Acid Detergent Fiber Fractions Research Articles

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Sea Buckthorn Leaves.

Sea buckthorn leaves (SBT_LVs) form notable by-product during harvesting and post-harvest management of the berries. It is already known that sea buckthorn berries are important for their chemical composition and based on this, they occupy a wide field in nutrition. SBT_LVs also have a rich chemical composition, like the berries. The aim of this study was to describe these by-products in the context of protein and complex carbohydrates-dietary fiber fractions, including qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids. Proximate composition, amino acids, nutritional values of the protein, and dietary fiber fractions of SBT_LVs of four cultivars (cvs.) Ascola, Habego, Hergo, and Leikora were assessed. SBT_LVs from different years of the study had statistically different levels of crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE), confirming that the quality of the raw material (leaves) can be significantly modified by habitat conditions. The largest fraction of dietary fiber was neutral detergent fiber (NDF), including the sum of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, followed by the acid detergent fiber fraction (ADF), consisting of lignin and cellulose. The content of essential amino acids in SBT_LV protein was high. Overall, this study confirms that SBT_LVs hold promise as a valuable resource for use as a food ingredient, functional food, and dietary supplement for both humans and animals.

Enhancing the nutritional quality and digestibility of citronella waste (Cymbopogon nardus) for ruminant feed through ammoniation and fermentation techniques.

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) waste, produced by distilling citronella to produce essential oil, has a high potential for use as animal feed. However, the presence of high lignin content could limit its digestibility, prompting the need for treatment to improve its quality. This study aimed to improve the nutritional value and in vitro digestibility of ammoniated and fermented citronella waste (CW). The treatments of CW included CW without treatment as a control (T0), ammoniation of CW with urea (T1), fermentation of CW with Trichoderma harzianum (T2), and a combination of ammoniation and fermentation (amofer) of CW (T3). This study employed a randomized block design with five replicates for each of the four treatments. If there was a significant effect (p < 0.05), a post hoc Duncan's multiple range test was performed to analyze the variance of the data. The process of ammoniation and fermentation led to a notable increase in crude protein (2%-6%) while decreasing crude fiber (2%-6%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (5%-14%), acid detergent fiber (ADF) (5%-9%), lignin (4%-9%), and cellulose (2%-10%). The treatments enhanced the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter (OM), NH3, and total volatile fatty acid by 4%-12%, 6%-19%, 0.9-10 mM, and 35-142 mM, respectively. The decrease in NDF, ADF, acid detergent lignin (ADL), and cellulose fractions was accompanied by an improvement in dry matter and OM digestibility in CW. Ammoniated-fermented (amofer) CW, followed by fermentation with T. harzianum and ammoniated urea treatment, significantly enhanced the nutritional content and in vitro digestibility. The decrease in NDF, ADF, ADL, and cellulose fractions led to an improvement in dry matter and OM digestibility in CW. The application of amofer treatment with T. harzianum maximizes CW's nutritional value and digestibility, making it the most efficient preservation method. Research is needed to explore the potential use of Aspergillus spp. and Pleurotus spp. for fermenting CW as ruminant fodder.

Nutritional Status of Wood Melick (Melica uniflora Retz.) in a Natural Forest Stand in South-Western Poland

Melica uniflora Retz., commonly known as wood melick, is a grass species that is native to most of Europe. Melica uniflora grows in hardwood forests near Fagus species, providing vital food and shelter for forest wildlife. The nutritional status of wood melick is not sufficiently recognized. The study aims to identify the intrapopulation variability of Melica uniflora plants collected from natural forest habitats in Poland in terms of nutritional status variability in relation to stage development and the course of weather conditions. The research was conducted for two consecutive years: 2021 and 2022, in the area of the Ślęża Massif, near the town of Sobótka in Lower Silesia voivodeship (Poland). The material for analyses was collected from 10 natural forest sites twice: in July (I) and October (II). The content of nutritive components: crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) was evaluated. Relative feed value (RFV), dry matter digestibility (DDM), dry matter intake (DMI), cellulose (CL), and hemicellulose (HCL) content were calculated based on ADF and NDF. Melica uniflora plants contained 75.2 g·kg−1 DM of CP, 290.6 g·kg−1 DM of CF, 120.0 g·kg−1 DM of CA, and 25.9 g·kg−1 DM of WSC. The content of NDF was 637.6 g·kg−1 DM, ADF 407.5 g·kg−1 DM, and ADL 58.0 g·kg−1 DM. The nutritional status of wood melick depended on the course of weather conditions in the following years and its location, which changed during the growing season. Plants collected in the first year of the study contained more CL, NDF, and ADF fractions and less CA, ADL, and WSC. Melica uniflora plants harvested in June were characterized by higher CP (102.1 g·kg−1 DM) and WSC (30.1 g·kg−1 DM) content and lower content of remaining nutrients. It can be concluded that Melica uniflora plants can be a valuable source of these nutrients in the forage of forest animals.

Determination of the ADF and IVOMD Content of Sugarcane Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics

Sugarcane is a plant whose quality parameters are required to be determined both for being one of the substances used in sugar production and for being used as animal feed. Near-infrared spectroscopy is a technique that has already been used for predicting the parameters of various plants and has gained popularity in recent years. This study proposes a near-infrared spectroscopy-based model for the rapid and effortless analysis of acid detergent fiber fraction and vitro organic matter digestibility parameters of the sugarcane plant. Partial least squares regression was combined with common preprocessing methods for modeling. This model yielded an R2CV value of 0.935 and 0.953 for the acid detergent fiber fraction and vitro organic matter digestibility parameters, respectively. Then, the spectra from three handheld spectrometers were combined using a proposed combination method to generate new spectra with higher spectral resolution. New models were built using these generated spectra and compared to the previous result. Obtained results showed that combining spectra from different spectrometers can improve model performance.

In situ ruminal degradability and fermentation characteristics of novel mixtures of winter cereal and Italian ryegrass plus winter cereal silages

This study was conducted using three multiparous non-lactating rumen-cannulated Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, with the objective of evaluating the in situ ruminal degradability and fermentation characteristics of novel mixtures of winter cereal and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) plus winter cereal silages (mixture A: triticale, oats, barley and wheat; mixture B: triticale, barley and wheat; mixture C: Italian ryegrass and oats; mixture D: Italian ryegrass, oats, triticale, barley and wheat). The rumen fermentation study was conducted replacing the ensiled mixtures (experimental diets) with vetch-triticale haylage in a total mixed ration (control diet). It was found that the effective protein degradability at 0.08 rumen outflow rates was 80.6% (mixture A), 66.2% (mixture B), 79.7% (mixture C) and 79.3% (mixture D). The effective neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) effective degradability at 0.08 rumen outflow rates was 18.0% and 17.7% (mixture A), 19.7% and 20.5% (mixture B), 19.1% and 17.0% (mixture C), and 15.2% and 14.6% (mixture D), respectively. Different dietary treatments did not change (P &amp;gt; 0.05) the rumen fermentation characteristics as there was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between control and experimental diets, and the inclusion of 40–55% Italian ryegrass (mixture C and D) did not cause any difference. These results suggest that the mixture of winter cereals and Italian ryegrass plus winter cereal-based silages had good potentially degradable dry matter, effective dry matter and effective protein degradability at 0.01, 0.05 and 0.08 rumen outflow rates without affecting the rumen environment maintaining neutral pH. The ensiled mixtures had a moderate level of potentially degradable NDF and ADF fractions.

Rapid and Cost-Effective Assessment of the Neutral and Acid Detergent Fiber Fractions of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by Combining Modified PLS and Visible with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

The near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with modified partial least squares (modified PLS) regression was used for determining the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and the acid detergent fiber (ADF) fractions of the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seed. Fifty chickpea accessions (24 desi and 26 kabuli types) and fifty recombinant inbred lines F5:6 derived from a kabuli × desi cross were evaluated for NDF and ADF, and scanned by NIRS. NDF and ADF values were regressed against different spectral transformations by modified partial least squares regression. The coefficients of determination in the cross-validation and the standard deviation from the standard error of cross-validation ratio were, for NDF, 0.91 and 3.37, and for ADF, 0.98 and 6.73, respectively, showing the high potential of NIRS to assess these components in chickpea for screening (NDF) or quality control (ADF) purposes. The spectral information provided by different chromophores existing in the chickpea seed highly correlated with the NDF and ADF composition of the seed, and, thus, those electronic transitions are highly influenced on model fitting for fiber.

Losses and grass silage quality in bunker silos compacted by tractor versus wheel loader

The study aimed to explore whether an increase in bunker silage density obtained by turning to a heavier packing machine than a farm size tractor would reduce losses and improve grass silage quality and aerobic stability. At each of three harvests, two bunkers were packed with either a 14.5 t wheel loader (WL) or an 8.3 t tractor (T). For comparison with the bunker silages, silage was produced simultaneously in round bales with high and low chamber pressure and wrapped immediately or after delay, and in laboratory silos.Compaction with WL increased silage dry matter (DM) density by 9 % compared with T, from 204 to 222 kg DM/m3. On average for three harvests, DM recovered as silage, or lost, was almost identical for the two packing treatments, with 870 g/kg of harvested DM recovered as feed offered to animals, 55 g/kg as wasted silage, and 75 g/kg as invisible losses due to respiration, effluent, fermentation and aerobic deterioration. However, in the harvest with lowest crop DM content, 266 g/kg, invisible DM losses with WL exceeded losses with T by 46 g/kg, of which the main portion was assumed to be caused by more effluent squeezed out by the WL. In the harvest with highest crop DM, 332 g/kg, invisible DM losses with T exceeded losses with WL by 43 g/kg, of which the main portion was assumed to be caused by poorer compaction with T, and therefore higher respiration and aerobic deterioration losses. Wasted silage DM was lower in bales than in bunkers (P = 0.004). The proportion of offered silage DM from poorly compacted bales sealed after delay (867 g/kg) was similar to that of bunkers, whereas the proportion of offered silage DM from well compacted and immediately sealed bales (963 g/kg) was similar to that of laboratory silos.Significant increases in protein bound in the neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber fractions were found in bales sealed after delay where temperatures had rised to 47 °C at wrapping. Similar levels of fiber bound protein were found in bunker silage, suggesting that they were also heated during filling. Spot samples from bunker silo shoulders were more infected by yeasts, moulds and Clostridium tyrobutyricum than samples from mid in bunkers and from bales. No differences in losses, silage composition or aerobic stability were observed between bunker silo packing with WL or T on average over three harvests.

Yield and nutritive value of maize (Zea mays L.) forage as affected by plant density, sowing date and age at harvest

The current study was carried out in Alexandria, Egypt and investigated the effect of sowing date; 1st May, 1st July, and 1st September 2017 and 2018, and age at harvest; 45, 55 and 65 days after sowing (DAS) on yield and quality of maize green forage grown with three plant densities (120, 160, and 200 kg ha–1). Sowing at 1st of May produced the highest significant amount of fresh yield (41.51 t ha–1 in average). Sowing at 1st of July resulted in the production of significantly lower yield (24.54 t ha–1 in average), however, higher dry matter content (175.99 g kg–1 in average), compared to sowing at 1st of May (143.62 g kg–1 in average). A pronounced increase in fresh yield was observed when maize was harvested at 55 DAS (30.89 t ha–1 in average) compared to harvesting at 45 DAS (22.92 t ha–1 in average). Meanwhile, the increase in fresh yield from 55 DAS to 65 DAS was non-significant. The effect of sowing date on quality parameters was greatly dependent on the age of plant at harvest. Harvesting maize green forage at 65 DAS, reflecting an advanced stage of maturity, caused a significant reduction in the crude protein (CP), and a significant increase in the neutral and acid detergent fibre fractions (NDF and ADF), resulting in a decline in the digestible organic matter (DOM). Plant density exerted non-significant influence on the fresh yield and DM content, minimal effect on the CP content, while the effect on the NDF and ADF contents was dependent on the age at harvest. The lignin content (ADL) of the herbage significantly decreased with increasing the plant density. Variations in the DOM were most dependent on the variations in CP content, followed by the variations in ADF and ADL contents. In conclusion, it is recommended to grow green forage maize twice a season on the 1st of May and 1st of July, with intermediate plant density (160 kg ha–1), and harvest it not later than 55 DAS to achieve the optimum balance between herbage productivity and nutritive value.

Growth performance and hematology of Djallonké rams fed haulms of four varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

The study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of the haulms of 4 dual-purpose groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties and their effects on the growth and hematology of Djallonké rams. The groundnut varieties were ICGV 97049 (Obolo), ICGX SM 87057 (Yenyawoso), RMP 12 (Azivivi) and Manipinta. Rams (live weight 15.0 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 sole groundnut haulm meal (GHM) treatments, with 4 rams each in an individual pen per treatment (total n = 16 rams). Samples of the groundnut haulms were milled and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The CP concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in Azivivi, Manipinta and Yenyawoso than in Obolo. The highest (P < 0.05) NDF and ADF fractions were obtained in Obolo. Whilst no significant difference was reported in total and daily dry matter (DM) intake among the varieties, CP, NDF and ADF intake all differed between Obolo and other varieties. The apparent nutrient digestibility did not differ (P > 0.05) when the Djallonké rams were fed the haulms. However, significant differences were observed in final live weight and average daily live weight gain. Rams fed the Yenyawoso variety had higher (P < 0.05) final live weight and average daily live weight gain compared with those fed Obolo and Azivivi varieties. Consumption of any of the 4 varieties of groundnut haulms by Djallonké rams did not have any harmful effect on their red and white blood cell numbers and hemoglobin concentration. The study revealed that the different varieties of groundnut haulms differ in nutrient composition and also affect the growth performance of the rams. The Yenyawoso variety may be used as a sole diet for fattening Djallonké rams.

Cell wall fractions in the biomass of Dactylis glomerata and Festuca pratensis

&lt;p&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;purpose&lt;/strong&gt; of this paper is to determine the changes in the concentration of different fractions in the cell wall of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; growing on both mineral and organic soil with different harvesting times. This paper has drawn on two field experiments set up and carried out between 2010 and 2013 by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Słupia Wielka. The experimental plots were sown with varieties of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt;: Niva, Tukan, Amila, Crown Royale and with varieties of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt;: Limosa, Pasja, Anturka, Amelka (d. AND 1009). The experiment in Krzyżewo was set up on mineral soil. In Uhnin the experimental plots were located on peat meadow. The full exploitation of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; varieties was due between 2012 and 2013, whereas for &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; it was due between 2011 and 2012. In the experimental plots with the varieties of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; the grass was harvested six times a year and chemical analysis of the biomass was done taking dry matter only from five cuts. The varieties of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; were harvested four times. Each year in the course of the experiment fresh and dry matter of each cut were weighed. The obtained results showed that the time of the harvest or cut for both of the grass species showed significantly different concentrations of the neutral detergent fiber fraction (NDF), acid detergent fiber fraction (ADF) and different concentrations of lignin and cellulose. For both of the grass species, plants harvested in the fourth cut had the highest content of different cell wall fractions. The location, that is the type of soil, affected the concentration of lignin (ADL), but only in the case of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt;. A higher concentration of this polysaccharide was in the grass growing on organic soil.&lt;/p&gt;

Determination and prediction of the digestible and metabolisable energy content of barley for growing pigs based on chemical composition

ABSTRACTThis experiment was conducted to define the sources of variation determining the energy content of barley and to develop a practical method to predict the digestible energy (DE) and metabolisable energy (ME) content of individual barley samples. The 19 barley samples used in this study were diverse varieties grown in different regions. The feeding experiment used 57 barrows (initial body weight 31.5 ± 3.2 kg) and was conducted over two consecutive periods (n = 6 per treatment) using a completely randomised design. During each period, the pigs were placed in metabolic crates for a 5-d total collection of faeces and urine following a 10-d adaptation to the diets. Among the barley samples, on dry matter (DM) basis the levels of neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein and starch ranged from 16.1% to 38.9%, 3.9% to 9.6%, 10.1% to 16.8% and 43.5% to 57.9%, respectively. The mean determined DE and ME contents amounted to 14.7 and 14.4 MJ/kg DM and varied among the samples by 1.85 MJ (13.6%) and 1.78 MJ (13.3%), respectively. The ADF fraction accounted for 73% and 76% of the total variation in the DE and ME content, respectively. It revealed that for prediction of the DE and ME contents in barley, equations had the best fit when the analysed contents of ADF, neutral detergent fibre and gross energy were used for calculation (R2 = 0.92). On the basis of the developed equations, the DE and ME contents of barley of different origin can be predicted with an acceptable accuracy when used as feed for growing pigs.

Effects of species and maturity stage on nutritional and fermentation characteristics of Sarcobatus species

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of maturity stage and species on nutritional and rumen fermentation characteristics of two species of greasewood, Black [Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook) Torr], and Bailey [Sarcobatus baileyi (Coville) Jepson]. Crude protein (CP) content of both species for all stages ranged from 114.1 to 204.8g/kg, which is greater than the maintenance requirement of cattle. Highest CP content (204.8g/kg, P=0.045) was observed for Black greasewood pre-bloom. Highest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin (sa) fractions (311.3 and 103.9g/kg, P<0.05, respectively) were recorded for Bailey post-bloom, while the lowest ADF and Lignin (sa) fractions (163.4g/kg and 36.3g/kg, P<0.05, respectively) were obtained for Black greasewood pre-bloom stage. In vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and organic matter (IVOMD) disappearance, ammonia nitrogen (NH3N), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) content were determined at the end of a 48h incubation period. Black greasewood was higher (409.0 vs. 366.1g/kg; P=0.006) in IVOMD than Bailey greasewood. The pre-bloom stage yielded more (P=0.015) IVOMD than the bloom and post-bloom stages. No IVOMD difference was observed between bloom and post-bloom stages. Rumen ammonia nitrogen was highest (32.13mg/100ml; P=0.005) for Black greasewood pre-bloom. Total VFA was significantly affected by species and maturity. The highest total VFA content was observed for both species pre-bloom. Total VFA remained the same for Black greasewood at bloom and post-bloom stages, while it declined significantly with increased maturity for Bailey. Based on this study Black greasewood has greater potential than Bailey greasewood as a late summer and early fall forage source in salt desert shrub plant communities of the Great Basin.

Physiological and production responses of four grasses from the genera Urochloa and Megathyrsus to shade from Melia azedarach L.

This research investigated the effect of shade from Melia azedarach L. on the physiology, production, and forage quality of Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzania and cv. Mombaza, and the Urochloa hybrids Oaxaca and Yacare. Evaluations were made during the rainy (August 2013) and windy (February 2014) seasons under sun and shade. Mombaza and Tanzania produced more forage biomass (4683 ± 4529 and 4279 ± 4745 kg DM ha−1 harvest−1; P < 0.05) than hybrids, and there was more biomass during the rainy (8236 ± 4257 kg DM ha−1 harvest−1; P < 0.0001) than the windy season, although biomass declined by 44 % (P < 0.05) under shade. Leaf crude protein was similar among grasses (P = 0.516), although Mombaza and Tanzania had higher neutral detergent (49.2 and 50.2 %, respectively; P < 0.05) and acid detergent fiber fractions (34.4 and 34.1 %, respectively; P < 0.05), making them less digestible (61.7 and 61.6 %, respectively; P < 0.05) than the hybrids. Overall, nutritional quality increased during the windy season (P < 0.05) and under shade (P < 0.05). Assimilation of CO2 was greater during the rainy season (P < 0.0001) and under sun (19.1 ± 8.2 vs. 8.6 ± 4.4 µmol m−2 s−1; P < 0.05). The most favorable conditions for biomass production occurred during the rainy season, although nutritional quality was better during the windy season. Shade affects photosynthetic rate and production, and promotes the nutritional quality of all grasses. Oaxaca and Yacare appear to be more adapted to shade by responding with greater production stability and better forage nutritive quality.

Passage of stable isotope-labeled grass silage fiber and fiber-bound protein through the gastrointestinal tract of dairy cows

Fractional passage rates are required to predict nutrient absorption in ruminants but data on nutrient-specific passage kinetics are largely lacking. With the use of the stable isotope ratio (δ) as an internal marker, we assessed passage kinetics of fiber and fiber-bound nitrogen (N) of intrinsically labeled grass silage from fecal and omasal excretion patterns of δ13C and δ15N. In a 6×6 Latin square, lactating dairy cows received grass silages [455g/kg of total diet dry matter (DM) ] in a 2×3 factorial arrangement from ryegrass swards fertilized at low (45kg of N/ha) or high (90kg of N/ha) levels of N and harvested at 3 maturity stages. Feed intake (16.7±0.48kg of DM/d; mean ± standard error of the mean) and milk yield (26.7±0.92kg/d) increased at the high level of N fertilization and at decreasing maturity. Nutrient digestibility decreased with increasing plant maturity, particularly at the high level of N fertilization, essentially reflecting dietary treatment effects on the nutritional composition of the grass silage. Fractional rumen passage rates (K1) were highest and total mean retention time in the gastrointestinal tract (TMRT) was lowest when based on the external marker chromium mordanted fiber (Cr-NDF; 0.047/h and 38.0h, respectively). Fecal δ13C in the acid detergent fiber fraction (13CADF) provided the lowest K1 (0.023/h) and the highest TMRT (61.1h) and highest peak concentration time (PCT; 24.3h) among markers. In comparison, fecal fiber-bound N (15NADF) had a considerably higher K1 (0.032/h) and lower TMRT (46.4h) than 13CADF. Total N (measured with 15NDM) had a comparable K1 (0.034/h) to that of 15NADF but provided the highest fractional passage rates from the proximal colon-cecum (K2; 0.37/h) and lowest PCT (17.4h) among markers. A literature review indicated unclear effects of grass silage maturity on K1 and unknown effects of N fertilization on K1. Our study indicated no effect of advancing maturity on fecal K1 and a trend for K1 to increase with the high level of N fertilization. Parameter K2 increased, whereas PCT and TMRT generally decreased with the high level of N fertilization. Omasal digesta sampling largely confirmed results based on fecal sampling. Results indicate that the use of δ13C and δ15N can describe fiber-specific passage kinetics of forage.

Nutritive value, fermentation characteristics, and in situ disappearance kinetics of sorghum silage treated with inoculants

Fibrolytic enzymes and microbial inoculants have the potential to improve the value of sorghum feedstuff and feedstock. An experiment was conducted to determine nutritive value, ensiling characteristics, and in situ disappearance kinetics of 4 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) silage varieties: Dairy Master BMR (DBMR; brown midrib; Richardson Seed, Vega, TX), PS 747 (PS; photoperiod sensitive; Pogue Seed, Kenedy, TX), Silo 700D (S700D; conventional forage type; Richardson Seed), and MMR 381/73 (MMR; conventional forage type; Richardson Seed) pretreated with fibrolytic enzyme (xylanase plus cellulase, XC; 50:50 mixture of Cellulase Plus and Xylanase Plus; Dyadic, Juniper, FL) or microbial [Promote ASB (Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus plantarum); Cargill Animal Nutrition, Indianapolis, IN; PRO] inoculants. The greatest yield was for cultivar PS and the least for MMR. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration was least for XC-treated silage, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentration was least for XC- and PRO-treated silage. When silage was treated with XC, concentrations of NDF concentrations decreased, on average, 4.81% across all cultivars and ADF concentrations decreased, on average, 3.23% in all cultivars except MMR. Inoculant PRO reduced the NDF concentration of DBMR by 6.47%. The ADF concentrations of DBMR and PS treated with PRO were decreased by 3.25%. Treating sorghum silage with XC or PRO reduced the NDF and ADF fractions, which increased cell wall degradability. In vitro true digestibility was greatest for PRO-treated DBMR, whereas acid detergent lignin was least for PRO-treated DBMR. Aerobic stability was not improved by PRO; however, aerobic stability of XC-treated MMR was 63h greater than that of the control. Acetate concentrations were greatest for XC-treated MMR, which explains the 63-h improvement in aerobic stability due to the inhibition of fungi. However, inoculant PRO did not improve yeast and mold counts or aerobic stability of sorghum silage compared with the control, which may be due to the lesser acetate concentrations, especially of PRO-treated S700D silage. Generally, in situ disappearance kinetics were improved with the application of XC and PRO, and XC had the greatest effect on silage with greater NDF and ADF concentrations.

KECERNAAN IN SACCO HIJAUAN LEGUMINOSA DAN HIJAUAN NON- LEGUMINOSA DALAM RUMEN SAPI PERANAKAN ONGOLE

&lt;p&gt;This study was aimed to explore the optimum potential of forage and the degradation rate the rumen of nutrient of forage (legume and non legume) derived different forage fodder used farmers. Seven forages i.e. Gliricidia (GL),&lt;br /&gt;Manilkara (SW), Sesbania (TP), Ficus (BR), Calothyrsus (KL), Jackfruit (NG), and Cacao leaves (CO), were used in this experiment. Samples were incubated in the rumen of fistulated cattle with different time intervals, namely 2, 4, 8,&lt;br /&gt;12, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The collected data were the nutrient digestibility residues in rumen, including dried matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Data&lt;br /&gt;were analyzed using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). From the calculation of in sacco rumen, it was obtained the degradation theory (DT) values of DM : GL 60.06%; SW 34.78%; TP 73.96%; BR 41.40%; KL 43.80%; NG 43.67%; and CO 28.67%. From in sacco rumen calculation, it was obtained the DT values of OM : GL 59.13%; SW 32.74%; TP 73.07%; BR 42.83%; KL 44.18%; NG 45.04%; and CO 26.80%. Calculation of in sacco rumen showed the DT values of CP : GL 66.14%; SW 32.49%; TP 81.46%; BR 42.89%; KL 31.84%; NG 47.05%; and CO 29.46%. The calculation of in sacco rumen, it was obtained the DT values of NDF: GL 46.84%; SW 46.59%; TP 56.69%; BR 44.18%; KL 23.01%; NG 30.07%; and CO 55.43%. From the calculation of in sacco rumen, it was obtained the DT&lt;br /&gt;values of ADF: GL 61.27%; SW 43.95%; TP 56.53%; BR 40.11%; KL 21.08%; NG 44.66%; and CO 69.15%. There were significant differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) on the degradation of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF. It is concluded that not all of legume has higher DT values of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF fraction than non-legume. There is a tendency that the longer retention time in the rumen, the higher degradation rate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(Keywords: Legume, Non-legume, In sacco rumen)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Responses of herbage and cattle tail switch hair δ15N value to long-term stocking rates on a rough fescue grassland

The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of δ15N in herbage and cattle tail switch hair to long-term grazing pressure on a rough fescue grassland (Festuca campestris Rydb.) near Stavely, Alberta, Canada. Cattle have grazed the paddocks from 15 May to 15 November annually since 1949. Stocking rates were 0, 2.4 and 4.8 animal unit months ha−1 for non-grazing (Control), moderate grazing (MG) and heavy grazing (HG), respectively. Green standing crop (GSC) was sampled monthly throughout the grazing season in 2007. The GSC was fractioned into neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and their total nitrogen (TN) concentration and δ15N values in NDF, ADF and GSC were determined. Tail switch hair samples from cows (>2 years old) and calves (<1 year) were collected at the end of the grazing season in 2007 and 2008 and analysed for δ15N values. The TN concentrations in NDF and δ15N values in herbage NDF and ADF fractions were higher (P < 0.05) in MG and HG than the Control, and decreased over the grazing season. The δ15N values in tail hair also decreased (P < 0.05) over the grazing season but were not affected by grazing intensity. However, as expected, δ15N values in tail hair increased with herbage δ15N values. The δ15N values in tail hair were enriched by +5.2‰ compared to herbage δ15N values in 2007. Changes in δ15N value in GSC and cattle hair reflect the influence of grazing practices on N cycles through the animal/plant/soil system on this rough fescue grassland.

Effects of a dual-purpose bacterial inoculant on the fermentation characteristics of high-moisture maize silage and dairy cattle performance

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inoculating Lactisil Maize, a dual-purpose inoculant, on the fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of high-moisture maize silage and the performance of lactating cows receiving the silage in their diets. Whole-crop maize was harvested at 253 g dry matter (DM)/kg fresh crop. Maize silage was produced with or without Lactisil Maize and ensiled in two different bunkers. Eight multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows were used in a replicated 2 × 2 Latin square experimental design and were fed total mixed rations that contained 230 g/kg of either inoculated or control maize silage. Inoculation did not affect the nutritive value or the aerobic stability of the maize silage, but increased the neutral detergent and acid detergent fibre fractions of the silage. However, inoculation increased the concentrations of acetic acid and lactic acid, but reduced ammonia N concentration compared to the control. Cows fed the Lactisil Maize-inoculated silage had a lower DM intake, milk yield, and yields of milk fat and milk protein were lower, compared to control. The digestibility of nutrients was not affected by inoculation. It was concluded that although Lactisil Maize inoculation improved the fermentation quality of high-moisture maize silage, it did not improve aerobic stability of the silage or the production performance of dairy cows compared to the control.

Effect of offering dairy cows diets differing in phosphorus concentration over four successive lactations: 2. Health, fertility, bone phosphorus reserves and nutrient utilisation

This experiment examined the long-term effects of offering diets containing low levels of dietary phosphorus (P) on dairy cow health, fertility and bone composition, and the effect of dietary P level on nutrient utilisation. One hundred winter-calving Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were offered diets containing either ‘high’ or ‘low’ levels of dietary P over a 4-year period. Rations offered during the winter included grass silage, maize silage (70 : 30 dry matter (DM) basis, approximately) and concentrates (10.0 to 12.0 kg/cow per day). During the summer periods in years 1 and 2, half of the cows grazed both day and night, while the remaining cows grazed by day, and were housed by night and offered grass silage. During years 3 and 4, all cows grazed both day and night during the summer period. Concentrate feed levels during the summer periods were 3.0 to 4.0 kg/cow per day. Different dietary P levels were achieved by offering concentrates containing either high or low P levels during the winter period (approximately 7.0 or 4.4 g P/kg DM, respectively) and during the summer period (approximately 6.8 or 3.6 g P/kg DM, respectively). Total ration P levels averaged 4.9 and 3.6 g P/kg DM for the high and low P winter diets, respectively, and 4.2 and 3.6 g P/kg DM for the high and low P summer diets, respectively. A total of 95, 70, 50 and 22 cows completed each of lactations from 1 to 4, respectively. Neither the incidence of lameness or mastitis, or milk somatic cell count, were affected by dietary P level (P > 0.05), while none of the fertility parameters recorded in any of lactations from 1 to 4 was affected by the dietary P level (P > 0.05). Dietary P level had no effect on the specific gravity, ash or calcium content of rib cortical bone cores (n = 78 cows), while the P content of cortical bone (g/kg fresh, g/kg DM and mg/ml fresh bone) was lower with cows offered low P diets (P < 0.05). Dietary P level had no significant effect on the digestibility of either the DM, nitrogen, energy or acid detergent fibre fraction of the diet (P > 0.05), while faecal P excretions were reduced by a mean of 27 g/cow per day with cows offered the low P diets during the winter period. The results of this study indicate that dietary P levels can be reduced to proportionately 0.8 (approximately) of current UK feeding standards (Agricultural and Food Research Council, 1991), with no detrimental effect on dairy cow health or fertility, while having only minor effects on bone composition.

Estimate of chitin in raw whole insects

Insects contain significant amounts of fiber as measured by crude fiber, acid detergent fiber (ADF) or neutral detergent fiber (NDF). It has always been assumed that the fiber in insects represents chitin based on the structural similarity between cellulose and chitin and the fact that the ADF fraction from insects contains nitrogen. In this study, a number of insect species that are raised commercially as food for insectivores were analyzed for moisture, crude protein (nitrogen x 6.25), fat, ash, NDF, ADF, and amino acids. Additionally, the ADF fraction was analyzed for nitrogen and amino acids to determine if proteins might be present in the ADF fraction. The ADF fraction contained a significant amount of amino acids accounting for 9.3-32.7% of the ADF (by weight). The presence of amino acids in the ADF fraction means that using ADF to estimate insect chitin results in an overestimation of insect chitin content. Using ADF adjusted for its amino acid content, the estimated chitin content of these insect species ranged from 2.7-49.8 mg/kg (as is) and 11.6-137.2 mg/kg (dry matter basis). Additionally, these data suggest that for the species measured here the amount of chitin nitrogen is quite small (as a % of total nitrogen) and that crude protein (nitrogen x 6.25) provides a reasonable estimate of the true protein for most species of insects. Zoo Biol 0:1-11, 2007. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.