Digestibility In Sheep Research Articles

Kecernaan Nutrien Domba Fase Akhir Kebuntingan yang Diberi Ransum Flushing dengan Frekuensi yang Berbeda

The aim of this research was to evaluate the nutrient digestibility of late pregnancy local ewes treated with flushing ration and different feeding frequency. Twelve local ewes in the late pregnancy phase (BW 49.96 ± 9.67 kg) were divided on a Randomized Block Design with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were P1 (without flushing), P2 (flushing at the before and after mating), P3 (flushing at the before and after mating, and middle of pregnancy), and P4 (flushing at the before and after mating, middle, and late of pregnancy). Flushing concentrate containing 2% coconut oil and 5% lemuru fish oil. The variables observed were nutrient consumption and nutrient digestibility. The data were analyzed by using ANOVA, the data with significant differences in the treatment effects were further tested using Duncan Test. The result showed that the treatments significantly affected (p<0.01) consumption of crude fat. Giving the flushing ration at the before and after mating, and mid pregnancy significantly increased (p<0.05) digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and N-free extract. It can be concluded that the feeding frequency of flushing affects the consumption and digestibility of local sheep at the late stages of pregnancy. Giving flushing ration at the before and after mating, and middle of pregnancy showed the best digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and N-free extract.
 Key words: flushing, lemuru fish oil, local ewes, nutrient digestibility

Effects of dietary inclusion of dry umbu fruit pulp residue (<i>Spondias tuberosa</i> Arr. Cam) on intake, ingestive behaviour, digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal pH in sheep

1. Abdullah M.A.M., Farghaly M.M., Youssef I.M.I., 2018. Effect of feeding Acacia nilotica pods to sheep on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal protozoa and rumen enzymes activity. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 102, 662–669, https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12.... CrossRef Google Scholar

Impact of Tannin Supplementation on Proteolysis during Post-Ruminal Digestion in Wethers Using a Dynamic In Vitro System: A Plant (Medicago sativa) Digestomic Approach.

The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of tannins on plant protein during sheep digestion using a digestomic approach combining in vivo (rumen) conditions and an in vitro digestive system (abomasum and small intestine). Ruminal fluid from wethers infused with a tannin solution or water (control) was introduced into the digester, and protein degradation was followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Tannin infusion in the rumen led to a clear decrease in protein degradation-related fermentation end-products, whereas ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo) protein was more abundant than in control wethers. In the simulated abomasum, peptidomic analysis showed more degradation products of RuBisCo in the presence of tannins. The effect of RuBisCo protection by tannins continued to impact Rubisco digestion into early-stage intestinal digestion but was no longer detectable in late-stage intestinal digestion. The peptidomics approach proved a potent tool for identifying and quantifying the type of protein hydrolyzed throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

Effects of urea supplementation on ruminal fermentation characteristics, nutrient intake, digestibility, and performance in sheep: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim:As a non-protein nitrogen source, urea is a popular, low cost, and easily obtained protein supplement. The objective of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the effects of urea supplementation on rumen fermentation and sheep performance.Materials and Methods:A total of 32 experiments from 21 articles were compiled into a dataset. The levels of dietary urea varied from 0 to 31 g/kg of dry matter (DM). Parameters observed were rumen fermentation product, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and sheep performance. This dataset was analyzed using a mixed model methodology, with urea supplementation levels as fixed effects and the different experiments as random effects.Results:Increasing levels of urea were associated with increases (p=0.008) in rumen pH, butyrate (C4) production, and ammonia (NH3–N) concentration. Urea supplementation had minor effects on total volatile fatty acids (p=0.242), total protozoa (p=0.429), and the microbial N supply (p=0.619), but tended to increase methane production (CH4; p<0.001). Supplementation of urea increased the intake of dry matter (DM; p=0.004) and crude protein (CP; p=0.001). Digestibility parameters, such as DM digestibility (DMD) and CP digestibility (CPD), also increased (p<0.01) as a result of urea supplementation. Retained N (p=0.042) and N intake (p<0.001) were higher with increasing levels of urea supplementation. In terms of animal performance, supplementation of urea increased average daily gain (ADG; p=0.024), but decreased the hot carcass weight percentage (p=0.017).Conclusion:This meta-analysis reports the positive effects of urea supplementation on rumen fermentation products (i.e., pH, C4, and NH3–N), intake (DM, CP, and N), digestibility (DMD and CPD), and ADG in sheep.

Effect of incorporation of sun-dried rumen digesta in the diet on nutrient intake and growth performance of Djallonke sheep

Sun-dried rumen digesta (SDRD) was used as replacement of soybean meal and evaluated its effect on in vitro digestible organic matter, microbial count, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, growth and carcass characteristics of Djallonke sheep. Four S DRD-based concentrate supplements (0, 4, 8 and 12% SDRD) were incubated in a buffered rumen fluid for 24 h and 72 h to estimate the organic matter digestibility and degradation characteristics. Sixteen Djallonke rams (12.4±2.4 kg, 10 to 12 months old) were randomly assigned to four SDRD based concentrates with rice straw as the basal diet and replicated four times in a completely randomized design. They were individually fed over a 63 day period. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) with the lowest value in 8% SDRD. Lactic acid bacteria were detected in the SDRD-based concentrates. Total dry matter and organic matter intakes were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the inclusion of SDRD. However, crude protein intake was significantly (p<0.05) lower in 8% SDRD compared to 12% SDRD. Rams fed SDRD-based concentrate had similar final body weight and weight gain as the control. Haematology, serum profile and carcass characteristics of the rams were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that sun-dried rumen digesta used in this study can effectively replace soybean meal (up to 12%) without any effect on digestibility and growth performance of sheep.

Effect of ensiled total mixed rations containing sake lees on digestion, nitrogen use, and plasma metabolite concentrations in sheep.

Sake lees are a byproduct of Japanese rice wine and used as ruminant feed with high protein and ethanol contents. This study aimed to explore the effects of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing sake lees on rumen fermentation, digestion, nitrogen (N) use, and plasma metabolites in sheep. Four mature wethers were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a factorial arrangement of ensiling treatment (non-ensiled or ensiled TMR) and types of sake lees (traditional or liquefied). Although dietary ethanol consumption was higher in sheep fed ensiled TMR, ruminal and plasma concentrations of methanol and ethanol increased after feeding in all dietary treatments, which was accompanied by the increased plasma concentrations of formate. The intake and digestion of dry matter and N were lower in sheep fed ensiled TMR than in those fed non-ensiled TMR. The plasma concentrations of most amino acids decreased in sheep fed ensiled TMR. Although plasma methionine, serine, and glycine concentrations were not altered by diet, homocysteine concentration was the highest in sheep fed ensiled TMR containing traditional sake lees. The negative impacts of ensiling treatment on N digestion and amino acid utilization should be considered for formulating ensiled TMR containing sake lees.

Effects of Supplementing Finger Millet (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eleucine coracana&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Straw with Grass Pea (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lathyrus sativus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Hulls and Concentrate Mixture on Feed Intake, Digestibility and Body Weight Change in Washera Sheep

The productivity of sheep in Ethiopia is very low mainly due to a serious shortage of feedstuff. As a result, it is necessary to look for cheap locally available feedstuffs to sustain sheep production in the country. Non-conventional feeds like grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) hulls (GPH) could partly fill the gap in the feed supply, decrease competition for food between humans and animals and reduce feed cost. Therefore, this experiment was designed to evaluate effects of different proportions of grass pea hulls and concentrate mixture (CM) supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, and growth of Washera sheep fed finger millet straw (FMS) as a basal diet. Diets consisted FMS alone fed ad libitum (T1), 100% CM (T2), 30% GPH mixed with 70% CM (T3), 30% CM mixed with 70% GPH (T4), and 100% GPH (T5). For all treatments, FMS was fed ad libitum. Experimental sheep were arranged in a randomized complete block design and treatment feeds were assigned to the animals within a block. The results showed that FMS contained 5.5% CP and 68.9% NDF. The supplements contained 21%, 20%, 16% and 14% CP; and 36%, 43%, 52% and 59% NDF for T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Supplementation improved (p resulted in the lowest ADG (p . While, animals in T1 lost a bodyweight of 5.6 g/day. As the proportion of GPH supplementation was greater than 30%, there was reduction (p T2 > T4 > T5. Therefore, from biological point of view as well as based on partial budget analysis, T3 was found to be recommendable for smallholder sheep producers.

Nutrient consumption and digestibility in Garut sheep fed with elephant grass and pollard bran

This study aimed to compare the nutrients consumption and digestibility between Garut rams and ewes fed with forage (elephant grass) and concentrate (pollard bran) with a ratio of 60:40 (based on the dry matter). The livestock used were 6 Garut rams and 6 Garut ewes. They were placed in metabolic cages and equipped with feces containers. This research was conducted 14 days for the adaptation period and 5 days for the collection period. During the collection period, feed, feed residue, and feces collection were carried out for analysis. The analysis consisted of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). The data obtained were used to calculate nutrient consumption and digestibility. Based on the research, it was known that average consumption and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude lipid (CL), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) of Garut rams and ewes were not significantly different (P>0.05). All nutrients consumed by rams were higher than ewes, but the nutrients digestibility value in rams was lower than ewes.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance, and carcass of sheep fed urea-based diet supplemented with natural clinoptilolite.

Forty-five male Barki lambs (30.62 ± 4.54 kg BW) were allocated into three treatments designed to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal nitrogen with urea supplemented with natural clinoptilolite on performance and carcass characteristics. Lambs were randomly assigned to nine pens blocked according to age and initial BW into three blocks of three pens each assigned to one of three treatments: Control diet: animals received only a basal diet ad libitum, UR diet: urea replaced 68% of SBM nitrogen in the control diet or UR-Z diet: UR diet supplemented with 20-g zeolite for 141 days. Lambs fed on UR-Z diet increased (p < 0.05) total intakes of DM, crude protein digestibility, ADG, FCR, blood glucose and cholesterol concentration. Lambs fed on UR-Z diet decreased (p < 0.05) ruminal NH3 -N concentration compared to the UR diet. Carcasses from lambs fed on UR diet had greater (p < 0.05) ether extract content, fat thickness, meat yellowness and saturation attributes than those fed on UR-Z and control diets. Sheep fed on UR-Z diet made higher economic profit than UR and control diets. Partial replacement of soybean meal with urea supplemented with zeolite seemed to be economically efficient, with comparable performance and carcass attributes in growing lambs diet.

Optimisation of antioxidant, antimicrobial and metal-chelating properties of bioactive peptides from blood wastes by enzymatic hydrolysis

Context Production of bioactive peptides from slaughterhouse wastes through use of enzymatic hydrolysis adds economic value and reduces environmental hazard from its direct disposal to landfill. Aim The present study was conducted to evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial and metal-chelating activity of sheep, goat and rabbit plasma hydrolysate from blood. Methods Plasma protein of sheep, goat and rabbit blood was hydrolysed by using trypsin enzyme at optimum conditions of 37°C, pH 8.0 and 1:100 enzyme to substrate ratio, with different hydrolysis time. In vitro digestibility of digested and undigested plasma protein hydrolysates was analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antioxidant activity of plasma protein and its hydrolysates was assayed by ABTS+ and DPPH radical-scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Antimicrobial activities of undigested and digested samples were evaluated by the well diffusion method. The chelating activity of Fe2+ was determined by the formation of Fe2+–ferrozine complex. Key results The degree of hydrolysis increased up to 8 h for sheep hydrolysate, and up to 6 h for goat and rabbit hydrolysate. Plasma hydrolysate from rabbit exhibited higher ABTS+ and DPPH radical-scavenging activities along with increased FRAP activity. Strong bacterial inhibition was observed against E. coli, and moderate activity against B. cereus, S. enterica and S. aureus at 6 and 8 h by plasma hydrolysate of all species. Metal-chelating activity increased linearly and was highest for rabbit plasma hydrolysate. Conclusion Plasma hydrolysate from trypsin digestion of sheep, goat and rabbit blood wastes exhibited antioxidant activities; the most potent activity was found for rabbit plasma hydrolysate. Furthermore, the efficient iron-chelating activity of plasma hydrolysates and inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms indicate the bioactive potential of plasma hydrolysate obtained from sheep, goat and rabbit blood. Implications The functional properties of plasma hydrolysate of the different species suggest a promising source of nutraceuticals for food industries looking to convert abattoir wastes.

Whole-plant soybean ensiling with chitosan and homolactic microbial inoculant: fermentative profile, aerobic stability, and sheep intake and digestibility

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan and homolactic microbial inoculant on fermentative losses, chemical composition, fermentative profile, and aerobic stability of whole-plant soybean silage (WPSS). Additionally, it was evaluated nutrients intake and digestibility of sheep fed increasing levels of WPSS. Thirty experimental silos were randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: 1) CON: control, WPSS without additives; 2) LPPA: WPSS with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici; and 3) CHI: chitosan, WPSS with 5 g/kg of chitosan. Ten male sheep were used to evaluate increasing dietary levels of WPSS: 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 g/kg of diet dry matter (DM). Additives increased silage lactic acid bacteria and decreased the count of mold and yeast, gas, and total losses. Silages treated with additives had lower pH, NH3-N, and ethanol concentrations and higher lactic and propionic acids relative to CON. LPPA-treated silos showed higher organic matter and non-fiber carbohydrates content than CHI-ones. Additives increased the aerobic stability of WPSS. The addition of WPSS in sheep diets linearly increased nutrients intake and digestibility. Chitosan and LPPA improve WPSS fermentation, aerobic stability, and nutritional value. The WPSS in substitution to Cynodon hay increases sheep feed intake and nutrients digestibility.

Nutritional quality, digestibility and growth performance of sheep fed fodder obtained from early-or-late-maturing groundnuts cultivars

This study determined the digestibility and growth performance of sheep fed groundnut fodder obtained from early- or late-maturing cultivars. Early-maturing cultivars (90 days) included Chinese, Yenyawoso and Sumnut 23 whereas late-maturing cultivars (110 to 120 days) were Sumnut 22, Azivivi and Manipinta. Each variety was cultivated on 4 replicated fields. At maturity, all the cultivars were harvested. The pods were separated from the haulms (leaves and twigs) and equal portions of the haulms were composited into early- or late-maturing cultivars. Each of the composited haulms was then dried and chopped to a theoretical length of 3–4 cm before being used to formulate two diets that were fed to twenty-two West African Dwarf sheep (14.75±2.52 kg) in a 45-d feeding trial. Two ruminally-cannulated Nungua Black Head sheep were used to determine the digestion kinetics of the fodder in an in situ digestibility experiment whereas in vitro digestibility of the fodder at 48 h was also assessed. The early-maturing cultivars had higher concentrations of acid detergent fibre (ADF; P = 0.01) and acid detergent lignin (ADL; P = 0.02) but lower (P = 0.02) concentration of dry matter (92.4 vs. 93.3%) compared to the late-maturing cultivars. The concentration of silica differed between the two cultivars by 44%, as it tended (P = 0.08) to be higher in the late-maturing compared to the early- maturing cultivars (2.6 vs. 1.8%). The higher concentrations of ADF and ADL in the early-maturing cultivars reduced (P = 0.03) the extent of digestion of this fodder compared to the late-maturing cultivars (43.9 vs. 52.1% DM). Growth performance of sheep fed the groundnut fodder did not differ statistically (P ≥ 0.69). This study concludes that late-maturing cultivars produced more DM and had less recalcitrant fibre constituents (ADF and ADL) than early-maturing cultivars. Improvements in the extent of digestion of the late-maturing groundnut cultivars did not reflect in the growth performance of sheep fed the late-maturing groundnut fodder.

Comparative digestibility and rumen fermentation of camels and sheep fed different forage sources

The present study evaluated the effects of forage sources on dry matter (DM) intake, digestibility, and fermentation parameters in camels vs. sheep. The study was arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design by using two animal species (three ruminally cannulated female camels and three male sheep) and three forage sources. The forages were (1) alfalfa hay; 164 and 479 g/kg DM for crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), respectively, (2) berseem hay; 121 and 513 g/kg DM for CP and NDF, respectively, and (3) wheat straw (27.5 and 723 g/kg DM for CP and NDF, respectively). Higher DM intake [g/kg body weight (BW)] was noted in sheep compared to camel when alfalfa hay (p < 0.05) and berseem hay (p < 0.05) were fed but was similar between both species when they were fed wheat straw. Forage type rather than animal species had more effect on metabolic intake. Lower digestibility was noted in sheep with wheat straw (p < 0.05). Similar in situ degradability values for crude protein and DM were noted between camels and sheep. In situ degradability of NDF was higher (p < 0.05) in camel than sheep. Greater ruminal pH (p < 0.05) was noted in sheep vs. camels when berseem hay and wheat straw were fed. Lower ruminal passage rate (p < 0.05) was noted in camels and higher total mean retention time. It was concluded that sheep and camels had similar digestion capacities when fed berseem hay and alfalfa hay, however, camels are more efficient than sheep when fed wheat straw.

Effects of whole-plant corn silage relocation on quality, chemical composition, and intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in sheep

This study aimed to determine the effect of relocation of whole-plant corn (Zea mays) silages (WPCS) with different fermentation profiles on quality, chemical composition, and intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in sheep. The corn crop was ensiled in 24 plastic drums (200 L) in a completely randomized design, achieving an average density of 628.5 ± 11.7 kg m−3. The treatments comprised corn silage (not inoculated and not relocated; CS), silages relocated for 12 h (R-12 h), silages inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum and relocated for 12 h (IR-12 h), and silages relocated for 24 h (R-24 h). Silos were stored for 30 days after ensiling, then opened, ensiled again, and stored for another 45 days after relocation. For the intake and digestibility assay, 24 male Santa Inês sheep were used, with an average body weight of 17.5 ± 1.8 kg, in a completely randomized block design for 21 days. The pH of 2 (after the second fermentation) of non-relocated WPCS was lower (P = 0.05) than that of relocated silages. The ammonia nitrogen content was higher (P < 0.01) in R-24 h silages than in R-12 h silages. Aerobic stability was lower (P = 0.02) in silages relocated for 12 h than in R-24 h silages. Relocation, time of relocation, and the use of L. plantarum had no effect on dry matter (DM) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake by sheep. The relocation, the time of relocation, and the use of L. plantarum did not alter the DM and nutrient digestibility, the TDN of silages, and the nitrogen balance of the sheep. Relocation of whole-plant corn silage for 12 or 24 h does not compromise preservation quality nor its nutrient utilization by sheep.

Intake and digestibility of nutrients during the grazing period in sheep on deferred marandu pastures with four initial heights

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of reducing in pasture height at the beginning of the deferment period (PHBD) of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu on nutrient intake and digestibility in sheep during winter. The combinations between average sward heights (15, 25, 35 and 45 cm) at the beginning of the deferment period and the times of sward use during the winter were evaluated; intake and digestibility evaluations were carried out at the beginning, middle and end of the grazing period, which lasted 90 days. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with three replications. The parameters evaluated were: intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and potentially digestible dry matter (pDDM). The pDDM contents were similar in pastures kept with 15 and 25 cm, but higher than those observed in pastures with 35 and 45 cm at the beginning of the deferment period. The NDF contents were lower and the CP and NDF digestibility were higher in 15 and 25 cm deferred pastures than in 35 cm at the beginning of deferment period, except for pastures lowered to 45cm. The improvement in nutritional value of the forage apparently ingested by sheep, promoted by ISP reduction, did not result in a variation in pasture consumption by the animals. DMI, expressed as percentage of body weight (%BW), ranged from 1.10 to 1.63. At the beginning of the grazing period, higher values of pDDM, CP and DM digestibility (DMD) were verified in simulated grazing samples. The same response pattern observed for nutritional value traits also occurred for DMI (g.day-1 and %BW) and CP intake. These were higher at the beginning, than at the middle and end of the grazing period. The use of lower sward heights at the beginning of the deferment period allowed the production of pasture with better nutritional quality, but these changes in the nutritional value of the pasture were insufficient to result in higher nutrient intake and digestibility. Furthermore, there was a reduction in nutritional value of the forage apparently consumed by sheep, in the intake and digestibility of deferred pastures throughout the grazing period, in winter. The lower pastures at the beginning of the deferment period (15 cm) improves the nutritional value of forage and nutrient digestibility at the beginning of the winter grazing period. The nutritional value and intake of deferred forage by sheep are compromised by the grazing period.

Effects of dietary supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid on apparent digestibility and serum metabolome alterations of sheep in summer.

To investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on the nutrition metabolism of sheep (36.72 ± 1.44kg) in the summer, twenty-one sheep were randomly assigned to three treatments addressing LA supplementation: 0.00 (CTL), 600 (LA-L), and 900 (LA-H) mg/kg of dry matter (DM) per day for each sheep. Whole feces and urine collection methods were used to analyze apparent digestibility; ELISA kits to determine the hormones, antioxidant, and immune parameters in the blood; and serum metabolomics to detect and analyze small molecular substances. The results showed the DM intakes in the LA-L and LA-H groups were significantly increased by 8.22% and 8.02%, respectively, compared to that in the CTL group, and there was no significant effect on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, nitrogen digestibility, calcium digestibility, and phosphorus digestibility. Regarding hormones, antioxidant, and immune indicators, the concentrations of triiodothyronine, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, HSP70, and IgA significantly increased after LA supplementation, while adrenaline and malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased. With the pairwise comparison of the three groups, metabolomics analysis identified 22 differential metabolites in the positive/negative modes, respectively, which suggested LA supplementation can significantly affect sheep's lipid, amino acid, and nucleic acid metabolism. Additionally, 3-indolepropionic acid, cinnamoylglycine, butyric acid, dodecanedioic acid, indoxyl sulfate, and pantothenic acid were the common differential metabolites with higher concentrations after LA supplementation. In summary, dietary supplementation of LA can increase the sheep's DMI, energy digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and immunity. These changes provide evidence to support the use of LA supplementation for livestock.

Intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen parameters, growth rate, carcase characteristics and cannabinoid residues of sheep fed pelleted rations containing hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) stubble.

The feeding value and impact of hemp stubble in the diet of ruminants is unknown. Fifteen Merino castrated male sheep were maintained in individual pens and fed one of three pelletized experimental inclusion diets, as a 0% (Control), 28% (Hemp 1), and 56% (Hemp 2) pellet that delivered a diet meeting the nutrient requirements of the animals. Inclusion of hemp stubble had no effect (P > 0.05) on either DM intake, live weight gain or the feed to gain ratio but positively impacted (P < 0.05) on nutrient digestibility. Hemp stubble inclusion increased the concentration (but not molar proportions) of acetic and butyric acids and increased both the concentrations and molar proportions of iso-butyric, iso-valeric, hexanoic and heptanoic acids, possibly due to increased protein digestibility and/or changes in the composition of rumen cellulolytic bacteria. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) was the only cannabinoid found in plasma in the sheep fed the hemp-containing diets, and this was found at very low concentrations (<16 μg/L). The psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) was not detected in any plasma samples. THCA was detected in the liver of two sheep fed the Hemp 1 pellets and two sheep fed the Hemp 2 pellets. Cannabidiol (CBD) was detected in the liver of one sheep fed the Hemp 2 pellets (but no liver THCA was detected in this sheep). Δ 9-THC was detected in both the kidney fat and subcutaneous fat of all sheep fed hemp stubble, with the concentrations being higher (P < 0.05) in the sheep fed the Hemp 1 pellets. THCA was also detected in the subcutaneous fat of one of the sheep fed the Hemp 1 pellets. Four of the five sheep fed the Hemp 1 pellet and one of the five sheep fed Hemp 2 pellet had detectable levels of Δ 9-THC in the meat (loin). No other cannabinoids were detected in the meat. Current food standards regulations in Australia prohibit presence of any cannabinoid residues in commercial meat products; thus, determination of a withholding period is required to enable the safe feeding of hemp-stubble to sheep. Further research is also required to gain a greater understanding of the rumen metabolism of cannabinoids.

Can roughage: concentrate ratio affect the action of red propolis extract on sheep metabolism?

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the addition of red propolis extract (RPE), in different roughage: concentrate (R:C) ratios, influences the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, and serum biochemistry of sheep. We used eight Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 29.45 ± 1.58kg, housed in metabolism cages for 60days, and distributed in two simultaneous Latin square designs in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. The factors consisted of two R:C ratios (70:30 and 30:70) with or without the addition of 15mL/day of RPE. No interactions were found (P > 0.05) between R:C ratios and with or without RPE. Sheep fed 30:70 ratio showed higher (P < 0.05) intake and dry matter (DM) digestibility and non-fibrous carbohydrates and lower (P < 0.05) intake and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. The addition of RPE did not influence (P > 0.05) the intake or nutrients digestibility, but the sheep that received RPE had a higher (P < 0.05) ruminal pH and longer (P < 0.05) time of rumination (min/kg DM) compared to the group without propolis. The ruminal ammonia concentration was higher for sheep fed 70:30 ratio, but the concentrations of total protein and albumin did not differ between R:C ratios. The addition of 15mL of RPE does not influence the intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and rumen ammonical nitrogen of sheep. There is no association between the R:C ratio and the addition of 15mL/day of RPE for sheep.

Ensilajes de triticale de alta humedad con aditivos químicos y biológicos: valores nutrimentales y comportamiento de ingesta en ovinos

Triticale high moisture grain triticale silage is an excellent option for ruminant diets, but loss control during its fermentation process should be further investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical and biological additives on high moisture triticale silages under chemical-bromatological composition, aerobic stability, and in vivo digestibility and ingestive behavior in sheep. The treatments were: high moisture triticale silage without additive (HMTC); high moisture triticale silage with enzyme-bacterial inoculant (HMTEB); high moisture triticale silage with 0.5 % urea in natural matter (HMTU); and high moisture triticale silage with 1.5 % sodium benzoate in natural matter (HMTSB). Four sheep were housed in appropriate metabolic cages according to the ethical principles of animal experimentation. The addition of urea as additive to high moisture triticale silage provided an increase in crude protein and ammoniacal silage (189.7 and 106.2 g kg MS-1, respectively) but did not affect digestibility (699.6 g kg MS-1 for HMTU, with a general average of treatments of 687.5 g kg MS-1) and ingestive behavior of sheep. Fiber consumption by sheep increased with the addition of the enzyme-bacterial additive in the silage (431.87 versus 388.06 g d-1 of FDN for HMTEB and HMTC, respectively). All additives helped to preserve crude protein contents after silo opening, but none interfered in aerobic stability time of silage.

Inter-row plant spacing effects on grain and fodder yields, growth performance, digestibility and manure quality of sheep

ABSTRACT In Ghana, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grain and fodder serve as important sources of protein for human and livestock nutrition, respectively. Experiments were conducted in four farming communities to determine the effects of planting annual peanut at four inter-row spacings of 30, 45, 65 and 75 cm on grain and fodder yields (experiment I), growth performance and manure quality (experiment II), and in situ digestibility (experiment III) of Djallonké sheep fed fodder from these plant spacings. Planting peanut at 30 cm inter-row spacing dually increased grain and fodder yields compared to planting at 60, and 75 cm. Peanut fodder from 30 cm inter-row spacing also had comparatively higher concentration of crude protein and lower concentrations of acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin, resulting in significant improvements in dry matter digestibility at 48 h and superior average daily weight gain of sheep. The concentration of N excreted in the manure of sheep fed the 30 cm fodder was greater than those fed peanut grown at 60, and 75 cm inter-row spacing. Planting peanut at an inter-row spacing of 30 cm therefore gave dual benefits of increasing grain and fodder yields as well as increasing the digestibility and growth performance of sheep fed peanut fodder as a supplementary diet to natural pasture for 70 days. Higher concentration of N in the manure of sheep fed 30 cm fodder could have additional benefits of improving soil fertility in smallholder farming systems where inorganic fertilizers are expensive and inaccessible to farmers.