Barley Silage Research Articles

Linseed suppresses enteric methane emissions from cattle fed barley silage, but not from those fed grass hay

This study investigated potential effects of feeding ground linseed on enteric CH4 production, ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility in cattle when it was added to diets containing grass hay or barley silage. Twelve non-lactating ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin Square design experiment with four diets and four 21d periods. Experimental diets (500:500 forage to concentrate ratio; dry matter (DM) basis) were used in a 2×2 factorial design using either chopped grass hay or whole crop barley silage as the forage source with or without ground linseed at 150g/kg ration DM as a partial replacement for barley grain. Diets were fed once daily as total mixed rations. Rumen contents were collected on days 14 and 21 of each period. In situ ruminal digestibility of grass hay and barley silage was measured at 24 and 48h of incubation on days 15 and 16. Apparent total tract digestibility of dietary nutrients was estimated by collecting fecal samples from the rectum of each cow twice daily from days 15 to 21. Indigestible aNDF was used as an internal marker to estimate apparent diet digestibility in the total tract. Enteric CH4 production was measured from days 17 to 19 using the sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas technique. Without linseed inclusion, cows fed the diet based on grass hay produced 31% less CH4 as g/hd/d and up to 30% less CH4/kg of DM, digested DM or digested organic matter intake, or as MJ CH4/MJ gross energy intake (forage×linseed interaction, P<0.01) versus cows fed the diet based on barley silage. Including linseed in the hay based diet did not suppress CH4 emissions, whereas including linseed in the silage based diet reduced enteric CH4 emissions by 36% as gCH4/hd/d, by 33% as gCH4/kgDM intake, by 28% as gCH4/kg digested DM and by 37% as MJCH4/MJ gross energy intake (forage×linseed interaction, P<0.01). Linseed inclusion lowered CH4 emissions of cows fed the silage based diet by depressing ruminal fermentation (i.e., reduced protozoal population, decreased total volatile fatty acid concentration (forage×linseed interaction: P<0.01), ruminal digestion (i.e., lower 48h in situ silage fibre disappearance; linseed effect: P≤0.05) and total tract diet digestibility (linseed effect: P≤0.03). Depressive effects of linseed on these variables were less pronounced for the hay based diet. Results show that including ground linseed in a barley silage based diet can mitigate enteric CH4 emissions, but not in a grass hay based diet.This paper is part of the special issue entitled: Greenhouse Gases in Animal Agriculture – Finding a Balance between Food and Emissions, Guest Edited by T.A. McAllister, Section Guest Editors: K.A. Beauchemin, X. Hao, S. McGinn and Editor for Animal Feed Science and Technology, P.H. Robinson.

Predictions of enteric methane emissions for various summer pasture and winter feeding strategies for cow calf production

Mechanistic (COWPOLL and MOLLY) and empirical (IPCC Tier 2 and ELLIS) models were used to predict enteric CH4 emissions from 2 summer pasture systems and 4 winter feeding strategies for cow calf production in the Western Canadian Parkland. The models used average values for nutrient composition of diets, body weight and body condition score of multi- and primiparous cows to predict 90d emissions for each strategy. Average values were determined from data collected over 5 production years with British-Continental crossbred cows assigned to each strategy for life. Each production year began in June with summer grazing of cow calf pairs (n=288/yr including 76 primiparous cows) assigned to either alfalfa-grass (AG) or grass (G) pastures until weaning in September. November post weaning, pregnant cows (n=240/yr) were assigned to either extended grazing (EG) of dormant regrowth of perennial pastures and swathed annual crops, or one of 3 diets fed in a drylot: hay (HY), straw/barley (SB; 700 oat straw:300 steam-rolled barley grain dry matter (DM)), or silage/straw (SS; 400 barley silage:600 oat straw DM). Cows were fed common diets between weaning and wintering, and pre-calving and grazing of summer pastures. Differences in prediction of enteric CH4 emissions were much bigger among models (26–35%) than among systems (3–5%). For suckled beef cows, the mechanistic and empirical models predicted similar enteric CH4 between AG and G summer pasture groups. The COWPOLL, MOLLY and ELLIS models predicted enteric CH4 emissions from dry pregnant cows to be higher for EG and HY than SB and SS winter feeding strategy groups. In contrast, IPCC Tier 2 predictions were lowest for EG. Enteric CH4 emissions from cow calf production can be lowered in the winter by feeding dry pregnant cows conserved feeds containing straw combined with barley silage or grain, rather than hay alone. A more comprehensive assessment is required to determine the net contribution of extended grazing or drylot feeding programs to greenhouse gas mitigation strategies for beef production. Finally, the substantially higher differences in the prediction of enteric CH4 emissions among models than among production systems preclude their use for regulatory purposes in their current form.This article is part of the special issue entitled: Greenhouse Gases in Animal Agriculture – Finding a Balance between Food and Emissions, Guest Edited by T.A. McAllister, Section Guest Editors; K.A. Beauchemin, X. Hao, S. McGinn and Editor for Animal Feed Science and Technology, P.H. Robinson.

Nitrogen transformations and greenhouse gas emissions during composting of manure from cattle fed diets containing corn dried distillers grains with solubles and condensed tannins

Condensed tannins (CT) in ruminant diets reduce ruminal N degradation, but there is little research on how these phenolic compounds alter N metabolism during manure composting. This study investigated effects of CT additives in cattle diets on N content and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manure composting. This open windrow composting experiment consisted of two replications and three treatments being: (1) CK: manure from cattle fed a diet containing 860g/kg barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain, 90g/kg barley silage and 50g/kg supplement on a dry matter (DM) basis, (2) DDGS: diet similar to (1) with 400g/kg corn (Zea mays L.) dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) replacing barley grain, and (3) DDGS+CT: diet as described in (2) but with the addition of 25g/kg DM Acacia mearnsii CT. After 56 days of composting (Phase 1), windrows in each treatment were thoroughly mixed and divided into four portions. Two portions received additional mature compost (100kg/tonne DM) as a source of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and the other two received none. Portions were moved into individual bins for 57 days (Phase 2) of composting, followed by 104 days (Phase 3) of composting. Adding NOB had no effect on final compost properties or GHG emissions. Total C, total N and NH4+ in final compost were higher (P<0.001) in DDGS+CT than in the DDGS and CK treatments, increasing the value of the compost as a fertilizer. Including CT in the diet did not affect CO2, CH4 or N2O emissions during composting. Results demonstrate that substituting DDGS for barley at 400g/kg and adding 25g/kg CT to cattle diets increases the agronomic value of the manure and compost as fertilizer without increasing GHG emissions.This paper is part of the special issue entitled: Greenhouse Gases in Animal Agriculture – Finding a Balance between Food and Emissions, Guest Edited by T.A. McAllister, Section Guest Editors: K.A. Beauchemin, X. Hao, S. McGinn and Editor for Animal Feed Science and Technology, P.H. Robinson.

Effects of replacing barley grain in feedlot diets with increasing levels of glycerol on in vitro fermentation and methane production

The aim of the study was to assess impacts of increasing dietary levels of glycerol on in vitro ruminal fermentation and CH4 production from a barley based feedlot diet. Glycerol was used as replacement for barley grain at inclusions of 0, 70, 140 and 210g/kg of diet dry matter (DM) in a diet containing an equal mixture of barley grain and barley silage. Both grain and silage were dried and ground through a 1mm screen before mixing with glycerol. The experiment was repeated (n=2) using ANKOM® bags in 50ml sealed batch culture serum vials (i.e., 0.5g substrate+25ml media) with a 3:1 ratio of buffer:rumen liquor (n=5 bags/treatment/experiment). Rumen liquor was obtained from two cows fed a diet containing 710g/kg barley silage, 250g/kg barley grain and 40g/kg concentrate (DM basis). Gas production was measured by water displacement at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48h after inoculation. Volumes corrected for gas released from 15 negative controls (i.e., no substrate) were used to estimate net gas production at 24 and 48h. Gas samples collected at 24 and 48h were analyzed for CH4 concentration. In vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD) and culture pH were measured at 48h. Cumulative gas production as ml/g DM substrate and IVDMD were similar among treatments. Culture pH did not differ among treatments. Total CH4 production (as mg or as mg CH4/g digested DM) did not differ among treatments. Results suggest that replacing barley grain with glycerol did not reduce in vitro CH4 production as a function of digested DM or substrate DM.This article is part of the special issue entitled: Greenhouse Gases in Animal Agriculture – Finding a Balance between Food and Emissions, Guest Edited by T.A. McAllister, Section Guest Editors; K.A. Beauchemin, X. Hao, S. McGinn and Editor for Animal Feed Science and Technology, P.H. Robinson.

Optimum seeding date and rate for irrigated cereal and oilseed crops in southern Alberta

McKenzie, R. H., Bremer, E., Middleton, A. B., Pfiffner, P. G. and Woods, S. A. 2011. Optimum seeding date and rate for irrigated cereal and oilseed crops in southern Alberta. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 293–303. High crop productivity is essential for irrigated crops and may be strongly affected by decisions of seeding date and rate. An irrigated field experiment was conducted at two locations in southern Alberta for 4 yr to compare the impact of seeding date and rate on productivity and quality of nine cereal crops and two oilseed crops. Seeding rate was only evaluated on one date in late April or early May, when maximum yields were expected. Delayed seeding reduced crop yields by 0.6 to 1.7% per day after the end of April: flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) ≤ CWRS wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), feed triticale (×Triticosecale W.) ≤ CPS or SWS wheat ≤ triticale or barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) silage ≤ durum (T. turgidum L.), feed or malt barley &lt; canola (Brassica napus L.). Crop quality deteriorated with delayed seeding for some crops, particularly canola, malt barley and SWS wheat, but was unaffected or even slightly improved for other crops. Seeding rate generally had a smaller effect on crop yield or quality than seeding date, but triticale and SWS wheat required high seeding rates to achieve maximum yields. Early seeding and a sufficient seeding rate were required for high crop productivity of irrigated cereal and oilseed crops in southern Alberta.

Substitution of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles for barley grain or barley silage in feedlot cattle diets: Intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation1

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting wheat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) for barley grain and barley silage on intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in feedlot beef cattle. Eight ruminally cannulated Angus heifers (initial BW 455 ± 10.8 kg) were assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 treatments: control, low (25%), medium (30%), and high (35%) wheat DDGS (DM basis). The diets consisted of barley silage, barley concentrate, and wheat DDGS in ratios of 15:85:0 (CON), 10:65:25 (25DDGS), 5:65:30 (30DDGS), and 0:65:35 (35DDGS; DM basis), respectively. The diets were formulated such that wheat DDGS was substituted for both barley grain and barley silage to evaluate whether wheat DDGS can be fed as a source of both energy (grain) and fiber in feedlot finishing diets. Intakes (kg/d) of DM and OM were not different, whereas those of CP, NDF, ADF, and ether extract (EE) were greater (P < 0.01) and intake of starch was less (P < 0.01) for the 25DDGS compared with the CON diet. The digestibilities of CP, NDF, ADF, and EE in the total digestive tract were greater (P < 0.05) for 25DDGS vs. CON. Ruminal pH and total VFA concentrations were not different (P > 0.15) between 25DDGS and CON diets. Replacing barley silage with increasing amounts of wheat DDGS (i.e., from 25DDGS to 35DDGS) linearly reduced (P < 0.05) intakes of DM and other nutrients without altering (P=0.40) CP intake. In contrast, digestibilities of DM and other nutrients in the total digestive tract linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing wheat DDGS except for that of EE. Additionally, with increasing amounts of wheat DDGS, mean ruminal pH tended (P=0.10) to linearly decrease, and ruminal pH status decreased with longer (P=0.04) duration of pH <5.5 and <5.2, and greater (P=0.01) curve area under pH <5.8 and <5.5 without altering (P > 0.19) ruminal VFA and NH(3)-N concentrations. Results indicated that wheat DDGS can be effectively used to replace both barley grain and silage at a moderate amount to meet energy and fiber requirements of finishing cattle. However, when silage content of the diet is low (<10%), wheat DDGS is not an effective fiber source, so replacing forage fiber with wheat DDGS in finishing diets decreases overall ruminal pH status even though the rapidly fermentable starch content of the diet is considerably reduced.

Comparison of the fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and nutritive value of barley and corn silages ensiled with or without a mixed bacterial inoculant

Addah, W., Baah, J., Groenewegen, P., Okine, E. K. and McAllister, T. A. 2011. Comparison of the fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and nutritive value of barley and corn silages ensiled with or without a mixed bacterial inoculant. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 133–146. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and corn (Zea mays) silage are the most commonly used forages in feedlot diets in western Canada, and are often inoculated in an effort to improve their preservation and quality. However, the relative value of these two forages in feedlot diets or their responses to inoculation have not previously been compared. Whole-crop barley (B) and corn (C) forage were ensiled for 63 and 77 d, respectively, in both mini silos and Ag Bags® without and with inoculation [Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici at 1.0×105 CFU g-1 forage; inoculated barley (IB), inoculated corn (IC)]. At the end of the ensiling period in mini silos, the pH of C and IC was lower (P&lt;0.001) than B and IB silage, but lactate:acetate was higher (P&lt;0.001) in IB than other silages (8:1 vs. ∼4:1). Inoculation did not affect dry matter (DM) loss during ensiling, but losses in barley were higher (P&lt;0.001) than in corn silage. Barley silage appeared to be more stable than corn after 2 d of aerobic exposure. Inoculation of barley or corn did not affect in situ organic matter disappearance (OMD) or DM intake, average daily gain (ADG) or feed efficiency of steers. However, steers fed barley silage had a higher (P=0.037) DM intake, ADG (P=0.002) and improved (P=0.002) feed efficiency compared with those fed corn silage. The inoculant was more effective at improving the fermentation and aerobic stability of barley as compared with corn, and growth and feed efficiency of cattle fed barley silage was superior to those fed corn silage.

Persistency of milk trans-18:1 isomers and rumenic acid in Holstein cows over a full lactation

Mohammed, R., Khorasani, R. G., Goonewardene, L. A., Kramer, J. K. G. and Kennelly, J. J. 2011. Persistency of milk trans-18:1 isomers and rumenic acid in Holstein cows over a full lactation. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 147–167. A long-term lactation study was undertaken to determine whether the previously reported short-term persistency in vaccenic acid [VA; trans(t)11-18:1] and rumenic acid (RA) could be maintained. To test this hypothesis, 24 Holstein cows were allotted to two experimental diets (control and test) from 2 wk before calving until they were 270 d in milk (DIM). The test diet was similar to the control diet, but supplemented with sunflower seed (11.2% diet DM), fish oil (0.5%) and monensin (22 mg/kg DM) by replacing an equivalent amount of barley grain. The forage: concentrate ratio was 50:50 (DM basis) with 35% barley silage and 15% alfalfa hay. Milk was sampled every fortnight from the start of lactation until cows were 270 DIM. Data obtained were averaged into three equal periods of 90 d each, representing three stages of lactation (SOL): early-lactation (EL), mid-lactation (ML) and late-lactation (LL). Dry matter intakes were not different between treatments with greater intakes observed during ML than during EL or LL. Milk yield was not different between treatments and decreased with increasing DIM. Milk fat content and yield showed interaction between treatment and SOL with lower values observed for the test diet than control diet during EL and ML. De novo synthesized fatty acids (4:0–15:0), 16:0–16:1 and preformed fatty acids (17:0 and above) showed interaction between treatment and SOL with the former two being greater for control diet than test diet and the latter greater for the test diet than control diet within each SOL. Milk t10-18:1 (% fatty acid methyl esters, FAME) was greater for the test diet compared with control diet (4.38 vs. 1.32) and was greater during ML (3.79) than during EL (2.38) or LL (2.38). Milk VA and RA showed interactions between treatment and SOL with greater values observed for the test diet than the control diet within each SOL. When analyzed by treatment, milk VA was not different across SOL for both diets. Milk RA was not different across SOL for the test diet, but was different for the control diet; it was lower during EL than during ML. Step-wise regression analysis revealed that the variability in milk RA for the control diet (P&lt;0.01; R2=0.97) was determined by VA (70%) and RA/VA (27%); and for the test diet (P&lt;0.01; R2=0.987) by VA (88.7%), RA/VA (5%) and t10-18:1 (3.8%). Desaturase index based on RA/VA showed an interaction between treatment and SOL; it was greater for the control diet than the test diet within each SOL. Overall findings revealed that the differences in milk t10- and VA across SOL reflected possible differences in starch and PUFA intakes, respectively. Differences in milk RA across SOL for the control diet could be attributed to possible differences in mammary desaturase activity based on differences in RA/VA.

총체보리사일리지 급여가 한우 거세우의 생산성 및 육질특성에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 총체보리사일리지 위주로 급여한 거세한우의 성장, 도체성적 및 육질에 미치는 효과를 조사하고자 실시하였다. 12개월된 거세 한우(평균체중 285 kg) 12두를 공시하여 볏짚급여구인 대조구와 총체보리사일리지 급여구로 구분하여 사육하였으며, 조사료 급여는 비육단계별(전기, 중기, 후기)로 건물기준 각각 체중의 1.3, 0.7 및 0.4%를 급여하였다. 시험기간 동안의 비육단계별 일당증체량에서 비육전기에 총체보리사일리지 급여구에서 유의적으로 증가하였다. 총체보리사일리지 급여에 의해 도체성적의 육량등급은 배최장근단면적의 15.6% 증가와 등지방 두께의 25.7% 감소로 유의적인 차이를 나타내었다. 총체보리사일리지급여에 육질의 근내지방도가 52.4% 개선되었다. 총체보리사일리지 급여에 의해 배최장근 내에 육의 이화적성분의 변화는 수분, 조단백질, 조회분 및 콜레스테롤 함량은 처리구간에 차이가 없었지만 조지방 함량이 유의적으로 증가하였다. 총체보리사일리지 급여에 의한 등심육의 관능평가에서 외관의 개선 효과는 유의적인 차이를 나타내었다. 이러한 결과는 비육기간동안 총체보리사일리지 급여로 인해 등심단면적의 증가와 등지방 두께의 감소 등의 지육 등급판정에 의한 육량 및 육질 등이 개선하는 효과가 있음을 알 수 있었다. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding whole crop barley silage (WBS) on the growth performance, carcass grade, and beef quality of Hanwoo steers. Twelve Hanwoo steers (12-mon-old) were allocated into either a control (rice straw fed) or WBS (whole crop barley silage fed) group (six animals per group) and fed for 540 d until the animals reached 30-mon-old. Concentrates and roughage were fed according to the feeding stage phases; finisher I (12.16-monold), II (17.21-mon-old), and III (22.30-mon-old). A significant increase in growth was observed during the finisher I stage for the steer fed WBS, whereas a significant increase in growth occurred during the finisher II stage in the control group. The yield grade of the WBS group increased significantly with a 15.6% increase in the longissimus dorsi area and a 25.7% reduction in back fat thickness. Marbling scores improved 52.4% in the WBS group compared with the control group. A significant difference in treatments was observed for the proximate chemical composition of the crude fat content. The results regarding palatability traits in the WBS group showed a significant improvement in appearance. The results indicate that the WBS group had improved longissimus muscle and marbling scores on carcass grading compared to the control.

Effects of Homolactic Bacterial Inoculant Alone or Combined with an Anionic Surfactant on Fermentation, Aerobic Stability and In situ Ruminal Degradability of Barley Silage

The effect of a homolactic inoculant containing a blend of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici and Enterococcus faecium or, the anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), alone or in combination on fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and in situ DM, OM and NDF degradability of barley silage was investigated. Barley (Hordeum vulgare, L.) was harvested (45% DM), chopped and treated with water at 24 ml/kg forage (Control), inoculant at cfu/g forage (I), SDS at 0.125% (wt/wt) of forage (S) or with the inoculant ( cfu/g) plus SDS (0.125% wt/wt; I+S). The treated forages were ensiled in triplicate mini silos and opened for chemical and microbiological analyses on d 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 42 and 77. Silage samples from d 77 were opened and aerobically exposed for 7 d. The in situ rumen degradability characteristics of silage DM, OM and NDF were also determined. The terminal concentration of NDF in S and I+S was lower (p

Inclusion of Flaxseed in Hay‐ and Barley Silage Diets Increases Alpha‐Linolenic Acid in Cow Plasma Independent of Forage Type

Feeding flaxseed to cattle may be a means of increasing omega-3 fatty acid levels in ruminant products, but possible interactions with conserved forages have not been investigated. Twelve Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin Square experiment. Cows were fed one of four 50:50 forage:concentrate diets (DM basis): hay (hay control, HC), hay plus 15% ground flaxseed (hay-flaxseed, HF), barley silage (silage control, SC), and barley silage plus 15% ground flaxseed (silage-flaxseed, SF). Plasma concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) did not differ between SC and HC diets. Flaxseed increased ALA (P<0.05), but levels were not influenced by forage type. Flaxseed slightly increased 18:2n-6 (P<0.05) and some n-6 and n-3 elongation and desaturation products, particularly arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Flaxseed also increased C18:0 (P<0.05) with this increase being greater (P<0.01) for cows fed SF than HF. Feeding flaxseed also increased plasma C18:1-trans isomers (P<0.01), predominantly vaccenic acid (VAA, 18:1-t11), with this increase being greater (P<0.05) in cows fed HF than SF. Although conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was increased (P<0.001) with flaxseed it was not influenced by forage type (P=0.06). Overall, feeding flaxseed increased plasma ALA, EPA, ARA and CLA independently of forage type. Feeding flaxseed with silage, however, resulted in more 18:0, while feeding flaxseed with hay resulted in greater accumulations of plasma 18:1-trans isomers mainly in the form of VAA.

Effects of hops on in vitro ruminal fermentation of diets varying in forage content

Four in vitro incubations were conducted to assess the potential of hops ( Humulus lupulus) as an alternative to antimicrobials for improving ruminant production. Ground whole hops ( var. Teamaker) pellets were included in batch culture ruminal incubations (500 mg substrate + 40 mL inoculum) of pure forage, barley grain and total mixed rations (TMR) of growing (GD) and finishing (FD) diets for feedlot cattle. The TMR contained (DM basis) barley silage:barley grain in ratios of 55:40 (GD) or 9:86 (FD). Hops were included in cultures with pure forage and barley grain at 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL and with GD or FD at 0, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 μg/mL. Incubations with GD or FD were prepared with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) to define the effects of hop condensed tannins (CT) on ruminal fermentation. Adding PEG did not alter in vitro fermentation suggesting that hops CT at the concentrations used did not influence microbial activity. With hops inclusion, gas production from barley grain was linearly increased (P < 0.05) but it linearly decreased (P < 0.001) for all the other substrates over the entire incubation period (24 or 48-h). True DM disappearance (DMD) from pure forage, starch true digestibility (STD) from barley grain and apparent DMD from FD at the end of the respective incubation were linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing hops content. A quadratic (P < 0.001) reduction of MN in pure forage was observed with hops, but it was linearly increased (P < 0.001) from barley grain. Hops linearly increased (P < 0.001) volatile fatty acids production from FD but it was linearly reduced (P < 0.001) in the GD. The acetate:propionate ratio was quadratically reduced (P < 0.001; lowest at 400 μg/mL) with GD and with FD (P < 0.001; lowest at 800 μg/mL) as the concentration of hops increased. Hops quadratically (P < 0.05) decreased methane production as per unit of digested DM irrespective of the type of substrate incubated. Effects of whole hops on ruminal fermentation were diet and dose dependent. Inclusion of hops in ruminants may offer a means of decreasing ruminal methane emissions without compromising fermentability of feed. However, its efficacy on in vivo rumen fermentation and animal performance deserves further research.

Improved milk production efficiency in early lactation dairy cattle with dietary addition of a developmental fibrolytic enzyme additive

A 3-part study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a developmental fibrolytic enzyme additive on the digestibility of selected forages and the production performance of early-lactation dairy cows. In part 1, 4 replicate 24-h batch culture in vitro incubations were conducted with alfalfa hay, alfalfa silage, and barley silage as substrates and ruminal fluid as the inoculum. A developmental fibrolytic enzyme additive (AB Vista, Marlborough, UK) was added at 5 doses: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 μL/g of forage dry matter (DM). After the 24-h incubation, DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) disappearance were determined. For alfalfa hay, DM, NDF, and ADF disappearance was greater at the highest dosage compared with no enzyme addition. Barley silage NDF and ADF and alfalfa silage NDF disappearance tended to be greater for the highest enzyme dosage compared with no enzyme addition. In part 2, 6 ruminally cannulated, lactating Holstein dairy cows were used to determine in situ degradation of alfalfa and barley silage, with (1.0 mL/kg of silage DM) and without added enzyme. Three cows received a control diet (no enzyme added) and the other 3 received an enzyme-supplemented (1.0 mL/kg of diet DM) diet. Enzyme addition after the 24h in situ incubation did not affect the disappearance of barley silage or alfalfa silage. In part 3, 60 early-lactation Holstein dairy cows were fed 1 of 3 diets for a 10-wk period: (1) control (CTL; no enzyme), (2) low enzyme (CTL treated with 0.5mL of enzyme/kg of diet DM), and (3) high enzyme (CTL treated with 1.0mL of enzyme/kg of diet DM). Adding enzyme to the diet had no effect on milk yield, but dry matter intake was lower for the high enzyme treatment and tended to be lower for the low enzyme treatment compared with CTL. Consequently, milk production efficiency (kg of 3.5% fat-corrected milk/kg of DM intake) linearly increased with increasing enzyme addition. Cows fed the low and high enzyme diets were 5.3 (not statistically significant) and 11.3% more efficient, respectively, compared with CTL cows. This developmental fibrolytic enzyme additive has the potential to increase fiber digestibility of forages, which could lead to greater milk production efficiency for dairy cows in early lactation.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) as an alternative forage for dairy cows

Fenugreek is a novel forage crop in Canada that is generating interest as an alternative to alfalfa for dairy cows. To evaluate the value of fenugreek haylage relative to alfalfa haylage, six, second lactation Holstein cows (56 ± 8 days in milk), which were fitted with rumen cannulas (10 cm i.d., Bar Diamond Inc., Parma, ID, USA) were used in a replicated three × three Latin square design with 18-day periods. Diets consisting of 400 g/kg haylage, 100 g/kg barley silage and 500 g/kg concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis were fed once daily for ad libitum intake. The haylage component constituted the dietary treatments: (i) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada F70 fenugreek (F70), (ii) Crop Development Center Quatro fenugreek (QUAT) and (iii) alfalfa (ALF). DM intake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein and lactose yields were higher (P < 0.001) for cows fed ALF than fenugreek (FEN, average of F70 and QUAT). Milk fat of cows fed FEN contained lower concentrations of saturated, medium-chain and hypercholestrolemic fatty acids (FAs; P < 0.05) than that of cows fed ALF. Apparent total tract digestibility of DM and nutrients was not affected by treatments. Similarly, individual ruminal volatile FA concentrations and rumen pH (5.9) were not affected by treatments. Rumen ammonia–N concentration was higher for FEN than ALF (P < 0.001). Estimates of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) passage rate (P < 0.05) and NDF turnover rate (P < 0.001) in the rumen were higher for ALF than FEN. Our results suggest that although the digestibility of the FEN diets was not different from that of the ALF diet, fenugreek haylage has a lower feeding value than ALF for lactating dairy cows due in part to lower DMI and subsequently lower milk yield.

A study on the food habits of Sika Deer (Saanen) fed with roughage sources

Abstract : The object of this experiment was to investigate the food habits of sika deer fed with various roughage sources. The experimental trials were conducted at Unbong Animal Genetic Resources Station in 2008. The experimental roughages include five sources and 25 species in all; grasses and legumes: 5 species (mixed grasses, orchardgrass, tall fescue, alfalfa, white clover), native grasses and weeds: 5 species (mixed native grasses, Miscanthus sinensis Anderss, Arundinella hirta (Thunb.) Tanaka, barnyard grass, short awn, forage crops (hay, silages and straw): 5 species (barley + hairy vetch, Wheat + hairy vetch, rye silage, barley silage, baled rice straw), browse and fallen leaves: 5 species (mixed browse, oriental white oak, Quercus serrta Thunb., oriental cherry fallen leaves, Japanese chestnut fallen leaves), and imported hays and straws: 5 species (timothy hay, tall fescue straw, annual ryegrass straw, klinegrass hay, alfalfa hay). Five sika deer were used as experimental animals and the averaged body weight was 95+5.4kg. The chemical composition and dry matter digestibility of each roughage source and species were significantly different at the sampling area, plant species, growth stages and cutting period(p<0.05). The sika deer ate more roughages which had low fibrous contents, but high dry matter digestibility. Among all the 25 species of roughages, the favorite intake roughage sources ranking by sika deer was observed like this: browse and fallen leaves (32.2%), grass and legumes (27.0%), native grasses and weeds (22.0%), imported hays (12.9%) and forages crops (5.5%) respectively. Although, the sika deer ate more browse leaves, but ate more roughage which had low fibrous contents (NDF and ADF), but high drymatter digestibility. On the other hand, compared to each roughage source, total intake amount by sika deer was showed as browse and fallen leaves (32.2%). Based on the result, the food habit of sika deer seems to be closer to the typical browser.

청보리 및 호밀 Silage를 이용한 거세한우 비육중기용 TMR의 소 체내 이용성 조사

The present study was conducted to examine the fermentation characteristics and effective degradability (ED) in the rumen, and whole tract digestibility of whole crop silage based TMR in comparison with conventional separate feeding of concentrate and roughage. Three ruminally fistulated non-lactating Holstein cattle were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The cattle were fed 8kg of whole crop barley silage based TMR (BS-TMR) or 8kg (DM basis) of whole crop rye silage based TMR (RS-TMR) twice (08:00 and 18:00) daily in an equal amount. The cattle were also fed concentrate (5.6kg) and rice straw (1.4kg) seperately (DM basis, Control) twice daily in an equal amount. The both silages were included in TMR at 20% level (as fed basis). pH in the rumen fluid was not influenced by the diets but was slightly higher from TMR than from control. No difference was found in ammonia-N concentration between diets. Total VFA concentration was relatively increased in the cattle fed RS-TMR to the other diets up to 6h post feeding. The proportion of acetate was increased in the TMR feeding at right before feeding (0 h, p<0.005) and 9 h (p<0.048) post feeding compared with control. Propionate proportion was increased (p<0.046) in both TMRs while butyrate proportion was increased (p<0.029) at 1h post feeding compared to other diets. Effective degradability (ED) of DM and CP of RS-TMR was relatively increased to other diets, and EDNDF of both TMRs was higher than that of control diet due to the increased parameters b (p<0.039) and c (p<0.006) in TMR treatments. Whole track digestibility of most components in the TMRs was slightly increased compared to that in control diet, and RS-TMR had a tendency to be increased whole track digestibility except for NDF compared to BS-TMR. Based on the results observed from the present study, nutrient availability of whole crop silage based TMR looked slightly better than conventional separate feeding of concentrate and rice straw, mainly due to the improved stabilization of fermentation in the rumen and increased NDF digestibility of whole crop silage in TMR. (Key words : Whole crop silage, TMR, Fermentation characteristics, Effective degradability, Whole tract digestibility)

Nitrogen- and phosphorus-based applications of cattle manure and compost for irrigated cereal silage

Land application of livestock manure has caused concern about excess nutrients in soil and the potential risk to water quality. Application of manure based on crop-nutrient requirements is considered a beneficial management practice. A field study was conducted to assess the feasibility and impact of crop-based N and P application rates of cattle (Bos taurus) manure and compost for crop productivity and accumulation of extractable soil N and P. The 6-yr (2002-2007), small-plot field study included 10 amendments: control (CONT), annual synthetic fertilizer N (F-N), annual synthetic fertilizer P (F-P), annual synthetic fertilizer N plus P (F-NP), annual N-based manure (M-N), annual P-based manure (M-P), three times the P-based manure once per 3 yr (M-3P), annual N-based compost (C-N), annual P-based compost (C-P), and three times the P-based compost once per 3 yr (C-3P). Amendments were arranged in randomized complete block design with five replicates and applied based on annual soil testing and nutrient recommendations. The test crops were triticale (× Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) silage managed under irrigation. Dry matter yields for CONT and F-P were significantly smaller than for the other treatments. There were generally no significant differences among the six organic and F-NP amendments. Apparent N recovery (ANR) was greatest for F-NP (45%) and F-N (41%), followed by the P-based organic amendments (26-34%), M-N (15%), and smallest for C-N (10%). Apparent P recovery (APR) was greatest for F-NP (30%) and smallest for M-N (6%) and C-N (4%). The APR for the P-based organic amendments ranged from 14 to 22%. Application of the amendments did not result in the accumulation of excess nitrate N in the soil profile. The M-N and C-N amendments applied for 6 yr increased extractable P in the 0- to 0.15-m soil layer from 12 mg kg-1 to 121 and 156 mg kg-1, respectively. Crop productivity and soil nutrient responses indicated that assumptions made for P and N availability in manure and compost were reasonably accurate. Based on the results, P-based application of manure or compost can achieve optimum crop yield and prevent nutrient build-up in soil. Under the conditions of this study, the amount of land required to accommodate P-based application would be five to seven times more for manure and eight to ten times more for compost compared with N-based application.

Effect of rumen protozoa on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the rumen and feces of specifically faunated sheep.

The effects of rumen protozoal populations on ruminal populations and fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were evaluated by using specifically faunated sheep. Nine fauna-free sheep (three animals per treatment) were inoculated with Dasytricha spp. (DAS sheep); with mixed population A (PopA) comprising Entodinium spp., Isotricha spp., Diplodinium spp., and Polyplastron spp.; or with mixed population B (PopB) comprising Entodinium spp., Isotricha spp., Dasytricha spp., and Epidinium spp.; six sheep were maintained fauna-free (FF sheep) to serve as controls. Sheep were fed barley silage-based diets, and treatment groups were housed in isolated rooms. Sheep were inoculated orally with 10(10) CFU of a four-strain mixture of nalidixic acid-resistant E. coli O157:H7. Samples of ruminal fluid and feces were collected over 77 days. Polyplastron spp. were detected in only one sheep in PopA, and Dasytricha spp. were detected only once within the PopB cohort. Sheep in the DAS group were 2.03 times more likely (P < 0.001) to shed E. coli O157:H7 than were those in the other three treatments, whereas the PopB sheep were less likely (0.65; P < 0.05) to shed this bacterium. The likelihood of harboring ruminal E. coli O157:H7 also tended (P = 0.06) to be higher in DAS and was lower (P < 0.01) in FF than in other cohorts. Possibly, Dasytricha spp. had a hosting effect, and Epidinium spp. had a predatory relationship, with E. coli O157:H7. Additional study into predator-prey and hosting relationships among rumen protozoa and E. coli O157:H7 is warranted.

답리작 재배 청보리 사일리지 급여가 거세 한우의 증체, 사료요구량 및 육질에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 답리작에서 보리를 재배하여 사일리지를 조제하고 거세 한우에게 청보리 사일리지를 급여하여 성장, 사료이용성, 도체특성 및 육질개선 효과를 구명하고자 전북 정읍 농가에서 4개월령 거세 한우 육성우 21두를 공시하여 27개령까지 사육하였다. 대조구(일반볏짚구), 청보리 사일리지구, 생볏짚 사일리지+청보리 사일리지구 등 3처리를 두었으며, 배합사료는 육성기는 체중의 1.5%, 비육전기는 1.8%, 비육후기는 자유 채식하도록 하였고, 조사료는 사육기간 자유채식을 원칙으로 하였다. 청보리 사일리지의 평균 생산량은 ha당 사일리지 17,135 kg, 건물 6,011 kg 이었으며, 사일리지의 품질등급은 청보리에서 2~3등급, 생볏짚은 4등급이었다. 청보리 사일리지 급여로 거세 한우증체와 배합사료 절감효과가 뚜렷하였는데, 육성기에는 일당증체 65% 증가, kg 증체당 배합사료 35% 절감, 비육전기는 일당증체 7% 증가, kg 증체당 배합사료 19% 절감, 그리고 전기간으로는 일당증체 8% 증가, kg 증체당 배합사료 18% 절감효과가 있었다. 또 청보리 사일리지구에서 육질 1등급 이상 출현율은 62.5%로 대조구(37.5%)에 비해 높았으며, 근내지방도도 4.38로 대조구(2.75)에 비해 높았고, 고기의 보수력, 가열감량, 다즙성, 연도, 향미 등도 우수하였다(p<0.05). 답리작 재배 청보리는 양질 사료작물로 거세 한우의 증체와 배합사료 절감, 육질개선에 효과적이었으며, 육성기와 비육전기 위주 급여가 바람직하였고, 답리작을 이용한 월동 사료작물 재배확대가 기대되었다. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of feeding whole crop barley silage (WBS) on the growth performance, gain, feed requirement, carcass grade and beef quality of Hanwoo steers in 1999 to 2001. Twenty one steers were allocated, and divided into three treatment groups which fed rice straw only (control), WBS only, and fresh rice straw silage plus WBS during overall period ad libitum. Concentrates were fed at 1.5% level of live-body weight during growing stages, 4~12 months of age, at 1.8% level of live-body weight during early fattening stages, 13~18 months of age, and ad libitum after late fattening stages, 19~27months of age. The production yields of WBS were 17,135 kg as a silage, and 6,011 kg as a dry matter per ha, and the quality of WBS was 2~3 grade, while that of rice straw silage was 4grade. The daily gain with feeding of WBS (0.70 kg) during experimental period was higher than that of control group (0.65 kg), and the concentrate requirement (7.31 kg) per kg gain in WBS was lower than that of control (8.95 kg). The effects of gain and feed efficiency were very distinct during growing stage. i.e., the daily gain of WBS (0.84 kg) was increased by 65% compared to control (0.51 kg), and the concentrate requirement (4.16 kg) per kg gain in feeding of WBS was decreased by 35%, compared to control (6.39 kg). Meat quality with WBS was higher than that of control. Frequency rate of 1 and/or <TEX>$1^+$</TEX> grade, and marbling score of feeding of WBS were 62.5% and 4.38, while those of control were 37.5% and 2.75, respectively. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that Hanwoo beef fed with WBS were better than that of control. In conclusion, feeding of WBS was desirable to improve daily gain, reduction of concentrates, feed efficiency and meat quality of Hanwoo steers.

Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization of Microbial Communities in the Rumens of Cattle Fed Different Diets

At present there is little quantitative information on the identity and composition of bacterial populations in the rumen microbial community. Quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization using newly designed oligonucleotide probes was applied to identify the microbial populations in liquid and solid fractions of rumen digesta from cows fed barley silage or grass hay diets with or without flaxseed. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were abundant in both fractions, constituting 31.8 to 87.3% of the total cell numbers. They belong mainly to the order Bacteroidales (0.1 to 19.2%), hybridizing with probe BAC1080; the families Lachnospiraceae (9.3 to 25.5%) and Ruminococcaceae (5.5 to 23.8%), hybridizing with LAC435 and RUM831, respectively; and the classes Deltaproteobacteria (5.8 to 28.3%) and Gammaproteobacteria (1.2 to 8.2%). All were more abundant in the rumen communities of cows fed diets containing silage (75.2 to 87.3%) than in those of cows fed diets containing hay (31.8 to 49.5%). The addition of flaxseed reduced their abundance in the rumens of cows fed silage-based diets (to 45.2 to 58.7%) but did not change markedly their abundance in the rumens of cows fed hay-based diets (31.8 to 49.5%). Fibrolytic species, including Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus spp., and archaeal methanogens accounted for only a small proportion (0.4 to 2.1% and 0.2 to 0.6%, respectively) of total cell numbers. Depending on diet, between 37.0 and 91.6% of microbial cells specifically hybridized with the probes used in this study, allowing them to be identified in situ. The identities of other microbial populations (8.4 to 63.0%) remain unknown.