Acid Detergent Insoluble Nitrogen Research Articles

Quality of sorghum hybrid silages at different storage times

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional changes in silages of four sorghum hybrids at different storage times. The design was a completely randomized in a 4 × 9 arrangement of plots with four replications. The four sorghum hybrids, Qualysilo, Chopper, Dominator, and Maxisilo, were allocated to the plots. In the subplots, sampling times were considered in fresh material and after 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 112, and 224 days of storage. The material was ensiled in experimental polyvinyl chloride silos and subsequently evaluated for chemical composition and fermentative profile over the nine different periods of the fermentation process. Crude protein was reduced by 1.21g/kg per day until the third day of fermentation. The levels of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen exceeded the upper limit of 311 g/kg of N. Of the studied silages, an NDF content of 734 g/kg was obtained in Maxisilo, which was higher than the other silages (average: 547 g/kg). Silage production can be achieved with the four materials; however, the Maxisilo sorghum provides silages of lower quality, with a DM content of less than 30%. The other materials fit into the nutritional profiles proposed by the literature, characterizing them as good quality silages.

In Vitro Study of the Effect of Ensiling Length and Processing on the Nutritive Value of Maize Silages.

The effect of the ensiling length (3, 6, or 9 months), and the processing by dehydration (D) or dehydration and pelleting (P) with respect to the fresh silages (F) were studied in vitro on three maize cultivars in three incubation runs to study the effect of these factors on the nutritive value of maize silage. Gas production pattern, in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), methane concentration (6 and 12 h), ammonia, and volatile fatty acid concentration (VFA) at 12 h were measured. The moisture and pH of F averaged 676 g/kg and 4.09, respectively, and were not affected by the ensiling length, but moisture was reduced, and the pH increased in D and P with respect to F (p < 0.05). The ensiling length did not affect the chemical composition, but differences among the processing forms were detected in a higher acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) proportion in P than D, and D than F (p < 0.001). Silages opened at 9 months showed the lowest gas production (p < 0.05), and those that opened after 3 months showed the highest IVTD. The effects of processing on nutrient utilisation only manifested on 3 month silages, with the volume of gas production and IVTD being lower in D than F. However, processing tended (p = 0.064) to reduce the methane proportion at 12 h, indicating both a more efficient fermentation and a lower potential of greenhouse gas emissions compared to the fresh silages. Extending the length of ensiling to 9 months reduced the fermentation of maize silage. The processing increased the dry matter and buffered the feed as well as contributed to an increase in fermentation in 3 month silages.

Fermentation characteristics of bedded pack barn dairy cattle manure on methane yield, carbon, and nitrogen content in solid-state anaerobic digestion.

This study aimed to estimate the fermentation characteristics of bedded pack barn dairy cattle manure (BDCM) in terms of methane yield, fibrous material, and nitrogen content in batch solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD). SSAD was performed in triplicate using a 1,400 ml polypropylene bottle at a constant temperature of 39 °C until less than 1% methane was produced. The cumulative methane content of BDCM was 142.5 N mL/g volatile solids (VSs). The methane content rapidly increased for 18 days, reaching 63.4 ± 4.6% until the end of the experiment. The ultimate biodegradability and total VS removal of BDCM were 23.1 and 19.0%, respectively. The slopes of the non-fibrous and hemicellulose carbon fractions, and acid detergent insoluble carbon by digestion time were −0.174 (p < 0.001), −0.141 (p = 0.003), and −0.051 (p < 0.001), respectively. The non-fibrous and hemicellulose nitrogen fraction contents quadratically decreased during SSAD (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008). No significant decrease was observed in the acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content (p = 0.840). The results of the present study provide basic data on the digestion characteristics of BDCM and could help determine fermentation conditions in the anaerobic digestion of BDCM.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria with bacteriocinogenic potential on the chemical composition and fermentation profile of forage peanut (Arachis pintoi) silage

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with bacteriocinogenic activity isolated from stylo silages on the microbial population, chemical composition and fermentation profile of forage peanut silage (FPS) and to identify LAB species in forage peanut and its silages based on the 16 S rRNA sequence analysis. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 5 × 6 factorial arrangement (five inoculants (I) × six fermentation periods (P)) and three replicates. The following inoculants were evaluated: without inoculant (CTRL); a commercial inoculant at a dose of 107 colony forming units (cfu) g-1 fresh matter (CI1); a commercial inoculant at a dose of 105 cfu g-1 fresh matter (CI2); Pediococcus acidilactici strain 10.6 (S1); and Pool of bacteriocinogenic strains (POOL), including S1, P. pentosaceus strain 6.16 and P. acidilactici strain 10.4. The fermentation periods were 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. The largest LAB populations were observed in silages treated with S1 (8.66 log cfu g-1) and POOL (8.69 log cfu g-1). At the end of the fermentation period, a higher content of dry matter (222.53 g kg-1) and lactic acid (66.30 g kg-1) and lower values of pH (4.76) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (9.50% of total nitrogen) were observed for silage treated with S1. The screening of LAB from forage peanut silage revealed that P. pentosaceus was the predominant species. In addition, the wild strain of P. acidilactici 10.6 established a desirable microbial population during the fermentation process reflecting a highest lactic acid concentration and lowest pH values after 56 days of fermentation.

Formulating diets for intestinal unavailable nitrogen using blood meal in high-producing dairy cattle

The high cost of protein feeds and growing concern for the environment have motivated dairy producers and nutritionists to focus their attention on reducing nitrogen (N) losses on dairy farms. It is well recognized that reducing the N content of cattle diets is the single most important factor to increase the efficiency of N use. However, effectively lowering the N content of diets requires the nutritionist to know the availability of N in feeds so as to not negatively affect milk production or overfeed N. To provide reliable data for nutritionists, a new assay to estimate unavailable N in the intestine (uN) was developed. To determine whether uN could be used as a replacement for acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) in diet formulation, we conducted a replicated pen study to evaluate the effect of total-tract uN on the performance of high-producing dairy cattle. One hundred twenty-eight cattle that were 97 to 147 d in milk at the beginning of the experiment were allocated into 8 pens of 16 cows, and pens were randomly allocated to 2 dietary treatments. Cattle were fed 1 of 2 isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets that were also equal in neutral detergent fiber, deviating only in the inclusion of 2 different blood meals (BM) used in each diet. The uN contents of the 2 BM were 9% (low uN) and 34% (high uN) total N content as predicted by the assay, whereas when measured as ADIN, no difference in indigestibility was observed. The inclusion of BM was on an isonitrogenous basis, and the predicted difference in uN was 39 g/d or 5.8% of N intake, representing the formulated difference in available N between the 2 treatments. There was no effect of uN on dry matter or N intake, which averaged 27.3 kg/d and 668 g/d for both treatments, respectively. Milk yield and energy-corrected milk were 1.6 and 1.9 kg/d greater for cows fed the low uN diet compared with those fed the high uN diet. The lower uN diet was also associated with greater milk protein yield, greater milk fat yield, and greater milk urea N. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (version 6.5) was used to evaluate the application of the uN measurement by replacing ADIN in BM with the uN value in the inputs for the BM. All other cow and feed chemistry data were inputted as measured in the experiment. The predictions of metabolizable protein-allowable milk demonstrated that using the uN values in place of ADIN increased the accuracy of the prediction and enabled the model to predict the first-limiting nutrient provided all other feed, cattle, and management characteristics were also defined.

Why eat flowers? Symphonia globulifera flowers provide a fatty resource for red-tailed monkeys

Abstract Flowers are ubiquitous in primate environments, yet their nutritional advantages are underexamined. Symphonia globulifera is a widely distributed tree exploited by a variety of animals in Africa and the Americas. We collected S. globulifera flower samples consumed by red-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) and compared them nutritionally to flower samples from other plant species in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Flowers were assayed for three fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, lignin), fat, crude protein, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN), ash, and soluble sugars. We estimated available protein, total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), and metabolizable energy (ME). We calculated the mean and standard deviation for all nutrient categories and applied nutritional geometry to illustrate the balance among the energetic gains from available protein, fat, fiber, and TNC across flower species. Our results suggest that S. globulifera flowers provide an unusually high fat resource (14.82% ± 1.41%) relative to other flowers (1.38% ± 5.79%) and other foods exploited in the same habitat.

Silagens mistas de cana-de-açúcar e amendoim forrageiro tratadas com Lactobacillus buchneri

Abstract There is evidence for the beneficial effects of forage peanut on the nutritive value and fermentation profile of silages; however, its effects on sugarcane silage have not been determined. The objective of the study was to evaluate the chemical composition, fermentation profile, microbial composition, and dry matter recovery (DMR) of sugarcane silage containing various amounts of forage peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Belmonte) (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% on a fresh matter basis), treated or untreated with Lactobacillus buchneri. A completely randomized 4 × 2 factorial design was used with three replications. The interaction between forage peanut levels and inoculant influenced the concentrations of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, organic acids and ethanol, populations of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, gas and effluent losses, and DMR. Forage peanut levels had effects on dry matter, hemicellulose, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, pH, and ammonia nitrogen. Increasing proportions of forage peanut increased the protein content and decreased the fiber content in the silage, while also reducing the production of ethanol and effluent. We recommend the inclusion of 40%–75% forage peanut in the sugarcane ensilage to improve the chemical composition and fermentation profile. Furthermore, inoculation with L. buchneri associated with forage peanut increases the concentration of antifungal acids in the silage and decreases the yeast population and ethanol production.

Effects of ensiling length and storage temperature on the nutritive value and fibre-bound protein of three tropical legumes ensiled alone or combined with sorghum

Changes in the nutritive value of forages are imminent under different ensiling conditions. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the effects of ensiling length and storage temperature on the nutritive value, fermentation characteristics and fibre-bound protein of three tropical forage legumes, sorghum and mixtures of sorghum and the legumes. Soybean (Glycine max), jack bean (Cannavalia ensiformis), lablab (Lablab purpureus) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) were solely grown and harvested, and the legumes were wilted before ensiling. Mixtures of sorghum and each legume were handmade on a percentage fresh weight basis of 60:40. Each forage and mixtures (400 g) were ensiled in polythene vacuum bags with homofermentative lactic acid bacteria inoculation for 30, 75 and 180 days. A set of mini silos were stored indoors, and another batch was stored outdoors. HOBO Pro v2 data loggers were deployed to monitor the ambient temperature of the storage locations during the entire ensiling period (from day 0–180). Measurements included nutrient analysis, fermentation quality and fibre bound protein characteristics. The hourly ambient temperature for outdoor and indoor storage ranged from 16° to 61°C vs 18–35 °C, respectively. Proximate constituents of all silages were influenced by ensiling length. Significant changes were primarily detected in fermentation products of legume silages between 30 and 75 d of ensiling. There were reduced fermentation products for silages stored outdoors. The ensiling length influenced proportions of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) with outdoor silages resulting in a higher proportion of NDIN and ADIN compared to indoor silages. Overall, a short period of ensiling preserves the nutritional quality of ensiled forages compared to prolonged storage at high ambient temperatures typical of the tropics that increase nutrient losses. Thus, changes in the nutritional composition of forages during ensiling should be considered during ration formulations.

Effects of Applying Lactic Acid Bacteria and Molasses on the Fermentation Quality, Protein Fractions and In Vitro Digestibility of Baled Alfalfa Silage

Alfalfa sometimes cannot be harvested in time due to the rainy season. To improve the fermentation quality, protein quality and digestibility of alfalfa silage harvested late, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and molasses were applied in an actual production process in this study. Alfalfa harvested at the full bloom stage was ensiled with (1) distilled water (control), (2) 1 × 106 colony-forming units LP/g fresh matter, (3) 15 g molasses/kg fresh matter (M) or (4) LP + M (LPM) for 55 days. Alfalfa ensiled with LP and/or molasses showed significantly lower pH and ammonia nitrogen contents than the control silage (p &lt; 0.05). All additive treatments decreased nonprotein nitrogen contents and preserved more true protein (p &lt; 0.05). However, molasses increased the acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content in the protein fractions (p &lt; 0.05). The LP significantly improved the maximal cumulative gas production and the maximum gas production rate (p &lt; 0.05) in the in vitro trial. Finally, both LP and molasses improved the neutral detergent fiber digestibility of the alfalfa silage (p &lt; 0.05). The LP and molasses improved fermentation quality and digestibility and preserved more true protein in baled alfalfa silage harvested late in an actual production process. The LP utilized the excessive molasses and partially ameliorated its negative effects of causing higher acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content.

Decomposition of senescent leaves of signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf. R. Webster) and arboreal legumes in silvopastoral systems

The presence of arboreal legumes in silvopastoral systems (SPS) may affect litter production and quality, and the characteristics and distribution of soil organic matter (OM). Senescent leaves from two tree legumes [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Walp. (Gliricidia) and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (Sabia)] in SPS with Urochloa decumbens Stapf. R. Webster (signalgrass), and from signalgrass pasture in monoculture (Signalgrass), were collected when still attached to the plant and incubated on the ground during 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 days. Response variables included the disappearance of dry matter (DM), OM, C, N, lignin, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, and C:N and lignin:N ratio. Single negative exponential models were adjusted to estimate the relative decomposition rate (k). The decomposition rate (k) of DM, OM, and C was greater for Gliricidia and Signalgrass (P < 0.05) compared to Sabia, incorporating 801 g kg DMtotal−1, 850 g kg OMtotal−1, and between 840 and 860 g kg Ctotal−1. Gliricidia showed greater N release rate compared to Sabia and Signalgrass, with an estimated disappearance of 23, 4, and 6 mg N g DM–1 for Gliricidia, Sabia, and Signalgrass, respectively. Tree legumes showed lesser k for C:N ratio and greater for lignin concentration (P < 0.05). Gliricidia had greater release of nutrients to the soil, while Sabia had slower decomposition rates, but with the potential to form a more stable OM because of more recalcitrant compounds left behind. The k of Signalgrass was limited by the lesser N concentration and high C:N ratio in the litter, contributing to immobilization of N during litter decomposition.

Campo Grande stylo and elephant grass mixed silages treated with microbial inoculant

Tropical grass has some advantages for ensilage, such as high annual production of dry matter per unit area, perennity, low loss risk, and higher harvest flexibility. We aimed with this study to assess the chemical composition, microbial population, fermentation characteristics, and effluent production of stylo (Stylosanthes capitata × S. macrocephala cv. Campo Grande) silages with increasing proportions (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Cameroon), with or without microbial inoculant. We used a 5×2 factorial scheme in a completely randomized design, with three replicates. There was an effect of interaction between proportions of elephant grass and microbial inoculant on yeast population, butyric acid and ammonia-nitrogen content, and effluent loss. The proportions of elephant grass affected the chemical composition, lactic acid bacteria and mold populations, pH, and lactic and propionic acid contents. Dry matter, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, and lactic acid contents and the pH values were negatively affected by microbial inoculant. We conclude that stylo provides silage with better chemical composition and lower effluent production, although with a higher mold and yeast population, than elephant grass. The microbial inoculant does not improve the chemical and fermentative characteristics of silages, except for the reduction of butyric acid. We recommend uninoculated stylo silage with up to 75% of elephant grass.

Nutritive value of elephant grass hay ammoniated by urea

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ammoniation by urea on the nutritional value of elephant grass hay harvested after flowering. A completely randomized design, in double factorial designs with an additional treatment: 4 urea doses (2, 4, 6 and 8%) x 2 treatment periods (30 and 45 days) + 1 (Control) with four replicates each, was employed. Dry matter, ash, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose, lignin, neutral detergent fiber corrected for the ash and the protein, total nitrogen, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, in vitro gas production and carbohydrates fractionation were analyzed. The treatments influenced the contents of DM, EE, NDF, ADF, lignin, cellulose, NDFap, fraction A + B1, fraction B2, fraction C, TN, NPN, ADIN, NDIN, L and Vf2. There was a positive linear effect of urea dose for NDF, ADIN, NDIN and L, positive linear effect on fraction A + B1, NT and NPN, and positive quadratic effect for Vf2, with absolute maximum point of 4.5%. Elephant grass hay harvested after flowering has its nutritional value improved, with a minimum dose of 4.5% urea on a dry matter basis.

Degradation of Nitrogen Fraction in Kacang Goats Feed Supplementation &lt;i&gt;Calliandra&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt; сalothyrsus &lt;/i&gt;Substituted Soybean Meal

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Calliandra leaves (Calliandra calothyrsus) as a protein source in the Kacang goat’s diet and as an alternative to substitute the use of soybean meal (SBM) in goat’s diets. The proportion of C. calothyrsus feed substitution and SBM is T1 = odot grass (ad libitum) + 100% SBM; T2 = odot grass (ad libitum) + 25% C. calothyrsus + 75% SBM; T3 = odot grass (ad libitum) + 50% C. calothyrsus + 50% SBM; T4 = odot grass (ad libitum) + 75% C. calothyrsus + 25% SBM; and T5 = odot grass (ad libitum) + 100% C. calothyrsus. The last 10 days, collections was conducted include total collections of feeding, the residue of the feed, and feces. The parameters observed were intake and nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) (% CP), and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) (% CP). Data obtained from the study were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance, then if the results show significant differences, it will be analyzed further with Duncan's new multiple range test. The results showed that C. calothyrsus substitution treatment of 25 to 100% (T2, T3, T4, T5) gives noticeable influence (P&lt;0.05) for nutrient intakes, excretion (feces), and digested nutrients. The highest intake and digestible fraction of N-NDF, N-ADF, NDIN, and ADIN is the T5 treatment, which is the replacement of SBM with 100% C. calothyrsus (P&lt;0.05).

Chemical composition in soybean silages with inoculant and molasses

Abstract Chemical composition was assessed in soybean silages without any additive (control), with a microbial inoculant (I), with I + molasses (I+M), and with molasses only (M). Soybean plants were harvested at the reproductive 6 (R6) stage and ensiled in 2 kg-capacity PVC laboratory silos. The SIL ALL C4 inoculant produced by Alltech Brazil was used in combination with or without 2.5% molasses added to the natural matter base. A 4 × 6 factorial arrangement (4 additives × 6 fermentation periods) in a completely randomised design with 3 replications was used. The assessed fermentation periods were 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Excluding the dry matter and crude protein contents it was observed an interaction effect (P&lt;0.05) between the additive and fermentation periods in the silages. It was observed higher average values of dry matter, equal 290.02 g kg-1, and crude protein, equal 151.28 g kg-1, to I+M and M silages, respectively. It was observed lowest values (P&lt;0.05) to neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) contents in I+M silages, equal 180.47 and 125.07 g kg-1, respectively. The addition of inoculant associated or not with molasses improved affect the chemical composition of soybean silages.

Effect of fermented spent instant coffee grounds on milk productivity and blood profiles of lactating dairy cows.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the fermentation characteristics under low mesophilic temperature of spent instant coffee ground (SICG) and to estimate the effect of fermented SICG (FSICG) as alternative feed ingredient on milk productivity of dairy cows.MethodsIn the fermentation trial, fermentation of SICG was performed to investigate changes in characteristics using the microbial mixture (Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bacillus subtilis = 1:1:1) for 21 days at 20°C under anaerobic conditions. Molasses was added at 5% of dry mass. In the animal trial, eighteen Holstein Friesian cows were used to evaluate the nutritive value of the FSICG which was fermented for 14 days under the same condition as the fermentation trial.ResultsIn the fermentation trial, the dry matter (DM) and organic matter content linearly decreased with fermentation time (p<0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). The acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content linearly decreased with fermentation time (p = 0.037). The microorganism counts linearly increased for Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bacillus subtilis across fermentation time (p<0.001). In the animal trial, the DM intake of the control and FSICG treatment were not significantly different, as were milk yield, 4% fat corrected milk, fat-protein corrected milk, and feed to milk conversion content. Fat, protein, lactose, non-fat solids, milk urea nitrogen, and somatic cell counts were also not significantly different in milk composition between treatments.ConclusionFSICG should be considered a sufficient substitute for cottonseed as a feed component, and 5% DM of a dietary FSICG level was appropriate for dairy cow diets.

Parâmetros fermentativos e composição química de silagem de capim elefante cv. Roxo com adição de vagens de faveira

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silages with the addition of faveira pods. The pods were added to the forage at levels of 8, 16 and 24% on a dry matter (DM) basis, together with the control treatment (0%), in a completely randomized design. The pH, losses through effluent and gas, dry matter recovery, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent (ADF), lignin and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) were quantified, and cellulose and hemicellulose were estimated. There was a linear increase (P<0.05) in losses through gas and a reduction in effluent production (1.17 kg/ton DM) at 24%, with pH remaining at the ideal level (3.76). Regarding the chemical composition of silage, an increase in DM and CP (6.53%) was observed at the highest levels of pod inclusion, with lower proportions of NDF (52.99%) and ADF (36.48%). However, ADIN levels increased with increasing pod levels in the silage (+ 6.81%). Faveira pods up to 24% are indicated as additives for elephant grass silage, as they improve silage quality, fermentation and chemical composition.

Nutritive value of Tifton 85 hay ammoniated with urea

The effect of ammonization was evaluated with urea at doses of 1, 2, 3 and 4%, on the basis of dry matter (DM) on Tifton 85 hay harvested at an advanced stage of development in the periods of 30 and 45 days, through analysis of dry matter, ash, ether extract (EE), neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fiber, NDF corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), cellulose, lignin, crude protein (CP), acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN), fractionation of carbohydrates and in vitro gas production (Parameters: V f1 , k 1 , V f2 , k 2 and L). The variables DM, EE, NDF, ADF, lignin, cellulose, NDFap, fraction A + B1, fraction B2 and C of carbohydrates, and the V f1 and V f2 parameters were influenced by treatments (p < 0.05). While DM, NDF, NDFap, fraction A + B1, C, CP and V f2 showed linear effects according to the dose, NIDA and hemicellulose presented quadratic effects. V f1 and V f2 were also influenced by the treatment period. The ammonization with 2.7% urea on the basis of DM promotes improvement of Tifton 85 hay treated for 45 days, observed after derivation of the regression equation and evaluation of the nutritional and kinetic degradation in vitro .

The acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) analysis overestimates the amount of N associated to acid detergent fibre

The acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) fraction of feeds is usually assumed to be indigestible, and some feeding systems for ruminants use the ADIN analysis as a measure of nitrogen (N) availability. In a preliminary study conducted with 3 different feeds, we observed lower 15N abundance in ADIN compared with that in both total N and neutral detergent insoluble N (NDIN). Based on these results, we hypothesized that ADIN analysis overestimates the amount of N associated to acid detergent fibre (ADFom) due to N-contamination from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a reagent used in the ADFom analysis. The objective of this work was to verify lower 15N abundances of ADIN than of total N and NDIN in different feeds, and to assess the magnitude of ADIN contamination. Samples from one corn crop (aerial biomass, grain and root) and two sunflower crops (SF; aerial biomass and seeds) were analysed for 15N abundance and content of total N, NDIN and ADIN. Samples had been 15N-labelled by fertilizing with either 15NH4NO3 or NH415NO3, and there were three replicates per type of sample. The 15N-abundance of total N and NDIN was similar (P > 0.05) for all samples, whereas that of ADIN was lower (P < 0.001 to 0.037) than values for total N and NDIN for all samples, excepting for SF seeds from one crop. Estimates of N-contamination of ADIN from CTAB were not affected by the fertilizer used to label N (P ≥ 0.207), and values (g/g) ranged from 0.129 for corn grains to 0.447 for corn aerial biomass. N-contamination of ADIN was positively correlated with neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom), ADFom, hemicelluloses and cellulose content (P < 0.001; r = 0.770 to 0.905; n = 18 and 22 for corn and SF, respectively), and negatively (P < 0.001 to 0.048) with ADIN content (expressed as proportion of ADFom). The negative correlations (P < 0.001) between N-contamination of ADIN and lignin (Lignin (sa))/ADFom ratio observed for all samples would indicate that N-contamination of ADIN was reduced by cell wall lignification. In conclusion, the results showed that the use of CTAB in the ADFom analysis resulted in increased ADIN values, and therefore overestimated the amount of N associated to ADFom, questioning the use of ADIN as a parameter indicative of N availability. The possibility of replacing CTAB by a N-free reagent in the ADFom analysis should be explored.

Influence of drying technique on chemical composition and ruminal degradability of subtropical Cajanus cajan L.

The experiment investigated the influence of forage drying methods on the dry-matter digestibility of foliage from Cajanus cajan varieties (ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 01514 and CIMMYT100/01). These leaves were harvested at week 20 of growth and either oven- or shade-dried and analysed for chemical components and rumen degradability. Three rumen fistulated lactating Holstein cows (430 ± 18 kg live weight) were used to evaluate ruminal degradation kinetics using in vitro and in sacco procedures. Samples were incubated for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 30 and 48 h in vitro (IV DaisyII) procedure. In the in sacco procedure, samples were incubated for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 30 and 48 h in the rumen of cows. Dry matter disappearance (DMD) data for both measures were fitted to the equation Y = a + b (1 – e–ct), where b is the slowly degradable fraction and c is the degradation rate constant, to approximate rumen degradability characteristics of varieties. Shade dried leaves contained higher crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) than oven dried leaves. Oven drying method increased (P < 0.05) neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) content of varieties. However, shade drying method gave the higher concentration of NDIN and ADIN. Drying technique had no effect (P > 0.05) on ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) of varieties. Drying method did not affect (P > 0.05) calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentration in the forage dry matter. Drying method had no effect (P > 0.05) on b and c of all varieties during in vitro procedure. However, shade-drying method increased (P < 0.05) b and c of all varieties during in sacco procedure. It was concluded that shade-drying, in contrast to oven-drying, would be the most suitable method as it improves the nutritive value of the forage for ruminants.

Effects of dietary fermented spent coffee ground on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep.

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine the effect of fermented spent coffee ground (FSCG) on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep.MethodsFermentation of spent coffee ground (SCG) was conducted using Lactobacillus plantrum. Fermentation was performed at moisture content of 70% and temperature of 39°C with anaerobic air tension for 48 h. Four adult rams (initial body weight = 56.8±0.4 kg) were housed in a respiration-metabolism chamber and the treatments were: i) control (Basal diet; 0% SCG or FSCG), ii) 10% level of SCG, iii) 10% level of FSCG, and iv) 20% level of FSCG in 4×4 Latin square design. Each dietary experiment period lasted for 18-d with a 14-d of adaptation period and a 4-d of sample collection period.ResultsIn SCG fermentation experimental result, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) concentration of FSCG (64.5% of total N) was lower than that of non-fermented SCG (78.8% of total N). Digestibility of dry matter and organic matter was similar among treatment groups. Although crude protein (CP) digestibility of the control was greater than FSCG groups (p< 0.05), the 10% FSCG group showed greater CP digestibility and nitrogen retention than non-fermented 10% SCG group (p<0.05). Body weight gain and average daily gain were linearly decreased with increasing FSCG feeding level (p<0.05). When the feeding level of FSCG was increased, water intake was linearly increased (p<0.05). With an increasing FSCG level, dry matter intake did not differ among groups, although the gain to feed ratio tended to decrease with increasing level of FSCG (p<0.10).ConclusionMicrobial fermentation of SCG can improve protein digestibility, thereby increasing CP digestibility and nitrogen utilization in sheep. Fermentation using microorganisms in feed ingredients with low digestibility could have a positive effect on improving the quality of raw feed.