Crude Protein Degradability Research Articles

In vitro and in vivo Studies of Soybean Peptides on Milk Production, Rumen Fermentation, Ruminal Bacterial Community, and Blood Parameters in Lactating Dairy Cows.

Soybean peptides (SPs), a feed additive derived from soybean, exhibit nutritional function and biological activity in monogastric animals, but limited studies have been conducted in dairy cows. Our experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of SPs on the nutrient degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in vitro and milk production, rumen fermentation and bacterial community, and blood parameters of dairy cows. For in vitro experiment, ruminal fluids were collected from three ruminal cannulated Holstein dairy cows. A total of three levels of SPs (0, 0.38, and 1.92 g/kg DM of SPs) were added to the total mixed ration (TMR). Nutrient degradability and fermentation fluid pH were determined at 24 and 48 h using 3.0 g samples of the substrate. Gas production after 48 h was recorded by an automated trace gas recording system using 0.5 g samples of the substrate. The results showed that DM, NDF, ADF (p < 0.01), and CP (p < 0.05) degradabilities were significantly increased at 1.92 g/kg DM of SPs at 24 h, and asymptotic gas production (p = 0.05) was increased at 48 h. For in vivo experiment, 110 lactating Holstein cows (209.7 ± 65.2 DIM; 37.2 ± 6.4 kg/d milk yield) were randomly assigned to 0 (control group, CON) or 50 g/head/day SPs (SP-supplemented group). Yields of milk (p < 0.05), milk protein (p < 0.05), and milk lactose (0.05 < p < 0.10) increased on SPs supplementation; however, the milk fat percentage decreased (p < 0.05). The concentrations of individual volatile fatty acids (VFAs) (p < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.01) were also increased. Rumen bacterial diversity in SP-supplemented cows was higher (p < 0.05). The relative abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Butyrivibrio, Selenomonas, and Shuttleworthia were significantly increased and that of Coprococcus was decreased (p < 0.05). Our results showed that supplementing 1.92 g/kg DM of SPs could improve the nutrient degradability in vitro and 50 g/head/day of SPs could improve milk production and antioxidant ability of dairy cows. The rumen bacterial diversity was also enhanced by SP supplementation.

O30 Does ruminal degradability of crude protein and individual amino acids from ryegrass differ at different residence times?

O30 Does ruminal degradability of crude protein and individual amino acids from ryegrass differ at different residence times?

Canola as a potential forage.

The nutritive quality of four cultivars of canola forage (Brassica napus L.), Orient, Midas, Global, and Hybrid (Cobra × Regent), which were harvested in the early-spring period, were compared with green-winter barley (GWB) in terms of their yields, chemical composition, in vitro gas production variables, in situ crude protein (CP) degradation, and predicted dry matter intake (PDMI). Data were statistically analyzed using a completely randomized design with four replications and three samples per replication. The study was based on a randomized complete block design, and data were analyzed using SAS, general linear model procedure for normal distribution. The canola dry matter (DM) yield was highest in Orient cultivar and lowest in Midas (P < 0.05). Organic matter (OM), CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and lignin(sa) concentration of the four cultivars ranged from 862 to 865, 218 to 247, 295 to 340, and 35 to 53 g/kg DM, respectively. The estimated OM disappearance (OMD), effective degradability of CP, effective rumen degradable protein (ERDP), digestible undegradable protein, and metabolizable protein (MP) of the forages were from 636 to 671 g/kg, 878 to 910, 172 to 193, 1.9 to 3.4, and 112 to 126 g/kg DM, respectively. Compared to Global and Hybrid cultivars, Orient and Midas contained higher CP, OMD, ERDP, MP concentration, and PDMI, but lower NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and lignin(sa) concentrations (P < 0.05). The level of glucosinolates in the forages ranged from 0.38 to 1.51 µmol/g DM, which is below the detrimental level for ruminants. Compared to winter canola cultivars, GWB had higher DM yield (P < 0.003), NDF, lignin(sa), PDMI (P < 0.01), and digestible undegradable protein (P < 0.04), but had lower OMD (P < 0.03), ERDP (P = 0.01), and MP (P < 0.009). Based on the obtained results, the variation in the nutritive quality among the canola cultivars is relatively small, and the Orient cultivar, which is most comparable to GWB, was judged to be nutritionally the best among the cultivars.

Evaluating the Effect of Forage Rape (Brassica napus) Ensiling Kinetics on Degradability and Milk Performance as Non-conventional Forage for Dairy Buffalo.

The recent increase in demand for animal protein sources has led to the urgency to introduce non-conventional feed sources and opened the space to study feed management and its effects on animal productivity. Forage rape (Brassica napus L.) is a high-quality forage crop with a remarkable nutritional value and productive and fast growth capacity; however, studies on processing methods are limited. This study evaluates the effect of an ensiling process on rape silage quality kinetics, in situ degradability, and milk responses in dairy buffaloes. Firstly, the whole-plant forage rape was ensiled, and silage samples were collected 30, 60, and 90 days after ensiling to determine pH, evaluation of sensory characteristics, and chemical composition. Then, samples were taken for further chemical analysis at days 30, 60, and 90. After that, the degradability of the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) of the silage was evaluated by an in situ degradability experiment using three fistulated buffalos (550 ± 20 kg body weight, 4.7 ± 0.76 years). Finally, whole-plant rape silage (after 60 days) was included in a 10, 20, and 30% of DM dairy buffalo diet in the lactating buffalo ration. The results showed that silage pH did not change significantly during the ensiling process (p > 0.05); however, the silage achieved the optimal comprehensive sensory characteristic score from days 30 to 60. There was also a significant change in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content and acid detergent fiber content, which decreased significantly (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Ensiling of the whole-plant rape significantly reduced effective DM degradability (p < 0.05) without altering CP degradability (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the inclusion of forage rape silage linearly (p = 0.03) increased milk fat and protein contents and did not affect milk yield, lactose, and urea nitrogen contents in raw buffalo milk. In conclusion, whole-plant rape silage could significantly maintain the optimal ether extract (EE) protein content without affecting CP degradability, in addition to improving milk fat and milk protein. Therefore, ensiling may be an efficient method of forage rape utilization, and forage rape silage can be recommended as a good forage source for dairy buffaloes.

Mixed ration silage containing sugarcane and babassu byproducts as a nutritional alternative for livestock

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the ensiling fermentation profile, chemical composition, and in-situ degradability of mixed ration silages combining babassu by-products as a nutritional alternative for livestock. A completely randomised design was used, with four treatments (silages) and five replications (silos), which were composed of: Sugarcane silage, SS (control); sugarcane silage with corn and soybean meal (standard diet, MRSS); sugarcane silage with corn, soybean meal, and babassu flour, MRSF; and sugarcane silage with corn, soybean meal, and babassu cake, MRSC. The highest values (p < 0.05) of dry matter recovery (DMR) were for the MRSS, MRSF, and MRSC treatments, which also had higher dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and non-fibrous carbohydrate contents (NFC), compared to SC treatment, which showed the highest levels of neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin (LIG), and ethanol. The MRSS, MRSF, and MRSC treatments exhibited higher potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) of DM and CP; and higher (P < 0.05) degradability of DM and CP compared to SS treatment. The inclusion of babassu concentrate and by-products in sugarcane silages in the form of total ration acted positively in the qualitative indicators of the silages.

The nutritional value and yields of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) cultivar silages compared to silage from corn (Zea mays) harvested at the milk stage grown in a hot-humid climate

Amaranth forage requires less water than corn forage. Moreover, the yield and nutritional value of plants grown in different geographical areas may vary. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare silages from amaranth cultivars (Maria, A28, A14, A12, and A5), grown in hot-humid conditions, with corn forage (Zea mays) (CS) in terms of yield, chemistry, silage characteristics, in vitro fermentation, and in situ degradability. The crops were harvested at the mid-milk stage, chopped, and ensiled in five-liter containers for a 45-days period. The yield, chemical composition, and silage characteristics of the plants were determined. In vitro gas production, organic matter disappearance (OMD), methane production, microbial crude protein (MCP), ammonia-N, volatile fatty acids (VFA), cellulolytic bacteria and protozoa populations, and in situ dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability were measured using fistulated sheep. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS in a randomized complete block design. Average DM yield of amaranth forages from different varieties was lower (P < 0.01) than corn forage. Among amaranth forages, the highest (P < 0.01) DM yield was observed for A12. Compared to CS, amaranth silages (AMS) had lower (P < 0.01) mean values of DM, OM, and metabolisable protein (MP) yields. The AMS contained higher (P < 0.01) concentrations of CP, ash, calcium, phosphorus, nitrate, and total phenolics, but lower (P < 0.01) neutral detergent fiber, lignin, non-fiber carbohydrates, and lactic acid. Compared to CS, the in vitro incubation of AMS resulted in lower (P < 0.01) OMD, methane production, total VFA, cellulolytic bacteria, and protozoa population, but higher (P < 0.01) MCP. The in situ protein effective degradability, digestible undegradable protein, and MP of AMS were higher (P < 0.01) than CS. Overall, amaranth cultivars made a medium-quality silage when grown in hot-humid conditions, though, silage of A12 cultivar could be used instead of CS.

Ruminal degradability of bypass fat and protein of certain commonly used feedstuffs in dairy rations

Studies were conducted to determine the rumen degradability of protein of certain commonly used feed ingredients and degradability of bypass fat used in dairy rations. In situ crude protein (CP) disappearance of groundnut cake, soybean extraction, cottonseed cake, maize gluten meal, wheat bran, rice bran, maize, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9% (of CP) formaldehyde treated soybean extraction, and in situ fat disappearance of bypass fat in the rumen at different incubation periods were determined by nylon bag technique using 3 adult crossbred steers. The effective degradability was calculated for an assumed outflow rate of 5%/h. The effective CP degradability of groundnut cake, soybean extraction, cottonseed cake, maize gluten meal, wheat bran, rice bran, maize, 0.3, 0.6 and 0. 9% (ofCP) formaldehyde treated soybean extraction was 86, 74, 66, 21, 73, 65, 63, 66, 48 and 26%, respectively. The effective fat degradability of bypass fat was 86%. The results indicated that maize gluten meal is a good source of bypass protein. Soybean extraction although extensively degraded in the rumen, contribute fairly more amount of undegradable protein than rumen degradable protein at an outflow rate of 5%/h, when it is treated with 0.6 and 0.9% (of CP) formaldehyde. The bypass fat supplement prepared from rice bran acid oil is a good source of energy in which about 86% of fat would be available at the lower tract of ruminants. Therefore, maize gluten meal, 0.9% formaldehyde treated soybean extraction and protected fat can be included in the rations of dairy animals forimproved productive performance

Improve the nutritional value and utilization of rice straw via an ensiling process with different sources of energy and nitrogen enrichment

ABSTRACT Ensiled rice straw using, water (RSW), molasses plus urea, and whey (RWh) were implied to investigate the ensiling processing on palatability and nutritional value of rice straw compared to untreated rice straw (URS). Using whey resulted in a significant (P < .05) progress in fermentation coefficient, and Flieg Score compared to others. Protein and water-soluble carbohydrates content increased (P < .05) in RWh compared to RMU. Gas cumulative increased (P < .05) with ERS compared to the incubation of URS. In-vitro organic matter degradability, neutral detergent fiber degradability, crude protein degradability, microbial protein, and metabolizable energy varied less amongst the tested ingredients. The RWh was significantly (P < .05) consumed and palatable higher compared to RMU, which was more (P < .05) significant than RSW. The use of either RWh or RMU has improved total digestible nutrients (TDN) compared to RSW and URS. The values of total protein, alanine aminotransferase, and glucose were higher (P < .05) with ERS feeding compared to URS. The results indicate the possibility of ensiling rice straw with added either whey or molasses with urea as sources of nitrogen and energy to induce good fermentation and improve utilization of rice straw.

Associations of Protein Molecular Structures with Their Nutrient Supply and Biodegradation Characteristics in Different Byproducts of Seed-Used Pumpkin.

Simple SummaryAt present, the world is faced with a shortage and rising prices of high-quality protein feed. Adequate utilization of unconventional feeds can alleviate this problem. China is the largest producer and exporter of seed-used pumpkin, and many byproducts of seed-used pumpkin need to be effectively utilized. In this study, we analyzed nutrient supply and biodegradation characteristics, and correlation and regression equations between them and protein molecular structure were established. This research provides a data basis for the utilization of byproducts of seed-used pumpkin and establishes a new method for evaluating the nutritional value of unconventional feeds.The purpose of this experiment was to explore the relationship of protein functional groups (including amide I, amide II, α-helix, and β-sheet) in byproducts of seed-used pumpkin (pumpkin seed cake, pumpkin seed coat, and seed-used pumpkin flesh) with their nutrient profiles and biodegradation characteristics. The experiment was designed to use conventional chemical analysis, combining the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) and nylon bag technology to assess the nutritional value and biodegradation characteristics of seed-used pumpkin byproducts. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the protein molecular structure properties of byproducts of seed-used pumpkin. In this study, we also applied correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that different byproducts of seed-used pumpkin had different in situ biodegradation, nutrient supplies, and spectral structures in the protein region. Among the byproducts of seed-used pumpkin, acid detergent-insoluble crude protein (ADICP) and neutral detergent-insoluble crude protein (NDICP) contents of the pumpkin seed coat were the highest, resulting in the lowest effective degradabilities (EDs) of dry matter and crude protein. The crude protein (CP) ED values were ranked as follows: pumpkin seed cake > seed-used pumpkin flesh > pumpkin seed coat. Significant differences were observed in the peak areas of amide I and amide II and the corresponding peak heights in the two peak areas in the molecular structure of the protein. The peak areas of amide I and amide II and the corresponding peak heights were at the highest levels for pumpkin seed cake, whereas there was no significant difference between the pumpkin seed coat and seed-used pumpkin flesh. Similarly, the peak heights of α-helices and β-sheets were highest for pumpkin seed cake. Correlation and regression results indicated that amide I and amide II area and height, α-helix and β-sheet heights, and area ratios of amide I: amide II, as well as the height ratios of amide I: amide II, and α-helices: β-sheets effectively estimated nutrient supply and that the height ratio of α-helices: β-sheets was mostly sensitive to biodegradation characteristics in different byproducts of seed-used pumpkin. There were significant differences in CP chemical composition and digestibility of different byproducts of seed-used pumpkin that were strongly related to the changes in protein molecular structures.

Dry matter and crude protein degradability of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage is affected by fertilization with cow-dung bio-digester slurry and fermentable carbohydrate additives at ensiling.

Dry seasons pose a major nutritional constraint on ruminant livestock production in tropical regions, which justifies forage conservation to meet the dry season feed requirement. Napier grass is a tropical forage that is used for silage in South Africa. The present objective was to determine the effects of Napier grass fertilization with bio-digester slurry (BDS) and the inclusion of fermentable carbohydrate additives at ensiling on the chemical composition and ruminal degradability of Napier grass silage. Napier grass was established in 5 × 4 m plots, replicated three times in a completely randomized design, and irrigated weekly with either BDS or water. After 12 weeks, the Napier was cut and ensiled for 90 days in 1-liter glass jars in a 2 (BDS, water) × 4 (no-additive, molasses, brown sugar, and maize meal) factorial arrangement replicated three times. The nutrient composition was determined using standard protocols. The ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was determined using the nylon bag technique. Fertilization with BDS increased (P < 0.05) pH and CP and reduced (P < 0.05) fat content of fresh-cut Napier. Additives increased (P < 0.01) silage DM content and reduced (P < 0.01) acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber content. The BDS fertilization with molasses inclusion increased (P < 0.05) silage DM relative to the no-additive and maize meal inclusion, and decreased (P < 0.05) fat content compared to the no-fertilizer, added maize meal silage. Molasses increased silage water-soluble carbohydrate and decreased the NH3-N content (P < 0.05) compared to the no-additive and maize meal treatments. For DM, the BDS fertilized, no additive silage had the least “a” fraction (P < 0.01), while the no BDS, no-additive silage had the least “b” fraction (P < 0.01), with least (P < 0.01) potential degradability (PD) observed for the no BDS, no-additive treatment. Fertilization increased (P < 0.01) effective degradability of DM at outflow rates k = 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, with same effect for molasses and maize meal inclusion. Relative to the control, molasses inclusion increased (P < 0.01) PD of silage CP. In conclusion, our results suggested BDS fertilization of Napier grass ensiling with added readily fermentable carbohydrate substrate, particularly from molasses, induced changes in silage chemical and fermentation characteristics likely to promote better forage preservation and ruminal microbial function.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND IN SITU DEGRADABILITY OF SELECTED FORAGES, BROWSE TREES AND AGRO INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS

The in situ dry matter and crude protein degradability of grasses, legumes, browse trees and agro industrial by products were evaluated by three fistulated bulls (Boran × Holstein-Friesian with mean body weight 580 kg and age= 29±3 months). The lower (P &lt; 0.05) crude protein content was reported in Bracharia grass than the other grasses. The higher (P &lt; 0.05) washing loss rapidly soluble nutrients (a) in Bracharia and Rhodes grasses and the greater (P&lt; 0.05) potential and effective degradability for dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were observed in desho grass compared with the other grasses. The content of crude protein, relative feed value, washing loss or rapidly soluble nutrients (a) and potential DM degradability were higher (P&lt; 0.05) in Sesbania than Pigeon pea and tree lucerne browse trees. Acacia nilotica and Wanza (Cordia African) had the greater (P&lt; 0.05) washes loss (a), potential and effective degradability for dry matter and crude protein than the other browse trees. Cactus (Cleistocactus sextoianus) and Shola (Ficus sure) had the highest (P&lt; 0.05) undegradable protein than Acacia nilotica and Wanza (Cordia african). The energy source feed (maize bran) had the greater (P &lt; 0.05) potential and effective dry matter and crude protein degradability parameters than the other by products. The rumen undegradable protein was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in vetch than lablab. The rumen undegradable protein was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in Rhodes grass than the other forage grasses. Brewery spent grain and cotton seed cake have the higher (P &lt; 0.05) rumen undegradable protein than Noug seed (Guizotia abyssinica) cake, wheat and maize bran. The in situ dry matter and crude protein degradability values obtained in this study can be useful to identifying the best materials used for ruminant feeds.

Degradability of dry matter and crude protein and rumen fermentation characteristics of Jatropha curcas kernel meal with different detoxification treatments

The present study aimed to explore the degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) of Jatropha curcas kernel meal with different detoxification treatments in the rumen. Moreover, the impacts of the Jatropha curcas kernel meal on rumen fermentation characteristics were also discussed. Jatropha curcas kernel meal adopted in current work was treated as: J. curcas kernel meal no treatment (JNT); J. curcas kernel meal extraction treatment (JET); J. curcas kernel meal heat treatment (JHT), and J. curcas kernel meal high pressure treatment (JPT). The in situ degradability of DM and CP of JHT was compared with those of soybean meal and rapeseed meal for cattle in Experiment I. The in vitro degradability and rumen fermentation characteristics of JNT, JET, JHT and JPT for wethers were investigated in Experiment II. Collectively, after treatments of JHT, JET and JPT, the phorbol ester (PE) content was decreased. In addition, the CP content was higher, of which the degradability was more than 90% after 72 h of in situ incubation. The Jatropha curcas kernel meal with different treatments had no negative effects on the rumen fermentation characteristics after in vitro incubation. It was concluded that Jatropha curcas kernel meal with detoxification treatments could be used as a potential protein feed.

Siyah Alacalarda Beyaz Çürükçül Funguslar Kullanılarak Buğday Samanın İn-Situ Parçalanabilirliğinin Belirlenmesi

The Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PC) and Pleurotus eryngii (PE) were observed for their potential to increase the in situ dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability of wheat straw. The wheat straw samples were inoculated with the PC and PE fungi (10% weight/volum) and incubated under solid state fermentation conditions at 30 ◦C for 30 days to determine their in-situ degradability and chemical composition. In situ ruminal degradability was determined by using four ruminal cannulated Holstein bulls (approximately 400 kg BW) fed on a diet a concentrate-to-roughage ratio of 45:55 (dry matter (DM) basis). The samples were incubated in nylon bags for 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h in the rumen. The results showed that increased in situ ruminal degradation of DM and CP in PC and PE groups in comparison to the control group (P &lt; 0.01). The wheat straw incubated with PC had the greatest in situ DM degradability after incubation for 24 h (P &lt; 0.01). The inoculation of PC and PE increased in situ ruminal crude protein (CP) degradation (P &lt; 0.01) in comparison to the other treatments. As a result, the fungal inoculants and urea treatment increased the degradability of DM and CP in wheat straw.

Impact of native spray‐dried lactic acid bacteria, packing density and wilting time on fermentation characteristics of experimental maize and lucerne silages

AbstractThis study aimed at investigating the effects of an autochthonous microbial inoculant microencapsulated by spray‐drying on fermentation parameters, microbiological composition, mycotoxin level and aerobic stability of maize and lucerne silages. Experiment 1, a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments, evaluated inoculation (control or Lactobacillus plantarum Hv75, Pediococcus acidilactici 3903 and Lactobacillus buchneri B463), packing density (148.5 kg dry matter (DM)/m3 or 181.5 kg DM/m3) and storage period (0, 1, 30 or 60 days) in maize silage. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) supplementation produced higher DM and lower acetic acid and deoxynivalenol contents compared to the control (p &lt; 0.05). However, these differences were small in terms of practical applications. Experiment 2 evaluated effects of microbial inoculation (similar as in experiment 1), wilting time (3 or 21 h) and storage period (0, 3, 30 or 60 days) in lucerne silage. LAB supplementation increased DM and lactic acid content, reduced pH and concentrations of acetic acid, ethanol and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen compared to the control (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, inoculation increased total LAB population and decreased yeast and mould counts (p &lt; 0.05). Although the strains displayed potential to be used as a bio‐inoculant at different lucerne moisture levels, prolonged wilting positively influenced DM, crude protein and fibre degradation (p &lt; 0.05). Therefore, the addition of this spray‐dried inoculant to lucerne silages with longer wilting could be recommended for the attainment of silage quality.

Chemical composition and in situ degradability of sugarcane tip hay subjected to alkaline treatment

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of alkaline treatments with urea, NaOH and Ca(OH)2 on chemical composition and in situ ruminal degradability of dry matter, crud protein and neutral detergent fiber of sugarcane tip hay. Samples were incubated in the rumen of three cannulated cattle for up to 72 hours in a split plot randomized block design. Ammoniation with 6% urea increased (p<0.05) the crude protein content by 13% and reduced the neutral detergent fiber and insoluble nitrogen content of the hay. When treated with the highest doses of the compounds, there was a high potential degradability of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber, and a shorter neutral detergent fiber lag time. Ammoniation with urea promotes a reduction in the content of NDF, hemicellulose and insoluble nitrogen, with an increase in the content of CP in the hay, with emphasis for the level of 6% urea. The ruminal degradation of sugarcane tip hay increases with alkaline treatments using 6% urea or 3% NaOH, however, ammoniation with urea is indicated for the treatment of hay, as this is low cost and can be easily adopted by farmers in the semiarid region.

Production aspects of hay of tropical pasture of

Context Tropical pasture have been little explored for haymaking, due to lack of information regarding loss of nutrients and of forage dehydration. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the production aspects of tropical pasture hays. Methods To characterise forage dry mass yield and dehydration rate, we studied the grasses Marandú, Xaraés, Massai, Paredão, Planaltina and Tupã. The water soluble carbohydrates concentration curve, chemical composition and in situ rumen degradability of dry mass, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre were also determined. Key results The highest forage dry mass yield was observed in 2018, when Planaltina and Paredão performed best (6.28 and 5.26 ± 0.41 t of dry matter ha−1, respectively). There was no genotype × dehydration time interaction (P = 0.81) on water soluble carbohydrates. Exposure to sun resulted in a linear decreasing effect (P &lt; 0.01) on water soluble carbohydrates content, with loss of 5.03 g kg−1 for each hour of exposure to the sun during the haymaking process. There was an interaction effect (P &lt; 0.01) between type of material and genotype on the content of dry matter, mineral matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre (P &lt; 0.01). In situ degradability of Massai grass dry mass was higher for the hay (758.0 and 253.8 ± 7.9 g kg−1 for hay and in natura material, respectively). Conclusions and implications The greater amount of leaves in relation to stem indicates that Massai grass is more efficient in dehydration during the first hours of exposure to the sun, as well as sustaining lower losses.

Effect of heat-treated green tea waste feeding on fermentation kinetics, in vitro degradability, in vivo apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood metabolites in Black Bengal goat.

The study was conducted to examine the effect of heat treatment of green tea waste (GTW) on rumen degradability, apparent digestibility, and plasma metabolites in Black Bengal goat based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The in vitro incubation was performed with autoclaved, oven, and freeze-dried GTW, whereas animal study was conducted using 12 Black-Bengal goats in a 3×3 Latin-square design. Goats were fed a total-mixed-ration without (control) or with the partial replacement of soybean meal and barley with 50 g/kg dry matter (DM) of either oven-dried or autoclaved GTW. Heat treatments reduced ether extract and tannins concentration but increased the effective DM and crude protein (CP) degradability of GTW. The highest values of in vitro volatile fatty acid concentration, molar proportion of propionate, ammonia-nitrogen concentration, and cumulative gas production were observed for oven-dried GTW among the tested GTW. Dietary treatment did not alter the DM intake, but apparent CP digestibility and retained nitrogen (N) were increased in goats fed control or oven-dried GTW incorporated diets. Feeding autoclaved GTW diet increased the urinary and fecal N excretion in goats. In contrast, plasma glucose concentration was highest in goats fed control or oven-dried GTW diet. In conclusion, oven drying could be a practical approach to increase protein digestibility and retained N in goats.

In-vitro and In-vivo evaluation of different leguminous straw based rations on fermentation metabolites, growth and nutrient utilization in barbari kids

Present study evaluated three legume straw (cowpea-Vigna unguiculata, cluster bean-Cymopsis tetragonoloba and dolichos-Lablab purpureus) based rations on in vitro and in vivo rumen fermentation, voluntary intake, nutrients utilization and growth performance in weaned Barbari kids. The three substrates (Tj, T2 and T3) were prepared in the form of total mixed rations (TMR) containing any one of the straws @ 40%, concentrate mixture 40% (CP 14.5%, TDN 73.2%) and cowpea green fodder 20% (DM basis) and incubated for 48h at 39oC using PC based Biofermentor as rumen simulator. Eighteen Barbari kids (75 days, 6.84+0.05 kg BW) were randomly divided into three equal groups comprising 3 male, 3 female kids in each group. Kids were fed either cowpea (Gj), cluster bean (G2) or dolichos (G3) straw ad libitum along with concentrate mixture @ 2% of the body weight and limited quantity of available green fodder (300–500 g/kid/d). In vitro degradabilities of DM, OM and CP were similar among three substrates. Total VFAs, total-N and NH3-N in the incubation medium were greater (P<0.01) in T2 than other two substrates (Tj and T3). The DM, TDN and DCP intakes per kg W0 75 were similar among three treatments. CPI (g)/kg W0 75 was higher (P<0.01) in G1 as compared to other groups. The average daily gain (ADG) and FCR (kg DMI/kg gain) were also similar among all the groups. Although, there were some variations among three straws in respect of fermentation metabolites under simulated in vitro system but these straws behaved similarly with appreciable intake of nutrients and growth rate in weaned Barbari kids. Hence, anyone of the tested legume straws could be used as a basal dry roughage source for maintenance and growth of early growing kids.

Nutritive value of mixed napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum)- Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) silage for ruminants

The objectives of the study were to determine the chemical composition, ruminal degradability, and apparent digestibility of mixed Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) (PP) -Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) (LL) silages. Freshly cut Napier and Leucaena were harvested and mixed at 70:30; 50:50; 30:70 ensiled for six weeks. The chemical composition of the fresh forages and the silages were determined using the AOAC (1990) procedures. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) ruminal degradability were determined by nylon bag technique using three rumen cannulated Bonsmara steers for periods of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. DM and CP ruminal degradability kinetics were described by fitting the data on the model P= a+b (1-e−ct) using the neway computer program where a is the rapidly degradable fraction, b is the slowly degradable fraction and c is the outflow rate. Hay supplemented with 25% mixed PP: LL silages was fed to three castrated male Pedi sheep to evaluate apparent digestibility coefficient and N retention. The fresh cut PP had more CP, Fat, and ash, with less OM. Leucaena was richer in most nutrients than Napier. The study indicated the 50:50 silage was the optimal mix to maximize the overall nutritive value. The DM and CP disappearance constants a, b and c were similar for all silages. PP: LL mixing ratio did not affect the DM and CP degradability kinetics of the silages. There was no effect on total dietary intake, apparent digestibility and N retention.

Changes in the Fermentation and Bacterial Community by Artificial Saliva pH in RUSITEC System.

The purpose of the study was to assess the artificial saliva (AS) pH on ruminal fermentation and rumen bacteria community in the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system. The experiment was performed in two treatments (low AS pH vs. high AS pH) with four replicates. The low AS pH was sustained by altering the composition of the AS (NaHCO3 from 9.8 to 1.96 g/L, Na2HPO4 from 9.3 to 1.86 g/L) according to McDougall's method. The diets were supplemented with 16 g basic diets with forage to the concentrate ratio of 50:50. The experiments were conducted over 13-day incubation periods, with 9 days adaption and 4 days sample collection. The results showed low AS pH decreased dry matter (DM) degradability (64.37 vs. 58.67%), organic matter (OM) degradability (64.38 vs. 59.32%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability (46.87 vs. 39.94%), acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradability (38.16 vs. 31.13%), and crude protein (CP) degradability (70.33 vs. 62.99%), respectively. Compared with the high AS pH, the low AS pH increased the proportion of butyrate (P = 0.008) and decreased the proportion of propionate (P < 0.001). At the bacteria community, the low AS pH increased the abundances of Spirochaetes (P = 0.001) and Synergistetes (P = 0.004) and decreased the Verrucomicrobia abundance (P = 0.004) in solid-associated bacteria. At the genus level, the low AS pH increased the abundance of Lactobacillus (P = 0.050) and decreased the abundance of Schwartzia (P = 0.002) in solid-associated bacteria. The abundances of Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group (P = 0.040), Schwartzia (P = 0.002), and Ruminobacter (P = 0.043) were lower in the low AS pH group compared with the high AS pH group in liquid-associated bacteria. Low AS pH decreased the number of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes (P < 0.001) both in the solid- and liquid-associated bacteria, respectively. The results of the present study included three groups of bacteria communities according to the different sensitives to rumen pH: the abundances of Lactobacillus, Succinivibrio, and Prevotella_7 are increased with decreasing AS pH; the amounts of R. albus, R. flavefaciens, F. succinogenes as well as the abundances of Schwartzia and Ruminobacter decreased with the reducing AS pH; the abundances of Selenomonas_1, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Succiniclasticum were not affected by the AS pH in RUSTITEC.