Animal Feed Resources Research Articles

IMPLICATION OF ANIMAL FEED AND WATER SCARCITY ON LABOR ALLOCATION, FOOD PRODUCTION AND PER CAPITA FOOD CONSUMPTION IN TIGRAI REGION, ETHIOPIA

Inadequate quantity and quality of animal water and feed resources are major factors limiting the productivity of livestock farming in Ethiopia. It is common that households spend a considerable share of their daily time to search for theses scarce resources by displacing available labor time away from more productive farming activities and leisure consumption. This paper examines the impact of time spent looking for animal water and grazing feeds on householdsi¯ agricultural food production and per capita food consumption expenditure using NMBU-MU Tigrai Rural Household Survey of 518 sample farmers. To address our objectives, we employ IV 2SLS for estimating per capita food consumption expenditure and double log for estimating food production drawing on non-separable farm household model. Our results do support the hypothesis of a negative relationship between total household labour input to crop farming and resource scarcity. Likewise, the findings confirm that reducing time spent looking for water leads to an increase in food production, per capita food consumption, and food security. In addition for the median household, the total impact revealed that decreasing searching time for water, grazing and collecting time for straw leads to an increment in food security. The results from the quantile regression further proved that the effect of these scarce resources is not uniform across the food production and consumption distribution. In line with our suspicion, the income variable was found to be endogenous and instrumental variables for it were statistically significant and bear the expected signs.

Genome-wide association study reveals putative role of gga-miR-15a in controlling feed conversion ratio in layer chickens

BackgroundEfficient use of feed resources for farm animals is a critical concern in animal husbandry. Numerous genetic and nutritional studies have been conducted to investigate feed efficiency during the regular laying cycle of chickens. However, by prolonging the laying period of layers, the performance of feed utilization in the late-laying period becomes increasingly important. In the present study, we measured daily feed intake (FI), residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 808 hens during 81–82 weeks of age to evaluate genetic properties and then used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to reveal the genetic determinants.ResultsThe heritability estimates for the investigated traits were medium and between 0.15 and 0.28 in both pedigree- and genomic-based estimates, whereas the genetic correlations among these traits were high and ranged from 0.49 to 0.90. Three genome-wide significant SNPs located on chromosome 1 (GGA1) were detected for FCR. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and conditional GWA analysis indicated that these 3 SNPs were highly correlated with one another, located at 13.55–45.16 Kb upstream of gga-miR-15a. Results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis in liver tissue showed that the expression of gga-miR-15a was significantly higher in the high FCR birds than that in the medium or low FCR birds. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed that gga-mir-15a could act on many target genes, such as forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) that is involved in the insulin-signaling pathway, which influences nutrient metabolism in many organisms. Additionally, some suggestively significant variants, located on GGA3 and GGA9, were identified to associate with FI and RFI.ConclusionsThis GWA analysis was conducted on feed intake and efficiency traits for chickens and was innovative for application in the late laying period. Our findings can be used as a reference in the genomic breeding programs for increasing the efficiency performance of old hens and to improve our understanding of the molecular determinants for feed efficiency.

Effect of Vermicompost Extract and Vermicompost-Derived Humic Acids on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Hemp

Abstract Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars grown for industrial use have recently emerged as a sustainable alternative source of industrial fibre and bioenergy, and is a highly valuable food and animal feed resource. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vermicompost extract, vermicompost mineral nutrient composition, and vermicompost-derived humic and fulvic acids on seed germination and growth of hemp seedlings. In general, separate application of all vermicompost components stimulated seed germination and hypocotyl and radicle growth, as well as increased chlorophyll concentration in cotyledons. Effective concentration range and the degree of stimulation varied significantly between the treatments. For practical purposes, application of vermicompost and vermicompost-derived extracts for stimulation of hemp growth could be useful at concentrations 5%, 0.05 mg·mL−1 and 1%, for vermicompost extract, humic acids and fulvic acids, respectively.

Gastric and intestinal proteases resistance of chicken acidic chitinase nominates chitin-containing organisms for alternative whole edible diets for poultry

Chitin, a polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), functions as a major structural component in crustaceans, insects and fungi and is the second most abundant polysaccharide in the nature. Although these chitin-containing organisms have been suggested as novel animal feed resources, chitin has long been considered as indigestible fibers in the animal body. Recently, we reported that acidic chitinase (Chia) is a protease-resistant major glycosidase in mouse gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and that it digests chitin in the mouse stomach. However, the physiological role of Chia in other animals including poultry remains unknown. Here, we report that Chia can function as a digestive enzyme that breaks down chitin-containing organisms in chicken GIT. Chia mRNA is predominantly expressed in the glandular stomach tissue in normal chicken. We also show that chicken Chia has a robust chitinolytic activity at pH 2.0 and is highly resistant to proteolysis by pepsin and trypsin/chymotrypsin under conditions mimicking GIT. Chia degraded shells of mealworm larvae in the presence of digestive proteases and produced (GlcNAc)2. Thus, functional similarity of chicken Chia with the mouse enzyme suggests that chitin-containing organisms can be used for alternative poultry diets not only as whole edible resources but also as enhancers of their nutritional value.

Determinants of smallholder farmers’ perceptions of impact of climate change on beef production in Malawi

Climate change is projected to intensify and smallholder farmers will be the most affected because they entirely rely on climate-sensitive livelihoods and have low adaptive capacity. Appropriate coping strategies for smallholder farmers depend on an accurate description of the effects of agro-ecological and farmers’ socio-economic factors on climate change. A total of 182 structured questionnaires were administered to determine socio-economic factors affecting smallholder farmers’ perceptions of impacts of climate change on beef production in Malawi. Male heads had a higher perception of having increased cattle feed intake and decreased mortality than female heads suggesting that the former had better control and access to animal feed and health resources. Young farmers had a greater perception of experiencing decreases in cattle water supply than adults implying that they lacked experience required to cope with water scarcity. More educated household heads had a higher perception of experiencing decreased tick loads and increased cattle sales than less educated household heads as they are posited to have increased knowledge of parasite control and understanding of market dynamics and expected to make better marketing decisions. High-income farmers had a lower perception of having decreased rangeland biomass and growth rates than low-income farmers indicating that they had capital to acquire resources required to improve rangeland and cattle production. Gender, age, education and income level were the major socio-economic factors that influenced farmers’ perceptions of impact of climate change on beef production. This highlights the importance of incorporating socio-economic factors when devising climate change adaptation and vulnerability reduction strategies for smallholder beef producers.

KAJIAN KARAKTERISTIK DAN EVALUASI PRODUKSI TERNAK KAMBING BERDASARKAN INDIKATOR KETERSEDIAAN PAKAN DI KABUPATEN MUNA BARAT

West Muna regency is quite potential for development of livestock goats. However, the productivity level of goat in every region of West Muna regency and support of animal feed resources have been unknown for sure, therefore detailed information about the potential of animal feed resources is needed to be able fulfill production needs before developing goat farms. This study aimed to calculate the carrying capacity of goat farm based on the availability of animal feed in 18 villages within 6 sub-regencies including Kusambi, Napano Kusambi, Lawa, Central Tiworo, South Tiworo, and Tiworo Islands based on a criteria of population ownership. Primary data were collected from 101 respondents with a total of 408 animal units. The availability of animal feed was calculated by multiplying production of animal feed with harvested area and was expressed in dried materials (BK) and organic materials (BO). Samples of the production of green animal feed was obtained by taking grass from protected square meter and agricultural by products. Production of green legumes was calculated based on the production of each tree multiplies with harvested green area. Result of the study showed that with the current production of animal feed it is still possible to develop goat farm up to 359.52 UT/ha (2.247 animal units) or 227.5 UT cow per hectare. Keywords: production of goats, animal feed, carrying capacity

Phosphorus Bioavailability: A Key Aspect for Conserving this Critical Animal Feed Resource with Reference to Broiler Nutrition

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element, and the majority of animal feed phosphate is derived from phosphate rock that is a non-renewable resource. Current global P reserves may be depleted in 50–100 years. This poses the challenge of securing future P supply for the global animal feed industries. Currently, nutritionists formulate diets with substantial safety margins to guarantee that animals do not become P deficient. Excessive dietary P concentrations increase, not only the cost of diets, but also P excretion and pollution of the environment. We contend that understanding P bioavailability is central to the sustainable use of this mineral in animal agriculture. Poultry accounts for approximately 50% of animal feed phosphate consumption worldwide and for this reason we use the meat chicken or broiler as a case study to explore the nuances of P bioavailability. We conclude that, to tackle the challenge of dietary P bioavailability, cooperative research on a global scale is needed to standardise measurement procedures in order to produce a robust and reliable database which can be used by nutritionists to formulate diets to meet the bird’s P requirements precisely. Achievement of this goal will assist endeavours to sustain the global supply of phosphorus.

Livestock feed resources utilization practices in Tanqua-Abergelle district of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

A study was carried out with the objective to assess the utilization practices of local feed resources. It was implemented in Tanqua-Abergelle district of the Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. Lemlem and Gera peasant associations (PAs) were selected purposively based on their potentiality in livestock resources and road access for household (HH) interview purpose. Likewise, Sheka-Tekli and Hadinet PAs were chosen for the purpose of focus group discussion (FGD). A total of 60 HHs (30 from each PA) were selected randomly for interview using semi-structured questionnaire. About 16% of the respondents were female HHs. Two FGDs were held with key informants. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (2013, version 21) statistical software procedures. The study area is characterized by mixed crop-livestock farming system with high interaction between crop and livestock. Livestock are the mainstay for the farm community with many benefits as sources of draught, meat, milk, income, and manures. Cattle are kept primarily for the purpose of draught power with meat and milk as secondary products, whereas shoats are kept mainly for cash income, manure, meat, and milk. The land holding size per HH was 1.44ha while the herd size was 4.93 tropical livestock unit (TLU). Almost all the land holding (97%) is allocated for crop cultivation with lesser for forage production (<1%) indicating poor attention for fodder harvesting. The cattle herd is composed of local breeds (99%) with less exotic/crossbred (1%), indicating that the livestock rearing is practiced using local breed. Crop residues, natural pastures, stubble grazing, hay, and browsing are the main feed resources for animals. The availability and contribution of each feed vary with season and areas. Sorghum stover is the main feed source in the area and followed by maize stover, Eragrostis tef straw, and pulse straws. Crop residues are fed as basal diet with no or less supplementation using local concentrates like Attela and mill by-products. Industrial by-products are rarely used in the livestock feeding system for their high price and less availability. Likewise, improved forages are not widely utilized as feed sources.

Prospects of complete feed system in ruminant feeding: A review.

Effective utilization of available feed resources is the key for economical livestock rearing. Complete feed system is one of the latest developments to exploit the potential of animal feed resources in the best possible way. The complete feed is a quantitative mixture of all dietary ingredients, blended thoroughly to prevent separation and selection, fed as a sole source of nutrients except water and is formulated in a desired proportion to meet the specific nutrient requirements. The concentrate and roughage levels may vary according to the nutrient requirement of ruminants for different production purposes. The complete feed with the use of fibrous crop residue is a noble way to increase the voluntary feed intake and thus animal’s production performance. In this system of feeding, the ruminant animals have continuous free choice availability of uniform feed mixture, resulting in more uniform load on the rumen and less fluctuation in release of ammonia which supports more efficient utilization of ruminal non-protein nitrogen. Feeding complete diet stabilizes ruminal fermentation, thereby improves nutrient utilization. This feeding system allows expanded use of agro-industrial by­products, crop residues and nonconventional feeds in ruminant ration for maximizing production and minimizing feeding cost, thus being increasingly appreciated. However, to extend the concept extensively to the field and make this technology successful and viable for farmers, more efforts are needed to be taken.

Developmental characteristics of Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae in different instars

The giant mealworm beetle, Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is reared for commercial purposes as a live feed for animals. In 2011, it was officially introduced in Korea, and since then it has been considered commercially important. This beetle is a good animal feed resource because of its high protein content with balanced nutrients. However, its life stage characteristics have not been clearly described, especially of the larval stage that can be used as commercial products. To this end, in our study, we determined the number of Z. atratus larval instars, and described their characteristics at each stage, providing basic information about this beetle. Z. atratus larvae required eight to nine d of incubation period before hatching. The first instar period comprised three to four d. There were relatively large variations in each instar period, except for the first instar. Before the adults emerged, most of the individuals passed through15 to 18 instars. The highest pupation rate, 25.71%, was observed in both 16th and 17th instars. Body length gradually increased with each successive instar and it reached its maximum at the 18th instar. The color of larvae was white at the first instar, and gradually turned brown after the second instar.

Uzun Süre Ağır Otlatmanın Sivas Step Meralarında Vejetasyona Etkileri ve Islah İmkânları

Rangelands are actually known as feed resources for animals. At the same time they have potential resources for multiple-uses such as water source, rich of flora and fauna, and recreation areas. They should be carefully used and conserved for their optimum benefits of long term. Deterioration and degradation process have still continued due to mismanagement of rangelands. Present range status should be reversed with good management practices. For this reason, field works were conducted on the rangelands of Sivas Province in years of 2008, 2009 and 2010. A modified wheel point method with Loop was used for vegetation survey in the 103 representative study sites of rangelands in Sivas province. The results of this study indicated that vegetation cover was quantified as 60.68%. The cover rates of decreasers and increasers were 15.53% and 22.23%, respectively. The studied sites numbers were 6, 62, and 35 for good, fair, and poor conditions, respectively. The 97 sites of total sites were identified as fair and poor in condition based on the rangeland condition classes. On the other hand, 26 sites were found at healthy, 35 sites at risky and 42 sites at unhealthy in rangeland health categories. Total site numbers of the last two classes was 77. Study results indicate that rangelands are also in slow degradation trend and high potential for having been successively reversed to the climax situation with proper restoration and management practices for rangelands.

Effect of hydrothermal processing on total polyphenolics and antioxidant potential of underutilized leafy vegetables, Boerhaavia diffusa and Portulaca oleracea

To investigate the effect of different processing methods on antioxidant properties of acetone extract of aerial parts from Boerhaavia diffusa and Portulaca oleracea. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride method, respectively. FRAP, metal chelating activity, DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities, carotene/linoleic acid bleaching activity were used for the determination of antioxidant capacity. The total phenolics in Boerhaavia diffusa (82.79-162.80 mg GAE/g extract) were found to be higher when compared to that of Portulaca oleracea (22.94-10.02 mg GAE/g extract). Hydrothermal processing enhanced the level of inhibition on synthetic radicals such as DPPH (3 439-309 549 mmol TE/g extract) and ABTS (17 808-53 818 mmol TE/g extract) as well as biologically relevant radicals such as superoxide anion (70%-90%) and nitric oxide (49%-57%). In addition, boiling of the vegetables were found to be maximum capacity of FRAP (6 404.95 mmol Fe (II)/g extract) and metal chelating activity (1.53 mg EDTA/g extract) than the respective raw samples. The present investigation suggests that the processing enhance the functionality and improves the availability of bioactive substances of these vegetables. In addition, they also exhibited more potent antioxidant activity. Therefore these natural weeds from the crop land ecosystem could be suggested as cost effective indigenous green vegetables for human diet and potential feed resources for animals. Further extensive studies on role and importance of those weeds in sustaining the agro biodiversity are also needed.

Characteristics of duckweed and its potential as feed source for chickens reared for meat production: A review

With the high cost of the conventional protein required in producing meat and its products to meet demand by the ever-increasing population, it is imperative that other cheaper alternatives be explored. One such protein source is duckweed. This paper focuses on the attributes that duckweed has which make it a special contender as a protein source for chickens. The paper also focuses on the challenges associated with the use of this plant as an ingredient in chicken feeds. In addition, discussion on other researches that have been conducted regarding using the plant in feeding chickens is provided. Furthermore, the manuscript highlights areas that researchers need to focus on before duckweed can be widely accepted as a feed source or feed ingredient. Researchers seem to agree that in the growers and finisher stage contribution from duckweed as protein should not exceed 6%. More research, however, is required, probably per duckweed specie, to determine the inclusion levels that can be adopted for the starter diets for meat producing chickens. Key words: Animal feed resource, carcass quality, chickens, duckweed plant, growth performance, inclusion level.

A simple lab-scale extraction of soybean hull peroxidase shows wide variation among cultivars

Commercial production of soybean hull peroxidase is of interest because it is a renewable biocatalyst with many potential applications, it would not compete with animal feed, land or other agricultural resources and it could be easily incorporated with crushing operations, adding value to one of the fastest growing crops in the world. Further characterization of seed coat traits in combination with desirable seed characteristics will aid growers to select cultivars with higher potential end value. Therefore, we developed a lab-scale method in order to assess the soybean hull peroxidase levels in 65 different cultivars from four different seed suppliers, using 4–5 hulls from each. The simplicity of the method mimics a unit operation which could also be incorporated into a crushing plant. Herein we show that only 31 of the 65 samples would be classified as high activity hulls (the other 34 having little to no activity). Clearly, some varieties would have higher economic potential than others for the production of soybean hull peroxidase.

Status of animal feed resources in Rwanda

Animal feed resources remain a major constraint for livestock development in tropical Africa. In Rwanda, grazing lands are shrinking sharply because crop cultivation is progressively encroaching on grazing areas with increasing human pressure (Mutimura and Everson 2011). Therefore, over 60% of households cultivating less than 0.7 ha, and owning livestock, practize zerograzing, where farmers cut-and-carry forage and crop residues to feed animals that are kept exclusively under sheds (MINAGRI 2009). In general, the main feed for dairy cattle under a zero-grazing system is Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum). For more than a decade, efforts to improve the feed resource base and feeding management have been based on the introduction, characterization and evaluation of exotic forage species, including grasses and legumes. The main aim of this study was to identify and document the status of improved forages as animal feed resources and for use in environmental protection in Rwanda.

Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows under smallholder condition in Ethiopia

A study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows under smallholder conditions in Asella town, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of sixty crossbred dairy cow farmers that owned 3 to 5 cows were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect information on age at first service, age at first calving, days open and calving interval. Simultaneously, reproductive performances of 250 crossbred dairy cows of the selected farmers were studied. The overall estimated mean values for age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, days open, and number of service per conception were 24.9±3.8 months, 34.8±4 months, 372.8±5.9 days, 85.6±5.6 days and 1.52±0.9, respectively. In this study, 35% of the respondents’ came across return rate after the first service in their crossbred dairy cows. In general, the overall observed reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows was found to be promising considering the management situation and limited supplemental feed utilized in the area. Thus, a sustainable extension service should be established in order to improve animal feed resources management, efficient artificial insemination service and animal health care to bridge the existing gaps. Key words: Ethiopia, cattle, production, reproduction.

Feed Resources for Animals in Asia: Issues, Strategies for Use, Intensification and Integration for Increased Productivity

The availability and efficient use of the feed resources in Asia are the primary drivers of performance to maximise productivity from animals. Feed security is fundamental to the management, extent of use, conservation and intensification for productivity enhancement. The awesome reality is that current supplies of animal proteins are inadequate to meet human requirements in the face of rapidly depleting resources: arable land, water, fossil fuels, nitrogenous and other fertilisers, and decreased supplies of cereal grains. The contribution of the ruminant sector lags well behind that of non-ruminant pigs and poultry. It is compelling therefore to shift priority for the development of ruminants (buffaloes, cattle, goats and sheep) in key agro-ecological zones (AEZs), making intensive use of the available biomass from the forage resources, crop residues, agro-industrial by-products (AIBP) and other non-conventional feed resources (NCFR). Definitions are given of successful and failed projects on feed resource use. These were used to analyse 12 case studies, which indicated the value of strong participatory efforts with farmers, empowerment, and the benefits from animals of productivity-enhancing technologies and integrated natural resource management (NRM). However, wider replication and scaling up were inadequate in project formulation, including systems methodologies that promoted technology adoption. There was overwhelming emphasis on component technology applications that were duplicated across countries, often wasteful, the results and relevance of which were not clear. Technology delivery via the traditional model of research-extension linkage was also inadequate, and needs to be expanded to participatory research-extension-farmer linkages to accelerate diffusion of technologies, wider adoption and impacts. Other major limitations concerned with feed resource use are failure to view this issue from a farming systems perspective, strong disciplinary bias, and poor links to real farm situations. It is suggested that improved efficiency in feed resource use and increased productivity from animals in the future needs to be cognisant of nine strategies. These include priorities for feed resource use; promoting intensive use of crop residues; intensification of integrated ruminant-oil palm systems and use of oil palm by-products; priority for urgent, wider technology application, adoption and scaling up; rigorous application of systems methodologies; development of adaptation and mitigation options for the effects of climate change on feed resources; strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages; development of year round feeding systems; and striving for sustainability of integrated farming systems. These strategies together form the challenges for the future.

Chemical composition and in sacco degradability of four varieties of cassava leaves grown in Southwestern Nigeria in the rumen of sheep

The nutritive value of leaves of four varieties of cassava (MS 6, TMS 30555, Idileruwa and TMS 30572) were studied through analysis of their chemical components and degradability of their dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in the rumen of sheep. Results of the chemical analyses showed that the leaves of the four varieties contained different proportions of organic matter which was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in TMS 30572 with value of 935 g/kg DM, while CP (gram per kilogramme DM) was significantly highest in TMS 30555 (240), followed by MS 6 (235), TMS 30572 (208) and least in Idileruwa (177). Mean metabolisable energy (megajoules per kilogramme DM) was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in TMS 30572 (8.2) and similar with Idileruwa (8.0) but different from TMS 30555 and MS 6, respectively (7.8 and 7.6). The mineral contents (gram per kilogramme DM) showed that leaves of MS 6 and Idileruwa had the highest concentrations of K (2.86) and a significantly lowest value (1.83) in TMS 30555. Also, the highest concentration of Ca and Fe (6.81 and 6.23) was recorded in MS 6. The highest Ca:P of 3.20 was obtained in TMS 30555. DM degradation characteristics and effective degradability varied significantly (P < 0.05) and were consistently highest in TMS 30572. The washing loss (a) ranged from 15.9% in MS 6 to 21.3% in TMS 30572. TMS 30572 tended to have higher (P = 0.546) insoluble but fermentable fraction (b) than all other varieties. Moreover, the potential degradability (a + b) tended to be higher (P = 0.041) in TMS 30572 (69.5%) followed by TMS 30555 (67.1%) and the lowest was in Idileruwa (42.7%). The highest effective degradability was recorded in TMS 30572 (63.9%) and the lowest in Idileruwa (40.7%). The degradation rate constants (c) of Idileruwa was significantly higher (P = 0.001) than those of MS6, TMS 30555 and TMS 30572. The results generally indicated that the leaves could be ranked for their potential feeding value as TMS 30572 (71.5%) > MS6 (65.8%) > Idileruwa (63.0%) > TMS 30555 (50.4%). It is therefore concluded from this study that leaves of TMS 30572 and MS 6 have good potential as feed resources for ruminant animals and could be used in ruminant feeding as protein source ingredient.

Chemical composition and in sacco dry matter degradability of residue and by‐products of palm fruit processing in the rumen of steers

ABSTRACTThe nutritive value of residue (palm calyx leaves (PCL)) and by‐products (palm press fiber (PPF) and palm oil sludge (POS)) of palm fruit processing were studied through analysis of their chemical components and degradability of their dry matter (DM) in the rumen of steers. Chemical analysis showed that the materials have similar organic matter components (mean = 95.2%), while crude protein (CP, g/100 g) and metabolisable energy (ME, MJ/kg DM) were highest in POS (10.02 and 9.43), followed by PPF (7.02 and 8.61) and least in PCL (5.42 and 8.04). An opposite trend of CP and ME was noticed in NDF and ADF contents, being 61.53 and 49.11% in PCL, 44.84 and 32.08% in PPF and 25.35 and 20.29% in POS. Mineral contents showed that PPF and POS had the lowest and highest concentration, respectively, of Mg (0.07 vs. 0.11%), Cu (58.5 vs. 143.9 mg/kg) and Fe (1374.5 vs. 4086.0 mg/kg). Dry matter degradation characteristics and effective degradability varied significantly (P &lt; 0.05) and were consistently highest in POS and least in PCL. Results have generally shown that the residue and by‐products could be ranked for their potential feeding value as POS &gt; PPF &gt; PCL. It is concluded that POS and PPF can be harnessed directly as feed resources for ruminant animals, while PCL will require some treatments to enhance its nutritive value in ruminants.

Effects of Agave salmiana Otto Ex Salm-Dyck silage as forage on ruminal fermentation and growth in goats

Ensiling of Agave salmiana Otto Ex Salm-Dyck, a widespread plant in Mexico, as a viable preservation method to create a potential animal feed resource for ruminants was investigated. Fresh A. salmiana with 205 g dry matter (DM)/kg and wilted alfalfa with 602 g DM/kg were ensiled in combinations (DM:DM) of 1000:0, 500:500 and 350:650, to evaluate feeding value of agave:alfalfa silages on ruminal fermentation and growth of goats. Chemical composition and in situ ruminal disappearance of three total mixed rations (TMRs), which included 240 g/kg DM of each silage (1000:0, 500:500 and 350:650) were determined. The TMR were used to assess ruminal fermentation and growth of 15 goats (20 ± 2.2 kg body weight (BW)). Silage pH (≤4), lactate (>25 g/kg DM) and ammonia (<50 g/kg total N) concentrations indicate that silage quality was good. Lactic acid was the main acid in all silages, acetic acid concentrations were relatively low, and butyrate was only detected in only the 1000:0 agave:alfalfa silage. Potential DM disappearance of the TMR increased quadratically as the amount of alfalfa included in the silage mixture increased. The BW gain and feed efficiency were not changed by treatment, even though DM intake decreased and aNDF intake increased linearly as the amount of alfalfa included in the silage mixture increased. Ruminal pH and butyrate increased, and ammonia N, lactate and propionate decreased linearly as alfalfa proportion of alfalfa in the silage mixture was increased. The TMR ingredient selectivity by the goats may have limited goat performance when alfalfa was included in agave silage mixtures. Because the agave:alfalfa blend improved nutritional quality, ruminal digestibility and intake of agave silage, alfalfa inclusion may improve nutritional characteristics of agave plants silages for ruminants.