Digestibility Of ADF Research Articles

Determining the nutritional values of new corn varieties on pigs and broilers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional values of three new corn varieties (high-iron corn, cadmium-resistant corn, low-phytate phosphorus corn) cultivated with molecular marker-assisted selection breeding technique fed to growing pigs and broilers. Exp. 1 was conducted to compare the nutritional values of high-iron corn, high-chromium corn, low-phytate phosphorus corn and conventional corn fed to growing pigs based on a 15 × 2 Youden square design. Exp.2 was conducted to compare the nutritional values of high-iron corn, low-phytate phosphorus corn and conventional corn fed to broilers based on a completely randomized design. Parameters including nutrient digestibility, available energy and amino acids, and mineral deposition were measured. The results shows that the iron content in the high-iron corn and the cadmium content in the cadmium-resistant corn were 29.608 mg/kg and 0.0057 mg/kg, respectively, both were greater than those in the other three kinds of corns. When fed to growing pigs, the neutral detergent fiber digestibility of the high-iron corn group was lower than that of the conventional corn group (p < 0.05), and the acid detergent fiber digestibility of the high-iron group and the low-phytate phosphorus corn group was lower than that of the conventional corn group (p < 0.01). In addition, the digestible energy value of the high-iron corn in growing pigs was lower than that of the conventional corn (p < 0.05). When fed to broilers, it was observed that the tibia length of the low-phytate phosphorus corn group and the high-iron corn group was lower than that of the conventional corn group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the iron emission in feces of broilers fed the low-phytate phosphorus corn was lower than those fed the conventional corn and the high-iron corn (p < 0.05). In conclusion, modern breeding techniques could provide new plant ingredients which have potential benefits to pig and broiler production, but the comprehensive effects may be better when applied to growing pigs considering growth performance and environment effects. The breeding techniques related to the current study rarely changed the available energy values of the corn in growing pigs and broilers.

The addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen to increase fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population in ruminants

Abstract. Agustina S, Wiryawan KG, Suharti S, Meryandini A. 2024. The addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen to increase fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population in ruminants. Biodiversitas 25: 107-115. Rumen microbes have an important role in the rumen. Anaerobic fungi are microbes needed in the forage digestion process in the rumen. The addition of microbes, particularly anaerobic fungi is essential to increase the digestibility of forage within rumen. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen to increase fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population in sheep rumen. The in vitro tests were carried out using the Tilley and Terry method, using elephant grass and rice straw as tested forage. Piromyces sp. (F1, and F3), Caecomyces sp. (F2, and F5), and Neocallimastix frontalis (F4) isolates from buffalo rumen were used as tested anaerobic fungi. The result showed that the addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen significantly affected fiber digestibility (Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), cellulose and hemicellulose) except lignin digestibility. The addition of N. frontalis had higher fiber digestibility which is 49.02% NDF digestibility, 42.11% ADF digestibility, 44.28% hemicellulose digestibility, and 38.60% cellulose digestibility. Furthermore, N. frontalis also significantly increased In vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), In vitro Organic Matter Digestibility (IVOMD), ammonium (NH3) production, total Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) production, and microbial population compared to Piromyces sp., and Caecomyces sp. In conclusion, anaerobic fungus type N. frontalis showed promising potential to be used as a ruminant probiotic due to its superior effect on fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population compared to Caecomyces sp. and Piromyces sp.

Influence of Dietary Cation-Anion Differences (DCAD) on Nutrient Intake, Milk Yield and Metabolic Parameters of Transition Buffaloes

The study was divided into 2 phases. During 1st phase, 20 pre-partum buffaloes were divided into two groups, given -100 (high negative; HN) and -50 (low negative; LN) mEq/kg of dry matter (DM) diets. In the second phase, +200 (low positive; LP) and +400 (high positive; HP) mEq/kg of DM diets were formulated for postpartum buffaloes. Buffaloes that received LN DCAD were divided into 2 groups (LN-LP and LN-HP), and those that received HN DCAD were also divided into 2 groups (HN-LP and HN-HP). In the first phase, the group fed the HN DCAD diet had significantly lesser DM, nutrient intake, and urine pH (p&lt;0.05) but higher ME intake and ADF digestibility. Also, higher serum phosphorus levels (p&lt;0.05), fewer cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis, and a relatively smaller decrease in body weight were reported with the HN group. In the second phase, DM, organic matter, and NDF intakes were higher (p&lt;0.05) in HN-HP and LN-LP groups, whereas ME intake and nutrient digestibility were higher in HN-LP and LN-HP (p&lt;0.05). Daily milk, solid not fat (SNF), fat, protein, lactose yields, and plasma total protein, urea, and cholesterol concentrations were the highest in the HN-HP group (p&lt;0.05), but the highest fat content and fat yield were recorded in the HN-LP group (p&lt;0.05). Better efficiency of milk production and the lowest cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis were observed for both groups. In conclusion, for transition buffaloes, the HN and LN DCAD (-100 and +200 mEq/kg of DM, respectively) diets showed a beneficial impact.

Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites and Carcass Characteristics of Black Goat Kids Fed Diets Containing Olive Cake.

This study investigated the dietary effect of incorporating different levels of olive cake (OC) on the metabolic responses, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of black goat male kids. Thirty kids (body weight = 17.3 ± 0.40 kg) were randomly distributed into one of three equally sized dietary groups: a control diet (CON), OC at 75 g/kg (OC75), and OC at 150 g/kg (OC150) of dietary dry matter (DM). The results revealed that the intake of DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was similar (p ≥ 0.11) among the three treatment groups. However, the OC150 group had the greatest (p < 0.0001) ether extract (EE) intake compared to the OC75 and CON groups. The growth measurements were similar (p ≥ 0.13) among the three groups. Feed efficiency was not affected by the inclusion of OC. In contrast to the CON diet, the cost of gain was, however, reduced (p = 0.004) in the OC diets. All three treatment groups' digestibility of DM, CP, and ADF was similar. However, when compared to the OC75 and CON groups, the digestibility of NDF was better (p < 0.05) in the OC150 group. The N intake did not differ among the three experimental groups. Nitrogen retained as g/d was higher (p = 0.04) in the OC150 and OC75 groups compared to the CON group, while retention as a percentage (g/100 g) was similar among the three groups. Except for intermuscular fat, total fat, leg fat depth, and tissue depth, the inclusion of OC did not result in any discernible treatment effects on the carcass and meat quality parameters. Only alanine aminotransferase enzyme activity was lower (p < 0.0001) in OC-treated groups compared to the CON group. In summary, incorporating OC at 75 g/kg and 150 g/kg levels into the diets of black goat kids had positive comparable effects on some parameters related to growth performance, carcass attributes, and meat quality. Importantly, utilizing olive cake led to cost savings in production and may serve as a viable alternative feed source in goat nutrition.

The Effects of Harvest Maturity of Eragrostis tef 'Moxie' Hay and Supplemental Energy Source on Forage Utilization in Beef Heifers.

The phenological stage of maturity of grasses and supplementation program can impact forage utilization in grazing beef cattle. However, the potential interaction between harvest maturity of Eragrostis tef (teff) hay and energy supplement source was yet to be fully evaluated. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effects of harvest maturity of teff hay and supplemental energy sources on nutrient intake, apparent total-tract nutrient digestion, nitrogen (N) utilization, and ruminal fermentation characteristics in beef heifers. A split-plot design with teff hay harvest maturity as the whole plot and supplemental energy source as the subplot was administered in a three-period (21 d), three × three Latin square design. Six crossbred beef heifers (804 ± 53.6 kg of body weight; BW) were allocated to two harvest maturities (early- (EH]) or late-heading (LH)) and to two supplemental energy sources (no supplement (CON), or rolled corn grain or beet pulp pellet fed at 0.5% of BW). Data were analyzed using SAS. There was no harvest maturity × energy supplement interaction. Although harvest maturity had no impact on total dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein (CP) intake was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Total intakes of dry (DM) and organic matter (OM) were also greater (p < 0.01) for supplemented than CON heifers, whereas acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake was greater for beet pulp heifers compared to heifers fed the CON diet and supplemental corn grain. Harvest maturity had no impact on ruminal pH. However, mean ruminal pH was lower (p = 0.04), duration pH < 6.2, and molar proportions of butyrate and branched-chain fatty acids were greater (p ≤ 0.049) for heifers fed corn grain compared to CON and beet pulp diets. Heifers fed EH hay had greater (p ≤ 0.02) apparent total-tract DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF digestibility than heifers fed LH hay. Although there was no supplemental energy effect on microbial nitrogen (N) flow, it was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Apparent N retention, which did not differ, was negative across all diets. In summary, delaying the harvest of teff hay from the EH to LH stage of maturity compromised nutrient supply, which was not attenuated by feeding supplemental corn grain and beet pulp at 0.5% of diet DM. Because N retention was negative across harvest maturity, there might be a need to provide both energy and protein supplements to improve growth performance when feeding teff hay to beef cattle.

Effects of α-amylase and coated α-amylase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestion, and rumen fermentation in Holstein bulls.

This study evaluated the impacts of α-amylase (AM) and coated α-amylase (CAM) on bull performance, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation. This study randomized 60 Holstein bulls of 365 ± 11.5 days of age and 457.5 ± 9.35 kg body weight into three groups: without AM addition, adding AM 0.6 g/kg dry matter (DM), and adding CAM 0.6 g AM/kg DM, separately. This whole experimental period was 80 days, including a 20-day adaptation period and a 60-day data and sample acquisition period. In comparison with the unsupplemented control, dry matter intake (DMI) was unaltered; however, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) were greater for AM or CAM addition. Bulls receiving AM or CAM supply had greater total-tract nutrient digestibility, ruminal total volatile fatty acids (VFA) content, propionate molar proportion, cellulolytic enzyme and AM activities, and the number of microorganisms. In addition, the activities of AM and trypsin in the jejunum and ileum and glucose, albumin, and total protein concentrations in serum were greater for AM or CAM addition compared to the control. When comparing the supplementation mode of AM, bulls receiving CAM addition had greater ADG and FE. The crude protein and starch digestibility and intestinal AM and trypsin activity were higher, while acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility was lower for CAM addition than for AM addition. The lower propionate molar proportion and cellobiase and carboxymethyl cellulase activities, together with Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Fibrobacter succinogenes populations were observed for CAM addition compared with AM addition. However, there were greater glucose, albumin, and total protein concentrations in serum after adding CAM. According to the data, the supply of AM improved ADG, nutrient digestion, and rumen fermentation. Notably, the optimum supplementation mode was in the form of CAM in bulls.

Effects of reduced levels of organic trace minerals in proteinate forms and selenium yeast in the mineral mix on lactation performance, milk fatty acid composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status in dairy goats.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with reduced levels of organic trace minerals (OTM) in proteinate forms and selenium yeast (Se-yeast) in the mineral premix of prepartal and lactating dairy goats on lactation performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status. Xinong Saanen dairy goats (n = 40) were blocked by parity and body weight, and randomly assigned to either ITM or OTM treatments from 4wk prepartum to 8 mo of lactation. Both groups received the same basal diet except for the trace mineral supplement. The ITM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as sulfates, and Se as selenite to meet the recommendations. The OTM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as proteinates at 50% of ITM supplement levels, and Se as Se-yeast at 100% of ITM supplement level. Sampling and measurements were performed in the first, second, fourth, and eighth month of lactation. Data were summarized by month and treatment, and analyzed using the Mixed Model of SPSS with repeated measures. OTM group showed lower milk fat (P = 0.02) and higher milk Se (P = 0.03) with no compromised effects on milk yield and milk protein compared to ITM group. Furthermore, OTM decreased the content of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 (P < 0.05) and increased the content of odd- and branched-chain FAs in milk fat due to greater content of C15:0 (P = 0.01) and anteiso C15:0 (P = 0.07). OTM led to greater total tract digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.03), crude protein (P = 0.07), ether extract (P = 0.03), and acid detergent fiber (P = 0.05). OTM goats showed less fecal excretion of Fe (P = 0.01), Cu (P < 0.01), and Zn (P = 0.08) compared to ITM goats. There was a tendency for greater serum GSH-Px activity (P = 0.09) with OTM. Overall, the long-term substitution of reduced levels of OTM for ITM can change milk fat and FA composition while maintaining milk yield, digestibility, and antioxidant status.

Effects of dietary forage neutral detergent fiber and rumen degradable starch ratios on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes and nutrient digestibility of Hu sheep fed a pelleted total mixed ration.

Pelleted total mixed ration (P-TMR) feeding, which has become a common practice in providing nutrition for fattening sheep, requires careful consideration of the balance between forage neutral detergent fiber (FNDF) and rumen degradable starch (RDS) to maintain proper rumen functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the dietary FNDF/RDS ratio (FRR) on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes, and nutrient digestibility in Hu sheep fed a P-TMR diet. This study utilized eight ruminally cannulated male Hu sheep, following a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 31 d each period. Diets consisted of four FRR levels: 1.0 (high FNDF/RDS ratio, HFRR), 0.8 (middle high FNDF/RDS ratio, MHFRR), 0.6 (middle low FNDF/RDS ratio, MLFRR), and 0.4 (low FNDF/RDS ratio, LFRR). Reducing the dietary FRR levels resulted in a linear decrease in ruminal minimum pH and mean pH, while linearly increasing the duration and area of pH below 5.8 and 5.6, as well as the acidosis index. Sheep in the HFRR and MHFRR groups did not experience subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), whereas sheep in another two groups did. The concentration of total volatile fatty acid and the molar ratios of propionate and valerate, as well as the concentrate of lactate in the rumen linearly increased with reducing dietary FRR, while the molar ratio of acetate and acetate to propionate ratio linearly decreased. The degradability of NDF and ADF for alfalfa hay has a quadratic response with reducing the dietary FRR. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. In addition, reducing the dietary FRR caused a linear decrease in OTUs, Chao1, and Ace index of ruminal microflora. Reducing FRR in the diet increased the percentage of reads assigned as Firmicutes, but it decreased the percentage of reads assigned as Bacteroidetes in the rumen. At genus level, the percentage of reads assigned as Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Succinivibrio, and Butyrivibrio linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. The results of this study demonstrate that the dietary FRR of 0.8 is crucial in preventing the onset of SARA and promotes an enhanced richness of ruminal microbes and also improves fiber digestibility, which is a recommended dietary FRR reference when formulating P-TMR diets for sheep.

Effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial mixtures offered to beef cattle consuming finishing diets on intake, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, and ruminal kinetics/fermentation profile.

Effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on intake, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation profile, and ruminal degradation kinetics of beef steers were evaluated. Crossbred Angus ruminally cannulated steers (n = 6; body weight [BW] = 520 ± 30kg) were used in a duplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design and offered a steam-flaked corn-based finisher diet to ad libitum intake for 3, 28-d periods. Treatments were 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A (Lactobacillus animalis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50mg)/animal-daily minimum; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were ~30% greater than the minimum expected. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the model including the fixed effect of treatment and the random effects of square, period, and animal (square). For repeated measure variables, the fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction, and the random effects of square, period, animal (square), and animal (treatment) were used. Preplanned contrasts comparing Control × Treat-A or Treat-B were performed. Intake and major feeding behavior variables were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by treatments. Steers offered Treat-A had an increased (P = 0.04) ADF digestibility compared with Control. Steers offered Treat-A experienced daily 300min less (P = 0.04) time under ruminal pH 5.6, a greater (P = 0.04) ruminal pH average and NH3-N concentration (P = 0.05) and tended (P = 0.06) to have a lower ruminal temperature compared to Control. Ruminal VFA was not affected (P ≥ 0.38) by treatments. Steers offered Treat-A increased (P = 0.02) and tended (P = 0.08) to increase the ruminal effective degradable NDF and ADF fractions of the diet-substrate, respectively. When the forage-substrate (low quality) was incubated, steers offered Treat-A tended (P = 0.09) to increase the effective degradable hemicellulose fraction compared to Control. In this experiment, the bacterial combinations did not affect intake and feeding behavior, while the combination with a greater proportion of B. licheniformis (Treat-A) elicited an improved core-fiber digestibility and a healthier ruminal pH pattern, in which the ruminal environment showed to be more prone to induce the effective degradability of fiber fractions, while also releasing more NH3-N.

Funcionalidade nutricional do complexo xilanolítico obtida de Aspergillus japonicus var. aculeatus UFMS 48.136 em dietas para suínos

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional functionality of the xylanolytic complex produced from Aspergillus japonicus var. aculeatus UFMS 48.136 isolated from the Cerrado/ Pantanal biome in Mato Grosso do Sul, compared to commercial xylanase, in swine diets. Sixteen barrows were used, with an initial weight of 64.23 ± 10.5 kg, distributed in a randomized block experimental design, with four diets: control, formulated according to nutritional recommendations; negative control, formulated with a reduction of 100 Kcal / kg of metabolizable energy (ME); negative control + xylanase Cerrado / Pantanal; negative control + commercial xylanase; with four repetitions each. The xylanase supplementation provided higher (P&lt;0.05) values of digestible energy (DE), ME, and higher (P&lt;0.05) digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in relation to the negative control diet, but without differing (P&gt;0.05) from the control diet. The inclusion of xylanases increased (P&lt;0.05) in the coefficients of digestibility (CD) and metabolism of crude energy (CE), DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF. There was no difference (P&gt;0.05) in digestibility and CD values between Cerrado/Pantanal and commercial xylanase. The inclusion of xylanases made it possible to reduce 100 Kcal of ME per kilogram of diet. Cerrado/Pantanal xylanases therefore have the same nutritional efficiency as commercial xylanases.

Effect of wheat middling incorporation into wet corn distillers grains with solubles on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets.

Two separate cross-over experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of incorporating wheat middlings into wet corn distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets. In experiment 1, four ruminally cannulated heifers (313 ± 42.9kg) were limit fed a high-energy growing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 40% of diet dry matter (DM). The diet also contained (DM basis) 39.5% dry-rolled corn, 7.5% supplement, and 13% warm-season grass hay. In experiment 2, four ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (321 ± 17.4kg) were fed a finishing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 30% of diet DM. The diet also contained (DM basis) 60.3% dry-rolled corn, 2.7% supplement, and 7.0% warm-season grass hay. Experiments consisted of two 15-d periods that were conducted concurrently. Each period included 10 d of diet adaptation, 4 d of fecal collection, and 1 d of ruminal fluid collection. Fecal samples were collected on days 11 to 14 of each period and composite samples were analyzed for chromium to estimate apparent diet digestibility. On day 15, ruminal fluid samples were collected prior to feeding and again at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24-h post-feeding. In experiment 1, DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) between diets; however, starch intake was greater (P = 0.03) for heifers fed CON + WM compared with CON. Apparent DM, OM, NDF, and starch digestibilities were similar between diets (P ≥ 0.13), but feeding CON + WM tended to lead to lesser (P = 0.06) apparent ADF digestibility. Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ between diets (P ≥ 0.16); however, ruminal ammonia concentrations tended to be less (P = 0.09) for CON + WM compared with CON. In experiment 2, DM intake did not differ (P = 0.65) between diets. Apparent DM digestibility was greater (P = 0.01) for CON + WM compared with CON but the difference was small. Intake and apparent digestibility of OM, NDF, ADF, and starch did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) between diets. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were lesser (P = 0.03) while ruminal pH was greater (P = 0.02) for CON + WM compared with CON. Overall, incorporation of wheat middlings into WDGS had minimal impacts on feed intake, apparent diet digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics when fed to growing and finishing cattle.

Effects of ratios of yak to cattle inocula on methane production and fiber digestion in rumen in vitro cultures1

Yaks are well-adapted to the harsh environment of the Tibetan plateau, and they emit less enteric methane (CH4) and digest poor-quality forage better than cattle. To examine the potential of yak rumen inoculum to mitigate CH4 production and improve digestibility in cattle, we incubated substrate with rumen inoculum from yak (YRI) and cattle (CRI) in vitro in five ratios (YRI: CRI): 0:100 (control), (2) 25:75, (3) 50:50, (4) 75:25 and (5) 100:0 for 72 h. The YRI: CRI ratios of 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0 produced less total gas and CH4 and accumulated less hydrogen (H2) than 0: 100 (control) at most time points. From 12 h onwards, there was a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in carbon dioxide (CO2) production with increasing YRI: CRI ratio. At 72 h, the ratios of 50:50 and 75:25 had higher dry matter (+7.71% and +4.11%, respectively), as well as higher acid detergent fiber digestibility (+15.5% and +7.61%, respectively), when compared to the 0:100 ratio (P < 0.05). Increasing the proportion of YRI generally increased total VFA concentrations, and, concomitantly, decreased the proportion of metabolic hydrogen ([2H]) incorporated into CH4, and decreased the recovery of [2H]. The lower [2H] recovery indicates unknown [2H] sinks in the culture. Estimated Gibbs free energy changes (∆G) for reductive acetogenesis were negative, indicating the thermodynamic feasibility of this process. It would be beneficial to identify: 1) the alternative [2H] sinks, which could help mitigate CH4 emission, and 2) core microbes involved in fiber digestion. This experiment supported lower CH4 emission and greater nutrient digestibility of yaks compared to cattle. Multi-omics combined with microbial culture technologies developed in recent years could help to better understand fermentation differences among species.

Productive Performance of Lactating Crossbred Dairy Cows Fed with Wheat Straw‐Based Densified Complete Feed Block

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of feeding densified complete feed block (DCFB) on the production performances of lactating F1 Friesian x Borena crossbred cows. Four mid‐lactating multiparous cows with 2–5 parity having similar milk yield (8–10 l·day−1) were evaluated using 4 × 4 Latin square design for a total of 84 days. The treatments include natural pasture hay supplemented with a concentrate mixture at the rate of 0.5 kg·l−1 of milk yield·cow−1 (T1) and three different wheat straw‐based DCFBs in the ratio of 50 : 50 (T2), 40 : 60 (T3), and 30 : 70 (T4). The result revealed that the average daily dry matter (DM) intake was similar among all dietary treatments except for T2 that had lower (P &lt; 0.05) daily DM intake. The crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) intakes for cows in T3 and T4 were comparable (P &gt; 0.05) but significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) compared to T1 and T2. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake remained the same among treatment groups while T1 consumed higher (P &lt; 0.05) acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared to other diets. Cows in T3 and T4 groups had higher (P &lt; 0.05) DM and OM digestibility but comparable (P &gt; 0.05) NDF and ADF digestibility compared to T1. The CP digestibility and daily average milk yield were higher (P &lt; 0.05) for T4. Daily fat, protein, and lactose yield in the DCFB group showed an increasing trend with the level of concentrate, whereas cows in the T4 group exceptionally produced higher (P &lt; 0.05) yields. Fat‐corrected milk yield (FCM) was lower (P &lt; 0.05) for T4 compared to T1 and T2 groups. Milk fat percentages were lower (P &lt; 0.05) but milk protein percentages were higher for cows in T4 but similar for the rest of the diets. Milk lactose did not vary (P &gt; 0.05) over all the treatments. Milk conversion efficiency was similar (P &gt; 0.05) among the DCFB but higher (P &lt; 0.05) for control cows. The partial budget analysis indicated that net profit and marginal return were much higher for diet in the ratio of 40 : 60. Inclusion of wheat straw at 40% could be an efficient feeding option for F1 Friesian x Borena lactating crossbred cows managed under indoor conditions. However, DCFB manufacturing and distribution at a large scale requires machineries (chopper/grinder, mixer, and compressor). Further study needs to evaluate the storability and strength of the DCFBs under varying storage conditions and the long‐term effect of DCFB on milk yield and quality of improved lactating dairy cows in Ethiopia.

Evaluation of Leucaena Leaves (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Witt.) Supplementation in Feed on Digestibility in Lactation Period Ettawa Crossbred Goats

This study evaluated the effect of Leucaena leaves (Leucaena laucochepala) supplementation on the digestibility of Ettawa Crossbred goats. Twelve Ettawa Crossbred goats during the lactation period divided into six groups were allocated in a group randomized design with two treatments and six replicates (two goats per replicate). Treatments consisted of T1 in the form of 100% Leucaena leaves and T2 in the form of 50% Leucaena leaves and 50% concentrate. This study began with the preliminary stage, adaptation stage, data collection and analysis. Data from this study were tabulated using Microsoft Excel program, then analyzed using double T-test analysis with Randomized Group Design. The results showed that the Crude Fiber Digestibility value had a significantly different effect (P&lt;0.05), Leucaena leaves high Crude Protein content can affect digestibility to be higher than T1 which is composed of 50% Leucaena leaves + 50% concentrate. ADF digestibility value showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). NDF digestibility showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). Hemicellulose digestibility showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). The digestibility of organic matter showed no significant difference (P&lt;0.05). Dry matter digestibility showed significantly different effects (P&lt;0.05). The digestibility value of crude protein showed a significantly different effect (P&lt;0.05). The results of the study can be concluded that Leucaena leaves supplementation can increase the feed digestibility value.

Intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance in sheep offered alfalfa silage with different proportions of the tannin-rich legume sericea lespedeza

Dietary manipulations to include tannins can change the proportion and amounts of nitrogen (N) excreted in the urine and feces as well as improve nitrogen use efficiency by ruminants. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding different proportions of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate) hay (SL) containing tannins (16.8% total condensed tannins; CT) to alfalfa (Medicago sativa) silage. Alfalfa silage was either offered alone (0 g/kg; CONT) or mixed with chopped SL to provide 90 (LOW), 180 (MED), or 270 g/kg SL (HIGH) or 15, 30, or 45 g CT/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis. These diets were offered randomly for ad libitum consumption to 16 Dorper ewe lambs (42.1 ± 1.15 kg BW; Period 1; 41.7 ± 1.12 kg BW; Period 2) in a randomized complete block design experiment where each treatment was offered to four lambs during each of two periods. The same 16 lambs were used in both periods, resulting in eight total observations/treatment. Each period consisted of a 14-d dietary adaptation period followed by 5 d of total fecal and urine collection. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility as well as digestible DM and OM intake (g/day or g/kg BW) decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing SL in the diet. Ruminal acetate and butyrate molar proportions increased quadratically (P = 0.01), whereas ruminal isobutyrate and isovalerate decreased linearly (P = 0.02) with increasing SL in the diet. Apparent N absorption (g/kg N intake) decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing SL in the diet. Urinary N excretions (g/kg N intake) tended (P = 0.10) to respond quadratically while fecal N (g/kg N intake) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing SL proportion in the diet. In this study, supplementation with sericea lespedeza as a tannin source to alfalfa silage decreased forage digestibility without affecting feed intake, and significantly increased N excreted in feces and tended to decrease urine N excretion without affecting N balance. Therefore, feeding tannins in diet can alter N excretion route from urine to feces but may not improve N-use efficiency by the animal.

Estimation of In Vitro True Digestibility and Fiber Degradation from Feedstuff Fiber Composition When Incubated in Equine Fecal Inoculum

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) composition have been shown to predict in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), and in vitro ADF digestibility (IVADFD) in ruminants. This study’s objective was to estimate in vitro digestibility measures within the DaisyII incubator using equine fecal inoculum from feedstuff NDF and ADF composition. Analyzed feedstuffs included alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa), Coastal Bermudagrass hay, soybean meal, rice bran, hempseed meal, and Bluebonnet® Equilene® Pellets. Data were analyzed using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) within the R Statistical Program©. The highest ranked model for IVTD was the interaction of NDF and ADF: 10003.32 – 0.2904 × NDF − 0.4220 × ADF − 0.0010 × NDF × ADF (Adjusted R2 = 0.959 and AICc = 474.97). Sample IVNDFD was moderately predicted by ADF: 855.15 – 1.5183 × ADF (Adjusted R2 = 0.749 and AICc = 560.82). Feedstuff ADF produced the highest ranked model for IVNDFD: 881.91 – 1.5952 × ADF (Adj. R2 = 0.835 and AICc = 541.33). These results indicate the effectiveness of using feedstuff NDF and ADF composition to predict IVTD, IVNDFD, and IVADFD within equine fecal inoculum. The findings of this study provide better understanding of feedstuff digestibility using equine fecal inoculum, but more research is warranted for validation of the models and the potential impact in vivo.

Effects of Artemisia ordosica Crude Polysaccharide on Antioxidant and Immunity Response, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Microbiota in Cashmere Goats.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharide (AOCP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant and immunity capacity, rumen fermentation parameters, and the microbiota of cashmere goats. A total of 12 cashmere goats (2 years old) with similar weight (38.03 ± 2.42 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly divided into two dietary treatments with six replicates. The treatments were as follows: (1) control (CON, basal diet); and (2) AOCP treatment (AOCP, basal diet with 0.3% AOCP). Pre-feeding was conducted for 7 days, followed by an experimental period of 21 days. The results showed that the ADG; feed/gain (F/G); and the digestibility of DM, CP, and ADF of cashmere goats in the AOCP group were greater than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Still, there was no significant effect on the digestibility of EE, NDF, Ca, and P (p > 0.05). Compared to the CON group, AOCP increased BCP, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, and TVFA concentrations (p < 0.05), but it reduced the protozoa numbers of acetate and A/P (p < 0.05). The serum CAT, GSH-Px, T-SOD, 1L-6, and NO levels were higher in AOCP than in the CON group (p < 0.05). The addition of AOCP increased the Sobs and Ace estimators (p < 0.05) and reduced the Simpson estimator in the ruminal fluid compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the AOCP group increased the colonization of beneficial bacteria by positively influencing GSH-Px and IL-6 (norank_f__F082, unclassified_p__Firmicutes), as well as bacteria negatively associated with F/G (norank_f__norank_o__Bacteroidales, unclassified_p__Firmicutes, and norank_f__F082). It decreased the colonization of potential pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas and Escherichia-Shigella) (p < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In conclusion, 0.3% AOCP improves the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune function, rumen fermentation, and microflora of cashmere goats.

Effects of replacing hybrid giant napier with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle.

This study investigated the effects of replacing hybrid giant napiers with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle. Twenty-one Simmental crossbred cattle with similar initial body weight (363.42 ± 8.67 kg) were randomly divided into three groups: Group CON (20% hybrid giant napier +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), Group SB (20% sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), and Group FSB (20% fermented sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture). The average daily weight gain in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The feed conversion ratio of the CON and FSB groups was lower compared to the SB group. The apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The levels of NH3-N, microbial protein, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and total volatile fatty acids were higher in the CON and FSB groups than in the SB group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Saccharofermentans, and Eubacteriumcoprostanoligenes_group were lower in the CON and FSB groups compared to the SB group. The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was highest in the FSB group, followed by the CON group and then the SB group. Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was positively correlated with propionate and NH3-N content, while the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was inversely correlated with NH3-N content. Gene function prediction indicated that fermented sugarcane bagasse promoted rumen microbial amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, replacing hybrid giant napiers with 20% sugarcane bagasse negatively affected the growth performance of Simmental crossbred cattle, while the addition of 20% fermented sugarcane bagasse had no adverse effects on growth performance and rumen fermentation characteristics, and did not alter the abundance of the rumen core flora in Simmental crossbred cattle.

PSV-12 The Influence of Trace Mineral Source on Rumen Trace Mineral Solubility and In-Vitro Fiber Digestion in Steers Fed a Lactating Dairy Diet

Abstract Eight individually fed fistulated steers (410 ± 10 kg) were used to investigate the impact of trace mineral source on rumen trace mineral solubility and in vitro fermentation characteristics. Steers were sorted by body weight, into two trace mineral (TM) treatment groups (n = 4/treatment). Treatments consisted of TM supplementation at 10 mg Cu, 40 mg Mn, and 60 mg Zn/kg DM from either sulfate TM (STM) or hydroxy TM (HTM) sources. Steers were fed a diet balanced to meet the nutrient requirements (TMR) for lactation dairy cow. Dietary TM treatments were mixed with dried distillers grains and top dressed daily. Rumen contents were collected at 0, 2, and 4 h post feeding on d 1 and 14 of the experiment. Rumen samples were centrifuged at 1,500 × g for 15 min. The supernatant and the digesta pellet were frozen, separately, at −20°C for TM analysis. On d 15 of the experiment, approximately 500 g (wet weight) of rumen contents were collected from each steer 2 hours post-feeding. Strained ruminal fluid (SRF) was obtained by squeezing the rumen contents through 2 layers of cheese cloth. The retained digesta (150 g wet weight) was washed with 2.2 L pre-warmed McDougall’s buffer to remove particle associated microorganism (PAO). The SRF and the PAO were then filtered through 8 layers of cheesecloth, separately, and mixed at a ratio of 1:2 (SRF:PAO). The SRF:PAO mixture for each steer was incubated with the TMR containing HTM and a separate incubation with the TMR containing STM for 0, 12, and 24 h (3 replicate in vitro tubes/animal/TMR treatment) at 39°C under anaerobic conditions. After each incubation time, samples were centrifuged at 1,500 x g. The supernatant was removed and frozen at -20°C for VFA analysis. The digesta pellet was dried at 60°C and DM, NDF, and ADF digestibility determined. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized block design with individual animal as the experimental unit. There was a treatment x day x sample type interaction for rumen Zn (P &amp;lt; 0.04) and Mn (P &amp;lt; 0.03) concentrations. Zinc and Mn concentrations were greater in digesta and lesser in supernatant in STM compared with HTM supplemented animals. Rumen distribution of Cu was not impacted by TM source. In vitro molar proportions isobutyric acid were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in HTM compared with STM supplemented animals, while the molar proportion of propionic acid were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in STM supplemented animals. Total VFA concentration, molar proportions of acetic and propionic acid, and DM, NDF, and ADF digestibility were not impacted by dietary trace mineral source or rumen fluid source. These data may indicate that the source of trace mineral can influence trace mineral solubility in the rumen.

PSIII-21 Effects of Supplementing Carinata Meal Compared with Cottonseed Meal on Performance, Intake, and Digestibility in Backgrounding Beef Heifers Consuming a Corn Silage-Based Diet

Abstract The value of carinata, a non-food oilseed crop, has been demonstrated as a high-quality jet fuel alternative and successful cover crop in the southeastern U.S.; however, research is limited regarding carinata as an alternative for commonly used protein sources in livestock. Eighty-four Angus crossbred heifers were used in a generalized randomized block design to evaluate the effects of supplementing carinata meal compared with cottonseed meal on performance, intake, and digestibility in a backgrounding corn silage-based diet. Treatments included: corn silage only (CS), corn silage + Brassica carinata meal (BCM) at 10% (BCM10) or 20 % (BCM20) inclusion, or corn silage + cottonseed meal at 10% inclusion (CSM). Protein sources were mixed with corn silage prior to delivery and provided ad libitum, with individual intake measured using the GrowSafe system. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS. An effect of treatment was observed (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for final body weight (BW), average daily gain, and gain to feed ratio, where CS was least. Dry matter intake (DMI; kg/d) was greatest (P = 0.01) for BCM10 compared with CS, yet BCM20 and CSM did not differ from CS or BCM10. No effect of treatment was observed on DMI as a percentage of BW (P = 0.35) or residual feed intake (P = 0.94). Heifers receiving CSM had the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.01) intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Intake of crude protein (CP; P &amp;lt; 0.01) was least for CS and greatest for BCM20 and CSM, with BCM10 intermediate. Digestibility of all nutrients was least (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for CS, and greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for BCM20 in CP and NDF, only, where BCM10 and CSM did not differ. Digestibility of DM, OM, and ADF was less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in BCM10, greater in BCM20, while CSM did not differ between BCM10 and BCM20. Carinata supplemented at 10% diet DM performed similarly to cottonseed meal in backgrounding beef heifers fed a corn silage-based diet, thereby enhancing its value in the southeastern U.S.