Acid Detergent Fiber Content Research Articles

Chemical composition and quality of rapeseed meal as affected by genotype and nitrogen fertilization

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is known for its high nutritional quality as animal feed. However, there has been little studies on the effect of nitrogen fertilization on RSM chemical composition, mainly neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and ash content. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of nitrogen application rate on chemical composition of RSM in interaction with different spring rapeseed varieties (Brassica napus L). A field experiment was conducted during 2018/19 cropping season at the experimental station of the Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès” according to a split-plot design with three replications, using six nitrogen application rates, as main plot, and six rapeseed varieties, as subplot. After seeds harvest and oil extraction, meals derived from the different treatments were used in this study. Results showed that increasing nitrogen rate from 0 to 120 kg N ha−1 led to a significant rise in meal yield up to 74.58%. A positive effect of nitrogen fertilization was observed on dry matter, protein content and ash content, recording the highest values at 120 kg N ha−1 treatment. However, cellulose and lignin content were affected negatively by nitrogen fertilization. The nitrogen supply of 150 kg N ha−1 resulted in a reduction of ADF and ADL contents by 23% and 28%, respectively, compared to the unfertilized control (N0). Variability within rapeseed varieties for all parameters except dry matter and ADL content was highlighted.

Capim marandu sob diferimento em monocultivo e sistema silvipastoril: composição bromatológica e mineral

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and mineral characteristics of Marandu grass under stockpiling in monoculture (MC) and a silvopastoral system (SPS) with 12- (SPS12) and 18-m (SPS18) spacing between tree rows. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, in which each system was allocated individually. Each treatment was formed in the center of each plot in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of three systems (MC and SPS12 and SPS18 between the tree rows) and four stockpiling periods (60, 90, 120, and 150 days), totaling 12 treatments with three replications. No interaction effect was observed between the factors (p>0.05) for crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), or magnesium (Mg). The CP content decreased with increasing stockpiling days but met the suggested requirement for ruminants up to 75 days. The NDF and ADF concentrations increased, while P and K contents decreased with increasing stockpiling days. Magnesium and Ca concentrations did not differ with stockpiling days. However, a difference was observed only for Mg relative to the evaluated systems, which was higher in MC and SPS12, differing from SPS18. The spacing adopted in the SPS of 12 and 18 m does not negatively influence the nutritional value of the forage plant. The 75-day stockpiling period from March favored the concentration of macronutrients and CP content in Marandu grass in both MC and SPS.

Chemical composition of marandu palisade grass fertilized with nitrogen and potassium

The goal was to evaluate the chemical composition of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu through the use of fertilization with nitrogen and potassium. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of UFMT, Cuiabá Campus, from December to April 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 - rainy season; and from May to September in 2018 and 2019 – dry season. Treatments corresponded to a 5x2 factorial scheme, with five nitrogen doses (0; 25; 50; 75; 100 kg ha-¹) and two potassium doses (0; 25 kg ha-1). The sample was unified as one for each individual period.The chemical characteristics evaluated were crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF),total digestible nutrients (TDN) and net energy of lactation (NEF). For CP, a positive linear effect was observed for nitrogen fertilization, with 15.87% and 11.68% for the highest dose inthe rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Likewise, a linear increase in TDN and in NEL was observed. For NDF, ADF and iNDF content there was a linear reduction in both rainy and dryseasons. For potassium fertilization, there is little influence on the chemical characteristics, in fact, only in the rainy season for fiber, TDN and NEL contents. However, nitrogen fertilizationpromoted an increase of 51.13% in the CP content at the highest applied dose. The NDE, ADF and iNDF content decrease linearly with nitrogen input, on the contrary, there was an increase in TDN and NEL.

Influences of Growth Stage and Ensiling Time on Fermentation Characteristics, Nitrite, and Bacterial Communities during Ensiling of Alfalfa.

This study examined the impacts of growth stage and ensiling duration on the fermentation characteristics, nitrite content, and bacterial communities during the ensiling of alfalfa. Harvested alfalfa was divided into two groups: vegetative growth stage (VG) and late budding stage (LB). The fresh alfalfa underwent wilting until reaching approximately 65% moisture content, followed by natural fermentation. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, with samples collected after the wilting of alfalfa raw materials (MR) and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 60 of fermentation. The growth stage significantly influenced the chemical composition of alfalfa, with crude protein content being significantly higher in the vegetative growth stage alfalfa compared to that in the late budding stage (p < 0.05). Soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber content were significantly lower in the vegetative growth stage compared to the late budding stage (p < 0.05). Nitrite content, nitrate content, nitrite reductase activity, and nitrate reductase activity were all significantly higher in the vegetative growth stage compared to the late budding stage (p < 0.05). In terms of fermentation parameters, silage from the late budding stage exhibited superior characteristics compared to that from the vegetative growth stage. Compared to the alfalfa silage during the vegetative growth stage, the late budding stage group exhibited a higher lactate content and lower pH level. Notably, butyric acid was only detected in the silage from the vegetative growth stage group. Throughout the ensiling process, nitrite content, nitrate levels, nitrite reductase activity, and nitrate reductase activity decreased in both treatment groups. The dominant lactic acid bacteria differed between the two groups, with Enterococcus being predominant in vegetative growth stage alfalfa silage, and Weissella being predominant in late budding stage silage, transitioning to Lactiplantibacillus in the later stages of fermentation. On the 3rd day of silage fermentation, the vegetative growth stage group exhibited the highest abundance of Enterococcus, which subsequently decreased to its lowest level on the 15th day. Correlation analysis revealed that lactic acid bacteria, including Limosilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Loigolactobacillus, Pediococcus, Lactiplantibacillus, and Weissella, played a key role in nitrite and nitrate degradation in alfalfa silage. The presence of nitrite may be linked to Erwinia, unclassified_o__Enterobacterales, Pantoea, Exiguobacterium, Enterobacter, and Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium.

Determination of botanical composition, yield, capacity and condition of lowland pastures in eastern Anatolian region of Turkey

This study was conducted to determine the vegetation-covered area, botanical composition, yield, quality, capacity, condition and health of seven lowland pastures in Bingol province, Turkey. Thirty-three plant species were identified during the study. Twenty-nine of these species were found to be invaders, two were increasers, and two were decreasers. The most common species in the pastures were , Trifolium repens Eremopoa persica, Poabulbosa and The rate of the vegetation-covered area of the pastures was Gundelਟa tournefortਟਟ.determined to be 97.4%, the rate of legumes in the botanical composition was 32.7%, the rate of grasses was 50.0% and the rate of other family plants was 17.3%. The average of pastures had plant height of 24.2 cm, green fodder yield of 5820 kg/ha, dry matter yield of 1290 kg/ha, crude protein content of 19.5%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) content of 29.1%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of 44.4%, P content of 0.37%, K content of 2.55%, Ca content of 1.30% and Mg content of 0.33%. It was found that the capacity of the pastures varied between 3.3 and 88.5 animal units (AU), with an average of 32.2 AU. In evaluating the condition of the pastures, it was found that 4 pastures were classified as 'medium-healthy' and 3 pastures were classified as 'good-healthy'. It was concluded that appropriate grazing systems should be applied to lowland pastures and that current yield and quality can be increased through fertilization.

Study on Dynamic Fermentation of Oat Silage Assisted by Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes.

Based on the low content of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) attachment in oat raw materials, we assumed that the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of oat can be reduced by adding cellulase or xylanase. The concentration of metabolizable sugars will be increased, which will assist the oat's bacterial community in fermentation and obtain a better quality of oat silage. After wilting the oat, it was treated as follows: (1) distributed water (CK); (2) silages inoculated with xylanase (X); and (3) silages inoculated with cellulase (C), ensiling for 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. Cellulase and xylanase treatments both alter the fermentation and nutritional quality of ensiled oat, resulting in lower NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, and hemicellulose contents, increased lactic acid and acetic acid contents, and a significant decrease in ensiling environment pH. The bacterial community undergoes significant changes with cellulase and xylanase treatments, with a significant increase in Lactobacillus abundance in the C_14, X_30, C_30, X_60, and C_60 treatment groups, while Weissella abundance gradually decreases with longer ensiling times. Two exogenous fibrolytic enzymes also alter the bacterial diversity of ensiled oat, with different bacterial species and abundances observed in different treatment groups. Ensiled oat treated with cellulase and xylanase experiences significant changes in its own bacterial community, particularly in the abundance of Lactobacillus. These changes result in improved fermentation and nutritional quality of oat, but the higher metabolism levels observed after 60 days of ensiling with cellulase treatment may lead to energy loss.

Desho grass ( Pennisetum pedicellatum ) varieties adaptation trial in highland areas of the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Abstract The experiment was conducted in highland areas of the Kuyu site, Girar Jarso and Wachale districts of the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region. The objective of the experiment was to identify the adaptable and high biomass yield of Desho grass varieties. Accordingly, four Desho grass varieties, viz. Kindu Kosha DZF#591, Areka DZF#590, Kulumsa DZF#592 and Kindu Kosha DZF#589 were tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of the combined analysis revealed that plant height was significantly ( P &lt; 0.05) different between treatments. The highest plant height was obtained from Kulumsa DZF#592 (85.73 cm), followed by the Areka DZF No# 590 (82.71 cm) and Kindu Kosha DZF#589 (81.74 cm) varieties, while the shortest plant height was recorded from the Kindu Kosha DZF#591 (80.34 cm) variety. However, the plant height of the Desho grass varieties was significant when combined over time, and it was significantly different among the production years. On the other hand, the number of tillers per plant, number of leaves per plant, survival rate and dry matter yield (DM) showed significant ( P &lt; 0.05) differences between treatments. The maximum DM yield (13.85 ton ha -1 ) was obtained from Kindu Kosha DZF#591, followed by Kulumsa DZF#592 (12.81 ton ha -1 ). The number of nodes per plant, internodes length and leaf-to-stem ratio did not vary significantly among the Desho grass varieties. The chemical composition, crude protein yield, Ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents were not significantly ( P &gt; 0.05) different among the Desho grass varieties except for dry matter percent. Generally, the varieties Kindu Kosha DZF#591 and Kulumsa DZF#592 have comparable performances for most measured traits in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia. Therefore, Kindu Kosha DZF#591 and Kulumsa DZF#592 varieties of Desho grass were recommended for livestock producers in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia.

Performance evaluation of Vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties in highland areas of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract The study was conducted in highland areas of the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region, with the objective of identifying adaptable and high dry matter yield vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties in the study area. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed. Vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties were (viz. Vicia narbonensis - (Abdeta-118), Vicia villosa L.- (Lalisa-6792), Vicia sativa L. (ICARDA-61509), Vicia sativa L. (Gebisa-62632), Vicia dyscarpa Lana and Vicia atropurpureum ). The results of the combined analysis revealed that plant height, days to 50% flowering, dry matter yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield varied significantly (P&lt;0.05) between treatments except for the number of branches per plant. The highest plant height was obtained from Vicia villosa (Lelisa) (118.40 cm), followed by Vicia dyscarpa Lana (113.89 cm) and Vicia atropurpureum (113.73 cm), while the shortest plant height was recorded from Vicia narbonensis (Abdeta) (80.82 cm). However, the plant height of Vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties was significant when combined over time. The maximum dry matter yield (4.76 ton ha -1 ) was obtained from Vicia dyscarpa Lana, followed by Vicia atropurpureum (3.83 ton ha -1 ) and Vicia villosa (Lelisa) (3.46 ton ha -1 ). The analysis results for the ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents showed significantly ( P &lt; 0.05) different values among the vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties, except for the crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents. Therefore, based on the performance of most parameters, the Vetch varieties Vicia villosa (Lelisa) and Vicia dyscarpa Lana were identified and recommended to livestock producers in highland areas of the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region.

Multiple cutting increases forage productivity and enhances legume pasture stability in a rainfed agroecosystem

Appropriate harvesting management is essential for sustainable forage production and improving nutritional quality. In this study, four forage crops, including Medicago sativa (Ms), Vicia sativa (Vs), Avena sativa (As), and Sorghum Sudangrass (Ss) were evaluated under two harvesting modes, i.e. single harvest and multiple cuttings. Results showed that multiple cuttings increased the forage yield of Ms., As, and Ss by 82 %–114 %, 7.5 %–51 %, and 21 %–150 % compared to the single harvest. The acid and neutral detergent fiber concentration decreased, while crude protein contents increased with multiple cuttings. Also, multiple cuttings increased the ether extract content of Ms. and Ss and reduced the ash content by 9.42 % to 33.04 % from 2015 to 2016. The variation range of legume forages' annual yield was 18.66 %–33.04 %, while that of gramineous forages was 9.42 %–25.98 %. The relative feeding value (RFV) of Ms. was higher than that of other forages under multiple cuttings. In general, multiple cuttings decreased the SOC content, but the effect was insignificant for the two leguminous forages. Correlations analysis showed a significant positive relationship of RFV and CP with precipitation while a negative relationship of ADF and NDF with temperature. Moreover, results of yield stability, contribution rate, and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) analysis showed that the response of legume crops to multiple cutting was superior to that of gramineous crops. Overall, the cultivation of leguminous forage under multiple cuttings can provide a basis for the development of pastoral agriculture production and animal husbandry in arid regions of China.

Effect of additives and moisture on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of high moisture ear corn

Maize (Zea mays L) is one of the most widely cultivated crops used as energy feeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two lactic acid bacteria additives on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) silage at different moisture levels. The study utilized corn kernels and cobs harvested at the stage of complete ripeness as the primary material. The cob was crushed and divided into three treatment groups: an untreated control group (CK), a group treated with a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brucei (TQ), or a group treated with a mixture of Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus brucei (KT). Moisture contents were adjusted to 37.5% (L), 42.5% (M) or 47.5% (H) and then silaged for 180 days. Compared to CK, TQ, and KT elevated the dry matter, crude protein, starch, lactic and acetic acid content of HMEC and reduced the pH, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and ammonia nitrogen content (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Even though both additives improved the bacterial community structure after fermentation, KT experienced the greater enhancement. At a phylum and genus level, KT had the higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, respectively. Compared with the group of 37.5% (L) moisture content, the 42.5% (M) and 47.5% moisture content (H) group increased lactic acid, acetic acid and ammonia nitrogen concentrations and reduced the pH value (p &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of TQ and KT at the appropriate moisture content might be helpful for producing high-quality HMEC. Among the three moisture contents, 42.5% (M) moisture content provides the best silage qualities.

Effect of Yogurt Acid Whey on the Quality of Maize Silage

The increasing popularity of Greek yogurt generates large amounts of acid whey worldwide. The use of yogurt acid whey in animal nutrition is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a yogurt acid whey powder (YAWP) addition to maize forage prior to ensiling on the nutritional, microbial and fermentation quality of maize silage. Depending on the addition level of the YAWP to maize forage, there were the following four experimental treatments: YAWP 0, 2.5, 5 and 10% w/w. An increasing YAWP inclusion level linearly increased the maize silage dry matter, crude protein and ash concentrations, whereas it reduced the crude fiber, neutral-detergent fiber and acid-detergent fiber concentrations. The silage pH decreased quadratically with the increasing YAWP level, with the lower plateau noted for the YAWP 5% addition. Concentrations of total bacteria in the silage and Lactobacillus spp. decreased linearly with the YAWP increase. The silage acetic acid content decreased linearly, whereas propionic acid, lactic acid and the ratio of lactic to acetic acid increased linearly with the increasing YAWP level. The ammonia-N content decreased linearly with the increasing YAWP level. In conclusion, the incorporation of the 5 and 10% YAWP addition in silage preparation improved the nutritional and fermentative quality of the produced silage.

Performances of Some Perennial Legume and Grass Mixtures under Rainfed Conditions of a Continental Climate Region

Forage yield and the quality of the pastures in Turkey, especially in Central Anatolia, where the continental climate is dominant, are very low, and their vegetation is degraded to a great extent due to use without proper management practices. The inadequacy of the forage crop production in agricultural land and the low yield and quality of forage are among the main problems of husbandry. The present study aimed to determine perennial legume and grass mixtures with high forage yield and quality under rainfed conditions of the continental climate region in Turkey. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications. In the experiment, smooth brome (SB), intermediate wheatgrass (IW), alfalfa (A), sainfoin (S), and lesser burnet (LB) were sown as pure and mixed in different ratios. Two years averaged values of dry matter yield and crude protein, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) contents of dry matter varied between 2613 and 6268 kg ha-1;118 and 205 g kg-1; 249 and 424 g kg-1, 416 and 558 g kg-1, respectively. Higher dry matter yields were obtained from A+S+IW+SB, S+LB+IW+SB, A+LB+IW+SB, S+IW, and A+IW+SB mixtures. The pure sowings of the SB, IW, and LB gave lower dry matter yields than the mixtures. Crude protein contents of alfalfa and sainfoin were higher than other pure sowings and mixtures. The ADF and NDF contents of mixtures were higher than those of pure sown of alfalfa, sainfoin, and lesser burnet, they were lower than those of IW and SB. In terms of dry matter yield, crude protein yield, ADF and NDF content, A+S+IW+SB, A+LB+IW+SB, and S+LB+IW+SB mixtures were superior to other mixtures and pure sowings. Alfalfa may be predominant in mixtures over time, and animal health problems may occur under grazing conditions. Therefore, the mixtures of A+S+IW+SB and A+LB+IW+SB can be recommended for mowing, while the S+LB+IW+SB mixtures can be recommended for grazing.

Effect of Legumes Intercropped with Maize on Biomass Yield and Subsequent Biogas Production

The presented study deals with the use of legumes intercropped with maize for the production of biogas from silage. The main goal was to find out whether silages made from mixed cultures can be used in biogas production and how the use of such silages affects qualitative and quantitative parameters of the fermentation process compared with the pure maize silage. Variants prepared were pure cultures of maize, bean, lupin, and white sweet clover. In addition, mixed cultures were prepared of maize and individual legumes. Measured values showed that in terms of dry matter (DM) yield, mixed culture silages are almost of the same or even better quality than silage made from the maize monosubstrate. Compared with the maize monoculture silage, the presence of white lupine, white sweet clover, and broad bean in silages statistically significantly increased the content of DM, ash, and acid detergent fiber (by more than 5%). Bean and lupine in mixed silages with maize significantly increased the content of lipids (on average by more than 1.2%). Legumes in silages were significantly decreasing contents of neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, and starch. Production of biogas from silages of maize monosubstrates and mixed substrates of maize with white lupin, maize with white sweet clover, and maize with broad bean was directly proportional to the content of CAR and starch in these substrates. A perspective variant was the mixed substrate of maize and sweet clover from which biogas production was only 6% lower than that from conventional maize silage. The highest yield was recorded in the maize monosubstrate (0.923 m3/kgVS). Variants of mixed substrates had a yield ranging from 0.804 to 0.840 m3/kgVS.

136 Evaluation of the Relationship Between Hair Coat Shedding Ability, Apparent Forage Digestibility, and Mineral Status in Angus Cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between winter hair coat shedding ability, apparent forage digestibility, and mineral status in Angus females. Data were collected on fall calving purebred Angus females with calves from March until July in 2019 (n = 10), 2020 (n = 31), 2021 (n = 39), and 2022 (n = 41). Dams were observed once monthly by two trained technicians for winter hair coat shedding and were given a visual score of 1 to 5 with 1 indicating complete shed and 5 indicating no shedding of the winter hair coat. Month of first shed (MFS) was determined when a female reached an average winter hair shedding score of &amp;gt; 3.5 for any given month. Fecal samples were collected during the grazing months of March, May, and July for 5 consecutive days and were then analyzed via proximate analysis to calculate apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of forage. Liver and blood plasma samples were collected during the grazing months of March and July and analyzed via ICP-OES for mineral concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, and Zn. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with a significance declared at P &amp;lt; 0.05. The model included MFS, grazing month, and MFS by grazing month interaction. Interactions of MFS by month were observed for DM, NDF, ADF and liver Fe concentration. For DM, NDF, and ADF, within the grazing month of May, individuals with MFS in April and May were similar and greater when compared with June and July which were similar. Interpretation of these results show no clear trend of an association between hair shedding ability and apparent digestibility; however, some differences based on MFS existed. Further research into this area is important in understanding changes in overall cow performance due to adaptability.

Whole-Genome Analysis of Termite-Derived Bacillus velezensis BV-10 and Its Application in King Grass Silage.

Bacillus velezensis (B. velezensis) is a cellulose-degrading strain that has the potential as an additive in fermented feed. B. velezensis BV-10 was isolated and screened from the termite gut. We sequenced the whole genome of this new source of B. velezensis to reveal its potential for use in cellulose degradation. Whole-genome sequencing of B. velezensis BV-10 showed that it has a circular chromosome of 3929792 bp containing 3873 coding genes with a GC content of 45.51% and many genes related to cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin degradation. King grass silage was inoculated with B. velezensis BV-10 and mixed with other feed additives to assess the effect of B. velezensis BV-10 on the fermentation quality of silage. Six treatment groups were established: the control, B. velezensis BV-10, molasses, cellulase, B. velezensis BV-10 plus molasses, and B. velezensis BV-10 plus cellulase groups. After 30 days of silage-fermentation testing, B. velezensis BV-10 was found to rapidly reduce the silage pH value and significantly reduce the acid-detergent fiber (ADF) content (p < 0.05). The addition of B. velezensis BV-10 plus molasses and cellulase in fermented feed significantly reduced the silage neutral-detergent fiber and ADF content and promoted organic-acid accumulation (p < 0.05). The above results demonstrate that B. velezensis BV-10 promotes the fermentation quality of silage and that this effect is greater when other silage-fermentation additives are included. In conclusion, genes involved in cellulose degradation in B. velezensis BV-10 were identified by whole-genome sequencing and further experiments explored the effects of B. velezensis BV-10 and different feed additives on the fermentation quality of king grass silage, revealing the potential of Bacillus velezensis as a new silage additive.

Influence of different growing stages of whole-plant soybeans on their nutrient content and silage quality for cattle

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effects of growing stage (GS) on morphological and chemical composition of whole-plant soybean (WPS), and fermentative profile and chemical composition of whole-plant soybean silage (SS). This study was divided into two trials conducted in a complete randomised block design. The first trial evaluated the effect of GS from R1 to R8 (59–135 d after sowing) on morphological and chemical composition of WPS and its botanical components. The second trial determined the effects of GS from R3 (71 d after sowing) to R7 (124 d after sowing) on dry matter (DM) losses, fermentative profile, chemical composition and aerobic stability of SS. The proportion of leaves in WPS was reduced, while stem and pod proportions were increased as the GS progressed. Ensiling WPS at R6 and R7 decreased the contents of acetic acid, lactic acid and branched-chain fatty acids, and ethanol, and increased the contents of propionic acid and NH3-N. However, silage butyric acid concentrations in R6 and R7 were relatively high (18.1 and 19.9 g/kg DM, respectively). Butyric acid and buffering capacity varied according to GS with the lowest values observed in silages derived from GS R3, R5 and R7, and the highest values observed in silages made from GS R5. Later GS resulted in greater contents of DM, crude protein and ether extract, and lower contents of acid detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrate in SS. The high fat of SS produced from later GS limits high inclusion levels in ruminant diets. Morphological components impacted chemical composition of SS, whereas the R7 stage improved fermentative profile and resulted in an SS with greater in situ degradability of DM and neutral detergent fibre.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for monitoring the nutritional composition of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and frass.

The demand for protein obtained from animal sources is growing rapidly, as is the necessity for sustainable animal feeds. The use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) reared on organic side streams as sustainable animal feed has been receiving attention lately. This study assessed the ability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics to evaluate the nutritional profile of BSFL instars (fifth and sixth) and frass obtained from two different diets, namely soy waste and customised bread-vegetable diet. Partial least squares (PLS) regression with leave one out cross-validation was used to develop models between the NIR spectral data and the reference analytical methods. Calibration models with good [coefficient of determination in calibration (Rcal 2 ): 0.90; ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) value: 3.6] and moderate (Rcal 2 : 0.76; RPD value: 2.1) prediction accuracy was observed for acid detergent fibre (ADF) and total carbon (TC), respectively. However, calibration models with moderate accuracy were observed for the prediction of crude protein (CP) (Rcal 2 : 0.63; RPD value: 1.4), crude fat (CF) (Rcal 2 : 0.70; RPD value: 1.6), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (Rcal 2 : 0.60; RPD value: 1.6), starch (Rcal 2 : 0.52; RPD value: 1.4), and sugars (Rcal 2 : 0.52; RPD value: 1.4) owing to the narrow or uneven distribution of data over the range evaluated. The near-infrared (NIR) calibration models showed a good to moderate prediction accuracy for the prediction of ADF and TC content for two different BSFL instars and frass reared on two different diets. However, calibration models developed for predicting CP, CF, starch, sugars and NDF resulted in models with limited prediction accuracy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Kualitas fisik dan fraksi serat silase rumput Gajah (Pennisetum purpureum) dengan penambahan molasses dan probiotik

The objective of the study was to analyze the use of molasses as an energy source of silage and probiotics on the physical/organoleptic quality of silage, fermentation characteristics, and NDF and ADF silage content. 15 kgs of Napier grass were packed in plastic silos for each treatment and stored for 21 days. The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment consisted of P0: control or the Napier grass silage, P1: Napier grass silage + 3% molasses, and P2: Napier grass silage + 3% molasses and EM4 probiotics. The data were tested by using an analysis of variance and the differences among treatment means were examined by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. The variables measured were organoleptic quality including color, odor, texture, presence of fungi, fermentation characteristics including pH, dry matter (DM), and fleigh value as well as the content of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). The results showed that the molasses and probiotics addition had no significant effect on the color, odor, and texture of the silage (P&gt;0.05) but had a significant effect on the presence of fungi (P&lt;0.01). Molasses and probiotics addition as fermentation additives reduced the pH value and increased the value of fleigh silage (P&lt;0.05) but did not affect the increase of silage dry matter (P&gt;0.05), decreased the NDF content (P&lt;0.05) and had no significant effect on the ADF content. The conclusion of the research was the addition of molasses as an energy source, as well as a combination of molasses and EM4 probiotics can improve the fermentative quality of silage, by decreasing the pH value, increasing the fleigh value, and being able to reduce the NDF content of silage.

Comparing the predictive ability of Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery and a proximal hyperspectral sensor for the estimation of pasture nutritive characteristics in an intensive rotational grazing system

Using remote sensing to estimate the nutritive characteristics of pasture in livestock systems is a rapidly developing area that has the potential to improve pasture management and utilisation and in turn improve livestock productivity. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 paired satellites have shown promise in predicting pasture nutritive characteristics and have a pixel size small enough to be able to identify intra-paddock nutrient variation in rotational dairy grazing systems where paddock sizes are small. This study sought to develop nutrient prediction models using a dataset of nine Sentinel-2A and -2B satellite images, by linking imagery to perennial ryegrass dairy pasture samples cut within known pixels of the images in the days directly after each cloud-free overpass. Just before destructive pasture sampling, a handheld, proximal, hyperspectral sensor was used to gather spectral signatures (400–2500 nm) from areas to be sampled. Pasture samples (n = 200) were analysed using wet chemistry techniques for seven nutritive characteristics. The dry matter concentration of the samples was also measured, creating eight variates to be modelled in total. The Sentinel-2 data from within the selected pixels was extracted and used to create input features for Random Forest prediction models. Input features included the raw multispectral bands, common vegetation indices, and independent variables ‘season’ and ‘month’. Predictive models were also developed from the hyperspectral sensor data using Partial Least Squares Regression. For both modelling types, variable selection was used to reduce model inputs to only those sensitive to each nutrient. Results comparing the final models in an independent validation test showed similar predictive performance of the Sentinel-2 satellite and the proximal hyperspectral sensor for all variates of interest, shown by mean absolute errors that were not significantly different. In each case, the dry matter concentration was the best predicted variable (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) > 0.90) with excellent potential to be quantified by Sentinel-2 satellites. Crude protein, metabolisable energy, neutral detergent fibre, non-fibre carbohydrate, and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations were also predicted with good to moderate accuracy by both sensors (LCCC between 0.50 and 0.80). These models would be sufficiently accurate for making qualitative predictions (e.g., grouping into high to low categories). Ash and acid detergent fibre concentrations were poorly predicted (LCCC < 0.50) and these models would not be recommended for further use. It was concluded that multispectral data from Sentinel-2 has great potential to estimate pasture nutrient concentrations for intensively grazed pastures such as those used in dairy systems in temperate regions.

Genetic analysis for green fodder quality characters in concurrence of heterosis and genotype-by-trait biplot in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Animal health is of utmost importance, whereas green fodder supply is limiting day-by-day. In the present investigation, eight diversewheat varieties were crossed in half-diallel fashion and were analysed along with 28 F1s for green fodder digestibility and crude protein in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The parental genotype NIAW34 showed the highest organic matter (91.65%), followed by PBW723 (91.47%) and GW322 (91.30%). Acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and lignin contents ranged from 26.86-33.89%, 2.59–28.02% and 2.91–4.40%, respectively for parents and hybrids. Hemicellulose content varied from 27.60–36.58% and the parents namely, HI1544 (30.52%) and GW322 (29.91%) were found promising with the hybrids viz., HD3086/DBW110, HI1544/NIAW34 and GW322/NW5054. The study revealed that wheat green fodder quality was comparable with the sorghum and maize crops.Organic matter and neutral detergent fiber revealed a preponderance of additive gene action, whereas protein and nitrogen contents,cellulose, lignin, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose showed an average degree of dominance more than unity. The narrow leaf wheat genotype DBW110 exhibited higher cellulose and lignin contents, providing insight for on-field selection. The per se performance and genotype by trait biplot revealed the potential of wheat variety, GW322 for multiple fodder digestibility traits.