Effects Of Total Mixed Ration Research Articles

Effect of Total Mixed Ration on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, Nutrient Digestion, and Rumen Microbiome in Angus Beef Cattle during the Growing and Fattening Phases

This study investigates the impact of varying concentrate levels in the diets of Angus beef cattle on their performance, nutrient digestion, and metabolism during the growth (7 to 12 months) and fattening (13 to 30 months) phases. Fifteen Angus steers were continuously fed and divided into low-concentrate (L) and high-concentrate (H) groups based on the fattening period and dietary formulations. Throughout each 9-week trial phase, a comprehensive range of parameters was systematically measured, including dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G/F), blood parameters, rumen fluid composition, and microbial diversity. In the fattening phases, an increase in concentrate levels resulted in a significant rise in the cattle’s DMI. Although there was a minor increase in ADG compared to the growing phases, this increase was not statistically significant. The efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilization in the cattle decreased, accompanied by a significant reduction in the apparent digestibility of nutrients. Ruminal fermentation produced more energy substances; however, there was a notable decrease in the abundance of fiber-decomposing microbes (such as the NK4A214_group, Ruminococcus, Papillibacter, and Acetitomaculum) and a significant increase in the abundance of starch-degrading microbes (including Bacteroidota and Prevotellaceae). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the abundance of immune system-related functional pathways. This suggests that high-concentrate fattening does not necessarily lead to improved growth performance and may negatively affect metabolic health and nutrient digestion.

Effect of Mulberry Leaf TMR on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Expression of Meat Quality Master Genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in Crossbred Black Goats.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of a mulberry leaf total mixed ration (TMR) diet on growth performance, apparent digestibility, meat quality and the expression of related meat-quality genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in crossbred black goats. Forty-four Guizhou crossbred black goats (Nubian black goat ♂ × Guizhou black goat ♀), weighing 33.43 ± 0.55 kg, were chosen. The goats were randomly divided into four groups, with 11 test replicates in each group. Group I was the control group and fed with the traditional feeding method of roughage and concentrate supplement without adding mulberry leaf. Group II was fed with a 40% mulberry leaf pellet TMR diet. Group III was fed with a freshly processed 40% mulberry leaf TMR diet. Group IV was fed with a 40% mulberry leaf fermented total mixed rations (FTMR) diet. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of group II was significantly higher than that of group I and III (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of group II of ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.05), and the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.01). Compared with group I, meat in group II had lower meat color lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values (p < 0.01) in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum. The shear force of group II was significantly lower than that of group I (p < 0.05). The total fatty acids (TFA) of group II was significantly higher than that of groups I and III (p < 0.05), but the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) of group II was significantly lower that than of group I (p < 0.01). Subsequently, the Unsaturated fatty acids (USFA), Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of group II were significantly higher than those in group I (p < 0.01). The contents of total amino acids (TAA), total essential amino acids (EAA), total non-essential amino acids (NEAA) and total of major fresh-tasting amino acids (DAA) of groups II, III and IV were significantly higher than those of group I (p < 0.05), as well as the contents of IMP (p < 0.01). The expression of the H-FABP gene in the arm triceps of group II was significantly higher than that of groups I, III and IV (p < 0.05). The expression of the ADSL gene in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and biceps femoris of group II was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the current study indicated that the mulberry leaf TMR diet improved the growth performance, apparent digestibility and expression of related meat-quality master genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in crossbred black goats, which promoted the deposition of intramuscular fat (IMF) and inosinic acid (IMP) and improved the composition of fatty acids and amino acids in the muscles.

Effect of total mixed ration (TM R) briquettes on milk yield, composition and sensory properties of cow milk

The current study aimed to assess the effect of feeding total mix ration (TMR) briquettes on milk composition, yield and sensory attributes. Jersey × Sahiwal crossbred cows (Nine) were randomly assigned to three treatments (CTL: guinea grass with commercial feed, TMR1 and TMR2: TMR briquettes) in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design. Daily milk yield was recorded and milk composition was measured at three days intervals. At the end of each period, fatty acid composition, calcium, phosphorus and sensory properties of milk were analysed. Milk yield trended to be higher in cows fed with TMR briquettes and milk fat content was similar among the treatments. There was no significant difference in milk fatty acid profile among the treatments; however, lauric acid (C12:0) concentration was significantly higher in milk obtained from the cows fed with TMR1 briquettes. Milk calcium and phosphorus contents did not show any significant difference. All the sensory attributes were significantly higher in milk tested from cows fed with TMR1. The present study revealed that feeding TMR1 briquette could be one of the strategies to overcome the inconsistent milk yield reported during the forage scare periods without affecting the milk composition, and fatty acid composition with better sensory attributes.

Feeding Total Mixed Ration (TMR) on Production and Reproductive Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows: A Review

The development of the dairy sector is economically important to many countries of the world. However, the dairy sector has faced many constraints due to the unavailability of quality and quantity of feed resources and their responses on growth, health and reproduction in dairy animals. The total mixed ration (TMR) is an alternate strategy to overcome the feed shortage of lactating cows by utilizing available feed resources effectively and efficiently. This review article elaborates the effects of TMR on the production and reproduction performance of lactating dairy cows. Interestingly, TMR feeding has a significant effect on the body weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, milk yield and composition and reproductive performances of lactating dairy cows. Feeding TMR to dairy animals was investigated to provide a balanced diet, reduce feed wastage and save labour cost and time. Hence, feeding TMR as per the animal requirement is more efficient as compared to traditional feeds.

Effects of total mixed ration with various silage on growth performance, serum parameters, ruminal fermentation, and bacteria community profile in beef cattle.

The possibilities of using high‐quality forages in incorporation with total mixed ration (TMR) during the fattening period of beef cattle have been investigated. A total of 30 Simmental bulls (438.94 ± 11.45 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups, TMR with single corn silage (SS) and TMR with various silage (MS). The whole experiment consisted of 15 days preparation period and 69 days experimental period. Rumen fluid and blood samples were taken from six beef cattle per treatment at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the average daily gain of the MS group (1.56 kg/day) was higher than (p < .05) the SS group (1.30 kg/day), and a decrease of feed conversion ratio in the MS (10.83) group was observed compared with SS group (12.36) (p < .05). The concentration of total volatile fatty acids for MS group was greater than (p < .05) the SS group. The activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase from MS group were also higher than the SS group, but lower urea nitrogen was found in the MS group from serum (p < .05). In addition, the abundances of the Prevotella‐1 and Verrucomicrobia were higher in the MS group than the SS group (p < .05). An increase in the flavonoid biosynthesis was detected in the MS group compared with the SS group by Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. The present findings suggest that it is economical and healthy to substitute high‐quality forage +low level of concentrate for a relatively low proportion forage +high level of concentrate in a finishing diet of beef cattle, which was a feasible and healthy strategy in the intensive feeding system.

Effect of Yellow Wine Lees Supplementation on Milk Antioxidant Capacity and Hematological Parameters in Lactating Cows under Heat Stress.

Simple SummaryThe yellow wine lees (YWL), a byproduct of the yellow wine brewing industry which contain high levels of crude protein and anti-oxidative substrates can be a suitable ingredient in dairy rations. Total mixed rations (TMR) containing unfermented/fermented YWL were greater in total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations. Feeding lactating cows under heat stress with TMR containing unfermented or fermented YWL mix can reduce their inflammation response and oxidative stress, as well as improve fatty acid quality and oxidative stability of their milk.Fifteen multiparous lactating Chinese Holstein dairy cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square Design to evaluate the effect of total mixed rations (TMR) containing unfermented and fermented yellow wine lees (YWL) on the oxidative status of heat-stressed lactating cows and the oxidative stability of the milk and milk fatty acids they produced. Cows were fed with three isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets as follows: (1) TMR containing 18% soybean meal, (2) TMR containing 11% unfermented YWL (UM), and (3) TMR containing 11% fermented YWL (FM). The rectal temperature (at 1300 h) and respiratory rate were higher in control cows than in cows fed UM or FM. Both types of YWL were greater in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, reducing power, and radical scavenging abilities than soybean meal. Cows fed UM or FM had higher blood neutrophil, white blood cell, and lymphocyte counts, as well as lower plasma malondialdehyde level, higher plasma superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate levels, and higher total antioxidant capacity in the plasma than those fed control diet. The proportion of milk unsaturated fatty acids was higher and that of saturated fatty acids was lower in UM- and FM-fed animals than in the control animals. Milk from UM- and FM-fed cows had lower malondialdehyde content but higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate content than the control cows. In conclusion, feeding TMR containing UM and FM to cows reduced both the oxidative stress in heat-stressed cows and improved the oxidative capacity of their milk.

Comparative analysis of rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial profiles during adaption to different fattening stages in beef cattle fed TMR with various forage silage

We investigated the long-term effects of total mixed rations (TMR) containing various forage silages on the rumen community structure in beef cattle. Fifteen Simmental bulls (437.73 ± 4.01 kg) were fattened for 180 d, split into three trial stages (P1: 1–60 d, P2: 61–120 d, P3: 121–180 d). The diets were composed of corn silage, oat silage, alfalfa silage, wheat straw, and concentrates, formulated into a TMR. Rumen fluid was collected separately on the 60th, 120th, and 180th days among the three fattening stages. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyse rumen bacterial composition and function, and the correlation between rumen bacteria and fermentation parameters was determined using redundant analysis. The results showed that rumen fermentation parameters were stable during long-term fattening. The alpha diversity index indicated that bacterial diversity was higher during the late fattening phase than in the early phase. The most abundant bacteria were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Prevotella_1 at the three fattening stages. The bacterial communities were clearly separated in the different stages, as indicated by the Box diagram. The thirteen bacterial taxa identified by LEfSe were significantly enriched in the rumen during the three stages. KEGG pathway fractions indicated that carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism pathways were enriched in the rumen during the three stages. In conclusion, we found that long-term feeding of beef cattle with high-quality forage + low levels of concentrate was a healthy and efficient feeding method, promoting a healthy and suitable long-term change in the rumen microbial environment.

Histidine dose-response effects on lactational performance and plasma amino acid concentrations in lactating dairy cows: 1. Metabolizable protein-adequate diet

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of increasing digestible His (dHis) doses on milk production, milk composition, and plasma AA concentrations in lactating dairy cows fed diets that meet or exceed their energy and metabolizable protein (MP) requirements. In a companion paper (Räisänen et al., 2021) results are presented on the effect of increasing dHis dose with an MP-deficient basal diet. In this experiment, 16 Holstein cows (72 ± 15 d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with four 28-d periods. Treatments were as follows: (1) control, total mixed ration (TMR) with 1.8% dHis of MP (TMR1; dHis1.8); (2) a different TMR with 2.2% dHis (TMR2; dHis2.2); (3) TMR2 supplemented with rumen-protected His (RP-His) to supply 2.6% dHis (dHis2.6); and (4) TMR2 supplemented with RP-His to supply 3.0% dHis of MP (dHis3.0). Estimated dHis intakes calculated at the end of the experiment were 46, 58, 69, and 79 g/d for dHis1.8, dHis2.2, dHis2.6, and dHis3.0, respectively. Contrasts were used to compare TMR1 with TMR2 and to test the linear and quadratic effects of RP-His inclusion rate on TMR2. We detected no effects of TMR or dHis dose on dry matter intake or milk yield, whereas energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield was quadratically increased, being greatest for cows on treatment dHis2.6. Milk true protein and lactose concentrations and milk true protein yield were not affected by TMR or dHis dose. Milk fat concentration and yield increased quadratically, and lactose yield tended to increase quadratically with increasing dHis dose. Calculated apparent efficiency of His utilization decreased quadratically with increasing dHis supply. Further, plasma concentration of His was greater for cows on TMR2 compared with TMR1. When an MP-adequate diet was fed to dairy cows, milk true protein concentration and yield were not affected by dHis supply, but milk fat and ECM yields of dairy cows were optimized at dHis supply of 69 g/d or 2.65% of MP.

Evaluation of Functional Feed in Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with High Protein Content and Anthelmintic Agents Towards Performance and Anti-Parasitic Effect in Sheep

Haemonchus contortus is gastrointestinal nematodes naturally bloodsucking the host and causing haemonchosis. To date, the prevention and treatment of haemonchosis rely on chemically anti-parasitic drugs. However, resistant to chemically anti-parasitic drug have been found in many previous studies. Therefore, the study on evaluation of total mixed ration (TMR) containing high protein content and forage with condensed tannin (CT) with bio-anthelmintic potential should be justified further. The study aims to evaluate the performance and its anti-parasitic effect of TMR towards H. contortus infection in sheep. Twenty sheep (± 1-year-old) with the average body weight of 20 kg had been randomly categorized into 5 treatments (n=4): T.1: Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott 761.50 g DM; T.2: P. purpureum cv. Mott 609.20 g DM+Artocarpus heterophyllus 284.13 g DM; T.3: P. purpureum cv. Mott 609.20 g DM+Soybean meal (SBM) 65 g DM; T.4: P. purpureum cv. Mott 609.20 g DM+A. heterophyllus 162.36 g DM+SBM 65.00 g DM; T.5: P. purpureum cv. Mott 609.20 g DM+A. heterophyllus 284.14 g DM+SBM 65.00 g DM. The diet was provided in TMR at 08:00 and 16:00, while water was provided ad libitum. The results showed that TMR feeding with high protein content and anthelmintic agents (TMR PTAA) reduced fecal egg counts by improving dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), extract ether (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen free-extract (NFE) consumption and digestibility (P&lt;0.05). It can be concluded that TMR PTAA had positive effects in improving sheep performance and have bio-anthelmintic potentiality to alternate commercial anti-parasitic drugs.

Pelleting of a Total Mixed Ration Affects Growth Performance of Fattening Lambs.

Feeding pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) instead of traditional loose concentrate plus forage to fattening lambs is an emerging practice. This study aimed to determine the effects of feeding pelleted TMR to fattening lambs on feed intake behaviour, growth performance, feed digestion, rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial community, serum parameters, slaughter performance, meat quality, and the economic outcome. Two physical forms (pelleted vs. un-pelleted) of TMR composed of the same ingredients with the same particle sizes were compared in three animal experiments. Feed intake and average daily gain were higher when the TMR was pelleted, but apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients (organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and ether extract) and serum parameters were not affected and apparent total tract dry matter digestibility was slightly lower. Feeding pelleted TMR increased total short-chain fatty acid concentration and decreased rumen pH. Rumen microbial community was not affected by the physical form of the TMR at phylum level but changed slightly at genus level. Liveweight at slaughter and hot carcass weight were higher for lambs fed the pelleted compared to the un-pelleted TMR, while dressing percentage and meat quality were not affected. In conclusion, feeding pelleted TMR improves growth performance of fattening lambs mainly due to an increase in feed intake. Feeding pelleted TMR is a feasible strategy for intensive lamb fattening operations.

Effect of Total Mixed Ration Based Complete Pellet Feed on the Performances of Stall Fed Native Sheep

A complete pellet feed was developed using 40 % roughage (Rice straw) and 60 % concentrate (Rice polish 50 %, Maize crush 16 %, Soybean meal 20 %, Molasses 10 %, Salt 2 %, DCP 1 %, Vitaminmineral premix 0.5 %, Pellet binder 0.5 %) for commercial sheep production under stall feeding system. To know the effect of complete pellet feed on animal performances, both on-station and on-farm trials were conducted in growing sheep. The results of the experiment demonstrated that in the traditional system of rearing; only 22.42 g daily weight gain was observed. While, feeding of complete pellet feed achieved 84.98 g, and 100.67 g daily weight gain at on-farm and on-station condition respectively suggesting that pelleting enhanced the efficiency of utilization of feed. However, no differences were observed for the feed cost per kg weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) among the pellet feeding group and other group. But results suggest that complete pellet feed would be more economical for commercial sheep production under the stall-fed condition and farmers would be more benefited using complete pellet feed compared to conventional grass or urea molasses straw (UMS) and concentrate based feeding system. No disease or clinical symptoms were observed in the animals during the experimental period, suggesting that pellet feeds are well accepted by the sheep and results in better growth rate.&#x0D; SAARC J. Agri., 18(2): 157-166 (2020)

The Effects of Total Mixed Ration Feeding with High Roughage Content on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Hanwoo Steers.

This study investigated the dietary effect of total mixed ration (TMR) based on high roughage content on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Hanwoo steers. Twenty-four Hanwoo steers (average body weight, 195.3±4.7 kg; age, 8.5 mon) were randomly allocated to three experimental groups according to forage and concentrate ratio (DM basis): 25:75 (control), 50:50 (T50), and 70:30 (T70). Productivity in the fattening period and final body weight were significantly higher in the control. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were the same among treatments. Serum parameters, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and total protein were higher in the control. Carcass weight was comparable in the control and T50 but feeding more roughage was significantly correlated with a higher intramuscular fat. Shear strength and drip loss were higher while n-6/n-3 was lower in T70 compared to the other groups. However, meat color was not significantly different among treatments. In terms of free amino acid contents, glutamic acid and glycine were higher in the control than T50 and T70. Overall, feeding Hanwoo steers with high forage content TMR had the lowest n-6/n-3 ratio of fatty acid content but highest intramuscular fat, shear strength, and drip loss. High forage content TMR is the best feed for Hanwoo steers that gives more benefits for human health and consumption but also provides the best meat grade and quality, which is important in the beef market in Korea.

Feeding effect of total mixed ration on milk yield, nutrient intake, digestibility and rumen environment in Red Chittagong Cows

Efficient utilization of crop residues is an alternative way to overcome feed shortage for livestock feeding. Hence, an experiment was conducted to determine the effect on nutrient intake, milk yield, nutrient digestibility and rumen parameters of total mixed ration (TMR) as mash or block form in comparison to conventional feeding system for a period of 45 days. Accoding to CRD 18 RCC early milking cows (Bos indicus) having average daily milk yield of 3.20±0.14 L/d and divided into three treatment groups. Existing feeding practice at the farm was considered as control group (T0) fed Napier-3 adlib. and concentrate mixture. In another two groups, animals fed TMR, where one fed as block (T1) and another as mash form (T2) with the same roughage and concentrate combination (50:50). All diets contained 16% CP. To determine digestibility of supplied feed, a digestibility trial at the middle of the feeding trial was conducted and also to study the rumen environment (pH, TVFA, NH3-N), rumen liquors were collected at post feeding intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36h. Study revealed that fresh feed intakes were significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in T0. DMI and CPI were significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in T1 group. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) highest milk yields were obtained in T1 (3.6 l/d) and T2 (3.49 l/d) and lowest in T0 (3.35l/d). Milk fat (p&lt;0.001) and SNF (p&lt;0.05) were significantly higher T1 and T2. Except ADF, digestibility for most of the nutrient was significantly higher in T1 and T2 than T0. Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) were significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher in T1 and T2 groups than that of T0 group. Finally, it may be concluded that TMR, either in block or mash form gives better results in terms of milk yield, milk composition, digestibility and concentration of TVFA and NH3-N.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2019, 5(1): 71-77

Feeding effects of total mixed ration on rumen metabolic profile in Cattle

A feeding trial was undertaken to select the best combination of roughage and concentrate based on total mixed ration (TMR), to better rumen environment and determine the feeding effects of TMR on rumen metabolic profile in cattle. The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) for a period of 35 days. A total of 5 types of TMR was prepared on fed basis with different roughage and concentrate ratios as T1=70:30, T2=60:40, T3=50:50, T4=40:60, and T5=30:70. Five cannulated bulls with an average live weight ranging from 200 to 300 kg and approximately 18 months of age were selected for the experiment. The present study indicated that there was no significant difference in pH among different treatment groups. Concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) was highest in T2 group which was found to be increased up to 12 h after feeding, then gradually decreased up to 24 h. Concentration of total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), non protein nitrogen (NPN) and protein nitrogen (PN) were highest in T5 group. Concentration of total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and protein nitrogen (PN) were gradually decreased up to 12 h after feeding but then gradually increased trend observed up to 24 h. Concentration of non protein nitrogen (NPN) was found to be decreased gradually from 0 h up to 24 h after feeding. The result also indicated that rumen NH3-N was positively correlated with TN intake of the animal. It can be concluded from the present study that the TMR provided better rumen environment at different hours of digestion could be used for better rumen fermentation. The best combination of roughage to concentrate ratio (30:70) was in T5 group for better N utilization to achieve maximum performance through proper feeding which might reflect the gross return of cattle production.&#x0D; Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2018. 47 (1): 35-39

Effect of feeding system and grain source on lactation characteristics and milk components in dairy cattle

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of feeding systems [component and total mixed rations (TMR)] and dietary grain sources (barley, commercial concentrate, corn grain, and high-moisture corn) on lactation characteristics and milk composition. A total of 852,242 test-day records, information on animal characteristics, feed composition, and feeding systems from 104,129 Holstein cows in 4,319 herds covering a period of 5 yr were obtained from Quebec's Dairy Herd Improvement Association (Valacta). We performed descriptive statistics and graphical representations of the data for each type of feeding system and grain source by parity (1 to 3). The milk records were binned in 15-d in milk blocks. Mixed models using a combination of forward and backward stepwise selections were developed to predict milk and milk component yields. The TMR-fed cows had greater yield of milk, fat, protein, and lactose and lower milk urea N (MUN) concentration than component-fed cows at all parities. Cows fed a TMR had higher peak milk yields and greater persistency after peak lactation compared with component-fed cows. In addition, greater yields of milk fat and protein from peak to mid-lactation were found in TMR- versus component-fed cows. In general, greater milk fat and protein yields as well as lower MUN concentration were observed in cows fed corn grain or high-moisture corn compared with barley or commercial concentrate, but parity influenced these relationships. The feeding system by day in milk blocks interaction was significant in models of milk and components yields for all parities, but only for second-lactation cows for MUN concentration. This means that effect of TMR and component feeding differs with stage of lactation. In conclusion, feeding TMR and corn-based diets are associated with greater yield of milk and milk components under commercial conditions.

Effect of pellet from total mixed ration on growth performance, blood metabolomics, carcass and meat characteristics of Bangladeshi garole sheep

Six indigenous Bangladeshi Garole sheep (Ovis aries) (BW: 8±0.5 kg; Age: 1yr) were divided into two groups using a randomized block design to investigate the effect of total mixed ration (TMR) pellet feeding on growth parameter, blood metabolomics, carcass and meat characteristics. Control diet was composed of road side grass, rice straw, wheat bran, mustard oil cake, molasses, common salt which considered as loose total mixed ration (L-TMR) and treatment diet was pelleted form of L-TMR (P-TMR).In both the dietary treatments the animals were fed at 1.5 times of maintenance energy and protein requirement. P-TMR revealed a positive impact (p &lt; 0.05) on live weight gain and feed conversion ratio than L-TMR. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude fibre (DCF) was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in P-TMR group whereas there was no significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) in other digestible nutrients as well as plasma metabolites like plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL- cholesterol concentration between two dietary group. Dressing percentage and eye muscle area was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in P-TMR group but no significant difference was found between dietary treatments in term of disposition of body fat, proximate composition of mutton, all the sensory parameters except tenderness and overall acceptability. So, it could be concluded that, the P-TMR might be fed to sheep for better growth performance and higher meat production rather than production of functional mutton.Progressive Agriculture 28 (3): 222-229, 2017

The Effects of Total Mixed Ration and Separate Feeding on Lactational Performance of Dairy Cows

The Effects of Total Mixed Ration and Separate Feeding on Lactational Performance of Dairy Cows

Effects of Total Mixed Ration pH on Carcass Characteristics, Subprimal Yields and Fatty Acid Composition when Fed to Brahman or Holstein Cross Steers

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of total mixed ration (TMR) pH on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles when fed to Brahman cross (BC) or Holstein cross (HC) steers.Materials and MethodsEighteen steers (6 Brahman × Thai native and 12 Holstein × Zebu) were blocked by breed and stratified by weight before being randomly assigned 1 of 3 treatment diets, fed individually ad libitum including: fresh grass mixed-TMR (GTMR; pH 4.70 to 4.99), grass silage mixed-TMR (STMR; pH 4.00 to 4.40), and fermented-TMR (FTMR; pH 3.5 to 3.87). After 460 d all steers were slaughtered after a 24 h fast. During slaughter offal items were weighed to determine if breed or diet impacted visceral weight. After 7-d postmortem (1 ± 1°C) carcasses were separated at the 12th to 13th rib for collection of ribeye area (REA), fat thickness, marbling score, and objective color. After carcass data collection, carcasses were fabricated according to French standards and subprimal yields were calculated as a percentage of chilled carcass weight. The longissimus thoracis (LT) was removed and steaks (2.54-cm) were cut for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), proximate analysis, and fatty acid analysis. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (V9.4; SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Steer was considered the experimental unit and steer within block by treatment was considered the random term. Mean differences were considered significant at ɑ ≤ 0.05.ResultsThere was not a breed by diet interaction (P > 0.09) for hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percent (DP), REA, fat thickness, chill loss, marbling score, objective color, or cook loss and WBSF. However, BC had greater HCW, DP, REA, and WBSF than HC (P < 0.05). Marbling scores were greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed STMR and FTMR than GTMR, otherwise diet did not impact carcass traits (P > 0.05). Non-carcass components were a greater percentage of live weight for HC than BC. There was a breed by diet interaction (P < 0.05) for subprimal cuts of the macreuse (clod), knuckle, and bottom round (P < 0.05). Brahman cross steers had a greater percentage of weight in the chuck, sirloin, strip loin, and bottom round (P < 0.05); however, HC had a greater percentage of weight in the macreuse, knuckle, nerveux (heel), and bone (P < 0.05). There was no breed by diet interaction or main effects for chemical composition except percent fat where FTMR > STMR > GTMR (P < 0.01). For fatty acids there was no difference in total SFA or n6:n3 (P > 0.10), however, there were breed by diet interactions (P < 0.01) for total PUFA, n-6, n-3 and PUFA:SFA where LT from BC fed GTMR had greater percentages than all other treatment combinations.ConclusionRations consisting of STMR and FTMR may be utilized to increase marbling and maximize tenderness for finishing Holstein cross steers, while feeding GTMR to Brahman cross steers could be an appropriate method for producing lean beef with a greater percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Effect of alfalfa hay on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of growing lambs with ad libitum access to total mixed rations

Forty male Naemi lambs were used to evaluate the effect of total mixed rations (TMR) alone or in combination with supplementation of alfalfa hay offered at different schedules on growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Lambs at the age of three months, with an average weight of 28.85±1.09 kg, were randomly selected and distributed into four different feeding systems, 10 lambs each, as follows: TMR diet (control); TMR plus 100 g alfalfa hay; TMR plus 200 g alfalfa hay every two days; and TMR plus 300 g alfalfa hay every three days. The TMR and fresh drinking water were offered ad libitum. Lambs in the treated groups (with alfalfa hay) had significantly higher body weight, body weight change, dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio compared with the control. Similarly, slaughter weight, carcass weight (hot and cold), and internal organs weight significantly increased in the treated groups, except for dressing weight percentage, which improved only in the treatment with TMR plus 300 g alfalfa hay. By contrast, mesentery fat, back fat, and body wall fat decreased in treated groups. Meat quality characteristics indicated that cooking loss and pH values did not differ between the control and treated groups; however, meat colour (lightness, yellowness, and redness) and pH (1 and 24 h) improved in post-slaughter treated groups. Furthermore, no difference was found in texture profile analysis (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness), although the shear force decreased significantly in treated groups. Addition of alfalfa hay offered at the present plan may not only improve the growth and carcass characteristics, but also enhance the meat quality of Naemi lambs. From the labour and economic point of view, TMR plus 300 g alfalfa hay every three days may be adopted while taking into account the management decision.

Ruminal microbial responses in fermentation characteristics and dry matter degradability to TDN level of total mixed ration

An in vitro trial was conducted to examine the effects of total mixed rations (TMR) on fermentation characteristics and effective degradability (ED) by rumen microbes. Three TMR diets were growing period TMR (GR-TMR, 67% TDN), early fattening period TMR (EF-TMR, 75.4% TDN) and late fattening TMR (LF-TMR, 80% TDN). Three TMR diets (3 g of TMRs in each incubation bottles) was added to the mixed culture solution of stained rumen fluid with artificial saliva (1:1, v/v) and incubated anaerobically for 48 hours at 39℃. The pH in all incubation solutions tended to decrease up to 48h, but the opposite results were found in concentration of total gas production, ammonia-N and total VFA in all incubations.The total gas production (p＜0.05) in LF-TMR was highest compared with those of other diets. Also, concentration of total VFA was tended to increase in LF-TMR compared with other TMR diets in all incubations. The EDDM in both EF-TMR and LF-TMR was tended to high compared with GR-TMR (p=0.100). In this in vitro trials, concentration of propionate in all incubation solution was not affected by increased concentration of TDN. The results of the present in vitro study indicate that TMR may provide more favorable condition for nutrient digestion both in the rumen.