Proportion Of Butyrate Research Articles

In vitro dynamics of rumen microbiota and fermentation profiles with Antler growth of Sika deer.

The rumen microbiota plays a vital role in the nutrient metabolism affecting the growth of velvet antler. However, the fermentation patterns and dynamics of the rumen microbiota across growth stages of velvet antler remain largely unexplored. Here, we employed an in vitro fermentation approach to assess fermentation parameters and microbial composition in the rumen liquid of sika deer during the early growth (EG), metaphase growth (MG), and fast growth (FG) phases . Our findings indicated that the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ammonia nitrogen, and gas production increased over fermentation time in all three groups. The concentrations of total SCFAs, ammonia nitrogen, and gas production, along with the proportions of butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate, were markedly higher in the MG and FG groups compared with the EG group. Principal coordinate analysis highlighted significant variations in microbial communities among the EG, MG, and FG groups during the fermentation process. The abundances of Stomatobaculum and Blautia across the three groups increased over fermentation time, whereas Bacteroides, Lawsonibacter, Sporobacter, Papillibacter, Butyricicoccus, and Succiniclasticum exhibited higher abundances in MG or FG groups than in the EG group after 24 hours of fermentation. Co-occurrence network analysis uncovered positive correlations between butyrate levels and butyrate-producing bacteria (Stomatobaculum, Butyrivibrio) in the MG and FG groups. Additionally, there were positive correlations between proteolytic bacteria (Clostridium and Roseburia) and branched-chain volatile fatty acids in the FG group. These findings shed light on the fermentation patterns and microbial dynamics within the rumen of sika deer during different growth periods of velvet antler.IMPORTANCEVelvet antlers are distinctive and rapidly growing organs that hold significant value in traditional medicine. Through in vitro analysis, our study characterized the dynamics of microbiota and metabolites within the rumen liquid fermentation of sika deer throughout the different antler growth phase. We identified distinct microbial communities at various fermentation time points and observed shifts in fermentation patterns that paralleled antler development. These findings suggest a potentially pivotal role for these microbial dynamics in facilitating the growth process of velvet antlers.

Impact of Ground Flaxseed on Methane Reduction and their Influence on Nutrient Digestibility In-vitro

The current study was carried out during the period of October, 2018 to March, 2019 at the Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India to assess the effect of the Ground flaxseed supplemented at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of TMR on DM basis on in-vitro gas output and fiber degradation. Regardless of the levels of ground flaxseed, the net gas production (NGP) in flaxseed supplemented groups (5–20% level) was lower than control. The partitioning factor (PF) of flaxseed supplemented groups was significantly greater in relation to reference group. The NDF digestibility remained unaffected at supplementation levels ranging from 5% to 15% flaxseed compared to the control. However, it dropped significantly (p<0.01) with flaxseed supplementation at the 20% level. Although, ME availability was not affected by flaxseed supplementation. Significantly (p<0.01) high levels of acetate were observed in control than flaxseed supplemented groups at 15% and 20% levels. Relative proportions of butyrate and fermentable carbon dioxide varied significantly at 5% and 15% levels of flaxseed supplementations. Regardless of the level of flaxseed, methane percent of NGP, methane 100 mg-1 DDM and methane 100 mg-1 DOM depicted a significant reduction (p<0.01) relative to the control. Ammonia nitrogen levels remained unchanged across all levels of flaxseed supplementation. In conclusion, flaxseed supplementation mitigated the methane production and improved the digestibility without affecting ME availability.

Partially replacing dietary starch with soybean oil improved production performance of weaned Rex rabbits.

The differences between the high-starch diet commonly used in rabbit farming and the natural feeding habits of rabbits may pose certain health risks. In our study, we replaced part of the starch in the feed with soybean oil and conducted a four-week feeding trial with weaned Rex rabbits. The results indicated that rabbits fed the oil-supplemented diet had a lower incidence of diarrhea, improved growth performance, and higher feed conversion efficiency, along with increased absorptive capacity of small intestine. Additionally, the composition of the cecal contents and fermentation patterns were altered; the concentration of ammonia in the cecum and the proportion of acetate among volatile fatty acids decreased, while the proportion of butyrate increased. Furthermore, the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the cecum decreased, along with reductions in hepatic urea synthesis activity and urinary nitrogen excretion. These findings suggest that replacing part of the dietary starch with oil can enhance the production efficiency of Rex rabbits.

Performance of dairy cows offered silages produced from grass swards harvested on either three or five occasions during the growing season

The nutritive value of grass silage can be improved by harvesting herbage at a less mature growth stage, which in practice usually involves more frequent harvests. This study examined the performance of dairy cows offered grass silages produced from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) based swards harvested at 2 different frequencies during the growing season (3-harvest (3H) vs. 5-harvest (5H)). Thirty-four mid-lactation (av. 147 d in milk) dairy cows (30 multiparous, 4 primiparous) were offered either 3H or 5H silages in a continuous design (21 wk) experiment. Within each treatment cows were offered silage from each harvest (in harvest number order) for a pre-determined number of days in proportion to herbage DM yield at each harvest. Silages were offered ad libitum while a common concentrate was offered to all cows at 12.0 kg per cow/d over the first 15 wk of the study, 8.0 kg per cow/d during wk 16 -19 and 6.0 kg cow/d during wk 20 - 21. Total yield of herbage harvested over the season from within 3H and 5H were 12.6 and 11.2 t DM/ha, respectively. Across all harvests the mean ME and CP concentration of silages were 10.9 MJ/kg DM and 131 g/kg DM for 3H, and 11.5 MJ/kg DM and 152 g/kg DM for 5H. Silage DMI was greater for cows offered 5H silages compared with 3H silages (14.1 vs. 11.7 kg/d, respectively). Cows offered 5H silages had a greater daily milk yield (33.5 vs. 31.9 kg) and ECM yield (37.4 vs. 35.6 kg) compared with cows offered 3H silages. Treatment had no effect on milk fat or protein concentration. Cows offered 5H silages produced milk with greater concentrations of CLA and n-3 fatty acids. Treatment had no effect on mean BW or BCS, or on efficiency metrics such as milk yield or ECM yield per kg of DMI. Molar proportions of VFA in ruminal fluid differed between the treatments, with cows offered 3H silages having higher proportion of total butyrate (15.9 vs. 14.4% of total VFA) and lower total valerate (3.2 vs. 3.7% of total VFA) compared with those offered 5H. The acetate: propionate and acetate plus butyrate: propionate ratios were unaffected by treatment. In conclusion, increasing herbage harvesting frequency from 3 to 5 times per year improved the nutritional value of the resulting silages, and this led to higher silage DMI, milk yield and ECM yield. However, overall production efficiency (ECM/DMI) was unaffected by treatment.

Increasing the level of hemicelluloses in the lactation diet affects the faecal microbiota of sows and their piglets without affecting their performances

BackgroundSpecific sources of dietary fibres in sow gestation and lactation diets, such as inulin or wheat bran, have been shown to affect both the sow and its litter health by modulating the piglet’s intestinal microbial population and composition. However, only a few studies have reported the effects of some specific fractions of the cell wall of the plants in the sow’s lactation diet. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of increasing the level of HCs in a sow’s lactation diet on the nutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), the faecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile, the microbiota of the sow and the microbiota and the performances of slow-growing (SG) and fast-growing (FG) piglets.ResultsIncreasing HCs level increased (P < 0.05) the proportions of butyrate and valerate on day 3, and the ATTD of acid detergent fibres (ADF), neutral detergent fibres (NDF), and gross energy and decreased (P < 0.05) the proportion of propionate on day 17, and the ATTD of crude protein. The beta diversity was affected (r2 = 0.11; P = 0.02) by the maternal dietary treatments with 11 common genera differing (P < 0.05) in the sow’s faecal microbiota, and five in the piglet’s microbiota. Regardless of the maternal dietary treatment, SG piglets had a lower (P < 0.05) proportion of isobutyrate and isovalerate, a lower (P < 0.05) abundance of Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Enterococcus, and Succinovibrio genera, and a greater (P < 0.05) abundance of Olsenella than FG piglets.ConclusionsIncreased HCs level in a sow’s lactation diet affects the ATTD of nutrients, the faecal VFA and microbiota profiles of the sows with limited effects on SG and FG piglets’ faecal microbiota and no effects on the performance or VFA profile of these piglets.

Is Butyrate Concentration in the Equine Gastrointestinal Tract Altered During and After Surgery for Treatment of Large Colon Obstruction?

A major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses with large colon obstructive lesions is injury to the colonic mucosal barrier from ischemic injury. Since butyrate has been shown to play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy mucosal barrier, it may play a role in the recovery process. This study's objective was to determine whether the differences in butyrate concentrations existed between horses with surgical large colon obstructive lesions and healthy horses both during and after surgery. Eleven horses presenting with surgical colic lesions were enrolled; colonic samples were acquired during surgery, and fecal samples were obtained 36 h later. Colonic and fecal samples were also obtained from control groups. Samples were analyzed for butyrate, acetate, and propionate concentrations. There was no significant difference in butyrate content between surgical colonic or fecal samples and controls; however, an alteration in the proportion of SCFAs in relation to one another was noted. These changes in the individual SCFA levels were not statistically significant. The study findings demonstrated that there were no significant differences in butyrate proportions when comparing samples from horses with surgical colic lesions to healthy control horses.

Enhancing nutrient efficiency through optimizing protein levels in lambs: Involvement of gastrointestinal microbiota

Improving the nutrient utilization efficiency of ruminants is of utmost significance for both economic and environmental benefits. Optimizing dietary protein levels represents a key nutritional strategy to enhance ruminant growth performance and reduce nitrogen emissions. In a 63-day experiment, twenty-four healthy Hulunbuir lambs (initial weight 17.1 ± 2.0 kg, 2.5 months old) were subjected to three treatments: a low-protein diet (LP; crude protein of 78.4 g/kg dry matter [DM]), a medium-protein diet (MP; crude protein of 112.0 g/kg DM), and a high-protein diet (HP; crude protein of 145.6 g/kg DM), with 8 lambs in each treatment (4 males and 4 females, respectively). Lambs in the MP treatment presented greater daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio than those in the HP treatment (P < 0.05, quadratically). Compared with the LP treatment, the MP treatment resulted in greater crude protein digestibility (P < 0.001, quadratically) and acid detergent fiber digestibility (P = 0.022, quadratically). In the serum, the urea nitrogen level increased quadratically with increasing dietary protein levels (P < 0.001), while the LP treatment exerted the highest concentrations of glutamate, glycine, alanine, and histidine (P < 0.05, quadratically). The ammonia nitrogen concentrations in the rumen and colon increased quadratically with increase in dietary protein levels (P < 0.05). The HP treatment increased the molar concentrations of isobutyrate and isovalerate in the rumen and colon (P < 0.05, quadratically). In contrast, the LP treatment decreased the molar proportion of acetate (P = 0.007, quadratically) and increased the molar proportion of butyrate (P < 0.001, quadratically) in the colon. The microbial diversity and structure were significantly altered by dietary protein level intervention across all gastrointestinal regions. The rumen of the MP treatment was enriched with fiber-degrading bacteria Fibrobacter_succeinogenes and starch-degrading bacteria Selenomonas_ruminantium. The colon in the LP treatment harbored microbial biomarkers including Escherichia spp. and Lactobacillus amylovorus, and the colon in the MP treatment was characterized by the enrichment of Solibacillus_cecembensis. These findings suggest that the MP diet with a crude protein content of 112.0 g/kg DM improved the growth performance and nutrient efficiency of lambs, which was achieved via the involvement of the gastrointestinal microbiota.

Effect of dietary supplementation of rubber seed kernel pellet on feed utilization, rumen fermentation, fatty acid profiles and health status in swamp buffalo.

Rubber seed kernel is a by-product of rubber cultivation and are high in oil and protein. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing rubber seed kernel pellet (RUSKEP) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumen fatty acid profiles, blood parameters, and immune response in swamp buffalo. Four male swamp buffalo with an initial body weight (BW) of 254 ± 10 kg and 26 months of age were used in this research. The experimental design was a 4  4 Latin squared design with RUSKEP supplementation at 0, 4, 6, and 8% of dry matter intake (DMI). Animals were fed concentrate at 1.0% BW, while rice straw was fed ad libitum. Supplementation with RUSKEP did not change DMI or nutrient digestibility (p>0.05), while ether extract (EE) digestibility increased cubically with the addition of RUSKEP (p<0.01). The ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and the proportion of acetate (C2) were similar among treatments (p>0.05). The proportion of propionate (C3) increased linearly (p≤0.04), leading to a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) (p≤0.04) with the addition of RUSKEP. Furthermore, the butyrate (C4) proportion decreased linearly with RUSKEP supplementation (p=0.03). The addition of RUSKEP did not affect on linoleic acid (LA; C18:2 cis-9,12 + trans-9,12), or α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 cis-9,12,15) (p>0.05). With RUSKEP supplementation, the stearic acid (C18:0) content increased quadratically (p<0.01). The increasing level of RUSKEP was higher in cholesterol and eosinophils (p≤0.03). The immune function (IgA, IgM, and IgG) was similar among treatments (p>0.05). Supplementing RUSKEP with up to 8% of DMI could improve rumen fermentation efficiency without affecting feed utilization, rumen PUFA profile, or immune response in swamp buffalo.

Revealing the Potential Advantages of Plectasin Through In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Analysis

Plectasin, a novel antimicrobial peptide, has the potential to disrupt bacterial cell walls and alter the rumen fermentation mode, making it a superior alternative to antibiotics. However, there is limited research on the effects of plectasin on rumen microbiota. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of plectasin (0.057 μmol/L) on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and select groups of rumen bacterial communities in comparison with monensin (5 μmol/L), one of the most commonly used ionophores in ruminants, and as a control treatment with the basal substrate. Unlike monensin, plectasin was found to increase the molar proportions of butyrate and acetate/propionate ratio (p &lt; 0.001) while decreasing pH and the molar proportions of propionate (p &lt; 0.05). Principal component analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons clearly showed a separation between the bacteria shaped by plectasin and monensin. Comparative analysis also revealed differences in the relative abundance of certain bacteria in different taxa between plectasin and monensin. The divergent effects of plectasin and monensin on bacterial communities are likely responsible for the differences in their ability to alter rumen fermentation. Plectasin may have advantages over monensin in modulating ruminal bacterial communities and increasing the butyrate and the acetate/propionate ratio. Therefore, it may be considered as a potential additive for ruminant feed.

Effects of Oregano on Lactation Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation Parameters, and Methane Emissions in Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis

Growing concerns regarding antibiotic use in livestock, due to antibiotic resistance and potential human transmission, have led to increased interest in herbs and their derivatives, including essential oils, which possess antimicrobial properties that may enhance overall productivity and serve as a strategy for methane mitigation. The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of adding oregano to the diet in different forms (essential oils, plant materials, or leaves) on the dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), milk components, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, and methane (CH4) emissions of dairy cows. A literature search was conducted to identify papers published from 2000 to 2023. Effect size for all outcomes was reported as a standardized means difference (SMD) and raw means difference with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was determined using the Q test and I2 statistic. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that adding oregano had no effect on DMI (SMD = 0.081; p = 0.507) and MY (SMD = 0.060; p = 0.665). Milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and milk lactose percentage were not affected by oregano. The addition of oregano to the diet significantly decreased dry matter digestibility (SMD = −0.502; p = 0.013), crude protein digestibility (SMD = −0.374; p = 0.040), and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (SMD = −0.505; p = 0.014). Ruminal pH (SMD = −0.122; p = 0.411), total volatile fatty acids concentration (SMD = −0.038; p = 0.798), acetate (SMD = −0.046; p = 0.757), propionate (SMD = 0.007; p = 0.960), and butyrate (SMD = 0.037; p = 0.801) proportion were not affected by oregano. The addition of oregano to the diet tended to decrease CH4/DMI (SMD = −0.275; p = 0.095) but did not affect CH4 production (SMD = −0.156; p = 0.282). Heterogeneity (Q and I2) was non-significant for all parameters. We conclude that the inclusion of oregano in various forms (essential oils, plant materials, or leaves) in the diet of dairy cows reduces nutrient digestibility but does not significantly affect DMI, MY, milk components, ruminal fermentation parameters, or CH4 production. Future research should focus on optimizing the dosage of oregano (both EOs and plant materials) and exploring the impact of its form on lactation, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and CH4 emissions in dairy cows.

Effects of Chitosan-Based Additive on Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Community, Nutrients Digestibility and Lactation Performance in Goats.

Recently, the potential of using chitosan (CHI) as a feed additive to enhance ruminal fermentation and improve animal performance has gained increasing attention in ruminant nutrition. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI on rumen fermentation attributes and microbial composition, digestibility and milk performance in Dhofari goats. Twenty-four lactating goats (27 ± 1.8 kg of initial live body weight) were fed a control diet comprising of Rhodes grass hay plus a concentrate feed mixture. Goats were assigned to one of three experimental treatments (n = 8 per treatment) as: (1) control diet with no supplement (CTRL), (2) control diet with 0.300 g/day CHI (CHI0.3) and (3) control diet supplemented with 0.600 g/day CHI (CHI0.6) for a 45-day experimental period. Dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI decreased (p < 0.05) linearly ruminal pH (p = 0.023), total short chain fatty acids concentrations (p = 0.011), acetate (p = 0.013) and butyrate (p = 0.042) proportions, acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.001), estimated methane (CH4) production (p < 0.001), ammonia nitrogen concentrations (p = 0.003) and protozoa abundance (p = 0.003). However, the ruminal propionate proportion augmented (p = 0.002) linearly with increasing doses of CHI in the diet. Increasing doses of CHI linearly increased the abundance of the ruminal propionate-producing bacteria, while diminished acetate and CH4-producing bacteria (p < 0.05). Serum total protein (p = 0.037) and glucose (p = 0.042) levels linearly increased as CHI doses increased in the diet. However, serum UREA levels decreased linearly (p = 0.002) by 21% with increasing CHI amounts in the diet. The digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre increased linearly with the increasing CHI doses (p < 0.05). Neither linear nor quadratic responses (p > 0.05) were observed in daily milk yield and feed efficiency by supplementing the diet with CHI. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with CHI at a dose of 0.600 g/day as a feed additive for dairy goats reduced estimated CH4 generation and improved fibre and protein digestion, with no influence on feed intake, milk yield or composition.

Effect of Dietary Benzoic Acid Supplementation on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Rumen Microbiota in Weaned Holstein Dairy Calves

Supplementation with benzoic acid (BA) in animal feed can reduce feeds’ acid-binding capacity, inhibit pathogenic bacterial growth, enhance nutrient digestion, and increase intestinal enzyme activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of BA on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbiota of weaned Holstein dairy calves. Thirty-two Holstein calves at 60 days of age were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 8): a control group (fed with a basal diet without BA supplementation; CON group) and groups that were supplemented with 0.25% (LBA group), 0.50% (MBA group), and 0.75% (HBA group) BA to the basal diet (dry matter basis), respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days, starting at 60 days of age and ending at 102 days of age, with weaning occurring at 67 days of age. Supplementation with BA linearly increased the average daily gain of the weaned dairy calves, which was significantly higher in the LBA, MBA, and HBA groups than that in the CON group. The average daily feed intake was quadratically increased with increasing BA supplementation, peaking in the MBA group. Supplementation with BA linearly decreased the feed-to-gain (F/G) ratio, but did not affect rumen fermentation parameters, except for the molar proportion of butyrate and iso-butyrate, which were linearly increased with the dose of BA supplementation. Compared with the CON group, the molar proportions of iso-butyrate in the LBA, MBA, and HBA groups and that of butyrate in the HBA group were significantly higher than those in the CON group. Supplementation with BA had no significant effect on the alpha and beta diversity of the rumen microbiota, but significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, and reduced those of the harmful bacteria, such as unclassified_o__Gastranaerophilales and Oscillospiraceae_UCG-002, in the rumen. Functional prediction analysis using the MetaCyc database revealed significant variations in the pathways associated with glycolysis across groups, including the GLYCOLYSIS-TCA-GLYOX-BYPASS, GLYCOL-GLYOXDEG-PWY, and P105-PWY pathways. In conclusion, BA supplementation improved the composition and function of rumen microbiota, elevated the production of butyrate and iso-butyrate, and increased the growth performance of weaned Holstein dairy calves.

PSXI-14 Effects of diets with high and low inclusion of corn with or without high concentration of amylase on in vitro fermentative parameters and gas production

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the effects of corn hybrids and the level of inclusion in the diet on in vitro fermentative parameters, DM disappearance, total gas and methane production. A 3 × 2 factorial design study was carried out to evaluate the Tropical Flint corn (TFC), Enogen Flint corn (EFC) and Enogen Dent corn (EDC), and the corn inclusion content in the diet (H: 71%; L: 42.5% of DM). The experiment was carried out using automatic gas pressure detection modules (ANKOM, RF). Rumen fluid was collected from two animals fitted with a rumen cannula and fed a diet containing 60% forage. The ruminal liquid was combined with buffer in a 1:4 ratio respectively and each bottle received 150 mL of this mixture plus 1.5 g of DM corn sample. Gas production was evaluated at the end of 24 h of incubation and a gas sample was taken for methane analysis. Furthermore, the pH of the liquid was measured at the end of 24 h and a sample was obtained for analysis of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), ammonia concentration and the final residue was used to determine de DM disappearance. The data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS (9.4). There was an interaction between corn hybrid and inclusion level for the variable total SCFA (H-TFC: 70.5; H-EFC: 41.5; H-EDC: 40.7; L-TFC: 43.7; L-EFC: 38.8; L-EDC: 39.7 mM; P = 0.02) and proportion of butyrate (H-TFC: 9.25; H-EFC: 5.53; H-EDC: 6.01; L-TFC: 5.80; L-EFC: 5.41; L-EDC: 5.99 mM/100mM; P = 0.02), with greater values observed for the inclusion of TFC in relation to the other treatments. The inclusion of Enogen corn (Flint or Dent) increased propionate (TFC: 32.1; EFC: 36.3; EDC: 36.7 mM/100mM; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and reduced acetate (TFC: 56.7; EFC: 55.1; EDC: 54.8 mM/100mM; P = 0.02) and the acetate:propionate ratio (TFC: 1.83; EFC: 1.56; EDC: 1.53; P &amp;lt; 0.01). On the other hand, greater inclusion of corn in the diet increased propionate (H: 36.8; L: 33.3 mM/100mM; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and reduced acetate (H: 53.5; L: 57.6 mM/100mM; P &amp;lt; 0.01), acetate:propionate ratio (H: 1.50; L: 1.77; P &amp;lt; 0.01), and fluid pH (H: 6.39; L: 6.46; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Corn hybrids with Enogen technology increased the DM disappearance (TFC: 70.5; EFC: 73.3; EDC: 74.3%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), without affecting the production of gases and methane. Furthermore, greater inclusion of corn in the diet increased the DM disappearance (H: 74.1; L: 71.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and gas production (H: 193.8; L: 160.5 mg/24 h; P &amp;lt; 0.01), without effect on methane production. Enogen technology and increasing corn in the diet improve fermentation and increase degradation of dry matter; however, methane production increases with greater corn inclusion in the diet.

PSXII-16 Effect of including sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers

Abstract In ruminant animals, the use of molasses has benefits related to improved voluntary intake and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen, especially butyrate. Butyrate is closely related to gastrointestinal tract health, as it may contribute to the increase in the absorption area of the ruminal epithelium and improve the utilization of diet components, resulting in improved voluntary intake and immune response capacity in stressful situations, such as weaning. Hence, our objective was to assess the effect of sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers. Newly weaned Nellore × Red Angus heifers (n = 12) averaging 238 ± 5.1 kg body weight (BW), were used. All heifers were housed in individual pens with concrete floors, covered feeders, and drinkers. The basal diet was 50 % concentrate, and consisted of corn silage, sorghum silage, ground corn, soybean meal, urea, and a mineral premix. The diet was provided twice daily at 0700 and 1600 h, allowing up to 10% in orts (as fed). The following treatments were evaluated: control (no addition of powdered molasses) or addition of 50 g/kg of diet [dry matter (DM) basis] of powdered molasses. The experiment lasted for a total of 80 d, including a 14-d adaptation period. On d 68 and 76, rumen fluid samples were collected both before and 4 h after the morning feeding using an oral probe coupled to a vacuum pump. The initial fluid samples were discarded to prevent saliva contamination. The rumen fluid was filtered through four layers of cheesecloth, and then pH was measured. Subsequently, samples were taken and stored in an ultra-freezer (-80°C) for subsequent SCFA analysis. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 (α = 0.05). Providing molasses increased ruminal pH compared with control heifers (P &amp;lt; 0.032). Adding molasses did not affect SCFA concentration (P &amp;gt; 0.90). Conversely, we detected an effect of molasses on SCFA molar proportion. The molar proportion of both acetate (P &amp;lt; 0.013) and butyrate (P &amp;lt; 0.012) were greater in heifers fed molasses than with controls. On the other hand, dietary molasses addition decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.001). the propionate molar proportion. This resulted in an increased (P &amp;lt; 0.002) acetate-to-propionate ratio in heifers fed diets containing molasses. In conclusion, providing sugar cane molasses enhances rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers.

PSX-20 The inclusion of a tannin-based product evaluated in a typical feedlot diet under tropical conditions increases the molar proportion of propionate in a dual-flow continuous-culture system

Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate increasing levels of a tannin-based product and a monensin (positive control; unique dose) using a dual-flow continuous-culture system. Diets were randomly assigned to ten fermenters in a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square with three, 10-d experimental periods consisting of 7 d for adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Four different levels were tested independently, resulting in 5 treatments: tannin at levels of 0 (negative control), 0.07, 0.14, and 0.21 (% of DM of the total diet) and monensin as positive control at 28 mg/kg DM. The tannin-based product was a specific blend of tannin and saponins, composed of quebracho and chestnut tannin extracts, SilvaFeed-BX). Diets were prepared as concentrate mixes that were combined with sugarcane bagasse, corn grain, dry distillers grain, citrus pulp, peanut meal, and urea. Liquid and solid flow rates were adjusted to 10 and 5.0%/h, respectively. Samples were collected for digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and microbial growth. The basal diet consisted of a typical finishing diet for beef cattle (16:84 roughage:concentrate ratio). All results were assessed for residual normality and variance homogeneity. All variables were fitted through generalized mixed models (GLIMMIX procedure) and compared by using Tukey test (multiple comparison) and polynomial regressions (tannin concentrations, which were analyzed for linear and quadratic responses. Partial data were presented in the table below. Total VFA concentration, molar proportion of butyrate, and total Branched-chain VFA were not affected by treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Molar proportion of acetate of the tannin-based product at 0.07 % of DM tended to be decreased compared with all other treatments. Molar proportion of propionate increased quadratically (P = 0.05) reaching the peak at the level of 0.07 % of DM, which were greater than monensin treatment. In conclusion, our results indicate that a smaller dose of a tannin-based product (0.07 g/kg of DM) might manipulate ruminal fermentation by increasing molar proportion of propionate in typical feedlot diet fed under tropical conditions. This is important from an energetic standpoint for the animal host, since propionate is the precursor of glucose synthesis in ruminants.

PSIII-7 Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on total tract digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and plasma metabolome of beef steers fed a finishing diet

Abstract Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) has been widely studied; however, its mode of action on high-concentrate diets has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the impact of SCFP on total tract digestibility, fecal excretions of N, P, Zn, and Cu, rumen fermentation, and plasma metabolome of finishing beef steers. Ruminally cannulated Holstein steers [n = 8; body weight (BW) = 580 ± 29.2 kg] were enrolled in a crossover design study with 25-d treatment periods and a 24-d washout period. Steers were fed ad libitum a finishing diet consisting of 20% corn silage and 80% concentrate (on DM basis). Steers were blocked based on initial BW and randomly assigned to two treatments in period 1 and switched to the other treatment in period 2. The treatments were CON (Control, basal diet only) and SCFP (basal diet top-dressed with 12 gּ steer-1ּ ּ d-1 SCFP, NaturSafe, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Feed and fecal samples were collected during d 22 to 24 for determination of digestibility. Blood was collected before morning feeding on d 25. Plasma samples were analyzed for metabolome with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Rumen fluid was collected via the rumen cannula at 0, 4, 8, and 12 h post-morning feeding on d 25 and analyzed for pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and NH3-N. Performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4. Metabolomic data analysis was conducted with Metaboanalyst 6.0. Supplementing steers with SCFP reduced DMI (10.6 vs. 11.4 kg/d, P = 0.05) without affecting (P &amp;gt; 0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, and digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. Treatment did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.10) fecal excretions of N, P, Cu, and Zn. Feeding SCFP increased ruminal pH (6.29 vs. 6.01, P = 0.01), numerically reduced concentrations of NH3-N (5.01 vs 6.25 mM, P = 0.16), and total VFA (96.8 vs. 102.5 mM, P = 0.15). SCFP also reduced the ruminal molar proportion of butyrate (11.2 vs. 12.8 molar %, P = 0.01) and tended to increase those of isobutyrate (1.03 vs. 0.90, molar %, P = 0.06) and isovalerate (2.62 vs. 2.29, molar %, P = 0.10). Supplementation of SCFP enriched (P ≤ 0.05) purine metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and lysine degradation pathways in the plasma. Additionally, tryptophan metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism pathways tended to be enriched (0.05 &amp;lt; P ≤ 0.10) by SCFP. Our findings indicate that feeding SCFP improved the ruminal pH of finishing cattle, which may be beneficial for preventing subacute ruminal acidosis in feedlot cattle. Additionally, SCFP enriched several important plasma nitrogen metabolism pathways, potentially associated with microbial nitrogen metabolism in the rumen, warranting further research.

PSXIII-22 Intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters of Nellore cattle fed with amylolytic and fibrolytic enzymes in feedlot

Abstract This study was carried out to evaluate the use of dietary exogenous enzyme (ENZ) products with amylolytic and fibrolytic activity on nutrient intake, digestibility, and ruminal volatile fatty acids production (VFA) of Nellore cattle in feedlot. Rumen-cannulated Nellore steers [n = 10; body weight (BW) = 543 kg ± 28.6 BW] were distributed in a replicated Latin-square design (5 × 5) in individual pens. The treatments consisted of a negative control (CON; without ENZ); Amylase (AML; Amaize, Alltech, 0.5 g/kg of DM); Xylanase (FBL, Fibrozyme, Alltech, 0.9 g/kg of DM); Half dose (HD; AML 0.25 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.45 g/kg of diet DM); and Full dose (FD; AML 0.5 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.90 g/kg of diet DM; Table 1). The experimental period lasted 19 d (14 d of adaptation and 5 d of collection). Between d 15 and 18, total fecal collection was performed and on d 19 rumen fluid was collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h post-feeding for ammonia, VFA, and pH determination. The data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts using SAS: (C1) CON vs. ENZ, (C2) AML vs. FBL, (C3) HD vs. FD, and (C4) AML + FBL vs. HD + FD. There were no C1 differences for nutrient digestibility, total VFA, or ruminal pH (P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, a tendency effect in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake (P = 0.065) was observed, where animals fed ENZ had reduced values compared with animals kept in CON group. In the same way, ENZ reduced ther extract (EE) intake (P = 0.023), ruminal ammonia (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and isovalerate proportion (P = 0.080) as well as increased proportion of acetate (P &amp;lt; 0.001), valerate (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.030). No differences were observed in nutrient intake between AML and FBL (P &amp;gt; 0.10), but AML had greater organic matter (OM) digestibility (P = 0.097) and ruminal valerate (P = 0.039) and decreased butyrate proportion (P = 0.068). Animals that received FD had greater values of dry matter (DM; P = 0.009) and OM (P &amp;lt; 0.001) digestibility than HD. The enzyme combination resulted in greater DM (P = 0.026), OM (P = 0.062), crude protein (P = 0.018), EE (P = 0.063) and NDF (P = 0.040) intake and reduced OM digestibility (P = 0.008) compared with AML and FBL alone. The addition of exogenous enzymes in feedlot diets affected nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation of Nellore cattle fed a feedlot finishing diet.

Increasing concentrations of low SMCO swedes in the diet of dairy cows improves performance and ruminal metabolism without affecting dairy cow health

This study aimed to determine dry matter intake, ruminal fermentation, health-related blood metabolites, and production responses of early-lactation dairy cows fed two inclusion levels (30 and 45 %) of low SMCO swedes in the diet. Twelve pregnant multiparous lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (24.1 ± 0.72 kg milk/d, 540 ± 7.3 kg BW, and 142 ± 3.9 DIM at the start of the study) were used in this study. Cows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments in a replicated 3 ×3 Latin square design. The experiment lasted 63 d and was divided into three 21-d periods. Inclusion of swedes at 30 and 45 % in the diet had no effect on DMI, but increased milk, protein and fat yields, as well as CP concentration in milk. This was due to changes in VFA patterns with greater molar proportions of propionate and butyrate, as well as a greater utilisation of dietary N that was converted to microbial N. No negative effects on haematological and biochemical blood parameters, except for increased BHB concentrations. Fatty acids composition in milk was modified, with a greater proportion of saturated FA and lower n-3 FA. Overall, low SMCO swedes can be included up to 45 % in the diet of pasture fed dairy cows during winter.

The Effects of Different Doses of 3-NOP on Ruminal Fermentation Parameters, Methane Production, and the Microbiota of Lambs In Vitro

3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) is a nitrooxy compound that specifically targets methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR), ultimately resulting in a reduction in methane production. In this study, we undertook an in vitro investigation of the effects of different dosages of 3-NOP on ruminal fermentation parameters, methane production, and the microbial community. A single-factor completely randomized design was adopted, comprising a control treatment (C), where no 3-NOP was added to the fermentation substrate, and three 3-NOP treatments, where 0.025 mg (low-dose treatment, LD), 0.05 mg (medium-dose treatment, MD), or 0.1 mg (high-dose treatment, HD) was added to 1 g of fermentation substrate (DM basis), followed by incubation for 24 h in vitro. The results showed that, compared with the control treatment, the three dosages of 3-NOP reduced total gas production, methane production, and acetate production (all p &lt; 0.01). In contrast, 3-NOP treatment increased H2 production and the molar proportions of propionate and butyrate (all p ≤ 0.02), resulting in a decrease in the acetate-propionate ratio (p &lt; 0.01). Meanwhile, the microbial profiles were not altered by the treatments, but the relative abundances of Prevotella, Methanobrevibacter, and Ophryoscolex were increased by the MD and HD treatments (all p &lt; 0.01), whereas those of Methanosarcina, Methanosaeta, Sphaerochaeta, RFN20, Entodinium, and Diplodinium were decreased by the HD treatment (all p ≤ 0.03). Moreover, the results of a correlation analysis showed that there was a certain correlation between these microorganisms and total gas production, methane production, H2 production, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In summary, under in vitro conditions, the addition of 3-NOP to the diet affected the microbial community structure, thereby altering the ruminal fermentation pattern and reducing methane production. Our results indicated that 0.05 mg per g of dietary DM is the recommended inclusion ratio for 3-NOP in the diet of lambs.

Feeding almond hulls to light lambs: Effects on growth performance, digestive utilization and blood metabolites

The effects of including almond hulls (AH) in the concentrate fed to light lambs on animal performance, diet utilization, and blood metabolites. Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic concentrates were formulated with either 0 (control), 6 (AH6) or 12 (AH12) g of AH per 100 g (fresh matter basis). Thirty Manchega breed lambs (15 males and 15 females; 12.3 ± 0.18 kg body weight (BW)) were distributed into six homogeneous groups according to BW (3 groups of each sex), which were randomly assigned within sex to each experimental concentrate. Lambs were fed concentrate and barley straw ad libitum until reaching about 23.0 kg BW. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.182) between groups in final BW, intake of concentrate and straw, and feed conversion rate. Average daily gain and digestibility of dry matter and crude protein tended (P < 0.10) to decrease by the AH inclusion in the concentrate. Lambs fed AH12 showed greater (P < 0.05) urinary losses than those fed the control concentrate (15.4 and 11.5 g per 100 g of N intake, respectively), despite the similar N intake in all groups. Feeding AH did not affect (P ≥ 0.213) blood concentrations of albumin, globulins, urea, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin and cholesterol or blood activities of hepatic enzymes. The post-mortem analysis revealed no differences among groups in pH and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations in the rumen of lambs, but NH3-N concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in the lambs fed the concentrates with AH. In addition, lambs fed AH12 diet had lower (P < 0.05) molar proportions of propionate and greater (P < 0.05) proportions of butyrate compared with lambs fed control and AH6 concentrate. In general, no concentrate x sex interactions were observed, and sex had no effect on the measured parameters except for some differences in ruminal VFA profile. In conclusion, AH can be included at in light lambs’ concentrate up to 12 g per 100 g of concentrate without impairing animal growth.