Crude Protein Intake Research Articles

Feeding behavior, intake pattern, and nutrient sufficiency of sheep fed sorghum straw silage and concentrate

This study aimed to determine the behavior, intake pattern, and nutritional sufficiency level of sheep fed sorghum straw silage and concentrate. Twelve male local sheep weighing 13.13 ± 2.39 kg were kept in individual pens with a size of 80 × 125 cm2. The concentrate comprised soybean meal, rice bran, ground corn, mineral premix, and urea. Forage and concentrate were given at the same time in different feed bunks and were available all the time. The data observed were related to behavior, feed intake, and growth. The behavioral activities observed were duration of eating, mineral block licking, drinking, rumination, laying, and other activities. The feed intakes observed were hourly intake and daily intake. Behavioral data and dry matter intake patterns were analyzed descriptively, while nutritional sufficiency was analyzed using a one-sample t test compared to the nutrient requirements of local sheep for an increase in body weight of 100 grams per day. The activities carried out within 24 hours were eating (24.00%), ruminating (19.05%), mineral block licking (3.45%), drinking (0.28%), laying (31.02%), and other activities (31.02%). The feed intake ratios of sorghum straw silage and concentrate were 10.89% and 89.11%, respectively, with an average daily gain of 140.00 g per head per day. The total dry matter intake was 737.34 g, consisting of a total intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients of 16.48% and 71.44%, respectively, exceeding the needs of local sheep for a daily gain of 100 g per day. Sheep can use sorghum straw silage as a forage source and regulate their consumption to meet their nutritional needs.

The Effects of Harvest Maturity of Eragrostis tef 'Moxie' Hay and Supplemental Energy Source on Forage Utilization in Beef Heifers.

The phenological stage of maturity of grasses and supplementation program can impact forage utilization in grazing beef cattle. However, the potential interaction between harvest maturity of Eragrostis tef (teff) hay and energy supplement source was yet to be fully evaluated. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effects of harvest maturity of teff hay and supplemental energy sources on nutrient intake, apparent total-tract nutrient digestion, nitrogen (N) utilization, and ruminal fermentation characteristics in beef heifers. A split-plot design with teff hay harvest maturity as the whole plot and supplemental energy source as the subplot was administered in a three-period (21 d), three × three Latin square design. Six crossbred beef heifers (804 ± 53.6 kg of body weight; BW) were allocated to two harvest maturities (early- (EH]) or late-heading (LH)) and to two supplemental energy sources (no supplement (CON), or rolled corn grain or beet pulp pellet fed at 0.5% of BW). Data were analyzed using SAS. There was no harvest maturity × energy supplement interaction. Although harvest maturity had no impact on total dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein (CP) intake was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Total intakes of dry (DM) and organic matter (OM) were also greater (p < 0.01) for supplemented than CON heifers, whereas acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake was greater for beet pulp heifers compared to heifers fed the CON diet and supplemental corn grain. Harvest maturity had no impact on ruminal pH. However, mean ruminal pH was lower (p = 0.04), duration pH < 6.2, and molar proportions of butyrate and branched-chain fatty acids were greater (p ≤ 0.049) for heifers fed corn grain compared to CON and beet pulp diets. Heifers fed EH hay had greater (p ≤ 0.02) apparent total-tract DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF digestibility than heifers fed LH hay. Although there was no supplemental energy effect on microbial nitrogen (N) flow, it was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Apparent N retention, which did not differ, was negative across all diets. In summary, delaying the harvest of teff hay from the EH to LH stage of maturity compromised nutrient supply, which was not attenuated by feeding supplemental corn grain and beet pulp at 0.5% of diet DM. Because N retention was negative across harvest maturity, there might be a need to provide both energy and protein supplements to improve growth performance when feeding teff hay to beef cattle.

Effects of feeding different dietary rates of mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage on the performance of Holstein lactating cows.

Rations containing different rates of the mixed fodder beet tops-wheat straw silage (BS), instead of corn silage (CS), were given to 30 mid-lactation Holstein cows (all in parity 2) to measure the effects on feed consumption, milk production efficiency, milk chemistry, urinary purine derivatives (PD), blood chemistry, antioxidant levels, and in vitro methane (CH4) emission. The BS was prepared by mixing the fodder beet tops with wheat straw at a ratio of 9:1 based on fresh weight. The experimental design was completely randomized (one 28-d period with 21-d adaptation) using 30 cows (10 animals/treatment) and 3 treatments. The treatments were 1) a diet containing CS only (25g/100g DM) (CSD), 2) a diet containing 50% CS (12.5g/100g DM) and 50% BS (12.5g/100g DM) (CBSD), and 3) diet containing BS only (25g/100g DM) (BSD). Each animal (as an experimental unit) was housed individually in the tie stall and had ad libitum access to its diet. Dietary replacing 50% of CS with BS showed no significant differences in milk production, fat-corrected milk, fat and protein yields, feed efficiency, and apparent digestibility, however, these variables were less (P < 0.05) in the cows fed with BSD. Cows fed on BSD had less intakes of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber but greater oxalic acid intake and blood urea-N, as compared to the other cows. Milk percentages of fat, protein, lactose, urea N, blood serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, Ca, and P, as well as in vitro ruminal pH, were not affected by the diets. Saturated fatty acids concentration was less and monounsaturated FA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was greater in the milk of cows receiving CBSD, compared to the other groups. The inclusion of both BS rates in the diet decreased the in vitro gas production, protozoa number, and CH4 emission in comparison to the control. Cows fed BSD had decreased levels of urinary allantoin, PD excreted or absorbed, and estimated microbial-N synthesis than the control and CBSD-fed groups. The milk and blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the animals fed CBSD was the maximum among the cows. Overall, under the current experimental conditions, replacing 50% of dietary CS with BS did not affect milk production, but increased milk PUFA, as well as blood and milk TAC, and decreased in vitro CH4 emission, so it's feeding to lactating Holstein cows is recommended.

Acceptance and forage utilization responses of steers consuming low-quality forage and supplemented black soldier fly larvae as a novel feed.

As the insect-rearing industry scales in the United States and other developed nations, it has the potential to create multiple product streams (e.g., oil and protein-rich biomass) for existing markets. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens) has been identified as a potential livestock feed because it is not expected to compete in the human food sector and its production has a lesser environmental footprint than that of conventional feeds. Existing research on BSFL as feed focuses on full-fat BSFL for poultry and aquaculture. Therefore, the objective of our experiment was to evaluate the viability of defatted BSFL as an alternative protein source for beef cattle consuming forage. Procedures were approved by Texas State University IACUC (#7726). Two experiments were conducted using ruminally cannulated beef steers fed low-quality forage in 5 × 5 Latin squares. Experiment 1 assessed consumption of BSFL as a protein supplement and included five 5-d periods with 3-d for washout and 2-d for measurement of supplement intake and preference. There were five treatments delivered in addition to the basal forage: 100% soybean meal (SBM); 75% SBM/25% BSFL; 50% SBM/50% BSFL; 25% SBM/75% BSFL; and 100% BSFL. Supplement and forage intake did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.45) nor was there a treatment × day interaction (P ≥ 0.45). Experiment 2 evaluated the effect of BSFL supplementation on forage (5.3% crude protein) intake and digestion and included five 14-d periods with 8-d for treatment adaptation, 5-d for measurement of intake and digestion, and 1-d for determination of ruminal fermentation. There were four treatments of supplemental BSFL provided at graded N levels: 0, 50, 100, or 150mg N/kg BW and one level of SBM at 100mg N/kg BW. Increasing provision of BSFL linearly increased forage organic matter (OM) intake (P = 0.04), total OM intake (P < 0.01), total digestible OM intake (P < 0.01), dry matter digestibility (P = 0.01), and OM digestibility (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.17) in intake or digestibility between levels of BSFL and SBM. Ultimately, defatted BSFL has potential to replace conventional feeds as a protein supplement without sacrificing forage utilization.

Cromo e restrições alimentares como estratégias alternativas a ractopamina para suínos em terminação

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated chromium and quantitative and qualitative feed restriction as alternative nutritional strategies to ractopamine in finishing barrows. Fifty barrows, genetically similar, with an initial body weight of 99.0 ± 4.3 kg and a final body weight of 117.2 ± 5.8 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a randomized complete block design with five nutritional treatments (Control; Rac = 10ppm ractopamine; Chromium = 0,8mg chromium yeast; Quality = qualitative restriction, 7.5% less net energy in the diet; Quanti = 15% quantitative reduction in feed supply), with five replicates and two animals per replicate. Chromium supplementation and quantitative feed restriction reduced feed, lysine, net energy, and crude protein intakes (P &lt; 0.05). Chromium, ractopamine, and quantitative restriction improved feed conversion (P &lt; 0.05). Supplementation with chromium and ractopamine and feed restriction did not influence the carcass characteristics of the pigs (P &lt; 0.05). Quantitative feed restriction and supplementation of 0.8mg of chromium yeast are presented as potential alternatives to ractopamine in the diet of finishing pigs.

Productive Performance of Lactating Crossbred Dairy Cows Fed with Wheat Straw‐Based Densified Complete Feed Block

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of feeding densified complete feed block (DCFB) on the production performances of lactating F1 Friesian x Borena crossbred cows. Four mid‐lactating multiparous cows with 2–5 parity having similar milk yield (8–10 l·day−1) were evaluated using 4 × 4 Latin square design for a total of 84 days. The treatments include natural pasture hay supplemented with a concentrate mixture at the rate of 0.5 kg·l−1 of milk yield·cow−1 (T1) and three different wheat straw‐based DCFBs in the ratio of 50 : 50 (T2), 40 : 60 (T3), and 30 : 70 (T4). The result revealed that the average daily dry matter (DM) intake was similar among all dietary treatments except for T2 that had lower (P &lt; 0.05) daily DM intake. The crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) intakes for cows in T3 and T4 were comparable (P &gt; 0.05) but significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) compared to T1 and T2. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake remained the same among treatment groups while T1 consumed higher (P &lt; 0.05) acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared to other diets. Cows in T3 and T4 groups had higher (P &lt; 0.05) DM and OM digestibility but comparable (P &gt; 0.05) NDF and ADF digestibility compared to T1. The CP digestibility and daily average milk yield were higher (P &lt; 0.05) for T4. Daily fat, protein, and lactose yield in the DCFB group showed an increasing trend with the level of concentrate, whereas cows in the T4 group exceptionally produced higher (P &lt; 0.05) yields. Fat‐corrected milk yield (FCM) was lower (P &lt; 0.05) for T4 compared to T1 and T2 groups. Milk fat percentages were lower (P &lt; 0.05) but milk protein percentages were higher for cows in T4 but similar for the rest of the diets. Milk lactose did not vary (P &gt; 0.05) over all the treatments. Milk conversion efficiency was similar (P &gt; 0.05) among the DCFB but higher (P &lt; 0.05) for control cows. The partial budget analysis indicated that net profit and marginal return were much higher for diet in the ratio of 40 : 60. Inclusion of wheat straw at 40% could be an efficient feeding option for F1 Friesian x Borena lactating crossbred cows managed under indoor conditions. However, DCFB manufacturing and distribution at a large scale requires machineries (chopper/grinder, mixer, and compressor). Further study needs to evaluate the storability and strength of the DCFBs under varying storage conditions and the long‐term effect of DCFB on milk yield and quality of improved lactating dairy cows in Ethiopia.

Analysis of rotational grazing management for sheep in mixed grassland.

Sown mixed grassland is rarely used for livestock raising and grazing; however, different forages can provide various nutrients for livestock, which may be beneficial to animal health and welfare. We established a sown mixed grassland and adopted a rotational grazing system, monitored the changes in aboveground biomass and sheep weights during the summer grazing period, measured the nutrients of forage by near-infrared spectroscopy, tested the contents of medium- and long-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography, and explored an efficient sheep fattening system that is suitable for agro-pastoral interlacing areas. The results showed that the maximum forage supply in a single grazing paddock was 4.6 kg DM/d, the highest dry matter intake (DMI) was 1.80 kg DM/ewe/d, the average daily weight gain (ADG) was 193.3 g, the DMI and ADG were significantly correlated (P<0.05), and the average feed weight gain ratio (F/G) reached 8.02. The average crude protein and metabolizable energy intake by sheep were 286 g/ewe/d and 18.5 MJ/ewe/d respectively, and the n-6/n-3 ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mutton was 2.84. The results indicated that the sheep fattening system had high feed conversion efficiency, could improve the yield and quality of sheep, and could be promoted in suitable regions.

Supplementation of crossbred boer goats with cottonseed meal and/or urea enhances estimated metabolizable protein intake, crude protein digestibility and nitrogen retention

This study aimed to determine feed intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen retention of crossbred Boer bucks supplemented with urea or cottonseed meal (CSM)when fed tropical Rhodes (Chloris gayana) grass hay (RGH) as a basal diet. Twelve eight-month-old bucks (23.9±1.1 kg live weight) were allocated to one of the four dietary treatments in a randomised block design. The treatments were 1) maize supplement (Control); or maize plus 2) urea supplement (M+U), 3) urea and CSM (M+UCSM); and (4) CSM (M+CSM). All bucks were held in individual metabolism crates for 21 days (11 days of adaptation and 10 days collection period) with ad libitum access to RGH and fresh drinking water in addition to the supplements. A one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range tests were used to test for differences between means at a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. Results indicated higher feed intake, apparent digestibility of crude protein and digestible nutrient intake in goats supplemented with M+CSM and M+UCSM, but not M+U alone. Supplementation with M+CSM increased nitrogen retention by 300%. Supplementation with M+UCSM and M+CSM increased the total feed intake of Boer goats on tropical grass hay by 13 and 20%, respectively. Supplementation with M+U, M+UCSM, and M+CSM improved the apparent digestibility of crude protein by 9.7, 15.7 and 15.1%, respectively. It can be concluded that total feed intake and nutrient digestibility was increased on growing Boer goats fed RGH as a basal diet supplemented with true protein from CSM or a mixture of true protein and rumen degradable protein from urea.

Consumo, desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros terminados em confinamento com resíduo úmido de cervejaria como volumoso

ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of wet brewery residue (WBR) as a source of roughage on nutrient intake, performance and ingestive behaviour in lambs finished in confinement. Thirty-two uncastrated male lambs were used, weaned at 50 days of age. The treatments comprised increasing levels of WBR as roughage in the diet: 31, 44, 57 and 70%, on a dry-matter. The concentrate consisted of disintegrated corn, soybean meal, calcitic limestone and mineral salt. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.05) from the increasing levels of WBR on the intake of DM, OM, CP and TCH. The intake of EE, NDF and ADF increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), while TDN intake showed a linear reduction (P &lt; .0001) for increases in the level of WBR. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.010) on the average daily weight gain (ADG) from the addition of WBR to the diet. The time spent on feeding and rumination (P ≤ 0.05), expressed in minutes, showed a linear increase. Feeding rate for DM showed decreasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.006), while NDF rumination rate showed increasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.013) due to the increased levels of WBR in the diet. There was a linear increase in the time spent on each feeding activity (P ≤ 0.007) with the increase in WBR in the diet. Maximum weight gain is achieved when 46.9% WBR is used as a source of roughage in the diet, and this level can be recommended for terminating lambs in confinement.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF LOCAL BREWERY BY-PRODUCTS ON FEED INTAKE, BODY WEIGHT CHANGE AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF WOYTO-GUJI GOATS FED HAY-BASED DIETS

Local brewery byproducts such as atella and tata, resulting from several fermented beverages, are used as animal feed in Ethiopia. However, there is no sufficient information on the nutritional value of those feed resources for animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing local brewery by-products on feed intake, body weight change, and economic profitability of Woyto–Guji goats fed on hay. Twenty-four yearling intact Woyto-Guji male goats were used. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design. The goats were blocked into six groups of four animals based on initial body weight and randomly assigned to four different dietary treatments: hayalone (T1); haycombined with atella (T2); hay combined withtata (T3); and hay combined with an atella-tata mixture (1:1) (T4). The crude protein content of hay, atella, tata, and the atella-tata mixture used in this study were 7.35, 18.47, 17.51 and 17.86%, respectively. Dry matter intakes of 564.56 (T1), 810.27 (T2), 850.37 (T3), and 945.85 (T4) g/day, and crude protein intakes of 45.27 (T1), 104.18 (T2), 103.79 (T3), and 112.96 (T4) g/day were recorded. Total body weight gains were 2.76, 8.03, 6.15 and 9.72 Kg for the same treatments, respectively. Atella and tata, either supplemented alone or combined, increased body weight. The highest body weight gain was recorded in goats fed atella-tata mixture. All treatments had a positive net return.

Effect of forage quality and narasin inclusion on ruminal fermentation, nutrient intake, and total tract digestibility of Nellore steers.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of forage quality and narasin inclusion on intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation of Nellore steers. Twenty-eight rumen-cannulated Nellore steers (initial body weight [BW] = 350 ± 32.4kg) were allocated to individual pens in a randomized complete block design, with 7 blocks, defined according to the fasting BW at the beginning of the experiment. The steers were randomly assigned within blocks to 1 of 4 experimental diets in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements, being the first-factor forage quality (MEDIUM = 81g of CP/kg of dry matter [DM], and HIGH = 153g of CP/kg of DM), and the second factor was the inclusion (N13 = diet plus 13mg/kg of DM of narasin) or not (N0) of narasin (Zimprova; Elanco Animal Health, São Paulo, Brazil). The experiment consisted of a 28-d period with 22 d for adaptation and the last 6d for data collection. No haylage quality × narasin interaction (P ≥ 0.68) was observed on DM and nutrient intake. Haylage quality affected (P ≤ 0.01) DM intake, with greater values observed for steers fed HIGH compared with MEDIUM haylage. There was an increase (P < 0.001) in OM, NDF, hemicellulose, and CP intake for steers consuming HIGH vs. MEDIUM haylage. Including N13 did not affect (P > 0.39) DM and nutrient intake of steers. No haylage quality × narasin interactions were detected (P ≥ 0.60) for total tract nutrient digestibility. However, steers fed with HIGH haylage showed an increase (P > 0.001) in DM and digestibility of all nutrients compared with MEDIUM. Steers fed a MEDIUM haylage had a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of acetate compared with steers fed HIGH during all evaluated hours. Steers fed HIGH haylage had a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of propionate at 0h compared with steers consuming MEDIUM, whereas at 12h, steers consuming MEDIUM hay had a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of propionate vs. HIGH haylage. A haylage quality × narasin and haylage quality × time of collection interactions were detected (P ≤ 0.03) for rumen ammonia concentration, which was reduced (P < 0.03) in N13 vs. N0 steers consuming HIGH haylage. Collectively, high-quality haylage allows increased consumption and digestibility, with more energy-efficient ruminal fermentation. In addition, narasin might be an important nutritional tool in forage-based diets to enhance the ruminal fermentation parameters of Bos indicus Nellore steers.

Nutrient Intake and Nitrogen Balance of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Raw Cashew Nut Shell Diets

A study was conducted using twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks with an average weight of 6.74 ± 0.33 kg to determine the nutrient intake and nitrogen balance. The goats were allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design. The raw cashew nut shell was sun-dried and crushed to a particle size of less than 1 cm. The cashew nut shell was incorporated in the diets at the rate of 0% (diet A), 5% (diet B), 10% (diet C) and 15% (diet D) respectively. The experimental period lasted for 63days excluding 2weeks of adaptation. The chemical and mineral compositions of the diets were determined. Result showed that chemical composition were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the raw cashew nut shell. The crude protein ranged from 7.16 to 7.89% while the crude fiber varied from 22.45 to 24.01%. Calcium and Phosphorus content increased with increased level of raw cashew nut shell. Sodium ranged from 17.47 to 23.00% while magnesium varied from 9.34 to 12.94%. Goats fed diets A had the highest nitrogen balance (8.57 g/day) and highest percentage of nitrogen retention (86.58%) which is statistically similar to the values obtained in goats fed diet B; (8.34 g/day nitrogen balance and 84.58% percentage nitrogen retention). However, dry matter intake recorded in this study were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of raw sundried cashew nut shell in the diet. Goats fed diets A had the highest dry matter intake (456.37 g/day) while goats fed diet D had the least (207.69 g/day). Crude protein intake and crude fiber intake increased as the levels of raw cashew nut shell increased in diets. In conclusion, feeding of raw sundried cashew nut shell at 5% could provide good quality replacement ingredient to ruminants especially during the dry season for improved performance and productivity.

Effects of pre-weaning supplementation with fennel seed powder in two terms on growth performance, health status, and blood metabolites of Holstein dairy calves

This study investigated the effects of fennel seed powder (FSP) supplementation in liquid feed on growth performance, health, and blood parameters of preweaning dairy calves. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, 56 one-day-old female Holstein calves (n = 14/treatment) received liquid diet [colostrum (4.5 kg/d for the first 2 d), waste milk (6 kg/d from d 3 to 43, 5 kg/d from d 44 to 45, 4 kg/d from d 46 to 47, 3 kg/d from d 48 to 49)] supplemented with either of 3 or 6 g FSP (FSP3 or FSP6) in two terms (T: 25 or 50 d). Biometric and health traits were recorded daily, and blood metabolites were analyzed at d 25 and 50. The experiment was conducted under mild heat stress. The FSP6 group showed significant increase in starter dry matter intake (g/d and % of BW), starter crude protein (g/d), starter ether extract (g/d), starter ME (Mcal/d), total dry matter intake (g/d and % of BW), and total crude protein intake (g/d) during the last ten days of the experiment. The FSP6 group also had a significantly higher average daily gain (g/d), overall body weight (d 1–51), final weight (d 51), and total hip width compared with the FSP3 group. Feed conversion was higher in the FSP6–25 T or − 50 T groups than in the FSP3–25 T (but not −50 T) group. Calves receiving 3 g of FSP had a higher likelihood of experiencing elevated rectal temperature [≥ 39.4 ºC, odds ratio (OR) = 1.583 and confidence interval (CI) = 1.25 to 2.00], poor general appearance [(1 = normal and alert; 2 = ears drooped; 3 = head and ears drooped, dull eyes, slightly lethargic; 4 = head and ears drooped, dull eyes, lethargic; and 5 = severely lethargic); ≥ 2, OR = 1.47 and CI = 1.14 to 1.91)], and diarrhea [(1 = normal; 2 = soft to loose; 3 = loose to watery; 4 = watery, mucous, slightly bloody; and 5 = watery, mucous, and bloody); ≥ 3 (OR = 1.36 and CI = 1.04 to 1.76)] compared to those in the FSP6 group. Conversely, calves in the FSP6 group had fewer days of increased rectal temperature (4.75 vs. 7.11 d), poor general appearance (3.93 vs. 5.75 d), and diarrhea (3.85 vs. 5.11 d) than those in the FSP3 group. In addition, serum levels of alanine transferase (15.90 vs. 16.98 U/L for FSP6 vs. FSP3) and malondialdehyde (1.24 vs. 1.43 nmol/mL for FSP6 vs. FSP3) were significantly lower in the FSP6 group than in the FSP3 group. In addition, longer feeding of FSP was more effective than shorter feeding in lowering both traits. A triglyceride-lowering effect was observed in the FSP3 group compared with the FSP6 group (27.45 vs. 30.90 mg/dL). Overall, supplementation of liquid feed with 6 g FSP for 25 or 50 d improved growth performance in dairy calves.

Cactus Cladodes and Sugarcane Bagasse Can Partially Replace Earless Corn Silage in Diets of Lactating Dairy Cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing earless corn silage (ECS) with cactus cladodes (CC; Opuntia spp.) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) on nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk yield (MY), and composition of lactating dairy cows. Ten Holstein cows, weighing 571 ± 97.0 kg and producing 23.0 ± 4.4 kg of milk per day, were assigned to two contemporaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares. Treatments consisted of five levels of ECS replacement with CC plus SB (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The results showed a linear increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p &lt; 0.05) (15.98 and 18.73 kg/day) and a quadratic increase (p &lt; 0.05) in crude protein and energy intake (2.97 kg/day and 27.52 Mcal/day at 95.4 and 88.6% substitution, respectively). Apparent DM digestibility increased (p &lt; 0.05), but fiber digestibility decreased linearly (p &lt; 0.05). Treatments had a quadratic effect (p &lt; 0.05) on MY and fat-corrected MY (24.17 kg/day and 21.9 kg/day at 63.9% and 38.6% CC plus SB, respectively). Milk fat (3.26 and 2.35%) and total solids content decreased linearly (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the percentages of protein, lactose, and nonfat solids increased (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the CC–SB diets linearly reduced the time spent on feeding and rumination and total chewing time. For Holstein cows fed common semiarid diets, milk production can be maximized by replacing 38.6% of ECS with CC plus SB.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, and utilization in goats fed graded levels of hempseed cake finisher diets

Globally, the price of soybean meal, the most common proteinaceous ingredient in livestock diets, has become highly expensive prompting a search for alternative ingredients. Hemp seed cake is a promising alternative but could be limited by its high neutral detergent fiber and ether extract contents which impede nutrient intake and digestibility. However, some ruminant species such as goats have superior ability to digest high fiber and ether extract diets. Thus, the current research evaluated nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis of goats fed hempseed cake as a substitute for soybean meal in finisher diets. A total of 25 Kalahari Red castrates (27 ± 3 kg, 4–5 months old) were assigned to five dietary treatments (5 goats/ diet) in a completely randomized design. A maize-lucerne-based finishing diet was formulated with hempseed cake substituting soybean meal as the primary protein ingredient at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g/kg dry matter. Ether extract intake exhibited a positive linear trend (P ≤ 0.05) while crude protein intake and microbial nitrogen supply exhibited a negative linear trend (P ≤ 0.05) with dietary inclusion of hempseed cake. However, feeding hempseed cake did not influence (P > 0.05) apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters and nitrogen use efficiency. In conclusion, the substitution of soybean meal for hempseed cake decreased crude protein intake and microbial nitrogen supply in goat finisher diets without compromising nutrient digestibility and nitrogen use efficiency. The study recommends partial or full replacement of soybean meal with hempseed cake in goat finisher diets.

Feeding Pellets Containing Agro-Industrial Waste Enhances Feed Utilization and Rumen Functions in Thai Beef Cattle.

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of citric waste fermented with yeast waste pellet (CWYWP) supplementation on feed intake, rumen characteristics, and blood metabolites in native Thai beef cattle that are fed a rice-straw-based diet. Four native male Thai beef cattle (1.0-1.5 years old) with an initial body weight (BW) of 116 ± 16 kg were held in a 4 × 4 Latin square design within 21-day periods. The animals were assigned to receive CWYWP supplementation at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% of the total dry matter (DM) intake per day. The results indicate that feeding beef cattle with CWYWP leads to a linear increase in the total intake as well was the intake of crude protein (CP) and the digestibility of CP, with the maximum levels observed at 6% CWYWP supplementation (p < 0.05). Rumen characteristics, including pH, blood urea-nitrogen concentration, and protozoal population, showed no significant alterations in response to the varying CWYWP dosages (p > 0.05). In addition, the CWYWP supplementation resulted in no significant changes in the concentration of ammonia-nitrogen, remaining within an average normal range of 10.19-10.38 mg/dL (p > 0.05). The inclusion of 6% CWYWP resulted in the highest population of ruminal bacteria (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CWYWP supplementation led to a statistically significant increase in the mean propionic acid concentration as compared to the group that did not receive the CWYWP supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this experiment demonstrates that supplementing Thai native beef cattle with CWYWP at either 4% or 6% DM per day can enhance their total CP intake as well as the CP digestibility and rumen bacterial population, and can increase propionate concentration.

Assessing the In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of Supplementation with a Garlic (Allium sativum) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil Mixture on Digestibility in West African Sheep.

This study assessed the impact of a mixture of garlic (Allium sativum) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oils (EOGOs) on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vivo apparent nutrient digestibility. Different EOGO inclusion levels were evaluated to assess the dose response and potential effects of the mixture. Three EOGO inclusion levels (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/kg of incubated dry matter) were evaluated in vitro, while four treatments (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/day of EOGO and a control group) were tested in vivo on 12 West African sheep. A randomized controlled trial was conducted using a 4 × 4 design. Blood parameters (glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and β-hydroxybutyrate) were measured to observe the effect of EOGO on the metabolism. The results showed that the inclusion of EOGO significantly enhanced IVDMD at low levels (p < 0.052) compared with the highest levels in treatments containing 0.5 and 0.75 mL/kg of EOGO dry matter. A higher intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.05) was observed in the in vivo diets with the inclusion of EOGO. In terms of in vivo apparent digestibility, significant differences were found among treatments in the digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, and NDF. EOGO inclusion increased the digestibility of DM. CP digestibility displayed a cubic effect (p < 0.038), with the lowest values of digestibility observed at 1 mL EOGO inclusion. Additionally, NDF digestibility showed a cubic effect (p < 0.012), with the highest value obtained at 0.75 mL of EOGO inclusion. The inclusion levels above 0.75 mL EOGO showed a cubic effect, which indicates that higher concentrations of EOGO may not be beneficial for the digestibility of CP and NDF. Although no significant difference was observed in total digestible nutrients, a linear trend was observed (p < 0.059). EOGO improved the intake of DM, CP, and NDF. EOGO supplementation improved the digestibility of DM and NDF, with optimal levels observed at 0.5 mL/day. No significant effects were observed in the blood parameters. These results suggest that EOGO has the potential as an additive in ruminal nutrition to improve food digestibility and serve as an alternative to antibiotic additives. The use of EOGO potentially improves fiber digestion and may reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock production. Garlic (A. sativum) and oregano (O. vulgare) essential oils effectively modulated fiber digestibility at 0.75 mL/day. Garlic (A. sativum) and oregano (O. vulgare) essential oils have the potential to improve digestibility at low inclusion levels and serve as an alternative to antibiotic additives. The effectiveness of essential oils is greater in a mixture and at lower doses.

Nutritional Evaluation of Hydroponic Corn Fodder and its Effect as Substitute for Feed Concentrates for Buffalo Calves

This study investigated the effects of hydroponic corn fodder on the growth performance of buffalo calves. Twelve Bulgarian Murrah buffalo calves were divided into two treatment groups: T1, fed with Napier grass and starter feed concentrates, and T2, fed with Napier grass, starter feed concentrates, and hydroponic corn fodder, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate. The study found no significant differences between the two groups' average total weight gain and average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake was significantly higher in T2, possibly due to the tender and young nature of the hydroponic corn fodder. Dry matter and crude protein intake did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The digestibility of nutrients showed a significant difference in dry matter digestibility between T1 and T2. Feed cost per d was significantly lower in T1, but the cost of feed per kg gain was lower in T2. This study suggested that supplementing buffalo calves' diets with hydroponic corn fodder could have a beneficial effect on their growth performance and economic viability. It recommends further research on the use of other grains as fodder for ruminants. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of hydroponic corn production as a sustainable source of fodder for ruminants.

Effect of Replacing Rice Impurities Instead of Wheat Bran or Barley on Digestibility and Productive Performance of Awassi Lambs

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution three levels of rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran or barley grains on digestibility and productive performance of Awassi lambs. In the morning, concentrated feed was given individually at 3% of live body weight as a dry matter basis for 56 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. Roughage intake (wheat straw) was given ad-libitum (with residue) and recorded. Twenty-four male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial weight 24.66 ± 2.81kg divided into six treatments with replacing rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran (T1), T2, T3) or barley grains (T4, T5, T6) in a 2×3 factorial experiment/Completely Randomized Design. The results showed no significant differences in daily intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), soluble carbohydrates (NFE) and metabolizable energy (Me), and an increase (P < 0.05) in the intake of ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF) (P < 0.01) and ash in T6 (100% rice impurities instead of barley), while daily gain and total gain increased significantly (P<0.05) for treatment T3 (100% rice impurities instead of wheat bran) 198.21g/day and 11.1kg in contrasted to others. feed efficiency and digestibility didn’t differ when replacing rice impurities. In conclusion: It’s possible to use rice impurities instead of barley grain or wheat bran to achieve low-priced feed ingredients with a higher weight gain and sustainable development.

Prediction of voluntary intake and enteric methane emission by dairy heifers in integrated systems

To compare the predictions of voluntary intake and enteric methane (CH4) emissions in integrated crop-livestock (ICL) and integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems, a 2 × 2 crossover trial was carried out with eight Girolando heifers divided into two groups according to their live weight (LW) and age. The daily means of total dry matter intake (9.66 and 8.44 kg day-1) and total enteric CH4 emission (9.99 and 8.79 MJ day-1; and 186.68 and 164.30 g day-1) were similar between ICL and ICLF, respectively. The CH4 emission expressed per unit of crude protein intake (CPI) was lower (P