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Total mixed ration silage has been used as a strategy to optimize the use of dry and wet feed in ruminant feeding. Another promising technique is silage reallocation, which allows producers to divide the ensiled material in large silos into smaller units that can be easily transported and marketed. Thus, this study aimed to improve food preservation through the development of total mixed rations (TMRs) based on relocated sorghum silage (RSS) and cactus pear for sheep diets. A completely randomized design was used with five treatments (0, 15, 25, 30, and 35% RSS inclusion on a dry matter basis) and five replicates. Ninety days after ensiling, the silos were opened. The fermentation characteristics, nutritional aspects, aerobic stability, and microbial populations of TMR silages were evaluated. The inclusion of RSS showed a quadratic effect on pH, density, permeability, lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts, and total carbohydrates (p < 0.05). It reduced gas and effluent losses, porosity, ammonia nitrogen, buffer capacity, ash, crude protein, ether extract, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (p < 0.05) while increasing dry matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and cellulose contents (p < 0.05). There was an interaction effect between the levels of RSS inclusion and exposure times to air on CO2 and dry matter content (p < 0.05). Regarding carbohydrate fractionation, there was a reduction in fraction A + B1 (non-fibrous carbohydrates) and an increase in fractions B2 (fibrous carbohydrates from the cell wall and of slow ruminal availability, susceptible to the effects of the passage rate) and C (indigestible neutral detergent fiber) (p < 0.05). For protein fractionation, a quadratic effect was observed for fractions A (non-protein nitrogen) and C (insoluble protein, indigestible in the rumen and intestine), an increase in fraction B1 (soluble protein rapidly degraded in the rumen) + B2 (insoluble protein with intermediate degradation rate in the rumen), and a reduction in fraction B3 (insoluble protein with slow degradation rate in the rumen) (p < 0.05) as RSS levels increased. Under the experimental conditions, it is recommended to include up to 30% RSS in the total mixed ration silage to improve microbiological characteristics, reduce gas and effluent losses, and increase dry matter recovery and nutritional aspects of silage when associated with cactus pear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The main purposes of feed additives administration are to increase feed quality, feed utilization, and the performance and health of animals. For many years, antibiotic-based feed additives showed promising results; however, their administration in animal feeds has been banned due to some public concerns regarding their residues in the produced milk and meat from treated animals. Some microorganisms have desirable properties and elicit certain effects, which makes them potential alternatives to antibiotics to enhance intestinal health and ruminal fermentation. The commonly evaluated microorganisms are some species of bacteria and yeasts. Supplementing microorganisms to ruminants boosts animal health, feed digestion, ruminal fermentation, animal performance (meat and milk), and feed efficiency. Moreover, feeding microorganisms helps young calves adapt quickly to consume solid feed and prevents thriving populations of enteric pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract which cause diarrhea. Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus oryzae are the commonly used microbial feed additives in ruminant production. The response of feeding such microorganisms depends on many factors including the level of administration, diet fed to animal, physiological status of animal, and many other factors. However, the precise modes of action in which microbial feed additives improve nutrient utilization and livestock production are under study. Therefore, we aim to highlight some of the uses of microorganisms-based feed additives effects on animal production, the modes of action of microorganisms, and their potential use as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Hidayah N, Noviandi CT, Astuti A, Kustantinah. 2024. Chemical composition with different drying methods and ruminant methane gas production of Palisada perforata. Nusantara Bioscience 16: 37-42. Indonesia is a tropical country with a large diversity of seaweed, but a few studies analyzed it as an ingredient or supplement for ruminant feed. Evaluation of the nutrient content and phenolic compound with different drying methods (freeze-drying and shade-drying) and ruminant gas production from Palisada perforata (Bory) K.W.Nam to know about the potential for ruminant feed and methane mitigation were the goals of this investigation. The nutrient content, kinetic, and methane gas production were analyzed descriptively; meanwhile, the phenolic compound was analyzed with T-tests for the differences among treatments, using 4 replications. The result showed that the nutrient content of P. perforata had higher Organic Matter (OM), Crude Protein (CP), and Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE) with the freeze-drying method (83.47 vs. 52.85%DM, 19.33 vs. 16.05%DM, and 54.16 vs 26.80%DM, respectively) and the mineral content was higher with shade-drying method (16.53 vs 47.15%DM). The shade-drying method decreased almost 50% of the phenolic compound compared to the freeze-drying method. The kinetic gas production of P. perforata had easily degraded, potentially degraded, and total degraded and fermented fractions at 5.88, 24.91, and 30.80 mL/200 mgDM, respectively; the methane gas production in 24 and 48 hours incubation at 1.80 and 3.01 mL/gDM. The study concluded that the freeze-drying method is better than the shade-drying method to dry P. perforata and this species' potential as ruminant feed and methane mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: Accurate dosing of feed additives is often required to evaluate their effects on rumen fermentation. This can be done using soluble but nonfermentable hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hard capsules. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of HPMC hard capsules on the extent and rate of in vitro gas production in eleven feeds. Methods: Six high‐fibre feeds and five concentrates, were weighed into syringes either directly or into HPMC capsules and incubated anaerobically in 30 mL buffered rumen fluid at 39°C. Data obtained from gas production measurements were fitted using the Gompertz model to obtain kinetic parameters for gas production. Results: HPMC hard capsules had no effect on the gas production of the blank sample and concentrate feeds. In contrast, high‐fibre feeds weighed in HPMC showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total gas production and gas produced within 24 h of incubation. Conclusions: The use of HPMC hard capsules was found to be inappropriate for determining gas production kinetics because fermentation subsides at a certain point when peak fermentation is reached (at TMFR), resulting in a decrease in both total potential gas production and gas production within 24 h of incubation. This is particularly evident when high‐fibre feeds are incubated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of samples (n = 3) of pomegranate (peels (PPs) and seeds (PSs)) and artichoke (hearts (AHs) and stems (ASs)) wastes. Dried orange pulp (DOP) and tomato pomace (TP) were used as reference feeds. All wastes had low dry matter (DM; lower than 33.0 and 12.0% for pomegranate and artichoke, respectively). The DM of pomegranate fractions was rich in sugars (>42.0%) and contained low protein (<8.0%) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; <27.0%), whereas that of both artichoke fractions had high protein (>18.0%) and NDF (>36.0%) and low sugars content (<9.2%). Pomegranate seeds were more rapidly and extensively fermented in vitro than PPs, but both were less degradable and contained less metabolizable energy (ME) than DOP (7.43, 11.0 and 12.5 MJ ME/kg DM, respectively). Although AHs were more rapidly fermented and produced more volatile fatty acids (VFAs) than ASs, both had lower ME content than TP (9.50, 7.25 and 12.5 MJ ME/kg DM). The analyzed wastes had lower ME content than other by-products, but they were extensively fermented by ruminal microorganisms and could be used as ruminant feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

feeding trial of four months duration was carried out in Vechur cattle to analyse the impact of various protein concentrations in total mixed ration on rumen fermentation and haematobiochemical parameters. Fifteen Vechur cattle between the ages of six and ten months were chosen from Vechur Cattle Conservation Unit, Mannuthy and were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments, T1 -- Total mixed ration containing 16 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN, T2 -- Total mixed ration containing 14 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN and T3 -- Total mixed ration containing 12 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN. All the dietary treatments were isocaloric. Rumen fermentation parameters such as rumen pH and total volatile fatty acid did not show any significant difference among the treatment groups, whereas rumen ammonia nitrogen was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1, compared to T2 and T3. The mean per cent of methane emission levels were similar among the treatment groups. The haemato-biochemical parameters were analysed at the beginning and at monthly interval and the values were comparable among the treatment groups. But the BUN concentration was higher in T1 compared to T2 and T3 (P<0.01). Therefore, it could be resolved that Vechur cattle can be reared on TMR containing 12 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN without any negative effects on the health of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The objective of the current study was to compare the rumen inoculum of slaughtered cattle with the ruminal inoculum of cannulated cattle; additionally, determine its reliability in the in vitro analysis of ruminant feeds throughout a multivariate approach. Five male bovines (weight 320 ± 9.4 kg; mean ± standard deviation) provided with ruminal cannula and between five and seven bovines slaughtered in slaughterhouse were used. The evaluations were carried out following a completely randomized design. The data obtained were subjected to different multivariate analyzes to determine the reliability of the ruminal inoculum of animals slaughtered in commercial slaughterhouses compared to that obtained from cannulated animals. The relative contribution indicated that the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD, 50.75%) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD, 29.83%) analysis influence 80.13% of the results to determine the reliability of the ruminal inoculum from slaughtered cattle. Furthermore, it was determined that the first two principal components (IVNDFD and acetic acid production) are the ones that influence the results by 89.87%. The grouping of diets using the Tocher optimization method and the dendrogram shows the formation of six groups and two groups, respectively. The grouping shows that the ruminal inoculum source was not the limiting parameter in the evaluation. Rumen inoculum from cattle slaughtered in a commercial slaughterhouse (with unknown diet) has potential as an alternative for the in vitro analysis of cattle feed, provided that the lignin concentration in the diet is less than 35.5 g/kg DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study aims to explore the synergistic effects of co-inoculation with Fusarium solani (F.s), Fusarium oxysporum (F.o), and Penicillium chrysogenum (P.ch) to enhance the digestibility and quality of lignocellulosic biomass for ruminant feeding. Wheat straw (WS), olive pomace (OP), and cedar wood (CW) were assessed as substrates. Results indicated varying impacts on lignin loss (L_loss), cellulose improvement (C_imp), and in vitro true digestibility improvement (IVTD_imp). F.o and P.ch co-inoculation exhibited the highest mean L_loss (53.74%), surpassing F.s and P.ch co-inoculation (18.23%) and F.s and F.o co-inoculation (19.23%). F.o_P.ch co-inoculation notably increased cellulose content (C_imp = 29.86 ± 18.19%) and IVTD_imp (40.74% ± 20.51%), while F.o_F.s showed minimal IVTD_imp (0.14 ± 11.42%). Substrates differed in fiber change and dry matter loss, with OP having the highest C_imp (25.6 ± 20.7%). Treatment duration influenced L_loss and IVTD_imp, increasing from 4 to 12 weeks. Co-inoculating F.o and P.ch enhances lignin degradation and biomass digestibility, improving their suitability for ruminant feed. Thoughtful selection of fungal combinations is crucial for optimizing co-inoculation. These findings support the utilisation of lignocellulosic biomass in ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Introduction: Given its importance in evaluating the digestibility of ruminant foods for ruminants, the paper aimed to bring information on some general aspects of the in vitro gas production technique and refers to the uses that are given to it. Development: The origins of the technique date back to the work in 1979. Since then there have been changes in the way it is applied, maintaining the essence of measuring the gas production that occurs when the sample is inoculated with rumen fluid, feces or enzymes in a buffered mineral medium based on bicarbonates that releases an amount of gas proportional to the volatile fatty acids produced. The way in which the amount of gas is measured has changed till the now mainly used transducers that are coupled to computers. The technique has been used for multiple studies that were reviewed, as well as some works dedicated to its improvement based on difficulties that arose. Conclusions: It is concluded that the in vitro gas production technique is probably the most versatile tool for measuring digestibility; it presents didactic and accessible procedures; entails fewer costs and also represents a more compatible alternative for animal welfare legislation, by using voided feces as inoculum and that still needs more to be done in order to achieve better precision and accuracy, and the possible application in other fields of animal food evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: Food composition tables become obsolete due to new production practices, plant genetic research, changes in analytical methods, and the characterization and introduction of new foods. Therefore, it is necessary to update the existing Cuban tables. Aim. Implement a procedure that makes it possible to process data on foods, coming from the literature, with the interest of developing reliable tables of nutritional composition of foods for ruminant animals. Materials and Methods: AliCuba software was used to generate tables of nutritional composition of livestock foods, based on the compilation and processing of research results published in various bibliographic sources. A procedure was established that regulates the stages to be followed, with the help of this software, to obtain reliable tables of the nutritional composition of foods. Univariate techniques were used to determine outlier data. Missing values were estimated through equations. Bootstrap resampling was applied with a percentile confidence interval. The procedure was validated with information regarding Megathyrsus maximus cv. Likoni (leaves and stems, fresh, western region, without specifying time of year or irrigation, with fertilization and 30 to 60 days old). Results: The procedure implemented following its different stages was adequate to identify and adjust database anomalies, such as data entry errors, incorrect units of measurement, analytical errors, misidentification of foods, etc., demonstrating its validity. to ensure the quality of the information. Conclusion: A procedure was implemented that allows perfecting the process of preparing nutritional composition tables of foods for ruminant animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study aimed to investigate the associative effects caused by changes in the proportions of feed ingredients (forage-to-concentrate ratio) and the forage source in ruminant diets on in vitro gas production and fermentation parameters. The study consisted of two assays conducted in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 10 factorial arrangement consisting of three forages (pineapple crop waste silage [PS], corn silage [CS], and Tifton hay [TH]) associated with concentrate feed (C) (binary mixture) in 11 proportions, with triplicates of each combination. For the first assay, the asymptotic volume of gas did not show any difference among (p = 0.059) CS and PS (p = 0.464) and their proportions. We evaluated the associative effect among forages and their proportions and noticed there was an effect on gas production between the combination of forage and concentrate for the CS (p = 0.003) and PS (p = 0.003). In the second assay, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.05) were affected by the forage source and concentrate inclusion. In conclusion, forages with a high content of soluble carbohydrates presented the lowest gas production, as well as higher concentrations of propionic acid and ammonia nitrogen. The associative effect on in vitro gas production was more pronounced in the first 12 h incubation. The different forage sources and the inclusion of concentrate change fermentation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The leaves and soft stems of leguminous trees are important in ruminant nutrition. Browse include fruits and pods of trees and shrubs. Browse spans from temperate to tropical areas of the world, particularly in areas prone to drought. A variety of feed resources exist throughout the tropics, especially the humid regions These include a variety of forages and abundant supplies of crop residues, agro-industrial byproducts and also non-conventional feed resources. Among these, approximately 50-60% of the feeds produced are bulky roughages. The advantages of the use of tree and shrub forages as animal feeds include availability on the farm, accessibility, provision of variety of diets and source of dietary nitrogen, energy, minerals and vitamins. Others include laxative influence on the alimentary system, reduction in requirement for purchased concentrates and reduced feeding cost. The contribution of browse to the livestock diet varies with the nature of the ecosystem; in less favourable environments, the grazing season for vegetation is short, and the contribution of native fodder shrub to the animal's diet is very high and may exceed 70%. However, in more favourable areas, they are used on seasonal basis. This review mainly focuses on the different types of browse tree legumes and their utilization as supplemental diets for ruminants especially during dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: Animal feed shortage in quality and quantity, and escalating costs of agro‐industrial by‐products to supplement crop residues and natural pasture hay urged to look for alternative feed supplements. Vernonia amygdalina leaf is one of the potential feed resources to supplement poor quality feeds in ruminant feeding. Objectives: This experiment was designed to evaluate effects of supplementing dried V. amygdalina leaves (DVL) and wheat bran (WB) mixture on feed intake, digestibility, body weight change and economic feasibility of Arsi–Bale sheep fed with natural pasture hay as basal diet. Methods: Twenty intact yearling male sheep with an initial body weight (IBW) of 18.85 ± 0.95 kg (mean ± SD) were stratified into five blocks (four animals per block) based on their IBW and kept for 90 days of feeding and 10 days of digestibility trials. Four treatment diets comprised ad libitum hay (control, T1) and ad libitum hay plus daily supplementation of 300 g dry matter (DM) in a ratio of 2DVL:1WB (T2), 1DVL:1WB (T3) and 1DVL:2WB (T4), and the treatment feeds were randomly assigned to each animal within a block. Data were subjected to the analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS (version 9.1). Results: The results showed that the crude protein contents of hay, DVL and WB were 9.4%, 21.5% and 15.5%, respectively. Supplementation improved (p < 0.0001) DM intake (DMI), apparent nutrient digestibility, average daily gain (ADG) and economic return. Sheep supplemented with two parts of DVL and one part of WB resulted significantly (p<0.0001) the highest DMI, DM and nutrient digestibility and a better feed conversion ratio. Consequently, they resulted highest ADG and net return. Conclusions: Sheep fed with a basal diet of natural pasture hay supplemented with two parts of DVL and one part of WB is economical to improve body weight of Arsi–Bale sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Objective. To compare of two mathematical models for the prediction of the concentration of digestible energy (DE) in ingredients used in the feeding of ruminants is presented. Materials and Methods. Both approaches differ on the data used for the estimation via wet chemistry for the content of the Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). Once this value is generated by either method, both approaches followed a similar step to arrive at a DE estimate. The used of a Paires T-Test was used to compare the difference for each pair of values. Results. A difference of 0.664 Mcal/kg of DM (P<0.001) of DE was detected for the FDA approach. Simplicity in generating a value for FDA in comparison to the summatory of the TDN components such as the relative theoretical values of nutrient digestibility's for crude protein, crude lipids x 2.25, crude fiber and free nitrogen extract by difference, is an approach bound to a greater source of human errors in its determination due to a direct relationship of the greater the number of elements the greater the opportunity for errors. Conclusion. The FDA-based model has less variability detected in the ED values generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Copyright of Journal of the Chinese Society of Animal Science is the property of Chinese Society of Animal Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

Copyright of Journal of the Chinese Society of Animal Science is the property of Chinese Society of Animal Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

Copyright of Journal of the Chinese Society of Animal Science is the property of Chinese Society of Animal Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

This study aimed to determine the effect of different salinity and anti-transpiration levels on the growth and biochemical composition of Panicum maximum plants (Guinea grass) during spring and summer in 2020. Two different anti-transpiration treatments [molasses (sugarcane) (5 mL/L), kaolin (50 g/L), with control] and three salinity levels (S1 well water as the control and salinity S2 2000 ppm; S3 4000 ppm, S4 6000 ppm] were used in 12 treatments in 72 pots [3 anti-transpiration treatments × 4 salinity treatments × 6 replicates]; a randomized complete design was used. Results revealed that the plants achieved the highest plant height (123.77 cm) and dry weight (521.87 g/m² ) with kaolin and no salt addition treatment during summer. Higher percentage of proteins and carbohydrates were found in spring than in summer; but there was no significant difference among the salinity levels. A high percentage of ash and fiber contents was also observed during summer, with no significant differences between the anti-transpiration treatments. It could be concluded that P. maximum, as one of the most important fodder crops, could be cultivated in marginal lands, especially during summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Due to the scarcity of concentrate and green fodder and its high prices in animal feeding, the quest for readily available and inexpensive alternative sources has become critical for breeders seeking to minimize the cost of animal production. Azolla is an invasive plant that grows faster in freshwater lakes, rivers, wetlands, and ditches in both temperate and tropical countries by a few precautionary steps with low production costs. It can modify biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems substantially. Azolla has a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing blue-green alga Anabaena azollae, which increases the protein content of Azolla, making it one of the greatest alternative feed ingredients as a source of protein, with 25–30% protein, 7–10% amino acids, vitamins (Beta Carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B12), minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, ferrous, magnesium, copper, etc.), and antioxidants. Several studies showed that Azolla can be fed to animals like cow, buffalo, sheep, goat and rabbit because it is easily digestible (because to its high protein and low lignin content), increases feed efficiency, average daily gain of animals, and milk production by 15–20%. Therefore, the present review was aimed to show the possibility of using Azolla as a source of alternative low-cost protein and its impact on animal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two microbial inoculants as fermentation activators in silages of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray. Materials and Methods: T. diversifolia forage, with 90 days of regrowth, was obtained from a plot fertilized with 20 t of organic matter/ha. Collection was manual and the plants were processed in a stationary chopper (1-2 cm). They were subject to pre-drying, under roof, for 24 hours. The treatments were: a) T. diversifolia without inoculant, b) T. diversifolia with whey and c) T. diversifolia with PROBIOLACTIL®. The evaluations were carried out after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of storage. The inoculants had a concentration of lactic bacteria, CFU mL-1, of 106 for the whey and 109 for PROBIOLACTIL®. The indicators dry matter, pH, soluble protein, lactic acid bacteria count and organoleptic indicators (smell, color, texture and moisture) were evaluated. The data were processed using a simple variance analysis and the difference among means according to Duncan, with the program Statgraphic Plus, version 5.0. Results: The average dry matter percentage was adequate for conservation (35,2 %) and showed a trend to increase, as the sampling time elapsed, just like soluble protein (0,77 mg mL-1) on average. The counts of viable microorganisms showed that the inclusion of biological additives facilitated the predominance of lactic acid bacteria. During storage, pH values tended to decrease among treatments, although without responses. Conclusions: The results of pH, dry matter, protein, lactic acid bacteria count and organoleptic characteristics proved that microbial inoculants activate the fermentation process in T. diversifolia silages. PROBIOLACTIL® was better than whey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The performance of non-linear and mixed non-linear models was evaluated in the description of in vitro gas production kinetics of ruminant feeds. For this, the logistic, Gompertz and Groot models were used. The analyzes included the addition of random effects to the asymptotic parameter of each model, since this parameter was the one that varied the most among the incubation bottles. Each random effect was associated with a probable source of variability in the experiment. The parameters were estimated with the NLMIXED proc of SAS program. For the selection of the best fit model, the R²aj, σ², AIC and BIC were considered. In addition, compliance with the basic assumptions for the residuals and the relationship among mathematical fit, simplicity and biological interpretation of the parameters were assessed. It is concluded that the non-linear mixed models allowed to obtain better R²aj, BIC and σ². The random effects had no significant effect on the fulfillment of the assumptions of autocorrelation and randomness of residuals. The random effect bottle over time allowed to determine the times in which there was a lack of fit. Despite the limitations of the analyzed models, the logistic, without the inclusion of the random effect, was the most appropriate according to the parsimony criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Four Pleurotus spp. fungi (P. diamor, P. eryngii, P. sajor-caju, P. citrinopileatus) were compared for their potential to improve nutritional value of corn stover as ruminant feed. Corn stover was inoculated with the fungi under solid-state conditions and their results showed that P. sajor-caju and P. eryngii were better than the other two species of Pleurotus with respect to decreasing the acid detergent lignin (ADL) (8.99 vs 9.88 vs 10.16 vs 10.46). In contrast, P. eryngii had lower ability to degrade cellulose (13.38%). Corn stover treated with P. citrinopileatus had the highest crude protein (CP) content (7.65%), whereas treatment with P. sajor-caju resulted in the highest increase in essential amino acids (55.11%). Although fungal pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass does not always result in high-quality feed, overall, P. eryngii and P. sajor-caju improved the nutritive value of corn stover as a ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Although, the application of tannic acid (TA), gallic acid (GA), natural hydrolysable tannins (HT)‐rich ingredients, and HT‐rich feeds in ruminant feeding have been explored in order to modify or manipulate microbial activities of digestive tract of animals, the interaction between HT and gastrointestinal microbiota and the fate of HT metabolites (GA, ellagic acid, pyrogallol, resorcinol, phloroglucinol, catechol and urolithin) derived from gastrointestinal microbial HT metabolism in the animal as a whole and animal products are missing. Incomplete biotransformation of HT and TA to GA, pyrogallol, resorcinol, phloroglucinol and other phenolic metabolites is a prevalent phenomenon discovered by researchers who examine the fate of HT metabolites in ruminant. While the rest of fellow researchers do not even examine the fate of HT metabolites and assume the complete biotransformation and fermentation of HT metabolites to volatile fatty acids (VFA). Only three studies have successfully identified the complete biotransformation and fermentation of HT metabolites to VFA in ruminant. The HT metabolites, mostly pyrogallol, produced through incomplete biotransformation of HT have adverse effects on gastrointestinal microbiota and host animal. Lack of awareness regarding the metabolism of HT metabolites and its consequences would compromise ruminant gastrointestinal microbiota, animal welfare, our environment and the power of research papers' findings. In this perspective paper, I will bring to attention a new angle on the biotransformation and fermentation of HT metabolites in gastrointestinal tract, the role of gastrointestinal microbiota and deficiency of current approach in isolating tannin‐degrading bacteria from rumen. Also, suggestions for better monitoring and understanding HT metabolisms in ruminant are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In order to determine the use of citrus pulps grown in Hatay province as an alternative feed source in ruminant feeding and methane production capacity; Dry matter (DM), pH, required pH value, Fleig Score, Crude Ash (CA), Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE), ADF, NDF, net gas, net methane gas, methane gas, metabolic energy and organic matter digestibility contents were determined. Citrus silage, with the pH values between 2.72 and 3.48 due to its low pH content can be considered as a type of silage that can be stored for a long time. In terms of methane gas production capacity of citrus silage was found between 8.17-11.23% and the lowest methane gas content was found in peeled grapefruit type citrus the highest methane content was found in unpeeled Washington type. Citrus silages can be considered as a low harmful type of silage with low capacity in terms of greenhouse gas emission due to the lower methane gas production capacity of silage species such as alfalfa and corn (16-18%). In terms of methane gas production capacity, unpeeled citrus silages are more favorable than peeled citrus silages. As a result, thousands of tons of citrus fruit pulps, which are pouring out around every year in fruit juice production facilities, can be used in animal feeding without any additives in order to reduce feed costs and prevent bad smell and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, fractionation of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates, digestibility parameters, gas production kinetics and ruminal fermentation of fruit seed cakes. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three fruit seed cakes (treatments) and four replications. The cakes were made of seeds of custard apple (Annona squamosa), soursop (Annona muricata) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), which were collected in a biodiesel plant. The passion fruit seed cake presented the highest content of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre crude protein (NDFcp), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and total carbohydrates (P<0.05). The custard apple seed cake presented high proportions of crude protein, condensed tannins and digestible energy (P<0.05). The soursop seed cake presented higher values for ether extract and total digestible nutrients (P<0.05). For potential degradability, the authors detected a difference between the custard apple, soursop and passion fruit seed cakes. The total volume of gases was higher for custard apple and soursop seed cakes. Custard apple seed cake presented higher proportions of in vitro degradation parameters (P<0.05). Thus this cake could provide greater nutrient levels when supplied in ruminant diets, followed by soursop seed cake and passion fruit seed cake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The potential use of tannin extracts from quebracho (QCT), grape (GCT), chestnut (CHT) and oak (OHT) included at 10, 20 or 30 mg/g to modulate rumen fermentation of concentrates was studied in three 24-h in vitro incubation runs, with barley grain as reference substrate and simulating high concentrate feeding conditions by adjusting pH at 6.2. Incubation pH at 8 and 24 h ranged from 6.14 to 6.18 and from 5.94 to 6.00, respectively. Gas production from barley alone (CTL) was linearly reduced with CHT (P < 0.05 up to 6 h; P < 0.10 from 8 to 18 h), OHT (P < 0.05 up to 12 h; P < 0.10 from 18 h), GCT (P < 0.05 from 2 to 24 h) and QCT (P < 0.10 up to 6 h), but a quadratic trend (P < 0.10) was also detected on GCT. The effect of GCT was highest and that of CHT lowest. Similarly, dry matter disappearance after 24 h showed a linear decrease with all tannin sources (P < 0.05), being lower with GCT than with QCT and CHT (P < 0.05). All tannin sources linearly increased (P < 0.05) molar butyrate proportion from CTL, at the expense of propionate proportion in GCT (P < 0.01) and CHT (P < 0.10). Except for the linear effect of chestnut on barley fermentation, all sources already reached their maximum level of response at their first level of inclusion (10 mg/g), especially with GCT. Qualitatively, tannins did not largely affect pH or other environmental parameters, except for an increase in butyrate proportion. Ruminants given high-concentrate diets are at risk of acidosis. Use of tannin extracts as dietary additives may slow down the fermentation rate, thus reducing the pH drop. The magnitude of the effect depends on the type of tannin but is not related to its chemical classification. Effect on fermentation is not dose related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Livestock is the main source of methane (CH 4) emissions. It is important to accurately determine emissions from ruminants that meet standardized international guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories. A new method to improve the accuracy of CH 4 emissions that complies with IPCC rules for a Tier 3 method is described and evaluated. This method, developed by INRA (French Institute for Agricultural Research), was applied to the French inventory of CH 4 emissions by ruminants and compared with the IPCC Tier 2 method. For enteric CH 4 , depending on the animal category, the INRA CH 4 emission estimates lay between 88% and 114% of IPCC's. The INRA/IPCC ratio for enteric emission was close to unity and did not differ between methods (P = 0.43) for adult cows (i.e. most cattle). In France, feedlot manure is stored in aerobic conditions, and so the INRA/IPCC fit for manure emission was poorer (P < 0.05). The INRA/IPCC fit for enteric CH 4 was very close between methods to that for total CH 4 (P = 0.39), enteric CH 4 representing 93% of total emissions. The main improvement is the use of a robust equation (from numerous data and diets), based on digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) corrected for the digestive interactions, to predict CH 4 consistently from enteric and manure sources. It was developed for the French livestock inventory but is customizable for other countries. This new improved CH 4 estimation method, based on equations from a large literature database, complies with IPCC rules for a Tier 3 method. Highlights • A new method improves the estimation of methane emissions for GHG inventory. • Estimations of enteric and manure CH 4 are consistent. • Robust CH 4 predictions are based on INRA's revised ruminant feeding system. • This method can be adapted to many countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The objective of this research was to investigate the efficiency of lactic acid bacteria on in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) containing pineapple plant silage 55%, rice straw 15%, cassava ship 5.6%, soybean meal 12.6%, palm kernel pulp l4.2%, rice bran 5.6%, premixed 0.15% and molasses 2%. Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) was used for isolation and identification of microorganisms from silage. Treatments were used as TMR treated with lactic acid bacteria as follows: Treatment 1 - non treated; Treatment 2 - TMR treated with Lactobacillus pantarum; Treatment 3 - TMR treated with Pediococcus pentosaceus; Treatment 4 - TMR treated with Pediococcus acidilactici; Treatment 5 - TMR treated with L. pantarum + P. pentosaceus + P. acidilactici. The treated TMR were mixed and put in polyethylene bags and stored at ambient temperature for 7 days before analysis. The in vitro digestibility test used pepsin cellulase in vitro digestibility method. The results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.01) of the nutritive value of TMR by proximate analysis and fiber analysis which treated lactic acid bacteria. For the digestibility, results showed that the TMR treated with LAB using pepsin cellulase in vitro digestibility which applied LP, PP, PA and LPP could improve the digestibility of TMR, which significantly increased in digestibility of TMR (P < 0.01). The rate of increase and decrease of digestibility and fiber in TMR treated with LAB showed an increase in dry matter and a decrease in fiber. Therefore, it was suggested that TMR treated with lactic acid bacteria of TMR may possible to develop as biological animal feed for ruminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Rumen fluid disposal from slaughterhouses represents a major environmental challenge due to the presence of high levels of ammonia and phosphorus. The loading of these limiting nutrients into the soil and aquatic systems triggers eutrophication. Fortunately, the fluid is also rich in fibrolytic and other enzymes that could, alternatively, be used to enhance feed utilization in animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate rumen fluid as a potential source of exogenous feed enzymes using a variety of test substrates. Hydrolytic enzyme activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, α-amylase and microcrystalline cellulase (avicellase) were measured in the rumen fluid to determine its enzymatic capabilities. Centrifuged and sonicated rumen fluid was used to pre-treat milled corn grain, barley grain, soybean meal, common vetch grain, bitter vetch grain, chickling vetch grain, alfalfa hay and common vetch straw substrates at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mL per 100 g dry matter. Rumen fluid-treated substrates were subjected to a water solubility test and in vitro ruminal fermentation. The activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, avicellase and amylase were observed to be 377.8, 333.4 and 282 U/mL, respectively. Water solubility of dry matter in bitter vetch grain, chickling vetch grain, common vetch grain and soybean meal increased linearly with level of rumen fluid treatment. The highest solubility was observed in substrates treated with 4 mL rumen fluid per 100 g dry matter ( P  < 0.05). With the exception of common vetch grain, other feeds had the highest ( P  < 0.05) biogas production at 24 and 48 h when pre-treated with 3 and 4 mL rumen fluid per 100 g dry matter. Pre-treatment of feeds with rumen fluid significantly ( P  < 0.05) improved total fermentable fraction of corn grain, bitter vetch grain, chickling vetch grain, alfalfa hay and common vetch straw. However, digestible organic matter and metabolizable energy of common vetch grain were not influenced by rumen fluid pre-treatment. These results showed that rumen fluid has the potential to be used as an environmentally friendly source of exogenous feed enzymes that enhance feed utilization in ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: To enlarge the feed resources and enhance the utilization efficiency of straws as ruminant feed in Tibet, four kinds of local crop straws with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) based on the ratio of 40/60 (fresh weight) were ensiled with four levels (0, 10%, 20% and 30% of fresh weight) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), respectively. The laboratory silos (1L) were opened after 45 days of ensiling, and the fermentation characteristics, nutritive value and in vitro digestibility of the mixed silages were analysed. The silages including alfalfa had significantly (p < 0.05) or numerically (p > 0.05) higher lactic acid and crude protein contents, lactic acid bacteria counts, in vitro digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), and lower NDF and ADF contents than controls. The results suggest that inclusion of alfalfa to mixtures of straws and tall fescue had favourable effects on fermentation quality and obviously improved the nutritive value and in vitro digestibility of mixed silages. This effect was most evident when the inclusion proportion of alfalfa was 30% in oat straw mixed silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The present work investigated changes in corn stover pretreated with different white rot fungi. Corn stover was inoculated with Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus cystidiosus prior to incubation under solid‐state fermentation conditions at 28 °C for 42 days. Changes in the chemical composition, in vitro rumen degradability, lignocellulolytic enzyme activity and multi‐scale structure of the corn stover were analysed. RESULTS: Content of all lignocellulose components decreased to a certain extent after fungal pretreatment. The total gas production of sterilized corn stover treated with I. lacteus for 42 days increased from 200 to 289 mL g−1 organic matter. Moreover, the cellulase activity was highest at the later stage of I. lacteus pretreatment. Multi‐scale structural analysis indicated that white rot fungal pretreatment, and in particular that of I. lacteus, increased and enlarged substrate porosity and caused changes in the structure of corn stover. CONCLUSION: Irpex lacteus pretreatment improved the nutritional value of corn stover as a ruminant feed by degrading both cellulose and acid‐insoluble lignin as well as changing the structure of the cell walls. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Besides their unique ability to depolymerize cell wall components, white-rot fungi are known to assimilate nitrogenous compounds from substrates. This modification may change protein solubility and fermentation in the rumen. To investigate this, the crude protein (CP) in fungal treated wheat straw (3 fungal species, 2 strains each) was fractioned according to the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) and assessed for in vitro protein fermentation using a modified gas production technique (IVGP N ). Results showed that fungi increased fraction A (instantaneously soluble CP; ∼2.6 times) and B 1 (rapidly degradable; ∼1.2 times); and decreased the slowly degradable fraction B 3 (∼41.6%) and unavailable fraction C (∼48.3%). The IVGP N of straw treated with Ceriporiopsis subvermispora strains were not different to the control, but increased by 30.2 to 47.1% in Pleurotus eryngii and Lentinula edodes strains. The IVGP N was significantly ( P  <  0.01) correlated to all fractions of CP, except fraction B 1 and B 2 (intermediately degradable). All fungi also increased the arginine (∼56%) and lysine (∼15%) contents. This study shows the importance of assessing the protein solubilization by different fungal strains, which can uncover unique mechanisms in the cell wall depolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Paddy straw is a major agro-residue fed to ruminants in India. Feeding only rice straw does not provide enough nutrients to the ruminants even for maintenance due to the low nutritive value of this highly lignified material containing high concentration of anti-nutrition factors like lignin, silicates and oxalates. Despite the improvements of crop residues through various processing methods such as physical and chemical, the efficient utilization to desirable extent is still awaited. So utilization of paddy straw in association with concept of complete feed along with biological agents is need of the hour to maximize advantage from given feeds in animal production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Long‐chain alcohols (LCOH) were evaluated as markers to estimate diet composition of ruminant species fed with two distinct diets composed of herbage and “heather” (Ericaceae species). Diet composition was estimated using LCOH, combined or not with n‐alkanes and/or long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA), by least‐squares procedures, using faecal concentrations corrected or not for their incomplete recovery. The effect of grouping plant species with similar marker profiles and the impact of feeding selectivity (FS) within the dietary group on the accuracy of diet composition estimates were also evaluated. Results showed the usefulness of LCOH as diet composition markers. The LCOH were incompletely recovered in the faeces of all animal species and tended to increase with carbon‐chain length in a curvilinear manner in cattle and sheep, whereas in goats this association was better described by a linear function. Accuracy of estimates was higher when LCOH and n‐alkane markers were combined. For all marker types, results indicated that a correction of marker faecal concentrations to incomplete faecal recovery is needed to obtain accurate diet composition estimates. Grouping plant species with similar marker profiles improved the accuracy of estimates, whereas combination of marker types minimized the FS effect within the dietary group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rehydrating and ensiling dry ground corn (DGC) with varying concentrations of wet brewers grain (WBG) on fermentation profile and ruminal in vitro starch digestibility (ivSD; 7-h incubations on dried and 4-mm ground samples). Samples of DGC and WBG were weighed separately and mixed into 100% WBG (WBG); mixture of DGC and WBG targeting 60 (RC60), 65 (RC65), or 70% (RC70) of dry matter (DM); and DGC rehydrated with distilled water targeting for 70% of DM (REH). Samples were ensiled in vacuum-sealed bags and allowed to ferment for 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 d. The experiment consisted of 30 treatments (5 mixtures of DGC and WGB × 6 ensiling time points) and 120 mini-silos (4 silos per treatment). All samples were analyzed for fermentation profile and water-soluble carbohydrates. Except for WBG, samples from 0 and 28 d were analyzed for ivSD. Content of DM was greater for REH (70.0%), followed by RC70 (69.2%), RC65 (63.9%), RC60 (58.4%), and WBG (17.5%) on d 0, with a slight decrease (1 to 2 percentage units) observed for all treatments until 28 d. Measurements of pH were highest for REH (6.19) and lowest for WBG (4.68) on 0 d, but all other treatments were lower than WBG on 14 and 28 d (3.83 vs. 4.14, on average). Except for WBG, all treatments had a gradual increase in lactic acid concentration from 0 to 28 d. In contrast, butyric acid gradually increased from 0 (0.25%) to 28 d (2.16% of DM) in WBG but not the other treatments. Fermentation patterns were related to water-soluble carbohydrates concentration, which was greater for all treatments except WBG from 0 (1.41% on average vs. 0.38% of DM, respectively) to 28 d (0.37% on average vs. 0.19% of DM, respectively). Except for RC60, greater ivSD was observed for all treatments on 28 than 0 d, but magnitude of the difference was greater for REH and RC70 (14.5 percentage units on average). Rehydration and ensiling of DGC with WBG resulted in adequate fermentation and enhanced starch digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The present study was undertaken to evaluate deoiled ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) meal (DOAM) for its in vitro nutritional evaluation and methane mitigation potential. For this purpose, a concentrate mixture based on maize and soybean meal as a major feed ingredient was formulated and designated as control 'C'. The concentrate mixture was reformulated using 5, 10, 15 and 20 parts (kg/100kg) of DOAM for experimental groups i.e. T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and made isonitrogenous by addition of urea. The values of DM, CP, EE, CF, TA, NFE, NDICP and ADICP (%) in DOAM were 88.41, 14.57, 2.65, 16.35, 12.75, 53.68, 51.86 and 17.35, respectively. Dry matter degradability and digestibility of T1 and T2 were comparable with those of control whereas significant (P<0.05) depression was observed when 15% (T3) and 20% (T4) of DOAM was incorporated. Addition of 10% DOAM in the concentrate mixture caused significant (P<0.05) decrease of methane production from 46.65 mg/g DM (control) to 39.70 ml/gm DM. It can be concluded from the present study that addition of 10% deoiled ajwain meal (DOAM) in the concentrate in concentrate mixture resulted in lower methane production and has no adverse effect on DM, OM and CP digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The aim of this study was to track the changes in blood parameters of mid-lactation multiparous Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in response to a diet supplemented with a mixture of fish-soybean oils blend and tannin-containing lingonberry shrub (Vaccinium vitis idaea; VVI) extract. Twelve lactating cows were randomly assigned to a crossover design of two treatments (6 cows per treatment) which consisted of a control diet containing no supplement (CON) and CON supplemented with a mixture of 99 g of VVI leaves extract and 660 g of blended fish-soybean oils (MIX) daily. The obtained results showed a significant increase in plasma glucose level, as well as C18:1t11 and n-3 fatty acids proportion. A significant decrease was also observed in insulin concentration, triglyceride and C18:0 proportion. Generally, the saturated fatty acid proportion decreased while the unsaturated fatty acid significantly increased with the MIX diet. In conclusion, using supplements of a mixture of VVI extract and fish-soybean oils blend modulated the unsaturated fatty acid proportion in blood, without affecting the dairy cows' blood parameters which were all within the normal ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Thermal analysis could rapidly and easily predict nutritional value of ruminant feeds. The hypothesis is that crambe meal (CM) has a quality similar to that of soybean meal (SM), and the objective of this study was to determine the nutritional characteristics of CM and compare them to those of SM. CM had greater concentrations of phytic acid (26.3 vs. 16.0 g/kg) and phenol compounds (615 vs. 393 mg gallic acid (GAE)/kg) than SM. In vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility was lower for CM than SM (752 vs. 975 g/kg DM). Cumulative in vitro gas production at 48 h of incubation (14.1 vs. 19.4 mL/100 mg substrate DM), and energy release (4.5 vs. 5.7 kJ/g substrate DM) were lower for CM than SM. CM had a higher concentration of low digestible fiber, hence degradability of DM was lower and the proportion of indigestible fraction was greater for CM than SM. High concentrations of indigestible compounds were likely responsible for lower gas production of CM compared to SM. These results suggest CM quality is lower than that of SM and that thermal analysis is a useful tool to precisely determine the nutritive value of oilseed residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The nutritional quality and potential use of apple bagasse (BM) in diets for ruminants when silage (microsilos) with two nitrogenous sources (FN) [urea (U), sow (C)], a commercial inoculant (I) was evaluated and Chloris gayana as moisture adherent [80/20 w/w, dry matter (MS)]. The study was conducted in Aguascalientes, Mexico (2014-2016). The treatments: a) BM; b) BM+I; c) BM+U; d) BM+U+I; e) BM+C and f) BM+C+I were analyzed in a completely randomized design (DCA) with factorial arrangement [3 FN (U, C, without FN) × 2 I (with I, without I)]. At 45, the MS of silage was similar between treatments, and lactic and acetic acids increased in greater proportion to propionic and butyric acids. The addition of C (BM+C and BM+C+I) increased the final crude protein (PC) (increments of 8 and 7.44 g 100 g-1 MS) although the pH increased (4.33 and 3.91 vs. 3.41 ±0.03) of the ensilage. Considering the content of PC and fermentation standards, the BM silage with C has the stability and sufficient quality to be used in the feeding of ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of cakalang fish oil addition in ruminant feed on in vitro methane production and fatty acid profiles. This experiment consisted of four treatments which were R0 : feed composing of forage and concentrate at a ratio of 60% : 40% without cakalang fish oil (CFO) addition as control feed; R1: R0 added with CFO at 2.5%; R2: R0 added with CFO at 5%, and R3: R0 added with CFO at 7.5%. Fermentation with rumen fluid was done using the Hohenheim Gas Test (HGT); feeds were incubated at 39 oC for 72 hours. At the end of fermentation, samples were obtained and methane production and fatty acid profiles were determined. The experiment was conducted in completely randomised design with four replications. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and differences among treatment means were analysed using Duncan multiple range test. Results showed that CFO supplementation affected (P<0.05) methane production, protozoa numbers and NH3 concentration; whereas the other parameters, i.e. VFA concentration, pH, and microbial protein were not affected. Some fatty acid profiles were influenced by treatments, such as palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic (P<0.05), while others, i.e. lauric and miristic were not affected. It is concluded that the best level of CFO supplementation is 5% as this level reduces methane production and increases unsaturated fatty acids without any negative effects on other variables measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Aim: This experiment aimed to evaluate substitution of soybean meal (SBM) by black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal in a napier grass diet as performed by an in vitro rumen fermentation system. Materials and Methods: Samples of napier grass, SBM, and BSF larvae age 1 week (BSF1) and 2 weeks (BSF2) were arranged according to the following dietary treatments (dry matter [DM] basis): T1, 100% napier grass; T2, 60% napier grass + 40% SBM; T3, 60% napier grass + 40% BSF1; T4, 60% napier grass + 40% BSF2; T5, 60% napier grass + 20% SBM + 20% BSF1; and T6, 60% napier grass + 20% SBM + 20% BSF2. The samples were determined for their chemical composition and were incubated in vitro using buffered rumen fluid for 48 h at 39°C. In vitro incubation was carried out in three runs and represented by two incubation bottles per run. Results: Supplementation of BSF, both BSF1 and BSF2, increased ether extract, neutral- and acid-detergent insoluble crude protein contents of T3-T6 diets. The T3 or T4 diet resulted in lower ruminal ammonia concentration, in vitro DM digestibility, and in vitro organic matter (OM) digestibility as compared to those in T2 (p<0.05). Diet supplemented with BSF produced lower methane emission in comparison to that of supplemented with SBM (p<0.05). Diet containing BSF2 produced lower methane and methane per digestible OM than that containing BSF1 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Substitution of SBM by BSF in ruminant diet results in a lower nutritional value in vitro but with an advantage of lowering ruminal methane emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

To examine the digestibility of common reed ( Pharagmites communis Trin.) silage and effects of inclusion levels in the diet of breeding cows on nutrient intakes, ruminal fermentation and nutrient status, two digestion trials using four sheep and cows, respectively, at the maintenance stage were conducted. In the trial using sheep, common reed silage contained 20% crude protein ( CP) and 50% total digestible nutrients ( TDN) on a dry matter basis. In the trial using cows, treatments were the control (92.4% Sudangrass hay and 7.6% soybean meal) and CS25, CS50 and CS80 (replacing 25%, 50%, and 80% of the control with silage, respectively). The intake and sufficiency rate of CP increased by increasing the silage level in the diet ( P < 0.05), and the CP requirements of cows at maintenance was satisfied in CS80. In contrast, the sufficiency rate of TDN decreased in CS80, although it was 99.8%. Ruminal pH and NH3-N concentration changed among the treatments ( P < 0.05); however, the blood metabolites were not affected by silage. The results indicated that including common reed silage of up to 80% in the diet of breeding cows was possible and did not have adverse effects on the blood metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The partial substitution of corn grain (rich in starch) with agro-industrial by-products (rich in NDF) could be a good strategy to reduce ruminant dietary costs with no negative effects on milk properties. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of different starch/NDF ratios of concentrates, with fixed forage proportions, on the chemical composition and fatty acid profile as well as on the relative proportions of individual caseins and rennet clotting properties of goat’s milk. For this purpose, sixteen crossbred dairy goats were divided into two homogeneous sub-groups based on their mean body weight and milk fat corrected yield. Each goat of each group was fed individually with alfalfa hay, wheat straw and concentrates. The two concentrates of the two dietary treatments were formulated to produce difference starch/NDF ratios, which were 1.2 and 0.3 for high starch (HS) and low starch (LS), respectively. The results showed no significant effect on milk chemical composition between the two dietary treatments. Moreover, the different starch/NDF ratios of the concentrates had no effect on the casein profile and coagulation properties of goat’s milk. A significant reduction of κ- and α s2 - casein percentages in the milk throughout the experimental period was found. Finally, the different starch/NDF ratios of the concentrates did not reveal remarkable differences in milk fatty acids except for the individual proportions of C 4:0 , C 6:0 , C 18:0 and C 18:2n:6t , which were significantly higher, while those of C 14:1 , C 15:0 , C 16:1 , C 17:0 , C 17:1 and C 20:3n-3 were significantly lower, in goats that were milk fed with the HS diet compared with those who consumed the LS. In conclusion, the 4 times decrease in the starch/NDF ratio of the concentrates without changing the forage/concentrate ratio of the goat’s diet could reduce the feeding cost without causing any problems in the rennet clotting properties of milk and consequently in the milk industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Chemical analyses, enzymatic and Tilley & Terry digestibility were used to describe the feeding values of eight alfalfa samples. Six fresh alfalfa samples of different successive cuts and two alfalfa hays of two successive cuts of local varieties grown in Albania were used in this study. All samples were analysed for their chemical content of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, crude fat (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and digestibility of organic matter (OMD). Fresh alfalfa samples had significant variation on chemical content for main Weende parameters. Early and late cut alfalfas have lower values for NDF, ADF and ADL content compering to medium cut. The values for CP of fresh alfalfas ranged from (17.0-22.7%) and for alfalfa hays (12.2-19.7%), the content of CF ranged from (28.2-40.0%) for fresh alfalfas and (26.8-29.6%) for hays. Ash content varied from (8.60-10.8%) and (8.90-10.2%), respectively for fresh and hays alfalfas. The NDF, ADF and ADL content of alfalfas varied respectively (39.6-52.4%), (30.5- 43.1 %), (5.70-10.3%) for fresh alfalfas and (38.0-47.5%), (31.4-33.4%), (6.40-7.60%) for hays. The OMD digestibility values determined with Tilley and Terry method for all feeds included in the study resulted higher than OMD determined with enzymatic method respectively (66.9 vs 51.3%). The results of OMD determined by two "in vitro" methods were strongly correlated. According to R 2-value (0.89) the OMD determined by Tilley and Terry method could be predicted from enzymatic test as most convenient one since it does not need animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of the adding of coconut pulp in ruminant feed on methane reduction in vitro. Rumen fluid and substrate of forage and concentrate in ratio 60:40 were in this study. This experiment consisted of five treatments of coconut pulp as followed: R1: feed substrates without the coconut pulp; R2: substrate feed with coconut pulp 5%; R3: substrate feed with coconut pulp 10%; R4: Substrate feed with coconut pulp 15% and R5: substrate feed with coconut pulp 20%. Each treatment was conducted to four replications. Fermentation was done using the Hohenheim Gas Test (HGT) incubated at 39oC for 72 hours. At the end of fermentation was determined production of methane, parameters of fermentation, microbial activity, feed digestibility and fatty acids profile of the ruminal fluid. Data obtained were analyzed by using analysis of variance using completely randomized design. The differences of mean values were analyzed by Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). The results showed that methane production has decreased about 13.74%-17.39% when the feed was given coconut dregs 15-20%. Based on the results of the study was concluded that the supplementation of coconut pulp up to 15-20% of 100% dry matter can be used as a substrate of ruminant feed, because it can reduce methane and does not interfere the microbial activity in the fermentation of rumen fluid through in vitro. The supplementation of coconut pulp can be a reference in designing the methanogenic inhibitor feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...