Detergent Fiber Research Articles

The Anti-Methanogenic Activity of Lovastatin in Batch Cultures Using Rumen Inoculum from Sheep, Goats, and Cows

Enteric methanogenesis in ruminants is identified as one of the primary anthropogenic sources of total atmospheric methane. Recent evidence suggests that rumen methanogenesis is significantly suppressed by lovastatin. Nevertheless, it has not been reported whether the methane reduction by lovastatin depends on ruminant livestock type, nor has fiber degradability been examined. The current research aimed to analyze the in vitro effect of lovastatin on the major fermentation end-products, gas production (GP) kinetics, and fiber degradation of a forage-based diet using rumen inoculum from sheep, goats, and cows. The experiment was conducted as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (dose of lovastatin: 0, 80, and 160 mg/L and three inoculum sources) in a completely randomized design. The results suggested that lovastatin did not affect the GP kinetics parameters. The anti-methanogenic properties of lovastatin were variable depending on dose and inoculum source. Lovastatin demonstrated a superior methane-lowering effect in sheep rumen inoculum compared with goat and cow inocula. The total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production was unaffected by lovastatin, but changes in acetate and valerate proportions were registered. Remarkably, lovastatin decreased the NH3-N concentration with goat and sheep inocula and the in vitro neutral fiber detergent (NDF) degradation for all inoculum sources.

Can dietary magnesium sources and buffer change the ruminal microbiota composition and fermentation of lactating dairy cows?

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is one of the most used Mg supplements in livestock. However, to avoid relying upon only one Mg source, it is important to have alternative Mg sources. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the interaction of two Mg sources with buffer use on the ruminal microbiota composition, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibility in lactating dairy cows. Twenty lactating Holstein cows were blocked by parity and days in milk into five blocks with four cows each, in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Within blocks, cows were assigned to one of four treatments: 1) MgO; 2) MgO + Na sesquicarbonate (MgO+); 3) calcium-magnesium hydroxide (CaMgOH); 4) CaMgOH + Na sesquicarbonate (CaMgOH+). For 60 d, cows were individually fed a corn silage-based diet, and treatments were top-dressed. Ruminal fluid was collected via an orogastric tube, for analyses of the microbiota composition, volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). The microbiota composition was analyzed using V4/16S rRNA gene sequencing, and taxonomy was assigned using the Silva database. Statistical analysis was carried out following the procedures of block design analysis, where block and cow were considered random variables. Effects of Mg source, buffer, and the interaction between Mg Source × Buffer were analyzed through orthogonal contrasts. There was no interaction effect of the two factors evaluated. There was a greater concentration of NH3-N, lactate, and butyrate in the ruminal fluid of cows fed with CaMg(OH)2, regardless of the buffer use. The increase in these fermentation intermediates/ end-products can be explained by an increase in abundance of micro-organisms of the genus Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Butyrivibrio, which are micro-organisms mainly responsible for proteolysis, lactate-production, and butyrate-production in the rumen, respectively. Also, dietary buffer use did not affect the ruminal fermentation metabolites and pH; however, an improvement of the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral fiber detergent (NDF), and acid fiber detergent (ADF) were found for animals fed with dietary buffer. In summary, there was no interaction effect of buffer use and Mg source, whereas buffer improved total tract apparent digestibility of DM and OM through an increase in NDF and ADF digestibility and CaMg(OH)2 increased ruminal concentration of butyrate and abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria.

Energy intake and nutritional balance of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in special Bavarian landscapes in southern Germany

Context Irrespective of the fact that the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) occurs from the Mediterranean to north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the most abundant and widespread species, roe deer are fed in winter in Germany and Austria. Hunters justify the supplementary feeding with the argument that roe deer do not find sufficient high-quality food in our landscape and they would have to starve in winter. Aims Our aim was to measure the quality and energy content of the browsed roe deer diet (in terms of metabolisable energy, ME) and the daily energy intake by roe deer. Methodology Between 2017 and 2019, rumenreticula of 629 roe deer were collected from five extreme habitats in Bavaria. Samples were examined by standard methods of dietary analysis, such as in vitro ruminal fermentation, crude nutrient analysis and the analysis of neutral/acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin. In addition, data on body condition and age were collected for each roe deer. Key results The diet consumed by roe deer has an energy density between 5.1 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) and 6.1 MJ/kg DM on average. Crude fibre contents in the diet varied between 20% and 38% DM. Roe deer compensate for lower energy densities in vegetation by consuming more diet. Across all habitats, adult consumed an annual mean of between 10.6 and 12.9 MJ ME/day. Conclusions Roe deer find sufficient high-energy food in all landscape types. They consume and can utilise raw fibre to the same extent as do red deer or mouflon. Differences in energy density among habitats result from carbohydrate content and are compensated for by more food intake. Energy deficits in roe deer could not be detected in any habitat at any time. Implications Roe deer do not need supplementary feeding in any habitat. Supplementary feeding leads to browsing damage because of the lack of raw fibre in the feed.

Nutrient profiling of ruminant feed resources in Ghana

A study was carried out to evaluate the available ruminant feed resources for their nutrient compositions. Two hundred and seventy-eight (278) feed resources were sampled from 27 farms in six regions in Ghana: Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East and Volta. Parameters measured included proximate composition, detergent fibre, and in vitro gas production of the samples. Other parameters such as apparent digestibilities, relative feed values, short-chain volatile fatty acid (SCFAs) content and dry matter intake were estimated using the established models. A Kruskal-Wallis H test was carried out with the nutritional parameters serving as random factors whilst the different feed materials served as fixed factors. The results obtained indicated that root crops and their residues had higher (p < 0.001) CP contents than the other categories of plant-based feed materials whilst cereals and their residues recorded the least CP (p < 0.001). The crude fat content was generally low for all samples, however, the fibre content was high in the cereals, legumes and their residues, grasses, and forbs. The mixed feeds and mashes produced the highest (p < 0.001) quantities of gas after 96 h of incubation (19.38 ml/200 mg DM) and also had a faster rate (p < 0.001) of gas production than the other materials (0.025 ml/h). However, the root crops and their residues were the materials with the highest (p < 0.001) potential gas produced. Digestibilities, SCFA, metabolisable energy and other estimated nutritional attributes were relatively low (p < 0.05) for the varying categories of feed materials except for the mixed feeds and mashes. The study revealed that the nutrient composition and the nutritional value of the feed resources were generally lower than the requirement of ruminant livestock and this may subsequently affect their productivity.

A comparison between yaks and Qaidam cattle in in vitro rumen fermentation, methane emission, and bacterial community composition with poor quality substrate

Yaks (Bos grunniens) and Qaidam cattle (Bos taurus) graze the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) grassland all year, but yaks graze at altitudes higher than cattle. Yaks are raised by vertical transhumance, grazing at higher altitudes in summer and lower altitudes in winter. It is mainly in winter, when forage is of poor quality, that the two species co-graze. At this time, yaks do not receive supplements or shelter while cattle require supplements and night shelter. Previous studies reported that both energy and protein utilization were greater in yaks than cattle, and the rumen microbiota differed between the species. Based on the differences between species, we hypothesized that the rumen microbiota would enable yaks to digest a poor quality diet to a greater extent than cattle. This could explain why yaks are able to overcome the harsh winter without supplements while grazing poor quality pasture, but cattle require supplements. To test the hypothesis, fermentation parameters were studied in vitro using rumen inocula from yaks and cattle. Four isonitrogenous substrates of different energy levels (6.62, 8.02, 9.42, 10.80 MJ ME/kg) were used. The neutral and acid fiber detergent digestibilities were greater (P < 0.05) in yaks than in cattle and both increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing energy level. Methane production was lesser (P < 0.05) in yaks than cattle, and decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing energy level. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and acetate, the ratio of acetate to propionate, and ammonia-N (except at 48 h) were greater (P < 0.05) in yaks than cattle; whereas concentrations of propionate (except at 6 h), butyrate, and iso-VFAs were lesser (P < 0.05) in yaks than cattle. In addition, total VFAs, propionate, butyrate, and ammonia-N increased linearly (P < 0.05), whereas, acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing energy level. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was greater (P < 0.05), whereas of Firmicutes and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes were lesser (P < 0.01) in yaks than cattle, and Bacteroidetes decreased linearly (P < 0.001), whereas Firmicutes and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing energy levels. The relative abundances of fibrolytic bacteria (e.g. Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Butyrivibrio) and of H2-incorporating bacteria (e.g. Quinella) were greater (P < 0.05), whereas, amylolytic bacteria (e.g. Selenomonas and Succiniclasticum) and of H2-producing bacteria (e.g. Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Ruminococcus) were lesser (P < 0.05) in the rumen inoculum from yaks than cattle. It was concluded that the greater relative abundance of fibrolytic and H2-incorporation bacteria and lesser H2-producing bacteria enable yaks to better digest fibers and produce less CH4 than cattle.

PROXIMATE AND FIBER FRACTIONS OF SELECTED CEREAL HUSKS PROCESSED MANUALLY AND MECHANICALLY FOR RUMINANT PRODUCTION

This study was conducted to assess the proximate compositions and fiber fractions of some cereal husks processed manually or mechanically for feeding ruminants. Three Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in Jigawa State were used for this study. In each of the three ADPs, three sampling sites were selected and five samples were collected making a total of ninety samples. The samples were taken to laboratory to determine their nutritional compositions. The cereal husks included sorghum husk, millet husk, and pearl millet husk. The result of the proximate analysis showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among the treatments. Manually processed sorghum husk had higher crude protein content (15.31%) while manually processed pearl millet husks had the lower (9.30%). Manually processed millet husk had the higher crude fiber content (14.41%) and manually processed pearl millet husks had the lower value (12.52). Mechanically processed sorghum husks recorded higher Ether Extract (0.65%) while mechanically processed millet husk was lower (0.35%). Mechanically processed sorghum husk was higher in ash (5.20%) while manually processed pearl millet husks (3.18%) was lower and manually processed pearl millet husks recorded the higher nitrogen free extract (NFE) value (74.41%) and manually processed sorghum husks recorded the lower value (65.52%). On the value of acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), manually pearl millet husk recorded the higher value (37.05% and 51.15%), while mechanically processed pearl millet husk recorded the lower value (25.60% and 46.40%). It can therefore be concluded that, based on the results of the proximate analysis of the collected samples, the result shows that the husks can be used to feed ruminant animals and provide better results.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGROWASTES MODIFIED FIBER AND LIGNIN AND THEIR HYDROTHERMALLY CARBONIZED PRODUCTS

This study investigated the use of gravimetric method of analysis to determine the Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) of some Agro wastes and their hydrothermally carbonized products with a view of evaluating the energy production potential. The results showed that most of the carbonized products had more ADF values as compared to their uncarbonized precursors except for cassava peels and plantain peduncle, which have values of 39.20% as against 21.65% and 41.19% and 28.22% respectively. The ADL values were all lower than those of ADF. The percentage difference for the pairs of the crop wastes and their hydrothermally carbonized products gave the highest of ADF of 54.91% for maize comb and -44.77% for cassava peels. For the ADL, the range of percentage difference is between 60.20% for rice husk and -62.23% for beans husk. With the high ADF values for the agro - wastes and their hydrothermally carbonized products, these materials could be exploited for various energy generation.

Evaluation of silage from maize stover, maize husk and Andropogon gayanus in equal level with Tephrosia bracteolata as feed for West African Dwarf sheep.

The study investigated the nutritive composition as well as acceptability of ensiled roughages comprising Andropogon gayanus (AG), maize husk (MH), maize stover (MS) and their mixtures in equal proportion with Tephrosia bracteolata (TB) by West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. Seven treatment diets were formulated comprising AG: 100% Andropogon gayanus, MH: 100% maize husk, MS: 100% maize stover, TB: 100% Tephrosia bracteolata, AG + TB: 50% Andropogon gayanus + 50% Tephrosia bracteolata, MS + TB: 50% maize husk + 50% Tephrosia bracteolata, MS + TB: 50% maize stover + 50% Tephrosia bracteolata. The experiment was completely randomized in design. Significant variations were observed in the chemical composition of the plant materials before and after ensiling. It was revealed that Tephrosia bracteolata, prior to ensiling, had the highest crude protein (CP) content, lowest crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Similar trend was observed in the chemical composition of Tephrosia bracteolata after ensiling. Inclusion of Tephrosia bracteolata in the roughages improved their nutritional quality. All the silage treatments presented good physical characteristics. The acceptability of the silage by 12 WAD sheep ranked thus: TB > MS + TB > AG + TB > AG > MS > MH + TB > MH. Silage digestibility was highest (66.60%) in TB, closely followed by MH + TB (62.67%) and least in MS. It was concluded that WAD sheep production could be enhanced by feeding ensiled maize plant residues alone or in combination with Tephrosia bracteolata during the lean season.

Intake, digestibility, water balance, ruminal dynamics, and blood parameters in sheep fed diets containing extra-fat whole corn germ

We evaluated the effects of replacing ground corn with extra-fat whole corn germ (EFCG; 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on the intake and concentration of soluble nutrients of dry matter and its components, ingestive behavior, water balance, ruminal dynamics, and blood parameters in sheep. Five rumen-fistulated sheep with an average body weight of 67.56 ± 9.13 kg were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design. The experimental period lasted five consecutive 22-day periods divided into 14-day adaptation and 8-day sampling periods. The diets were composed of corn silage and cactus cladodes as roughage and soybean meal, ground corn, EFCG, urea, and mineral premix as concentrate. The forage: concentrate ratio was 70:30. There were no differences in nutrient intake, except for ether extract. However, the concentration of digestible crude protein (CP; P = 0.038) and ether extract (EE; P < 0.001) increased. The replacement levels did not influence ingestive behavior, nor rumination efficiencies. Water intake and excretion were unaffected, except for excretion by feces (P = 0.040), which decreased. There was no effect of treatments on the dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and indigestible neutral fiber detergent (NDF) pools; however, the pool of EE (P < 0.001) increased. The rates of passage (Kp), ingestion (Ki), and degradation (Kd) of DM and aNDF, as well as the passage rate (Kpi) of iNDF, were uninfluenced. Levels of cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P = 0.001) increased. It was concluded that ground corn can be fully replaced by EFCG without affecting intake and concentration of digestible dry matter and its components, water balance, ingestive behavior, rumen dynamics, and glucose and fructosamine serum concentrations. On the other hand, the replacement increased ether extract intake and consequently, cholesterol and triglyceride serum concentrations. Therefore, we recommend total replacement of ground corn by EFCG in diets for sheep. However, further investigations are needed on animal performance and sensory and biochemical characteristics of meat and milk.

The Effect of Tytanit on Fibre Fraction Content in Medicago x varia T. Martyn and Trifolium pratense L. Cell Walls

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of foliar application of Tytanit, a stimulator based on titanium, on the content of fibrous fractions, cellulose, and hemicellulose in the cell walls of h. alfalfa and r. clover. The experimental factors were plant species and titanium doses. The content of cell wall fibrous fractions was determined with near-infrared spectroscopy, and Relative Feed Value (RFV), and cellulose and hemicellulose content were calculated based on acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The stimulator differentiated the content of fibrous fractions in plant cell walls. Its largest dose lowered ADF content to 2.3% in plant dry matter, and the smallest one increased accumulation of the ADL fraction by 1.6%. NDF content in the dry matter of h. alfalfa and r. clover was lower than the desired optimum for plants used as forage, and the stimulator additionally reduced it by 4.9%. Higher doses of titanium decreased carbohydrate content during unfavourable hydrothermal conditions. However, there was no significant effect of differentiated Tytanit doses on the RFV value.

Silage Quality of two energy-cane cultivars produced with different additives

ABSTRACT This study examined the quality of silage from two cultivars of energy cane (Saccharum spontaneum) produced with different additives. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 2×5 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of two cultivars (VG3, VG1126) and four additives (1% urea; 1% NaOH; 1% CaO; and 1.0 × 1011 CFU g-1 of Lactobacillus plantarum- LP) + control, with eight replicates. Experimental mini-silos were used, which were opened 72 days after ensiling. The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), mineral matter (MM), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents, and silage degradability were. We identified significant interactions effect between cultivar and type of additive for DM, CP, EE, NDF. ADF. Organic and mineral matter percentage were similar between the two cultivars. LP was the least beneficial additive for DM degradation.After 72 h of fermentation, in vitro NDF degradation of cultivar VG3 increased due to urea, NaOH, and CaO, whereas degradation cultivar VG1126 decreased when inoculated with LP or CaO. The NaOH and CaO improved silage degradability thus improving its quality. The use of LP in the present study did not benefit silage for energy-cane cultivars. The use of NaOH and CaO improves the quality of the silage, two varieties of sugarcane energy VG3 and VG1126, enabling its use with better efficiency for animal feed.

Comparative Study of Local and Imported Enzymes in Improving the Nutritional Values of Agricultural Waste on Performance and Economic Efficiency of Iraqi Lambs

In the current study, we use 25 local Iraqi lambs. With initial body weight (24) kg. The lambs were randomly divided into five treated groups, the first group without treatment as control, the second and third treated with 20%and 40% Agricultural Waste treated with trade enzymes, fourth and fifth treatment 20%and 40% Agricultural Waste treated with local enzymes. The result demonstrated a significant (P&lt;0.01) increase in the quantity of roughages, total feed intake, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber( ADF) and Lignin (ADL) in T5 followed by T4 compared with others treated groups and showed a significant (P&lt;0.01) increase in the digestibility of NDF ,ADF in T4, T5 compare with other treated groups. While T5and T4 recorded Superiority increase in weight gain, and significant improvement in economic cost efficiency with ratio improvement of 5.90, 5.97 % respectively

Nutritional Quality of Opuntia ssp. at Different Phenological Stages: Implications for Forage Purposes

The study aimed to evaluat the chemical composition of forage cactus cladodes of the genus Opuntia spp. at different stages of phenological development. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with a 4×3 factorial scheme, with four species of cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw, Opuntia undulata Griffiths, Opuntia atropes Rose and Opuntia larreri FAC Weber) and three stages of cladode development (young, intermediate, and mature). The chemical composition of Opuntia cladodes varied according to species and phenological stage. Dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations increased, and crude protein (CP) decreased with cladode maturation. The species O. atropes had the lowest levels of organic matter (OM), CP, total carbohydrates, and non-fibrous carbohydrates, as well as the highest values of mineral matter, NDF and ADF. Calcium and phosphorus contents increased with cladodium maturation. The concentrations of boron, copper and manganese were higher in the young and intermediate stages. The cladodes of O. stricta, O. undulata and O. larreri showed better nutritional quality for feeding domestic ruminants. Young and intermediate cladodes are more proteinaceous and less fibrous. These results can be useful in selecting the forage cactus species and in optimizing the use of cladodes for feeding different categories of ruminants in semiarid regions.

Mixed Cropping of Dwarf Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) with Indigofera (Indigofera zollingeriana) using an Alley Cropping System

Background: Mixed cropping of forage grasses and legumes can potentially improve the performance of herbivores. However, the feasibility of grasses mixed-cropped with legumes should be examined at different plant densities. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the growth characters and forage chemical composition in dwarf napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) with Indigofera (Indigofera zollingeriana) grown using alley cropping. Methods: Three densities of dwarf napiergrass with Indigofera, i.e., high density (2 and 1 plants m-2, respectively); medium density (1.33 and 1 plants m-2, respectively); and low density (1 and 1 plants m-2, respectively) were applied under rainfed conditions in Makassar. Results: Plant density significantly affected growth characteristics, such as plant height and tiller density in dwarf napiergrass (p&lt;0.05), and non-significantly affected plant height and branch density (p&gt;0.05) in Indigofera. Plant density did not affect the yielding ability at the first defoliation and annual total of yields (p&gt;0.05), except at the second defoliation when the dry matter production of dwarf napiergrass peaked in the low plant density treatment (p&lt;0.05). In terms of chemical composition, plant density significantly affected fiber concentrations of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber, which were lowest at low plant densities (p&lt;0.05). The acid detergent lignin and cellulose concentrations tended to be lower at low plant densities, but the differences were not significant (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: We consider that alley cropping systems for dwarf napiergrass and Indigofera are suitable if low plant densities are employed in the region.

GROWTH RESPONSE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND COST ANALYSIS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF BUCKS FED DIETS CONTAINING GRADED LEVELS OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) HUSK WITH GMELINA (Gmelina arborea) LEAVES AS BASAL DIET

A total of twenty (20) growing WAD bucks of about 7 - 9 months and having average weight of 9.64 kg were used in an 84 day trial to investigate the performance response of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed diets containing cowpea husk (CPH). Cowpea husk used for the study was collected from Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Four experimental diets were formulated to replace maize offal with cowpea husk and designated A (0%), B (25%), C (50%), and D (75%) and used to feed the bucks. Results showed that none of the performance parameters showed treatment effect (P&gt;0.05). The mean daily weight gain was 56.55 g/day, 52.75 g/day, 42.81 g/day and 50.49 g/day for diets A, B, C and D respectively. The mean daily feed intake ranged between 458.40 g/day -503.00 g/day, with treatments D and B having the highest and lowest numerical values, respectively. The apparent nutrient digestibility coefficient of dry matter (DM), crude fibre (CF), ash, nitrogen free extract (NFE) showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments and some crude fibre fractions like neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments means. The concentrate feed cost/kg diet was between ₦63.85-₦73.74. The cost/kg weight gain was best for treatment B (₦617.05). The production efficiency was less than one for all the treatments. Cowpea (vigna unguiculata) husk can be used in the diets of West African dwarf goats without adverse effect on the performance indices and profitability.

Effects of neutral detergent fiber digestibility estimation method on calculated energy concentration of canola meals from 12 Canadian processing plants.

Our aim was to determine whether the method used to estimate truly digestible neutral detergent fiber (tdNDF) affects calculated concentrations of total digestible nutrients (TDN1x) and net energy of lactation (NEL3x) of canola meal (CM). Samples were collected from 12 CM processing plants in Canada over 4 yr (2011 to 2014, n = 47) and analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin (ADL), and neutral detergent insoluble CP (NDICP). Ruminal in situ incubation of CM samples was performed at 0, 24, 48, 96, and 288 h to determine NDF fractions (A, B, and C), effective ruminal NDF digestibility (ERNDFD), and indigestible NDF (iNDF) of CM. Three tdNDF-estimation methods were evaluated: 1) National Research Council (NRC) = 0.75 × (NDF - NDICP - ADL) × {1- [ADL/ (NDF - NDICP)]0.667}; 2) iNDF = 0.75 × (NDF - NDICP - NDF remaining after 288 h in situ); and 3) ERNDFD estimated from in situ NDF digestion kinetics. Resulting tdNDF values were used for calculation of TDN1x and NEL3x according to NRC (2001) equations. Data were analyzed with MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 to determine the effect of processing plant on chemical composition, NDF degradation kinetics and NEL3x of CM. Effect of tdNDF estimation method on calculated TDN1x and NEL3x of CM was also evaluated. Model for analysis of processing plant included the fixed effect of plant and the random effect of year (plant) as replication, while analysis of tdNDF methods included the fixed effect of tdNDF estimation method and the random effects of processing plant and of year(plant) as replication. There was an effect of processing plant on DM (P = 0.03), CP (P < 0.01), EE (P < 0.01), and NDF (P < 0.01) of CM. Processing plant also had an effect on NDF fractions A (P < 0.01) and B (P = 0.02) but did not affect fraction C and ERNDFD. The tdNDF estimation method had an effect on tdNDF (P < 0.01), TDN1x (P < 0.01), and NEL3x (P < 0.01) of CM, yielding average NEL3x values of 1.72, 1.87, and 2.07 Mcal/kg for NRC, iNDF, and ERNDFD, respectively. Our results indicate that calculated energy concentration of CM according to NRC (2001) equations varies depending on the method used for estimation of tdNDF. Further research will be needed to determine the most accurate estimation method.

Effects of lignocellulolytic enzymes on the fermentation profile, chemical composition, and in situ ruminal disappearance of whole-plant corn silage.

The objective of this study was to examine the enzyme activities of an enzymatic complex produced by Pleurotus ostreatus in different pH and the effects of adding increased application rates of this enzymatic complex on the fermentation profile, chemical composition, and in situ ruminal disappearance of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) at the onset of fermentation and 30 d after ensiling. The lignocellulolytic enzymatic complex was obtained through in vitro cultivation of P. ostreatus. In the first experiment, the activities of laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase, endo- and exo-glucanase, xylanase, and mannanase were determined at pH 3, 4, 5, and 6. In the second experiment, five application rates of enzymatic complex were tested in a randomized complete block design (0, 9, 18, 27, and 36 mg of lignocellulosic enzymes/kg of fresh whole-plant corn [WPC], corresponding to 0, 0.587, 1.156, 1.734, and 2.312 g of enzymatic complex/kg of fresh WPC, respectively). There were four replicates per treatment (vacuum-sealed bags) per opening time. Bags were opened 1, 2, 3, and 7 d after ensiling (onset of fermentation period) and 30 d after ensiling to evaluate the fermentation profile, chemical composition, and in situ dry matter and neutral fiber detergent disappearance of WPCS. Laccase had the greatest activity at pH 5 (P < 0.01), whereas manganese peroxidase and LiP had the greatest activity at pH 4 (P < 0.01; P < 0.01). There was no effect of the rate of application of enzymatic complex, at the onset of fermentation, on the fermentation profile (P > 0.21), and chemical composition (P > 0.36). The concentration of water-soluble carbohydrate quadratically decreased (P < 0.01) over the ensiling time at the onset of fermentation, leading to a quadratic increase of lactic acid (P = 0.02) and a linear increase of acetic acid (P = 0.02) throughout fermentation. Consequently, pH quadratically decreased (P < 0.01). Lignin concentration linearly decreased (P = 0.04) with the enzymatic complex application rates at 30 d of storage; however, other nutrients and fermentation profiles did not change (P > 0.11) with the enzymatic complex application rates. Addition of lignocellulolytic enzymatic complex from P. ostreatus cultivation to WPC at ensiling decreased WPCS lignin concentration 30 d after ensiling; however, it was not sufficient to improve in situ disappearance of fiber and dry matter.

Bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of Xaraés palisade grass under grazing in integrated systems

To evaluate the bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Xaraés palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha ‘Xaraes’ syn Brachiaria brizantha) under grazing in integrated crop, livestock (ICL), and forest (ICLF) systems, we conducted an in situ degradability trial in randomized blocks with three non-lactating 3/4 Gyr × 1/4 Holstein cows, provided with ruminal cannula. The management of Xaraés palisade grass was similar in both systems, differing only regarding shading in the ICLF system provided by eucalyptus trees (average 65% crown cover). Grass samples were incubated for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Considering the passage rate 2% h-1, the Xaraés palisade grass of ICL system had greater NDF effective degradability in relation to ICLF (46.38% vs 44.98%). However, the palisade grass CP potential degradability was greater in the ICLF than in the ICL system (68.92% vs. 65.40%). The presence of trees in the pasture has effect on nutritional traits of the Xaraés palisade grass, increasing its protein content and degradability and reducing its fiber degradability.

Effects of whipped cream addition on fermentation quality and relative feed value of alfalfa silage

This study aims to determine the effects of whipped cream addition to alfalfa on fermentation quality and relative feed value (RFV). Alfalfa harvested at the beginning of blooming (5th cutting) was withered under laboratory conditions for 48 hours. In the study, 4 different levels of whipped cream were used, and no additives were added to the control group. A total of 20 packages of silage were left for fermentation in a closed storage (16±2 °C) for 90 days, 4 repetitions for each group. As a results of this study dry matter (DM) contents of silages increased due to the increase in the level of whipped cream addition. pH of silages was decreased significantly in the groups that participated in 20 ve 30 g kg-1 of whipped cream compared to the control (P &lt; 0.01). In these groups, crude protein (CP) amount was higher (P &lt; 0,01), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) was lower (P &lt; 0.01) than control and other whipped cream groups. The water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents increased in parallel with the increase in the whipped cream level added to the alfalfa, and lactic acid (LA), as for that, was determined to be the highest (80.40 g kg-1 DM) level in the group with 30 g kg-1 whipped cream. In the same group, neutral detergent fiber (NDF: 383.1 g kg-1 DM) and acid detergent fiber (ADF: 245.4 g kg-1 DM) were observed to be at the lowest level, yeast numbers decreased similarly, enterobacter and mold did not develop, and RFV increased. According to the results obtained from the study, it was demonstrated that by adding 20 or 30 mg kg-1 of whipped cream to alfalfa, quality alfalfa silage could be obtained, and the waste whipped cream can be used as a silage additive and can be recycled to the economy.

Effects of plant spacing and fertilizer level on forage yield and chemical composition of hybrid &lt;i&gt;Urochloa&lt;/i&gt; cv. Mulato II grass during the first 150 days of growth under irrigation supplementation, in Chagni Ranch, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and N fertilizer application on dry matter yield and chemical composition of Urochloa hybrid cv. Mulato II grass for the first 150 days after planting. A factorial experiment with 3 urea fertilizer levels (0, 50 and 100 kg/ha) and 4 spacings between plants and rows (20 × 20, 30 × 40, 40 × 60 and 50 × 80 cm) with 3 replications was used. Data collected were dry matter yield (DMY), leaf:stem ratio and chemical analyses, i.e. crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentrations. Results indicated that DMY, leaf:stem ratio, CP%, NDF% and ADF% were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by interactions between plant spacing and fertilizer level. However, ash and ADL were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected only by main effects. The highest DMYs (9.18 t/ha and 8.93 t/ha) were recorded for narrowest plant spacing (20 × 20 cm) with higher urea fertilizer level (100 kg/ha) and narrowest plant spacing (20 × 20 cm) with medium urea fertilizer level (50 kg/ha), respectively. CP% ranged from 14.6 to 20% and leaf:stem ratio from 1.12 to 1.82:1. Similar studies need to be conducted over longer periods to determine to what extent these findings relate to performance over the life of a permanent pasture.