Crude Protein Intake Research Articles

Intake, digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of rams fed sugarcane bagasse or rice husk treated with Trichoderma viride and effective microorganisms

Sugarcane bagasse and rice husk are lignocellulose rich agricultural by-products designated as an alternative feed for ruminant. However, their nutritive value is relatively low due to low digestibility, high fiber content, low protein content and low palatability. Therefore, the nutritional value of these by-products can be improved with biological treatments. The objective of this study to evaluate the feed intake, digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of Hararghe highland sheep fed biologically treated rice husk (RH) or sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in concentrate mixtures. Thirty six rams with an average age of 10 months and an average initial weight of 18 ± 1.8kg were assigned in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2 × 3 factorial arrangements, with two feeds (SCB and RH) and three treatment groups (Control, Trichoderma viride and effective microorganism (EM)). 5% EM1 was used to prepare the activated EM solution and 5% Trichoderma viride (Tv) solution was used to prepare inaculant. Sheep were fed ad libitum for 90 days at 20% refusal rate followed by10 days of digestibility trial. Nutrient intake and digestibility of sheep were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the interaction. Sheep fed either treated or untreated rice husk based diets had significantly higher dry matter (DM g/d), organic matter (OM g/d), crude protein (CP g/d) and metabolizable energy (ME MJ/d) intake than a diet based on untreated sugarcane bagasse or treated with Trichoderma viride. Sheep fed diets containing either treated or untreated rice husks had a higher average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency than sugarcane bagasse containing diets. Sheep fed diets containing biologically treated roughages had significantly higher (p < 0.05) average daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between rams fed diets containing EM and Trichoderma viride (Tv) treated rice husk or sugarcane bagasse in average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Values of some blood hematology (red blood cell, haemoglobin and packed cell volume) and total protein, urea, glucose and cholesterol of serum metabolites were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for rams fed diet containing rice husk. In conclusion, the results show that the biological treatment of feed with the effective microorganism or Trichoderma viride improved nutrient utilization and average daily gain in the sheep fattening diet.

Evaluation of Urine Nitrogen Excretion as the Measure of the Environmental Load and the Efficiency of Nitrogen Utilization

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nutrition, the concentration of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and the urinary nitrogen excretion in farm conditions and to use the MUN concentration as a tool to control protein nutrition and environmental load in dairy farming. Urinary N excretion was evaluated by an empirical model according to the intake and metabolic transformation of N to milk protein in selected farms was on average 208.8 ± 34.8 g with a range of values from 127.7 to 277.8 g N.day−1. The evaluated proportion of excreted N in relation to crude protein (CP) intake in the total mix ration (TMR) was statistically significant (R2 = 0.504; P &lt; 0.0001). Urinary N excretion, evaluated according to the analysis of the MUN content, using selected regression equations, was on average 211.8 ± 24.3 g.day−1 with an individual variation of 157.2‒274.7 g.day−1 with a significantly higher positive correlation to the received CP in the TMR (R2 = 0.693; P &lt; 0.0001). The evaluated effect of CP concentration in the TMR on urine N excretion confirmed the higher nitrogen excretion in the urine by 25.6 g per day with an increased CP in the TMR by 1 %. The proportion of urea nitrogen in the total N excreted in the urine was on average 80.5 %. The validation of the models for the prediction of nitrogen excretion, according to the MUN for the practical application on farms, was determined the best equation by Kaufmann a St-Pierre, which used available data from routine analysis of milk composition by the Breeding service of Slovakia. The MUN analysis offered a simple and non-invasive approach to the evaluation of the urinary N excretion, as well as, the efficiency of N utilization from feed to milk.

Inclusion of palm kernel cake in the supplement reduces nutrient digestibility but does not interfere with the performance of steers finished on tropical pasture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing inclusion levels of palm kernel cake (PKC) in the supplement of steers finished on a Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, weight gain, and carcass traits. Forty 1/2 Holstein × 1/2 Zebu crossbred steers with an average body weight of 352.80 ± 3.32kg, at 36months of age, were supplemented with concentrate at 0.4% of their body weight. Four treatments were formulated (supplement containing 0, 15, 30, or 45% PKC, dry matter [DM] basis) and the animals were monitored for 240days, weighed, and slaughtered. The inclusion of PKC in the supplement did not influence the intakes of total DM, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber, but increased (P < 0.05) ether extract intake and reduced (P < 0.05) non-fibrous carbohydrate intake. The apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber decreased (P < 0.05), whereas intake and rumination efficiencies by the dietary treatments. Average daily gain, carcass weight, and backfat thickness did not change in response to the inclusion of PKC in the supplement. We recommend the inclusion of 45% palm kernel cake in the concentrate of steers supplemented at 0.4% of their body weight and finished on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture.

Effects of lowering dietary protein content without or with increased protein-bound and feed-grade amino acids supply on growth performance, body composition, metabolism, and acute-phase protein of finishing pigs under daily cyclic heat stress.

This study investigated the effects of a low-protein diet with or without an increase in dietary protein and feed-grade amino acids (AAs) on the growth performance, body composition, metabolism, and serum acute-phase proteins of finishing pigs reared in thermoneutrality or cyclic heat stress conditions. A total of 90 gilts (67.7 ± 6.2 kg) were distributed in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two ambient temperatures and three diets). Ambient temperatures (AT) were thermoneutral (TN, 22 °C for 24 h) and cyclic heat stress (CHS, 12 h to 35 °C and 12 h to 22 °C). The evaluated diets (D) were high crude protein (HP); low CP-free AA-supplemented diets (LPAAs); low CP-free AA-supplemented diets and digestible Lys level (+20%), and Lys:AA ratios above recommendations (LPAA+). The experimental period lasted 48 d (two experimental phases: days 0-27 and days 28-48, respectively). CHS pigs had higher skin temperature (P < 0.05) than TN pigs. Pigs in CHS had higher rectal temperature (P < 0.05) than TN pigs until day 38 but similar (P > 0.10) to TN pigs from 38 to 45 d. For the entire experiment, CHS pigs had lower (P < 0.05) final BW, average daily gain and daily feed intake, net energy intake, body lipid, bone mineral, lipid deposition, energy retention, Lys and CP intake, and nitrogen excretion than TN pigs. The level of CP intake impacted nitrogen excretion, nitrogen retention efficiency, and urea as pigs fed HP had the highest values, and pigs fed LPAA had the lowest values (P < 0.05). On day 27, CHS pigs had lower (P < 0.05) free triiodothyronine than TN pigs. LPAA+ pigs had lower (P < 0.05) insulin than LPAA. On day 48, CHS pigs had lower (P < 0.05) thyroxine, albumin, and lactate than TN pigs. On day 27, pigs fed LPAA+ had higher (P < 0.05) lactate than pigs fed HP or LPAA. Both AT and D were enough to stimulate the immune system as CHS pigs had lower (P < 0.05) transferrin and 23-kDa protein levels than TN pigs, and HP pigs had higher haptoglobin than LPAA on day 27. These results confirm the deleterious effects of high AT on performance, body composition, metabolism, and immune system stimulation in finishing pigs. These data also show that a diet with low levels of CP can be provided to pigs in CHS without affecting performance and body composition while reducing nitrogen excretion. However, the use of a diet with an AA level above the requirements obtained by increasing intact protein and free AA did not attenuate the impact of CHS on performance and body composition of pigs.

Feeding barley and corn hydroponic based rations improved digestibility and performance in Beetal goats

The current trial aimed to determine the impacts of fed goats with hydroponic fodder-based maize or barley rations on nutrient digestibility, growth and efficiency of consumed feed, and some blood constituents. Twenty-four post-weaned growing Beetal male kids (3 months of age with an initial body weight of 12.4 ± 0.03 kg) were randomly allocated into six equal groups (n = 4, each one). Each group was offered one of the following dietary treatments: T0, fed 100 % basal diet (BD; containing 80 % Lucerne hay and 20 % wheat straw); T1, fed 80 % BD + 20 % Hydroponic fodder Maize (HFM); T2, fed 80 % BD + 20 % Hydroponic fodder Barley (HFB); T3, fed 60 % BD + 40 % HFM; T4, 60 % BD + 40 % HFB; T5, 60 % BD + 20 % HFM + 20 % HFB for 90 days feeding trial period. Animals were kept under the same hygienic, rearing and environmental conditions. The dry matter and crude protein intake results revealed significant increases in all hydroponic-based rations, with T4 and T5 reporting higher values when compared to the control and other treated groups. Whereas, the T1 group had the maximum fiber intake compared to the other treated and non-treated groups. At the same trend, the T5 group recorded the highest final weight, weight gain, and total weight gain values and the lowest feed conversion ratio compared to the other experimental groups. In addition, goats fed a diet containing two types of hydroponic-based fodder (T5) exhibited a highly significant improvement in all nutrient digestibility and total nitrogen balance compared with other experimental groups. Furthermore, feeding goats hydroponic maize and barley-based rations had no significant influence on blood biochemical and hematological parameters, except that the lymphocyte percentage increased considerably in T2 and T3 groups compared to other experimental groups. In conclusion, in arid and semi-arid regions where most feeds are imported and resources of both land and water are scarce, feeding animal diets incorporating hydroponic fodder might improve growth and production while filling a feed supply gap.

Sunflower Cake from the Biodiesel Industry in the Diet Improves the Performance and Carcass Traits of Nellore Young Bulls.

We aimed to determine the optimal inclusion level of sunflower cake (0, 90, 180, and 270 g/kg total DM) as a partial replacement of soybean meal and corn ground in young bulls' diets by examining nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, metabolic serum profile, growth performance, and carcass traits. Thirty-two intact Nellore bulls (BW 374 ± 42.5) were distributed in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted 90 days. The final BW of the animals was 515.25 ± 24.7. There was a linear decrease effect in the intake of DM, crude protein and nonfibrous carbohydrates, eating and rumination efficiency, N-urinary, N-total excretion, and blood urea nitrogen. Sunflower cake did not affect the NDF digestibility, nitrogen (N)-fecal excretion, blood metabolites, Longissimus lumborum muscle area, or subcutaneous fat deposition. There were linear and quadratic effects on the eating and rumination time, microbial protein production and efficiency, gamma-glutamyl transferase and cholesterol serum concentrations, and muscle carcass tissue. There was a quadratic effect on ether extract intake, final BW, and total gain with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the young bull's diet. The replacement of soybean meal and corn ground with sunflower cake at the level of 90 g/kg of DM in the diet of young bulls is recommended because it reduces the DM intake and digestibility, increases microbial protein synthesis and muscle tissue deposition, and consequently improves the performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits.

Nutritional effects and feeding behavior in ewes fed with biscuit bran and cashew nut bran, with different energy levels.

This research evaluated the effects of biscuit bran and cashew nut bran as energy source and additional energy level on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, energy partitioning, N balance, and blood parameters on ewes. Twenty Morada Nova cull ewes breed (average age of 3years old and initial body weight of 30.1 ± 3.56kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme of two energy sources (biscuit bran vs. cashew nut bran) and two levels of energy above 10% and 25% of the recommended energy requirements. The inclusion of cashew nut bran above 10% of the recommended energy promoted a lower crude protein (CP) and ethereal extract intake (P < 0.01) than cashew nut bran above 25% of the recommended energy. The interaction between energy source × energy level did not affect digestibility and energy partition on ewes (P > 0.05). The diet containing cashew nut bran above 10% of the recommended energy presented lower metabolizable energy intake and energy balance (P < 0.05). Regarding N balance, the cashew nut bran diet above 10% of the recommended energy decreased Nintake (P = 0.01), Nabsorbed (P < 0.01), and Nbalance (P = 0.04). Partial replacement of corn with the byproduct biscuit bran or cashew nut bran is a possible nutritional strategy. Ewes fed with 210g/kg of biscuit bran presented greater CP intake and improvement of the protein use with the reduction of plasma levels of urea.

Partial replacement of canola meal with dried dairy waste as a protein source in the diet of dairy cow: Effects on lactation performance, ruminal measurements, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance

The potential nutritive values and in vivo responses of dried dairy waste (DDW) as a protein substitution for canola meal (CM) in the diet of early lactating Holstein dairy cows were evaluated. Twenty-four dairy cows were assigned to three treatments in a complete randomized design with eight replicates for 35 days. The treatments consisted of a control (without DDW), a low level of DDW (50% of dietary CM content was replaced by DDW), and a high level of DDW (100%). Dry matter intakes averaged 26.9 and 24.9 kg per day for control and DDW supplemented diets. Cows showed similar total-tract digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and ether extract. Ruminal pH and individual volatile fatty acids were not affected by the inclusion of DDW. There were no significant differences among the treatments for raw milk, fat, or energy corrected milk, as well as milk fat and protein yield by dietary replacement of CM with DDW. When compared to the control, feeding DDW enhanced feed efficiencies determined using raw milk and milk that has had its fat or calorie content adjusted. As the quantity of dietary DDW increased, urinary urea-N (g/d) decreased. Reduced urinary urea and manure nitrogen excretion are based on reduced dry matter intake, and 0.42 kg less crude protein intake when DDW replaced CM. DDW, as an alternative available protein source, could replace 50% of dietary CM. If milk production is maintained, DDW may be an eco-friendly supplement in lactating dairy cows by reducing feed and crude protein intake.

N-fertilization of tropical pastures improves performance but not methane emission of Nellore growing bulls.

Grazing management and N-fertilizer have been reported to improve tropical forage productivity and quality, however, their effect on methane emission of grazing animals remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of increasing application rates of nitrogen (N) fertilization of Marandu palisadegrass under continuous stocking on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, and enteric methane emissions of Nellore growing bulls. We hypothesized that changes in the forage nutritive value caused by N fertilization of pastures combined with adequate grazing management (e.g., greater crude protein [CP] and digestibility) would lead to an increase in animal productivity (e.g., greater average daily gain [ADG] and gain per area), and then, to a decrease in methane emission intensity. Treatments consisted of different annual application rates of nitrogen fertilization: 0, 75, and 150 kg N/ha using ammonium nitrate (32% N) as the nitrogen source. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments and four replications (12 paddocks). Intake, digestibility, N balance, and methane emissions were measured in eight animals per treatment. CP intake, digestibility and N balance increased linearly with the increase in N fertilization (P < 0.05). In addition, stocking rate (SR) and ADG linearly increased from 1.75 animal unit (AU = 450 kg)/ha and 0.62 kg/d (0 kg N/ha) to 3.75 AU/ha and 0.82 kg/d (150 kg N/ha), respectively. Individual methane emissions nor methane emission intensity were affected by treatment with an average of 164.7 g/d and 199.7 g/kg ADG (P > 0.05). Annual N fertilization with ammonium nitrate between 75 and 150 kg N/ha in palisadegrass pastures under continuous stocking enhances animal performance per unit area yet not affecting neither methane production nor intensity.

Comparative protein quality in black soldier fly larvae meal vs. soybean meal and fish meal using classical protein efficiency ratio (PER) chick growth assay model

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is a relatively new ingredient that has attracted attention for application in human, farm, and companion animal nutrition. However, there is limited data on protein quality (PQ) of BSFLM. This study compared PQ in BSFLM with soybean meal (SBM) and fishmeal (FM) using the classical protein efficiency ratio (PER) chick growth assay model. A total of 240-male day-old Ross×Ross broiler chicks were allocated to 6 test diets for 10 d test. The corn starch-dextrose based diets were: 5 test diets containing 10% crude protein (CP) from casein (as a standard assay diet), SBM, FM, or BSFLM without or with (BSFLM+) additional essential amino acids (EAA) to match the levels of the SBM diet on digestible basis. A sixth diet was nitrogen-free (NFD), to enable calculation of net protein ratio (NPR). The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water, body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were recorded at the beginning and end of the experimental feeding period. Body weight gain (BWG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), crude protein intake (CPI), PER, and NPR were calculated. The analyzed CP (as fed) was 10.1, 12.8, 9.5, 11.7, and 14.9% for casein, SBM, FM, BSFLM, and BSFLM+ diets, respectively. Birds fed BSFLM+ had greater BWG (P < 0.01) than birds fed other diets. Feed intake was greater (P < 0.01) for birds fed BSFLM+ and FM diets than birds fed other diets. Birds fed BSFLM+ ate (P < 0.01) more CP than birds fed other diets. Diets had no (P > 0.05) effects on PER and NPR. In terms of ranking, the PER was 2.44, 2.38, 2.34, 2.28, and 2.10 g BWG/g CPI for BSFLM+, SBM, FM, casein, and BSLM, respectively. Corresponding values for NPR were 2.69, 2.78, 2.70, 2.74, and 2.48 g BWG/g CPI, respectively. In conclusion, the protein quality of BSFLM without or with additional EAA was comparable with FM and SBM.

Performance and enteric methane emission of growing beef bulls from different genetic groups subjected to two supplementation strategies grazing tropical grass in the rainy season

Improving livestock production through nutrition and breeding can increase efficiency and has the potential to mitigate methane (CH4) emissions. Additionally, supplementing beef cattle in the rainy season balances the dietary protein:energy (P:E) ratio, which can increase animal performance and reduce energy losses from CH4 production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation strategy (SS) and genetic group (GG) on the intake, digestibility, performance, and enteric CH4 emissions of growing beef bulls grazing tropical grass during the rainy season. One hundred sixty-two growing beef bulls averaging (mean ± SD) 10 ± 2 months old and 262 ± 31 kg of initial body weight (BW) were distributed, according to their BW, in a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Factors included (1) two SSs (mineral supplementation at 0.3 g/kg of BW per day and a corn-based supplementation at 3 g/kg of BW per day) and (2) three GGs (Nellore [NN], ½Senepol½Nellore [SN], and ½Angus½Nellore [AN]). Animals were allocated in 12 paddocks composed of Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Xaraés for 99 days during the rainy season. Regardless of the GG, the intakes of total DM, supplement DM, OM, CP, aNDFom, EE, and NFC were increased in animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement. The SN bulls had a greater digestibility of DM, OM, and CP, and animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement had greater CP and EE digestibility. There was an interaction between GG and SS for NFC digestibility, which was decreased in AN animals fed a corn-based supplement. However, the corn-based supplementation improved the animal’s performance and carcass characteristics as demonstrated by the increase of final BW (kg), ADG (kg), REA (cm2), and FT (mm). Moreover, NN animals fed a corn-based supplement showed an increase in ADG (kg). An interaction between SS and GG was observed for GPH (kg/ha) and CaG (kg), with the greatest values observed in NN and SN animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement. Enteric CH4 emissions (g/d, g/kg of DMI, and g/kg of dOM) were lower in animals fed a corn-based supplement. A decrease in CH4 emissions (g/d) was observed in SN compared to NN animals. In addition, there was an interaction between SS and GG for CH4 emissions (g/kg of CaG), with the lowest values for NN and SN animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement. Taken together, our results demonstrate that corn-based supplementation is an effective nutritional strategy for use in the rainy season, especially for NN and SN genetic groups, to improve animal’s performance and carcass characteristics and to decrease enteric CH4 emissions, per unit of product, of growing beef bulls grazing tropical grass.

Effect of feeding frequency of curcuma longa supplemented diets on nutrients intake, growth performance and rumen fermentation characteristics of goats

Natural feed additives are gaining increased attention due to their ability to improve animal performance. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the effect of feeding frequency of diets supplemented turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder on goats’ performance. Thus, a basal diet was formulated such that 10g of turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) was supplemented with 300g feed as ration for goats. Twenty goats were used for this trial, balanced for weight, arranged in Completely Randomized Design experiment, of five goats per group. The goats were fed the ration once a week, alternate days/skip a day, daily while the control had no TRP in their diet. The feeding trial lasted 56 days. Parameters were taken on nutrients intake, utilization, weight change, microbial evaluation, rumen fermentation characteristics and all data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. From the results, TRP supplemented diets did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influence the nutrients intake except for crude protein intake (CPI). Nitrogen retention (NR), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced. NR (86.64%), DWG (55g/d) and FCR (9.96) of goat-does fed TRP supplemented diets on daily basis was the best. Feeding frequency of TRP supplemented diet linearly decreased total bacteria count (TBC) and rumen pH, as the frequency increases while total fungi count (TFC) non-linearly increases. Meanwhile, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) did not follow a particular trend. Conclusively, daily supplementing of goats’ diet with TRP at 10g/300g feed optimally improved goats’ performance and is thus recommended.

Dried-Atella as an affordable supplementary feed resource for a better sheep production: in the case of Washera lambs in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has a huge livestock population that includes sheep, which can be considered as a significant potential for the advancement of the country's economy. However, due to a shortage of appropriate supplementary feed and its escalating price, the production and productivity of sheep fattening in Ethiopian smallholder farmers are below its potential. Moreover, the use of Dried-Atella as an affordable supplementary feed resource for a better sheep production is not investigated and well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the comparative supplementation effects of Dried-Atella and Niger seed cakes (NSCs) on total dry matter and nutrient intake, body weight change, and carcass characteristics of Washera lambs. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three treatments replicated five times. The treatments are described as follows: Treatment 1 = Natural pasture hay (NPH) (800 g/d) + Wheat bran (WB) (160 g/d) + salt and water (ad libitum); Treatment 2 = NPH (800 g/d) + WB (160 g/d) + NSC (163 g/d) + salt and water (ad libitum); and Treatment 3 = NPH (800 g/d) + WB (160 g/d) + Dried-Atella (330 g/d) + salt and water (ad libitum). The finding elucidated that the crude protein (CP) content of Dried Atella, WB, NPH, and NSC were about 25.07%, 16.57%, 4.48%, and 38.04%, respectively. The result also indicated that the average mean value of the feed and CP intake of the sheep fed Dried-Atella was significantly higher than the other treatments (P-value = 0.000). With regard to the CP digestibility and dry matter digestibility, animals supplemented with Dried-Atella were significantly higher than the control group with P-value = 0.000 and P-value = 0.028, respectively. The body weight gain of the sheep is significantly higher (P-value = 0.008) for feeds supplemented with Dried-Atella than feeds without any supplement. In terms of economic profitability, a slightly better benefit was recorded in feed supplements with Dried-Atella than supplements with NSC, animal feed without any supplement exhibited loss. Considering its effect on feed intake, CP intake, and its digestibility, body weight gain, and carcass characteristics of lambs, Dried-Atella is a promising affordable supplementary feed resource for better sheep production in Ethiopia.

Effect of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray intake on in vivo methane (CH4) emission and milk production in dual-purpose cows in the Colombian Amazonian piedmont.

The inclusion of Tithonia diversifolia in pasture-based diets is a promising alternative to increase bovine productivity, due to its chemical composition and wide adaptation, but there are few in vivo studies to determine its effect on methane yield and animal production in grazing systems. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the T. diversifolia inclusion in a basal diet of Brachiaria humidicola on methane (CH4) emissions by enteric fermentation, and on milk yield and quality in dual-purpose cows. The polytunnel technique was used for the determination of methane yield and two diets were evaluated (Diet 1: Brachiaria humidicola 100%; Diet 2: T. diversifolia 15% + B. humidicola 85% dry matter basis) in the moderate rainy and rainy seasons using a cross-over experimental design; milk production was measured by daily milk weighing, and milk quality was determined using a LACTOSCAN analyzer. The inclusion of T. diversifolia did not increase the dry matter intake (P = 0.369), but increased the intake of crude protein and minerals, and reduced fiber intake, resulting in the increased yield of milk and its components in the moderate rainy season (P = 0.012). The inclusion of T. diversifolia reduced the absolute CH4 emissions (P = 0.016), Ym and emission intensity (per unit of fat, protein and kilogram fat and protein corrected milk yields) both in the moderate rainy and rainy seasons (P < 0.05). We conclude that the inclusion of T. diversifolia in the forage feed base in the humid tropics such as the Amazon piedmont can be used as a tool to both mitigate enteric CH4 emissions and to increase animal productivity and hence reduce emissions intensity, and thus reduce pressure on the agricultural frontier in critical areas such as the Amazon.

Potential of Moringa oleifera silage to replace concentrate feed mixture in diet of lactating Damascus goats

Abstract The present study evaluates the effect of partial replacement of concentrate with Moringa oleifera silage (MOS) in the diet of lactating Damascus goats on milk production, nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation. Fifteen lactating ewes were stratified in a quintuplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design (3 diets × 3 periods) for 90 days and fed a diet composed of a concentrate mixture and rice straw in 60:40 (DM basis) in the control group for 30 days in each period. In the other two diets, MOS was included in the control diet at 20 (MOS20 diet) or 40% (MOS40 diet) replacing the same amounts of concentrate on DM basis. Feeding MOS containing diets linearly (P&lt;0.05) decreased non-structural carbohydrates intake, while it increased the intakes of crude protein and acid detergent fiber as well as the digestibility of the nutrients compared to the control. Moreover, MOS diets linearly increased (P&lt;0.01) ruminal pH, concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate, and concentrations of serum glucose and high-density lipoprotein. Increased milk production, concentrations of milk fat and total conjugated linoleic acid, and feed efficiency were observed with feeding MOS diets. It is concluded that concentrate feed mixture in diets of lactating Damascus goats can be replaced with M. oleifera silage up to 40% to improve their lactational performance.

Digestibility, Blood Parameters, Rumen Fermentation, Hematology, and Nitrogen Balance of Goats after Receiving Supplemental Coffee Cherry Pulp as a Source of Phytochemical Nutrients.

Simple SummaryCoffee pulp is a typical byproduct in nations where coffee is cultivated, particularly Thailand. Such phytonutrients as tannin, saponin, and chlorogenic acid are abundant in this residue. Ruminants’ rumen fermentation and feed utilization may both be improved by these substances. Our study demonstrates that feeding goats coffee pulp improved animal digestibility and rumen fermentation activity without affecting feed intake or blood metabolite levels.This research examines the impact of adding dried coffee cherry pulp (CoCP) to goat feed on the digestibility of the feed, rumen fermentation, hematological, and nitrogen balance. A goat feeding experiment employed four male crossbreds (Thai Native × Anglo Nubian) aged 12 months and weighing 21.0 ± 0.2 kg each. The treatment was conceived as a 4 × 4 Latin square with four specific CoCP levels at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/day. Dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), and crude protein intake (CPI) were unaffected by the addition of CoCP. However, across treatment groups, there was a linear increase in ether extract intake (EEI) (p < 0.01), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) (p = 0.06), and acid detergent fiber intake (ADFI) (p = 0.04), as well as a quadratic effect on DMI% BW (p = 0.04). The findings showed that rumen temperature, pH, ammonia-nitrogen, or pack cell volume did not change with CoCP supplementation. Total volatile fatty acid showed linear effects on acetate (p = 0.03) and was quadratically affected by propionate concentration (p = 0.02), acetate to propionate ratio (p = 0.01), acetic plus butyric to propionic acid ratio (p = 0.01), and methane estimation (p = 0.01). With increased CoCP supplementation, there was a linear decrease in protozoa count by about 20.2% as the amount of CoCP supplemented increased (p = 0.06). CoCP supplementation in animal feed resulted in a linear decrease in urinary nitrogen (p = 0.02) and a quadratic effect on absorbed nitrogen (p = 0.08) among treatment groups, with greater N utilization values found in goats fed 200 g/d CoCP. In light of this, supplementing CoCP into animal feed may improve animal digestion and rumen fermentation effectiveness while having no effect on feed intake, rumen microbes, or blood metabolites.

PSII-B-18 Açai Seed as Fiber Source on Intake, Digestibility and Ruminal Parameters in Zebu Beef Cattle fed a High Concentrate Diet

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the effects of açaí seed (AS) as a fiber source on intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation parameters of beef cattle fed a high concentrate diet. Five rumen-fistulated Zebu bulls were used in a 5x5 Latin-square design. Treatments consisted of five diets with different inclusion rates of AS: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the diet dry matter (DM). The total mixed ration contained 75% of concentrate and 25% of roughage. Mombasa grass silage and AS were used as the roughage sources. The concentrate portion of the diet contained cracked corn (61.8%), soybean meal (8%) and vitamin/mineral premix (5.2% of DM). Each experimental period lasted 25 d and the last 11 d were used for data collection. Total fecal collections were performed over three days. Titanium dioxide was used to estimate the omasal outflow. Statistical significance was declared at P &amp;lt; 0.05, and tendency at 0.05 &amp;gt; P &amp;lt; 0.10. A linear increase was observed for DM (P= 0.07), organic matter (P &amp;lt; 0.05), crude protein (CP, P &amp;lt; 0.05), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake with the inclusion rate of AS. Intake was greatest in bulls receiving diets containing 20% AS. A linear decrease (P&amp;lt; 0.05) in NDF digestibility was detected with the inclusion rate of AS. DM, CP digestibility, and metabolic energy were similar across treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Ruminal and intestinal DM and nutrient digestibility were similar between the treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Rumen concentrations of acetic acid increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and total short-chain fatty acids (P = 0.07) and butyrate (P = 0.08) tended to increase linearly with the inclusion of AS. Açaí seed as a source of fiber in confined Zebu bulls diets alters DM intake and rumen fermentation but has no impact on total tract DM digestibility.

A Nutritional Investigation of Major Feed Types and Feed Rations Used in Medium-Scale Dairy Production Systems in Sri Lanka.

Simple SummaryLittle information is available regarding the feeding of dairy cattle in Sri Lanka or the impact of feeding on productivity. The aim of this study was to catalogue the availability, quantity, and composition of feeds, to identify the feeding regimens used, and to calculate dietary metabolisable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) in order to investigate shortfalls in dietary requirements. The ME and CP contents of the abundantly used forages (representing > 50% of the cow diet) Guinea ecotype A and Hybrid Napier CO-3 grasses were generally low (7.5–8.0 MJ/kg DM, 8.0–8.8% DM, respectively), and were lower than that of legumes (i.e., Gliricidia: 10.0 MJ/kg DM, 17.7% DM, respectively). Daily ME intake was consistently 10% lower than the calculated daily energy requirements as a consequence of the low nutritive values of these forages and of farmers’ consistent overestimation of their quality. The CP intake of lactating cows (13.5% DM) was inadequate to meet their requirements (16–18.5% DM), whereas the CP intake of dry cows (11.8% DM) adequately met requirements (11–12% DM). Based on the results of this study, limitations on nutritional requirements adversely affect milk production of dairy cows in Sri Lanka.In this paper, the nutritional quality, digestibility, and chemical composition of major feed types as well as the use of those feeds in rations by medium-scale dairy farmers in the Kurunegala district of Sri Lanka were studied. Nine dairy farms were visited fortnightly over a five-month period to identify the feeds that were commonly used. All farms operated under a stall-feeding system in which a manually mixed ration (MMR) was fed 2–3 times daily. Four forages were identified: Guinea grass ecotype A (Panicum maximum), called Guinea grass; Hybrid Napier CO-3 (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum americanum), called CO-3 grass; Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium); and maize stover (Zea mays L.), along with three other supplementary feeds (maize silage, barley distillers’ by-products, and commercially formulated cattle feed). These feeds were subjected to proximate analysis and in vitro digestibility analysis. The metabolisable energy (ME) of the forages ranged from 7.5–10.0 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), with the ME of Guinea grass and CO-3 grass (7.5 and 8.0 MJ/kg DM, respectively) being lower than that of Gliricidia (10.0 MJ/kg DM). The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration of both Guinea grass and CO-3 grass (both 72% DM) was much higher than that of Gliricidia (47% DM). Crude protein (CP) was higher in Gliricidia (17.5% DM) than in either Guinea grass or CO-3 grass (8.0 and 8.8% DM, respectively). The ME of the supplementary feeds varied between 11.0 and 12.8 MJ/kg DM, while CP varied between 15.0 and 24.0% DM. The daily ME intake of cows was consistently 10% lower than their calculated daily energy requirement; for dry cows, the mean intake was 90 MJ/cow/day supplied vs. 101 MJ required, while for cows in early lactation the mean intake was 126 MJ/cow/day supplied vs. 140 MJ required. The average CP intake of lactating cows (13.5% DM) was inadequate (requirements: 16 to 17.5% DM), while the average CP intake of dry cows (11.8% DM) was satisfactory (requirements: 11 to 12% DM). The current study shows that the majority of the feed types used in these medium-scale dairy farms provide insufficient ME or CP to meet the nutritional requirements of either lactating or dry cows irrespective of the quantity of feed provided.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, and serum metabolites in dairy cows fed diets differing in starch concentration with palmitic acid or stearic acid supplementation postpartum.

The present study determined the effect of supplementing palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA) on the nutrient intake, digestibility, and serum metabolites of dairy cows fed two different starch levels during the postpartum period. Forty-four multiparous Holstein cows were used in a completed randomized block based on their parity and previous milk yield. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 arrangement with two dietary starch levels (HS: 260g/kg of diet dry matter (DM) vs LS: 210g/kg of diet DM) and two fat supplements rich in PA or SA at 15g/kg of diet DM. Increasing the starch concentration of the postpartum diet improved organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and starch intake. Moreover, HS diets resulted in higher apparent digestibility of OM and CP but lower starch digestibility than LS diets. Feeding HS diets increased fecal starch output compared with LS diets. There was starch levels and FA supplements interaction for serum albumin and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), with higher concentrations in HSSA and LSPA compared to HSPA and LSSA. Significant correlations between performance and blood metabolites were observed in weeks 3 and 4. In week 3, a negative correlation was observed between serum TAC with milk protein (r = - 0.51) and lactose percentage (r = - 0.49) in the HS diet. However, non-esterified FA was correlated with the fat to protein ratio in the LS diet (r = 0.54). Moreover, in week 4, serum TAC was negatively related to the body condition score of the cows fed LS diet(r= 0.50), while there was no relationship for cows fed HS diets. In conclusion, feeding HS diets to postpartum cows increased nutrient intake and the digestibility of OM and CP compared with LS diets. The addition of SA to the HS diet may be morebeneficial than PAin improving the oxidative status of dairy cows in the postpartum period.

Protein supplement potential of Dodonaea angustifolia leaves by replacing atella on nutrient utilization and performance of Farta sheep fed natural pasture hay basal diet.

BackgroundProtein feed resources for ruminant animal productions are deficit in Ethiopia.ObjectivesTo evaluate the supplementation effects of dried Dodonaea angustifolia leaves (DDL), dried traditional brewery by‐product locally called atella and their mixtures on nutrient utilization and growth performance of Farta sheep fed natural pasture hay (NPH) as basal diet.MethodsTwenty‐five yearling intact male Farta sheep with average initial body weight of 14.53 ± 1.35 kg (mean ± SD) were used for the study. The experimental sheep were allocated into five blocks of five animals based on their initial body weight. The experiment lasted for 90 days of feeding trial followed by 7 days of digestibility trial. The experimental feeds were NPH ad libitum + 100% DDL + 100 g wheat bran (WB; T1), NPH ad libitum + 75% DDL + 25% dried atella + 100 g WB(T2), NPH ad libitum + 50% DDL + 50% deried atella + 100 g WB (T3), NPH ad libitum + 25% DDL +75% dried atella +100 g WB (T4) and NPH ad libitum + 100% dried atella + 100 g WB (T5).ResultsNPH, DDL and dried atella contained 7.42, 15.39, 21.13% crude protein (CP) and 66, 36, 34% neutral detergent fiber, respectively. Sheep supplemented with increasing level of atella had more dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein intake (CPI) and the highest of these DMI and CPI were in T5 (868 g/d for dry matter and 113 g/d for CP). This progressive increased CPI from T1 up to T5 was reflected in a significant (p < 0.001) fibers and estimated metabolizable energy intake in the order of T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. Significant difference (p < 0.001) was recorded on nutrient utilization and the highest was for T5 and lowest for T1. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were significantly (p < 0.001) increased as the atella inclusion level increased. Sheep in T4 and T5 had the highest ADG and FCE with the order of T5 = T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. ADG was correlated positively and highly significant with nutrients intake and digestibility.Conclusion Atella supplementation better than DDL and then their mixture (T2–T4) supplementation could be recommended in sheep fattening in the study area.