Neutral Detergent Fiber Digestibility Research Articles

Digestibility and nutritional parameters of maize ethanol coproducts and xylanase for broiler diets

ABSTRACT 1. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional and energy values of four maize distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and one maize high protein distiller’s dried grains (HP-DDG) from ethanol production plants in Brazil; to evaluate the digestibility, performance, nitrogen balance and energy values for broiler chickens fed diets containing these coproducts (Experiment I); and to evaluate the effects of xylanase inclusion in diets containing maize DDGS for broilers on energy availability, digestibility, nitrogen balance and gastrointestinal morphometry (Experiment II). 2. For each experiment, 180 broiler chickens aged 17 and 30 days with initial weights of 450 ± 18 g and 1228 ± 33 g, respectively, were used; the chickens were distributed into 36 metabolism cages. The experimental design consisted of complete randomised blocks, with six replications per treatment and five birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a basal diet (BD) and five test diets containing maize ethanol coproducts (Experiment I) one BD and five test diets containing DDGS with inclusions of 0, 8,000, 16,000, 24,000 and 32,000 BXU/kg xylanase (Experiment II). In Experiment I, HP-DDG and DDGS2 presented higher AME and AMEn values (14.1 and 13.9 MJ/kg and 13.4 and 13.3 MJ/kg, respectively), than did the other coproducts (p < 0.05). Compared with DDGS1 and DDGS3, DDGS4 and HP-DDG had higher digestible CP values (p < 0.05). In Experiment II, the inclusion of the enzyme quadratically affected the values of digestible CP and digestible EE (p < 0.05), with the maximum values occurring with the inclusion of 18 750 and 22,170 BXU/kg of xylanase, respectively. 3. The digestible NDF and digestible MM values linearly increased with the inclusion of xylanase (p < 0.05). The addition of xylanase had no effect on gastrointestinal morphometry (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the inclusion of between 18,000 and 22,000 BXU/kg of xylanase resulted in better digestible CP and digestible EE values.

Forage Biomass and Nutritive Value of Grasses and Legumes Grown Under Agrivoltaic Systems

Forage crops grown underneath ground-mounted photovoltaic systems (PV) may provide a feed source for livestock production. The objective was to evaluate forage biomass and nutritive value of crops, grasses and legumes grown under different PV conditions. Forages were planted underneath a 30-kilowatt PV site (30kW), a 50-kilowatt PV site (50kW) and one control site without PV (CON) in May 2022 with four replicates per site. Forage crops included alfalfa, field peas, meadow fescue, orchard grass, red clover, brown midrib sorghumsudan grass, white clover and 3 grass and legume mixes with either alfalfa, red clover, or white clover. Biomass samples were clipped at appropriate maturity levels for grazing. Samples were sorted for botanical composition and analyzed for nutrient value. Crop biomass, dry matter and nutrient values were analyzed with PROC Mixed of SAS with the fixed effects of site (30kW, 50kW, or Con), crop nested within site, and cutting (1st or 2nd) and the random effect of replicate nested within site. Forages produced less biomass at the 30kW (563.7 kg/ha) and 50kW (446.4 kg/ha) solar sites compared to CON (1099.7 kg/ha). The 50kW forages had greater crude protein on a dry matter basis (25.8%) than the 30kW (21.4%) and CON (20.9%). The 50kW (57.1%) forages also had greater total tract neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility than the 30kW (52.5%) and CON (51.0%). Additionally, the 50kW forages had greater percent calcium (1.05%) compared to the 30kW (0.75%) and CON (0.84%). Forage biomass and nutrient values varied based on the solar array design and amount of sun exposure.

Effect isolated lactic acid bacteria inoculation on the quality, bacterial composition and metabolic characterization of Caragana korshinskii silage

Feed shortage has hindered the development of the world’s livestock industry, and the rational use of non-conventional forages can help resolve this issue. To improve the fermentation quality of Caragana korshinskii silage, this study isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fresh Caragana korshinskii and silage samples, as alternatives to traditional commercial LAB inoculants. Utilizing Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing technology and metabolomics analysis, the microbial community structure and metabolome were examined after 60 days of fermentation to elucidate the mechanism by which isolated LAB affect the fermentation quality of Caragana korshinskii silage. After 60 days of ensiling, the dominant microbial population in the silage shifted from harmful bacteria such as Erwinia, Pantoea, and Enterobacter to LAB. Compared to commercial LAB, the isolated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum significantly reduced the microbial diversity of Caragana korshinskii silage. The species composition of LAB became simpler with Lentilactobacillus parakefiri dominating and achieving a higher relative abundance. By down-regulating Butanoate metabolism and the Pentose phosphate pathway and up-regulating the Ascorbate and aldarate metabolism pathway, the isolated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum significantly lowered the pH of the silage, increased the content of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and lactic acid (LA), reduced the neutral detergent fiber content (NDF), and improved in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), thereby enhancing the fermentation quality of Caragana korshinskii silage. On the other hand, the isolated Limosilactobacillus fermentum had the opposite effect, with its ensiling outcome being less effective than that of commercial LAB. The results of the study indicate that the addition of the isolated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum improved the quality of Caragana korshinskii silage by regulating metabolic pathways and the composition of microbes within the ensiled feed.Graphical

Effects of winged bean tuber (WBT) modified starches substituted for cassava chip in concentrate diets on rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and blood metabolites in Thai native beef cattle.

This study examined the effects of substituting winged bean tuber steam (WBTS) modified starches for cassava chips (CSC) in the concentrate diet on rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and blood metabolites in Thai-native beef cattle. Four Thai-native bulls were assigned randomly as a 4 × 4 Latin square design, which represents the amount of CSC replaced with WBTS in the concentrate mixture diets at 0, 10, 20, and 30%. Increasing levels of WBTS replacement for CSC in the concentrate diets had a quadratic effect on total dry matter (DM) intake (p<0.05). Replacement of WBTS at 20% and 30% for CSC did not alter total DM intake compared to 0% WBTS, whereas 10% WBTS replacement could significantly increase total DM intake by 0.41 kg DM/day compared to the control group. In addition, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility showed a quadratic increase (p < 0.05) when CSC was substituted at various levels of WBTS in the concentrate diet (p < 0.05). Replacement of CSC with WBTS at 10% and 20% showed higher NDF digestibility when compared to 0% replacement. There was a quadratic increase in blood glucose at 4 h post-feeding, and the average blood glucose value was significantly lower (p < 0.01) when substituting CSC with WBTS. Substituting WBTS for CSC at 10% in the concentrate diet showed the highest blood glucose concentration when compared to other treatments. Replacing CSC with WBTS at 10% and 20% shows a higher concentration of C3 than those of other treatments (0% or 30%). The nitrogen (N) intake (NI) increased linearly (p<0.05) when substituting WBTS for CSC at all levels in the diet. Additionally, N retention (NR) and the ratio of N retention to N intake increased (p<0.05) when substituting WBTS for CSC at 10%, 20%, and 30% compared to 0%. The gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy intake (DEI), and energy efficiency (DEI/GEI) were quadratically increased when substituted with various levels of WBTS for CSC in the concentrate diet. The findings indicate that substituting 10% of CSC in the concentrate diet with WBTS may be sufficient as an alternative feed resource for improving nutrient utilization and metabolic efficiency in beef cattle diets.

Ration particle size has different effects on digestive but not production parameters in higher-yielding (Holstein) compared to lower-yielding (Girolando) cows.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of total mixed ration particle size (length) and breed of cow on intake dynamics, animal performance and CH4 emissions, comparing high yielding Holstein and low yielding Girolando cows. The experimental design was 2 × 2 Latin Square arranged as a crossover factorial scheme with two diets (short particle size, SPS and long particle size, LPS) and the two breed compositions. The design comprised two periods of 26 d each, where all data collection was performed at cow level. No influence of the particle size occurred for the passage rate, neutral detergent fiber digestibility, performance and milk composition, methane emissions or ruminal fermentation parameters. Girolando cows had greater dry matter intake (DMI) when fed SPS, while Holsteins had the same (P < 0.05). Girolando cows had lower dry matter digestibility when fed LPS compared to SPS, while Holsteins had the opposite effect (P < 0.05). Also, the digestibility of crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased in Girolando cows fed LPS, but not in Holsteins (P < 0.05). Girolando cows reduced DMI by 10.6% when fed LPS diet (P < 0.05). Girolando had an increased eating rate (+24 g of DM/min; P < 0.05) compared to Holstein cows, but Holstein cows had a lower CH4 intensity (by 29.7%: P < 0.05). Girolando cows increased the dry matter intake when fed a diet with short particle size, while the same did not happen in Holsteins. Dry matter digestibility increased in Holsteins when fed long particle size, while the opposite was observed in Girolando cows. Nutrient digestibility was reduced in Girolando cows when fed short particle size. Particle size did not influence eating time, eating rate, feed trough visits, visits with intake, milk yield and composition regardless of the breed. Reducing particle size increased CH4 intensity in both breeds.

PSIV-A-1 Comparing early and late spring grazing of cereal rye utilizing a high-density, short-duration grazing system

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare forage yield, nutritive value, grazing forage disappearance, in situ dry matter (DM) disappearance, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility between late- and early-grazed cereal rye. Cover crop grazing time varies from year to year due to environmental and management conditions. Cereal rye is a high-yielding forage cover crop; however, rye matures quickly and subsequently declines in nutritive value. This experiment was conducted at Western Illinois University Kerr Farm, Macomb, IL. The late-grazed rye was planted October 9, 2020, while the early-grazed rye was planted November 8, 2022. Rye was planted at a rate of 90 kg/ha with a no-till drill following corn harvest. In yr 1, cereal rye was grazed and sampled during anthesis (mid to late May). In yr 2, cereal rye was grazed and sampled during the late boot stage (in mid to late April). A high-density, short-duration grazing system was used in both years. Cow-calf pairs (n = 58 pairs) grazed 0.40-ha plots for 24 h per plot. Plots were randomly sampled in four locations before and after grazing within a 0.40 m2 forage ring to determine forage nutritive value, height, and yield. All grass within the ring was clipped at approximately 12 cm to mimic grazing. Samples were analyzed at Rock River Laboratories (Watertown, WI) for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) at 12, 30, and 48 h. In situ DM disappearance was determined using ruminally cannulated beef heifers. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Early-grazed rye had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) CP and less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) NDF and ADF than late-grazed rye. Accordingly, early-grazed rye had more than 50% greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) DM disappearance at 24 and 48 h compared with late-grazed rye. Moreover, early-grazed rye had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) NDFD at 12, 30, and 48 h. However, late-grazed rye was 108 cm taller (P &amp;lt; 0.01) before grazing and remained 10 cm taller (P = 0.04) than early-grazed rye after grazing. Late-grazed rye yielded (P &amp;lt; 0.01) more DM than early-grazed rye, 3,873 vs. 1,079 kg/ha, respectively. After grazing, more DM (P &amp;lt; 0.01) remained on early-grazed rye plots than late-grazed rye plots, 496 vs. 2,445 kg/ha, respectively. Cows consumed 20% more DM (P = 0.04) of the early-grazed rye compared with late-grazed rye. Overall, an early-grazed rye cover crop was more digestible with a greater nutritive value and resulted in greater grazing consumption using a high-density, short-duration grazing system.

PSIV-A-12 Ruminal in vitro digestibility of novel pennycress meal using the Daisy II incubator

Abstract Field pennycress seed has a high oil content, making it valuable for biofuel production. The high protein content of the resulting pennycress meal makes it a potentially valuable protein feedstuff for livestock. However, pennycress meal also contains greater content of fiber, erucic acid, and glucosinolates, which limit its use in livestock rations. Golden pennycress, a novel pennycress, was developed to contain greater oil content and decreased content of fiber, increasing the value of pennycress meal as a potential livestock feed. The objective of this research was to characterize a novel pennycress meal using an in vitro rumen fermentation system. Digestion of golden pennycress (GPC), black-seeded pennycress (BPC), and a total mixed ration (TMR, as the control), was evaluated in vitro using the Daisy II incubator. Each incubation vessel contained 12 filter bags (4 containing GPC, 4 containing BPC, and 4 containing the TMR). Rumen fluid was collected from two cannulated steers and processed according to Ankom procedures; samples were incubated in the rumen fluid inoculum for either 24 or 48 h. Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) of GPC averaged 23% (dry matter basis) and was less than the BCP NDF content (30%, dry matter basis). In vitro true dry matter disappearance (IVTDMD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) were calculated and shown in Table 1. Proc Mixed procedures of SAS were used to identify difference in digestibility. Due to the novelty of golden pennycress, this study appears to be the first that compares ruminal digestibility of pennycress meals, thereby establishing initial data relative to the feeding value of GPC. As the novel pennycress was developed to have a reduced fiber level, the reduced NDF content of GPC over BPC was expected. The significant increase of IVTDMD of GPC compared with BPC at either incubation length suggests increased overall digestibility and improved dry matter utilization of the novel pennycress. Additional research investigating the reduced NDFD of GPC is warranted. As the first study evaluating the use of golden pennycress meal in ruminant diets, this study provides baseline values from which to build additional research projects.

Effect of commercial fibrolytic enzymes application to normal- and slightly lower energy diets on lactational performance, digestibility and plasma nutrients in high-producing dairy cows.

The inclusion of fibrolytic enzymes in the diet is believed to have positive effects on animal production. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of supplementing diets with a commercial fibrolytic enzyme preparation (Vistamax; mixture of xylanase and cellulase) derived from Trichoderma reesei on lactational performance, digestibility, and plasma nutrient levels in high-producing dairy cows. Two dietary energy levels were considered: a normal energy diet (metabolizable energy = 2.68 Mcal/kg) and a slightly lower energy diet (metabolizable energy = 2.55 Mcal/kg). A total of 120 lactating Holstein cows (parity = 2; Days in Milk = 113 ± 23) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups using a 2 * 2 factorial arrangement. The dietary treatments consisted of: (1) normal energy diet without enzyme supplementation (NL); (2) normal energy diet with enzyme supplementation (NLE); (3) slightly lower energy diet without enzyme supplementation (SL); and (4) slightly lower energy diet with enzyme supplementation (SLE). The amount of enzyme added to the diets was determined based on previous in vitro studies and supplier recommendations. The enzyme and premix were mixed prior to the preparation of the total mixed ration, and the trial lasted for a duration of 42 days. The results indicated that the application of the fibrolytic enzyme did not have a significant effect on dry matter intake (DMI), but it did enhance the digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), potentially digestible NDF (pdNDF), organic matter (OM), milk production, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). On the other hand, the slightly lower energy diet resulted in a decrease in DMI, milk production, milk protein yield, plasma free amino acids (FAA), and an increase in plasma B-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). In conclusion, the inclusion of the fibrolytic enzyme in the diets of dairy cows led to improvements in the digestibility of DM, NDF, pdNDF, OM, milk production, and feed efficiency. Furthermore, the application of the enzyme to the slightly lower energy diet resulted in milk production levels comparable to those observed in cows fed the untreated normal energy diet.

Nutrient Content and in Vitro Digestibility of Apple Pomace Derived from Three Different Apple Cultivars

This study focused on evaluating the nutritional characteristics and in vitro true digestibility of apple pomace derived from three apple cultivars: Golden Delicious, Starking, and Granny Smith (Malus domestica Borkh). These apple cultivars were sourced from the local market in Nigde, Turkiye. Statistical analyses, including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's test, were employed to assess variations among the apple pomace samples. Results indicated that, except for in vitro true digestibility, there were no significant variations in the chemical composition and total phenolic matter contents among the apple pomaces (P&gt;0.05). However, Granny Smith apple pomace exhibited distinct features, such as higher neutral detergent fiber content (29.80%), elevated crude protein levels (5.09%) and substantial acid detergent fiber (25.30%) values. In contrast, Starking apple pomace displayed superior air-dry matter (27.24%), while Golden Delicious showcased enhanced dry matter (95.3%) and ash content (2.00%). Regarding total phenolic matter contents, Granny Smith excelled with 112.4 mg GAE/100g, outperforming Starking (103 mg GAE/100g) and Golden Delicious (75.8 mg GAE/100g). Crucially, Starking demonstrated superior in vitro true digestibility, with values reaching 92.36% (as received) and 92.23% (dry matter). Granny Smith, in comparison to Golden Delicious and Starking, displayed significantly different neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P&lt;0.05). Starking apple pomace exhibit the highest overall digestibility among the apple pomaces analysed in this study, hence recommended for use in ruminant nutrition. These findings have implications for the potential utilization of apple pomace in diverse applications, given the diverse nutritional profiles of these cultivars.

Isobutyramide and Slow-Release Urea as Substitutes for Soybean Meal in the Finishing Diet of Beef Cattle.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of isobutyramide (IBA) and slow-release urea (SRU) as substitutes for soybean meal (SBM) in the finishing diet of beef cattle. The completely randomized design in vitro experiment with five treatments, i.e., control, 0.9% SRU group, 0.6% SRU + 0.3% IBA group (SRU-I), 0.3% SRU + 0.6% IBA group (IBA-S), 0.9% IBA group was conducted. The results showed that the IBA-S and IBA increased (p ≤ 0.05) substrate disappearance of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total gas, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA). The SRU group had the highest (p < 0.01) crude protein disappearance and ammonia nitrogen concentration, but the IBA contrarily decreased (p < 0.01) them compared with the control. Inclusion of IBA increased isobutyrate concentrations (p = 0.01) with the highest value for the IBA group. Then, an 84-day replicate 4 × 4 Latin square design with 8 Angus steers and four treatments, i.e., control, SRU, SRU-I, IBA-S was performed. The results showed that the treatments did not affect DM intake (p > 0.05) but tended (p = 0.09) to increase average daily gain. The inclusion of IBA increased (p < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, NDF, ADF, TVFA, and microbial crude protein with the highest values for the IBA-S group. The IBA-contained groups also increased (p ≤ 0.01) isobutyrate concentration, activities of carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase, and the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens with the highest values for the IBA-S group. The SRU had no effect on animal growth and nutrient apparent digestibility. In conclusion, IBA was developed as a new substitute for SBM in the finishing diet of beef cattle, and the optimal strategy was the isonitrogenous substitution of SBM with 0.3% SRU and 0.6% IBA of the diet.

Energy metabolism and respirometry of lambs fed sun or shade dried hays of banana crop residues.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of different drying methods for banana residues on the energy metabolism and respirometry of growing lambs. Twenty Santa Inês x Dorper lambs were fed five experimental diets: Tifton 85 grass hay (Control), shade-dried banana leaf hay (LH Shade), shade-dried pseudostem banana hay (PH Shade), sun-dried banana leaf hay (LH Sun), and sun-dried banana pseudostem hay (PH Sun). Nutrient intake and digestibility were assessed in metabolic cages, whereas O2 consumption and CO2, methane, and heat production were measured in a respirometry chamber with animals fed at maintenance and ad libitum levels. Nutrient and energy intake was not influenced by diet. Pseudostem hay had higher apparent digestibility of dry matter (71.5%), organic matter (72.4%), and neutral detergent fiber (58.0%). However, this led to greater energy loss in the form of methane (12.1%). The banana residue hays and drying methods did not alter oxygen consumption, CO2 production, or heat production of animals fed ad libitum or during maintenance. On the other hand, the use of leaf hay resulted in a reduction of 24.7% in enteric methane production of animals fed ad libitum. The inclusion of pseudostem hay is recommended in sheep feedlot diet. This residue provided greater use of DM, however promoted a greater loss of energy in the form of methane, resulting in similar energy consumption. The drying methods did not reduce the availability of nutrients and the sun drying method is recommended, since it is a faster drying method.

Evaluation of Increasing Dietary Concentrations of a Multi-Enzyme Complex in Feedlot Lambs' Rations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of the M-E complex (xylanase, glucanase, cellulase, and invertase) Optimax E® on the performance of growing lambs, their digestibility, and their rumen microbiota, and to estimate NEm, NEg, and ruminal methane levels. Forty lambs (Katahdin x Dorset; 22.91 ± 4.16 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary concentrations of ME (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% DM) and fed individually for 77 days. Increasing M-E improved feed conversion (p < 0.05) as well as NEm and NEg (p < 0.05), which were associated with increased in vivo DM and NDF digestion (linear and quadratic p < 0.01). Few microbial families showed abundancy changes (Erysipelotrichaceae, Christensenellaceae, Lentisphaerae, and Clostridial Family XIII); however, the dominant phylum Bacteroidetes was linearly reduced, while Firmicutes increased (p < 0.01), resulting in a greater Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. Total Entodinium showed a quadratic response (p < 0.10), increasing its abundancy as the enzyme dose was augmented. The daily emission intensity of methane (per kg of DMI or AGD) was reduced linearly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, adding the M-E complex Optimax E® to growing lambs' diets improves their productive performance by acting synergistically with the rumen microbiota, modifying the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio toward more efficient fermentation, and shows the potential to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from lambs.

Chemical composition and in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility of treated rice straw supplemented with pigeon pea (&lt;i&gt;Cajanus cajan&lt;/i&gt;) hay

Chemical composition and in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility of treated rice straw supplemented with pigeon pea (&lt;i&gt;Cajanus cajan&lt;/i&gt;) hay

In vitro nutritional assessment and estimation of methane emissions from Kikuyu grass pastures overseeded with rye

Objective: To determine the in vitro digestibility and gas production, and to estimate the methane emissions from Kikuyu grass pastures, and Kikuyu grass overseeded with rye. Design/methodology/approach: Two pastures were assessed. One was the subtropical grass Kikuyu Cenchrus clandestinus) (KY), and the other was Kikuyu grass plus overseeding with rye (Secale cereale) (KYCEN), both associated with white clover (Trifolium repens cv. Ladino). Sample collection was in June and July 2021. In vitro digestibility of dry matter (MS), organic matter (MO), and Neutral Detergent Fibre (FDN), as well as the methane emissions were estimated. The in vitro digestibility and gas production variables were analysed with a split-plot experimental design, and the methane emission variables were analysed with a doble cross-over design. Results: There were no significant differences between treatments for dry matter (MS), organic matter (MO) or Neutral Detergent Fibre (FDN) in vitro digestibility, nor in methane emissions (P&gt;0.05). Limitations on study/implications: The in vitro assessment of digestibility, gas production and the estimation of methane emissions of Kikuyu grass pastures and Kikuyu plus rye enable the implementation of feeding strategies for small-scale livestock production systems that do not only benefit the farmers but also the environment. Findings/conclusions: It is concluded that Kikuyu grass pastures and Kikuyu with rye are a viable feeding option for small-scale dairy systems.

Influence of dietary Salicornia europaea L. extract supplementation on feed efficiency of Altay sheep by modifying their gastrointestinal bacteria communities.

This experiment aimed to examine the impact of Salicornia europaea L. extract on sheep growth performance, rumen fermentation variables, nutrient apparent digestibility, and gastrointestinal microbial diversity. Forty-eight male Altay sheep, weighing 32.5 ± 2.8 kg and approximately 3.5 months old, were chosen. Four dietary treatments, each consisting of four replicates and three sheep per replicate, were distributed randomly to the sheep. The pelleted total mixed ration containing Salicornia europaea L. extract at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% DM was freely available to the sheep in the four treatment groups. The 56-day experiment consisted of 45 days of measurements followed by 11 days of adaptation. The growth performance was not affected by nutrition Salicornia europaea L. extract (p ≤ 0.05), but the feed-to-gain ratio was reduced when the extract was given at 0.4% DM (p ≤ 0.05). Compared to the 0 and 0.2% treatments, the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF was substantially greater in the 0.4, and 0.6% treatments. Furthermore, compared to sheep in the 0 and 0.2% groups, sheep in the 0.6% group had a noticeably higher apparent digestibility of CP. As the amount of Salicornia europaea L. extract added to the rumen fluid rose, the molar ratio of acetic acid increased. In contrast, the molar ratio of propionic acid gradually decreased, and the total volatile fatty acid content gradually reduced. Thus, adding a suitable quantity of Salicornia europaea L. extract to the sheep ration is natural and secure, which may improve the environmental sustainability of small ruminant production systems.

Genome-wide association study identified five quantitative trait loci and two candidate genes for digestive traits in Suhuai pigs.

This work aimed to identify markers and candidate genes underlying porcine digestive traits. In total, 331 pigs were genotyped by 80 K Chip data or 50 K Chip data. For apparent neutral detergent fiber digestibility, a total of 19 and 21 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were respectively identified using a genome-wide efficient mixed-model association algorithm and linkage-disequilibrium adjusted kinship. Among them, three quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions were identified. For apparent acid detergent fiber digestibility, a total of 16 and 17 SNPs were identified by these two methods, respectively. Of these, three QTL regions were also identified. Moreover, two candidate genes (MST1 and LATS1), which are functionally related to intestinal homeostasis and health, were detected near these significant SNPs. Taken together, our results could provide a basis for deeper research on digestive traits in pigs.

Effect of Salvia sclarea L. extract on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in lambs.

This study aimed to explore the effects of Salvia sclarea extract on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of the lambs. Sixty female lambs (Chinese Merino sheep) aged 2 months and weighing 20 ± 2 kg were selected and randomly divided into five groups of 12 lambs each. The control group (CK) received only basal feed, whereas the experimental group was supplemented with different concentrations of salvia sclarea extract in the basal feed at 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, and 0.16 mL/kg (CL1, CL2, CL3, and CL4, respectively). The feeding period was 85 days, including 15 days of pre-feeding and 70 days of regular feeding. Body weight and feed intake were recorded during the test period, and blood was collected at the end of the test to determine immune and antioxidant indices. The results showed that the average daily weight gain and feed intake of the lambs were significantly higher in the CL3 group than in the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the apparent nutrient digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber increased significantly (p < 0.05). The dry matter, acid detergent fiber, and ether extract were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in the CL2, CL3, and CL4 groups than in the CK group, whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The serum levels of immune globulin immune globulin A, immune globulin G, immune globulin M, interferon-γ, and interleukin-10 were significantly higher and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were significantly lower in the CL2, CL3, and CL4 groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of the S. sclarea extract to the diet promoted growth performance and nutrient digestion in lambs. Immune response was improved by increasing Ig and cytokine concentrations. It enhances antioxidant status by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in lambs.

Effect of Brosimum alicastrum Foliage on Intake, Kinetics of Fermentation and Passage and Microbial N Supply in Sheep Fed Megathyrsus maximus Hay.

An experiment was carried out to assess the effect of the incorporation of sun-dried foliage of Brosimum alicastrum into rations based on hay of Megathyrsus maximus on intake, rumen fermentation, kinetics of passage, microbial nitrogen supply to the small intestine, apparent digestibility in Pelibuey hair sheep. Four rations were randomly allotted to four rumen-cannulated lambs (BW = 37.4 ± 4.9 kg) using a 4 × 4 Latin square design to assess the effect of increasing levels (0, 15, 30 and 45% DM basis) of foliage of Brosimum alicastrum on a basal ration of M. maximus. Organic matter intake and water consumption increased linearly (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of B. alicastrum in the ration. The rate and potential extent of rumen fermentation of OM and CP of B. alicastrum were 10.6%/h and 86.6% and 11.4%/h and 95.2%, respectively, but no effect (p > 0.05) was found on the potential rumen degradation of DM (40.2%) or on the rate of degradation of DM (0.033%/h) of M. maximus, although a positive effect was found in the rumen degradation rate of NDF (p < 0.05). VFA and ammonia concentration in the rumen and the rate of passage of solids and liquids through the rumen (k1) increased linearly (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of B. alicastrum. Rumen pH was not affected by the incorporation of B. alicastrum (p > 0.05). Microbial nitrogen supply to the small intestine (p < 0.001), apparent digestibility of dry matter (p < 0.01) and NDF (p < 0.05) of the rations were also significantly increased as a result of the incorporation of B. alicastrum foliage. Results from this experiment suggest that the foliage of Brosimum alicastrum can be readily incorporated at around 30% of the ration of dry matter in hair sheep with beneficial effects on feed intake, rate of passage and microbial N supply to the lower tract.

Effect of odontoplasty on intake, nutrient digestibility, and intake time of tifton hay in ponies

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dental correction on voluntary nutrient intake, time of intake, apparent digestibility and fecal particle size in Brazilian ponies. Twelve mares, with no history of previous dental treatments, housed in individual pens and fed a diet based on tifton 85 were used. The study comprised two consecutive experimental phases, pre and post dental treatment. Each phase consisted of 15 days for adaptation to the pen and treatment and 5 days for data collection, totaling 20 days. To calculate nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients, samples of diets, leftovers, and feces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude fat (CF), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Food intake time was recorded using a digital video recorder. Fecal particles were analyzed by wet sieving. Dental correction did not influence the intake of DM, CP, NDF, CF, and OM by the animals. However, there was an increase in NFC intake from 0.12 kg to 0.14 kg and in food intake time from 654.50 ± 138.98 to 774.95 ± 167.14. There was a decrease in the digestibility of CP from 0.08 kg to 0.04 kg and an increase in the digestibility of NDF from 0.65 kg to 0.82 kg. Although odontoplasty increased the time of hay intake and the digestibility of the fibrous fractions of the feed of ponies, it did not influence the intake of nutrients and the size of the fecal particles.

Effect of supplementation of bioactive rich tree leaves on nutrient utilization, growth performance, methane emission and fatty acid profile in finisher lambs fed energy dense diet

To study the effect of supplementing bioactive rich tree foliages in energy dense diet on lamb production and tissue fatty acid profile, 24 weaner male lambs (∼90days old) were divided equally into 2 groups and fed complete feed blocks without (C) and with 6% Hardwickia binata (anjan tree) leaves (T). Feed blocks in both the groups consisted of 3.25% rumen bypass fat. Dry matter intake and plane of nutrition were comparable among the groups but digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fibre were lower (P<0.05) in T than C. Rumen fermentation attributes revealed higher (P<0.05) concentration and proportion of propionic acid and total volatile fatty acids in T compared to C. The metagenomic equivalent values of total methanogens and protozoa were lower (P<0.05) while, population of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens was higher in T compared to C. Loss of metabolizable energy through methane was reduced by 4.6 percentage points in T than C which resulted in higher microbial nitrogen synthesis in T from methane mitigation. Subsequently, the average daily gain in lambs was improved by 5.9% in T compared to C. The fatty acid profile of Longissimus thoracis muscle revealed higher (P<0.05) C18:2c9t11 content in lambs of T group than C. Hence, from the present findings it can be concluded that inclusion of Hardwickia binata leaves at 6% level increased condensed and hydrolysable tannin content of the diet which modestly affected rumen fermentation resulting in reduced methane production and enhanced conjugated linoleic acid content in muscle tissue.