Neutral Detergent Fiber Content Research Articles

Effect of Use of Potato Chips Waste as a Source of Easily Soluble Carbohydrates in Alfalfa Silage on Silage Quality.

This study was carried out to examine the effect of adding potato chips waste, which is a by-product of the potato processing industry, on silage quality, as an easily soluble carbohydrate source, to the alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plant, which has a high buffering capacity and is therefore difficult to ensilage. In the study, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) harvested at the 10% flowering point was used as the plant material. Four different groups were formed by adding the silage groups prepared in the study, alfalfa plant control (without additives), and potato chips waste at the rates of 0.5%, 1% and 2% on a wet weight basis to the alfalfa plants. The silages were opened at the end of the 60-day fermentation period and raw nutrient compositions and fermentation products were identified. When the effects of the silages prepared by adding different levels of chip waste to alfalfa plant on the nutrient value were examined, the differences between the groups in terms of dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of the silages obtained from the study were statistically significant. While it was not significant in terms of CP content, the differences between the silage groups were found to be statistically significant. In the study, when the pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), carbon dioxide (CO2) production and total yeast mold values of the fermentation properties of the silages were examined, decreases were observed due to the addition of chips compared to the control group. When the total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) values of the silages were examined, an increase was observed after the addition of 1% chips. As a result, when all the parameters were examined, it was determined that the silages prepared by adding 1% chips waste had positive effects on silage fermentation.

Cultivar and Harvest Stage Effects on Nutritive Value of Whole Crop Oat (Avena sativa L.) Silages

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of feed value and dry matter (DM) on rumen degradability properties of silages of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars (Kahraman and Kırklar) at different harvest stages (pre-flowering, flowering, milk, soft dough). Field and digestibility trials were carried out in randomized blocks, in a 2x4 factorial trial design during the 2016-2017 vegetation period. For the rumen digestibility of silages, three heads of Karayaka rams with rumen cannulated, average 50±3 kg body weight and 3 years old were used. As a result of the experiment, It was observed that the crude protein (CP) level of Kahraman cultivar was higher than that of Kırklar cultivar, and the CP content of cultivars decreased from the pre-flowering period to the soft dough period. In addition, with the progress of the growing period, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of the varieties increased. Also, the net energy lactation (NEL) level of Kırklar cultivar was higher than Kahraman cultivar. However, the NEL levels of the cultivars decreased with the progression of the growing period. The water solubility of DM and CP of Kahraman cultivar was higher than that of Kırklar cultivar. In addition, effective dry matter degradability (EDMD) decreased with growth period in both cultivars. It was observed that the effective crude protein degradability (ECPD) rate of Kahraman cultivar was higher than that of Kırklar cultivar and ECPD rate of cultivars decreased with the progress of the growing period. As a result, Kahraman cultivar may be preferred more than Kırklar cultivar, since it has higher EDMD and ECPD in the rumen and also has higher RFV value.

Effect of Adding Flaxseed Essential Oil in Alfalfa Ensiling Process on Ruminal Fermentation Kinetics

The experiment's purpose was to evaluate the effect of adding different levels of essential flaxseed oils (FEO) on the chemical composition and in vitro degradability of alfalfa silage. Treatments were alfalfa silage with no additive (control) or treated with 60 or 120 ml/kg DM of essential flaxseed oils (FEO60, FEO120, respectively). Whole plant alfalfa was ensiled for 60 d in triplicate laboratory-scale tubes. Dry matter (DM) content was more significant for FEO120 than control. Compared with the control, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration was decreased in FEO120. Adding essential oils to the silage significantly decreased silage pH compared with untreated silage (P < .0001). Interestingly increased (DM and OM digestibility) for all the silages containing essential oil compared with untreated silage. The addition of flaxseed essential oil to alfalfa silage increased the rate of disappearance of organic matter (OM) and dry matter (DM) in all treatments compared to the control treatment. The degradability potential of alfalfa silage has increased in treatments containing FEO (120 mg/kg DM). In general, the obtained data show that the FEO had a positive effect on the quality of alfalfa silage and its nutritional characteristics.

Evaluation of gross energy concentration of neutral detergent fiber contained in feed and fecal samples

Starch and NDF are usually assumed to contain the same concentration of gross energy (GE), but NDF is more variable in chemical composition and varies more in the extent of digestion. The variable chemical composition of NDF may have direct implications on dairy nutrition models that predict dietary GE and use this estimate for also predicting digestible energy. For example, when NDF is enriched in lignin and protein, the concentration of GE would increase, whereas NDF enriched in ash would have the opposite effect. Current nutritional models, such as the NASEM (2021) and CNCPS (6.55), assume a GE coefficient of 4.20 Mcal/kg for NDF. This study aimed to determine the heat of combustion of NDF and to consider if it is a contributing factor to the variance in digestible energy. To do so, NDF residues were isolated from 9 feed and 8 fecal samples and then combusted. Approximately 0.20 g of NDF residues from 16 feeds (corn silage, n = 2; grass hay, n = 2; alfalfa hay, n = 2; wheat straw, n = 1; cottonseed hulls, n = 1; soyhulls, n = 1; distillers dried grains with solubles, n = 1; and total mixed ration, n = 6) and 34 fecal samples were collected. A bomb calorimeter (Parr 6400 Calorimeter, Parr Instrument Company) was used to determine concentration of GE in each NDF residue sample. The GE concentration of feed NDF was observed to be 4.03 ± 0.245 Mcal/kg, which was similar to that of fecal NDF (3.94 ± 0.245 Mcal/kg). The lack of difference between feed and fecal NDF GE implies that digested NDF is of a similar GE concentration as total feed NDF and that current nutritional models are validated in their current approach in predicting digestible energy from NDF. However, our observed estimate of GE in NDF is lower than what is assumed and across feed types varied from 3.85 to 4.19 Mcal/kg.

In situ ruminal degradability of forage cactus-based diets associated with pornunça silage

The knowledge of ruminal degradation kinetics of forage cactus-based diets associated with Euphorbiaceae species of the genus Manihot assist in understanding nutrient quality and use, contributing to the indication of combinations of these ingredients in ruminant diets. This study aimed to evaluate the in situ ruminal degradability of diets with increasing association of forage cactus Elephant Ear (MEE) and pornunça (Manihot sp.) silage, as well as to analyze and evaluate the indigestible neutral detergent fiber (FDNi) content of forage cactus MEE and pornunça silage. The treatments consisted of diets with cactus pear associated with pornunça silage in the roughage portion in the proportions of 375, 250, 125 and 0 g kg-1 of DM. The feed was composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate of dry matter. Incubation times of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 144 hours were evaluated for the ingredients and 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for the diets. Incubation to obtain the iNDF was given for 288 hours. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with three replications. Regarding roughage ingredients, MEE showed higher average disappearance, potential degradability (PD), and effective degradability (ED) in relation to pornunça silage, as well as lower NDFi content. The proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and 125 g kg-1 pornunça silage provided higher fractions a, b, and c, increasing ED considering the three passage rates, with higher PD. In conclusion, the association between MEE and pornunça silage at a proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and125g kg-1 pornunça silage of the roughage portion increases the in situ degradability of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber.

Changes in the bacterial diversity of the ruminal liquid fraction of dairy cows on a corn stover based diet

Corn stover is a low-quality forage rich in lignocellulosic material. However, it is also a palatable and low-cost feedstuff for cattle. In this study, we hypothesized that feeding exclusively a corn stover-based diet (CSD), compared with one based on corn silage-oat hay, increases the abundance of the bacterial families and genera involved in cellulose and hemicellulose metabolism. For that purpose, we collected filtered ruminal fluid from six dry Holstein cows during two periods: Period 1, cows consumed a control diet based on corn silage and oat hay (CD), and in the Period 2, cows were fed CSD for 45 days. Ruminal fluid was collected through esophageal tubing. Ruminal microorganisms were identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Compared with CD, feeding CSD for 45 days increased bacterial families and genera associated with higher neutral detergent fiber content and esterase and hemicellulolytic activities, such as Rikenellaceae, Prevotella, and Pseudobutyrivibrio. These results indicate that the liquid fraction of ruminal digesta contains a large number of microorganisms that help degrade lignocellulosic complexes, especially when diets with low-quality forages such as CSD are fed.

IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FORAGE RESOURCES CONSUMED BY GOATS IN THE MIXTECA REGION OF OAXACA, MEXICO

The Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, is characterized by extensive grazing of various grasses, shrubs, and trees to raise goats. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the species consumed by goats in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca. The direct observation method was used to collect forage from the species during the rainy (August-September) and dry (April-May) seasons. A botanical collection was made for later identification. The variables considered were the season (rainy, dry) and growth habit (tree, shrub, herbaceous, pod) as treatments. The chemical composition values were analyzed with a completely randomized experimental design. A total of 116 species were identified, of which 74 % were found in the rainy season and 26 % in the dry season. By growth habit, 42 % were trees, 34 % shrubs, and 24 % herbaceous. In addition, 11 % of the total species provided pods that goats consumed. The Fabaceae family was the most represented. Regarding chemical composition, the NDF content of the species was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the rainy season. By growth habit, the highest values obtained (p ≤ 0.05) for DM were in herbaceous and pods; for OM, in pods; for NDF, in pods and trees; and for IVDMD, in trees, shrubs, and pods. The goat livestock of the Mixteca region in Oaxaca has an important ecological niche. The evaluated species maintain a variable chemical composition between the rainy and dry seasons.

Effect of kraft pulp inclusion in calf starter on performance, health, and plasma concentration of glucagon-like peptide 2 in calves

Kraft pulp (KP), an intermediate product obtained when wood chips are converted to paper, contains highly digestible fiber. This study evaluated the effect of KP inclusion in calf starters on growth performance, health, and plasma glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) concentration in calves. Twenty-five Holstein heifer calves were raised on a high plane of nutrition program using milk replacer containing 29% crude protein and 18% fat until 49 d after birth, and were fed calf starters containing KP at 0 (CON; n = 14) or 12% (KPS; n = 11) on a dry matter basis. All calves were fed the treatment calf starters and timothy hay ad libitum. Blood was collected at 4, 14, 21, 35, 49, 70, and 91 d after birth. Dry matter intake (DMI) of milk replacer and hay was not affected by treatment, whereas calf starter DMI was lower for KPS (0.93 kg/d) than for CON (1.03 kg/d). Higher neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in KPS (31.7%) than in the CON starter (22.1%) resulted in higher NDF intake for KPS (0.55 kg/d) than for CON (0.47 kg/d). However, the consumption of starch was lower for KPS (0.29 kg/d) than for CON (0.33 kg/d). Despite the lower starter intake for KPS, body weight and average daily gain did not differ between treatments. No significant difference was observed in the plasma concentrations of metabolites, except for β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB); BHB concentration was lower for KPS (216 μmol/L) than for CON (257 μmol/L). The area under the curve for plasma GLP-2 concentration was higher for KPS (54.1 ng/mL × d) than for CON (36.0 ng/mL × d). Additionally, the fecal score postweaning (1.19 and 1.48 for KPS and CON, respectively) and the number of days that calves developed diarrhea throughout the experimental period (2.50 d and 8.10 d for KPS and CON, respectively) were lower for KPS than for CON. These results indicate that feeding KP reduces the severity and frequency of diarrhea without adversely affecting growth performance. This could be attributed to the increased plasma GLP-2 concentration induced by higher NDF intake.

Effects of different additions to Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) on silage quality

This research was carried out to determine the effects of different additions (urea and molasses) used with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) silage on fermentation, in vitro gas production, microbiological properties, in vitro digestibility parameters, and relative fodder quality (RFQ) in silages made under laboratory conditions. The Italian grass (Lolium multiflorum L.) used in the study was chopped to an approximate size of 2–3.0 cm. Amounts of 0, 2, and 4% molasses and 0, 0.5, and 1% urea were added to the fresh material as a percentage of dry matter. Because of the urea, crude protein (CP) of Italian ryegrass silage increased, but the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) decreased. While the addition of urea decreased the acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations of the silage, it increased the pH, lactic acid, and ammonia (NH3) content. Molasses addition increased in vitro gas production and organic matter digestibility (OMD); urea increased metabolic energy (ME) and the net energy lactation (NEL) values of silages. Urea and molasses both increased in vitro digestibility parameters, microbial protein production and synthesis, and relative fodder quality of the silage. As a result of the research, it was determined that urea and molasses could be used at contents of 1.5% and 4%, respectively, in Italian ryegrass silage.

Performance of Pantaneira breed cows in precision grazing system.

Use of a grazing system that takes into account the ingestive behavior of animals and the physiological characteristics of plants maximizes land use and promotes positive effects on the environment. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Pantaneira breed cows, kept in rotated grazing in Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximum), with different grazing times. Fifty animals were divided into two treatments: Continuous T1: 24h and T2-Inverted: 12h. The experiment lasted 98days, being determined the production and nutritional quality of the forage, digestibility, intake, and performance of the animals. The design was randomized blocks at 5% probability, with the means compared by the F test. The design used was completely randomized at 5% probability by the T test. There was no significant difference for biomass production (P > 0.05). However, after grazing the Inverted group, the forage showed a lower percentage of leaves and an increase in neutral detergent fiber and acid contents and total carbohydrates, and a reduction in crude protein and ether extract values, as well as a higher digestibility (P < 0.05). The animals of the Continuous group intaked more forage (P < 0.05). The Inverted group had a higher average daily weight gain, in addition to a lower feed conversion (P < 0.001). The animals in the Control group spent more time eating (P < 0.0001) and sleeping (P < 0.0001), while the animals of the Inverted group spent more time in idleness (P < 0.0001) and interacting (P < 0.05). There was no difference in rumination time between treatments (P > 0.05). It was concluded that Inverted grazing improved the quality of Mombasa grass and the performance of cows.

Spelt wheat (Triticum spelta) and common bread wheat compared for nutritional contents and functional-technological properties

Growing understanding of the relationship between nutrition and human health has led to an increase in the consumption of alternative crops, new cereal varieties and foods with higher nutritional values. In this study we compared nutritional contents and functional-technological properties of spelt (Triticum spelta L.) and bread wheat (T. aestivum L.) whole-meal flours, obtained from the genotypes grown at the same field trial, and their correlation with 1000 kernels weight (TKW). The average values of TKW for spelt and wheat did not significantly differ, while protein and wet gluten content were significantly higher in spelt (18.8% and 53.9% DM) than in wheat flours (12% and 27.3% DM). Although wheat flours were significantly richer in starch (66.4% compared to 62.5% DM), both spelt and wheat had similar amylose and amylopectin content. The analysis of dietary fibers showed that wheat flours had significantly higher hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber content, as well as total sugar and sucrose. Water holding capacity were significantly higher in wheat flours. Pasting properties of flours did not differ significantly, except for peak viscosity (Vpeak) which was higher for spelt flours. The TKW of spelt genotypes was in the strongest positive correlation with amylopectin and reducing sugar, while in contrary, TKW of wheat was in the strongest positive correlation with amylose. The TKW had positive influence on dietary fibers of wheat and spelt flours (except acid detergent fiber and cellulose). Correlation between TKW and protein, starch and wet gluten was similar for both subspecies. In both subspecies reducing and total sugars content had negative impact on viscosity parameters.

Tifton 85 grass performance following chemical and organic fertilizers

The Tifton 85 grass offers high yield and nutritional value. It is demanding in soil fertility and highly responsive to fertilization. However, the response to fertilization can be affected by the source, dose, and installment of fertilizers, as well as environmental conditions. Evaluations of the joint application of chemical and organic fertilizers are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of chemical and organic fertilization on agronomic characteristics, mineral use efficiencies, and bromatological composition of Tifton 85 grass, and determine fertilization strategies to optimize the yield and nutritional value of Tifton 85 grass. The findings were influenced by grass cuttings. The highest values for height and accumulated dry matter productivity were obtained with the highest fertilizer doses. The leaf/stem ratio was not affected by fertilization. The highest mineral use efficiencies were obtained with 200 and 400 kg of N/ha/year of NPK 20-00-20 formulation and up to 10 t/ha/year of poultry litter (PL), and these values decreased when applying high PL doses. The crude protein content increased, while the contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased. The protein fractions and in vitro dry matter digestibility were not affected by fertilization. The potassium content increased with high fertilizer doses. Applying 350 to 400 kg of N/ha/year of NPK 20-00-20 formulation and 25 to 30 t/ha/year of PL promoted the highest accumulated dry matter productivity. Applying 200 to 400 kg of N/ha/year of NPK 20-00-20 formulation and 10/ha/year of PL is recommended for optimizing mineral use efficiencies. As for bromatological composition, increasing the doses of both fertilizers was beneficial in reducing fiber contents, but only organic fertilization increased crude protein content.

In Vitro Degradability and Methane Production from By-Products Fed to Ruminants

The feasibility of unconventional feed for ruminants must be analyzed for appropriate use as sources of energy or protein that contribute to a sustainable production system addressing concerns about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and food security. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of by-products including bean residue (BR), bean straw (BS), cassava bagasse (CB), corn straw (CS), orange bagasse (OB), peanut shell (PS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), soybean hull (SH), and sugarcane straw (SS). Chemical composition, in vitro degradability, and fermentative parameters were analyzed and subjected to multivariate and principal component analyses. Crude protein content was highly variable among by-products with BR and SH presenting the highest values (p &lt; 0.001). These values did not differ between BR and SH, while the lowest values were observed in OB, PS, SB, SS, CS, and CB. Neutral detergent fiber content was higher in SB, PS, CS, and SS (p &lt; 0.001), while greater in vitro degradability was found for CB, BR, OB, BS, and SH (p &lt; 0.001). However, the in vitro gas production (p &lt; 0.001) and total short-chain fatty acid concentration (p &lt; 0.001) were higher in CB, BR, BS, and OB. Multivariate cluster analysis showed three distinct groups with the most degradable in group 1 followed by group 2. These results demonstrate that the by-products used in this study did not impair in vitro fermentation, and thus have the potential to be used in the diets of ruminants and to improve the sustainability of the livestock production sector.

Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of alfalfa FLOWERING LOCUS Ta1 (MsFTa1) leads to delayed flowering time with improved forage biomass yield and quality.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family that is widely cultivated as a forage crop for its high yield, forage quality and related agricultural and economic benefits. Alfalfa is a photoperiod sensitive long-day (LD) plant that can accomplish its vegetative and reproductive phases in a short period of time. However, rapid flowering can compromise forage biomass yield and quality. Here, we attempted to delay flowering in alfalfa using multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of FLOWERING LOCUS Ta1 (MsFTa1), a key floral integrator and activator gene. Four guide RNAs (gRNAs) were designed and clustered in a polycistronic tRNA-gRNA system and introduced into alfalfa by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Ninety-six putative mutant lines were identified by gene sequencing and characterized for delayed flowering time and related desirable agronomic traits. Phenotype assessment of flowering time under LD conditions identified 22 independent mutant lines with delayed flowering compared to the control. Six independent Msfta1 lines containing mutations in all four copies of MsFTa1 accumulated significantly higher forage biomass yield, with increases of up to 78% in fresh weight and 76% in dry weight compared to controls. Depending on the harvesting schemes, many of these lines also had reduced lignin, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content and significantly higher crude protein (CP) and mineral contents compared to control plants, especially in the stems. These CRISPR/Cas9-edited Msfta1 mutants could be introduced in alfalfa breeding programmes to generate elite transgene-free alfalfa cultivars with improved forage biomass yield and quality.

The Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZZU203, Cellulase-Producing Bacillus methylotrophicus, and Their Combinations on Alfalfa Silage Quality and Bacterial Community

This study assessed the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (ZZU203), cellulase-producing Bacillus methylotrophicus (CB), or their combination (ZZU203_CB) on the fermentation parameters of alfalfa after 10 and 60 days of ensiling. Additionally, the bacterial community compositions were analyzed using absolute quantification 16S-seq (AQS). The results showed that CB silage displayed a higher lactic acid (LA) concentration at 10 d, a higher abundance of Lactobacillus, and lower abundance of Pediococcus, Enterococcus, and Weissella than those in the control (CK) silage. Compared with CK silage, the ZZU203 silage increased LA concentration, fructose and rhamnose concentrations, and the abundance of Lactobacillus, and decreased pH value, ammoniacal nitrogen, acetic acid, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations, and the abundance of Pediococcus, Enterococcus, Weissella, Hafnia, and Garciella after 60 days of ensiling. In addition, ZZU203 and ZZU203_CB silage had a similar silage quality and bacterial community, while the inoculation of ZZU203_CB significantly promoted LA accumulation and the numbers of Lactobacillus at 10 d compared with ZZU203 silage. Therefore, ZZU203 or a combination of ZZU203 and CB can be used as potential silage additives to improve the silage quality of alfalfa.

Genetic divergence of cassava genotypes from Petrolina

This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes to identify the ones with the best nutritional values for ruminant diets. Nine genotypes were used: Amansa Burro (BGM 549), Aramaris (BGM 116), Brasília, Cambadinha (BRS Guaíra), Curvelinha, Engana Ladrão (BGM 1269), Trouxinha (BGM 1468), BRS Gema de Ovo, and BRS Dourada. A completely randomized block experimental design with nine treatments (genotypes) and three blocks (replicates) were employed. The roots were analyzed for dry matter production (DMP) in tonnes per hectare, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), starch, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The multivariate analysis was carried out using Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on Mahalanobis distance. The groups formed were evaluated by Scott-Knott test. The group formed by genotype Engana Ladrão was chosen as the best one for having the highest DMP t ha-1 and IVDMD values and the lowest NDF and ADF contents.

Stocking method effects on forage accumulation, canopy attributes, and nutritive value of grazed Mulato II brachiariagrass pastures

AbstractRotational stocking (RS) is generally associated with the intensification of pasture‐based animal production systems, although many studies have shown little advantage over continuous stocking (CS). The objective of this research was to describe and explain the effects of two average canopy heights (20 and 30 cm) and three stocking methods (CS; rotational stocking with lenient defoliation, RSL; and rotational stocking with moderate defoliation, RSM) on forage accumulation (FA), vertical distribution of plant‐part components, and nutritive value of ‘Mulato II’ hybrid brachiariagrass (Brachiaria spp. syn. Urochloa spp.) during two summer rainy seasons in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Pastures were maintained at average canopy height of 20 and 30 cm under CS, and treatments under RSL and RSM were imposed by variations of ±20 and 30% of the average canopy heights, representing defoliation intensities of 33 and 47% of the pre‐graze heights, respectively. The FA was not affected by CS, RSL, RSM stocking methods, averaging 8090 kg DM ha−1 year−1. Canopy bulk density and distribution of plant‐part components in the canopy profile were better at the average canopy height of 20 cm, accompanied by the greater nutritive value. The leaf bulk density was generally greater in RSM compared to CS. Pastures under CS had greater crude protein and in vitro digestible matter, and lesser neutral detergent fibre concentrations. Mulato II brachiariagrass should be managed at an average height of 20 cm under CS.

Exploring the differences between sole silages of gramineous forages and mixed silages with forage legumes using 16S/ITS full-length sequencing.

Silage characteristics of grass materials directly affect their silage qualities. To expand the source of silage raw materials and develop mixed silages underlined by exploring the positive interactions between forage grasses and legumes, three gramineous grasses, Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), king grass (Pennisetum sinese), and forage maize (Zea mays) were separately mixed ensiled with a combination of four forage legumes including Medicago sativa, Vicia villosa, Vicia sativa, and Trifolium repens. The chemical composition and fermentation quality of the mixed silages were analyzed and compared with those of the sole silages of these three grasses, as well as the diversity of microbial communities, through the 16S/ITS full-length sequencing. The results showed that the inclusion of forage legumes could somewhat improve the fermentation quality, as indicated by significantly (p < 0.05) higher crude protein and lactic acid contents while lower neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber contents and pH values, compared with the sole silages. Among the three types of mixed silages, the mixed king grass had the highest dry matter and crude protein content as well as lowest neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content. Meanwhile, the bacterial and fungal communities in the mixed silages were influenced by increased the relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria, which inhibited the proliferation of undesirable bacteria, such as Hafnia alvei, Enterobacter cloacae, and Serratia proteamaculanss. Co-occurrence networks identified 32 nodes with 164 positive and 18 negative correlations in bacteria and 80 nodes with two negative and 76 positive correlations in fungi during fermentation. Inclusion of forage legume to grasses can improve the fermentation quality and optimize the structure of microbial community, which appears to be a feasible strategy to enhance the forage resource utilization.

Effects of additives containing a novel strain on the fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates, and α-tocopherol content of rice straw and corn stover silages

A novel α-tocopherol-producing bacteria strain was isolated and identified as Bacillus tequilensis QH1 (QH1). The effects of QH1 strain inoculation alone (QH), combined with cell wall degradation enzyme (QC), or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum YM3 and cell wall degradation enzyme (QLC) as the additives on the fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates, and α-tocopherol content of rice straw and corn stover silages were investigated, and without additives as the control (CON), in 4 replicates. After silages were kept in a laboratory cabinet (26–34 ℃) and the dark for 42 d, experimental silos (polyethylene plastic bags) were opened for analysis. The results exhibited that the control and additives-treated rice straw and corn stover were ensiled well, indicated by high lactic acid content and little butyric acid content. The QH and QC degraded structural carbohydrates, demonstrated by lower (P < 0.001) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) than the control, but did not enhance lactic acid fermentation, evidenced by lower (P < 0.001) lactic acid content in QH-treated silages compared with the control silages. The effect of QLC on degrading structural carbohydrates was influenced by material factors, evidenced by no role in decreasing the contents of NDF and ADF in rice straw silage and a good role in decreasing the contents of NDF and ADF in corn stover silage. However, the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents in both rice straw and corn stover silages were increased (P < 0.001) by QLC compared with the control. The control and additives-treated silages had much higher (P < 0.001) α-tocopherol content and lower (P < 0.001) chlorophyll content compared with the material before ensiling. Compared with the control, higher α-tocopherol content was found in QH-treated rice straw (P = 0.071) and corn stover silages (P < 0.05), and QLC-treated corn stover silage (P < 0.05). Therefore, the QH1 strain had the potential to be applied in rice straw silage production, and QLC was recommended to be applied in corn stover silage production.Graphical

Effect of growth stage on Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage fermentation from microbiological perspective

BackgroundItalian ryegrass is a temperate climate crop, which is widely cultivated in the winter fallow paddy fields of subtropical China. The utilization efficiency of Italian ryegrass depends greatly on its growth stage at harvest. Previous studies have reported the optimum stage for harvesting various forage to balance their quality and quantity. However, when considering the practice condition, such as rainy or unavailability of harvest equipment, the harvest stage of forage cannot always be implemented according to the production schedules. Thus, to characterize the effect of growth stage on the silage fermentation profile, bacterial community construction and metabolisms of carbohydrates and amino acids, Italian ryegrass were naturally ensiled at the filling stage (FSN) and the dough stage (DSN), respectively. After ensiling for 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days, triplicate silos were opened for sampling.ResultsThe growth of Italian ryegrass increased the pH, dry matter, neutral, and acid detergent fiber contents, but decreased buffering capacity, crude protein and water-soluble carbohydrates contents, and the epiphytic microbiota of Italian ryegrass harvested at the filling stage was simpler than that harvested at the dough stage. During ensiling, FSN had lower pH and higher organic acid content than DSN. The bacterial succession rate in FSN was also faster than DSN, which showed that Lactobacillus becomes the dominant genus in the early stage of ensiling. The predicted metabolisms revealed that carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms were the two main metabolisms in silage fermentation. When compared with epiphytic microbiota, ensiling enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and diminished amino acid metabolism. The difference of these two metabolisms between FSN and DSN was obvious at the early stage of ensiling.ConclusionsGrowth stage affected the chemical and microbial composition of Italian ryegrass, so as to the fermentation profile, bacterial community and its metabolisms intensity. Italian ryegrass harvested at the filling stage was prone to ferment. The complexity of epiphytic microbiota made Italian ryegrass harvested at the dough stage more difficult to ferment.Graphical