Ensiled Total Mixed Ration Research Articles

Effects of natamycin, hexanoic acid and Lactobacillus plantarum on fermentation, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of an ensiled total mixed ration containing water bamboo sheath leaves

AbstractThe work aimed to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria, natamycin and hexanoic acid on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silages containing water bamboo sheath leaves. The treatments were as follows: (1) no additives (control, C), (2) lactic acid bacteria (L), (3) natamycin (N), (4) hexanoic acid (H), (5) lactic acid bacteria + natamycin (LN), (6) lactic acid bacteria + hexanoic acid (LH). Silos were opened and silages were evaluated to assess fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility. All TMR silages were well-preserved as indicated by dominant lactic acid content, low ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen, trace propionic acid and negligible butyric acid contents. All additives improved the fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility, evidenced by higher lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, lactic acid, acetic acid, water-soluble carbohydrate contents and lactic acid bacteria count, and lower pH, aerobic bacteria and yeast counts. The LN had the highest lactic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, in vitro gas production and in vitro digestibility. During aerobic exposure, the LN silage had the highest lactic acid and acetic acid contents, and the lowest pH among all TMR silages. The LN and LH prolonged aerobic stability, reaching 85.5 and 81.5 h, respectively. The LN is recommended to improve the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of TMR prepared with water bamboo sheath leaves.

Effect of ensiled total mixed rations containing sake lees on digestion, nitrogen use, and plasma metabolite concentrations in sheep.

Sake lees are a byproduct of Japanese rice wine and used as ruminant feed with high protein and ethanol contents. This study aimed to explore the effects of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing sake lees on rumen fermentation, digestion, nitrogen (N) use, and plasma metabolites in sheep. Four mature wethers were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a factorial arrangement of ensiling treatment (non-ensiled or ensiled TMR) and types of sake lees (traditional or liquefied). Although dietary ethanol consumption was higher in sheep fed ensiled TMR, ruminal and plasma concentrations of methanol and ethanol increased after feeding in all dietary treatments, which was accompanied by the increased plasma concentrations of formate. The intake and digestion of dry matter and N were lower in sheep fed ensiled TMR than in those fed non-ensiled TMR. The plasma concentrations of most amino acids decreased in sheep fed ensiled TMR. Although plasma methionine, serine, and glycine concentrations were not altered by diet, homocysteine concentration was the highest in sheep fed ensiled TMR containing traditional sake lees. The negative impacts of ensiling treatment on N digestion and amino acid utilization should be considered for formulating ensiled TMR containing sake lees.

Effects of protein source and lipid supplementation on conservation and feed value of total mixed ration silages for finishing beef cattle.

The objective of this study was to examine the conservation process and feed value of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. In exp. 1, we evaluated the fermentation pattern and aerobic stability of TMR silages containing different protein and lipid supplementations. In exp. 2, we compared the performance of finishing beef heifers fed those TMR silages. In both experiments, treatments were as follows: ensiled TMR with urea (U); ensiled TMR without a protein supplement at ensiling, but soybean meal supplemented at feeding to balance diet crude protein (CP) in exp. 2 (SMnf; where the acronym nf indicates nonfermented); ensiled TMR with soybean meal (SM); and ensiled TMR with rolled soybean grain (SG). Thirty-two Nellore heifers (313 ± 8.8 kg shrunk body weight [SBW]) were blocked by initial SBW, housed in individual pens, and enrolled in exp. 2 for 82 d. In exp. 1, treatment without a protein supplement (SMnf) had a lower content of CP, soluble CP, NH3-N, pH, and Clostridium count compared with U (P ≤ 0.03). Lactic acid concentrations tended to be reduced for SMnf compared with U (P = 0.09). Ethanol concentration was reduced in SG compared with SM (P < 0.01). 1,2-Propanediol concentration was increased in SMnf compared with U (P < 0.01), reduced in SM compared with SMnf (P = 0.02), and increased in SG compared with SM (P = 0.02). Dry matter (DM) loss during fermentation was low and similar among treatments (~3.7%). All silages remained stable during 10 d of aerobic exposure after feed out. Considering fermentation traits, such as pH (≤4.72), NH3-N (<10% of N, except for U treatment), butyric acid (<0.05 % DM), and DM losses (<3.70% DM), all silages can be considered well conserved. In exp. 2, diets were isonitrogenous because soybean meal was added to SMnf before feeding. Compared with SM, cattle fed SG made more meals per day (P = 0.04) and tended to have a decreased intermeal interval (P = 0.09). DM intake, average daily gain, final SBW, hot carcass weight, Biceps femoris fat thickness, and serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were increased for SG compared with SM (P ≤ 0.05). In brief, TMR silages exhibited an adequate fermentation pattern and high aerobic stability. The supplementation of true protein did not improve animal performance, whereas the addition of soybean grain as a lipid source improved the performance of finishing cattle fed TMR silages.

Effect of substituting Pennisetum sinese with bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on aerobic stability and digestibility of ensiled total mixed ration

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting Pennisetum sinese with bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR). Four ensiled TMRs were designed on fresh matter basis: (i) 45% P. sinese (BSS0); (ii) 15% BSS + 30% P. sinese (BSS15); (iii) 25% BSS + 20% P. sinese (BSS25); (iv) 35% BSS + 10% P. sinese (BSS35). All silages were moderately fermented according to the V-score. Substituting P. sinese with BSS increased acetic acid content and decreased ethanol and ammonia nitrogen contents (p < .05). With the increasing proportion of BSS, neutral detergent fibre decreased, and relative feed value increased (p < .05). Under aerobic exposure, BSS-substituted (BSS15, BSS25 and BSS35) silages were more stable than BSS0 silage with lower silage temperature and yeast population. No significant differences in BSS substitution were observed in in vitro gas production, digestibility, metabolisable energy and net energy for lactation (p > .05). The substitution of P. sinese with BSS had no adverse effect on the fermentation quality and in vitro digestibility while efficiently improving the aerobic stability of ensiled TMR. The BSS35 substitution level is recommended considering the maximum utilisation of BSS. HIGHLIGHTS Bamboo shoot shell (BSS) was explored for ensiled TMR. BSS had no effect on the silage digestibility. BSS improved aerobic stability.

Nutritional evaluation of wet brewers’ grains as substitute for common vetch in ensiled total mixed ration

The interest of ensiling total mixed ration for ruminants re-emerged in the last decades. In many situations, ensiled total mixed ration (ETMR) has been a sustainable alternative to efficiently handle wet by-products in ruminant diets. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of replacing common vetch with wet brewers’ grains (WBG) at different proportions on the fermentation quality, nutritive value, aerobic stability, in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility of ETMR. Four ETMR formulations were designed according to the varied ratios on fresh weight basis: (i) 45% common vetch (Control); (ii) 35% common vetch +10% WBG; (iii) 25% common vetch +20% WBG; (iv) 15% common vetch +30% WBG. The laboratory silos (10 L) were opened after 70 days of ensiling, then the 70-day silages were subjected to aerobic stability for 14 days and changes in ETMR temperature were recorded. Replacing common vetch with WBG linearly increased the ratio of lactic acid to acetic acid, ethanol, water soluble carbohydrate contents and dry matter recovery, and decreased pH, volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen contents. When exposed to air, no ETMR deteriorated and their temperature appeared stable during the 14 days test. With the WBG levels increasing, the organic matter digestibility, metabolisable energy, 72-h net gas production and the average gas production rate were linearly decreased, whereas no obvious differences were observed among the control, 10% and 20% WBG silages. Therefore, 20% WBG can be used effectively in ETMR, reducing the need for common vetch without negative effects. Highlights Ensiling total mixed ration is a good way to use wet brewers’ grains Reducing the need for legume and feed cost 20% wet brewers’ grains replacement had no adverse effect on in vitro gas production kinetics and digestibility

Evaluating fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of a total mixed ration ensiled with different additives on Tibet plateau.

ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement in utilization efficiency of total mixed ration (TMR) on Tibetan plateau, TMR were ensiled with different additives.MethodsA total of 150 experimental silos were prepared in a completely randomized design to evaluate the six treatments: i) control (without additive), ii) Lactobacillus buchneri (L. buchneri), iii) acetic acid, iv) propionic acid, v) 1,2-propanediol; and vi) 1-propanol. After 90 days of ensiling, silos were opened for fermentation quality and in vitro analysis, and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 14 days.ResultsTreating with L. buchneri, acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol decreased propionic acid contents and yeast number, whereas increased (p<0.05) pH, acetic acid and ethanol contents in the fermented TMR. Despite increased dry matter (DM) loss in the TMRs treated with 1,2-propanediol and 1-pronanol, additives did not affect (p>0.05) all in vitro parameters including gas production at 24 h (GP24), GP rate constant, potential GP, in vitro DM digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility. All additives improved the aerobic stability of ensiled TMR to different extents. Specially, aerobic stability of the ensiled TMR were substantially improved by L. buchneri, acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol, and 1-propanol, indicated by stable pH and lactic acid content during the aerobic stability test.ConclusionL. buchneri, acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol, and 1-propanol had no adverse effect on in vitro digestibility, while ensiling TMR with the additives produced more acetic acid and ethanol, subsequently resulting in improvement of aerobic stability. There is a potential for some fermentation boosting additives to enhance aerobic stability of fermented TMR on Tibetan plateau.

Effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of a total mixed ration prepared with local feed resources on Tibetan plateau.

To improve the utilization efficiency of total mixed ration (TMR) on Tibetan plateau, the effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of the ensiled TMR prepared with local feed resources were studied. A total of 150 experimental silos were prepared in a completely randomized design to evaluate the following treatments: (a) control; (b) Lactobacillus buchneri; (c) acetic acid; (d) propionic acid; (e) 1,2-propanediol; and (f) 1-propanol. After 90days of ensiling, silos were opened for fermentation quality and in vitro parameters analysis, and then subjected to an aerobic stability test for 14days. The acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol treatments increased (p<.05) pH and acetic acid content, and lowered (p<.05) the lactic acid production in comparison to control. There were no statistically significant differences in in vitro digestibility parameters among the treatments. Treatments of acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol substantially improved the aerobic stability of the ensiled TMR, as indicated by almost unchanged pH and lactic acid contents throughout the aerobic exposure test. These results indicated that acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol had no adverse effect on in vitro digestibility and could be effective additives for enhancing the aerobic stability of ensiled TMR prepared on Tibetan plateau.

Effects of steam explosion pretreatment and Lactobacillus buchneri inoculation on fungal community of unensiled and ensiled total mixed ration containing wheat straw during air exposure.

To compare the effects of steam explosion and Lactobacillus buchneri inoculation on fungal community in ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) during aerobic exposure. The TMRs were prepared using wheat straw with or without steam explosion, sweet potato residue, lucerne hay, maize meal and soybean meal, and ensiled with or without L. buchneri inoculation. Fungal communities were detected by high-throughput sequencing. All ensiled TMRs were well ensiled and steam explosion has a major effect on improving aerobic stability. The fungal species, such as Xeromyces bisporus and Cryptococcus victoriae, that dominated in the TMR decreased after ensiling, with a concomitant increase in Candida humilis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Aspergillus flavus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Most mould species decreased, with C. humilis and P. kudriavzevii dominating during aerobic exposure. Steam explosion could improve the aerobic stability in ensiled TMR by inhibition of C. humilis. High-throughput sequencing used in this study provides insight into the fungal community in ensiled TMR during aerobic exposure, which could contribute towards elucidating the mechanism by which aerobic deterioration develops.

Effect of inclusion rate of corn silage in ensiled total mixed ration on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in Japanese Wagyu steer

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the inclusion rate of corn silage (CS) in ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) on dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in Japanese Wagyu steers. Four ensiled TMRs, in which the crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) levels were adjusted to be similar, were prepared with 0, 15, 30, and 45% CS, respectively. Four Japanese Wagyu steers during the fattening period were used in a feeding trial with the four dietary treatments of the ensiled TMRs in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Increasing the inclusion rate of CS resulted in higher pH values and lower lactate production in the ensiled TMR, although all TMR silages showed good fermentative characteristics, such as low pH value and high lactate content. The DMI linearly increase when the inclusion rate of CS in the TMRs increased. There were differences in the apparent digestibilities of CP, non-fibrous carbohydrate, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber. The TDN contents were greater in the ensiled TMRs with 15 and 30% CS. The feeding of TMRs with higher inclusion rates of CS gave rise to slower fermentation in the rumen. Corn silage should be utilizable as a TMR material, and its inclusion at approximately 30% in a TMR is a safe upper limit for Japanese Wagyu steers during the fattening period.

Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, chewing activity, and ruminal fermentation of raising Japanese Black steers fed diets containing whole crop corn silage at three levels

AbstractThe effects of the inclusion level of corn silage (CS) in an ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, chewing activity, and ruminal fermentation were investigated. Six Japanese Black steers during the raising period were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary treatments: a diet containing 40.0%, 52.5%, or 65.0% CS on a dry matter (DM) basis. The three TMRs, in which the crude protein (CP) and DM levels were adjusted, were vacuum‐sealed and then stored for &gt;30 days. Increasing the inclusion level of CS caused lower pH values and higher lactate production in the ensiled TMR. The DM intakes by the animals that received three dietary treatments were identical. The feeding of the TMR with the highest CS inclusion level resulted in slight decreases in total DM digestibility, and content and intake of total digestible nutrients, whereas the nutrient digestibilities (CP, non‐fibrous carbohydrate, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber) were not significantly different among the dietary treatments. The eating and ruminating times by the steers fed the TMRs were elongated concomitantly with the increase in the CS inclusion level. The feeding of TMRs with higher CS inclusion led to slower fermentation in the rumen. These findings suggest that a CS inclusion level up to approx. 50% in a TMR should be considered a reasonable level for Japanese Black steers during the raising period.

Effects of altering total mixed ration conservation method when feeding dry-rolled versus steam-flaked hulled rice on lactation and digestion in dairy cows

We evaluated the effects of different methods of conserving the total mixed ration (TMR) and processing hulled rice (Oryza sativa L.) on intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, lactation performance, and nitrogen utilization in dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (126 ± 19 d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The experimental diets used fresh TMR and ensiled TMR containing either dry-rolled (DR) hulled rice or steam-flaked (SF) hulled rice. The fresh TMR was prepared every morning. The ensiled TMR was prepared by baling fresh TMR and then sealing it with a bale wrapper; this was stored outdoors at 10 to 30°C for >4 mo. The method of grain processing did not affect the dry matter (DM) intake. The DM intake tended to be greater for ensiled TMR than for fresh TMR. Apparent total-tract DM digestibility and milk yield were increased by feeding ensiled TMR instead of fresh TMR and by replacing DR with SF. An interaction effect between the TMR conservation method and the grain processing method was detected for DM digestibility and milk yield; replacing DR with SF increased the DM digestibility and milk yield in cows fed fresh TMR, but this did not affect the cows fed ensiled TMR. The milk fat and lactose contents did not differ among dietary treatments. The milk protein concentration was higher for the cows fed SF processed hulled rice than those fed DR, but it was not influenced by the TMR conservation method. The ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentration was higher for the cows fed ensiled TMR compared with those fed fresh TMR, but it was not affected by the grain processing method. The molar proportion of acetate was decreased and propionate was increased by feeding ensiled TMR instead of fresh TMR and by replacing DR with SF. The concentrations of rumen ammonia N and plasma urea N were higher for the cows fed ensiled TMR than fresh TMR and were lower for SF than DR. Feeding ensiled TMR instead of fresh TMR increased the cows' urinary N excretion and decreased the retention N. Replacing DR with SF decreased the urinary N excretion, increased the milk N secretion, and then improved the nitrogen efficiency. These results show that feeding ensiled TMR instead of fresh TMR has an adverse effect on N utilization, but it increases digestion and milk production. Replacing DR with SF also increases digestion, milk yield, and milk protein content, and the improvement of milk yield by replacing DR with SF was prominent in the cows fed fresh TMR.

Effect of ensiling process of total mixed ration on fermentation profile, nutrient loss and in situ ruminal degradation characteristics of diet.

This experiment aimed to determine the changes in chemical composition, fermentation profile, in situ disappearance characteristics, and nutrient losses of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing steam-flaked corn or brown rice (BR) during storage. TMRs for dairy cows, containing either steam-flaked corn or BR at 31.9% with 15.2% rye silage, 40.5% alfalfa silage, 5.0% beet pulp and 7.0% soybean meal, were prepared (dry matter (DM) basis). Each TMR was placed in a plastic drum silo, stored at 23°C in an air-conditioned room and sampled 0, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 210 days after preparation. In both grain sources, the fermentation products increased, while DM and starch storage losses increased and starch content greatly decreased during storage. The rapidly degradable fraction and effective ruminal degradability of DM, crude protein and starch increased during storage. These changes of dietary characteristics were large during 30 days of storage, but small after 90 days of storage. Replacing corn with BR led to increased fermentation products, starch loss and effective ruminal degradability of the ensiled TMR. These results indicate that the ensiling process of TMR changes the dietary characteristics and replacing corn with BR in TMR had a large impact on these dietary characteristics.

Lactation and digestion in dairy cows fed ensiled total mixed ration containing steam-flaked or ground rice grain.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of feeding ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing steam-flaked (SF) or ground brown rice (Oryza satira L.; BR) on feed intake, lactation performance, digestion, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen (N) utilization in dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a crossover design with two dietary treatments: diets containing either SF or fine ground (FG) BR at 24% of dietary dry matter. Dietary treatment did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield and composition. The whole-tract digestibility of organic matter and fiber decreased, and the digestibility of starch increased with the replacement of SF with FG in ensiled TMR, but these differences were small between diets. Crude protein digestibility was not different between diets. The processing method of BR did not affect ruminal pH, total volatile acid concentration, or volatile fatty acid proportion in cows. The N intake, milk N secretion, fecal and urinary N excretion and N retention were not influenced by dietary treatment. These results show that feeding ensiled TMR containing FG instead of SF reduces fiber digestibility but has little impact on lactation and N utilization when diets contained 24% on a dry matter basis.

Effect of substituting brown rice for corn on lactation and digestion in dairy cows fed diets with a high proportion of grain

The effects of the substitution of brown rice (Oryza sativa L.; BR) for corn (Zea mays L.) in ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) that had a high proportion of grain on feed intake, lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, digestion, and N utilization were evaluated. Nine multiparous Holstein cows (51±9 d in milk) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 dietary treatments: a diet containing 0, 20, or 40% steam-flaked BR and 40, 20, or 0% steam-flaked corn (dry matter basis). Cows were fed ad libitum an ensiled TMR consisting of 40.7% alfalfa silage, 11.8% grass silage, 7.1% soybean meal, and 40.0% steam-flaked grain (dry matter basis). The ensiled TMR was prepared by baling fresh TMR, and then sealed by a bale wrapper and stored outdoors at 5 to 30°C for over 6 mo. Dry matter intake and milk yield were lower for cows fed 40% BR than for cows fed 40% corn. The ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. The ruminal ammonia-N concentration decreased as the percentage of BR in the diets was elevated. The proportion of acetate decreased, and that of propionate and butyrate increased with the increasing levels of BR. Plasma urea-N concentrations was lower and glucose and insulin concentrations were higher for cows fed 40% BR than for cows fed 40% corn. The whole-tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and starch increased, and the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased with the increasing BR level in the diet, with no dietary effect on crude protein digestion. As a proportion of N intake, the urinary N excretion was lower and the retention of N was higher for cows fed 40% BR than for cows fed 40% corn, with no dietary effect observed on N secretion in milk and fecal N excretion. These results show that substituting BR for corn decreases urinary N losses and improves N utilization, but causes adverse effects on milk production when cows are fed high-grain diets at 40% of dietary dry matter.

Digestibility by lambs and nutritive value for lactating ewes of a total mixed ration containing Cephalaria joppensis silage as wheat silage substitute

This study examined digestibility for lambs and nutritive value for lactating ewes of a total mixed ration (TMR) containing Cephalaria joppensis (CJ) silage as a wheat silage substitute. Yield of CJ forage was 16.4t dry matter (DM) per ha, which is 37% higher than that of the neighboring wheat. The fresh-cut wheat and CJ were packed separately and wrapped in polyethylene layers to produce bales of silage kept outdoors for 90 days. The CJ and wheat silage bales were opened, combined with alfalfa hay (at a 2:1 ratio, DM basis) and mixed with additional TMR components, repacked and rewrapped to produce TMR bales kept outdoors for 30 days. The packing and wrapping created anaerobic conditions and ensilage occurred within the TMR bales, resulting in a significant reduction in pH of the wheat-TMR (W-TMR) and CJ-TMR from 6.02 and 6.07, respectively, to 4.1 and 4.4, respectively. DM loss in the two types of TMR bales during ensilage was similar. Experiment 1 measured the intake and digestibility of the ensiled W-TMR vs. CJ-TMR by two groups of six Assaf lambs each, fed individually in metabolic cages. Intake and digestibility of DM, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were similar for the two TMRs tested. However, cellulose digestibility was slightly higher in the W-TMR. Experiment 2 measured milk production and composition in two groups of 45 lactating Assaf ewes each, fed the two ensiled TMRs plus a constant amount of mixed concentrate pellets. The ewes fed the CJ-TMR were characterized by similar yields of daily milk (2.26–2.36kg), protein (0.11kg), fat (0.15kg) and 6% fat-corrected milk (3.06–3.08kg), but slightly higher concentrations of protein, fat and total milk solids compared with sheep fed the W-TMR. Changes in body weight and body condition score were similar in the two groups of ewes. Data show that CJ silage can be included in a TMR for lactating sheep as high-quality forage, with a nutritive value similar to that of wheat silage.