Effective Degradability Of Dry Matter Research Articles

Evaluation of Partial Replacement of Barley Grain with Heated Potato Processing By-products in the Diet of Dairy Cows Using an In vitro Gas Production Technique

Background: The increasing urban population requires more dairy product (meat and milk) production; therefore, using agricultural sector by-products as animal feedstuffs has found double importance.
 Objective: The effects of replacing barley grain with heated potato slices (HPS) and French fries waste (FFW) in iso-energetic total mixed dairy cow rations on cumulative gas production and in vitro DM degradability were evaluated using in vitro techniques.
 Methods: Seven experimental dairy cow total mixed rations (TMR) were formulated based on partial replacing barley grain with HPS or FFW, including Control: a diet containing 16% (DM basis) barley grain as one of the main sources of non-forage carbohydrates; 5 HPS: a diet containing 11% barley grain and 5% HPS; 10 HPS: a diet containing 6% barley grain and 10% HPS; 15 HPS: a diet containing 1% barley grain and 15% HPS; 5 FFW: a diet containing 11% barley grain and 5% FFW; 10 FFW: a diet containing 6% barley grain and 10% FFW; 15 FFW: a diet containing 1% barley grain and 15% FFW. Two in vitro gas production approaches were conducted separately to measure the production of gas volumes and dry matter (DM) degradability at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours of incubation.
 Results: After 48 h of incubation, the gas production volume varied between 174 and 197 ml/g DM, with the highest value observed with control and the lowest value with FFW treatments (P < 0.05). Also, the gas production rate for the insoluble fraction varied from 0.031 to 0.054 ml/h and was higher for HPS treatments than for control and FFW treatments (P < 0.05). After 48 h of incubation, DM degradability was significantly lower for the control than other treatments. DM effective degradability, with a passage rate of 0.05 h−1, found to be higher for FFW and HPS treatments compared with the control. Moreover, the rate of the B fraction degradation was significantly lower for the control (0.14 % h−1) than for treatments.
 Conclusion: The heated potato processing by-products could be replaced with barley grain by 15% in the diet of dairy cows without having negative effects on ruminal fermentation.

Ruminal degradation characteristics of bagasse with different fermentation treatments in the rumen of beef cattle.

This experiment aimed to study the degradation characteristics of bagasse after three fermentation treatments in beef cattle. Bagasse 1 was treated with 0.3% lactic acid bacteria (w/w). Bagasse 2 was treated with 0.3% mixed strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, and lactic acid bacteria at 2:1:1:1). Bagasse 3 was treated with 0.1% cellulase and 0.1% xylanase in addition to 0.3% mixed strains of bagasse 2. The dry matter (DM), crude ash (ASH), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in the bagasses were determined. Compared to the control bagasse (without the strain and enzyme treatments), three fermented bagasses showed higher DM after 4h fermentation. The CP and ASH contents in fermented bagasse 3 were the highest, while the contents of NDF and ADF in fermented bagasse 3 were the lowest among all the groups. The effective degradability of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF was highest in fermented bagasse 3 among the evaluated bagasse feed, followed by fermented bagasse 2 > fermented bagasse 1 > bagasse. Overall, fermented bagasse 3 was better than the control and other treated bagasses, thus fermented bagasse 3 is a hopeful source for ruminant diet of beef cattle.

Effect of Tannin Inclusion on the Enhancement of Rumen Undegradable Protein of Different Protein Sources

Tannins can be utilized to increase rumen undegradable protein (RUP) by their capacity to form complexes with diverse nutrients present in the feed. In that regard, high-performance ruminants demand elevated RUP levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating varying levels of tannin into three protein sources (cottonseed, peanut, and soybean meals) on ruminal kinetic parameters, ruminal fermentation, and intestinal digestibility. Thus, three in situ experiments were conducted to investigate the ruminal degradation kinetics, where Fraction A represents the soluble portion, Fraction B relates to the portion potentially degraded in the rumen, and kd denotes the degradation rate of Fraction B, for both dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in the rumen. Additionally, the study assessed dry matter effective degradability (ED), rumen undegradable protein (RUP), and intestinal digestibility (ID). These experiments utilized three cannulated animals for the in situ incubations. Regarding cottonseed meal in terms of DM degradation kinetics, tannin inclusion had a quadratic effect on fraction A (p < 0.01), B (p = 0.10, trend), kd (p = 0.03), and ED (p < 0.01). Fraction A of CP had a cubic effect (p = 0.03), being greater for the control compared with the other treatments. The inclusion of tannin linearly increased RUP (p < 0.01). The RUP proportion increased 29, 33, and 45% when 20, 40, and 60 g/kg tannin were used, respectively, compared to the control. For peanut meal, the A fraction of protein and RUP responded quadratically as tannin was included in peanut meal (p < 0.01). However, tannin levels did not affect fraction B of protein and ID. Regarding soybean meal, fractions A and B of DM and ED had cubic effects (p < 0.01), being greater for the control compared with the other treatments, and responded quadratically as tannin increased. Also, tannin inclusion had a cubic effect on fractions A and B of protein, RUP, and ID (p < 0.01). The cubic behavior showed greater B fraction and ID and lower A fraction and RUP for the control compared other treatments (p < 0.01). Tannins offer a promising avenue for elevating RUP levels in diets featuring cottonseed and peanut meals. Nevertheless, no advantages were observed when treating soybean meal with tannin.

Evaluation of degradability of Moringa, Pineapple waste and Plantain herbs by in situ and in vitro gas production technique

Nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients is important for potential use in feed rations. It is very important to determine not only the nutrient content and quality of feeds but also their digestibility prior to adding in the ration. This study was undertaken to assess the potential nutritive value of selected shade-dried herbs of moringa, pineapple waste, and plantain through in situ degradation and in vitro gas production techniques. The study compared 4 treatments, namely moringa (MH), pineapple waste (PwH), plantain (PH) herbs, and a combination of three of them with a ratio of 1:1:1 (MxH). The rumen dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability kinetics were analyzed by using the nylon bags (in situ) procedure and the organic matter digestibility and fermentation characteristics were analyzed by in vitro gas production technique. The results of the in situ study revealed that the ruminal dry matter disappearance differed significantly (P<0.001) among herbs at all incubation periods whereas the PH had the greatest disappearance and PwH had the lowest among all herbs. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest potential and effective degradability of dry matter were found in PH and the lowest in PwH among herbs. The ruminal CP disappearance differed significantly (p<0.05) among herbs at all incubation periods. The MH had the greatest CP disappearance whereas PwH had the lowest. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest potential and effective degradability of CP were found in MH and MxH, respectively, and the lowest in PwH among herbs. The results of the in vitro study revealed that cumulative gas production was increased with increasing the periods of incubation for all herbs. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest gas production was found in PH and MH among all herbs at 48h of incubation. The organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in MH & PH and lower in PwH. Short-chain fatty acids were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in MH & PH and lower in PwH among herbs. It may be concluded that both plantain and moringa herbs showed better potential and effective degradability and also higher organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy comparable to pineapple waste herbs. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 88-98.

In situ ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein of low-protein fraction from sunflower meal

The objective of this study was to evaluate rumen degradation kinetics and intestinal digestibility of low-protein fraction from sunflower meal (LPSFM). Three non-lactating Jersey cows with an average body weight of 436 ± 18 kg fitted with a rumen and T-type duodenal cannulas were used in the experiment. Five samples of LPSFM from different batches produced in 20-d intervals were collected and incubated in the rumen of the cows for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 h in 6 replicates. The average CP content of LPSFM was 175 (SD = 6.98) g/kg. Data were fitted to nonlinear regression model and analyzed statistically using SPSS. The soluble or rapidly degradable fraction а of LPSFM dry matter (DM) ranged from 105 to 137 (SD = 11.3) g/kg. The effective degradability of DM at assumed rumen outflow rate of 0.06/h ranged from 293 to 338 (SD= 16.3) g/kg. Fraction a of CP ranged from 124 to 189 (SD = 23.9) g/kg. Effective degradability of LPSFM CP at rumen outflow rate of 0.06/h ranged from 515 to 560 g/kg (SD = 16.2). Intestinal digestibility of LPSFM (after 16-h rumen incubation) DM and CP measured by the mobile bag technique varied from 318 to 349 g/kg (SD = 10.5) and from 766 to 820 g/kg (SD = 17.7), respectively. The average estimated Protein Digestible in the small Intestine (PDI) and Rumen Protein Balance (RPB) of the LPSFM samples analyzed in the current study, following equations in the Bulgarian feed evaluation system (at 0.06/h outflow rate), were 113 (SD = 1.67) g/kg and 125 (SD = 14.9) g/kg, respectively. The protein degradability and digestibility values obtained in this experiment can be effectively used in formulating rations for ruminant animals.

Evaluation of nutritional values of tree-forage legume leaves from Gunungkidul District, Indonesia

Abstract. Darma ING, Jayanegara A, Sofyan A, Budiartilaconi E, Ridla M, Herdian H. 2023. Evaluation of nutritional values of tree-forage legume leaves from Gunungkidul District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2733-2744. This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of tree legume leaves found in Gunungkidul District. A completely randomized design with 19 treatments (legume species) and six replications (nylon bags) was employed. The study evaluated the chemical composition, in sacco dry and organic matter degradation characteristics, and their correlation with the chemical composition. The results indicated variations in the crude protein (CP) content (12.44% to 26.9%), crude fiber (CF) content (16.13% to 27.38%), total digestible nutrients (TDN) (71.10% to 88.17%), and total phenol content (2.47% to 21.87%) on a dry matter basis. Among the legume species, Indigofera tinctoria L. exhibited the highest soluble fraction (a) values for dry matter (42.89±1.15%) and organic matter (40.32±1.37%). Additionally, I. tinctoria displayed the highest potential degraded fraction values (a+b) for dry matter (88.33±0.90%) and organic matter (88.12±0.95%). The effective degradation of dry matter (EDDM) and organic matter (EDOM) were 64.57±0.48% and 63.78±0.68%, respectively. The correlation coefficients (r) between ash, CP, TDN, CF, total phenol, and EDDM and EDOM values were 0.54, 0.58, 0.53, -0.73, -0.53, and 0.52, 0.55, 0.52, -0.72, -0.56 respectively. In conclusion, tree-forage legume leaves from Gunungkidul District exhibited varying nutritional values, with I. tinctoria showing the highest values for effective dry and organic matter degradation compared to other tree legumes. The ash content, CP, and TDN demonstrated positive correlations with the EDDM and EDOM values, whereas the CF content and total phenol exhibited negative correlations with the EDDM and EDOM values of tree legume leaves.

Intake, Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation, and In Situ Disappearance of Bermudagrass Hay by Lactating Beef Cows Offered Corn or Hominy Feed as Supplements at Two Different Rates.

Hominy feed (HF) has been evaluated in feedlot and dairy rations but has not been evaluated as a supplemental energy source for lactating beef cows. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of level of HF supplementation on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and in situ dry matter (DM) disappearance of bermudagrass hay. Five ruminally cannulated lactating beef cows (body weight (BW) = 596 kg, SE = 13.9) were used in an experiment with a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Treatments were a bermudagrass hay-basal diet with low HF (LH; 0.25% BW), medium HF (MH; 0.50% BW), low ground corn (LC; 0.25% BW), medium ground corn (MC; 0.50% BW) and no supplement (CON). Cows were housed individually, and supplements were offered at 0800 daily. Hay was offered to maintain 10% refusal. Periods were 16-d, with 10 d for adaptation. Ruminal fluid was sampled on d 14 of each period for measurement of pH, volatile fatty acids, and rumen ammonia-N. An in situ degradation experiment for bermudagrass hay was completed for each diet. Hay dry-matter intake (DMI % BW) was not affected (p = 0.14) by supplement, but total DMI (DMI % BW) was greater (p ≤ 0.05) in MH and MC compared to LH and CON. Digestible DMI % BW was greater (p = 0.05) in MH compared to LC, MC was intermediate, and LH and CON were lesser (p ≤ 0.01) than all other diets. Dry-matter fill, passage rate, and retention time did not differ by diet (p ≥ 0.31). A diet × time interaction was observed for ammonia-N (p = 0.0002), and propionate (p = 0.02) time effects were observed for other parameters, but no diet effects. Bermudagrass hay's potentially degradable fraction was greater (p ≤ 0.05) in LH than MH and CON, but effective DM degradability was not different (p = 0.39) among diets. Overall, no diets reduced hay intake or disappearance compared to CON; therefore, no negative associative effects were observed from any of the supplements at the levels offered in this study.

Physico-chemical Characteristics of Ensiled Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)) Foliage, and Fermentation Kinetics of Cassava Silage

This study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of ensiled cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)) foliage with or without additives molasses and rice bran. Six treatment combinations were from two crop species (cassava and sweetpotato) and three additives (without additive, 10% molasses, and 10% rice bran). The physical (color, odor, texture) and chemical characteristics (pH, total soluble sugars, Flieg point, dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose) of the samples were evaluated following standard procedures. Fermentation kinetics of cassava foliage silage and ruminal in situ DM degradability of cassava foliage silage were evaluated for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h using cannulated cattle. Results showed that cassava foliage (CF) and sweetpotato foliage (SF) silages with molasses had the lowest pH of 3.82 and 3.80, respectively due to high TSS values of the samples. CF had the highest crude protein (19.06%) compared to SF silage (11.61%). Moreover, CF had low fiber fractions (NDF and ADF) resulting in a high effective dry matter degradability (74.73%) of the silage. Results on silage quality, nutritive value, and dry matter degradability evaluation proved the potential of cassava foliage silage with molasses as an alternative high protein feed for ruminants.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Cinnamon, Flaxseed, and Lemon Seed Essential Oils’ Effects on In Vitro Gas Formation and Nutrient Degradability in Diets

This study aimed to assess the impact of essential oils (EOs) on in vitro gas formation and the degradability of dairy and beef cattle diets. This study also aimed to investigate the effects of different types of EOs on nutrient utilization and rumen microbial activity. The current study was conducted using a fully randomized design consisting of eight experimental treatments, including two control treatments without any additives, and treatments with cinnamon essential oil (CEO), flaxseed essential oil (FEO), and lemon seed essential oil (LEO) at a concentration of 60 mg/kg fresh mass. Two control treatments were used, one with alfalfa silage and dairy concentrate (DC, CON-DC) and the other with alfalfa silage and fattening concentrate (FC, CON-FC). Gas formation, dry matter (DM) digestibility, crude protein (CP) digestibility, effective degradability (ED), and soluble fractions of DM and organic matter (OM) were evaluated. CEO had a substantial effect on gas formation (p < 0.05). When EOs were added to the diets, they increased dry matter digestibility after 24 h of incubation as compared to control treatments. After 24 h of incubation, FCCEO and FCFEO had the highest CP digestibility among the diets. FCLEO considerably enhanced ED, as well as the soluble fraction of DM (a) at a passage rate of 2% per hour. Treatment with FCCEO resulted in a significant increase in soluble fractions compared to the control diets. At a passage rate of 2% h, DCCEO had the maximum ED value. When EOs were introduced to the diet, they dramatically decreased the insoluble portion of CP (b). Compared to the control treatments, gas production was significantly lower in the presence of LEO (FCLEO; p < 0.05). The addition of EOs to cattle diets may increase nutrient utilization and enhance rumen microbial activity. EOs extracted from lemon seeds (at a dose of 60 mg/kg of diet) lowered gas production in both dairy cattle and fattening diets.

Comparison of Cassava Chips and Winged Bean Tubers with Various Starch Modifications on Chemical Composition, the Kinetics of Gas, Ruminal Degradation, and Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics Using an In Situ Nylon Bag and an In Vitro Gas Production Technique.

This research assessed the impact of cassava chips (CSC) and winged bean tubers (WBT) with various starch modification methods on the chemical composition, ruminal degradation, gas production, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation of feed using an in situ and in vitro gas production technique. Experimental treatments were arranged for a 2 × 5 factorial, a completely randomized design with two sources of starch and five levels of modification treatments. Two sources of starch were CSC and WBT, while five modification treatments of starch were: no modification treatment, steam treatment, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment, calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) treatment, and lactic acid (LA) treatment. The starch modification methods with NaOH and CaOH2 increased the ash content (p <0.05), whereas the crude protein (CP) content was lower after treatment with NaOH (p < 0.05). Steam reduced the soluble fraction (a) and effective dry matter degradability of WBT in situ (p <0.05). In addition, the WBT steaming methods result in a lower degradation rate constant in situ (p <0.05). The degradation rate constants for the insoluble fraction (c) in the untreated CSC were higher than those of the other groups. Starch modification with LA reduced in vitro dry matter degradability at 12 and 24 h of incubation (p <0.05). The starch modification method of the raw material showed the lowest pH value at 4 h (p <0.05). The source of starch and starch modification methods did not influence the in vitro ammonia nitrogen concentrations, or in vitro volatile fatty acids. In conclusion, compared to the CSC group and untreated treatment, treating WBT with steam might be a more effective strategy for enhancing feed efficiency by decreasing or retarding ruminal starch degradability and maintaining ruminal pH.

Cultivar and Harvest Stage Effects on Nutritive Value of Whole Crop Oat (Avena sativa L.) Silages

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of feed value and dry matter (DM) on rumen degradability properties of silages of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars (Kahraman and Kırklar) at different harvest stages (pre-flowering, flowering, milk, soft dough). Field and digestibility trials were carried out in randomized blocks, in a 2x4 factorial trial design during the 2016-2017 vegetation period. For the rumen digestibility of silages, three heads of Karayaka rams with rumen cannulated, average 50±3 kg body weight and 3 years old were used. As a result of the experiment, It was observed that the crude protein (CP) level of Kahraman cultivar was higher than that of Kırklar cultivar, and the CP content of cultivars decreased from the pre-flowering period to the soft dough period. In addition, with the progress of the growing period, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of the varieties increased. Also, the net energy lactation (NEL) level of Kırklar cultivar was higher than Kahraman cultivar. However, the NEL levels of the cultivars decreased with the progression of the growing period. The water solubility of DM and CP of Kahraman cultivar was higher than that of Kırklar cultivar. In addition, effective dry matter degradability (EDMD) decreased with growth period in both cultivars. It was observed that the effective crude protein degradability (ECPD) rate of Kahraman cultivar was higher than that of Kırklar cultivar and ECPD rate of cultivars decreased with the progress of the growing period. As a result, Kahraman cultivar may be preferred more than Kırklar cultivar, since it has higher EDMD and ECPD in the rumen and also has higher RFV value.

In vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of canola meal protein in response to incremental doses of gamma irradiation

Rapid ruminal degradation of canola meal (CM) limits its feed value for high-producing ruminants. Attempts to reduce ruminal degradability of CM through gamma irradiation have generated conflicting results. While this strategy has the potential to reduce CM degradability, the optimal radiation dose is unknown for this valuable co-product. Therefore, this in vitro ruminal fermentation study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of gamma irradiation to protect CM protein from ruminal degradation. Canola meal was irradiated at 0 (CM0), 15 (CM15), 30 (CM30), 45 (CM45), 60 (CM65), 75 (CM75), and 90 kGy (CM90). Irradiated CM was then analysed for proximate composition and incubated with rumen fluid to determine in vitro degradability of dry matter (DMD) and nitrogen (ND). The data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using response surface regression analysis. Neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre linearly decreased as irradiation dosage increased. Quadratic responses were observed for total nitrogen (N) content, DMD12, and DMD36 in response to increasing irradiation dosage. Gamma irradiation linearly increased the rapidly soluble fraction (a) and effective degradability (ED) of dry matter. There were no irradiation effects on ND12, ND36, ND48, fractional rate constant (c), and potential degradability, but significant quadratic trends were observed for ND24, a, slowly degradable fraction (b), and ED of N. It was concluded that although gamma irradiation altered the chemical composition of CM, it was not an effective method to protect CM from extensive ruminal degradation

Evaluation of Rumen Degradation Kinetics of Low-Lignin Alfalfa 'Hi-Gest® 360' in Saskatchewan Canada.

The objective of this study was to determine rumen degradation kinetics of new low-lignin alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cv. Hi-Gest®360 (HiGest) in comparison with conventional alfalfa cv. AC Grazeland (Grazeland) in monoculture and binary mixtures at different maturity stages. Two cultivars of alfalfa (HiGest, and AC Grazeland) and their binary mixtures with hybrid bromegrass (HBG; cv. AC Success), grown in 2019 at two locations (Saskatoon and Lanigan), were cut at three maturity stages of alfalfa (1 = 10% bloom; 2 = 40% bloom; and 3 = 100% bloom). Rumen degradation characteristics, including rapidly degradable fraction (S), potentially degradable fraction (D), undegradable fraction (U), degradation rate (Kd), lag time (T0), and effective degradability (ED) of each component were determined using in situ technique and were analyzed by a first-order kinetic equation described by Ørskov and McDonald with lag time. Generally, in alfalfa monoculture, S or D were decreased and U was increased without affecting Kd and T0, resulting in decreased ED fraction with increasing stage of maturity. In binary mixtures, plant maturity stages have negligible effects on rumen degradation characteristics of CP. HiGest had higher effective degradability of DM (EDDM) as well as of NDF (EDNDF) than Grazeland. In conclusion, HiGest had greater DM and NDF rumen degradation potential relative to Grazeland. HiGest and Grazeland were different in DM and CP degradation patterns, with HiGest having higher EDDM and EDCP than Grazeland.

Supplementing Proteolytic Enzymes Increased the In Vitro Nutrient Effective Degradability and Fermentation Characteristics of Pineapple Waste Silage

Pineapple waste silage (PAS) is an abundant agro-industrial by-product characterized by its high fiber content posing a high potential feed value as roughage for ruminants. Studies on its supplementation with proteolytic enzyme (PE) will help extend its utilization as an alternative nutritive feed source for cattle nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the in vitro nutrient degradability and fermentation characteristics of fiber-rich but low-protein PAS supplemented with different levels of PE. Seven treatments were evaluated in this study: PAS without PE and PAS1 to PAS6, which corresponds to incremental levels of PAS supplementation as follows: 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. The nutrient disappearance, nutrient effective degradability, and fermentation characteristics such as total gas production, ammonia-nitrogen, and pH values were evaluated in vitro. PAS without added PE showed a comparably good nutritive value (dry matter: 94.30%, neutral detergent fiber: 63.66%, acid detergent fiber: 34.78%) to that of commonly used corn silage in South Korea. With the supplementation of PE in PAS, the PE increased the effective degradability of different nutrients such as dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP). The effect of PE supplementation on the degradation of nutrients was consistent with improvements in in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Supplementing PAS with PE increased the total gas production and decreased the pH values, which are characteristics of heightened fiber degradation and fermentation. The ammonia-N concentration of the in vitro-incubated PAS was moderated by the addition of PE, which is likely due to the decrease in pH or in vitro acidosis and has shown a synergistic protease activity effect on nutrient degradation. Overall, supplementing PAS with PE increased the effective degradability of DM, NDF, ADF, OM, and CP, with the most dramatic effects observed in PAS3 and PAS6 (0.3% and 4%, respectively).

Rumen fermentation and forage degradability in dairy cows offered perennial ryegrass, perennial ryegrass and white clover, or a multispecies forage

An experiment was conducted to compare the rumen fermentation and degradability of three forage treatments. A perennial ryegrass (PRG; Lolium perenne), perennial ryegrass and white clover (Trifolium pratense) (PRGWC) and multispecies forage (MULTI), containing two grass species; perennial ryegrass and timothy (Phleum pratense); two clover species; white clover and red clover (Trifolium repens); and two herb species; chicory (Cichorium intybus) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata), were compared. Six rumen fistulated lactating dairy cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment consisting of 3 periods lasting 21-days. Cows were allowed ad libitum access to fresh forage and offered 2.71 kg DM concentrate each day. During days 1 – 14 of each period, cows were acclimatized to dietary treatments before entering a 7 – day sampling period. Indwelling rumen pH probes were inserted into the rumen of each cow on day 15 and 16. Rumen fluid samples were taken on day 18 every 2 h for rumen volatile fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen (NH3N) analysis. Forage dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability was assessed via in sacco incubation beginning on day 19 of each period. Treatment had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) or milk yield. There was no difference in mean rumen pH between treatments. The rumen pH of cows offered MULTI was below pH 6.0 for a higher percentage of time than the other treatments, however the concentration of acetic acid in the rumen of cows was similar between treatments. Effective degradability (ED) of DM was higher (P = 0.003) for MULTI (0.77) compared to PRG (0.68) and PRGWC (0.66). The soluble CP fraction of MULTI and PRGWC was significantly lower than that of PRG (P = 0.007), though PRGWC had the highest rumen ammonia concentration of all treatments (P = 0.002). MULTI had the highest ED and rate of DM degradation in the rumen, and lowest soluble CP of all treatments. Multispecies forages can support milk production in lactating dairy cows; however, care must be taken to ensure adequate dietary NDF due to the low fiber concentration and highly degradable nature of the forage.

Fire management effects on ruminal digestibility and in vitro methane emissions of subtropical rangeland plant species.

Prescribed fire is a common management practice used to manipulate rangeland plant productivity and composition. Although the nutritive value of most herbaceous plant species is considered poor for grazing animals, native rangelands in Florida are an important source of forage for livestock, especially during the winter months, when the productivity of cultivated perennial warm-season pastures is limited. This study evaluated the effects of prescribed fire on methanogenic potential and nutritive value of selected native rangeland plant species. Treatments were a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of plant species (creeping bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium var. stoloniferum {Nash} Wipff], wiregrass [Aristida stricta {Michx.}], or saw palmetto [Serenoa repens {W. Bartram} Small]) and prescribed fire management [2 yr after burning (control) vs. 1 yr after burning (burned)] distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent undigestible fiber (NDF), in vitro methane production, and in situ ruminal disappearance. Prescribed fire generally increased forage CP and DM effective degradability relative to control; however, no effect was observed on saw palmetto. Wiregrass had the least CP concentration in both burned (8.5%) and control (2.3%). In burned treatments, creeping bluestem and palmetto had greater DM effective degradability (62% and 58%) than wiregrass (53%). Fire increased in vitro gas production by 60 (creeping bluestem) to 90% (wiregrass) relative to control treatments. No effect of fire on methane production was observed for any of the plant species evaluated in this study. Creeping bluestem had the greatest methane production (12.5 mg/g DM), followed by wiregrass (5.3 mg/g DM) and saw palmetto (1.4 mg/g DM). Methane:DM effective degradability decreased in the following order: creeping bluestem ≥ wiregrass > saw palmetto. Data indicated prescribed fire was an effective tool to increase creeping bluestem and wiregrass nutritive value but no effect was observed on saw palmetto. Cattle grazing grass-dominated rangelands will likely emit more gas and methane than shrub or tree-dominated ecosystems; however, the greater forage nutritive value and subsequent positive impacts on animal production are expected to offset a substantial fraction of enteric methane emissions.

Effect of various chemical processing on nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) residues determined via in vitro, in situ, and X-ray powder diffraction techniques

Context Utilising crop residues is an effective strategy to compensate for the shortage of common feed resources. Different processing methods can improve the nutritional value of these by-products. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 50 g/kg dry matter (DM)), calcium oxide (CaO, 160 g/kg DM), hydrobromic acid (HBr, 60 mL/kg DM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 57 mL/kg DM) processing on the nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) residues (CBR). Methods The chemical composition of the samples was determined using standard methods. In addition, a degradability trial was conducted using the nylon-bag technique. Furthermore, in vitro digestibility of the samples was determined by the batch-culture method. Moreover, the X-ray powder diffraction technique was used to calculate the crystallinity degree of the samples. Key results Chemical processing was effective on the chemical composition of the residues (P &lt; 0.05). Treatments of CaO, H2O2, and NaOH increased the ash content. Chemicals reduced the neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre. Other treatments, excluding CaO, increased total digestible nutrients, net energy for lactation, and net energy for gain. NaOH, H2O2 and HBr treatments increased the effective ruminal degradability of DM at ruminal outflow rates of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.08/h (P &lt; 0.0001). Chemical processing caused a decrease in gas production (GP) and estimated parameters of CBR (P &lt; 0.0001). The decrease in GP, short-chain fatty acids, metabolisable energy, and organic-matter digestibility in the NaOH and CaO treatments was more than in HBr and H2O2 treatments. After 24 h of incubation, all treatments except CaO increased the partitioning factor and decreased the gas yield (P &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, processing with NaOH and H2O2 increased the microbial biomass (P = 0.0128) and its efficiency (P &lt; 0.0001) at the end of a 24 h incubation period. Moreover, different treatments reduced the crystallinity degree of CBR compared with the control. Notably, the lowest crystallinity percentage was observed in HBr-treated samples. Conclusions This study shows that chemical treatments (except for CaO) improve CBR nutritional value under in vitro and in situ conditions. Implications In vivo tests are required to validate the results.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Chromium and Yeast on in vitro Dry Matter Degradability and Rumen Fermentation Pattern

Background: Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), widely used probiotics, was found to increase the utilization of fiber and improve the production in ruminants. The concept of chromium (Cr) supplementation has also received a great deal of attention since past decade, as Cr could have supra-physiological benefits for domestic livestock. The present in vitro experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary chromium and yeast supplementation on in-vitro dry matter degradability and rumen fermentation by rumen simulation technique. Methods: The yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (Y) (5 x 109 CFU /kg) and chromium (Cr) (1.5 mg/kg) supplementation to sorghum stover based complete diets (Basal diet: 10.58% CP) either alone or in combination on in vitro nutrient degradability and rumen fermentation was assessed by rumen simulation technique. Result: Chromium supplementation alone did not affect the cumulative degradability and effective dry matter degradability in vitro compared to BD. Yeast supplementation enhanced (P less than 0.01) in vitro DM degradability on 12, 24 and 48 h, effective DM degradability and lowered (P less than 0.01) ammonia nitrogen level in comparison to control. When compared to control, combination of yeast and Cr positively affected rumen fermentation pattern and in vitro nutrient degradability but no further improvement was observed compared to only yeast supplementation in diet.

Comparative Study of the Nutritional Value and Degradation Characteristics of Amaranth Hay in the Rumen of Goats at Different Growth Stages.

The objective of this study was to investigate the rumen degradation characteristics of grain amaranth hay (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) at four different growth stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of grain amaranth hay at different growth stages by chemical composition, in vivo digestibility, and in situ degradability. Three Boer goats with permanent ruminal fistulas were selected in this study. Amaranthus hay at four different growth stages (squaring stage (SS), initial bloom stage (IS), full-bloom stage (FS) and mature stage (MS)) was crushed and placed into nylon bags. Each sample was set up with three replicates, and two parallel samples were set up in fistulas at each time point. The rumen degradation rates of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were determined at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h. The results were as follows: (1) The concentration of CP in SS was the highest and was significantly higher than that in other stages (p < 0.05), whereas the contents of NDF and ADF gradually increased with the extension of the growing period and reached a maximum in MS; (2)The degradation of CP in the rumen at 72 h of SS and IS was more than 80%. Compared with other stages, the effective degradability of CP was highest in SS (p < 0.05) and reached 87.05% at 72 h, and the degradation rate was the lowest in MS; and (3) The effective degradability of NDF in IS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 69.326% at 72 h. The effective degradability of ADF in MS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 65.728% at 72 h. The effective degradability of DM and CP in SS was the highest. In conclusion, among the four stages, IS was superior in chemical composition and rumen degradability characteristics.

Nutritional evaluation of Pentas schimperiana as livestock feed and potential protein supplement

Pentas schimperiana is locally available and dominantly used as a dairy cattle feed in the Dawuro zone's Maraka district, Ethiopia. There is some information about its utilization practice, however, data on its nutritional benefit is limited. This research aimed to examine the chemical content and digestibility of P. schimperiana for use as cattle feed during the dry season. For this study, a 2x2 factorial design with two agro-ecologies (midland and highland) and two seasons (wet and dry) was used for this study. P. schimperiana leaves, twigs and stems were gathered and processed for laboratory analysis from two agro-ecologies and two seasons. The chemical composition, in-vitro digestibility, and in-Sacco degradability of the samples were determined after incubation at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Effective degradability (ED) and Potential degradation (PD) were computed. The collected data were subjected to an Analysis of Variance and the means that had significant deference, the mean separation was performed by Tukey with alpha level of 0.05. In-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (87.41%) and crude protein (CP) (17.39%) were significantly higher in highland. Digestible crude protein (DCP) was significantly larger in dry than in the wet season with the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) decreased. During the wet season, potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) of DM were highest in the highland with a decrease in leg time, which was related to the low content of ADF, ADL, NDF, tannin, and high CP in vegetative stages of P. schimperiana. The result indicates that P. schimperiana might be used as supplementary feeds to enhance utilization of low-quality feed resources and improve the performance of ruminants during the dry season when feed is scarce.