Diet Of Lambs Research Articles

Ruminal modulator additive effect of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium bark in feedlot lambs.

The study aimed to evaluate the inclusion effects of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium (barbatimão) extracts in substitution of the lasalocid sodium on the ingestive behaviour, intake, ruminal parameters, and digestibility of feedlot lambs. Twenty-four pantaneiro lambs were used, with an average age of 150 ± 4.59days and an initial body weight of 21.2 ± 3.63kg. The lambs were distributed in three treatments in an experimental design with randomized blocks. The treatments correspond to the additive supplements: LAS (0.019g of lasalocid sodium/lamb/d); DGB (1.50g of barbatimão dried ground bark/lamb/d); DHE (0.30g of barbatimão dry hydroalcoholic extract/lamb/d). The DHE increased 59.74min in the time spent for ingestion per day, resulting in an efficiency reduction of dry matter (DM) ingestion (127g of DM/h of feed). There was a reduction of 1.8mg/dL in the ammoniacal nitrogen concentration with extract supplementation compared to LAS. The DGB reduced total volatile fatty acids by 48.9% compared to the control treatment. The inclusion of barbatimão extracts (DGB and DHE) reduced 12.05% of ruminal butyrate content. The supplementation of barbatimão extracts replacing lasalocid sodium in the diet of feedlot lambs did not affect intake and caused small changes on ingestive behaviour.

Effects of Tail Vegetable Fermented Feed on the Growth and Rumen Microbiota of Lambs.

This study explored the impact of integrating fermented feed into the starter diet of lambs, focusing on growth, health, serum antioxidants, immune markers, rumen fermentation, and microbial communities. Thirty-six ten-day-old female Tail Han lambs were randomly divided into three experimental groups, which were separately fed with alfalfa hay (LA group), tail vegetable fermented feed (LB group), and tail vegetable fermented feed supplemented with 0.1% microbial inoculants (LC group) during the experimental period. This study assessed the influence of fermented feed on various parameters, including growth performance, fiber degradation, rumen fermentation, enzymatic activities, and ruminal histomorphology. The results indicate that compared to the control group, the addition of fermented feed can increase the daily weight gain of lambs. Simultaneously, the addition of fermented feed can enhance the total antioxidant capacity of serum (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed promoted the increased height of villi in the duodenum or jejunum of lambs (p < 0.05), and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the LB and LC groups was also improved (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed increased the richness and diversity of the rumen microbial community in lambs (p < 0.05), primarily increasing the relative abundance of Ruminococcus_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Lachnospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group.

Improving feed intake and rumen fermentation in lambs using mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay to adsorb naturally occurring mycotoxins.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of including a mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay (MDA) into a naturally moldly diet for Hu lambs. Fifty male Hu lambs with similar initial body weight (28.24 ± 1.80kg) were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments: a basal diet containing naturally occurring mycotoxins with 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0kg/t MDA, and basal diet with a commercial mycotoxin adsorbent Solis with montmorillonite as the major component at 1kg/t. Both MDA and Solis increased average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI; P ≤ 0.004), and there was no difference in growth performance between MDA and Solis (P ≥ 0.26). The final body weight, DMI, and ADG were linearly increased with increasing MDA supplementation (P < 0.01). Lambs treated with both MDA and Solis demonstrated greater apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and energy compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.03), and there were no differences in nutrient digestibilities between MDA and Solis (P ≥ 0.38). Digestibility of CP was linearly increased with the increasing MDA supplementation (P = 0.01). Neither MDA nor Solis affected rumen total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration (P ≥ 0.39), but decreased the acetate-to-propionate ratio and molar proportion of n-butyrate (P ≤ 0.01), and MDA also increased the concentration of ammonia (P = 0.003). Besides, increasing MDA supplementation linearly reduced the acetate-to-propionate ratio and molar proportion of n-butyrate (P = 0.01), but linearly and quadratically increased the concentration of ammonia (P ≥ 0.003). These results showed that the incorporation of MDA into a naturally moldy diet of Hu lambs yielded comparable results to the Solis product, with higher growth performance and nutrient digestibility but lower acetate-to-propionate ratio observed. In conclusion, including ≥ 1kg/t of MDA in high mycotoxin risk diets for growing lambs improves feed intake and rumen fermentation.

Potential of Paulownia Leaves Silage in Lamb Diet to Improve Ruminal Fermentation and Fatty Acid Profile − An in vitro Study

Abstract Environmental impact, quality, and quantity of food products of ruminant origin (especially beef and mutton) are considered major challenges in meeting the nutritional requirements of the growing human population worldwide. Therefore, we conducted this in vitro study to explore the potential of Paulownia leaves silage to reduce the environmental impact of feedlot lamb production and improve ruminal fatty acids (FAs) profile by influencing ruminal biohydrogenation. In the present study, Paulownia leaves silage (PLS) and alfalfa silage (AAS) were mixed in a proportion of 1:0 (Control, PLS 0%), 0.75:0.25 (PLS 25%), 0.5:0.5 (PLS 50%), 0.25:0.75 (PLS 75%) and 0:1 (PLS 100%) on dry matter basis in the lamb diet. The experimental findings demonstrated that 100% replacement of AAS with PLS in the lamb diet significantly improved the ruminal fermentation by increasing the in vitro DM degradability (P&lt;0.01), total volatile fatty acid (P&lt;0.01), and propionate production (P&lt;0.01) while reducing the acetate: propionate (A/P) ratio (P&lt;0.01) and CH4 concentration (mM; L and Q P&lt;0.05) and CH4 production, mM/g DM (L and Q P&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, 100% PLS inclusion in the diet increased the total monounsaturated fatty acids (P&lt;0.05), total unsaturated fatty acids (P&lt;0.01) and total n-3 fatty acids (P&lt;0.05) particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 n-3; P&lt;0.05) in the rumen fluid after incubation. Moreover, the total saturated fatty acids concentration was reduced (P&lt;0.01). These findings suggested that PLS could be a climate-friendly and sustainable alternative to AAS in the lamb feedlot diet for quality meat production.

Tributyrin in the Diet of Lambs and Its Impacts on Energy Metabolism and Oxidative Status in the Liver and Intestine, as Well as the Fatty Acid Profile in Meat

Tributyrin in the Diet of Lambs and Its Impacts on Energy Metabolism and Oxidative Status in the Liver and Intestine, as Well as the Fatty Acid Profile in Meat

Bioaccessibility of condensed tannins and their effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat.

The bioaccessibility of tannins as antioxidants in meat is essential to maximise their effectiveness in protecting the product. This property determines the amount of tannins available to interact with meat components, inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation and, consequently, prolonging shelf life and preserving the sensory quality of the product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii extract (AME) and their effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of fattened lamb meat. Thirty-six Dorset ×Hampshire lambs (3 months old and 20.8±3.3 kg live weight) were used. The lambs were distributed equally (n=9) into four treatments: T1, T2, T3 and T4, which included a basal diet plus 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% of CT from AME, respectively. At the end of the fattening period, bioaccessibility was evaluated, the animals were slaughtered and a sample of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was collected to assess colour, lipid oxidation, cooking weight loss and shear force on days 1, 4, 7 and 14 of shelf-life, in samples preserved at -20°C. In addition, the long chain fatty acid profile was analysed. A completely randomised design was used, and the means were compared with Tukey's test (P<0.05). The mean lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and hue (H*) values were higher for T3 and T4. The addition of CT did not affect (P>0.05) redness (a*), cooking weight loss (CWL) or shear force (SF). T4 decreased (P<0.05) stearic acid and increased cis-9 trans-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Bioaccessibility was higher in the supplemented groups (T1<T2, T3 and T4). In conclusion, supplementing CT from AME in the diet of lambs did not reduce lipid oxidation, but T3 or T4 improved some aspects of meat colour and CLA deposition.

Balanço macromineral em cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo espécies de palma forrageira

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of spineless cactus species in diets of feedlot lambs on intake, apparent absorption and retention of macrominerals. Thirty-six uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs presenting an average body weight of 22.0±2.87 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments [diet containing Tifton-85 hay as exclusive roughage (control), Miúda cactus cladodes-based diet or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) cactus cladodes-based diet] and twelve replicates. The calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) intakes (from feed and total) were higher (P=0.001) for animals fed diets supplemented with Miúda spineless cactus. The spineless cactus, regardless of species, caused a mean decrease of 45.4% in sodium intake (P=0.001). There was a net loss of Ca by lambs fed OEM spineless cactus (P=0.001). The absorption and retention of P was higher in control diet compared to the OEM diet (P&lt;0.05). The amount apparently absorbed, and body retention of Mg were higher for lambs fed Miúda spineless cactus-diet (P=0.001). Therefore, the diet containing Miúda spineless cactus increases the intake and body retention of Ca and Mg in lambs. However, the use of OEM spineless cactus may be unsuitable for a long-term.

Effects of yeast cultures on meat quality, flavor composition and rumen microbiota in lambs

Since the banning of antibiotics, the use of feed additives to improve meat quality to satisfy people's pursuit of high quality has become a research hotspot. Yeast culture (YC) is rich in proteins, mannan oligosaccharides, peptides, and yeast cell metabolites, etc., and its use as a feed additive has a positive impact on improving meat quality. So the study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for YC improving mutton flavor and quality by detecting and analyzing the effects of YC on muscle physicochemical properties, amino acids, fatty acids, flavor composition, expression of related genes, and rumen microbiota of lambs. A total of 20 crossbred F1 weaned lambs (Australian white sheep♂ × Hu sheep♀; average 23.38 ± 1.17 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 groups, the control group (CON) and the 1.0% YC supplemented group (YC) (n = 10), and were reared in separate pens. The experiment had a pre-feeding period of 10 d and a treatment period of 60 d. After the experiment, 6 lambs in each group were randomly selected for slaughtering. The results showed that dietary YC supplementation increased rumen total VFA and acetate concentrations (p < 0.05), and muscle carcass fat (GR), a∗ value, intramuscular fat (IMF), lysine (Lys), arginine (Arg), nonessential amino acid (NEAA), oleic acid (C18:1n9c), and eicosanoic acid (C20:1) contents were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while cooking loss and γ-linolenic acid (C18: 3n6) were decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that dietary YC improved the types of flavor compounds, and the key flavor substances such as hexanal, nonanal, styrene, benzaldehyde, p-xylene, and 1-octen-3-ol contents were changed (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of fat metabolism related genes PPARγ, FASN, and FABP4 were increased. Adding 1% YC to lamb diets increased profits by 47.70 CNY per sheep after 60 d of fattening. All of which indicated that YC could improve meat quality, especially flavor, which may be related to the regulation of the relative abundance of rumen microorganisms Bacteroidota, Prevotella_7, Succiniclasticum and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group.

Rocket seed meal (Eruca sativa) can replace soybean meal in fattening lamb diets improving performance, protein metabolism, and economic balance

AbstractThe study determined the effects of replacing different levels of soybean meal (SBM) with rocket seed cake (RSC) in the diets of growing lambs on feed utilization and growth performance. Twenty‐eight male lambs (180 ± 5 d old) were divided into four groups in a complete randomized design with repeated measures for 105 d. Soybean meal was replaced with RSC at 0% (RSC0), 25% (RSC25), 50% (RSC50), and 75% (RSC75). The RSC75 group had the lowest final weight, total weight gain, and daily weight gain. The RSC25 increased (P &lt; 0.001) the intakes of DM, starch value (SV), total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible energy (DE), and digestible crude protein (DCP) compared to the other diets, while the RSC75 decreased these values. Moreover, the RSC25 decreased (P &lt; 0.05) feed conversion of DM compared to other diets. Treatments did not affect nutrient digestibility or diet's nutritive values expressed as true SV, TDN, DCP, and DE. The RSC linearly increased albumin and urea and lowered the high‐density lipoprotein concentrations in lamb's blood. The inclusion of RSC in the diet increased economic efficiency, with the highest relative percentages of net revenue with the RSC25. Overall, RSC can replace SBM at 25% in the diet of growing lambs.

Substituting ryegrass-based pasture with graded levels of forage rape in the diet of lambs reduced post-feeding variation in methane emissions

The temporal profile of methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants is affected by feed composition and forage type. This study aimed to 1) describe and compare the post-feeding pattern of CH4 emissions from lambs fed fresh ryegrass substituted with graded levels of forage rape, and 2) to evaluate the association between the magnitude of the variation in CH4 emission patterns and organic fermentation products quantified in pre- and- post- feeding rumen content samples. Methane emissions were measured at approximately 6 min intervals in respiration chambers from 70 lambs (n = 14 per treatment) fed ryegrass only (FR0) or as a proportion, 0.25 forage rape + 0.75 ryegrass (FR25), 0.50 forage rape + 0.50 ryegrass (FR50), 0.75 forage rape + 0.25 ryegrass (FR75), and forage rape only (FR100). The magnitude of the variability in CH4 emissions was defined as the ratio of maximum to minimum CH4 emissions in a 24 h period. This ratio was correlated (P < 0.05) with the proportions of major short chain fatty acids, and calculated hydrogen (H2) available per unit of glucose fermented (H2/GEF), quantified in rumen content samples collected pre- and- post- feeding. The CH4 emission profile after each feeding followed an asymmetrical positively skewed shape for FR0 to FR75, but not in lambs fed FR100. The lowest CH4 emission rates were observed before morning feeding which was followed by a CH4 peak within the 2 h after feeding, and then the CH4 emissions decreased until the next feeding. In FR100 lambs, the CH4 emission rate was, unexpectedly, relatively constant after feeding, without any clear CH4 peaks. The magnitude of the variability in the CH4 emission rate increased when the pH of rumen contents and H2/GEF measured in pre-feeding samples decreased. Including forage rape at 0.75, or greater proportion, in the diet of lambs drastically changed the CH4 emissions pattern, likely due to a continuous low pH in the rumen which is detrimental for methanogenesis. In conclusion, the daily variation in CH4 emissions decreased with increasing forage rape inclusion in the diet of sheep and this was associated with a decreasing acetate proportion in the rumen liquid.

Influence of adding sage leaves on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation in Awassi lambs

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding different levels of sage leaf powder (SLP) to the diet of local Awassi lambs on growth performance, feed intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation. Sixteen Awassi male lambs 4-5 months of age were randomly distributed into four treatment groups: no feed additive (SLP0), 5g (SLP5), 10g (SLP10) and 15 g (SLP15) of sage leaves powder/kg of dry matter (DM) were added to the diet. Results revealed that adding SLP did not affect feed intake. However, growth performance, dry matter and organic matter digestion were recorded higher significances (P≤0.05) in lambs fed SLP5 and SLP10 than in lambs fed SLP15 and SLP0. Total volatile fatty acids concentrations were significantly increased (P≤0.05) in lambs fed SLP5 than other lambs. In conclusion, the addition of SLP at 5g/kg DM in the diet of Awassi lambs improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility with a positive effect on ruminal fermentation. Keywords: Salvia officinalis; Awassi lambs; Growth performance; Nutrient digestibility; Rumen fermentation

Could Cratylia argentea replace Tifton 85 hay on growing and finishing lamb diets in tropical areas?

Legumes shrubs such as Cratylia argentea have an ability to thrive in environments with low water availability and poor soil. On the other hand, forage grasses such as Tifton 85 have a greater demand for inputs to be productive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of growing and finishing Lacaune lambs fed Cratylia argentea hay as an alternative to Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp). Twenty-four Lacaune lambs aged between five and six months (average body weight [BW] 21.50 ± 3.38 kg) were arranged in a split-plot randomized block design. The plots consisted of different Cratylia to Tifton 85 hay proportions (0, 20%, 40%, or 100%, dry matter [DM] basis) as a roughage replacement in the total diet. The subplots represented two evaluation times, entitled "initial period" and "final period", which consisted of the early seven days of total feces and urine collection, and the last seven days of the experiment, respectively. The lambs were blocked by weight with six replicates per treatment. The results show that the level of Tifton 85 replacement for Cratylia hay in the roughage portion of the lamb diet did not influence (P > 0.05) weight gain (WG), dry matter intake or dry matter digestibility; feed conversion, feed efficiency; and the evaluated nitrogen balance variables. The digestibility coefficient of neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly as Tifton 85 replacement for Cratylia level was increased, which probably happened due to the presence of highly lignified material within the Cratylia hay. However, the alternative legume maintained animal performance of Tifton 85. In conclusion, Cratylia hay can be recommended as a potential substitute for Tifton 85 hay, which requires greater inputs for the production. Cratylia may be considered a feeding strategy for livestock production, especially for smallholder livestock systems and regions with unfavorable soil and climate.

Performance of growing lambs on rations containing &lt;i&gt;Lathyrus &lt;/i&gt;grainsas protein source

The effect of feeding Lathyrus grain as substitute of GNC protein in the diet of lambs was studied for nutrient utilization, blood and rumen metabolites and growth performance. Jalauni lambs (n=18) weighing around 16.45±1.50 kg were randomly allocated into three dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design. In the control group (LG0), the animals were fed ad lib. green chaff of fodder Sorghum bicolor cv. M. P. Chari with concentrate mixture as per requirement whereas in the LG50 and LG100, the crude protein of groundnut cake was replaced @50% and 100% with Lathyrus grain (LG) protein in the concentrate mixture, respectively. Supplementation of LG did not influence the total DMI (g/day) in animals of different experimental groups. Digestibility(%) of DM, OM, and cell wall polysaccharides (NDF, ADF, cellulose) was also comparable amongst the different dietary groups, while CP digestibility was higher in LG50 group than LG0 or LG100 group. Digestible crude protein (DCP) content was higher in LG50 than LG0 or LG 100 whereas total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents were comparable amongst the treatment groups. Similarly, rumen metabolites and all the blood parameters were comparable among the groups and within the normal physiological range. The daily body weight gain was not affected with the experimental diets. It could be concluded that Lathyrus grain could be used as an alternative source of protein in the concentrate mixture without any adverse impacts on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites and growth performance of Jalauni lambs.

The effect of increasing extruded linseed level on nutrient digestibility, growth, carcass characteristics, and non-carcass components of lambs from two genotypes.

This research aimed to study the effect of extruded linseed level on digestibility, growth, carcass, and non-carcass components of two genotypes' lambs. For this, 36 lambs, with an average body weight (BW) of 21.3 ± 3.4 for Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QF) and 17.8 ± 2.9kg for the cross QF × D'man (QF × D), were randomly divided into three groups of 12 lambs each (six per genotype) in a 12-week experiment. Sheep in each group received individually oat hay ad libitum and one of three concentrates containing 0% (control), 15% (L15), and 30% (L30) of extruded linseed on a dry matter basis. All concentrates were isocaloric and iso-nitrogenic. In the last 2weeks, digestibility was measured, and then all lambs were slaughtered. The increasing level of extruded linseed did not affect hay and total dry matter (DM) intake as well as nutrient digestibility, except the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility which was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by the diet treatment (66.4, 57.8, and 53.0% for C, L15, and L30, respectively). In addition, the different linseed levels resulted in similar average daily gain, final BW, carcass traits, and non-carcass components except the rumen and liver weights which were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by the increasing linseed level. However, the addition of extruded linseed improved (P < 0.05) the weight of the heart. The carcass tissular composition was not affected by the dietary treatment guarding a similar proportion of muscle, bone, and fat. However, the growth performance and carcass traits were higher for cross QF × D than QF lambs. In addition, the carcasses were leaner (less fat and more muscle) for the cross genotype (P < 0.05) than the pure QF breed. It was concluded that extruded linseed can be used in lamb diet without adverse effects on growth performance and carcass components. Furthermore, the cross could be planned given it resulted in higher growth and better carcass composition.

Biochemical Blood Plasma Changes of Awassi Sheep Using Different Levels of Olive Pulp

16 male Awassi lambs were used, four months age weaning was diagnosed bythe teeth, it was placed in the animal field and left to acclimate for 14 days, then the actual experiment was introduced for a period of three months. The lambs were reared in four standard barns with a stage containing feeders and water troughs, it was divided from the inside by iron partitions into three sections. Four lambs, each treated under hygienic conditions, were placed in each section, underwent a treatment and vaccination program that supported to ensure her safety and that she was free from diseases. The animals were divided into four groups were T1: was fed on a diet devoid of olive pulp (control group). And fed on a diet containing 5, 10 and 15% olive pulp were T2, T3 and T4 respectively. fed on a diet containing 15% olive pulp. The results indicated that all olive pulp treatments led to a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, uric acid, ALP and ALT, with a significant increase in HDL, total protein, albumin, globulin, phosphorus and calcium compared to the control treatment. The addition of 15% olive pulp in the diets of Awassi lambs gave the best results compared to a concentration of 5 and 10% olive pulp.

Impact of presence of zeolite in diets for lambs supplemented with zilpaterol hydrochloride: Growth performance and dietary energetics

Impact of presence of zeolite in diets for lambs supplemented with zilpaterol hydrochloride: Growth performance and dietary energetics

Nutritive value of fermented soybean grains for ruminants.

Fermented soybean grain (FSBG) is considered improper to use as a protein source in animal nutrition, since it is assumed that defects cause changes on its chemical composition and favor mycotoxins production, but chemical composition data does not support this theory and in vivo studies are missing. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of FSBG in feedlot lamb diets. For that, two types of FSBG (partially fermented and completely fermented, PFSBG and CFSBG) and one standard soybean grain (SSBG) were obtained and evaluated alone or as a component of experimental diets by in vitro and in vivo studies, where FSBG totally replaced SSBG in feedlot lamb diets, which was included in the experimental diets in 17.4% on dry matter basis as protein source. Before the studies, both soybeans were sent to a specialized laboratory where no mycotoxins were detected. As a result, lower DM and carbohydrate contents but higher crude protein, fiber, and indigestible NDF contents were measured in CFSBG than in SSBG. Furthermore, both types of FSBG showed lower digestibility in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) than SSBG when evaluated separately; however, when evaluated in experimental diets, the substitution of SSBG for FSBG did not affect IVDMD. It was also observed that FSBG also had less rumen-degradable protein than SSBG (mean 47.9 vs 86.4%). In the in vivo study, FSBG did not affect nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, or animal performance (i.e., average daily gain and carcass gain). Thus, mycotoxins-free FSBG may be an alternative to totally replace SSBG in feedlot lamb diets.

Corn grain rehydration methods: Water vs. cactus pear in the diet for feedlot lambs

The goal was to evaluate the productive performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and blood parameters of feedlot lambs fed silages of corn grain rehydrated with water or cactus pear. Thirty male intact lambs, mixed breed, and with an average initial weight of 22 ± 4.29 kg were assigned to a completely randomized design with three treatments and ten replications. The treatments were defined as diet containing ground dry corn grain - CG (Control); diet containing corn grain silage rehydrated with water (CW) and; diet containing corn grain silage rehydrated with cactus pear (CCP). No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) among the treatments in terms of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrate (TCHO), and metabolizable energy (ME). However, the ME content (P = 0.0204) of the diets containing rehydrated corn grain silage (CW) (2.57 Mcal/kg DM) was significantly higher than that of the CG diets (2.29 Mcal/kg DM). This difference in ME was associated with improved digestibility of DM (P = 0.0148), OM (P = 0.0032), and TCHO (P = 0.0027) in the CW diets. Animals fed the CG diets exhibited lower total weight gain, daily weight gain, and reduced feed efficiency. Additionally, a higher percentage of starch was found in the feces of animals consuming CG diets. In contrast, animals fed the CCP diet had higher plasma glucose concentrations (P = 0.0177). The inclusion of rehydrated corn grain silage in the diets proved to be a valuable nutritional strategy to enhance the overall nutritive value of corn grain for lambs, leading to improved animal performance. Furthermore, the utilization of cactus pear as a source of rehydration for grain silage can be particularly advantageous in regions where water resources are limited.

Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, In Vivo Digestibility, and Meat Quality of Pelibuey Lambs Fed a Diet with Ensiled Coffee Pulp.

Coffee pulp has been included in ruminant diets; but until now, little has been known about how the addition of ensiled coffee pulp (ECP) affects the growth performance of lambs. This study explores the diet's antioxidant capacity, tannins, and caffeine concentration and its effect on water intake, growth performance, rumen variables, in vivo digestibility, nitrogen balance, and carcass and meat characteristics of lambs fed ECP. Thirty-six male Pelibuey lambs were distributed randomly to one of three treatments (n = 12): without ECP0; diet with 10% ECP10, and diet with 20% ECP20. The diets' antioxidant capacity, tannins, and caffeine concentration were similar (p > 0.05) for all treatments. The diets' antioxidant compounds and the blood serum's antioxidant capacity were affected (p < 0.05). Dry matter and water intake, body-weight gain, and feed conversion were not significant (p > 0.05). No differences (p > 0.05) were found in the rumen variables or the nitrogen balance. However, the in vivo digestibility of crude protein was affected (p < 0.05). Carcass and meat quality were not affected (p > 0.05) by the inclusion of ECP, except temperature and redness (a*) at seven days of storage, respectively. Including up to 20% of ECP in the diet of lambs did not affect the growth performance, rumen variables, or nitrogen balance; however, the antioxidant compounds of the diets, the antioxidant capacity in blood serum, and the in vivo digestibility of crude protein were different. There was an increase in the redness (a*) and lower temperature in the Longissimus dorsi muscle, keeping lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), water-holding capacity, and texture at seven storage days.

Differential expressions of FASN, SCD, and FABP4 genes in the ribeye muscle of omega-3 oil-supplemented Tattykeel Australian White lambs

BackgroundThe concept of the functional nutritional value of health-beneficial omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) is becoming a phenomenon among red meat consumers globally. This study examined the expressions of three lipogenic genes (fatty acid binding protein 4, FABP4, fatty acid synthase, FASN; and stearoyl-CoA desaturase, SCD) in the ribeye (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) muscle of Tattykeel Australian White (TAW) lambs fed fortified omega-3 diets and correlations with fatty acids. To answer the research question, “are there differences in the expression of lipogenic genes between control, MSM whole grain and omega-3 supplemented lambs?”, we tested the hypothesis that fortification of lamb diets with omega-3 will lead to a down-regulation of lipogenic genes. Seventy-five six-month old TAW lambs were randomly allocated to the (1) omega-3 oil-fortified grain pellets, (2) unfortified grain pellets (control) or (3) unfortified MSM whole grain pellets diet supplements to generate three treatments of 25 lambs each. The feeding trial lasted 47 days.ResultsFrom the Kruskal-Wallis test, the results showed a striking disparity in lipogenic gene expression between the three dietary treatments in which the FABP4 gene was significantly up-regulated by 3-folds in the muscles of lambs fed MSM Milling (MSM) whole grain diet compared to the omega-3 and control diets. A negative correlation was observed between FASN gene expression and intramuscular fat (IMF), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The FABP4 gene expression was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).ConclusionTaken together, this study’s results suggest that FABP4 and FASN genes perform an important role in the biosynthesis of fatty acids in the ribeye muscle of TAW lambs, and supplementary diet composition is an important factor influencing their expressions.