A series of trials was carried out with 32 laying hens in order to study metabolism after addition of low methylated citrus pectin in levels of 2% and 6%. The following results should be pointed out: Addition of pectic substances reduced feed-intake and stimulated water intake. The limited tolerance for pectins resulted in an increasing water-content of the excreta with a rise of the concentration of volatile fatty acids and an alteration of their spectrum. In consequence of supplementation with pectins a considerable loss of body weight could be established, which exceeded the expected effects of reduced energy-intake. The egg production was impaired by addition of pectin. In the serum the level of total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, furthermore of bile acids diminished. These effects exceeded remarkably those induced solely by reduced feed-intake. The level of volatile fatty acids in the serum was elevated as result of the supplementation with pectic substances.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The impact of various browse feeds with different tannin content on the fecal shedding of Clostridium perfringens in West African dwarf sheep.

In 1994 and 1995 leaves from eight browse feeds, containing tannins in different amounts (BF), were fed to West African Dwarf Sheep in Benin to evaluate their impact on Clostridium perfringens in the intestinal tract. An inhibitory impact of various BF on the growth of C. perfringens was assessed in in-vitro assays before, and thus a potential use of these leaves as a preventive diet against C. perfringens enterotoxemia in small ruminants was assumed. Surprisingly, an inhibitory impact of the BF on the shedding of C. perfringens in the feces of West African Dwarf Sheep could not be shown in seven of the eight BF examined. However, the pattern of inhibition of unlike C. perfringens toxovars may differ and a selective inhibitory impact of the BF Dialium guineense on C. perfringens toxovar D may be assumed.

Africa, Western↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The occurrence of Fusarium toxins in feed].

Fusariotoxins can be found in imported feed as well as in crops from the Middle-Europe-Region. Concerning frequency of contamination, zearalenone is most important in the Federal Republic of Germany. From the grains, maize and oats are mainly affected. Frequency and intensity of contamination however, variates, depending on several factors as climate or genetical resistance. Typical districts with high frequency of contamination cannot be found in the FRG at the present status of knowledge. Feed-intoxications by zearalenone predominantly can be seen in pigs, cases with ruminants, horses or fowl rarely can be found. As imported feeds--especially those of the by-products of the wet-milling technique of maize--can be contaminated with zearalenone, a consequent control is demanded. Additionally culture techniques, genetical selection, seed treatment and harvesting should be optimized. A scientific-based tolerable limit till now cannot be stated. There are however some hints, that female pigs show cystic degenerations of the ovary receiving 50 microgram per kg diet. Naturally contaminated feed with 100 microgram fed for several weeks to growing female pigs induced signs of hyperestrogenism. Trichothecene contamination was found with lower frequency in the Federal Republic especially with DON, which dominates in Austria and some districts of the USA. From the contaminated feeds, maize and oats should be mentioned with priority. Ensiled products of the maize plant show some degradation during the ensiling process. Husks contain higher levels than the endosperm. No differences between conventionally and alternatively (biologic dynamic) grown crops could be found. A value for a tolerable daily intake cannot be stated at the present status of knowledge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Feed↗