Abstract
The possibilities of using highโquality forages in incorporation with total mixed ration (TMR) during the fattening period of beef cattle have been investigated. A total of 30 Simmental bulls (438.94 ยฑ 11.45 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups, TMR with single corn silage (SS) and TMR with various silage (MS). The whole experiment consisted of 15 days preparation period and 69 days experimental period. Rumen fluid and blood samples were taken from six beef cattle per treatment at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the average daily gain of the MS group (1.56 kg/day) was higher than (p < .05) the SS group (1.30 kg/day), and a decrease of feed conversion ratio in the MS (10.83) group was observed compared with SS group (12.36) (p < .05). The concentration of total volatile fatty acids for MS group was greater than (p < .05) the SS group. The activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase from MS group were also higher than the SS group, but lower urea nitrogen was found in the MS group from serum (p < .05). In addition, the abundances of the Prevotellaโ1 and Verrucomicrobia were higher in the MS group than the SS group (p < .05). An increase in the flavonoid biosynthesis was detected in the MS group compared with the SS group by Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. The present findings suggest that it is economical and healthy to substitute highโquality forage +low level of concentrate for a relatively low proportion forage +high level of concentrate in a finishing diet of beef cattle, which was a feasible and healthy strategy in the intensive feeding system.
Highlights
In recent years, by the promotion of the government, the plantation of forages has been widely implemented leading to the production of high-ยญquality forage in China, bringing in rich forage resources to herbivorous animals
In the context of these studies and extrapolation of in vitro study data, it is hypothesized that total mixed ration (TMR) with various forage silage had a positive combination effect on rumen bacteria, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of fattening beef cattle compared with a TMR with single corn silage
The present study investigated the effects on rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen bacteria profiles, serum parameters and growth performance of beef cattle fed TMR with alfalfa silage, oat silage, corn silage, and TMR with corn silage
Summary
By the promotion of the government, the plantation of forages (alfalfa, oats, corn, and sweet sorghum) has been widely implemented leading to the production of high-ยญquality forage in China, bringing in rich forage resources to herbivorous animals. In the context of these studies and extrapolation of in vitro study data (unpublished; Zhang, Li, Zhou, Wang), it is hypothesized that total mixed ration (TMR) with various forage silage had a positive combination effect on rumen bacteria, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of fattening beef cattle compared with a TMR with single corn silage. To verify this hypothesis, the present study investigated the effects on rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen bacteria profiles, serum parameters and growth performance of beef cattle fed TMR with alfalfa silage, oat silage, corn silage, and TMR with corn silage. The animals were weighed using the Electronic scale (SCS) at the beginning and end of the experiment period, and calculated the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
