Dry Matter Intake Research Articles

Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil inclusion in high-energy diets for feedlot lambs: productivity, eating behavior, carcass characteristics, rumen morphometry, and fatty acid profile of the meat

This study evaluated the effect of different orange essential oil (OEO) inclusion rates on live weight gain, eating behavior, carcass characteristics, morphology of the ruminal epithelium, and fatty acid profile in the meat of feedlot lambs. Forty uncastrated Dorper × Santa Inês ram lambs with an initial average body weight of 21.8 ± 4.7 kg and average age of 86 ± 15 days were allocated to one of five dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. Dietary treatments consisted of a 90:10 concentrate-to-forage ratio total mixed ration supplemented as follows: 1. non-additive supplementation (Control), and 2. additive supplementation with 100, 500, and 1000 mg OEO/kg diet DM (OEO100, OEO500, and OEO1000) or with 25 mg sodium monensin/kg diet DM (MON). The feeding lasted 84 d. Supplementation with OEO increased linearly dry matter intake (DMI), growth rate and feed efficiency (FE). Because of the linear increases in growth rate and the efficiency of energy utilization of the diet, lambs receiving OEO exhibited a greater (increasing linear effect) hot carcass weight (HCW), Longissimus muscle area (LMA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), and body wall thickness (BWT) than lambs fed with Control. Lambs fed MON had lower DMI, growth rate and FE than Control and OEO. Compared to Control and OEO supplemented, lambs that received MON showed lower HCW, LMA, SFT, and BWT. Lambs fed with MON had lower oocyst counts than lambs fed with all other treatments. Lambs fed with MON spent more time eating and ruminating, with higher chewing rates than lambs fed all other diets. Rumen morphometry was unaffected by dietary treatment. The OEO supplementation increased the sum of monounsaturated fatty acids, improved the human health promotion index (HP index), and reduced the thrombogenicity index in the meat relative to lambs fed the MON treatment. Under the conditions in which the experiment was conducted, the inclusion of up to 1000 g/kg diet DM in high-energy finishing diets promotes DMI and improved growth performance and FE. Improvements in the carcass (HCW, LMA, and BTF) with OEO supplementation were mainly due to improvements in growth rate rather than effects on gain composition. Based on growth performance and carcass characteristics, OEO was a superior feed additive to sodium monensin. The OEO supplementation has a discreet effect on the fatty acid profile of the meat, but it is sufficient to improve the HP index. These findings highlight its potential as an effective additive for enhancing lamb productivity.

Effects of Supplemental Calcium Propionate and Concentrate Level: Growth Performance, Body Fat Reserves, and Health of High-Risk Beef Calves.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of daily calcium propionate (CaPr) supplementation (0 or 20 g/calf) on growth performance, dietary energetics, body fat reserves, serum metabolites, and hematological responses in high-risk beef calves fed diets with varying (50, 60, or 70%) concentrate (CON) levels. In addition, a cost/income analysis of CaPr supplementation was carried out. Forty-eight crossbred bull calves (152.8 ± 1.56 kg body weight and 5.5 months of age) were involved in a fully randomized experimental design employing a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Calves were allocated (n = 8 per treatment) to individual pens (3.14 × 5.25 m) and were subjected to one of the following treatments during 42 d: No CaPr supplementation in diets containing 50, 60, or 70% CON (NoCaPr + 50, NoCaPr + 60, NoCaPr + 70, respectively) or daily CaPr supplementation dosed at 20 g/calf in diets containing 50, 60, or 70% CON (20CaPr + 50, 20CaPr + 60, 20CaPr + 70, respectively). Non-supplemented calves exhibited decreased dry matter intake (DMI) with increasing CON levels in their diets, while CaPr-supplemented calves displayed the opposite effect (interaction, p = 0.04). In calves fed a lower-CON diet (50%), those supplemented with CaPr showed greater average daily gain (ADG, 20.2%, p = 0.05) and lower DMI (2.2%, p = 0.03), resulting in improved ADG/DMI ratio, dietary energy, and energy retention (24.6, 14.4, and 18%, p < 0.05). These effects diminished when calves received diets with 60 or 70% CON but led to a 14.2% increase in rump fat thickness (p = 0.04). Only in non-supplemented CaPr calves, increasing the level of CON from 50 to 70% in the diet increased ADG (21.2%), decreased DMI (2.2%), and improved the ADG/DMI ratio (22.7%), with no impact on dietary net energy utilization. Non-supplemented calves exhibited an increase in lymphocytes as CON levels rose in their diets, whereas CaPr-supplemented calves showed the opposite effect (interaction, p = 0.05). Supplementation of CaPr decreased total protein (TP, p = 0.03) and albumin (ALB, p < 0.01) serum concentrations, with lower concentrations observed in 20CaPr + 50. CaPr supplementation reduced (p = 0.01) total cholesterol (TCHO) levels. An interaction between CaPr and CON level (p = 0.02) was observed since TCHO levels remained consistently low at higher CON levels. Glucose was decreased with increasing levels of CON (p = 0.02) but not (p = 0.85) for CaPr-supplemented calves. NoCaPr + 50 and NoCaPr + 70 increased (p = 0.05) ALB concentration. Gamma glutamyltransferase levels increased (p = 0.05) with increasing CON levels irrespective of CaPr supplementation. Comparing the profit within the same CON level in the diet, CaPr treatments yielded higher income, with the largest difference in profit observed when CaPr was supplemented at 50% CON level (USD 29 more/calf). In conclusion, CaPr supplementation proves to be an effective strategy for enhancing growth performance and dietary energy among high-risk beef calves, resulting in greater economic returns. The groups that received CaPr demonstrated superior profitability, particularly in calves fed diets with lower CON levels. Under the conditions in which this experiment was carried out, the optimal response occurred when the low-CON diet (50%) was supplemented with CaPr.

The effects of Bacillus subtilis spores and yeast cell wall supplementation on growth and health in Holstein dairy calves

The study aimed to assess the impact of Bacillus subtilis spores and yeast cell wall (YCW) on the performance and health of dairy calves during the milk-feeding period. Thirty female Holstein calves (birth body weight [BW] of 36.7 ± 4.81 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatments: Control (CTL, no additives), T1 (Bacillus subtilis spores), and T2 (Bacillus subtilis + YCW). Animals were individually housed with free access to water and commercial pellet starter. Calves received 8 L/d of pasteurized waste milk and were weaned at 63 d of age. The treatments (T1 and T2) were mixed into milk and administered daily from 3 to 63 d of age. Dry matter (DM) intake (from liquid and starter feed), fecal score, and rectal temperature were recorded daily. Additionally, heart girth was measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d of age, and BW was measured at 0 and 60 d of age. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at 0, 20, and 60 d of age for analysis of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG). There was treatment × time interaction (P = 0.04) for fecal consistency scores. Calves supplemented with Bacillus subtilis tended (χ2 test, P = 0.07) to have lower cases of diarrhea than other groups. T1 or T2 supplementations did not affect milk DM intake, starter DM intake, or total DM intake. Growth performance (BW at weaning and average daily gain) was similar between treatments. Dairy calves fed Bacillus subtilis plus YCW tended to have (P = 0.09) higher rectal temperature and had higher frequency (χ2 test, P < 0.01) of rectal temperature >39.1°C compared to the CTL and Bacillus subtilis groups. However, treatments had similar levels of serum IgG (CTL = 18.3, T1 = 16.7, and T2 = 18.6 mg/mL; P = 0.58). Our results suggest that Bacillus subtills and YCW may interact in the digestive tract of young calves as evidenced by the increased rectal temperature in T2. While the cause of this interaction remains uncertain, there was no negative effect on the animal health or growth performance. The use of Bacillus subtilis spores shows promise in improving fecal consistency scoring in dairy calves fed pasteurized waste milk during the pre-weaning phase.

Soybean molasses can be used as a substitute for corn in grazing beef cattle supplements during the rainy season.

Soybean molasses (SBMO) is a byproduct derived from the production of soy protein concentrate, obtained through solubilization in water and alcohol. The utilization of SBMO as an animal feed ingredient shows promising potential, primarily due to its low cost and as a potential energy concentrate. This study aimed to assess the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters (pH and ruminal ammonia - NH3), nitrogen retention (NR) and microbial protein synthesis in grazing beef cattle supplemented with SBMO as a substitute for corn during the rainy season. Five Nellore (10-month-old) bulls with an average initial weight of 246 ± 11.2kg were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were housed in five paddocks, each consisting of 0.34ha of Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha). Five isonitrogenous protein-energy supplements (300g crude protein [CP]/kg supplement) were formulated, with SBMO replacing corn at varying levels (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00g-1g). The supplements were provided daily at a quantity of 2.0kg-1 animal. The inclusion of SBMO at any level of corn substitution did not significantly affect the intake of pasture dry matter or total dry matter (P > 0.10). Likewise, the intake of CP and, consequently, the ruminal concentration of NH3 did not differ among the SBMO levels. Increasing the inclusion of SBMO did not have a significant impact on NR (P > 0.10), indicating that animals receiving supplements containing 100% SBMO as a substitute for corn may perform similarly to animals receiving supplements with 100% corn (0% SBMO). Soybean molasses represents a viable alternative energy source for grazing beef cattle during the rainy season and can entirely replace corn without adversely affecting animal nutritional performance.

Efficacy of Supplementary Feeding of Bypass Fat and Area Specific Mineral Mixture on the Production and Reproductive Performance in Milch Buffaloes

Background: Bypass fat, also called rumen-protected fat, boosts dairy animals¢energy for better milk production and health. Mineral deficiency is a leading cause of poor growth, weakened immunity, lower milk yield and reproductive issues in dairy animals. Considering the aforementioned details, an on farm trial was undertaken at farmer’s field to assess the effectiveness of bypass fat and mineral mixture on overall performance of milch buffalo. Methods: Twenty lactating Murrah buffaloes reared under farmer's field were selected and distributed equally in two groups of ten buffaloes in each group, i.e. T1 (control) and T2 (supplementation bypass fat @ 100 g and minerals mixture @ 50 g/day/ buffalo beside the farmer practices). Result: The outcome of study revealed that the additional of bypass fat and a mineral mixture had no effect on the weights of the buffaloes undergoing the experiment. Supplementation of bypass fat and mineral mixture did not influence the DM intake (in terms of kg/d and DMI %) in lactating buffalo. The mean milk yield during supplementation period was determined 10.19 ±0.36 and 12.13±0.43 l/day in group T1 and T2, respectively; which was 19.04 per cent higher in group T2 than the control. The average length of the postpartum estrus cycle (62.20±5.86 days) and service period (82.49±7.46 days) was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced in supplemented group than control (86.40±11.57 days and 131.00±12.33 days, respectively) at farmer¢s field. AI per conception was also observed to be significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in non-supplemented group than the supplemented group. AI per conceptions in supplemented group and control group was recorded 1.39±0.33 and 2.71±0.44, respectively. It could be inferred from the observations that the feeding of bypass fat and area-specific mineral mixture in the diet significantly (P less than 0.05) improved the yield of milk and its composition as well as postpartum reproductive performance in milch buffalo at farmer’s field.

Initial timing of alfalfa hay supplementation manipulates blood parameters, rumen gene expression, and epithelial microbiota in pre-weaning lambs.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of initiating alfalfa supplementation at either 14 or 42 days of age on growth performance, blood parameters, rumen tissue gene expression, and epithelial microbiota in pre-weaning lambs. A total of 42 seven-day-old male Hu lambs (3.88 ± 0.92kg) were selected for this study. After 7 d of adjustment period, six lambs were slaughtered at 14 d of age to establish a baseline control. The remaining 36 lambs were randomly allocated to two treatment groups, every three lambs were considered a unit, including fed milk replacer, starter pellets, and either alfalfa hay fed at 14 (EAF) or 42 d of age (LAF). Body weight and feed intake were recorded for lamb until 70 d of age. Blood samples, rumen tissue samples, and epithelial microbiota samples were collected from the lambs at 42, 56, and 70 d of age. The results indicated that average daily gain, starter intake, and total dry matter intake were greater in the EAF group compared to the LAF group from 14 to 42 d of age (P < 0.01), but no significant differences from 43 to 70 d of age or during the entire trial. Treatment and age interactively affected the alfalfa intake (P = 0.02) from 43 to 70 d of age. The concentration of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) (P < 0.01) and the expression of the rumen gene insulin-like growth factor 1 (P < 0.01) were greater in the EAF group compared to the LAF group at 42 d of age. Furthermore, the concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.03), albumin (P < 0.01), total protein (P = 0.03), urea (P = 0.04), lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.01), β-hydroxybutyric acid (P = 0.02), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (P < 0.01), IL-4 (P < 0.01), and tumor necrosis factor α (P < 0.01) were affected by age. The abundance of Prevotella was lower (P < 0.05), whereas Megasphaera (P < 0.05) was greater in the EAF group compared to the LAF group at 42 d of age. The early addition of alfalfa promotes rumen epithelial microbiota colonization. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that alfalfa provision at 14 d of age promotes growth performance in lambs, but this effect disappeared at 43 to 70 d of age. Moreover, provision of alfalfa at 14 d of age enhances the immune response, promotes rumen tissue cell proliferation, and affects dynamical changes of rumen epithelial microbiota. Meanwhile, our findings showed that the rumen undergoes significant physiological challenges during the transition from a liquid diet to a solid diet.

Dietary fiber source and direct-fed microbial supplementation effects on lactation performance and feeding behavior of high-producing dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber source and direct-fed microbial supplementation on lactation performance and feeding behavior of high-producing dairy cows. Sixty-four multiparous Holstein cows (3.5 ± 1.6 lactations; 76 ± 22 DIM and 735 ± 67 kg of BW at covariate period initiation) and 32 gate feeders were enrolled in a study with a completely randomized design and a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Cows and gate feeders were randomly assigned to treatments (16 cows and 8 gate feeds per treatment). Cows were allowed 1 week to acclimate to feeding gates followed by a 2-week covariate period. During the acclimation and covariate periods, all cows were fed the same diet to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements. Following the covariate period, cows were enrolled in a 8-week treatment period during which cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments consisting of forage inclusion in the diet, either 45.8% (LF) or 56.7% (HF) of DM, and the supplementation of 75 mL/hd/d of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) containing herbal extracts (mallow, mint, and sage), L. plantarum, L. buchneri, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and sugar cane molasses (Valibiom Mix, Valibiotics, Traiskirchen, Austria) or without supplementation (CON). The average covariate period value of each variable was used as a covariate. Three-way interactions were observed for DMI and feed efficiency. Dry matter intake was 2 to 3 kg greater for LF-DFM than HF-CON and HF-DFM during wk 2, 3, 5, and 8 of the treatment period. Milk production was 2.1 kg/d greater for LF than HF diets. Both milk fat and MUN concentrations were greater for HF than LF diets. Conversely, milk protein concentration was lower for HF than LF diets. The respiration rate measured in the morning was lower with DFM supplementation than CON. Rectal temperature measured in the morning and averaged for the day were greater for LF than HF diets. Under the conditions of the present study, feeding high-forage diets may be an alternative for producers to reduce feeding costs depending on the price of purchased feeds. However, non-forage fiber sources (i.e., soy hulls) must be considered when producers are challenged by either forage shortages or forage with a lower nutritive value. Additionally, DFM supplementation reduced respiration rate in the morning and affected meal behavior of lactating cows.

Magnitude of change in prepartum feed intake: estimations using multiple classes of predictors and associations with transition metabolism, health, and milk production

The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with the relative change in prepartum dry matter intake (RCDMI) of 273 cows fed individually, evaluate the performance of linear models to estimate RCDMI using different classes of predictors, and characterize the implications of RCDMI to transition metabolism, health, and subsequent milk production. Two periods of interest were established. Period 1 comprised d -21 to -12 relative to calving, when DMI was stable. Period 2 comprised d -4 to -1, when average DMI was distinctly declined. The RCDMI from period 1 to 2 was calculated as a percentage value, which ranged from -75 to 15% and averaged -18.1% (±15.0). Season, parity, body fatness, body weight, milk production in the previous lactation and at dry-off, and length of dry period were associated with RCDMI and explained 11% of the variation in all cows, and 19% when only parous cows were considered. Performance of linear models to predict RCDMI was improved when data on rumination and physical activities and target blood metabolites were added. The adjusted R2 increased to values between 0.45 and 0.55, and selected models performed consistently in cross-validation analyses. To evaluate the implications of RCDMI, cows were ranked within parity according to RCDMI and classified into terciles as large decline (LD), moderate decline (MD), or small decline (SD). By design, DMI did not differ between tercile groups in period 1 (13.3 ± 0.2 kg/d), but differed substantially in period 2 (LD = 8.8; MD = 11.2; SD = 12.7 ± 0.2 kg/d), creating important differences in RCDMI among groups (LD = -33.8; MD = -16.2; SD = -3.4% ± 0.8%). At enrollment, cows in the LD and MD groups were heavier (LD = 788; MD = 775; SD = 750 ± 7 kg), and the proportion of cows with BCS >3.5 was higher in LD (LD = 63; MD = 47; SD = 38%). An interaction of group and time was observed for postpartum DMI, which started lower in LD than in SD cows, but equaled by the end of transition, and inverted at wk 13 and 14 after calving. Yields of energy-corrected milk were greater in LD than in SD cows, and both groups did not differ from MD (LD = 41.0; MD = 40.3; SD = 39.0 ± 0.5 kg/d). LD cows had decreased energy balance and greater concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and aspartate aminotransferase in serum, and greater glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma than SD cows. Larger declines in prepartum DMI were also associated with increased risk for postpartum disease, although the associations were only weak to moderate. In conclusion, a large decline in prepartum DMI was associated with important adjustments in the energy metabolism and antioxidants activities, and greater milk production in the subsequent lactation. These findings indicate that feed intake decline close to parturition is likely a normal response to physiological adaptations at the onset of lactation when cows are fed at libitum.

What the hay: predicting equine voluntary forage intake using a meta-analysis approach

To properly formulate diets, the ability to accurately estimate feed intake is critical as the amount of feed consumed will influence the amount of nutrients delivered to the animal. Inaccurate intake estimates may lead to under- or over-feeding of nutrients to the animal. Individual differences in equine forage intake are well-known, but predictive equations based on animal and nutritional factors are not comprehensive. The objective of the present study was to consolidate the current body of knowledge in the published literature on voluntary forage DM intake (VFDMI) in equines and conduct a meta-analysis to identify driving factors, sources of heterogeneity, and develop predictive equations. Therefore, a systematic literature search was applied and identified 61 publications which met the inclusion criteria. From each study, the outcomes of interest (e.g., forage intake), diet composition (e.g., forage information, nutrient composition), and animal factors (e.g., sex, age, breed, BW, exercise level) were extracted. Forage intake was analyzed as two different outcome variables: (1) VFDMI in kg/d and (2) VFDMI in g/kg BW. Linear mixed model analysis treating study as a random effect was applied, using a backward−stepping approach to identifying potential driving variables for VFDMI (both units) where all terms have P < 0.1. The best fitting models for VFDMI included similar factors (also across kg/d and g/kg BW) such as forage quality (i.e., neutral detergent fiber or CP content), forage type (i.e., grass, legume, or mixed), the animals’ size category (i.e., horses vs ponies), and some management factors (i.e., pasture access). As anticipated, forage intake increased when higher quality forages were fed (i.e., lower neutral detergent fiber or higher CP), potentially due to improved digestibility. Additionally, VFDMI increased as BW increased but ponies increased their VFDMI more per every kg increase in BW compared to horses. Lastly, pasture access (i.e., grazing) may influence VFDMI such that pastured animals consume less than stalled animals, possibly due to the time it takes to graze forage. In conclusion, equations to predict equine VFDMI with high accuracy and precision (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.82 – 0.95; root mean squared error RMSE = 0.82–5.49) were developed which could be applied in practice by equine nutritionists or owners and managers. The results of this meta-analysis confirm that animal traits and forage quality have a significant impact on the VFDMI of equines and should be accounted for when formulating diets to ensure nutritional requirements are met.

Digestion, nitrogen excretion and rumen microbial communities in beef cattle, and in vitro methane output, of fresh temperate grass with or without citrus pulp supplementation

The effects of supplementing grass with a high-energy, low-protein concentrate on intake, rumen fermentation, rumen microbial communities, apparent total tract digestibility and N-balance in beef cattle, and rumen fermentation and methane output in vitro, were studied. Sixteen Charolais steers (mean live weight (s.d.) 564 (24.3) kg)), were used in a completely randomised block design experiment, and offered either zero-grazed perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) ad libitum (GO), or the same grass with 2.25 kg citrus pulp dry matter (DM) daily (GCP). During the measurement phase, DM intake was restricted at 0.85 of their pre-determined intake. The same diets were incubated in an eight-vessel RUSITEC system. Supplementation decreased grass DM intake (6.59 vs. 7.54 kg/d) but increased total DM intake by 0.95 kg/d (P < 0.01). Rumen pH (P = 0.05) and NH3 concentration (P < 0.05) decreased, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations (P < 0.01), molar proportions of propionate (P = 0.08) and butyrate (P < 0.05) increased for GCP compared to GO. Supplementation significantly altered the overall rumen microbial community structure compared to GO, driven principally by changes in relative abundance of Prevotella, Methoanobrevibacter and Lachnospiraceae genera. Plasma urea concentration was lower (P < 0.05) for GCP than GO. There was no effect (P > 0.10) of supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility of DM, OM and ADFom, but aNDFom digestibility tended to be lower (P = 0.07) and crude protein (N × 6.25) digestibility was lower (P < 0.01) for GCP compared to GO. Nitrogen intake (200 g/d) did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. Faeces N loss was 9 g/d greater (P < 0.01), and urine (P < 0.01) and total (P < 0.05) N losses were 22 and 13 g/d lower, respectively, for GCP compared to GO. In terms of N-balance (g/kg N intake), faecal N excretion was greater and urinary N excretion was lower (P < 0.01) resulting in a greater N use efficiency (P = 0.06) for GCP than GO. In vitro rumen NH3 concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) for GCP compared to GO, whereas in vitro rumen pH, lactic acid, VFA concentrations and molar proportions, and methane and total gas output did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. Supplementing grass with a low-protein, high-energy feed may be a strategy to reduce urinary and total N excretion in beef cattle grazing temperate grass pasture.

Effects of heat stress mitigation strategies on feedlot cattle performance, environmental, and economic outcomes in a hot climate

The increase in average global temperatures presents a challenge for the beef industry, especially in the feedlot sector where heat stress is a major animal welfare and economic concern. Shade is one of the most practical methods to mitigate heat stress in feedlot cattle. An experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with 1 560 Bos indicus bulls (initial BW=287 kg) where three shade structure types were used to investigate the effects of different heat stress mitigation methods on cattle growth performance, environmental, and economic outcomes using live animal data, and a partial lifecycle assessment using the Integrated Farm System Model. The live animal portion of the experiment was done once a year over a 2-year period with three pen replications per treatment per year (n = 6 per treatment). Four shade structures used were conventional shade (SC; steel shade 1.8 m2 of shade/animal), double conventional shade (DS; steel shade 3.6 m2 of shade/animal), dome structures without fans (DSA; 8.5 m2/animal with 98% solar radiation blocked), and domes with fans (DCA; DSA plus three large sized low-speed fans). Each pen held 65 bulls in an area of 570 m2. Live animal data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the GLM procedure of SAS (version 9.4) with shade type as fixed effect, pen as the experimental unit, and repetition (year) considered a random effect. Cattle housed under DCA had 22 and 20 kg heavier final body BW (P < 0.05) compared to those housed under SC and DS, respectively. Final BW of DCA and DSA cattle were similar (P > 0.05). Average daily gain, feed efficiency, and hot carcass weight were greater (P < 0.05) for cattle housed under DCA compared to the rest of the shade types. Dry matter intake was not affected (P > 0.05). When treatment results were extrapolated to the annual feedlot turnover of 209,700 animals, cattle in DSA and DCA versus SC and DS had 3–8% reductions in greenhouse gas and ammonia emission intensities. Compared to SC, DCA increased profitability by $29.66/animal, followed by DSA and DS with profit increases of $5.79 and $8.90/animal, respectively. Overall, the implementation of advanced shade structures improved cattle performance and profitability while reducing the environmental impact of beef production.

Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Cottonseed Meal, Peanut Meal, Rapeseed Meal, or Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Lambs.

Considering the frequently large price fluctuations for soybean meal, an alternative is the increased use of locally produced high-protein ingredients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the total replacement of soybean meal with different sources of protein on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, rumen fermentation parameters, and bacterial communities in growing lambs. Sixty sheep with similar body weights (38.46 ± 0.71 kg) were distributed to one of five treatments: soybean meal (SBM); cottonseed meal (COM); peanut meal (PEM); rapeseed meal (RAM); and distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The experiment lasted 62 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 52-day growing period. The results indicated that the body weight and average daily gain were not affected by different protein sources (p > 0.05), but the dry matter intake of the SBM group was lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.05); otherwise, the feed efficiency was higher (p < 0.05). The digestion of dry matter was higher in the SBM, COM, and RAM groups than in the DDGS and PEM groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared to the other groups, the SBM group had the highest digestion of gross energy and crude protein (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentration of glutathione peroxidase was highest in the SBM group (p < 0.05). Regarding the rumen fermentation, the SBM group had the highest concentration of NH3-N (p < 0.05). The rumen bacterial community was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the total replacement of soybean meal with cottonseed, peanut, rapeseed, or DDGS reduced digestibility but did not impact the body weight or average daily gain of growing lambs and had no effect on the immune function and rumen bacterial community; thus, they can be used to substitute the soybean meal.

Effect of S. cerevisiae strain KA500 supplementation on feed performance, feed efficiency, and digestion ability in feedlot buffaloes.

Live yeasts have favorable characteristics for use in animal feed, and may become a beneficial tool to improve digestive efficiency in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The productive performance, feed efficiency, and digestion ability of buffaloes fed diets supplemented with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain KA500) were evaluated. Eighteen male Murrah buffaloes, with initial weight 250 ± 31 kg (mean ± standard deviation), and aged approximately 12 months, were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. The treatments included experimental feed containing 10 g of the live yeast capable of forming 2 × 1010 colony forming units (CFU) and control (feed with no added yeast). The daily weight gain tended to be lower (p = 0.07) in buffaloes supplemented with yeast. There was a reduction in daily dry matter intake (DMI) and in % yield of live weight in buffaloes supplemented with yeast. There was no effect of live yeast supplementation on weight gain/kg dry matter intake, height at withers or rump, body condition score, total weight gain, carcass yield, plasma urea nitrogen concentrations, purine derivatives, and plasma glucose concentrations. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) were lower (p < 0.05) with the supplementation of live yeast, although live yeast supplementation did not affect the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and non-NDF OM. The strain and dosage of live yeast used did not have a positive effect on buffalo performance and digestibility of dietary nutrients.

Soybean Oil, Linoleic Acid Source, in Lamb Diets: Intake, Digestibility, Performance, Ingestive Behaviour, and Blood Metabolites.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of soybean oil inclusion in diets on feeding behaviour, digestibility, performance, and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs. Forty non-castrated Santa Inês lambs with a mean age of 5 months and initial body weight of 34.88 ± 3.19 kg were used in a 40-day feeding trial. The lambs were distributed in five experimental diets with the inclusion of increasing soybean oil (SO) levels: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg DM. The SO inclusion promoted a linear reduction in DM intake (p < 0.001), crude protein (CP, p < 0.001), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC, p < 0.001), and total digestible nutrients (TDN, p = 0.004). There was an increasing quadratic effect on the intake of ether extract (EE; p = 0.002) and decreasing for neutral detergent fiber (p = 0.005). The soybean oil inclusion promoted the greater apparent digestibility of CP (p = 0.016), EE (p = 0.005), NDFom (p < 0.001), and TDN (p < 0.001); on the other hand, the apparent digestibility of NFC (p = 0.005) was decreased. The average daily gain decreased (p < 0.001) with SO inclusion. The SO inclusion increased feeding time (p = 0.004), reduced the efficiency of DM rumination (p = 0.001), and reduced the concentration of blood N-ureic (p < 0.001). Considering the productive parameters, SO can be included in diets and it is recommended that we include SO of up to 41 g/kg DM in diets for fattening lambs as the ideal maximum level. The strategy implemented to adapt lambs to increasing levels of high-fat diet mitigated the detrimental effects of lipids on the rumen, with high-density energy intake being the constraining factor on performance.

Effects of condensed tannin-enriched alternative energy feedstuff supplementation on performance, nitrogen utilization, and rumen microbial diversity in grazing beef cattle

This study aims to investigate the effects of alternative energy feedstuff supplementation containing condensed tannin (CT) on palisade grass pastures, focusing on intake, nutrient digestibility, animal performance, ruminal and blood parameters, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and its impacts on the ruminal bacterial community in backgrounding Nellore young bulls. Two experiments were conducted simultaneously. Animal performance was evaluated in Experiment 1. The experimental design was a completely randomized block; ninety Nellore bulls (Bos taurus indicus) with an average initial body weight (BW) of approximately 240 ± 5 kg were used (64 as testers and 26 as regulators). The feed intake, digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, ruminal parameters, NUE, and the impact on the ruminal bacterial community were evaluated in Experiment 2. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 double Latin square involving eight Nellore bulls with an average initial BW of 290 ± 8 kg, all of which were cannulated in the rumen. The treatments consisted of energy supplementation at 0.3 % of BW with peanut skin (PS), 0.3 % of BW with sorghum grain (SG), 0.3 % of BW with soybean hulls (SHs), and a control treatment with a supply of mineral salt ad libitum. The total digestible nutrient intake was lower in animals that received only mineral supplements (p < 0.005). The dry matter (DM) intake decreased with treatment PS, while the DM and nutrient digestibility increased (p < 0.005). There was a reduction in ruminal ammonia nitrogen and an improvement in NUE in the PS treatment (p < 0.005). However, the bacterial and Archaea populations were unaffected (p = 0.619). Individual animal performance and gain per kg were increased in the treatment with supplements containing or without CT compared to the mineral supplement (p < 0.001). The NUE improved in treatments PS, SG, and SH (p < 0.01). Feedstuff supplementation using no edible foods by products containing CTs is an effective alternative energy source for Nellore bulls grazing on palisade grass during the rainy season. Additionally, it can be used to mitigate the environmental impacts of N excretion.

Validation of the Residual Feed Intake Model in Brangus Heifers: Determination of the Optimal Days on Feed Interval to Estimate Dry Matter Intake and Average Daily Gain.

Brangus cattle are gaining popularity in the Southeast U.S. due to the desirable heat tolerance from their Brahman influence combined with the superior carcass merit aspects of Angus genetics. However, little is known about the optimal evaluation conditions for this hybrid breed when placed on test for Residual Feed Intake (RFI), a heritable measure of feed efficiency that allows improvement in performance without altering carcass traits. To address this, dry matter intake (DMI) was measured on Brangus heifers for 70-d to determine the optimal days on feed required to estimate feed intake and ADG and assess if inclusion of ultrasound measures of carcass merit into the model impact RFI rankings for this breed. The 56-d test period had a regression coefficient of 0.96 (p < 0.0001), R2 = 0.94, rp = 0.97 (p < 0.0001), and rs = 0.97 (p < 0.0001), indicating little change in rank of cattle for DMI compared to a 70-d test. ADG was the limiting factor in determining test duration. Based upon examining only heifers that calved, ultrasound backfat measures should be included in the RFI model to normalize for differences in heifer maturity. Results from this study indicate that a test duration of 56-d is sufficient to accurately estimate DMI in this population. This data indicates on-test duration can be shortened, enhancing the rate of genetic change by reducing cost and increasing the number of animals that can be tested annually.

Effects of supplementing Leucaena pallida based multi-nutrient block on feed intake and body weight performance of goats fed poor-quality forage in semi-arid Tanzania during dry season

The study examined how three types of multi-nutrient blocks (urea-based multi-nutrient block, sunflower seedcake-based multi-nutrient block and Leucaena pallida leaf meal-based multi-nutrient block) affected the feed intake and growth performance of goats. While the dry matter intake of the basal diet remained unaffected by the multi-nutrient block supplements, the total feed intake was notably higher in the supplemented groups. Leucaena pallida-based multi-nutrient block had the highest intake while sunflower seedcake-based multi-nutrient block had the lowest. The preference for Leucaena pallida-based multi-nutrient block over sunflower seedcake-based multi- nutrient may be due to the appealing aroma and texture of Leucaena pallida. Leucaena pallida-based block supplementation reduced weight loss compared to the non- supplemented group. Overall, multi-nutrient blocks with Leucaena pallida could be a beneficial supplement for feeding growing goats during the dry season.

Effects of mung bean (Vigna radiat) haulm and concentrate supplementation on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass characteristics of Menz lambs fed on natural pasture hay

ABSTRACT Thirty-yearling Menz lambs with average initial body weight of 19.72 ± 1.96 kg (Mean ± SD) were used to evaluate the effects of supplementing mung bean haulms (MBH) and concentrate mixture (CM) on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass characteristics of lambs fed a basal diet of natural pasture hay. The lambs were assigned into five treatments in a randomized complete block design as follows: 226 CM (T1), 77 MBH + 192 CM (T2), 154 MBH + 156 CM (T3), 231 MBH + 120 CM (T4), 308 MBH + 87 CM (T5) grams on dry matter basis. Total dry matter (DM), organic matter and metabolizable energy intakes were increased (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of MBH inclusion in the diet. The DM digestibility of T5 was greater (p < 0.05) than T2. The crude protein intake was higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2. Average daily gain and carcass characteristics were similar (p > 0.05) among treatments. Feed conversion efficiency for T2 was higher (p < 0.05) than T4 and T5. This study supports the use of MBH as an alternative source of protein up to 308 g (77 g MBH + 192 g CM) for better FCE.

Chlorine dioxide may be an alternative to acidification and chlorination for drinking water chemical disinfection in dairy beef bulls

Alternative water disinfectants to chlorination need to be identified because its effectiveness is limited by water pH and potentially carcinogen by−products resulted from chlorination and organic compound reaction. The first study aimed to evaluate the effect of different drinking water chemical disinfection treatments on water quality, its potential hazard effects on animal health, water and feed consumption, and apparent total tract digestibility in dairy beef bulls fed high-concentrate diets. For 224 days, 24 Holstein bulls (176 ± 16.3 kg BW, and 149 ± 5.8 days of age) were individually assigned to one of four treatments with different drinking water chemical disinfectants: without disinfection (CTR); acidification and chlorination (ACCHL; 0.65 mL/L H3PO4 and 0.14 mL/L NaClO 15%); hydrogen peroxide (PER; 0.15 mL/L); and chlorine dioxide (DIO; 2.50 mL/L). Data were analysed with a mixed-effects model. Treatments affected the chemical characteristics of the water: in ACCHL, pH was 6.60 and free residual chlorine was 0.75 mg/L; in PER, H2O2 was 10.6 mg/L; and in DIO, ClO2 was 0.52 mg/L. Water physicochemical quality parameters in all treatments were below maximal thresholds established for safe water consumption by the Water Safety Royal Decree (RD 140/2003). In addition, the total coliform count of treated waters was reduced (P = 0.01) compared with CTR; moreover, ACCHL and DIO treatments were more effective in reducing total coliform count than PER. Dry matter intake tended (P = 0.07) to increase in DIO compared with CTR. Treatments did not affect blood parameters nor apparent total tract digestibility. The second study aimed to evaluate the potential benefit on animal performance of two drinking water disinfectants under commercial conditions in dairy beef crossbred Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets. Ninety-six animals (307 ± 4.4 kg BW, and 224 ± 1.8 days of age) were allocated to six pens for 140 days and assigned to one of two treatments: ACCHL, most common water disinfectant, and DIO. Data were analysed with a mixed-effects model. Water total coliform count and water consumption were similar between treatments. Concentrate intake was greater (P = 0.02) in ACCHL for the last 14 study days. Growth performance and carcass quality were similar between treatments. In summary, acidification and chlorination, H2O2, and ClO2 as drinking water disinfectants in dairy beef bulls had good disinfecting activity without detrimental effects on health and nutrient digestibility, and performance.

Effects of altering the ratio of C16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 in rumen bypass fat on growth performance, lipid metabolism, intestinal barrier, cecal microbiota, and inflammation in fattening bulls

BackgroundC16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 may have different effects on animal growth and health due to unique metabolism in vivo. This study was investigated to explore the different effects of altering the ratio of C16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 in fat supplements on growth performance, lipid metabolism, intestinal barrier, cecal microbiota, and inflammation in fattening bulls. Thirty finishing Angus bulls (626 ± 69 kg, 21 ± 0.5 months) were divided into 3 treatments according to the randomized block design: (1) control diet without additional fat (CON), (2) CON + 2.5% palmitic acid calcium salt (PA, 90% C16:0), and (3) CON + 2.5% mixed fatty acid calcium salt (MA, 60% C16:0 + 30% cis-9 C18:1). The experiment lasted for 104 d, after which all the bulls were slaughtered and sampled for analysis.ResultsMA tended to reduce 0–52 d dry matter intake compared to PA (DMI, P = 0.052). Compared with CON and MA, PA significantly increased 0–52 d average daily gain (ADG, P = 0.027). PA tended to improve the 0–52 d feed conversion rate compared with CON (FCR, P = 0.088). Both PA and MA had no significant effect on 52–104 days of DMI, ADG and FCR (P > 0.05). PA tended to improve plasma triglycerides compared with MA (P = 0.077), significantly increased plasma cholesterol (P = 0.002) and tended to improve subcutaneous adipose weight (P = 0.066) when compared with CON and MA. Both PA and MA increased visceral adipose weight compared with CON (P = 0.021). Only PA increased the colonization of Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcus and Proteobacteria in the cecum, and MA increased Akkermansia abundance (P < 0.05). Compared with CON, both PA and MA down-regulated the mRNA expression of Claudin-1 in the jejunum (P < 0.001), increased plasma diamine oxidase (DAO, P < 0.001) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, P = 0.045). Compared with CON and MA, PA down-regulated the ZO-1 in the jejunum (P < 0.001) and increased plasma LPS-binding protein (LBP, P < 0.001). Compared with CON, only PA down-regulated the Occludin in the jejunum (P = 0.013). Compared with CON, PA and MA significantly up-regulated the expression of TLR-4 and NF-κB in the visceral adipose (P < 0.001) and increased plasma IL-6 (P < 0.001). Compared with CON, only PA up-regulated the TNF-α in the visceral adipose (P = 0.01). Compared with CON and MA, PA up-regulated IL-6 in the visceral adipose (P < 0.001), increased plasma TNF-α (P < 0.001), and reduced the IgG content in plasma (P = 0.035). Compared with CON, PA and MA increased C16:0 in subcutaneous fat and longissimus dorsi muscle (P < 0.05), while more C16:0 was also deposited by extension and desaturation into C18:0 and cis-9 C18:1. However, neither PA nor MA affected the content of cis-9 C18:1 in longissimus dorsi muscle compared with CON (P > 0.05).ConclusionsMA containing 30% cis-9 C18:1 reduced the risk of high C16:0 dietary fat induced subcutaneous fat obesity, adipose tissue and systemic low-grade inflammation by accelerating fatty acid oxidative utilization, improving colonization of Akkermansia, reducing intestinal barrier damage, and down-regulating NF-κB activation.