Fiber Digestibility Research Articles

Sorghum–Legume Mixtures to Improve Forage Yield and Nutritive Value in Semiarid Regions

In a continued search for legumes to grow with forage sorghum (FS) [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in semi-arid environments, studies in 2019 and 2022 at New Mexico State University Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM USA, evaluated FS mixed with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], lablab (Lablab purpureus L.), both previously evaluated, and a native legume, big-pod sesbania (Sesbania macrocarpa), for yield and nutritive value in four randomized complete blocks each year. At harvest legume proportions of approximately 15% of the dry matter yield, there were no differences in the yield (mean = 15.97 Mg ha−1, p > 0.40) or land equivalency ratio between sole FS and any mixture or among mixtures; however, the crude protein of FS+Lablab was greater than sole FS, with FS+Cowpea and FS+Sesbania intermediate (67, 77, 87, and 79 g kg−1 for sole FS, FS+Cowpea, FS+Lablab, and FS+Sesbania, respectively; 5% LSD = 14). The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of FS+Sesbania was less than all other treatments (p = 0.0266). Although the sesbania did not improve forage yield or nutritive value when grown with FS and harvested near sesbania maturity, perhaps growing with a shorter season grass and harvesting earlier may show benefit, as sesbania’s nutritive value is known to be greater at earlier stages.

Mealworm larvae and black soldier fly larvae as novel protein supplements for cattle consuming low-quality forage.

The global population is projected to increase, indicating that there will be greater demand for animal protein to meet the associated food needs. This demand will place additional pressure on livestock systems to increase output while also minimizing natural resource inputs. Insect protein has emerged as a potential alternative to conventional protein feeds, such as soybean meal. Mealworm larvae (MWL; Tenebrio molitor) have been studied in poultry and swine as an alternative protein source; however, there is no research currently evaluating MWL for cattle. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens) have also received attention for their potential use in livestock feed due to their scalability and nutritional value, but research in cattle is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of whole-dried MWL and defatted BSFL as protein supplements for cattle consuming forage. Five ruminally cannulated steers were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square experiment to determine how MWL and BSFL supplementations affect forage utilization. Steers consuming ad libitum low-quality forage (76.5% neutral detergent fiber [NDF], 4.2% crude protein) were provided one of the five treatments each period: 1) control with no supplement (CON), 2) soybean meal (CONV), 3) BSFL, 4) MWL, or 5) 50/50 by-weight blend of BSFL and MWL (MIX). All treatments were provided at 100 mg N/kg BW and periods included 8 d for treatment adaptation, 5 d for intake and digestion, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation measures. Protein supplementation stimulated forage organic matter intake (FOMI; P ≤ 0.01) relative to CON (3.28 kg/d). There was a significant difference in FOMI (P ≤ 0.01) between BSFL (4.30 kg/d) and CONV (4.71 kg/d), but not between CONV and MWL (P = 0.06, 4.43 kg/d). Total digestible OM intake (TDOMI) was also stimulated by the provision of protein (P ≤ 0.01), from 1.94 kg/d for CON to an average of 3.24 kg/d across protein supplements. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and NDF digestibility (NDFD) were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.37), for an average OMD of 66.5% and NDFD of 62.7%. There was also no treatment effect on ruminal volatile fatty acid (P = 0.96) or ammonia-N (P = 0.22) concentrations. These data indicate that MWL may stimulate forage utilization by beef cattle to a greater extent than BSFL, but both are viable protein supplements.

Nutrient Utilization and Gut Microbiota Composition in Giant Pandas of Different Age Groups.

Proper feeding and nutrition are vital for maintaining the health of giant pandas (GPs), yet the impact of dietary changes and gut microbiota on their nutrient utilization remains unclear. To address these uncertainties, we investigated nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, as well as gut microbiota composition across different age groups of giant pandas: sub-adults (SGPs), adults (AGPs), and geriatrics (GGPs). Our findings revealed notable shifts in dietary patterns from SGPs to GGPs. As they aged, significantly more bamboo shoots and less bamboo were consumed. Consequently, GGPs showed significantly reduced crude fiber (CF) intake and digestibility, while crude protein (CP) did not alter significantly. In addition, 16S rRNA microbial sequencing results showed that unidentified_Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus were the dominant genera among all age groups. The relative abundance of the genus Enterococcus in GGPs was significantly higher than that in SGPs and AGPs (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated the importance of bamboo shoots as a major source of protein in GGPs' diet, which can effectively compensate for the certain nutritional loss caused by the reduction in bamboo intake. Age-related changes in bacterial abundance have an effect on specific nutrient apparent digestibility in the gut of GPs. The data presented in this study serve as a useful reference for nutritional management in different ages of GPs under healthy conditions.

Estimation of Fiber Fragility and Digestibility of Corn Silages and Cool Season Pastures

Fiber fragility is defined as the particle size reduction rate during chewing and can help to explain the effects on feed intake and animal performance of different fiber sources. This study aimed to estimate the fiber fragility of corn silage and cool-season pasture based on their chemical composition. Between June and December 2022, 25 samples of corn silage and 25 samples of cool-season pasture were collected from dairy farms in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, chemical composition, and fiber fragility. Contents of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and fiber fragility were greater in corn silages compared to cool-season pasture. However, the ADF–NDF ratio was similar in forages. Crude protein (CP) content and the in situ degradation of DM and NDF were greater in cool-season pasture than corn silage. Dry matter and NDF in situ degradation were negatively correlated with increased contents of ADF, NDF, and ADL and the ADF–NDF ratio in forages. Fiber fragility was negatively correlated with DM degradation and positively correlated with contents of ADF, NDF, ADL, and DM. Fiber fragility decreased as CP content increased. Thus, greater fiber fragility may jeopardize nutrient degradation, and levels of fiber fragility are directly associated with fiber content.

Handheld Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Undried Forage Quality Estimation.

This study investigates the efficacy of handheld Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) devices for in-field estimation of forage quality using undried samples. The objective is to assess the precision and accuracy of multiple handheld NIRS instruments-NeoSpectra, TrinamiX, and AgroCares-when evaluating key forage quality metrics such as Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (aNDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL), in vitro Total Digestibility (IVTD)and Neutral Detergent Fiber Digestibility (NDFD). Samples were collected from silage bunkers across 111 farms in New York State and scanned using different methods (static, moving, and turntable). The results demonstrate that dynamic scanning patterns (moving and turntable) enhance the predictive accuracy of the models compared to static scans. Fiber constituents (ADF, aNDF) and Crude Protein (CP) show higher robustness and minimal impact from water interference, maintaining similar R2 values as dried samples. Conversely, IVTD, NDFD, and ADL are adversely affected by water content, resulting in lower R2 values. This study underscores the importance of understanding the water effects on undried forage, as water's high absorption bands at 1400 and 1900 nm introduce significant spectral interference. Further investigation into the PLSR loading factors is necessary to mitigate these effects. The findings suggest that, while handheld NIRS devices hold promise for rapid, on-site forage quality assessment, careful consideration of scanning methodology is crucial for accurate prediction models. This research contributes valuable insights for optimizing the use of portable NIRS technology in forage analysis, enhancing feed utilization efficiency, and supporting sustainable dairy farming practices.

Ruminal passage rate and digestibility of fiber from dairy cows consuming diets containing alfalfa and orchardgrass hays with different concentrations of undegradable neutral detergent fiber (uNDF)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding diets with different fractions of undegraded NDF (uNDF) and potentially degradable (pdNDF) on ruminal NDF degradation and passage kinetics of lactating dairy cows. Six rumen-cannulated (533 ± 43 kg BW and 122 ± 15 DIM) and 6 non-cannulated (558 ± 62 kg BW and 126 ± 16 DIM) primiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets in a crossover design with 2 28-d periods. The experimental diets were formulated to include either alfalfa hay (ALFA) or orchardgrass hay (ORCH) in addition to corn silage. Rations were formulated to contain 30% NDF (DM basis), where the concentrate, corn silage, and each of the hays provided one third of the dietary NDF. The marker dilution technique was used to measure the passage rate utilizing a pulse dose of marked corn silage fiber. On d 17 and 24 of each period, ruminal contents were evacuated to determine ruminal pool size. Following the return of the ruminal contents containing the pulse dose of marked corn silage to the rumen, ruminal grab samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h. Samples from each time point were separated into solids and liquid, and the solids were analyzed for NDF, uNDF, and marker concentration. Alfalfa hay had a higher concentration of CP (16.4 vs. 10.7%) and a lower concentration of NDF (38.0 vs. 63.2) than orchardgrass hay. Alfalfa hay had a greater concentration of uNDF than orchardgrass hay (36.5 vs. 32.8% uNDF; NDF basis). Cows consuming the ALFA diet had similar milk yield (39.1 kg/d) and similar milk fat and protein concentrations (3.72% fat and 3.24% protein, respectively) than cows consuming the ORCH diet. Cows consuming the ALFA diet consumed more DM (26.7 vs. 24.6 kg/d) and uNDF (2.7 vs. 2.3 kg/d), than cows consuming the ORCH diet. Cows consuming the ALFA diet digested more NDF and pdNDF than cows consuming the ORCH diet (3.3 vs. 2.8 kg/d). Even though cows consuming the ALFA diet had a smaller pool size of NDF than cows consuming the ORCH diet (5.4 vs. 6.7 kg), the pool size of uNDF did not differ between groups (2.4 kg). Cows consuming the ALFA diet had a faster rate of passage of uNDF than cows consuming the ORCH diet (5.02 vs. 4.03%/h). This translated into a shorter mean retention time of uNDF for cows consuming the ALFA diet relative to cows consuming the ORCH diet (21.0 vs. 26.2 h). In conclusion, cows consuming diets containing alfalfa hay had a faster ruminal passage rate and a shorter mean retention time of uNDF than cows consuming diets containing orchardgrass hay, and this occurred despite the greater concentrations of dietary uNDF in the alfalfa-based diet. These findings suggest that the kinetics of ruminal digestion and passage influence NDF degradation in ways beyond uNDF concentration or forage quality.

Effects of herbal formula on growth performance, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbiome in fattening lambs under heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) causes severe economic losses in sheep industry worldwide. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a herbal formula (HF) supplement on growth, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbes in fattening lambs under HS. The HF composed of four herbs was prepared based on the theory of compatibility of Chinese medicine "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi". Two-hundred forty 3-month weaned lambs (initial weight 36.61 ± 0.73kg) were randomly allocated into four groups, supplemented 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% HF in diets. All lambs were exposed to HS conditions with 79.7 of average temperature-humidity index throughout an experimental period of 35days. Growth performance, apparent digestibility, and antioxidant activities, involving antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were measured at the end of trial, as well as microbial communities in bacteria and archaea. Results showed that 0.5% HF increased (P = 0.02) average daily gain by 13.80% and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (P = 0.03) by 14.68%, compared to control. With increasing HF doses, the digestibility of ether extract and acid detergent fiber demonstrated a cubical (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P = 0.03) relation, respectively; moreover, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities demonstrated a quadratic increase (P < 0.01). Serum levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 for 0.5% HF were lower than that in control (P < 0.05). On the other hand, total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid levels exhibited quadratic increases (P ≤ 0.01) with HF doses. From rumen microbes, the abundance and diversity of bacterial community were improved by HF supplements. Particularly for 0.5% HF group, the operational taxonomic units were the greatest among all groups. Compared to control, Prevotella abundance for HF supplements from 0.5 to 1.5% increased by 35.57 to 60.15%, and Succiniclasticum abundance demonstrated a quadratic pattern (P = 0.02) with doses. Additionally, Methanosphaera abundance in archaeal community raised by 0.2 to 3.3-folds when lambs were fed the HF additions of 0.5 to 1.5%. In summary, dietary HF supplements would contribute to alleviating HS in lambs, and our results suggest the optimal dose of 0.5% HF supplement in diet.

Effects of yeast and exogenous fibrolytic enzyme additives on lamb performance and feed efficiency.

Yeast and fibrolytic enzymes serve as additives incorporated into the nutrition of ruminants to regulate rumen fermentation and increase the digestibility of fiber, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rumen fermentation. Two experiments were conducted to assess the impact of five diets: a control diet without additives, diets with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE), and diets with a blend of 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE or 0.7EFE + 0.3Yeast (based on recommended levels in g/kg of total DM). In the first experiment, 40 five-month-old Santa Ines lambs (mean weight 25.0 ± 1.3kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design (5 treatments and 8 lambs) for 81 days to evaluate performance, ingestive behaviour, and serum metabolites. In the second experiment, 25 Santa Ines male lambs weighing 25.7 ± 4.1kg were housed in metabolic cages, in a randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 lambs, evaluating digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen pH. EFE supplementation increased intakes of dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and apNDF (mean of 38.1, 5.26, and 27%, respectively) compared to yeast or the 0.7yeast-0.3EFE blend. Feed conversion was most efficient (mean of 27.1%) in lambs fed Yeast, 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast, and the control diet. Lambs fed 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE spent less time eating (mean of 16.5%) and more time idling (mean of 10.75%), whereas EFE-fed lambs spent more time eating (mean of 19.73%), and 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast-fed lambs spent more time ruminating (mean of 20.14%). Control group lambs chewed and ruminated less (means of 24.64 and 17.21%, respectively) compared to other treatments. Lambs on the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend had higher eating and rumination efficiency rates for DM and apNDF (mean of 19.11 and 17.95%, respectively) compared to other additive treatments or individual additives. They also exhibited lower (means 7.59g/d) urinary N excretion, with improved N retention (mean 3185g/d) compared to the control group. There were significant effects on serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations, with the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend showing higher albumin (mean 4.08g/dL) levels, while diets without additives and yeast-EFE blends had higher cholesterol (mean of 62.51g/dL) concentrations. Including Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast along with 0.7 yeast + 0.3 EFE blend is recommended when feeding similar lamb diets to those used herein because it improves the efficiency of intake, rumination of DM and NDF, and nitrogen utilization without affecting the lamb performance.

Effects of an essential oil blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on rumen biohydrogenation and fatty acid profile in the longissimus lumborum of growing lambs.

Essential oils extracted from cinnamon bark and oregano are rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol and show potential for promoting animal performance. However, their impact on rumen biohydrogenation and the fatty acid composition of meat has not been reported. The hypothesis of this study was that a blend of essential oils rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol would inhibit rumen biohydrogenation and promote the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in lamb meat. The present study evaluated the effect of a blend essential oil (EO) rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on the nutrient digestibility, rumen biohydrogenation, growth performance, and fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum of lambs. Sixty male lambs with an average age of 84 ± 0.98 days and initial body mass of 25.4 ± 0.29 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were assigned randomly to four diets, and supplemented with 0 (EO0), 30 (EO30), 60 (EO60), and 120 (EO120) mg kg-1 dry matter of EO for 60 days. Although dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility all showed a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.02) with increasing quantities of EO, final body mass and average daily gain increased linearly (P = 0.04), and average daily weight gain (ADG)/dry matter intake (DMI) tended to increase linearly (P = 0.07). Increasing EO supplementation resulted in a linear decrease in total volatile fatty acid concentration, acetate molar percentage, and acetate-to-propionate ratio (P ≤ 0.03), with the EO120 treatment being lower than the other EO treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Seven lambs from the EO120 treatment and seven lambs from the EO0 treatment were randomly slaughtered. It was observed that the proportions of C18:2n6c and PUFA in longissimus lumborum were higher in the EO120 treatment than the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen was decreased by the EO120 treatment in comparison with the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the predicted relative abundances of genes encoding for conjugated linoleic acid reductase tended to decrease with the EO120 treatment (P = 0.06). We demonstrated that supplementation of the EO blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol can enhance lamb growth performance and promote the deposition of desirable PUFAs in meat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The role of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate as a methane inhibitor to limit the rumen methane emissions of Karakul sheep

Methane (CH4) from ruminant production systems produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Our goal was to determine whether monoammonium glycyrrhizinate could inhibit CH4 emissions over the long term without affecting animal performance and immune indices in Karakul sheep. This study aimed to assess the effects of medium−term (60 days) addition of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate on growth performance, apparent digestibility, CH4 emissions, methanogens, fibre-degrading bacteria and blood characteristics in Karakul sheep. Twelve male Karakul sheep (40.1 ± 3.59 kg) with fistula were randomly divided into two groups (n = 6): the Control group received a basal diet + the same volume of distilled water (30 ml) and the Treatment group received a basal diet + 8.75 g/kg monoammonium glycyrrhizinate injected via fistula. The adaptation stage was 15 days, and the measurement stage was 60 days. The sampling during the measurement stage was divided into two stages, stage I (1 ∼ 30 d) and stage II (31 ∼ 60 d). The results showed that monoammonium glycyrrhizinate significantly reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroides caccae, daily CH4 emission and protozoa population, significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium AD3010, Lachnospiraceae bacterium FE2018, Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK3A20, Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A179 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium V9D3004 in stage I (P < 0.05); significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium AD3010, but significantly decreased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A179 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium C6A11 in stage II (P < 0.05). Therefore, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate could be used as a CH4 inhibitor to limit the rumen CH4 emissions of Karakul sheep in short−term period (30 days) without affecting the growth performance, fibre digestibility and blood parameters.

Licorice Extract Supplementation Benefits Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry and Hormones, Immune Antioxidant Status, Hindgut Fecal Microbial Community, and Metabolism in Beef Cattle.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of licorice extract (LE) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum index (biochemistry, hormones, humoral immunity, and antioxidant function), hindgut fecal microbiota, and metabolism in beef cattle. In total, 12 male yellow cattle aged 12 months were divided into two groups (6 cattle per group): the basal diet (CK group) and the basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg LE (CHM group). The entire experimental phase lasted for 120 days, including a 30-day pre-feeding period. Compared to the CK group, the average daily gain, crude fiber, calcium, and crude protein nutrient digestibility were greater on d 30 than d 60 (p < 0.05) and the feed meat ratio was lower for LE addition (p < 0.01). In terms of serum indexes, the insulin and nitric oxide contents were enhanced on d 30, the alkaline phosphatase level was improved on d 60, and the levels of albumin, immunoglobulin A, and catalase were increased on d 90 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the cholesterol content was lower on d 60 for LE addition compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). The higher enrichment of [Eubacterium]-oxidoreducens-group, p-2534-18b5-gut-group, and Ileibacterium were observed in the CHM group (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Gallibacterium and Breznakia in the CHM group were lower compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the differential metabolites related to healthy growth in the CHM group were increased compared with the CK group. And there was a close correlation between hindgut microbiota and metabolic differentials. In general, LE has a promoting effect on the growth performance and health status of beef cattle over a period (30 to 60 days).

Effects of dietary supplementation with fermented flaxseed meal on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal microbiota of growing pigs

Flaxseed meal is a highly nutritious feed resource rich in protein and unsaturated fatty acids. However, the presence of antinutritional factors such as cyanogenic glycoside limits its practical use. Fermentation has been demonstrated to degrade these antinutritional factors. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the effects of fermented flaxseed meal (FFSM) on the growth performance of growing pigs. This study thus aims to examine the effects of supplementing with 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % FFSM on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal microbiota in growing pigs. Utilizing a completely randomized design, ninety-six growing pigs, each averaging 39.57 ± 0.63 kg, were allocated into four dietary groups with eight replicates per group and three pigs per replicate. The dietary treatments included: a control group (corn-soybean meal-based diet without FFSM) and basal diets supplemented with 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % FFSM. The trial lasted for 30 days. Results showed that including FFSM at 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % did not affect the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of pigs. However, the gain-to-feed ratio exhibited a linear decrease as the level of FFSM increased. Furthermore, FFSM supplementation linear increases neutral detergent fiber (inclusive of residual ash) and acid detergent fiber digestibility (P < 0.05). Investigating immune parameters and metabolites revealed a linear increase in immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) and total bile acid in serum with increasing levels of FFSM supplementation (P < 0.05). Delving deeper into the gut microbiota’s complex ecosystem reveals that the quadratic response in Lactobacillus abundance and linear increase in Bacillus abundance (P < 0.05), while a linear and quadratic decrease in Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance with increasing FFSM addition (P < 0.05). Additionally, the concentrations of butyric acid and total short-chain fatty acids in feces changed quadratically with increasing proportions of FFSM (P < 0.05). The collective findings underscore the valuable role of microbial fermentation in enhancing the nutritional profile and utilization of flaxseed meal in the diets of growing pigs. Incorporation of FFSM not only augments the immune functionality of pigs but also ameliorates the balance of the intestinal microecology.

Effects of Microplastics on Animal Health and Nutrition

Macro plastics are defined as plastics that are larger than 20 cm. Plastics that measure between 5-20 cm are referred to as mesoplastics, while those between 1-5 mm are known as large microplastics. Plastics that measure between 1-1000 μm are called small micro plastics, and those that are smaller than 1000 μm are referred to as nano-plastics. Microplastics are particles that result from the degradation of plastic products or are specifically produced in the form of small pieces. They are considered to be less than 5 μm in size. Micro plastics have come to the fore in re-cent years and are pollutants of major concern to the environment. Plastic materials are commonly used on farms, but they can have negative effects on farm animals. Ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats require cellulolytic micro-organisms for fiber digestion in their diet. The micro biota of the digestive system varies according to dietary habits. The digestive system and other organs can be adversely affected by sudden changes and damage to the micro biota. The ingestion of large plastic materials causes rumen complications such as rumen atony, indigestion and tympani in livestock. Ingested plastic fragments degrade in the digestive tract, increasing the number of small particles likely to be ingested. In a recent study, the presence of low-density micro plastics in sheep feces suggests that animals can ingest micro and macro plastics from their environment and feed. The increase in demand for the consumption of plastics worldwide is increasing the production of plastics. This situation causes the presence of micro plastics to increase rap-idly day by day. Even if the production of plastics decreases, the continuous degradation of plastic waste in the earth will continue the formation of micro plastics and cause environmental pollution. The effects of microplastics in our coun-try should be investigated by conducting detailed studies from the perspective of veterinary medicine.

Effects of fermented jujube powder on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and antioxidant properties of simmental bulls.

Fermented jujube powder (FJP) promotes a balance between the intestinal microflora and immune factors in animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FJP on the production performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and antioxidant properties of bulls. Forty Simmental bulls were randomly divided into four groups based on body weight and fed a basal diet with [5, 7.5, or 10% dry matter (DM)] or without FJP. The experimental period was 20 d for adaptation and 60 d for the feeding trial. Dietary FJP supplementation did not affect DM intake (P > 0.05) but increased the average daily gain quadratically (P = 0.049) and decreased the feed conversion ratio linearly (P = 0.042). FJP quadratically enhanced DM and crude protein digestibility (P = 0.026 and P = 0.041, respectively) and linearly enhanced acid detergent fiber digestibility (P = 0.048). It also increased the total volatile fatty acid concentration quadratically (P = 0.037), acetate molar percentage, and acetate-to-propionate ratio linearly (P = 0.002 and 0.001), and reduced the ammonia nitrogen concentration linearly (P = 0.003). Additionally, xylanase and protease activities and Ruminococcus flavefaciens abundance increased linearly (P = 0.006, 0.018, and 0.009, respectively), and total bacteria, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminobacter amylophilus abundance increased quadratically (P = 0.047, 0.011, and 0.021, respectively). FJP linearly increased serum total protein concentration and antioxidant capacity (P = 0.003 and 0.018, respectively) and decreased malonaldehyde content (P = 0.006). FJP supplementation (7.5%) enhanced production performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and serum antioxidant capacity in bulls. The improved nutrient digestion may be due to an increase in ruminal microorganisms and total volatile fatty acids from the FJP. High blood antioxidant levels indicate that FJP may preserve proteins, thereby boosting the production performance of bulls.

Study of the use of fermented Moringa leaves with probiotics to increase feed digestibility and reduce pathogenic bacteria in ducklings

Fermentation is an easy way to increase the nutritional value of feed and the results are palatable and act as probiotics.Fermentation products by probiotics and savonin compounds in herbal leaves can suppress pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to test the effect of giving fermented Moringa oleifera leaf flour (FML) by probiotics on the digestibility of nutrients and pathogenic bacteria in the digetive truct of duckling. Two hundred eighty eight healthy two-week-old male Bali ducklings with homogeneous average body weight were divided into four treatment groups, six replications and each replication used 72 ducklings. The four treatments, namely a group of ducks that were given rations without the addition of FML as control (A); ration with 2% FML (B); ration with 4% FML (C); and a ration with 6% FML (D), repectively. The results showed that the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and crude fiber (CF) in duck groups B, C and D was higher (P&lt;0.05) compared to Group A (control ). On the other hand, the number of Coliform and Eschericia coli bacteria in duck groups B, C, and D, was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower than duck group A. It was concluded that the administration of 2-6% fermented Moringa oleifera leaf flour in feed can increase the digestibility of nutrients and can suppress the population of pathogenic bacteria in the duckling's digestive tract.

Effect of Replacing Alfalfa Hay with Common Vetch Hay in Sheep Diets on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation and Rumen Microbiota.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of 40% of common vetch (CV) hay as a feed ingredient in place of alfalfa hay (AH) would improve performance and ruminal fermentation and microbiota in fattening lambs. Twenty lambs were equally divided into two groups: control group (fed 40% AH with 20% rice straw) and CV group (fed 40% CV hay with 20% rice straw). Concerning hay quality, CV hay had greater in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.05) than AH. Lambs fed the CV diet had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and efficiency of feed and economy than lambs fed the control group. The NH3-N content and estimated methane produced per unit of ADG of the CV diet group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than control group. Multiple differential microbial genera were identified, with Prevotella being the most dominant genus and a tendency towards higher (p = 0.095) in lambs offered CV diet. The higher Ruminococcus abundance (p < 0.05) was found in animals of the CV group compared to the control group. In summary, CV can be incorporated into lamb diets as a low-cost forage alternative to AH to improve feed efficiency and animal performance and to reduce methane produced per unit of ADG.

The respiratory and fecal microbiota of beef calves from birth to weaning.

The development and growth of animals coincide with the establishment and maturation of their microbiotas. To evaluate the respiratory and fecal microbiotas of beef calves from birth to weaning, a total of 30 pregnant cows, and their calves at birth, were enrolled in this study. Deep nasal swabs and feces were collected from calves longitudinally, starting on the day of birth and ending on the day of weaning. Nasopharyngeal, vaginal, and fecal samples were also collected from cows, and the microbiotas of all samples were analyzed. The fecal microbiota of calves was enriched with Lactobacillus during the first 8 weeks of life, before being displaced by genera associated with fiber digestion, and then increasing in diversity across time. In contrast, the diversity of calf respiratory microbiota generally decreased with age. At birth, the calf and cow nasal microbiotas were highly similar, indicating colonization from dam contact. This was supported by microbial source-tracking analysis. The structure of the calf nasal microbiota remained similar to that of the cows, until weaning, when it diverged. The changes were driven by a decrease in Lactobacillus and an increase in genera typically associated with bovine respiratory disease, including Mannheimia, Pasteurella, and Mycoplasma. These three genera colonized calves early in life, though Mannheimia was initially transferred from the cow reproductive tract. Path analysis was used to model the interrelationships of calf respiratory and fecal microbiotas. It was observed that respiratory Lactobacillus and fecal Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 negatively affected the abundance of Mannheimia or Pasteurella.IMPORTANCEIn beef cattle production, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) accounts for most of the feedlot morbidities and mortalities. Metaphylaxis is a common management tool to mitigate BRD, however its use has led to increased antimicrobial resistance. Novel methods to mitigate BRD are needed, including microbiota-based strategies. However, information on the respiratory bacteria of beef calves prior to weaning was limited. In this study, it was shown that the microbiota of cows influenced the initial composition of both respiratory and fecal microbiotas in calves. While colonization of the respiratory tract of calves by BRD-associated genera occurred early in life, their relative abundances increased at weaning, and were negatively correlated with respiratory and gut bacteria. Thus, microbiotas of both the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts have important roles in antagonism of respiratory pathogens and are potential targets for enhancing calf respiratory health. Modulation may be most beneficial, if done prior to weaning, before opportunistic pathogens establish colonization.

Effect of Moringa, Subabul and Guava Leaves Either Sole or in Combination on Nutrient Utilization, Nitrogen Balance of Ram Lambs

Background: The use of alternate feed resources like tree leaves is key element in addressing the problems derived from climate change and food shortages that demand establishment of sustainable feeding system for ruminants. Methods: A study was conducted on 36 Nellore cross ram lambs (6-7 months; 18.48±0.29 kg BW) randomly allotted to six dietary treatments to evaluate the effect of 20% dietary inclusion of moringa (MOR) subabul (SBL) and guava (GVL) leaves either sole or in combination (MS and MG mixture incorporated at 60:40 and 40:60, respectively) in concentrate mixture on nutrient utilization, plane of nutrition and nitrogen balance. The control group concentrate mixture contained maize, de-oiled rice bran, cotton seed cake and soybean meal as major ingredients and in the 5 experimental concentrate mixtures, de-oiled rice bran and soybean meal were partially replaced with moringa (MOR20), subabul (SBL20), guava (GVL20), moringa and subabul mixture (MS20) and moringa and guava mixture (MG20), by including them at 20%. Animals were fed with respective concentrate mixtures to meet about 80% of protein requirements and sorghum stover was offered ad libitum to meet the nutrient requirements of lambs for maintenance and growth as per ICAR (2013). Result: Dietary inclusion of tree leaves had no effect on the intake of various nutrients viz. DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, NDF,ADF, Hemicellulose and cellulose and were comparable (P greater than 0.05) among the six dietary groups. The crude protein and crude fibre digestibility improved (P less than 0.01) in tree leaves included diets compared to control, while ether extract (EE) digestibility was lower (P less than 0.01) in tree leaves included diets compared to CON. The DCP, TDN (%) and ME content was higher (P less than 0.05) in MS20, MG20 and MOR20 groups compared to CON. The N intake (g/d), excretion through faeces and urine (g/d), total N excretion and total N balance (g/d) was comparable among the different dietary groups.

Effects of corn grain processing and phosphorus content in calf starters on intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and urinary purine derivatives

Corn grain with a high phosphorus (P) content (mainly in the form of phytate-P) may need to be processed to improve the digestibility of nutrients for young calves. Processing corn grains can improve the accessibility of phytate-P to the rumen enzymes and increase the bioavailability of P, which benefits the growth and development of calves. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding starter diets with steam-flaked corn (SFC) compared with ground corn (GC) with 2 P contents of 0.4% and 0.7% DM basis on intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and urinary purine derivatives in dairy calves. A total of 48 female Holstein dairy calves (3 d old; average initial weight 39.7 ± 3.9 kg) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (12 calves/treatment) in a randomized complete block design. The treatment groups were: 1) a starter diet of GC with 0.4% P (GC-0.4P); 2) a starter diet of GC with 0.7% P (GC-0.7P); 3) a starter diet of SFC with 0.4% P (SFC-0.4P); 4) a starter diet of SFC with 0.7% P (SFC-0.7P). Calves received 6 L/d of transition milk on d 2-3 and 5 L/d of whole milk on d 4-30, which was increased to 7 L/d on d 31-45, then decreased to 5 L/d on d 46-60 and reduced to a single feeding of 2 L on d 61-62. All calves had free access to starter feed and water. All calves were weaned on d 63 and remained in the study until d 83. Rumen fluid samples were collected on d 38 (pre-weaning) and d 76 (post-weaning). Blood samples were collected on d 40 and 80 and urine samples were collected on 4 consecutive days from d 79 to 82 to analyze urinary excretion of PD. The phytate-P content ranged from 0.23 to 0.17 for GC and SFC, respectively. In particular, the interaction between corn processing method and P content showed that the SFC-0.7P diets had a greater intake of starter feed during the pre- and post-weaning periods compared with the other experimental groups. In addition, calves fed the SFC-0.7P diet had greater average daily gain, body weight, withers height at weaning, better organic matter digestibility, higher blood β-hydroxybutyrate levels and higher microbial protein synthesis compared with all other groups. Feeding the SFC diet also resulted in improved feed efficiency, improved P digestibility and a tendency toward a lower rumen pH, albeit with a tendency toward an increase in blood glucose concentration during the pre-weaning period. In addition, the inclusion of 0.7% P to the starter diet resulted in increased fiber digestibility and a slight improvement in growth performance, which was particularly evident in hip height. Overall, the inclusion of SFC in the calf starter diet, especially in combination with a 0.7% DM basis P supplement, improved growth performance and nutrient utilization in dairy calves compared with GC.

Effect of high oxalic acid intake on growth performance and digestion, blood parameters, rumen fermentation and microbial community in sheep

Oxalic acid, a crucial secondary metabolite prevalent in most plants, often constitutes an unavoidable component of the diet for grazing animals, particularly in saline-alkaline grasslands. This research focused on examining the effects of elevated oxalic acid consumption on various aspects of sheep health and metabolism, including growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical indices, rumen fermentation, and microbial populations. Employing a single-factor experimental model, 24 six-month-old German Merino sheep (with an average body weight of 32.08 ± 3.43 kg) were systematically segregated into three distinct groups. Each group contained eight replicates, with each replicate comprising a single sheep. The diet of the experimental groups was enhanced with oxalic acid concentrations of 1 % (T1) and 2 % (T2), whereas the control group received no oxalic acid addition. Under ad libitum feeding, the duration of the experimental phase spanned a total of 60 days. Outcomes demonstrated that a 2 % oxalic acid augmentation notably diminished the sheep's daily weight gain (ADG) (P<0.05), elevated the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05), and reduced the ruminal pH levels (P<0.05), compared to both control group and 1 % oxalic acid group. This pH reduction markedly curtailed the synthesis of essential ruminal constituents such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was a notable decline in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, alongside rises in both blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (CREA)(P<0.05), coupled with a significant reduction in serum calcium concentrations (P<0.05) in 2 % oxalic acid group, compared to both control group and 1 % oxalic acid group. Moreover, the 2 % oxalic acid addition adversely impacted the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), as well as the concentration of NH3-N in the rumen fluid (P<0.05), compared to both control group and 1 % oxalic acid group. Pertaining to rumen microorganisms, there was a significant escalation in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level, contrasted by a substantial reduction in the presence of Fibrobacteres (P<0.05). At the genus level, an increased concentration of oxalic acid in the diet correlated with a pronounced decline in the relative abundance of Prevotella_1, and a substantial decrease was observed in the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 (P<0.05). In summary, while sheep can acclimate to an inclusion of 1 % oxalic acid in their diet, an augmentation of 2 % oxalic acid appears detrimental, impinging upon growth performance, fiber and crude protein (CP) digestibility, blood calcium levels, rumen pH, volatile acid content, and the microbial ecosystem within the sheep’s rumen.