CP Levels Research Articles

Silage quality based on the physical and chemical of several napier grass varieties (Pennisetum purpureum) supplied with different levels of pollard

Making silage is one method for storing feed during the dry season. To preserve the ingredients for feed, silage is made by carefully controlling the fermentation of forage with a high water content. The idea behind making silage is to create anaerobic conditions in which lactic acid bacteria can grow in order to stop the decay process. Fresh fodder, such as grasses, is commonly used in silage. The goal of this study was to assess the physical and chemical properties of various types of Pennisetum purpureum sp. that had been supplemented with varying amounts of pollard. Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in 2 x 3 Factorial is the design used in this experiment. The first factor involves two kinds of Pennisetum purpureum sp., specifically Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott and Pennisetum purpureum with gamma radiation (cv. GU). The second element is the level of pollard supplementation, which consists of 0%, 3%, and 6% with 5 replications. The results were then examined for the physical qualities of the silage quality, including the silage’s color, flavor, texture, and fungus content. The silage’s detected chemical properties included pH, DM, OM, CP, CF, and EE silage. The outcomes demonstrated that silage with good physical quality was produced by the types and pollard supplementation treatments. Increased pollard supplementation levels were negatively correlated with pH (P 0.05). When pollard supplementation was increased, the levels of lactic acid, DM, and CP considerably increased linearly (P 0.05), CF and EE levels dramatically decreased (P 0.05), while OM levels did not significantly differ (P > 0.05). It was determined that adding pollard at a level of 6% and using gamma radiation on Pennisetum purpureum in combination are treatments that result in crops with a color that is similar to silage material, an acidic odor, a non-slimy texture, and no fungus.

Serum amyloid A, haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin levels before and after treatment in cattle with dermatophytosis

The aim of this study is to determine the changes in serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) levels before and after treatment in cattle with dermatophytosis. The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 30 cattle, 20 with dermatophytosis and 10 healthy, of different ages and genders. Blood was taken from the sick animals twice, before and after the treatment, and once from the healthy animals, and their serum was separated. The obtained sera were stored at -20 ºC until the Hp, SAA and Cp levels were measured. Trichoben® (Interhas, TR) vaccine was administered to the sick animals twice, 14 days apart. When the pre-treatment and post-treatment serum Hp, SAA and Cp values of the sick animals were statistically compared, it was determined that the pre-treatment values were significantly higher (P<0.001) than the post-treatment values. Similarly, when the values of pre-treatment and control animals were compared, it was seen that the difference was significant (P<0.001). When the serum SAA, Hp and Cp values of the animals in the post-treatment and control groups were compared, it was determined that the difference was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). As a result, it was determined that SAA, Hp and Cp values, which are positive acute phase proteins, increased significantly in cattle with dermatophytosis and these values decreased with treatment. According to this result, it was concluded that serum SAA, Hp and Cp values are important biomarkers in the evaluation of the prognosis of the disease in cattle with dermatophytosis.

Serum levels of ceruloplasmin and magnesium in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a cross sectional study

Aim: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition, affecting 5–7% of reproductive-age women worldwide. It is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Studies have shown ceruloplasmin (Cp) as an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome and magnesium (Mg), which is required for proper glucose utilization. This study aimed to compare the serum Mg and Cp in PCOS and healthy women and correlate their levels with changes in biochemical, hormonal, and gynaecological aspects of PCOS. Methods: The study comprised 98 women diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria and 75 age-matched healthy control subjects. The level of serum Cp and Mg were determined using Somani Ambade colorimetric method and methylthymol blue method respectively. Results: Serum Cp was higher and Mg levels were lower significantly in PCOS patients in comparison with controls. Mg was inversely correlated with fasting blood glucose and directly correlated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Cp was inversely correlated with prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Multiple regression analysis revealed that Cp correlates with both the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH/FSH ratio, whereas serum Mg did not have a significant correlation with any of the clinical variables. Logistic regression analysis revealed elevated Cp, antral follicle count (AFC), body mass index (BMI), weight, and irregular menses increase the risk of developing PCOS, whereas Mg was not a risk factor. However, high LH and LH/FSH ratios were risk factors for hypomagnesemia. In conclusion, serum Cp levels in PCOS may be evaluated as an additional risk factor in association with AFC, BMI, weight, and irregular menses. Conclusions: Mg deficiency and high Cp play an important etiological role in PCOS pathogenesis. Thus, research evaluating dietary interventions and supplementation is warranted.

In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Kinetics Determination and Nutritional Evaluation of Several Non-Conventional Plants with Potential for Ruminant Feeding

Using invasive plants as non-conventional forage in livestock production can contribute to meeting climate change targets and provide a competitive advantage in a global market. This study evaluated the nutritional potential of several non-conventional plants: Pennisetum setaceum, Ricinus communis, Arundo donax, Acacia melanoxylon, Opuntia ficus-indica, Agave americana, Pittosporum undulatum, and Hedychium gardnerianum. Chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, gas production, and energy estimates were determined. Opuntia showed the lowest DM value (6.65%), while the highest was found for Acacia (39.43%). Ricinus recorded the highest levels of CP (23.56% DM), RFV (273.86), and in vitro gas production at 24 h (43.49 mL/200 mg DM). The highest NDF (80.39% DM), HEM (39.03% DM), and CEL (36.81% DM) values were observed for Pennisetum. Agave produced the highest amount of gas from the start to the end of incubation (22.68 to 48.99 mL/200 mg DM), while Acacia produced the least (3.83 to 14.78 mL/200 mg DM). The highest ME (8.72 MJ/kg DM) and NEL (5.06 MJ/kg DM) estimates were obtained for Agave. Correlations between the chemical compositions and feed quality indices of the plants were observed, showing strong negative correlations between ADF and DMD, OMD, and DMI (r > 0.86, p < 0.01). We can conclude that all these non-conventional plants have potential as an alternative feed for ruminants when there are fodder shortages.

Chlorinated paraffins and dechloranes in free-range chicken eggs and soil around waste disposal sites in Tanzania

Electronic waste is a source of both legacy and emerging flame retardants to the environment, especially in regions where sufficient waste handling systems are lacking. In the present study, we quantified the occurrence of short- and medium chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) and dechloranes in household chicken (Gallus domesticus) eggs and soil collected near waste disposal sites on Zanzibar and the Tanzanian mainland. Sampling locations included an e-waste facility and the active dumpsite of Dar es Salaam, a historical dumpsite in Dar es Salaam, and an informal dumpsite on Zanzibar. We compared concentrations and contaminant profiles between soil and eggs, as free-range chickens ingest a considerable amount of soil during foraging, with potential for maternal transfer to the eggs. We found no correlation between soil and egg concentrations or patterns of dechloranes or CPs. CPs with shorter chain lengths and higher chlorination degree were associated with soil, while longer chain lengths and lower chlorination degree were associated with eggs. MCCPs dominated the CP profile in eggs, with median concentrations ranging from 500 to 900 ng/g lipid weight (lw) among locations. SCCP concentrations in eggs ranged from below the detection limit (LOD) to 370 ng/g lw. Dechlorane Plus was the dominating dechlorane compound in all egg samples, with median concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.8 ng/g lw. SCCPs dominated in the soil samples (400–21300 ng/g soil organic matter, SOM), except at the official dumpsite where MCCPs were highest (65000 ng/g SOM). Concentrations of dechloranes in soil ranged from below LOD to 240 ng/g SOM, and the dominating compounds were Dechlorane Plus and Dechlorane 603. Risk assessment of CP levels gave margins of exposure (MOE) close to or below 1000 for SCCPs at one location.

Change in pulmonary function tests and their relation to the serum levels of ceruloplasmin, copper and superoxide dismutase in patients suffering from Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.

To correlate the serum levels of ceruloplasmin (Cp), copper (Cu), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in non-diabetics (controls) and patients suffering from Type-1 and Type- 2 diabetes. The comparative cross-sectional study of 348 participants was performed at the Baqai Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (BIDE) - Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2019 to September 2020. Individuals having diabetes-related complications, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chest infection, pregnant women and smokers were excluded. A total of 348 participants were included into three groups after signing informed consent. The control group had 107 non-diabetic participants, with an age range of 6 to 60 years. The diagnosed T1D group (n=107) had an age range of 6 to 25 years. While diagnosed T2D group (n=134) had an age range of 26 to 60 years. During the fasting state, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, spirometry, and a venous blood sample (5ml) were collected to measure serum Cp, serum Cu, serum SOD, and HbA1c levels by using commercially available kits. The SPSS, version 21, was used for data analysis. The reduced FVC (p-value <0.001), FEV1 (p-value <0.001), and PEFR (p-value <0.001) were found in both groups of diabetes. However, the lower levels of serum Cu (p-value <0.001), SOD (p-value <0.001), and significantly increased values of FEV1/ FVC (p-value <0.001) and Cp levels (p-value 0.030) were found only in T2D group as compared to T1D and controls. The study found no significant correlation of PFTs and serum Cp, Cu, and SOD levels in patients suffering from T1D and T2D. Hyperglycemia leads to more non-enzymatic glycosylation of tissue proteins that reflects reduced PFTs and increased Cp; particularly in T2D, which may alter lung tissue's physiology. Moreover, the study showed no correlation of PFTs with the Cp, Cu, and SOD in patients suffering from T1D and T2D.

Performance-based system reliability analysis for steel moment frames

This study aims to bridge the gap between two major design philosophies in structural design: load and resistance factor design (LRFD) and performance-based design (PBD). While LRFD prioritizes the design of structural members, PBD starts by controlling the system's target parameter. The main area for improvement of LRFD is paying attention to the structure's performance. At the same time, PBD needs to pay attention to the sufficiency of internal members in the presence of local damages. To bring these two attitudes closer together, the study proposes a system-reliability-performance-based design analysis to simultaneously measure the entire structure's safety level associated with the reliability of elements. As a state-of-the-art, new performance-based limit state functions are introduced to measure structural reliability indices corresponding to desired performance levels. Multi-story frames were designed and evaluated based on incremental dynamic analysis. The entire structure was designed and controlled using the linear static analysis method, and static and dynamic nonlinear analyzes were performed to evaluate its behavior. Dynamic analysis of acceleration mapping was also performed to investigate the performance of the structural components. The proposed combined design algorithm aims to develop a new set of performance-based load combinations and provide a strong interlock between LRFD and PBD. The study's results show that the IO level has the lowest performance-based system reliability index, while the CP level has the highest. It was observed that as the number of story levels increases, the performance-based system reliability index decreases due to an upsurge in the possibility of failure patterns. Therefore, the current LRFD practices are unlikely to provide the IO's perfect reliable level for the entire system. The study concludes that the new approach can enhance the safety of structures and prevent catastrophic failure.

Ruminal tissue uptake of amino acids in Holstein cows when supply of nutrients within the rumen differs

Characterisation of amino acid (AA) use by the ruminal vein-drained viscera (RDV) has not been assessed in vivo in dairy cattle, and thus, the extent of ruminal AA use from arterial and postabsorptive blood supplies is unclear. Understanding the complete use of AA by the splanchnic bed may lead to alternative feeding programmes that maximise animal N efficiency. The objective of this work was to determine how different nutritional manipulations affect RDV net appearance and apparent affinity for arterial AA in lactating dairy cattle. Data from two arterio-venous (A-V) difference studies, that used a common set of multicatheterised lactating Holstein cows, assigned to different nutritional treatments, were used to assess ruminal metabolism. Study 1 consisted of three dietary treatments at calving [an alfalfa-glucogenic diet, a glucogenic diet (GLCG), or a ketogenic diet (KETO)] to investigate the effects of dietary nutrients and increasing intake postpartum on RDV metabolism of AA at −14, +4, +15, and +29 days relative to calving (DRTC). Study 2 consisted of two dietary levels of CP (17 or 13%) and three ruminal buffers (ammonia, butyrate, and control) to investigate the level of dietary CP and ruminal fermentation products on RDV metabolism of AA. Blood was collected at 9, 20, and 30 min after buffer administration. Regardless of dietary nutrients or fermentation products present in ruminal fluid, net RDV uptake was positive for most AA, excepting Asp, Cys, Glu, and Ser, which were consistently negative. The general positive net uptakes indicate that any AA potentially absorbed from the rumen were not adequate to meet apparent needs. Ruminal plasma flow and net RDV uptake of Trp, Ala, Gly, and Pro increased linearly with increased DRTC. Feeding KETO or GLCG diets increased ruminal plasma flow, and net RDV uptake of Thr and Gly. Feeding high CP diets increased ruminal uptake of Leu, Phe, and Val. The increased AA uptakes were partially driven by increased plasma flow, however, tissue affinity as reflected in clearance rates also increased or tended to for Met, Trp, Ala, Gly, Pro, and Tyr suggesting that changes in RDV uptake were regulated and not due solely to mass action. In conclusion, splanchnic tissue bed responses to dietary and washed rumen conditions were in part driven by changes in RDV nutrient demand and metabolic activity. The adaptive responses alter the fraction of absorbed AA utilised for non-productive purposes and thus the efficiency of conversion of those AA to product.

Bootstrap Based Diagnostics for Survival Regression Model with Interval and Right-Censored Data

This research proposes a new approach based on the bias-corrected bootstrap harmonic mean and random imputation technique to obtain the adjusted residuals (Hboot) when a survival model is fit to right- and interval-censored data with covariates. Following that, the model adequacy and influence diagnostics based on these adjusted residuals, case deletion diagnostics, and the normal curvature are discussed. Simulation studies were conducted to assess the performance of the parameter estimate and compare the performances of the traditional Cox-Snell (CS), modified Cox-Snell (MCS) and Hboot at various censoring proportions (cp) and samples sizes ($n$) using the log-logistic and extreme minimum value regression models with right- and interval-censored data. The results clearly indicated that Hboot outperformed other residuals at all levels of cp and $n$, for both models. The proposed methods are then illustrated using real data set from the COM breast cancer data. The results indicate that the proposed methods work well to address model adequacy and identify potentially influential observations in the data set.

Fecal Calprotectin Levels Dynamics in Newborns with High-Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Background. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is severe gastrointestinal disease in newborns, its early clinical symptoms are nonspecific. Fecal сalprotectin (Cp) is considered as one of the early biomarkers of NEC, thus, its use in newborns is poorly known.Objective. The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical significance of fecal Cp measuring as an early NEC marker in newborns. Methods. The prospective cohort observational study included high-risk newborns (gestational age (GA) ˂ 33 weeks and/or body weight ˂ 1500 g) and moderate risk newborns (GV≥ 33 weeks at suspicion on NEC) of NEC admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit on the 1st day of life. The Cp level was studied via immune colorimetric method on the 3rd and 7th days of life in high-risk children and in all children at NEC manifestation. All patients were divided into 2 main subgroups after the end of the follow-up period: newborns with developed NEC (a) and children without NEC (b). Obtained Cp values were compared between these subgroups.Results. There were no statistically significant differences in Cp levels at the 3rd and 7th days of life in the high-risk group of children with NEC and without NEC. However, it was noted that children without NEC showed a decrease in Cp levels on the 7th day, while children with NEC manifestation, indeed, had increased levels. Cp levels did not differ in the moderate risk group.Conclusion. Single measurement of Cp level in newborns of any GA is uninformative towards the NEC prognosis and diagnosis. However, evaluation of the Cp level dynamics at the 7th day of life compared to the 3rd day of life may be considered as a promising non-invasive method for prognosis of NEC manifestation in premature infants (GA&lt;33 weeks).

Alterations in metabolic status of healthy individuals with and without obesity during transition from adolescence to young adulthood

Aim: Extensive research is carried out throughout the world in healthy persons with obesity phenotype in concern with prevalence, metabolic profiling, etc. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, not many studies have investigated the status of adiponectin, specific inflammatory changes, oxidative damage in healthy adolescents and young adults with obesity. Present study was undertaken in adolescents and young adults of urban population in a district of North Karnataka, India, in a view to understand relationship between hormone adiponectin, oxidative stress markers like C3, C4, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in non-hypertensive, non-diabetic, euthyroid individuals with and without obesity. Methods: Participant selection was done using cluster sampling technique. Participating adolescents and young adults, each with and without obesity were included in the study. Screening of participants for diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders was done, their serum level of adiponectin, hs-CRP, C3, C4, ceruloplasmin (Cp), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were estimated using standardized methods in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) laboratory. Results: Adiponectin (young adults lower than adolescents, P = 0.01) levels were low, while hs-CRP and Cp (young adults higher than adolescents, P = 0.01) levels were high with increasing age in non-obese. While in persons having obesity, aging adiponectin levels were low while hs-CRP, C3, Cp levels were high significantly. Females without obesity had significantly higher values of C3 than males. Adiponectin showed higher levels in females than males, however, statistical significance could not be achieved (P = 0.308). While females with obesity, exhibited statistically lower levels of adiponectin, and higher levels of C3 and C4. Conclusions: Being non-diabetic and non-hypertensive yet obese, tagged by one time of assay, does not suffice to be categorized as healthy. Healthy young adults with obesity are exhibiting lower levels of adiponectin and higher levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared to adolescents with obesity. This implies, the so categorized “healthy obese” participants are in a phase of transition towards an unhealthy state.

Effect of different dietary energy/protein ratios on growth performance, reproductive performance of breeding pigeons and slaughter performance, meat quality of squabs in summer

Large-scale pigeon farming in China is gradually increasing. However, studies on the basic nutritional requirements of breeding pigeons during lactation, which greatly influence the productivity and economic benefits of pigeon breeding, remain scanty. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal dietary energy/protein ratio requirements for lactating pigeons in summer. A total of 576 pairs of Mimas breeding pigeons were randomly divided into 12 groups (n=48 per treatment), and each pair bred 4 squabs. A two-way ANOVA design with different protein levels (15%, 16%, 17%, and 18%) for factor A and different energy levels (12.6 MJ/kg, 12.8 MJ/kg, and 13.0 MJ/kg) for factor B was used to design 12 groups of experimental diets for feeding. The experiment lasted for 28 d. We found that ME level had little effect on breeding pigeons, but the CP level and dietary energy/protein ratio significantly affected the reproductive and growth performance of the pigeons. The lowest total weight loss (P < 0.01), and the highest egg production (P < 0.01) were observed in group 11 (18% CP, 12.8 MJ/kg). It had no effect on egg quality. Both ME and CP levels significantly affected the growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of squabs, and there was a strong interaction between CP and ME. The fastest growth rate (P < 0.01) was observed in group 11 (18% CP, 12.8 MJ/kg). The best CP and ME combination for the eviscerated weight, pectoral muscle weight, organ weight, 45 min meat color (L⁎, a⁎, b⁎), pH, and muscle fiber characteristics were also group 11. Finally, the regression model revealed that the best dietary energy/protein ratio was 17.92 to 19.02 kcal/g for squabs and 16.72 kcal/g for the breeding pigeons. There was a strong interaction between energy and protein levels in breeding pigeons during the lactation period, and the best production performance was at 18% CP 12.8 MJ/kg. And this is recommended to be applied as the energy/protein ratio dietary requirement for breeding pigeons during lactation in the summer "2+4" pattern.

Nutritional quality of Piptocoma discolor and Cratylia argentea as a non-timber forest products for animal feed in the Caquetá province

The present work determined the nutritional quality of Piptocoma discolor and Cratylia argentea as non-timber forest products used in animal feed in the Amazonian foothills in Caquetá province - Colombia, where the grasses B. decumbens and B. humidicola predominate in the pastures.A random selection of 50 farms was made, identifying that in each of them the shrub species Piptocoma discolor, Cratylia argentea and areas of grasslands for grazing where Brachiarias decumbens and B. humidicola predominate. One sample per species was taken from each farm. The samples were subjected to chemical analysis (CP, ADF, NDF, ADL, cellulose, hemicellulose, EE, ash and IVDDM, OMD, TDN, DE, ME). An analysis of variance was performed for each of the variables evaluated using a linear mixed model, considering the species factor as a fixed effect and municipality was considered a random effect. The model assumptions were evaluated by graphical inspection of residual. A multivariate synthesis to see the interrelation between variables and species was performed using a biplot graphic obtained by principal component analysis. C. argentea and P. discolor presented higher CP levels than the grasses in the pastures (17.7; 13.1; and 6.15%, respectively) with good levels of energy intake, confirming that C. argentea and P. discolor are non-timber forest resources with forage potential.

The Impact of Chitosan on Oxidative Stress in Liver of Rats Loaded With Lead Acetate

This study was conducted to determine the impact of chitosan on lead (Pb)-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, lead acetate was administered intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg for 5 days) and chitosan was given as 200 mg/kg via oral gavage for 28 days. When the trial was terminated, it was determined that aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in serum as well as Pb, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase (CAT) activity in liver tissue significantly increased, however reduced glutathione (GSH) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) levels in liver and high density lipoproteins (HDL) in serum had a significant decrease in the Pb group when compared to the control group. The administration of chitosan significantly prevented Pb-induced changes in serum liver enzyme activities, 8-OHdG and MDA levels. In addition, chitosan showed a statistically insignificant effect on reduced GSH, Cp, HDL levels and CAT activity. Accordingly, administration of chitosan can strengthen the antioxidant defence system of liver tissue and may decrease oxidative stress.

“Performance assessment of composite steel building with considering plan irregularity before and after Retrofit”- Pushover Analysis”

The performance assessment of the structure under an unexpected earthquake is the key thing to recognize the individual failure of elements of a structure by conducting an inelastic static pushover analysis. If there are multiple earthquakes in any of the year, the performance of structure assessed from linear elastic analysis is not sufficient therefore there is a need of study on non-linear behavior of the structure to provide an extra safety to the structures. The nonlinear dynamic analysis needs lot of data to be given to the generated model in software for studying the behavior of the structure but there is another promising method to overcome the above complexity that is nonlinear static analysis (Pushover analysis) to the assess the behavior of the structure when subjected to multiple earthquakes. For the present study, A G+6 Story ‘L’ Shape plan irregular steel structure (model 1) with floor to floor height as 3 m and 7 bays in ‘X’ & ‘Y’ direction of each 4 m is considered. From Pushover analysis on ‘L’ shape steel structure, it was observed that some of corner columns reached capacity ratio due to excessive stress at beam-column junction and to overcome this, the retrofitting technique was adopted that is consideration of those corners columns as composite columns in the same steel structure (model 2). The plastic hinges formed due to PUSHX for model 1 have reached immediate occupancy performance level to life safety performance level but at 9th iteration, 8 numbers of plastic hinges have been formed in Collapse presentation level hence there might be partial or complete collapse of structure. After retrofitting model 1, the plastic hinges in greater than CP level were formed in different step number so therefore, model 2 sustains more damage before it collapse.

An investigation of the effect of drying methods on the nutritive value of forage grasses

Drying methods have been identified as a critical factor in forage evaluation because there are changes in their chemical components that are affected by different drying temperatures. The study evaluated the effect of three drying methods (sun-drying, shade-drying and oven-drying (60°C) on the chemical components of three local grass species (Pennisetum purpureum, Brachiaria ruziziensis and Brachiaria arrecta) grown under tropical conditions. The objective was to determine how drying methods influence the nutritive value of forage grasses to optimize feeding practices. The harvested grass samples were dried to a constant weight under the three drying methods before being milled and then subjected to chemical analysis. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), and nitrogen free extracts (NFE) were determined. Across drying methods, the DM content was highest (p&lt;0.05) in B. ruziziensis (908 g/kg DM). The OM of the oven dried species was significantly higher in B. ruziziensis (885 g/kg DM) when compared to the species of B. arrecta (867 g/kg DM) and P. purpureum (859 g/kg DM). The CP content was highest (p&lt;0.05) in B. ruziziensis (123 g/kg DM) (shade dried) and lowest (p&lt;0.05) in B. arrecta (87.6 g/kg DM) (sun-dried). Across drying methods, the CF content was highest (p&lt;0.05) in B. arrecta (367 g/kg DM) (oven dried) and lowest (p&lt;0.05) in P. purpureum (264 g/kg DM) (shade dried). Species demonstrated higher levels of OM, CP, and lowest CF levels under shade-drying when compared to other drying methods. It was concluded that drying methods do influence the chemical components of grass species with shade-drying, indicating a greater potential for laboratory analyses and field processing. Keywords: Chemical composition, drying temperatures, fibre, forages, sun-drying, shade-drying.

Evaluation of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial probiotic on in vitro rumen gas production and nutrient digestibility of different feedstuffs and total mixed rations.

We evaluated the effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on total in vitro gas production, dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and starch disappearance of different feedstuffs and total mixed rations (TMR) in three different experiments. In experiment 1, six single fiber-based feedstuffs were evaluated: alfalfa hay, buffalo grass, beet pulp, eragrostis hay, oat hay, and smutsvinger grass. Experimental treatments were control (with no probiotic inoculation; CON) or incubation of a probiotic mixture containing Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis (3.2 × 109 CFU/g; DFM). The calculation of DFM dose under in vitro conditions was based on the assumption of a rumen capacity of 70 liter and the dose of 3 g of the DFM mixture/head/d (9.6 × 109 CFU). Total in vitro gas production, DM, and NDF disappearance were evaluated at 24- and 48 h posttreatment incubation. Mean treatment effects were observed at 24- and 48 h gas production (P < 0.0001), as DFM incubation increased in vitro gas production by 5.0% and 6.5%, respectively. For nutrient digestibility, mean DM digestibility was increased at 48 h (P = 0.05), whereas mean NDF digestibility increased at both timepoints by incubating DFM in vitro (P ≤ 0.02). In experiment 2, nine commercial dairy TMR were collected and evaluated for the same variables and treatments described in experiment 1, with the additional analysis of starch digestibility at 7 h post in vitro incubation. The only difference was the concentration of the DFM included, being representative for a dosage of 8.8 × 109 CFU/head/d. In vitro gas production was increased only at 48 h due to DFM incubation (P = 0.05), whereas DM and NDF digestibility were improved at 24 and 48 h (P ≤ 0.02). No treatment effects were observed on in vitro starch digestibility (P = 0.31). In experiment 3, a combined analysis of DM and NDF digestibility was performed by using quality values (NDF and crude protein or CP) of 16 substrates. Regardless of CP and NDF levels of the substrates, DFM improved in vitro 24 and 48 h DM and NDF digestibility (P ≤ 0.03). In summary, incubating a Bacillus-based DFM (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis; BOVACILLUS) improved mean in vitro gas production, DM, and NDF digestibility of single feedstuffs and commercial dairy TMR, highlighting the potential of this combination of Bacillus spp. to improve nutrient utilization, mainly fiber.

The effects of rumen protected methionine supplementation on the performance of primiparous dairy cows using the Presynch-Ovsynch protocol.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) supplementation on the reproductive and productive performance of primiparous dairy cows fed two levels of protein. The Presynch-Ovsynch protocol was used to synchronize 36 lactating Holstein cows that were assigned randomly to one of six dietary treatments: (1) 14% CP and without RPM diet (14CP-0RPM; n = 6), (2) 14% CP and 15 g/head/day RPM (14CP-15RPM; n = 6), (3) 14% CP and 25 g/head/day RPM (14CP-25RPM; n = 6), (4) 16% CP and without RPM diet (16CP-0RPM; n = 6), (5) 16% CP and 15 g/head/day RPM (16CP-15RPM; n = 6), and (6) 16% CP and 25 g/head/day RPM (16CP-25RPM; n = 6). Independent of CP levels, feeding RPM had reduced the calving interval (P < 0.01). Feeding RPM increased (P < 0.01) overall plasma progesterone (P4). Feeding 16CP-15RPM increased (P < 0.01) overall plasma P4. Feeding 16% CP increased (P < 0.01) 4% fat corrected milk, energy corrected milk, milk fat and protein yield, and milk casein. Moreover, feeding the 25RPM has increased (P < 0.01) 4% fat corrected milk, energy corrected milk, milk fat, and protein yield. Compared with other treatments, feeding 16CP-25RPM or 16CP-15RPM enhanced (P < 0.01) milk yield and milk fat yield. In conclusion, feeding 16% CP with RPM boosted the productivity and reduced the calving interval in primiparous lactating dairy cows.

Effects of Dietary Protein Restriction on Colonic Microbiota of Finishing Pigs.

This study is aimed at the effects of low-protein diets with four amino acids balanced on serum biochemical parameters and colonic microflora of finishing pigs. Fifty-four healthy (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) hybrid barrows with an average body weight of 70.12 ± 4.03 kg were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments with three barrows per pen and six pens per treatment. The barrows were fed a normal protein diet (NP), a low-protein diet (LP), and a very low-protein diet (VLP). Compared with the NP diet, reduced dietary protein did not influence serum biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). The valeric acid was significantly increased with the VLP diet (p < 0.05). Compared with the NP diets, the abundance of Terrisporobacter (13.37%) Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (23.37%) and Turicibacter (2.57%) increased to 21.04, 33.42 and 13.68% in LP diets and 16.72, 43.71 and 14.61% in VLP diets, while the abundance of Lactobacillus (9.30%) and Streptococcus (25.26%) decreased to 3.57 and 14.50% in LP diets and 1.86 and 4.07% in VLP diets. Turicibacter and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_6 had a powerful negative correlation with the content of valeric acid (p < 0.01), while Peptococcus and Clostridia_UCG-014 had a very solid positive correlation (p < 0.01). In conclusion, reducing dietary protein level can improve colon microbiota composition, especially reducing the abundance of bacteria related to nitrogen metabolism, but has no significant effect on SCFA except valeric acid. In addition, reduction in the dietary protein level by 5.48% had more different flora than that of 2.74% reduction in dietary CP level.

Effects of Energy and Protein Levels on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Parameters, Blood Biochemistry, and Apparent Total Tract Digestibility on Laying Hens in an Aviary System.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and protein levels on laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, blood biochemistry, and apparent total tract digestibility of energy and nutrients in diets fed to laying hens in an aviary system. A total of 560 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (age = 30 week) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements with 2 metabolizable energy levels (2700 and 2800 kcal AMEn/kg) and 2 protein levels (16.5 and 14.5% CP). Four treatments and four replicates of 40 birds each (stocking density = 15 birds/m2) were prepared. Results revealed no significant interaction between AMEn and CP in the diet in terms of egg production, floor eggs, broken and dirty egg production, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of laying hens. However, egg weight was affected. As dietary energy and CP levels (2800 kcal of AMEn/kg and 16.5% CP) increased, egg weight increased (p &lt; 0.05). Egg weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio significantly differed (p &lt; 0.05) as the energy content in the feed increased. Ether extract significantly varied (p &lt; 0.05) as the energy content in the feed increased. In conclusion, laying performance and egg quality of Hy-Line Brown laying hens in the middle stage of egg production (30 to 50 weeks) were not affected by different dietary energy and protein levels, but feed intake decreased with an increasing level of AMEn in diets. Ether extract significantly varied as the energy content in the feed increased.