Dry Roughage Research Articles

Mitigating enteric methane emissions with Madhuca longifolia phenolic extract supplementation in forages and diets through in vitro fermentation to support climate-resilient livestock production.

Reducing enteric methane emissions from livestock is a key environmental challenge, as methane is a major pollutant. The complexity of animal biology and diverse diet compositions make it difficult to develop strategy to control methane production. This study examined the use of plant phenolic extracts of Madhuca longifolia (ML-7) as a feed additive combined with various ruminant diets and dosages to find an effective supplement to reduce methane emissions. Seven feeds were assessed: two dry forages (wheat and oat straw), two green fodders (berseem and napier), and three mixed diets formulated with straw bases: wheat (Diet-1), oat (Diet-2) and sorghum (Diet-3), each combined with berseem and concentrate in a 2:1:1 ratio. The nutritive value of each feed was assessed, followed by measuring total gas, methane and in vitro fermentation after supplementing all feeds with ML-7 at different levels (0, 0.2, 0.6 and 1.0%). Diet-3 had the highest (18.98 Mj kg-1) gross energy while oat straw had the lowest (18.25 Mj kg-1). Berseem had the best nutritional profile. Supplementing feeds with ML-7 extract significantly reduced total gas and methane production across the tested feeds. However, DMD declined significantly in diet-3 and napier grass. ML-7 had no effect on short-chain fatty acid production in the tested diets, although SCFA production decreased significantly with 1.0% ML-7 supplementation in dry and green fodder. The methane reduction pattern was diet-1>napier>berseem, diet-2, diet-3, wheat straw, and oat straw. Total volatile fatty acids decreased most in diet-3, followed by diet-2, diet-1, napier, berseem, and other dry roughages. ML-7 supplementation had minimal impact on total protozoa populations but significantly reduced holotrichs. Supplementing ML-7 extract to feeds at 0.6-1.0% levels shows potential for reducing methane emissions in ruminants without disrupting rumen fermentation, promoting sustainable livestock production and a climate-friendly environment by reducing methane emissions.

Possıbılıtıes of Evaluatıon of Sılage ın Karacabey Dıstrıct, Bursa City

In this study, it was aimed to provide information about silage types, silage use the way silage is given to animals, and solutions ways by editing a survey in Karacabey district of Bursa city. In the study, a questionnaire was applied to a total of 60 dairy cow breeders, including large, medium, and small-sized enterprises. 82 % of the animal enterprises participating in the survey stated that they use bulk type silos, 10 % bank-type silo, and the remaining 8 % bale type silo. 70 % of the breeders stated that they did not use additives in silage production, and the rest said that %10 used bacterial inoculants+ enzymes and % 5 enzyme or yeast culture. When the breeders were asked about the way the silage was given to dairy cows, 73.0 % reported that they gave silage mixed with roughage and dense forage, 25.0 % mixed silage with dry roughage and 2.0 % reported that they gave silage alone. As a result, it is seen that most of the breeders are dependent on maize for silage production and prefer the bulk-type silo. On the other hand, it has been determined that basic information about silage production and animal nutrition of small-scale livestock enterprises is insufficient. In this context, it can be suggested to small-scale enterprises organize agricultural training activities that will increase their experience and knowledge about silage making and animal feeding, to turn to other forage crops (food pulp residues and heat-resistant fodder crops) as a source of silage, and to buy daily silage by building large-scale silos through cooperatives. Importance and Effect of the Study; It is thought that this survey study will make positive contributions to understanding the level of silage production in livestock enterprises in Karacabey district and to finding solutions to the problems that may arise in our country.

Dried tomato vines in substitution to alfalfa hay to feed Barbarine lambs: Effects on diet intake, growth performances and carcass quality

Tomato vines are a by-product of tomato plants pruning at different stage of growth and production. Large quantities of tomato vine biomass are produced and accumulated near greenhouses and cause environmental problems. Tomato vines could be used (DTV) as dry roughage to feed livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting dried tomato vines (DTV) to alfalfa hay at two levels (50% and 75%) on feed intake, growth performances, non-carcass components, and carcass characteristics of Barbarine lambs. Twenty four 8 months-old Barbarine lambs, with an average weight of 31 kg, were divided into three groups of 8 each and fed diets with different compositions of the roughage portion: the Al100 group received only alfalfa hay as forage, the Al50-T50 group received equal portions of alfalfa hay and DTV, and for the T75-Al25group, the roughage portion was composed of 75% of DTV and 25% of alfalfa hay. All lambs received the same amounts of forage (increasing from 1000 to 1400 g) and the same quantities of concentrated feed (increased from 500 to 700 g). The trial lasted 88 days, after which all of the animals were slaughtered. It was found that substituting DTV to alfalfa hay at the levelof 50% had no effect on roughage and total diet intake. In addition, DTV intake did not affect the slaughter weight (P > 0.05), although the average daily gain and total weight gain were 136 g and 11.5 kg for the Al100 and Al50-T50 groups vs. 125 g and 9.6 kg,; for the T75-Al25 group. Overall, carcass yields and non-carcass components were similar for the three groups of lambs. However, DTV incorporation at the levels of 50% and 75% resulted in leaner carcasses for both tomato groups compared with the Al100 group (54.3 vs.49.9% of muscle and 24.4 vs. 28.8% of fat, respectively). Nevertheless, the highest level of tomato incorporation (75%) promoted the development of the leaner second meat grade (SMCC)(18.2%; P = 0.02) compared to the medium (50%) and null level (0%) of DTV incorporation, which resulted in the same proportion of SMCC(17.5%).

Effect of Pashu chocolate supplementation on production and reproductive performance of milch buffalo under field conditions of semi arid region

Pashu chocolate is the brand name of the urea molasses mineral block formulated by KVK, Panchmahal by using of urea, molasses, wheat bran, area specific mineral mixture, black salt, etc. for augment milk production and reproductive performance of dairy animals. A study was conducted to find out the efficacy of Pashu chocolate supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of milking buffalo and feed economics at farmers field in semi-arid zone, during the year 2018 to 2019. Twenty, lactating Mehsana breed of buffalo were randomly selected and distributed equally in to two groups ten each in a completely randomized design i.e., T1 (Control) and T2 (Pashu chocolate supplementations). In the feeding schedule of the present study T1 animals were given 5 to 6 kg dry roughage (sorghum/pearl millet) with green fodder (20 kg Napier-lucerne) added to 2.5 kg concentrate feed/ day, whereas an ad lib lick of UMMB (Pashu chocolate) was offered in the T2 Group in addition to the feeding schedule of T1 Group. An increase of 24.56% in milk i.e., from 6.23±0.40 to 7.76±0.54 L per day was recorded after comparing the outcomes of the two treatments. This significant (P˂0.05) increase in milk production indicates a positive impact of Pashu chocolate on the performance of milch buffaloes. Supplementation of Pashu chocolate as an ad lib lick reduced the postpartum estrus period and service period from 79.7±7.43 and 132.00±13.34 days to 54.3±4.41 and 81.60±7.54 days, respectively. Hence, the findings in the present study indicate beneficial effects of Pashu chocolate on productive and reproductive traits of buffaloes in semi-arid climatic conditions.

Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Carrot Pulp Ensiled with Different Dry Roughages

This study investigated the nutrient content, the digestibility of organic matter (OMD), and the metabolic energy (ME) values of silages prepared from carrot pulp, a by-product of the food industry. Five different silages with five replicates were prepared by adding wheat straw (CP + WS), vetch/oat hay (CP + VOH), maize stalk straw (CP + CS), alfalfa hay (CP + AH), and barley straw (CP + BS) as 20% absorption material to 80% carrot pulp. The silages were opened after 60 days, and physical and chemical analyses were performed. The dry matter content was highest in the CP+BS silage. Crude protein content was highest in the CP+AH and CP+VOH groups. CP+AH silage had the highest ADF and NDF. The CP+AH and CP+VOH groups had high-quality relative feed values, while all groups had very good Flieg quality values. There were no differences between the groups for OMD and ME. To conclude, it was found that carrot pulp silage can be used as an alternative feed source in animal nutrition.

Effects of maize silage substitution with sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with corncobs on growth performance, digestibility, and economic benefits in buffalo calves.

Ensiling of high-moisture agro-industrial wastes with dry roughage as animal feeds may be a secure way to reduce the feeding cost. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of either sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with ground corncobs and used as a replacement of maize silage or maize fodder in total mixed ration (TMR) for fattening of buffalo calves. Twenty male calves of Nili-Ravi buffalo (aged 14 ± 2months weighing 133 ± 5kg) were randomly assignedto one of four iso-nutritious (12% CP and 69% TDN) experimental diets with 50:50 forage to concentrate ratio (dry matter basis) as: (1) TMR maize silage, (2) TMR sugarbeet pulp ensiled with corncobs, (3) TMR citrus pulp ensiled with corncobs, and (4) TMR green maize fodder with wheat straw. All calves received TMRs for ad libitum intake twice daily for 80-day period. Daily feed intake, fortnightly body weights, and digestibility and N balance study during last 15days were recorded of individual animals. The calves fed TMR sugarbeet pulp silage got highest daily gain (856g/d, P < 0.05) than citrus pulp silage (776g/d) or green maize fodder (704g/d). Average intake of nutrients was same among all the calves. Feed conversion ratio and digestibility of DM, NDF, and ADF were higher (P < 0.05) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage compared to other TMRs. Economic benefit (output/input) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage had 15.46, 34.27, and 37.36% higher effect for fattening of buffalo calves compared to citrus pulp silage, green maize fodder, and maize silage-based TMRs, respectively. In conclusion, sugarbeet pulp ensiled with ground corncobs is simple and appropriate method for silage making and its inclusion up to 50% of DM in TMR had pronounced economic impact to the production of buffalo calves.

Treatment of Impaction of Digestive System in Ruminants by Tumba: A Clinical Report

Background: The Citrullus colocynthis belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. This plant is a perennial herbaceous creeping plant, with angular and rough stems. Curcubits are known for their high protein and oil content. It has many common names including colocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, desert gourd, egusi, vine of sodom, or wild gourd. Methods: The research was conducted in the nal area of Bikaner district of Rajasthan state of India. The animals were mainly fed on dry roughages with limited access to green grasses. Fifteen animals (10 buffaloes and 5 cows) suffering from impaction were taken into study. The animals were having severe abdominal pain and consuming less water. Result: On palpation of the para-lumbar fossa, there was low or absence of rumino-reticular movements. There was drop in fecal excretion in some animals while few had tight fecal material. Per-rectal examination of animals revealed tightness of the rumen and the rectum had few pellet like dry fecal material. The animals were administered with powdered form of the fruit and root of the C. colocynthis (Tumba) orally @25 gm/100 kg BW for five days. The animals were relieved of the impaction after 3-4 days of treatment.

Effects of changes in finishing diets and growth technologies on animal growth performance and the carbon footprint of cattle feeding: 1990 to 2020

Our objective was to estimate the effects of changes in feedlot diets and the availability of performance-enhancing technologies on growth performance and the carbon footprint of cattle feeding between 1990 and 2020. A model was developed to represent feedlot diets and technologies used in 1990 versus 2020 and evaluate changes in growth performance and carbon footprint. Byproduct feeds became more common between 1990 and 2020; thus, corn and dry roughage inclusion rates decreased. Estradiol-only implants and monensin were the available technologies in 1990, whereas in 2020 use of implants with combinations of trenbolone acetate and estradiol, monensin, and ractopamine hydrochloride (in the final 28 to 42 d) were common. In both 1990 and 2020 use of all available technologies increased final BW, ADG, G:F, and hot carcass weight compared with no technology. From 1990 to 2020 initial BW, final BW, ADG, G:F, hot carcass weight, and daily DMI increased. Total days on feed increased by 44 d from 1990 to 2020. Compared with no technology, use of technologies in both 1990 and 2020 decreased total greenhouse gas emissions per animal (CO 2 equivalent, CO 2 e). Because cattle had greater days on feed in 2020, all sources of greenhouse gas emissions per animal increased compared with the values estimated in 1990. However, when expressed as CO 2 e/kg of BW gain, emissions have decreased by 4.4% because of greater total BW gain in 2020 versus 1990. Feedlot cattle decreased relative emissions from 4.78 kg of CO 2 e/kg of BW gain in 1990 to 4.58 kg of CO 2 e/kg of BW gain in 2020. Overall, feedlots in 2020 produced 47.5% more BW gain with 1.4% less cattle, while only increasing total CO 2 e by 39.5%. Therefore, changes in available technologies and diet formulations have improved efficiency and reduced the carbon footprint of feedlot cattle production in the past 30 yr.

In-vitro and In-vivo evaluation of different leguminous straw based rations on fermentation metabolites, growth and nutrient utilization in barbari kids

Present study evaluated three legume straw (cowpea-Vigna unguiculata, cluster bean-Cymopsis tetragonoloba and dolichos-Lablab purpureus) based rations on in vitro and in vivo rumen fermentation, voluntary intake, nutrients utilization and growth performance in weaned Barbari kids. The three substrates (Tj, T2 and T3) were prepared in the form of total mixed rations (TMR) containing any one of the straws @ 40%, concentrate mixture 40% (CP 14.5%, TDN 73.2%) and cowpea green fodder 20% (DM basis) and incubated for 48h at 39oC using PC based Biofermentor as rumen simulator. Eighteen Barbari kids (75 days, 6.84+0.05 kg BW) were randomly divided into three equal groups comprising 3 male, 3 female kids in each group. Kids were fed either cowpea (Gj), cluster bean (G2) or dolichos (G3) straw ad libitum along with concentrate mixture @ 2% of the body weight and limited quantity of available green fodder (300–500 g/kid/d). In vitro degradabilities of DM, OM and CP were similar among three substrates. Total VFAs, total-N and NH3-N in the incubation medium were greater (P<0.01) in T2 than other two substrates (Tj and T3). The DM, TDN and DCP intakes per kg W0 75 were similar among three treatments. CPI (g)/kg W0 75 was higher (P<0.01) in G1 as compared to other groups. The average daily gain (ADG) and FCR (kg DMI/kg gain) were also similar among all the groups. Although, there were some variations among three straws in respect of fermentation metabolites under simulated in vitro system but these straws behaved similarly with appreciable intake of nutrients and growth rate in weaned Barbari kids. Hence, anyone of the tested legume straws could be used as a basal dry roughage source for maintenance and growth of early growing kids.

PSV-12 The impact of modern diets and growth technologies on animal growth performance and the carbon footprint of cattle feeding

Abstract Both dietary ingredients and technology used in the feedlot cattle industry have evolved in the past 30 years. As consumer concern for the sustainability of the feedlot cattle production increases, it is important to understand how production efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions have changed in this period. For this study, a model was developed to represent feedlot diets and technologies used in 1990 vs. 2020 and evaluate changes in growth performance and carbon footprint. Dietary changes from 1990 to 2020 included the use of byproduct feeds while decreasing corn and dry roughage inclusion rates. In 1990, available technologies included estradiol-only implants and monensin as a feed additive; whereas in 2020 use of combination implants including both trenbolone acetate and estradiol, monensin, and ractopamine hydrochloride (in the final 28 to 42 d) were common. In both 1990 and 2020 use of available technologies increased final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and hot carcass weight (HCW) compared to no technology. From 1990 to 2020 initial BW, final BW, ADG, gain to feed ratio, and HCW increased, and dry matter intake decreased. Total days on feed (DOF) also increased by 43 days from 1990 to 2020. Compared to no technology, use of technologies in both 1990 and 2020 decreased total greenhouse gas emissions per animal (CO2e). Because cattle had greater DOF in 2020 than 1990, all sources of greenhouse gas emissions per animal increased. However, when expressed as CO2e/kg BW gain, emissions have decreased by 12.6% because of greater total BW gain in 2020. Feedlots in 2020 produced 48.15% more BW gain with 6.7% less cattle, while only increasing total CO2e by 23.42%, indicating changes in technologies and diet formulations have improved efficiency and reduced the carbon footprint of feedlot cattle production in the past 30 years.

Evaluation of Total Roughage Production and its Sufficiency for Livestock in Turkey

In this study, total roughage production and its sufficiency for farm animals in Turkey was evaluated. Because of insufficient production, feed prices are relatively high and fluctuating in Turkey. It was estimated that, the total 40 363 210 tonnes of roughages production in Turkey was supplied by meadows and pastures (13 164 210 tonnes), shrublands (11 267 000 tonnes) and forage crops production (15 932 000 tonnes). In addition, total straw and stubble production was estimated as 31 074 800 tonnes for animal feed, indicating that half of the total roughages production in Turkey came from straw and stubble production. In Turkey, the large and small ruminant stock is composed of a total of 17 066 900 animal units and in order to meet only the maintenance requirements of these animals via roughage, 77 867 731 tons of roughage is needed in 2019. Considering the daily dry roughage requirement as 12.5 kg (approximately 2.5 percent of total 500 kg live weight), deficiency of daily feed amount was estimated as 1.032 kg per animal unit and a total of 6 429 720 tonnes in 2019 in Turkey. If shrublands, straw and stubble production is neglected or removed from the calculation, then total deficiency reaches at 48 771 521 tonnes year-1 (62.63% of the total feed requirement). For a rational animal feeding, not only the maintenance requirements of the animals but also, in addition to their maintenance requirements, at least 5-7 kg of milk production requires meeting from quality roughages. In this case, it is clear that the need for roughage will increase more. In Turkey, suffering from roughage shortage that adversely affecting production obtained from small and large ruminants, high quality forage production should be, at least, doubled by using every possible resource including natural rangelands, fallows, and cultivated lands effectively without compromising soil conservation and feed costs principles.

Assessing Forage Potential of the Global Collection of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Germplasm Conserved at the ICRISAT Genebank

Finger millet is an important drought-tolerant and grain-nutrient dense food crop grown in semi-arid regions in Asia and Africa. The forage is used as a source of dry roughage for feeding livestock. In this study, the finger millet diversity panel (310 accessions and four controls) representing the global collection of the finger millet germplasm conserved at the ICRISAT genebank was assessed for forage quality and diversity in the years 2018 and 2019. Results of the study suggested that finger millet can generate stover yield ranging from 2890 to 10,779 kg ha−1. Finger millet forage contained 6.47% to 8.15% of crude protein, &gt;90% of dry matter content, 11.47% to 14.17% of ash content, 62.36% to 67.73% of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 33.07% to 38.37% of acid detergent fiber (ADF), 3.95% to 4.80% of acid detergent lignin (ADL), 6.18% to 6.89% of metabolizable energy (ME) and 45.21% to 49.09% of in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) with the grain yield of 810 to 3698 kg ha−1 at maturity stage. The per se performance between the races, regions, and biological status has been performed and differed significantly for important traits. The 314 accessions were grouped into five clusters based on the performance for food-feed traits. Except for crude protein, there was a positive relationship between forage quality-positive traits and grain yield, indicating that agronomic and forage quality traits could be improved simultaneously. The top 10 promising accessions for important forage quality traits and accessions with multiple forage quality traits were identified. This study provides a detailed understanding of the variability that exists in forage quality traits in crop residues and their association with agronomic traits in the finger millet germplasm. The identified top-performing accessions would be the key genetic resources for developing dual-purpose cultivars and the information from this study will be useful for future finger millet food-feed trait improvement.

Effect of the age and the feeding levels on the weight increasing and final weight in pure and hetrosis Awassi rams

This study was carried out in the field of animal production belonging to the Department of Animal production - Agriculture College- of Baghdad University. These animals were fed on a common ration consisting of (green or dry roughages and 2% of body weight feed a consetrate) for two months period ,The concentrated diet consisted of 35% bran, 35% barley, 15% yellow corn, 13% soybean meal, 2% salt + limestone. The animals were then divided to treat hybrid Awassi rams, and the pure Awassi rams (8 animals per treatment). Each treatment was divided into two age groups: less than 2 years and more than 2 years, Each treatment was fed on two levels of concentrated feed:1.5% and 3% of the animal weight. The results showed a significant increase in hybrid rams with a mean total weight gain compared with pure rams less than two years old that fed on concentrates by 3% at 6.75 and 3.25 kg respectively. While ,there was no significant difference between the two treatments in the final weight and the hot weight, the hybrids older than 2 years were superior to the final weight and the average total weight gain when fed on concentrates by 1.5% of body weight,the final weight of both treatments was 67.25 and 62.50 kg respectively, the mean weight gain of the hybrid and pure rams was 7.25 and 3.75 kg, respectively, No significant difference was observed between hot weight treatments for both treatments. The hybrid Awassi rams outperformed the pure (less than 2 years) when fed by 1.5% with an average totla weight gain of 3.25 and 2 kg respectively, The hybrids also outperformed the hot weight by 17 kg compared to the pure by 14.87 kg. While no significant differences were observed between the treatments at the final weight. There was a significant superiority (P≤0.05) of the hybrid rams more than two years in primary and final weight, the weight gain and the hot body weight of 59, 66 and 7 kg respectively, compared to the less than 2 year old hybrids that which reported weights 45, 48.75, 3.75 and 20 kg Respectively with a feed rate of 3%.The hybrids rams (older than 2 year), significantly higher of the average weight and the average weight gain and the hot weight at 1.5%. The final weight and the hot weight of the more than 2 years were 60 and 27 kg respectively, while the less than 2 year old rams were 42 and 17 kg Respectively, While no significant difference was found between the two age groups. The comparison between the pure and fertile rams for two age groups at 3% feeding rate showed no significant differences between the primary and final weights, the mean weight increase and the warm weight of the rams aged by 57.25, 60.50, 3.25 And 31 kg, respectively, while no significant difference was found between the two age groups of pure rams with a 3% increase in weight. The primary and final weights, the mean weight and the hot weight of the rams older than 2 years old were 57.25, 60.50, 3.25 and 31 kg respectively, while the primary weight in the rams The less than two years were 48.75 kg and the final weight was 52.5 kg and the average weight gain was 3.75 kg while the hot weight was 25.5 kg. There were significant differences between the two groups in weights for the benefit of the older, the primary and final weight and hot weight of rams larger than two years was 55.75, 57.75 and 24.5 kg, respectively, while the same weights were smaller than two years 39.5, 41 and 14.87 kg respectively.

Livestock rearers socio-economic status, feed resources, feeding and management practices in Gurez valley of Kashmir

The study was undertaken to assess the socio-economic status of animal rearers, available feed resources and feeding and management practices of livestock at different zones in Gurez valley of Kashmir. A baseline survey was conducted to obtain the information in three arbitrary zones, viz. lower, middle and upper Gurez. The study was carried out in three villages in each zone where seven farmer families per village were selected randomly for the study. A total of 63 households owning livestock were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and through direct observation. Majority of the farmers’ families was joint (94%), fell under middle age category (41%), had small land holdings (37%) and was predominantly illiterate (28%) but all categorised under Schedule Tribe. Animal husbandry (20%) was the major occupation after household (31%). Monthly income level was adequate. Among different livestock species reared, small ruminants (sheep and goat) were predominant (55%) although the productivity was low. Almost all the farm produce was consumed locally. Maize stover and forest grass hay were the main sources of dry roughages, while natural grazing was the main and important green forage source during summers. Concentrates were mainly home-made (87%) prepared without the use of oilcakes. The chemical composition of the available feed resources were within the normal ranges. The animals were left for grazing during summers with no concentrate supplementations (81%); however were offered lopped tree foliage (92%). During winters, livestock were completely stall fed primarily on crop residues with no or little concentrate mixture supplementation (86%) being offered only to lactating or pregnant animals. Majority of the farmers (94%) did not supplement the diet of animals with mineral mixture. Semi-migratory (89%) and stationary (11%) were the two types of animal production system being practiced. All the farmers (100%) had kacha close type of houses for their animals, mainly as part of human dwellings (94%). Animal stockings within the sheds were mostly mixed (89%) with little provision for proper ventilation (9%) and no (0%) regular bedding and drainage arrangements. Sanitary conditions of majority of the livestock farmers were poor with below average technical knowledge about livestock farming (67%). From results of this study, it could be concluded that to ensure sustainable livestock production in the surveyed area, technological, technical and institutional innovations would be vital to overcome the constraints of feed/fodder scarcity and lack of scientific knowledge.

Effect of Bypass Protein on Milk Production and Economic of Lactating Crossbred Cows

An On-Farm Trial was conducted on 24 lactating crossbred cows for assessment of feeding formaldehyde treated mustard cake (bypass protein) on milk production and economic analysis of lactating cow. Cows were divided into three groups having 8 cows each, treatments were farmers’ practice (FP); (Control): The lactating animals under this group were fedas per the feeding schedule of the farmers (5 kg. dry roughage as rice straw + 6 hrs grazing as local grass and 4 kg. commercial concentrates), T1: The lactating animals under this group were fed as per farmers practicewith 12% mustard cake of total diet was provided to the cow by replacing the same amount of commercial concentrates andT2: The lactating animals under this group were fed as per farmers practicewith 12% formaldehyde treated mustard cake of total diet was provided to the cow by replacing same amount of commercial concentrates. The average daily milk yield of lactating cows under FP, T1 and T2 was 8.58, 8.82 and 9.85 kg per cow, respectively. Differences between FP and T2 were significant. The daily increase in milk yield was 1.27 kg and 1.03 kg in cows fed T2diet over the cows fed FP and T1diet, respectively. The B: C ratios for FP, T1 and T2 groups were 2.6, 3.0 and 3.3, respectively. The feed cost reduced in T2 group by Rs. 8.64 and increased milk production by 1.27 kg in respect to FP group.

An estimation of feed and fodder availability in the arid Rajasthan

Animal husbandry is a major economic activity of farming systems of arid Rajasthan contributing more than 50% in the total economy. Regular and assured supply of feed and fodder is essential for sustainable livestock development. The aim of the present study was to estimate the feed and fodder demand and availability for existing livestock based on secondary data collected from different sources. The total annual availability of feed and fodder for livestock in arid Rajasthan worked out to be 38.46 million tons against the requirement of 58.39 million tons. The supply of dry roughages is exceeded by 5.03% against the requirement of 16.71 million tons. The surplus availability of roughages was observed in Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jalore and Bikaner districts. The highest shortfall of green fodder was observed in Churu followed by Nagaur, Jalore and Sikar district. The demand for concentrate exceeded more than 50% in most of the districts and it was highest in Barmer, Nagaur and Jaisalmer. To mitigate the deficit supply of green and dry fodder, silvopastoral models should be included in the policies for livestock development. The establishment of fodder banks with complete and balanced fodder block making machines in cluster of villages, and promotion of dual purpose crops through extension may need more attention by the state government to mitigate the shortfall of feed and fodder supply.

Understanding the alteration in rumen microbiome and CAZymes profile with diet and host through comparative metagenomic approach.

Rumen microbial community harbors a distinct genetic reservoir of potent carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme) that functions efficiently for the deconstruction of plant biomass. Based on this premise, metagenomics approach was applied to characterize the rumen microbial community and identify carbohydrate-active genes of Bos taurus (cow) and Bubalus bubalis (buffalo) fed on green or dry roughage. Metadata was generated from the samples: green roughage-fed cow (NDC_GR), buffalo (NDB_GR) and dry roughage-fed cow (NDC_DR), buffalo (NDB_DR). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the dominance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Fibrobacter in all the four samples, covering 90-96% of the total bacterial population. On finer resolution, higher abundance of bacterial genera Fibrobacter, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Prevotella and Ruminococcus involved in plant biomass hydrolysis was observed in NDB_DR. Functional annotation using dbCAN annotation algorithm identified 28.13%, 8.08% 10.93% and 12.53% of the total contigs as putatively carbohydrate-active against NDC_GR, NDB_GR, NDC_DR and NDB_DR, respectively. Additional profiling of CAZymes revealed an over representation and diversity of putative glycoside hydrolases (GHs) in the animals fed on dry roughage with substantial enrichments of genes encoding GHs from families GH2, GH3, GH13 and GH43. GHs of families GH45, GH12, GH113, GH128, GH54 and GH27 were observed exclusively in NDB_DR metagenome. A higher abundance of cellulases, hemicellulases, debranching and oligosaccharide hydrolyzing enzymes was revealed in NDB_DR metagenome. Accordingly, it can be concluded that buffalo rumen microbiome are more efficient in plant biomass hydrolysis. The present study provides a deep understanding of the shifts in microbial community and plant polysaccharide deconstructing capabilities of rumen microbiome in response to changes in the feed type and host animal. Activity-specific microbial consortia procured from these animals can be used further for efficient plant biomass hydrolysis. The study also establishes the utility of rumen microbiome as a unique resource for mining diverse lignocellulolytic enzymes.

Changes in Nutrient Intake and Metabolic Profile of Murrah Buffaloes on Varying Metabolizable Protein Intake

Sixteen Murrah buffaloes in their advanced pregnancy were divided into three dietary treatments based on the most probable producing ability (MPPA; 2250 kg) and lactation number (3.59±0.98). Duration of feeding trial extended from 40 days pre-partum to 90 days post-partum. Dietary treatments included, low metabolizable protein (LMP @ MP level 15% below ICAR, 2013 requirements), medium metabolizable protein (MMP, MP level as per ICAR, 2013 requirements), and high metabolizable protein (HMP, MP level @ 15% more than ICAR, 2013 requirements) in the ration respectively. Concentrate mixture, green fodder (maize) and dry roughage (wheat straw) were offered to individual animal as per experimental protocol. Dry matter intakes (DMI), total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake (% BW basis) were similar in all the experimental groups. However, metabolizable energy (ME) intake (% BW basis) post-partum was significantly improved in HMP group compared to LMP group. Crude protein intake (CPI) and MPI (g/100 kg BW) before and after calving were statistically higher in HMP followed by MMP and LMP groups, respectively. Milk yield (kg/day) and FPCM were adversely affected on feeding in LMP group. The metabolic profile i.e. non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and immunoglobulin (IgG) were not altered on varying MP intake. The antioxidant profile, including SOD, GPx and FRAP assay were not influenced by dietary treatments. It is evident from present experiment that metabolic profile of Murrah buffalo remain unaltered due to variation in MP intake but milk yield and intake of nutrients adversely affected on lowering MP level in ration.

Effect of Supplementation of Slow Release Non-Protein Nitrogen Compound on the Lactation of Cows

A feeding trial to study the effect of slow release non-protein nitrogen compound was conducted for 180 days in twelve early lactating Gir and crossbred cows that were divided into two equal groups viz., T0 (Control) and T1 (treatment). T0 received farm made concentrate mixture and T1 received concentrate mixture containing 1% SRNPN (Slow release non-protein nitrogen compound). The animals in both the groups were fed mixed hay as dry roughage and paragrass as green roughage. Dry matter intake in T0 and T1 was comparable. The average daily milk yield, 4% FCM yield, TDN and DCP intake of cows inT1 was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than T0. The efficiency in terms of DM, TDN and DCP required per kg FCM were significantly (P less than 0.01) better in T1 than T0. The specific gravity, milk protein, solids not fat, total solids and total ash contents of milk were comparable in both the experimental groups, however, the average milk fat percentage in T1 was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than T0. Digestibility coefficients of all the nutrients were higher in SR-NPN supplemented group than SR-NPN non-supplemented feed. Profit realized per day over feed cost per cow was higher in T1 (Rs.108.34) than T0 (Rs. 90.29). It can be inferred that efficient utilization of poor quality roughages, better productivity and higher profit margin can be achieved by inclusion of SR-NPN at 1 percent level in the concentrate mixture of lactating cows.

The Impact of Feeding Factors on Holstein Dairy Farms Costs in Kosovo

One-year investigation is carried out aimed at evaluating all incomes and costs with a specific focus on the impact of feeding factors in 12 Holstein dairy farms (in total 284 cows) in Kosovo. The cost of on-farm produced feeds; the price of purchased feeds and the price of milk were used for the analysis. All costs created during this period are duly registered and considered in the analysis. Economic analysis showed that prices of on-farm produced feed were much lower (30 €/ton for silages and for hay). Average daily feed cost was 2.33 €/cow/day, while milk income was only 4.9 €/d. Individual feed groups contributed to total milk cost as follows: silages with 0.04 €/kg, dry roughages with 0.02 €/kg, and concentrates with 0.10 €/kg, while all other factors taken 0.13 €/kg of milk price. This study showed that feed was the largest farm expense making 68% of total farm costs.