Apparent Digestibility Of Organic Matter Research Articles

Effects of milk replacer feeding rates on growth performance of Holstein dairy calves to 4 months of age, evaluated via a meta-analytical approach

Our objective was to evaluate effects of feeding milk replacer (MR) at 2 feeding rates on digestion, intake, and growth of young dairy calves, via a meta-analytical approach using individual data. A database was developed from 10 published studies from the Nurture Research Center (Provimi; Brookville, OH), in which 26 dietary treatments and 491 calves from 0 to 8 wk of age in 13 nursery trials, and 22 dietary treatments and 485 calves from 8 to 16 wk of age in 13 grower trials occurred. Male Holstein calves (n = 491; initial body weight 42.8 ± 4.9 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: (1) moderate (MOD), 0.64 to 0.66 kg of dry matter (DM)/d for the first 35 to 39 d, followed by half the allotment per d for 3 to 7 d, fed at the a.m. feeding only; (2) high (HI), 0.92 to 1.07 kg of DM/d for the first 35 to 44 d, followed by half the allotment per d for 5 to 7 d, fed at the a.m. feeding only. Calves were weaned at 6 to 7 wk of age. Milk replacer ranged from 24.8 to 28.6% crude protein (CP) and 17.6 to 20.2% fat; starter ranged from 17.3 to 22.2% CP and 3.0 to 4.3% fat on a DM basis. On d 56 calves (n = 485) moved into pens (4 calves/pen) by treatments and were fed starter (19.4 to 22.3% CP and 3.4 to 4.6% fat, DM basis) blended with 5% hay until d 112. In all nursery trials (d 0 to 56), calves fed MOD had lower average daily gain (ADG; 0.634 vs. 0.545 kg/d), gain/DMI (0.488 vs. 0.466 kg/kg), and hip width change (0.069 vs. 0.064 cm/d), but greater starter intake (0.473 vs. 0.696 kg/d) compared with calves fed HI. Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM (73.3 vs. 78.4%), organic matter (OM; 74.1 vs. 79.0%), CP (74.8 vs. 78.9%), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 40.8 vs. 53.9%) were greater for calves fed MOD vs. HI when estimated during wk 8. In all grower trials (d 56 to 112), ADG (1.015 vs. 0.976 kg/d), gain/DMI (0.375 vs. 0.349 kg/kg), and hip width change (0.089 vs. 0.081 cm/d) were greater, but dry feed intake per kg of BW0.75 did not differ (87.8 vs. 88.2 g/d) for calves previously fed MOD vs. HI. Apparent digestibility of DM (78.7 vs. 76.0%), OM (79.8 vs. 77.0%), CP (80.5 vs. 78.4%), and NDF (54.8 vs. 45.8%) were greater for calves fed MOD vs. HI when estimated between wk 11 to 13. Over the entire 112-d period, calves fed MOD had lower ADG (0.805 vs. 0.784 kg/d) but tended to have greater hip width change (8.415 vs. 8.589 cm) compared with calves fed HI. Under the conditions of this study, feeding higher MR rates caused calves to partially lose growth advantage during the weaning transition and further decreased BW gain and structural growth in the grower period (d 56 to 112), which could be due to reductions in nutrient digestibility as a result of feeding more MR.

Applying a mechanistic fermentation and digestion model for dairy cows with emission and nutrient cycling inventory and accounting methodology

In mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of dairy milk, the use of generic estimates in inventory and accounting methodology at farm level largely ignores variation of on-farm GHG emissions. The present study aimed to implement results of an extant dynamic, mechanistic Tier 3 model for enteric methane (CH4) (applied in Dutch national GHG inventory) in order to capture variation in enteric CH4 emission, and in faecal N and organic matter (OM) digestibility, ultimately required to predict manure CH4 and ammonia emission. Tier 3 model predictions were translated into calculation rules that could easily be implemented in an annual nutrient cycling assessment tool including GHG emissions, which is currently used by Dutch dairy farmers. Calculations focussed on (1) enteric CH4 emission, (2) apparent faecal OM digestibility and (3) apparent faecal N digestibility. Enteric CH4 was expressed in CH4 yield indicated with the term emission factor (EF; g CH4/kg DM) for individual dietary components and feedstuffs. Factors investigated to cover predicted variation in EF value included the level of feed intake, the type of roughage fed (proportions of grass silage and maize silage) and the quality of roughage fed. A minimum number of three classes of roughage type (i.e. 0. 40% and 80% maize silage in roughage DM) appeared necessary to obtain correspondence between interpolated EF values from EF lists and Tier 3 model predictions. A linear decline in EF value with 1% per kg increase in DM intake is adopted based on model simulations. The quality of roughage was represented by the effect of maturity of harvested grass or of the whole plant maize at cutting, based on a survey of modelling as well as experimental work. Also, predictions were assembled for apparent faecal OM digestibility which could be used in national inventory and in farm accounting. Apparent faecal N digestibility (as a major determinant of predicted urinary N excretion) was predicted, to support current Dutch national ammonia emission inventory and to correct the level of N digestibility in farm accounting. Compared to generic values or values retrieved from the Dutch feeding tables, predicted OM and N digestibility and enteric CH4 are better rooted in physiological principles and better reflect observed variation under experimental conditions. The present results apply for conditions with fairly intensive grassland management in temperate regions.

Effect of increasing inclusion rates of tofu by-product in diets of growing pigs on nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from manure

To reduce competition with human-edible feed resources, it is of interest to incorporate by-products from the food industry in animal feeds. The current research investigated the effect of including increasing amounts of tofu by-product (TF) in practical pig diets on animal performance, nitrogen balance and ammonia emissions from manure. Two experiments were conducted including a control diet without TF, containing 160 g/kg dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and three diets including 122, 246 and 360 g TF/kg DM (TF122, TF246 and TF360, respectively) to reach 220, 280 and 360 g/kg NSP. All diets had the same level of CP and protein digestible in the small intestine which particularly was realized by replacing rice bran with TF. Animal performance was assessed in a first experiment with 40 growing barrows with initial BW of 26.6 ± 1.80 kg (M ± SD) being allocated to the 4 treatments, during 2 growth phases (i.e. until 50 kg BW and from 50 to 80 kg BW). In the growth phase until 50 kg, feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) were linearly reduced by dietary TF inclusion, while this negative impact disappeared during the second growth phase (50 to 80 kg BW). Tofu by-product inclusion even positively affected the feed conversion ratio during this second growth phase (3.4 to 2.7 kg feed/kg ADG for 0 to 360 g/kg dietary TF). Over the entire growth period, performance and feed intake were negatively affected at the highest dietary TF level. Experiment 2 was conducted to assess digestibility, nitrogen balance and ammonia emission from manure. For this purpose, 16 pigs with BW of 62.8 ± 3.6 kg (M ± SD) were assigned to either 1 of the 4 treatments. There was no difference in total tract apparent digestibility of dietary organic matter or CP, while NDF digestibility increased with increasing TF level, suggesting increasing importance of the hindgut fermentation when digesting diets with increasing TF levels. Nevertheless, this was not reflected in increasing levels of faecal volatile fatty acids or purines, nor in reduced manure pH. As a result, ammonia emission from slurry was not reduced through dietary TF inclusion, despite the linear decrease in urinary nitrogen. In conclusion, TF can be included in pigs’ diets up to an inclusion rate of 25% without risk of impaired animal performance; however, this dietary strategy fails to mitigate ammonia emission from slurry.

Effects of Clostridium butyricum and corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids and microbiota in weaned pigs

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate effects of Clostridium butyricum and corn bran supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal volatile fatty acids, and microbiota in weaned pigs. Hundred and forty-four weaned pigs (7.01 ± 0.62 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, including the basal diet and 5% corn bran diet with or without Clostridium butyricum supplementation. The results showed the supplementation of 0.1% Clostridium butyricum in diets increased average daily gain (p < 0.05) and tended to increase gain to feed ratio (G/F; p = 0.07) in weaned pigs during 15–28 d. Dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter (OM) and the SOD and T-AOC levels in serum in weaned pigs. The inclusion of 5% corn bran in diets had no significant effect on growth performance in weaned pigs. Moreover, dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) faecal Escherichia coli count, and increased faecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in weaned pigs. In conclusion, inclusion of 0.1% Clostridium butyricum in diets could benefit the growth performance and gut health of weaned pigs. Meanwhile, 5% corn bran supplementation in diets had no negative effect on weaned pigs.

Evaluation of dietary supplementation of a novel microbial muramidase on gastrointestinal functionality and growth performance in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of Muramidase 007 to broiler chickens on gastrointestinal functionality, evaluating growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, vitamin A in plasma and cecal microbiota. A total of 480 one-day male chicks (Ross 308) were distributed in 16 pens allocated in 2 experimental diets: the control diet (CTR) without feed enzymes, coccidiostat or growth promoters, and the experimental diet (MUR): CTR supplemented with 35,000 units (LSU(F))/kg of the Muramidase 007. Digesta and tissue samples were obtained on days 9 and 36 of the study. A lower feed conversion ratio was observed in the MUR treatment. Apparent ileal digestibility of DM, organic matter and energy were improved by Muramidase 007. It was also observed that MUR improved digestibility of total fatty acids, mono-unsaturated fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and content of vitamin A in plasma at day 9 (P < 0.05). Histomorphological analysis of jejunum samples revealed no differences in the villus height or crypt depth; but a higher number of goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes at day 36 with MUR. No differences were observed in plate counts of enterobacteria or Lactobacillus along the gastrointestinal tract, neither on the cecal short-chain fatty acids. An statistical trend was observed for reduction of cecal clostridia at day 9 for MUR. Analysis of cecal microbiota structure by 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed relevant changes correlated to age. At day 9, broilers receiving MUR showed decreased alpha diversity compared to CTR that was not detected at day 36. Changes in specific taxonomic groups with an increase in Lactobacillus genus were identified. In conclusion, evaluation of the variables in this study indicates that dietary Muramidase 007 contributes to improve feed conversation ratio and gastrointestinal function in broiler chickens. Effects could have been mediated by slight shifts observed in the intestinal microbiota. More studies are guaranteed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.

Effects of ensiling time on corn silage neutral detergent fiber degradability and relationship between laboratory fiber analyses and in vivo digestibility

Accurate analysis of degradability of silage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) is important for diet formulation and to predict lactational performance of dairy cows. In this study, 5 corn silage hybrids ensiled for 0 (unfermented), 30, 60, 120, and 150 d were used to determine the effects of ensiling time on silage neutral detergent fiber degradability (NDFD) and to assess the relationships between near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) NDF-related analyses and in situ NDFD variables. In addition, the relationships between dietary concentration of indigestible NDF, 288-h incubation (iNDF288), or undegraded NDF, 240-h incubation (uNDF240), and in vivo total-tract apparent organic matter and NDF digestibility were studied in total mixed ration samples from 16 experiments with lactating dairy cows. Ensiling time had no effect on silage NDF concentration; however, the ratio of acid detergent fiber ÷ NDF increased, and estimated hemicellulose concentration decreased quadratically with ensiling time. Also, concentration of NDF-bound protein decreased, and that of lignin increased linearly with ensiling time. These changes in silage fiber composition resulted in a linear decrease in in situ effective degradability of silage NDF with increasing ensiling time. The indigestible fraction of NDF and concentration of structural carbohydrates were not affected by ensiling time. Correlations of in situ NDFD variables with laboratory NIR NDFD analyses were weak to moderate. The relationship of corn silage uNDF240 with lignin concentration or 30-h NDFD (all NIR analyses) was remarkably good (R2 = 0.73 and 0.88, respectively). The relationship between in situ iNDF288 concentration (but not uNDF240) and in vivo total-tract apparent digestibility of dietary organic matter and NDF was good (R2 = 0.72 and 0.80, respectively). In conclusion, in situ degradability of silage NDF linearly decreased from 0 to 150 d ensiling time, primarily caused by a decrease in concentrations of hemicellulose and NDF-bound protein. In situ NDF degradability measurements and common laboratory NIR NDF-related analyses were generally poorly correlated. We found a good relationship between in vivo NDF digestibility and dietary concentration of iNDF288 determined in situ, but the relationship with uNDF240 was poor.

Effect of fibre sources on performance, serum parameters, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities and microbiota in weaned pigs

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of wheat bran (WB) as insoluble fibre source, and sugar beet pulp (SBP) as soluble fibre source, on performance, serum parameters and intestinal health in weaned pigs. A total of 90 weaned pigs (BW: 7.33 ± 1.24 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) a control diet (CON) based on corn and soybean meal; (2) CON + 6% WB; (3) CON + 6% SBP. Each treatment had five replicate pens with six pigs per pen. The experimental period was divided into two phases (d 0 to 14 and d 14 to 28). Pigs in group WB tended to have greater avarage daily gain than those in group SBP. Compared with CON, SBP reduced (p < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter (OM), gross energy and neutral detergent fibre on d 14 and 28, while WB decreased (p < 0.05) the ATTD of OM on d 28. Pigs in group SBP had higher (p < 0.05) glucagon-like peptide 1 concentration than the other groups on d 14 and 28. The villus height to crypt depth (V:C) ratio of duodenum and jejunum in pigs fed diet WB were greater (p < 0.05) than in group SBP. The WB increased (p < 0.05) the V:C ratio of ileum compared with CON or SBP. Compared with SBP, WB increased (p < 0.05) the sucrase activity in the duodenum. Moreover, pigs in WB had higher (p < 0.05) activities of maltase and sucrase in the jejunum compared with CON or SBP. The abundances of Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae were increased (p < 0.05) in WB, while the Lachnospiraceae abundance was increased (p < 0.05) in SBP. WB increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), while SBP increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of acetate and total SCFA when compared with CON. In conclusion, WB was beneficial to performance in weaned pigs by improving morphology, enzyme activities and microbiota when compared with SBP, highlighting that effects of fibre depends on the fibre sources.

PSIII-20 Use of legumes and yeast as main protein sources in extruded canine diets

Abstract Plant-based protein sources have gained popularity as consumer demand for grain-free and novel protein sources increase. However, minimal information is available about the effects on digestibility, gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products of novel plant-based proteins in dogs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate legumes and yeast as protein sources in extruded canine diets. Five diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with either garbanzo beans (GB), green lentils (GL), peanut flour (PF), dried yeast (DY), or poultry byproduct meal (CON) as the primary protein source. Ten, adult, female beagles (mean age: 5.0 ± 1.2 years, mean BW: 11.9 ± 1.3 kg) were used in a replicated 5x5 Latin square design. Each 14 d period consisted of a 10 d diet adaptation followed by a 4 d total fecal and urine collection. At the end of each period, 5 mL of blood was collected and analyzed for a complete blood count and serum chemistry. Serum metabolites were within normal ranges and all dogs remained healthy throughout the study. Fecal scores, evaluated on a 5-point scale, were considered ideal and did not differ among treatments. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and organic matter was highest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for CON (86.3% and 91.2%, respectively) and PF (85.6% and 90.3%, respectively) and lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in dogs fed the DY diet (80.1% and 84.3%, respectively). GL had the lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) crude protein ATTD (81.5%) with no differences among other treatments (84.6% average). Dogs fed CON, PF, and GB diets had the highest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) acid hydrolyzed fat ATTD, with an average of about 94%. In conclusion, novel plant-based protein sources and yeast are comparable to traditional poultry byproduct meal diet and are appropriate protein sources for canine diets.

237 Evaluation of cooked and raw garbanzo beans as main plant protein sources in extruded feline diets

Abstract Garbanzo beans (GB; Cicer arietinum) are a readily available pulse crop that have gained popularity as a plant-based protein source in the pet food industry. However, raw GB contain anti-nutritional factors that can reduce digestibility and cause effects in pets that are undesirable to owners. The objective of this study was to determine GB effects on digestibility, gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in cats fed extruded diets containing raw or cooked GB. Five diets were formulated to have either raw GB at 0%, 7.5%, 15%, or 30% or cooked GB at 30% inclusion. Ten, adult, male cats (mean age: 1.0 ± 0.0 years, mean BW: 4.7 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a replicated 5x5 Latin square design. Each period consisted of 14 d, with 10 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collection. At the end of each period, 4 mL of blood was collected and analyzed for a serum chemistry and complete blood count to ensure all animals remained healthy throughout the study. Cats were fed twice daily and food intake was calculated to maintain body weight. Food intake was highest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for cats fed 0% raw GB (72.2 g/d, DMB) compared to higher GB inclusions (average 70.3 g/d, DMB). Dry matter and organic matter apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) were lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) among all treatments for the cats consuming the 30% cooked GB diet (77.3% and 81.7%, respectively). Cats fed 7.5% raw GB had higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) crude protein ATTD (86.2%) than cats fed 15% raw GB (82.3%) or 30% cooked GB (81.6%). In conclusion, all inclusion levels of raw GB showed high digestibility (average &amp;gt;80%) and ideal fecal scores (average 2.9) demonstrating their adequacy as the primary protein source in feline diets up to 30% inclusion levels.

Effects of Probiotics as Antibiotics Substitutes on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Morphology, and Barrier Function of Broilers.

Simple SummaryThe abuse of antibiotics in animals feed may cause antibiotic-resistant microbes and antibiotic residue in animal products. Probiotics (PB) have been used in the feed industry for several decades due to their beneficial effects on immunity and the growth of livestock and poultry. However, the efficiency of PB on animals varies due to the types and dose of PB. Therefore, investigating the effects of PB (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as an antibiotic substitute on growth performance and intestinal health status in broilers is valuable and meaningful.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the combination of probiotics replacing antibiotics on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and expression of tight junction proteins in intestinal mucosa of broilers. A total of 168 Arbor Acres broilers (45.04 ± 0.92 g) were randomly divided into three treatments, with seven replicates per treatment, and eight broilers per replicate. The experiment included phases 1 (d 0 to 21) and 2 (d 21 to 42). The dietary treatments contained a corn soybean meal-based diet (control group; CON); an antibiotic group (basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline; CTC), and a probiotics group (basal diet + probiotics (500 mg/kg in phase 1 and 300 mg/kg in phase 2; Bacillus subtilis 5 × 109 CFU/g, Bacillus licheniformis 2.5 × 1010 CFU/g and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1 × 109 CFU/g; PB). The results showed broilers fed PB had improved (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) in phase 1 and increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) in phase 2, as well as improved (p < 0.05) ADG and FCR overall (d 0 to 42). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter, gross energy, and crude protein was increased (p < 0.05) in broilers fed PB, while the ATTD of dry matter and organic matter was enhanced in broilers fed CTC compared with CON. Broilers fed PB showed increased (p < 0.05) serum total antioxidant capacity concentrations and tended to have higher (p = 0.06) level of serum immunoglobulin M in phase 1 compared with CON. These broilers also had increased (p < 0.05) level of serum immunoglobulin A in phase 2 in comparison with CON and CTC. Moreover, broilers fed CTC and PB showed increased (p = 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio in duodenum, as well as higher (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of zonula occludens-1 in jejunum compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PB as chlortetracycline substitute could improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant capacity, jejunal mucosal barrier function, and intestinal morphology of broilers.

Effects of level of feed intake and season on digestibility of dietary components, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, rumen fermentation and ruminal microbiota in yaks

Yaks (Poephagus grunniens) are raised under the harsh conditions of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and, traditionally, they graze only natural grasslands all year round without receiving any supplements. The pasture peaks in biomass and quality during the summer when yaks usually gain body weight; however, it is sparse and of poor quality in winter when yaks generally lose body weight. Yaks are well adapted to the extreme conditions and are able to cope with low energy and nitrogen intakes. We hypothesized that the level of feed intake would affect the digestibility of nutrients and the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (EMPS, as g microbial N/kg organic matter intake) and predicted that at very low dietary intakes in yaks, dietary components would be digested at a higher rate but that there would be little, if any effect on EMPS. We also predicted that the EMPS in yaks would be higher than values reported for cattle. To test these predictions, we offered six yaks a dry matter intake of 0.010 to 0.011 BW (low intake: LI) and six yaks a dry matter intake of 0.020 to 0.021 BW (high intake: HI) both in summer and in winter. Apparent digestibilities of dry matter (DM, P = 0.04), organic matter (OM, P = 0.048) and crude protein (CP, P = 0.04) were greater in the LI yaks than in the HI yaks in winter. The HI group was in positive N balance in summer and in winter, whereas the LI group was in positive N balance in summer, but not in winter. The total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) tended or was greater (P = 0.09 in summer; 0.053 in winter) and estimated microbial N yield was greater (P < 0.001) in the HI than in the LI yaks in both seasons. The EMPS did not differ between seasons (P = 0.51) or between feed levels (P = 0.26) and, in general, was higher in yaks than in cattle. The proportion of Fibrobacter succinogenes, a major fibrolytic ruminal bacterium, was significantly greater in LI than in HI yaks (P =0.007). We concluded that in yaks: 1) the apparent digestibilities of the dietary components increase at low level dietary intakes in winter when the forage is of poor quality; 2) EMPS does not differ between feed levels and is generally higher in yaks than for reported values in cattle; and 3) the higher digestion of NDF and ADF in the LI yaks than in the HI yaks in winter when the pasture is of poor quality, was due, at least in part, to a greater proportion of ruminal Fibrobacter succinogenes bacterium.

Effect of production level and source of fat supplement on performance, nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of heat-stressed Holstein cows.

The interactive effect of dietary fat supplementation and milk yield level on dairy cows performance under heat stress has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of production level, the source of fat supplements and their interaction on dairy cows performance under heat stress. In this study, 64 Holstein multiparous cows were divided into 2 groups and received one of two rations having either calcium salts of fatty acids (Ca-FA) or high-palmitic acid (PA) supplements (2.8% of DM; dry matter). After completing the experiment and based on maturity-equivalent milk, cows were divided into two groups of high-yielding (14,633 kg) and medium-yielding (11,616 kg). Average temperature humidity index (THI) was 71 during the trial period. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (p = 0.04), organic matter (p = 0.05), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; p = 0.04) for cows fed Ca-FA were greater than cows fed PA. The milk fat content in high-producing cows was 0.3% greater than medium-producing cows (p = 0.03). The milk protein content in cows fed Ca-FA was greater than cows fed PA (p < 0.01). High-producing cows had greater serum cholesterol (p = 0.02) than medium-producing cows. The cows fed PA tended to have a greater BUN than cows fed Ca-FA (p = 0.06). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase tended to be increased by PA, which indicates that cows in PA treatment may have experienced more adverse effect on the liver function than cows on Ca-FA. Therefore, under heat stress and in 90 d trial, milk production level does not affect the cows' response to PA or Ca-FA. Although cows fed Ca-FA received lower energy than those fed PA, they compensated for this shortage likely with increasing the digestibility and produced a similar amount of milk.

Effect of dietary supplementation with phytogenic blend on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients, intestinal morphology, and cecal microflora of broiler chickens

The effects of dietary supplementation with phytogenic blend (PB) of Aerva lanata, Piper betle, Cynodon dactylon, and Piper nigrum on growth performance, ileal nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and cecal microflora were determined in a 42-day broiler feeding trial. A total of 192 broilers were assigned to 4 dietary treatments (6 replicates and 8 birds/replicate): basal diet, basal diet supplemented with antibiotic (chlortetracycline), 1% and 2%PB, respectively. The body weight gain (BWG) of starter chicks increased linearly (P = 0.023) as dietary supplementation levels of PB increased. At grower phase, broilers fed diet supplemented with 1%PB had similar BWG with the antibiotic group, but other treatments had reduced (P = 0.0001) BWG. Dietary supplementation with 1%PB resulted in the highest (P < 0.0001) BWG during the study. Feed intake was not affected by the treatments during the starter, finisher, and overall rearing periods. Broilers fed diet supplemented with 1%PB had the best (P < 0.0001) feed conversion ratio during the study. Overall, broilers fed only basal diet had the highest (P = 0.0450) mortality. Ileal organic matter (OM) digestibility increased linearly (P = 0.044) with broilers fed diet supplemented with PB, but reduced with antibiotic group. Dietary supplementation with 1%PB had the highest (P = 0.0402) ileal digestibility of tryptophan. In the duodenum, broilers fed diet supplemented with PB had longer (P = 0.0006) villi heights than the birds fed only basal diet, but similar with antibiotic group. Broilers fed diet supplemented with PB had longer (P = 0.0064) villi height in the jejunum than the antibiotic group. Bifidobacterium concentration of the cecum content showed a slight increase (P = 0.053) with increasing supplementation levels of PB. In conclusion, the current study shows that dietary supplementation with PB improves growth performance, intestinal morphology, and apparent ileal digestibility of OM and tryptophan in a dose-dependent manner with the best response at 1% inclusion level.

Effect of cottonseed processing and chitosan supplementation on lamb performance, digestibility and nitrogen digestion

AbstractThe current study was carried out to examine the effect of cottonseed processing and chitosan supplementation on lamb performance, digestibility and nitrogen digestion. Eighty uncastrated Santa Inês lambs (23 ± 2.2 kg average weight, 4 months old) were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement that consisted of two cottonseed processing forms (whole or ground) and two chitosan levels (0 or 136 mg/kg live weight). Higher dry matter and organic matter apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) was achieved with the diets containing the whole cottonseed. Ether extract ADC was higher in the animals fed the chitosan-containing diet. There was an interaction effect on the ADC of neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein, which increased with chitosan inclusion associated with the whole cottonseed. The lambs that received the treatment containing the whole cottonseed showed higher microbial protein synthesis. Chitosan addition increased nitrogen retention. The animals fed chitosan-containing diets showed higher microbial protein synthesis. There was an interaction effect on microbial protein synthesis. Whole cottonseed associated with chitosan in lamb diets increases ether extract ADC and microbial protein synthesis.

Effects of Forsythia Suspense Extract as an Antibiotics Substitute on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Serum Antioxidant Capacity, Fecal Escherichia coli Concentration and Intestinal Morphology of Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryWeaning stress may reduce feed intake, weight gain and health status of piglets. Antibiotics are used to overcome post-weaning disorders. However, the abuse of antibiotics in pig feed has become a worldwide problem. Previous studies show Chinese herbs have been used as a potential non-antibiotic way to enhance anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial functions of piglets. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Forsythia suspense extract (FSE) as an antibiotics substitute on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant capacity, fecal Escherichia coli concentration and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets. The results show that dietary FSE supplementation can substitute antibiotics in improving antioxidant capacity, nutrients digestibility and reducing fecal E. coli content, so as to reduce nitrogen output and diarrhea rate, and eventually enhance growth performance in weaned piglets.The aim of this study is to determine the efficiency of Forsythia suspense extract (FSE) as an antibiotics substitute on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant capacity, fecal Escherichia coli concentration and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets. A total of 108 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned piglets (28 days (d) weaned, average body weight of 8.68 ± 1.36 kg) were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments, six pens per treatment, three barrows and three gilts per pen. The treatments contained a corn-soybean meal basal diet (CTR), an antibiotic diet (basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline; CTC), and an FSE diet (basal diet + 200 mg/kg FSE; FSE). The experiment included phase 1 (d 1 to 14), phase 2 (d 15 to 28) and phase 3 (d 29 to 35). Compared with CTR, piglets fed FSE show improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake in phase 2, as well as enhanced (p < 0.05) ADG from day 15 to 35 and day 1 to 28. Piglets supplemented with CTC and FSE showed a reduced (p < 0.05) diarrhea rate in phase 1, while piglets fed FSE showed enhanced (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and gross energy, as well as lower (p < 0.05) nitrogen output in phase 2 compared with CTR and CTC. The content in the form of Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) of fecal E. coli on day 14 and 28 was lower (p < 0.05) in piglets fed FSE in comparison with CTR. The contents of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and catalase in serum are enhanced (p < 0.05) compared with CTR and CTC, whereas the concentration of malondialdehyde in serum was decreased (p < 0.05) for piglets fed FSE on day 28 compared with CTC. The villus height to crypt depth ratio in ileum was numerically higher (p < 0.05) in piglets fed FSE in comparison with CTR. In conclusion, dietary FSE supplementation could substitute CTC in improving antioxidant capacity, nutrients digestibility and reducing fecal E. coli content, so as to reduce nitrogen output and diarrhea rate, and eventually improve performance in weaned piglets.

Effect of dried oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) plant material in feed on methane production, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows

Essential oils (EO) from oregano may have antimicrobial properties, potentially representing a methane mitigation strategy suitable for organic production. This study aimed to (1) examine the potential of oregano in lowering enteric methane production of dairy cows fed differing levels of dried oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) plant material containing high levels of EO; (2) determine whether differing levels of dried oregano plant material of another subspecies (Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare) with naturally low levels of EO in feed affected enteric methane production; and (3) evaluate the effect of various levels of the 2 oregano subspecies (containing high or low levels of EO) in feed on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acids. Each experiment had a 4 × 4 Latin square design using 4 lactating Danish Holstein dairy cows that had rumen, duodenal, and ileal cannulas and were fed 4 different levels of oregano. Experiment 1 used low EO oregano [0.12% EO of oregano dry matter (DM)] and evaluated a control (C) diet with no oregano and 3 oregano diets with 18 (low; L), 36 (medium; M), and 53 g of oregano DM/kg of dietary DM (high; H). Experiment 2 used high EO oregano (4.21% EO of oregano DM) with 0, 7, 14, and 21 g of oregano DM/kg of dietary DM for C, L, M, and H, respectively. Oregano was added to the diets by substituting grass/clover silage on a DM basis. Low or high EO oregano in feed did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) or methane production (grams per day, grams per kilogram of DMI, grams per kilogram of energy-corrected milk, and percentage of gross energy intake). Rumen fermentation was slightly affected by diet in experiment 1, but was not affected by diet in experiment 2. In both experiments, the apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly and cubically (a cubic response was not observed for neutral detergent fiber) with increasing dietary oregano content, while milk fatty acids were slightly affected. In conclusion, dried oregano plant material with either high or low levels of EO did not lower the methane production of dairy cows over 4 consecutive days, and no substantial effects were observed on rumen fermentation or nutrient digestibility. This conclusion regarding methane production is in contrast with literature and requires further study.

Reclamation of Astragalus By-Product through Dietary Inclusion in Ruminant Diets: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Blood Biochemical Parameters, and Humoral Immune Response in Sheep.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Astragalus by-product (ABP) through dietary supplementation at different levels on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and immune response in sheep. Twenty-four Doper × Small Tail Han ewes (6-7 months of age; 29.07 ± 2.28 kg initial body weight) were randomly assigned to one of three treatments for a 47 d feeding period. Treatments consisted of the sheep diet supplemented with 0% ABP-control, 10% ABP, or 15% ABP of the diet (dry matter basis). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 of the feeding period. APB supplementation did not affect growth performance and apparent digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fibre (P > 0.05). However, ether extract digestibility was decreased in the 10% ABP group and increased in the 15% ABP group (P < 0.001), and both 10% ABP and 15% ABP decreased the neutral detergent fibre digestibility (P=0.005). Feeding ABP increased rumen pH (P < 0.001) and ammonia N (P < 0.001) and decreased concentrations of acetate (P=0.007) and propionate (P=0.001) which resultantly increased the acetate-to-propionate ratio (P < 0.001) in ruminal fluid. There were no interaction effects between treatment and sampling time for plasma metabolites and immunity (P > 0.05). However, inclusion of dietary 10% ABP decreased concentrations of plasma cholesterol (P=0.043). Also, plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein decreased on days 30 and 45 (P=0.017) of the feeding period. Metabolite concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea N, glucose, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and humoral immune indicators were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary ABP supplementation. The results suggest that ABP could be reclaimed through dietary inclusion in animal feed since it had beneficial effects on rumen fermentation patterns and lipid metabolism and had no adverse effects on performance and humoral immunity in sheep.

Ruminal In Vitro Protein Degradation and Apparent Digestibility of Energy and Nutrients in Sheep Fed Native or Ensiled + Toasted Pea (Pisum sativum) Grains.

Simple SummaryPea grains may partially replace soybean or rapeseed meals and cereals in ruminant diets, but this is limited by high solubility of pea protein in the rumen. Hydro-thermic treatments such as toasting may stabilize the protein and shift digestion from the rumen to the small intestine. The effect of toasting of ensiled pea grains on rumen-undegraded protein was tested in vitro and on apparent digestibility of organic matter, gross energy, and proximate nutrients in a digestion trial with sheep. Ensiling plus toasting increased rumen-undegraded protein from 20 to 62% of crude protein, but it also increased acid detergent insoluble protein, which is unavailable for digestive enzymes in the small intestine from 0.5 to 2.6% of crude protein. Ensiling plus toasting did not, however, affect total tract apparent digestibility of organic matter, energy, crude protein, or any other nutrient fraction, nor did it alter the concentration of metabolizable energy or net energy lactation in the peas. The technique can be implemented on farms and might have a positive impact on field pea production.Pea grains may partially replace soybean or rapeseed meals and cereals in ruminant diets, but substitution by unprocessed peas is limited by high ruminal protein solubility. The effect of combined ensiling and toasting of peas using a mobile toaster (100 kg/h throughput rate, 180 to 190 °C supplied air temperature) on rumen-undegraded protein (RUP) was tested in vitro using the Streptomyces griseus protease test. The effects of ensiling plus toasting on apparent digestibility of organic matter (OM), gross energy (GE), and proximate nutrients were examined in a digestion trial. Concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy lactation (NEL) were calculated. Native peas had 38 g RUP/kg dry matter (DM), which was 20% of crude protein (CP). Rumen-undegraded protein increased three-fold after ensiling plus toasting (p < 0.001). Acid detergent insoluble protein increased five-fold. Apparent digestibility was 0.94 (OM), 0.90 (CP), and above 0.99 (nitrogen-free extract, starch, and sugars) and was not altered by the treatment. The ME (13.9 MJ/kg DM) or the NEL (8.9 MJ/kg DM) concentration was similar in native and ensiled plus toasted peas. This technique can easily be applied on farms and may increase RUP. However, it needs to be clarified under which conditions pea protein will be damaged.

Intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Holstein dairy calves consuming a milk replacer at moderate or high feeding rates

The objective of this study was to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility, and growth performance of calves when fed a milk replacer (MR) at 2 feeding rates. Male Holstein calves [n = 49; 45.0 ± 5.2 (mean ± SD) kg of body weight (BW); 3 to 4 d of age] were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 MR [27% crude protein (CP), 18% fat, dry matter (DM) basis; 14% solid] feeding programs: (1) 0.66 kg of DM/d for first 39 d divided into 2 equal a.m. and p.m. meals followed by one-half of the allotment per day for 3 d fed in the a.m. feeding only (moderate); (2) 0.96 kg of DM/d for the first 42 d divided into 2 equal a.m. and p.m. meals followed by one-half of the allotment per day for 7 d fed in the a.m. feeding only (high). A textured starter fed to calves contained whole grains with 20% CP and 44% starch (DM basis). At d 56, calves were moved into groups by treatment (4 calves/pen) and fed the same starter blended with 5% hay until d 112. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, or as a completely randomized design with repeated measures when applicable. Over the entire nursery period (d 0-56), there were no differences in average daily gain (0.63 vs. 0.64 kg/d) and hip width change (4.44 vs. 4.57 cm) for moderate- versus high-fed calves. Apparent digestibility of DM (76.5 vs. 70.3%), organic matter (77.4 vs. 71.2%), CP (78.8 vs. 72.6%), and neutral detergent fiber (37.2 vs. 22.7%) differed between moderate- and high-fed calves when estimated at d 51 to 55. From d 56 to 112, average daily gain (0.99 vs. 0.91 kg/d), hip width change (5.32 vs. 4.68 cm), and gain/DM intake (0.335 vs. 0.307 kg/kg) were greater, but DM intake per kg of BW (0.028 vs. 0.028 kg/kg) did not differ for calves previously fed moderate versus high. Feeding calves more than 0.66 kg of DM/d from a 27% CP, 18% fat MR did not improve BW gain and structural growth in the nursery period (d 0-56), and decreased these in the grower period (d 56-112) partially through reduction in digestibility of the starter.

Substituting corn silage with reconstituted forage or nonforage fiber sources in the starter diets of Holstein calves: effects on performance, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites.

We examined the effects of replacing corn silage (CS) with reconstituted alfalfa hay (AH) or beet pulp (BP) in the starter diet on the nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, rumen fermentation characteristics, selected blood metabolites, and health status in Holstein dairy calves. Newborn female calves (n = 54; 3 d of age; 39.8 ± 1.36 kg BW) were assigned randomly to 3 groups receiving starter diets containing CS [10% dry matter (DM) basis; CS diet) and reconstituted AH (10% DM, RAH diet) or BP (10% DM; RBP diet). The starter diets had the same nutrient composition and DM content. The calves were weaned on day 50 and the study continued until day 70. Nutrient intake, body weight (at weaning and at the end of the study), daily weight gain, feed efficiency, and body measurements (including heart girth, withers height, body length, body barrel, hip height, and hip width) were not affected by the diet (P > 0.05). Health-related variables including rectal temperature, fecal score, and general appearance score were not influenced by the diets (P > 0.05). During the postweaning period, apparent total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, and crude protein were higher for RBP (P = 0.001); however, digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was lower in RAH compared with CS or RBP (P = 0.001). Daily amount of nutrient digestibility did not change across the diets (P > 0.05). Rumen fluid pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration and profile were not different across the diets after weaning (P > 0.05). Calves fed RAH or RBP had higher blood concentration of β-hydroxy butyric acid compared with CS only before weaning (P = 0.03). Blood albumin concentration was higher for RBP compared with CS or RAH during the preweaning (P = 0.006) and overall (P = 0.005) periods; however, it was lower for CS compared with RBP after weaning (P = 0.03). Concentration of other blood variables including glucose, blood urea N, total protein, and globulin did not change across the diets (P > 0.05). Calves, in general, were healthy, and replacing CS with RAH or RBP in the starter diet had no beneficial effect on their feed intake or growth performance indicating that CS and reconstituted AH or BP can be used interchangeably in dairy calf starter diets until 70 d of age, allowing dairy producers more choices in selecting the feed ingredients.