Acid Detergent Fiber Research Articles

Сезонни промени на хранителната стойност на пасищният ресурс за едри преживни животни

The nutritional value of pastures can vary depending on the type of available vegetation, its quality and environmental conditions. The analysis of the samples was carried out in the laboratory of the Agricultural Institute - Stara Zagora, using Infrared technology for analysis of feed and components - NIRS DS 2500 - monochromator, with a scanning range of 850 - 2500 nanometers. The following quality indicators were determined: Dry matter, %, Protein, %, Starch, %, Ash, %, ADF, % and NDF, % to available moisture. In the spring season, the dry matter is 23.76%, in the summer it is 29.89% and in the winter it is 68.04%. The protein varies from 6.75% in spring to 3.64% in autumn. In the summer we find 4.77%. The content of acid detergent fiber varies from 8.25 to 35.03%, with the highest value recorded in autumn - 35.03%. The results obtained in our study for neutral detergent fiber vary from 14.2% to 43.3% depending on the seasons. In summary, pastures offer a rich source of nutrients for ruminants, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Proper pasture management, such as appropriate planning, crop rotation and fertilization, can help optimize the nutritional composition of pastures and provide optimal rations for large ruminants. The results obtained were processed variationally - statistically using the software product SYSTAT 12 © Copyright 2007, SYSTAT Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved and STATSOFT Statistics for Windows 10. The aim of this study is to establish seasonal changes in the nutritional value of pasture resources for large ruminants. Meadow and pasture production, which is used for direct consumption by animals or for obtaining hay for manure feeding, is indirectly related to this problem.

The Influence of Competition Between Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Trifolium pratense L., Grown in Simple Mixtures, on the Quality of the Fodder

The aim of this research carried out in the period 2021–2023 was to analyse the influence of competitiveness between Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Trifolium pratense L., cultivated in simple mixtures, on the quality of the fodder obtained, under the conditions of the northern Romanian forest steppe. In the experiment organized at the Ezăreni Student Research and Practice Station of Iasi University for Life Sciences, at an altitude of 117 m, with coordinates 47°07′27″ N latitude and 27°30′25″ E longitude, on a cambic chernozem soil, with 2.40% humus, 0.178% Nt, 26 ppm PAL and 242 ppm K in the 0–30 cm layer, two factors were studied, namely the cultivation system used, with five graduations: a1—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (100%—control); a2—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (75%) and Trifolium pratense L. (25%); a3—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (50%) and Trifolium pratense L. (50%); a4—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) and Trifolium pratense L. (75%); and a5—Trifolium pratense L. (100%), and mineral fertilization, with five graduations, respectively: b1—unfertilized (control), b2—N50P50; b3—N75P75; b4—N100P100; and b5—N150P150. The obtained results showed that the process of interspecific competitiveness was greatly influenced by the percentage of participation in the sowing norm of the species in the mixture and the biological peculiarities of the species under study, as well as the climatic conditions specific to each agricultural year, with consequences for the quality of the feed. The crude protein quantity (QCP) obtained in the mixture of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) and Trifolium pratense L. (75%), fertilized with N150P150, was higher by 788.7 kg·ha−1 than that in the control variant, represented by the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. species (100%), unfertilized. The lowest values of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and ADF (acid detergent fiber) were recorded in the variants where the Trifolium pratense L. species was present and low doses of mineral fertilizers were used, determining a better quality of the forage. In the third year of vegetation, relative forage quality (RFQ) had values of 113.7 in the variant represented by the mixture of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) + Trifolium pratense L. (75%), unfertilized, and only 91.2 in the variant represented by the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. species (100%), fertilized with N150P150.

Frequent Irrigation Under Increasing Doses of Stabilized Sewage Sludge in The Soil Increases the Yield and Quality of Silage Maize

Achieving higher efficiency and better quality production with appropriate irrigation regimes in silage maize cultivation in soils mixed with urban sludge is a requirement of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, a two-year field study was carried out with three replicates with four different sewage sludge doses (D0: 0 t/ha, D1: 30 t/ha, D2: 60 t/ha, and D3: 90 t/ha), and three different irrigation regimes (S1, S2, and S3). In the S1, S2 and S3 regimes, when the sum of (Reference evapotranspiration - Effective rainfall) was 25 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm, respectively, irrigation was carried out and the soil moisture deficit was completed to the field capacity. Considering the two-year average, increasing sewage sludge dose and frequent irrigation significantly increased fresh and dry biomass yields and crude protein, while decreasing acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The fresh biomass yield in D3 treatment was 12.4%, 20.6%, and 42.1% higher than D2, D1, and D0, respectively. ADF in D3 was 5.6%, 2.1% and 1.7% lower than D0, D1 and D2, respectively, while NDF was 4.4%, 3.7% and 2.1% lower. D3 treatment increased the crude protein value by 27.3%, 15.5% and 7.7% compared to D0, D1 and D2 treatments, respectively. S1 provided 12.9% and 28.3% higher fresh biomass yield compared to S2 and S3. ADF value in S1 was 0.69% and 2.4% lower than S2 and S3, respectively, and NDF value was 0.86% lower compared to S3. There was a positive linear relationship with a high correlation between fresh and dry biomass yields. It could be concluded that D3-S1 treatment is the most effective practice for higher and quality yields, and followed by D3-S2 treatment.

Nutritional potential value of Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers., La-blab purpureus (L.) Sweet, and Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek in two sowing methods

Objective: To evaluate the agronomic performance and nutritional potential of Sesbania grandiflora, Lablab purpureus, and Vigna radiata in two sowing methods. Design/methodology/approach: The morphological and bromatological parameters of leaves and stems of S. grandiflora, L. purpureus, and V. radiata sown flat and in beds were determined. The forages of leaves and stems of the three species were classified according to their quality parameters. Data for morphological and bromatological parameters were analyzed with a completely randomized design with a 3x2 factorial arrangement and least squares means were compared with Tukey (p<0.05). Results: Sesbania grandiflora in flat and bed sowing presented greater height, higher percentage of leaf dry matter, and percentage of stem dry matter. While V. radiata in flat sowing presented greater plant weight, leaf weight and stem weight. Sesbania grandiflora leaf forages in flat and bed sowing obtained a higher percentage of crude protein, while V. radiata in flat and bed sowing obtained a lower percentage of neutral detergent fiber. For stem forage, the three species in flat and bed sowing presented high percentage values of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. The leaf forages in bed sowing were classified as excellent quality, as were the leaf forages of S. grandiflora and V. radiata in flat sowing, which also had excellent quality. Findings/conclusions: The forage of S. grandiflora leaves in flat and bed sowing was of excellent quality, related to its higher percentage of dry matter and crude protein and its lower percentage of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber.

Chemical composition, rumen fermentation kinetics, and degradability of cassava stem hay ammoniated with urea using the in vitro gas production technique

ABSTRACT A completely randomised design was adopted with five treatments urea levels of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% of dry matter and five replicates per treatment. The fermentation products were analysed using an in vitro semiautomatic gas production technique. Ammoniation had a significant linear effect on DM, NDF, hemicellulose, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen. Ammoniation had a positive linear effect on crude protein (CP) content; increasing urea by 1% caused an increase in CP by 5.19 g kg−1 DM. The gas production based on DM, OM, and NDF decreased linearly with increasing urea for every 1% urea added to the hay, there was a reduction in gas production of 1.40, 3.27, and 4.21 ml/g DM, OM, and NDF, respectively. The concentration of methane decreased linearly with urea dose; for each 1% reduction in urea, there was a 0.15, 0.34, and 0.41 ml/g reduction in methane concentration during the degradation of DM, OM, and NDF, respectively. Ammoniation with 8% urea improved the chemical composition of cassava stem hay and decreased methane production.

Characterization and synergistic activity of heterologously expressed microbial-derived endoglucanase and bifunctional cellulase on wheat straw

Cellulases are divided into endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase based on their catalytic activity. Eight cellulases were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 to investigate their effects on the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw. Among them, cellulase 2006 exhibited the highest endoglucanase activity (432.25 U/mg), while Bf1 displayed superior exoglucanase and β-glucosidase activities (577.46 and 1991.63 U/mg respectively). Bioinformatic and enzymatic analyses revealed that both cellulases displayed notable thermal and pH stability. The enzyme kinetics parameters revealed that Km values for cellulases 2006 and Bf1 were 15.98 and 14.19 mg/mL, respectively, with Vmax values of 20.78 and 16.38 μmol/min/mg. In a prokaryotic co-expression system, the mixed cellulase Bf2006 exhibited endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase activities (130.78, 1406.36, and 1119.25 U/mg, respectively). The enzymatic hydrolysis assay revealed that these three cellulases acted on the cellulose macromolecules in wheat straw, increasing reducing sugar content and decreasing crystallinity. Endoglucanase 2006 acted on various organic compounds rich in phenols and aromatic heterocycles, while Bf1 primarily acted on compounds containing glucose units. Bf2006 significantly affected the content of lignin, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and the microstructure of wheat straw, with degradation products primarily consisting of disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycosides, and other carbohydrates. This study provides theoretical guidance for the production and application of mixed cellulase Bf2006, serving as a reference for the industrial use of different cellulase types.

Meta-analysis of dietary supplementation with flavonoids in small ruminants: Growth performance, antioxidant status, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and meat quality

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with flavonoids on growth performance, antioxidant status, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and meat quality of small ruminants through a meta-analytic approach. The data used in the meta-analysis were extracted from 29 scientific articles identified through systematic searches following the PRISMA methodology. Der-Simonian and Laird, random effects models, were used to assess effect sizes using weighted mean differences. Dietary supplementation with flavonoids increased (P < 0.05) dry matter intake, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, hot carcass yield, Longissimus dorsi muscle area, and backfat thickness. In contrast, the feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary flavonoid supplementation. Dietary supplementation with flavonoids increased (P < 0.001) the serum concentration of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity but decreased (P < 0.001) the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber increased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary flavonoid supplementation. Dietary supplementation with flavonoids decreased (P < 0.001) the ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen and increased (P < 0.001) the ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids and acetate. Dietary supplementation with flavonoids decreased (P < 0.001) cooking loss, shear force, and MDA in meat. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with flavonoids can be used as a nutritional strategy to improve growth performance, antioxidant status in blood serum, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and meat quality in small ruminants.

Novel strategy to understand the bacteria-enzyme synergy action regulates the ensiling performance of wheat straw silage by multi-omics analysis.

Ensiling technology shows promise for preserving and providing high-quality forage. However, the high polymeric content and compact properties of fiber result in low biodigestibility. This study aimed to evaluate the use of ensiling technology for storing wheat straw. It also analyzed changes in fermentation-related products, chemical components, bacterial communities, and metabolite profiles of wheat straw ensiled with or without cellulase or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum). The results showed that inoculation with L. plantarum, either alone or with cellulase, produced abundant organic acids, degraded fiber, suppressed most microbes, and increased certain metabolites in wheat straw silage. Wheat straw inoculated with L. plantarum, either alone or with cellulase, exhibited significantly lower neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents compared to the control treatment. Additionally, higher lactic acid and acetic acid contents were observed in these treatments. The microbiome analysis revealed that Lactobacillus was dominant, while Kosakonia was suppressed. Metabolic analysis showed a significant increase in amino acids, peptides, analogues, and organic acid derivatives. Overall, wheat straw inoculated with L. plantarum, either alone or with cellulase, produced well-preserved silage, providing new insights into recycling and utilizing wheat straw through bacterial-enzyme synergy.

Variation in Diet and Leafy Browse Offerings Among Colobus Monkeys (Colobus spp.) and Langurs (Trachypithecus spp.) in AZA Facilities.

Providing nutritionally balanced diets is a key aspect of successful husbandry and can help support sustainable ex situ populations. This study focuses on the diets of zoo-housed colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis and C. guereza) and langurs (Trachypithecus cristatus and T. francoisi) across AZA institutions. We utilized survey responses from 34 institutions to (1) document the extent of dietary variation with regard to food categories and macronutrients offered, (2) assess interspecific variation in diets offered, and (3) identify important aspects of browse provisioning among institutions. A total of 95 different food items and 229 common-name browse types were offered across institutions. Leafy greens was the only food category offered at every institution. The proportion of root and non-root vegetables in the diet was highly variable. Nonstructural carbohydrates were the most variable macronutrient, and their concentrations were considerably higher than those food items consumed by free-ranging colobines. Conversely, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were more consistent across institutions but were notably lower than those of free-ranging colobine food items. There were no significant interspecific differences in diets with regard to food categories or macronutrients offered. There was substantial variation in how frequently browse was offered, how it was regarded across zoos (either as diet, enrichment, or both), and whether or how it was quantified. This study provides context for future studies examining whether and how diet and macronutrient intake impact the behavior, health, and welfare of these populations.

Determination and prediction of the apparent and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility in soybean meal fed to the pullets

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid (AA) in 10 different sources of soybean meal (SBM) fed to the pullets and established prediction equations based on the chemical composition of SBM. 792 Hy Line Brown hens aged 12-15 weeks were divided into 11 diet groups, the diets included one nitrogen-free diet (NFD) used to measure the basal endogenous losses of AA and 10 SBM test diets containing 35.2 % SBM as the sole source of AA. The 0.5 % titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as an indigestible marker. The results shown that there was considerable variation in crude ash (Ash), ether extract (EE), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content in the 10 SBM samples with a coefficient of variation greater than 10 %. The AID and SID of both indispensable and dispensable AA except for the Cys and Ala among the 10 SBM differed (P < 0.05). The AID of AA was correlated with the dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), EE, Ash, and reactive Lys (rLys) (P < 0.05), and SID of AA was correlated with the GE, CP, EE, CF, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and rLys (P < 0.05). With R2 values exceeding 0.39, significant linear regression equations for the AID of Met, Phe, Lys, Asp, and Gly, as well as SID of Met, Phe, Lys, Ser and Tyr were obtained. The best fit equation for the AID of Asp was the DM, GE, Ash and rLys (R2 = 0.820, P = 0.042), and the SID of Lys was the GE, CP, CF, Ash, ADF and rLys (R2 = 0.989, P = 0.005), respectively. In conclusion, this experiment suggested that the rLys can be used to predict the AID and SID of AA in SBM with reasonable accuracy together with the basal chemical composition, and prediction equations for AID and SID could be used to evaluate the digestibility of SBM in the pullets.

Investigation of factors affecting fresh herbage yield in pea (Pisum arvense L.) using data mining algorithms.

This study was carried out to determine the factors affecting the wet grass yield of pea plants grown in Turkey. Wet grass yield was predicted using parameters such as genotype, crude protein, crude ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with some data mining algorithms. These techniques provided easily interpretable data trees and precise cutoff values. This led to a comparison of the predictive abilities of data mining methods, including multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID), classification and regression tree (CART), and artificial neural network (ANN). To test the compatibility of the data mining algorithms, seven goodness-of-fit criteria were used. The predictive abilities of the fitted models were assessed using model fit statistics such as the coefficient of determination (R 2), adjusted R 2, root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), standard deviation ratio (SD ratio), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc). With the greatest R 2 and adjusted R 2 values (0.998 and 0.986) and the lowest values of RMSE, MAPE, SD ratio, AIC, and AICc (10.499, 0.7365, 0.047, 268, and 688, respectively), the MARS method was determined to be the best model for quantifying plant fresh herbage yield. In estimating the fresh herbage production of the pea plant, the results showed that the MARS method was the most appropriate model and a good substitute for other data mining techniques.

Informing the prediction of forage quality of Mediterranean grasslands using hyperspectral reflectance: Concentration vs content, phenology, and generalisation of models

ContextRemote sensing has shown potential to provide accurate and real-time information on grassland forage quality, crucial for the management of livestock systems. However, there are still uncertainties that must be considered to make models reliable and practical. A source of discrepancy regards the measurement unit describing forage quality variables, namely either mass-based concentration (%) or mass per surface area content (kg ha−1). Furthermore, phenological patterns largely influence grassland reflectance and have a strong impact on model accuracy. Also, the generalisation of empirical models in heterogeneous grasslands can hinder their applicability. Objectives1) Assess the suitability of retrieving forage quality parameters as concentration (%) versus content (kg ha−1). 2) Investigate the performance of multitemporal compared to phenophase-specific models. 3) Evaluate the generalisation ability of the models. MethodsSamples were collected from five farms to determine Dry Matter Yield (DMY) and both, concentration (%) and content (kg ha−1) of forage quality variables including crude protein (CP), neutral and acid detergent fibre (NDF, ADF), and enzyme digestibility of organic matter (EDOM). The relationship between forage quality variables and DMY were analysed by Pearson Correlations and Principal Component Analysis. Reflectance was recorded with a FieldSpec spectroradiometer. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) was used to explore the relationship between forage variables and reflectance. ResultsThe forage quality variables were strongly correlated to DMY when expressed as content (kg ha−1) r>0.83 but not when expressed as concentration (%). For the best predicted variables, CP and NDF, the results of the PLSR models indicated better performance in concentration-based estimation. CP% was the best predicted variable (R2cv=0.8, NRMSEcv=9.8 %). Multitemporal models showed overall higher performance (CP%, R2cv=0.81) than phenophase-specific models (CP%, R2cv=0.60 green, R2cv=0.70 green-senescent and R2cv<0 senescent grasslands). The generalisation ability was low and varied among farms (R2test 0–0.60). ConclusionsThe use of concentration (%) is more accurate and representative of forage quality than content (kg ha−1), which seemed redundant with DMY and misleading from the true nutritive value for livestock.Multitemporal models performed better than phenophase-specific models due to their larger range of values. The ability to predict forage quality in senescent grasslands is low. The usefulness of the models is context-dependent, and their application requires knowledge of the limitations and status of the grasslands. Efforts must be directed toward improving the generalisation ability through the development of models calibrated with larger and more diverse datasets.

Comparison of Different Linseed Genotypes Meal in Terms of Feed Value Properties

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional content and nutritive values of some varieties of linseed meal. For this purpose, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude ash (CA), and crude protein (CP) analyses were performed on meals obtained from 13 different linseed varieties (Clli 1423, Larkana, Milas, NewTurk, Dillman, Sari-85, Clli 1351, Clli 1370, Clli 1400, Clli 1412, Karakız, Beyaz Gelin, Noreum) in order to determine some nutritional content. Based on some data obtained from these analyses, nutritive values such as dry matter digestibility (DMD), dry matter intake (DMI), relative feed value (RFV), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy for lactation (NEL) were calculated. In terms of nutritional content, the NDF, ADF, ADL, and CP contents of linseed meals were found to be significant, while the CA content was not found to be significant. The NDF, ADF, ADL, and CP contents of the meal varied within the ranges of %58.40-96.37, %18.62-35.64, %8.55-20.45, and %34.84-41.21, respectively. In terms of nutritive value characteristics, the DMD, ME, and NEL properties of linseed meal were found to be significant, while the DMI and RFV features were deemed insignificant. The DMD, ME, and NEL values of the meal varied within the ranges of %61.14-74.39, 9.35-11.91 MJ/kg, and 1.37-1.81 Mcal/kg, respectively. In conclusion, it was determined that among the linseed varieties, the highest results in terms of both nutritional content and nutritive value were provided by the NewTurk variety, while the worst results were generally observed in the Beyaz Gelin variety. However, it was concluded that the meals from all evaluated linseed varieties could be utilized in the intensive feed industry.

Ensiling Characteristics, Bacterial Community Structure, Co-Occurrence Networks, and Their Predicted Functionality in Alfalfa Haylage Silage with or Without Foliar Selenium Application

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in living systems. In this study, we applied a spray of 50 mg/kg sodium selenite to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at different stages of development (bud, initial bloom, and full bloom stages). After 0, 1, 3, 7, and 45 days of ensiling, we assessed the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and bacterial community of the alfalfa. Our findings indicated that the addition of Se led to an increase in the Se content and a decrease in the pH, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents. As ensiling fermentation progressed, the Se treatments increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, which was significantly greater than that in the control group (42.44% vs. 3.76%). In conclusion, the addition of sodium selenate to silage additive ensures the quality of the silage and reduces bacterial community diversity. This study provides valuable insights for the investigation of Se enrichment in alfalfa haylage silage.

Nutritional composition of New Zealand native shrubs edible portions with fodder potential for ruminants

ABSTRACT In New Zealand, willow and poplar are used on hill farms for erosion control and to supplement pasture during low pasture periods. Some native shrubs are browsed by wild herbivores but remain unexplored for farmed ruminants. We evaluated the seasonal nutritional composition of five native New Zealand shrubs (Karamū, Pāpāuma, Karo, Whauwhaupaku, and Houhere) and compared them with willow (Kinuyanagi). Leaf and edible stem were analysed for nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility following AOAC procedures. Results showed that except Houhere, all other native shrubs leaves had lower crude protein (CP) (11 MJ/ kg DM) than Kinuyanagi. Kinuyanagi leaves were comparable to Houhere in ME and CP in spring but had lower CP in summer. Stem nutritional composition was similar across all shrubs. Acid and neutral detergent fibres in edible portions were comparable to those in common pastures, fodder crops, and forages in New Zealand. The findings suggest native shrubs could supplement low ME in summer pastures or winter herbage scarcity, but further research is needed on animal preference and intake.

Effect of Dietary Xylanase Inclusion on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Digesta Viscosity of Weaned Pigs Fed Wheat-Soybean Meal-Based Diets.

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary xylanase addition on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids, and digesta viscosity at different digestive sites in weaned pigs fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets with reduced metabolizable energy. (2) Methods: A total of 312 weaned pigs (5.1 ± 0.9 kg, 20 ± 2 days of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments. The experimental diets were formulated in a three-phase nursery feeding program: phase 1 (d0-d7), phase 2 (d8-d21), and phase 3 (d22-d42). The experimental diets consisted of a wheat-soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet pig requirements (positive control, PC); the PC diet with a reduction of 100 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) (negative control, NC); and the NC diet with either 900, 1800, 3600, or 7200 units of xylanase. Feed disappearance and body weight were measured at d7, 14, 21, and 42 in the nursery phase. The pen fecal score was assessed daily from d0 to d14 and three times a week from d15 to d28. On d21-d24 of the experiment (12 pigs per day), one pig per pen was selected for sample collection: ileal, cecal, and mid-colon digesta for viscosity and ileal digesta, feces for nutrient digestibility, and feces and cecal digesta for the measurement of volatile fatty acid. (3) Results: The addition of xylanase to the NC diets did not improve pig growth performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain; p > 0.10) during the entire nursery phase. In Week 2 and Week 3, pigs fed xylanase had a lower (χ2 < 0.05) incidence of fecal scores 3 and 4 (diarrhea) than the PC and NC diets. In addition, the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly (p < 0.1) in response to xylanase addition. Xylanase addition (900 to 7200 U) decreased digesta viscosity in the colon compared to the PC and NC diets. Furthermore, xylanase addition resulted in a lower (p < 0.05) concentration of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and total volatile fatty acid in cecal samples compared to PC. The addition of xylanase resulted in greater acetic and valeric acid concentrations in cecal samples compared to the NC group (p < 0.10). (4) Conclusions: Xylanase addition can improve nutrient digestibility, particularly at the total tract level, and reduce viscosity in the hindgut, which could be related to decreasing the occurrence of looseness. However, its impact on growth performance was minimal in wheat-soybean meal-based diets with a reduction of 100 kcal of ME.

Exploring the In Vitro Effects of Cassava Diets and Enterococcus Strains on Rumen Fermentation, Gas Production, and Cyanide Concentrations.

This study examined the effects of adding CUB alongside HCN sources from fresh cassava diets on HCN reduction, gas production, and in vitro digestibility. A completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 2 × 3 + 1 factorial approach was used, where Factor A was the HCN source [fresh cassava root (FCR) or leaf (FCL)], Factor B was the HCN concentration (300 and 600 mg/kg dry matter (DM)), and Factor C was the bacterial supplement [no-CUB, E. faecium KKU-BF7 (CUB1), and E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 (CUB2)]. Statistical analysis was performed using the PROC GLM procedure in SAS. No interaction was observed among the main factors on gas kinetics and cumulative gas (p > 0.05). The addition of CUB1 or CUB2 enhanced cumulative gas production compared to the no-CUB group (p = 0.04). Cyanide degradation efficiency was high when FCR was included at a high HCN level. At 12 h post-incubation, HCN degradation efficiency was higher in the CUB2 and CUB1 groups, reaching 98.44-99.07% compared to the no-CUB group. The higher HCN level increased in vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVADFD) (p = 0.01) by 7.20% compared to the low HCN level, and CUB2 further improved IVADFD. Compared to the FCL-fed group, FCR supplementation increased total VFA concentration (p = 0.03) and propionic acid (C3) concentration (p = 0.04). The addition of CUB2 further enhanced propionic acid concentration by 8.97% compared to no-CUB supplementation (p = 0.04). These results indicate that supplementing E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 at the highest HCN levels in FCR boosts HCN degradation efficiency, fiber digestibility, total VFA, and C3 concentration.

Evaluation of coffee pulp as a feed ingredient for ruminants: A meta-analysis

Abstract This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential of coffee pulp as ruminant feed. The database was developed from 22 related articles containing 94 studies, collected from Scopus and Google Scholar. The parameters integrated were ruminant intake, digestibility, ruminant performance, milk production, milk composition, carcass production, and rumen fermentation. The data were analyzed using a mixed model methodology. The level of coffee pulp was considered as a fixed factor and the different studies as random effects. The results revealed that coffee pulp addition had a significant quadratic effect on reducing the intake of dry matter, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients (P &lt; 0.01), and had a linear response to enhance neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber intake (P &lt; 0.05). However, it should be noted that there were no significant differences in performance, nutrient digestibility, milk production and composition, carcass production, and rumen fermentation. by using coffee pulp as ruminant feed. In conclusion, coffee pulp can be used as an alternative feed ingredient for ruminants. However, it should be applied at the right amount to avoid negative effects on animal performance.

Comparison of Productivity and Quality of Three Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars and Their Mixture in Response to Nitrogen Fertilization and Grass-Legume Mixtures.

We conducted a four-year cutting experiment on herbage yield, with three years focused on testing the effect of perennial ryegrass (PR) cultivars 'Elena DS', 'Raminta', and 'Verseka', along with a cultivar mixture and compositions with white clover (WC) and red clover (RC) diversity, on crude protein (CP), modified acid detergent fibre (MADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) content. PR cultivars and cultivar mixtures were sown alone (N150), and the PR 'Elena DS' and PR cultivar mixtures were also sown with each WC, or WC and RC (N0). The average four-year herbage productivity was the lowest in PR 'Elena DS' the and cultivar mixture/WC, followed by all of the pure PR swards, and the highest in PR 'Elena DS' and the cultivar mixture/WC+RC; however, the PR 'Elena DS'/WC+RC mixture had the highest legume proportion and CP content. There was less NDF but also WSC in swards with legumes, but higher CP content than in pure PR swards; however, the highest CP content was in mixtures with RC. Among the grasses, PR 'Verseka' had lower NDF contents and a higher WSC than PR 'Elena DS', 'Raminta', and the cultivar mixture. Overall, this study revealed significant differences in the productivity of PR cultivars with a potential yield difference of up to 1.7 t ha-1.

Effect of Partial or Complete Replacement of Dietary Inorganic Trace Minerals Supplement with an Advanced Chelated Source on Nutrient Digestibility in Sheep.

The delicate balance of trace mineral supplementation is critical for optimizing rumen function and overall ruminant health. This study evaluated the solubility of an advanced chelate technology-based supplement and assessed its impact on rumen degradability and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) when replacing inorganic sources. The solubility of the advanced trace minerals supplement (ACTM) was assessed at pH 5 and pH 2. In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and fiber fractions was evaluated using two fistulated rams fed diets supplemented with either ACTM or inorganic trace minerals. ATTD was determined in 6 lambs fed diets supplemented with 100% ACTM, 50% ACTM, and 50% inorganic (50% ACTM), or 100% inorganic sources in a Latin square design. Results showed solubilities ranging from 6.75% to 11.81% at pH 5, increasing to 69.24% to 80.47% at pH 2. ACTM supplementation significantly enhanced the rumen degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) at 6 h of incubation (p ≤ 0.05). The 100% ACTM treatment significantly decreased rumen pH (p = 0.051) and improved DM, OM, NDF, and ADF digestibility, as well as trace mineral absorbability compared to 100% inorganic (p ≤ 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of ACTM supplementation to enhance ruminal degradability, promote better trace mineral absorption, and improve the ATTD of nutrients compared to inorganic sources.