Cattle Fed Research Articles

Taenia saginata prevalence in cattle slaughtered at low throughput abattoirs in South Africa

Meat inspection is the routine method used to identify cattle infected with Taenia saginata; however, the sensitivity of this method is low. We investigated the prevalence of T. saginata infection in cattle slaughtered in low throughput abattoirs (LTs) in Gauteng province, South Africa, based on meat inspection and serology. A total of 188 cattle carcasses from three abattoirs underwent meat inspection for the presence of T. saginata cysticerci, while serum was tested for the occurrence of antigens using antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing was performed to confirm T. saginata cysts identified during enhanced inspection and incision of 10 randomly selected hearts. Apparent and true prevalence were calculated, and a logistic regression model was fit to evaluate associations between abattoir, sex, animal origin, age and T. saginata serological status. Out of the 188 carcasses, no positive cases (0%) were identified during routine meat inspection, yet three cysticerci-like lesions were identified from three hearts following additional incisions, of which one was confirmed as T. saginata. Fifty-four of the sampled cattle carcasses tested positive using Ag-ELISA (apparent and true prevalence: 29.0%, 71.8%). Feedlot cattle were less likely (odds ratios [OR]: 0.33, p = 0.043) to have a positive serological test result for T. saginata compared to non-feedlot cattle, and the odds of a positive result differed between abattoirs (p 0.05).Contribution: Our results confirmed the low sensitivity of routine meat inspection in LTs, which may pose a public health risk, and therefore other diagnostic methods need to be included in the surveillance system for T. saginata.

Use of Drones for Trough Reading, Animal Counting, and Production Monitoring in Feedlot Systems

In line with the concept of precision agriculture, this study aimed to validate the use of digital aerial images captured using a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for collecting zootechnical data on cattle feedlot systems in a tropical environment. Images were captured on 21 non-consecutive days in 110 pens with up to 150 animals each. Conventional and RPA-based methods were adopted to determine animal behavior, feed trough levels, animal counts, and pen conditions. Data analysis revealed almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficient = 0.901) between trough readings taken by conventional and RPA methods as well as substantial agreement for fecal score (kappa coefficient = 0.785) and surface conditions (kappa coefficient = 0.737). However, animal counts and water quality scores showed only fair agreement, suggesting challenges in using RPA for these specific tasks. The results indicated that RPA represents a viable alternative to conventional methods for monitoring zootechnical indices in feedlots, offering benefits in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The implementation of RPA-based methods holds potential for improving animal management, welfare, and yield in feedlot systems.

Identification of odor compounds from Wagyu cattle feed “fermented TMR” for quality assessment and efficient analysis by ultra-compact portable gas chromatography

Identification of odor compounds from Wagyu cattle feed “fermented TMR” for quality assessment and efficient analysis by ultra-compact portable gas chromatography

Peningkatan Kapasitas Petugas Peternakan dalam Analisis Potensi Jerami Padi Sebagai Sumber Pakan Sapi Potong

This community service aims to increase the knowledge and capacity of livestock officers in assessing the potential and carrying capacity of rice straw as feed for beef cattle. This community service activity uses a training method with planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. The assessment instruments for this service are pre-test and post-test and are analyzed using the Paired-Samples T-Test. The results of this community service show that the knowledge and capacity of livestock officers in assessing the potential and carrying capacity of rice straw as feed for beef cattle has increased. This is evidenced by the data before the training; the participant's knowledge score was 35.5, while after the training, it increased to 86.0.

Assessing the multidimensional impact of community-based cattle feedlot programs in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Traditional cattle farming in the region faces numerous challenges, including limited market access, inadequate nutrition, and poor herd management, which hinder productivity and the livelihoods of farmers. This research explores whether structured feedlot programs can address these issues by enhancing agricultural productivity and improving farmer livelihoods. The study utilized quantitative data from 250 respondents and regression models to compare changes before and after participation in the feedlot programs. The findings reveal significant improvements in herd dynamics, with average herd size increasing by 40% and calving rates rising from 60 to 80%. Mortality and morbidity rates decreased by 50 and 47%, respectively. Regression analysis showed a positive impact on herd size (β = 20.00, p < 0.001) and a notable reduction in mortality (β = −0.30, p = 0.050). Animal performance also improved, with average daily gain (ADG) increasing by 60% and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improving by 25%. Health status was enhanced, indicated by a 50% reduction in disease incidence and an 80% increase in vaccination coverage. Regression results supported these improvements, showing significant positive effects of feedlot participation on ADG (β = 0.50, p < 0.001) and health status (β = −0.10, p < 0.005). Socio-economic benefits were also substantial, with household income increasing by 67% and new employment opportunities emerging. Food security improved significantly, with 85% of households reporting better access to food, and the average sales price per cattle increased by 50%. Regression analysis indicated strong positive impacts on household income (β = 1,500, p < 0.001) and food security (β = 300, p = 0.010). Factors influencing farmer participation in the feedlot programs included perceived benefits (β = 0.80, p < 0.001), access to training (β = 0.50, p < 0.005), and market access (β = 0.70, p < 0.001), while the cost of participation negatively affected involvement (β = −0.002, p = 0.050). Overall, the study demonstrates that community-based cattle feedlot programs significantly enhance herd dynamics, animal performance, and socio-economic conditions for farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, offering a viable strategy for improving rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

Introduction of Forage Feed Processing Technology for Cows in the Damang Saiyo Farmer Group

The Damang Saiyo Farmer Group is one of the farmer groups located in Batu Balang Village, Harau District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency. This group is quite active, especially in the agricultural sector. Most of the group members are active in agriculture, such as planting rice and gardening. However, there are also group members who raise livestock such as cows. Raising cattle for group members is a side activity and as family savings. Supporting natural resources such as empty land, fertile soil and easy access to green fodder in the form of grass and agricultural waste are supporting factors for raising cattle. The problems found in the Damang Saiyo Farmer Group are the lack of community knowledge about green fodder and never having processed green fodder from agricultural waste such as straw. So far, straw has not been optimally utilized as cattle feed.

Genome sequences of seven Mannheimia haemolytica isolates from feedlots in Oklahoma and California.

This report describes the genome sequences of seven Mannheimia haemolytica isolates recovered from feedlot cattle. These genome sequences will enhance our understanding of Mannheimia haemolytica evolution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-associated genes they carried over a two-decade span.

Value Chain Analysis of Cattle Feed Market in Banaskantha District, India

India has vast resources of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses. Livestock sector contributed 4.90 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21. Birthal and Jha [1] has found feed scarcity as the main limiting factor to improving livestock productivity. Therefore, to increase the productivity potential of milch animals the use of commercial compound feed is inevitable as supply of feed & fodder is shortening due to shrinking pasture land in the country. The Indian feed industry is about 57 years old. India is deficient in fodder and its availability is shrinking day by day due to decrease in cultivable area and increased share in food crop production so more thrust should be directed towards compound feeds by identifying the constraints and removing them.This study focused on the effectiveness of the feed industry and the performance of the value chain when mapping the cattle feed value chain in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. Total of ten feed manufacturing units and 120 farmers were selected for the study. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected through personal interviews with the help of a structured survey schedule. Secondary data on livestock population were collected through the livestock census, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. A multi stage random sampling method was adopted as an appropriate sampling procedure for the study. Banaskantha district was purposely selected for the study as Banaskantha district has highest livestock population in overall Gujarat State. Four talukas from Banaskantha district were selected randomly and feed manufacturing units were selected by snowball sampling method. From each taluka, five villages were selected randomly. From each village, six farmers were selected randomly. The study focused on buying behavior of farmers regarding cattle feed purchase and to estimate demand for concentrated feed requirements for the future in Banaskantha district. The study found that among the eight explanatory (independent) variables, five variables viz., livestock population, farm size, feed price, income from livestock, total feed fed per day were found to be significantly associated with expenditure of cattle feed price per animal per month and other variables such as average age of the animal, technology adoption and distance from buying location were statistically non-significant. The required feed demand for future livestock populations in Banaskantha district are 3651480 metric tonnes, 4487461 metric tonnes, 5514543 metric tonnes, 6774097 metric tonnes and 8315523 metric tonnes for the year 2024, 2029,2034, 2039 and 2044 respectively.

Genome sequence of Trueperella pyogenes isolates from liver abscesses in feedlot cattle.

High-grain diets promote polymicrobial liver infections in cattle, commonly involving the bacterium Trueperella pyogenes. We have isolated T. pyogenes from the purulent material of abscesses and sequenced their genomes. These data enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying liver abscess development in cattle.

First report of Curvularia chiangmaiensis causing leaf spot in elephant grass in Brazil.

Elephant grass, Cenchrus purpureus, exhibits high efficiency in sequesting atmospheric CO2 during photosynthesis, leading to significant biomass production. As a C4 plant, it holds immense potential for alternative biodiesel production and serves as fresh feed for cattle (Negawo et al. 2018). Field observations in commercial pastures planted with elephant grass, located in the Brazilian cerrado, revealed necrotic leaf spots with a brownish center and a yellowish halo, reaching a severity of 30 to 50% between 2022 and 2023 in Palmas (10°24'08"S 48°21'45" W) and Gurupi (11°46'21"S 49°02'08" W), municipalities located in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. In both years, the field incidence of the disease on young and mature leaves approached 100% during the rainy season. Affected leaves were collected, packed in a thermal box, and taken to the phytopathology laboratory. The 198 leaves were sanitised in 1% hypochlorite for 30 seconds and washed thrice in sterile water. Upon sanitisation, leaf tissues were cut and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated in a controlled chamber (BOD) at 28°C with a 12-hour photoperiod. Colonies exhibited a greyish colour with whitish edges, and the top plate was brownish, growing to a diameter of 5 cm over seven days. The colonies obtained from monosporic cultures formed curved conidia, predominantly with three septa, of a brownish colour, with lengths ranging from (7 µm to 14 µm and widths from 5 µm to 7 µm. (N=-50, Fig 1) (Yasanthika et al. 2023). The UFTCC01 isolate's DNA was extracted using the extraction kit (PROMEGA ®), amplified for genes (ITS, Gapdh and Tefα1), sequenced (OR345316.1, OR344427.1 and OR344428.1) and compared in BLASTn at Gen Bank deposited sequences. Phylogenetic analysis using the parsimony method in MEGA X identified the isolate as Curvularia chiangmaiensis, showing 99.5% identity with reference sequences (MN215651.1, MN264085.1, and MN263942.1). Concatenated region comparison revealed 94% similarity to sequences (OP564987.1 and MF490814.1) in the phylogenetic tree, confirming the species. The pathogenicity test used 60 seedlings of 50-day-old elephant grass, 30 of which were inoculated with a spore suspension (3.0 × 106 spores/mL) and 30 with sterile water. The solutions were sprayed twice. Only plants inoculated with the spore suspension exhibited symptoms akin to those observed in the field. Then, the fungus was reisolated from the lesions and Koch's postulates were confirmed twice.Previous studies have documented the C. chiangmaiensis pathogenicity in other grasses, such as maise in Thailand (Marin et al. 2017). Our studies constitute the first report of C. chiangmaiensis causing leaf spots on elephant grass in the Brazil.

Production strategies for controlling greenhouse gas emissions in grass-fed beef production systems

Looking at pasture-based beef cattle production systems, there needs to be more pasture management and low zootechnical indexes, which culminate in low productivity and environmental impact. In this sense, cattle farming has been labeled as harmful to the environment due to the emission of gases that can contribute to the excessive increase in the greenhouse effect. These gases are methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, which come from ruminal fermentation, manure fermentation, and biomass management. The objective was to simulate eight scenarios: the first occurred in areas of degradation and desertification of pastures induced by livestock farming, the second occurred with the recovery of degraded pasture areas, the third occurred with the improvement of pasture management, the fourth occurred with the implementation of integrated production systems, the fifth occurred with the improvement in diet quality, the sixth occurred with the association of supplementation strategies for grazing cattle with fattening in confinement, the seventh occurred with the reduction in the feeding cycle production of beef cattle and the eighth occurred with the intensification of land use. It is concluded that the adoption of more intensive production systems proves to be more efficient, both productively and environmentally, by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and improving zootechnical indices, guaranteeing the supply of animal protein in the face of growing demand globally.

Effect of multispecies swards on ruminal fermentation, methane emission and potential for climate care cattle farming- an in vitro study

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock ruminants, particularly methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and indirectly ammonia (NH3) significantly contributes to climate change and global warming. Conventional monoculture swards for cattle feeding, such as perennial ryegrass or Italian ryegrass, usually require substantial fertilizer inputs. Such management elevates soil mineral nitrogen levels, resulting in GHG emissions and potential water contamination. Mitigating the environmental footprint of these farming practices requires sustainable alternative feeding strategies for cattle production. Multispecies grassland swards (grass + legumes or legumes + herbs) represent a promising alternative to monoculture grassland swards for cattle nutrition due to their reduced nitrogen requirements, excellent herbage yield, and polyphenolic compounds (tannins, formononetin, luteolin, quercetin, and acteoside) which may have positive effects on animals. This study investigated the effects of selected multispecies grassland swards (plant blends) on in vitro ruminal fermentation and DM digestibility. Three experimental blends of plants cultivated without fertilizers were utilized: 1) perennial ryegrass (PRG) + red clover (RC), 2) chicory (C) + red clover (RC), and 3) Tonic plantain (PLA) + red clover (RC). The control blend included perennial ryegrass (PRG), and red clover (RC) cultivated with fertilizer. The in vitro trial showed a reduction in CH4 production and ruminal NH3 concentration (by 14.7% and 28.8%, respectively; p<0.01) in the PLA+RC blend compared to the control. This plant blend also increased propionate concentration (p<0.05) and reduced acetate and butyrate concentrations and the acetate-propionate ratio (p<0.01). Additionally, the total protozoal and methanogen counts were mostly reduced by the PLA+RC blend (p<0.01) among all blends investigated. In conclusion, the Tonic plantain and red clover blend (PLA+RC) cultivated without fertilizers have the potential to be utilized as a sustainable alternative feed source for climate-friendly cattle production, aligning with the aims of the European Climate Care Cattle Farming project.

The Impact of Climate Variability on Cattle Heat Stress in Vanuatu

Heat stress is a climate extreme that impacts cattle health, fertility, feed intake, production, and well-being. In Vanuatu, the beef industry is crucial to local livelihoods and the nation’s economy, thus the objective of this study was to examine the impact of heat stress on cattle health and production. This study uses the Heat Load Index (HLI) and Accumulated Heat Load (AHL) as proxies to assess the impact of heat stress on cattle in Vanuatu over a 30-year period (1994–2023), using the fifth generation of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate (ERA5) data. The analysis examines historical patterns of heat stress in cattle across Vanuatu, identifying more instances of heat stress occurring during the wet season due to characteristically elevated temperatures, humidity, and low wind speeds. Findings also suggest that El Niño events may increase the intensity and duration of heat stress events. These insights inform the development of an Early Warning System for heat stress in cattle, establishing a crucial foundation for targeted adaptation strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Vanuatu’s beef industry to climate variability and change.

Vitamin E in dairy cattle feeding (review)

Vitamin E in dairy cattle feeding (review)

Insights into trypanosomiasis transmission: Age, infection rates, and bloodmeal analysis of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes in N.W. Uganda.

Tsetse flies (Glossina) transmit species of Trypanosoma which cause human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT). Understanding the epidemiology of this disease and controlling the vector rationally requires analysis of the abundance, age structure, infection rates and feeding patterns of tsetse populations. We analysed a population of G. fuscipes fuscipes in the Koboko district of Uganda. Seasonal variation in the abundance of tsetse was assessed from the numbers of tsetse caught in pyramidal traps. The age structure of the population was assessed by dissecting female tsetse to estimate their ovarian categories. Classical and PCR-based methods were utilised to determine the presence of the three major pathogenic species of salivarian trypanosomes: T. vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei in a subset (n = 2369) of flies. Further, bloodmeal analysis was carried out using PCR to amplify and sequence a portion of the vertebrate cytb gene. The abundance and age structure of tsetse populations were relatively stable and a slight seasonal four-fold variation in abundance appeared to be correlated with rainfall. Analyses of age structure suggests a low natural daily mortality of 1.75% (1.62-1.88). Infection rates estimated were significantly greater (1.9-9.3 times) using the PCR-based method compared to the classical dissection-based method. Positive rates for T. brucei sl, T. congolense and T. vivax were 1.6% (1.32-2.24), 2.4% (1.83-3.11and 2.0% (1.46-2.63), respectively by PCR. The majority of bloodmeals were identified as cattle (39%, 30.5-47.8) and human (37%, 28.4-45.6). The seasonally stable abundance, low mortality rate and high proportion of bloodmeals from humans may explain, in part, why this district has historically been a focus of sleeping sickness. Additionally, the high rates of cattle feeding indicate insecticide treated cattle may prove to be a useful vector control strategy in the area.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 Related to the Consumption of Raw Cow's Milk in Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cow's milk represents a potential health risk for consumers. The objective of this work is to assess the sanitary quality of raw cow's milk produced and consumed by the populations of Daloa. For this purpose, a total of 30 raw milk samples were collected from 3 raw cow's milk extraction points in the city of Daloa. Mycotoxins were determined using gas chromatography. The results showed that 100% of the analyzed samples were contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFLM1). These results indicated that the aflatoxin M1 levels in the analyzed samples exceeded the maximum limit (ML) set by European regulations. To assess the risk of contamination for the population of Daloa, a survey was conducted among consumers of raw cow's milk. A total of 388 individuals were interviewed to gather their opinions. The survey involved a form with questionnaires related to the objectives of the study. This form provided information on identity, marital status, consumption patterns, frequency, quantity, and the socio-economic characteristics of the consumers. The results showed that the risk of liver cancer related to the consumption of raw cow's milk in the city of Daloa is approximately 36.08% to 36.16%; representing 36,080 to 36,150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Thus, to ensure consumer safety, good hygiene practices in the preservation of feed for cattle and the construction of enclosures for them must be implemented.

Welfare and performance benefits of shade provision during summer for feedlot cattle in a temperate climatic zone.

There is increasing interest from cattle lot-feeders in the use of shade to mitigate the effects of a potential heat stress event, though it is unclear whether the reported benefits of shade in previous studies conducted in more high-risk heat stress zones are pertinent in cooler temperate zones. The objectives of this study were to measure the welfare and performance benefits of shade provision for lot-fed cattle at a commercial feedlot located in a mild heat-stress risk zone in Western Australia. Six blocks of black Angus (Bos taurus) steers were inducted into the feedlot over six time-windows across a southern hemisphere summer, with 80 cattle per block housed in a partially shaded pen (providing 3.125 m2 of shade per animal) and 80 in an unshaded pen. Parameters assessed in 960 cattle over the first 70 days in the feedlot included weight gain, feed intake, and physiological and behavioral indices of overall health and welfare. Over the months of October through to May in which the experiment was conducted, shaded cattle demonstrated a modest 0.13kg overall increase in average daily gain across the 70-day feedlot period (P = 0.13). There was no difference in dry matter intake between any block or treatment. The physiological and behavioral markers of health and welfare revealed that, even during to hottest times of the experiment, the cattle were quite able to thermoregulate, via increased panting and seeking shade (if available), to maintain physiological homeostasis. In addition, we measured the effect of heat stress and shade provision on the affective state of the cattle. Qualitative behavioral assessment was used to indicate that the cattle in the 'no stress' temperature humidity index (THI) category and the shaded cattle in the 'moderate stress' THI category displayed the most positive demeanor (P < 0.05), being described as more 'settled and sociable', while the unshaded cattle in the 'moderate stress' THI category and all cattle in the 'severe stress' THI category were described as more 'agitated/anxious' (P < 0.05). Overall, the findings from the present study suggest that there are definite welfare and modest performance benefits associated with providing cattle with shade in summer in a feedlot situated in a temperate climatic zone.

Farmers’ perceptions and awareness of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart approach to enteric methane emissions

The perceptions of farmers regarding communal feedlots and their role in reducing enteric methane emissions have received limited attention in research. This study aims to examine farmers’ perceptions, assess awareness, and identify barriers to adopting feedlots as a climate-smart practice to enteric methane emissions in rural communities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. 161 structured, paper-based questionnaires were distributed among smallholder cattle farmers around three feedlot locations. Most farmers had heard about feedlots (67.7 %); however, only a few (19.9 %) participated. The lack of knowledge about feedlot operations was the main factor influencing farmers’ participation in feedlots. Most farmers did not perceive feedlots as a climate-smart approach to reducing enteric methane output (53.8 %), with few sure (9.6 %) and others unsure (36.5 %). When asked about the reasons for their perceptions of feedlots as a climate-smart approach to mitigating methane, many farmers were unsure of the reasons (86.5 %), with the least believing it could be related to poor feed quality (1.9 %). The availability of financial resources and level of education were the key factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt feedlots as a climate-smart practice. These findings emphasise the importance of targeted educational workshops and support systems to enhance farmers’ awareness and promote the adoption of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart approach. The findings can also inform policy and practice to address perceived feedlot drawbacks, such as feed provision and technical assistance, and improve their successful implementation. However, further research is needed to explore farmers’ perceptions of cattle feedlots as a climate-smart practice.

Thermal Stress as a Critical Factor in the Viability and Duration of Spittlebug Eggs

The spittlebug Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) is an important pest that causes significant losses in the production of forage crops for cattle feed. Information on the thermal requirements of this insect during the egg stage is crucial in assessing the interaction between insects and forage. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of constant and oscillating (diurnal/nocturnal) temperatures on the viability of M. spectabilis eggs and the duration of the egg stage. Temperatures of 20 °C to 30 °C were ideal for the development of this insect pest, resulting in greater viability and faster development of the embryos. In addition, it should be noted that a variation of up to 8 days is feasible for synchronizing the phenological stages of the forage plants and the eggs to be laid on these plants when subjected to 30 °C (16.6 days) or 20 °C (25.7 days) without significantly altering the viability of the eggs. Notably, a temperature oscillation of 25 °C during the day and 15 °C at night increased the viability of the eggs after exiting diapause. These results are essential for the rearing of M. spectabilis in the laboratory, allowing for the supply of eggs for experiments and contributing to advances in studies aimed at developing effective integrated management strategies for this pest.

Microwave Cooking of Some or All High Starch Ingredients of Cattle Feed Concentrate Improves Nutritional Value and In Vitro Bioavailability.

Microwaving has been used to qualitatively improve feed ingredients prior to including them in cattle feed. However, it is not known whether feed ingredients should be microwaved separately or in a mixture before being included in cattle feed concentrates. In the current study, the effects of the partial and full microwaving of high starch ingredients were investigated regarding their impact on the nutritional composition, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of feed concentrates. The cassava was microwave-irradiated before being mixed with other ingredients (MC, 35% of formulation). A microwave-cooked cassava-corn meal mixture (MCC, 45% of formulation) and a combination of all solid components (MSI, 96% of formulation) were also compared. A feed containing non-microwaved ingredients was formulated and served as the control (NM). Significantly altered proximate compositions and nutritive profiles were observed in all the microwaved components (p < 0.05). The observed modifications in pHs, water absorption capacities, thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry), diffraction patterns (X-ray diffractometry), and microstructures (scanning electron microscopy) indicated enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis in vitro. A higher cellulase organic matter solubility and digestible organic matter were observed in the MCC and MSIs feeds relative to the control NM (p < 0.05). These findings indicate a combination of components could be added to feedstock before it is microwave processed to potentially include this pretreatment in the feed production process.