Beet Pulp Silage Research Articles

Effect of beet pulp silage and various feeding methods on the performance and meat quality of broiler ducks

The study aimed to assess the growth performance and meat quality of ducks when fed diets either with or without beet pulp silage (BPS). A total of 180 Cherry Valley male ducks were reared for 49 days across two feeding periods (days 1–28 and 29–49) and were divided into three groups, each having six replicates. Group 100CD received a commercial diet (CD) ad libitum. Group 70CD:30BPS was given a mixture of CD and BPS in a 70:30 ratio, also ad libitum. Group rCD:alBPS followed a free-choice feeding approach, with a restricted CD (30% lower than the standard dose) and ad libitum access to BPS (double feeders). Slaughter yield and meat quality (pH, color, drip loss, water-holding capacity, texture, and chemical composition were analyzed (12 birds per group). Group 100CD exhibited the highest body weight up to day 28, while rCD:alBPS had the lowest. During the first 28 days, rCD:alBPS showed a lower growth rate and weight gain, but from day 29 onwards, their growth rate surpassed that of the other two groups. Group 70CD:30BPS had the highest starter feed intake, while both 100CD and 70CD:30BPS showed the highest grower feed intake. Interestingly, rCD:alBPS demonstrated the lowest feed conversion rate since day 29 and throughout the entire rearing period, indicating efficient feed utilization. Additionally, the European Broiler Index was higher in the rCD:alBPS group, further supporting the benefits of this particular feeding regimen. As for carcass characteristics, rCD:alBPS showed higher relative weight of skin with subcutaneous and abdominal fat. Conversely, these ducks had lower weights for both gizzard and wings. The pectoral muscles from 100CD had higher protein, salt, and fat content but lower water content compared to the other groups. The water-holding capacity in leg muscles was lower in 100CD than in 70CD:30BPS and rCD:alBPS. Protein content in 100CD and rCD:alBPS was higher than in 70CD:30BPS. Collagen content was highest in 100CD, salt in 70CD:30BPS, fat in both 100CD and 70CD:30BPS, and water in rCD:alBPS. Overall, a free-choice feeding approach with a restricted diet and ad libitum access to BPS positively impacted feed conversion. The use of a limited diet led to better feed utilization. Moreover, the lack of negative effects on body weight gain and carcass characteristics suggests that ducks efficiently utilize nutrients from both feed and silage. This feeding method, which incorporates roughage, can be recommended for rearing ducks.

Effects of feeding silage of beet pulp or maize on the growth performance, meat quality, and production economics of broiler ducks

The present study aimed to compare the growth, meat quality, and production economics of Cherry Valley broiler ducks fed with a commercial diet along with silage from beet pulp or maize. In this study, 180 male Cherry Valley ducks were reared for 49 d. The control group (group C) was fed a commercial diet ad libitum. The experimental groups were fed a restricted amount of commercial diet and ad libitum beet pulp silage (group B) or maize silage (group M). For all groups, the growth performance and meat quality were analyzed, and their production costs were estimated. The beneficial effects of feeding maize silage on the growth rate were observed on d 29 to 49 in group M; moreover, both experimental groups showed lower feed intake than group C (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was lower in the first rearing stage and during the entire experimental period in groups B and M than that in group C. Group M showed a higher European Production Efficiency Factor and European Broiler Index than group C (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the liver was higher in group C than that in the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Group M showed a higher L* value of leg muscles than group C (P < 0.05). Water-holding capacity was higher in leg muscles from ducks fed with silages (P < 0.05). The experimental groups had lower costs of commercial diets. Higher costs were observed for maize silage than for beet pulp silage. Carcass sales yielded the highest profit for group M and the lowest one for group C. Compared with the control group, the silage-fed groups showed a higher estimated profit by PLN 7.94 to 10.68 per duck (P < 0.05). Based on the beneficial production results, notably lower feed conversion ratio, no negative effects on carcass characteristics, and lower production costs, especially maize or even beet pulp silage in broiler duck rearing, could be recommended.

English

Aerobic stability is one of the important factors affecting the nutritive value of silages for livestock and determined by various methods. The aim of the current experiment was to design a microcontroller based low cost device using CO2 sensor for determination of aerobic stability of silage and compare with the conventional temperature measurement system. It was hypothesised that the time taken to increase the silage temperature by 2oC above room temperature and produce 10 g CO2 kg- 1 DM might be similar or comparable for the same silages when the silage is exposed to air simultaneously. The microcontroller based low cost device was designed and allowed discrimination between silages in terms of aerobic stability as in the temperature measurement system. The data obtained by microcontroller based low cost device is consistent with data obtained by the temperature measurement system. The time taken to increase silage temperature by 2oC above room temperature and produce 10 g CO2 kg-1 dry matter (DM) of silage were similar in both measurement systems. It was also found that the high correlation coefficients between CO2 production and temperature until reflection point of temperature obtained and ranged from 0.990 to 0.995 for sugar beet pulp silage (SNPS) and corn silage (CS). The CO2 sensor has provided the opportunity in designing a simple and handy device with an affordable cost to measure the aerobic stability of silage as accurately as temperature measurement sys

Using rose pulp silage instead of sugar beet pulp silage in lambs fed with total mixed ration

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of using rose pulp (Rosa damacena) silage instead of sugar beet pulp silage on fattening performance, carcass yield, and some ruminal fluid parameters in lambs fed with total mixed ration. For this purpose, a total of 16 (average 30 ± 5 kg) 6-month-old Pırlak lambs, 8 in each group, were randomly divided into two groups. Total mixed rations were formulated by using concentrate, wheat straw and rose pulp silage (RPS) (Group 1) or sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) (Group 2) in the experiment. Due to the low dry matter content of rose pulp, 7% wheat bran was added to its silage (RPS). The physical and chemical properties of both silages were evaluated, and rations were formulated as isocaloric and isonitrogenic. The study lasted 8 weeks after 2 weeks of the animals' adaptation to the ration. Live weight, live weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, hot-cold carcass yield and ruminal parameters such as volatile fatty acids, protozoan number, pH, and ammonia nitrogen concentration were measured in the experiment. It was determined that the acetic acid level (12.4% DM) of RPS was approximately 6 times higher than SBPS, and the butyric acid level (3.83% DM) was 3 times higher. At the end of the study, it was determined that the difference between the performance parameters of both groups was not significant. Apart from acetic and butyric acid, rumen fluid parameters were not affected by the usage of RPS in the ration. It was concluded that the rose pulp silage consisting of wheat bran (7%) can be used as an alternative silage source to feed small ruminants instead of sugar beet pulp silage without any adverse effects.

Spraying opened sugar beet pulp silage with oregano essential oil helps to sustain quality and stability

This study was conducted to determine the effects of spraying oregano essential oil (OEO) onto sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) on silage quality and aerobic stability after opening. A factorial experiment with three replicates of three treatments and four time periods was conducted using laboratory-type plastic silos. The treatments were an untreated control, silage sprayed with 10 ml/75 cm2 OEO, and silage sprayed with 20 ml/75 cm2 OEO. The silages were sampled at 0, 72, 120, and 168 hours after spraying. Temperature, L*, a*, and b* colour values, pH, water-soluble carbohydrates, crude nutrient contents, Fleig score, metabolizable energy (ME) value, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), total live bacteria (TLB), yeast, and mould formation were assessed. Spraying OEO onto SBPS did not affect L*, a*, and b* values, pH, water-soluble carbohydrates, and Fleig score values, but decreased temperature. Spraying OEO onto the silage increased organic matter, ether extract, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin contents without affecting crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, and ME contents. Irrespective of treatment, crude protein, ether extract, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, nitrogen free extract, Fleig score, and ME contents of silages increased with time after spraying. The OEO spraying reduced LAB, TLB, and yeast contents in silages. In conclusion, OEO spraying onto opened SBPS reduced LAB, TLB, and yeast formation and stopped mould growth up to 72 hours without affecting their nutritional properties, suggesting that OEO could be used to ensure the stability of SBPS.&#x0D; Keywords: aerobic stability, mould growth, silage microbiology, nutrients, feeding management

Effect of substituting barley grain with wet sugar beet pulp silage on some blood metabolites in lambs

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of substituting grain barley with we sugar beet pulp (WSBP) silage prepared with wheat bran (WSBPS) at different levels on some blood parameters of lambs. A barley grain based control diet was prepared. Then, three experimental diets were prepared by substituting 35, 70 and 100% of barley grain with WSBPS (35, 70 and 100% WSBPS diets). Moreover, negative control was also established. A total of sixty, 6-7 month old male Akkaraman lambs with 24.29+1.50 kg mean body weight were used in the study. These lambs were fed one of five diets for a period of 75 days. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the experiment. Serum glucose, total protein, BUN, phosphorus, and calcium levels were determined. Serum BUN and phosphorus levels were similar at the beginning and end of the experiment (P greater than 0,05). Serum glucose levels were significantly higher in control, 100% WSBPS and negative control whereas Ca level was higher in all groups, except negative control at the end of experiment (P less than 0,05). Total protein levels were significantly lower in 70 and 100% WSBPS (P less than 0,05). All of the parameters, except BUN level were statistically similar among groups at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, substituting barley with wet sugar beet pulp silage did not have significant effects on blood parameters, except BUN. Substituting barley with WSBPS could be an alternative feeding strategy for farmers without affecting animal health based on the results of this experiment.

Chemical composition, organic matter digestibility and energy content of apple pomace silage and its combination with corn plant, sugar beet pulp and pumpkin pulp

The objective of this research was to investigate and compare the quality of apple pomace silage ensiled with corn plant, sugar beet pulp, and pumpkin pulp for nutrient compositions. Fresh samples of apple pomace, corn plant, sugar beet pulp, pumpkin pulp, and their combinations were fermented in glass jars. The treatment groups included i) 100% apple pomace as control, ii) 100% corn plants, iii) 100% sugar beet pulp, iv) 100% pumpkin pulp, v) 50% apple pomace and 50% sugar beet pulp, vi) 50% apple pomace and 50% pumpkin pulp, and vii) 50% apple pomace and 50% whole corn plant. The silage pH was different among treatment groups, ranging from 3.60 to 4.15, being lowest with a combination of apple pomace and pumpkin pulp, and highest with sugar beet pulp. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) contents of the silages were also different among groups, with corn silage being the highest for both values, namely 29.17% for DM and 9.92% of DM for CP. Although acid detergent fibre (ADF) and crude cellulose (CC) values differed among silages (ADF and CC contents varied between 24.47 and 38.55% of DM and 21.58–28.98% of DM among silages, respectively), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) contents remained similar. In vitro organic matter digestibility of sugar beet pulp silage (74.41% of DM) was highest among all silages, whilst corn silage (55.35% of DM) had the lowest digestibility. Sugar beet pulp silage had the highest metabolizable energy (ME) (2.67 Mcal/kg DM) and net energy lactation (NEL) (1.61 Mcal/kg DM) values among all silages. The results of the current study suggested that nutritive values of the apple pomace silage were comparable with the silages from the other plant sources. In summary, apple pomace silage is a promising feed.Keywords: Ensiling, fruit juice, gas production technique, nutritive value, roughage

Determination of Single Sugars, Including Inulin, in Plants and Feed Materials by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Refraction Index Detection

The exact and reliable detection of sugar monomers and fructans provides important information for the evaluation of carbohydrate metabolism in plants and animals. Using the HPLC method; a large number of samples and single sugars; with both high sensitivity and selectivity; may be analysed. It was shown that the described method—using a Nucleosil column loaded with Pb2+ ions; a refractive index detector (RID); and HPLC-grade water as the eluent—gives precise and reproducible results regarding the detection of individual sugars in extracts of plants and feed materials. The method can be applied for the detection of sucrose; maltose; lactose; xylose; glucose; galactose; arabinose; fructose; ribose; and mannitol. Furthermore; depending on the plant material; the sugars verbascose; stachyose; and raffinose can be separated. The peaks were well resolved and the reproducibility of the analysis; with 94–108% of recovery (RC) and relative standard deviation (RSD) of up to 5%; was very good. The method was successfully applied to a variety of green forages and samples of sugar beet pulp silages. It is also possible to determine fructan with inulin as a standard; together with the other sugars; or alone by a different protocol and column.

The effect of corn or beet pulp silage supplemented diet on production parameters, oxidative stability of muscles and fatty acid composition of abdominal fat in geese

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the production parameters of White Koluda® geese fed with a corn or beet pulp silage supplemented diet. The oxidative stability of breast and thigh muscles during frozen storage and the fatty acid composition of abdominal fat were also investigated. Measurements were carried out on a total of 42 geese of the White Koluda® W31 strain that were divided into three experimental groups: group I (control) - basal diet, group II - basal diet with corn silage addition, group III - basal diet with pressed beet pulp silage addition. Diets containing ad libitum maize silage or sugar beet pulp silage supplemented with a limited amount of commercial diets, significantly reduced BW (about 9%) and ADG (about 27%) of birds compared to the control group in the 14th week of rearing. Feeding corn or sugar beet pulp silage to geese did not affect pH values, heme iron content, colour parameters but decreased lipid oxidation values in muscles 3 days after slaughter. The abdominal fat of geese fed with the pressed beet pulp silage supplemented diet was characterized by a significantly higher content of myristic and linoleic acid and a lower content of oleic acid. In conclusion, feeding geese with limited amount of commercial mixtures supplemented with maize or sugar beet pulp silages may be recommended primarily for increasing financial efficiency in White Koluda® geese farms but also for improving the quality of goose carcasses, due to their low fat and high quality of meat.

Impact of diet composition and temperature-humidity index on water and dry matter intake of high-yielding dairy cows.

The temperature-humidity index (THI) is widely used to characterize heat stress in dairy cattle. Diet composition is known to induce variation in metabolic-associated heat production. However, the relationships between THI and diet are poorly characterized with regard to performance and intake behaviour. Therefore, the objectives were to evaluate the impact of THI on water intake (WI), dry matter intake (DMI) and the frequency of drinking and feeding bouts in lactating dairy cows offered four dietary treatments: each contained 20% grass silage and additionally (i) 20% maize silage, 60% concentrate (M-HC); (ii) 60% maize silage, 20% concentrate (M-LC); (iii) 20% pressed beet pulp silage, 60% concentrate (BPS-HC); or (iv) 60% pressed beet pulp silage, 20% concentrate (BPS-LC) (DM basis). Individual WI and DMI were recorded from April to July 2013. Furthermore, dietary effects on milk production and reticular pH were estimated. Milk yield was lowest for M-LC, while energy-corrected milk was similar for all diets. Milk fat percentage was higher and milk protein amount lower for cows offered both LC diets. Reticular pH below 6.3, 6.0 and 5.8 lasted longest for BPS-LC. WI was higher for HC diets. However, the frequency of drinking bouts was not influenced by the ration. Lower DMI occurred for BPS-LC compared to M-LC. Frequency of feeding bouts was significantly higher for LC diets. THI was significantly related to WI, DMI as well as drinking and feeding bouts. Per increasing THI, WI increased slightly more for LC diets and DMI decreased more for HC diets. Frequency of drinking bouts increased slightly higher for BPS rations per rising THI, while the decrease in feeding bouts was highest for M-HC. In conclusion, TMR composition and moderate heat stress impacted WI and DMI of dairy cows, while both dietary energy density and ruminal filling might intensify the THI impact.

Optimised biogas production from the co-digestion of sugar beet with pig slurry: Integrating energy, GHG and economic accounting

Several countries have established a number of increased targets for energy production from renewable sources. Biogas production, which will play a key role in future energy systems largely based on renewable sources, is expected to grow significantly in the next few decades. To achieve these ambitious targets, the biogas production chain has to be optimised to obtain economic viability and environmental sustainability while making use of a diversified range of feedstock materials, including agricultural residues, agro-industrial residues and, to some extent, dedicated energy crops. In this study, we integrated energetic, GHG and economic analysis to optimise biogas production from the co-digestion of pig slurry (PS) and sugar beet pulp silage (SB). We found that utilising SB as a co-substrate improves the energy and GHG balances, mostly because of increased energy production. However, utilising SB negatively affects the profitability of biogas production, because of the increased costs involved in feedstock supply. The scale of the processing plant is neutral in terms of profitability when SB is added. The results indicate that medium-to large-sized biogas plants, using low shares of SB co-substrate, may be the preferred solution.

Assessment of the Variability of Biogas Production from Sugar Beet Silage as Affected by Movement and Loss of the Produced Alcohols and Organic Acids

The biochemical methane potential and composition of sugar beet pulp silage were investigated using samples taken from six different depths in both open and closed silos (height 3.6 m). The biochemical methane potential (BMP) of pulp silage in open silos ranged from 337 to 420 normal litre (NL) CH4/kg volatile solids (VS), while the BMP of pulp silage in closed silos varied between 411 and 451 NL CH4/kg VS. The biochemical methane potential peaked at a depth of 1.45 m with 420 NL CH4/kg VS for open silos and 451 NL CH4/kg VS for closed silos. The ethanol concentration and biochemical methane potential showed the same trend with depth throughout the silos. The energy loss correlated to the loss of volatile solids, and the depths described a linear relationship between them for both the open and closed silos (R2 = 0.997 for the open silo and R2 = 0.991 for the closed silo). The energy potentials and composition of beet pulp silage were highly stratified and there was a risk that the silage samples were not representative in investigations of biomass quality for energy production.

Vliv přídavku kyseliny benzoové na kvalitu fermentačního procesu v porovnání s neošetřenými silážemi

The influence of benzoic acid and formic acid (positive control) of ensilaged maize and pressed sugar beet pulp on quality fermentation processes was studied in a laboratory experiment. The effect of additive on the quality of fermentation process during maize ensiling was studied in a first model experiment. Preservatives such as formic acid and benzoic acid were added to ensiled maize at the concentration of 1L/t and 1 kg/t, respectively. When benzoic acid was used as a preservative, the pH and the N-NH3/ N total ratio decreased statistically (P&lt;0.05) significantly while the titration acidity increased (P&lt;0.05) in comparison with the control values. The addition of HCOOH to the maize silage reduced the level of acetic acid in dry matter by 11.3% while the overall level of acids decreased by 1.8%. The minimum loss of dry matter (2%) was found in the silage treated with formic acid in comparison with that of the control (11.0%).Sugar beet pulp silages with benzoic acid or formic acid after 32 days of storage had a better sensuous evaluation than the control silage. The most intensive decrease of pH value was observed after formic acid addition as compared with control silage. The statistically significantly (P&lt;0.05) highest lactic acid content (49.64 ± 0.28) as well as the highest ratio of LA/VFA were found in the sugar beet pulp silage with benzoic acid. Lactic acid constituted the highest percentage (P&lt;0.05) of all fermentation acids in the silage with benzoic acid additive (65.12 ± 0.80). Undesirable butyric acid (BA) was not found in any variant of silages. The positive correlation between the titration acidity and acids sum in dry matter of silage conserved with formic acid was found. The additive of organic acids reduced significantly TA and fermentation acids content. Between the pH value and lactic acid content, no correlation was found.

Presence of mycotoxins in sugar beet pulp silage collected in France

Sugar beet pulp, a major by-product of the sugar industry, is a common feed component in cattle diets that is preserved on-farm as silage. This study was designed to investigate if sugar beet pulp silage could be a vehicle of common mycotoxins found in silages and other regulated mycotoxins. Samples (n=40) favouring mouldy spots, if present, on the front face of open silages were collected in 2011 from 5 regions representing the main French sugar beet producing areas. Mycotoxins were extracted by QuEChERS procedure without any further clean-up and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS). The mycotoxins monitored were: aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, gliotoxin, ochratoxin A, mycophenolic acid, patulin, penicillic acid, roquefortine C and zearalenone. Matrix-matched calibrations were used, yielding acceptable levels of recovery ranging from 64 to 168%, except for gliotoxin and roquefortine C for which recovery was lower (21 and 34%, respectively). Eight samples out of 40 (20%) were found to be positive. Mycophenolic acid and zearalenone were the most predominant of the mycotoxins studied. Mycophenolic acid was found in five of 40 samples at levels ranging from traces up to 1436μg/kg. Zearalenone was found in three samples at concentrations of 1023, 4862 and 6916μg/kg. The last 2 samples were at concentrations above the recommended limit of 2000μg/kg. Ochratoxin A was detected in one sample at 15μg/kg, which is below the recommended EU limit of 250μg/kg. Roquefortine C was also detected but at low levels. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the presence of mycotoxins in sugar beet pulp silage. Contamination for the tested mycotoxins was low and did not seem to present a health risk for animals or consumers for the tested mycotoxins.

Effect of enzymatic pretreatment on anaerobic co-digestion of sugar beet pulp silage and vinasse

Results of sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) and vinasse (mixed in weight ratios of 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3, respectively) co-fermentation, obtained in this study, provide evidence that addition of too high amount of vinasse into the SBPS decreases biogas yields. The highest biogas productivity (598.1mL/g VS) was achieved at the SBPS–vinasse ratio of 3:1 (w/w). Biogas yields from separately fermented SBPS and vinasse were by 13% and 28.6% lower, respectively. It was found that enzymatic pretreatment of SBPS before methane fermentation that caused partial degradation of component polysaccharides, considerably increased biogas production. The highest biogas yield (765.5mL/g VS) was obtained from enzymatic digests of SBPS–vinasse (3:1) blend (27.9% more than from fermentation of the counterpart blend, which was not treated with enzymes). The simulation of potential biogas production from all the aforementioned mixtures using the Gompertz equation showed fair fit to the experimental results.

The effect of inorganic and organic form of zinc on digestibility of nutrients in dairy cows in three stages of reproductive cycle

The aim of our experiment was to compare the effect of feeding inorganic and organic forms of zinc in premix on the coefficient of digestibility of nutrients in the feeding ration for cows in three stages of reproductive cycle – 14 d before calving and 30 and 60 d after calving. The experiment was carried out on 19 Holstein cows that were divided into two groups. A control group of nine cows designated as “Inorganic zinc form” (IZF) was fed a diet supplemented with mineral premix containing inorganic form of zinc (ZnO). An experimental group of ten cows designated as “Organic zinc form” (OZF) had zinc oxide replaced with zinc fixed to methionine (Khei-chelate Zn powder 15% by Kheiron). The experiment was divided into three periods - the first period lasted from 14th day before calving until 2nd day after calving, the second period lasted from 3rd day to 30th day after calving and the third period lasted from 31st day to 60th day after calving. Cows were fed the diet based on maize silage, lucerne haylage, sugar beet pulp silage, grass or lucerne hay and concentrate containing premix with either inorganic or organic zinc form. During the experiment samples of feeding ration and faeces were taken in 3 intervals, it si on 14th day before calving, on 30th day and on 60th day after calving to determine nutrients content. Digestibility of nutrients was calculated using indicator method (ash insoluble in 3 M HCl).After feeding organic forms of zinc a tendency to higher digestibility of crude protein, fat, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extracts, ash and zinc was observed in cows regardless of stage of reproductive cycle. The digestibility of the zinc and fiber were the most increased. Digestibility of zinc in OZF on 14th day before calving was higher than in IZF (P &lt; 0.05). Feeding of organic zinc forms had downward effect only on the digestibility of copper.

Contamination of cattle feed with molds and mycotoxins

The total number of potentially toxigenic molds (fungi), total aflatoxins, zearalenone (ZON), and deoxynivalenol (DON), as well as the joint appearance of ZON and DON have been investigated in 67 samples of cattle feed (concentrate (n=21), silage of whole maize plant (n=18), beet pulp (n=4), brewer's malt (n=2), alfalfa and grass (n=1), alfalfa hay (n=12), meadow hay (n=7), pea and oat hay (n=1), and red clover hay (n=1) originating from private farms from 10 districts of the Republic of Serbia. The total number of fungi per 1 g feed ranged from 0 (silage of brewer?s malt) to 12 x 104 (concentrate). Eight fungi genus species have been identified: Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillum, Rhizopus and Trichoderma. The presence of ZON (100%) was established in all the examined cattle feed samples, while 98.5% samples were contaminated with total aflatoxins and 92.5% samples were DON positive. The joint appearance of ZON and DON was established in 92.5% samples. ZON was present in the highest average concentration in the sample of alfalfa and grass silage (2477.5 ?g kg-1) and in the lowest in beet pulp silage samples (64.9 ?g kg-1). Total aflatoxins were established in the highest average concentration in the pea and oat hay silage sample (7.9 ?g kg-1) and in the lowest average concentration in beet pulp silage samples (1.6 ?g kg-1). DON was detected in the highest average concentration in concentrate samples (694.2 ?g kg-1) and in the lowest average concentration in the red clover hay sample (11.0 ?g kg-1), while DON was not detected in brewer's malt silage samples (0.0 ?g kg-1). In all the examined cattle feed samples, between moisture content (up to 20%) and the concentration of examined mycotoxins, a negative correlation was established (r=-0.26) with total aflatoxins and a positive correlation with ZON (r=0,36) and DON (r=0,60). Furthermore, a positive correlation (r=0.22) was established between ZON and DON concentrations.

Application of plant-based antimicrobials for the growth inhibition of clostridia in pressed beet pulp silage

In this study the inhibition of hop beta acids on the growth of clostridia in soil-contaminated pressed sugar beet pulp silages was investigated. Hop beta acids are natural substances which display their effect at low concentrations. Fresh pressed beet pulp material was mixed with soil to artificially contaminate it with clostridia. Laboratory silos were filled with the substrate, stored at 25 °C and opened for sampling at 0, 2, 8, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. The impact on clostridial growth during silage fermentation was monitored by determination of the pH value and dry matter content, as well as chemical analysis of the fermentation products. Throughout the experiments, the effect of a commercial silage inoculant based on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and hop-resistant LAB were examined with and without the combination of plant-based antimicrobials. Results indicate that in contaminated silage samples without any additives high butyric acid contents occurred due to clostridial growth. This spoilage could not be suppressed by the application of LAB, whereas the combined application of LAB and hop beta acids significantly improved silage quality, which was reflected by favourable organic acid composition (P < 0.05). The experimental data indicate that the application of hop beta acids improves the preservation effect of LAB in suppressing clostridial growth in silages and thus demonstrates some potential for the combined use of plant-based antimicrobials and LAB.

The Effects of Different Silage Additives on in vitro Gas Production, Digestibility and Energy Values of Sugar Beet Pulp Silage

The Effects of Different Silage Additives on in vitro Gas Production, Digestibility and Energy Values of Sugar Beet Pulp Silage

Effects of pressed beet pulp silage inclusion in maize-based rations on performance of high-yielding dairy cows and parameters of rumen fermentation

Beet pulp contains high amounts of pectins that can reduce the risk of rumen disorders compared to using feedstuffs high in starch. The objective was to study the effects of inclusion of ensiled pressed beet pulp in total mixed rations (TMR) for high-yielding dairy cows. Two TMR containing no or about 20% (on dry matter (DM) basis) beet pulp silage were used. The beet pulp silage mainly replaced maize silage and corn cob silage. The TMR were intentionally equal in the concentrations of energy and utilisable crude protein (CP) at the duodenum. TMR were fed to 39 and 40 dairy cows, respectively, for 118 days. The average daily milk yield was about 43 kg/day. No significant differences in milk yield and milk fat or milk protein content were detected. DM intake of cows was significantly reduced by the inclusion of beet pulp silage (23.0 v. 24.5 kg/day). However, a digestibility study, separately conducted with sheep, showed a significantly higher organic matter digestibility and metabolisable energy concentration for the TMR that contained beet pulp silage. In vitro gas production kinetics indicated that the intensity of fermentation was lower in the TMR that contained beet pulp silage. In vitro production of short-chain fatty acids, studied using a Rusitec, did not differ between the TMR. However, the inclusion of beet pulp silage in the ration caused a significant reduction in the efficiency of microbial CP synthesis in vitro. The amino acid profile of microbial protein remained unchanged. It was concluded that beet pulp silage has specific effects on ruminal fermentation that may depress feed intake of cows but improve digestibility. An inclusion of beet pulp silage of up to 20% of DM in rations for high-yielding dairy cows is possible without significant effects on milk yield and milk protein or milk fat.