Alfalfa Diet Research Articles

Prior Forage Type Influences Ruminal Responses to a Wheat Grain Challenge in Lactating Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryHigh-producing dairy cows require more than just pasture to meet the energy demands of milk production. Wheat is an excellent energy source for milk production; however, cows require careful adaptation and monitoring to avoid ruminal upset when large amounts of wheat are introduced. The results of this study show that careful selection of the forage that precedes wheat could allow safer and more aggressive grain introduction strategies to be used in the dairy industry.To increase the dry matter and metabolisable energy intake of cows, dairy farmers often supplement pasture with concentrates and conserved fodder. Feeding large amounts of highly fermentable concentrates to cows can result in metabolic issues, such as ruminal acidosis, and thus safer but more efficient introduction strategies are desirable. We assessed the role that forages play in ruminal, behavioural and production responses to a wheat grain challenge in dairy cows with no previous wheat adaptation. Multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows (n = 16) were fed a forage-only diet of either lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) hay or one of two cultivars of zero-grazing fresh perennial ryegrass herbage (Bealey or Base), for 3 weeks. The forage diet was then supplemented with crushed wheat grain at 8 kg dry matter/cow day−1, with no adaptation period. Wheat comprised between 32 and 43% of total dry matter intake. Cows fed hay maintained a higher mean ruminal fluid pH than those fed herbage, on both the forage-only diet (6.43 vs. 6.17) and the forage plus wheat diet (6.03 vs. 5.58). Following supplementation of wheat, cows fed herbage exhibited minimum ruminal fluid pH levels indicative of acute ruminal acidosis, at 5.15 and 5.06 for cultivars Bealey and Base, respectively. Furthermore, for both herbage cultivars, adding wheat resulted in a ruminal fluid pH under 6 for >20 h/day. The ruminal environment of cows fed lucerne hay remained most stable throughout the grain challenge, spending the least amount of time below pH 6.0 (9.0 h/day). Hay created a ruminal environment that was better able to cope with the accumulation of acid as wheat was digested. A combination of increased ruminating time and a slower rate of fermentation, due to higher neutral detergent fiber and lower metabolisable energy concentrations in the hays, is likely responsible for the higher ruminal fluid pH values. Forage plays a critical role in wheat introduction strategies; aggressive adaptation strategies could be implemented when a hay such as lucerne is used as the base forage.

From the get-go: Dietary exposure in utero and in early life alters dietary preference in later life

The objectives were to determine the effect of in utero and early-life dietary exposure to a diverse diet or a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) diet on grazing behavior and dietary neophobia of lambs ~3.5 months post-weaning (weaned at 6 weeks of age). Sixty-four Coopworth lambs (152.5 ± 1.4 d of age; mean ± SEM,) were used. Sixteen lambs had previous in utero exposure to the diverse diet (INDIV) and another 16 had in utero and early life (from birth to weaning at 42 ± 2 d of age) exposure to the diverse diet (ELDIV) of ryegrass, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Sixteen lambs had only in utero exposure to ryegrass (INRYE) and the other 16 had early life exposure to ryegrass (ELRYE). Lambs were randomly allocated to one of 16 paddocks (n = 4 per treatment) with 4 lambs per paddock. All paddocks contained equal areas of spatially separated strips of red clover, chicory, alfalfa, plantain, and ryegrass, of which arrangement within the paddock was randomized. Every 5 min from 0620 to 2105 h, trained observers recorded the behavior (grazing, idle, and ruminating) and the location (pasture species) of each lamb. The INRYE and ELRYE lambs tended to (P ≤ 0.10) and spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing within ryegrass than their diverse treatment counterparts, respectively. The ELRYE treatment spent longer grazing in ryegrass, a product of increasing bout number within ryegrass (P < 0.05) and the INRYE treatment had longer bouts within ryegrass compared with their diverse treatment counterparts. Further, the INRYE and INDIV treatments spent less time grazing ryegrass than the other treatments (P < 0.05). The ELDIV and ELRYE treatments in general had a reduced latency to graze pasture species compared to the other treatments. Further, all lambs ate a mix of the forages offered. Exposure in utero and early in life affected the preferences of lambs exposed to diverse species after weaning. Such effects were still seen ~3.5 months after weaning and differences between treatments were more prominent in lambs exposed in the early life treatment group compared with the in utero treatments. Exposure to ryegrass in utero and early in life exposure pre-disposed animals to prefer ryegrass later in life, while diverse diet exposure appeared to reduce dietary neophobic behavior.

Feeding and Management of Horses with and without Free Faecal Liquid: A Case-Control Study.

Simple SummaryHorses with free faecal liquid defecate in one solid and one liquid phase, and the liquid phase can be a concern for the horse owner and veterinarians. The causes of free faecal liquid are unknown, but previous studies have indicated that feed ration composition may play an important role in the occurrence of the condition. A study comparing feed rations, feeding practices and management factors for horses with and without free faecal liquid was performed. Horses without free faecal liquid were reported to have a lower daily intake of starch and sugar and a higher daily intake of protein and fibre compared to horses with free faecal liquid. Horses with and without free faecal liquid were fed similar amounts of wrapped forages and were subject to the same management practices. The reported differences may be of importance for the condition, but further studies are required to establish if its occurrence is due to specific feeding regimens.Free faecal liquid (FFL) in horses is characterised by the excretion of faeces in two phases (one solid and one liquid), which may cause dermatitis on the hindlegs. The causes of FFL are not known. Results from previous studies have indicated that feed ration composition and management factors may play important roles in the occurrence of FFL. A case–control study was therefore performed in which data on feed rations, feeding practices and management factors were compared between horses with (case) and without (control) FFL on 50 private farms in Sweden and Norway. The comparisons show that case and control horses were reported to be fed similar average amounts of wrapped forage (p = 0.97) and to be subject to similar management practices, but case horses were fed higher proportions of concentrates in their diet (p < 0.001) and lower average amounts of straw and lucerne (p < 0.05) compared to control horses. Case horses were reported to be fed twice as much concentrate per 100 kg BW and day as control horses and a higher daily intake of starch and water-soluble carbohydrates (p < 0.05). Case horses also had a lower daily intake of digestible crude protein and neutral detergent fibre compared to control horses (p < 0.05). These differences were small but are of interest for further studies of factors causing FFL.

Substitution of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) for alfalfa in improving the carcass and meat quality of Liuyang Black goats.

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is noted for the production of a large biomass that has a high protein content and is rich in antioxidants. It may thus serve as a high-quality forage material to replace alfalfa and improve the meat quality of farmed animals. In this study, we evaluated the carcass characteristics and meat quality of goats when 0, 35%, 75%, and 100% of dietary alfalfa was replaced with ramie. Crude protein content (linear, P < 0.0001) and key muscle color values at 24 h after slaughter decreased with increasing ramie levels. The content of most individual amino acids, non-essential amino acids (NEAA), total amino acids (TAA), branched chain amino acids (BCAA), functional amino acids (FAA), and flavor amino acids (DAA) decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary ramie. The diet in which 35% of alfalfa was replaced with ramie yielded meat with the highest amino acid content, whereas the fatty acid profile was unaffected by the inclusion of ramie. These results indicate that ramie could be used as a potential dietary forage resource for goats, and that substituting 35% of alfalfa with ramie, which is equivalent to 126 g/kg DM content, would be optimal in terms of goat meat quality.

Characterization of growth phenotypes and gastrointestinal tract microbiota in sheep fed with caragana.

Using high-protein caragana as an unconventional feed supplement has promising application potential in livestock feeding programmes, and verifying its function is of great importance to guide efficient dietary management of livestock. This study investigated the resulting changes in the growth, slaughter performance, serum physiological index, physical and chemical characteristics of meat, ruminal and intestine morphology and gastrointestinal tract microbiota in sheep fed with caragana (CAR), corn straw (COR) and alfalfa (ALF) diets. The CAR group showed an increased abundance of Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Marvinbryantia, Ruminococcaceae NK4A214, Lachnospiraceae UCG-002 and Desulfuromonas in the rumen compared with ALF, and CAR group mainly enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, photosynthesis and d-alanine metabolism in the rumen compared with ALF. CAR diet positively changed the fatty acid profile of longissimus dorsi muscle and significantly altered the composition and function of the microbiota in the rumen, ileum and cecum. This study systematically demonstrated the feasibility of CAR as an alternative to ALF for animal fattening in a complete formula granulated feed and provided a fundamental basis for further research and development of CAR as an unconventional feed source for ruminants.

Effects of dietary alfalfa Medicago falcata L. powder on growth performance, nonspecific immunity and digestive enzyme activity of Lateolabrax japonicus

Six graded levels of dietary alfalfa Medicago falcata L. powder (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g/kg diet, respectively) were fed to Lateolabrax japonicus (initial body weight: 11.41 ± 0.06 g; initial body length: 10.33 ± 0.12 cm) in triplicate groups for 4 weeks in a flow-through system to investigate the effects of alfalfa powder on the growth performance, nonspecific immunity and digestive enzyme activity. The results showed that alfalfa powder reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), with the lowest value obtained at 20 g/kg diet among all groups (p < 0.05). The serum total soluble protein (TP) content, activity of lysozyme (LZM) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were increased first then remained more or less stable; the alkaline phosphatase (AKP) was maintained stable first then sharply increased with the increasing dietary alfalfa powder levels. The trypsin and lipase (LPS) activity of fish was significantly increased at 20 g/kg diet, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Regression analyses of FCR, TP, LZM, T-SOD, LPS and trypsin indicated that the optimal supplement amount was 17.75–21.48 g/kg diet. Combined with the significant difference analyses obtained from the current study, we suggest the additional amount of alfalfa should be about 20 g/kg diet.

Effect of replacing alfalfa hay with Leucaena leucocephala (L. Leucocephala) leaves on in vitro gas production, digestibility and in situ degradability in buffalo

. This study was performed to investigate the effect of replacing alfalfa hay by L. leucocephala leaves in proportions of 25, 50 and 100% on in vitro gas production (GP) parameter, digestibility and in situ degradability in buffalo. Results showed that the volume of GP at 2 to 12 hours after incubation was significantly affected by replacing alfalfa hay with L. leucocephala leaves. In vitro digestibility of organic matter (OMD) differed significantly between treatment as it declined by increasing the alfalfa hay substitution rate from 25 to 100%. The microbial crude protein (MCP) differed significantly between treatments and was the greatest of 589 and 599 mg g-1 of dry matter (DM) when L. leucocephala leaves replaced alfalfa hay at 25 and 50%. The in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD) increased significantly at 50% L. leucocephala replacement rate. Moreover, substituting alfalfa hay by L. leucocephala had a significant effect on the in situ degradability parameters. The insoluble but potentially degradable fraction (B) and potential of degradability (A+B) significantly increased for treatment contain 50% L. leucocephala leaves. The effective degradability (ED) was significantly different between dietary treatments and was the greatest when alfalfa hay was replaced by 25 and 50% L. leucocephala. In conclusion, L. leucocephala leaves can substitute 25 to 50% of dietary alfalfa hay in buffalo rations without effect on rumen efficiency.

Effects of dietary alfalfa protein concentrate on lipid metabolism and antioxidative status of serum and composition and fatty acid profile and antioxidative status and dietetic value of muscles in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of addition of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) at the dose of 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, dietary value, and antioxidant status in muscles and serum of Ross 308 chickens. The experiment involved 150 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens allocated into 3 groups in 5 replications (10 birds per pen). A 1-way system with 2 levels of APC, 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg of a complete diet, was used. Group C receiving a standard feed mixture without APC was the control. The addition of 15 and 30 g APC increased the CP content in the breast muscle and in the thigh muscle, and reduction in the cholesterol and fat level was noted. Higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the n-6 group was noted in the breast muscles of the 30-g APC–supplemented chickens. The thigh muscles with APC were characterized by more favorable values of the atherogenic index, thrombotic index, and hypocholesterol-to-hypercholesterol ratio.The supplementation with 30 g APC reduced the cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein level, and decreased the low-density lipoprotein level and improved the antioxidant parameters in plasma (increase in superoxide dismutase and in glutathione peroxidase and reduction of malondialdehyde), compared with group C. The results of this study indicate that the supplementation with 30 g APC improved the metabolic functions of the organism, meat resistance to oxidative processes, and the composition and profile of fatty acids. Therefore, APC can be a potential alternative to synthetic feed additives and soya protein in production of healthier poultry meat.

Inclusión de forrajes con distinta relación de fibra soluble e insoluble en la dieta de cerdos

Se evaluó la inclusión progresiva de dos forrajes con diferente contenido en fibra soluble (FS), en dietas de cerdos desde la recría a la terminación. Los tratamientos fueron: dieta base testigo (T0) formulada en base a maíz y harina de soja; dieta base con alfalfa (T1) (Medicago sativa var. Chaná) o con achicoria (T2) (Cichorium intibus var. Lacerta) para las fases (F) de recría I (F1, 40-60 kg de PV), recría II (F2, 60-80 kg de PV) y terminación (F3, 80 a 100 kg de PV). Se utilizaron 27 animales con un peso inicial de 42 kg (± 2.3), en un diseño de parcelas al azar en tres tratamientos con nueve repeticiones. El peso final y la ganancia diaria no difirieron entre tratamientos. El consumo de Fibra Dietaria fue mayor en los tratamientos con forraje (P

Feeding of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) to sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes reduces faecal egg counts and worm fecundity

The present study explored the anthelmintic effects of condensed tannins (CT) in carob (Ceratonia siliqua) pods fed to sheep against gastrointestinal nematodes. Three independent in vivo trials tested whether i) carob pod (CaBP)-containing feed had an anthelmintic effect and if yes, which was the optimal concentration in the diet; ii) whether this effect could be attributed to tannins through the polyethylene glycol (PEG) test and iii) whether there were any synergistic effects when combined with another tannin-containing feed (e.g. sainfoin). In all trials 6-month old nematode-naive lambs, experimentally infected with both Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis, were used. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were performed regularly and at the end of each trial adult worm counts (AWC) and female worm fecundity were recorded. In trial 1, 35 lambs (five groups of seven lambs) were fed different CaBP concentrations ranging from 0% to 12 % w/w. FEC declined up to 39.2 % only in the group fed with 12 %CaBP, while a declining trend (P < 0.06) was demonstrated for the AWC of T. colubriformis, which was associated with the increasing concentration of CaBP in feed. Female worm fecundity was reduced in groups fed CaBP for both parasites, however this was only significant for H. contortus (P < 0.001), in a dose dependent manner. In trial 2, four groups of six infected lambs each were used, which received the carob diets CaBP or CaBP + PEG, and the tannin-free diets with or without PEG (C or C + PEG). Results showed that FEC of Groups C, C + PEG, and CaBP + PEG were comparable throughout the trial, while the group receiving only CaBP showed lower FEC from DAY 25 onwards. AWC showed a reduction (67.7 %) only for H. contortus (P < 0.03). Reversal of the anthelmintic effect of CaBP after PEG administration suggested that CT contributed to the anthelmintic action. However, no effect of CaBP was observed on T. colubriformis AWC and on female worm fecundity for both species. Finally, for trial 3 four groups of six lambs each received a diet based on CaBP, sainfoin (S) or a combination (CaBP + S) and were compared to a control (C) diet of lucerne. On DAY 37 FEC values in groups CaBP + S and S tended to be lower compared to the two other groups (C, CaBP), while for AWCs no significant differences were observed for both parasites. The fecundity of H. contortus and T. colubriformis demonstrated significant differences between the treated and control groups, with lower values in the animals receiving CaBP + S. Overall, the results supported the hypothesis that carob had an anthelmintic effect due to its CT, but there was no clear indication of a synergistic effect with sainfoin.

Bıldırcın Rasyonlarında Yonca Unu ve Enzim Kullanımının Performans, Karkas ve İnce Bağırsak Parametrelerine Etkisi

Bu çalışma, rasyona farklı seviyelerde yonca unu ve enzim ilavesinin büyüyen bıldırcınlarda performans, karkas ve bağırsak parametreleri üzerine etkisini belirlemek için yürütülmüştür. Günlük yaştaki Japon bıldırcınları (n = 240) 6 muamele grubuna ayrılmış ve deneme 5 hafta sürmüştür. Her bir muamele grubu, her birinde 10 adet civcivin bulunduğu, 4 tekerrürden oluşmuştur. Çalışma, üç yonca unu seviyesi (%0, 2,5 ve 5,0) ve iki enzim (0,0 ve 1,0 g/kg) seviyesi olmak üzere faktöriyel deneme deseninde yürütülmüştür. Muamelelerin canlı ağırlık, yem tüketimi ve yemden yararlanma oranına etkisi olmamıştır. Bununla birlikte, yonca unu seviyesi ile relatif karaciğer, but+sırt, bağırsak ağırlıkları ve kript derinliği önemli ölçüde artarken, relatif kalp ve göğüs ağırlıkları ile villus genişliği önemli derecede azalmıştır. Denemeden elde edilen sonuçlara göre, büyüyen bıldırcın rasyonlarında yonca unu kullanımının performansı etkilemediği ancak rasyona %2,5 seviyesinde yonca unu kullanımının bağırsak gelişimini teşvik ettiği söylenebilir.

Effect of Enzyme Addition to Diets Containing Different Levels of Alfalfa Meal on Performance and Egg Quality Parameters of Laying Hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme addition to diets containing different levels of alfalfa meal on performance, egg quality and egg yolk color in laying hens. Twenty-four weeks-old, 144 Lohmann-LSL laying hens were allocated to 8 experimental groups. The experiment, 4 different levels of alfalfa meal (0, 4, 8 and 12 %) and 2 different levels (0 and 1000 mg/kg) enzyme containing 8 different experimental diets were carried out with 6 replications according to 4x2 factorial design. The results of study indicated that there were no differences in egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, egg mass and eggshell breaking strength among the treatment groups (P> 0.05). The eggshell thickness had no significantly affected by the dietary alfalfa meal levels and interaction groups, but eggshell thickness was significantly higher in group fed with containing enzyme than the group of without enzyme (P< 0.01). In the egg yolk color parameters, the L* value was significantly affected by dietary alfalfa meal levels (P<0.01), and the groups fed with alfalfa meal containing diets at 8 and 12% levels were significantly lower than the others (0 and 4 %). The a* and roche values were significantly and similarly affected by the interactions (P<0.05), and the groups fed with alfalfa meal (with or without enzyme) diets at 8 and 12% levels were significantly lower than the other groups. In conclusion, the study results were observed that the addition of alfalfa and enzyme to laying hens diets did not cause a significant change in performance and egg quality parameters. However, it can be said that the addition of alfalfa meal at least 8% without adding enzyme to the diet causes an increase in egg yolk color.

Cistanche deserticola Addition Improves Growth, Digestibility, and Metabolism of Sheep Fed on Fresh Forage from Alfalfa/Tall Fescue Pasture.

Simple SummaryCistanche deserticola is a functional plant which mainly grows in desert and is parasitic on roots of the host species Haloxylon ammodendron. It has advantages in improving bodily intestinal peristalsis, immunity, anti-aging, anti-oxidation, and liver health and was supplied for sheep in this experiment to study the effects of C. deserticola addition on nutrients digestion, nitrogen balance, energy utilization, and methane production. The results revealed that C. deserticola has good utilization value in animal nutrition. The data are useful for further research on this natural plant additive to improve the health and productivity of the sheep fed on fresh forage from alfalfa/tall fescue pastures.This study is targeted at evaluating whether C. deserticola addition promotes digestion, nitrogen and energy use, and methane production of sheep fed on fresh forage from alfalfa/tall fescue pastures. The sheep feeding trial was conducted with four addition levels with C. deserticola powder, and a basal diet of fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Addition levels of 4% and 6% improved average body weight gain (BWG) by 215.71 and 142.86 g/d, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 0.20 and 0.14, respectively. Digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and ether extract (EE) was 62.25%, 65.18%, 58.75%, and 47.25% under the addition level of 2%, which is greater than that in the control group. C. deserticola addition improved energy utilization efficiency, while addition levels of 2% and 4% increased nitrogen intake and deposited nitrogen. Overall, C. deserticola has the potential to improve growth performance, digestion of sheep, so it has suitability to be used as a feed additive.

Effects of dietary alfalfa protein concentrate supplementation on performance, egg quality, and fatty acid composition of raw, freeze-dried, and hard-boiled eggs from Polbar laying hens

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of addition of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) at the dose of 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg of complete feed ration for the native Polbar breed on selected production traits and the fatty acid profile in the yolk of raw, hard-boiled or freeze-dried eggs. Laying hens were assigned randomly to 3 experimental groups, each comprising 30 birds. The control group received a standard diet without the APC addition and the experimental groups received APC, which partially replaced postextraction soybean meal. Egg laying performance, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were controlled throughout the experiment. At 33 wk of age, 45 eggs were randomly selected for assessment of the quality of the egg content and eggshell, and 30 eggs were taken for each of the cooking and freeze-drying treatments. The fatty acid composition was determined in the yolks of hard-boiled, freeze-dried, and raw eggs. There was no effect of the APC addition on the laying performance, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and a majority of egg quality traits. Hens fed with the APC laid eggs with a darker colored eggshell and yolk and a slightly lower breaking strength. The yolks in the eggs from hens receiving the APC addition were characterized by distinctly higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The group fed with a higher dose of APC produced eggs with a substantially lower level of saturated fatty acids (SFA). Boiling resulted in an increase in the SFA content and a decline in the level of PUFAs and carotenoids. Freeze-drying led to an increase in the total SFA content and a decrease in the level of n-3 PUFA. The APC addition to feed can replace the genetically modified soybean meal without reducing the values of production traits and egg quality and with a beneficial effect on the yolk color and fatty acid profile.

EFFECT OF USING VARYING LEVELS OF QUINOA HAY IN GROWING RABBIT RATIONS

ABSTRACT: The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of using varying levels of quinoa hay as a replacer of 25, 50 and 75 % of dietary alfalfa hay as a source of fiber in growing New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) rations on their productive performance. Sixty-four growing NZW rabbits of 5 weeks’ age with average initial live body weight of 623.69±7.73 g were randomly divided into four similar groups, sixteen growing rabbits in each group. Insignificant (P>0.05) differences in feed consumption between different experimental groups were observed during all experimental periods (5-9 weeks of age, 9-15 weeks of age and the entire of the experimental period 5-15 weeks of age). Replacement of alfalfa hay with 25%, 50% and 75% quinoa hay reduced the values of all nutrient digestibility coefficients. The group of rabbits that received 25%, 50% and 75% quinoa hay showed significantly lower values of TDN and DCP compared to control group (0%). The group fed diet contain 25% quinoa hay gave insignificant improvement (P>0.05) of feed conversion ratio compared with those fed control group, 50% and 75% quinoa hay at 9-15 weeks and entire experimental period (5-15 weeks).An insignificant increase (P>0.05) was observed in the values of total protein, albumin and globulin in rabbits group received 25% quinoa hay compared to the control group. Insignificantly (P>0.05) higher values of blood urea were observed for the groups received quinoa hay compared to control group. Also, there was no significant difference between control group and groups that received quinoa hay for GOT and GPT values. The level of triglycerides insignificantly decreased (P> 0.05) after adding quinoa hay to the ration. Insignificantly (P>0.05) decrease in plasma cholesterol concentration was observed by consuming quinoa hay compared to control group. Using the level of 25% from quinoa hay did not affect creatinine level compared to control group. While, a significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in the values of creatinine in the rabbit's groups received 50% and 75% compared to that received 25% quinoa hay and control group. Conclusively, based on the results obtained in this study, it can be successfully used quinoa hay with 25% as a source of fiber to replace alfalfa hay in the rabbit ration without any negative effect on rabbit performance.

The effects of Dried Guava Waste and Dried Olive Cake as Substitutes for Alfalfa on Rabbit Farm Profit

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of adding dried guava waste and dried olive cake as substitution of alfalfa in diet on rabbit farm profits. Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Animals: Thirty-six Hypluse white rabbits at the age of 33 days with an average body weight of 696.6 g. Procedures: Rabbits were allocated into four groups of nine animals each. Group 1 (Control group) was fed on a basal rabbit diet. Group 2 was fed on a diet containing 5% dried guava waste (DGW) as a substitute for alfalfa, Group 3 which was fed on a diet containing 5% dried olive cake (DOC) as a substitute for alfalfa, and Group 4 which received a diet containing combination of both 5% DGW and 5% DOC as a substitute for alfalfa. Results: The addition of 5% DGW and 5% DOC in diets of rabbits as a substitute for alfalfa resulted in improvements in body weights of animals when compared to the basal diets, whereas the inclusion of the two materials in the diet of rabbits lowered the body weights of animals. The feed intake in group (two and three) was lower than that of the control group. Groups (two and three) showed lower values of feed costs, total variable costs and higher total return, and thus had higher values of profits when compared to the control group. Group four showed higher total variable costs and total costs, while the total return was the lowest and consequently the profit was the lowest also. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The addition of either 5% DGW or DOC in diets of rabbits to substitute a portion of alfalfa appeared satisfactory for rabbit farm profit as their profit were higher than control group by 5.37 and 11.74 LE respectively, while their combination did not appear to be useful and therefore was not recommended.

The effects of Dried Guava Waste and Dried Olive Cake as Substitutes for Alfalfa on Rabbit Farm Profit

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of adding dried guava waste and dried olive cake as substitution of alfalfa in diet on rabbit farm profits. Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Animals: Thirty-six Hypluse white rabbits at the age of 33 days with an average body weight of 696.6 g. Procedures: Rabbits were allocated into four groups of nine animals each. Group 1 (Control group) was fed on a basal rabbit diet. Group 2 was fed on a diet containing 5% dried guava waste (DGW) as a substitute for alfalfa, Group 3 which was fed on a diet containing 5% dried olive cake (DOC) as a substitute for alfalfa, and Group 4 which received a diet containing combination of both 5% DGW and 5% DOC as a substitute for alfalfa. Results: The addition of 5% DGW and 5% DOC in diets of rabbits as a substitute for alfalfa resulted in improvements in body weights of animals when compared to the basal diets, whereas the inclusion of the two materials in the diet of rabbits lowered the body weights of animals. The feed intake in group (two and three) was lower than that of the control group. Groups (two and three) showed lower values of feed costs, total variable costs and higher total return, and thus had higher values of profits when compared to the control group. Group four showed higher total variable costs and total costs, while the total return was the lowest and consequently the profit was the lowest also. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The addition of either 5% DGW or DOC in diets of rabbits to substitute a portion of alfalfa appeared satisfactory for rabbit farm profit as their profit were higher than control group by 5.37 and 11.74 LE respectively, while their combination did not appear to be useful and therefore was not recommended.

Dichanthium hay combined with green cassava foliage or pelleted cassava foliage as fed for Black Belly rams

Intake, digestion and nitrogen retention were measured in fifteen 1-year-old Black Belly rams that had an average weight of 35.3 (± 1.59)kg and that consumed mixed diets. Diets consisted of old Dichanthium spp. hay distributed ad libitum, combined with 500g (dry matter basis) of green or pelleted cassava foliage. Alfalfa pellets were used as a control for foliage supplement. The experiment was run in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Total dry matter intake was lower (P < 0.05) with the green foliage cassava diet compared with the alfalfa pellet diet. Differences were not significant (P < 0.12) with the green cassava foliage diet compared with the cassava foliage pellet diet. Total tract digestion of organic matter, crude protein and cell wall components in cassava green foliage and cassava foliage pellet diets were significantly lower than in the alfalfa diet. Crude protein total tract digestion was similar for cassava green foliage and cassava foliage pellet diets, while fibre digestion was lower with cassava green foliage diets. Retained nitrogen was significantly higher with the alfalfa diet compared with cassava diets-between which there were no differences. Urinary nitrogen excretion was similar between all diets. In conclusion, pelleting does not decrease the feed value of cassava foliage, but this value is nevertheless lower than the feed value of alfalfa.

Digestive anatomy, physiology, resting metabolism and methane production of captive maras (Dolichotis patagonum)

The digestive physiology of maras (Dolichotis patagonum) has not been investigated in detail. Maras have a particular limb anatomy facilitating a unique cursoriality among rodents. This may also have led to additional adaptations such as a reduced volume of the gastrointestinal tract. We performed macroanatomical measurements of, and determined mean particle size along, the digestive tract of 10 semi-free-ranging animals (7.04 ± 1.05 kg). Additionally, we measured CH4 emission in five captive animals (7.67 ± 0.98 kg) fed a diet of pelleted lucerne, and measured food intake, digestibility, and digesta mean retention time (MRT) of a solute and three particle markers (fed at <2, 10 and 20 mm particle size). The digestive tract contents represented 11.1 ± 1.4% of body mass, similar to other mammals and rodents, and there was slight indication of selective small particle retention in the caecum. Secondary peaks in marker elimination patterns suggested the possibility of caecotrophy. The MRTs were 15.4 h for the solute and 13.6 h, 13.3 h and 13.3 h for the three particle markers, respectively. At a dry matter intake of 61 ± 12 g kg body mass-0.75 d−1, the maras digested organic matter and neutral detergent fibre to 48 ± 8% and 34 ± 10%, respectively, which is in the lower range of results from horses fed on a diet with a similar fibre content. The respiratory quotient (CO2/O2) was 0.93 ± 0.03, the resting metabolic rate 346 ± 35 kJ kg body mass-0.75 d−1, and CH4 emissions averaged at 3.85 ± 0.47 L d−1 and 14.5 ± 5.2 L per kg dry matter intake; this at a CH4/CO2 ratio of 0.042 ± 0.004. Thus, the methane yield was of a magnitude expected for a hypothetical ruminant of this body mass. The results are consistent with the general understanding of hystricomorph rodent digestive physiology, including caecotrophy, but do not indicate a reduction of digestive capacity to support cursoriality. These results, and those obtained from other hystricomorph rodents, suggest that CH4 production may be more prominent in rodents than previously thought.

Digestive physiology, resting metabolism and methane production of captive Indian crested porcupine (&lt;i&gt;Hystrix indica&lt;/i&gt;)

Limited physiological measurements exist for the digestive physiology of porcupines. We measured CH4 emission in three captive Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica; 16.1 ± 2.7 kg) fed a diet of pelleted lucerne, and measured feed intake, digestibility, and digesta mean retention time (MRT) of a solute and three particle markers (<2, 10 and 20 mm). Marker excretion patterns suggested secondary peaks indicative of caecotrophy, with MRTs of 26.4 h for the solute and 31.5, 26.8 and 26.2 h for the three particle markers, respectively. At a dry matter intake of 58 ±10 g/kg body mass0.75/day, porcupines digested 49 and 35% organic matter and neutral detergent fibre, respectively, which is in the lower range of that expected for horses on a similar diet. The respiratory quotient (CO2/O2) was 0.91, the resting metabolic rate 274 kJ/kg body mass0.75/day, and CH4 emissions averaged at 8.16 l/day and 17.9 l/kg dry matter intake. Accordingly, CH4 yield was so high that it resembled that of a hypothetical ruminant of this body mass. The results are in accord with general understanding of hystricomorph rodent digestive physiology, and support recent findings that CH4 production may be more prominent in rodents than previously thought.