Introducing the 8th 2020 edition of All About Feed

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The effect of different water-to-feed ratios in growing-finishing pigs

Interest in giving pigs wet feed has increased, but there is still much to learn, including how much water-to-feed ratio matters in terms of the digestibility of energy and nutrients. A study of these ratios in growing-finishing pigs was recently conducted. All About Feed looks at the results.

Okra fruit: Enhancing broiler meat quality

With its antibacterial, anthelmintic, and antioxidant properties, okra fruit has been shown to improve the meat quality and health of broilers, according to a study in Egypt.

Okra is also known as ‘lady’s finger’ and is typically grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Photo: Shutterstock

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Wood lignans are bioactive substances

This article presents wood lignans − a new class of active substances for feed purposes − as an interesting natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Various experiments have reported a positive effect on the performance of broilers and weaning pigs.

The difference in development between the experimental groups is visible – on the left of the photo is a PC positive control with Virginiamycin, and on the right is the negative control with wood lignans. Photo: Agromed

Microbial diversity for ruminants

The gut functions as a protective barrier and provides resistance to colonisation of pathogenic organisms while having beneficial effects on immune function. The ruminant has a digestive strategy that relies on an intimate relationship with various micro-organisms and, as such, can utilise feedstuffs that other animals cannot.

Gut microbiota has a significant influence on host health, immunity and physiology. Photo: Herbert Wiggerman

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Polyphenols for feed preservation and animal nutrition

Much research suggests that one of the most important features of phenolic compounds is their antioxidant activity.

Dietary polyphenols fed to chickens resulted in improved meat quality and extended shelf life. Photo: Layn Natural Ingredients

Using yeast derivatives to support aquaculture production

It has been demonstrated that yeast derivatives, which can help balance intestinal microflora, can support the natural lines of defense of both freshwater and marine species.

Trials suggest that shrimp fed a yeast derivative were better able to react to a pathogen challenge. Photo: Shutterstock

Belarus domestic feed industry reaches the next level

The first stage of the Belarus National Biotechnological Corporation – the most ambitious project embarked on in the country’s agricultural industry over recent decades – has been completed.

The Belarus National Biotechnological Corporation project consists of 14 feed and feed additive plants, the first of which began operating in August 2020. Photo: BNBC

Convenient and green

There is a growing interest from farmers for environmentally-friendly equipment and systems with zero emissions and no noise. Each year, new electric and automated farm machinery comes onto the market.

The electric, portable precision cattle feeding machine, the Super SmartFeed. Photo: Lab of Dr. Nicolas Dilorenzo

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Using a synergistic combination of plant extracts to prevent intestinal inflammation

Intestinal inflammation can impair nutrient absorption. A university trial was conducted in France to assess the synergistic impact of plant extracts on both intestinal integrity and the inflammatory process.

A trial evaluated the effect of plant extracts incorporated in concentrated feed for dairy cows three weeks before calving and during lactation. Photo: Henk Riswick

Effects of stocking density on the production parameters of broiler chickens

High stocking density is one of the most important stress factors affecting broilers. Not only does it cause a reduction of feed consumption, but it also lowers growth rate and carcass quality and is linked to an increase in airborne pathogens.

There is a general tendency towards reduced growth rates with higher stocking densities, partly because of the reduced feed intake under such conditions. Photo: Lex Salverda

Mycotoxin risk: How to gain a few more precious weeks

Early prediction of mycotoxin risk in grain could be extremely valuable.

The contamination of grain harvested in a single year can differ from the mycotoxin patterns and levels in previous years in the same climatic region. Photo: Adisseo

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Setting the agenda for the next decade

In the run-up to the Global Feed Safety Summit, All About Feed partners with GMP+ International to host 3 webinars to bring industry leaders together and exchange ideas. Each webinar will revolve around one of the summit’s main topics – feed safety and security; consumer influence in the feed chain; and the growing importance of international versus regional sourcing.

To read the full articles, simply click on the digital magazine section and then on All About Feed 2020-8. Registration is free.