasive and not recommended because they can cause damage to
the oesophagus and rumen. Grape marc is variable in feed value. The biggest quantity is in the Riverina. Moisture content varies. Energy level depends on seed content. Feed value differs between red and white varieties. Obtaining vendor declarations for chemical residue status is critical. Bagasse is a by-product of sugarcane processing. It does mix well with molasses. It is used in tropical areas as a cattle feed base. Moisture content varies. Obtaining vendor declarations for chemical residue status is critical.
Oat hulls are the least abrasive of the hulls. Use at no more than 1 kg/head/day and feed to adult cattle only.
Canola hay is made from failing canola crops. Protein, energy and digestibility are all variable. It is a good choice as a roughage compared with others in the field. Do not use it as the sole feed source because of alkaloid poisoning risks. Use at 20 of diet or mix with other roughages 50:50.
Rice straw is baled after rice bays have been harvested and dried out. It is low quality roughage in terms of digestibility, energy and protein.
There are many other sources of roughage, but talk to your District Livestock Officer (Beef Cattle) about using these feeds before you purchase them. To achieve low intakes of these roughages:
• process (hammermill) to reduce length to 12–15 mm (if you have the equipment to do the job);
• otherwise, feed them every second day. Where impaction is a risk, feed molasses on a weekly basis, or preferably a fortified molasses mixture (see Primefact 271 Fortified molasses mixes for cattle).
Understanding feed analysis terms
DM (Dry matter) — the higher the better for lower freight costs.
CP (Crude protein) — the total crude protein in the feed but does not take account of digestibility and degradability of the protein.
ADF (Acid detergent fibre) — as the percentage increases, the digestibility of the feed decreases. ADF measures cellulose and lignin content of a feed. Ruminants have a low utilisation of cellulose, and lignin is indigestible. For alternative roughages the ADF indicates the digestibility of any protein.
ME (Metabolisable energy) — the measure of the energy in a feed. Above seven is best.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Influence of Methionine to Lysine on Growth Performance in 10 kilogram Pigs
Influence of Amino Acids Ratios on Growth Performance in 10 kilogram Pigs
Chaipirk hongladdapon
This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of methionine to lysine ratio on growth performance of 10 kg kilogram pigs. The experiment treatment diets containing four different methionine to lysine ratios (27:100, 33:100 and 45:100). Average daily weight gain was highest in pigs fed 39:100 showed significant (P<0.01) were 265 g/h/d greater than 33:100, 27:100 and 45:100 were 248, 233 and 212 g/h/d respectively. Similarly, feed conversion ratio were 1.70, 1.82, 1.93 and 2.13 respectively. Furthermore, pigs fed 39:100 showed higher protein efficiency ratio than pigs fed 33:100, 27:100 and 45:100 (P<0.01) were 2.95, 2.76, 2.59 and 2.35 respectively. Body weight loss of pigs fed protein free diet were 129 g/h/d. Net protein ratio showed highly significant (P<0.01) were 4.38, 4.19, 4.02 and 3.79 respectively. In conclusion, methionine to lysine ratio as 39:100 was best recommended for requirement of 10 kilogram pigs.
See More Livestock Research
http://www.enterfarm.com/
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Buying feed at the right price, Buying feeds on a protein value basis
Buying feeds on a ‘protein value’ basis
Early in a drought, when there is ample quantity of dry pasture available, a suitable feeding strategy may involve the feeding of a protein source to balance the animals’ diet and improve intake levels. This strategy is only suitable for dry stock and will not be adequate for stock with higher demands (pregnancy, lactation or growth). To choose feeds in these circumstances first determine the cost per kilogram of crude protein (CP) provided.
To determine protein costs we first need to determine the cost per kilogram of dry matter as before, and then divide that value by the crude protein percentage (CP%) and multiply by 100. The following example shows the calculation for the cost of lupin protein—lupins are a popular choice as a protein-rich supplement.
Lupins
Cost per tonne = $450
DM = 90%
CP = 32%
Cost per kg DM = $450 × 10 ÷ 90 = 50c/kg DM
Lupins have an average crude protein percentage of 32%.
Therefore:
Protein cost = 50c/kg ÷ 32 ×100 = $1.56/kg CP
Another alternative often used to supplement crude protein is urea lick blocks. These supply a non-protein nitrogen source. A typical commercial 10% urea block with some additional monoammonium phosphate (MAP) will supply the equivalent of around 40%CP.
Urea lick blocks
Cost per 20 kg block = $17
CP = 40%
Cost per kg = $17 ÷ 20 = 85c/kg
Therefore:
Protein cost = 85c/kg ÷ 40 × 100 = $2.12/kg CP
These calculations show that lupins are far cheaper than urea lick block in providing crude protein. Lupins also contain energy which blocks do not provide.
There are many other possible alternatives to providing protein to stock. This method will determine the most cost-effective alternative.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/nutrition/values
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Effects of using Fermentated Casava Meal with Amylomyces rouxii Suplementation in Diets on Production Performance of Broiler
Effects of using Fermentated Casava Meal with Amylomyces rouxii Suplementation in Diets on Production Performance of Broiler
Kunlayanee wuttisri1, Permsak Siriwan1 and Bouream maneewan1
ABSTRACT
A study on effects of fermentated casava meal with Amylomyces rouxii supplementation in broilers diets was assigned using a completely random design (CRD).The experiment composed of 5 treatments with 4 replication each. Ten chicks of both sexes at birth were allocated in each replication on the total of 200 chicks. Diet in control treatment contained 0% of fermented cassava meal (FCM),diet in treatment 2, 3, 4 and 5 composed of 5, 10, 15 and 20% FCM. The results showed that increasing levels of fermented cassava meal (FCM) significantly reduced (P < 0.05) performance of broilers during 4 - 6 weeks of age as compared to the control group. During 0-3 weeks of age,production performances of broiler among treatments were not significantly different. Levels of FCM in this study can be used to supplement in broiler diets 0 - 3 weeks of age with no effect on the performance. However, the optimum levels of FCM in broilers diets should be 10%.
Key words: Fermentated Casava Meal (FCM), Amylomyces rouxii
1 Department of Animal Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Production, Maejo University, Chiangmai 50290
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Agro-industrial by-products as roughage source for beef cattle
Agro-industrial by-products as roughage source for beef cattle: Chemical composition, nutrient digestibility and energy values of ensiled sweet corn cob and husk with different levels of Ipil – Ipil leaves.
Sompong Sruamsiri*, Pirote Silman, and Warunee Srinuch
Department of Animal Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Production,
Maejo University, Sansai, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
Available online at www.mijst.mju.ac.th
Abstract: This experiment was carried out to determine the nutritive value of agro-industrial by-products and nutrient digestibility of ensiled sweet corn cob and husk with different levels of Ipil - Ipil leaves (Leucaena leucocephala). Four native cattle were assigned by Latin Square Design to receive all dietary treatments in four experimental periods, i.e. ensiled sweet corn cob and husk (ESCH), ensiled sweet corn cob and husk + 10 % Ipil - Ipil leaves (ESCH + 10% IL), ensiled sweet corn cob and husk + 20% Ipil - Ipil leaves (ESCH + 20% IL) and ensiled sweet corn cob and husk + 30% Ipil - Ipil leaves(ESCH + 30% IL), respectively. Total collection method was used to determine the digestibility coefficients. Results showed that digestibility coefficients of ESCH were low(P>0.05) in all the nutrients. Supplementation of Ipil - Ipil leaves in ESCH increased digestibility coefficients. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible energy were higher in the silages supplemented with Ipil - Ipil leaves. Average TDN contents of ESCH, ESCH + 10% IL, 20% IL and 30% IL were 62.78 + 6.14, 70.41 + 4.04, 72.73 + 2.78 and 63.07 + 4.06 %DM, respectively.
Keywords: apparent digestibility, energy value, agro-industrial by-products, sweet corn cob and husk, silages, Ipil - Ipil leaves
Introduction
In dry season, the main problem of ruminant production in Thailand is nutrition, especially the quality and quantity of roughage which force farmers to use other resources as feed. Crop residues especially rice straw are commonly used as main sources of roughage for cattle even though the nutritive value is low. When cattle are fed with rice straw or low quality roughage, supplemented feed containing protein or other energy source is required to improve both roughage utilization and growth performance.
At present, agro-industrial by-products from canning factory such as pineapple waste, passion fruit peel, baby corn waste and sweet corn cob and husk are commonly used as feed resources, especially as roughage. However, these by-products are high in moisture content and soluble carbohydrates, so they decay very quickly. Therefore, the ensiling of these by-products is a suitable method of preservation
even though the acidity of the cannary waste silage is usually high. Silage additives should be used for improving silage quality [1,2]. Leucaena leucocephala (Ipil-Ipil) is the most popular legume species in cattle feeding. Because their protein content is high, fresh or dried leaves are usually used as protein supplement. For preserving them ensiling process is also a good method [3]. In order to find out the appropriate methods of using agro-industrial by-products as new feed resources and how to preserve them throughout the dry season, analytical work to develop the database on chemical composition, nutritive value and nutrient digestibility was conducted. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the nutritive value of agro-industrial by-products which farmers usually use as roughage for cattle, as well as to determine the apparent digestibility and energy value of ensiled sweet corn cob and husk with different levels of Ipil - Ipil leaves.
Materials and Methods
1.Chemical composition
Agro-industrial by-products such as pineapple waste, passion fruit peel, baby corn waste and steamed cob and husk of sweet corn, which are by-products from canning factories in Chiang Mai were collected and sampled for analysis. To obtain a sufficient and uniform sample, each agro- industrial by-product was repeatedly sampled from several transport trucks and mixed thoroughly.
Samples were then randomly taken for analysis of dry matter (DM), crude protein(CP), crude fiber(CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P)and gross energy(GE) according to the methods described in AOAC [4]. The analysis of neutral detergent fiber (NDF)and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were done according to Detergent method [5].
2. Digestibility study
For digestibility study, sweet corn cob and husk (SCH) collected from a canning factory was ensiled with different levels of Ipil - Ipil leaves and used as experimental diets. Ipil - Ipil leaves were prepared by chopping the whole branch whose diameter was not bigger than 1.5 cm before mixing. They were packed without additives in double layer polyethylene bags (25 x 30 inches) with vacuum suction. Each bag contained 20 kg. of silage and was stored for 21 days prior to use. Four native beef
cattle at two years of age with an average body weight 174 + 13.5 kg. were randomly allocated to one of the four dietary treatments according to Latin Square Design. The treatments were (1) ensiled sweet corn cob and husk (ESCH), (2) ensiled sweet corn cob and husk and Ipil - Ipil leaves at 90:10 (ESCH + 10%IL), (3) ensiled sweet corn cob and husk and Ipil - Ipil leaves at 80:20 (ESCH + 20%IL), and(4) ensiled sweet corn cob and husk and Ipil - Ipil leaves at 70:30 (ESCH + 30%IL) (Figure 1). The silages were fed as single feed twice daily at least 1.5% of the body weight (DM basis). Total collection method was assigned for the determination of apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients.
Each digestibility period lasted 21 days while preliminary period took place in the first 14 days and collection period was in the last 7 days. Silage intake was recorded daily through the entire experiment. Silage DM intake was calculated on DM basis. Feces and leftover feed were collected and used for the calculation of nutrient digestibility. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) were calculated using the equation : TDN = digestible CP + digestible CF + digestible NFE + digestible EE ื 2.25 [6]. Gross energy of feed and feces were determined using adiabatic bomb calorimeter (IKA calorimeter system C 5000). Digestibility was then calculated. The data were analyzed according to 4 x 4 Latin Square
Design [7].
Results and Discussion
Chemical composition of agro-industrial by-products
The dry matter contents of pineapple waste and pineapple silage (ensiled pineapple waste) were lower than those of baby corn husk, passion fruit peel, ensiled pineapple waste with rice straw and ensiled passion fruit. The average CP contents of agro-industrial by-products from the canning factories showed that all of these by-products were not the good roughage sources and should not be used as the main roughage for ruminants because of their low contents in CP and DM.
However, baby corn husk was the highest in CP content (9.88% in DM) but the lowest in NDF and ADF contents (54.44 and 22.38% in DM), when compared to other by-products. The physical characteristics of ensiled pineapple wastes with or without rice straw were in good condition even though their DM content was lower than the optimal range of good ensiling products. These might be due to the high NFE contents in pineapple waste especially fructose which are converted to lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria. Moreover, the supplement of rice straw increased DM content of the silage butdecreased CP content. The physical characteristic of rice straw was better after the ensiling process. It had a lactic acid odor with light yellow color and the structure was softer.
The chemical compositions of SCH and ESCH without or with different levels of Ipil - Ipil leaves on DM basis. The data from the chemical compositions showed that SCH and ESCH could be used as roughage sources for ruminants even though their CP contents were lower than 8 % and the DM contents were lower than 20%. Furthermore, increasing Ipil - Ipil leaves in the silage tended to increase DM and CP contents, but the average percentages of organic matter (OM),
CF, NDF and ADF tended to decrease with increasing Ipil - Ipil leaves in the silage. The positive effect of the silage with Ipil - Ipil leaves was due to the nutritive value of this legume, which was high in protein, DM and GE contents [8-9]. Although ESCH and ESCH + IL were good-quality silages,ESCH+ 30% IL had a high pH (4.32). The high pH of this treatment might be due to the buffering capacity of IL which is a leguminous plant. Therefore, the recommended Ipil – Ipil levels ensiling with
ESCH is at 10 – 20 %.
Apparent digestibility of nutrients
The digestibility of ESCH with or without Ipil - Ipil leaves. It was shown that cattle fed with ESCH+ IL consumed slightly higher dry matter content than the ESCH-fed group (2.69, 2.89,3.01 and 3.05 kg/h/d which are equal to 1.58, 1.64, 1.72 and 1.74% BW, respectively). This might be due to the supplement of Ipil – Ipil leaves in the silages, which provided more nutrients, especially nitrogen for microbial growth and activities. The result from this experiment agreed with that of Oldham [10], who found that dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility of the diet increased with increasing crude protein contents. Therefore, the digestibility of nutrients in cattle fed with ESCH + IL were higher than the ESCH group. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM and CP were significantly different among treatments (P<0.05).>0.05).
The apparent digestibility of NFE and NDF followed the same pattern as DM digestibility and was significantly different (P<0.05)>
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Application of Mathematical Models to Individually Allocate Feed of Group-fed Cattle
A data set of group-fed growing and finishing steers with individual feed access was used to evaluate predictions of required individual DM by 2 mathematical models (Cornell Value Discovery System, CVDS; and beef NRC) to allocate feed of group-fed, commingled cattle. Forty-eight crossbred steers (BW = 296 kg) were assigned to 1 of 6 pens and fed 1 of 4 growing diets formulated to have different energy concentrations for restricted or ad libitum intake regimen for 56 d. The diets were a low-starch diet fed ad libitum, a high-starch diet fed ad libitum, a high-starch with restricted intake, and an intermediate diet fed ad libitum with an average energy intake between ad libitum low-starch and ad libitum high starch diets. On d 57, all steers (BW = 401 kg) were placed on the ad libitum high-starch diet for finishing until d 140. The CVDS was able to account for 61% of the variation in the observed DMI (oDMI) of steers during the growing period, and for 71% of the variation in oDMI during finishing, with an average overprediction of 3.76%. In the same fashion, the NRC model was able to explain 59% of the variation in oDMI after adjustment for known perfonnance during the growing period with no bias (P > 0.10), and 57% of the variation in oDMI during the finishing period, with an average underprediction of 4.40%. Our overall evaluation suggested that the CVDS was more precise and accurate than the NRC model when predicting DMI for individual animals. Both models were sensitive to the previous level of nutrition of the cattle, suggesting that more variables are necessary to increase the prediction precision for cattle growing systems. The results from a risk analysis suggested that an amount of approximately$17.00/animal may be either over- or under-charged in the billing process of a commercial feedlot growing and finishing periods. Therefore, mathematical models could assist commercial feedlots to improve the accuracy of the billing process while maintaining the same income per pen.
Key words: cattle, growth, modeling, requirements, simulation, prediction
INTRODUCTION
Sorting systems have been developed to predict carcass composition of cattle to allow marketing of the feedlot animals at the optimum end point (Perry and Fox, 1997; Brethour, 2000). These systems strive to sort cattle into homogeneous groups for maximization of productivity, enhanced uniformity, and increased economic returns (Tedeschi et al., 2004). In the current beef marketing system, the reduction of nonconforming carcasses can improve the value of a group of cattle dramatically (Bruns and Pritchard, 2005).
Full utilization of these sorting systems in custom feedyards would require commingling of cattle owned by multiple customers, disrupting the billing process. Support systems that can predict individual feed requirements for an observed level of performance might be useful in assigning feed costs to animals of different ownership. Fox and Black (1977a,b,c) devised equations to predict performance and body composition of growing cattle. These equations have been modified to develop the Cornell Value Discovery System (CVDS; Tedeschi et al., 2004), and have been proposed as a support tool for feed allocation (Guiroy et al., 2001). The CVDS has been used to accurately allocate DMI among individual animals fed in pens (Tedeschi et al., 2006) and for genetic selection purposes (Williams et al., 2006).
The NRC (2000) included a computer model that uses information of cattle type, ration components, and environment to predict animal performance (Whetsell et al., 2006). The NRC (2000) model is well accepted and widely distributed and can be used to predict individual intake of cattle when performance level is known. However, the capacity of the NRC (2000) model for the purpose of feed allocation has not been extensively evaluated.
Because nutritional models rely on estimates of energy and nutrient requirements to calculate feed requirements, growing cattle programs that alter growth rate or body composition may influence the results of the applicability of models in practical conditions. To date, model applications have focused on feedlot production without regard to prior plane of nutrition.
The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the adequacy of CVDS and NRC (2000) models in predicting individual feed requirements of growing and finishing feedlot cattle; (2) to evaluate model application when growing diets are dissimilar; and (3) to determine the efficacy of model application to the billing process for commingled cattle fed in the same pen.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental Data
A data set including performance (ADG), DMI, and carcass data from steers (n = 48) fed in individual feeders (American Calan, Northwood, NH) was obtained from an experiment conducted at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Experiment Station in Bushland, TX (Vasconcelos, 2006). Care, handling, and management of steers were approved by the Cooperative Research, Education, and Extension Triangle Animal Care and Use Committee (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA-ARS, and West Texas A&M University). Briefly, steers (296.0 ± 16.7 kg of BW) were implanted with Synovex-S (20 mg of estradiol benzoate and 200 mg of progesterone; Fort Dodge Animal Health, Overland Park, KS) and individually fed 4 different growing diets for 56 d: a low-starch diet fed ad libitum (ALLS); a high-starch diet fed ad libitum (AL-HS); the same high-starch diet as AL-HS limit-fed to approximate the caloric intake of AL-LS (LF-HS); and a diet fed ad libitum with approximately the midpoint daily energy content between AL-LS and AL-HS (AL-IS). On d 57, all steers (400.6 ± 31.9 kg of BW) were placed on AL-HS diet for an 84 d finishing period.
by Vasconcelos, J T, Tedeschi, L O, Sawyer, J E, Greene, L W
Refer: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4035/is_200708/ai_n19511549
Effects of Supplement Type and Feeding Frequency on Performance and Physiological Responses of Yearling Brahman-Crossbred Steers
The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of supplement type and feeding frequency on performance of yearling steers. Twenty-four steers were stratified by initial BW and randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) molasses-based supplement fed 3 times/wk (ML), 2) citrus pulp-based supplement fed 3 times/wk (C3), or 3) citrus pulp-based supplement fed daily (C7). Supplement intakes were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Limpograss hay was offered in amounts to ensure ad libitum intake. Steer shrunk BW was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected for determination of plasma metabolites and hormones. Forage DMI was recorded daily during an 18-d period. Mean BW gain was greater
Key words: feeding frequency, performance, steers, supplement type
INTRODUCTION
Energy supplementation is essential for grazing beef cattle operations based on pastures of subtropical and tropical forages because these perennial grasses usually do not have adequate energy concentration to meet the requirements of growing cattle (Moore et al., 1991). The frequency at which supplements are offered depends on the supplement type and also on the management system of the operation. According to a review compiled by Kunkle et al. (1999), cattle supplemented daily, 3 times/wk, or once a week had similar rates of BW gain. However, the majority of these publications utilized protein or grain-based supplements, and none evaluated energy supplements based on low starch by-products such as molasses or citrus pulp.
Citrus pulp and molasses originate respectively from citrus and sugarcane industries. Molasses, despite its high DM content (approximately 75%), is classified as a liquid feed, whereas citrus pulp is commonly processed and fed as dry pellets. Differences in physical form between citrus pulp and molasses may lead to differences in intake behavior (Arthington et al., 2004). Molasses and citrus pulp also differ in their carbohydrate profile. Although both are low-starch energy feedstuffs, sucrose is the main carbohydrate of molasses (Pate, 1983), whereas pectin is the main carbohydrate of citrus pulp (Arthington et al., 2002). Pectin and sucrose are fermented differently in the rumen (NRC, 2001), which may impact forage intake, diet digestibility, energy utilization, and animal performance.
The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of supplement type and feeding frequency on performance, plasma metabolites, and hormones associated with energy intake, and voluntary forage intake of yearling steers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The experiment was conducted at the University of Florida - IF AS, Range Cattle Research and Education Center, Ona, during the months of November and December 2004. The animals utilized in this experiment were cared for by acceptable practices as outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching (PASS, 1999).
Animak and Diets
Twenty-four Brahman x British crossbred steers (BW ± SD = 257 ± 26 kg; age ± SD = 12 ± 1 mo) were utilized in this experiment. Steers were stratified by initial BW and randomly allocated to 12 pens (2 steers/pen). Pens were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (4 pens/treatment): 1) molasses-based supplement fed 3 times/wk (ML), 2) citrus pulp-based supplement fed 3 times/wk (C3), or 3) citrus pulp-based supplement fed daily (C7). Supplement intakes were formulated to be isocaloric, isonitrogenous, and balanced for Ca concentration (Table 1), given the high concentration of Ca in citrus pulp. Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) hay (54% TDN and 9.1% CP; DM basis) was coarsely ground and offered at amounts to ensure ad libitum intake throughout the study. Steers also had free access to a complete commercial mineral-vitamin mix (14% Ca, 9% P, 24% NaCl, 0.20% K, 0.30% Mg, 0.20% S, 0.005% Co, 0.15% Cu, 0.02% I, 0.05% Mn, 0.004% Se, 0.3% Zn, 0.08% F, and 82 IU/g of vitamin A) and water.
Sampling
One week before the start and at the end of the study, steers were weighed for 2 consecutive days to determine both full and shrunk BW (after 16 h of feed restriction). Only shrunk BW values were utilized to calculate steer BW gain.
During the first 3 weeks of the study (d 1 to 21), blood samples were collected immediately prior and 4, 8, 24, 32, and 48 h after the first supplement feeding of the week (d 1, 8, and 15) for determination of glucose, BUN, insulin, IGF-I, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations.
For the second part of the study (d 22 to 40), forage DMI was recorded daily. Hay was offered in amounts to ensure ad libitum intake, and orts were collected and weighed daily. During this period, samples of the offered hay were collected twice (d 25 and 35) for determination of DM and nutrient composition, whereas samples of the non-consumed hay were collected daily from each pen to determine DM content. Hay samples were dried for 96 h at 50°C in forced-air ovens. A random sample of each feedstuff used in the study was collected at the beginning of the trial and analyzed for nutrient composition at commercial laboratories (Dairy One Forage Laboratory, Ithaca, NY, for hay, cottonseed meal, and citrus pulp samples; SDK Laboratories, Hutchinson, KS, for molasses samples).
by Cooke, R F, Arthington, J D, Staples, C R, Qiu, X
Refer:
Decreased in vitro fluoroquinolone concentrations after admixture with an enteral feeding formulation
The purpose of this study was to determine if mixing of fluoroquinolones with a common enteral feeding formulation, Ensure (Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH), would alter the measured in vitro quinolone concentrations over a 24-hour period. Methods: Tablets of ciprofloxacin (500 mg), levofloxacin (500 mg), and ofloxacin (300 mg) were crushed and mixed with 240 mL of Ensure, water and calcium chloride (500 mg(L), water and magnesium chloride (200 mg/L), water and calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, and water alone. Fluoroquinolone concentrations of the mixtures were measured, via high-performance liquid chromatography, at baseline and serially over 24 hours. Experiments were performed in duplicate, at three temperatures (5 deg C, 25 deg C, and 37 deg C).
Results: Average decreases of 82.5% +/- 1.5% for ciprofloxacin, 61.3% +/- 5.2% for levofloxacin, and 45.7% +/- 10.1% for ofloxacin (mean +/- 95% CI) were observed in vitro for Ensure over the two experimental sets at baseline. Serial analysis revealed no further significant change in any of the quinolone concentrations over the remaining 24-hour period. No significant decrease was noted with the quinolones when mixed in water and calcium, water and magnesium, water and calcium and magnesium, or water alone. This phenomenon appears to be unaffected by time and temperature. Conclusions: These data suggest there is an immediate and significant loss of fluoroquinolone when mixed with Ensure. An explanation for the loss of fluoroquinolone remains unclear. (journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 24:42-48, 2000)
The use of enteral feeding formulations has increased in both the acute and long-term care settings. According to the revised American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Critical Care Practice Guidelines, enteral feeding is the nutrition intervention of choice.1 Additionally, commercially available enteral feeding formulations Ge, Ensure; Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH) are becoming more frequently accessible for use on an ambulatory or outpatient basis. Direct consumer marketing of these products to the elderly population via print and television media encourages the outpatient use of enteral feeding formulations.
Oral fluoroquinolone antibiotics are particularly useful in home health care and long-term care settings. Characterized by favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, relatively few adverse drug reactions, and potent broad-spectrum activity, the quinolones remain one of the few oral anti-infective agents with activity against rapidly emerging multi-drug resistant pathogens.2 The difficulties of administering parenteral antibiotics on an outpatient basis along with economic pressure to switch to a more cost-effective oral agent for outpatient administration has increased fluoroquinolone use in these setting.3,4 Many of these patients, however, still have sufficient comorbidities to necessitate enteral feeding.
Because of the lack of commercial liquid antibiotic preparation and difficulty in dosing antibiotics around enteral feeding times, patients requiring continous enteral feedings have had flouroquinolone tablets crushed and mixed in their feedings.5 Additionally, ambulatory patients "washing down" fluoroquinolone tablets with Ensure or consuming both products within close proximity of one another on an outpatient basis is not an unrealistic scenario.
Recent in vivo research suggests a significant reduction in the oral bioavailability of ciprofloxacin and ofloxain when delivered with enteral feedings.4,6-9 Mueller and colleagues4 observed reduced relative bioavailabilities of ciprofloxacin (72% +/- 14%) and ofloxacin (90% +/- 8%) when coadministered with Ensure. Problems also have been reported between fluoroquinolone antibiotics and food,10-18 vitamins with iron,19-21 antacids,22-27 and sucralfate.28-30 The formation of nonabsorbable chelates with divalent cations at the 4-keto- and 3-carboxyl-groups of the quinolones has been suggested as the mechanism responsible for the reduced quinolone absorption.25,29-34 This has been demonstrated as clinically relevant, as treatment failures have been reported in the literature.5,35
In preliminary experimental work, we noted a decrease in levofloxacin concentrations when combined in vitro with Ensure. The diminished concentration was noticed immediately upon dissolution of the fluoroquinolone tablet in the Ensure matrix and did not appear to be temperature- or time-dependent (unpublished data).
In this study, we attempted to expand upon our initial findings. Our primary objective was to determine the percent loss of three commercially available fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin) when combined with a common enteral feeding formulation in vitro. To more accurately characterize the nature of this interaction, we examined the effects of time and temperature. Secondarily, because chelation interactions with divalent cations25,29-34 are the proposed mechanism for this interaction, we attempted to differentiate the effects of calcium and magnesium contained in Ensure in a similar fashion.
Refer: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3762/is_200001/ai_n8896431
by Wright, David H, Pietz, Sarah L, Knostantinides, Frank N, Rotschafer, John C
Monday, February 4, 2008
Nutrient Content and Feeding Recommendations for Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine and Poultry
Vern Anderson (Editor)
North Dakota State University
Field pea compares favorably with other grains and co-products for several nutrients. Peas are considered a crude protein source (Table 1) in most diets. Energy levels are similar to corn for most livestock species with starch (54%) and digestible fiber (hemicellulose fraction 7%) accounting for most of this fraction. Fat is a modest contributor at 1.55%. Amino acids are important to swine and poultry but not a major concern to ruminants as microbes in the rumen provide the required amino acids for beef and dairy cattle and sheep. However, rate and extent of ruminal degradation for both starch and protein are important to ruminants. Field pea complements most other grains and can serve as a pellet binder for manufactured feeds.
Table 1. Analytical comparison of field peas to other grains.
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Field Wheat Soy
Peas Corn Barley Oats Midds Hulls
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---------------- Percent ----------------
Dry Matter 89 89 89 89 90 91
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----------- Dry matter basis ------------
Crude Protein 24.5 9.5 13.2 13.1 17.8 12.2
Acid Detergent Fiber 8.0 3.3 5.8 14.0 12.2 11.0
Neutral Detergent Fiber 15.1 10.8 18.1 29.3 40.7 66.1
Estimated TDN 90 90 85 83 81 80
Fat 1.55 4.30 2.25 5.05 5.05 2.10
Calcium .05 .03 .05 .10 .11 .53
Phosphorous .48 .31 .37 1.73 .95 .18
Potassium 1.01 .33 .56 1.89 1.10 1.29
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Adapted from NRC, 1984, 1996
Economic Comparison of Field Pea
Any economic comparison of field pea with other feeds must consider both crude protein and energy content as well as some intrinsic palatability factors. When considering peas, crude protein will usually be the first limiting nutrient so initial calculations are made on a protein basis only. In Table 2, cost per unit of protein is extrapolated to cost per ton or bushel when the unit cost of protein is equal, in this case $.189 per pound of crude protein on a dry matter basis. Another method of calculating relative value for only protein would be to establish a range of prices for a respective commodity, such as soybean meal at $150, $200, and $250 per ton with equivalent prices for protein resulting in field peas valued on a per bushel basis of $2.31, $3.08, and $3.84, respectively.
Table 2. Equivalent cost of field peas to other crude protein
sources.
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Field Soybean Canola Sunflower Safflower
Peas* Meal Meal Meal Meal
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Crude protein, %,
(DM basis) 24.5 47.8 40.2 35.6 27.9
Equivalent value
per ton, $ 83.33** 162 137 121 95
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* Does not include a value for higher energy content of field peas.
** Equal to $2.50 per 60 lb bushel
It must be noted that field peas add significantly to the energy in any diet when included as a protein source. Formulating least cost rations with field peas for any species or class of livestock should be done with knowledge of nutrient requirements of the animal and nutrients available in feeds being considered. A basic understanding of nutrition is needed to develop practical, productive, and economical diets. Ration balancing software is available and nutritionists may be consulted for assistance. The brief reviews to follow provide rules of thumb in using field pea for beef, dairy, sheep, swine, and poultry.
Feeding Recommendations for Beef Cattle
Field pea is a very palatable feedstuff for all classes of beef cattle. This feed may best be used in diets where nutrient density and palatability are important, such as creep feeds and receiving diets. Creep feeds with 33% to 67% field peas produced optimum animal performance and return. This formulation may provide excess crude protein as creep feed recommendations call for no more than 16%. Weaned calves can be fed pea at essentially any proportion of the concentrate when grains and supplements make up 60% or less of the total diet. Dietary crude protein requirements for growing steers and heifers are based on gain goals, with higher protein required for faster growth. Maximum recommendations are 13.5 to 14% crude protein in the diet. Peas fed at more than 25%0 of the total diet will probably result in excess crude protein, but like the creep feed trials, slightly improved performance was observed over the control diet when peas were included at 50% or more of the concentrate. The economics of using field peas at levels higher than 25% of the total diet should be carefully considered. Energy values (NEg) for field peas in growing diets can be as high as .71 Mcal/lb. Finishing cattle have demonstrated some improved performance traits with up to 20% field peas in the diet.
Field pea works well in beef cow supplements at most any level. The nutrient density will provide additional benefits as fewer pounds of feed will be required for the same nutrition, resulting in lower transportation and storage costs. Field pea may be fed in place of range cake as a protein and energy source for wintering cows or incorporated into range cake at any level required. Field pea makes an excellent binder for pelletting or cubing.
No anti-nutritional traits were observed in field pea fed to feedlot and breeding beef cattle at up to 76% of total dry matter intake. While field pea processing has not been proven to be beneficial, additional research is planned to define any threshold of response from grinding or rolling. Both starch and protein from field peas degrade slowly but relatively thoroughly in the rumen, with only modest levels of escape protein (<25%>
Feeding Recommendations for Dairy Cattle
The versatility of field pea is evident as peas have been used successfully in pre-ruminant baby calf diets as well as lactating cow diets. In starter diets, ground field peas can be included at up to 40 to 50% of the concentrate replacing portions of corn, barley, and/or soybean meal. Equal animal performance was observed in trials in Alberta and Minnesota. Field pea can be used as the sole protein source for growing heifers. Because dry peas degrade slowly but thoroughly in the rumen, highly productive cows in early lactation require additional escape protein from sources other than peas. Young cows are also more susceptible than second lactation and older cows to lack of escape protein in the diet. In Alberta trials, field pea replaced soybean meal as a protein source without affecting feed intake, milk yield, or 4% fat corrected milk, provided escape protein requirements are met by distillers grains or other sources. Field pea can be used at up to 25% of the concentrate. Field pea effectively improved ruminal pH when substituted for barley in lactating cow diets. Processing field pea has not been investigated in lactating cow diets, but the preference for all other grains is to grind relatively fine. Small particle size allows maximum digestion during the relatively rapid passage rate of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract.
Feeding Recommendations for Sheep
"Experienced shepherds esteem field peas for fattening sheep . . ." (from Morrison's Feeds and Feeding, 20th Edition, 1946). This historical comment is supported by recent research using field pea in growing and finishing lamb diets. Peas appear to have a net energy value at least equal to corn and in one trial 14% greater than corn. Peas were successfully included at up to 45% of the feedlot diet, replacing a portion of the corn and all of the soybean meal. Peas appear to be an excellent source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals for growing and finishing lambs. Least cost rations should be balanced based on relative feed costs and expected performance. No specific research with peas and breeding flocks is known, but the limited research data in feedlot and knowledge of reproduction in other ruminant species suggests no problems would be anticipated in ewe diets.
Feeding Recommendations for Swine
The nutrient density and low fiber levels in field pea makes it an attractive feed for swine diets. Balancing these diets requires appropriate complementary feeds or supplements. Starter diets can contain up to 15% ground field peas, but extruding the peas will increase the maximum recommended level to 20%. Early weaned pigs should weigh at least 20 pounds and be 20 days old before introducing field peas. For growing finishing pigs, substantial evidence exists that field pea can replace all of the soybean meal and a portion of the basal grain in wheat , barley, and/or hullless-oat grain based diets. Pea/corn diets will require an additional 4 to 8% protein supplement due to the low protein content in corn. Growing diets for swine may contain up to 40% field pea. Recommendations from finishing research indicate pigs perform well on diets that contain from 10 to 43% field pea. Amino acids are important in growing and finishing swine diet formulation, especially methionine. Options include adding synthetic methinone or mixing peas with canola meal, as it is high in methionine. Strong evidence supports blending canola meal with field pea to make an excellent replacement for soybean meal. Addition of the enzymes phytase (phosphorous metabolism) and xylanase (fiber digestion) further increased performance of growing pigs fed pea. In lactating sow diets, peas can replace up to 30% of soybean meal without affecting performance. Anti-nutritional factors observed in other annual legumes (i.e. anti-trypsin factor in soybeans) are 5 to 20 times lower in spring-planted field pea and not considered a problem in feeding field pea to swine. Field pea should be ground or pelleted with other feeds when included in swine diets. Field pea must compete economically with other feeds as an energy and protein source and can be used without affecting animal performance.
Feeding Recommendations for Poultry
Several different classes of poultry can utilize field pea in their diets with proper consideration for meeting nutrient requirements. Peas can be a viable energy source, as well as a protein source since the amino acid profile closely matches requirements for many of the poultry species. Low levels of trypsin inhibitors in spring-seeded peas allow feeding without roasting. Grinding is the preferred processing method for peas in all poultry diets, but fines should be avoided. For laying hens, peas can be fed at up to 40% of the diet without severely affecting performance, but 10% is a more practical level with equal performance. Broilers and turkeys can consume 20 to 30% field pea without affecting performance. Commercial xylanases and betaglucanases added to poultry diets increased protein digestibility in diets with high percentages of field pea. Due to the shorter digestive tract and rapid passage rate, energy derived from field pea by poultry is similar to barley. Methionine is the first limiting amino acid, so supplementation with other feeds or purified sources may be recommended. As with other species, comparative cost of nutrients will determine the economic level of field peas in poultry diets.
Monday, January 28, 2008
History of Commercial Feeds
Compound feeds can be complete feeds that provide all the daily required nutrients, concentrates that provide a part of the ration (protein, energy) or supplements that only provide additional micro-nutrients such as minerals and vitamins.
According to the American Feed Industry Association, as much as $20 billion worth of feed ingredients are purchased each year. These products range from grain mixes to orange rinds to beet pulps. The feed industry is one of the most competitive businesses in the agricultural sector and is by far the largest purchaser of U.S. corn, feed grains, and soybean meal. Tens of thousands of farmers with feed mills on their own farms are able to compete with huge conglomerates with national distribution. Feed crops generated $23.2 billion in cash receipts on U.S. farms in 2001. At the same time, farmers spent a total of $24.5 billion on feed that year. Around 600 million tons of feed are produced annually around the world.
History of Commercial Feeds
The beginning of industrial scale production of animal feeds can be traced back to the late 1800s, this is around the time that advance in human and animal nutrition was able to identify the benefits of a balanced diet, and the importance that role that the processing of certain raw materials played in this. Corn gluten feed was first manufactured in 1882, while leading world feed producer Purina feeds was established in 1894 by William H. Danforth. Cargill which was mainly dealing in grains from its beginnings in 1865, started to deal in feed at about 1884.
The feed industry expanded rapidly in the first quarter of the 1900s with "Purina" expanding its operations into Canada, and opened its first feed mill in 1927 (Which is still in operation).
In 1928 the feed industry was revolutionized by the introduction of the first pelleted feeds - Purina Checkers.
History of the feed industry in the UK
Port Mills
In the UK from 1910-1960 the bulk of feed manufacturing was being done near main deep sea ports; where cheap cereals and maize was being imported from the USA, where proximity to flour mills was close (wheatfeed, a residue from flour milling was and still is used as a feed ingredient), and the close proximity to oilseed crushing plants (which also relied on imported ingredients - vegetable oil seeds), where the by-product of oilseed crushing, oil cake, was used for its protein and energy in animal feed rations. These feed mills were huge businesses with very large output and employed in excess of 1,000 employees. From the ports the main form of distribution was via rail, dropped of at wayside or branch stations for collection by the local merchants.
Country mill
1960 - 1985 is known as the era of the country mill. After the Second World War, government stressed on the importance of britain becoming self sufficient and this policy resulted in the demise of the port mills, with them being replaced by the country mill. By the late 1950s the large port mills with their huge labor force were becoming uneconomic to run, with aging equipment and expensive transportation costs. In addition to this home grown cereals were becoming much more readily available, with country based manufacturers being located in the close vicinity to the farmer customers, the first feed mills in the country were establish in the late 1960s. Around the start of the 1970s 16 country mills had been built replace all but 2 of the 23 port mills that had been in operation.
By the late 1970s the feed industry in Britain was probably enjoying its best period, with the increasingly affluent population able to eat more meat, milk and eggs, feed was in high demand. By the mid 1980s however, oversupply had become evident, especially in the dairy industry. With the imposition of milk production quotas in 1985, the feed industry was hit very hard with the virtual removal of 1 million tones of dairy feed overnight. This resulted in the closure and amalgamation of a number of mills. Since then mills have continue to optimize operations to the extent that the configuration of mills today reflects well with the current demand patterns for feed.
Feed Ingredients
The main ingredients used in commercially prepared feed are the feed grains, which include corn, soybeans, sorghum, oats, and barley. Corn production was valued at nearly $25 billion in 2003, while soybean production was valued at $17.5 billion. Roughly 66 percent of sorghum production, which was valued at $965 million in 2003, is used as livestock feed. Approximately 60 percent of barley production, which totaled 227 million bushels (4,610,000 metric tons) and was valued at $765 million in 2003, is used as livestock feed. Annual oat production in 2003 was valued at $218 million.
The sale and manufacture of premixes is an industry within an industry. Pre-mixes are comprised of micro-ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, chemical preservatives, antibiotics, fermentation products, and other essential ingredients that are purchased from pre-mix companies, usually in sacked form, for blending into commercial rations. Because of the availability of these products, a farmer who uses his own grain can formulate his own rations and be assured that his animals are getting the recommended levels of minerals and vitamins.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Effect of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) on Growth Performance, Abdominal Visceral Fat, Cholesterol and White Blood Cells in Broilers
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to determine the effect of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) on growth performance, abdominal visceral fat, cholesterol and white blood cells in broilers. A total of 160 one-day old chicks (80 male and 80 female) were divided into 4 treatment groups of 4 replications (5 chicks per cage). Using the Completely Randomized Design (CRD), chicks were fed diets containing dried bitter melon at levels of 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5%, respectively, in ad libium. Experimental diets were fed at two phases with 21 and 19 % protein, respectively, and metabolisable energy (Me) at 3,150 kcal/kg (NRC; 1995). Drinking water was provided at all time. Animal were fed for 42 days with 8 broilers per group slaughtered to study abdominal visceral fat.
Results showed that female animal fed 5% dried bitter melon had lower cholesterol level than the other treatment groups at a highly significant difference (P<0.01).>0.05). Although the results were not significant for broilers fed dried bitter melon but abdominal visceral fat percentage tended to decrease by 5% and for broilers fed 0.5% dried bitter melon, growth performance was much better than the other groups.
In conclusion, cholesterol level in blood of broilers fed 5% dried bitter melon was much lower than those of the other groups.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Livestock Feed Formulation Programme
Phongphichan Sukhontanit 1/ Narin Thongwittaya 1/ Weerasak Prokati 2/ Domkerng Chamnanca 3/
Abstract
Livestock Feed Formulation Programme has been developed to calculate feed formula for livestocks at the lowest feed cost by allowing farmers to select local but good quality raw feed materials to allow animals to receive complete nutrient requirement as needed and farmers to be able to apply the programme by themselves.
This program used Microsoft Visual Basic.NET for development and Microsoft Access as database with Microsoft Windows XP as an operating system. The feed formulation itself employed the technique of linear programming model and also during modification of raw materials.
Effects of Used Oil in Broiler Diets on Productive Performance
Phongphichan Sukhonthanit and Narin Thongwittaya 1/
Abstract
A study on using used oil in broiler diets was performances to evaluate the productive performance. Used oil was incorporated into six experimental diets at levels of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% (23% and 20% CP and 3.00 and 3.10 Mcal ME/kg for 0 – 3 and 3 – 5 weeks of age respectively). Arbor Acres commercial chicks (150 birds, from 0 – 5 weeks of age) were in individual cages. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The experimental treatments were subjected to Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment means were compared using Duncan’s New Multiple Range test.The results showed that feed intake of chick fed used oil at 6 % higher than control group (2,131.08 and 1,976.21 g/b) (P <> 0.05). It was suggested that can be use the used oil in broiler diet at 6 %.
1/ Department of Animal Technology, Maejo University.
