Dietary protein degradability effect on performance of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis.

The study investigated the effects of dietary protein degradation rate on growth performance and immune response of crossbred Dorper × short-tail Han ram lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Eighteen lambs were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments, rapidly degradable protein (RDP), moderately degradable protein (MDP), and slowly degradable protein (SDP) diets. Feed intake and body weight of the lambs were recorded weekly until 42 days post-infection.

Effects of physicochemical and structural properties of single and double feedstuffs derived from different botanic sources on in vitro starch digestion and glucose release kinetics.

Starch is the largest constituent in animal diets. The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to assess the variability of basic physicochemical properties and in vitro starch digestion of starchy feedstuffs and investigate relationship between physicochemical properties and starch digestion of the feedstuffs, and (b) to explore the effects of different sources of starchy feedstuffs on starch digestion and glucose release. In this study, we determined the inherent molecular structure and granular structure of starch and chemical compositions of seven starchy feedstuffs, as well as starch digestion in single feedstuff and different feedstuffs combined with corn.

Influence of metabolizable protein and minerals supplementation on detrimental effects of endoparasitic nematodes infection in small ruminants.

Endoparasitic nematode infection could have negative impacts on performances of sheep and goats. However, supplementary protein and minerals can also affect nematodes. This paper reviews present information on the importance of protein and minerals supplementation as means to control nematode infection in small ruminants.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus fiber on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, microbial composition, VFA production, gut pH, and immunity of weaned pigs.

Astragalus membranaceus is an herbaceous perennial plant, growing to about 2 feet tall, with sprawling stems and alternate leaves about 12-24 leaflets. In total, 24 cross bred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 4 weeks with an average body weight of 10.84 ± 1.