Acid Detergent Lignin Content Research Articles

Relationships between chemical composition and in vitro gas production parameters of maize leaves and stems.

This study investigated the chemical composition (proximate and Van Soest analysis) and in vitro gas production parameters of maize leaves and stems separately, and related the in vitro gas production parameters with the chemical composition, of thirteen maize cultivars. After harvest in September 2016, all plants were separated into two morphological fractions: leaves and stems. The crude protein (CP) content was greater, and the ratio of acid detergent lignin (ADL) to potentially rumen degradable fibre (calculated as the difference between neutral detergent fibre and ADL; ADL:pRDF) was lower in the leaves than in the stems in all 13 cultivars. For the leaves, the cumulative gas production between 3 and 20 hr (A2), representing cell wall fermentation in the rumen fluid, and the cumulative 72‐hr gas production (GP72), representing total organic matter (OM) degradation, were moderately to weakly correlated with the chemical composition, including hemicellulose, cellulose, ADL and CP content (R 2 < 0.40), whilst the best relationship between the half‐time value (B2), representing the rate of cell wall degradation, and chemical composition had an R 2 of 0.63. For the stems, the best relationship between A2, B2 and GP72 with chemical composition was greater (R 2 ≥ 0.74) and the best relationship included hemicellulose (A2 only), cellulose and ADL (GP72 and A2 only) contents. In conclusion, maize leaves and stems differed in chemical composition, in particular CP content and ADL:pRDF. The A2 and GP72 of the stems, but not of the leaves, were highly correlated with the chemical composition, indicating that the cell wall and OM degradation of maize stems can be better predicted by its chemical composition.

Nutritive value of treated Quercus infectoria and Quercus libani leaves with the tannin-degrading bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae for ruminant feeding in vitro.

This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro gas production (GP) and fermentation parameters of Quercus infectoria and Quercus libani leaves following treatment with the Klebsiella pneumoniae, a tannin-degrading bacterium. This isolate was isolated on medium containing tannic acid as the sole source of carbon and energy, and identified based on 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. In both oak leaf species (i.e. Q. infectoria and Q. libani), inoculation with Klebsiella pneumoniae significantly increased (P<0·05) dry matter (DM) loss. For Q. libani, crude protein content was increased (P=0·02) by bacterial treatment vs. control. In both oak leaves, total phenolic content and total tannins were decreased (P<0·05) as a consequence of bacterial treatment. However, bacterial processing didn't changed (P>0·05) organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre or acid detergent lignin content of treated leaves. In both oak leaves the measuring parameters including GP volume, in vitro digestibility of DM and OM, estimated metabolizable energy, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, ammonia nitrogen concentration, total protozoal population and the subfamily Isotricha in treatments were higher (P<0·05) than control. It can be concluded that biological treatment of Q. infectoria and Q. libani leaves with K. pneumoniae represents a useful approach to decrease their phenolic compound content and improve their nutritive value as ruminant feed. This study demonstrated that biologically processing of tannin-containing by-products with K. pneumoniae could increase their nutritive value as ruminant feeds and increase animal productivity.

Foliar fungicide application effects on whole plant BMR and floury corn varieties, and whole plant corn silage composition

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of foliar fungicide (FUN; Headline AMP; BASF Corp., applied at vegetative tassel growth stage) and ensiling time (0, 30, 90, 150 d) on fiber composition of 2 corn varieties (brown midrib; BMR and floury; FLY). Treatments were assigned to 16 3.38-ha plots in a completely randomized split-plot block design. Treatments were: BMR without FUN, FLY without FUN, BMR with FUN, and FLY with FUN. Samples of whole corn plants were collected and separated into leaves, stalks, flag leaf (FL), and cobs. Fresh-cut, whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) samples were collected at harvest and sealed inside mini silos for the duration of their respective ensiling times. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS (v9.4). Brown midrib corn plants had a greater number of green leaves than FLY with 11.81 and 11.34 ± 0.09 leaves, respectively (P = 0.001). Corn plants in control (BMR without FUN and FLY without FUN; CON) had a greater number of yellow leaves than FUN corn plants with 0.28 and 0.08 ± 0.02, respectively (P < 0.0001). Corn treated with FUN tended to yield more WPSC than CON with 63,634 and 60,488 ± 1533 kg/ha, respectively (P = 0.08). Whole plant corn silage acid detergent lignin (ADL) content decreased as days ensiled increased with 31.61, 28.48, 25.48, and 22.38 ± 0.77 g/kg of DM for 0, 30, 90, and 150 d, respectively (P < 0.0001). Floury WPSC had a greater ADL content than BMR WPSC with 31.25 and 22.72 ± 0.61 g/kg of DM, respectively (P < 0.0001). Brown mid-rib WPSC had a greater neutral detergent fiber digestibility at 30 h (NDFD30) than FLY WPSC with 572.6 and 492.3 ± 6.9 g/kg of DM, respectively (P < 0.0001). Floury WPSC had greater undigested NDF (uNDF) than BMR WPSC with 125.3 and 96.1 ± 2.1 g/kg of DM, respectively (P < 0.0001). Brown mid-rib corn kernels had a greater kernel vitreousness than FLY corn kernels with scores of 3.11 and 2.65 ± 0.13, respectively (P = 0.05). A variety × treatment interaction was observed for kernel vitreousness score with scores of 3.23, 2.99, 2.49, and 2.80 ± 0.14 for BMR/CON, BMR/FUN, FLY/CON, and FLY/FUN, respectively (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, BMR treated with FUN and ensiled for 90–150 d yielded the best WPCS for feeding to dairy cows.

Effects of grazing intensity to water source on grassland condition, yield and nutritional content of selected grass species in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundSavanna grasslands are globally important ecosystems consisting of one of the most extensive grazing lands with unique biodiversity. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of grazing intensity on grassland ecosystem condition, herbaceous plant biomass production, and nutritional content of selected grass species.MethodsThe study was conducted at Chagni Ranch, Northwest Ethiopia. Four transects to water source point at regular intervals of 20 m between sampling plots along transects were used for data collection. The distance between the four transects was 200 m in radius. Data were collected on grass composition, basal cover, litter cover, number of seedlings, and age distribution of dominant grasses (i.e., young, medium, or old in terms of stage of maturity), soil condition in terms of soil compaction, and soil erosion linked to the effects of trampling by grazing animals along transects (hereafter referred to as transect) to water source point. The total sample size for grass species was 160 plots. The grassland ecosystem condition, herbaceous biomass, and grass nutritional content were used as response variables linked to transect from water source point. The effects of transect on grassland ecosystem condition scores and grass nutritional content were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsGrassland condition factors like grass composition, basal cover, litter cover, age distribution of dominant grasses, and soil condition were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the furthest transect to water source point than nearest transect. Out of the 28 identified herbaceous species, grasses accounted for 64.3% of the herbaceous community. Within grass species, about 55.6% were highly desirable in terms of palatability and grazing value (as most palatable species are susceptible to heavy grazing intensity). The results showed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher proportion of perennial grasses at the furthest transect to water source point than nearest transect. The dry matter yield at the furthest transect (TD4) and third transect (TD3) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the nearest transect to water source point (i.e., the first transect (TD1) and second transect (TD2)). Ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin contents of Cynodon dactylon, Sporobolus pyramidalis, and Digitaria ternata were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at the furthest transect to water source point than nearest transect. Grazing intensity had no significant effect on the crude protein content of Cynodon dactylon and Sporobolus pyramidalis at different transects.ConclusionsThe results showed that the furthest transect to water source point were in good condition. Grass biomass production and the nutritional contents of grasses were higher for the furthest transect to water source point. The results suggested that increased grazing intensity towards water source point greatly reduced the abundance of desirable perennial grasses and the sustainability of grassland for livestock production.

Effect of Oat Fodder Cultivars on In Vitro Fermentation, Nutrient Utilization, Nitrogen Balance and Performance in Sheep

Study evaluates nutritive value of oat fodder varieties in sheep by in vitro and in vivo means. The newly identified oat varieties (JHO-99-2 and JHO-2010-1) with check Kent grown under identical agronomic management were fed to 18 sheep (25.13±0.42 kg BW and 14.05±0.64 m age) randomly allotted to Kent, JHO-99-2 and JHO-2010-1 groups with 6 animals in each. Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and lignin contents of the oat varieties were identical. Total carbohydrate, carbohydrate and protein fractions were similar in oat cultivars. Calculated dry matter intake (DMI), digestible dry matter (DDM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible energy (DE), metabolisable energy (ME), net energy for maintenance (NEm), lactation (NEl) and gain (NEg) were similar in all varieties. In vitro gas and CH4 production (ml/g), partition factor (PF) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) varied (P<0.05) among oat varieties. Sheep offered JHO-2010-1 had higher (P<0.05) NDF and OM digestibility. DCP, DE and ME varied from 3.56–4.53%, 1.97–2.12 kcal/g and 1.62–1.75 kcal/g, respectively among the oat varieties. Nitrogen intake, nitrogen balances (g/d) and growth in sheep was similar on oat varieties. It was concluded that oat varieties were similar in CP, fiber, carbohydrate and protein fractions, energy and nutrients intake and differed (P<0.05) for in vitro gas and methane production, NDF and OM digestibility.

Availability and Nutritive Value of Spirulina (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Arthrospira fusiformis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) from Arenguade and Chitu Lakes of Rift Valley of Ethiopia and Farmers’ Perception about Its Utilization

Farmers perception about availability and utilization of Spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis) were assessed and its nutritive value compared against reference proteins (soybean and nuge cake). Samples of Spirulina were collected from Arenguade and Chitu lakes of rift valley of Ethiopia. A survey was conducted on purposively selected 100 households (HH) living around the Lakes which are located in Gerbicha and Labu subuqa districts of Debre Zeit town and west Arsi zone, respectively. Chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and total gas volume (TGV) of feed samples were determined. Respondents of both districts are not aware of Spirulina as animal feed. Spirulina was available during dry season in Arenguade and whole year in Chitu. The highest (p 0.05) in crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and metabolizable energy (ME) contents between Spirulina from both lakes. Spirulina from Chitu produced the highest TGV (31.2 ml) and fermented faster than Spirulina from Arenguade. Lowest (p < 0.05) ash, EE, CP and IVDMD and higher (p < 0.05) CF, NDF, ADF, ADL and TGV were recorded for reference proteins than Spirulina. ME content of Spirulina (3200 kcal/kg) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of nuge cake (3011 kcal/kg) but lower (p < 0.05) than that of soybean (3474 kcal/kg). Therefore, the chemical composition and IVDMD showed the potential of Spirulina to be used as a substitute of the reference feeds.

The nutritional value of the lower maize stem cannot be improved by ensiling nor by a fungal treatment

The effect of ensiling and fungal treatment on the chemical composition and on in vitro gas production, an indication of rumen degradability, of maize stems was studied. Stems from two maize cultivars (LG30211 and MZP8057) were separated into three parts: upper (above internode 12 up to and including internode 15), middle (above internode 8 up to and including internode 11), and lower stem (above internode 5 up to and including internode 7). The three parts of the stems were ensiled for 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and the lower stem was treated with the white-rot fungi Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus eryngii for 3, 6, and 9 weeks. The dry matter content decreased and the acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content increased from the top to the bottom in the stem. Upon ensiling, the neutral detergent fibre, ADF and ADL content increased. The gas production between 3 and 20 h, a measure of cell wall degradability in rumen fluid, did not change after ensiling, but gas production within 3 h and within 72 h decreased after ensiling. The acetic acid content and the proportion of ammonia-N in total N increased, and pH decreased, after 1 week of ensiling and did not show a clear trend from 1 to 8 weeks. The ADL and cellulose content of the lower part of the stem of both maize cultivars increased after fungal treatment and the hemicellulose content decreased except for the lower stem of MZP8057 treated with P. eryngii. The ratio of syringyl to guaiacyl compounds increased after fungal treatment. The gas production between 3 and 20 h and within 72 h decreased after fungal treatment. Both ensiling and fungal treatment cannot improve the degradability of the investigated maize stems.

Nutritional potentialities of some tree leaves based on polyphenols and rumen in vitro gas production.

Aim:The study was conducted to evaluate eight tree leaves based on polyphenolic content and rumen in vitro incubation and gas production technique (RIVIGPT) for their nutritive potentiality.Materials and Methods:Eight selected tree leaves, namely Sesbania grandiflora, Melia dubia, Dillenia spp., Artocarpus heterophyllus, Commiphora caudata, Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala, and Acacia auriculiformis, were selected for proximate composition, forage fiber fractions, total phenolics (TPs), non-tannin phenols (NTPs), total tannins (TTs), condensed tannins (CTs), and hydrolysable tannins (HTs); RIVIGP with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG); and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (modified in vitro two stage) analysis was conducted. On the basis of RIVIGPT, the in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) and dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated.Results:Crude protein (CP) content of tree leaves ranged from 9.59 to 25.81%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 28.16 to 53.33%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) 21.26 to 41.7%, acid detergent lignin (ADL) 3.62 to 21.98%, TP 1.83 to 17.35%, TT 0.40 to 15.47%, and CTs 0.02 to 15.26%. IVDMD (%) was ranged from 64.95 to 88.12. The mean metabolizable energy (ME) (MJ/Kg) of tree leaves estimated with and without PEG was 7.75±0.56 and 8.75±0.39, in vitro gas production at 24 h (IVGP24) (ml) 31.06±4.14 and 37.09±2.64, initial gas production (a) (ml) 0.49±0.63 and 1.33±0.72, potential gas production (D) (ml) 38.74±4.27 and 43.79±2.44, rate of gas production (k) (h−1) 0.11±0.02 and 0.11±0.013, t1/2(ml) 9.81±2.41 and 7.42±0.80, in vitro gas production at 96 h IVGP96 (ml) 39.50±4.430 and 45.14±2.65, the predicted IVDOM (%) 55.44±4.15 and 61.98±3.03, and DMI (g/Kg W0.75) 103.1±14.76 and 104.3±10.16, respectively. The addition of PEG showed an improvement in IVGP24, IVGP96, ME, predicted IVDOM, and predicted DMI. CP was positively correlated with ME, IVGP24, IVGP96, a+b, k (r=0.749, p<0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM, and DMI (r=0.838, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with a and t1/2. NDF, ADF, and ADL contents were negatively correlated with ME (r=0.899, p<0.05), IVGP24 (r=−0.867, p<0.05), IVGP96 (r=−0.858, p<0.05), a+b (p<0.05), k (r=−0.828, p<0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM (r=−0.853, p<0.05), and DMI and positively correlated with a and t1/2. TP, TT, and CT were negatively correlated with ME, IVGP, IVGP96, a+b, k, IVDMD, IVDOM, and DMI and positively correlated with a (r=0.808, p<0.05) and t1/2. ME (MJ/Kg) was positively correlated with IVGP24 (r=0.938, p<0.05), IVGP96 (r=0.875, p<0.05), a+b (r=0.813, p<0.05), k (r=0.731, p<0.05), IVDMD, IVDOM (r=0.985, p<0.05), and DMI (r=0.727, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with a and t1/2.Conclusion:In the present study, the potentiality of tree leaves was assessed based on CP, ADF, ADL, TP, CT, IVGP, ME, IVDMD, predicted IVDOM, and predicted DMI. Based on this, it can be concluded that S. grandiflora, M. dubia, M. Oleifera, and L. leucocephala were graded as best; A. heterophyllus and C. caudata as moderate; and Dillenia spp. and A. auriculiformis as lowest potential ruminant feed.

Comparison of different methods for determining lignin concentration and quality in herbaceous and woody plant residues

Acid detergent lignin (ADL), acetyl bromide (AcBr), and cupric oxide oxidation (CuO) were compared as methods for determining lignin concentration and quality in plant residues. These three methods were used to analyze 27 plant residues from different groups of species, i.e., legumes, crucifers, herbs, grasses, and trees. Median lignin concentrations of the 27 plant materials were 4.5% ADL and 6.0% AcBr lignin, significantly exceeding the median of 2.1% CuO lignin. ADL concentrations varied from 0.8 to 27.0%; those of AcBr and CuO lignin ranged from 1.8 to 12.2% and from 0.6 to 9.7%, respectively. AcBr lignin showed a significant negative, non-linear relationship with total N. In addition, the relationship of ADL and CuO data was negatively affected by total N. The ADL method is simple and well reproducible, and large datasets are available for comparison. The AcBr procedure is fast, with less interference from non-lignin products than ADL. The CuO method is not interfered with by any other organic component in the plant material and gives additional information on the composition of the lignin. However, the release of phenolic units may be incomplete.

Method development to reduce the fiber content of wheat bran and rice bran through anaerobic fermentation with rumen liquor for use in poultry feed.

ObjectiveWheat bran (WB) and rice bran (RB) are the agricultural by-products used as poultry feed in many developing countries. However, their use for poultry feed is limited due to high fiber and the presence of anti-nutritional substances (e.g. β-glucans). The objective of this study was to develop a method to improve the quality of those brans by reducing the fiber content.MethodsA two-step fermentation method was developed where the second fermentation of first fermented dry bran was carried out. Fermentation was performed at a controlled environment for 3 h and 6 h (n = 6). The composition of brans, buffer solution and rumen liquor was maintained in a ratio of 1:2:3, respectively. Brans were analyzed for dry matter, crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content. Celluloses and hemicelluloses were calculated from the difference of ADF-ADL and NDF-ADF, respectively. Samples were compared by two-factor analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (p<0.05).ResultsCF %, ADF % and cellulose tended to decrease and NDF % and hemicellulose content was reduced significantly (p<0.05). After the 1st fermentation step, NDF decreased 10.7%± 0.55% after 3 h vs 17.0%±0.78% after 6 h in case of WB. Whereas, these values were 2.3%± 0.30% (3 h) and 7.5%±0.69% (6 h) in case of RB. However, after the 2nd fermentation step, the decrease in the NDF content amounted to 9.1%±0.72% (3 h), 17.4%±1.13% (6 h) and 9.3%±0.46% (3 h), 10.0%±0.68% (6 h) in WB and RB, respectively. Cellulose and hemicellulose content was reduced up to 15.6%±0.85% (WB), 15.8%±2.20% (RB) and 36.6%±2.42% (WB), 15.9%±3.53% (RB), respectively after 2nd fermentation of 6 h.ConclusionTwo-step fermentation process improved the quality of the brans for their use in poultry feed.

A major QTL on chromosome C05 significantly reduces acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and increases seed oil and protein content in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.).

A reduction in acid detergent lignin content in oilseed rape resulted in an increase in seed oil and protein content. Worldwide increasing demand for vegetable oil and protein requires continuous breeding efforts to enhance the yield of oil and protein crop species. The oil-extracted meal of oilseed rape is currently mainly used for feeding livestock, but efforts are undertaken to use the oilseed rape protein in food production. One limiting factor is the high lignin content of black-seeded oilseed rape that negatively affects digestibility and sensory quality of food products compared to soybean. Breeding attempts to develop yellow seeded oilseed rape with reduced lignin content have not yet resulted in competitive cultivars. The objective of this work was to investigate the inheritance of seed quality in a DH population derived from the cross of the high oil lines SGDH14 and cv. Express. The DH population of 139 lines was tested in field experiments in 14 environments in north-west Europe. Seeds harvested from open pollinated plants were used for extensive seed quality analysis. A molecular marker map based on the Illumina Infinium 60K Brassica SNP chip was used to map QTL. Amongst others, one major QTL for acid detergent lignin content, explaining 81% of the phenotypic variance, was identified on chromosome C05. Lines with reduced lignin content nevertheless did not show a yellowish appearance, but showed a reduced seed hull content. The position of the QTL co-located with QTL for oil and protein content of the defatted meal with opposite additive effects, suggesting that the reduction in lignin content resulted in an increase in oil and protein content.

Feeding value potential of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal to replace concentrate mix

The experiment was carried out to estimate the feeding value of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal by evaluating its chemical composition in vitro organic matter digestibility and in sacco dry matter (DM) degradability. This study aimed to assess the potential of mulberry foliage in supplementing the feed of ruminant animals during the dry season, when other feed resources are scarce and their quality generally fall short of animal requirements. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents of the different diets were determined. In vitro organic matter digestibility was determined by two-stage method. In sacco rumen degradability was measured using three rumen fistulated Boran-Holstein Friesian cross steers at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The composition of mulberry leaf meal compares favorably with that of the concentrate mixture in most of the nutrients. The ash content of mulberry leaf meal was more than double that of the concentrate mixture. Similarly, the calcium value of mulberry leaf meal was more than threefold to that of calcium content of concentrate mixture. Mulberry leaf meal alone had the greatest values for slowly degradable fraction (b) than the diets with less proportion of mulberry, whereas mulberry leaf meal alone (T5) and 75 g concentrate mix + 259.7 g mulberry leaf (T4) had significantly (p>0.05) less soluble fraction (a), and effective degradability (ED) values as compared to the diets with less proportion of mulberry. In a nutshell, all treatment diets recorded more than 66% DM degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all greatly degradable in the rumen. Key words: Chemical composition, degradability, digestibility, Morus alba.

Exploring the potential of wild perennial grasses as a biomass source in semi-arid Mediterranean environments

In Mediterranean environments, few perennial grass species are available for cultivation in rainfed systems and marginal lands, where plants with excellent adaptation are required. The aim of the present work was to determine the potentiality of five native Mediterranean perennial grasses for lignocellulosic biomass production. Wild accessions of three hemicryptophytes (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus, Hyparrhenia hirta, and Piptatherum miliaceum) and two geophytes (Saccharum spontaneum ssp. aegyptiacum and Sorghum halepense) were collected at three Mediterranean sites (Sicily, Sardinia and Majorca), and their morphological, physiological, productivity and quality traits were evaluated in the field. The species differed in height, with S. spontaneum and A. mauritanicus being the tallest. The leaf mass ratio ranged from 0.23 to 1.0 g g–1 among species. Maximum net photosynthesis was measured in the C4 species S. spontaneum and S. halepense (26.6 and 23.8 mmol CO2 m–2 s–1, respectively). A. mauritanicus showed the lowest transpiration rate and the highest instantaneous water use efficiency (2.7 mmol H2O m–2 s–1 and 6.9 mmol CO2 mmol H2O–1, respectively). S. spontaneum was the most productive species, yielding more than 18 Mg DM ha–1 as a three-year average. The highest content of acid detergent lignin was found in P. miliaceum, while A. mauritanicus was the species richest in hemicellulose and cellulose and poorest in ash. S. spontaneum showed the highest moisture content at harvest. Overall, the studied species showed interesting morphological, physiological, productive and qualitative traits. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to investigate their long-term performance under different management strategies.

Estimates of diet selection in cattle grazing cornstalk residues by measurement of chemical composition and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy of diet samples collected by ruminal evacuation.

Six ruminally cannulated cows (570 ± 73 kg) fed corn residues were placed in a 6 × 6 Latin square to evaluate predictions of diet composition from ruminally collected diet samples. After complete ruminal evacuation, cows were fed 1-kg meals (dry matter [DM]-basis) containing different combinations of cornstalk and leaf and husk (LH) residues in ratios of 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20, and 100:0. Diet samples from each meal were collected by removal of ruminal contents after 1-h and were either unrinsed, hand-rinsed or machine-rinsed to evaluate effects of endogenous compounds on predictions of diet composition. Diet samples were analyzed for neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fiber, acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA), acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude protein (CP), and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to calculate diet composition. Rinsing type increased NDF and ADF content and decreased ADIA and CP content of diet samples (P < 0.01). Rinsing tended to increase (P < 0.06) ADL content of diet samples. Differences in concentration between cornstalk and LH residues within each chemical component were standardized by calculating a coefficient of variation (CV). Accuracy and precision of estimates of diet composition were analyzed by regressing predicted diet composition and known diet composition. Predictions of diet composition were improved by increasing differences in concentration of chemical components between cornstalk and LH residues up to a CV of 22.6 ± 5.4%. Predictions of diet composition from unrinsed ADIA and machine-rinsed NIRS had the greatest accuracy (slope = 0.98 and 0.95, respectively) and large coefficients of determination (r2 = 0.86 and 0.74, respectively). Subsequently, a field study (Exp. 2) was performed to evaluate predictions of diet composition in cattle (646 ± 89 kg) grazing corn residue. Five cows were placed in 1 of 10 paddocks and allowed to graze continuously or to strip-graze corn residues. Predictions of diet composition from ADIA, ADL, and NIRS did not differ (P = 0.99), and estimates of cornstalk intake tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in strip-grazed compared to continuously grazed cows. These data indicate that diet composition can be predicted by chemical components or NIRS by ruminal collection of diet samples among cattle grazing corn residues.

Nutritional evaluation of millet at different seeding rates and cutting heights

This study evaluated the effect of different seeding rates and cutting heights on production and composition of millet. Two randomized block design experiments were performed. In the first trial, 32 parcels (1.2 × 1.2 m) were used for evaluation of seeding rate of 24, 35, 50 and 60 kg/ha. Three cuts were carried out to evaluate plant height, fresh and dry mass yield, dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentration and in situ DM and NDF digestibility. In the second trial, 20 parcels (1.2 × 3.0 m) were used to evaluate 20, 30, 40 and 50 cm of cutting heights for two growing cycles, performing the evaluations previously listed. Seeding rate linearly increased plant height, fresh and dry mass production, and tended to linearly decrease dry matter in situ digestibility, without effects on forage composition. Cutting height had no effect on crude protein (CP) concentration, but linearly increased plant height, dry mass production, DM content and tended to decrease NDF in situ digestibility and ADL content. Thus, the use of the highest evaluated seeding rates (60 kg/ha) and cutting height (50 cm) increased forage production; however, the use of the lowest residual height increased forage quality.

Varietal differences in nutrient, amino acid and mineral composition and in vitro rumen digestibility of grape (Vitis vinifera) pomace from the Cape Winelands vineyards in South Africa and impact of preservation techniques

Grape pomace, a by-product of the winemaking industry, is a potential source of animal feed but its nutrient and chemical composition is not sufficiently studied in South Africa. The current study investigated the changes in nutrient, amino acid and mineral composition, and in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber of grape (Vitis vinifera var. Pinotage, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc) pomace after three drying treatments: sun (7d), freeze (72 h) and oven drying (72 h at 60 °C). Oven-dried Shiraz had the greatest dry matter, crude protein and the least ash content (P < 0.05), while sun-dried Shiraz had the highest neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin compared to other grape pomace treatments (P < 0.05). Freeze-dried Sauvignon Blanc had the highest starch content, whereas freeze-dried Shiraz had the highest ether extract content relative to other grape pomace treatments (P < 0.05). The in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber at 24- and 48 h were highest in freeze-dried Pinotage followed by freeze-dried Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc treatments (P < 0.05). Freeze-dried Pinotage had the majority of amino acids in highest concentration, followed by freeze-dried Shiraz (P < 0.05). Freeze- and oven-dried Pinotage exhibited higher contents of potassium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, iron and aluminum than other treatments. Overall, sun- and oven-dried Shiraz had the higher dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin contents, freeze- and oven-dried Pinotage had the best mineral composition, while freeze-dried Pinotage had the best amino acid profile and in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber at 24 and 48 h.

Seasonal Quality Assessment of Leaves and Stems of Fodder Ligneous Species

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of seasonality on the chemical composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in some ligneous species. The research was conducted at the Aristotle University’s farm, Thessaloniki, Greece. From five ligneous species (Robinia pseudoacacia var. monophylla, Amorpha fruticosa, Colutea arborescens, Morus alba and Arbutus unedo) samples (leaves and twigs) were collected during two different seasons (spring and autumn). All samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) and in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility (IVDMD), as well as for total phenols (TPH), total tannins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT). The CP content was generally lower and higher in leaves and stems of A. unedo and R. pseudoacacia, respectively compared to the other tested species. A. unedo had the highest values in NDF and ADL in leaves and the highest ADL content in stems. M. alba and C. arborescens in leaves and C. arborescens in stems had the lowest values of ADL content. M. alba had the significantly highest value in IVDMD and A. unedo the lowest one in both leaves and stems. Season had no significant effect on TPH, TT, and CT of leaves, while in stems they were significantly higher in autumn. A. unedo had the highest concentration of TPH, TT and R. pseudoacacia of CT in the leaves. TPH, TT, and CT concentration in stems was significantly higher in A. unedo. According to the findings, the impact of maturation on the type and the concentration of phenols and tannins is species-dependent.

Potential Use of Multipurpose &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Paulownia elongata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Tree as an Animal Feed Resource

Paulownia is known as an economically important multipurpose tree genus due to its fast growth and short-rotation harvesting for timber. There is interest in growing Paulownia species as a woody biofuel crop. There are reports on its leaves being rich in nitrogen and double as good fodder, as well as fertilizer (green manure). Nutritional properties of Paulownia elongata leaves collected at monthly intervals from Paulownia Demonstration Plot, Fort Valley State University (FVSU), Fort Valley, Georgia, USA, from April to November, 2011, were studied. The leaves were dried and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), fat, gross energy, and ash content. The CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, fat and ash content ranged from 14% - 23%, 29% - 55%, 18% - 42%, 10% - 22%, 2% - 4%, and 6% - 9%, respectively, indicating that Paulownia leaves have potential as a feed resource for livestock. Forage potential research was followed up by developing protocols to manufacture feed pellets with 75% and 95% leaf component and assessing their physical properties. There is an economic market potential for the by-products of Paulownia, which is usually grown for timber.

Forage Accumulation and Nutritive Value of Reduced Lignin and Reference Alfalfa Cultivars

Core Ideas Reduced lignin and reference cultivars did not differ in forage accumulation. Forage accumulation was greater with a fall harvest or a 40‐d cutting schedule. Reduced lignin alfalfa averaged 8% less acid detergent lignin and 10% greater neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Cutting treatments with shorter harvest intervals increased forage nutritive value. Delaying reduced lignin alfalfa harvest increased forage mass and maintained quality. Reduced lignin alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars have the potential to increase the feeding value of alfalfa for livestock by improving forage fiber digestibility and to increase harvest management flexibility. The objectives were to compare the forage accumulation and nutritive value of reduced lignin and reference alfalfa cultivars when subject to diverse cutting treatments in the establishment and first production year. Research was established in 2015 at four locations in Minnesota. Reference alfalfa cultivars 54R02, DKA43–22RR, WL 355.RR, and the reduced lignin cultivar 54HVX41 were subject to cutting treatments with variable intervals between harvests. Cultivar by cutting treatment interactions were not significant (P &gt; 0.05), but cultivar and cutting treatment effects were significant. Cultivars did not consistently differ in forage accumulation. Establishment year forage accumulation was greater when a fall harvest was taken, and first production year forage accumulation was generally greatest when alfalfa was harvested on a 40‐d cutting schedule. Compared to reference alfalfa cultivars, 54HVX41 had an average of 8% less acid detergent lignin (ADL) and 10% greater neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) but was similar in crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations. Cutting treatments with shorter harvest intervals increased forage CP and NDFD and decreased NDF and ADL concentrations. With a 5‐d harvest delay, 54HVX41 harvested on a 35‐d harvest interval had a 21% gain in forage mass and a 3% reduction in relative forage quality (RFQ) compared to reference cultivars harvested on a 30‐d harvest interval, which could allow for increased management flexibility.

Effect of solid state fermentation of peanut shell on its dye adsorption performance

The effect of solid state fermentation of peanut shell to produce beneficial laccase and on its dye adsorption performance was evaluated. The resulting residues from solid fermentation were tested as sorbents (designated as SFs) in comparison to the raw peanut shell (RPS) for their ability to remove crystal violet from water. The fermentation process reduced the adsorption capacity (qm) of SF by about 50%, and changed the sorptive behavior when compared to the RPS. The Langmuir model was more suitable for fitting adsorption by SFs. qm was positively correlated with the surface area of peanut shell, but negatively correlated with acid detergent lignin content. For all the sorbents tested, the process was spontaneous and endothermic, and the adsorption followed both the pseudo 1st and 2nd order kinetic model and the film diffusion model. Dye adsorption efficiency was greater when SFs dispersed solution than when placed in filter packets.