Dry Matter Digestibility Research Articles

Efficacy of phytase and/or chromium tripicolinate supplementation on dry matter and nitrogen digestibility and blood metabolites in grower pigs.

Phytase supplementation is widely used throughout the world for enhancing nutrient use efficiencies in pigs, while added chromium has been shown to help stabilize glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Therefore, the objectives of this metabolism study were to examine the potential synergies of these additives to see if nutrient digestibilities and/or blood metabolites could be improved in grower pigs. A total of 12 Genesus terminal genetics grower pigs (20.7 kilograms (kg)) were allotted randomly in a crossover experiment with four periods and four dietary treatments based on a 2 x 2 factorial design via two groups. This provided 12 replicates per dietary treatment. Treatment (Trt) 1 consisted of a control diet without phytase while Trt 2 had decreased levels of soybean meal, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) with added phytase (1,500 phytase units (FYT)/kg, HiPhorius®; dsm-firmenich, Plainsboro, NJ). The nutrient release values for amino acids, calcium and phosphorus were via standard recommendations from dsm-firmenich for the phytase. Treatment 3 consisted of the control diet without phytase with 200 parts per billion (ppb) of added chromium from chromium tripicolinate (Chromax®, Kent Nutrition Group, Inc., Muscatine, IA) while Trt 4 consisted of the diets with decreased levels of soybean meal, Ca and P with added HiPhorius (1,500 FYT/kg) and Chromax (200 ppb). With six metabolism crates available, four, one-week-long periods were utilized to evaluate each of the four treatments with each pig with two groups evaluated and pooled for data analysis. The pigs were allowed a 4-d acclimation period followed by a 3-d collection period with the experimental diets fed at 4% body weight each day. Water was administered to each pig at 2.5 times the amount of feed fed each day. On the last day of the collection period, blood samples were collected before the meal (fasting) and then two h after the meal (postprandial). There were no significant differences among treatments for both fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Added phytase resulted in a reduction (P < 0.05) in fasting blood urea nitrogen (N). Nitrogen digestibility and retention and dry matter (DM) digestibility were all improved (P < 0.01) with pigs fed supplemental phytase. Supplemental chromium was without effect on any of the N and DM digestibility measurements. These data suggest that supplemental phytase has positive effects for improving N and DM digestibilities.

Pregnancy affects maternal performance, feed intake, and digestion kinetics parameters in beef heifers.

This study aimed to quantify the effects of physiological status (PS) and potential interaction of this factor with days of pregnancy (DOP) on beef heifers' weight variation, intake, and digestion kinetics. Twelve rumen-cannulated zebu beef heifers (n = 7 pregnant; n = 5 non-pregnant) were used. Heifers were placed in individual pens and fed medium-quality corn silage plus a protein-based supplement. Heifers' body weight was assessed at the beginning and end of each collection period. The feed intake was measured daily. Target outcomes were evaluated at 107, 170, 208, 240, 267, and 286 days of pregnancy. The apparent total-tract digestibility was determined considering the fecal spot collection, during five days within each collection period. Omasal and ruminal digesta samples were collected at 107, 208, and 267 days of pregnancy for determination of partial digestibilities and diet component outflow. For these purposes, Co-EDTA and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) were used as indicators. All data were analyzed using a mixed model framework, considering the PS and DOP as fixed effects and the animal as a random effect. Significant differences were declared when P ≤ 0.05. Pregnant heifers showed an increase in body reserves (+35kg) from 107 to 240 days of pregnancy, but experienced a decrease in shrunk body weight (-36kg) from 240 to 286 days of pregnancy. The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ash- and protein-free neutral detergent fiber (apNDF) increased as pregnancy progressed (P < 0.04). The apparent total-tract digestibility of DM tended to be lower (P = 0.09), and the apparent total-tract digestibility of apNDF was reduced (P < 0.01) in pregnant heifers. The digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.01) on days 267 and 286 in pregnant cows compared to non-pregnant heifers. The ruminal digestibility of OM tended to be lower (P = 0.09) in pregnant beef heifers, while the ruminal digestibility of apNDF was lower (P = 0.02) in pregnant heifers compared to non-pregnant ones. The ruminal pool of wet matter and DM was lower (P ≤ 0.01) in pregnant heifers at 267 days of pregnancy. In all periods, the outflow tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in pregnant heifers compared to non-pregnant heifers. Pregnant beef heifers exhibited a faster (P = 0.01) digesta passage rate during late gestation. In conclusion, late-gestating beef heifers are less efficient in extracting energy from feed compared to non-pregnant animals.

The Evaluation of Substituting Native Grass with Citronella Waste on the Digestibility of Dry Matter, Organic Matter, and Crude Protein in Ruminants Feeding

This study aims to determine the effect of substituting native grass with citronella waste on the digestibility of ruminants' dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. A completely randomized design with 6 (six) treatments and 3 (three) replications is used in this research. The treatments were as follows: P1 = 50% native grass + 0% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P2 = 40% native grass + 10% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P3 = 30% native grass + 20% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P4 = 20% native grass + 30% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P5 = 10% native grass + 40% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; and P6 = 0% native grass + 50% citronella waste + 50% concentrate. The results showed that substituting native grass with citronella waste significantly affects (P&lt;0.01) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. The highest digestibility values were observed in the treatment using 100% native grass, with dry matter digestibility at 52.67%, organic matter at 56.58%, and crude protein at 67.55%. The study concludes that while native grass cannot be entirely replaced by citronella waste, it can substitute up to 50% of the complete feed when native grass availability is limited.

Late gestation maternal infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus impacts offspring feedlot performance, digestion, blood parameters, and hot carcass weights.

Fetal infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) after 150 d results in transient fetal infections (TI). Twenty-five unvaccinated, yearling Hereford heifers, seronegative for antibodies to BVDV1 and BVDV2, were bred by artificial insemination with X chromosome-bearing sperm from one Angus sire to examine the impact of TI on postnatal growth, estimated dry matter digestibility, blood parameters, and carcass characteristics. On d 175 of pregnancy, dams were intranasally inoculated with either sham control or 4.0 log median tissue culture infectious dose noncytopathic type2 BVDV to generate control or TI offspring, respectively. All control dams remained seronegative and all BVDV-inoculated dams seroconverted by d 14 post-inoculation. All control offspring were seronegative and all TI offspring were seropositive for antibodies to type 2 BVDV at birth. All offspring were raised on pasture until weaning. At weaning, all calves were transported to our research feedlot facility, housed in three pens, and transitioned to a high-energy concentrate-based diet. Heifer body weights (BW) and jugular blood samples were collected every 28 d. On d 84 of the feeding period, titanium dioxide was added to the diet of 12, age-paired, individually fed, heifers (6 control and 6 TI heifers; approximately 1 yr. of age) for 28 d and used to estimate dry matter digestibility. On d 105 and 240 ruminal fluid (approximately 900ml) was collected from every animal using a stomach pump and analyzed for short chain fatty acids (SCFA). After approximately 287 d on feed, heifers were transported to a USDA-inspected abattoir and harvested. TI heifers had lighter final BW (P < 0.04) when compared to control heifers. Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.01) in control compared to TI heifers. TI heifers had a 2.2% lesser (P < 0.05) apparent dry matter digestibility, lighter (P < 0.01) hot carcass weights, but similar ruminal SCFA compared to controls. Blood glucose concentrations were similar (P > 0.8) between control and TI heifers. Ceruloplasmin activity (P < 0.03) and the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG; P < 0.01), indicators of chronic inflammation, were increased in plasma from TI heifers compared to controls. Other indicators of oxidative stress were not impacted (P > 0.10) by TI status. These data suggest that fetal BVDV transient infection negatively impacts growth throughout the feeding period, possibly by impacting gastrointestinal tract function and increasing systemic inflammation.

Development of Prediction Equations for Digestible and Metabolizable Energy in 15 Cereal Processing By-Products Fed to Growing Pigs.

The study was conducted to determine the nutrient digestibility and digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of 15 cereal processing by-products and to develop prediction equations for DE and ME based on the chemical composition in growing pigs. A total of 36 crossbred pigs were chosen and divided into three blocks according to a three 12 × 3 Youdin square experimental design. Twelve pigs in each block were allocated into six diets including a basal diet and five test diets. The feeding experiment included three periods, and each dietary treatment contained six replicates. Each period lasted 12 days, including 7 d of dietary adaption and 5 d of total feces and urine collection. The results showed that the coefficients of variation for EE, NDF, ADF, CP, and GE among 15 cereal processing by-products were 86.78%, 49.82%, 51.14%, 14.95%, and 6.26%, respectively. There were significant differences in DE, ME, and ME/DE (DM basis) among 15 cereal processing by-products (p < 0.05), ranging from 11.55 MJ/kg to 17.64 MJ/kg, from 10.90 MJ/kg to 17.40 MJ/kg, and from 89.41% to 98.63%, respectively. The digestibility of GE, DM, NDF, ADF, and CP showed a significant difference among 15 cereal processing by-products (p < 0.05). The DE and ME contents showed a negative correlation to NDF and ADF (p < 0.05), and the prediction equations for DE and ME (as-fed basis) were DE (MJ/kg) = -0.4597 × ADF (%) + 0.5988 × GE (MJ/kg) + 6.0138 (R2 = 0.74; p < 0.05) and ME (MJ/kg) = 1.0440 × DE (MJ/kg) - 1.1235 (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.05). On a DM basis, the optimal prediction equations for DE and ME were DE (MJ/kg DM) = -0.1451 × NDF (%) + 0.3026 × CP (%) + 13.8595 (R2 = 0.72; p < 0.05) and ME (MJ/kg DM) = 1.1155 × DE (MJ/kg DM) + 0.0363 × ADF (%) - 2.3412 (R2 = 0.99; p < 0.05). In conclusion, there were large variations in the chemical composition, nutrients digestibility, and available energy among the 15 different samples of cereal processing by-products. It is reasonable to develop prediction equations for DE and ME based on the chemical composition of cereal by-products for growing pigs.

Effects of saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on growth performance, fecal short chain fatty acids, and microbiota of pre-weaning calves.

This research aims to explore the effects of incorporating saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, fecal SCFAs, and microbial composition of pre-weaning calves. Twenty Holstein calves, 10 days old and weighing an average of 48.63±0.91 kg, were randomly assigned to either the control group (CON) or the SCFP group, with 10 calves in each group. The CON group received only a basal diet, while the SCFP group received the starter diet supplemented with 5 g/head/d of SCFP products (NutriTek, Diamond V Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States). The pre-trial period lasted for 5 days, followed by a main experimental period of 45 days. The SCFP group had significantly higher final weight, ADG, and FE compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the SCFP group exhibited increased apparent digestibility of DM, CP, EE, ADF, Ca, and P (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplementation with SCFP led to elevated content of GH, IGF-1, and GLP-1 in serum. The inclusion of SCFP also raised serum CAT content and reduced serum MDA content in pre-weaning calves. Furthermore, SCFP supplementation influenced the composition of intestinal microflora by decreasing Actinobacteriota abundance and increasing the abundance of Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group, Parabacteroides, and Butyricimonas. The addition of SCFP has a positive impact on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microflora composition of pre-weaning calves.

Yield, silage quality, and feeding preference of late‐summer sown pearl millet (Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone) in Southern Kyushu

AbstractBackgroundPearl millet is characterized by its high dry matter (DM) yields with a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to process as silage.MethodsPearl millet was sown in mid‐September for 3 years to examine its growth, DM yields in early December, and decrease in DM percentage after frost exposure. The crop was processed as round‐bale silage to assess silage quality and preference by breeding beef cattle.ResultsPlants reached a height of 160–200 cm, with heading tiller percentages of 50%–70% in early December. With frost exposure, DM percentage increased in leaves and panicles, followed by stems, reaching over 40%, 1 month after exposure. These increases were positively correlated with cumulative frost exposure. After frost exposure, in vitro DM digestibility and crude protein content declined while acid detergent fiber content increased. Repeated cafeteria feeding experiments showed a reduced preference for either pearl millet silage or Italian ryegrass hay. The silage showed moderate acidity at pH 4.73–5.40, with lactic acid at 0.58%–1.62% DM, acetic acid at 0.03%–0.10% DM, and negligible butyric acid, indicating a satisfactory quality.ConclusionsIn Southern Kyushu, pearl millet sown in late summer can be processed into low‐moisture round‐bale silage in January, the year following sowing.

Utilization of Nutrition and Performance of Local Male Goats Given Concentrate Containing Fermented Cow Rumen Content Waste

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of feeding concentrates containing fermented cow rumen waste on the consumption and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, NDF and ADF of local male goats. This research was conducted for 5 months using 20 local male goats aged 8-10 months with an average body weight of 11.71 kg and CV 12%. This experimental research used a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatment is as follows P0: Kume grass 70% + concentrate 30% (without fermented cow rumen contents); P10: kume grass 70% + concentrate 30% (concentrate contains fermented cow rumen contents); P20: kume grass 70% + concentrate 30% (concentrate contains 20% contents of fermented cow rumen); P30: kume grass 70% + concentrate 30% (concentrate contains 30% contents of fermented cow rumen). The results of the variance analysis showed that the treatment had no significant effect of p&gt;0.05 on the consumption and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, NDF and ADF in local male goats. The conclusion of this research is that concentrate supplementation containing fermented cow rumen waste up to a level of 30% gives relatively the same effect between each treatment on the consumption and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, NDF and ADF of local male goats.

Method of intensification of digestive and intermediary metabolism in meat quails during denitrification

Sorbents are characterized by synergistic action with many biologically active compounds, including antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body, prevent membrane damage, and preserve the youth of the cells of organs and tissues of poultry. The purpose of the study was to determine the eff ect of the sorbent Mikosorb®A Plus and the antioxidant Hadox on the parameters of digestive and intermediary metabolism in meat quails when they are added to compound feed with a subtoxic dose of nitrates. It was found that in order to improve the digestive and intermediary metabolism in meat quails, the composition of their compound feed should include the drugs of the sorbent Mikosorb®A Plus at the dose of 1000 g/t and the antioxidant Hadox at the dose of 150 g/t of compound feed. These drugs allowed to increase signifi cantly (p &lt; 0.05) the coeffi cients of dry matter digestibility by 3.43 abs.%, organic matter by 3.33 abs.%, crude protein by 3.55 abs.%, crude fi ber by 3.48 abs.% and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 3.57 abs.% in the quails of the 3rd experimental group compared to the control group. This also allowed to increase the number of erythrocytes in the blood of quails of the 3rd experimental group by 0.56×1012/l (p &lt; 0.05), hemoglobin by 7.0 g/l (p &lt; 0.05) with a simultaneous decrease in methemoglobin by 1.40 % (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control analogues. In the quails of the 3rd experimental group, the concentration of total protein in the blood serum was higher by 5.20 g/l (p &lt; 0.05) with a simultaneous decrease in the content of nitrates by 1.63 times (p &lt; 0.05) and nitrites by 2.47 times (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the quails of the control group. Joint feeding of the sorbent and antioxidant inhibited lipid peroxidation processes and had a stimulating eff ect on the antioxidant defense mechanism in the quail body. At the same time, the quails of the 3rd experimental group had a lower proportion of conjugated dienes by 40.54 % and malondialdehyde by 28.72 % compared to the control group.

Extraction technology determines the properties of bamboo shoots dietary fiber concentrate and its application in chicken mince gels: Systematic analysis

This study investigated how physical, chemical, and enzymatic extraction technologies affected the physicochemical properties of bamboo shoot insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Additionally, the effects of IDF extracted by these techniques on the gel properties, water retention, microstructure, and digestibility of chicken mince gels were evaluated. Results showed that IDFs extracted by physical (P-IDF), chemical (C-IDF), and enzymatic (E-IDF) exhibited a typical cellulose polysaccharide structure and strong water and oil retention capabilities, with the highest values reaching 14.18 g/g and 6.74 g/g, respectively. Compared to P-IDF, C-IDF and E-IDF displayed a rougher porous structure and stronger adsorption capacities for glucose (409.91 mg/g and 604.95 mg/g), cholesterol (54.46 mg/g and 64.06 mg/g), sodium cholate, and nitrite. The addition of IDF improved the water retention, water stability, texture, and rheological properties of chicken mince gels, and had no negative effect on the digestion of chicken mince proteins. On the one hand, the hydrophilic groups exposed in IDF absorb water and fill the gel networks, reducing the formation of water channels in the gel and improving water stability. Furthermore, the hydrophilic groups on the glucose unit that makes up the IDF interacts with the proteins through the hydrogen bond and the transformation of protein β-structure to α-structure, promoting the formation of gel network structure and improving gel texture and rheological properties. E-IDF and C-IDF showed better overall gel performances, but E-IDF had better dry matter digestibility, protein digestibility, and gastrointestinal digestive effects. Therefore, IDF prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis is more suitable for chicken mince processing.

Effect of temperature on the digestibility of non-starch polysaccharide-rich ingredients in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aimed to investigate the interaction effect of NSP-rich ingredient and rearing temperature on nutrient digestibility of the ingredients in Nile tilapia. Seven NSP-rich ingredients were tested: insect meal, wheat bran, palm kernel meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from corn, and rice bran. A balanced control diet was formulated followed by the formulation of seven test diets by mixing 30 % of each test ingredient with 70 % of the control diet and fed to fish reared at 24 or 32 °C. At each temperature, 35 all male Nile tilapia with an initial mean weight of 45.0 g at 24 °C and 43.8 g at 32 °C were housed in each of 24 glass-tanks, each containing 60 L of water. The diets were administered to the fish groups in triplicate over 42 d in a recirculating aquaculture system. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed alongside the diets to determine nutrient digestibility. Digestibility of all nutrients differed between ingredients (P < 0.001) at both temperatures. Wheat bran had the lowest NSP digestibility at both 24 (1.9 %) and 32 °C (9.7 %). At 24 °C, DDGS showed the highest NSP and protein digestibility (41.4 and 90.3 %), while at 32 °C insect meal showed the highest NSP and fat digestibility (59.8 and 97.5 %). Insect meal showed the highest fat digestibility (97.4 %) also at 24 °C. An interaction effect between ingredient and temperature was observed for the digestibility of NSP, carbohydrate, protein, amino acids, magnesium, and dry matter (P ≤ 0.035). Some nutrients showed reduced digestibility for some ingredients at the higher temperature, but in most of the cases temperature increased nutrient digestibility, with insect meal exhibiting a 20 % increase in NSP digestibility. In conclusion, water temperature affect nutrient digestibility, but the extend of the temperature effect differs between ingredients.

EFFECT OF UREA AND/OR CRUDE GLYCERIN TREATMENT ON THE NUTRIENT COMPOSITION AND IN VITRO TRUE DIGESTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF RICE STRAW

This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient composition and in vitro true digestibility of three rice straw (RS) varieties with varying stem lengths (Vasco (V): short-stemmed, Cammeo (C): medium-stemmed, and Efe (E): long-stemmed) treated with urea and/or crude glycerin. Each RS variety was ensiled in laboratory-scale mini-silos for 30 days using the following treatments: i) Control, ii) 5 % urea (U) treated RS, iii) 5 % crude glycerin (G) treated RS, and iv) 5% urea + 5% crude glycerin (UG) treatment RS. The Vasco variety of RS exhibited superior nutritional value compared to the Cameo and Efe varieties, with a greater (P&lt;0.05) in vitro true digestibility of dry matter (IVTDDM (V:46.11%, C:41.17% and E:43.94%) as well as lower (P≤0.001) NDF (V:66.38%, C:71.68%, and E:68.59%) and ADF (V:43.61%, C:50.64%, and E:49.1%) levels. Silage of all cultivars demonstrated comparable responses to the applied treatments. The crude protein (P&lt;0.001) and IVTDDM (P&lt;0.001) were greater in all treatment groups where urea was used alone or in combination with crude glycerin. All cultivars showed a reduction in NDF (P&lt;0.001) and ADF (P&lt;0.001) levels with the application of crude glycerin treatment alone, but no significant effect was observed on IVTDDM values. In the interaction effect, Efe×UG showed higher (P&lt;0.001) in vitro true digestibility while for in vitro NDF digestibility, Efe×U interaction exhibited higher (P&lt;0.001) digestibility compared to other interaction effects. The findings of the study suggest that adding urea or a combination of urea and glycerin to rice straw improved its nutritional content and digestibility. Treating rice straw with a combination of urea (5%) and glycerin (5%) could be a promising strategy to improve its nutritional value for livestock feed. Keywords: crude glycerin, digestibility, rice straw, silage, treatment, urea

The quality of snaplage from an early ripening corn hybrid with biological inoculant and chemical preservatives

The article presents the results of experiments on studying the preservative effect of various additives in the production of snaplage from early-ripening corn hybrids in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation. After opening the containers with feed, its quality indicators were assessed by the content and ratio of organic acids, the degree of acidification, the content of ammonia nitrogen, the preservation of sugars and essential nutrients. In physiological experiments on Romanov wethers, the digestibility of nutrients was determined. It was found that in all variants, the acidity of the feed was optimal (pH 4.2 and below), which excluded the development of undesirable microbiota. At the same time, in the snaplage with chemical preservatives, acidification occurred due to formic and propionic acids introduced with the preparations and (partially) due to the fermentation of sugars. The results of the physiological experiment showed that the digestibility of dry matter of snaplage from the early-ripening hybrid corn Emelin was high (over 70.2%) in all variants, which also affected the energy value (over 11 MJ NE). Thus, for high-moisture snaplage from early-ripening corn hybrids in the Central region of Russia, it is possible to use both chemical preservatives based on organic acids and biological inoculants intended for the preservation of wet flattened grain, containing active strains of lactic acid bacteria.

Effects of Oregano on Lactation Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation Parameters, and Methane Emissions in Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis

Growing concerns regarding antibiotic use in livestock, due to antibiotic resistance and potential human transmission, have led to increased interest in herbs and their derivatives, including essential oils, which possess antimicrobial properties that may enhance overall productivity and serve as a strategy for methane mitigation. The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of adding oregano to the diet in different forms (essential oils, plant materials, or leaves) on the dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), milk components, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, and methane (CH4) emissions of dairy cows. A literature search was conducted to identify papers published from 2000 to 2023. Effect size for all outcomes was reported as a standardized means difference (SMD) and raw means difference with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was determined using the Q test and I2 statistic. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that adding oregano had no effect on DMI (SMD = 0.081; p = 0.507) and MY (SMD = 0.060; p = 0.665). Milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and milk lactose percentage were not affected by oregano. The addition of oregano to the diet significantly decreased dry matter digestibility (SMD = −0.502; p = 0.013), crude protein digestibility (SMD = −0.374; p = 0.040), and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (SMD = −0.505; p = 0.014). Ruminal pH (SMD = −0.122; p = 0.411), total volatile fatty acids concentration (SMD = −0.038; p = 0.798), acetate (SMD = −0.046; p = 0.757), propionate (SMD = 0.007; p = 0.960), and butyrate (SMD = 0.037; p = 0.801) proportion were not affected by oregano. The addition of oregano to the diet tended to decrease CH4/DMI (SMD = −0.275; p = 0.095) but did not affect CH4 production (SMD = −0.156; p = 0.282). Heterogeneity (Q and I2) was non-significant for all parameters. We conclude that the inclusion of oregano in various forms (essential oils, plant materials, or leaves) in the diet of dairy cows reduces nutrient digestibility but does not significantly affect DMI, MY, milk components, ruminal fermentation parameters, or CH4 production. Future research should focus on optimizing the dosage of oregano (both EOs and plant materials) and exploring the impact of its form on lactation, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and CH4 emissions in dairy cows.

Optimum Level of Lactobacillus plantarum Supplementation as Probiotic on In Vitro Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation Products in Thai Native Cattle

The objective of this study was to determine in vitro gas production kinetics, and rumen fermentation products of total mixed ration (TMR) supplemented with different level of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation in Thai native cattle. The experiment design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The in vitro procedure was completed using 200 mg DM of TMR and four different concentration of L. plantarum; CON (without supplementation of L. plantarum), T1 (107 CFU / mL of L. plantarum supplementation), T2 (108 CFU / mL of L. plantarum supplementation), and T3 (109 CFU / mL of L. plantarum supplementation). The samples were prepared in three replications and incubated for 96 hours for gas production. Rumen fermentation products (pH, NH3, VFA) and digestibility experiment were done in four replications and incubated for 24 hours. In vitro gas production for 96 hours, gas production from insoluble fraction (b), and potential extent of gas production (|a|+b) were improved in the T1 and T2 groups (P &lt; 0.05). The in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility, and true digestibility were particularly enhanced in the T1 group compared to other treatments (P &lt;0.05). The pH and NH3 in this study were significantly affected (P&lt;0.05). The significant improvements on the in vitro rumen fermentation products and digestibility endorse L. plantarum supplementation at concentration of 107 CFU/mL as probiotic candidate.

Improved Agronomic Practices on Enhancement of Quality Forage Production for Livestock Farming

The lack of nutrient-rich fodder and forage is one of the problems of livestock farming. Adequate tillage operations, timely and suitable water management, weed management, insect pests and disease management, fertilizer management, seeding at the proper time and seed rate, timely harvesting, and other agronomic techniques can all help to increase the nutritional content and yield of fodder and forage crops. A number of research and review papers have been systematically reviewed in this study. The use of tillage practices such as primary, secondary, conventional, and deep tillage enhances dry matter and yield of green fodder as compared to zero tillage. The organic matter (OM) content and dry matter (DM) of fodder crops are increased by regular and appropriate irrigation. The DMD (dry matter digestibility) and CP (crude protein) contents of early harvested forages are higher than those of late harvested forages. The application of nitrogen promotes crop development and growth, increasing the production of green fodder and improving its quality. Intercropping is essential for increasing the yield of fodder crops. Compared to sole cropping of maize and cowpea, the yield is found higher in intercropping of maize + cowpea. The production and quality of fodder are decreased by late seeding. The management of insect pests and diseases enhances the production and quality of fodder and forage. Thus, we draw the conclusion that fodder and forage crops production and their quality parameters are greatly influenced by agronomic practices.

Effect of Using Prickly Pear Seed Cake (Opuntia ficus indica L.) on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Physiological and Histometric Parameters in Rabbits

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) could be used in rabbit nutrition in compliance with circular economy principles, global warming issues, and reduction of production costs. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary incorporation of prickly pear seed cake (PPSC) on growth, physiological, and histometric parameters in rabbits. A total of 105 rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 35) and fed different diets: a commercial feed (C group), the same feed with alfalfa replaced by PPSC at 10% (10PP group), and at 20% (20PP group). They were group-housed in cages with 5 animals per cage from weaning until slaughtering. While body weights and weight gains were similar in all groups, the coefficients of nutrient digestibility of dry matter, fibers, and ashes, as well as the characteristics of intestinal villi, were improved in the 10PP group compared to the others (p &lt; 0.05). The 20PP group showed a reduction in perirenal and interscapular fat (p &lt; 0.05), as well as lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to the C group (p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, PPSC can be incorporated into the diets of growing rabbits up to 20% as a partial substitute for alfalfa without the impairment of growth performance. Additionally, the inclusion of PPSC enhanced nutrient digestibility and increased the intestinal absorption surface area.

Production, use and nutritive value of fruit wastes as feed in and around the city of West Arsi Zone and Sidama Regional State

The study was carried out to evaluate the availability, use as livestock feed and nutritional value of fruit waste in a few chosen urban (within) and peri-urban (around) areas of West Arsi and Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. The study areas were chosen using a muti-stage purposive sampling technique and 306 respondents in total-102 from each of Shashemene, Hawassa and Yirgalem-were randomly chosen and interviewed. We used established methodology to examine the nutritional values of six (avocado seed, avocado peel with pulp, papaya pomace, mango, pineapple and banana peels) commonly used fruit waste (FBPs) samples for chemical composition and digestibility analysis. Chi-square was used to examine qualitative results while two-way analyses of variance were used for quantitative factors. Avocado, banana, mango, papaya and pineapple waste were the major useable FBPs for feeding livestock. These wastes were fed to livestock after chopping and wilting without mixing to other feeds. Perishability, health concern, shortage of storage facilities and knowledge were the major limitations whereas low price, high demands, good quality, palatability, use as a source of income and reduction in environmental pollution were the major opportunities for feeding livestock. The range of crude protein (CP) contents were from 5.49 to 19.51 % where papaya pomace contained the highest (p < 0.05) CP content while avocado seed were the lowest (p < 0.05) in CP content. The content of neutral detergent fiber was <45 %, except pineapple peels. The range of acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin contents were from 11.23 to 24.29 % and 1.69–13.54 %, respectively. The mean in-vitro dry matter digestibility was within the range of 70.67–88.17 %. In conclusion, the year round production and good nutritive value of fruit wastes make them a choice feed as a source of protein and energy in the study areas. We recommend animal performance evaluation and quantification of these wastes for further use by livestock.

Effect of replacing ground corn with cactus pear Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) on feed intake and digestibility, water intake, milk production and composition in Holstein × Gyr cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, production and composition of milk, and water intake of lactating dairy cows fed standard diets in which ground corn (C) was replaced by up to 100% in the diet by cactus pear (CP). Eight Girolando cows (½ Gyr x ½ Holstein), 3rd calf multiparous, with 60 to 80 days of lactation and an average weight of 450.0 ± 30.0kg, were randomly distributed in a double Latin square (4 × 4). Four experimental diets were evaluated: (100% C + 0% CP), (66.6% C + 33.3% CP), (33.3% C + 66.6% CP), and (0% C + 100% CP). There was a difference (P < 0.05) in the intake of CP and EE (kg.day- 1), with a quadratic effect and a linear reduction, respectively, with substitution. The maximum CP intake of 3.05kg.day- 1 was found at 46.07% and EE intake fell by 3.81g for each percentage unit of cactus pear added to the diet. There was a quadratic difference (P < 0.05) for DM intake in %BW and g.kg BW0,75, with maximum values of 3.97%BW and 186.8g.kg BW0,75 with the substitution of 54.83 and 53.17%, respectively. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) for the intake of NDF in %BW, with the maximum intake of 1.3% at the 74.69% substitution level. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in the digestibility of DM, NDF, and TDN, and for the other nutrients there was no substitution effect (P > 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in milk production and composition. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in water intake. Cactus pear can be used in a promising way to replace ground corn up to 100% in the diet of lactating dairy cows.

Productive performance and milk composition of dairy ewes supplemented with corn silage (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) silage and their mixture.

The work reported in the Research Communication investigated in vitro rumen gas kinetics and fermentation profile as well as in vivo performance of lactating ewes fed corn silage (CS), sunflower silage (SFS) and their 50 : 50 mixture (CS-SFS). For the in vivo experiment, nine early-lactation Suffolk × Texel ewes were grouped in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design of three 21-d periods. Treatments were based on ad libitum CS, SFS, and CS-SFS supplemented with concentrate at 48 g/kg LW0.75. In vitro results showed that the CS had the highest dry matter degraded substrate and microbial crude protein production followed by CS-SFS. The in vivo data showed that animals fed on CS had higher digestibility of dry matter and organic matter than CS-SFS, while SFS were intermediate. Nitrogen (N) intake, fecal N excretion, and urine N excretion were similar between groups, however, milk N excretion was lower in SFS than CS. Milk yield was higher for CS and CS-SFS than SFS group, however, SFS-fed ewes had higher milk fat content than either CS or CS-SFS (all differences reported here were significant, P < 0.05 or better). Overall, CS-SFS could be used as dietary roughage for dairy ewes without deleterious effects on nutrient intake, N-balance and milk yield whilst potentially offering a more sustainable alternative to CS.