Search

This study was planned to determine the effects of ethanol extract of propolis on the fermentation quality, fatty acid profile, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silages. The ethanol extract of propolis was added to alfalfa at levels of 1000 mg/kg (PROP1), 2000 mg/kg (PROP2), and 3000 mg/kg (PROP3); propolis was not added to the control (CON) group. After the propolis was added, the pH value of the alfalfa silage declined, and the crude protein content was effectively preserved (p < 0.05). Adding propolis to alfalfa silages caused crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (p < 0.05) to decrease. The ethanol extract of propolis significantly improved the lactic acid content and reduced the NH3-N content (p < 0.05). Propolis significantly improved the unsaturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05) and reduced the saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05). In addition, propolis significantly improved the relative feed value, the digestibility of the organic matter, and the in vitro metabolic energy content (p < 0.05). These results show that the ethanol extract of propolis improves the silage quality of last cutting alfalfa silages, and has potential as an antimicrobial silage additive. more...

This research was conducted to determine some silage quality traits of silage alternatives prepared in different mixture rates of sorghumsudangrass hybrid [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench x Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf] which is more drought tolerant than maize, and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) which has a high protein content, under Mediterranean ecological conditions. Different silage alternatives (sorghum-sudangrass hybrid % - sunn hemp %; 100-0, 80-20, 60-40, 50-50, 40-60, 20-80, 0-100, based on fresh matter) were prepared in a randomized design with four replications in both years. Silage weight loss and pH, dry matter, Flieg score, crude protein, crude ash, ADF, NDF, metabolizable energy, dry matter intake, digestible dry matter and relative feed value were determined at the end of 8 weeks ensilage. According to results, good quality silages can be made from all silage alternatives of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid and sunn hemp without affecting the fermentation process. In addition, silages made by adding sunn hemp to sorghum-sudangrass hybrid at different rates have more nutritional value than pure sorghum-sudangrass hybrid silage without sacrificing quality. Ensiling the sorghum-sudangrass hybrid on a fresh matter basis with up to 50% sunn hemp can be recommended for optimum quality. In animal nutrition, it would be best to choose one of the silage alternatives according to the need in the rations more...

An in vitro study was conducted to analyze the fermentation end-products from 17 cultivars of eight polyphenol containing forage species. The polyphenol composition and proanthocyanidin (PA) structural features of all cultivars were analyzed with UPLC-MS/MS in leaves of vegetative or generative plants. All samples were incubated with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG, a tannin-binding agent) to separate the tannin-effect on methane (CH4) production from that of the forage quality. Sulla and big trefoil, two particularly PA rich species, were found to have the highest CH4 reduction potential of up to 47%. However, they showed simultaneous and almost equal reductions in gas production (GP; a proxy for digestibility). The addition of PEG led to an increase in both GP and CH4 production, confirming the role of tannins on CH4 reduction. Moreover, PA structural features and concentration were found to be an important source of variation for CH4 production from PA containing species. Despite having low polyphenol concentrations, chicory and plantain were found to reduce CH4 production without reducing GP. Generally, the variation across cultivars from the same species was found to be lower than interspecies variability, and the results were found to be consistent across growth stages, indicating the findings representativeness. more...

The study aimed to evaluate the potential use of dried or ensiled paulownia (Paulownia spp.) leaves as roughage source for ruminants. Paulownia tree leaves were collected from one-year-old hybrid (C-125, CAR, and TF-33 clones) trees. Dried paulownia leaves of the clones were different in dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), and nitrogen-free extract (NfE) and similar in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL); however, these values (except EE and ADL) of ensiled leaves were significantly different among the clones. Mean CP, CA, and condensed tannin contents in dried leaves were 15.36, 9.21, and 1.75%, respectively; NDF, ADF, and ADL contents were 38.35, 35.49, and 12.08%, respectively. Mean total volatile fatty acids, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) value in dried leaves were 95.26 mmol/L, 76.34%, and 10.77 MJ/kg, respectively, whereas, CO2 and CH4 production were 54.66 and 29.78 mmol/L, respectively. Buffering capacity and water-soluble carbohydrates varied among the pre-ensiled paulownia leaves, although their means were 395.66 mEq/kg DM and 86.63 g/kg DM, respectively. In ensiled leaves, the pH, lactic acid ratio, and acetic acid ratio were 4.98, 11.23, and 2.56%, respectively, and butyric acid was not detected in any of the silages. Mean values of IVOMD and ME in ensiled leaves were 72.30% and 9.93 MJ/kg, respectively. Dried paulownia leaves are a high-quality alternative forage and the ensiled form is of medium quality. Therefore, paulownia leaves could be used as an alternative roughage source for ruminants., TUBITAK-1002 Short Term R&D Funding Program [118O461], This study was supported by the TUBITAK-1002 Short Term R&D Funding Program (project number 118O461). Researchers extend their special thanks to TUBITAK (Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu) and Salih Ertan for their assistance in obtaining the paulownia leaves. more...

In the present study, 199 pre-selected Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) and sulfatases were assessed, either alone or in combination, to evaluate their capacity to disrupt Laminaria digitata cell wall, with the consequent release of interesting nutritional compounds. A previously characterized individual alginate lyase, belonging to the family 7 of polysaccharide lyases (PL7) and produced by Saccharophagus degradans, was shown to be the most efficient in the in vitro degradation of L. digitata cell wall. The alginate lyase treatment, compared to the control, released up to 7.11 g/L of reducing sugars (p p p = 0.001). The hydrolysis of gel-forming polymer alginate by the alginate lyase treatment could prevent the trapping of fatty acids and release beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly 18:1c9 (p p > 0.170) or pigments (p > 0.070) was observed. Overall, these results show the ability of an individual alginate lyase, from PL7 family, to partially degrade L. digitata cell wall under physiological conditions. Therefore, this CAZyme can potentially improve the bioavailability of L. digitata bioactive compounds for monogastric diets, with further application in feed industry. more...

Context Rangeland grasses native to Africa constitute the main diet for free-ranging livestock and wild herbivores. Leaf:stem ratio is a key characteristic used for assessing quality of forages. However, studies to determine the allocation of biomass to leaves and stems as well as chemical components and nutritive value, especially of grasses in African rangelands, are rare. Aim This study was conducted to establish biomass allocation and chemical and mineral components in leaf and stem fractions of three grasses, Eragrostis superba, Enteropogon macrostachyus and Cenchrus ciliaris, all indigenous to African rangelands. Methods Plant height, plant densities, plant tiller densities and biomass yields were estimated at the elongation stage, before inflorescence. Chemical and mineral components were determined from biomass harvested at the vegetative phase for all three grass species. Dry matter, ash content, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, and calcium, phosphorus and potassium contents were determined. Key results Enteropogon macrostachyus displayed significantly greater plant and tiller densities and plant height than the other two species. Leaf and stem biomass fractions varied significantly (P < 0.05) among grasses. Leaf:stem ratio of E. superba was double that of E. macrostachyus and C. ciliaris. Crude protein and organic matter yields and net energy for lactation were highest (P < 0.05) in E. superba leaf biomass, as was Ca content. Conclusions Eragrostis superba demonstrated greater potential as a forage species for ruminant animal production than E. macrostachyus and C. ciliaris. Implications Eragrostis superba is a key forage species that warrants promotion in pasture establishment programs in its native environments. more...

Mixed cropping, including intercropping, is the oldest form of systemized agricultural production and involves the growing of two or more species or cultivars of the same species simultaneously in the same field. However, mixed cropping has been little by little replaced by sole crop systems, especially in developed countries. Some of the advantages of mixed cropping are, for example, resource use efficiency and yield stability, but there are also several challenges, such as weed management and competition. The boreal-nemoral region lies within the region 55 to 70 degrees N. In this area, for example in Finland, the length of the thermal growing season varies from >105 to over 185 days. Typically, variation between locations and years is marked. However, during the year, there can be a wide range of temperature extremes between -70 and +30 degrees C. The majority of cropping systems in this region are usually monocultures, except for forage grass mixtures. The possibility of having several crops in a mixture is very challenging in the region due to the short growing season and extreme cold temperatures, meaning that crop earliness and overwintering capacity are a considerable restriction for year-round mixed cropping. A further restriction is the quality requirements set by the industry. Our review will explore a range of mixed cropping possibilities for the boreal-nemoral region, including different possible combinations of spring, winter, perennial, biennial, catch, and cover crops. The reviewed mixed cropping systems could considerably improve the sustainability and efficiency of crop production. more...

BACKGROUND Nitrite and hexamine are used as silage additives because of their adverse effects on Clostridia and Clostridia spores. The effect of sodium nitrite and sodium nitrite/hexamine mixtures on silage quality was investigated. A white lupin-wheat mixture was treated with sodium nitrite (NaHe0) (900 g t(-1) forage), or mixtures of sodium nitrite (900 g t(-1)) and hexamine. The application rate of hexamine was 300 g t(-1) (NaHe300) or 600 g t(-1) (NaHe600). Additional treatments were the untreated control (Con), and formic acid (FA) applied at a rate of 4 L t(-1) (1000 g kg(-1)). RESULTS Additives improved silage quality noticeably only by reducing silage ammonia content compared with the control. The addition of hexamine to a sodium nitrite solution did not improve silage quality compared with the solution containing sodium nitrite alone. The increasing addition of hexamine resulted in linearly rising pH values (P more...

Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae), known as bitter kola, is a multipurpose tree indigenous to West and Central Africa. This highly preferred species is called “wonder plant„ because all of its parts can be used as medicine. Its seeds, the most valued product of the tree, are commonly eaten to prevent/cure gastric disorders and for their typical astringent taste. There is a vast evidence that bioactive components of the seeds can serve as alternative medicine to treat/prevent severe illnesses such as malaria, hepatitis and immune-destructive diseases. Despite the species’ pharmaceutical potential and its high preference by West and Central African communities, G. kola is still at the beginning of its domestication process. Even though, there are numerous scientific articles published on species‘ biological activities, it is a difficult task to find basic information on its diversity, distribution, genetics, silvicultural management or botany. Therefore, in this very first review published on G. kola, we summarize all relevant information known about the species, target some of the challenges connected with its cultivation and propose a leading direction for future research and domestication process. more...

Mob stocking is a type of livestock management method where high densities of animals are restricted to a small area of grassland for short periods of time (e.g., 12–24 hr.) before being moved to new forage. Use of mob stocking has generated considerable interest among forage-livestock professionals in recent years, but questions remain about its purported benefits to cattle and forage plants. To address questions about the possible benefits of mob stocking, a 3-yr study (2014–2016) was conducted in Virginia, USA comparing mob, rotational, and continuous stocking methods in a temperate grassland common to that region. The main objective of this study was to evaluate how mob-stocking management affected selected forage variables, cattle performance, and legume/weed abundance. Herbage mass and nutritive value were measured monthly. Cow and calf weights and body condition score (BCS) were used as indicators of animal performance. Legumes (red and white clover) were over-seeded prior to the study, and their abundance along with weeds were evaluated annually thereafter. Mean herbage mass and forage nutritive values were similar across mob, rotational and continuously stocked systems despite extra-long rest periods that allowed grasses to grow tall and over-mature under mob stocking. Cow weights going into winter were lower (P < 0.05) under mob stocking (619 kg) compared with continuous stocking (688 kg) possibly because many tall grasses were trampled and not grazed. Lastly, we found mob stocking can favor establishment of erect-growing red clover (Trifolium pretense L.), but it had no effect on weed abundance. Overall, we found few compelling reasons why mob stocking should be adopted for season-long forage and livestock production over other stocking methods in this environment. Published version more...

The aim of the study was to compare three types of meat snacks made from ostrich, beef, and chicken meat in relation to their nutrients content including fat, fatty acids, heme iron, and peptides, like anserine and carnosine, from which human health may potentially benefit. Dry meat samples were produced, from one type of muscle, obtained from ostrich (m. ambiens), beef (m. semimembranosus), and broiler chicken meat (m. pectoralis major). The composition of dried ostrich, beef, and chicken meat, with and without spices was compared. We show that meat snacks made from ostrich, beef, and chicken meat were characterized by high concentration of nutrients including proteins, minerals (heme iron especially in ostrich, than in beef), biologically active peptides (carnosine—in beef, anserine—in ostrich then in chicken meat). The, beneficial to human health, n-3 fatty acids levels differed significantly between species. Moreover, ostrich jerky contained four times less fat as compared to beef and half of that in chicken. In conclusion we can say that dried ostrich, beef, and chicken meat could be a good source of nutritional components. more...

A disadvantage of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is its low voluntary intake, resulting in suboptimal performance under grazing. Ideally, selection for this trait is done using grazing animals, but their use in plant breeding programmes is costly and laborious. Repeatable, stable and quantifiable traits linked to animal preference could ease tall fescue breeding. We established a trial to find relationships between the grazing preference of sheep and sward‐ and plant‐related traits. Seventeen genotypes were studied in swards. Sheep grazing preference, pre‐grazing sward height (SH), leaf softness, leaf blade length, width, colour and shear strength, and concentration of fibre, silica, digestible organic matter (DOM) and water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) were quantified throughout the growing season. The traits with the strongest correlation with sheep preference were DOM, SH, leaf colour, leaf width and WSC. Leaf softness, silica content and leaf shear strength were not correlated with sheep preference. We conclude that DOM is the trait that offers the best prospects for contributing to progress in tall fescue plant breeding for both intake and feeding value. more...

Biorefinery of rubber seeds can generate additional income for farmers, who already grow rubber trees for latex production. The aim of this study was to find the best method for protein and oil production from rubber seed kernel, with focus on protein recovery. Different pre-treatments and oil separation methods were tested, and alkaline conditions were used to extract protein. Next to processes with subsequent oil and protein recovery, a one-step combined oil and protein extraction was tested. Our study showed that oil separation is not necessary to obtain high protein recovery, however most of the extracted oil is present as an emulsion. The origin of the seeds and their treatment on the plantation before processing were most important for high oil and protein recoveries, and in all cases tested had more influence on recoveries than its subsequent method of processing. Pressing the rubber seed kernel to separate the oil fraction followed by protein extraction from the press cake gives the highest protein recovery with satisfactory recovery for oil. more...

During processing of pet foods, the Maillard reaction (MR) can occur, which reduces the bioavailability of essential amino acids like lysine and results in the formation of advanced Maillard reaction products (MRPs). This study examined the effect of conditioning temperature (65 and 90 °C) and die hole length (ø 5 × 45, 65, and 80 mm) during pelleting processing of a standard dry dog food on selected indicators of the MR (total lysine, reactive lysine, fructoselysine, ¿-N-carboxymethyllysine, (5-hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural, lysinoalanine), browning development and CIE-Lab color. Steam pelleting variables did not cause a significant loss of lysine or change in color and absorbance values. Analyzing the unprocessed ingredient mix suggests that the choice of the ingredients used in the ingredient mix, rather than the pelleting process applied, is responsible for the RL/TL ratio observed in the dry standard dog food used in this study. MRP content increased during steam pelleting (fructoselysine: 366.2 to 538.8 mg/kg DM; ¿-N-carboxymethyllysine: 12.6 to 14.8 mg/kg DM; lysinoalanine: 5.7 to 7.7 mg/kg DM; P more...

During processing of pet food, the Maillard reaction occurs, which reduces the bioavailability of essential amino acids such as lysine and results in the formation of advanced Maillard reaction products (MRPs). The aim of this study was to quantitate MRPs (fructoselysine (FL), carboxymethyllysine (CML), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)) and the cross-link lysinoalanine (LAL) in commercial pet foods. Sixty-seven extruded, canned, and pelleted dog and cat foods for growth and maintenance were analyzed using UPLC-MS. Canned pet foods contained on average the most FL, CML, and HMF (4534, 37, and 1417 mg/kg dry matter, respectively) followed by pelleted and extruded foods. Average daily intake (mg/kg body weight(0.75)) of HMF is 122 times higher for dogs and 38 times higher for cats than average intake for adult humans. As commercial pet foods are most often the only source of food for dogs and cats, future research focus should be on the bioavailability and long-term health implications of MRP consumption by dogs and cats. more...

An experiment was conducted with 480 Super Nick white-laying hens to evaluate the effects of different inclusion levels of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (CDDGS) with or without enzyme cocktail supplementation on performance, egg quality, selected manure parameters, and feed cost. The experimental diets consisted of 5 levels of CDDGS: 0 (basal diet), 5, 10, 15 or 20% and two levels of enzyme cocktail (Allzyme (R) SSF): 0 or 0.02%. Diets containing 0.02% enzyme cocktail were formulated to recoup the enzyme matrix value. Each dietary treatment was assigned to 4 replicate groups of 12 hens (with 3 cages and 4 hens per cage). The experiment lasted 8 weeks. Performance parameters and egg quality were determined every other week, whereas selected manure parameters were measured at the end of the experiment. Feeding up to 15% medium-quality CDDGS with or without enzyme cocktail supplementation had no negative effects on performance parameters (percentage laying rate, egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion) or exterior (eggshell thickness and shell breaking strength) and interior (Haugh units and egg yolk color) egg quality parameters in this study. There was no interaction between the inclusion levels of CDDGS and the supplementation of enzyme cocktail on performance, egg quality or manure parameters. As the level of CDDGS included in the diet increased, the level of dicalcium phosphate gradually decreased, which resulted in a reduction in dietary costs. A significant decrease was observed (P < 0.001) in manure total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels following enzyme cocktail supplementation in comparison to diets without enzyme cocktail. These results indicate that 15% CDDGS can be added to diets of laying hens without compromising performance parameters, and exterior and interior egg quality as long as the nutrient profile of CDDGS is known and the diet is formulated on a digestible amino acid basis. Feed cost can be reduced by supplementing the diets with CDDGS. In addition, using an enzyme cocktail affecting anti-nutritional factors in CDDGS may improve the nutritive value of laying hen diets with CDDGS and lessen the amount of total N and P released in the manure. more...

The aim of this study was to establish a database on in situ ruminal crude protein (CP) degradability characteristics of by-products from cereal grains, oilseeds and animal origin commonly fed to ruminants in Pakistan and South Asian Countries. The oilseed by-products were soybean meal, sunflower meal, mustard seed meal, cottonseed meal, decorticated and un-decorticated cottonseed cake, maize oil cake and mustard seed cake. The cereal grain by-products were corn gluten meal, corn gluten feed, guar meal, toria meal, rice meal, rice polishings, rice bran and wheat bran. The animal by-products were fish meal, feather meal, blood meal, and meat and bone meal. Four samples per feed were collected from different dairy farms ( n =1), local markets ( n =1), and agro-food industries ( n =2). Ruminal protein degradation characteristics of the feeds were determined using the in situ nylon bag technique where each feed was incubated in the rumen of 3 mature steers for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h. There were large differences in instantly soluble ( W ) fraction, potentially rumen degradable ( D ) fraction, rate of degradation ( k d ) and effective degradability of crude protein (ED CP ) among the by-product feeds. Among the oilseed by-products, mustard seed cake had the highest ( P CP values at the three outflow rates (0.02, 0.05 and 0.08/h). Similarly, among cereal grain by-products wheat bran had the highest ( P CP . The animal by-product based protein feeds had lower k d and ED CP values compared to oilseeds and cereal grain by-product based protein feeds, and can be used to increase the bypass protein. The CP degradation parameters reported in this study can be used to optimize diet formulation for ruminant livestock in terms of protein supply to the animals, and reduce N losses to the environment and increase economic profitability of the dairy farmers. more...

In the tropical Asian countries, information on nutrients availability from various by-products of agro-food industries remains scarce and even less is known about their application in the feed evaluation systems. The objective of this study was to generate renewed data on in situ rumen dry matter (DM) degradability of byproducts from oilseeds, cereal grains, and animal origin, commonly fed to animals in tropical Asian countries. The data were used to derive regression equations to understand the relationships between effective rumen degradability of DM (EDDM) and the rumen degradation characteristics of the by-products. Sixty four samples of five oilseed by-products, seven cereal grain by-products and four animal byproducts were used. From each feed, 4 samples (~1 kg each) were collected from dairy farms (n=1), local markets (n=1) and different agro-industries (n=2). The feeds were incubated in the rumen for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h, using nylon bag technique. There was a significant (P more...

The aim was to study the effects of dietary pea inclusion and the addition of Avizyme 1200 -enzyme cocktail on broiler performance, intestinal viscosity and organoleptic quality of meat. The experimental design was a 4 × 2 factorial, the factors being dietary pea inclusion (0, 150, 300 and 450 g kg-1) in the diets fed from day 9 to day 38 and the addition of Avizyme 1200 enzyme cocktail including amylase, protease and xylanase during the entire experiment. The growth of birds improved (p ≤ 0.018) with pea inclusion in a cubic manner. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds fed on unsupplemented diets improved along pea inclusion, while pea inclusion impaired the FCR on the birds on enzyme cocktail supplemented diets (p ≤ 0.006). The use of the enzyme cocktail improved the body weight, body weight gain and FCR of the broilers and decreased intestinal viscosity (p < 0.001). The organoleptic quality of meat was similar among treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 450 g kg-1 peas can be used in the broiler grower diets without negative effects on the bird performance. The use of enzyme cocktail improves bird performance. more...

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of xylanase and citric acid on the performance, nutrient retention, jejunal viscosity, and size and pH of the gastrointestinal tract of broilers fed a low-P wheat-based diet. The experiment was conducted as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of xylanase (0 and 200 mg/kg) and 3 levels of citric acid (0, 20, and 40 g/kg). Each of the 6 dietary treatments was fed to 4 replicate pens (17 birds/pen) from 0 to 24 d of age. Chromium oxide (3 g/kg) was added to the diets as an indigestible marker to determine the apparent nutrient retention. No interaction effect was observed between xylanase and citric acid in any measured response. Xylanase did not affect feed intake but significantly increased BW gain by 3.6% (P < 0.05) from 1 to 24 d of age and improved G:F by 3.9% (P < 0.01). The inclusion of 40 g/kg of citric acid decreased (P < 0.01) BW gain and feed intake by 8.6 and 12.5%, respectively. The inclusion of 20 and 40 g/kg of citric acid improved G:F by 2.3 and 4.5% (P < 0.05), respectively. Xylanase significantly decreased the viscosity of digesta and improved the retention of DM, CP, and energy, but did not have a significant effect on the retention of fat and P. Inclusion of 20 and 40 g/kg of citric acid in the diets increased P retention by 15.8 and 16.3% (P < 0.01), respectively. Citric acid significantly decreased the pH of crop contents (P < 0.05). In conclusion, citric acid, at the 40 g/kg inclusion level, reduced feed intake and BW gain but improved G:F and P retention. Xylanase decreased digesta viscosity, increased nutrient retention, and consequently improved the performance of broilers fed the low-P wheat-based diet. Thus, adding 20 g/kg of citric acid, especially in the starter period, and 200 mg/kg of xylanase to low-P wheat-based diets can be helpful. more...

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the inclusion of different levels of ensiled cassava leaves (variety KM94) in the diets on performance and carcass characteristics of growing pigs in Vietnam. A total of 40 crossbreds pigs (Large White${\\times}$Mong Cai, 20 males and 20 females) with an initial live weight of 23.5 kg (SD = 0.86) were randomly allocated to one of the four pens across 5 units. Four experimental diets were formulated for two growth periods, period 1 (60 days) for 20 to 50 kg and period 2 lasted 30 days, from 50 kg until slaughter. Four diets were formulated containing inclusion levels of ensiled cassava KM94 leaves diet of 0, 10, 15 and 20% in the DM. Diets were formulated based on previously determined ileal amino acid digestibility values of the KM94 products and were isonitrogenous and isocaloric on a metabolizable energy basis. Each pen of pigs was randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments. Dry matter intake and final weight tended to decreased with increasing levels of ensiled cassava KM94 leaves in the diet while there was a significant (p = 0.022) decrease in average daily gain. Protein depositions of the F1 pigs tended (p = 0.093) to decrease with increasing inclusion levels of ensiled cassava KM94 leaves. There was no significant difference in feed conversion ratio, carcass quality and fat gain between the groups of pigs. There were clear differences in feed costs among the experimental diets (p = 0.001) with increasing levels of ensiled cassava KM 94 leaves in the diet reducing feed costs. It was concluded that, in diets for growing pig, inclusion of ensiled cassava leaves reduces growth rate of pigs in Vietnam but increases profitability as measured by feed costs more...

Bu çalışmada, adi yonca, düğmeli yonca, tüylü yonca, hint yoncası, sarı taş yoncası, ak taş yoncası, korunga, tüylü fiğ ve gazal boynuzu gibi bazı baklagil kuru otlarının kimyasal bileşimleri, in vitro gaz üretimleri, metabolik enerji ME , organik madde sindirimi OMS ve nispi yem değerleri NYD karşılaştırılmıştır. Gaz ölçümleri 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 ve 96 saat aralıklarla yapılmış ve gaz değerleri y=a+b 1-e-ct eşitliği kullanılarak saptanmıştır. Baklagil kuru otlarının kimyasal bileşimleri arasında önemli farklılıklar saptanmıştır P, The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, metabolizable energy ME organic matter digestibility OMD , relative feed values RFV of the legume forages from alfalfa, blackdisk medick, burr medic, yellow sour-clover, yellow sweet-clover, white sweet-clover, sainfoin, hairy vetch and birdsfoot trefoil. Gas production were determined at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h and their kinetics were described using the equation y=a+b 1-e-ctgrains in terms of chemical composition P more...

International audience; Whereas it is recognized that management of plant diversity can be the key to reconciling production and environmental aims, most grassland models are tailored for high-value grass species. We proposed to adapt a mono-specific grass model to take into account specific features of species-rich permanent grasslands, especially over the reproductive phase. To this end, we used the concept of plant functional type (PFT), i.e. the grouping of plant species according to plant traits determined by the response of plant species to different management practices (land use and fertilization) and characterizing of agronomic properties of the corresponding species. In the model, weather and nutrient availability act upon rates of biophysical processes (radiation capture and use, plant senescence). These rates are modified over times due to PFT-specific parameters determined experimentally which represent the different strategies of plant species regarding growth. The integration of these parameters into the model made it possible to predict herbage biomass accumulation rate under different management practices for a wide range of plant communities differing in their PFT composition. The model was evaluated in two steps, first by analyzing separately the effects of PFT and an indicator of nutrient availability on herbage accumulation and then by conducting a sensitivity analysis. It was validated using two independent datasets; a cutting experiment running over the whole growing season to examine the consistency of the model outputs under different cutting regimes, and a monitoring of meadows and pastures in spring over a whole growth cycle to assess the model’s ability to reproduce growth curves. Although a good fit was observed between the simulated and observed data, the few discrepancies noticed between field data and predicted values were attributed mainly to the potential presence of non-grass species. More specifically, we noticed that nutrient (mainly nitrogen) availability is the main driver of plant growth rate, and that PFT determines the times at which this rate changes in relation to the phenological characteristics of species present. We concluded that Integration of the PFT concept into the initial mono-specific growth model is especially suited to evaluating the consequences of management practices on species-rich permanent grasslands to meet feed production targets. more...

An experiment with forage maize plants representing early and late-ripening types of Dry Down and Stay Green cultivar types was conducted to study the effects of cultivar and maturity stage on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and to investigate the validity of the generally supposed qualities of these cultivars. Plants were harvested at an estimated whole plant dry matter (DM) content of 250, 320 or 390 g kg−1, on 20 August, 16 September and 3 October 2003, respectively. Chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, using the gas production technique, were determined of samples from entire not ensiled plants, ears and stover and from entire plants after ensiling. The increase in whole plant DM content from 250 to 320 g kg−1 (20 August — 16 September) caused starch content of the whole plants to increase and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility to decrease, both more than prolonged ripening (to 390 g DM kg−1). DM content at harvest had a statistically significant influence on degree and rate of in vitro rumen fermentation. Calculated in vitro starch degradation after 10 h of incubation in rumen fluid suggested an increased content of rumen escape starch in the older samples. Maize type had only minor effects on fermentation characteristics, which were most pronounced for the ears and the remaining stover. Although the observed differences caused by the Dry Down or Stay Green characteristics were statistically significant in some cases, they were not systematic not for the early nor for the late-ripening types. more...

Shrubs can provide an important contribution to the fodder resources for small ruminants in Mediterranean areas, but there is limited information on their feed value, including secondary metabolites and their seasonal differences. This study evaluated the effect of seasonal variation in chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of plants of Cistus ladanifer of two age groups [young plants vs. older ones (2-6 years old)]. Aerial parts of C. ladanifer plants of both age groups were characterized by moderate cell-wall content [321-410 g NDF kg(-1) dry matter (DM)], high levels of phenolic compounds (55.1-106 g gallic acid equivalents per kg DM) and condensed tannins (CT) (32.1-161 g kg(-1) DM), low protein content (55-100 g kg(-1) DM) and low digestibility (249-315 g of digestible organic matter per kg DM). During autumn and winter, C. ladanifer showed higher protein levels and lower cell-wall content than in the other seasons. The highest values of phenolic compounds, CT and antioxidant activity were achieved during summer. Young plants showed higher levels of phenolic compounds during spring, summer and winter, and higher CT contents in summer (more than 54 g kg(-1) DM) compared to old plants. Aerial parts of C. ladanifer of both age groups may be used as a component of ruminant nutrition, but only as a supplement and associated with other feeding resources to complement its nutritional imbalances. more...

Aims: To evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus buchneri, heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB), on the fermentation, aerobic stability and ruminal degradability of whole-crop maize silages under laboratory conditions. Two homofermentative LAB were tested for the purpose of comparison. Methods and Results: Maize was harvested at early dent [290 g kg -1 dry matter (DM)] and one-half milk line (355 g kg -1 DM) stages. Both homofermentative LAB were applied at 1 × 10 5 CFU g -1 of fresh forage. Lactobacillus buchneri was applied at 1 x 10 5 , 5 x 10 5 and 1 x 10 6 CFU g -1 of fresh forage. Silages with no additives served as control. After treatment, the chopped forages were ensiled in 1·5-1 anaerobic jars. Three jars per treatment were sampled on day 60. After 60 days of storage, silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test lasting for 5 days, in which CO 2 production, as well as chemical and microbiological parameters, was measured to determine the extent of aerobic deterioration. Both homofermentative LAB increased the concentration of lactic acid and the numbers of yeasts, and decreased the concentration of acetic acid and impaired the aerobic stability of silages. In contrast, applying L. buchneri decreased the concentration of lactic acid and increased the concentration of acetic acid of the silages. Under aerobic conditions, silages treated with 5 x 10 5 and 1 × 10 6 CFU g -1 of L. buchneri, had lower pH, CO 2 production and the numbers of yeasts than the silages treated with 1 x 10 5 CFU g -1 of L. buchneri (P < 0·05). However, all doses of L. buchneri and both homofermentative LAB did not affect in situ rumen DM, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre degradability of the silages. Conclusions: Lactobacillus buchneri was very effective in protecting maize silages exposed to air under laboratory conditions. All doses of L. buchneri, especially 5 x 10 5 CFU g -1 or more, markedly decreased the numbers of yeasts and improved the aerobic stability of silages. Significance and Impact of the Study: The use of L. buchneri, as a silage inoculant, can improve the aerobic stability of maize silages by inhibition of yeast activity. more...

A model of sugarcane digestion was applied to indicate the suitability of various locally available supplements for enhancing milk production of Indian crossbred dairy cattle. Milk production was calculated according to simulated energy, lipogenic, glucogenic and aminogenic substrate availability. The model identified the most limiting substrate for milk production from different sugarcane-based diets. For sugarcane tops/urea fed alone, milk production was most limited by amino acid followed by long chain fatty acid availability. Among the protein-rich oil cake supplements at 100, 200 and 300 g supplement/kg total DM, cottonseed oil cake proved superior with a milk yield of 5·5, 7·3 and 8·3 kg/day, respectively. This was followed by mustard oil cake with 5·1, 6·5 and 7·6 kg/day, respectively. In the case of a protein-rich supplement (fish meal), milk yield was limited to 6·6 kg/day due to a shortage of long chain fatty acids. However, at 300 g of supplementation, energy became limiting, with a milk yield of 6·7 kg/day. Supplementation with rice bran and rice polishings at 100, 200 and 300 g restricted milk yield to 4·3, 4·9 and 5·5 and 4·5, 5·3 and 6·1 kg/day, respectively, and amino acids became the factor limiting milk production. The diet comprising basal sugarcane tops supplemented by leguminous fodder, dry fodder (e.g. rice or wheat straw) and concentrates at levels of 100, 200 and 300 g supplements/kg total diet DM proved to be the most balanced with a milk yield of 5·1, 6·7 and 9·0 kg/day, respectively. more...

Maize cultivation for silage could be a sustainable option in Boreal conditions, especially when combined with nutrient recycling. Effects of digestate (sludge from biogas of domestic origin) application in comparison with synthetic fertilizer and two maturity stages on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of whole-crop maize were investigated. Starch, neutral detergent fiber, water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and digestible organic matter (DOM) contents of maize did not differ in response to the two fertilizer treatments. However, starch, DOM and metabolizable energy of maize increased, while ash, crude protein and WSC contents decreased with increasing maize maturity. Heavy metals in maize fertilized with digestate remained low. The results indicate that whole-crop maize fertilized with digestate and harvested at 150 days after sowing is a promising feed and has good nutritive value, even in Boreal conditions. more...

This study was conducted to investigate the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of lambs fed barley/triticale silage treated with/without inoculant and enzyme mixture-based diets with similar barley supplementation. Thirty Tahirova x Sakiz crossbred weaned ram lambs (mean body weight: 34 +/- 0.5 kg) were used in this study. Lambs were randomly divided into groups of 3 and fed the respective diets. These 3 diets were: 1) hay grass + barley, 2) triticale/barley silage + barley, and 3) triticale/barley silage with inoculants and enzyme mixture + barley. There were significant differences among groups in daily live weight gain (P < 0.001). Cold carcass weight and dressing percentage based on empty body weight and carcass conformation scores were not significantly different among groups, but fatness scores and proportion of omental and mesenteric fat were significantly affected by diet (P < 0.05). No differences were found in terms of meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values for M. longissimus thoracis muscle. However, silage-fed lambs in both groups had higher shear force values than hay-fed lambs in the current study (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that barley/triticale silages offered with concentrate had no unfavorable effect on lamb performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. İstanbul Üniversitesi (574- 14082006) more...

© 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York. Little is known about the biomass production and bioenergy potential of low-input high-diversity (LIHD) systems in temperate nonforest conservation areas. In order to assess the potential of the biomass for energetic or other purposes, accurate yield data from LIHD systems are needed. We quantified the biomass yield in a wide range of seminatural systems (grasslands, marshes, tall-herb vegetation, and heathlands). Our results show a considerable variation in annual biomass yield ranging between 0.69 and 6.49 t DM ha −1 year −1 . In addition, we provide an accurate method to determine the standing stock of harvestable biomass in the field. We developed four predictive models: one multiple linear regression (MLR) model and three boosted regression tree (BRT) models: (i) a vegetation model with variables that are easy to measure in the field, (ii) a soil model with soil physical and chemical variables, and (iii) a vegsoil model with all available variables. Due to its ability to fit nonlinear response functions and threshold values, the boosted regression tree technique outperformed the classical multiple linear regression. The vegetation model is the preferred model because it combines a good predictive performance (R 2 adj = 0.75 and R 2 adj CV = 0.51) with a relatively simple application. ispartof: BioEnergy Research vol:7 issue:4 pages:1120-1130 status: published more...

Rapeseed meal (RSM) contains a high level of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) that are not well degraded in poultry and interfere with digestion of other nutrients as protein, starch, and fat. By altering physicochemical properties of NSP from RSM, processing and enzyme technologies might improve digestive utilization of RSM, enhancing its potential as a source of nutrients in poultry diets. The effects of wet milling and extrusion in combination with pectolytic enzymes on the degradability of RSM in broilers were investigated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Wet milling and extrusion did not affect total tract apparent digestibility of DM, CP, crude fat, and nonglucose polysaccharides (NGP). Addition of pectolytic enzymes did not affect total tract apparent digestibility of CP and crude fat, but improved degradability of NGP by 9 to 20% units (P more...

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate interaction effects between stage of maturity and nitrogen (N) fertilisation rate on rumen degradation characteristics determined with nylon bag incubations of ryegrass herbages and ryegrass silage. Grass herbage (n = 4) was cut after 3 or 5 weeks of regrowth and received a low (20 kg N/ha) or a high (90 kg N/ha) fertilisation rate. Grass silage (n = 6) received a low (65 kg N/ha) or high (150 kg N/ha) fertilisation rate and was harvested at early (~2000 kg DM/ha), mid (harvested 13 days later), or late (harvested 34 days later) maturity stage and ensiled in big bales. All grasses were incubated in the rumen of three lactating rumen-cannulated Holstein Friesian cows. Rumen degradation characteristics of organic matter (OM), N and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and the extent of effective degradation (ED) were evaluated. In grass herbage, NDF content varied between 390 and 454 g/kg DM and N content between 12.1 and 25.8 g/kg DM. In grass silage, NDF content varied between 438 and 593 g/kg DM and N content between 13.4 and 34.8 g/kg DM. In general, rumen degradation of grass herbage and grass silage decreased with increased maturity, and increased with increased fertilisation rate. Significant interaction between maturity and fertilisation rate was observed for ED of OM, N and NDF, except for ED of N in grass herbage. These results indicate that the effect of the rate of N fertilisation on degradation of nutrients in the rumen of dairy cattle and on nutritional value depends on the grass maturity stage. more...

In the tropical Asian countries, information on nutrients availability from various by-products of agro-food industries remains scarce and even less is known about their application in the feed evaluation systems. The objective of this study was to generate renewed data on in situ rumen dry matter (DM) degradability of byproducts from oilseeds, cereal grains, and animal origin, commonly fed to animals in tropical Asian countries. The data were used to derive regression equations to understand the relationships between effective rumen degradability of DM (EDDM) and the rumen degradation characteristics of the by-products. Sixty four samples of five oilseed by-products, seven cereal grain by-products and four animal byproducts were used. From each feed, 4 samples (~1 kg each) were collected from dairy farms (n=1), local markets (n=1) and different agro-industries (n=2). The feeds were incubated in the rumen for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h, using nylon bag technique. There was a significant (P more...

Sorghum dry matter yield (DMY) and forage quality were evaluated at two row spacings (75 and 20 cm) and two sowing densities (33 and 65 seeds m(-2)), with harvest at a 300 g kg(-1) whole plant dry matter concentration. Trials covered three consecutive growing seasons (2007, 2008 and 2009) with progressively lower annual rainfall. The year x row spacing interaction had no effect on traits, except for plant height. Year did affect the traits, except for whole plant dry matter concentration (322 g kg(-1)) and protein content (97.6 g kg(-1)). Annual DMY ranged from 10 t (2007) to 17 t ha(-1) (2009), and 10 t (75 cm row spacing) to 16.6 t ha(-1) (20 cm). In 2007, panicle dry weight was 109.4 g kg(-1) higher than in 2008 and 158.1 g kg(-1) higher compared to 2009. Thousand-grain weight was 13.66 g kg(-1) higher in 2007 than the average of the two following years. Compared to 2009, digestibility was 89.5 g kg(-1) lower in 2007 and 39.9 g kg(-1) lower in 2008. There was correlation between digestibility and ash content (-0.94**), acid detergent fiber (-0.93**) and acid detergent lignin (-0.85*). Protein concentration was 15.2 g kg(-1) higher at the 20 cm spacing than at the 75 cm. No year x sowing density interaction was present, and sowing density did not affect DMY or forage quality. Sorghum DMY and forage quality were improved using a 33 seeds m2 sowing density and 20 cm row spacing., El objetivo fue determinar los cambios en rendimiento de materia seca (RMS) y calidad del forraje de sorgo sembrado en surcos distanciados a 75 y 20 cm, y en densidades de 33 y 65 semillas m2, cuando la planta tiene una concentración de materia seca de 300 g kg-1. No hubo interacción año x distancia entre surcos en los caracteres, excepto en altura de planta. Efecto de año existió, excepto en concentración de materia seca de la planta (322 g kg-1) y en proteína (97.6 g kg-1). El RMS por año varió de 10 t (2007) a 17 t ha-1 (2009), y de 10 a 16.6 t ha-1 en distancias de 75 y 20 cm, respectivamente. El peso seco de panículas fue 109.4 g y 158.1 g kg-1 mayor en 2007 que en 2008 y 2009, respectivamente, y el peso de mil granos fue 13.66 g kg-1 mayor en 2007 que al promedio de los dos años restantes. La digestibilidad fue 89.5 y 39.9 g kg-1 menor en 2007 y 2008, respectivamente, que en 2009. Hubo correlación entre digestibilidad y cenizas (-0.94**), fibra detergente ácido (-0.93**) y lignina detergente ácido (-0.85*). La proteína fue 15.2 g kg-1 mayor en surcos a 25 cm que a 75 cm. No hubo interacción año x densidad de siembra, ni la densidad afectó el RMS ni la calidad del forraje. El RMS y la calidad del forraje de sorgo fueron mejorados al combinar densidad de siembra de 33 semillas m2 con distancia de 20 cm entre surcos. more...

The aim of current experiment was to determine the effects of honey locust pods (HLP) as carbohydrate source on the fermentation, aerobic stability, in vitro gas production, microbiological characteristics of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silages in laboratory conditions. Honey locust pods was applied at 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g/kg DM levels to alfalfa forage harvested at full bloom stage and chopped to about 1.5-2.0 cm length. Supplementation of HLP had a significant (P more...

This paper analyzes the economic impacts of summer drought on Swiss grassland production. We combine field trial data from drought experiments in three different grasslands in Switzerland with site-specific information on economic costs and benefits. The analysis focuses on the economic implications of drought effects on grassland yields as well as grassland composition. In agreement with earlier studies, we found rather heterogeneous yield effects of drought on Swiss grassland systems, with significantly reduced yields as a response to drought at the lowland and sub-alpine sites, but increased yields at the wetter pre-alpine site. Relative yield losses were highest at the sub-alpine site (with annual yield losses of up to 37 %). However, because income from grassland production at extensive sites relies to a large extent on ecological direct payments, even large yield losses had only limited implications in terms of relative profit reductions. In contrast, negative drought impacts at the most productive, intensively managed lowland site were dominant, with average annual drought-induced profit margin reductions of about 28 %. This is furthermore emphasized if analyzing the farm level perspective of drought impacts. Combining site-specific effects at the farm level, we found that in particular farms with high shares of lowland grassland sites suffer from summer droughts in terms of farm-level fodder production and profit margins. Moreover, our results showed that the higher competitiveness of weeds (broad-leaved dock) under drought conditions will require increasing attention on weed control measures in future grassland production systems. Taking into account that the risk of drought occurrence is expected to increase in the coming years, additional instruments to cope with drought risks in fodder production and finally farmers’ income have to be developed. more...

Three new labdanes with 8α,15-epoxy ring [methyl 8α,15-epoxylabdan-16β-oate, 8α,15-epoxylabdan-16β-ol and 8α,15-epoxy-16-norlabdan-13β-ol] and five known compounds [8α,15-epoxy-16-norlabdan-13-one, 8α,15-epoxylabdan-16β-oic acid, 3β-(3'',4''-dihydroxy)(E)-cinnamoyloxylup-20(29)-ene, 3-(2',3',4',6'-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)β-sitosterol and 16-acetoxy-8α,15-epoxylabdane] were isolated from toluene and dichloromethane extracts of aerial parts of Eragrostis viscosa. The structures of all the compounds were established based on their spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction analysis of 8α,15-epoxylabdan-16β-ol. It was also studied the genotoxicity of E. viscosa, particularly compounds 16-acetoxy-8α, 15-epoxylabdane, 8α,15-epoxy-16-norlabdan-13-one and 8α, 15-epoxilabdan-16β-ol, using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay and the Ames test to assess mutagenicity. Both assays were negative. Cytotoxicity was also analyzed using an MTT assay, and 8α,15-epoxy-16β-ol was shown to be the most cytotoxic of the compounds tested. E. viscosa extracts were also tested to determine their antioxidant capacities, peroxide values and total phenolic contents., Três novos labdanos com anel 8α,15-epoxi [8α,15-epoxilabdan-16β-oato de metila, 8α,15-epoxilabdan-16β-ol e 8α,15-epoxi-16-norlabdan-13β-ol] e cinco compostos conhecidos [8α,15-epoxi-16-norlabdan-13-ona, ácido 8α,15-epoxilabdan-16β-oico, β-(3’’,4’’-di-hidroxi)- (E)-cinamoiloxilup-20(29)-eno, 3-(2’,3’,4’,6’-tetra-O-acetil-β-D-glucopiranosiloxi)-β-sitosterol e 16-acetoxi-8α,15-epoxilabdano] foram isolados dos extratos de tolueno e diclorometano de partes aéreas da Eragrostis viscosa. A estrutura dos compostos foi atribuída a partir dos seus dados espectroscópicos e da análise de difração de raios X do 8α,15-epoxilabdan-16β-ol. Os compostos 16-acetóxi-8α,15-epoxilabdano, 8α,15-epoxi-16-norlabdan-13-ona e 8α,15-epoxilabdan-16β-ol não apresentam genotoxicidade e mutagenicidade, as quais foram avaliadas usando o teste dos micronúcleos e o teste de Ames, respetivamente. A citotoxicidade dos mesmos compostos foi avaliada usando o teste do MTT sendo o 8α,15-epoxilabdan-16β-ol o mais citotóxico de todos os compostos analisados. Foram também avaliadas a capacidade antioxidante, o valor peróxido e o conteúdo em fenóis totais de extratos de E. viscosa. more...

The current research was conducted to evaluate the forage yield and quality of stands of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in various combinations with annual cereals such as oat (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Mixture rates were formulated using three combinations of common vetch-cereal (75:25, 50:50 and 25:75) under rain fed conditions in the southern Marmara Region, Turkey, during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 growing seasons. The field trials were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The averages of the two-year findings indicated that the highest dry matter was determined at pure oat stands, followed by common vetch-oat mixtures at ratios of 50:50 and 75:25. The highest crude protein yield was obtained from pure common vetch and common vetch-oat (75:25) stands. A common vetch-oat mixture at 75:25 can be recommended for experimental and similar ecologies because of its higher dry matter and crude protein yields. more...