Alternative Roughage Research Articles

<b><i>In vitro</i> evaluation of palm fronds as feedstuff on ruminal digestibility and gas production

This study was carried out to evaluate using palm fronds only or supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes as alternative roughage on the ruminal nutrients digestibility and gas production. Treatments were: clover hay ( Trifolium alexandrinum ), palm fronds only and palm fronds plus fibrolytic enzymes (enzymes were mixed with palm fronds in rate of 4 g kg -1 of dry matter (DM). The results showed a reduction (p < 0.05) in gas production, ammoniac nitrogen (NH 3 -N, DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility in palm fronds compared with clover hay. While supplementing palm fronds with fibrolytic enzymes improved DM and OM digestibility compared with palm fronds only without (p < 0.05) differences with clover hay . Also, supplementing palm fronds with fibrolytic enzymes reduced (p < 0.05) gas production compared with other treatments. It could be concluded that adding fibrolytic enzymes improved the utilization of palm fronds as alternative roughage without negative effect on nutrients digestibility and reduced gas production which improve the environmental aspects of feeding ruminant animals.

Determination of the In Vitro Gas Production and Potential Feed Value of Olive, Mulberry and Sour Orange Tree Leaves.

This study was conducted to determine the potential nutritive value and in vitro gas production (IVGP) parameters of Olea europaea L. (Olive = OL), Morus alba L. (Mulberry = ML) and Citrus aurantium L. (Sour orange = SOL) tree leaves. Hohenheim gas test was used to determine the in vitro gas productions of the leaves. The gas production of samples over time was recorded for 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after incubation. Completely Randomized Design was used to compare gas production, and gas production kinetics of samples. The findings of the present study suggested that there were differences among the tree leaves in terms of crude protein, NDF, in vitro gas productions, organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolisable energy (ME), net energy lactation (NEL) and relative feed values (RFV) (P<0.01). ML had the highest condensed tannin contents (P<0.05), in vitro gas production (IVGP), OMD and energy values (P<0.01). SOL had highest RFV values. OL showed the lowest IVGP when compared to SOL and ML. Low NDF and ADF contents of SOL would probably increase the voluntary intake, digestibility and relative feed values of these leaves by ruminants. In conclusion, it was determined that OL, ML and SOL used in the study have low in vitro gas production and can be utilized as alternative roughage feed in ruminants. However, it is recommended that the results obtained from this research should be tested in in vivo studies.

Digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen balance with various feeding levels of oil palm fronds treated with Lentinus sajor-caju in goats.

ObjectiveThis study was an attempt to investigate the effect of levels of fungal (Lentinus sajor-caju) treated oil palm fronds (FTOPF) on digestibility, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen balance in goats.MethodsFour 16 month old male crossbred (Thai Native×Anglo Nubian) goats with initial body weights of 33.5±1.7 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design. Four levels of FTOPF were assigned for feed intake. The experimental treatments consisted of 0%, 33%, 67%, and 100% of oil palm fronds (OPF) being replaced by FTOPF.ResultsThe results revealed that total dry matter intake and nutrient intake were not influenced (p>0.05) by the inclusion of FTOPF. However, the efficiency values of the digestibility of the dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin on FTOPF were higher (p<0.05) in treatments with 33%, 67%, and 100% of FTOPF compared with 0% of FTOPF. FTOPF feeding did not change the rumen pH, temperature, and NH3-N. However, the FTOPF levels did affect the total volatile fatty acid (VFA), molar proportion of acetate, propionate, butyrate, ratio of acetic (propionic acid and acetic) plus butyric (propionic acid), and production of CH4. The totals of VFA and propionate was lower in goat fed with 0% of FTOPF than in those of the other groups (p<0.05). The amount of nitrogen retention based on g/d/animal or the percentage of nitrogen retained was the lowest the goat fed with 0% of FTOPF (p<0.05), whereas nitrogen intake, excretion, and absorption were not changed among treatments.ConclusionBased on this study, FTOPF could be effectively used as an alternative roughage source in total mixed ration diets, constituting at least up to 100% of OPF.

Growth performance, carcass trait, meat quality and oxidative stability of beef cattle offered alternative silages in a finishing ration

As lack of forage resource, alternative roughage sources have been developed for ruminant production and their inclusion would exert a great effect on the dietary nutrition, consequently affecting animal performance. Four silages (corn silage (CS), corn stalk silage (SS), inoculated CS and inoculated SS) were separately offered to 60 Bohai Black cattle (15 cattle/group) during a 24-week finishing period, in which the growth performance, carcass trait, beef quality and oxidative stability of steers were determined. Neither silage material nor silage inoculant exerted a significant effect on the growth performance, carcass trait and oxidative stability of beef cattle (P>0.05). As to beef quality, cattle offered CS had higher (P<0.05) contents of intramuscular fat than those offered SS along with a lower moisture content (P<0.05). The contents (mg/g muscle) of C10 : 0, C12 : 0, C14 : 1, C16 : 0, C16 : 1, C18 : 1n9c, C18 : 2n6c, C18 : 3n3, C20 : 1n9, C20 : 2, C20 : 3n6, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-6 fatty acids were higher (P<0.05) in the beef muscle of animals offered CS than those offered SS, whereas inoculated treatment made no difference (P>0.05) on the proximate components and fatty acids profile of beef muscle. There was neither an interaction (P>0.05) between inoculated treatment and silage material. There were no differences (P>0.05) in cholesterol content and meat quality traits in animals fed alternative silages. The collective findings suggest that it is not economical to substitute high-quality forage for relative low-quality forage in a high-concentrate finishing ration of beef cattle and silage inoculant inclusion would not exert a direct effect on animal performance.

Feed intake and urinary excretion of nitrogen and purine derivatives in pregnant suckler cows fed alternative roughage-based diets

This study compared intake of alternative roughage-based diets and of common late-cut grass silage and related intake to urinary nitrogen (N), urea-N and purine derivative (PD) excretion, where PD is an indicator of rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis. Total urine was collected from 36 Hereford cows, blocked into three groups based on expected calving date. Cows within calving groups were randomly assigned to one of four roughage diets: common mixed grass silage (MGS), festulolium silage plus urea (FLS), reed canarygrass silage (RCS) and barley straw plus urea and rapeseed meal (BRM). Diet crude protein (CP) content was classified into five fractions (A, B1, B2, B3 and C), based on degradability characteristics. Feed intake and urinary excretion data were analysed by ANOVA in a randomised block design. To further explain the ANOVA results, multiple regression analyses were conducted to study relationships between intakes of total N (g/d); sum of the CP fractions A, B1 and B2 (AB1B2; g/d), most of which is considered rumen-degradable; digestible organic matter (DOMI; kg/d); protein balance in the rumen (g/kg dry matter); and urinary excretion of N, urea-N (g/d) and PD (mmol/d). Urinary N and urea-N excretion was positively related to N intake and was better explained by N intake than intake of AB1B2. Feeding BRM resulted in the lowest N intake and urinary N output (P < 0.001). Cows fed MGS, FLS and RCS had similar N intake, but urinary N and urea-N excretion was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in cows fed RCS, which probably was attributable to the significantly lower DOMI of this diet (P < 0.001). Furthermore, addition of DOMI to N intake in the multiple regression analysis increased the proportion of explained variation in urinary N and urea-N excretion. The MGS and FLS diets stimulated rumen MCP production to a greater extent than the BRM diet, as indicated by the higher urinary output of PD in cows fed the grass silage-based diets (P < 0.001). Diet had no significant effect on urinary PD excretion when expressed per kg DOMI. Overall mean urinary creatinine excretion was 0.197 ± 0.047mmol/kg body weight, with no significant effect of diet. This study showed that intake of both N and DOM need to be assessed when choosing a suitable alternative roughage diet for suckler cows, in order to prevent undesirable losses of urinary N.

1413 Cotton burrs as alternative roughage to adapt beef steers to steam-flaked corn-based finisher diet

1413 Cotton burrs as alternative roughage to adapt beef steers to steam-flaked corn-based finisher diet

In situ, in vitro and in vivo nutritive value assessment of Barberry leaf as a roughage for goat feeding

This study was carried out to evaluate nutritive value of Berberis vulgaris leaf (BVL) by in situ and in vitro experiments and to investigate the effects of replacing alfalfa hay with BVL on performance, milk composition, blood metabolites and antioxidant capacity of lactating crossbred goats. Rumen dry matter (DM) degradability of BVL was assessed using two fistulated mature goats and incubation of BVL samples at specified times in the rumen. Modified 3-step procedure (TSP) was performed for determination of post-rumen DM digestibility. For the in vivo experiment (during six weeks), 21 lactating crossbred goats (55±15 DIM and 26±2.8kg BW) were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments of BVL at levels of 0, 17 and 34% of DM. The results of in situ and in vitro experiments indicated that rumen DM degradability, post-rumen digestibility of DM undigested in the rumen and total tract DM digestibility of BVL were 65.46%, 12.84% and 69.90%, respectively. In vivo results revealed that DMI increased (P<0.05) as BVL level in the diet raised. Also, milk fat increased (P<0.05) with increasing BVL level in the diets, but milk protein, SNF and lactose content were not affected by the diets (P>0.05). Goats fed BVL showed greater antioxidant capacity than goats fed control diet (P<0.05) and no significant difference was found in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P>0.05). Results of this study revealed that BVL has high nutritional value and might be utilised in diet of lactating goats as an inexpensive alternative roughage.

Effect of feeding cassava bioethanol waste on nutrient intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in growing goats.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of various levels of cassava bioethanol waste (CBW) on nutrient intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites in growing goats. Twelve crossbred, male (Thai Native × Anglo Nubian) growing goats with initial body weight (BW) of 20±3kg were randomly assigned according to a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments were total mixed ration (TMR) containing various levels of CBW at 0, 10, and 20% dry matter (DM). CBW contained crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) at 11, 69, 47, and 23% DM, respectively. The TMR diets were offered ad libitum and contained CP at 15% DM. Inclusion of CBW at 10% DM in TMR did not alter feed intake (g DM and g/kg BW(0.75)) and CP intake when compared to the control fed group (0% CBW). Total OM intake was lower in the 20% CBW group than in the others (P < 0.01). The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, and NDF were not changed for the TMR including 10% CBW compared to the control group (P > 0.05) whereas when 20% CBW was incorporated to diet, intermediate digestibility coefficients were decreased. Average ruminal pH values ranged from 6-7. Rumen NH3-N and PUN concentration at 0, 3, and 6h post-feeding were not significantly different among treatments (P > 0.05). Thus, inclusion of 10% CBW in TMR diets does not adversely affect nutrient intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolite in fattening goats, and CBW may be effectively used as an alternative roughage source in the diets of goats.

Effect of treating sugarcane bagasse with urea and calcium hydroxide on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle.

Four beef cattle with initial body weight of 283 ± 14kg were randomly allocated according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study on the effect of feeding sugarcane bagasse (SB) treated with urea and/or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation. The treatments were as follows: rice straw (RS), untreated SB (SB), 4% urea-treated SB (SBU), and 2% urea + 2% Ca(OH)2-treated SB (SBUC), respectively. The results revealed that cattle fed with SBU and SBUC had higher feed intake and apparent digestibility. Ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen were increased in cattle fed with SB as roughage source (P < 0.05). Feeding SBU and SBUC to cattle resulted in higher propionic acid and lower acetic acid, acetic to propionic ratio, and methane production (P < 0.05). Moreover, the number of fungi was increased in SBU- and SBUC-fed groups while protozoa population was unchanged. This study concluded that the nutritive value of SB was improved by urea and/or Ca(OH)2 treatment, and feeding treated SB could increase feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation. This study suggested that SB treated with 2% urea + 2% Ca(OH)2 could be used as an alternative roughage source for ruminant feeding.

Digestibility of Juncus acutus and its effects on ruminal cellulolytic bacteria

The objectives of this study were to estimate the digestibility of Juncus acutus and to investigate its effects on rumen cellulolytic bacteria to consider J. acutus as an alternative roughage source in ruminant nutrition. Juncus acutus samples were collected from three different stations in Kizilirmak Delta and their proximate analysis was carried out. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) values of J. acutus were estimated from gas measured by the in vitro gas production method. The effects of J. acutus on the abundance of rumen cellulolytic bacteria Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were determined by real-time PCR method. Crude nutrient values of J. acutus collected from three stations were analysed. Mean OMD %, MEOMD and MEGP values of J. acutus from three stations were ranged from 42.64 to 42.48%, 6.78 to 6.82 MJ/kg DM and 5.05 to 5.26 MJ/kg DM respectively. Ruminal F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens and R. albus abundance calculated from threshold (CT) values in rumen fluids obtained from 0 to 96 h incubations showed an increases in following order F. succinogenes> R. flavefaciens> R. albus. The CP % of J. acutus was found higher from cereal straw and close to low-quality alfalfa hay and dry meadow grass. Juncus acutus increased the amount of rumen cellulolytic bacteria. In the light of obtained results, it can be concluded that J. acutus may be considered as a new alternative roughage source in ruminant nutrition.

Carcass characteristics of sheep fed with castor bean hulls in replacement of tifton 85 hay

Castor bean hulls (CBH), co-products of castor oil extraction, are high in dry matter (DM) and fiber and are emerging as alternative roughage in sheep feed. This could reduce feed costs since other sources of roughage can be more expensive. The effects of replacing Tifton 85 hay with CBH at 0, 33, 66 and 100% in the diet of sheep on the carcass characteristics, weights and yields of retail cuts and carcass measurements were studied. Twenty-eight non-castrated sheep averaging 7 ± 1.4 months of age with an initial weight of 19.5 ± 4.3 kg were slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. There was a linear decline (P ≤ 0.05) in slaughter body weight, empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weight and longissimus muscle area (LMA) as the percentage of dietary CBH increased. A linear decrease (P≤0.05) of the weights of all retail cuts and a quadratic effect (minimum yield of 9.84% with the replacement of 56.9%) of the neck yield were also detected as the percentage of CBH increased. No treatment effects (P &gt; 0.05) on the yield of the other cuts were observed, but there was a linear decline (P ≤ 0.05) in the perimeters of the thorax, leg and rump and the carcass compactness index. Replacing Tifton 85 hay with CBH in sheep diets is not recommended because it decreases the slaughter body weight, cold and hot carcass weight, retail cut weights and morphometric measurements.

UTILIZATION POSSIBILITIES OF CARNATION BY-PRODUCTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUGHAGE SOURCE

This study was conducted to determine the possibility of using carnation by-products as an alternative roughage source for animal feeding in Isparta. For this purpose the carnation by-products obtained from a special firm were evaluated as fresh and silage with no additive compound. Dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents of both fresh and silage carnation by-products were determined. Fleig score, pH and physical quality of silages were also determined. According to the results fresh and silage carnation have 22.64 and 19.76% dry matter, 15.50 and 12.19% crude protein, 42.08 and 39.73% neutral detergent fiber and 29.48 and 28.3% acid detergent fiber contents respectively. Silages fleig scores were 69.59, pH values were 4.37 and physical quality was very good in the study. According to the results carnation by-products both fresh and silages have a good nutritive value for animals and can be used as an alternative roughage source. However, since it is very common practice using pesticides in carnation farming. Using this by-product as animal feed should be taken into account for both animal and human health.

Effect of Replacing Corn Silage with Whole Crop Rice Silage in Total Mixed Ration on Intake, Milk Yield and Its Composition in Holsteins

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing whole crop corn silage (WCCS) with whole crop rice silage (WCRS) in the total mixed ration (TMR) on nutrient intake, milk yield and its composition in Holstein cows. The Chucheong rice variety (Oryza sativa L. Japonica) and corn (Pioneer 32 P75) were harvested at yellow-ripe stage and were ensiled in round bales and in trench silos, respectively. Two TMR containing either WCCS or WCRS were prepared. These diets were randomly assigned to 16 midlactating Holstein cows (8 cows per treatment) and were fed for 120 days. The first 20 days were used for dietary adaptation and for the next 100 days daily feed intake, milk yield and its composition were recorded. The pH, lactic acid, NDF, ADF, CP, Ca and P contents were similar in WCRS and WCCS. The DM, ash and EE contents of WCRS were greater compared with WCCS. Nutrient (DM, NDF, TDN and CP) intakes were similar in cows fed WCCS- and WCRS-based TMR. Daily and 4% fat corrected milk yield were not affected by the treatments. Milk composition (percent milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids) was similar in cows fed either WCCS- or WCRSbased TMR. The concentration of milk urea N was greater in cows fed WCRS-based TMR than those fed WCCS-based TMR. In conclusion, round-baled WCRS can replace WCCS in the diet of mid- to late-lactating Holsteins without any deleterious effects on feed consumption, milk yield and its composition. The present findings raise the possibility that WCRS can be used as an alternative roughage source in the diets of dairy cows in countries with surplus rice production.

Cotton Gin Trash: Alternative Roughage Feed for Beef Cattle

AN-177, a 3-page fact sheet by R. O. Myer, describes the potential use of this cotton ginning by-product as roughage feed for beef cattle. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, November 2007.

Productivity and Nutritive Values of Different Fractions of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Frond

Productivity, nutrient contents, in vitro gas production and in sacco degradability of different fractions and whole OPF were determined to assess the feeding value of OPF as a ruminant feed. An in vivo digestibility trial was also carried out using goat. Freshly harvested OPF was randomly collected, partitioned and weighed. An OPF from 21 years older palm weighed 13.4 kg and the annual fresh matter yield of petiole, leaflet and midrib was 46.5, 11.8 and 3.4 ton/ha, respectively. Leaflet contained 439, 926, 698, 501, 168, 196, 748 and 52 (g/kg) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CE), hemicellulose (HC), total carbohydrate (TC) and non fiber carbohydrate (NFC), respectively. Petiole contained lower (p<0.01) DM, CP and EE contents than leaflet. Organic matter, CE and TC contents were higher (p<0.01) in petiole compared to leaflet. Silica and lignin contents were highest (p<0.01) in midrib followed by leaflet, whole OPF and least in petiole. The Ca, P, Na, K and Mg contents (g/100 g DM) of leaflet were 0.529, 0.182, 0.039, 0.876, and 0.168, respectively. In vitro DM digestibility (g/100 g) at 48 h of leaflet, petiole and midrib was 32.7, 38.7 and 30.2, respectively. The in sacco DM degradation (g/100 g) at 48 h of leaflet was higher than that of whole OPF, petiole and midrib. The in vivo digestibility of DM, OM, CP and ADF of whole OPF was 52, 56, 43 and 26%, respectively. It can be concluded that leaflet is the most nutritious fraction of OPF and midrib is the least. The nutrient content and digestibility of the whole OPF showed that OPF could be an alternative roughage source for ruminant diets.