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Progress in ruminant feed research is no more feasible only based on wet chemical analysis, which is merely able to provide information on chemical composition of feeds regardless of their digestive features and nutritive value in ruminants. Studying internal structural make-up of functional groups/feed nutrients is often vital for understanding the digestive behaviors and nutritive values of feeds in ruminant because the intrinsic structure of feed nutrients is more related to its overall absorption. In this article, the detail information on the recent developments in molecular spectroscopic techniques to reveal microstructural information of feed nutrients and the use of nutrition models in regards to ruminant feed research was reviewed. The emphasis of this review was on (1) the technological progress in the use of molecular spectroscopic techniques in ruminant feed research; (2) revealing spectral analysis of functional groups of biomolecules/feed nutrients; (3) the use of advanced nutrition models for better prediction of nutrient availability in ruminant systems; and (4) the application of these molecular techniques and combination of nutrient models in cereals, co-products and pulse crop research. The information described in this article will promote better insight in the progress of research on molecular structural make-up of feed nutrients in ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminant production has been an essential part of human activities worldwide since ancient times. The expected increase in world population and per capita income, with an increase in the amount and prevalence of animal products in human diet, urbanisation, with a concentration of population in urban areas and an increase in losses in the supply chain, and the growing concern over the environmental impact of animal farming require a long-term global strategy for a more intensive and sustainable ruminant production. Therefore, solutions to increase the supply of high-quality products of ruminant origin, without harming human health, animal welfare, and environment, should consider the following interconnected issues discussed in this review: (a) effects of meat, milk and dairy products consumption on human health, focussing on the imbalance caused by their insufficient consumption, and the alleged increased incidence of certain diseases due to their consumption; (b) importance of the sustainable intensification of ruminant production systems (e.g. better feed conversion and higher production output per unit of input introduced into the farming system); (c) environmental impact of ruminant production; (d) improvement of animal performance by improving animal welfare; (e) adaptation of ruminants to climate change; (f) sustainable ruminant feeding (e.g. precision feeding techniques, optimisation of grazing systems, and use of unconventional feeds); (g) challenges posed by production intensification to animal breeding and conservation of animal biodiversity; and (h) strategies to increase ruminant production in developing countries, thus achieving food security in vast areas of the planet affected by fast growth of human population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An in vitro gas production study was conducted to test the effect of papaya leaf (PL) at different concentrations of 0 (CON), 10% (Low PL: LPL), 15% (Medium PL: MPL) and 25% (High PL: HPL) of replacement with alfalfa hay (AH) in substrate (50% AH + 50% concentrate) on rumen methane (CH4) production, rumen biohydrogenation (BH) of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and rumen microbial population. PL at different concentrations were mixed with 30 ml of buffered rumen fluid and were incubated for 24 h. Methane production (ml/250 mg DM) declined at a decreasing rate (linear p=0.03) with increasing levels of PL. The acetic/propionic ratio (1.80) was lowest (p<0.05) for HPL compared with CON (2.04), LPL (1.95) and MPL (1.89). Supplementation of the diet with PL significantly (p<0.05) decreased the rate of BH of C18:2n-6 (LA) and C18 PUFA after 24 h of incubation especially at the higher inclusion rate, resulting in an increased production of rumen BH intermediates such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), whereas saturated fatty acid (SFA) decreased in the rumen fluid after 24 h of incubation. Estimates of rumen microbial population using real-time PCR assay showed a reduction in total methanogens (p<0.05) in MPL (-12%) and HPL (-16%) and increase in total bacteria population (HPL: +5%) and Butyrivibro fibrisolvens (MPL: +20; HPL: +23%) among PL treatment groups compared with the CON group. These results emphasise PL as a beneficial feed material for ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situestimates of ruminal undegraded fraction (RU) and effective intestinal digestibility (EID, corrected for microbial colonisation) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and total analysed amino acids (TAA) of rye, wheat and corn grains, wheat bran, wheat and barley distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and corn gluten feed were measured on three rumen and duodenum cannulated wethers using15N labelling techniques and considering ruminal rates of particle comminution (kc) and outflow. Results indicate that not consideringkcand microbial colonisation led to considerable overestimations of RU which increased with feed ruminal degradation. Microbial colonisation may be also associated with overestimations of EID, whose estimates for DM, CP and TAA were predicted from parameters related with the ruminal escape of intestinally indigestible materials. The RU estimates were higher for TAA than for CP in grains, but the opposite was observed in by-products, whereas EID estimates were higher for TAA in all feeds. To obtain accurate protein values in these feedstuffs, it is required to consider bothkcand ruminal microbial colonisation. The CP-based results underestimate the intestinally digested protein in grains and the opposite is evidenced in cereal by-products. Microbial protein synthesised in the rumen is largely the major fraction of the feedstuff protein value with the exception of DDGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geovisual analytics provides a framework for the development of decision support tools for landscape design, analysis and optimisation. An important application is modelling the spatial-temporal movements of ruminants and their grazing behaviour using global positioning system (GPS) collar units. This study describes the mapping and analysis of spatial distributions of animal waste products (which correlate with farm nitrogen [N] emissions) and also determination of animal feeding preferences (which correlate with animal welfare and production). Segmentation of local regions of animal N emissions provides support in meeting targets for local and international N leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. An agent-based model was used for pre-screening in order to gain insights into the clustering behaviour of sheep during feeding activities. Subsequent spatial analysis demonstrated that livestock excreta are not always randomly located, but concentrated around highly localised animal gathering points, separated by the nature of the excretion. In a separate study, the statistical significance of feeding choices was determined by testing a null hypothesis on animal boundary transitions between adjacent pastures using the binomial approximation. The analysis also included compensation for the precision of the GPS sensor, which produced a fuzzy decision boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EO) from aromatic plants (AP) are used in ruminants’ diets due to several biological activities. The inclusion of AP in ruminants’ diets can be done as dried material, as they are harvested once a year. However, storage is one of the main factors that affect the EO content and chemical composition. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of storage, in the shade under ambient conditions, on the EO content and chemical composition (a) ofOriganum vulgarespp.hirtumas a whole plant (OP) and/or (b) as the powdered form after mixing with the concentrate diet. The results showed that storage of the whole OP in the shade for six months has a very low EO loss (5.8%), while grinding and mixing OP with concentrates causes different losses, which depend on the OP/concentrate ratio and the storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mechanistic and rhythmic understanding of feed intake regulation is required for accurate intake prediction and estimation of intake effects on ruminant production and health. The objective was to review new evolutionary insights into ruminant feed intake regulation from chronophysiological rhythms perspectives. Various dietary, animal, and chronoenvironmental factors as well as housing, grouping, and feeding management strategies affect ruminant feed intake. Natural circadian rhythms of grazing and rumination lead to innovative approaches for accurate predictions of specific nutrient intake under intensive systems of production. Ruminants have evolved to ruminate mostly overnight and graze during day, especially around sunrise and sunset. As such, rumen fermentation, post-rumen nutrient assimilation, and peripheral metabolism possess circadian rhythms. These evolutionary rhythms in feeding behavior and metabolism have led to specialized annual, seasonal, and circadian rhythms in ruminant endocrinology. Most recent findings compellingly advocate alterations in post-feeding intake rhythms of non-grazing lactating cows by altering feed delivery timing. These findings establish the chronological nature of feed intake regulation in postmodern ruminants. Timing of feeding as a major external cue affects how rapidly, extensively, and efficiently feed ingestion, rumination, fermentation, and metabolism occur. These chronological evolutionary perspectives should be quantified and incorporated into current feed intake control models for improved prediction accuracy and precision. The current knowledge and insights suggest that evening feeding offers advantages to optimize circadian rhythms of dry matter intake and ruminant production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timing of eating is a multiscience that mediates global animal and human physiology and metabolism. The objective is to determine effects of providing a total mixed ration at either 0900 h or 2100 h on rhythmic rumen fermentation and passage kinetics. Four multiparous and four primiparous Holstein cows were used in a cross-over design study with two 6-week periods. Each period had a three-week adaptation period. Rumen ammonia concentrations were lower in primiparous cows fed at 2100 h vs. 0900 h. Rumen propionate was lower and the acetate to propionate ratio was higher in multiparous cows fed at 2100 h vs. 0900 h. Evening-fed cows tended to reach a greater rumen volume than morning-fed cows. Findings suggest that shifting feeding time from 0900 to 2100 h altered rhythmic rumen fermentation kinetics and volume. Therefore, feeding timing can be used as a feasible management strategy to modulate rumen fermentation rhythms in high-producing dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the influences of hybrids (HYB) and maturity stage (SAMP) on in vitro rumen digestibility of immature corn grain. Four HYB (Gigantic, Y43, Klips and 9575) from the FAO group 700 were grown under identical agronomic conditions. First sampling (T1) was done after 95 days from seedling and then 4, 8, 13, 18 and 27 days later (T2 to T6). In vitro starch digestibility (STD_7h) and gas production (72 h) were measured. Whole plant and grain dry matter (WP_DM and GR_DM, respectively) and zein content were significantly affected (P<0.01) by HYB and SAMP. Starch content was significantly affected by HYB, SAMP and their interaction. It increased from T1 to T4 (from 67.47 to 72.82% of GR_DM) and then tended to plateau. Concurrently, STD_7h significantly decreased with advancing SAMP and was also affected by HYB. With advancing maturity, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) significantly decreased, with an increase of acetate and a decrease of propionate molar proportion (P<0.01). Gas production rate (GP_c) was significantly affected by HYB, SAMP and HYB×SAMP. Whole plant grain DM correlated (P<0.01) positively with grain starch content (r=0.60 and 0.64) but negatively with STD_7h (r=-0.39 and r=-0.63) and VFA concentration (r=-0.59 and -0.75). Zein percentage in crude protein negatively affected (P<0.01) total DM (r=-0.65,), STD_7h (r=-0.73) and GP_c (r=- 0.68). Results suggest that genotypes and maturity stages influence DM and rumen starch digestibility of immature corn grain and in this respect zein can play a significant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics of Prosopis cineraria leaves at different growth stages. The contents of total phenol (TPH), total tannin (TT) and condensed tannin (CT) were determined. Effects on in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolisable energy (ME) and effective dry matter digestibility were assessed by PEG tannin bioassay. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for TPH content; however, the stage of flowering had the highest (P<0.05) content of both TT and CT. No interaction effects (P>0.05) were observed between the growth stage and PEG addition for in vitro GP and its parameters. Addition of PEG increased (P<0.05) GP, OMD and ME in all stages. In conclusion, adding PEG to P. cineraria leaves can improve their nutritive value and could be considered as a potential feed for ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional characteristics of Zapoteca tetragona (Willd.) H. Hern to assess the suitability of this plant for ruminant nutrition. The nutritional evaluation consisted of in vitro and in vivo trials. Secondary compounds including total phenols, condensed tannin and non-protein amino acids (NPAA) were determined. Two stage in vitro digestibility was conducted using substrates with increasing levels of Z. tetragona replacing elephant grass (Pennise - tum purpureum) as control feed. The inclusion of 30% Z. tetragona was compared to 100% elephant grass by in vitro gas production technique and in vivo digestibility trial using sheep. Forage from Z. tetragona was appreciably high in crude protein (CP) and lower in neutral detergent fibre. Moreover, it was rich in Ca and P. Total phenols, condensed tannin and NPAA contents were very low. In vitro gas production technique showed that after 48 h incubation, the gas produced from Z. tetragona was higher than elephant grass (P<0.05). Increasing level of Z. tetragona led to better dry matter (DM) and CP digestibility compared to elephant grass. In vivo trial showed no difference in DM intake between the two tested feed, however higher CP intake was reported when sheep fed Z. tetragona as well as for CP digestibility and N retention (P<0.05). It can be concluded that Z. tetragona has a strong potential as forage crop with valuable nutritional quality. Moreover, Z. tetragona could represent an alternative feedstuff to conventional forage and a promising substitute fodder in tropical ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the fodder quality ofFicus thonningiiBlume in the Ahferom district of Tigray, Ethiopia. Determination of foliar macronutrients and proximate chemical compositions was undertaken using five diameter classes (11–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50 and 51–60 cm at breast height). In both cases, four replications in randomised complete blocks were considered. Data on foliar nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), digestible crude protein (DCP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), ash content and nitrogen free extract (NFE) were collected. Results revealed that the tree diameter size had an effect on foliar N, P, K, DM, CP, DCP, EE and CF, whereas it had no effect on ash content and NFE. The results also showed thatF. thonningiileaves are a good source of nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals) as well as fibre and are within the recommended range for ruminant livestock growth and development. Hence, use ofF. thonningiias a supplement/substitute livestock feed to low-quality grasses during the periods of feed scarcity should be widely considered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Because legumes are a very important feed source for ruminants, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ideal inclusion level of hayArachis pintoicv. Belmonte in sheep diets by measuring the dry matter intake (DMI), concentration of volatile fatty acids, ammonia–nitrogen concentration, ruminal pH and thein situdegradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). In the experiment with four sheep, a 4 × 4 Latin Square design was used with four periods and four treatments (0%, 30%, 60% and 100%Arachisreplacing grass hay). Significant interactions were observed between treatments and sampling times for ammonia–nitrogen and acetate, propionate and butyrate concentration and the acetate:propionate ratio. The ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acids concentration were not affected by interaction between treatments and sampling time. The degradation of DM and CP was similar, rising with the increasing content ofArachis, showing a linear effect. The treatment containing 60% ofArachisshowed best results, with good levels of daily weight gain and higher ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids. The legume showed high levels of CP, high digestibility and appropriate levels of fibre, with excellent standards of degradation and ruminal characteristics. The use of the legume Arachisfor ruminants is a promising option of nutrient supply to meet production demands of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western giant eland (Tragelaphus derbianus derbianus) needs appropriate management for its survival. We measured the effects of supplemental food on activity and browsing patterns during seasons of scarce natural food resources in 2008 and 2009 for a herd of six animals in the Fathala Reserve (Senegal). In response to the provision of high-quality pods of Acacia albida, animals reduced foraging time in 2008 and allocated it to resting. This pattern corresponds to the animals' behaviour in captivity without foraging versus vigilance trade-offs and with predictable (in time and space) access to food. In 2009, supplemental feeding had no effect on behaviour and was associated with increased foraging and ruminating times than in 2008, suggesting more limited natural food resources in 2009.We recorded high species diversity in the animals' natural diet. Supplemental food did not induce changes in browsing pattern at the plant species level, probably due to small individual effect on total nutrient and energy intake. Food supplementation, however, facilitates the animals overcoming unfavourable conditions or alleviates stress with additional rest, and could therefore assist as a conservation intervention to enhance fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predominance of pasture in the diet of ruminants in New Zealand presents specific challenges for mitigation of enteric methane emissions. However, there is preliminary evidence from both laboratory and animal-based studies that some fungi may suppress enteric methanogenesis. This study determined the antimethanogenic potential of a range of endophytic (Neotyphodium species) and saprophytic (Geotrichum, Monascus, Mortierella and Penicillium species) fungi. Candidate fungi were selected on the basis of their production of various classes of secondary compounds and screened in an in vitro batch-culture fermentation assay. No strains of endophyte in ryegrass or tall fescue suppressed methanogenesis compared with their endophyte-free controls. The supernatant fractions from three strains of Mortierella wolfii were the most promising fungi identified. They suppressed methanogenesis as effectively as an inhibitor of methanogenesis (bromoethane sulphonate at 30 µmoles/L), without also reducing overall fermentation. These strains should be investigated further by screening fresh cultures grown under contrasting conditions to establish some variation in putative bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Controlling the time of harvest to affect grass maturity for silage was evaluated as a methane (CH4) mitigation strategy in a batch culture in vitro with ruminal fluid as inoculum and silage from a mixed timothy (Phleum pretense)-meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) stand. The stand was cut in May (early maturity [EM]; first cutting), June (late maturity [LM]; first cutting), and August (mid-maturity [MM]; third cutting). Disappearance of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (EM: 0.58; MM: 0.50; LM: 0.45) and ADF (EM: 0.57; MM: 0.49; LM: 0.45) after 48 h was greater for EM compared to MM and LM, with no difference between the latter two. With advancing maturity, total gas (EM: 166.6; MM: 149.7; LM: 119.3 mL), CH4 production (EM: 21.4; MM: 17.6; LM: 14.8 mL), and methane production per g NDF digested decreased at 48 h (EM: 120; MM: 92; LM: 74 mL/g NDF digested). Ensiling less mature grass resulted in more CH4 per unit of NDF digested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Currently research on feed supplementation with natural compounds to improve energy and protein utilisation and to mitigate the greenhouse gas methane in ruminants is intensively pursued. Two compounds, diallyl disulphide (DADS), an important component of garlic oil, and lovastatin, an inhibitor of a key enzyme of methanogenic Archaea, were selected on the basis of their in vitro anti-methanogenic potential. In three 23-day experimental runs, six sheep received hay and concentrate in a duplicate 3×3 Latin square design. The concentrate was either not supplemented or supplemented with either 4 g DADS or 80 mg lovastatin per kg of total dietary dry matter. There were no refusals of concentrate for any treatment. Respiratory measurements were conducted on experimental days 7/8 (Period 1) and days 17/18 (Period 2). Relative to the control, digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) tended to increase (p = 0.09) with DADS by 14%. This was associated with an increased (p = 0.07) body energy retention of the animals. Effects on nitrogen balance and ruminal fermentation traits were never significant. No influence of supplements or period was found on total daily CH4 production which averaged at 28.6 g per sheep. However, across both periods the amount of CH4 produced per kg NDF digested was lower (-8%; p = 0.02) with DADS than without supplementation, and the lovastatin treatment ranged in between. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a certain potential of DADS to improve fibre digestion and body energy retention and to limit CH4 formation in relation to digestible fibre intake, while lovastatin remained ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen Murrah buffalo calves (age about 10 months, 163 - 176 kg BW) were divided into three groups. Group I (Control) was fed a complete feed mixture consisted of 50% wheat straw and 50% concentrate mixture (contained per kg: maize 330 g, groundnut cake 210 g, mustard cake 120 g, wheat bran 200 g, de-oiled rice bran 110 g, mineral mixture 20 g and common salt 10 g) along with 2 kg green oats per animal and day to meet the vitamin A requirements. Calves of Groups II and III were fed with the Control diet supplemented with Orpinomyces sp. C-14 and Piromyces sp. WNG-12 cultures, respectively. The digestibility of DM was significantly highest with Piromyces sp. WNG-12 in Group III (62.2%) followed by Orpinomyces sp. C-14 in Group II (60.3%), and Control (53.5%). A similar pattern of increase in digestibility of crude protein and cell-wall contents was observed in treatment groups. The digestible energy in terms of percent total digestible nutrients was also significantly enhanced in Groups II (56.6%) and III (59.9%) when compared to Control (49.2%). The rumen fermentation parameters such as pH and NH3-N were found to be lower, whereas total nitrogen, tricarboxylic acid precipitable-nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids and zoospore counts per millilitre of rumen liquor were significantly higher in fungal administered groups. After administration of fungal cultures, improvements of animal growth rate (i.e. body weight gain) and feed efficiency were also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and sensitive ion-pair RP-HPLC method was developed for concomitant measurement of the creatinine and purine derivatives (PD): allantoin, uric acid, and hypoxanthine using allopurinol as internal standard. Urine was chromatographed on a Symmetry C18 column, using UV detection. Elution with a gradient of methanol in potassium phosphate buffer, pH = 4, containing 3 mM 1-octane-sulfonic acid, sodium salt yielded sharp, well-resolved peaks within 25 min. Application of this method permits the precise determination of these compounds in sheep urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]