Degradable Fraction Research Articles

Role of schwertmannite or jarosite in photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole in ultraviolet/peroxydisulfate system

• Photocatalytic activities of Sch and Jar were evaluated in UV/PDS system. • Synergetic effect in Sch/UV/PDS system accelerated the degradation of SMX and TOC. • UV irradiation accelerated ≡Fe 3+ /≡Fe 2+ redox cycle on Sch surface. • Production of OH and SO 4 •- was enhanced in Sch/UV/PDS system. • Sch exhibited wide pH adaptability and good recyclability. Ultraviolet (UV)/peroxydisulfate (PDS) system has been employed for degrading organic pollutants in water, but the insufficient production of reactive species in the system limits the mineralization of organic pollutants. This study evaluated for the first time the effectiveness of integrating iron hydroxysulfates, including schwertmannite (Sch) and jarosite (Jar), with UV/PDS system for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation in water. The optimal conditions identified for 40 μM SMX degradation were PDS 2 mM, photocatalysts 1 g L -1 and pH 3 in both of Sch/UV/PDS and Jar/UV/PDS systems. A synergetic effect between UV/PDS and Sch/UV processes was found in Sch/UV/PDS system with synergistic factor of 1.15, which drastically enhanced the production of reactive species ( OH and SO 4 •- ) and consequently improved SMX degradation and TOC mineralization. Additionally, schwertmannite exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than jarosite in UV/PDS system for both SMX degradation and TOC mineralization. In Sch/UV/PDS system, ≡Fe(OH) 2+ on schwertmannite can be efficiently photolyzed to ≡Fe 2+ and OH under UV irradiation with O 2 – generation, in which the produced reactive species contributed to a relatively small fraction of SMX degradation. More importantly, the regeneration of ≡Fe 2+ accelerated PDS activation to SO 4 •- / OH, which was responsible for the degradation of most SMX. However, the photoreduction of ≡Fe 3+ to ≡Fe 2+ on jarosite by UV irradiation was insignificant, thus leading to the poor PDS activation to SO 4 •- / OH and a lower SMX degradation rate. The degradation pathways of SMX in Sch/UV/PDS system were further proposed based on the identified degradation intermediates of SMX. Besides, schwertmannite exhibited a good adaptability in wide pH (2–9) range, good stability, and recyclability for catalyzing SMX degradation in UV/PDS system. Therefore, integrating schwertmannite with UV/PDS system is an attractive method for efficiently removing organic pollutants in water.

Molecular-structure evolution during in vitro fermentation of granular high-amylose wheat starch is different to in vitro digestion

This study investigates the evolution of the distributions of whole molecular size and of chain length of granular wheat starches (37 ~ 93% amylose content), subjected to in vitro fermentation with a porcine faecal inoculum or digestion with pancreatic enzymes. The results showed that the molecular structures of high-amylose starch (HAS) unfermented residues largely remained unchanged during the fermentation process, while wild-type starch (37% amylose content) showed a preferential degradation of the amylopectin fraction. In contrast, under simulated digestion conditions, the undigested residues of HAS showed structural changes, including a decrease in amylose content, a shift of amylose peak position towards lower degrees of polymerisation, and an enzyme-resistant fraction. These changes of starch structure are likely to be dependent on the different starch-degrading enzyme activities present in pancreatic vs. microbial systems. Molecular changes in response to fermentation metabolism revealed by size-exclusion chromatography can help understand the microbial utilization of resistant starch.

Ruminal degradation kinetics, intake, digestibility, and feeding behavior of beef steers offered annual or perennial grass-hay with or without supplementation.

Effects of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) on ruminal fermentation, degradation kinetics, and feeding behavior of steers offered annual (Eragrostis tef; TEFF) or perennial (Bothriochloa bladhii; OWB) grass hay were evaluated. Ruminally cannulated Angus crossbred steers (n = 6; body weight [BW] = 304 ± 11 kg) were assigned to a 4 × 6 unbalanced Latin square design with four treatments arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial: hay type (OWB or TEFF) and DDGS supplementation (0% or 0.5% BW [dry matter {DM} basis]). Steers had ad libitum access to hay. Periods consisted of a 14-d adaptation followed by 7 d of collection. Residues from the in situ incubations (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h post-feeding) were fitted to a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS. The DDGS decreased (P < 0.01) TEFF DM intake (DMI) by 11.3%, while not affecting DMI of OWB. The greatest DMI was observed for steers supplemented with DDGS, regardless of forage, and least in steers consuming OWB without DDGS (hay type × DDGS; P = 0.03). Non-supplemented steers spent more (P < 0.01) time eating hay. Digestibility of DM tended (P = 0.06) to increase with DDGS supplementation. A hay type × DDGS interaction was observed (P ≤ 0.05) on ruminal effective degradable fractions. The rate of degradation, soluble fraction, and the potentially degradable fraction of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased (P ≤ 0.05), while the undegradable fraction of all components decreased (P ≤ 0.01) when steers were offered TEFF compared to OWB. Ruminal DM, OM, and ADF degradation lag-time increased (P ≤ 0.02) in steers offered OWB. Ruminal degradation kinetics were not (P ≥ 0.17) independently affected by DDGS supplementation. Average ruminal pH of steers offered TEFF (P < 0.01) and those offered DDGS (P < 0.01) were lower than OWB and non-supplemented steers. Total concentration of VFA tended (P = 0.09) to increase when DDGS was provided with OWB, while decreasing when TEFF was offered. The acetate:propionate increased (P < 0.01) with DDGS supplementation due to a decrease (P = 0.03) in propionate. Ruminal NH3-N was greater (P = 0.03) in steers offered TEFF compared to OWB, and those supplemented with DDGS (P = 0.03). An annual, in place of a conventional, perennial hay improved intake and digestion of nutrients, without affecting feeding behavior. The supplementation with DDGS appears to affect forage intake, ruminal degradation, and feeding behavior, although not independent of forage quality.

Ruminal Degradation Kinetics of Beef Steers Fed Annual or Perennial Grass-hay with or Without Supplementation

Abstract The effects of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) supplementation on ruminal degradation kinetics of steers fed annual [‘Tiffany’Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter; TEFF] or perennial [‘WW-B Dahl’ Old World bluestem, Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz).T. Blake; OWB] grass hay were evaluated. Ruminally cannulated crossbred-Angus steers (n = 6; BW = 304 ± 11 kg) were assigned to a 4 × 6 unbalanced Latin square design with 4 treatments. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial, with factors being hay type (OWB or TEFF) and DDGS supplementation [0 or 0.5% BW (DM basis)]. Steers had ad libitum access to hay and received 110 g of a mineral/vitamin packet daily. Periods consisted of a 14-d adaptation followed by 7 d of collection. Hay types were reverse-incubated at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h post-feeding. Residues from the in situ incubations were fitted to a first-order kinetics model using the non-linear procedure of SAS. The GLIMMIX procedures of SAS were used for the statistical analysis. A hay type × DDGS interaction was observed (P ≤ 0.05) for the estimation of substrate effective degradable fraction of OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose; however, after adjusting with Tukey’s, there were no treatment mean differences (P ≥ 0.08). The rate of digestion, soluble fraction, and the potentially degradable fraction of OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose increased (P ≤ 0.05), while the undegradable fraction decreased (P ≤ 0.01) when steers were fed TEFF, regardless of DDGS supplementation. Ruminal degradation lag-time increased (P ≤ 0.02) by 1.5, 1.45, and 2.6 h for DM, OM, and ADF, respectively in steers fed OWB, regardless of DDGS supplementation. Ruminal degradation kinetics were not (P ≥ 0.17) independently affected by DDGS supplementation. Future investigations should elucidate the interaction between supplementation and forage quality.

Effect of replacing alfalfa hay with Leucaena leucocephala (L. Leucocephala) leaves on in vitro gas production, digestibility and in situ degradability in buffalo

. This study was performed to investigate the effect of replacing alfalfa hay by L. leucocephala leaves in proportions of 25, 50 and 100% on in vitro gas production (GP) parameter, digestibility and in situ degradability in buffalo. Results showed that the volume of GP at 2 to 12 hours after incubation was significantly affected by replacing alfalfa hay with L. leucocephala leaves. In vitro digestibility of organic matter (OMD) differed significantly between treatment as it declined by increasing the alfalfa hay substitution rate from 25 to 100%. The microbial crude protein (MCP) differed significantly between treatments and was the greatest of 589 and 599 mg g-1 of dry matter (DM) when L. leucocephala leaves replaced alfalfa hay at 25 and 50%. The in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD) increased significantly at 50% L. leucocephala replacement rate. Moreover, substituting alfalfa hay by L. leucocephala had a significant effect on the in situ degradability parameters. The insoluble but potentially degradable fraction (B) and potential of degradability (A+B) significantly increased for treatment contain 50% L. leucocephala leaves. The effective degradability (ED) was significantly different between dietary treatments and was the greatest when alfalfa hay was replaced by 25 and 50% L. leucocephala. In conclusion, L. leucocephala leaves can substitute 25 to 50% of dietary alfalfa hay in buffalo rations without effect on rumen efficiency.

Performance of microbubble ozonation on treated tropical peat water: Effects on THM4 and HAA5 precursor formation based on DOM hydrophobicity fractions

The hydrophobicity properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) found in tropical peat water has an impact on the formation of carcinogenic DBPs such as trihalomethanes-4 (THM4) and haloacetic acids-5 (HAA5). This study was conducted to determine the effect of microbubble ozonation on changes in DOM fraction and its effect on the formation of THM4 and HAA5. Alum coagulation and activated carbon adsorption were carried out to reduce the DOM concentration before microbubble ozonation. Microbubble ozonation was carried out at acidic (pH 5.5), neutral (pH 7) and alkaline (pH 8.5) conditions to determine the effect of pH. Coagulation and adsorption of activated carbon were successful in reducing the presence of the hydrophobic acid fraction (HPOA) in peat water completely, but the transphilic (TPH), charged hydrophilic (HPIC) and neutral hydrophilic (HPIN) fractions remained in the water. Microbubble ozonation succeeded in decreasing the presence of TPH fraction but increased the formation of HPIC and HPIN. The degradation of the TPH fraction resulted in reduced formation of chlorinated THM4 and HAA5 (C-THM4 and C-HAA5). On the other hand, the formation of HPIC and HPIN fractions increased the formation of brominated THM4 and HAA5 (B-THM4 and B-HAA5) after the final chlorination process.

Evaluation of recycled carbon fibre/epoxy composites: Thermal degradation behaviour of pyrolysed and virgin carbon fibres using thermogravimetric analysis

The recycling of carbon fibres is a critical step in the reutilization of carbon fibres in a closed-loop economy. Evaluation of the recovered fibres regarding their mechanical properties, purity of the fibre surfaces and thermal stability are key points when exploring new high performance applications. This publication reports about the investigation of the thermal stability of pyrolysed carbon fibres and virgin fibres alone and in composite materials using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A commercial pyrolysed woven fabric (unaltered in length) was processed like virgin high tenacity carbon fibre to investigate the recycling potential of unchopped fibres and demonstrate their recycling without further down-cycling. Identical components of virgin and pyrolysed fibres were manufactured. These composite materials as well as the fibres solely were compared regarding their thermal degradation behaviours as a function of heating rates as well as temperature ranges in different gas environments. For further analysis of the data a kinetic study was performed. In addition, light microscopy and SEM imaging was used to visualize and investigate the samples. A slight shift to lower temperatures in thermal decomposition behaviour of the pyrolysed carbon fibres was observed. The decomposition of the matrix was similar in the TGA measurements but possibly, due to the missing sizing and lower fibre orientation a higher mass fraction of resin as well as higher activation energy values were calculated. The degradation of the carbon fibre fraction showed the largest variation. This is assumed to be due to the carbon fibre crystal structure but for verification, additional work needs to be performed.

Effect of extrusion on the rumen undegradable protein fraction of lupins

Lupins are highly degradable in the rumen, and do not provide enough bypass protein for high-producing ruminant animals. The effects of extrusion on dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) rumen degradability of Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius were determined in situ. Samples of both types of lupin were extruded at maximum temperature, which reached 116 °C. Six Dohne Merino wethers fitted with rumen cannulas were used in this trial. Samples were incubated in the rumen at intervals of 0, 2, 4, 12, 36, and 48 hours. This procedure was repeated in two sheep per treatment and in three periods, giving a total of six observations for each variable. Extrusion lowered the soluble fraction of CP and increased the potential degradable fraction without affecting its rate of degradation. It also lowered the effective degradability of CP of both types of lupin by 28% at an outflow rate of 0.08% per hour. No differences were observed between types. Extrusion modified the ruminal degradation parameters and decreased effective rumen degradation, especially at faster outflow rates. Thus, the rumen undegradable protein (RUP) fraction of lupins was increased by extrusion and lupins could be used more efficiently in ruminant diets. This study showed that the benefits of extrusion could be reached at a relatively low temperature of 116 °C to reduce the possibility of heat damage.

Enhancing anaerobic digestion of chicken manure leachate: Effects of trace elements supplementation on methane production

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of Chicken manure (CM) often faces several obstacles such as high total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration, inclusion of many hard-to-decompose litters as wood chips, and presence of inorganic soil particles. To address these obstacles, degradable fractions of CM were extracted by leaching and the chicken manure leachate (CML) obtained was used for AD. The effects of trace element (TE) supplementation in stimulating microbial activity and enhancing the AD process, under increasing organic loading rate (OLR) and TAN concentration, were investigated. The results showed that CML was successfully converted, reaching a stable methane yield of 288 mL g−1 VS when TAN was lower than 1.5 g L−1. Under higher OLR (0.85 gVS L−1 d−1) and TAN (2.64 g L−1), TEs supplementation gave 36.5% higher methane yield (p < 0.05). Overall, extracting leachate from CM in combination with TE supplementation was shown to be a promising strategy for CM treatment.

Cultivating oyster mushrooms on red grape pomace waste enhances potential nutritional value of the spent substrate for ruminants.

The use of red grape pomace (GP; Vitis vinifera L. var. Shiraz) as a source of beneficial bioactive compounds in ruminant diets is limited by high levels of indigestible compounds in the grape skin matrix. This problem demands innovative, inexpensive, and easy-to-use strategies that improve the digestibility of GP. The bioconversion of GP using edible oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) is one such strategy that has not been previously explored. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of cultivating oyster mushrooms on GP on chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of the spent mushroom substrate. The GP was inoculated with oyster mushroom spawns at 0, 200, 300, 400, or 500 g/kg, and incubated for 4 weeks. Organic matter, acid detergent lignin, sodium, manganese, cobalt, and copper linearly declined (P < 0.05) as spawn rates increased. A quadratic trend was observed for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium content in response to increasing spawn rates. Higher spawning rates (20–50%) had a positive effect (P < 0.05) on gas production from the immediately fermentable fraction (a), rate of gas production from the slowly fermentable fraction (c) and effective gas production. However, gas production from the slowly fermentable fraction (b) and potential gas production linearly declined in response to increasing spawning rates. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the immediately degradable fraction (a), while quadratic effects were observed for partition factors, effective degradability, and in vitro organic matter degradability at 48 h in response to spawning rates. It can be concluded that inoculating GP with oyster mushroom spawn reduced fibre content while increasing crude protein content and in vitro ruminal fermentation efficiency of red grape pomace. Based on the quadratic responses of partition factors at 48 hours post-inoculation, the optimum spawning rate for maximum ruminal fermentation efficiency of GP was determined to be 300 g/kg.

Quantification of natural microbial methane from generation to emission in the offshore Aquitaine: A basin modelling approach

Marine sediments near continental margins contain sedimentary organic matter (SOM) which is subject to the metabolic activity of micro-organisms during early diagenesis resulting in production of biogenic methane. This process occurs at microscopic scale and anaerobic conditions. Here, we apply a new numerical approach to simulate biogenic methane production offshore Aquitaine (Bay of Biscay) where gas seeps have been recently observed as the result of microbial activity. This new approach accounts for: (1) degradation of a labile-SOM fraction to methane, (2) first order kinetics of the thermal degradation of a thermo-labile-SOM fraction into labile fraction at greater burial and (3) decrease of SOM reactivity with time. First, the organic matter is characterized through pyrolysis using Rock-Eval performed on cuttings collected from two wells located within the methane seepage area. The microbial system is fed from a type III continental-derived SOM which is immature (average Tmax < 425 °C). The basin model is built and calibrated on seismic and well data. It accounts for the consumption of methane required to precipitate methane-derived authigenic carbonates which are found widely distributed on the seafloor as the result of the anaerobic oxidation of methane during upward migration. A sensitivity analysis is performed on the main model input parameters to quantify their impact on the biogenic gas production and expulsion/migration processes. Results led to a reference scenario for microbial gas production in offshore Aquitaine. With this model the generated methane is predominantly dissolved in water and transported by advective processes. Migration is mainly vertical from the source rock layers to the seafloor and controlled by sediment porosity and strata geometry. Modelling can reproduce natural processes such as gas migration at emission points (gas seeps) which have been previously mapped in the offshore Aquitaine Basin. Our results suggest that the biogenic methane is sourced by a present-day active system with a mean flow rate of 27 Mg/y which is relatively lower than flux modelled during the early Pleistocene reaching up to 41 Mg/y. Calculated total methane lost to the seafloor along the Aquitaine Shelf is in accordance with methane flow rate estimated from in situ measurements and acoustic signatures of bubbling sites, and ranges between 0.87 Tcf/My and 1.48 Tcf/My. Here we propose a new workflow to assess and predict biogenic gas occurrences in offshore environment at the basin scale where gas is sourced by recent continental-derived organic matter. This new approach can help to better assess the total biogenic methane budget emitted naturally in the shelf area of oceans that may reach the atmosphere with a negative impact on climate and environment.

Rumen degradation characteristics of two tropical forages supplemented with monensin in the rumen of N’dama Steer

Rumen degradation characteristics of Panicum maximum and Gmelina arborea forages in response to monensin supplementation were studied in a 2 x 4 factorial experiment using an Ndama fistulated steer. Monensin had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the soluble fraction 'a' of nutrients but showed reductions (P&lt;0.05) in the degradable fractions b' of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre at 30 and 45 mg/kg DM supplementation levels relative to the control. These reductions were within the range of 45.76 - 49.52, 37.88 - 43.57, 44.60 - 45.31 and 45.18 - 46.85% for DM, CP, NDF and ADF, respectively. The potenti al degradation 'p' of DM, NDF, and ADF reduced (P&lt;0.05) at 30 and 45 mg/kg DM while p' for CP reduced at 45 mg/kg DM. Forage type had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on nutrient degradation with Panicum maximum having lower nutrient degradation characteristics values than those of Gmelina arborea. While monens resulted in reduced nutrient degradation from Panicum maximum at 30 and 45 mg/kg DM, reduction in nutrients degradation from Gmelina arborea was observed only at 45 mg/kg DM. Comparatively, at similar levels of 15, 30 and 45 mg of monensin/kg DM, Panicum maximum had lower (P&lt;0.05) degradation values to those observed for Gmelina arborea. The reduction effect of monensin on nutrient degradation from both forages suggests an inhibition of microbial digestion. This could increase rumen fill, reduce ruminal outflow rate and possibly increase the proportion of un-degradable proteins leaving the rumen for the lower tract. The particular level of monensin supplementation at which such reductions would occur depends on forage type &#x0D; Keywords: , , .

Using whole oats grain as a source of fiber in calves’ rations

Two experiments were carried out aiming to study the value of whole oats (WO) as a potential source of physically effective fiber (peNDF) in rations for calves. In experiment 1, 24 Hereford calves (177 ± 18 kg) were randomly assigned to eight groups and these into one of four experimental rations (79% concentrate), varying in the replacement level of grass hay (GH) for WO: 0:21, 7:14, 14:7, 21:0% dry matter (DM) basis WO:GH, respectively. Increasing WO level resulted in a quadratic response for peNDF (P= 0.04) with values above 15% of dm. Intake increased quadratically (P= 0.03) and dm digestibility increased linearly (P= 0.03). As a result, feed conversion efficiency tended to improve (P= 0.08). In Experiment 2, four rumen cannulated steers were assigned in a crossover design to one of two experimental rations (65% concentrate) varying in peNDF fiber source: 35% gh or 35% WO, aiming to study the fermentative pattern. Replacing GH for WO reduced mean daily rumen pH (5.9 vs. 6.3, P &lt; 0.01), varying between 6.1 and 5.8, and always below pH values in gh. No differences were observed for the potentially degradable dm fraction, but fermentation rate was higher for WO (35.0 vs. 9.0 %/ h; P= 0.02), hence increasing effective degradability (58.3 vs. 65.4%; P= 0.048). Results from both experiments suggest it is viable to use WO as a peNDF source for concentrated rations.

Consequences of Increases in Ambient Temperature and Effect of Climate Type on Digestibility of Forages by Ruminants: A Meta-Analysis in Relation to Global Warming.

Simple SummaryThis work assessed how the digestion of feeds by cud-chewing animals (ruminants) is affected by animal and feed factors, ambient temperature (AT), and climatic region. The motive for this study was to simulate how forage quality and digestibility would respond under future climate change scenarios. This work allows for predictions to be made on the possible impacts of AT on the digestibility of feeds (viz. roughages, grains, leaves, stems, fruits, and concentrate formulations) consumed by ruminants. This would help farmers to plan and implement strategies for improving feed quality and to align feeding management to ensure improved growth response of ruminant livestock. Increasing AT reduced digestibility parameters consequent upon higher lignification of plant material. The amount of feed that can be potentially digested in a ruminants’ stomach (potential degradability (PD) were highest for concentrates and mixed diets compared to roughages. Potential degradability was lowest for studies carried out in tropical and arid climates compared to cold and temperate climates. Animals fed on diets classified as browse had similar PD compared to those fed on non-browses. Ensilaged feeds had similar PD compared to non-silages. A 1 °C increase in ambient temperature decreased PD by 0.55%, while the fibre content of feeds was projected to increase by approximately 0.4%.This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ruminant feeding type, ambient temperature (AT), and climatic region on the rumen digestibility of feeds. A dataset on nylon bag degradability parameters bearing the chemical composition of roughages, grains, leaves, stems, fruits, concentrates and diets given to animals, climate type, and AT were compiled. Data were analysed using mixed model regression and simple linear regression methodologies. Negative correlations between AT and degradability parameters were observed. Potential degradability (PD) and slowly degradable fraction (‘b’) were higher for concentrates and mixed diets compared to roughages. Intermediate feeders had slower rates of degradation (‘c’) compared to grazers. Potential degradability was highest for studies carried out in cold and temperate climates compared to tropical and arid climates. A 1 °C increase in AT decreased PD by 0.39% (roughages), 0.76% (concentrates), and 2.41% (mixed diets), with an overall decrease of 0.55% for all feed types. The “b” fraction decreased by 0.1% (roughages), 1.1% (concentrates), 2.27% (mixed diets), and 0.35% (all feed types) for every 1 °C increase in AT. Increasing AT by 1 °C increased the neutral detergent fibre content of feeds by 0.4%. In conclusion, increases in AT increased the neutral detergent fibre content of feeds, lowering PD, “b”, and “c” of dry matter in the rumen.

Potential degradation and colonization time of ruminal microorganisms on the particles of different oilseeds-crushed, and its chemical composition

This study was carried out to evaluate by-product of the biodiesel industry as canola, safflower, forage turnip, and soybean crushed on the chemical composition, in situ degradability, and colonization time. Canola (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), forage turnip (Raphanus stivus L. var. oleiferus Metzg), and soybean (Glycine max) grains went through the oil extraction process by means of a cold pressing, resulting in the oilseeds-crushed. The treatments identification included: CAN – Canola crushed; SAF – Safflower crushed; TUR – Forage turnip crushed; and SOY – Soybean crushed. The oilseed-crushed treatments were quantified about mineral (calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, phosphorus and potassium), chemical composition (dry matter, ash, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrient contents), In situ degradability, and colonization time. Magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc showed the greater values for TUR treatment 3.46, 27.4, 39.8, respectively, when compared to the other oilseed-crushed treatments. The TUR treatment had the lowest organic matter, whereas had the greater (p≤0.05; TUR and SOY treatments) for the non-fibrous carbohydrates. Ether extract was not affected (p&gt;0.05) with the different oilseed-crushed treatments. Neutral detergent fiber was affected (p≤0.05) for CAN and SAF treatments with the greater values, 344 and 500 g/kg of dry matter, respectively. Soluble and potentially degradable fractions for SAF treatment showed similar results. Whereas the constant rate of degradation, presented the lowest value when compared to the other treatments. Effective degradability of crude protein was greater for CAN 63.2% than SOY 65.9% treatment, which had the lowest value. Potential degradability of crude protein did not differ between treatments. Colonization time for dry matter and crude protein were similar between TUR and SOY treatments. In conclusion, oilseeds-crushed from the biodiesel production can be targeted/used, as feed with great protein and energetic potential in the ruminant’s production, considering the need of correct formulation and ingredients knowledge.

DRY MATTER DEGRADATION CHA RACTERISTICS OF RICE STOVER WITH DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS OF Ficus capensis OR Alchornea cordifolia IN RUMEN FISTULATED SHEEP, GOATS OR CATTLE

Rumen dry matter degradation characteristics (soluble fraction, degradable fraction, rate of degradation and effective degradability) of leaves of two browse species (Alchornea cordifolia, Ficus capensis) and rice stover and their varying proportions (10, 20 or 30% of each browse: crop residue mixture) were evaluated in rumen fistulated West African Dwarf sheep and goats and Bunaji cattle. The forages differed (P&lt;0.05) in soluble fraction (a) rate of degradation (c) and effective degradability (ED) but did not differ in the degradable fraction (b). Rice stover bad the highest rate of degradation and F. capensis the least. Effective degradability (ED) was highest in cattle followed by sheep and goats with a high degree of correlation among them. The inclusion of the different proportions of browse in the mixtures show some significance in a, b and ED (P&lt;0.05). Mixture had a depressive effect on the soluble fraction of the feeds in rice stover: A. cordifolia mixtures. Degradable fraction differed mainly in F. capensis mixtures. The rate of degradation was affected mainly in sheep and cattle among the feeds in rice stover: F. capensis mixtures. The different mixtures influenced effective degradability. As with the sole feeds, ED was highest in cattle, followed by sheep and goats.

Ruminal degradability of mixtures of Panicum maximum and four forage legume hays in N 'dama steer

This study was conducted to evaluate rumen degradability of Panicum maximum (Panicum) and Lablab purpureus (lablab). Stylosanthes guianensis (stylo). Centrosema pubescens (centro) and Aeschynomene histrix (histrix) harvested from the paddock consisting of grass and herbaceous legumes. Mixtures of P marimum (l. 8g) and each of these legumes (l.2g) were weighed together and incubated in a cannulated steer. Rumen degradability of the Panicum and legume mixtures were studied at 0, 6, 12. 24. 48 and 72 hours using the equation P=a+b (I-e-ct). Average dry matter (DM) and crude protein of the herbaceous legumes were 37.83% DM and 19.86% CP. respectively The soluble fraction. a ofthe DM degradation ranged from 23.34 to 31 rumen degradable fraction, b ranged from 39 46 to 44.43% DM. disappearance rate of substrates C was highest in lablab (12.4%h-1) and stylo (10.2%h-1) Protein degradation characteristics varied significantly (P&lt; 0.05) among the treatments Hlgher b Potential degradability PD and Effective degradability ED. fractions were observed in the sole legumes and grass legumes combinations than the sole grass. This study revealed that hay consisting of grass and legume mixtures was better degraded in terms of DM.CP and fiber fractions in the rumen compared to sole grass hay and this could translate to enhance performance of livestock when fed these mixtures.

In Vitro gas production assessement of Panicum maximum incubated with Leucaena leucocephala at varying proportions to predict the nutritional value for ruminants

The inclusion of multipurpose trees with grass such as Panicum maximum in the diet of ruminants may enhance productivity. Thus, the study was carried out to determine the proximate composition, in vitro gas production characteristics and parameters of Leucaena leucocephala and Panicum maximum at varying proportions. Five diets were formulated such that Panicum maximum was substituted with Leucaena leucocephala at different ratio: T1 (100% Panicum maximum), T2 (100% Leuceana leucocephala), T3 (50% P. maximum + 50% L. leucocephala), T4 (75% P. maximum + 25% L .leucocephala) and T5 (25% P. maximum + 75% L. leucocephala). Data were subjected to analysis of variance. Values obtained for dry matter (34.43 –35.95g/100g) decreased with the increased inclusion of Leuceana leucocephala in the diets. The crude fiber values (14.33 – 30.75g/100g) also followed the same trend while crude protein (CP) content (10.70 – 26.78g/100g) increased the inclusion of Leucaena leucocephala in the diets. There were significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences in the treatment means of organic matter digestibility (OMD 31.93 – 37.07%), Metabolisable energy (ME 3.62 – 4.33 MJ/kgDM), short chain fatty acids (SCFA 0.04 – 0.16mL) and methane (ME 1.00 – 2.50 mL).The values (2.00 – 4.67 ml/200mgDM) obtained for immediate soluble 'a' was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) different among the treatments. The extent of gas production (a+b) ranged from 2.00 – 4.67 mL/200mgDM, T1 (100% Panicum maximum) recorded the lowest while highest was observed in T2 (100% Leucaena leucocephala). The insoluble but degradable fraction 'b'ranged from 2.67 – 5.67ml/200mgDM, while the rate of gas production 'c' ranged from 0.04 – 0.14ml/hr. In conclusion, the enhanced values of crude protein, OMD, SCFA, and ME in the Panicum maximum and Leucaena leucocephala mixture indicate that the diets is able to meet the nutrients requirements of small ruminants in the tropics especially during the dry season.

Dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation parameters in goats fed sugarcane in replacement of corn silage

ABSTRACT The trial was conducted with the objective to evaluate fresh sugarcane as a replacement for corn silage on dry matter intake, ruminal parameters (pH, short chain fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen concentration), and degradation kinetics of forages and concentrate in maintenance adult goats. Four nonlactating ruminally cannulated goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with the replacement of 0, 33, 67, and 100% of corn silage by sugarcane as the independent variable. The substitution of sugarcane for corn silage did not affect dry matter intake, daily weight gain, or ruminal pH. A quadratic effect was observed for ammonia nitrogen concentration with a maximum concentration at 74.43% of sugarcane inclusion, as well as for short chain fatty acids, with maximum concentrations of acetate and butyrate at 0.59 and 32.70% of sugarcane inclusion, respectively. The minimum concentration of propionate was verified on 10.36% of sugarcane inclusion. However, the acetate:propionate ratio linearly decreased with increased sugarcane content. No effect was observed of different rumen environments on forage dry matter and neutral detergent fiber degradability (effective and potential degradability, soluble and potential degradable fractions). Dry matter degradability was 66.79% for sugarcane and 72.62% for corn silage after 96 h of incubation. Neutral detergent fiber was 37.10 and 51.82% for sugarcane and corn silage, respectively, after 96 h of incubation. In conclusion, sugarcane can be used as a replacement for corn silage in maintenance adult goats feed without altering dry matter intake and forage degradability while increasing propionate production.

Novel mixtures of Italian ryegrass and winter cereals: influence of ensiling on nutritional composition, fermentation characteristics, microbial counts and ruminal degradability

The study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the nutrient content, fermentation characteristics, microbial counts, and ruminal degradability of two mixtures of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and winter cereal silages. Two mixtures (mixture A: Italian ryegrass, triticale, oats, wheat and barley; and mixture B: Italian ryegrass and oats) were wilted and ensiled in laboratory‐scale silos without additives. At the end of 90 d fermentation mixture B silage had higher (p < .05) dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents than mixture A silage. The pH value of mixture B was higher (p < .05) than mixture A silage. Mixture A had higher lactate, acetate and ethanol contents than mixture B. However, mixture B had higher NH3-N (day 14) than mixture A silage. The mould and yeast count (Log10 CFU g−1) was higher (p < .05) for mixture A than mixture B at opening day 7. The in situ incubation revealed that potentially degradable fraction (b) of DM, CP and NDF was 39.41%, 43.59%, 80.23% (mixture A) and 39.16%, 32.39%, 94.35% (mixture B). The effective protein degradability (EPD) at 0.08 rumen outflow rates was 67.26% (mixture A) and 67.19% (mixture B). These results suggest that with the proper stage of harvesting, Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixtures were fermented well. This kind of mixtures can be ensiled without additives in the future. The high potentially degradable NDF and effective protein degradability implies that this mixture could be included successfully in high-yielding dairy cattle diets. Highlights Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixtures are well preserved without additives and it saves the cost of additives for dairy farmers. The ensiled mixtures have high potentially degradable NDF and effective protein degradability, which improve dry matter intake, milk production and increase the net return of farm. The mixture forage can be double-cropped with corn for silage making, which can have both environmental and economic benefits if the ensiled mixture yields are enough to cover expenses.