Alfalfa Silage Research Articles

Effects of harvest period and mixed ratio on the characteristic and quality of mixed silage of alfalfa and maize

In order to improve the silage quality and rationally develop and utilize feed resources, the experiment will explore the effects of harvest periods and the ratios on silage characteristics and quality of silage maize (Zea mays L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Results showed that dry matter (DM) content, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of whole silage maize increased significantly (P < 0.05), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content of in 3/4 milk line stage was significantly lower than that in other harvesting stages (P < 0.05), and the CP content of 1/4 milk line stage and relative feed value (RFV) of late milk stage were the maximum, respectively; With the delay of the mowing period, the content of DM, NDF and ADF in the third crop of alfalfa increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the CP content decreased significantly (P < 0.05), the harvest period with the highest RFV was at the early flowering period. To sum up, silage corn can be harvested at the end of milk maturity to early wax maturity, and the third crop of alfalfa can be harvested at the early flowering stage, so that silage materials with high nutritional value can be obtained. The corn silage harvested in late september the best harvest period was mixed with alfalfa at the ratio of 10:0, 8:2, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 2:8, 0:10, and the mixed silage was fermented for 60 days, then proceeded determination of silage quality, and the principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze 10 nutritional quality indicators of 7 different mixed ratios. The results showed that compared with alfalfa silage alone, in the mixed silage of alfalfa and corn silage, with the increase of the proportion of corn silage, the fermentation quality of silage was gradually improved. Sensory evaluation scores and RFV values were higher, WSC and lactic acid (LA) contents were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and pH and ammonia nitrogen (AN) content were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The in vitro gas productions ( IVGP, at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h) were measured, the results showed that IVGP increased with the increase of silage corn mixed ratio. In summary, the effects of the harvest period of silage corn and alfalfa and different mixing ratios of silage on the quality of silage provide a theoretical basis for improving the quality of silage and rationally developing and utilizing feed resources, so as to be better applied to actual production.

Occurrence and fate of antibiotic-resistance genes and their potential hosts in high-moisture alfalfa silage treated with or without formic acid bactericide

Silage as the main forage for ruminants could be a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through which these genes got access into the animals' system causing a latent health risk. This study employed metagenomics and investigated the ARGs’ fate and transmission mechanism in high-moisture alfalfa silage treated with formic acid bactericide. The results showed that there were 22 ARGs types, in which multidrug, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramine, bacitracin, beta-lactam, fosmidomycin, kasugamycin, and polymycin resistance genes were the most prevalent ARGs types in the ensiled alfalfa. The natural ensiling process increased ARGs enrichment. Intriguingly, after 5 days of ensiling, formic acid-treated silage reduced ARGs abundances by inhibiting host bacterial and plasmids. Although formic acid bactericide enhanced the fermentation characteristics of the high-moisture alfalfa by lowering silage pH, butyric acid concentration, dry matter losses and proteolysis, it increased ARGs abundances in alfalfa silage owing to increases in abundances of ARGs carriers and transposase after 90 days of ensiling. Notably, several pathogens like Staphylococcus, Clostridium, and Pseudomonas were inferred as potential ARGs hosts in high-moisture alfalfa silage, and high-moisture alfalfa silage may harbor a portion of the clinical ARGs. Fundamentally, microbes were distinguished as the foremost driving factor of ARGs propagation in ensiling microecosystem. In conclusion, although formic acid bactericide improved the fermentation characteristics of high-moisture alfalfa during ensiling and reduced ARGs enrichment at the initial ensiling stage, it increased ARGs enrichment at the end of ensiling.

Exploring the fermentation quality, bacterial community and metabolites of alfalfa ensiled with mugwort residues and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus

BackgroundThe inefficient utilization of plant residues leads to serious environmental pollution and loss of plant nutrition. Nevertheless, the herbal residues including valuable mugwort have been rarely explored. Ensiling has been considered as a promising technique to reuse plant residues. Thus, this study investigated the effect of mugwort residues (M) and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus (LAB) on the fermentation quality, bacterial diversity, and metabolites of alfalfa silage after 60 days of ensiling.ResultsThe results showed that compared with control, adding LAB, M and their combination significantly decreased pH (P < 0.05). Among all treatments, LAB + M had the lowest pH, butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations (P < 0.05). Besides, lactic acid concentration of LAB + M treatment was increased nearly by 3 times compared with control. A shift on the bacterial profile was clearly observed, of which Lactiplantibacillus pentosus abundance increased to beyond 90% of total bacteria in LAB + M and all additives decreased Enterobacter hormaechei abundance than control (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, metabolite analysis indicated that mugwort residues addition enhanced the metabolites of apiin and apigenin 8-C-[xylosyl-(1- > 2)-galactoside] relevant to flavonoids (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe addition of mugwort residues combined with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus significantly improved fermentation quality with the high relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus. Moreover, mugwort residues addition could contribute to the upregulation of specific metabolites such as flavonoids, which would provide a new insight for facilitating fermentation with herbal residues.Graphical

Comparative Na+ and K+ Profiling Reveals Microbial Community Assembly of Alfalfa Silage in Different Saline-Alkali Soils

Alfalfa cultivated in saline-alkaline soils exhibits a high buffering capacity but low carbohydrate content, posing challenges in the production of high-quality silage feed. This study investigated alfalfa plants grown under varying conditions: mild (QE, salt content 1–2%), moderate (ZE, salt content 2–3%), severe (HE, salt content 3–4%), and non-saline-alkaline (CON, salt content &lt; 1%). Employing a two-factor experimental design, we analyzed the fluctuations in nutritional quality, microbial abundance, and community composition of different salt–alkaline alfalfa materials and silage feeds. Furthermore, we elucidated the fermentation mechanism involved in salt–alkaline alfalfa ensiling. Following a 60-day ensiling period, the ZE and HE treatments led to substantial reductions in pH, acetic acids (AA), branched-chain butyric acids (BA) content, facultative anaerobic bacteria, and Escherichia coli populations (p &lt; 0.05). Conversely, the ZE and HE treatments increased lactic acid (LA) content and the population of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, these treatments significantly mitigated protein losses in both raw alfalfa and silage feeds (p &lt; 0.05), while remarkably augmenting the water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), Na+, and K+ content of alfalfa materials. Sodium ions were found to exert a considerable influence on bacterial community composition during salt–alkaline alfalfa ensiling, with Enterococcus, Lactococcus, and Lactobacillus identified as the predominant fermentative microorganisms. Overall, moderately salt-alkaline alfalfa materials displayed optimal nutritional and fermentation quality, ensuring favorable nutritional attributes and fermentation outcomes under such conditions.

Issues of forage quality under industrial milk production in the south of Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to determine the average quality of traditional forage (maize silage and alfalfa haylage) and innovative dietary components – rye silage on the example of average milk production farms in Odesa Oblast with moderate and intensive levels of technological process and to determine the impact of the risky land use zone in the South of Ukraine against the background of global warming on the quality of these dietary ingredients in order to determine further directions of forage production in the southern region of Ukraine. Scientific and economic experiments were conducted in Odesa Oblast according to the methods generally accepted in dairy farming, and laboratory studies of corn silage, alfalfa haylage, rye silage samples in a specialized laboratory for forage research using the NIRS technique were used to assess the quality of forages. NIRS has been successfully used in the prediction of nutritional value through direct scanning of forage samples. The analysis of corn silage shows that the basic indicators of its quality, such as dry matter content, metabolizable energy concentration, pH, level of digestibility of organic matter as a percentage of total dry matter, and starch content are below the existing standards, because due to hot weather conditions, silage is often forced to be harvested during the suboptimal phase of its maturity. An assessment of the mineral composition of corn, rye and alfalfa silage shows that the indicators are typical, taking into account the specifics of each crop in the southern region of Ukraine, so the existing deficit of manganese, cobalt, zinc and copper can be covered with the use of specialized premixes. Due to the difficulties of agrotechnical cultivation of corn silage and alfalfa haylage, which has recently developed in the risky land use zone of southern Ukraine and against the background of global warming, fodder crops have to be grown in more favorable (wet) seasons of the year, such as winter rye or triticale, etc. or their combination with corn silage and alfalfa haylage.

Metagenomic insights into the microbiota involved in lactate and butyrate production and manipulating their synthesis in alfalfa silage.

Lactate and butyrate are important indicators of silage quality. However, the microorganisms and mechanisms responsible for lactate and butyrate production in silage are not well documented. whole-metagenomic sequencing was used to analyse metabolic pathways, microbiota composition, functional genes, and their contributions to lactate and butyrate production in alfalfa silage with (SA) and without (CK) sucrose addition. Carbon metabolism was the most abundant metabolic pathway. We identified 11 and 2 functional genes associated with lactate and butyrate metabolism, respectively. Among them, D-lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA) and L-lactate dehydrogenase (ldhB) were most important for the transition between D/L-lactate and pyruvate and were primarily related to Lactobacillus in the SA group. The genes encoding L-lactate dehydrogenase (lldD), which decomposes lactate, were the most abundant and primarily associated with Enterobacter cloacae. Butyrate-related genes, mainly encoding butyryl-CoA: acetate CoA-transferase (but), were predominantly associated with Klebsiella oxytoca and Escherichia coli in the CK group. Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae were mainly responsible for butyrate and lactate formation, respectively.

Nitrogen efficiency in cows fed red clover- or alfalfa-silage-based diets differing in rumen-degradable protein supply

Nitrogen pollution is an important issue in modern agriculture. For the dairy industry, increasing the efficiency of milk protein production may reduce the environmental impact of commercial farms. Optimal N utilization can be achieved by combining forage and concentrate varying in their degradability in the rumen. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the fate of dietary N as affected by forage type and rumen-degradable protein supply in lactating dairy cows, with an emphasis on milk N efficiency. Four rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design balanced for residual effects. Four treatments consisting of a 2-by-2 factorial arrangement of alfalfa silage (AL) or red clover (RC)-based diets designed to satisfy 100 (rumen-degradable protein (RDP)-100) or 85% (RDP-85) of rumen degradable protein demand, by varying the amounts of ground and steam-flaked corn grain, as well as non-treated and heat-treated soybean meals. Dietary CP concentrations were greater in diets based on AL as compared with RC (P < 0.01). Kinetics of in sacco N disappearance revealed that the rapidly disappearing fraction was lower with RC than with AL diets, and this difference tended to be more pronounced for RDP-85 than RDP-100 (interaction, P = 0.06). On the contrary, slowly disappearing N fraction and fractional rate of disappearance were greater for RC as compared with AL diets (P < 0.01). Reducing RDP from 100 to 85% of requirements increased the slowly disappearing N fraction, but decreased the rapidly disappearing fraction and the fractional rate of disappearance of N (P < 0.01). Intakes of DM and N were lesser with RC compared with AL, and these differences were more pronounced with RDP-85 than with RDP-100 (interaction, P ≤ 0.04). As a proportion of N intake, fecal excretion tended to be greater (P = 0.09), whereas urinary excretion was lower (P = 0.04) with RC than with AL diets. Milk yield (tendency; P = 0.07) and total N secreted in milk were reduced (P < 0.01) with RC compared with AL diets. Feeding RC increased milk N efficiency (g of milk N/ kg of N intake) as compared with AL, and this difference tended to be of greater magnitude for RDP-85 than RDP-100 (interaction, P = 0.06). In conclusion, combining forage and concentrate of different CP degradability can improve milk N efficiency in dairy cows.

Alfalfa Silage Diet Improves Meat Quality by Remodeling the Intestinal Microbes of Fattening Pigs.

Because the demand for pork is increasing, it is crucial to devise efficient and green methods to improve the quality and quantity of meat. This study investigated the improvement in pork quality after the inclusion of alfalfa meal or alfalfa silage in pig diet. Our results indicated that alfalfa silage improved meat quality more effectively in terms of water-holding capacity, drip loss, and marbling score. Besides, an alfalfa silage diet can affect the level of fatty acids and amino acids in pork. Further, alfalfa silage was found to improve meat quality by remodeling intestinal microbiota and altering the level of SCFAs, providing a viable option for improving meat quality through forage.

Effect of Almond (Prunus dulcis) Hull Addition to Alfalfa Silage on Silage Quality and In Vitro Digestibility

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of the addition of almond hull, which has no economic value and causes environmental pollution, to alfalfa silage as an easily soluble carbohydrate source on silage quality, fermentation characteristics and in vitro organic matter digestion (IVOMD). The groups were designed to contain 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 4% and 6% almond hull, respectively. When the IVOMD and metabolizable energy (ME) values of the silages were examined, increases were observed in all additive groups compared to the control group. When the pH, NH3-N/TN and carbon dioxide (CO2) values of the silages were examined, the highest values were determined in the control group, while the lowest pH, NH3-N/TN and CO2 values were determined in the silage group with 6% almond hull added. Although an increase was determined in all trial groups in terms of lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA) values of silages compared to the control group, the highest values were determined in the group with 6% almond hull addition, and a decrease was determined due to the increase in almond hull in terms of butyric acid (BA) values. Yeast and mold values of the silages decreased due to the increase in almond hull compared to the control group. As a re- sult, it was determined that the addition of 6% almond hull as an easily soluble carbohydrate source had a positive effect on alfalfa silage quality and fermentation characteristics.

The Effect of Lyophilized and Frozen Natural Lactic Acid Bacteria on Alfalfa Silage Quality Prepared in Different Ways and Stored for Different Periods of Time

Within the scope of this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of the groups with the highest LAB numbers determined as a result of storage for one and three months on alfalfa silage quality by freezing fermented lactic acid bacteria (LAB) liquids prepared with different levels of sucrose addition (5-10%) and incubation (2 and 5 days) for different periods of time in deep freezer and by drying via lyophilization process according to the results obtained from the previous study.In the study, groups consisted of control, 2D5%STsL (lyophilized with TRIS (Ts) after 2 days incubation with 5% sucrose addition), 2D10%SDsL (lyophilized with DMSO (Ds) after 2 days incubation with 10% sucrose addition), 5D10%SDsL (DMSO (Ds) additive lyophilized after 5 days of incubation with 10% sucrose addition), and 5D5%STsD (TRIS (Ts) additive deep freezer after 5 days of incubation with 5% sucrose addition).In the study, LAB count, CO2, lactic acid (LA) content, acetic acid (AA) content, pH, NH3-N/TN, and butyric acid (BA) values were statistically significant between the groups at the end of the one-month storage period. Crude protein (CP), pH, LA, and BA values were found to be statistically significant between the groups at the end of the three-month storage period in the study.

Effect of Mixing Peanut Vine on Fermentation Quality, Nitrogen Fraction and Microbial Community of High-Moisture Alfalfa Silage

Fresh alfalfa is difficult to ensile successfully because of its high moisture content and greater susceptibility to spoilage by Clostridia, Bacilli or Enterobacter. In this study, we evaluated the effects of mixing high-moisture alfalfa with peanut vine in different proportions on the bacterial communities and fermentation characteristics of silage. The high-moisture alfalfa and peanut vine were mixed at ratios of 10:0 (CK), 8:2 (TI), 7:3 (T2), 6:4 (T3) and 5:5 (T4), respectively. For each treatment, silos (25 × 35 cm) were anaerobically fermented in darkness at room temperature and analyzed after 45 days. The results showed that the CK silage was weakly fermented, as indicated by a low lactic acid concentration, a high pH value, and high levels of propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). As the proportion of peanut vine in the mixture increased, the pH level decreased, and levels of BA, propionic acid, NH3-N, crude protein(CP), nonprotein nitrogen and soluble protein also declined (p &lt; 0.05), while the lactic acid concentration increased and levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) also rose (p &lt; 0.05). A protein component analysis of silage mixtures using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) showed that the content of the nonprotein nitrogen component (PA) decreased when the proportion of peanut vine increased, whereas the content of rapidly degraded protein (PB1) increased. Mixing with peanut vine also influenced the distribution of the bacterial community. Compared with the CK silage, the relative abundances of Enterococcus, Garciella and Anaerosporobacter in T2, T3 and T4 were significantly lower, while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly higher. In the T2, T3 and T4 groups, Garciella and Anaerosporobacter were not detected. In summary, in this study, we ensiled high-moisture alfalfa, which was weakly fermented. We found that mixing with peanut vine improved fermentation quality and optimized the structure of the bacterial community. Therefore, to improve the fermentation quality and nutritional value of silage, high-moisture alfalfa should be ensiled with at least 30% peanut vine.

Assessment of different dietary alfalfa hay to alfalfa silage ratios for dromedary camel feeding

ABSTRACT Two in vivo experiments studied the effects of different alfalfa hay (AH) to alfalfa silage (AS) ratios including 100:0 (AH100), 50:50 (AH50:AS50) and 0:100 (AS100) in total mixed rations (TMR) of dromedary camels. In experiment (Exp.) 1, a total of 18 multiparous Baluchi dairy camel [100 ± 5 days in milk (DIM); 3.65 ± 0.539 kg milk yield] were randomly allocated to one of the three groups (n = 6) for 42 d of experimental period. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield were recorded daily, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 21 and 42. In Exp. 2, 18 male Baluchi camel calves [275 ± 14 days of old; 105 ± 8 kg BW] were housed in individual shaded pens for 150 days. DMI was recorded daily and individual weights of camels were recorded monthly. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 75 and 150. In Exp.1, feeding different dietary AH:AS ratios altered neither DMI (p = 0.351) nor milk yield (p = 0.667). Of all milk components, only the milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was increased (p = 0.015) by AS feeding (both AH50:AS50 and/or AS100). AS feeding tended to increase AST (p = 0.099) and ALT (p = 0.092) levels in lactating camels. In Exp. 2, DMI (p = 0.845), average daily gain (ADG; p = 0.092) and return per kg BW gain (p = 0.710) of silage-fed camels were similar to those of hay-fed group. The plasma concentration of BUN (p = 0.014) and AST (p = 0.014) were increased in camels fed AS100. Overall, the results suggest that both AS and/or AH could be used in dromedary camel diets based on the climatic condition, season and available facilities; however, the long-term use of AS (as sole forage) should done with caution due to the potential risk of impaired liver function. Further studies needed to explore the impact of hay versus silage feeding on digestibility, rumen function and nitrogen pollution in camel feeding.

Effects of nisin on bacterial community and fermentation profiles, in vitro rumen fermentation, microbiota, and methane emission of alfalfa silage.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has been used widely in preparing silage. However, forage legumes are prone to contamination by spoilage bacteria during fermentation. Nisin has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and has been applied as an inhibitor of rumen methane emissions. However, little research has been carried out on the application of nisin in silage. This study therefore aimed to investigate the impacts of different nisin concentrations on the bacterial community and fermentation dynamics, in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics, microbiota, and methane emissions of alfalfa silage. The detection limits of organic acid in nisin-treated silages were not reached in 0.09 g kg-1 nisin (0.09 level) from days 1 to 7 of ensiling. With increasing nisin concentrations, the silage dry matter increased linearly (P < 0.05), and dry matter loss decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Moreover, both the 0.06 g kg-1 nisin (0.06 level) and 0.09 level treatments increased the relative abundance of Pediococcus acidilactici during ensiling. Concurrently, as the nisin concentrations increased, ruminal methane production decreased linearly (P < 0.05), while the relative abundances of ruminal Succinivibrio, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminobacter amylophilus increased linearly (P < 0.05). The populations of ruminal total bacteria, methanogens, protozoa, and fungi decreased linearly with increasing nisin concentrations (P < 0.05). The addition of nisin delayed the fermentation process, preserved more nutrients in alfalfa silage, and promoted fermentation dominated by P. acidilactici in the late phase of ensiling. Moreover, nisin reduced in vitro rumen methane emissions without adverse effects on dry matter digestibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impacts of red clover and sainfoin silages on the performance, nutrient utilization and milk fatty acids profile of ruminants: A meta-analysis.

Inclusion of plants rich in secondary metabolites into grass ensiling offers multiple benefits for ruminants, from improving productive performance to health-promoting effects as well as helping to reduce environment pollution. The present meta-analysis summarizes the dietary inclusion levels of red clover silage (RCS) and sainfoin silages (SS) as well as the types of silages fed to dairy cows and small ruminants. A total of 37 in vivo studies (26 articles in dairy cows and 11 articles in small ruminants) were aggregated after being strictly selected using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A mixed model methodology was used to examine our objectives. This method declares the subject 'study' as random effects and 'inclusion level' as fixed effects. Results indicated that RCS proportion was not associated with nutrient digestibility except for a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on neutral detergent fibre digestibility. Higher RCS inclusion linearly increased (p < 0.05) nitrogen (N) intake but had no effect on dairy cows' production. Increasing RCS proportion altered milk fatty acid profile where the concentration of conjugated linolenic acid (CLA), C18:3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) and C18:0 linearly increased (p < 0.01). In small ruminants, SS proportion had no relationship with nutrient digestibility, N metabolism and growth performance (p > 0.05). However, a combination of dietary RCS + SS resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.05) CLA and ALA concentration in cow milk and average daily gain (ADG) in small ruminants compared to diets composed from either grass silage or alfalfa silage. Altogether, this meta-analysis highlights the synergistic effects of a combination of SS + RCS inclusion in improving milk fatty acids (FA) profile of dairy cows and ADG of small ruminants.

Performance of New Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains as Inoculants on the Microorganism Composition during Fermentation of Alfalfa Silage Containing Different Dry Matter Content

Alfalfa is the most planted perennial legume in the world due to its high nutritive value, protein content, productivity, and digestibility in addition to high vitamin and mineral content. It is also one of the hardest plants to ensile owing to its low reducible sugar and dry matter (DM) contents and high buffering capacity. In this study, the effects of inoculation with Lactobacillus bifermentans which is homofermentative and Lactobacillus brevis which is heterofermentative on the silage fermentation of different DM containing alfalfa forage. Alfalfa forages were unwilted, or wilted for 9 or 24 hours in order to achieve low (L), moderate (M) and high (H) DM contents. As a result of the research, it was determined that wilting improved the fermentation properties, decreased the pH value, and increased dry matter recovery. Microbial inoculation decreased the pH value, increased the dry matter recovery, and decreased the number of undesirable enterobacteria in silage. As a result of the research, it was determined that the wilting and inoculation should be applied for successful fermentation of alfalfa silage. It was also determined that inoculation with L. bifermentans gave the highest crude protein (CP) content while L. brevis gave the highest dry matter recovery (DMR).

Evaluation of the Usage of Wafer Waste as an Easily Soluble Carbohydrate Source in Alfalfa Silage

This study examined the addition of wafer waste as a readily soluble carbohydrate source to alfalfa silage for its impact on silage quality, fermentation characteristics, in vitro organic matter digestion, and in vitro CH4 values. Fresh alfalfa was ensiled with 0% wafer waste (Control), 1% wafer waste, 2% wafer waste, 4% wafer waste, and 6% wafer waste for 60 days. The differences between the groups in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), metabolizable energy (ME), in vitro organic matter digestion (IVOMD), and in vitro CH4 values of silages were found to be statistically significant. In comparison to the control group, increases in IVOMD and ME values were seen in all additive-containing groups. Depending on the quantity of wafer waste, the pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N/TN), and carbon dioxide (CO2) values of the silages declined. In the study, the highest amount of lactic acid occurred in the group with 6% wafer waste added. Propionic acid (PA) was detected only in the control group. Butyric acid (BA) values tended to decrease depending on the addition of wafer waste and were not found in the groups to which 4% and 6% wafer waste addition. Yeast and mold values of the silages decreased in parallel with the increase in the wafer waste rate. As a result, it was determined that adding wafer waste as an easily soluble carbohydrate source positively affected alfalfa silage quality and fermentation characteristics.

Comparison of alternative neutral detergent fiber methods to the AOAC definitive method

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) is the most commonly reported metric for fiber in dairy cattle nutrition. An empirical method, NDF is defined by the procedure used to measure it. The current definitive method for NDF treated with amylase (aNDF) is AOAC Official Method 2002.04 performed on dried samples ground through the 1-mm screen of a cutting mill with refluxing and then filtration through Gooch crucibles without (AOAC-; reference method) or with (AOAC+) a glass fiber filter filtration aid. Other methods in use include grinding materials through the 1-mm screen of an abrasion mill, using filtration through a Buchner funnel with a glass fiber filter (Buch), and use of the ANKOM system (ANKOM Technology, Macedon, NY) that simultaneously extracts and filters samples through filter bags with larger (F57) or smaller (F58) particle size retentions. Our objective was to compare the AOAC and alternative methods using samples ground through the 1-mm screens of cutting or abrasion mills. Materials analyzed were 2 alfalfa silages, 2 corn silages, dry ground and high-moisture corn grains, mixed grass hay, ryegrass silage, soybean hulls, calf starter, and sugar beet pulp. Samples were run in duplicate in replicate analytical runs performed on different days by experienced technicians. Compared with cutting mill-ground samples, the aNDF% of dry matter results from abrasion mill-ground samples were or tended to be lower for 8 of 11 samples. Method affected aNDF% results for all materials, with method × grind interactions for 6 of 11 samples. For ash-free aNDF% assessed with cutting mill-ground materials, a priori selected contrasts showed that the number of materials for which methods differed or tended to differ from the AOAC methods were 4 (Buch), 8 (F57), and 3 (F58); and 3 for AOAC- versus AOAC+. However, statistically different does not necessarily mean substantially different. For a given feed and grind, a positive value for the absolute difference between the AOAC- mean and an alternative method mean minus 2 times the standard deviation of AOAC- suggests that values for the alternative method fall outside of the range of results likely to be observed for the reference method. The number of observed positive values for materials processed with cutting and abrasion mills, respectively, were 0 and 2 (AOAC+); 2 and 2 (Buch); 8 and 10 (F57); 4 and 7 (F58); and 0 and 4 (AOAC-). With the materials tested, methods in order of agreement with the reference method were Buch, F58, and F57, which often gave lower values. The AOAC+ gave results similar to AOAC-, substantiating it as an allowed modification of AOAC-. Best agreement between the reference method and variant NDF methods was achieved with the 1-mm screen cutting mill grind. The 1-mm abrasion mill grind produced more aNDF% results that were lower than the reference method but with fewer differences when filter particle retention size was smaller. The use of filters that retain finer particles could be explored to improve comparability of variant NDF methods and grinds. Further evaluation with an expanded set of materials is warranted.

Exploring the rumen microbiota of Hu lambs in response to diet with paper mulberry.

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), as a new woody forage with high-protein characteristic, is being widely used in ruminant feeding. However, little is known about the comprehensive microbiota picture of whole ruminal niches (liquid, solid, and epithelium) under paper mulberry diet. To gain a better understanding of feeding paper mulberry on the rumen microbiota, the effects of fresh paper mulberry, paper mulberry silage, or a conventional high-protein alfalfa silage on rumen fermentation products and microbiota in rumen niches of Hu lambs were studied. Forty-five Hu lambs were randomly divided into 3 treatments with 15 replicates in each treatment. No significant difference was observed among treatments in the average daily gain (ADG). The fresh paper mulberry treatment had lower (P < 0.05) pH and higher (P < 0.05) total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) compared with silage treatments, but the fermentation parameters did not show significant differences between paper mulberry silage and alfalfa silage treatments. The Shannon index did not show a significant difference (P < 0.05) among treatments except between fresh paper mulberry and alfalfa silage treatment in rumen epithelial niches. Butyrivibrio and Treponema were the predominant genera in the rumen epithelial fraction, while Prevotella and Rikenellaceae_RC9 dominated in both rumen liquid and solid fractions. These results indicated the paper mulberry supplement did not have distinct impact on the microbial diversity and growth performance compared with alfalfa silage, especially for paper mulberry silage, which might help us develop an alternative animal feeding strategy of replacing alfalfa with paper mulberry. KEY POINTS: • Feeding paper mulberry silage did not show significant impact on the growth performance compared with alfalfa silage treatment. • Feeding fresh paper mulberry reduced rumen pH value and increased total volatile fatty acid. • The microbial diversity did not show significant difference among treatments.

Riboflavin supply strategies in male turkey production including either supply of alfalfa silage or free-range access in organic farming

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine an optimal riboflavin supply strategy for an organically reared and fattened male fast-growing turkey line including supply of silage and free-range access. A total of 768 one-day old B.U.T. 6 turkey poults were allocated to one out of four riboflavin supply strategies and raised in 5 feeding phases (P1-P5). In each phase, concentrate based diets were formulated with different riboflavin contents. In the “Low” diet (L) riboflavin content was according to the NRC/GfE riboflavin recommendations (4.0, 4.0, 2.9, 2.4 and 2.4Â mg/kg diet in P1-P5) and the “High” diet (H) it was twice the level of the L diet. In the rearing (P1Â +Â P2) and fattening period (P3-P5) animals received either the L or H diet resulting in 4 riboflavin supply strategies (LL, LH, HL and HH). From day 56 (P3-P5) different feeding strategies were provided: concentrate based diets only (C), C with additional alfalfa silage (C+Si) or C with free-range access to pasture (C+Pa). Results showed that the riboflavin strategy had no influence on growth and slaughter performance or on the liver measurements (PÂ >Â 0.05). As compared to C, supplemental silage or free-range access decreased the total concentrate feed intake by about 5Â kg (8%) and 10Â kg (16%) for the C+Pa and C+Si groups, respectively (PÂ <Â 0.05). However, at day 140 final body weights of all treatments were on a high level. The dressing percentage of all groups was equal, but the breast muscle portion of the C+Pa treatment was significantly higher than in the other groups (PÂ <Â 0.05). In conclusion riboflavin recommendations on the level of NRC/GfE are sufficient for fast growing male turkeys in organic farming systems. High performance levels can be realized using supplemental alfalfa silage or pasture from free-range access with a simultaneous reduction in concentrate feed intake.

The Effect of Lactobacillus planturum YQM48 Inoculation on the Quality and Microbial Community Structure of Alfalfa Silage Cultured in Saline-Alkali Soil

Alfalfa cultivated in salt–alkali soil was used for fermentation, to which an inoculum of Lactobacillus plantarum YQM48 was added, to assess its effect on the feed quality and the microbial community structure of the fermented silage. A control was included without inoculum. The nutritional components, fermentation quality, pH, and microbial community of the silage were measured after 30 and 60 days of anaerobic fermentation. The results showed that after 30 and 60 days of fermentation in the presence of the inoculum, the content of water-soluble carbohydrates, crude protein content, and dry matter were all significantly higher than those of the control silage, the pH and butyric acid content were lower, and the content of lactic acid and acetic acid were higher (p &lt; 0.05 for all). There was no significant difference in pH and butyric acid content between 30 and 60 days of fermentation in the presence of the inoculum (p &gt; 0.05), while the lactic acid and acetic acid contents were significantly lower in the 60-day silage compared to the 30-day silage (p &lt; 0.05). Fermentation reduced the abundance of Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria (the abundant phyla in the fresh alfalfa), while the abundance of Firmicutes increased, reaching 92.3% after 60 days of fermentation with inoculum. The dominant genus in that sample was Lactobacillus (70.0%), followed by Enterococcus (12.9%), while fermentation of 60 days without inoculum resulted in only 29.2% Lactobacillus, together with 27.8% Cyanobacteria, and 12.2% Enterococcus. In summary, the addition of L. plantarum YQM48 can improve the nutritional components and fermentation quality of alfalfa silage cultivated on a salt-alkali soil.