Digestibility Of Silage Research Articles

139 In sacco and in vivo digestibility of silages in horses

The gold standard method for measuring digestibility of feedstuffs is by total collection of feces. An alternative method is the in sacco technique which provide information on both digestibility and digestion kinetics of a feed. The in sacco technique is commonly used in feedstuff evaluation systems for ruminants. Only few studies have used the technique in horses, but further validation against in vivo studies is needed. The objective of the study was to determine if the in sacco technique can be used to measure digestibility in horses. Five cecum cannulated Norwegian coldblooded trotters (body weight 550 ± 75 kg) were used in a 22 d study consisting of 18 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total collection of feces. Horses were fed 24.3 kg of a late harvested silage (LHS, dry matter (DM) 31.0%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 59.6% of DM) fed in 3 equal meals at 0800, 1400 and 2000 h. The apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of LHS was estimated by total collection of feces over 4 consecutive days. Before the collection period, in sacco digestibility was estimated of the LHS and an early harvested silage (EHS, DM 26.0%, NDF 28.6% of DM) using the in sacco technique (bag size 6 × 15 cm, 5.13 mg feed/cm 2 , pore size of 36 μm). The EHS and LHS were dried, ground to 1 mm and 1 g was added to in sacco bags. Two bags of each feedstuff were fastened to a 78 cm long string with rubber bands and incubated in the cecum for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h, then washed, dried for 48 h and weighed to determine DM loss after incubation. The in sacco digestibility was modeled in SAS according to D = A tB (e −Ct ) , where D is the digestibility through time t, A is the soluble fraction of the feedstuff and curve interception, B is the potential digestibility of the insoluble fraction, and C is the digestion rate of B. The potential digestibility (A+B) of the LHS was compared with EHS and to the ATTD of LHS in SAS using a paired t -test and considered significant if P < 0.05. The ATTD of DM for LHS (57.0% ± 0.49) was not different ( P = 0.22) from the potential digestibility (58.4% ± 2.16) measured with the in sacco technique. The A, B and C values were 33.6, 24.8 and 0.096 for the LHS and 64.2, 28.6 and 0.178 for the EHS. The potential digestibility for EHS (92.8% ± 0.42) was higher ( P < 0.001) than the LHS as expected and show that the technique can differentiate between feedstuffs. In conclusion, the in sacco technique resulted in similar results as in vivo ATTD of LHS and it is a promising technique for estimating digestibility of individual feedstuffs in horses. However, the technique needs to be developed further and validated using other feedstuffs and mixed diets.

Replacing Alfalfa with Paper Mulberry in Total Mixed Ration Silages: Effects on Ensiling Characteristics, Protein Degradation, and In Vitro Digestibility.

Simple SummaryThe usage of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a dietary protein source for ruminants in China is limited by forage quality and planting scale. Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L., RY) has emerged as a new and representative high-protein woody forage resource for ruminants. However, information is less available regarding how substituting RY for alfalfa affect the fermentation and protein quality in total mixed ration (TMR) silages. This study evaluated ensiling characteristics, protein quality, and in vitro digestibility in TMR silages by mixing RY with alfalfa at different rations. The TMR were made with alfalfa and RY mixtures (36.0%), maize meal (35.0%), oat grass (10.0%), soybean meal (7.5%), brewers’ grain (5.0%), wheat bran (5.0%), premix (1.0%), and salt (0.5%) on a dry matter basis, respectively. The alfalfa and RY mixtures were made in the following ratios of dry matter: 36:0 (RY0), 27:9 (RY9), 18:18 (RY18), 9:27 (RY27), and 0:36 (RY36). The results showed that RY substitution had no adverse effect on fermentation quality and nutritional composition, but inhibited true protein degradation, while decreasing in vitro dry matter and crude protein digestibility. Therefore, RY and alfalfa mixtures at a ratio of 18:18 is suitable for silage-based TMR.To develop an alternative high-protein forage resource to alleviate ruminant feed shortages, we investigated the effects of replacing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different ratios of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L., RY) on fermentation quality, protein degradation, and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. The TMR were made with alfalfa and RY mixtures (36.0%), maize meal (35.0%), oat grass (10.0%), soybean meal (7.5%), brewers’ grain (5.0%), wheat bran (5.0%), premix (1.0%), and salt (0.5%) on a dry matter basis, respectively. The alfalfa and RY mixtures were made in the following ratios of dry matter: 36:0 (RY0), 27:9 (RY9), 18:18 (RY18), 9:27 (RY27), and 0:36 (RY36). After ensiling for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days, fermentation quality, protein degradation, and microbial counts were examined, and chemical composition and in vitro digestibility were analyzed after 56 days of ensiling. All TMR silages, irrespective of the substitution level of RY, were well preserved with low pH and ammonia nitrogen content, high lactic acid content, and undetectable butyric acid. After ensiling, the condensed tannin content for RY18 silages was higher than the control, but non-protein nitrogen, peptide nitrogen, and free amino acid nitrogen contents was lower, while the fraction B1 (buffer-soluble protein) was not different among all the silages. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility for RY27 and RY36 silages was lower than the control, but there was no difference between control and RY18 silages. This study suggested that ensiling RY with alfalfa inhibited true protein degradation, but decreased in vitro dry matter and crude protein digestibility of TMR silages, and that 18:18 is the optimal ratio.

Effect of storage time and the level of formic acid on fermentation characteristics, epiphytic microflora, carbohydrate components and in vitro digestibility of rice straw silage.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of storage time and formic acid (FA) on fermentation characteristics, epiphytic microflora, carbohydrate components and in vitro digestibility of rice straw silage.MethodsFresh rice straw was ensiled with four levels of FA (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% of fresh weight) for 3, 6, 9, 15, 30, and 60 d. At each time point, the silos were opened and sampled for chemical and microbial analyses. Meanwhile, the fresh and 60-d ensiled rice straw were further subjected to in vitro analyses.ResultsThe results showed that 0.2% and 0.6% FA both produced well-preserved silages with low pH value and undetected butyric acid, whereas it was converse for 0.4% FA. The populations of enterobacteria, yeasts, moulds and aerobic bacteria were suppressed by 0.2% and 0.6% FA, resulting in lower dry matter loss, ammonia nitrogen and ethanol content (p<0.05). The increase of FA linearly (p<0.001) decreased neutral detergent fibre and hemicellulose, linearly (p<0.001) increased residual water soluble carbohydrate, glucose, fructose and xylose. The in vitro gas production of rice straw was decreased by ensilage but the initial gas production rate was increased, and further improved by FA application (p<0.05). No obvious difference of FA application on in vitro digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre was observed (p>0.05).ConclusionThe 0.2% FA application level promoted lactic acid fermentation while 0.6% FA restricted all microbial fermentation of rice straw silages. Rice straw ensiled with 0.2% FA or 0.6% FA improved its nutrient preservation without affecting digestion, with the 0.6% FA level best.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis and its metabolites on corn silage quality.

Cellulolytic micro-organisms are potent silage inoculants that decrease the fibrous content in silage and increase the fibre digestibility and nutritional value of silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis CCMA 0087 and its enzyme β-glucosidase on the nutritional value and aerobic stability of corn silage after 30 and 60days of storage. We compared the results among silage without inoculant (SC) and silages inoculated with B. subtilis 8 log10 CFU per kg forage (SB8), 9 log10 CFU per kg forage (SB9) and 9·84 log10 CFU per kg forage + β-glucosidase enzyme (SBE). No differences were observed in the levels of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre due to the different treatments or storage times of the silos. Notably, the population of spore-forming bacteria increased in the SB9-treated silage. At 60days of ensiling, the largest populations of lactic acid bacteria were found in silages treated with SB8 and SBE. Yeast populations were low for all silages, irrespective of the different treatments, and the presence of filamentous fungi was observed only in the SBE-treated silage. Among all silage treatments, SB9 treatment resulted in the highest aerobic stability.

Physical, fermentative, and nutritional quality of silages made from three Sorghum bicolor varieties as affected by ensiling duration in South-west Nigeria.

Despite large-scale sorghum production in Nigeria, its utilization as livestock feed is limited to the stover following grain harvest. Therefore, we evaluated the physical, fermentative, and nutritive quality of whole-crop silages from three Sorghum bicolor varieties at different ensiling durations. The experiment was 3×5 factorial comprising three varieties (Samsorg14, Samsorg17, and Samsorg41) and five ensiling durations (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks). Forages were ensiled at the dough stage, and the silos were opened at the pre-determined durations for quality analyses. Samsorg14 silage recorded higher pH (5.88) and significant titratable acidity (8.32 g kg-1), while the least pH was observed for Samsorg17 silage (4.63). The forages ensiled for 8 weeks had a higher pH (5.04) compared with 4.51, 5.03, and 4.57 recorded at 4, 12, and 16 weeks, respectively. In contrast, forages ensiled for 4 weeks recorded the highest titratable acidity (8.39) and Flieg point (104.07). CP content was higher in fresh Samsorg17 (110.64 g kg-1) and lower (71.01 g kg-1) in Samsorg41 ensiled for 8 weeks as influenced by variety × ensiling duration. Cumulative gas volume and methane were higher for Samsorg41 silage (21.21 and 6.76 ml 200 mg-1 DM respectively). Ensiling for 16 weeks resulted in higher silages' IVDMD (44.00%) compared with other ensiling durations. Samsorg14 and Samsorg17 had a relatively stable silage pH, higher CP, and digestibility. Therefore, their silages could be conserved up to 16 weeks to provide high-quality feed for ruminants during the dry season to maintain animal productivity and ultimately enhance food security.

Yonca Silajlarında Atık Reçel Karışımı İlavesinin Silaj Fermantasyonu ve İn Vitro Sindirilebilirlik Üzerine Etkileri

Bu araştırma, atık reçel karışımı ilavesinin yonca silajlarının fermantasyonu ve in vitro sindirilebilirlik üzerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla planlanmıştır. Yonca, ekim ayında çiçeklenme başlangıcında hasat edilerek soldurulmuştur. Atık reçel karışımı önce bir süzgeç yardımıyla katı ve sıvı olarak iki kısıma ayrılmıştır. Kontrol grubuna, 20 ml saf su ilavesi yapılmıştır. Sıvı kısım; Reçel-I silajı (RI), 50 mg sıvı reçel+20 ml saf su /kg yonca; Reçel-II silajı (RII), 100 mg sıvı reçel+20 ml saf su /kg yonca olacak şekilde ilave edilmiştir. Katı kısım ise; Reçel Parçacık-I silajı (RPI), 30 mg reçel parçacıkları +30 ml saf su /kg yonca; Reçel Parçacık-II silajı (RPII), 60 mg reçel parçacıkları +60 ml saf su /kg yonca olacak şekilde hazırlanmıştır. Silajlar, kapalı bir depoda 60 gün süresince fermantasyona bırakılmıştır. Reçel ve reçel parçacıkları ilave edilmesi yonca silajının pH ve nötral deterjanda çözünmeyen lif (NDF) içeriklerini düşürmüştür. Araştırmada, en yüksek laktik asit (LA) içeriği RII grubunda kuru madde (KM) de 100,28 g/kg olarak belirlenirken en düşük ise kontrol grubunda 23.07 g/kg KM olarak belirlenmiştir. Yoncaya reçel ve reçel parçaçıkları ilavesi, kontrol grubuna göre enzimde çözünen organik madde (EÇOM) içeriğini önemli düzeyde arttırmıştır (P

Bioaugmentation of sweet sorghum ensiling with rumen fluid: Fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, microbial community, and enzymatic digestibility of silages

Bioaugmentation of sweet sorghum ensiling with rumen fluid was investigated on the improvement of ensiling performance, microbial community and biodegradability of silages in response to ensiling time and rumen fluid dosage. Bioaugmented silages resulted in the increase of lactic acid/acetic acid contents and the decrease of pH/dry matter loss/ammonia-N. The increased rumen fluid dosage (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 g/100 g wet sweet sorghum) and prolonged ensiling period (∼60 days) reduced the contents of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, cellulose and hemicellulose, while elevating the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus in silages. Lignin was effectively reduced at 60 days of ensiling with the maximum rumen fluid dosage of 7 g/100 g. Significant positive correlations between lactic acid content and the abundance of Lactobacillus (rs = 0.866 with P＜0.01) throughout the entire ensiling process for 60 days was found, which resulted in pH decrease to 3.74⁓3.53 for all the bioaugmented silages indicating good quality of silages. In addition, the ensiling also had a positive impact on the improvement of enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. The bioaugmented silages with rumen fluid loading of 7 g/100 g achieved the highest 72-h enzymatic hydrolysis yield of 79.5%. Thus, the bioaugmented ensiling with rumen fluid offered dual benefits of preservation and pretreatment for sweet sorghum.

Improving ensiling characteristics by adding lactic acid bacteria modifies in vitro digestibility and methane production of forage-sorghum mixture silage

Improving the nutrition of livestock is an important aspect of global food production sustainability. This study verified whether lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant could promote ensiling characteristics, nutritive value, and in vitro enteric methane (CH4) mitigation of forage sorghum (FS) mixture silage in attacking malnutrition in Zebu beef cattle. The FS at the soft dough stage, Cavalcade hay (CH), and cassava chip (CC) were obtained. The treatments were designed as a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Factor A was FS prepared without or with CH, CC, and CH + CC. Factor B was untreated or treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14. The results showed that all FS mixture silages preserved well with lower pH values below 4.0 and higher lactic acid contents above 56.4 g/kg dry matter (DM). Adding LAB boosted the lactic acid content of silages. After 24 h and 48 h of in vitro rumen incubation, the CC-treated silage increased in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) with increased total gas production and CH4 production. The LAB-treated silage increased IVDMD but decreased CH4 production. Thus, the addition of L. casei TH14 inoculant could improve lactic acid fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and CH4 mitigation in the FS mixture silages.

Effect of 11CFT and 11C33 inoculants on the chemical and fermentation composition, and aerobic stability of corn silage during the feed out period

The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of two bacterial inoculants, 11CFT and 11C33, with different genera of lactic acid bacteria on the chemical and fermentation composition of the silage, and the temperature and pH behavior of the silage during the feed out period. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with three treatments: corn silage without inoculant (control); corn silage with 11CFT inoculant (consisting of strains of Lactobacillus buchneri and L. casei); and corn silage with 11C33 inoculant (consisting of strains of L. buchneri, L. plantarum and Enterococcus faecium). The use of both inoculants increased the concentration of lactic acid in the silage (22.42 g kg-1 for control against 36.00 and 33.33 g kg-1 for 11CFT and 11C33, respectively) and reduced aerobic dry matter losses. The silage treated with 11C33 obtained a higher concentration of acetic acid (17.44 g kg-1) and propionic acid (2.08 g kg-1). The 11CFT inoculant provided a lower concentration of ethanol, however, without differing from the silage with 11C33 (0.70 and 1.61 g kg-1, respectively). Even without variations in temperature and pH at silage unloading, the use of the 11C33 inoculant generated a higher concentration of acetic and propionic acid, providing better aerobic stability days after unloading. Both inoculants also improved the in situ ruminal digestibility of corn silage compared to control silage. They provide an increase in the content of lactic and propionic acids, which assist to reduce dry matter losses and ethanol production. There were no variations in temperature and pH at the silo unloading, however, the use of the 11C33 inoculant generated a higher concentration of acetic and propionic acids providing better aerobic stability after exposure to air.

Impact of Cellulase and Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculant to Modify Ensiling Characteristics and In Vitro Digestibility of Sweet Corn Stover and Cassava Pulp Silage

Improving the productive performance of agricultural residue silage has practical relevance to sustaining livestock production. Sweet corn stover (SCS) and cassava pulp (CSVP) are widespread in the tropics as low-cost feed resources. To efficiently prepare SCS and CSVP silage, the impact of adding Acremonium cellulase (AC), Lactobacillus casei strain TH14 inoculant (TH14), and their combination (AC+TH14) on ensiling characteristics, microbial population, chemical compositions, and in vitro digestibility were tested in comparison to control (no additive). After 60 d of ensiling, the pH value and ammonia nitrogen content of silage were lower (p &lt; 0.05) when AC was used as the additive. Compared with other treatments, TH14 provided abundant lactic acid fermentation in silage. All tested additives increased the crude protein (CP) content and decreased the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of SCS silage. In CSVP silage, only AC and AC+TH14 altered the CP and NDF content. In addition, AC and AC+TH14 provided greater in vitro dry matter digestibility and a lower in vitro fiber digestibility. Overall, optimized either AC or TH14 can be recommended as an attractive additive to improve the ensiling characteristics of SCS and CSVP silage. AC significantly modifies the in vitro digestibility of silage.

Effects of Applying Lactic Acid Bacteria and Molasses on the Fermentation Quality, Protein Fractions and In Vitro Digestibility of Baled Alfalfa Silage

Alfalfa sometimes cannot be harvested in time due to the rainy season. To improve the fermentation quality, protein quality and digestibility of alfalfa silage harvested late, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and molasses were applied in an actual production process in this study. Alfalfa harvested at the full bloom stage was ensiled with (1) distilled water (control), (2) 1 × 106 colony-forming units LP/g fresh matter, (3) 15 g molasses/kg fresh matter (M) or (4) LP + M (LPM) for 55 days. Alfalfa ensiled with LP and/or molasses showed significantly lower pH and ammonia nitrogen contents than the control silage (p &lt; 0.05). All additive treatments decreased nonprotein nitrogen contents and preserved more true protein (p &lt; 0.05). However, molasses increased the acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content in the protein fractions (p &lt; 0.05). The LP significantly improved the maximal cumulative gas production and the maximum gas production rate (p &lt; 0.05) in the in vitro trial. Finally, both LP and molasses improved the neutral detergent fiber digestibility of the alfalfa silage (p &lt; 0.05). The LP and molasses improved fermentation quality and digestibility and preserved more true protein in baled alfalfa silage harvested late in an actual production process. The LP utilized the excessive molasses and partially ameliorated its negative effects of causing higher acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content.

Effects of Ferulic Acid Esterase-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria and Storage Temperature on the Fermentation Quality, In Vitro Digestibility and Phenolic Acid Extraction Yields of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Silage.

Two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains with different ferulic acid esterase (FAE) activities were isolated: Lactobacillus farciminis (LF18) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP23). The effects of these strains on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility and phenolic acid extraction yields of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) silage were studied at 20, 30 and 40 °C. Sorghum was ensiled with no additive (control), LF18 or LP23 for 45 days. At 40 °C, the lactic acid content decreased, whereas the ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content significantly increased (p < 0.05). At all three temperatures, the inoculants significantly improved the lactic acid contents and reduced the NH3-N contents (p < 0.05). Neither LP23 nor LF18 significantly improved the digestibility of sorghum silages (p > 0.05). The LP23 group exhibited higher phenolic acid extraction yields at 30 °C (p < 0.05), and the corresponding yields of the LF18 and control groups were improved at 40 °C (p < 0.05). FAE-producing LABs might partially ameliorate the negative effects of high temperature and improve the fermentation quality of sorghum silage. The screened FAE-producing LABs could be candidate strains for preserving sorghum silage at high temperature, and some further insights into the relationship between FAE-producing LABs and ensiling temperatures were obtained.

Feed intake, nutrient utilisation and growth performance of West African dwarf rams fed silage combinations of maize forage and Mucuna pruriens foliage

Crude protein is essentially needed for ruminants but expensive to supply. Mucuna puriens is a high yielding domesticated legume. When the legume is strategically combined with a fibre source, it will make a good diet for ruminants. Thus, a study was carried out to assess the effect of ensiling mucuna with maize forage on performance of rams. In the study, rams were fed silage combinations of Maize Forage (MF) and Mucuna pruriens foliage (MPF). Downy mildew and streak resistant (DMR-SR) yellow variety maize was planted and harvested as MF at six weeks of growth and ensiled with MPF at four levels : 1:0, 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 for 21 days. All the four silages were fed to 20 WAD rams (12.00±0.25 Kg) in a completely randomised design for 105 days. Proximate composition of the silages, apparent nutrient digestibility of silages in WAD rams, feed intake and weight changes were determined using standard procedures, while feed conversion ratio was computed using standard procedures. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05...The dry matter (DM) was significantly higher in T1 (25.65±0.62) and T2 (23.48±0.47) than T3 (21.80±0.41) and T4 (21.57±0.40). The crude protein (CP) was highest in T4 (13.0±0.6) and least in T1 (8.0±0.2). The crude fibre was significantly higher in T1 (26.4±2.6) and T2 (26.2±2.0) than T3 (24.0±1.8) and T4 (21.6±0.9). Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was highest in T2 (59.2±1.7) and least in T4 (37.7±1.9), while percentage nitrogen retention was significantly higher in T2 (43.2±3.8) and lower in T1 (20.0±4.3). The FCR for rams fed T2 was significantly lower (8.84±1.2) than T1 (9.76±0.80), T3 (9.60 ±0.60) and T4 (11.50±0.90) Ensiling maize forage with Mucuna pruriens foliage at 3:1 enhanced nutrient digestibility and growth performance in West African dwarf rams without any deleterious effect.

The Use of Honey Locust Pods as a Silage Additive for Grass

Bu çalışmada, suda çözünür karbonhidrat (SÇK) ve tanen bakımından zengin Gladiçya (Gleditsia triacanthos) meyvesinin, çayırotu silajı yapımında silaj katkı maddesi olarak kullanım olanakları araştırılmıştır. Gladiçya meyvesi, silajların kompozisyonlarına, fermentasyon parametrelerine, in vitro gaz üretim parametrelerine, in vitro organik madde sindirim derecelerine (İVOMSD) ve metabolik enerji içeriklerine (ME) önemli derecede etki etmiştir. Gladiçya meyvesinin silajlara katılma oranına bağlı olarak oluşan silajların kuru madde içeriği (KM), Fleig skorları (FS), in vitro gaz üretimleri, organik madde sindirim dereceleri (OMSD), metabolik enerji içerikleri ve kuru madde sindirim dereceleri (KMSD) önemli derecede artarken, kül içerikleri (HK), asit deterjan fiber (ADF), nötral deterjan fiber (NDF) ve ham protein içerikleri (HP) azalmıştır. Kontrol grubuyla karşılaştırıldığında, %6 oranında Gladiçya meyvesi ilavesi çayırotu silajının amonyak içerikleri %46 oranında, pH’sını ise %13,12 oranında düşürmüştür. Kontrol grubuna göre, %6 oranında Gladiçya meyvesi ilave edilen çayırotu silajının Fleig Skoru 56,0’den 90,46’ya yükselmiştir. Kontrol grubuyla karşılaştırıldığında, %6 oranında Gladiçya meyvesi ilavesi çayırotu silajının ME içeriğini %8,76 oranında, OMSD ise %11,87 oranında kuru madde sindirim derecesini %20,28 artırmıştır. Sonuç olarak; daha kaliteli çayırotu silajı elde etmek için taze çayırotuna en az %3 oranında Gladiçya meyvesi katılması tavsiye edilebilir.

Effect of substituting Pennisetum sinese with bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on aerobic stability and digestibility of ensiled total mixed ration

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting Pennisetum sinese with bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR). Four ensiled TMRs were designed on fresh matter basis: (i) 45% P. sinese (BSS0); (ii) 15% BSS + 30% P. sinese (BSS15); (iii) 25% BSS + 20% P. sinese (BSS25); (iv) 35% BSS + 10% P. sinese (BSS35). All silages were moderately fermented according to the V-score. Substituting P. sinese with BSS increased acetic acid content and decreased ethanol and ammonia nitrogen contents (p < .05). With the increasing proportion of BSS, neutral detergent fibre decreased, and relative feed value increased (p < .05). Under aerobic exposure, BSS-substituted (BSS15, BSS25 and BSS35) silages were more stable than BSS0 silage with lower silage temperature and yeast population. No significant differences in BSS substitution were observed in in vitro gas production, digestibility, metabolisable energy and net energy for lactation (p > .05). The substitution of P. sinese with BSS had no adverse effect on the fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility while efficiently improving the aerobic stability of ensiled TMR. The BSS35 substitution level is recommended considering the maximum utilisation of BSS. HIGHLIGHTS Bamboo shoot shell (BSS) was explored for ensiled TMR. BSS had no effect on the silage digestibility. BSS improved aerobic stability.

Silage quality from intercropping corn and soybean managed with inoculant Azospirillum brasilense and nitrogen fertilization

ABSTRACT Intercropping grass and soybeans can promote beneficial effects on the productivity of the explored area due to the better soil nitrogen utilization and protein concentrate savings through the use of mixed silage. This study aimed to evaluate the bromatological quality, digestibility, and fermentation profile of silage produced by intercropping corn and soybean. Eight treatments were tested by combining inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and nitrogen fertilization applied to corn intercropped in rows alternated with soybean. Corn and soybean monocultures were also tested. The morphological compositions of soybean and corn plants in the mass of the ensiled material were determined. After crushing, the material was ensiled in PVC tubes for 60 days, and the silage quality was determined after fermentation. Treatments did not affect the morphological composition of soybean and corn plants in the ensiled material from intercropping. The proportions of soybean leaves, stems, and pods represented less than 5% of the total ensiled mass of intercropping. On the other hand, the morphological composition of corn plants was high, similar to that of monoculture. Thus, the silage from intercropping showed similar quality standards to that of corn monoculture, and the bromatological composition, digestibility, pH, energy content, and profile of organic acids were suitable for good quality silage.

Nutritive value of ensiled Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixture

Nutritive value of ensiled Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixture

Low doses of lactoferrin supplementation in weaning calves

Low doses of lactoferrin supplementation in weaning calves

PSIX-10 In vitro dry matter digestibility, gas production and pH of silages of several maize hybrids

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), gas production and pH of silages of 10 maize hybrids in Iturama, Brazil (XB 6012 BT, BM 709 VT PRO2, BM 815 VT PRO2, DKB 363 VT PRO3, AG 8740 VT PRO3, SYN 555 VIP3, SX 8555 VIP3, SX 7005 VIP3, DKB 390 VT PRO3, and RB 9789 VIP3). The maize was ensiled in experimental mini silos in a completely randomized design with 3 repetitions. After 120 d, a subsample from each mini silo was taken and the IVDMD was estimated using Ankom Daisy II and F-57 bags (n = 44). Rumen fluid from two cannulated Nellore steers were mixed and placed into fermenter jars containing Ankom buffers (1:4; v/v). After 48-h incubation (39ºC), 40 mL 6 N HCl and 8 g pepsin were added to each jar and incubated for another 24 h. For gas production and pH evaluations, penicillin-type glass vials (n = 40) were filled with McDougall buffer (20 mL), rumen fluid (10 mL) and substrates (200 mg) and incubated in a shaker (39ºC) for 24 h. The cumulative pressure was measured, vials were opened, and terminal pH was measured. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The DKB 363 VT PRO3 presented the greatest IVDMD (84.9%, P = 0.02) and the lowest pH (6.60, P = 0.002). The opposite was observed for DKB 390 VT PRO3, which presented the lowest IVDMD (71.1%) and the greatest pH (6.65). The BM 709 PRO2 produced more gas than the others (246.1 mL/g DM), while SYN 555 VIP3 produced less gas than the others (167.7 mL/g DM, P = 0.0005). In conclusion, the material DKB 363 VT PRO3 presented the most interesting characteristics for use as silage for beef cattle in Iturama, Brazil.

204 Effects of sorghum silage kernel processing on intake and apparent total tract digestibility of beef heifers

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of different kernel processors in terms of nutrient digestibility of whole-plant sorghum silage. Grain sorghum (hybrid ADV1250IG, Advanta Seeds, Irving, TX) was harvested at the hard-dough stage with a Class Jaguar 960 and 930 harvesters, switching the kernel processor to generate the forage material for the three treatments: conventionally processed (CONV), unprocessed (UN), and shredlage processed (SHRED). The material was bagged in three 2.7 m bags and allowed to ferment for 1 mo. Twenty-four black Angus heifers (13 ± 1 mo, 267 ± 10.9 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to treatments (8 heifers/treatment) and allocated to individual pens (36 m2) with access to feed and water. Diets were ad libitum sorghum silage from each respective treatment, plus soybean meal top-dressed at 0.5% of BW. After a 15-d adaptation period, feed and feces were collected for 5 d. Feed was offered once daily, and orts were collected the following day. Fecal samples were collected twice daily and apparent total tract digestibility was determined using indigestible NDF as a marker. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using heifer as the experimental unit, and initial BW as a covariate. Dry matter (DM) intake as a percentage of BW (P = 0.09) and NDF digestibility (P = 0.06) tended to differ among treatments, where CONV tended to be lesser than UN (P = 0.08), whereas SHRED was intermediate. Digestibility of DM was affected by treatment (P = 0.05), where UN (71.3%) tended (P = 0.06) to be greater than CONV (67.9%), while SHRED (70.8%) did not differ from any of the treatments (P ≥ 0.12). In conclusion, kernel processing affects nutrient digestibility of sorghum silage. Differences in ruminal kinetics and fermentation parameters, resulting from contrasting particle sizes, grain processing and sorting, may help explain these findings.