A Dynamic Approach to Feed Formulation

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the opportunity cost of using fixed tables of nutrient requirements when formulating feeds for broilers can be considerable, and that nutritionists should consider a more dynamic approach to defining the lower bounds of amino acids in particular, in line with the objective of the business, which is to maximise profit. In order to do this, it is necessary to consider the potential growth rate of the broiler, the cost of feed and amount of feed consumed, and the income generated from the sale of product

Combined effect of dietary protein, ractopamine, and immunocastration on boar taint compounds, and using testicle parameters as an indicator of success

CITATION: Needham, T. et al. 2020. Combined effect of dietary protein, ractopamine, and immunocastration on boar taint compounds, and using testicle parameters as an indicator of success. Foods, 9(11):1665, doi:10.3390/foods9111665.The original publication is available at https://www.mdpi.comThis study investigates the combined effect of immunocastration, dietary protein level (low, medium or high) and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation (0 or 10 mg/kg) on the adipose concentrations of androstenone, skatole and indole in pigs, and explores whether body mass, carcass fatness or testicular parameters may be indicators of boar taint in these carcasses. Immunocastration was successful in decreasing testicle functioning, and adipose androstenone and skatole concentrations, in all individuals. Immunocastration decreased testicle weight and length, seminiferous tubule circumference and epithelium thickness. Testicle tissue from immunocastrates was also paler, and less red in color, in comparison to non-castrated controls. Dietary protein level and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation had no influence on the adipose concentration of androstenone, skatole and indole. Testicle size and color were moderate to strong indicators of androstenone and skatole concentrations in the carcasses, and thus vaccination success. Immunocastration together with the adjustment of dietary protein and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation, is successful in preventing boar taint while maintaining growth performance.South African Pork Producers’ OrganisationSouth African Research Chairs in Meat Science Initiativehttps://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/11/1665Publisher's versio

Challenges and opportunities for precise amino acid nutrition to improve health and performance of broilers

Challenges and opportunities for precise amino acids nutrition to improve health and performance of broilers will be discussed. In some instances, information is well known, so very little time would be spent on those aspects. More time would be spent on the lesser known aspects such as changes in blood plasma AA profiles and the possible implications thereof. Digestion dynamics is also worth covering as CP reduces and the practical implications explored