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Simple Summary: This research evaluates the nutritional value and mineral content of two red algae species from the Azorean Sea, Asparagopsis taxiformis (native) and Asparagopsis armata (invasive). The aim is to assess their impact on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, including total gas and methane production, when added to a substrate of grass. The study finds that both algae species exhibit high protein levels (≈23.5% DM) and significant amounts of magnesium (1.15% DM) sodium (8.6% DM) and iron (2851 ppm). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the addition of A. taxiformis at a concentration of 5% resulted in an 84% reduction in enteric methane production within the first 24 h, whereas A. armata, at the same concentration, reduced methane production by 34%. These in vitro findings suggest that Asparagopsis species from the Azorean Sea have potential as effective protein and mineral supplements, offering the additional benefit of reducing methane emissions from rumen fermentation. The utilisation of seaweeds as feed supplements has been investigated for their potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants. Enteric methane emissions are the primary source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in livestock and significantly contribute to anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nutritional role and the in vitro effect on cumulative gas and methane production of Asparagopsis taxiformis (native species) and Asparagopsis armata (invasive species), two species of red algae from the Azorean Sea, as well as the ability to reduce biogas production when incubated with single pasture (Lolium perenne and Trifollium repens) as substrate. Four levels of concentrations marine algae were used (1.25%, 2.25%, 5%, and 10% DM) and added to the substrate to evaluate ruminal fermentation using the in vitro gas production technique. The total amount of gas and methane produced by the treatment incubation was recorded during 72 h of incubation. The results indicate that both algae species under investigation contain relatively high levels of protein (22.69% and 24.23%, respectively, for Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata) and significant amounts of minerals, namely magnesium (1.15% DM), sodium (8.6% DM), and iron (2851 ppm). Concerning in vitro ruminal fermentation, it was observed that A. taxiformis can reduce enteric methane production by approximately 86%, during the first 24 h when 5% is added. In the same period and at the same concentration, A. armata reduced methane production by 34%. Thus, it can be concluded that Asparagopsis species from the Azorean Sea have high potential as a protein and mineral supplement, in addition to enabling a reduction in methane production from rumen fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates the impact of seasonality on enteric methane emissions in islands with pasture systems, focusing on the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 methodology, refined in 2019. Feed samples for Azorean bovine were collected throughout the year, and their nutritional value and digestibility were determined. Significant differences were found between winter and summer pastures, with autumn presenting better nutritional quality. The total volume of enteric methane produced in the Azores was 20,341 t of methane (CH4), with peak emissions reaching 5837 t CH4 during the summer. Breeding bulls, beef cows, and heifers produce the highest amount of methane per animal, while pregnant dairy cows had the highest CH4 emissions per year, due to the high number of dairy cows in the archipelago. The study suggests that pastures are better managed during the autumn, resulting in lower emissions of enteric methane into the atmosphere. Quantifying entericCH4 from grazing systems is a challenge for all regions of the world, especially when cattle feed mostly on pasture throughout the year, as pasture quality varies with the seasons. In this study, we examine the influence of seasonality on enteric methane emissions in the Azores, considering the most recent IPCC updates, to minimise errors in estimating enteric methane emissions in this region. For this purpose, samples of corn and grass silage, different types of concentrate, and pasture were collected throughout the year, and their nutritional value and digestibility were determined according to standard conventional methods. The estimation of methane production was conducted using the 2006 IPCC Tier 2 methodology, refined in 2019. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the chemical composition of winter and summer pastures. However, it was in the autumn that these pastures presented the best nutritional quality. We estimated that the total volume of enteric methane produced in the Azores was 20,341 t CH4, with peak enteric methane emissions (5837 t CH4) reached during the summer. Breeding bulls, beef cows, and heifers are the categories that produce the highest amount of methane per animal. However, if we consider the total number of animals existing in the region, pregnant dairy cows are the category of cattle with the highest emissions of CH4. Thus, considering the current system of cattle production in the region, we can infer that the pastures are better managed during the autumn, which translates into lower emissions of enteric methane into the atmosphere during this season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock production is the main economic engine of the Azores. Given the role nutrition plays in animal performance and the context of limited Averages sharing the same letter are noagricultural area of the archipelago, optimising the quality and availability of the fodder used in feeds takes on an important role in increasing the competitiveness and viability of the industry. This work evaluated the potential of NIR spectroscopy to quantify several chemical and biological parameters used to assess silage quality in the specific agroclimatic context of the Azores. Reference values were determined for 400 grass silage and 400 corn silage samples. The corresponding NIR spectra were extracted, and mathematical models capable of correlating these readings with the various parameters were built. The best results were obtained for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and crude ash for both fresh and dry samples. For the biological parameters concerning gas production, no satisfactory results were reached. It was concluded that it was feasible to build models capable of accurately predicting these important quality parameters, which demonstrates that NIRS is a viable technique that can be used in the Azores to perform a close and timely monitoring of forage quality and to facilitate the management and optimisation of diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Opuntia ficus-indica, and the Agave americana L., are invasive plants, widespread across various countries, that are used by farmers as an alternative water source for ruminants in the summer. The goal of this study is to assess their nutritive value and potential throughout the year, so that their use in diets can be optimized. Both plants are very rich in water, minerals, and energy, but low in crude protein and fibre. Although a decrease in digestibility is observed in the summer, both plants can be a viable feed supplement for ruminants in both the winter and the summer, providing a cheap and eco-sustainable alternative water source. Opuntia ficus-indica, and the Agave americana L., can be fed to ruminants when associated with dried fodder, or incorporated into high crude protein diets for ruminants. Using invasive plants in animal production can provide an economical and eco-sustainable competitive advantage in a globalized market. The Opuntia ficus-indica and the Agave americana L. are invasive plants historically used by Azorean farmers as an alternative ruminant water source in the summer. This study aims to better understand their properties and how they vary throughout the year, so their use to complement animal diets can be optimised. Six samples of each species were collected on the Terceira Island during 2 growth seasons: winter (January 2021) and summer (September 2021), and their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and gas production, were determined. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in all parameters between the summer and the winter, with larger variations in both fibre (NDF and ADF) and digestibility parameters found between the Opuntia and the Agave. Gas production was greater in the summer for Opuntia and in the winter for Agave. Even though the digestibility was lower in the summer, we found that both plants offer a viable ruminant feed complement in both seasons, providing a cheap and eco-sustainable alternative water source, that can be associated to dry forage and compound feeding stuff with a high crude protein content when designing ruminant diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Within anthropogenic sources, agriculture contributes the most to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The on-field assessment of methane emissions from livestock is crucial for testing and implementing mitigation strategies to reduce the deleterious effects of GHG on climate. Therefore, this article presents a longitudinal study in which measurements of enteric methane emissions from dairy cows (Jersey and Holstein-Freisian raised under a semi-extensive management system) were performed with a tool previously described as reliable, portable, and cost-effective: the laser methane detector (LMD). The results showed breed-related differences in methane emissions when milk yield was not considered, challenging us to rethink milk traits and breeding choices. Moreover, methane emissions were lower in cows in early lactation as well as in primiparous, likely reflecting concentrate supplementation and energy metabolism. The study pointed out the opportunity to design and test regional tailored mitigation strategies, including nutritional management, for higher methane emission periods within cows' lactation cycle, while ensuring the enhancement of productivity. Reversing climate change requires broad, cohesive, and strategic plans for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from animal farming. The implementation and evaluation of such plans demand accurate and accessible methods for monitoring on-field CH4 concentration in eructating breath. Therefore, this paper describes a longitudinal study over six months, aiming to test a protocol using a laser methane detector (LMD) to monitor CH4 emissions in semi-extensive dairy farm systems. Over 10 time points, CH4 measurements were performed in dry (late gestation) and lactating cows at an Azorean dairy farm. Methane traits including CH4 concentration related to eructation (E_CH4) and respiration (R_CH4), and eructation events, were automatically computed from CH4 measured values using algorithms created for peak detection and analysis. Daily CH4 emission was estimated from each profile's mean CH4 concentration (MEAN_CH4). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model, including breed, lactation stage, and parity as fixed effects, and cow (subject) and time point as random effects. The results showed that Holsteins had higher E_CH4 than Jersey cows (p < 0.001). Although a breed-related trend was found in daily CH4 emission (p = 0.060), it was not significant when normalized to daily milk yield (p > 0.05). Methane emissions were lower in dry than in lactation cows (p < 0.05) and increased with the advancement of the lactation, even when normalizing it to daily milk yield (p < 0.05). Primiparous cows had lower daily CH4 emissions related to R_ CH4 compared to multiparous (p < 0.001). This allowed the identification of periods of higher CH4 emissions within the milk production cycle of dairy cows, and thus, the opportunity to tailor mitigation strategies accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The potential use of exotic plants in animal feed provides a source of fiber for grazing ruminants when there is a shortage of pasture. The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional value, digestibility, and gas production potential of six exotic plants present in the Azores. Samples of these plants were collected and their chemical composition and potential as forage food were evaluated. Data analysis included univariate and multivariate methods. The results obtained showed variations among the studied forages in terms of crude protein, and fibers: NDF, ADF, and ADL. The gross, metabolizable, and digestible energy of E. globulus and C. japonica showed higher values than the other plants. P. undulatum with a relative food value of 92.12% stood out from the other plants. In gas production, the values of gas produced by A. donax stand out, as the species that presented the highest gas production, observing a significant difference) for the other plants. P. undulatum stands out for presenting good quality in the RFV index and A. donax for having good digestibility, both can be used as forage in periods of greater scarcity of pastures. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional potential of unconventional plants: Pittosporum undulatum, Cryptomeria japonica, Acacia melanoxylon, Hedychium gardnerianum, Eucalyptus globulus, and Arundo donax, as an alternative roughage for ruminants. Chemical composition, gross energy, in vitro gas production, kinetics, and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter in vitro were determined for each species. The obtained results showed variations between the studied forages concerning crude protein, and the different fiber fractions: NDF, ADF, and ADL The P. undulatum with a relative food value of 92.12%, showed a significant difference compared to the other species under study. After 96 h of incubation, the plants that produced, on average, less in vitro gas were A. melanoxylon and E. globulus. Among the studied species, A. donax stands out as the species that presented the highest gas production, with 31.53 mL. 200 mg−1 DM, observing a significant difference compared to the other plants. This is a reflection of it having the highest DMD (60.44 ± 1.22%) as well. P. undulatum was the species with the longest colonization time (4.8 h). Among the plants studied, we highlight P. undulatum as presenting a good quality in the RFV index and A. donax as having good digestibility. Both can be used as roughage in periods of greater shortage of pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to determine and compare the effect of elevation and season on the productivity and the nutritive value of pastures in the Azores (Terceira Island). Forage was collected and analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ether extract (EE), mineral ash (Ash), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The net productivity (NP) was higher in the low elevation pasture A (1.80 g m−2), lower in pasture B (0.98 g m−2) and peaked in the winter in both pastures A (3.57 g m−2) and B (2.33 g m−2) and during the summer in the high elevation pasture C (2.15 g m−2). The soil chemical proprieties varied significantly among the three pastures. The highest soil pH, available P, K, Ca and Mg were recorded in pasture A. Positive correlations were observed between all soil parameters analysed and NP, except for the OM content. The DM, PB and EE changed significantly with elevation, while all nutritive parameters (except CP, EE and Ash) increased significantly along the growth season. Environmental factors influenced the nutritive parameters and productivity, suggesting that climate change might have significant impacts on forage production and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilisation of seaweeds as feed supplements has been investigated for their potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants. Enteric methane emissions are the primary source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in livestock and significantly contribute to anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nutritional role and the in vitro effect on cumulative gas and methane production of Asparagopsis taxiformis (native species) and Asparagopsis armata (invasive species), two species of red algae from the Azorean Sea, as well as the ability to reduce biogas production when incubated with single pasture ( Lolium perenne and Trifollium repens ) as substrate. Four levels of concentrations marine algae were used (1.25%, 2.25%, 5%, and 10% DM) and added to the substrate to evaluate ruminal fermentation using the in vitro gas production technique. The total amount of gas and methane produced by the treatment incubation was recorded during 72 h of incubation. The results indicate that both algae species under investigation contain relatively high levels of protein (22.69% and 24.23%, respectively, for Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata ) and significant amounts of minerals, namely magnesium (1.15% DM), sodium (8.6% DM), and iron (2851 ppm). Concerning in vitro ruminal fermentation, it was observed that A. taxiformis can reduce enteric methane production by approximately 86%, during the first 24 h when 5% is added. In the same period and at the same concentration, A. armata reduced methane production by 34%. Thus, it can be concluded that Asparagopsis species from the Azorean Sea have high potential as a protein and mineral supplement, in addition to enabling a reduction in methane production from rumen fermentation.

Quantifying entericCH 4 from grazing systems is a challenge for all regions of the world, especially when cattle feed mostly on pasture throughout the year, as pasture quality varies with the seasons. In this study, we examine the influence of seasonality on enteric methane emissions in the Azores, considering the most recent IPCC updates, to minimise errors in estimating enteric methane emissions in this region. For this purpose, samples of corn and grass silage, different types of concentrate, and pasture were collected throughout the year, and their nutritional value and digestibility were determined according to standard conventional methods. The estimation of methane production was conducted using the 2006 IPCC Tier 2 methodology, refined in 2019. The results revealed significant differences ( p < 0.05) between the chemical composition of winter and summer pastures. However, it was in the autumn that these pastures presented the best nutritional quality. We estimated that the total volume of enteric methane produced in the Azores was 20,341 t CH 4 , with peak enteric methane emissions (5837 t CH 4 ) reached during the summer. Breeding bulls, beef cows, and heifers are the categories that produce the highest amount of methane per animal. However, if we consider the total number of animals existing in the region, pregnant dairy cows are the category of cattle with the highest emissions of CH 4 . Thus, considering the current system of cattle production in the region, we can infer that the pastures are better managed during the autumn, which translates into lower emissions of enteric methane into the atmosphere during this season.

Using invasive plants in animal production can provide an economical and eco-sustainable competitive advantage in a globalized market. The Opuntia ficus-indica and the Agave americana L. are invasive plants historically used by Azorean farmers as an alternative ruminant water source in the summer. This study aims to better understand their properties and how they vary throughout the year, so their use to complement animal diets can be optimised. Six samples of each species were collected on the Terceira Island during 2 growth seasons: winter (January 2021) and summer (September 2021), and their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and gas production, were determined. Significant ( p < 0.05) differences were found in all parameters between the summer and the winter, with larger variations in both fibre (NDF and ADF) and digestibility parameters found between the Opuntia and the Agave . Gas production was greater in the summer for Opuntia and in the winter for Agave . Even though the digestibility was lower in the summer, we found that both plants offer a viable ruminant feed complement in both seasons, providing a cheap and eco-sustainable alternative water source, that can be associated to dry forage and compound feeding stuff with a high crude protein content when designing ruminant diets.

Reversing climate change requires broad, cohesive, and strategic plans for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from animal farming. The implementation and evaluation of such plans demand accurate and accessible methods for monitoring on-field CH 4 concentration in eructating breath. Therefore, this paper describes a longitudinal study over six months, aiming to test a protocol using a laser methane detector (LMD) to monitor CH 4 emissions in semi-extensive dairy farm systems. Over 10 time points, CH 4 measurements were performed in dry (late gestation) and lactating cows at an Azorean dairy farm. Methane traits including CH 4 concentration related to eructation (E&#95;CH4) and respiration (R&#95;CH 4 ), and eructation events, were automatically computed from CH 4 measured values using algorithms created for peak detection and analysis. Daily CH 4 emission was estimated from each profile's mean CH 4 concentration (MEAN&#95;CH 4 ). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model, including breed, lactation stage, and parity as fixed effects, and cow (subject) and time point as random effects. The results showed that Holsteins had higher E&#95;CH 4 than Jersey cows ( p < 0.001). Although a breed-related trend was found in daily CH 4 emission ( p = 0.060), it was not significant when normalized to daily milk yield ( p > 0.05). Methane emissions were lower in dry than in lactation cows ( p < 0.05) and increased with the advancement of the lactation, even when normalizing it to daily milk yield ( p < 0.05). Primiparous cows had lower daily CH 4 emissions related to R&#95; CH 4 compared to multiparous ( p < 0.001). This allowed the identification of periods of higher CH 4 emissions within the milk production cycle of dairy cows, and thus, the opportunity to tailor mitigation strategies accordingly.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional potential of unconventional plants: Pittosporum undulatum , Cryptomeria japonica , Acacia melanoxylon , Hedychium gardnerianum , Eucalyptus globulus , and Arundo donax , as an alternative roughage for ruminants. Chemical composition, gross energy, in vitro gas production, kinetics, and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter in vitro were determined for each species. The obtained results showed variations between the studied forages concerning crude protein, and the different fiber fractions: NDF, ADF, and ADL The P. undulatum with a relative food value of 92.12%, showed a significant difference compared to the other species under study. After 96 h of incubation, the plants that produced, on average, less in vitro gas were A. melanoxylon and E. globulus . Among the studied species, A. donax stands out as the species that presented the highest gas production, with 31.53 mL. 200 mg -1 DM, observing a significant difference compared to the other plants. This is a reflection of it having the highest DMD (60.44 ± 1.22%) as well. P. undulatum was the species with the longest colonization time (4.8 h). Among the plants studied, we highlight P. undulatum as presenting a good quality in the RFV index and A. donax as having good digestibility. Both can be used as roughage in periods of greater shortage of pastures.