Chopped Wheat Straw Research Articles

Fat composition in milk replacer modulates plasma cholesterol of dairy calves

This study evaluated the effect of feeding milk replacers (MR) formulated with alternative fat sources and containing different fat compositions on plasma cholesterol of dairy calves. Forty-five individually housed male Holstein calves (2.3 ± 0.82 d; mean ± SD) were blocked by arrival day and age. Within each block, calves were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) an MR containing a fat blend with 65% rapeseed and 35% coconut fats (RC), 2) an MR containing 65% palm and 35% coconut fat (PC), and 3) an MR containing 65% lard and 35% dairy cream (LD). All MR were isoenergetic with 30% fat, 25% protein, and 36% lactose (DM basis). Calves were fed 6.0 L/d from d 1 to 5, 7.0 L/d from d 6 to 9, and 8.0 L/d from d 10 to 35 at 13.5% solids. Water and chopped wheat straw were available ad libitum from arrival onwards. Milk, water, and straw intakes were recorded daily. Blood was sampled and BW was measured at arrival and weekly thereafter at 1300 h. Fecal scores were recorded daily after the morning meal. Growth and intakes did not differ among treatments. Plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations were higher in calves fed RC than PC and LD, and higher in calves fed PC than LD. Additionally, plasma TG was greater in calves fed PC than LD at wk 2 after arrival, while calves fed RC did not differ from the other treatments. The proportion of abnormal fecal scores were reduced in calves fed RC in wk 2. Including palm and rapeseed fats in the MR did not affect growth but increased plasma total cholesterol.

Slatted floor reduces the welfare and increases the foot pad dermatitis and growth performance of Turkeys under Egyptian conditions.

When Turkeys' legscome in contact with their dropping during the growing stage results in footpad dermatitis condition which affects the poult's welfare and productivity. Our experiment aimed to detect the impact of various bedding substrates on the wellbeing, and performance of growing Turkey under Egyptian conditions. 180-day-old Turkey poults were allocated into three treatments. In treatment I, the poults [60 each with three replicates (n = 20 birds)] were kept on wood shavings (WS); in the second treatment, the poults were housed on chopped wheat straw (CWS). However, in the third treatment, they kept on a plastic slatted floor (PSF). The greater feed intake and body weight were recorded in poults reared in PSF compared with those kept in other treatments (WS and CWS). Feed conversion ratio did not show any significant difference. The mortality percentage was higher in the PSF group than in the WS one. The frequency of feeding and drinking behavior was higher in poults reared on WS treatment compared with other treatments CWS and PSF. On the other hand, resting behavior showed the highest frequency in poults kept in PSF. Contrary, the lowest frequency of walking behavior was recorded in poults reared in PSF treatment. In addition, the poults kept in WS had a longer tonic immobility reaction period followed by those kept in PSF and CWS. Concerning foot-pad dermatitis, the highest score of 0 was observed in the CWS group, while the highest score of 1 was recorded among poults kept in the WS group. On the other side, the highest score 2, 3, and 4 was observed in the poults reared in the PSF group. Heterophil/Lymphocyte ratio of Turkey poults was higher in PSF. While T3 and T4 concentrations in blood were not affected by using different bedding materials. It is concluded that the slatted floor was good for Turkey producers from the point of performance but, it is the worst from the point of welfare.

Changes in soil organic carbon and microbial community in saline soil following different forms of straw incorporation

AbstractStraw has been commonly incorporated into soil to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) content. However, the response and mechanism of organic carbon transformation following the addition of different forms of straw to saline soil to have not been fully evaluated. Thus, in our study, chopped wheat straw, granular wheat straw and wheat straw biochar were used as exogenous organic amendments. The carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio of each form of straw was adjusted to 25:1. Under the same amount of carbon input, the three forms of straw were added to saline soil for a one‐year incubation experiment. The research focused on studying the changes in SOC transformation, enzyme activity, and microbial community structure. At the end of incubation, both granular and biochar straw treatments had significantly increased SOC relative to the unamended control, with extent of SOC increase greater in the biochar straw treatment. The biochar straw treatment also had significantly higher dissolved organic carbon than the other treatments at end of the incubation. The enzyme activity of β‐cellobiohyrolase (CBH) was the highest in the granular straw treatment, which was increased by 71.9% compared with the chopped straw treatment (p < 0.05). The cumulative carbon mineralization amount (Cum C) in the granular straw treatment was the highest, which was increased by 757.4% and 21.3% compared with the biochar straw and chopped straw treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). The Mantel test analysis further revealed significant correlations between soil bacterial community and SOC content in soils treated with different straw incorporation forms, as well as between fungal community and extracellular enzyme activities. We assumed that a possible reason for the high SOC mineralization amount in the granular straw treatment was changing the structure of the Bacteroidota in the bacterial phylum and Blastocladiomycota in the fungal phylum. Based on these findings, it is believed that adding biochar can increase the SOC content, but its utilization by microorganisms is limited. However, applying granular straw will not have a negative impact on its use as a microbial carbon source, thereby promoting carbon transformation. Therefore, in future research aimed at enhancing soil fertility in saline soil regions, the adoption of granular straw as an agricultural practice is recommended and should be promoted.

Effects of corn grain processing method in starter ration and weaning strategy on performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of Holstein calves

This research explored how corn processing methods and weaning protocols interact and impact calf performance, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites. Forty-eight 3-day-old Holstein calves (24 females and 24 males; body weight = 38.2 ± 1.56 kg) were allocated to one of the four treatment groups using a 2 × 2 factorial design. The physical form of corn grain [steam-flaked corn (SFC) or ground corn (GC)] and weaning protocol [abrupt weaning (AW) or gradual weaning (GW)] were the experimental factors and resulted in the following treatments: 1) a starter diet containing SFC + AW protocol (SFC/AW), 2) a starter diet containing SFC + GW protocol (SFC/GW), 3) a starter diet containing GC + AW protocol (GC/AW), and 4) a starter diet containing GC + GW protocol (GC/GW). The starter feeds had similar feed ingredients (50.4% corn grain, 35.1% soybean meal, plus 5% chopped wheat straw) and were different only in the physical form of corn grain (SFC vs. GC). In the AW protocol, calves were given 4 L of milk/d from days 3 to 15, then increased to 7 L/d from days 16 to 67. Weaning occurred abruptly from days 68 to 69 by decreasing milk to 3.5 L/day. In the GW protocol, calves received 4 L of milk/day from days 3 to 15, followed by 7 L/day from days 16 to 59. Weaning occurred gradually from days 60 to 69, with this reduction schedule: 6 L/d from days 60–61, 5 L/d from days 62–63, 4 L/d from days 64–65, 3 L/d from days 66–67, 2 L/d on day 68, and 1 L/d on day 69. Total starter intake (d 1 to 90) remained unaffected by the corn grain processing method, but weaning strategy and corn processing method interacted for starter feed intake, as the greatest intake was observed in calves assigned in SFC/GW treatment. Feeding a starter diet containing SFC rather than GC increased DM and NDF digestion. Calves that were fed an SFC-based starter diet grew faster than calves fed a GC-based starter diet. The average daily gain (from d 1 and 90) was greater in calves assigned to GW vs. AW protocol. Calves fed an SFC-based starter feed and assigned to AW protocol converted nutrients toward growth more efficiently throughout the experiment (d 1 to 90). Feeding a GC- vs. SFC-based starter feed resulted in greater rumen ammonia-N concentration. Ruminal pH on day 80 was greater in calves weaned gradually compared to those weaned abruptly. Calves fed GC- vs. SFC-based starter diet had higher blood urea-N and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations on day 60. Overall, an SFC- vs. GC-based starter feed (containing 5% chopped wheat straw) promoted faster calf growth and improved nutrient utilization. Feeding an SFC-based starter diet in combination with GW protocol resulted in the greatest starter feed intake.

Chopped Straw as an Insulation Material: The Influence of Different Blow-In Technologies and Flame Retardants on Hygrothermal Properties

The demand for renewable resources in building construction is increasing, and wheat straw is an excellent option due to its superior environmental performance compared to traditional insulation materials. However, the hygrothermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation have remained largely unexplored. At the moment, blown-in straw is only blown in vertically, although horizontal blowing would be more efficient depending on the situation. This study investigates the effect of different blowing techniques on the thermal properties of chopped wheat straw insulation, focusing on the difference between vertical and horizontal blowing techniques. In-situ-measured thermal conductivities were compared with design values used in energy balances. In addition, the long-term hygrothermal behavior of chopped wheat straw insulation treated with flame retardants was investigated. The methodology included heat flow plate measurements, needle probe measurements and laboratory measurements using the hot plate method. The results show that there is no significant difference in thermal performance between the blowing techniques. The measured thermal conductivities were lower than expected, challenging the current general normative moisture surcharge on the thermal conductivity of natural fiber insulation. The addition of the flame retardant had no noticeable effect on the hygrothermal properties of the chopped straw. Chopped wheat straw can be regarded as a highly ecological insulation material with great potential for the future.

Application of various high- density organic materials in soil promotes germination and increases nutrient content of wheat

In the arid and semi-arid areas in China, the emergence rate of crops is usually reduced by the undecomposed residues, as the areas are characterized in low temperature and insufficient soil moisture. Thus, an innovative method of straw returning is needed to solve the above problems. In this study, high-density organic matter (HDOM) was made of chopped wheat straw (CWS). The HDOM of wheat straw (HDOM- W) without exogenous addition is one treatment, the HDOM- W containing 10% wheat straw biochar (HDOM- WB) and elemental sulfur (HDOM- WS) in weight categorized as two other treatments. The effects of HDOM on soil and crop growth were systematically evaluated through field in situ and laboratory incubation experiments. The results showed that compared to CWS, wheat germination rate was not significantly decreased in the HDOM- W treatment; the biomass, total N and P concentrations of wheat in HDOM- WS were increased by 137.9%, 137.1%, and 141.8%, respectively (P < 0.05); wheat K concentration in HDOM- WB was significantly increased by 39.7% (P < 0.05). Therefore, application of HDOM in soils can improve seed bed, promote crop growth and increase nutrient content, which eventually elevating soil fertility. Organic materials like crop straws, tree branches, grasses off the farmland, abandoned wood furniture, etc. can be all returned to the field as HDOM to elevate soil fertility. The application of HDOM can be used as an innovative environmental protection technology to tackle the problem of organic waste disposal and sustainably maintain soil quality.

Impact of corn processing and weaning age on calf performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and behavior

This study examined the impact of two corn processing methods (steam-flaked (SFC) vs. ground) combined with two weaning ages (50 or 75 days) on calf performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion, and behavior. The study involved 48 three-day-old Holstein calves, with an average body weight of 41.4 ± 2.2 kg. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, resulting in four treatment groups: SFC50 (SFC and weaning at 50 days), SFC75 (SFC and weaning at 75 days), GC50 (ground corn and weaning at 50 days), and GC75 (ground corn and weaning at 75 days). Calves were given whole milk at 4 L/ day from day 3–15 and 7 L/ day from day 16 to either 43 or 68, depending on weaning age. Weaning occurred between days 44 and 50 for early-weaned calves and between days 69 and 75 for late-weaned calves. The study lasted until calves were 93 days old. The starter ration consisted of soybean meal, corn grain, 5% chopped wheat straw and premix. Results indicated that the SFC-based starter feed improved calf performance and nutrient digestion, as evidenced by increased weight gain, dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Calves fed the SFC-based starter diet had lower blood albumin and urea N concentrations, while blood total protein and globulin concentrations were higher, especially in early-weaned calves. No significant changes in rumen pH and ammonia-N concentration were observed. In addition, the SFC starter feed resulted in higher volatile fatty acids concentration and longer feeding time in weaned calves compared to ground corn. Overall, these results suggest that an SFC-based starter feed may be beneficial for both early and late weaned calves.

Repair of Old Timber Log House Using Cavity Filling with Compatible Natural Materials

The paper describes a method of structural repair to damaged elements of protected timber houses. Emphasis is laid on minimum intervention in the valuable material that needs to be preserved to the maximum possible extent, especially without larger interventions in the visible parts. The designs will find application in situations where it is not possible or appropriate to use common building methods, and it is necessary to carefully fill out or substitute bio-damaged parts of structural elements. The material for the production of fillings of structural elements corresponds to the originally used wood species; in the case of contact with the ground, oak is the choice due to its durability. Small caverns are filled with earth-based mortar with lime, casein, and chopped wheat straw. Such mortar mixtures were subjected to laboratory tests, which have shown that earth-based mortar (E) and earth mortar with lime putty modification (EL) have very similar physical, mechanical, and hygric properties. The properties significantly changed when curd cheese/casein was added to fresh mortar (ELC): the mechanical strength of hardened mortar increased substantially, and the diffusion of water vapours dropped, which is very beneficial for careful repairs of timber elements. The combination of timber and mortar filling provides a suitable means of repairing locally decayed timber members.

Effect of physically effective neutral detergent fiber and undigested neutral detergent fiber on eating behavior, ruminal fermentation and motility, barrier function, blood metabolites, and total tract digestibility in finishing cattle.

This study evaluated the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) and undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) on eating behavior, ruminal fermentation and motility, barrier function, blood metabolites, and total tract nutrient digestibility for finishing cattle. Six Simmental heifers (668 ± 28.4 kg BW) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square (21 d periods) balanced for carry-over effects. Treatments included a control (CON; Table 1) with no forage peNDF and minimal uNDF (peNDF: 0.0%, and uNDF: 4.88 ± 0.01; 95.15% barley grain, 4.51% vitamin and mineral supplement, and 0.34% urea on a DM basis). Pelleted wheat straw (PELL) was included at 10% of dietary DM by replacing barley grain to provide added uNDF but no forage peNDF (peNDF: 0.00%, and uNDF: 6.78 ± 0.02%). Finally, chopped wheat straw (STR) was included as a replacement for pelleted wheat straw to provide forage peNDF and uNDF (peNDF: 1.74 ± 0.06%, and uNDF: 6.86 ± 0.03%). Dry matter intake was not affected (P = 0.93) by treatments. Cattle fed CON spent less time ruminating (P = 0.010) and had less meals/d (P = 0.035) when compared with cattle fed STR, with those fed PELL being intermediate but not different from other treatments. Cattle fed CON had lesser ruminal pH (P = 0.020), and a greater duration that pH was < 5.5 (P = 0.020) as compared to cattle fed STR, with those fed PELL being intermediate but not different. Cattle fed CON and PELL had greater total short-chain fatty acid concentration (P = 0.003) and molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.001) when compared with cattle fed STR. Cattle fed STR had greater (P = 0.010) total ruminal pool size when compared with cattle fed CON and PELL. Cattle fed CON had greater (P = 0.043) duration between ruminal contractions when compared with cattle fed STR, with those fed PELL being intermediate. Cattle fed CON had greater serum amyloid A (P = 0.003) and haptoglobin (P < 0.001) concentration when compared with the other treatments. Cattle fed CON had greater dry matter (P < 0.001) digestibility when compared with the other treatments. In conclusion, inclusion of PELL and STR impacted eating behavior, but only STR affected ruminal fermentation, ruminal motility, systemic inflammation, and total tract nutrient digestibility in finishing cattle. These results are interpreted to suggest that the combination of peNDF and uNDF may be better than uNDF alone to adequately capture biological effects of NDF in high-concentrate diets.

The Effect of Antibiotics Used Throughout Chicken Cycle on the Bacterial Count of Their Meat

There is no doubt that poultry industry is a very useful to our society Therefore poultry meat has its own value even economic value or nutrional value. The feature of poultry meat helps the consumer to obtain the more nutritional value such as Protein, Low fat, Carbs and vitamins. The contamination of poultry meat effects on the quality of meat and its content. Therefore it effects the population and can cuase infectious diseases .The present experiment was conducted on the broilers that obtained from private farm located at Egypt-Alexandria road. The broiler chicks were fed on well-balanced diet. Starter diet was given till the 20th day of age after that chicks were fed on finisher diet which was given from the 21st day till the end of the experiment. Water and food were offered adlibitium. The chicks were housed in clean well ventilated separate experimental rooms, previously fumigated with formalin and potassium permanganate. The floor was bedded by fresh clean chopped wheat straw forming litter of 3.5 cm depth. Each room was provided by suitable numbers of feeders and water utensils. Each group of bird was provided by suitable feeder and water. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antibiotics administrated during broilers chicken cycle on the bacteriological count of their meat through study of: 1- The level of mesophilc, aerobicenterobacteriacae and coliform counts among the breast and thigh samples at 15 day and 35 days of production cycle. 2- The level of mould and yeast counts among the breast and thigh samples at 15 day and 35 days of production cycle. 3- Identification of some isolated mould and yeast.4- Determination of the antibiotic residues among the breast and thigh samples at 15 day and 35 days of production cycle. The Staistical analytical results of Mesophilc aerobic bacterial counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 34.15 X 103 ± 14.28 X 103 in breast at day 15 and was 38.64 X 103 ±19.88 X 103 in thigh at day 15. But in day 35 was 82.15 X 103 ± 24.51 X 103 in breast and was 89.91 X 103 ±28.99 X 103 in thigh at day 35 .The results of Enterobacteriaceae bacterial counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 4.20 X 102±1.70 X 102 in breast at day 15 and was 1.51 X 103±4.70 X 102 in thigh at day 15 . But in day 35 was 9.04 X 103±3.93 X 103 n breast and was 3.21 X 103±1.32 X 103 in thigh at day 35.The results of Coliforms bacterial counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 1.64 X 103 ± 1.13 X 103 in breast at day 15 and was 3.30 X 102± 6 X 10 in thigh at day 15. But in day 35 was 4.5 X 102± 1.7 X 102 in breast and was 7 X 10 ± 2 X 10 in thigh at day 35. Tht results of Moulds counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 2 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in breast at day 15 and was 2.0 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in thigh at day 15. But at day 35 was 3.0 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in breast and was 3 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in thigh at day 35.The results of Yeast counts isolated from breast and thigh in different time of experiment was 0.04 X 103± 0.02 X 103 in breast at day 15 and was 0.11 X 103 ± 0.05 X 103 in thigh at day15. But at day 35 was 0.03 X 103 ± 0.01 X 103 in breast and was 0.03 X 103± 0.01 X 103 in thigh at day 35.

Growth and Influence of White-Rot Fungi on the Chemical Composition of Wheat Straw Inoculated under Varying Pre-Conditions

Solid-state fermentation with white-rot fungi is an interesting alternative to chemical straw treatment for ruminant nutrition. However, for practical implementation on farms, feasible handling and its effect on nutritional characteristics have to be tested beforehand. Chopped wheat straw was either soaked and drained or just remoistened to about 24% dry matter without subsequent sterilization. Moist straw was inoculated with Pleurotus ostreatus, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, or Volvariella volvacea. Fermentation lasted up to 42 d with weekly or shorter sampling intervals. Fiber fractions, minerals and elements, and non-starch polysaccharides were analyzed, and microflora was plate counted. Lactic acid bacteria of selected samples were identified by MALDI-TOF. All inoculated fungi grew well under the selected conditions expressed by the visible mycelium and specific smell. P. ostreatus developed fruiting bodies in the given time. Initial numbers of lactic acid bacteria were &gt;8.0 log cfu/g. In the beginning, Weissella confusa/cibaria dominated. However, neither decrease in lignin nor cellulose concentration was observed during the period in either of the treatments, thus seeming to be inappropriate for ruminant nutrition purposes. Some elements and minerals peaked, especially towards the second and third week (Na, Cl, Mg, Fe, and Mn). Growth conditions for mushrooms were optimized by remoistening the straw with a defined amount of water.

Ammonia concentrations, litter quality, performance and some welfare parameters of broilers kept on different bedding materials

ABSTRACT 1. Litter quality has been related to broiler performance, behaviour, welfare, dust and ammonia (NH3) emissions. Drier litter leads to a reduction in NH3 emissions and reduces the formation of foot- and hock lesions. However, maintaining good litter quality is often challenging. This study investigated the effects of different bedding materials on litter quality and NH3 concentrations at litter level, broiler performance, foot- and hock lesions, plumage cleanliness and breast skin irritation. 2. A total of 2160 Ross 308 male broilers were randomly assigned to 36 floor pens. There were six replications for each of the following six litter treatments: wood shavings, flax, peat, maize silage, chopped wheat straw and flax pellets. 3. For the total period, the highest feed intake and body weight was obtained for broilers housed on peat. The NH3 concentrations measured at litter level was highest for peat and chopped wheat straw at 36 d of age and numerically the lowest for flax at 30 and 36 d of age. Maize silage remained friable, but did not result in lower NH3 concentrations compared to wood shavings. Chopped wheat straw and wood shavings gave rise to the highest incidence of foot lesions at 38 d of age, while broilers kept on flax, peat, maize silage and flax pellets had the lowest incidence of foot lesions at the end of the rearing period. 4. The results of the current study suggest a complicated relationship between the type of bedding material, litter conditions and NH3 volatilised from the litter.

The effect of particle size and concentration on the frictional behavior of vertical upward flows of wheat straw aqueous slurries

The pipeline hydro-transport of agricultural residue biomass could enhance the capacity of bio-based energy facilities for large-scale bio-fuel production. The vertical transport of chopped wheat straw aqueous slurries in upward flows was examined through a 29 m long, 50 mm diameter closed-circuit pipeline facility at laboratory scale. The frictional pressure drops of straw slurries for saturated concentrations of 5–40 % (mass) were measured and analyzed as a function of particle size, slurry solid concentration, and slurry flow rate. The pressure drops of straw slurries were below those of water, and the difference increased with an increase in solid concentrations exhibiting drag-reducing features; however, this effect seemed to be completely dominated by the particle size. For the ranges of flow velocities (0.5–4.0 m s−1) and particle sizes (6.4 mm, 3.2 mm, and<3.2 mm) considered, the 6.4 mm particle size straw slurries demonstrated the highest drag reduction (19.7 %) at a 20 % (mass) concentration and a slurry velocity of 1.5 m s−1. For the smallest particle size straw slurries (<3.2 mm), the drag reduction was almost negligible. The indirect measurements of in situ concentration through the obtained delivered concentrations showed all the straw slurries to be homogenous with the maximum difference of 10 % between delivered and prepared concentrations. The wheat straw aqueous slurries in vertical upward flows displayed different characteristics than those in horizontal flows at similar flow conditions, particularly at low velocities. This research could help design and operate a long-distance integrated pipeline network for large-scale bio-fuel production.

Some Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials with Chopped Wheat Straw Reinforcer and Hybrid Matrix.

Modern agriculture produces a very large amount of agricultural waste that remains unused. The use as a reinforcer of these renewable resources for the realization of composite materials, and the finding of useful industrial applications, constitutes or provokes the groups of researchers in this field. The study conducted in this article falls in this direction. Composites were fabricated with the chopped wheat straw reinforcement and epoxy resin matrix or hybrid resins with 50% and 70% Dammar volume proportions. Some mechanical properties of this type of composite materials were studied based on tensile strength, SEM analysis, water absorption/loss, vibration behavior and compression strength. The strength–strain and strain–strain diagrams, the modulus of elasticity, the breaking strength and the elongation at break were obtained. Compared to the epoxy resin composition, those with 50 and 70% Dammar, respectively, have a 47 and 55% lower breaking strength and a 30 and 84% higher damping factor, respectively. Because the values of these mechanical properties were limited, and in practice superior properties are needed, sandwich composites were manufactured, with the core of previously studied compositions, to which the outer faces of linen fabric were applied. These composites were applied to the bend (in three points), obtaining the force–deformation diagrams. The obtained properties show that they can be used in construction (paneling, shells, etc.), or in the furniture industry.

Effect of a milk byproduct–based calf starter feed on dairy calf nutrient consumption, rumen development, and performance when fed different milk levels

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a milk byproduct-based starter pellet, high in lactose, on feed intakes, growth, and rumen development when calves were fed either a high or low level of milk. This was done by using a 2 × 2 factorial design, with 120 Holstein heifer calves randomly assigned to 1 of 2 milk treatments and 1 of 2 feed treatments upon enrollment at birth. Calves were either assigned to a low (LM) or high (HM) level of milk replacer by an automated milk-feeding system for individually-housed calves. The LM treatment calves were offered 6 L/d (150 g/L; 1.2 L, 5×/d), whereas HM treatment calves were offered 15 L/d (150 g/L; 3 L, 5×/d) of milk replacer. Calves were also assigned to a milk byproduct- (whey) based starter feed treatment (WF), or a grain-based starter ration (95% concentrate starter pellet, 5% chopped wheat straw) feed treatment (GF). All calves were offered their treatment feed starting on d 5, with water offered ad libitum from d 0. The WF treatment calves were offered 150 g/d of the milk byproduct-based pellet until they consumed the entirety for 2 out of 3 consecutive days. At this point, WF treatment calves received 150 g of the milk byproduct-based pellet top dressed onto the grain-based ration to allow for ad libitum feed consumption until weaned, when they only received the grain-based ration postweaning (d 64-77). Calves on the GF feed treatment received only the grain-based ration. All calves were gradually weaned from d 43 to 63. By design, calves on the HM treatment consumed greater levels of milk than LM treatment calves for the majority of the days in the preweaning phase (8.9 ± 0.11 vs. 5.5 ± 0.11 L/d; SE). Calves on the GF and WF treatments consumed similar amounts of milk in the preweaning phase (7.2 ± 0.11 vs. 7.2 ± 0.11 L/d); however, there was a milk and feed treatment interaction detected for milk consumption in the weaning phase, with HM-GF calves drinking more milk than the other treatments and HM-WF calves drinking more milk than both LM-GF and LM-WF calves. The WF treatment calves had greater solid feed intake during the preweaning phase than GF treatment calves, with no feed intake differences in the weaning or postweaning phases. The WF calves drank more water in the preweaning phase than GF calves. Average daily gain was similar throughout the study between the GF and WF treatment calves. Rumen physiological measures were all similar by the end of the trial (d 77) regardless of feed or milk treatment, suggesting similar rumen development postweaning. Overall, regardless of the level of milk fed, offering the milk byproduct-based starter pellet may increase preweaning feed intake, along with water consumption. However, both feed and milk treatments had similar performance and rumen development measures by the end of the trial.

Frictional behaviour of wheat straw-water suspensions in vertical upward flows

The use of biofuels helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Earlier studies have shown that transporting biomass in horizontal pipelines in the form of water-based slurries significantly reduces transportation costs. The frictional behaviour of water-based chopped wheat straw slurry in a vertical pipeline has not been studied and this is the focus of this study. In situ concentrations of water-based conventional solids of medium sand, glass beads, and fine sand and straw slurry flows were determined by measuring their delivered concentrations in pseudo-homogeneous regimes for prepared concentrations of 1–6% (dry volume of conventional solids) and 5–25% (saturated mass of straw), respectively. Two grades of sand and glass beads with mean particle diameters of 0.103, 0.447, and 0.5 mm, respectively, and straw with a nominal particle length of 19.2 mm were utilised. The delivered concentrations for the straw slurries and fine sand were close to their corresponding prepared concentrations and were homogeneous. There was a large discrepancy between prepared and delivered concentrations for the medium-sized sand and glass beads slurries. The pressure drop of straw slurries over the range of velocities of 0.5–4.2 m s −1 and mass concentrations of 5–25% through the vertical pipe showed a maximum drag reduction of 19% at a concentration of 25% (mass) and at a 3.5 m s −1 velocity. For concentrations of 5–20% (mass), the straw slurries showed drag-reducing capabilities in the mixed and turbulent flow regions for various velocities that were different from horizontal flows. • The pumping of aqueous slurries of chopped wheat straw was studied in a pipeline. • Friction losses in the vertical pipeline were measured over a range of variables. • The delivered and prepared concentrations for wheat straw slurries were identical. • Straw slurries in vertical upward flows behaved differently than horizontal flows. • Drag reduction appeared at even low velocities and mass concentrations of straw.

PSXIV-11 Silage source, physically effective neutral detergent fiber, and undigested neutral detergent fiber concentrations affect eating behavior, ruminal pH and reticular motility of finishing heifers

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of silage source, physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF), and undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) concentrations on eating behavior, ruminal pH, and reticular contractions for finishing beef heifers. Six Hereford′Simmental heifers (579±51.2 kg) were used in a replicated 6×6 Latin square (21-d periods) balanced for carry-over effects with 2×2 + 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Barley grain-based diets included barley (BarS) or wheat silage (WhS) at 10% of dietary DM. Silages were harvested at two chop lengths to yield low (LpeNDF) vs. high peNDF (HpeNDF) silage. For both BarS and WhS, chopped wheat straw was included (5% of DM) by replacing an equal proportion of LpeNDF silages to evaluate low vs. high uNDF (7.3 vs. 8.2% dietary DM) concentrations. Heifers fed HpeNDF WhS had greater DMI (silage′peNDF; P &amp;lt; 0.01) than those fed HpeNDF BarS, but DMI did not differ for LpeNDF treatments. Ruminating and eating time increased for heifers fed HpeNDF WhS relative to LpeNDF WhS, but were not different for BarS (silage′peNDF; P ≤ 0.02). Increasing uNDF increased eating and ruminating times for heifers fed WhS, but not BarS (silage′uNDF; P ≤ 0.03). Mean ruminal pH averaged 5.97 and was not affected by silage, peNDF, uNDF, or the interactions (P ≥ 0.12). Feeding BarS increased the duration (384 vs. 256 min/d; P = 0.02) and area (84.5 vs. 43.8 pH×min/d; P = 0.02) that pH was &amp;lt; 5.5 relative to WhS. Increasing peNDF numerically reduced the frequency of reticular contractions when fed BarS but numerically increased them when fed WhS (silage′peNDF; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Reticular contractions were not affected by dietary uNDF concentration (P ≥ 0.13). These data highlight that at a constant inclusion rate, silage source and chop length interact to affect DMI, eating behavior, ruminal pH, and reticular motility indicating the need to account for silage type, peNDF, and uNDF in diet formulation for finishing cattle.

Soil organic and inorganic carbon pools as affected by straw return modes under a wheat-maize rotation system in the Guanzhong Plain, Northwest China

To understand the effects of straw return modes on soil carbon pools, we investigated total soil organic carbon (SOC), labile organic carbon fractions, and inorganic carbon (SIC) in different straw return modes at a depth of 0-40 cm under a maize-wheat cropping system in the Guanzhong Plain, Shaanxi, based on an 11-year field experiment. There were five straw return modes, i.e., no return of straw of both wheat and maize (CK), the retention of high wheat stubble plus the return of chopped maize straw (WH-MC), the return of both chopped wheat and maize straw (WC-MC), the retention of high wheat stubble and no return of maize straw (WH-MN), and the return of chopped wheat straw and no return of maize straw (WC-MN). The proportions of SOC storage were significantly higher under the WH-MC and WC-MC treatments than that under the CK by 28.1% and 22.2%, respectively. The proportions of SIC storage were increased by 20.4% and 17.3%, respectively. Compared with the initial value, the increases of sequestered SOC and SIC ranged from -0.84 t·hm-2 to 6.55 t·hm-2, respectively, and from -0.26 t·hm-2 to 8.61 t·hm-2, respectively. The efficiency of sequestration of SOC was 7.5%. To maintain the basic SOC level, the minimum carbon input from straw was 4.65 t·hm-2·a-1. The contents of labile carbon fractions at the 0-20 cm layer increased significantly under the WH-MC and WC-MC treatments compared with those of the control. Results of principal component analysis showed that the changes in soil carbon pools were primarily affected by the amount of straw return. Additionally, the increases in SIC storage could be ascribed to the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions derived from irrigation water and plant residues that could coprecipitate with the CO2 from SOC mineralization to form CaCO3. In conclusion, our results indicated that the straw return mode that utilized the retention of high wheat stubble and chopped maize straw was sufficient to maintain soil carbon storage and would be the optimal straw-returning strategy for the region.

Influence of different litter types on ammonia and carbon dioxide emission in broiler production

Abstract Harmful gases, such as ammonia (NH 3) and carbon dioxide (CO 2), affect both birds and workers involved in broiler production. Five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old ROSS 308 broilers were reared on six types of litter (Treatment 1: chopped wheat straw; treatment 2: wood shavings; treatment 3: mixture of 1/3 chopped wheat straw, 1/3 wood shavings and 1/3 peat; treatment 4: wheat straw pellets; treatment 5: softwood pellets and treatment 6: pellets of 1/3 wheat straw, 1/3 wood shavings and 1/3 peat). Using chamber emission of harmful gases, NH 3 and CO 2 were measured weekly for each treatment. The results showed that the critical level of NH 3 was reached for the first time on day 28. By the end of the rearing period, NH 3 concentrations were above the permitted value in all the treatments, with no significant difference between treatments (PÂ >Â 0.05). The carbon dioxide values did not exceed the critical level during the fattening period. Litter types made no significant difference (PÂ >Â 0.05) to carbon dioxide concentrations. The type of litter significantly affected the final body weight. This paper describes the influence of different materials and material combinations used as litter in broiler production. As birds are in constant contact with the litter, careful selection, appropriate management and proper storage and use of poultry litter contributes to improving in-house air quality and reducing air emissions from animal production facilities.

Effect of Dietary Enrichment with Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids on Blood Metabolites, Hormone Concentration and Ovarian Function in Sahiwal Heifers

Background: Supplementation of fat, especially those having unsaturated fatty acids has been proposed to carry positive effects on the reproductive organ, beside providing dietary energy to the animals. This experiment was designed to examine the effects of dietary ω-3 or ω-6 fatty acid (FA) rich oil supplementation on blood FA, metabolite and hormone concentrations; ovarian follicular growth and corpus luteum (CL) size in Sahiwal breed heifers.Methods: Eighteen heifers of 18.33±1.14 months of age and 194±4.16 kg of mean body weight were randomly assigned to 3 diets and individually fed as per ICAR (2013) diets. The diets include chopped wheat straw, green fodder and concentrate mixture containing either (i) no added PUFA rich oil but palm oil @ 3.5% (PO; n=6); (ii) 3.5% added soybean oil as ω-6 FA source (SO; n=6); or (iii) 3.5% added linseed oil as ω-3 FA source (LO; n=6).Result: SO increased (P less than 0.05) the plasma concentration of ω-6 FA while LO increased (P less than 0.05) the plasma ω-3 FA. Plasma glucose, triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations was not affected due to different diets. Plasma total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in SO and LO in comparison to PO. However, LDL-cholesterol was at par among all the treatments. Growth Hormone (GH) was not influenced due to different types of oil in heifers’ concentrate mixture. Insulin concentration increased (P less than 0.05) in LO compared to others. IGF-1 was statistically higher (P less than 0.05) in SO and LO as compared to CON, which among themselves also varied significantly. Plasma progesterone concentration at day 12 post estrous was higher (P less than 0.05) in LO. PUFA rich oil supplementation in the concentrate mixture of heifers (SO and LO) increased (P less than 0.05) the size of the ovulatory follicles as well as size of CL. It was inferred that feeding PUFA rich oil to pre-pubertal Sahiwal heifer’s results in advantageous changes in the blood metabolites, plasma hormones and ovarian functions.