Digestibility Trial Research Articles

Prediction of Metabolizable Energy Concentrations of Herbage in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Using Tibetan Sheep Digestibility Data

Simple SummaryRobust prediction of herbage nutritive value is critical to improve grazing efficiency and to maintain a sustainable environment in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. A range of prediction equations were developed in the present study using sheep digestibility data which can produce an accurate estimation of herbage nutritive value. The adaptation of the present equations is expected to benefit local farmers with higher economical return and to improve the fragile ecological systems the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.Due to its extremely harsh environment, including high altitude, hypoxia, long cold season, and strong ultraviolet radiation in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), herbage species and nutritional value of the pasture may differ considerably from elsewhere across the world. The aim of the present study was to develop biologically relevant equations for estimating the metabolizable energy (ME) value of fresh native herbages in the QTP using digestibility variables and chemical concentrations in the herbage offered to Tibetan sheep at the maintenance level. A total of 11 digestibility trials (6 sheep/trial) were performed in different grazing seasons from 2011 to 2016. The herbage was harvested daily in the morning and offered to sheep at the maintenance feeding level. Thirty-seven equations were developed for the prediction of herbage digestible energy (DE) and ME energy values. The mean prediction error for ME was the lowest when using herbage gross energy digestibility as a sole predictor. When using other digestibility variables (e.g., dry matter and organic matter) as primary predictors, addition of herbage nutrient concentration reduced the difference between predicted and actual values. When DE was used as the primary explanatory variable, mean prediction error was reduced with the addition of ash, nitrogen (N), diethyl ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations. The internal validation of the present equations showed lower prediction errors when compared with those of existing equations for prediction of DE and ME concentrations in the herbage. Equations developed in the current study may thus allow for an improved and accurate prediction of metabolizable energy concentrations of herbage in practice, which is critical for the development of sustainable grazing systems in the QTP.

Effect of replacing fish meal protein by crystalline amino acid and soy protein concentrate on growth, feed utilization, and metabolism of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum juveniles

AbstractThis research aimed to determine the upper limit level of crystalline amino acid (CAAs) inclusion in tambaqui nutrition. Additionally, we investigated the possibility of total replacement of fish meal (FM) by soy protein concentrate (SPC). An FM‐based control diet was formulated to meet the known nutrient requirements of tambaqui, and three additional diets were prepared by replacing FM protein with 250, 500, and 750 g/kg nitrogen of CAA mixture. The fifth diet was formulated to completely replace the FM by SPC. A growth and a digestibility trial were performed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and three and four replicates, respectively. The optimum replacement level of FM protein by CAA was 280 g/kg based on daily weight gain (DWG). The apparent digestibility coefficients of the nutrients were higher in fish fed the SPC diet than the fish fed the FM diet. The whole‐body lipid and adiposity significantly declined with the increase of CAA in tambaqui diets. Protein and amino acid retention of tambaqui linearly declined with the increase of CAA. Blood chemistry metabolites were not affected by CAA inclusion. We concluded that the SPC could replace FM in tambaqui diets without affecting growth and nutrient digestibility. CAAs could replace FM intact protein up to 250 g/kg (or 97 g/kg inclusion level) without showing any adverse effect on growth and metabolism of tambaqui.

Field Pea can be Included in Fattening Concentrate without Deleterious Effects on the Digestibility and Performance of Lambs.

Simple SummaryThe partial substitution of soybean by field pea (Pisum sativum), a local source of protein, has been encouraged to reduce the dependency of Europe on soybean imports. However, only up to 15% of field pea inclusion in the fattening concentrate of light lambs is recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the inclusion of field pea in the fattening concentrate on the apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, animal performance and carcass characteristics of lambs. For that, four isoenergetic and isoproteic concentrates with different proportions of field pea (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) were compared. The main results were that the in vivo apparent digestibility of the nutrients and retained nitrogen were not affected by field pea inclusion. The performance traits were similar among concentrates, but carcass weight and dressing percentage changed cubically with the inclusion of field pea. Therefore, inclusion of field pea in fattening concentrates above current recommendations could be advisable depending on the prices and availability of the feedstuffs.The inclusion of different proportions of field pea (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) for partially replacing soybean in the fattening concentrate of lambs was studied for its impact on apparent digestibility and performance during fattening. In the in vivo digestibility trial, 12 lambs (33 kg body weight) were placed in metabolic crates for two periods and received restricted amounts of concentrate and straw. The performance trial involved 54 lambs (13.4 kg body weight) that received concentrate plus straw ad libitum from weaning to slaughter. The intake of crude protein was higher in the 0% pea group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The inclusion of field pea did not affect the digestibility, N retained or blood metabolites. In the performance trial, most traits were not affected, although a cubic effect of field pea inclusion on hot carcass weight and dressing percentage was observed (p < 0.05). The inclusion of field pea did not affect total protein, urea or β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations but it affected creatinine and cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.05). In conclusion, field pea can constitute up to 30% of the fattening concentrate of lambs without deleterious effects on the digestibility and performance during fattening, and with minor effects on carcass characteristics.

Partially Defatted Tenebrio molitor Larva Meal in Diets for Grow-Out Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum): Effects on Growth Performance, Diet Digestibility and Metabolic Responses.

Simple SummaryThe current developments in the aquaculture sector have highlighted the need to find sustainable ingredients to replace fishmeal as a protein source in fish feeds. The use of insect meals may be a valid option, due to their good nutritional values and low ecological footprint. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a progressive fishmeal substitution with increasing concentrations of a partially defatted yellow mealworm meal in rainbow trout diets. We observed that the total substitution of fishmeal with insect meal is feasible and that there are no negative effects on fish growth or on the digestibility of most nutrients. The activities of hepatic enzymes involved in the amino acid metabolism and lipid synthesis were also evaluated. The enzymatic activities were not negatively influenced by insect meal inclusion in the diets. These results are of practical application for feed manufacturers and farmers, as they support the inclusion of insect meals in fish diets to obtain sustainable feeds that able to support an increase in aquaculture production.Insect meals are good candidates to replace fishmeal as new protein sources in aquafeeds. This study evaluated the effects of fishmeal replacement with different dietary inclusion levels of a partially defatted Tenebrio molitor (L.) larva meal (TM) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) growth, diet digestibility, and hepatic intermediary metabolism. A 154-day growth trial was performed with 252 rainbow trout (78.3 ± 6.24 g) randomly divided into twelve tanks and fed four experimental diets containing increasing levels of TM: 0% (TM0), 25% (TM25), 50% (TM50), and 100% (TM100) of fishmeal substitution, corresponding to TM dietary inclusion levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%, respectively. A digestibility trial was performed feeding 180 rainbow trout (94.6 ± 7.31 g) with the experimental diets used in the growth trial. The growth parameters were not affected by TM dietary inclusion. Regarding the evaluated apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), only the ADC of crude protein was affected, showing the following trend: TM0 = TM25 > TM50 > TM100. The activities of key hepatic amino acid catabolic and lipogenic enzymes were not affected by the dietary composition. The results suggest that a partially defatted TM could totally replace fishmeal in commercial rainbow trout diets without negative effects on fish performance.

Effect of ceftiofur on mesophilic anaerobic digestion of dairy manure and the reduction of the cephalosporin-resistance gene cmy-2

The effect of ceftiofur (CEF), a commonly used antibiotics on dairy farms, on the performance and stability of mesophilic batch anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy manure was evaluated in terms of methane production, organic matter removal (COD, dCOD, TS, and VS), and synthesis of end-products (VFAs, CO2, and H2). The results indicated that only CEF concentrations of 10 mg/L or higher significantly affected the performance of the AD process, although the overall stability was not compromised. Biochemical analyses suggested that hydrolytic microorganisms were the most affected by the presence of CEF leading to lower COD removal, whereas acetogens were only temporarily slowed down. Methanogens, on the other hand, were not directly affected by any of the CEF concentrations tested (0.2–250 mg/L). Additionally, the presence of CEF was shown to alter the incidence of the cephalosporin-resistance marker, cmy-2, although an overall reduction was achieved in 15-day batch anaerobic digestion trials.

Energy and protein requirements of crossbred Holstein × Gyr calves fed milk with milk replacer containing increasing dry-matter concentrations

Context There is a lack of studies concerning the nutrient requirements of dairy calves, mainly, evaluating different genetic groups. Aims The objective was to quantify energy and protein requirements of dairy calves up to 60 days, testing the influence of genetic composition (Holstein or crossbred Holstein × Gyr) on these requirements. Methods The study involved 42 bull calves (3 days of age), including animals with less than 15/16 Holstein composition (considered crossbred) and animals with more than 15/16 Holstein pedigree (considered purebred). Six calves were slaughtered at the start of the experiment to estimate the initial body composition of the animals. Of the remaining animals, four formed the maintenance group (fed 3 L/day of raw milk), and the other 32 were distributed into four treatments, which consisted of 6 L/day of raw milk, with increasing DM contents of 13.5%, 16.1%, 18.2% and 20.4% respectively. The DM contents were corrected for adding milk replacer to the raw milk. All animals had free access to starter feed and water. Digestibility trials were conducted at 28 and 56 days of life, with total faeces collection being performed for 5 days and urine collection for a period of 24 h. At 60 days of life, the animals were slaughtered to determine their body composition. Key results Net energy requirements for maintenance and metabolisable energy requirements for maintenance were 57.6 and 86.8 kcal/(empty bodyweight, EBW)0.75.day respectively. The efficiency of utilisation of metabolisable energy for maintenance was 66%. Net energy requirements for gain (NEg, Mcal/day) can be estimated by the following equation: , where EBG is empty body gain (kg/day) and EBW is in kilograms. The efficiency of utilisation of metabolisable energy for gain was 27%. The metabolisable-protein requirement for maintenance was 3.22 g/EBW0.75.day. Net protein requirement for gain (NPg, g/day) can be estimated by the following equation:, where RE is retained energy (Mcal/day). The efficiency of utilisation of metabolisable protein for gain was 59.1%. Conclusions Genetic group does not affect energy or protein requirements of pre-weaned calves. The estimates presented here can be used to calculate nutrient requirements of pre-weaned calves aged up to 60 days. Implications Inclusion of milk replacer in the liquid feed had a negative impact on diet quality.

Adhesion of cellulase genes of recombinant lactobacilli to gut epithelial cells and its effect on digestibility of crude fibre in chicks

Recombinant Lactobacillus could play the role of a probiotic besides other new functions. This experiment aimed to study the gut adhesion ability of recombinant Lactobacilli and its effect on the digestibility of crude fibre in chicks. The adhesion ability of Lactobacilli was observed through in vitro and in vivo tests. Intestinal epithelial cells and recombinant Lactobacillus were co-cultured for observation of adhesion in the in vitro study. A total of 100 one-d-old chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups, namely, C15, C73, C15–73 and control. Each chick in C15, C73, C15–73 and control groups were orally gavaged with 200 μL each of fermentation broth of recombinant Lactobacillus reuteri XNY-Cel15 (C15), recombinant Lactobacillus reuteri XNY-Cel73 (C73) and both containing 100 μl each of XNY-Cel15 and XNY-Cel73 (C15B), or 200 μL of MRS broth (control), respectively, once at the beginning of the trial. The digestibility of crude fibre was determined through a digestion trial. Results of in vitro study showed that recombinant Lactobacillus reuteri adhered to chick intestinal epithelial cells. After feeding for 30 d, the reporter genes of recombinant Lactobacillus were detected in the crop, small intestine, and cecum of chicks, with their sequences corresponding to those of the insert genes. The digestibility of crude fibre in the experimental groups was higher than that in the control group, and the digestibility in C15 group was significantly (P<0.01) higher than other groups. It is concluded that the recombinant Lactobacillus can survive in the digestive tract of chicken for more than 30 d, and help to degrade the crude fibre in the digestive tract.

Improving the estimation of amino acid requirements to maximize nitrogen retention in precision feeding for growing-finishing pigs

Precision feeding requires a mathematical model to estimate standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) requirements (SIDLysR) in real time. However, this type of model requires constant calibration updates. The objective of this study was to review the calibration of the model used to estimate the real-time Lys requirements of individual growing-finishing pigs. A digestibility trial (n = 10) was conducted to evaluate amino acids digestibility during the growing and finishing phases. Additionally, 120 pigs were used in two 28-day growth experiments conducted as completely randomized design with growing (25 ± 2.1 kg BW, n = 60; 10 pigs per treatment) or finishing barrows (68.1 ± 6 kg BW, n = 60; 10 pigs per treatment). In each experiment, the pigs were divided into six equal treatment groups and fed 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or 110% of their estimated individual SIDLysR. The Lys requirement of each pig was estimated daily using a real-time model. Body composition was measured with dual-energy X-ray densitometry on day 1 and 28 of the experiments. Average daily feed intake increased quadratically (P < 0.05) during both growth phases. Maximum average daily gain (ADG) (0.98 kg) and maximum protein deposition (PD; 170 g/day) were observed in growing pigs fed 100% of the estimated SIDLysR (P < 0.001). During the growing period, PD in BW gain (17% to 19%) and N efficiency (52% to 65%) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing inclusion rates of SID Lys. Finishing pigs had maximum ADG (1.2 kg/day) when they were fed 100% of the requirements. However, the amount of protein in BW gain (13% to 16%) and N efficiency (40% to 55%) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing inclusion rates of SID Lys. In conclusion, the model proposed for precision feeding is correctly calibrated to predict SIDLysR that maximize PD and ADG of average pigs from 25 to 50 kg BW. Still, there is an opportunity to improve the estimation of SIDLysR and N retention in individual pigs by better representing the individual proportion of protein in BW gain and the factors controlling the efficiency of Lys utilization in individual pigs.

Metabolisable energy of grass and red clover silages fed to sheep at maintenance level

This study investigated the effect of forage type (grass or red clover) and harvesting time (primary growth or regrowth) of silage on energy and N utilisation by sheep fed at maintenance level. Specifically, the assumption of constant loss of energy of digestible organic matter from energy losses in urine and CH4 applied in evaluation of silage metabolisable energy (ME) was investigated. Urinary excretion of high-energy phenolic compounds related to solubilisation of lignin was assumed to affect urinary energy (UE) losses from sheep fed highly digestible grass silage (GS). A total of 25 primary growth and regrowth silages of timothy (Phleum pratense) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) grass mixtures and red clover (Trifolium pratense) samples collected in digestibility trials with sheep, including faecal and urine samples, were used for energy and N determinations. Urinary concentration of monophenolic compounds and CH4 emissions in vitro were also analysed. Daily faecal N output, CH4 yield (MJ/kg DM intake), proportion of CH4 energy in digestible energy (DE) and proportion of UE in DE were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in sheep fed red clover silage (RCS) than GS. Furthermore, less (P = 0.01) energy was lost as UE of DE in sheep fed primary growth GS compared with the other treatments. The relationship between UE and silage N intake or urinary N output for both silage types (i.e. grass v. red clover) was strong, but the fit of the regressions was better for GS than RCS. The CH4/DE ratio decreased (P < 0.05) and the UE/DE ratio increased (P < 0.05) with increasing organic matter digestibility in RCS. These relationships were not significant (P < 0.05) for the GS diets. The regression coefficient was higher (P < 0.05) for GS than RCS when regressing ME concentration on digestible organic matter. The results of this study imply that ME/DE ratio is not constant across first-cut GS of different maturities. The ME production response may be smaller from highly digestible first-cut GS but could not be clearly related to urinary excretion of monophenols derived from solubilisation of lignin. Furthermore, energy lost in urine was not clearly defined for RCS and was much more predictable for GS from silage N concentration.

Comparison of three systems for predicting the digestible energy value of natural grassland and lucerne hays for horses

The accuracy and precision of the National Research Council (NRC), Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie (GfE) and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) systems for predicting the digestible energy (DE) value of hays were determined from the results of 15 digestibility trials with natural grassland hays and 9 digestibility trials with lucerne hays that all met strict experimental and a tight corpus of methods. The hays were harvested in the temperate zone. They covered broad ranges of chemical composition and DE value. The INRA system was more accurate than the other two systems, with the bias between the predicted and measured DE values of natural grassland and lucerne hays averaging −0.11 and −0.04 MJ/kg DM with the INRA system, 0.34 and −0.70 MJ/kg DM with the NRC system and −0.50 and −1.69 MJ/kg DM with the GfE system (P < 0.05). However, the precision of the three systems was similar; the standard error of prediction corrected by bias was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The GfE system underestimated the DE value of hays, especially of lucerne hays. The differences between the predicted and measured DE values resulted mainly from the errors in the prediction of organic matter digestibility and energy digestibility for both natural grassland and lucerne hays. Discrimination according to botanical family (grassland v. lucerne) can help improve the prediction of the DE value of hays. The choice of appropriate predictive variables is discussed in the light of differences in chemical composition and digestibility of the various cell wall components of grassland and lucerne hays. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) may thus be preferable to ADF in the prediction equation of the DE value of lucerne hays, whereas ADF and NDF may both be relevant for natural grassland hays.

Response of different synbiotics on gut health, immunity and growth performance of pre-ruminant Buffalo calves

The study was conducted to evaluate the response of synbiotics on gut health, immunity and antioxidant status, and growth performance of pre-ruminant Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty-four pre-ruminant Murrah buffalo calves (5-10 d old) having similar body weight (34 to 37 kg), were randomly divided into four groups of six animals in each group. Calves of the control (CON) group were fed basal diet (milk, calf starter and green maize) without any supplementation. Basal diet of the calves were supplemented with 3 g inulin+L. plantarum CRD-7 as fermented milk (150 ml) having 108 CFU/ml/calf/day, 6 g inulin+ L. plantarum CRD-7 as fermented milk (100 ml) having 108 CFU/ml/calf/day, and 9 g inulin+L. plantarum CRD-7 as fermented milk (50 ml) having 108 CFU/mL/calf/day in groups, SYN1, SYN2 and SYN3, respectively. A digestibility trial of five days was carried out after 56 day of experimental feeding. The final body weight (kg), average daily gain (g) and chest girth were higher (P<0.05) in SYN3 as compared to control. Crude protein and dry matter digestibility were higher (P<0.05) in SYN3 group than CON group, while digestibility of other nutrients was similar among the groups. Fecal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium count was increased (P<0.05) and coliform count was decreased (P<0.05) in SYN3 groups than CON group. Cell mediated immune response and fecal score was higher (P<0.001) in SYN3 than CON group. It was concluded that supplementation of 9 g inulin with 50 g L. plantarum CRD-7 as fermented milk (50 ml) having 108 CFU/mL/calf/day to pre-ruminant calves will improve immunity and growth performance.

Nitrogen metabolism and protein requirements for maintenance of growing Red Norte bulls

Dietary protein adjustments can reduce environmental impact and economic losses in production systems. However, we lack information regarding nitrogen (N) metabolism and protein requirements for maintenance of crossbred animals such as Red Norte breed, precluding a precise dietary management. The objective was to evaluate the effect of increasing dietary CP levels (9%, 11%, 13%, 15% and 17%) on intake, digestibility and N balance, as well as to estimate the metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance (MPm) of growing Red Norte bulls. Thirty five animals averaging 280 ± 4.0 kg BW were fed during 45 days in a 60 : 40 forage : concentrate ratio diet in which the last 5 days were used for the digestibility trial. Intakes of CP and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFCs) and feed efficiency linearly increased (P < 0.05) as CP levels increased, while DM, NDF, nitrogen efficiency use and ether extract were not influenced by CP levels (P > 0.05). Digestibilities of DM, organic matter, ether extract, NFC and CP as well as metabolizable energy intake linearly increased (P < 0.05), and true digestibility of CP was not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Urinary N and retained N linearly increased (P < 0.05) with the increase in dietary N. The MPm were estimated as 4.46 g/BW0.75 and the efficiency of use of MPm was 0.673. In conclusion, obtained MPm requirements of growing Red Norte bulls are greater than the values reported in literature for Zebu cattle and dietary CP levels of 15% and 17% exhibited great responses for growing Red Norte cattle. However, a cost-benefit evaluation should be done before its use.

Effects of Substitution of Concentrate Mixture with Dried Moringa (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Moringa Stenopetala&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Leaves on Feed Intake, Digestibility and Body Weight Gain of Woyto-Guji Goats

The study was carried out at Arbaminch Agricultural research center, Gamo Gofa zone, Ethiopia, using twenty five intact male yearling Woyto-Guji goats. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of dried moringa leaf substitution to concentrate mixture on feed intake, digestibility and body weight gain of Woyto-Guji goats and to assess the economic benefit of dried Moringa leaf substitution. The experimental design was randomized complete block design. Goats were blocked into five block based on their initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of the five treatments. The experiment consisted of 90 days of feeding trial and 7 days of digestibility trial. The five dietary treatments used were100% concentrate mixture (CM) consisting of wheat bran (57%), noug (Guizota abyssinica) seed cake (23%), maize (19%) and salt (1%) [T1]; 75% CM+25% dried moringa stenopetala leaf (DMSL) [T2]; 50% CM+50% DMSL [T3]; 25% CM+75% DMSL [T4] and 100% DMSL [T5]. The natural pasture hay of this study was medium quality grass and the CP content was better demanded for maintenance requirement of goats. Total dry matter intake (TDMI) expressed as% BW and metabolic BW (kg/w0.75) were different (p<0.05) among treatments with an overall mean of 3.46% of BW and 64.59 g DM/kg w0.75 per day. The TDMI was in the range of 3.3 to 3.7% BW. The CP intake has increased in ascending order with increased level of DMSL supplementation. The trend in TDMI (g/day) of goats across the feeding period showed progressive increment. The increase in BW throughout the feeding period is an attribute of increase in feed and digestible nutrient intakes. Based on the partial budget analysis as well from biological point of view, supplementation of 75% and 100% dried moringastenopetala leaf could be recommended as profitable for goat producer. Therefore, goat producers can use moringa to attain higher body weight gain within a short period of time.

Effect of Replacing Finger Millet Straw with Jackfruit Residue Silage on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Mandya Sheep

An experiment was conducted to study the nutritional value of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) residue silage in terms of chemical composition, and nutrient utilization in lambs fed a straw-based diet. Eighteen Mandya lambs of about 3 to 6 months of age with average BW of 9.55±0.31 kg were divided into three groups of six each in a completely randomized design. The first group of lambs were fed on finger millet straw as the sole source of roughage and compounded feed mixture and served as a control (CON), while the second (JRS-25) and third (JRS-50) group lambs were fed with jackfruit residue silage (JRS) to replace 25 and 50%, respectively, of the finger millet straw. The feeding trial was continued for 82 d and a digestion trial of 6 d was carried out at 8th week of the experiment. The chemical analyses revealed that JRS had higher CP (8.77 vs. 3.35%) and EE (1.91 vs. 0.79%) and lower total ash (6.46 vs. 8.51%), NDF (34.08 vs. 71.84%), ADF (27.88 vs. 46.46%) and ADL (1.06 vs. 3.83%) contents as compared to the finger millet straw. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in total DM intake among the dietary groups. The ADG was found significantly (P 0.05) among the three groups. The mean apparent digestibility of nutrients also did not vary among the groups. From the study, it can be deduced that jackfruit residue silage has the potential to be included in the diet of growing lambs by replacing up to 50% of finger millet straw.

Effect of Feeding Graded Levels of Wild Silver Leaf Desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) on Feed Intake and Digestibility of Horro Sheep Fed A Basal Diet of Natural Pasture Hay

This experiment was conducted at Nedjo ATVET College with the objective of evaluating the effects of graded levels of wild silver leaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) on feed intake, and digestibility, of Horro sheep fed a basal diet of natural pasture hay. Twenty intact male Horro sheep with intact milk teeth and an average initial weight of 18.28±1.47 kg (mean± SD) were used. The experiment consisted of 7 days of digestibility trial and 90 days of feeding trials. The experimental sheep were blocked into 5 blocks of 4 animals based on initial body weight and randomly assigned to one of the four treatments within a block. The treatments were natural pasture hay ad libitum (DU 1 ) and wild silver leaf desmodium supplement at levels of 200(DU 2 ), 300(DU 3 ), 400(DU 4 ) g/head/d on dry matter bases. The basal diet had DM, CP and OM of 91.2, 75.5 and 9.3, respectively while the corresponding values for Desmodium were 89.8, 77.8 and 16.8. Total dry matter intake (698, 725.4, 773.3 and 864 g/d in DU-0 , DU- 200, DU-300 and DU- 400 respectively) significantly increased with increasing level of Desmodium supplementation. Significantly higher (p<0.001) dry matter (DMD) (48, 68, 72 and 80% in DU-0 , DU- 200, DU- 300 and DU- 400 respectively), organic matter (OM) (48, 70, 74 and 82% in DU-0 , DU- 200, DU- 300 and DU-400 respectively), and crude protein (CP) (84, 88, 88 and 91% in DU-0 DU- 200 DU- 300 and DU- 400 respectively) digestibility were noted in this study. In this study among the levels of supplementation, 400 g wild silver leaf desmodium resulted in betterdry matter intake (DMI), and nutrient digestibility. Keywords: desmodium ,dry matter, Digestibility ,horro sheep DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/10-1-05 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Individual differences in behavior affect total tract fiber digestibility: the example of collared peccary

Differences in how individuals cope with stressful conditions (e.g. novel/unfamiliar environment, social isolation and increases in human contact) can explain the variability in data collection from nutrient digestibility trials. We used the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), which is under process of domestication and shows high individual behavioral distinctiveness in reactions toward humans, to test the hypothesis that behavioral differences play a role in nutrient digestibility. We assessed the individual behavioral traits of 24 adult male collared peccaries using both the ‘behavioral coding’ and the ‘subjective ratings’ approaches. For the behavioral coding assessment, we recorded the hourly frequency of behaviors potentially indicative of stress during the 30-day habituation period to the experimental housing conditions. The subjective ratings were performed based on the individuals’ reactions to three short-term challenge tests (novel environment, novel object and threat from a capture net) over a period of 56 days. During the last 26 days, the collared peccaries were fed diets either high (n = 12) or low (n = 12) in dietary fiber levels, and we determined the total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients. The individual subjective ratings showed consistency in the correlated measures of ‘relaxedness’, ‘quietness’ and ‘satisfaction’ across the three challenge tests, which were combined to produce z score ratings of one derived variable (‘calmness’). Individual frequency of BPIS/h and calmness scores were negatively correlated and both predicted the total tract digestibility of acid detergent fiber (ADF), which ranged from 0.41 to 0.79. The greater the calmness z scores (i.e. calmer individuals), the greater the total tract digestibility of ADF. In contrast, the higher the frequency of BPIS/h, the lower the total tract digestibility of ADF. Therefore, our results provide evidence that by selecting calmer collared peccaries, there will be an increase in their capacity to digest dietary fiber.

Methane emissions from sheep fed Eragrostis curvula hay substituted with Lespedeza cuneata

Context Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from livestock production systems is a global research priority. Forages that contain condensed tannins, such as the perennial legume Lespedeza cuneata, may help to reduce ruminant methane (CH4) emissions. Aims The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of L. cuneata hay on feed intake and enteric CH4 emissions of sheep fed a basal diet of subtropical Eragrostis curvula hay. Methods Four adult ruminally cannulated Dohne Merino wethers with initial bodyweight of 65.5 ± 3.5 kg were used in the experiment in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four experimental treatments were E. curvula hay substituted with 0%, 30%, 60% and 90% L. cuneata hay. Each of four experimental periods lasted 27 days, which consisted of a 14-day adaptation period, a 7-day digestibility trial, and a 6-day CH4-measurement period. During the 6-day CH4-measurement period, CH4 emissions were measured continuously over a 24-h period by using an open circuit respiration system. Key results Dry matter intake (DMI, g/kg W0.75) was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for sheep receiving 60% and 90% L. cuneata than 0% and 30% L. cuneata (77.33 and 84.67 g/kg W0.75 vs 62.96 and 62.71 g/kg W0.75). The increase in DMI corresponded with a linear increase in DM digestibility of the experimental treatments from 38% to 45% as the level of L. cuneata substitution increased. Methane yield was not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by 30% inclusion of L. cuneata (17.6 g CH4/kg DMI) but decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as the inclusion level increased to 60% and 90% (13.8 and 14.3 g CH4/kg DMI). Conclusions Inclusion of L. cuneata hay in a diet based on E. curvula hay improved diet digestibility, and led to increased concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrates. Substituting E. curvula hay with 60% L. cuneata on a DM basis resulted in the greatest reduction in CH4 yield of 21.4% compared with a diet of 100% E. curvula. Implications The results suggest that L. cuneata has the potential to reduce CH4 yield and possibly increase production from sheep by improving diet DM digestibility and through improved DMI.

Effect of Commercial and Non-conventional Feeds, Leaves of Indigenous and Improved Multipurpose Tree Supplementation on Feed Intake, Digestibility and Growth Performance of Sheep

Background: Acute shortage of feed and very poor quality of the available feeds during the dry season are the prime limiting factors for increasing the production and productivity of small ruminants in most agroecological zones of Ethiopia. Thus, the study evaluated the effect of concentrate mixture of wheat bran and Sesame seed cake (T1), Atella (T2), Faidherbia albida (T3) and Sesbania sesban leaves (T4) on feed intake, digestibility, body weight change and economical profitability of local sheep. Methods: Twenty-four yearling intact local male sheep with mean Initial Body Weight (IBW) of 18 ±1.55 kg (mean ± SD) were used for the experiment. The study was conducted using randomized complete block design and sheep were blocked into six based on their IBW. Sheep within a block were randomly assigned to treatments. The experiment had 90 days feeding trial and 7 days digestibility trial after 15 and 3 days acclimatization period, respectively. The amount of supplements offered was 300 (T1), 330 (T2), 360 (T3) and 280 (T4) g/day on DM basis, each calculated to supply 73.6 g/day Crude Protein (CP). Results: Hay intake in T1, T2 and T4 (397˗400 ±1.44g/day) were significantly (P &lt; 0.001) higher than T3 (375±1.44 g/day). Total DM intake was in the order of T2 = T3&gt;T1&gt; T4 (p&lt;0.001) (698, 730, 735 and 677 g/day for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Digestibility of CP was in the order of T1 &gt; T2&gt;T4 &gt; T3 (p&lt;0.001), while the value in T2 differed only with T3 (75.6, 73.4, 60.2 and 67.9 for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). Average Daily Gain (ADG) was 50, 45, 38 and 42 g/day for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and differed only between T1 and T3. The partial budget analysis indicated that, sheep supplemented with Atella returned higher net income (5.46 US$) than T1 (1.93 US$), T3 (2.56 US$) and T4 (3.2 US$); similarly, MRR was also higher in T2 (93.7%) compared to T3 (56.1%) and T4 (50.4%). Conclusion: Sheep producers can use the supplement feeds in the order of T2, T4 and T3, respectively, based on their availability.

Effect of Feeding Different Mixtures of Short Milled Wheat and Sesame Seed Cake on Intake, Digestibility, and Live Bodyweight Changes for Abergelle Sheep in Tigray

Background: The use of agro-industrial by-products is an alternative to enhance the performance of animals. Objective: To improve feed intake, digestibility, and live bodyweight changes for Abergelle sheep fed different mixtures prepared using short milled wheat and sesame seed cake mixtures. Methods: The experiment was designed using yearling male rams and was divided into four blocks based on initial live weight and assigned to each dietary feed randomly. The diets were prepared at a level of 0, 120, 240, and 360 gram dry matter base/day for diet1, diet2, diet3, and diet4, respectively, with a proportion of 65:35 (short milled wheat: sesame seed cake) combinations. Digestibility trial was conducted for 7 consecutive days following the 90 days feeding stage. Results: Total dry matter and nutrient intake were significant (P&lt;0.001) in the order of diet4&gt; diet3&gt; diet2 level of supplementation than the control group (diet1). Feed conversion efficiency and final bodyweight gain were significant (P&lt;0.01) for the supplemented groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein was observed highest in diet4 (81.32) and lowest in diet1 (61.55). Similarly, dry matter and organic matter digestibility were significantly higher in diet4 (74.47, 76.38) and lowest in diet1 (58.71, 60.42), respectively. In general, supplementation with different levels of sesame seed cake and short milled wheat improves the biological performance of Abergelle sheep. Conclusion: The growth performance of rams can be realized supplementing with diets prepared using short milled wheat and sesame seed cake mixtures.

The effects of diets varying in fibre sources on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats.

Pet food companies use fibrous ingredients in cat foods to aid weight and hairball management. Miscanthus grass could be an alternative novel fibre source for cat foods. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of Miscanthus grass as a fibre source on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats. Dry extruded cat foods (average chemical composition; digestibility trial: 94.54% dry matter—DM, 34.47% crude protein—CP, 11.67% crude fat, 7.06% ash and 13.04% total dietary fibre—TDF; and hairball trial: 94.88% DM, 34.60% CP, 11.30% crude fat, 7.02% ash and 9.77% TDF) were fed to 12 cats for a 9‐day (digestibility trial) or 16‐day (hairball trial) adaptation period followed by a 5‐day total faecal collection period. Digestibility trial was performed as a replicated Latin square design, and the hairball trial was performed as a switchback design. In general, the cats fed the beet pulp diet (BPD) had higher DM, organic matter, gross energy and TDF digestibility than cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGD) or cellulose (CED) diet (p < .05). However, CP digestibility was lower for cats fed BPD (82.1 vs. 84.7 and 85.1%, respectively, for BPD, MGD and CED). These differences could be due to the differences in dietary fibre content and(or) composition. Faecal scores were lower for cats fed BPD (2.84) compared with MGD (3.32) and CED (3.21; p < .05). No effects due to fibre were reported on the faecal hairball variables, with the exception of less total hair weight and hair clumps per gram of dry faeces for cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGH) compared with control diet (COH; p < .05). In conclusion, Miscanthus grass could be used as an alternative ingredient to cellulose in cat diets.