Corn Wheat Research Articles

Regression-Derived Ileal Endogenous Amino Acid Losses in Broiler Chickens and Cannulated Pigs Fed Corn Fiber, Wheat Bran, and Pectin.

Simple SummaryFor animal agriculture to be environmentally sustainable, nitrogen excretion must be reduced. This means diet must be formulated to closely meet the requirements of the animal. Accounting for basal endogenous amino acid (EAA) losses during diet formulation helps in formulating diets that closely match amino acid requirements. These studies examined the effect of three or two different ingredient types on basal losses of amino acids in broiler chickens or pigs, respectively. Corn fiber resulted in higher ileal EAA losses compared with wheat bran in broiler chickens. With the exception of His, Leu, and Tyr, there was no difference in basal ileal EAA losses between corn fiber and pectin in cannulated growing pigs. These studies show that in addition to fiber effects, dietary nitrogen sources could have a different effect on basal ileal EAA losses.The objective of these studies was to determine the effect corn fiber (CF), wheat bran (WB) and pectin (PEC) on basal ileal endogenous amino acid (EAA) losses in broiler chickens (Exp. 1) and cannulated pigs (Exp. 2) using the regression method. Semi-purified diets containing 100 g/kg of CF, WB, or PEC (broiler chickens) and CF or PEC (pigs) were fed to replicate cages consisting of eight birds per cage of 21-d-old broiler chickens and six replicates of pigs consisting of one pig per pen. Ileal endogenous His, Glu, and Pro losses were higher (p < 0.05) for CF and WB compared with birds fed diets containing PEC. Contrasts between CF and WB showed higher (p < 0.05) ileal endogenous nitrogen, total amino acid, His, Ile, Met, Glu, Pro, and Tyr losses in birds fed the CF diets (Exp. 1). Contrasts of EAA losses between birds fed the WB and PEC diets showed higher (p < 0.05) losses for His, Glu, and Pro. In the cannulated pigs, CF resulted in higher (p < 0.05) ileal endogenous His, Leu, and Tyr losses. In summary, CF induced higher ileal EAA losses in broiler chickens and cannulated pigs.

The effects of dryland cropping system intensity on soil function and associated changes in macrofauna communities

AbstractCrop production in water‐limited environments may be enhanced through improved soil function by facilitating precipitation capture and erosion control. Soil macrofauna are known to support improved soil structure and water dynamics through ecosystem engineering activities, and their populations can be influenced by management. We examined the effect of bare summer fallow frequency on soil macrofauna communities and soil physical properties in a long‐term (32‐yr) dryland no‐till agroecosystem experiment at two sites in eastern Colorado, USA. Treatments represented a gradient of fallow frequency and organic matter inputs, which included wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow, wheat–corn (Zea mays L.)–fallow, and continuously cropped with no planned summer fallow. The design also included a perennial grass treatment with minimal management consisting of six native grasses. We observed links between soil macrofauna and soil functional metrics, particularly related to soil aggregation and water infiltration. There was a trend toward higher macrofauna populations and soil function with increased cropping system intensity, and perennial grass outperformed the cropped treatments significantly for most soil health parameters. Multivariate analyses revealed that different treatments support relatively distinct macrofauna communities. Our results suggest that soil macrofauna populations may be important facilitators of soil structure and associated water dynamics in dryland no‐till agroecosystems and respond positively to reduced fallow and higher organic inputs.

The Effect of Dietary Rye Inclusion and Xylanase Supplementation on Structural Organization of Bone Constitutive Phases in Laying Hens Fed a Wheat-Corn Diet.

Simple SummaryConsumption of diets with a high-level incorporation of rye leads to an increase in the concentration of nonstarch polysaccharides, which cannot be utilized by poultry. The enzyme xylanase degrades arabinoxylans, the most common nonstarch polysaccharides present in both wheat and rye. In this study, the effect of dietary hybrid rye inclusion and enzyme xylanase supplementation to a diet of laying hens on bone quality was evaluated. Bone quality in laying hens is especially important as one of the bone functions is to store calcium and other minerals for eggshell production. The results of our study showed that modern hybrid rye varieties, when supplemented with exogenous xylanase, can be introduced to the diet of laying hens without any adverse effects on bone structure.This study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary rye inclusion and xylanase supplementation on the bone quality of ISA Brown laying hens. Ninety-six laying hens were assigned to four groups: fed with wheat–corn diet or rye–wheat–corn diet (25% of hybrid rye inclusion) or nonsupplemented or supplemented with xylanase (200 mg/kg of feed) for a period of 25 weeks, from the 26th to the 50th week of age. X-ray absorptiometry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to provide comprehensive information about the structural organization of bone constitutive phases of the tibia mid-diaphysis in hens from all treatment groups. Bone hydroxyapatite size was not affected by diet. Xylanase supplementation influenced the carbonate-to-phosphate ratio and crystallinity index in hens fed with both diets. Xylanase had more pronounced effects on bone mineral density and collagen maturity in hens fed with the rye–wheat–corn diet versus those fed with the wheat–corn diet. The results of this study showed that modern rye varieties, when supplemented with exogenous xylanase, can be introduced to the diet of laying hens without any adverse effects on bone structure.

Evaluation of Achyranthes japonica Nakai extract on growth performance, nutrient utilization, cecal microbiota, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality in broilers fed corn–wheat–soybean meal diet

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) extract as a natural feed additive on growth performance, nutrient utilization, cecal microbiota, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality in broilers fed corn–wheat–soybean meal diet. In total, seven hundred twenty 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers with an average body weight (BW) of 43.36 ± 1.42 g were used in a 35-d feeding trial. Broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 treatments. Each treatment had 10 replication pens with 18 birds per replication. Dietary treatments composed of corn–wheat–soybean meal–based diets along with the addition of 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% of AJN extract. The BW gain and feed conversion rate were linearly influenced (P < 0.05) by the supplementation of AJN extract during days 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and the overall experiment. At the end of the experiment, the digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen and the population of cecal lactic acid bacteria were linearly improved (P < 0.05) in response to increasing AJN extract supplementation. Excreta emission of ammonia showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05) with the increasing levels of AJN extract. The breast muscle percentage linearly increased (P < 0.05) in birds fed AJN extract contained diets. In summary, the inclusion of AJN extract in corn–wheat–soybean meal diet improved growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal microbiota balance, and breast meat production and decreased excreta ammonia emission, which confirmed the applicability of AJN extract as a natural feed additive in broilers.

Synthesis of Large-Scale Supply Networks for Complete Long-term Transition from Fossil to Renewable-based Production of Energy and Bioproducts

This contribution presents the synthesis of sustainable larger-scale supply networks to produce alternative energy and bioproducts across an entire system’s lifetime. In particular, production of food, first, second and third generation of biofuels, hydrogen, and renewable electricity are considered. Corn and wheat grain are used for production of food; corn stover, wheat straw, miscanthus, forest residue, algae oil and waste cooking oil are biomass and waste sources for the manufacture of bioproducts; and solar, wind and geothermal sources for electricity production. The objective of supply network synthesis is the maximization of Sustainability Net Present Value, which is a sustainability metric composed of economic, environmental and social net present values. The dynamic mixed-integer linear programming problem is formulated as a multi-period model where i) monthly time periods are used for the manufacture of biomass and bioproducts, while ii) daily, hourly and monthly periods are used for the production of electricity. A case study of EU-27 is considered and gradual energy transition from the current energy supply to 100 % renewable-based production of fuels and electricity over a time horizon of 40 y is investigated. The results of this study indicate that long-term transition from fossil to renewable-based generation of electricity, fuels and bioproducts is possible to a large extent. The results suggest an optimal selection of types, locations and dynamics of technology installations across the EU in order to achieve energy transition in the transport and electricity sectors.

Effects of dietary red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) on growth performance, blood profile, ileal morphology, and oxidative status in weaned pigs challenged with Escherichia coli K88+

A total of 28 piglets weaned at 21 d of age (6.94 ± 0.28 kg of body weight) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments for 14 d: (1) negative control (NC; a corn–wheat–soybean meal diet), (2) positive control [PC; NC + 0.025% antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP)], (3) ROD2 [2% red-osier dogwood (ROD)], and (4) ROD4 (4% ROD). All pigs were orally inoculated with Escherichia coli K88+ on day 8. The pre-planned orthogonal test was performed to compare (1) NC vs. PC and (2) NC vs. ROD. The inclusion of ROD in a nursery diet increased (P &lt; 0.05) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and decreased (P &lt; 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the serum. Moreover, pigs fed with ROD diets had shallower (P &lt; 0.05) crypt depth and higher (P &lt; 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio than those fed the NC diet. Dietary AGP supplementation reduced (P &lt; 0.05) the MDA concentration in the ileum and serum at 24 h after challenge, and improved (P &lt; 0.01) the SOD activities in the serum. In conclusion, the inclusion of ROD in a nursery diet enhanced the antioxidative defense system and intestinal morphology, showing comparable effects with AGP supplementation.

Long‐term influence of phosphorus fertilization on organic carbon and nitrogen in soil aggregates under no‐till corn–wheat–soybean rotations

AbstractThe role of P availability on soil C sequestration is poorly understood in no‐tillage production. The objective of this study was to examine the long‐term phosphorus (P) fertilization effect on soil organic C (SOC), N, and C:N ratio in soil aggregates at different depths in no‐till corn (Zea mays L.)‐wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐soybean (Glycine max L.) rotations. The experiment was conducted on low to medium P soils at Springfield and Milan, TN during 2013–2015 from 0–15 cm and from 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, and 15–30 cm in 2018 using Latin square design with five replications of five P rates (0, 29, 59, 88, and 117 kg P ha−1) applied annually. Bulk soil and aggregate sizes &gt; 2, 0.25–2, 0.053–0.25, and &lt; 0.053 mm were analyzed for SOC and N. Phosphorus rate of 88 kg ha−1 resulted in high soil testing P and had higher SOC and N than all other treatments on low P soil. However, over‐application of P at 117 kg ha−1 decreased SOC on low P soil. No response of SOC or N to P fertilization was observed on medium P soil. Application of 29 kg P ha−1 increased large macroaggregate (&gt; 2 mm) weight. Concentrations of SOC and N were higher in microaggregates (0.053–0.25 mm) than the other aggregates. In conclusion, SOC and N stocks are increased on low P soils with appropriate P application, which is crucial for simultaneous improvements of soil C sequestration and crop yield.

An Analysis of Climate Impacts on Herbicide, Insecticide, and Fungicide Expenditures

The climate alters pest populations and in turn, pesticide use and cost as well as use of other pest treatments. This paper analyzes the effect of the climate on pesticide expenditures by category, namely: fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. This is done by econometrically estimating the effects of climate variables such as mean temperature and precipitation as well as the number of hot days, cold days, and wet days on the mean and variance of expenditures by category. The estimates are performed for corn, soybeans, spring and winter wheat, and potatoes. We find that climate factors influence fungicide, herbicide, and insecticide expenditures and that this influence is heterogeneous, varying in nature across crops and pesticide categories. Moreover, we find that climate extremes are more important in determining pesticide expenditures than climate averages in several cases.

The Structure and Diversity of Nitrogen Functional Groups from Different Cropping Systems in Yellow River Delta.

The Yellow River Delta (YRD) region is an important production base in Shandong Province. It encompasses an array of diversified crop systems, including the corn–wheat rotation system (Wheat–Corn), soybean–corn rotation system (Soybean–Corn), fruits or vegetables system (Fruit), cotton system (Cotton) and rice system (Rice). In this study, the communities of ammonia oxidizer–, denitrifier– and nitrogen (N)–fixing bacteria in those cropping systems were investigated by Illumina Miseq sequencing. We found that Rice soil exhibited significantly higher diversity indices of investigated N–cycling microbial communities than other crop soils, possibly due to its high soil water content. Wheat–Corn soils had higher abundances of nitrification gene amoA and denitrification genes nirK and nirS, and exhibited higher soil potential nitrification rate (PNR), compared with Soybean–Corn, Cotton and Fruit soils. Consistently, redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that soil water content (SWC), electrical conductivity (EC), and total nitrogen (TN) were the most important influencing factors of the diversity and structure of the investigated N–cycling microbial.

Effect of Breed and Diet Type on the Freshness and Quality of the Eggs: A Comparison between Mos (Indigenous Galician Breed) and Isa Brown Hens.

Eggs are a nutritious food, offering a balanced source of essential amino and fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Genetic and diet factors can modify hen egg traits. Thus, the effects of breed and feed on egg quality using two laying hens, Mos (autochthonous breed) and Isa Brown (commercial hybrid), and three feeds, commercial fodder (CF), corn/pea/triticale (CPT) and corn/wheat (CW), were investigated. Freshness parameters (egg weight, eggshell weight and thickness, albumen height, Haugh units and yolk color), chemical composition, color and textural parameters, as well as fatty acid profile, were assessed on a total of 288 eggs, from the two breeds. The samples were divided in 96 eggs, corresponding to each of the three dietary treatments. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in albumen height and Haugh units, obtaining the highest values for Isa Brown genotype; meanwhile, laying hens fed with CF had the highest weight, as well as the greatest eggshell thickness. Cooked yolks of Isa Brown eggs presented the highest values of luminosity, while the yellowness was higher for Mos eggs. Regarding the texture of eggs, genotype was again the parameter having the greatest impact, obtaining higher values in hardness, gumminess and chewiness in those eggs from the Mos breed. Concerning egg chemical composition, it was affected by breed and diet type, but Mos eggs were characterized by a significantly (p < 0.001) higher contents of fat (9.53% vs. 7.58%), protein (12.31% vs. 11.66%) and ash (1.10% vs. 1.04%) than Isa Brown ones. Finally, diet type influenced the fatty acid profile, mainly affecting oleic and linoleic acids, which showed significantly (p < 0.05) highest values (42.90 and 14.66 g/100 g of total fatty acids) in CW and CF diets, respectively. Overall, breed and bird diet factors had a strong effect on egg quality and nutritional profile. Moreover, eggs from Mos hens had more attractive nutritional indices, and they could even be improved more by changing the diet.

Effects of dietary probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in laying hens fed diets varying in energy density

This study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) strain MA18/5M supplementation of diets with different dietary energy levels on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in Hy-Line Brown hens during a 16-week period from 32 to 47 wk of age. The experimental treatments with a 2 × 2 factorial design received a 2 wheat–corn–soybean diet: a moderately low energy density diet with 2,650 kcal ME/kg (M-LED) and a low energy density diet based on the M-LED diet with 2,550 kcal ME/kg (LED), each diet without and with probiotic supplementation (M-LED, LED, M-LEDp, and LEDp, respectively). Reduced dietary energy levels had a particularly negative effect on egg weight (61.7 vs. 63.3 g; −2.6%, P < 0.001), egg mass output (1.67 vs. 1.71 kg; −2.4%, P = 0.015), and FCR (2.01 vs. 1.97 kg feed/kg egg; +2%, P = 0.028). In hens administered the LED diet, deteriorated productive performance was accompanied by greater body weight loss (P < 0.001) and reduced abdominal fat content (P < 0.033) as compared with the M-LED group. Dietary probiotic inclusion increased egg weight (P = 0.015), including relative eggshell weight (P = 0.008) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.002) and significantly improved FCR (P = 0.010). No interactions between the PA-based probiotic and dietary energy levels were found in any of the tested parameters. Adding the probiotic on top of the M-LED diet improved layers performance but resulted in nonbioequivalence for the egg weight, egg mass output, and FCR compared with this group without probiotic. Probiotic supplementation of the LEDp diet improved all performance parameters except for egg weight. As a result, the laying rate, egg mass output, daily feed intake, and FCR in the LEDp treatment were bioequivalent to those noted in the M-LED group without the probiotic. The results of a bioequivalence test suggest that a low energy diet fed to laying hens promoted a probiotic response to improve energy utilization by birds.

Effect of storage condition on the physico-chemical properties of corn-wheat starch/zein edible bilayer films.

The functional properties of biopolymer-based film packaging materials are susceptible to external storage conditions. The effects of different storage temperature, relative humidity (RH) and duration on the apparent form, barrier properties, mechanical properties and microstructure of corn–wheat starch/zein bilayer films were studied. From 0 to 150 days, storage temperature and RH, but not storage time, affected the appearance and colour of the bilayer films. The increase in haze of the bilayer films stored at 25°C was much greater than that at low temperatures. With increased storage time, the moisture content first increased and then decreased, while the water resistance and oxygen barrier properties of the bilayer films worsened. After 150 days, the bilayer film stored at 25°C with 54% RH had better water resistance properties. The oxygen barrier properties of the bilayer film stored at 25°C with 43% RH were preferable to those of other groups because the peroxide value of vegetable oil packed in the former bilayer film was the lowest. The tensile strength of bilayer films stored at 25°C with RH of 43, 54 and 65% decreased, but was still better than those stored at low temperatures (−17°C, 4°C), which were tough due to their high elongation at break. Scanning electron microscopy results showed tight bonds between the bilayer films, and the network structure inside the films disappeared and reappeared during storage. The cross-sectional compactness changed, and there was no film separation after 150 days.

Effect of wheat- or oat-straw inclusion with wheat bran or corn grain in prepartum diets on postpartum performance of transition dairy cows

Current study evaluated the effects of feeding straw source and energy supplementation during prepartum period on postpartum production performance and changes in blood metabolites of crossbred dairy cows. Twenty-eight crossbred (Holstein × Sahiwal) cows were randomly assigned to one of the following four dietary treatments: (1) wheat straw and corn grain (WSCG), (2) wheat straw and wheat bran (WSWB), (3) oat straw and corn grain (OSCG) and (4) oat straw and wheat bran (OSWB) in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Iso-nitrogenous diets fed as ad libitum total mixed ration contained 25% wheat straw (WS) or oat straw (OS) and 10% corn grain (CG) or wheat bran (WB). Experimental duration was 42 days before and 56 days after calving. After calving, all animals were fed a similar lactation diet. Pre- and postpartum dry-matter intake % of BW was not affected by treatments. Prepartum energy balance (EBAL) was higher for OS than WS and higher for CG than WB animals. Postpartum EBAL was higher in the WSCG than OSCG treatment. Milk production and composition were not affected by straw source or energy concentrate. Milk yield at Weeks 1, 2 and 3 was higher in the WSWB than WSCG and OSWB treatments. Total solids and feed efficiency were higher in the WSWB than WSCG treatment. Postpartum plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher in the WS than the OS diet; however, the measured values were within normal limits. Postpartum plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was not affected by straw source or energy concentrate. Cows fed WSWB prepartum were in positive EBAL, before and after calving, closer to the recommended requirements. Moreover, cows fed WSWB had a lower incidence of health disorders and subclinical ketosis, higher milk production and better feed conversion efficiency during first 3 weeks after calving.

Downside risk of major crops in selected six regions in North Dakota

This paper investigates downside risk by utilising the value at risk (VaR) in the context of selected three different commodities, specifically corn, soybean, and hard red spring wheat (HRSW) in North Dakota (ND). This study finds that the downside risk of crop net return is significantly different in six different regions in ND. Growing corn in the North East region is estimated to has the highest risk, whereas the South Valley region has the lowest risk compared. Growing soybean in the North East region has the highest risk, whereas the South Valley region has the lowest risk. Lastly, growing HRS wheat in South Central has the highest financial risk, whereas the South Valley has the lowest risk. The highest risks are stem from the raising of corn and soybean in the production of the crop in the North East and raising the HRS wheat in South Central.

Dietary supplementation with protected calcium effects production and egg quality of Hy-line brown laying hens

Context Currently, the commonly used dietary calcium sources are not sufficiently bioavailable to be used for eggshell formation or bone health in laying hens. Protected calcium, a blend of calcium and medium-chain fatty acids with matrix coating, may exert an effective absorption and metabolism ability for calcium consumption in the laying hen. Aims The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of protected-calcium supplementation on egg production, egg quality, and serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations in laying hens. Methods In total, 144 Hy-line brown laying hens (25 weeks old) were randomly allotted to three treatments (8 replicates with 6 hens, 1 hen per cage) in a 10-week trial. Treatments consisted of corn–wheat–soybean meal-based basal diet with limestone (coarse limestone:fine limestone = 50:50) as a calcium source (CON) or basal diet supplemented with 0.5% (P1) or 1% (P2) protected calcium in substitution for an equal quantity of coarse limestone. Data were statistically analysed using linear and quadratic contrast with the GLM procedure of SAS. Probability values of &amp;lt;0.05 indicate significance. Key results At Weeks 31–33 and 35, the cracked-egg rates were lower in the P1 and P2 groups than in the CON group (P &amp;lt; 0.05; linear, P &amp;lt; 0.05) and, at Weeks 29 and 34, the cracked-egg rates in the P2 group were also significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) decreased. At Weeks 26, 30 and 32, the Haugh units in the P2 group were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher than those in the CON group. In addition, eggshell strength was increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the P2 group at Weeks 26, 27 and 31–35. The serum calcium concentration of the P2 group was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) greater than that of the CON group in the morning. Conclusions In conclusion, a replacement of limestone with 1% protected calcium can increase eggshell quality. Implications Protected-calcium supplementation can be used in practice for decreasing the breakage of eggs.

Botanical composition of winter wheat crops depending on the effect of its predecessor

The results of the long-term research on weed infestation of winter wheat agrophytocenoses considering the effect of the predecessor are presented. The influence of three common predecessors in the technology of winter wheat cultivation, namely, corn, soybean and corn, is estimated.&#x0D; It has been proved that the most favorable conditions for controlling the number of weeds in winter wheat agrophytocenoses are differently achieved in different years when clover is used as a predecessor.&#x0D; It has been established that the use of the optimal predecessor under winter wheat allows to reduce weed number per unit of area ​​up to 13—18.7 %.

Observation and estimation of mercury exchange fluxes from soil under different crop cultivars and planting densities in North China Plain

The emission of mercury (Hg) from cropland soil greatly affects the global Hg cycle. Combinations of different crop cultivars and planting densities will result in different light transmittance under canopies, which directly affects the solar and heat radiation flux received by the soil surface below crops. In turn, this might lead to differences in the soil–air total gaseous mercury (TGM) exchange under different cropping patterns. However, soil–air TGM exchange fluxes in croplands under differing canopies have been poorly investigated. Here, a one-year observation of TGM exchange flux was conducted for cropland soils covering five different crop cultivars and three planting densities in North China Plain using the dynamic flux chamber method. The results showed that light transmittance under the canopies was the key control on soil–air TGM exchange fluxes. High light transmittance can enhance soil TGM emission rates and increase the magnitude of diurnal variations in soil–air TGM exchange fluxes. Furthermore, we found that there were piecewise–function relationships (Peak function–constant equation) between light transmittance under the different canopies and the numbers of days after crop sowing. The soil–air TGM exchange fluxes showed a parabolic response to changes in light transmittance under the different canopies. A second-order model was established for the response relationship between soil–air TGM exchange flux and soil Hg concentration, total solar radiation above the canopy, and numbers of days after sowing. The estimated annual average soil–air TGM exchange flux was 5.46 ± 21.69 ng m−2 h−1 at corn–wheat rotation cropland with 30 cm row spacing using this second-order model. Our results might a data reference and a promising foundation for future model development of soil–air TGM exchange in croplands under different crop cultivars and planting densities.

Analysis of polysaccharide hydrolases secreted by Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 on corn cobs and wheat bran as complex carbon sources

Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 is a Mexican native strain that has been reported as a good producer of xylanases and pectinases; therefore, it promises a strong impact on biotechnology. To provide an overview of protein secretion by A. flavipes, we carried out a comparative proteome analysis of extracellular proteins in liquid cultures with two heterogeneous agro-industrial residues; corn cob (CC) and wheat bran (WB), as carbon sources. Extracellular proteins obtained from both cultures were identified using MS/MS spectrometry. We identified 134 proteins, which were classified into four groups: glycosyl hydrolases (GH), esterases/proteases, miscellaneous proteins, and unidentified proteins. Around 50% of the total proteins identified were GH such as xylanases, β-xylosidases, β-galactosidases, cellulolytic enzymes like β-glucosidase, endoglucanases, and cellobiohydrolases. From this family, a core of 22 (16%) of the proteins identified were found in both substrates, CC and WB, whereas 30% and 54% were unique for CC and WB, respectively. In the esterases/proteases group, proteases, lipases and esterases like feruloylesterases, and acetyl-xylanesterase were identified. Proteins with diverse functions such as monophosphate dehydrogenase or N-acetylglucosaminidase were present. Here, we present strong evidences indicating that the composition and heterogeneity of the used carbon source determine the specific set of protein secreted by the fungus.

407 Effects of calcium-ammonium nitrate on in vitro ruminal fermentation using a wheat forage based substrate

Abstract A randomized complete block design was used to evaluate in vitro ruminal total gas and methane production, N-NH3 concentration, and digestibility of wheat forage when incubated with calcium-ammonium nitrate (CAN). The in vitro fermentation consisted of 50 mL of a 4:1 buffer:ruminal fluid inoculum and 0.7 g of substrate [DM; wheat (Triticum aestivum; 100%) or wheat:corn (88:12)] incubated for 48 h. Batches were incubated on 4 separate days. Treatments included: 1) wheat (W); 2) wheat + corn (WC); 3) WC + 2% CAN in the substrate DM (WCN); and 4) WC + 0.67% UREA in the substrate DM (WCU). Treatments WCN and WCU were isonitrogenous. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was determined after incubation for 48 h with inoculum, followed by a 48 h incubation with HCl and pepsin solutions. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of day (block). Batch was considered the experimental unit. Total gas production was reduced by WCN compared with WCU (P = 0.049) and WC (P = 0.001). The addition of corn without NPN increased (P = 0.004) total gas production compared to wheat. An increased (P = 0.009) IVOMD was observed for WC compared to W, while no differences (P = 0.416) were observed between WCN and WCU. Ammonia-N concentration was not different (P = 0.463) between WCN and WCU; and the inclusion of NPN increased (P ≤ 0.026) NH3-N concentration compared to W. Methane production (mmol/g OM fermented) was lesser (P &amp;lt; 0.001) for WCN compared to WCU. Total VFA concentration and acetate:propionate were not affected by treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Therefore, CAN can potentially be used as a NPN source with the additional benefit of in vitro methane mitigation without negatively affecting IVOMD or total VFA concentration.

PSI-2 Evaluation of feed by-products on in vitro DMD, methane production and ruminal fermentation parameters

Abstract In-vitro batch culture assessment was used to examine DMD, ruminal fermentation parameters and CH4 production associated with a range of by-products feeds including pea hulls, pea screenings, soybean, soybean meal, wheat bran, wheat screenings, wheat DDGS, wheat corn DDGS, corn DDGS, coarse hemp powder, hemp hulls, flax screenings, nexera canola, commodity canola, sunflower screenings, quinoa and dogwood in a randomized complete block design. By-products were obtained from various locations across Manitoba at 3 monthly timepoints to account for sample variability. By-products (0.5g DM) were weighed individually into jars and incubated at 39°C in jars containing buffered medium and rumen fluid for 48 hrs. Gas samples were collected at 3,6,9,12,18,24,36 and 48 hr and CH4, DM disappearance, pH, VFA and ammonia concentrations were measured. Data were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS including treatment as a fixed effect and run, block, month and location as random effects. Methane output was regressed on CP and NDF to determine the effect of these constituents. Treatment had a significant effect (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) on CH4 (ml/g DMD) produced, with dogwood having the lowest cumulative CH4 (11.13 ml/g DMD) compared to all other treatments. Methane (ml/g DMD) decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.0005) as pH decreased. An inverse relationship between protein and CH4 was apparent, which explained 31% (R2= 0.31) of the CH4 (ml/g DMD) produced. Further, NDF (%) had a significant effect (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) on CH4 and explained 25% (R2=0.25) of the CH4 (ml/g DMD) produced. Overall, by-products higher in crude protein and lower in NDF produced lower (P &amp;lt; 0.001) CH4 ml/g DMD. Although the addition of dogwood to cattle diets is novel, it does show potential CH4 mitigation potential using in vitro assessment.