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The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) adding and roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) on nutrients utilization, rumen fermentation efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, and protozoal population in Thai native beef cattle. Four Thai native beef cattle, weighing an average of 120 ± 10 kg live weight, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was the level of roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) at 60:40 and 40:60; factor B was the levels of live yeast (LY) supplementation at 0 and 4 g/hd/d; urea-calcium-hydroxide-treated rice straw were used as a roughage source. Findings revealed that total intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) were increased ( p < 0.05) by both factors, being greater for steers fed a R:C ratio of 40:60 supplemented with 4 g LY/hd/d. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and propionate (C 3 ) were increased ( p < 0.05) at the R:C ratio of 40:60 with LY supplementation at 4 g/hd/d, whereas rumen acetate (C 2 ) and the C 2 to C 3 ratio were decreased ( p < 0.05). With a high level of concentrate, LY addition increased total bacterial direct counts and fungal zoospores ( p < 0.05), but decreased protozoal populations ( p < 0.05). High-concentrate diet and LY supplementation increased nitrogen absorption and the efficiency of microbial nitrogen protein production. In conclusion, feeding beef cattle with 4 g/hd/d LY at a R:C ratio of 40:60 increased C 3 and nutritional digestibility while lowering protozoal population.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of inclusion of dragon fruit peel pellet (DFPP) and dietary non-protein nitrogen (NPN) on nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, plasma antioxidant activity, microbial protein synthesis, milk yield and composition in lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows. Four animals were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments were as follows: 300 g DM of DFPP +100 g of urea (T1), 300 g DM of DFPP + 200 g of urea (T2), 400 g DM of DFPP + 100 g of urea (T3), and 400 g DM of DFPP + 200 g of urea (T4), respectively. The results showed that intake of rice straw was increased ( P  < 0.01) by the DFPP addition. Including DFPP and urea did not affect ( P  > 0.05) the NDF and ADF digestibilities, but increased the apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein ( P  < 0.01). Rumen fermentation process, especially the propionate concentration, was significantly increased by the DFPP levels. The plasma antioxidant activity was increased ( P  > 0.05) with the addition of DFPP. The DFPP improved ( P  < 0.01) microbial protein synthesis. The supplementation of DFPP and urea increased ( P  < 0.05) milk fat, whereas milk yield and 3.5% fat corrected milk were only increased ( P  < 0.05) by the DFPP supplementation. Based on these results, addition of DFPP at 400 g/animal per day with urea at 100 g/animal per day improved rumen fermentation, plasma antioxidant activity, milk yield and milk fat percentage., Competing Interests: We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work, and there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the content of this paper., (© 2022 Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.)

The effect of dry yeast (DY) ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) supplementation in a high-concentrate diet was evaluated for rumen fermentation, blood parameters, microbial populations, and growth performance in fattening steers. Sixteen crossbred steers (Charolais x American Brahman) at 375 ± 25 kg live weight were divided into four groups that received DY supplementation at 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/hd/d using a completely randomized block design. Basal diets were fed as a total mixed ration (roughage to concentrate ratio of 30:70). Results showed that supplementation with DY improved dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) ( p < 0.05), but DM and crude protein (CP) were similar among treatments ( p > 0.05). Ruminal pH (>6.0) of fattening steer remained stable ( p > 0.05), and pH was maintained at or above 6.0 with DY. The concentration of propionic acid (C 3 ) increased ( p < 0.05) with 10 and 15 g/hd/d DY supplementation, while acetic acid (C 2 ) and butyric acid (C 4 ) decreased. Methane (CH 4 ) production in the rumen decreased as DY increased ( p < 0.05). Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens populations increased ( p < 0.05), whereas protozoal and methanogen populations decreased with DY addition at 10 and 15 g/hd/d, while Ruminococcus albus did not change ( p > 0.05) among the treatments. Adding DY at 10 and 15 g/hd/d improved growth performance. Thus, the addition of DY to fattening steers with a high concentrate diet improved feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen ecology, and growth performance, while mitigating ruminal methane production.

The experiment was designed to study the use of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruit peel powder (RP) with urea (U) supplementation on rumen fermentation, digestibility, methane (CH 4 ) production, milk production and composition in lactating dairy cows. Four Holstein crossbred lactating dairy cows, with starting liveweight of 450 ± 15 kg with 130 ± 10 DIM (days-in-milk), were randomly allocated to respective treatments: without supplementation (control; T1), supplementation of urea (U) at 90 g/hd/day (T2), supplementation of RP at 450 g/hd/day (T3) and supplementation of RPU (RP at 450 g/hd/day and U 90 g/hd/day) (T4), respectively, using a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The results showed that the U, RP and RPU supplementation did not change feed intakes (p > 0.05) and digestibilities of DM and OM were similar. However, digestibilities of CP and NDF were increased in the U and RPU groups (p < 0.05). Acetate production was decreased, while propionate production was dramatically increased (p < 0.05) in both the RP and RPU groups respectively. Notably, the ratio of C 2 :C 3 , protozoal population and CH 4 production was reduced in both the RP and RPU groups. In addition, nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion were significantly higher while nitrogen retention was increased in the U and RPU groups. Allantoin excretion and absorption, microbial protein synthesis and efficiency of microbial N supply were increased in the U and RPU supplementation groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, milk yield, milk fat and total solids were significantly enhanced in the U and RPU groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 3.5% FCM was increased (p < 0.05) while milk protein, lactose, solids-not-fat and milk urea nitrogen were not altered (p > 0.05). Supplementation of either U or RPU significantly improved fibre digestibilities, rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, reduced protozoal population, mitigated CH 4 production and enhanced milk yield and milk composition., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Objective: Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf has been found to be an important source of protein, vitamins, minerals, as well as phytonutrients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Chaya leaf pellet (CHYP) with various level of crude protein (CP) in the concentrate on rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradability in in vitro gas production technique., Methods: In an in vitro rumen fermentation study the dietary treatments were arranged according to a 3×5 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design, consisting of Factor A: three levels of CP of concentrate mixtures (14%, 16%, and 18% CP, respectively) and Factor B: five levels of CHYP supplementation (at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of dry matter substrates)., Results: The gas production kinetics, fraction (a) and fraction (b) were lower (p<0.05) with an increasing CHYP addition. Additionally, the fraction (a+b) was found to yield a significant interaction (p<0.05) while the fraction (c) was not impacted by CHYP addition. However, in vitro DM degradability was enhanced and interactive (p<0.05), using 16% CP of concentrate with 6% and 8% CHYP, when compared with 18% CP in the non-addition. Additionally, the treatment with higher CP of the concentrate was higher in NH3-N concentration (p<0.001) and by CHYP supplementation group (p<0.05). Nevertheless, protozoal counts in the rumen were remarkably decreased (p<0.05) with increasing level of CHYP supplementation. Furthermore, rumen C2 concentration was lower (p<0.05) in the treatments with CHYP supplementation, while C3 was significantly increased and interactive (p<0.05) between levels of CP and CHYP supplementation especially at 8% CHYP supplementation., Conclusion: Based on this study, the results revealed CHYP as a promising feed supplement to enhance rumen fermentation and to mitigate methane production. However, in vivo feeding experiments should be subsequently conducted to elucidate the effect of CHYP supplementation on rumen fermentation, as well as ruminant production efficiency.

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biological and chemical additives on microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas production of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass., Results: Aerobic bacteria and yeast were not affected on days 5 and 7 but were significantly (P < 0.224) reduced on days 14, 30, and 60, whereas lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria were significantly (P > 0.001) higher in all ensiling days within all treatment groups. During the ensiling days, the pH, acetic acid, butyric acid, and yeast were decreased in all treatment groups, whereas the Lactobacillus plantarum group and L. plantarum + natamycin group were highly significantly (P > 0.001) decreased. During air exposure, the water-soluble carbohydrates, ammonia nitrogen, lactic acid, and acetic acid were not affected on days 1-4, whereas pH and aerobic bacteria (were significantly (P < 0.05) increased on days 2-4. The addition of Lactobacillus plantarum and natamycin increased the gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and in vitro neutral detergent fiber of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass silages., Conclusions: The addition of biological and chemical additives, such as L. plantrum alone and the combination with natamycin, affected the undesirable microbial community, fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and in vitro gas of SuMu No. 2 elephant grass. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Background: Total fresh cassava root (FCR) production was 275 million tonnes in 2018 which equals 61.1 % of the total production, and Thailand produced 10.7 % FCR of the total production. FCR is one of the main energy source for ruminant. The limitation of FCR utilization is due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sulfur, urea and FCR at various levels on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation and in vitro degradability. The study hypothesized that: (1) sulfur, urea and FCR have no interaction effect and (2) effect of FCR and urea is related to sulfur addition., Results: The study aimed to elucidate the optimum level of elemental sulfur, fresh cassava root (FCR) and urea and their effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation, thiocyanate concentration, and in vitro degradability. A 3 × 2 × 4 in a completely randomized design were conducted. Factor A was level of sulfur at 0 %, 1 and 2 % of concentrate dry matter (DM), factor B was level of urea at 2 and 4 % of concentrate DM, and factor C was level of the FCR at 0, 200, 300 and 400 mg DM of the total substrate. The study found that elemental sulfur, urea and FCR had no interaction effect on the kinetics of in vitro gas, ruminal fermentation, HCN and in vitro degradability. Elemental sulfur supplementation (P < 0.05) significantly increased the in vitro gas produced from an insoluble fraction (b), in vitro DM degradability and either neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradability and propionate (C3) concentration while decreased the ruminal HCN concentration. Urea levels showed a (P < 0.05) significant increase of the potential extent of in vitro gas production, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N) and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA). Fresh cassava root supplementation (P < 0.05) significantly increased the in vitro gas produced from an immediate soluble fraction (a), in vitro gas produced from insoluble fraction, in vitro gas production rate constant, total VFA, C3 concentration and HCN while decreased ruminal pH, acetate and butyrate concentration. It could be concluded that 2 % elemental sulfur, 4 % urea and 300 mg FCR showed a greater effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation and HCN reduction., Conclusions: The study found that elemental sulfur, urea, and FCR had no interaction effect on the kinetics of in vitro gas, total in vitro gas, ruminal fermentation, and HCN concentration. It could be concluded that 2 % elemental sulfur, 4 % urea, and 300 mg FCR showed a greater effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation, and HCN reduction., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objective: Ruminants are completely dependent on their microbiota for rumen fermentation, feed digestion, and consequently, their metabolism for productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the rumen bacteria of lactating yaks with different milk protein yields, using high-throughput sequencing technology, in order to understand the influence of these bacteria on milk production., Methods: Yaks with similar high milk protein yield (high milk yield and high milk protein content, HH; n = 12) and low milk protein yield (low milk yield and low milk protein content, LL; n = 12) were randomly selected from 57 mid-lactation yaks. Ruminal contents were collected using an oral stomach tube from the 24 yaks selected. High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used., Results: Ruminal ammonia N, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and isobutyrate concentrations were found to be higher in HH than LL yaks. Community richness (Chao 1 index) and diversity indices (Shannon index) of rumen microbiota were higher in LL than HH yaks. Relative abundances of the Bacteroidetes and Tenericutes phyla in the rumen fluid were significantly increased in HH than LL yaks, but significantly decreased for Firmicutes. Relative abundances of the Succiniclasticum, Butyrivibrio 2, Prevotella 1, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001 genera in the rumen fluid of HH yaks was significantly increased, but significantly decreased for Christensenellaceae R-7 group and Coprococcus 1. Principal coordinates analysis on unweighted UniFrac distances revealed that the bacterial community structure of rumen differed between yaks with high and low milk protein yields. Furthermore, rumen microbiota were functionally enriched in relation to transporters, ABC transporters, ribosome, and urine metabolism, and also significantly altered in HH and LL yaks., Conclusion: We observed significant differences in the composition, diversity, fermentation product concentrations, and function of ruminal microorganisms between yaks with high and low milk protein yields, suggesting the potential influence of rumen microbiota on milk protein yield in yaks. A deeper understanding of this process may allow future modulation of the rumen microbiome for improved agricultural yield through bacterial community design.

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses combination fermented sugarcane bagasse (SB) as an exclusive roughage source in the total mixed ration (TMR) for mid-lactation 75% crossbred Holstein cows on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal ecology, milk yield and milk composition. Four multiparous mid-lactation crossbred (75% Holstein Friesian and 25% Thai native breed) dairy cows of 439 ± 16 kg body weight, 215 ± 5 days in milk and average milk yield 10 ± 2 kg d -1 were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The unfermented SB (SB-TMR), SB fermented with cellulase and molasses (CM-TMR), SB fermented with L. casei TH14 and molasses (LM-TMR), and SB fermented with L. casei TH14, cellulase and molasses (LCM-TMR) were used as dietary treatments., Results: CM-TMR, LM-TMR and LCM-TMR significantly (P < 0.01) increased dry matter and fiber digestibility, gross energy and metabolizable energy intake (P < 0.05), blood glucose, total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05), propionic acid and milk yield, but decreased ammonia, acetic acid, acetic:propionic ratio and methane production (P < 0.05) when compared with the SB-TMR. Compared with fermented SB treatments, LCM-TMR had lower (P < 0.05) ruminal ammonia and greater blood glucose (P < 0.01); LCM-TMR showed (P < 0.05) greater volatile fatty acids, propionic acid, milk yield and total solids, and lower acetic:propionic ratio (P < 0.01); methane, protozoa and somatic cell count were found to be lowest in LCM-TMR., Conclusion: Combination of L. casei TH14 and additives (LCM-TMR) effectively enhanced feed use, rumen ecology and milk production of Holstein Friesian cows. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Background: Phytonutrient pellet, a new rumen enhancer, was formulated from various tropical fruit peels containing phytonutrients (condensed tannins and saponins) and named MARABAC. To substantiate the MARABAC supplementation effect, it was supplemented with low and high levels of concentrate supplementation in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using beef cattle. Based on this investigation, interesting findings were highlighted and are reported herein., Results: The high level of concentrate supplementation (HCS) reduced rumen pH remarkably, but was buffered and enhanced by MARABAC supplementation. Rumen pH was reduced to 5.74 at 8 h, post feeding upon receiving HCS, and was buffered back to 6.19 with MARABAC supplementation. The supplementation exhibited an additional pronounced (P < 0.01) effect on improving nutrient digestibility and efficiency of microbial nitrogen supply, mitigating rumen methane production and reducing protozoal population. Rumen and fermentation end-products, especially propionate production, were enhanced (P < 0.05), while rumen methane production was subsequently mitigated (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: MARABAC is a new promising dietary rumen enhancer for future replacement of chemicals and antibiotics used to enhance the rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, more in vivo feeding trials should be further conducted to elucidate the insight impacts. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Low selenium (Se) in soil and forage can adversely affect on the quality of animal-derived foods, and hence on human health. Lambs grazed on mixed pastures of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) were supplemented with five levels of Se [0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 µg/kg body weight (BW)]. The intake of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) varied with the level of Se supplementation, with a peak at 6 µg Se per kg BW (p ≤ 0.05). Gross energy (GE) intake, digestive energy (DE) intake and metabolic energy (ME) intake were higher at 6 µg Se per kg BW than at other Se levels (p < 0.01); in addition, methane energy (CH 4 -E) output was lower at 6 µg Se per kg BW. Supplementation with Se significantly increased nitrogen (N) intake, faecal N and urine N, for which the peak values were 20.2 g N/, 5.62 g N/day and 7.92 g N/day, respectively, at 6 µg Se per kg BW. Se intake, blood Se, faecal Se, urine Se and retained Se were negatively correlated with forage crude protein (CP) content (p < 0.001) but were positively correlated with the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p < 0.001) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) (p < 0.001). Thus, we recommend the addition of 6 µg Se per kg BW to sheep grazed on pastures in regions with low soil Se., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of feeding pellet containing high sulphur (PELFUR) diet and fresh cassava root (FCR) to Thai native beef cattle on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites. Four male purebred Thai native beef cattle (1.5-2.0 years old) with initial body weight (BW) of 150 ± 15.0 kg were allocated with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was FCR supplementation at 15 and 20 g/kg of BW. Factor B was the sulphur level in the PELFUR ration at 15 and 30 g/kg of dry matter (DM). No interaction effect was found among FCR supplementation and PELFUR in terms of feed intake and nutrient intake (p > 0.05). Cyanide intake was significantly increased based on FCR supplementation (p < 0.05), whereas sulphur intake was increased by level addition of PELFUR levels (p < 0.05). There were interaction effects among FCR supplementation and PELFUR on digestibility coefficients of DM and organic matter (OM) (p < 0.05). FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg demonstrated the highest digestibility of DM and OM. Moreover, interactions were observed between FCR and PELFUR for bacterial populations (p < 0.01). The populations of bacteria were highest in FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg at various feeding times. An interaction effect from among feeding FCR with PELFUR was found on blood thiocyanate concentrations at various feeding times (p < 0.01). The highest mean values of blood thiocyanate were observed when feeding FCR at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR at 30 g/kg. No interaction effect was found between FCR and PELFUR on total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and their profiles (p > 0.05). However, the proportions of the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding were increased when FCR at 20 g/kg BW was supplemented (p < 0.01). FCR at 20 g/kg BW could enhance propionate (C3) at 4 h post-feeding when compared with FCR at 15 g/kg BW (p < 0.01). Moreover, supplementation of PELFUR at 30 g/kg increased the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding, whereas the concentration of C3 at 4 h post-feeding was enhanced (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found for any parameters among treatments and between the main effect of FCR and PELFUR supplementation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding of two combinations (FCR 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg) could promote the nutrient digestibility, the bacterial populations and the rate of disappearance of cyanide without having any adverse effect on rumen fermentation., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is characterized by low temperatures and hypoxia, and this feature is more obvious in the winter. However, it is not clear how Tibetan sheep adapt to extreme cold climates. To address this, we used physiological methods combined with next-generation sequencing technology to explore the differences in growth performance, forage nutrient digestion, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen microbial communities of Tibetan sheep ( Ovis aries ) between the summer and winter. In the summer, owing to the high nutritional quality of the forage, the Tibetan sheep showed enhanced forage degradation and fermentation though increased counts of important bacteria in the rumen, such as Bacteroidetes, Prevotella&#95;1, Prevotellaceae&#95;UCG-003, Ruminococcus&#95;1, Saccharofermentans , and Ruminococcaceae&#95;UCG-014 , to improve the growth performance and increase serum immunity and antioxidant status. In the winter, owing to the low nutritional quality of the forage, the Tibetan sheep presented low values of forage degradation and fermentation indicators. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, microbial diversity, interactive activity between microorganisms, and metabolism were significantly increased, implying that the rumen microbiota could promote the decomposition of forage biomass and the maintenance of energy when forage nutritional value was insufficient in the winter. Our study helps in elucidating the mechanism by which Tibetan sheep adapt to the high-altitude harsh environments, from the perspective of the rumen microbiota., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Fan, Cui, Wang, Chang, Wanapat, Yan and Hou.)

The aim of study was to compare the influence of chitosan sources (commercial chitosan vs chitosan extract) on rumen fermentation, methane (CH 4 ) emission, and milk production in tropical lactating dairy cows. Six lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbreeds (410 ± 5 kg, 120 ± 21 day-in-milk) were arranged in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design. In addition to control, a 2% chitosan extract supplement and a 2% commercial chitosan supplement of dry matter intake were the treatments. The results denoted that no significant differences on daily dry matter, nutrients, or estimated energy intake were noted when cows received different sources of chitosan. Nutrient digestibility was not influenced differently by extraction-based or commercial chitosan supplements. The pH, temperature, ammonia nitrogen, blood urea, and microbial count were similar among treatments. The different sources of chitosan supplements did not change the totals of volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate; in contrast, different chitosan sources influenced (P<0.05) propionate content. The ruminal acetate to propionate ratio was markedly (P<0.05) reduced with chitosan supplement, but no change appeared between sources of chitosan. At 4 h after feeding, the methane estimation significantly decreased with the addition of chitosan supplementation (P<0.05) compared to the control group. The purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis were not altered by the treatments. No significant differences existed on milk yield, milk composition, or milk urea nitrogen when cows received different sources of chitosan (P>0.05). In summary, supplementing extracted chitosan showed more potential than did the commercial chitosan for enhancing economic efficiency and recycling shrimp residues, therefore, reducing environmental waste.

Objective: This study aimed at studying the potential use of Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla) as a protein source fodder to improve nutrients digestibility and ruminal fermentation efficiency in beef cattle., Methods: Four, Thai native beef cattle were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design. Four levels of Flemingia hay meal (FHM) were used to replace soybean meal (SBM) in the concentrate mixtures in four dietary treatments replacing levels at 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% of SBM., Results: The experimental findings revealed that replacements did not effect on intake of rice straw, concentrate and total dry matter (DM) intake (p>0.05). However, the apparent digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber were linearly increased up to 100% replacement levels. Moreover, the production of total volatile fatty acids, and propionate concentration were enhanced (p<0.05) whereas the concentration of acetate was reduced in all replacement groups. Consequently, the CH4 production was significantly lower when increasing levels of FHM for SBM (p<0.05). Furthermore, rumen bacterial population was additionally increased (p<0.05) while protozoal population was clearly decreased (p<0.05) in all replacement groups up to 100%. In addition, microbial nitrogen supply and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis were enhanced (p<0.05), as affected by FHM replacements., Conclusion: The findings under this experiment suggest that 100% FHM replacement in concentrate mixture enhanced rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrients digestibilities, bacterial population, microbial protein synthesis, and subsequently reduced CH4 production in beef cattle fed on rice straw.

Objective: An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of dragon fruit peel pellet (DFPP) as a rumen enhancer of dry matter consumption, nutrient digestibilities, ruminal ecology, microbial protein synthesis and rumimal methane production in Holstein crossbred bulls., Methods: Four animals, with an average live-weight of 200±20 kg were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate the influence of DFPP supplementation. There were four different dietary treatments: without DFPP, and with 200, 300, and 400 g/h/d, respectively., Results: Results revealed that dry matter consumption of total intake, rice straw and concentrate were not significantly different among treatments (p>0.05). It was also found that ruminal pH was not different among treatments (p>0.05), whilst protozoal group was reduced when DFPP increased (p<0.01). Blood urea nitrogen and NH3-N concentrations were increased at 400 g of DFPP supplementation (p<0.01). Additionally, volatile fatty acid production of propionate was significantly enhanced by the DFPP supplementation (p<0.05), while production of methane was consequently decreased (p<0.05). Furthermore, microbial protein synthesis and urinary purine derivatives were remarkably increased especially at 400 g of DFPP supplementation (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Plant secondary compounds or phytonutrients (PTN) containing saponins (SP) and condensed tannins (CT) have been reported to influence rumen fermentation. DFPP contains both CT and SP as a PTN. The addition of 400 g of DFPP resulted in improved rumen fermentation end-products especially propionate (C3) and microbial protein synthesis. Therefore, DFPP is a promising rumen enhancer and indicated a significant potential of DFPP as feedstuff for ruminant feed to mitigate rumen methane production.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a yeast strain often used to improve the feed quality of ruminants. However, S. cerevisiae has limited capacity to provide biomass when inoculated with carbon sources and a low ability to produce cellulase enzymes. Here, we hypothesized that yeast in the rumen produces a large amount of biomass and could release cellulase enzymes to break down fiber content. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen, isolate and identify yeast from the rumen fluids of Holstein Friesian steers and measure the efficiency of biomass production and cellulase activity. A fermentation medium containing sugarcane molasses as a carbon source and urea as a nitrogen source was optimized. Two fistulated-crossbred Holstein Friesian steers averaging 350 ± 20 kg body weight were used to screen and isolate the ruminal yeast. Two experiments were designed: First, a 12 × 3 × 3 factorial was used in a completely randomized design to determine biomass and carboxymethyl cellulase activity. Factor A was the isolated yeast and S. cerevisiae . Factor B was sugarcane molasses (M) concentration. Factor C was urea (U) concentration. In the second experiment, potential yeasts were selected, identified, and analyzed for 7 × 4 factorial use in a completely randomized design. Factor A was the incubation times. Factor B was the isolated yeast strains, including codes H-Khon Kaen University (KKU) 20 (as P. kudriavzevii -KKU20), I-KKU20 ( C. tropicalis -KKU20), and C-KKU20 (as Galactomyces sp.-KKU20). Isolation was imposed under aerobic conditions, resulting in a total of 11 different colonies. Two appearances of colonies including asymmetric colonies of isolated yeast (indicated as A, B, C, E, and J) and ovoid colonies (coded as D, F, G, H, I, and K) were noted. Isolated yeast from the rumen capable of providing a high amount of biomass when inoculant consisted of the molasses 15% + urea 3% (M15 + U3), molasses 25% + urea 1% (M25 + U1), molasses 25% + urea 3% (M25 + U3), and molasses 25% + urea 5% (M25 + U5) when compared to the other media solution ( p < 0.01). In addition, 11 isolated biomass-producing yeasts were found in the media solution of M25 + U1. There were 4 isolates cellulase producing yeasts discovered in the media solution of M25 + U1 and M25 + U5 whereas molasses 5% + urea 1% (M5 + U1), molasses 5% + urea 3% (M5 + U3), molasses 5% + urea 5% (M5 + U5), molasses 15% + urea 1% (M15 + U1), molasses 15% + urea 3% (M5 + U3), and M25 + U3 were found with 2, 3, 1, 2, 1, and 2 isolates, respectively. Ruminal yeast strains H-KKU20, I-KKU20, and C-KKU20 were selected for their ability to produce biomass. Identification of isolates H-KKU20 and I-KKU20 revealed that those isolates belonged to Pichia kudriavzevii -KKU20 and Candida tropicalis -KKU20 while C-KKU20 was identified as Galactomyces sp.-KKU20. Two strains provided maximum cell growth: P. kudriavzevii -KKU20 (9.78 and 10.02 Log cell/mL) and C. tropicalis -KKU20 (9.53 and 9.6 Log cells/mL) at 60 and 72 h of incubation time, respectively. The highest ethanol production was observed in S. cerevisiae at 76.4, 77.8, 78.5, and 78.6 g/L at 36, 48, 60, and 72 h of incubation time, respectively ( p < 0.01). The P. kudriavzevii -KKU20 yielded the least reducing sugar at about 30.6 and 29.8 g/L at 60 and 72 h of incubation time, respectively. The screening and isolation of yeasts from rumen fluids resulted in 11 different yeasts being obtained. The potential yeasts discovered in the rumen fluid of cattle were Pichia kudriavzevii -KKU20, Candida tropicalis -KKU20, and Galactomyces sp.-KKU20. P. kudriavzevii -KKU20 had higher results than the other yeasts in terms of biomass production, cellulase enzyme activity, and cell number.

Upgrading the nutritive value of rice straw (RS) is necessary to increase its contribution to enhancing meat and milk production. Present work verified whether novel Crabtree negative yeast inoculant could promote RS utilization, rumen fermentation, and milk quality in tropical crossbred lactating Holstein cows. The new stain of Crabtree negative yeasts (Pichia kudriavzevii KKU20 and Candida tropicalis KKU20) was isolated from the rumen of dairy cattle. This study used 6 multiparous crossbreds between Holstein Frisian × Zebu dairy cows in their mid-lactation period. Dairy cows were randomly allocated to three ensiled RS with various yeast stains including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, P. kudriavzevii KKU20, and C. tropicalis KKU20 according to a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design. Crabtree-negative yeast (P. kudriavzevii and C. tropicalis) increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter by about 6.9% when compared with Crabtree-positive yeast (S. cerevisiae). Bacterial populations were highest with ensiled RS by C. tropicalis KKU20. Ensiled RS with Crabtree-negative yeasts were significantly increased with total volatile fatty acids, but they did not affect volatile fatty acid profiles. Milk protein precentage was highest at 35.6 g/kg when C. tropicalis was fed, and lowest when applied with S. cerevisiae and P. kudriavzevii KKU20 in ensiled RS at 34.5 and 34.1 g/kg, respectively. Thus, feeding ensiled RS with novel Crabtree negative yeast could improve RS digestion, rumen fermentation, and milk protein content in dairy cows.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of leguminous fodder silage on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and utilization in beef cattle crossbreds. Four cattle, with an average live weight of 280 ± 10 kg, were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with supplementation of various levels of sunnhemp silage (SHS). Sunnhemp silage was fed to cattle at 0, 1, 1.5, and 2 kg DM SHS/head/day. The DM, OM, and CP digestibilities were increased (P < 0.05), and the highest value was found by feeding 2 kg DM SHS/head/day. Total volatile fatty acids and individual volatile fatty acid (VFA) especially C 3 were increased (P < 0.01), while C 2 and C 2 :C 3 ratios were decreased (P < 0.01) when SHS was supplemented. Nitrogen utilization efficiency and urinary purine derivatives were increased (P < 0.01) by the SHS supplementation. In conclusion, these data suggest that feeding SHS at 1.5 to 2 kg DM/ head/day can significantly increase rumen fermentation end-products, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and microbial protein synthesis. Sunnhemp silage can be practically processed and provided as a good roughage source for ruminants. Therefore, sunnhemp silage is recommended as a feeding intervention in the sub-tropical and tropical regions to support the sustainable livestock production.

Background: Marigold (Tagetes erecta L) accounts for over half of the world's loose flower production, and marigold crop residue (MCR) are abundantly available and should be used as a forage. In this study, MCR from the last commercial flower pickings was ensilaged with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and the shift in their volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profiles was monitored. Samples were collected at 6 different times during ensilage (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30 days) to determine and quantify the VOCs changes using a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS)., Results: After 30 days, the caryophyllene and piperitone, which account for 14.7 and 12.1% of total VOCs, decreased by 32.9 and 9.6% respectively, alcohols increased from 2.8 to 8.1%, and the acetic acid content increased by 560%., Conclusion: We have confirmed LAB can degrade the content of terpenes and enhance the content of alcohols and acids in MCR, which was for the first time on terpene degradation in fodder by ensilage. These results have shed light on our understanding of how to improve fodder odor and to enhance terpene degradation by lactic acid bacteria fermentation.

It is widely accepted that maintenance of microbial diversity is essential for the health of the respiratory tract; however, there are limited reports on the correlation between starvation and respiratory tract microbial diversity. In the present study, saline/β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) intravenous injection after dietary restriction was used to imitate different degrees of starvation. A total of 13 healthy male yaks were imposed to different dietary restrictions and intravenous injections, and their nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles were obtained by metagenomic shotgun sequencing. In healthy yaks, the main dominant phyla were Proteobacteria (33.0%), Firmicutes (22.6%), Bacteroidetes (17.2%), and Actinobacteria (13.2%); the most dominated species was Clostridium botulinum (10.8%). It was found that 9 days of dietary restriction and 2 days of BHBA injection (imitating severe starvation) significantly decreased the microbial diversity and disturbed its structure and functional composition, which increased the risk of respiratory diseases. This study also implied that oral bacteria played an important role in maintaining nasopharynx microbial homeostasis. In this study, the correlation between starvation and nasopharynx microbial diversity and its potential mechanism was investigated for the first time, providing new ideas for the prevention of respiratory diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Qi, Cai, Cui, Tan, Zou, Guo, Xie, Guo, Chen, Ma, Gou, Cui, Geng, Zhang, Ye, Zhong, Ren, Hu, Wang, Deng, YU, Cao, Wanapat, Fang, Wang and Zuo.)

Two experiments were undertaken to screen for ruminal cyanide-utilizing bacteria (Experiment 1), and to evaluate the influence of fresh cassava root (FCR) and pellets containing high sulfur (PELFUR) on cyanide content, gas production parameters, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) for the screening of cyanide-utilizing bacteria and the dietary treatments consisted of cyanide at 0, 150, 300, and 450 ppm. In Experiment 2, a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design was used for the in vitro study. Factor A was the level of FCR at 0, 260, 350, 440, and 530 g/kg of dry matter (DM) substrate, and factor B was the level of PELFUR at 0, 15, and 30 g/kg DM substrate. In Experiment 1, adding different doses of cyanide significantly affected cyanide-utilizing rumen bacterial growth ( p < 0.05). Increasing the concentration of cyanide from 0 to 150 and 150 to 300 ppm resulted in increases in cyanide-utilizing rumen bacteria of 38.2% and 15.0%, respectively. In Experiment 2, no interaction effects were found between FCR and PELFUR doses on gas production parameters ( p > 0.05). Increasing the FCR level to more than 260 g/kg of DM substrate could increase cumulative gas production ( p < 0.05). Increasing doses of PELFUR from 15 to 30 g/kg increased the cumulative gas production when compared with that of 0 g PELFUR/kg of DM substrate ( p < 0.05). The cyanide concentration in rumen fluid decreased with PELFUR ( p < 0.05) supplementation. Degradability of in vitro DM and organic matter following incubation increased at 12 and 24 h due to PELFUR supplementation with FCR and increased additionally with 15 g PELFUR/kg of DM substrate ( p < 0.05) in 440 g FCR/kg of DM substrate. Proportions of the total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), and butyric acid among supplementations with FCR ( p < 0.05) were significantly different. In conclusion, the present results represent the first finding of bacteria in the rumen that are capable of utilizing cyanide, and suggests that cyanide might function as a nitrogen source for bacterial cell synthesis. The inclusion of FCR of 530 g/kg with 30 g PELFUR/kg of DM substrate could increase the cumulative gas production, the bacterial population, the in vitro degradability, the proportion of C3, and the rate of the disappearance of cyanide.

Ruminal fermentation efficiency has been shown to be closely related with milk production in dairy cows. This investigation aimed at the utilization of sweet grass and bamboo grass pellet supplementation on ruminal fermentation, feed utilization efficiency, milk quantity, and quality in lactating dairy cows. Four lactating Holstein Friesian crossbreds were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effect of roughage sources and bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) supplementation on voluntary feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, fermentation characteristics of the rumen, and milk quantity and quality. Sweet grass (SG) (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham) and rice straw (RS) were fed as roughage sources as the first factor, while the second factor was supplementation levels of BP (0 and 150 g/cow/day). The results revealed that SG (P < 0.01) and BP supplementation (P < 0.05) improved feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, especially roughage intake and digestibility of DM and NDF. Ruminal pH (P < 0.05), bacterial (P < 0.01), and fungal population (P < 0.01) were increased with SG feeding, enhancing the concentration of total VFAs (P < 0.01) and propionic acid (P < 0.01), while both SG and BP decreased methane production (P < 0.01). While milk yield (P < 0.01) and milk composition (P < 0.01), especially unsaturated fatty acids including those of conjugated linoleic acid (P < 0.001), were enhanced. Supplementation of BP containing bioactive compounds such as condensed tannins (CT) enhanced rumen bacterial population with increased total VFAs (P < 0.05) and propionic acid (P < 0.05) concentrations, while decreased methane production (P < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that SG would be beneficial to improved rumen fermentation, feed utilization, and milk production of dairy cows, while bamboo grass pellet supplementation tended to additionally improve rumen fermentation and feed intake without negative effects on milk production.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of fibrolytic enzyme on nutrient utilization and milk production in dairy cows. Four multiparous early-to-mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows were randomly allocated in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Cows were fed a balanced total mixed ration (TMR) on a dry matter (DM) basis containing 0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 g/kg DM of fibrolytic enzyme in TMR, where the TMR comprises 60% concentrate supplemented with a fibrolytic enzyme at 0, 2, 4, and 6 g/kg DM of concentrate, and 40% urea-molasses-treated sugarcane bagasse (UMSB) was used as a roughage source. Fibrolytic enzyme supplementation in TMR containing UMSB did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) of dairy cows (p > 0.05). There was a quadratic effect of fibrolytic enzyme levels on the digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05), and the maximal response was reached at 1.2-2.4 g/kg DM of fibrolytic enzyme added in the TMR. Furthermore, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, milk fat, total volatile fatty acids, and propionic acid were greater in a cow fed with 1.2-2.4 g/kg DM of fibrolytic enzyme, resulting in a lower ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding a fibrolytic enzyme in TMR containing UMSB improved nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, and milk production of lactating dairy cows., (© 2021 Japanese Society of Animal Science.)

Background: Good quality protein as an on-farm feed resource has been in great demand to support the productivity of ruminants. A digestion trial using beef cattle crossbreds was conducted to assess the four dietary treatments of Flemingia macrophylla silage (FMS) supplementation at 0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 kg dry matter (DM)/day in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Feed DM intakes were measured during the 14 days and sample of feeds, feces, urine, as well as rumen fluid and blood were collected during the 7 days while the animals were on metabolism crates., Results: Based on this experiment strategic supplementation of FMS increased (P < 0.05) nutrients digestibility (organic matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber) enhanced rumen total volatile fatty acid production especially propionic acid (C 3 ), C 2 :C 3 ratio while, remarkably promoted the microbial protein synthesis (MPS) by increasing N-balance and retention of purine derivatives., Conclusions: Under this experiment, the results revealed the potential use of FMS as a good-quality feed to improve nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and to mitigate methane production. FMS supplementation at 0.6 kg DM/day exhibited the best result.

Background: Rumen microbiota in ruminants are vital for sustaining good rumen ecology, health, and productivity. Currently, limited information is available regarding the response of yaks (Bos grunniens) to fluctuating environments, especially the rumen microbiome. To address this, we investigated the diet, rumen bacterial community, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) of rumen fluid of yaks raised in the great Qinghai-Tibet plateau (QTP) at 2800 (low altitude, L), 3700 (middle altitude, M), and 4700 m (high altitude, H) above sea level., Results: The results showed that despite a partial diet overlap, H yaks harbored higher fibrous fractious contents than the M and L grazing yaks. Bacteria including Christensenellaceae&#95;R-7&#95;group, Ruminococcus&#95;1, Romboutsia, Alloprevotella, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Clostridium, Streptococcus, and Treponema were found to be enriched in the rumen of yaks grazing at H. They also showed higher rumen microbial diversity and total VFA concentrations than those shown by yaks at M and L. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) on weighted UniFrac distances revealed that the bacterial community structure of rumen differed between the three altitudes. Moreover, Tax4fun metagenome estimation revealed that microbial genes associated with energy requirement and carbohydrate metabolic fate were overexpressed in the rumen microbiota of H yaks., Conclusions: Collectively, our results revealed that H yaks had a stronger herbage fermenting ability via rumen microbial fermentation. Their enhanced ability of utilizing herbage may be partly owing to a microbiota adaptation for more energy requirements in the harsh H environment, such as lower temperature and the risk of hypoxia.

The aim of this experiment was to test the effect of yeast-fermented de-hulled rice (YDR) levels of protein-rich feed with different kinds of roughages on in vitro gas production, nutrient degradability, and rumen fermentation. The treatments were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD). The two experimental factors were comprised of two roughages (R) (untreated rice straw (RS) and sweet grass hay (SGH)) and four ratios of roughage to yeast-fermented de-hulled rice (R:YDR) (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75). Thus, there were 8 treatment combinations. The results revealed that the interaction between R and R:YDR ratios influenced on the gas production rate constant for the insoluble fraction ratio (c) (P < 0.01). The in vitro dry mater degradability (IVDMD) was improved by SGH and R:YDR ratios (P < 0.05). Supplementation of YDR with both of roughage sources (RS and SGH) increased propionate (C3) (P < 0.05) and total VFA production (P < 0.01); both factors showed interactive effects on rumen methane production (P < 0.01). Moreover, bacterial population was significantly increased by the SGH:YDR ratios (P < 0.05). Therefore, it could be summarized that supplementing YDR, an enriched protein source with SGH:YDR ratio at 50-75:50-25 ratio significantly enhanced nutrient degradability and in vitro rumen fermentation efficiency.

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of the roughage-to-concentrate (R:C) ratio and the addition of live yeast (LY) on ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane (CH 4 ) production. The experimental design was randomly allocated according to a completely randomized design in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement. The first factor was four rations of R:C at 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80, and the second factor was an additional four doses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (live yeast; LY) at 0, 2.0 × 10 6 , 4.0 × 10 6 , and 6.0 × 10 6 colony-forming unit (cfu), respectively. For the in vitro method, during the incubation, the gas production was noted at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The rumen solution mixture was collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h of incubating after inoculation. Cumulative gas production at 96 h was highest in the R:C ratio, at 20:80, while the addition of LY improves the kinetics and accumulation of gas ( p > 0.05). Maximum in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) at 24 h after incubation were achieved at the R:C ratio 20:80 and the addition of LY at 6 × 10 6 cfu, which were greater than the control by 13.7% and 12.4%, respectively. Ruminal pH at 8 h after incubation decreased with an increased proportion of concentrates in the diet, whereas it was lowest when the R:C ratio was at 20:80. Increasing the proportion of a concentrate diet increased total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionic acid (C3), whereas the acetic acid (C2) and C2-to-C3 ratios decreased ( p < 0.05). TVFA and C3 increased with the addition of LY at 6 × 10 6 cfu, which was greater than the control by 11.5% and 17.2%, respectively. No interaction effect was observed between the R:C ratio and LY on the CH 4 concentration. The calculated ruminal CH 4 production decreased with the increasing proportion of concentrates in the diet, particularly the R:C ratio at 20:80. The CH 4 production for LY addition at 6 × 10 6 cfu was lower than the control treatment by 17.2%. Moreover, the greatest populations of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi at 8 h after incubation were found with the addition of LY at 6 × 10 6 cfu, which were higher than the control by 19.0%, 20.7%, and 40.4%, respectively. In conclusion, a high ratio of roughage and the concentrate and addition of LY at 6.0 × 10 6 cfu of the total dietary substrate could improve rumen fermentation, improve feed digestibility, and reduce the CH 4 production.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus , cellulase, and molasses on chemical composition, fermentation qualities, and microorganism count of sugarcane bagasse silage after 30-days fermentation. The treatments were arranged according to a factorial arrangement (2 × 2 × 2) + 1, in a complete randomized design. The first factor consisted of two levels of Lactobacillus casei TH14 (TH14, 0 and 0.05 g/kg fresh matter; the second factor consisted of two levels of cellulase enzyme (C, 0 and 10 4 U/kg fresh matter); and the third factor consisted of two levels of molasses (M, 0 and 5 g/ 100 mL distilled water). A treatment (+1) referred to the use of rice straw without any treatments. The result showed that dry matter increased by 4% and neutral detergent fiber decreased by 2% of sugarcane bagasse when ensiled as a combination of additives as compared to untreated sugarcane bagasse. The pH and ammonia nitrogen were significantly dropped to 3.5 and 2.3 g/kg dry matter. Furthermore, lactic acid was increased by 64% when compared to untreated sugarcane bagasse, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria count was increased by 28% as compared to untreated sugarcane bagasse. Based on this experiment, fermenting with L. casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses in combination resulted in the promotion of the best qualities of sugarcane bagasse silage., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Copyright 2020 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology.)

This study aimed to compare growth performance of Lowline Angus crossbred with Thai native cattle under a grazing system with supplementation of fermented cassava starch residue. Three Ruzi grass sub-fields were used for twenty heads of beef cattle for a 7-month experiment from February to August 2017. Yeast, molasses, and urea-fermented cassava starch residue was offered at 1.50% BW of animal. Blood metabolite and fecal composition were determined for health and nutritional stage assessment. The temperature-humidity index was highest (75.6-84.6) in April. Overall growth rate of beef cattle was not significantly different among breeds except in the first month when the native had greater weight gain than the crossbred. Average daily gain was 353 and 345 g for Thai native and its crossbred with Lowline Angus, respectively. Blood triglyceride concentration sampled at 7 months of the native was higher than that of the crossbred; in contrast, blood cholesterol of the crossbred tended to be higher than that of the native. Other blood metabolites including glucose, cholesterol, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and globulin were comparable between breeds. The native and the crossbred were similar in fecal composition, ruminal fermentation end-products (ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids), and microbial population. Therefore, under grazing condition with low-quality feed supplementation, Thai native beef cattle and its Lowline Angus crossbred had similar growth rate, health, and nutritional status.

Rapeseed provides multi-products as human food and animal feed especially the oil and meal. Rapeseed oil and meal after extraction are nutritious and have been used in animal feeding. This study aimed at studying the effect of rapeseed pod meal as the replacement of concentrate (RPM) on in vitro gas and fermentation characteristics. Dietary treatments were imposed in a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement according to a completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor was two ratios of roughage to concentrate (R:C at 60:40, and 40:60) and the second factor was six levels of RPM at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of dietary substrate. The results revealed that the R:C ratio and RPM increased kinetics of gas production, in vitro degradability and improved rumen fermentation (P < 0.001). Ratio of R:C influenced (P < 0.05) on both protozoal population and methane production, while level of RPR did not. Both factors had influenced (P < 0.01) a, a + b, and c, as well as total gas production; nevertheless, there were no interactions (P > 0.05). Interestingly, both factors have greatly impacted on TVFA, C 3 (P < 0.01) and tended to reduce methane production as level of RPM replacement increased. In conclusion, RPM improved rumen fermentation and increased in vitro DM degradability, hence is potential for replacement of concentrate and effectively used for ruminant feeding.

Objective: The 3×3 factorial arrangement was used to investigate if either high watersoluble carbohydrates (WSC) cultivars or suitable time of day that the grass cut could improve nutrient values and in vitro fermentation characteristics., Methods: The 3 cultivars were mowed at 3 diurnal time points and included a benchmark WSC ryegrass cultivar 'Premium', and 2 high WSC cultivars AberAvon and AberMagic, which contained, on average, 157, 173, and 193 g/kg dry matter (DM) of WSC, and 36.0, 36.5, and 34.1 g/kg DM of N during 7th regrowth stage, respectively. The fermentation jars were run at 39°C with gas production recorded and sampled at 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 22, 28, 36, and 48 h. The rumen liquid was collected from 3 rumen fistulated cows grazing on ryegrass pasture., Results: High WSC cultivars had significantly greater WSC content, in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) and total gas production (TGP), and lower lag time than Premium cultivar. Methane production for AberMagic cultivar containing lower N concentration was marginally lower than that for AberAvon and Premium cultivars. Grass cut at Noon or PM contained greater WSC concentration, IVDMD and TGP, and lower N and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents, but CH4 production was also increased, compared to grass cut in AM. Meanwhile, the effects of diurnal cutting time were influenced by cultivars, such as in vitro CH4 production for AberMagic was not affected by cutting time. The IVDMD and gas production per unit of DM incubated were positively related to WSC concentration, WSC/N and WSC/NDF, respectively, and negatively related to N and NDF concentrations., Conclusion: These results imply either grass cut in Noon or PM or high WSC cultivars could improve nutrient values, IVDMD and in vitro TGP, and that AberMagic cultivar has a slightly lower CH4 production compared to AberAvon and Premium. Further study is necessary to determine whether the increase of CH4 production response incurred by shifting from AM cutting to Noon and/or PM cutting could be compensated for by high daily gain from increased WSC concentration and DM digestibility.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Crabtree-negative ruminal yeast and Crabtree-positive yeast in ensiled rice straw (RS) on the ensilage quality, nutritive value, and microorganism composition, including the evaluation of the ensiled RS using the in vitro gas production technique. The experiment was conducted in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete design. Factor A was yeast species with no inoculant, Crabtree-negative yeasts ( Pichia kudriavzevii KKU20 and Candida tropicalis KKU20), and Crabtree-positive yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisae ), whereas factor B was ensilage times (7, 14, and 21 days). The rate of growth was revealed to be lower in Crabtree-positive yeasts than the other Crabtree-negative yeast strains ( p < 0.01). RS ensiled with S. cerevisiae showed decreased dry matter (DM) content by 9.0% when compared to the sample without a yeast inoculant. In addition, organic matter (OM) content was greater ( p < 0.01) for P. kudriavzevii KKU20 than C. tropicalis KKU20 and without an inoculant. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content was significantly decreased ( p < 0.01) by yeast inoculants by about 2.75% when compared to the control group. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and aerobic bacteria were low ( p < 0.05) when yeasts were added. However, no interaction was found between yeast and ensilage times on the quality of ensiled RS ( p > 0.05). The P. kudriavzevii KKU20 addition was associated with the highest value ( p < 0.01) of gas produced-an insoluble fraction (b), potential extent of gas production (a + b), and cumulative gas production at 96 h-when compared with S. cerevisiae or the control group. The highest in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility was observed in RS ensiled with P. kudriavzevii KKU20 for 14 days ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The maximum total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) at 4 and 8 h of incubation and the mean value were observed in RS ensiled with P. kudriavzevii KKU20 ( p < 0.01). RS ensiled with all yeast strains showed an increased propionate concentration at 8 h ( p < 0.01). In conclusion, ensiling RS with isolated Crabtree-negative ruminal yeasts could benefit feed digestion and in vitro gas production more than Crabtree-positive yeast does. P. kudriavzevii KKU20, an isolated Crabtree-negative ruminal yeast used to treat RS, had the highest potential for increasing cumulative gas production and enhancing in vitro digestibility.

Bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra Diels) pellet (BP) was assessed as a rumen modifier on feed intake, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibilities, microbial population, and methane production in swamp buffaloes. Four male swamp buffaloes with 350 ± 10 kg of body weight (BW) were allotted according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments were as follows: roughage to concentrate ratio (R:C) at 70:30 (T1), R:C at 70:30 with BP supplementation at 150 g/day (T2), R:C at 30:70 (T3), and R:C at 30:70 with BP supplementation at 150 g/day (T4). All animals were restricted to 2.5% of BW. The findings revealed that ruminal pH was reduced by the R:C at 30:70 fed groups (T3, T4); however, the rumen pH was enhanced (P < 0.05) in BP supplemented (T4) and there was an interaction between R:C and BP groups (P < 0.05). The propionate (C3) concentration was increased by the R:C ratio at 30:70 and BP fed groups (P < 0.01), and it was the highest at R:C ratio of 30:70 with BP supplemented group. Total VFA and buterate (C4) concentation were not changed (P > 0.05), while acetate (C2) concentration was reduced (P < 0.05) in the BP fed groups and there was an interaction (P < 0.05). Estimation of CH 4 production in the rumen was remarkably reduced by the R:C ratio with BP supplementation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF were significantly increased in the R:C ratio 30:70 (P < 0.01). Nitrogen absorption and nitrogen retention were also significantly altered by R:C at 30:70 (P < 0.01) and nitrogen absorption was an interaction (P < 0.01). Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of BP resulted in improvement of ruminal pH, enhanced C3, and reduced CH 4 production. Thus, BP could be a dietary rumen enhancer.

The principle of the study was to assess the influence of yeast-fermented cassava pulp (YFCP) as a protein supplement on feed intake, nutrient digestibilities, rumen microbial protein synthesis, fermentation end-products, and N-balance in Thai native beef cattle. The experiment was conducted following the 4 × 4 Latin square design using 4 levels of YFCP supplementation (0, 100, 200, and 300 g/head/day) in 3-year-old Thai native beef cattle crossbreds. The response of YFCP supplementation level using rice straw as a roughage source revealed promising results. The rumen ecology parameters including cellulolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic bacterial population were significantly increased while the protozoal population were reduced, as affected by increasing level of YFCP supplementation (P < 0.05). In parallel with these results, totals VFA, propionate (C3) production in the rumen, and the ratio of C2:C3 were remarkably increased (P < 0.01), while rumen methane production by prediction from VFA was decreased (P < 0.01), as YFCP supplementation increased. Regarding, the nutrient digestibilities, those of OM and CP were remarkably enhanced (P < 0.01), hence increased DM intake. Furthermore, the use of YFCP at high level resulted in the highest N-balance and N retention absorption (P < 0.01). The results indicated that YFCP can be nutritionally enhanced by yeast fermentation, thus is promising to be used as a protein source in ruminant feeding.

To estimate how native herbage of three different phenological periods modify rumen performance and milk quality of yak grazing alpine meadow. In this study, milk composition and the diversity of the rumen microbial community were measured in 12 full-grazing female yaks on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). The nutrient composition of three phenological periods was determined: Vegetative stage (VS), bloom stage (BS), and senescent stage (SS). High-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used. The results showed that crude protein (CP) content of herbage in BS was higher than that in vs. and SS ( p < 0.05), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of herbage in SS was higher than that in vs. and BS ( p < 0.05). Milk solids and fat contents were higher in the vs. and SS than in BS ( p < 0.05). However, milk protein content was higher for the vs. and BS than those for SS ( p < 0.05). The total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, and propionate concentrations were higher in vs. and BS than in SS ( p < 0.05). The community richness estimates (Chao1 estimator) of vs. were higher than that in BS and the SS ( p < 0.05). The diversity indices (Shannon index) of the BS were higher than that vs. and the SS ( p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis between the milk composition, ruminal fermentation parameters, and the relative abundances of the rumen bacteria showed that milk protein content, total VFA, acetate, and propionate concentrations were positively correlated with the relative abundances of the genera Desulfovibrio , Prevotella&#95;1 , and Butyrivibrio&#95;2 and was negatively correlated with Olsenella , Ruminococcaceae&#95;UCG.010 , and Rikenellaceae&#95;RC9&#95;gut&#95;group abundances. Collectively, the results revealed that there were significant differences in nutrient composition of herbage, chemical composition of yak milk, and microbial diversity in rumen at different phenological stages. The correlations between ruminal fermentation parameters, chemical constituents of yak milk, and some genera of ruminal bacteria might be indicative that the ruminal fermentation parameters and chemical constituents of yak milk are strongly influenced by the rumen bacterial community composition.

Objective: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruit peel powder (RP) on feed consumption, digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation dynamics and microbial population in Thai breed cattle., Methods: Four, 2-year old (250±15 kg) beef bull crossbreds (75% Brahman×25% local breed) were allotted to experimental treatments using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four dietary supplementation treatments were imposed; non-supplementation (control, T1); supplementation of RP fed at 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) (low, T2); supplementation of RP fed at 4% of DMI (medium, T3) and supplementation of RP fed at 6% of DMI (high, T4). All cattle were given a concentrate supplement at 1% of body weight while Napier grass was provided as a free choice., Results: The findings revealed that RP supplementation did not negatively affect (p>0.05) DMI of Napier grass, while RP intake and total DMI were the greatest in the RP supplementation at 4% and 6% DMI. Nevertheless, the nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) digestibilities were not changed in the RP supplementation groups. Rumen fermentation parameters especially those of total volatile fatty acids, acetate and butyrate were not significantly changed. However, the propionate concentration was remarkably increased (p<0.05) in the RP supplementation. Notably, the ratio of acetate to propionate, the number of protozoa, as well as the methane estimation were significantly reduced in the RP supplemented groups (4% and 6% of DMI), while the counts of bacteria was not altered., Conclusion: Supplementation of RP (4% of DMI) improved rumen propionate production, reduced protozoal population and methane estimation (p<0.05) without a negative effect on feed consumption and nutrients total tract digestibilities in beef cattle. Using dietary rambutan fruit peel powder has potential promise as a rumen regulator.

This study is targeted at evaluating whether C. deserticola addition promotes digestion, nitrogen and energy use, and methane production of sheep fed on fresh forage from alfalfa/tall fescue pastures. The sheep feeding trial was conducted with four addition levels with C. deserticola powder, and a basal diet of fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ). Addition levels of 4% and 6% improved average body weight gain (BWG) by 215.71 and 142.86 g/d, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 0.20 and 0.14, respectively. Digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and ether extract (EE) was 62.25%, 65.18%, 58.75%, and 47.25% under the addition level of 2%, which is greater than that in the control group. C. deserticola addition improved energy utilization efficiency, while addition levels of 2% and 4% increased nitrogen intake and deposited nitrogen. Overall, C. deserticola has the potential to improve growth performance, digestion of sheep, so it has suitability to be used as a feed additive.

Banana (Musa acuminata) by-products and other agricultural residues such as rice straw and sugarcane top are abundant in the southern part of China, but most of them are wasted and discarded. Under this experiment, several silages containing banana by-products with other crop residues were investigated for their fermentation characteristics and feeding values to beef cattle. There were three treatments (T) as follows: T 1 = fresh banana by-products (FBBP) + 4% corn meal (CM), T 2 = FBBP + rice straw (RS) at 70:30 (fresh weight), T 3 = FBBP + sugarcane top (SCT) at 70:30 (fresh weight). Twenty-one beef cattle bulls (220 ± 15 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to 3 groups and assigned to one of three silage treatments in a total feeding period of 237 days. Results revealed that all of the three silage mixtures had a good fermentative profile with lower pH and higher organic acids. The FBBP + CM group significantly increased DM, CP, EE, and Ca content (P < 0.05), while decreased ash, NDF, ADF, ADL, and condensed tannins (CT) content (P < 0.01). Significant effects on weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were observed at the end of the experiment (P < 0.05). The FBBP + CM group also had the greatest total weight gain at 109 kg/head, twice of the FBBP + RS group (P = 0.001), as well as the greatest average daily weight gain at 0.48 kg/head/day, followed by the FBBP + SCT group at 0.30 kg/head/day and the FBBP + RS group at 0.27 kg/head/day, respectively. Cattle fed FBBP + CM silage mixture diet had better feed efficiency than the cattle fed with the other mixtures (P < 0.001). Results of body measurements showed that cattle consumed FBBP + CM silage mixture tended to have a greater body diagonal length, height at the hip, hip width, and rump length than those either consumed FBBP + RS or FBBP + SCT (P < 0.05). The findings showed promising results of banana by-products silage with other agricultural crop residues to be used for increasing beef cattle production in southern China.

Twelve Hu sheep × thin-tail Han crossbred dry ewes with an average body weight of 32.6 ± 0.68 kg and an age of 3 years were arranged in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, with each experimental period of 24 d to evaluate the effect of substituting alfalfa hay in a portion of concentrate on nutrient intake, digestibility, N utilisation efficiency and methane emissions. The ratios of corn straw to alfalfa to concentrate for 3 diet treatments were 60:0:40, 60:15:25 and 60:30:10, respectively. Intake and digestibility were measured for each of the ewes, which were housed in individual metabolism crates for 6 d after an adaptation period of 14 d, and the feed was offered at 1.2 ME m to ensure approximately 10% orts. Methane emissions were determined in a respiration chamber for 2 consecutive d. An increase in the levels of alfalfa as a substitute for concentrate significantly increased the roughage, NSC and ADF intake and faecal N output as a proportion of N intake and manure N output. Furthermore, this increase in alfalfa input levels decreased DE, ME and N intake; nutrient digestibility; DE/GE, ME/GE and CH 4 emissions per day; CH 4 output expressed as a portion of the DM, OM and GE intake; and urinary N and ammonia N output, especially between extreme treatments. Alfalfa input levels had no effect on the BW, DM and GE intake; the EB or EB/GE intake; and the retained N. This study indicated that increasing alfalfa input as a substitute for concentrate could significantly decrease the digestibility, CH 4 emissions and urinary N and NH 4 + -N outputs; and shift the N excretion from urine to faeces; and could sustain a similar DM intake., (© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Tropical and subtropical regions were quite short of high-quality protein forage. Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) leaves as crop by products, are rich in protein and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Thence, the development and utilization of ramie is of great significance to animal production in these regions. But it contained high level of tannins and total phenols, which may produce potentially adverse effect. It is very essential to evaluate the safety of ramie leaves before they are used as feed supplements. To evaluate potential toxic level of ramie leaf, control group, low dose and high dose (0, 1, 2 g/kg·BW) groups of ramie leaf were conducted orally in Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats). Body weight, hematology, and histopathology was assessed during 28 d of treatment and 14 d of recovery period. The results showed that there were no toxic symptoms appeared in the treated and control groups. There were a few individual indicators showed abnormal, but most indices of body weight, organ weight ratios and hematology were normal. And compared to control group, it showed no significant differences (P>0.05). Histopathological examination of the high dose group and control group showed that there was no lesions related to ramie administration. The pathological changes appeared in the liver, and lungs of rats in individual rat of both groups were common and spontaneous, and had no significant differences (P>0.05). These results suggest that under this experimental condition, up to 2 g/kg·BW intragastric administration of ramie leaf did not produce adverse effect to SD rats. These findings would provide available information for ramie leaf to utilize as a feed supplement, particularly in P.R. China.

Objective: Minerals are one of the important nutrients for supporting the growth of sheep grazing in the highland, northeast of China. The experiment was conducted to investigate the relationship of both macro and micro minerals in sheep grazing in the highlands of six districts located in the Qilian Mountain of China., Methods: Samples of herbage (n=240) and soil (n=240) were collected at random in a "W" shape across the area designated for harvesting from 24 farms, where the sheep commonly graze in October (winter) for mineral analyses. In addition, serum samples were taken via jugular vein from 20 sheep per farm from 24 farms (n=480 samples in total) for serum minerals analyses. Mean values of macro and micro minerals were statistically compared among districts and the correlations among soil-plant-animal were statistically analyzed and correlations were regressed, as well., Results: The results revealed that there were variations for both macro and micro minerals among districts. Statistical analysis of the correlation coefficients between herbage and sheep were significantly different for most of the minerals but not for P, Cu, and Se. Many correlation regression coefficients were found significantly different among minerals of herbage, soil, and sheep serum especially those of K, Na, Fe, Mn, and Zn (between herbage and sheep serum), and Fe and Mn (between herbage and soil), Na, Fe, Mn, and Zn (between soil and sheep serum), respectively. The regression coefficient equations derived under this experiment for prediction of Ca (R2=0.618), K (R2=0.803), Mg (R2=0.767), Na (R2=0.670), Fe (R2=0.865), Zn (R2=0.950), Mn (R2=0.936), and Se (R2=0.630), resulted in significant R2 values., Conclusion: It is inferred that the winter herbage minerals in all the districts were below the recommended levels for macro minerals which indicated there would be some mineral deficiencies in sheep grazing the herbage in these regions. Supplemental minerals may therefore play an important role in balancing the minerals available from the herbage in winter and would lead to increased productivity in sheep on the highland areas of China. These findings could be potentially applied to the other regions for improving the livestock productivity.

It was hypothesized that the combination of glycerin and chitosan improves ruminal fermentation efficiency via an enhanced propionate (C3) and reduces in vitro CH 4 production. This was explored through in vitro gas production with substrates containing crude glycerin, which replaced cassava chips in the studied ration. The experimental design was organized following a 3 × 3 factorial in completely randomized design and the arrangement of treatments were different levels of crude glycerin supplementations 0, 10.5, and 21% of total mixed ration (TMR) and chitosan levels were added at 0, 1, and 2% dry matter (DM) of substrate. Then, 0.5 g of TMR substrates were added into 40 mL bottles, together with respective doses of chitosan and then incubated at 39 °C. The dietary treatments were performed in three replicates within the incubation, and incubations were repeated on three separate days (runs). No interactions were found between crude glycerin and chitosan doses in terms of theoretical maximum of asymptotic gas production ( b ), rate of gas production ( c ), the discrete lag time prior to gas production ( L ), or the cumulative gas production at 96 h of incubation ( p > 0.05). Cumulative gas production at 96 h of incubation was similar among the doses of crude glycerin and levels of chitosan, which ranged from 64.27 to 69.66 mL/g DM basis of substrate ( p > 0.05). The concentration of ruminal NH 3 -N after 2 and 4 h of incubation ranged from 14.61 to 17.10 mg/dL and did not change with the addition of crude glycerin with chitosan ( p > 0.05). The concentration of CH 4 after 2 h of incubation did not change among treatments ( p > 0.05), whereas after 4 h of incubation, CH 4 synthesis was significantly reduced by enhancing doses of crude glycerin and chitosan ( p < 0.05). The combination of 21% of crude glycerin in TMR with 2% chitosan depressed CH 4 production as much as 53.67% when compared to the non-supplemented group. No significant crude glycerin and chitosan interaction effect was detected for in vitro digestibility of nutrients after incubation for 12 and 24 h using the in vitro gas production technique ( p > 0.05). In addition, no significant changes ( p > 0.05) were observed in total volatile fatty acids, acetate (C2) or butyrate content among treatments and between the main effects of crude glycerin with chitosan. At 4 h of incubation, ruminal C3 content and the C2 to C3 ratio changed significantly when crude glycerin and chitosan was added ( p < 0.05). The 21% crude glycerin incorporate into TMR, in combination with 2% additional chitosan, increased C3 content by 26.41%, whereas the ratio of C2 to C3 was reduced by 31% when compared to the control group. Propionate concentration increased by 11.75% when increasing levels of chitosan at 2% of substrate, whereas the C2 to C3 ratio decreased by 13.99% compared to the 0% chitosan group. The inclusion of crude glycerin at 21% in TMR diets with chitosan supplementation at 2% enhanced ruminal propionate concentration and reduced methane production without causing any detrimental effect on the gas kinetics or nutrient digestibility., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Thai native cattle (Bos indicus) have high fertility rates and strong mothering abilities; however, their slight size, slow growth rate and low meat quality have not proved suitable for a commercial fattening system. Their progeny from crossbreeding with exotic sire particularly the Bos Taurus could present greater production performance. Lowline Angus sires and frozen semen were used to produce Lowline Angus x Thai native crossbreds. All cattle were raised in the same condition which was mainly through a grazing system. Throughout 5 years of data collection, calves' gender, birth weight, and weight gains were recorded until 1 year of age. There was no interaction effect between calves' gender, breed, and birth season on weight at birth and yearling, as well as growth rate. The birth weight of male calves (14.0 kg) were greater than female calves (13.3 kg). The calves' birth weights did not differ between levels of Lowline Angus blood, but all crossbred males were found to be significantly bigger than indigenous females. It must be noted that yearling weight did not differ between breeds. However, females 75% Lowline Angus, 25% Thai native crossbred (139.3 kg) weighed significantly higher than Thai native purebred females (115.9 kg). The calves' birth weights had positive correlation with Lowline Angus blood levels: birth weights increased when Lowline Angus blood levels were increased. The sharpness in the growth curve of Lowline Angus crossbreds was higher than purebred Thai indigenous cattle. Moreover, the 25% Lowline Angus crossbred had the highest graph slope as opposed to the 50% or 75% Lowline Angus crossbred. The growth performance of Lowline Angus x Thai native crossbred was shown unsuccessful under low-quality grazing situation. Additive effect of the crossbred presented quite low but well adapted to tropical environment. Greater productivity performance of the crossbred possibly will be excess with a higher quality feedlot condition.

This experiment aimed to use dietary sources containing phytonutrients (PTN) such as mangosteen peel powder (MSP) and banana flower powder (BFP) as sources of phytonutrients. Four swamp buffalo bulls fitted with rumen fistulae were used as experimental animals. A digestion trial covering four periods was used according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four treatments: Treatment 1 (T1) = control (Cont), T2 = supplementation of PTN1 fed at 100 g/d, T3 = supplementation of PTN2 fed at 100 g/d, and T4 = supplementation of PTN3 fed at 100 g/d. The experiment was conducted for four periods; each period lasted for 21 days. All animals were fed a concentrate mixture at 0.5% body weight, while rice straw, water, and mineral blocks were fed ad libitum. The findings revealed significant increases in the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), while no changes in dry matter feed consumption occurred due to PTN supplementation. Rumen fermentation end-products, such as total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionic acid (C 3 ), and butyric acid (C 4 ), were notably enhanced ( p < 0.05) and there were the highest in PTN2 and PTN3, whilst acetic acid (C 2 ) was significantly decreased with PTN supplementation groups. Furthermore, the rumen protozoal population was suppressed ( p < 0.05), which resulted in decreased rumen methane production ( p < 0.05), while the bacterial population was enhanced. Using PTN sources can improve rumen fermentation as well as mitigating rumen methane production.

The objective of the present research was to determine the influence of various doses of the pellets containing DR seed meal (PEDEM) on in vitro CH 4 gas production, in vitro digestibility, protozoal count, and ruminal fermentation characteristics. The study was designed as a completely randomized design with eight levels of PEDEM supplementation at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 mg DM. Gas production rate constants for the insoluble fraction (c) and cumulative gas production at 96 h were quadratically increased when PEDEM was supplemented (P < 0.05). The concentration of NH 3 -N was linearly increased when the PEDEM concentration (P < 0.05) was increased, whereas the population of protozoa was linearly decreased when the level of PEDEM supplementation (P < 0.05) was increased. The supplementation of PEDEM in substrate quadratically affected the mean values of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and in vitro NDF digestibility (P < 0.05). TVFA, acetic acid (C2), and butyric acid (C4) were not altered by different doses of PEDEM supplementation (P > 0.05). In contrast, the concentration of propionic acid (C3) was quadratically affected with the supplementation of PEDEM (P = 0.05). The inclusion of PEDEM did not change the CH 4 concentration at 6 h of incubation (P > 0.05), whereas the CH 4 concentration at 24 h of incubation and the mean values were linearly reduced with additional doses of PEDEM (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the mean CH 4 concentration was reduced at 51.1% with 12 mg PEDEM, whereas 59.6% was reduced with 14 mg PEDEM supplementations. The supplementation of PEDEM at 12 mg has the potential to manipulate rumen fermentation, to manipulate in vitro digestibility and to reduce protozoa and CH 4 production.

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) added to a dairy goat diet on serum biochemistry and progesterone levels. Thirty pregnant Cilentana dairy goats were equally divided into 2 groups (control [CTR] and HPO groups). After kidding, concentrated feed for both groups was gradually increased up to 400 g/(animal·d), and the HPO group received 50 g/(animal·d) of HPO. Supplementation with HPO significantly increased cholesterol levels (mg/dL, 63.80 vs. 54.68 at 30 d, P  ≤ 0.05; 78.20 vs. 58.00 at 60 d, P  ≤ 0.05; 83.80 vs. 57.83 at 120 d, P  ≤ 0.01) compared with the CTR group although no significant differences were detected for liver and kidney function indicators. Moreover, other biochemical parameters were not affected by HPO supplementation thus suggesting no change occurred in lipid and protein metabolism. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between progesterone levels and serum cholesterol ( r  = 0.65, P  ≤ 0.01) although these were not significantly higher in HPO supplemented goats. The dose and time of HPO supplementation appears critical as regards assessing the limits between the risks and benefits of HPO supplementation in dairy goats. At the tested dose, HPO was well tolerated by the animals and may represent a useful tool to increase energy availability during highly demanding periods.

The object of this present work was to determine the effects of supplementation with pellets containing royal poinciana seed meal (PEREM) on feed use, ruminal fermentation efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites and mitigation of methane (CH 4 ) emissions in cattle. The animals used in this experiment were four male Thai native beef cattle ( Bos indicus ) with initial body weights (BWs) of 125 ± 5.0 kg. Each of the animals were randomly assigned to receive PEREM doses at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/d, respectively, according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Concentrates were fed at 0.5% BW daily, and rice straw was fed ad libitum . There were no significant differences ( p > 0.05) on intakes of rice straw, concentrate and total diet. The intake of nutrients did not change among the levels of PEREM supplementation ( p > 0.05), except for an intake of crude protein, which was linearly enhanced when increasing the dose of PEREM ( p < 0.05). The inclusion of different doses of PEREM did not adversely affect the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber ( p > 0.05). Adding various doses of PEREM did not alter ruminal pH and ruminal temperature, while concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen were significantly increased with an increased dose of PEREM supplementation ( p < 0.01). The increasing doses of PEREM linearly reduced protozoal numbers ( p < 0.01), with the lowest concentration when PEREM was added at 150 g. PEREM supplementation did not change ( p > 0.05) the concentration of acetic acid or butyric acid or the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. Nevertheless, the total volatile fatty acid and propionic acid content were changed among PEREM levels ( p < 0.05), which were linearly increased with an increasing dose of PEREM. At 4 h post feeding, the CH 4 concentrations in the rumen of the animal were linearly reduced when the dose of pellets was increased ( p < 0.01). In addition, the inclusion of PEREM did not adversely affect other blood metabolites, namely total protein, creatinine and albumin ( p > 0.05). Furthermore, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial N synthesis were linearly enhanced when increasing levels of PEREM were added. The feeding of PEREM at 150 g/d might be an alternative with the potential to improve rumen fermentation efficiency and reduce the environmental effects produced by ruminants.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (Bamboo-Cass) supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen microbial population and methane production in Thai native beef cattle., Methods: Four Thai native beef cattle bulls (190±2 kg) were randomly allotted to four respective dietary treatments in a 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments were the varying levels of Bamboo-Cass supplementation at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/head/d, respectively. Rice straw was fed ad libitum and the concentrate offered at 0.5% of body weight., Results: Under this experiment, the findings revealed that acetate and butyrate production were decreased (p<0.05), propionate increased (p<0.05), whilst ruminal NH3-N concentration was decreased (p<0.05) by supplementation of Bamboo-Cass at 150 g/head/d. Moreover, rice straw intake, and microbial population were linearly increased (p<0.05), while methane production was decreased (p<0.05)., Conclusion: The results from the present study indicate that supplementation of Bamboo-Cass at 150 g/head/d significantly enhanced feed intake, decreased protozoa and increased bacterial population, rumen fermentation efficiency while decreased methane production. Therefore, Bamboo-Cass as a supplement is promising as a rumen enhancer in beef cattle fed on rice straw.

Objective: The objective of current study was to investigate the lactation performance and rumen fermentation characteristics of dairy cows fed a diet with alfalfa hay replaced by corn stover but supplemented with molasses., Methods: Sixteen Holstein cows in mid-lactation were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments: i) alfalfa based diet (AH), and ii) corn stover based diet supplemented with molasses (CSM). The experiment was conducted according to a 2×2 crossover design with 22-d each period, consisting of 17 d for adaptation and 5 d for data and samples collection., Results: Dry matter intake and milk yield were higher for cows fed AH than CSM (p<0.01). Milk protein content and nitrogen conversion were higher (p<0.05), while milk urea nitrogen was lower (p<0.01) for cows fed AH than CSM-fed cows. Contents of milk total solids, fat and lactose were not different between two groups (p>0.10). Total rumen volatile fatty acid concentration tended to be higher (p = 0.06) for cows fed AH than CSM-fed cows. Molar proportion of acetate was lower (p = 0.04), but valerate was higher (p = 0.02) in cows fed AH than CSM-fed cows. Rumen concentration of propionate, and isobutyrate, and ratio of acetate to propionate tended to be different (p<0.10) between two groups. The feed cost per kilogram of milk was lower in CSM than AH (p<0.01). No differences were found in feed efficiency and most plasma parameters tested (p>0.10)., Conclusion: In comparison with AH diet, CSM diet could be fed to dairy cows without negative effect on feed efficiency, ruminal fermentation, but economically beneficial, indicating that CSM could be an alternative choice for dairy farms instead of AH to feed mid-lactation dairy cows.