Crude Fiber Fractions Research Articles

Dietary effect of Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shell meal on fibre fractions utilisation by the West African Dwarf goats

A 63-day study was conducted to evaluate the dietary effect of Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shell meal diets on fibre fraction utilization of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (aged 9 -12 months) with an average live weight of 6.31±0.3 kg. Six diets were formulated such that wheat offal was replaced with ensiled Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shell meal at ratio 0 (A), 20% (B), 40% (C), 60% (D), 80% (E), 100% (F) in complete diets. The experimental diets were fed to 18 WAD goats in three replicates per treatment using completely randomized design. The determined parameters included; chemical composition of the diets, dry matter and fibre fractions intake, weight gains and feed to gain ratio. The dry matter of raw cocoa bean shells was 88.53% and dry matter of Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shells was 87.38%. The crude protein contents of raw bean shells and Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shells were 11.98 and 26.63% respectively. The dry matter of the diets ranged from 86.83 to 90.70%, diet B had the highest value while crude protein ranged between 19.73 (diet A) and 28.88% (diet F) and increased with increased inclusion of Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shell meal in the diets. The nutrients intake was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment except dry matter and cellulose. The crude fibre and fibre fractions were efficiently digested. Nitrogen balance, apparent digestibility and weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment. The goats fed diet A converted their feed to flesh better than other goats. However, goats fed diet F performed best compared to other goats fed diets B, C, D and E that contained Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shell meal. It can be concluded that Pleurotus pulmonaris treated cocoa bean shell meal incorporated in goat's diet could supply energy and protein to sustain the growth without adverse effect.

Potentials of two varieties of cashew apple pulp as feedstuff for ruminants

The study was aimed at assessing the effects of two varieties of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple pulp as feedstuff for ruminants. Samples of the yellow and red varieties of cashew apple pulp were collected, processed and analysed for mineral, crude fiber fraction and pH. Results showed that sodium value in red variety was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the yellow variety. Potassium value in red variety was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of the yellow variety. Values for calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the yellow variety were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those of the red variety. Values for cellulose, hemicelluloses and neutral detergent fibre in the red variety were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those of the yellow variety. Acid Detergent Lignin value for the yellow variety was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of the red variety. Values for acid detergent fibre, crude protein, carbohydrate and pH were not significantly affected (P>0.05). Yellow cashew apple pulp from the results of this study is richer in minerals when compared to the red variety. Results from the crude fibre fraction suggest that the yellow cashew apple pulp variety may have a better digestibility when compared to the red variety. Although the values of the various parameters from the 2 varieties show that they are fit to be used as feeding stuff for ruminants, the yellow variety appears to be better on the general basis.

Nutritional quality of ensiled gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) fortified with graded levels of Centro (Centrosema pascourum)

The study was conducted with the field grown gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and Centro (Centrosema pascourum) to examine the nutritional quality of gamba grass ensiled with graded levels of Centrosema pascourum. The forages were harvested separately chopped into 2-3cm length manually and mixed thoroughly as follows: (100:0, 90:10, 80:20,70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 40:60% of Andropogon gayanus: Centrosema pascourum, respectively) and designated as T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 , T5 , T6 and T7 respectively. The treatments were ensiled in a laboratory using bottle silos in triplicates per treatments and kept for 30 days fermentation period. The silages were evaluated for quality characteristics, proximate composition, fibre fractions, volatile fatty acids composition and ammonia nitrogen concentration (NH3 -N) using standard procedure. The results obtained showed that the silages were adequately fermented with pleasant and fruity odour, greenish-yellow colour, firm and dry texture. The pH, ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE), organic matter (OM) and Ash contents of the silages were similar across the treatments (P<0.05). However, the crude protein (CP) contents of silages (9.44-14.88%), varied significantly (P<0.05) across the treatments. The crude fibre (CF), cellulose, hemicellulose and fibre fractions (neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of the silages differed significantly (P<0.05) except for acid detergent lignin (ADL) which was similar across the treatments. Other parameters such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs), NH3 concentration, temperature (°C) and dry matter (DM) moisture content (MC) differed significantly across the board. The results of this study indicated that ensiled Andropogon gayanus with Centrosema pascourum at varied levels of inclusion improved physico chemical properties of the silages. The inclusion of Centrosema pascourum legume forage also improved the crude protein (CP) contents of ensiled gamba grass significantly. Thus, the study recommends the use of 60% Andropogon gayanus and 40% Centrosema pascourum, which is practicable and obtainable.

New sustainable bioconversion concept of date by-products (Phoenix dactylifera L.) to biohydrogen, biogas and date-syrup

The dates production is usually accompanied by considerable loss of fruit byproducts. The chemical analysis showed that ‘Deglet Nour’ discarded flesh is rich in soluble sugars (79.8% ± 0.8%) and fibers (12.3% ± 0.4%). A processing approach was implemented to permit the production of biohydrogen from the flesh and biogas from the crude fiber fraction after soluble sugars extraction. This approach showed interesting results since the obtained biochemical hydrogen potential and the maximum methane yield were 292 mL H2/gVS initial and 235 mL CH4/gVS fibers respectively. Parallelly, the “hot water” soluble sugar fraction (date syrup) was of interest for agro-alimentary applications and showed a high sucrose, glucose and fructose content of 33.5%, 11.8% and 13.17% respectively. This study presents a proof of concept allowing an efficient sustainable energetic conversion of the date by-products biomass to biohydrogen via dark fermentation or to soluble sugars fraction and biogas via a biorefinery approach.

Use of In vitro Technique in Predicting In vivo Response of Poultry to Enzyme Supplementation

The need for rapid test in evaluation of feedstuffs in poultry nutrition cannot be overemphasized. Such test must however be able to replace exactly the response in the animal concern. This study was conducted to determine the suitability of In vitro technique in predicting the In vivo response of poultry to enzyme supplemented feedstuffs. Rice husk was used in a Completely Randomized Design with individual and cocktail of enzymes for both In vitro and In vivo trials. Three exogenous enzymes namely a xylanase, a multipurpose and a phytase were used individually, pairwise and altogether with the feedstuff to constitute the treatments namely T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, and T8. Each treatment was replicated thrice for both In vitro and In vivo trials. The In vitro trial was done to simulate the chicken digestive system while the In vivo trial was done using the intubation method. Parameters measured for both trials were digestibility values for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and fiber fractions. All data collected were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance procedure and treatment means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Correlation analysis was carried out to compare the results of both trials. Results show that enzymes individually and as cocktails significantly improved the digestibility of parameters for both In vitro and In vivo trials. Cocktails of enzymes were significantly better than the individual enzymes for dry matter and crude fiber digestibility for both In vitro and In vivo trials. Correlation analysis shows positive correlation (r=0.99, r=0.96, r=0.94, r= 0.86, r=0.78) between In vitro and In vivo trials in most of digestibility values for the rice husk. It was concluded that In vitro trial can be used as both criterion and replacement for In vivo trial when determining the efficacy of exogenous enzymes in poultry nutrition.

Scale up fractionation of components from novel glabrous brown and yellow canary seeds (Phalaris canariensis L.) and techno-functional properties of the resulting protein isolates

Glabrous canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a novel true cereal grain produced primarily in Western Canada which has been approved for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2016. Due to its high protein content (22%), this new edible grain is emerging as an alternative source of plant proteins. In the present work, protein extractability from four novel glabrous (2 yellow and 2 brown) canary seeds varieties was improved based on the selection of optimal pH of protein solubilisation and precipitation. Solubilisation at pH 12 followed by acid precipitation at pH 5 were retained as optimal conditions. Scale up of the protein optimized wet fractionation process resulted in highly purified canary seed protein isolates (purity of 91 to 93%) with protein recovery yield of 65 to 69%. In parallel, for the others canary seed components, a good recovery yields were obtained for the oil fraction (6.1–6.7 g/100 g flour), starch fraction (48.1–54 g/100 g flour), and crude fiber fraction (15.1–19.7 g/100 g flour). The study of the functional properties of the obtained canary protein isolates revealed, higher solubility at acidic than alkaline region; enhanced fat and water holding capacities and notably higher foaming and emulsifying capacities than control soy protein isolate. With growing global demand for protein, glabrous canary seed has high potential in the food industry, particularly as a good source of functional gluten free cereal proteins.

Performance of dairy cows fed diet containing concentrate with fermented Durio zibethinus peel

The effects of inclusion of Durio zibethinus peel meal fermented with Pleurotus ostreatus in concentrate of diet have been evaluated in dairy cows in 4 x 4 Latin Square. Diets containing 11.35% in dry matter basis of four ratios of fermented Durio (FD) peel meal to rice bran in concentrate, there were FD 0/30, FD 10/20, FD20/10, and FD30/0. Experimental periods were 4- 2 week periods, with 2 weeks preliminary, daily milk recordings, and 4 days feces collection per periods. Fermentation for 2 weeks of Durio peel meal increased moisture, ash, ether extract, and doubled in crude protein; and decreased dry and organic matters and two third in crude fiber. Nutrient contents of concentrate containing fermented Durio peel meal were enhanced in moisture; decreased in dry and organic matters, ether extract, N- free extract, and gross energy; and stable in crude protein and crude fiber. The FD 20/10 was lower in crude fiber fraction and fatty acid profile, optimal in in vitro characteristics and milk fatty acid profile, highest in milk production, milk fat weight, and milk protein weight, highest in crude protein and crude fiber digestibility. In general, diet containing concentrate with 20% fermented Durio peel meal and 10% rice bran is considered optimal for improving milk quality and digestibility in dairy cow.

Investigation on the variation of chemical composition and in vitro nutritive value of spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) for ruminants.

Spelt has gained growing interest in Europe in human and animal nutrition. Data on the chemical composition of spelt and its variations, especially their nutritional value for ruminants, are scarce. Therefore, hulled kernels, dehulled kernels and hulls of six spelt cultivars grown on three different locations were analysed for their chemical composition and nutritive value for ruminants using the Hohenheim Gas Test. Most of the analysed constituents varied considerably and were significantly affected by the cultivars or location, or both. Hulled spelt and spelt kernels of more recent cultivars had higher starch and energy concentrations and lower concentrations of crude protein and fibre fractions than those of traditional cultivars. Significant differences between cultivars were found in the energy values for ruminants for hulled spelt but not for fractionated kernels. Spelt hulls of different cultivars and locations showed a high variation in chemical composition with overall high concentrations of fibre fractions and crude ash. The nutritive values for ruminants of hulled spelt and spelt kernels were similar to those of oats and wheat respectively. Pure spelt hulls cannot be recommended for use in ruminant feeding because of their high concentrations of fibre fractions and crude ash. However, when some part of the kernel (~20%) or small kernels remain with the hull in the dehulling process, the resulting hull fraction has a metabolizable energy value for ruminants that is similar to that of wheat straw.

Effects of feeding siris (Albizia lebbeck) and Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna) tree leaves on nutrient intake, utilization and milk yield in surti goats

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding siris (Albizia lebbeck) and arjun (Terminalia arjuna) tree leaves on digestibility, nutrient utilization and production performance of Surti goats during December 2016 to February 2017. Twenty-five lactating Surti goats were selected and randomly allotted to five equal groups as T1 control - sorghum fodder (600 g/head/day), T2 -siris (600 g/head/day), T3 -arjun (600 g/head/day), T4 -siris and arjun (300 g each/head/day) and T5 -siris (400 g/head/day) and arjun (200 g/head/day). Significant (P<0.05) increase in dry mater, crude protein and digestible crude protein intake was observed in T3 and T4 and T5 groups. Similarly, digestibility of crude protein and fibre fractions were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3, T4 and T5. Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances were positive and comparable in all the groups. Blood biochemical and rumen metabolites were comparable among the groups and within the normal range. The feeding of tree leaves did not affect the milk yield and feed conversion efficiency. The feed cost was similar among different groups. It was concluded that replacement of sorghum with arjun and siris+arjun leaves increased digestibility and nutrient utilization in Surti goats without affecting palatability and cost of feed.

Biotechnological Impacts of Different Fungal and Bacterial Strains Treatment on Nutritive Value of Some Straws

The current work was carried out to investigate the biotechnological impact of different strains of fungi (Pleurotus Ostreatus , Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma reesei) and bacterial treatment by LAB (Lactobacillus Plantarum with or without addition of molasses) on the nutritive value of agricultural residues for production of good quality straw silage. Four types of straws namely rice straw (RS), bean straw (BS), mixture of rice and bean straw (RBS) and wheat straw (WS) were subjected to biological treatment under solid state fermentation) with each Microorganism. The experimental groups include, control group of each substrate which did not inoculated with any microorganism (CON) , and five treatments groups , T1 (straws treated by Lactobacillus plantarum with molasses), T2 (straws treated with lactobacillus plantarum without molasses), T3 (straws treated by Trichoderma viride ),T4 (Straws treated by pleurotus ostreatus ) and T5 (Straw treated by Trichoderma reesei). Each treatment was carried out for four types of straws. The results of proximate analysis showed increased crude protein, ether extract and ash contents in all treatment compared to the un treated straws .The biotechnological treatment also led to reduction in dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber and fiber fractions contents in all treatments relative to the control group. So it is recommended to treat agricultural residues by cellulosic fungi and bacteria especially Lactobacillus plantarum for improving its nutritive value for animal feeding. Further investigations are required in vivo to study the effect of feeding of the produced biomass on the performance of ruminants.

The Interaction of NDF Level and Fiber Particle Size on Productivity and Fiber Digestion in Rabbit during the Fattening Period

This research was conducted to determine the interaction of NDF level and fiber particle size on the performance of production, digestibility of dry matter, crude fiber and fiber fraction, digestive tract, microbial profiles, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and total organic acid of rabbits during the fattening period. The experiment utilized 144 New Zealand white (NZW) crossbred rabbits aged 28 days. The experimental design was a completely randomized 3 x 3 factorial pattern, with 3 levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (F1= 33.60%, F2= 36.10%, and F3= 41.43%) and 3 sizes of fiber particles (P1= 1 mm, P2= 2 mm, and P3= 3 mm). Each treatment had 4 replications, and each replication had 4 animals. The combination treatment showed changes in feed intake with an average of 5.25 kg/head. The F2 treatment showed the best results in body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with an average of 1.80 kg/head and 3.09, respectively. The F1 level showed the highest average of pathogenic bacteria (E. coli) population at 3.37 x 109 cfu/mL which inversely proportional to the average level of butyric acid percentage and total organic acids which were 12.92% and 386.23 mmol/L in rabbits during the post-weaning period. The conclusion of this study was that the inclusion of NDF and a balanced size of fiber feed in feed could lead to optimization of the fiber digestibility, digestive tract, total organic acid production, and butyric acid concentration which could suppress the growth of E. coli and improve the performance of rabbits during the fattening period.

Chemical composition, chitin and cell wall nitrogen content of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae after physical and biological treatment

The use of insects as feed may provide a potential solution to overcome the increasingly limited supply of feed, especially protein sources. Black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae is characterized by its easy production system, rapid growth, able to efficiently convert organic waste and contains high protein, i.e., around 40%. However, the BSF exoskeleton contains chitin which is a component of cell wall and may inhibit the process of nutrient utilization in the digestive tract of ruminants. This experiment aimed to reduce chitin in BSF through physical (separation of the exoskeleton part) and biological (fermentation with chitinolytic bacteria) treatments. There are four treatments tested in this study: BSF larvae control (T1), BSF larvae without exoskeleton (T2), fish meal (T3), fermented BSF larvae using Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659 (T4).Physical and biological treatments were able to reduce crude fiber content from 20.27% (T1) to 4.29% (T2), 13.18% (T4), and there was a decrease in ADF content up to 21.78% (T2) and 19.69% (T4). Bacillus subtilis also had lipase enzyme activity, so it can reduce ether extract in BSF larvae by 25.83%. The value of deacetylation degree from chitin isolated without treatment (T1) had a higher value of 66.11. This shows that the fermentation process using chitinolytic bacteria is able to reduce the quality of chitin and change the characteristics of chitin. It can be concluded that physical and biological treatment of BSF prepupa larvae can reduce chitin content, which is indicated by a decrease in crude fiber and fiber fraction (NDF and ADF). Fermentation using chitinolytic bacteria can change chitin characteristics and affect chitin quality.

Performance of Assaf Lambs Fed Two Upgraded Agricultural Wastes

Effects of ensiled greenhouse wastes (GHW), alkali-treated GHW and almond hulls (AH) on growth performance were studied on 24 Assaf lambs. All lambs were males with an average weight of 36.2 kg (S.D. = 2.1 kg) at the beginning of the experiment. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 lambs each. Lambs in each group received individually corn-soybean meal (SBM) total mixed rations (TMR). Rations were incorporated with a fixed amount (200 g/kg) of the treated raw ingredients: ensiled greenhouse wastes, alkali-treated GHW and ensiled AH. All rations were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The growth experiment lasted 80 d. Both chemical and biological treatments had significant effects on improving crude protein (CP) and fiber fractions. At termination of the experiment, lambs fed treated ingredients (i.e., ensiled GHW, alkali-treated GHW, ensiled AH) had better (P &lt; 0.05) feed conversion ratios and consumed less (P &lt; 0.05) feed. Treated GHW and AH had no effect on average daily gain (P = 0.14) and total gain (P = 0.21). Cost of gain was significantly lower in lambs fed the treated ingredients.

Effects of enzyme cocktails on in vitro digestibility of palm kernel cake

The variable nature of crude fibre and the difference in the profile of exogenous enzymes have necessitated the need to investigate the effects of enzyme cocktail on some high fibre feed stuffs. Whether enzyme cocktail will perform better than individual enzyme is still a subject of research. This research was conducted to test the hypothesis that cocktail of enzymes will perform better than individual enzymes on palm kernel cake using in vitro technique. Three different exogenous enzymes namely xylanase, multipurpose and phytase were used individually and as cocktails in a completely randomized design. There were eight treatments comprising of a control (with no enzyme) and seven experimental treatments with either individual enzymes, pairwise combination of enzymes or combination of the three enzymes. Each treatment was replicated thrice. In vitro technique was carried out and values of nutrients’ digestibility obtained were analyzed using Statistical Analyses Software. Treatments means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. This study revealed that multipurpose enzyme was significantly (P<0.05) better than other individual enzymes in their effects on digestibility of dry matter, crude fibre and fibre fractions with the exception of acid detergent lignin where there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatments. Phytase gave the least improvement in the measured parameters among the individual enzymes. Cocktails of enzymes were significantly better (P<0.05) than individual enzymes in their effects on digestibility of dry matter, crude fibre and fibre fractions while cocktail of the three enzymes was significantly (P<0.05) the best among the cocktails. The study concluded that cocktail of exogenous enzymes holds better potential than individual enzymes in improving the utilization of palm kernel cake for poultry species.

The nutritional value of leaves of selected berry species

Although the medicinal properties of berry fruit are well known, there is relatively little information available concerning the applications of other parts of berry plants. Thus, in this study we determined the nutritional value of the leaves of selected berry species and their possible application in health promoting diets. The levels of nutrients, and macro- and microelements in the leaves of four species collected from allotment gardens in the city of Szczecin, Poland (53°26′17″ N, 14°32′32″ E; altitude 7 m a.s.l.) were identified: raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.), and sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.). Sea buckthorn leaves were the richest source of protein, raspberry leaves had the highest levels of lipids, and the leaves of all four species studied were a rich source of crude fibre and dietary fibre fractions. Desirable Ca:P and Na:K ratios indicated their potential as a good source of minerals essential to bone formation and the treatment of hypertension. Sea buckthorn leaves contained high but also safe Fe levels (within recommended WHO limits) and, therefore, may become an alternative rich source of this element.

Effects of altitude and harvesting dates on morphological characteristics, yield and nutritive value of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) in Ethiopia

The effects of altitude and harvesting period on the performance of desho grass were evaluated in Ethiopia. A factorial arrangement of treatments was employed with a combination of two altitudes and three harvesting dates. Planting and management of desho grass was undertaken according to recommendations for the species. The data collected consisted of plant height, number of tillers, number and length of leaves, leaf-to-stem ratio and fresh yield. Chemical analysis of the constituents of desho grass samples was completed according to standard procedures. All data were subjected to two analysis of variance procedures and Pearson correlation analysis, with significance tested at p < 0.05. Results indicated that most morphological characteristics were not significantly different due to altitude except the leaf length per plant. Harvesting dates significantly affected the number of leaves per plant, leaf-to-stem ratio and dry matter yield. Both altitude and harvesting date significantly affected the crude protein content, yield and fiber fractions. Calcium content was significantly different only regarding harvesting date and phosphorus content was significantly affected by altitude. Dry matter content and yield were positively correlated with parameters such as plant height, leaf length per plant, crude protein (CP) yield, fiber fractions (neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber) and with each other. Crude protein content was positively correlated with the CP yield. Overall results indicated that desho grass was affected more by harvesting date than altitude. Generally, desho grass performed well both at mid and high altitude in Ethiopia and could be a potential livestock feed in the country.

Digestibility of some conventional and non-conventional feedstuff and co-products to be used in liquid feed growing-finishing pigs

Two different in vivo digestibility experiments were conducted to investigate the potential value of some co-products from food and agro-industries in liquid feed diets. In the first experiment, four conventional co-products (liquid bakery co-product, brewery co-product, hominy feed and high-moisture corn) were studied by the difference method with an inclusion of 50% (in dry matter basis) to the basal diet (2.7:1 water:DM ratio). A total of 30 finishing pigs (initial body weight, BW, of 86kg) were individually allotted and distributed to the four co-products and a control diet without co-products (n=6). The second experiment was divided into four trials for the study of four non-conventional co-products (mayonnaise, almond meal, cocoa meal and kiwi co-product). Non-conventional co-products were studied by the regression method with increasing levels of inclusion (2%, 4%, 7% and 10%, except for kiwi, at 4%, 8%, 12% and 16%) to the feed (2.7:1 water:DM ratio) with 16 growing pigs individually allotted in each trial (initial BW 40kg; n=4). The chemical composition of the co-products showed that the most energy-rich co-products were mayonnaise (8.7Mcal/kg) and almond meal (7.5Mcal/kg), the highest high-protein co-product was brewery co-product (27%), and almond meal, liquid bakery and high-moisture corn had low levels of fiber fractions. In contrast, cocoa meal, kiwi and brewery had higher crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber levels (>5% and ≥20%, respectively). The dry matter digestibility (DMd), organic matter digestibility (OMd) and gross energy digestibility (GEd) values were less than 80% for high-moisture corn, liquid bakery co-product, mayonnaise and almond meal but did not reach 80% for brewery co-product, hominy feed, cocoa meal and kiwi. The ether extract digestibility (EEd), crude protein digestibility (CPd) and fiber fractions digestibility follow a similar tendency among co-products. The standard errors of the digestibility values obtained by regression were higher than those obtained by difference. It may be concluded that mayonnaise, almond meal, liquid bakery co-product and high-moisture corn have a high potential for being used in liquid diet for pigs. However, brewery co-product, hominy feed, cocoa meal and kiwi, if used, should be included in low levels, due to their high fiber content.

Characterization of chemical and mineral composition of marolo (Annona crassiflora Mart) during physiological development

Maroleiro (Annona crassiflora Mart), belonging to the family of Annonaceae is a typical specie of the Cerrado and has occurred in most states. For fruit characteristics “sui generis”, with significant nutritional value. This study aimed to characterize the marolo (Anonna crasiflora Mart) during fruit development, through the evaluation of its proximal and mineral composition. The fruits 2012/2013 season, were picked to 12Km from the city of Itumirim, southern Minas Gerais, in intervals of 20 days from anthesis to maturity, and the first fruits were harvested 60 days after anthesis. The flowering marolo began in late September 2012, with fruiting initially observed at the end of October, with peak production at the end of February and beginning of March 2013 The fruits were harvested in the morning and carried to the laboratory, where followed up the moisture, ether extract, protein, ash, fiber and high sugar fraction beyond mineral quantification of them. During development reductions in moisture content and protein increments of ether extract, crude fiber and high sugar fraction and an oscillation in the mineral along the developmental stages was observed.

Effects of a Specific Blend of Essential Oil on Rumen Degradability, Total Tract Digestibility and Fermentation Characteristics in Rumen Fistulated Cows

Essential oils had been received much attention due to their antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms that manipulate rumen fermentation towards a better utilization of energy and protein. Six fistulated non-lactating Friesian dairy cows were used to investigate the effect of adding Crina® Ruminants (blend of essential oil) with 1g per cow per day to total mixed ration (grass silage, maize silage, soybean meal, rapeseed meal and wheat) of 7 kg per day on the in-situ rumen dry matter degradability (ISDMD) and total tract digestibility using TiO2 as marker. Fistulated cows were used as 3x2 Latin Square with factorial arrangement of treatment (with or without Crina® addition) in two periods. Each period extended for 45days (30 days pre-experimental phase and 15 days experimental phase). Ruminal fluid samples were collected to investigate the rumen fermentation parameters (ruminal pH value, volatile fatty acid (VFAs), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3N) as well as acetate propionate ratio). The results indicated that adding of Crina® to ruminant diet had significantly decreased ISDMD of grass silage and total mixed ration especially at long incubation time (12 and 48 hours). The ISDMD and in-situ rumen crude protein degradability of soybean and rapeseed meal significantly increased due to Crina® addition. Crina® had no effect on total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), starch, ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF) and fiber fractions. Rumen fermentation parameters did not affected due to addition of Crina®. Results concluded that Crina® could limit the degradability of grass silage, increased degradability of soybean and rapeseed meal and had no effect on rumen fermentation characteristics.

English

Mixing grasses with legumes for forage production has been a common cropping system, especially in the Mediterranean countries. However, the nutritive value of the end product is greatly dependent on adopting the suitable cultural practices to achieve maximum benefit from the forage mixture, especially the nitrogen (N) fertilizer level and the mixing rate. Thus, the current study was carried out on the winter season of 2012 and 2013 in the experimental station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. The main aim was to investigate the variations in 1st cut dry matter (DM) content and nutritive value of Egyptian clover (EC) and annual ryegrass (RG) grown in pure stands and with three mixing rates, under three N fertilization levels (72, 107, and 143 kg N ha-1). Nutritive value was judged upon investigating the crude protein (CP), carbohydrate content, and fiber fractions [neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)]. Results revealed significant variations among the five forage treatments for all the tested parameters (P < 0.001). In addition, significant variations among the three N-levels (P < 0.05) and significant two-way interaction among forage treatment and N-level (P < 0.01) were declared only in case of 1st cut CP content. In general, pure RG was superior in DM (155.08 g kg-1), carbohydrate (273.00 g kg-1), NDF (505.74 g kg-1), and ADF (279.60 g kg-1) contents. While, pure EC produced the highest-significant CP (155.52 g kg-1) and ADL (23.86 g kg-1) contents. Increasing the applied N-fertilizer level significantly increased the CP content of the sole EC (156.63 g kg-1) and the mixture of 70% EC + 30% RG (132.70 g kg-1). Grass-legume mixtures produced fodder of more balanced nutritive value when compared to the pure stands. Key words: Forage mixture, Egyptian clover, annual ryegrass, nitrogen fertilization, fodder quality.