Acid Detergent Fiber Content Research Articles

Nutritional evaluation of Pentas schimperiana as livestock feed and potential protein supplement

Pentas schimperiana is locally available and dominantly used as a dairy cattle feed in the Dawuro zone's Maraka district, Ethiopia. There is some information about its utilization practice, however, data on its nutritional benefit is limited. This research aimed to examine the chemical content and digestibility of P. schimperiana for use as cattle feed during the dry season. For this study, a 2x2 factorial design with two agro-ecologies (midland and highland) and two seasons (wet and dry) was used for this study. P. schimperiana leaves, twigs and stems were gathered and processed for laboratory analysis from two agro-ecologies and two seasons. The chemical composition, in-vitro digestibility, and in-Sacco degradability of the samples were determined after incubation at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Effective degradability (ED) and Potential degradation (PD) were computed. The collected data were subjected to an Analysis of Variance and the means that had significant deference, the mean separation was performed by Tukey with alpha level of 0.05. In-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (87.41%) and crude protein (CP) (17.39%) were significantly higher in highland. Digestible crude protein (DCP) was significantly larger in dry than in the wet season with the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) decreased. During the wet season, potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) of DM were highest in the highland with a decrease in leg time, which was related to the low content of ADF, ADL, NDF, tannin, and high CP in vegetative stages of P. schimperiana. The result indicates that P. schimperiana might be used as supplementary feeds to enhance utilization of low-quality feed resources and improve the performance of ruminants during the dry season when feed is scarce.

Chemical and Nutritional Characterization of the Different Organs of Taif’s Rose (Rosa damascena Mill. var. trigintipetala) and Possible Recycling of the Solid Distillation Wastes in Taif City, Saudi Arabia

The objective of the current study was to examine the chemical composition and biological functions of the various Taif’s rose (TR) organs and floral solid distillation wastes (SDW). Additionally, it assessed the SDW’s potential use in animal feed and potential health applications. For chemical and biological analyses, the plant stems, leaves, and flowers as well as the SDW of TR were gathered from four farms in the Al-Shafa highland region of Taif, Saudi Arabia. The highest levels of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolics were found in the flowers (7.66 mg securiaside g−1, 16.33 mg GAE g−1, and 10.90 mg RUE g−1, respectively), while the highest carbohydrate and alkaloid contents were found in the TR leaves (2.09% and 9.43 mg AE g−1, respectively) with no significant differences from the SDW. Quercetin, apigenin, and rutin flavonoids, as well as isocorydine and boldine alkaloids, were found in larger concentrations in the flowers and floral SDW than in the leaves and stems. The various TR flower extracts were effective against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria but had no effect on fungal strains, but the SDW’s methanol extract was only effective against fungi. The plant stem had the highest N, K, and Mg contents (138, 174, and 96.12 mg kg−1, respectively), while the leaves had the highest P and Ca values (6.58 and 173.93 mg kg−1, respectively). The leaves had the highest contents of total carbohydrates and acid detergent fibre (59.85 and 3.93%, respectively), while the stems had the highest total protein and acid detergent fibre (8.66 and 24.17%, respectively), and the SDW had the highest fats and crude fiber (0.57 and 36.52%, respectively). The highest amounts of digestible crude protein, gross energy, and total dissolved nutrients (TDN) (4.52% and 412.61 Mcal kg−1) were found in the plant stem and flowers, respectively. The results of the current experiment showed that the TDN contents of the various organs and the SDW of TR are suitable for mature dry gestating beef cows. It was determined that, in addition to the SDW’s potential usage as an ingredient in animal feed, various plant parts and TR’s SDW can be utilized for a variety of medical reasons.

Cross-Breeding Improvement and Performance Analysis of Dominant Production Traits in Grazing-Type Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Rhizome-rooted Medicago sativa L. "Qingshui" is an excellent germplasm for establishing grazing and ecological grasslands but inferior in yield, in which both high production and ecological values can be achieved by cross-breeding. We have obtained valuable rhizome-rooted hybrid strains (RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03) by crossing of Qingshui and the high-yielding Medicago sativa L. "WL168." In this study, the Qingshui plants with low production performance were crossed for improvement, and progenies with better production and higher quality than those of Qingshui were selected. The results reveal that the branch number, crude protein (CP) content, and relative feed value (RFV) of RSA-01; the stem thickness, CP content, and ether extract (EE) content of RSA-02; and the plant height, stem thickness, branch number, and dry hay yield of RSA-03 were higher than those of Qingshui. Except for the leaf/stem ratio and plant height of RSA-01, leaf/stem ratio of RSA-02, and plant height of RSA-03, the coefficient of variation (CV) of yield traits of the hybrid strains was lower than those of Qingshui, ranging from 0.1% to 4.28%. In addition to the lignin and acid detergent fiber content of RSA-01 as well as EE content of RSA-02 and RSA-03, the CV of the nutritional traits of the hybrid strains was low, ranging from 0.60% to 3.43%. The tested samples were ranked as follows based on yield performance and nutritional values: WL168 > RSA - 03 > RSA - 01 > RSA - 02 > Qingshui and RSA - 01 > WL168 > RSA - 03 > Qingshui > RSA - 02, respectively. Compared with parental Qingshui, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03 show better yield performance; meanwhile, RSA-01 and RSA-03 had higher nutritional traits. RSA-01 shows heterosis in branch number, CP content, and RFV; RSA-02 shows heterosis in stem thickness and RSA-03 in plant height, stem thickness, branch number, fresh yield, dry hay yield, and CP content. Notably, the low production performance of Qingshui was improved after crossing it with WL168, substantially resulting in an abundant rhizome-rooted germplasm resource for the establishment of grazing grasslands.

Unlocking the molecular basis of wheat straw composition and morphological traits through multi-locus GWAS

BackgroundRapid reductions in emissions from fossil fuel burning are needed to curb global climate change. Biofuel production from crop residues can contribute to reducing the energy crisis and environmental deterioration. Wheat is a renewable source for biofuels owing to the low cost and high availability of its residues. Thus, identifying candidate genes controlling these traits is pivotal for efficient biofuel production. Here, six multi-locus genome-wide association (ML-GWAS) models were applied using 185 tetraploid wheat accessions to detect quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for fifteen traits associated with biomass composition.ResultsAmong the 470 QTNs, only 72 identified by at least two models were considered as reliable. Among these latter, 16 also showed a significant effect on the corresponding trait (p.value < 0.05). Candidate genes survey carried out within 4 Mb flanking the QTNs, revealed putative biological functions associated with lipid transfer and metabolism, cell wall modifications, cell cycle, and photosynthesis. Four genes encoded as Cellulose Synthase (CeSa), Anaphase promoting complex (APC/C), Glucoronoxylan 4-O Methyltransferase (GXM) and HYPONASTIC LEAVES1 (HYL1) might be responsible for an increase in cellulose, and natural and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) content in tetraploid wheat. In addition, the SNP marker RFL_Contig3228_2154 associated with the variation in stem solidness (Q.Scsb-3B) was validated through two molecular methods (High resolution melting; HRM and RNase H2-dependent PCR; rhAMP).ConclusionsThe study provides new insights into the genetic basis of biomass composition traits on tetraploid wheat. The application of six ML-GWAS models on a panel of diverse wheat genotypes represents an efficient approach to dissect complex traits with low heritability such as wheat straw composition. The discovery of genes/genomic regions associated with biomass production and straw quality parameters is expected to accelerate the development of high-yielding wheat varieties useful for biofuel production.

Exploring the bacterial community succession and metabolic profiles of Lonicera japonica Thunb. residues during anaerobic fermentation

Discarding Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJT) residues containing many active metabolites create tremendous waste. This study aimed to effectively use LJT residues by anaerobic fermentation. Fermentation significantly decreased the pH values and reduced the abundance of undesirable bacteria (potential pathogenic and biofilm-forming) while increasing Lactobacillus abundance. Compound additive use further improved fermentation quality (significantly increased the lactic acid (LA) content and decreased the pH values and ammonia nitrogen (a-N) content) and nutrient quality (significantly decreased the acid detergent fiber (ADF) content and increased the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content) and optimized the microbial community (increased the Lactobacillus abundance). Fermentation also altered the flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols contents in the residues with minor effects on the functional metabolites amounts. The LJT residues metabolic profile was mainly attributed to its epiphytic bacteria, with a small contribution from the compound additive. Thus, compound additives may improve anaerobic LJT residue fermentation without functionally impairing the metabolites.

Effects of plantago species herbage and silage on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbiome

The present study aimed to compare the nutrient composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation values and microbiome in the ruminal fermentation of herbage and silage of the Plantago media, P. major and P. lanceolata species. The lactic acid (LA) content of P. lanceolata silage was higher than those of other plantago silages (p < 0.05). The α-linolenic, w-3, polyunsaturated (PUFA), medium chain (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) of plantago silages were lower than those of plantago herbages (p < 0.05). The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents, total gas and methane production, metabolic energy (ME) and organic matter digestion (OMD) values and ammonia-nitrogen concentration in the in vitro fermentation fluid of P. major silage were lower than those of other plantago silages (p < 0.05). The in vitro ruminal methane production and community of archaea Methanobrevibacter in the microbiome of P. major herbage were higher than that of P. media and P. lanceolata herbages. The ensiling process significantly increased the in vitro total gas production, acetic acid concentration and Prevotellaceae bacteria of P. media and P. lanceolate compared their herbages. As a result, P. lanceolata and P. media silages provided high-quality silage fermentation; the nutrient composition was not lost to a great extent in the silage environment and the ruminal fibrolytic bacterial composition was positively affected. Plantago major silage could not provide a good silage quality and the in vitro ruminal fermentation and ruminal fibrolytic bacteria community value were negatively affected. Highlights The crude protein (CP) and very long chain fatty acids contents of P. major herbage were higher than those of P. media and P. lanceolata. However, the P. major silage had high silage CP and ammonia-nitrogen concentration, low in vitro ruminal digestion (total gas production, ME and OMD), and plant cell wall substances. The ensiling of P. lanceolata and P. media positively affected the ruminal fibrolytic bacterial composition (Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Oscillospiraceae_UCG-002 and Prevotellaceae). The in vitro ruminal methane production and community of Methanobrevibacter in the ruminal microbiome of P. major herbage were higher than those of P. media and P. lanceolata herbages.

Yield and Chemical Composition of Marandu Grass Fertilized with Macro-and Micronutrients at Planting and for Pasture Maintenance

ABSTRACT The conditions in tropical regions are favorable for growth of Urochloa brizantha, but inadequate management can make the forage highly susceptible to degradation, so that the pasture quantity and quality are very poor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fertilization at planting and for maintenance of U. brizantha cv. “Marandu” pasture, consisting of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) associated with sulfur (S), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on forage yield and the morphological and chemical composition. The experiment was carried out in a Typic Ultisol, and the experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, with four replicates and eight treatments. In the PK treatments, rates of 80 kg ha−1 P2O5 plus 50 kg ha−1 of K2O were applied. In all treatments, 120 kg ha1 of N was applied as ammonium nitrate split in four (4 × 30 kg). In the treatment with N fertilization only, the dry weight of U. brizantha was in the lowest yield group in all evaluations of the 2-year period. The total dry weight and leaf yield of U. brizantha was strongly and positively correlated with P, K, and S application, moderately correlated with B, and weakly with Zn supply. The soil and fertilization, climate and management conditions of forage cuts were favorable for the U. brizantha yield, with a high leaf/stem + sheath ratio (>1.94), i.e, an indicator of high leaf yield. The contents of neutral and acid detergent fiber did not vary according to the type of fertilization and that of crude protein varied only slightly in the first year in forage samples of the dry period.

Evaluating the fermentation characteristics, bacterial community, and predicted functional profiles of native grass ensiled with different additives.

Bioaugmentation of native grass ensiling with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus buchneri or Pediococcus pentosaceus on the ensiling performance and bacterial community was investigated after 30 days of the fermentation process. The native grass was inoculated with distilled water, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus buchneri, and Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Pediococcus pentosaceus as the CON treatment, T1 treatment, T2 treatment, and T3 treatment, respectively. The addition of lactic acid bacteria was added at a total of 1 × 106 colony-forming unit/g of fresh weight. As expected, the markedly (p < 0.05) lower water-soluble carbohydrate content was tested in the T2 and T3 treatments compared to the CON and T1 treatments. Compared to the CON and T1 treatment, significantly (p < 0.05) higher crude protein content, and lower acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents were found in the T2 and T3 treatments. Compared to the CON treatment, the pH significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculated silage, and the lowest pH was measured in the T3 treatment. Similarly, significantly higher lactic acid and acetic acid contents were also found in the T3 treatment compared to those in other treatments. After 30 days of ensiling, the Shannon and Chao1 indexes in silages decreased compared to that in the fresh materials (FMs). The principal coordinate analysis indicated that both FM and silage were distinctly separated in each treatment with no interactions on the confidence ellipse (R = 0.8933, p = 0.001). At the phylum level, the dominant phylum was shifted from Proteobacteria to Firmicutes after the fermentation process. Interestingly, Weissella dominated the fermentation in the CON treatment and Lactobacillus dominated the fermentation in all inoculated LAB silages at the genus level. Results of functional prediction analyses showed that the metabolism of amino acid, cofactors, and vitamins, and membrane transport was reduced, while the metabolism of nucleotide and majority carbohydrates was increased after ensiling. The complex LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Pediococcus pentosaceus) exhibited the potential possibility to decrease pH and enhance the relative abundance of LAB in response to obtaining high-quality silage by the synergistic effects. These results suggested that the complex LAB could improve the ensiling performance of native grass silage, and lay a theoretical basis for inoculant application in native grass.

Effects of antibacterial peptide-producing Bacillus subtilis, gallic acid, and cellulase on fermentation quality and bacterial community of whole-plant corn silage.

In the current study, we assessed the effects of antibacterial peptide-producing Bacillus subtilis (BS), gallic acid (GA) and cellulase (CL) on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of various varieties of whole-plant corn silage. Three different varieties of whole-plant corn (Yuqing386, Enxiai298, and Nonghe35) were treated with 0.02% BS (fresh material basis), 0.2% GA (fresh material basis) and 0.02% CL (fresh material basis), after which 45 days of anaerobic fermentation were conducted. With the exception of its low dry matter content, the results showed that Yuqing386's crude protein, water-soluble carbohydrate, and lactic acid contents were significantly higher than those of the other two corn varieties. However, its acid detergent fiber and cellulose contents were significantly lower than those of the other two corn varieties. Among the three corn variety silages, Yuqing386 had the highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level and the biggest relative abundance of Firmicutes at the phylum level. In addition, the three additives markedly enhanced the quantity of dry matter and crude protein as compared to the control group. The application of GA considerably decreased the level of neutral detergent fiber while significantly increasing the content of lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrates. Even though all additives enhanced the structure of the bacterial community following silage, the GA group experienced the greatest enhancement. On a phylum and genus level, the GA group contains the highest relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, respectively. Overall, of the three corn varieties, Yuqing386 provides the best silage qualities. GA has the biggest impact among the additions employed in this experiment to enhance the nutritional preservation and fermentation quality of whole-plant corn silage.

Effects of Maize Varieties on Biomass Yield and Silage Quality of Maize–Soybean Intercropping in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Forage deficiency is the bottleneck that restricts the development of plateau animal husbandry. Maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) intercropping can improve the forage biomass yield and silage quality. This experiment was conducted in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to explore the effects of four maize varieties (M1, Rongyu Silage No. 1; M2, Yayu 04889; M3, Demeiya No. 1; M4, Zhenghong 505) on biomass yield, nutritional composition, and silage quality in maize–soybean intercropping. The results showed that M1S had the highest total dry matter yield (18.03 t ha−1), M3S had the highest crude protein (CP) content (8.46% DM), and soybeans had the highest water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (8.55% DM). After silage, the CP content (13.44% DM) of mixed silage in M3S was higher, and the contents of neutral detergent fiber (39.42% DM) and acid detergent fiber (25.42% DM) were lower than those in maize silage alone. The WSC content (4.45% DM) of mixed silage in M3S was higher and the pH value (4.46) and ammonia–nitrogen to total nitrogen (3.97%) were lower than those of soybean silage alone. The results of membership function analysis showed that M3S was the best in fresh feeding and silage utilization, followed by M1S. Therefore, M3S (Demeiya No 1. intercropped with soybeans) is recommended in high-altitude areas.

The Influence of Fertilization and Plant Density on the Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Black Mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch]: An Alternative Forage Crop.

Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] is mainly cultivated as a seed crop, and there is a lack of information on biomass quality and its potential for animal feeding. A 2-year field experiment was set up in a split-plot design with 2 main plots (plant densities: 46 and 76 plants m−2), 4 sub-plots (fertilization levels: control, compost, urea with and without urease and nitrification inhibitors) and 3 replications for each treatment. The highest dry matter yield (17.55–18.34 tn ha−1) was observed in high-density plots fertilized with urea fertilizer coated with double (nitrification and urease) inhibitors. In terms of the qualitive parameters of total above-ground biomass, the highest crude protein (CP) content was achieved in plots with low density and urea with double inhibitors. Moreover, the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of above-ground biomass were found under compost and urea with double inhibitors. The high ADF, NDF and relatively high CP content characterized that black mustard aerial biomass can meet the requirements of lactating animals, and therefore the production of black mustard biomass as a forage crop could be of great importance. As a conclusion, black mustard cultivated at plant densities higher than 46 plants m−2 and under inorganic fertilization, especially with urea coated with double inhibitors, could be successfully used as a novel forage crop in ruminants’ diets.

Fermented grape seed meal promotes broiler growth and reduces abdominal fat deposition through intestinal microorganisms.

The fermentation of grape seed meal, a non-conventional feed resource, improves its conventional nutritional composition, promotes the growth and development of livestock and fat metabolism by influencing the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria. In this study, the nutritional components of Fermented grape seed meal (FGSM) and their effects on the growth performance, carcass quality, serum biochemistry, and intestinal bacteria of yellow feather broilers were investigated. A total of 240 male 14-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly selected and divided into four groups, with three replicates of 20 chickens each. Animals were fed diets containing 0% (Group I), 2% (Group II), 4% (Group III), or 6% (Group IV) FGSM until they were 56 days old. The results showed that Acid soluble protein (ASP) and Crude protein (CP) contents increased, Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents decreased, and free amino acid content increased in the FGSM group. The non-targeted metabolome identified 29 differential metabolites in FGSM, including organic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and monosaccharides. During the entire trial period, Average daily gain (ADG) increased and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased in response to dietary FGSM supplementation (p < 0.05). TP content in the serum increased and BUN content decreased in groups III and IV (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the serum TG content in group III and the abdominal fat rate in group IV were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that FGSM could significantly increase the Shannon and Simpson indices of broilers (35 days). Reducing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes significantly altered cecal microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05). By day 56, butyric acid content increased in the cecal samples from Group III (p < 0.05). In addition, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between broiler growth performance, abdominal fat percentage, SCFAs, and gut microbes. In summary, the addition of appropriate levels of FGSM to rations improved broiler growth performance and reduced fat deposition by regulating gut microbes through differential metabolites and affecting the microbiota structure and SCFA content of the gut.

Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Wild Grass Fodder for Mega Herbivore (Elephas maximus) in the Foothills of Western Ghats.

Simple SummaryThe aim of the study is to improve elephant habitats by restoring them with wild grass fodder. Based on the feeding behaviour and food spectrum of elephants, the study documented 30 grass fodders. We used standard protocols to assess the nutritional analysis, and finally the study identified five nutrient rich potential grass fodder, viz., Cynodon dactylon, Dichanthium aristatum, Heteropogon contortus, Oplismenus burmannii and Themeda triandra for fodder bank development in corridors and fringe areas to improve the habitat of elephants. Hence, the findings are crucial and can be utilized for the management and conservation of elephantsin the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve (CER).An elephant, being a mega herbivore, consumes large amounts of food. Due to the lack of availability of fodder inside the forest, the elephants move out of their habitat areas and also find agricultural crops attractive, which further results in man–animal conflict. To improve the elephant habitat area, the current study was conducted to assess the availability of native fodder grasses inside the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve, Western Ghats, from April 2021–April 2022. The area falls between 10°37′and 11°31′ North latitudes and 76°39′and 77°5′ East longitudes. It was approached in a systematic random sampling method. A total of 128 sample plots of 1 sq.m size were randomly placed, and the density of grass species was recorded in percentage (%). The collected samples were shade dried for one week, ground to pass through a 1 mm sieve, and stored in polythene bags. Furthermore, the samples were chemically analyzed to determine their nutritional values. The dry matter (DM) content of various grass fodder varied from 28.18% to 59.75%. The crude protein (CP) content differed between 5.94% and 11.94%. The highest CP was recorded in Cynodon dactylon (11.94%) and the least in Aristida setacea (5.94%). Ether extract content was found in the ranges of 1.00% to 5.00%. The acid detergent fibre (ADF) content of Aristida setacea (45.74%) was observed as the highest, whereas the lowest was observed in Oplismenus burmannii (26.78%), followed by Themeda triandra (26.85%), Heteropogon contortus (30.12%) and Enteropogon monostachyos (30.31%). The average neutral detergent fibre content of grass fodder was 52.27%, with a range of 37.89% (Oplismenus burmannii) to 67.87% (Cymbopogon martinii). The average total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of grass was 77.45%; relative forage quality (RFQ) exhibited wider variations among the grasses and ranged between 107.51 and 198.83. This study is a pioneer in evaluating the nutritional values of native grass fodder species for elephants in the Western Ghats. The study gives strategies for the selection of high nutritive fodder grass for the habitat improvement of elephants, and it also provides scientific and baseline information for the conservation of native grass fodder species in the Western Ghats.

Comparative Transcriptome and Anatomic Characteristics of Stems in Two Alfalfa Genotypes.

Stems are more important to forage quality than leaves in alfalfa. To understand lignin formation at different stages in alfalfa, lignin distribution, anatomical characteristics and transcriptome profile were employed using two alfalfa cultivars. The results showed that the in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of stems in WL168 was significantly higher than that of Zhungeer, along with the significantly lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin contents. In addition, Zhungeer exhibited increased staining of the xylem areas in the stems of different developmental stages compared to WL168. Interestingly, the stems of WL168 appeared intracellular space from the stage 3, while Zhungeer did not. The comparative transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 1993 genes were differentially expressed in the stem between the cultivars, with a higher number of expressed genes in the stage 4. Of the differentially expressed genes, starch and sucrose metabolism as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways were the most significantly enriched pathways. Furthermore, expression of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis such as PAL, 4CL, HCT, CAD, COMT and POD coincides with the anatomic characteristics and lignin accumulation. These results may help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis and improve forage quality in alfalfa.

Determination of In Vitro True Digestibility and Relative Feed Values of Alternative Roughage Sources

The aim of this study was to compare chemical composition, relative feed values, and in vitro true digestibility of the giant fennel (Ferula communicus L. -F), helis (Prangos ferulacea L. -H), gum- tragacanth (Astragalus microcephalus WILD. -G) and leaves oak tree (Quercus robur L. -O), a naturally growing plant on the high- altitude plateaus of the Eastern Anatolia, with those of alfalfa. In vitro true digestibilities (IVTD) of roughages were determined with the Ankom DaisyII incubator. In terms of crude protein (CP) content, the lowest value was determined in H herb with 7.35 %, and the highest value was determined in alfalfa hay (A) with 19.28% (p&amp;lt;0.05). G hay had higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content and O leaves had higher ether extract (EE) and condensed tannin (CT) content. While the lowest IVDMD were found in G hay (42.91%) and O leaves (56.22%) with the highest cell wall structural components and CT content, the highest digestibility value was determined for F (70.47%) and A (71.60%) (p&amp;lt;0.05). Considering the analyzed parameters, it can be said that F hay is more suitable for ruminant feeding than other roughages.

Seasonal nutritive value and in vitro fermentation kinetics of foliage of some multipurpose shrub species in northeastern Mexico

This study aimed to determine seasonal chemical composition, metabolizable energy (ME) concentration, in vitro gas production patterns, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and in vitro true organic matter digestibility (IVTOMD) of foliage from 5 native shrub species (Celtis pallida, Croton suaveolens, Forestiera angustifolia, Guaiacum angustifolium and Parkinsonia aculeata) growing in semi-arid areas of northeastern Mexico between July 2018 and June 2019 at 2 research sites. Crude protein (CP) concentrations (&gt;13.2% DM) found in leaf material should meet or exceed the requirements for maintenance of small ruminants; C. pallida provided the highest CP% (20.8‒29.3%). While CP% varied with season and site, species had a greater effect than either of those factors overall. ME concentrations ranged between 1.2 and 2.0 Mcal/kg DM. Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations ranged from 29.8 to 51.7% DM and 9.8 to 33.0% DM, respectively. Data obtained for IVOMD (34.5‒58.8%) and IVTOMD (64.1‒88.7%) demonstrate the high nutritive potential of leaf of browse species under study, especially C. pallida, as useful feed supplements for small ruminants in the semi-arid region of northeastern Mexico. Further studies could examine DM yields of browse from the various species, acceptance by small ruminants and their sustainability under regular defoliation under grazing.

Evaluation of the tolerance and forage quality of different ecotypes of seashore paspalum.

Seashore paspalum is a halophytic, warm-season grass with wide applications. It is noted for its superior salt tolerance in saline environments; however, the nutritive value of seashore paspalum and the effect of salinity remains to be determined. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between agronomic traits and forage quality and identified the effects of short-term high-salt stress (1 week, 700 mM NaCl) on the growth and forage nutritive value of 16 ecotypes of seashore paspalum. The salt and cold tolerances of the seashore paspalum ecotypes were assessed based on the survival rate following long-term high-salt stress (7 weeks, 700 mM NaCl) and exposure to natural low temperature stress. There were significant genetic (ecotype-specific) effects on plant height, leaf–stem ratio, and survival rate of seashore paspalum following salt or low temperature stress. Plant height was significantly negatively correlated with the leaf–stem ratio (r = −0.63, P<0.01), but the heights and leaf–stem ratios were not significantly correlated with the fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of the shoots. High salinity decreased the FW and DW of the shoots by 50.6% and 23.6%, respectively, on average. Seashore paspalum exhibited outstanding salt tolerance and forage quality at high salinity. The survival rate of the different ecotypes of seashore paspalum varied from 6.5% to 49.0% following treatment with 700 mM NaCl for 7 weeks. The crude protein (CP) content of the control and treatment groups (700 mM NaCl) was 17.4% and 19.3%, respectively, of the DW on average, and the CP content of most ecotypes was not significantly influenced by high salinity. The average ether extract (EE) content ranged from 4.6% to 4.4% of the DW under control and saline conditions, respectively, indicating that the influence was not significant. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of the control group were 57.4% and 29.8%, respectively, of the DW on average. Salt stress reduced the content of NDF and ADF to 50.2% and 25.9%, respectively, of the DW on average. Altogether, the results demonstrated that stress did not have any significant effects on the CP and EE content of most ecotypes, but reduced the NDF and ADF content and improved relative feed value (RFV). The results obtained herein support the notion that seashore paspalum is a good candidate for improving the forage potential of saline soils and can provide useful guidelines for livestock producers.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONTENTS OF NEUTRAL DETERGENT AND ACID DETERGENT FIBER IN THE DIET OF ANIMALS DURING THE FIRST PHASE OF LACTATION ON RUMINAL DIGESTION

The main limiting factor in the consumption by ruminants of large quantities of bulk feed is the presence of fiber in plants, an increase in which above the optimal level has a negative impact on digestion, leading to a decrease in the digestibility of nutrients in the diet. By changing the structure of the diet and the ratio of nutrients in the diet, it is possible to stimulate or inhibit both the general nature of rumen processes and the level of nutrient utilization. This article presents the materials of the work aimed at studying the effect of different content of neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber in the diet of animals during the first phase of lactation on ruminal digestion.&#x0D; Studies showed that feeding cows of control and experimental groups in the first 100 days of lactation with diets with different content of structural carbohydrates predetermined some changes in the microbiological and enzymatic activity of ruminal digestion.

FEED CONSUMPTION AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION WITH DIFFERENT RATIO OF STRUCTURAL CARBOHYDRATES IN THE DIET OF COWS

The level of structural carbohydrates in feed and diets has a significant effect on the dry matter intake of ruminants. The article presents the results of the work on studying the effect of different contents of neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber in the diet of cows during the first phase of lactation on feed intake, nutrient utilization and physiological state. Studies have revealed that the NDF content of 32-33% and ADF content of 21-22% provides an increase in feed intake, digestibility and nutrient utilization.

Effect of Replacing Corn Silage with Canola Silage on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Milk Yield, and Thyroid Hormones of Lactating Dairy Cows

Introduction: Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm industry. Canola forage was newly added to dairy cows’ diet in Iran. The present study aimed to determine the effects of replacing corn silage with canola silage on feed intake, apparent digestibility, milk yield, milk composition, and thyroid hormone levels of dairy cattle in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and methods: Nine Holstein cows were used in this study and were allocated in a 3×3 change over Latin square design study. The trial consisted of 3 periods, each lasting for 20 days. The first 15 days were considered an adaptation period. Experimental diets were formulated to provide 33% of the total dry matter (DM) as forage. Canola silage was substituted with corn silage at levels of 0, 50, and 100% of DM. Results: Dietary concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber increased when corn silage was replaced by canola silage. Replacing corn silage with canola silage caused a significant decrease in DMI. The apparent digestibility of DM and crude protein were not affected by the dietary replacement of corn silage with canola silage; however, organic matter and digestibility of NDF decreased significantly. When corn silage was replaced by canola silage, there were no significant changes in milk yield, fat-corrected milk, and milk composition in the investigated cattle, but milk protein changed significantly. The results indicated that 50% substitution of canola silage caused higher milk protein. Rumen fluid pH and its ammonia nitrogen concentration increased significantly in experimental animals. The concentrations of T3 and T4 decreased, whereas blood urea nitrogen concentration increased by dietary replacement of corn silage with canola silage. Conclusion: Canola silage can be substituted with corn silage, and feeding canola silage can be beneficial in some aspects.