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PloS One 2021An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets containing different feed...
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets containing different feed additives. Six rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 225 ± 13.2 kg) were distributed in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Six experimental diets based on 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis were evaluated. Diets differed in feed additive on a DM basis, as follows: 1.4% bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in 3:1 ratio (BOX); 36 ppm lasalocid sodium (LAS); 30 ppm monensin sodium (MON); 25 ppm virginiamycin (VIR); 30 ppm monensin sodium plus 25 ppm virginiamycin (MV); and 3.15% commercial mineral supplement containing D-limonene and exogenous α-amylase (EOA). The experiment lasted 144 d, with six periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 14 d for dietary adaptation, 3 d for feces and urine collection, and 7 d for omasal and ruminal digesta collection. Bulls fed the BOX diet showed greater (P < 0.05) intake of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (apNDF), crude protein (CP), and starch compared to the other diets. Diets with LAS, MON, VIR, MV, or EOA did not influence (P > 0.05) the DM, OM, apNDF, CP, or starch intake of feedlot bulls. Bulls fed the EOA diet showed greater (trend; P = 0.09) ruminal digestibility of starch compared to the other diets. The feed additives did not affect (P > 0.05) the intestinal or total tract digestibility of starch, rumen pH, microbial efficiency, total rumen fluid, dilution rate, rate of intake, rate of degradation, or passage rate of the DM, OM, apNDF, and starch. In conclusion, LAS, MON, VIR, MV, and EOA diets reduced nutrient intake compared to BOX. Although all feed additives presented similar effects on rumen pH, temperature, and kinetics the presence of exogenous α-amylase in the EOA diet may increase ruminal starch digestibility and apparent total tract digestibility of DM and OM.
Topics: Animals; Eating; Monensin; Nutrients; Rumen; Silage
PubMed: 34727141
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259414 -
Translational Animal Science Jul 2021Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feed additives [monensin (); 30 mg/kg of dry matter (), and virginiamycin (); 25 mg/kg DM] and grain adaptation...
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feed additives [monensin (); 30 mg/kg of dry matter (), and virginiamycin (); 25 mg/kg DM] and grain adaptation programs [adding roughage (; sugarcane bagasse) or not () during the 20-d adaptation period] on performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of cattle fed finishing diets containing 85% whole shelled corn and 15% of a pelleted protein-mineral-vitamin supplement. In Exp.1, 105 Nellore bulls [initial body weight () = 368 ± 25 kg] were used in a complete randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, consisting of two feed additives (MON and VM) associated with two adaptation programs (ROU or NO-ROU during the 20-d adaptation period). Effects of feed additives × adaptation programs were not detected ( ≥ 0.13). Feed additives did not affect dry matter intake (), average daily gain (), and feed efficiency () during the 20-d adaptation period ( ≥ 0.35). During the total feeding period (105 d), feeding MON decreased DMI ( ≤ 0.03) compared to VM. Adding sugarcane bagasse to finishing diets during the 20-d adaptation period (ROU) increased ADG ( = 0.05) and G:F ( = 0.03), and tended to increase BW ( = 0.09) compared to NO-ROU. In Exp. 2, 10 ruminally cannulated Nellore steers (BW = 268 ± 38 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of the two feed additives used in the Exp. 1 (MON and VM; 5 steers/treatment) on DMI, total apparent digestibility of nutrients, and ruminal fermentation characteristics. No differences in DMI, total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients, and ruminal fermentation characteristics were observed between MON and VM ( ≥ 0.32). An effect of sampling day ( < 0.001) was observed for ruminal pH, which was greater on day 0 compared to day 7, 14, and 21 of the experimental period ( ≤ 0.05). In summary, supplementing monensin and virginiamycin for finishing Nellore bulls fed whole shelled corn diets, resulted in similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. Including sugarcane bagasse to adapt finishing bulls to no-roughage diets containing whole shelled corn is an alternative to increase growth performance.
PubMed: 34671721
DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab119 -
Tropical Animal Health and Production Oct 2021The objective of this study was to evaluate diets containing monensin (MON) associated or not with virginiamycin (VM) or functional oil based on cashew nut shell and...
The objective of this study was to evaluate diets containing monensin (MON) associated or not with virginiamycin (VM) or functional oil based on cashew nut shell and castor beans (FO) for beef cattle in feedlots on nutritional (intake and digestibility) and productive parameters. A total of 1410 non-castrated Nellore cattle were selected, with an average age of 18 months and with an initial mean body weight (BW) of 305 ± 41.52 kg. The diet showed a roughage to concentrate ratio of 23:77, with the supply of corn silage as a source of roughage. The following additive inclusions in the diet were evaluated: (1) MON: 27 mg MON/kg dry matter (DM); (2) MON + VM: 22 mg MON/kg DM + 19 mg VM/kg DM; and (3) MON + FO: 22 mg MON/kg DM + 500 mg FO/kg DM. Statistical analyses were obtained through a linear model using initial BW and days of feedlot as covariables and comparisons between treatments using mutually orthogonal linear contrasts with a 5% significance level. The association or not of MON with VM or FO does not affect any of the nutritional and productive parameters evaluated. Animals that receive diets with MON + VM have higher average daily gain and feed efficiency (FE) than those that receive MON + FO without showing differences in nutritional parameters. The supply of MON associated with VM or FO does not increase intake and productive performance and, consequently, efficiency of feedlot beef cattle. However, in the case of use associated with MON, the VM provides greater performance than FO without changing food intake.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Cattle; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Monensin; Virginiamycin
PubMed: 34623524
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02940-8 -
Microorganisms Sep 2021Mature and stable intestinal microbiota in chickens is essential for health and production. Slow development of microbiota in young chickens prolongs the precarious...
Mature and stable intestinal microbiota in chickens is essential for health and production. Slow development of microbiota in young chickens prolongs the precarious period before reaching mature configuration. Whether probiotics can play a role in the early maturation of intestinal microbiota is unknown. To address this, day-old chicks were assigned into six groups: NC (basal diet), PC (virginiamycin), low (BPL) and high-dose (BPH) of and low (BSL) and high-dose (BSH) of . Cecal contents at days 7, 14, 28 and 42 were used to analyze the treatment and time effects on the diversity and composition of microbiota. Overall, the alpha diversity was significantly decreased in the NC group between days 7 and 14, while this decline was prevented in the probiotic (BSL and BSH) and even reversed in the BPH group. The beta-diversity showed significant responses of microbial communities to probiotics in first two weeks of life. Analyses of the abundance of microbiota reflected that members of the family Ruminococcaceae (, , , and ), which were dominant in mature microbiota, were significantly higher in abundance at day 14 in the probiotic groups. Conversely, the abundance of genera within the family Lachnospiraceae (, and ) was dominant in early dynamic microbiota but was significantly lower in the probiotic groups at day 14. The and abundance was higher, while the Enterobacteriaceae abundance was lower in the probiotic groups. In summary, the probiotics efficiently helped the cecal microbiota reach mature configuration earlier in life. These results could be used for the future manipulation of microbiota from the perspective of improving poultry performance.
PubMed: 34576794
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091899 -
Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry : MRC Feb 2022The complete H and C NMR characterization of streptogramin B (1), the major component of a clinically important synergistic antibiotic complex, was presented for the...
NMR characterization of streptogramin B and L-156,587, a non-synergistic pair of the streptogramin family antibiotic complexes produced inductively by a combined culture of Streptomyces albogriseolus and Tsukamurella pulmonis.
The complete H and C NMR characterization of streptogramin B (1), the major component of a clinically important synergistic antibiotic complex, was presented for the first time, along with those of L-156,587 (2), a dehydrated congener of streptogramin A (3). Compounds 1 and 2 were not synergistic and produced by Streptomyces albogriseolus in co-culture with Tsukamurella pulmonis, which poses a question on the adaptive significance of the induced production of this antibiotic pair.
Topics: Actinobacteria; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Streptogramin B; Streptogramins; Streptomyces; Virginiamycin
PubMed: 34547830
DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5219 -
Animal Nutrition (Zhongguo Xu Mu Shou... Sep 2021The primary aim of this experiment was to critically explore the relationship between the different levels of mixed organic acids (MOA) and growth performance, serum...
The primary aim of this experiment was to critically explore the relationship between the different levels of mixed organic acids (MOA) and growth performance, serum antioxidant status and intestinal health of weaned piglets, as well as to investigate the potential possibility of MOA alternative to antibiotics growth promoters (AGP). A total of 180 healthy piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]; weighing 7.81 ± 1.51 kg each, weaned at d 28) were randomly divided into 5 treatments: 1) basal diet (CON); 2) CON + chlorinomycin (75 mg/kg) + virginiamycin (15 mg/kg) + guitaromycin (50 mg/kg) (AGP); 3) CON + MOA (3,000 mg/kg) (OA1); 4) CON + MOA (5,000 mg/kg) (OA2); 5) CON + MOA (7,000 mg/kg) (OA3). This study design included 6 replicates per treatment with 6 piglets per pen (barrow:gilt = 1:1) and the experiment was separated into phase 1 (d 1 to 14) and phase 2 (d 15 to 28). In phases 1, 2 and overall, compared with the CON, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reduced ( < 0.01) and the average daily gain (ADG) was increased ( < 0.05) in piglets supplemented with AGP, OA1 and OA2. The concentration of serum immunoglobulins G (IgG) was improved ( < 0.05) in piglets supplemented with OA2 in phase 2. In the jejunum and ileum, the villus height:crypt depth ratio was significantly increased ( < 0.01) in piglets fed AGP and OA1. The mRNA expression level of claudin1 and zonula occludens-1 () ( < 0.01) was up-regulated in piglets supplemented with OA1 and OA2. The piglets fed AGP, OA1 and OA2 showed an increase ( < 0.05) in the content of acetate acid and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in the cecum, and butyric acid and TVFA in the colon compared with CON. Also, OA1 lowered ( < 0.05) the content of Lachnospiraceae in piglets. These results demonstrated that MOA at 3,000 or 5,000 mg/kg could be an alternative to antibiotics due to the positive effects on performance, immune parameters, and intestinal health of weaned piglets. However, from the results of the quadratic fitting curve, it is inferred that MOA at a dose of 4,000 mg/kg may produce a better effect.
PubMed: 34466678
DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2020.11.018 -
MSystems Aug 2021The antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) flavophospholipol and virginiamycin have been widely used for decades in food animal production. AGP activity is believed to be...
The antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) flavophospholipol and virginiamycin have been widely used for decades in food animal production. AGP activity is believed to be partly modulated by gut microbial composition although exact AGP-induced changes remain unclear. In a controlled intervention study, we studied the effect of flavophospholipol and virginiamycin on the broiler chicken ileal microbiota spanning from birth to 39 days. Using 16S rRNA gene profiling and prediction of metabolic activity, we show that both AGPs result in dynamic microbial shifts that potentially increase anti-inflammatory mechanisms and bioavailability of several essential nutrients by decreasing degradation (flavophospholipol) or increasing biosynthesis (virginiamycin). Further, virginiamycin-supplemented broilers showed increased colonization with potentially pathogenic bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Escherichia/ spp. Overall, we show that both AGPs induce microbial changes potentially beneficial for growth. However, the increase in (foodborne) pathogens shown here with virginiamycin use could impact not only broiler mortality but also human health. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) are commonly used within poultry farming to increase muscle growth. Microbial composition in the gut is known to be influenced by AGP use although exact AGP-induced changes remain unclear. Utilizing 16S rRNA gene profiling, this study provides a first head-to-head comparison of the effect of the two most commonly used AGPs, flavophospholipol and virginiamycin, on the broiler chicken ileum microbiota over time. We found that supplementation with both AGPs altered ileal microbial composition, thereby increasing potential bioavailability of essential nutrients and weight gain. Flavophospholipol showed a slight benefit over virginiamycin as the latter resulted in more extensive microbial perturbations including increased colonization by enteropathogens, which could impact broiler mortality.
PubMed: 34463581
DOI: 10.1128/mSystems.00381-21 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Aug 2021Two experiments were conducted to compare a supplemental blend of essential oils alone (EO) or combined with enzymes (EO + ENZ) versus virginiamycin (VM), on...
Blend of Essential Oils Supplemented Alone or Combined with Exogenous Amylase Compared with Virginiamycin Supplementation on Finishing Lambs: Performance, Dietary Energetics, Carcass Traits, and Nutrient Digestion.
Two experiments were conducted to compare a supplemental blend of essential oils alone (EO) or combined with enzymes (EO + ENZ) versus virginiamycin (VM), on characteristics of growth performance (Exp. 1) and digestion (Exp. 2) in finishing lambs. Lambs were fed a high-energy finishing diet supplemented with: (1) no supplement (control); (2) 150 mg supplemental EO; (3) 150 mg supplemental EO plus 560 mg alpha-amylase (EO + ENZ); and 4) 25 mg VM. Compared with the control, growth performance response to EO and VM were similar, enhancing (5.7%, < 0.05) feed efficiency and observed dietary net energy. Compared with control, supplementation with EO + ENZ tended ( = 0.09) to increase dry matter intake (6.8%), improving ( < 0.05) weight gain and feed efficiency (10.4 and 4.4%, respectively). Dietary energy utilization was greater (2.7%, < 0.05) for EO and VM than EO + ENZ. Treatment effects on the carcass and visceral mass were small, but additive supplementation decreased ( ≤ 0.03) the relative weight of the intestines. There were no treatment effects on measures of digestion nor digestible energy of the diet. Supplemental EO may be an effective alternative to VM in high-energy finishing diets for feedlot lambs. Combination EO + ENZ may further enhance dry matter intake, promoting increased weight gain.
PubMed: 34438846
DOI: 10.3390/ani11082390 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2021Feedlot cattle are usually adapted to high-concentrate diets containing sodium monensin (MON) in more than 14 days. However, for finishing diets with lower energy...
Feedlot cattle are usually adapted to high-concentrate diets containing sodium monensin (MON) in more than 14 days. However, for finishing diets with lower energy content, the use of MON during adaptation may hold dry matter intake (DMI), and virginiamycin (VM) may be an alternative. This study was designed to determine the potential of shortening the adaptation of Nellore cattle to high-concentrate diets using only VM as a sole feed additive relative to feedlot performance, feeding behavior, and ruminal and cecum morphometrics. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized block replicated six times (four animals/pen) in which 120 Nellore bulls (390.4 ± 19.0 kg) were fed in 30 pens for 111 days according to the following treatments: (1) MON and adaptation for 14 days (MON14), (2) MON + VM and adaptation for 14 days (MONVM14), (3) VM and adaptation for 14 days (VM14), (4) VM and adaptation for 9 days (VM9), and (5) VM and adaptation for 6 days (VM6). At the end of the adaptation, 30 animals ( = 1 per pen) were randomly slaughtered for rumen and cecum evaluations. The remaining 90 bulls were harvested at the end of the study. No effects of treatments were observed ( < 0.10) for final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and hot carcass weight (HCW). Cattle fed VM14 presented a greater ( ≤ 0.03) DMI, expressed as percent of body weight (BW), than animals fed either MON14 or MONVM14; however, cattle fed either MON14 or MONVM14 improved ( ≤ 0.02) the gain-to-feed ratio (G/F) by 10.4 or 8.1%, respectively, when compared to bulls fed VM14. Bulls fed VM14 had smaller ( < 0.05) papillae area (0.34 vs. 0.42 cm) and rumen absorptive surface area (28.9 vs. 33.8 cm) than those fed MON14. The shortening of the adaptation period linearly decreased the 12th rib fat ( = 0.02) and biceps femoris fat daily gain ( = 0.02) of Nellore bulls fed only VM, which linearly decreased the final biceps femoris fat thickness ( < 0.01). Feedlot cattle fed VM as a sole feed additive should not be adapted to high-concentrate diets in less than 14 days. Regardless of either adaptation length or feed additive, feedlot cattle need at least 14 days to adapt to finishing diets.
PubMed: 34409088
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.692705 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2021A total of 64 pregnant Bama mini-pigs were used to investigate the effects of maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation on immune...
A total of 64 pregnant Bama mini-pigs were used to investigate the effects of maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation on immune response, intestinal morphology, and microbiota community of offspring piglets. The sows were assigned randomly to one of four groups, control group (basal diet), antibiotic group (basal diet supplemented with 50 g/t virginiamycin), probiotic group (basal diet supplemented with 200 mL/d probiotic fermentation broth per pig), or synbiotic group (basal diet supplemented with 200 mL/d probiotic fermentation broth per pig + 500 g/t xylo-oligosaccharides) during pregnancy and lactation periods. After weaning, two piglets close to the average body weight (BW) per litter were selected and fed a basal diet. Eight piglets with similar BW were selected from each group for sample collection at 65 d-old. The results showed that plasma interleukin (IL)-2 and lipopolysaccharide concentrations were decreased ( < 0.05) in the probiotic group, while the immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration in the probiotic and synbiotic groups was increased ( < 0.05), when compared with the control group. The jejunal IL-10, interferon-α, and secretory IgA (sIgA) concentrations were increased ( < 0.05) in the probiotic and synbiotic groups, as well as the ileal sIgA concentration in the probiotic group. The jejunal villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth were increased ( < 0.05) in the probiotic group, as well as the ileal VH in the synbiotic group. Furthermore, the piglets from the antibiotic group exhibited a lower microbiota diversity in the jejunum and ileum. The piglets from the synbiotic group had higher relative abundances of , and in the jejunum compared with the antibiotic group. Dietary probiotic treatment increased ( < 0.05) the relative abundance of in the ileum compared with the antibiotic and control groups. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the relative abundances of , and in the jejunum and in the ileum, were positively correlated with the alterations of immunoglobulin and cytokines. Collectively, these findings suggest that maternal interventions with probiotic or synbiotic are promising strategies for improving the immune response of offspring piglets by altering the gut microbiota.
PubMed: 34307437
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.686053