Ruminant Feed Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Jenis Inokulan dengan Lama Inokulasi pada Fermentasi Limbah Sludge Kelapa Sawit untuk Pakan Ternak

Sludge is solid waste resulting from palm oil processing that has not been widely utilized and causes environmental pollution. The research was carried out for 2 months from March to April 2024, in Inderalaya, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province. The research uses experimental methods with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Treatment in the form of inoculam type (J), consisting of Aspergillus oryzale (J1), Rhizopus orizae (J2), and Neurospora shitophilla (J3), and fermentation time (I), consisting of 3 days (I1), 6 days (I2), and 9 days (I3). The parameters observed were dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber, before fermentation and after fermentation. Data were analyzed using analysis of variansces (ANOVA). Accuracy is tested with the Diversity Coefficient, and treatments that have a real to very real effect is tested using the Honestly Significant Difference Test (HST). The resulting conclusion is that sludge can be used as additional feed for ruminants, by first fermenting it using an inoculant. Sludge fermentation using the inoculant Neurosprora shitophilla produces the best quality sludge for use as animal feed, because it contains high protein and crude fat and low dry matter and fiber. The best fermentation time is 9 days, because it can reduce dry matter and crude fiber, and increase protein and crude fat.

Biotransforming of Poultry and Swine Slaughterhouse Waste as an Alternative Protein Source for Ruminant Feeding

The biotransformation of poultry (PSW) and swine (SSW) slaughterhouse waste might provide protein feedstuffs, ensuring efficient ruminant systems while safeguarding the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of PSW and SSW as alternative protein feed for ruminant animals. A total of 24 lambs [25.4 ± 3.13 kg of body weight (BW), mean ± SD] were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 8): a control diet formulated with typical protein ingredients (CTRL) and two diets formulated with PSW or SSW meal as a protein source. Dietary inclusion of PSW or SSW did not alter (p = 0.05) dry matter intake or final BW. However, animals fed SSW showed the highest average daily gain (ADG, p = 0.04). In addition, substituting PSW and SSW improved the feed conversation ratio (FCR, p = 0.05). There were no diet effects (p = 0.05) on N intake, while fecal N excretion increased (p = 0.03) with SSW feeding. Compared to CTRL and PSW, ingestion of SSW decreased (p = 0.001) and retained N. The digestibility of crude protein and organic matter remained unchanged (p = 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences (p = 0.05) in potential microbial protein synthesis based on either protein content (SPMp) or energy content (SPMe). Similarly, potential metabolizable protein by protein (PMp) and potential metabolizable energy by protein (PMe) were not affected (p = 0.05). Overall, both PSW and SSW positively influenced the growth performance of ewe lambs. However, further studies are warranted to explore the impact of PWS or SSW feeding on rumen function, nitrogen pollution, and protein escaping the rumen into the intestine in ruminants.

Nutrient composition, fermentation characteristics and mass balance of press juice and press cake obtained from biorefining of grass‐clover and red clover silage

AbstractBiorefining is seen as a potential method to produce protein‐rich feed for monogastric farm animals from grassland, which does not compete with human nutrition. Therefore, a new biorefinery facility was constructed and tested in this experiment by using silages from grass clover mixture and red clover. After biorefining, press juice was stored for further use while press cake was re‐ensiled. Samples from silage, press juice, fresh press cake and re‐ensiled press cake were analysed for nutrient composition, fermentation parameters, amino acids (AA) and biogenic amines (BA) concentrations. Furthermore, digestibility of silage and re‐ensiled press cake was tested in wethers. We found that press juice contained about 205 g crude protein (CP), more than 180 g crude ash and more than 130 g volatile organic compounds (VOC, all values per kg dry matter [DM]). Furthermore, press juice had an unfavourable AA ratio for use as a monogastric feed (methionine and cysteine were reduced). Forage type hardly affected nutritive value of press juice. Re‐ensiling of press cake was successful as a sufficient decrease of pH and VOC concentration was observed. Press cake had 26–36 g/kg DM lower CP content and 0.77–1.12 MJ/kg DM lower metabolisable energy content than silage with greater differences in red clover than in grass clover mixture. Press juice can be used as feed in monogastric animals, but its use is limited due to its low CP content and unfavourable AA profile. Press cake could be an appropriate feed for ruminants, especially dry cows or heifers.

Microalgae Application in Ruminants Feeds on The Production and Quality of Meat and Milk: A Review

Abstract Research focusing on microalgal as an alternative source of protein and fat in ruminant feed shows a growing trend. Microalgae are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and carotene. Ruminants can digest the cell walls of microalgae, positively affecting their health, growth, metabolism, reproduction, production, and product quality. This paper introduces the latest review of microalgae on ruminant feed and its effect on performance, production, and quality of meat and milk. The results showed that using microalgae does not increase milk production in dairy cows but substitutes protein from corn and soybean meal. Microalgae improves the quality of meat and milk through the changes in fatty acid profiles associated with omega 3, especially DHA and PUFA, which benefit human health. However, some microalgae species reduce palatability, feed consumption, and weight gain. Feeding microalgae to livestock as a supplement or substitute protein for soybean meal protein or other ingredients requires considering the limiting factors of lipid concentration and the economic value of microalgae species.

Nutrient content, phytochemical profile and anti-methanogen potential of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf extracts

Abstract Chaya leaves (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) contain many nutrients and phytochemicals expected to reduce ruminants’ methane emissions. This study aims to determine the nutritional quality, phytochemical content and potential inhibitory power of Chaya leaf extract against the growth of rumen fluid methanogen bacteria. The methods used to determine nutrient content were proximate and fibre analysis. The phytochemical content tested were total phenols, tannins and flavonoids. Anti-methanogen test through inhibitory power using liquid culture selective media for methanogens. The results showed that Chaya leaves are a source of fibre feed, which also contains high crude protein (23 - 29%). The highest total phenol and tannin content in ethanol extract of Chaya leaves is 8.62 mg/g and 31.34 ppm, respectively. In contrast, ethyl acetate extract’s highest total flavonoid content is 13.96 mg/g. The highest potential inhibitory power against methanogen bacteria was shown by ethanol extract (50 mg/mL), causing inhibition of 44.56%. This study concludes that Chaya leaves have the potential to be used as ruminant animal feed and as a suppressor of methanogen bacteria, and further tests are recommended for methane gas production in vitro.

Chemical Compositions and Plant Secondary Metabolites of Nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum L) Oilseed Press-cake from Different Locations

Abstract The industry of tamanu crude oil results in by-product called tamanu oil cake (TOC). The present study investigates the variation of chemical compositions and plant secondary metabolites of TOC collected from different locations as unconventional feed. The TOC was collected from three districts as follows: Purworejo, Bantul, and Sleman. These districts are the production centre of TCO in Central Java Province. Dry matter and organic matter were not different among locations. The TOC from Sleman had higher crude protein than Purworejo and Bantul (p<0.001; 23.5% vs. 19.9% vs. 12.9%). The crude fiber of TOC from Sleman was the lowest followed by Bantul, and then Purworejo (p=0.001; 10.42% vs. 19.6% vs. 28.1%). The ether extract was higher from Purworejo and Bantul compared to Sleman (p=0.001; 13.9% and 15.6% vs. 5.96%). The TOC from Purworejo and Bantul had higher phenol (p=0.002; 6.13% and 5.36% vs. 3.73%), flavonoid (p=0.002; 6.13% and 5.36% vs. 3.73%), saponin (p=0.023; 0.80% and 0.84% vs. 0.57%), and tannin (p=0.001; 0.90% and 0.83% vs. 0.47%) than from Sleman. Considering chemical composition and plant secondary metabolites, the present study concluded that TOC from Sleman was recommended for poultry feed, while TOC from Purworejo and Bantul was recommended for ruminant feed.

Lactation Performance and Rumen Fermentation in Dairy Cows Fed a Diet Supplemented with Monensin or Gum Arabic-Nano Montmorillonite Compost.

The exploration of natural alternatives to antibiotics for enhancing productivity and performance in dairy cows is a crucial objective in farm animal management. This is the first study aimed at developing and evaluating the physicochemical properties and effects of Arabic gum-nano montmorillonite (AGNM) compost compared to ionophore monensin as feed additives on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk production of Holstein dairy cows. In a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, four multiparous mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows with an average body weight of 520 ± 15 kg were enrolled. The dietary treatments included a control diet (basal diet without feed additives), monensin diet [a basal diet supplemented with 35 mg/kg dry matter (DM) monensin], and AGNM diets comprising basal diet supplemented with two levels: low (L-AGNM) at 1.5 g/kg DM, and high (H-AGNM) at 3 g/kg DM. AGNM as a feed additive demonstrated promising physiochemical parameters, including containing highly bioactive components (α-amyrin and lupeol), functional groups (OH and Si-O), and essential mineral contents (Mg2+). Supplementations with H-AGNM significantly improved ruminal (p = 0.031) concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetic (p = 0.05) and butyric (p = 0.05), enhanced (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber and organic matter, while decreased (p = 0.013) estimated methane production. However, an increase (p = 0.04) in blood high-density lipoprotein levels and decrease (p < 0.05) in concentrations of creatinine (CREA), bilirubin (BILT), cholesterol (CHOL), and sodium (Na) were observed with H-AGNM supplementation. Both monensin and H-AGNM improved (p = 0.008) feed efficiency compared to L-AGNM; however, neither AGNM nor monensin affected the milk composition or energy status indicators of the dairy cows. The findings of this study highlight the potential of AGNM as a natural candidate to replace monensin in enhancing ruminal VFA production, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, blood metabolites, and milk yield in dairy cows.

An in vitro evaluation of partial energy replacement in a total mixed ration with volatile fatty acids derived from agro-industrial residues

AbstractThe scientific interest in volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as an energy source and chemical precursor in ruminant diets has been longstanding, as it has significant implications for animal physiology and well-being. The present study explores the substitution of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from agro-food residues via acidogenic fermentation as an alternative energy source in ruminant feed. Utilizing the gas production method, rumen digestibility assays were conducted, wherein the recovered VFA effluent from the acidogenic fermentation of apple pomace and potato protein liquor was substituted for 10%, 20%, and 30% of the total mixed ration (TMR) energy. Various parameters such as gas, VFA yield and composition, VFA peak intervals, changes in pH, and ammonium nitrogen content were investigated. Based on the results obtained, provision of 20% and 30% of the energy with VFAs did not increase methane production or did not cause significant pH alternations. Nevertheless, such supplementation resulted in increased production and accumulation of VFAs in the rumen media. The bioconversion of agro-food side streams into VFAs opens a new path in sustainable nutrient recovery and feed production from low value agro-industrial residues. Graphical Abstract

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Almond Hulls from Two Almond Varieties and Influence of Including Almond Hulls in the Diet on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Methane Production.

Almond hulls (AH) are frequently used in dairy ruminant feeding, but information on variability of their nutritive value and their potential effects on CH4 production is still scarce. The influence of almond variety (Guara vs. Soleta) on chemical composition and energy value of AH was investigated using 10 samples per variety collected in 2 consecutive years. Guara-AH had greater (p ≤ 0.015) ash, protein, and fat content, but lower (p ≤ 0.001) fiber than Soleta-AH. The metabolizable energy content estimated from chemical composition and in vitro gas production was 8.5% greater for Guara than for Soleta samples. Harvesting year significantly affected most of the chemical fractions. The in vitro ruminal fermentation of diets for dairy ruminants including increasing amounts of dried AH (8, 16 and 24% of the total diet; fresh matter basis) indicated that AH can be included up to 16% of the diet, partially substituting corn, wheat bran and sugar beet pulp without detrimental effects on in vitro volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. In contrast, when AH replaced alfalfa hay and corn, VFA production was reduced at all levels of AH inclusion. No antimethanogenic effects of AH were detected in the in vitro incubations.

Enhancing quality of ruminant feed through fungal treatment: Usage of bamboo shoot residues.

In this investigation, we explore the harnessing of bamboo shoot residues (BSR) as a viable source for ruminant feed through fungal treatment, with the overarching objective of elevating feed quality and optimizing bamboo shoot utilization. The white-rot fungi (Wr.fungi), Aspergillus niger (A.niger), and its co-cultures (A.niger&Wr.fungi) were employed to ferment BSR. And the impact of different fermentation methods and culture time on the chemical composition (Crude protein Ash, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibers), enzyme activity (Cellulase, Laccase, Filter paperase and Lignin peroxidase activities), and rumen digestibility in vitro were assessed. The findings reveal a nota ble 30.39% increase in crude protein in fermented BSR, accompanied by respective decreases of 13.02% and 17.31% in acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fibre content. Enzyme activities experienced augmentation post-fermentation with A.niger&Wr.fungi. Specifically, the peak Cellulase, Laccase, and Lignin peroxidase activities for BSR with Wr.fungi treatment reached 748.4 U/g, 156.92 U/g, and 291.61 U/g, respectively, on the sixth day of fermentation. Concurrently, NH3-N concentration exhibited an upward trend with prolonged fermentation time. Total volatile fatty acids registered a decline, and the Acetate/Propionate ratio reached its nadir after 6 days of fermentation under the A.niger&Wr.fungi treatment. These outcomes furnish a theoretical foundation for the development of ruminant feeds treated via fungal co-culture.

Feeding Astragalus membranaceus Root Improves the Rumen Fermentation Rate in Housed Goats through the Alteration of the Rumen Community Composition.

Although Astragalus membranaceus root (AMR) has been noted as an ingredient in ruminant feed, the impacts of AMR feeding on rumen fermentation and the microbial community structure within the rumen are yet to be evaluated. This study investigated the effects of AMR supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial community structures in goats. In two sets of feeding experiments, four Japanese native goats were fed AMR (10 g/kg DM/day/head) for three weeks per experiment. The rumen fluid samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography for fermentation products and next-generation sequencing for microbial analysis. The rumen fluid samples in the second experiment were also subject to an in vitro anaerobic fermentation test. The results indicated a significant modification, with a higher volatile fatty acid (VFA) content in the rumen fluid of goats in the feeding period than before feeding (p < 0.01). The microbial analysis revealed a significant increase in community diversity (p < 0.05) following AMR feeding, and the rumen bacterial community increased in two families belonging to the order Oscillospirales in Firmicutes (p < 0.05). The phylum Verrucomicrobiota was observed to be significantly less abundant after AMR feeding than during the control period (p < 0.05). Notably, the linear discriminant analysis revealed that the families with largely unknown functions in the rumen (Oscillospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, Muribaculaceae, and vadinBB97) were the determinants of the community split between control and AMR feeding. Increased fermentation rate by AMR feeding was also supported by an in vitro culture experiment, which resulted in faster VFA production without affecting methane production in total gas production. The study demonstrated that AMR can significantly facilitate change in the bacterial community structure in the goat rumen involving a shift of the favoring fibrolytic bacteria towards VFA production. The long-term effects of AMR supplementation and its applicability across different ruminant species, with potential benefits for animal health and productivity, should be addressed.

Livestock feed resources used as alternatives during feed shortages and their impact on the environment and ruminant performance in West Africa: a systematic review.

Ruminant feed is a major problem for the livestock sector in West African developing countries causing animal nutritional diseases, reducing ruminant production, and creating a massive ecological crisis through greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative feeds, which include agro-industrial by-products, fodder trees, crop residues, insects, fodder legumes, algae, and pulses, constitute enormous feed resources for livestock in Africa. This study was conducted in accordance with the methodological recommendations of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We conducted a literature search using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify documents related to alternative ruminant feeds using the following keywords: alternative feeds, ruminant products, environmental impacts, and West Africa. Those that met the inclusion criteria were included, resulting in 44 articles published between 2013 and 2023. These studies included 45 alternative feeds divided into six groups, including agro-industrial by-products (48.89%), followed by fodder trees (17.78%), crop residues (13.33%), insects (8.89%), fodder legumes (6.67%) and seaweeds (4.44%). Our results revealed that alternative feed resources and their effects on ruminant's performances and environment are poorly known in West Africa, which limits their inclusion in rations and sometimes leads to their misuse. Future research should focus on these aspects in order to make efficient use of these resources to improve ruminant milk and meat production.

Effect of Lentinus sajor-caju on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of highland barley straw under solid-state fermentation.

The efficient utilization of straw resources as animal feed has gained considerable attention. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Lentinus sajor-caju treatment alters the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of highland barley straw and enhances its functional value as a ruminant feed. The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and metabolomic profile of highland barley straw were determined after 21 days of solid-state fermentation with L. sajor-caju at 25°C. The differential metabolites between fermented and unfermented highland barley straw were identified by LC-MS and the relationship between the identified metabolites and antioxidant capacity was elucidated. The results showed that, compared with untreated highland barley straw, the crude protein and ether extract contents were higher (51.55 and 76.43%, respectively) in highland barley straw after 21 days of incubation with L. sajor-caju, whereas the hemicellulose, cellulose, and acid detergent lignin contents were lower (2.48, 25.08, and 45%, respectively). The total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in L. sajor-caju-treated than in untreated highland barley straw. In total, 600 differential metabolites (301 upregulated and 299 downregulated) were identified between L. sajor-caju-fermented and unfermented highland barley straw. Correlation analysis results showed that Fe2+ scavenging and total phenolic content were strongly correlated with total antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the differential flavonoid metabolites between fermented and unfermented highland barley straw were primarily associated with antioxidant activity, with kaempferol 3-xylosylglucoside, isoginkgetin, and rhoifolin being the most representative. Thus, this study demonstrates that L. sajor-caju could enhance the functional value of highland barley straw, showing the potential of L. sajor-caju for improving the utilization of agricultural straws in ruminants.

Metasmart in the rations of young sheep of Kuibyshev breed

Realization of the productivity potential of sheep is possible only under the condition of balanced feeding based on the characteristics of their nutrition and metabolism. Maximum gains in live weight and high-quality wool can only be obtained as a result of adequate feeding, balanced with all currently known nutrients including amino acids. The use of synthetic amino acids in particular methionine when feeding ruminants is diffi cult, because with a lack of energy and nitrogen in the feed, protein and amino acids are partially degraded in the forestomach. Therefore, the use of synthetic amino acids as part of the ration of ruminant animals becomes less eff ective and is unjustifi ed from an economic point of view. The purpose of the research was to study Metasmart (protected methionine) in the rations of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. The experiment was carried out on three groups of young animals (control and two experimental) from 3 to 9 months of age per 12 heads animals in each group. Scientifi c and economic experiment was divided into two periods, the fi rst period from 3 to 7, the second period from 7 to 9 months of age. For animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups in the fi rst period (from 3 to 7 months of age), Metasmart was included in the feed at the rate of 1,5 and 2,0 g/head/day. In the second period (from 7 to 9 months of age) Metasmart was included in the compound feed at the rate of 2,0 and 3,0 g/head/day in the experimental groups. It was established that feeding protected methionine (Metasmart) to meat-wool young sheep helped reduce feed intake for a gain of 1 kg of live weight, which had a positive eff ect on the prime-cost of growth and meat productivity of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. Analysis of parameters of wool productivity of haggerels showed that the inclusion of Metasmart in the compound feed in an amount of 2,0 g/head/day in the fi rst period and 3,0 g/head/day in the second period had a positive effect on the wool productivity of animals and the quality of wool.

Evaluation of nutritive value and in vitro digestibility of five selected browse plants as feed for ruminants in Nigeria

Some trees, especially browse plants are cherished by cattle, sheep and goats in the tropics. However, the browse plants have their peculiar characteristics and nutrients in them. Therefore this study was conducted to evaluate nutritive value, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of Morinda lucida, Moringa oleifera, Ficus exasperata, Pentaclethra hirsute.s macrophylla and Palisota Samples were investigated for proximate composition, in vitro gas production characteristics, estimated organic matter digestibility (OMD%), metabolizable energy (ME, MJ/kgDM) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA, mol). Results showed that there were significant differences in proximate composition with crude protein (CP) ranging from 17.87 in Palisota hirsute to 27.20% in Moringa oleifera. The content of the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) with values ranging from 53.39 in Pentaclethra macrophylla to 60.39% in Morinda lucida. The estimated SCFA, OMD and ME were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in Pentaclethra macrophylla (0.37 mol, 30.88 % and 4.65 MJ/kgDM) respectively. In conclusion, the selected plants evaluated in this study had high crude protein contents which would make them good protein supplement to poor quality feeds especially during feed scarcity without adverse effect. Certains arbres, en particulier les plantes broutées, sont appréciés par les bovins, les moutons et les chèvres sous les tropiques. Cependant, les plantes broutantes ont en elles leurs caractéristiques et leurs nutriments particuliers. Par conséquent, cette étude a été menée pour évaluer la valeur nutritive, la composition chimique et la digestibilité in vitro de Morinda lucida, Moringa oleifera, Ficus exasperata, Pentaclethra macrophylla et Palisota hirsute. Les échantillons ont été étudiés pour la composition immédiate, les caractéristiques de production de gaz in vitro, la digestibilité estimée de la matière organique. (DMO%), énergie métabolisable (EM, MJ/kgDM) et acide gras à chaîne courte (AGCC, mol). Les résultats ont montré qu'il existait des différences significatives dans la composition immédiate des protéines brutes (PB) allant de 17,87 chez Palisota hirsute à 27,20 % chez Moringa oleifera. La teneur en fibres détergentes neutres (FDN) différait significativement (P &lt; 0,05) avec des valeurs allant de 53,39 chez Pentaclethra macrophylla à 60,39 % chez Morinda lucida. Les AGCC, DMO et EM estimés étaient significativement (P &lt;0,05) plusélevés chez Pentaclethra macrophylla (0,37 mol, 30,88 % et 4,65 MJ/kgDM) respectivement. En conclusion, les plantes sélectionnées évaluées dans cette étude avaient des teneurs élevées en protéines brutes, ce qui en ferait un bon complément protéique aux aliments de mauvaise qualité, en particulier en cas de pénurie alimentaire, sans effet indésirable.

Microencapsulation efficiency of fruit peel phytonutrient-based antimicrobial to mitigate rumen emission using in vitro fermentation technique

This research investigated the protecting properties of polyphenols and flavonoids in phytonutrient pellets formulated from lemongrass powder and mangosteen peel (LEMANGOS pellets) through the microencapsulation and named microencapsulated LEMANGOS (mLEMANGOS). For this purpose, the effects of mLEMANGOS supplementation at various R:C ratios of 60:40 and 20:80 were evaluated and compared with monensin (antibiotic) supplementation under an in vitro study technique. Treatments were randomly assigned in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design consisting of factors A: R:C ratios (60:40 and 80:20), factor B: mLEMANGOS supplementation (0, 2, 4, and 6% DM), and factor C: monensin supplementation (0 and 20% DM). There was an interaction between the R:C ratio and both mLEMANGOS and monensin supplements on the in vitro gas production kinetics, ruminal by-product fermentation, methane production, and rumen microbial population (p < 0.001, 0.01, 0.05). Results indicated that each supplementation influenced the gas production kinetics, while there was decreased cumulative gas production in the mLEMANGOS supplemented. Consequently, the supplemented group buffered ruminal pH and increased the in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations. Moreover, the additional treatment of mLEMANGOS supplementation (6% DM at R:C ratios of 60:40 and 20:80) significantly reduced the number of Methanobacteriales to 53.5% and 50.4% after 24 h, respectively. Results from those supplements can reduce methane production to 99.2% and 97.9% (p < 0.001), respectively. This research suggests that phytonutrient-based antimicrobial in the mLEMANGOS supplement could potentially be used as ruminant feed additives and as antimicrobial substances. HIGHLIGHT Microencapsulated LEMANGOS was formulated by biopolymer using green technique to retain the phytonutrients and their long-term release. The mLEMANGOS supplementation (at 6% of total DM) can be used as a synthetic bio-antibiotic for inhibiting methanogens-archaea population. The mLEMANGOS supplementation (at 6% of total DM) can enhance rumen nutrients degradability, ruminal end-products, and mitigate methane production.

DETERMINATION OF SEASONAL CHANGES OF FEED VALUE OF COMMON GRAZABLE SPECIES AŞAĞI GÖKDERE MACQUIS SHRUBLANDS

This study was conducted in the years of 2018-2020 to determine the feed value of common shrub species that can be grazed in the maquis area around Aşağı Gökdere village of Isparta. Ten species (Quercus coccifera, Quercus infectoria, Quercus cerris, Phillyrea latifolia, Spartium junceum, Crataegus monogyna, Paliurus spina-christi, Juniperus oxycedrus, Cistus creticus and Arbutus andrachne) were used in the study. Leaf samples were collected from these species in each season. Dry matter content, crude protein content, NDF, ADF, total digestible nutrients, relative feed value and tannin content were determined. According to the analysis of variance, the differences between seasons and shrub species were found to be statistically significant in all traits analyzed. According to the two-year averages, when the seasons were compared, the highest crude protein content, total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were obtained in spring, decreased as the seasons progressed, and the lowest values were obtained in winter. The lowest dry matter ratios, ADF and NDF values were obtained in spring and they increased in parallel with the progression of the seasons. The lowest condensed tannin ratios were obtained in spring and summer, while the highest values were determined in autumn. When the species were compared, the lowest dry matter and condensed tannins contents were found in Spartium junceum, while NDF and ADF ratios were found in P. spina-christi. The highest crude protein content was determined in Quercus infectoria, while total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were determined in P. spina-christi species. As a result, it was observed that shrubs, shrub-formed trees and shrubs in the maquis have an important potential as high quality feed for ruminants during the critical period in semi-arid and arid regions.

Effects of dietary nitrogen and/or phosphorus reduction on mineral homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms in young goats.

The reduction of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in ruminant feed is desirable due to costs and negative environmental impact. Ruminants are able to utilize N and P through endogenous recycling, particularly in times of scarcity. When N and/or P were reduced, changes in mineral homeostasis associated with modulation of renal calcitriol metabolism occurred. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of dietary N- and/or P-reduction on the regulatory mechanisms of mineral transport in the kidney and its hormonal regulation in young goats. During N-reduction, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in blood decreased, accompanied by a lower protein expression of cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 (CYP27B1) (p = 0.016). The P-reduced fed goats had low blood phosphate concentrations with simultaneously high Ca and Mg levels. The insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations decreased significantly with P-reduction. Furthermore, gene expression of CYP27B1 (p < 0.001) and both gene (p = 0.025) and protein (p = 0.016) expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform in the kidney were also significantly reduced during a P-reduced diet. ERK1/2 activation exhibited a trend toward reduction in P-reduced animals. Interestingly, calcitriol concentrations remained unaffected by either restriction individually, but interacted significantly with N and P (p = 0.014). Additionally, fibroblast growth factor 23 mRNA expression in bone decreased significantly with P-restriction (p < 0.001). These results shed light on the complex metabolic and regulatory responses of mineral transport of young goats to dietary N and P restriction.

Identification of phytase producing bacteria from acidifying Tithonia diversifolia: Potential for ruminant feed development

Phytate content in feed ingredients can negatively impact digestibility and palatability. To address this issue, it is necessary to study microbes capable of breaking down phytate content. This study aimed to isolate and characterize phytase-producing bacteria from decaying materials rich in phytic acid. The research was conducted in several stages. The first stage involved isolating phytase-producing bacteria from the acidification of Tithonia diversifolia using growth media containing Na-phytate. Bacterial isolates that produced clear zones were then tested for their activity and ability to produce several enzymes, specifically phytase, cellulase, and protease. The next step was to test the morphological characteristics of the bacterial isolate. The final stage of bacterial identification consisted of DNA isolation, followed by PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, DNA sequence homology analysis, and construction of a phylogenetic tree. Based on research, three isolates were found to produce clear phytase zones: isolates R5 (20.3 mm), R7 (16.1 mm) and R8 (31.7 mm). All isolates were able to produce the enzymes phytase (5.45–6.54 U/ml), cellulase (2.60–2.92 U/ml), and protease (22.2–23.4 U/ml). Metagenomic testing identified isolate R7 and R8 as Alcaligenes faecalis and isolate R5 as Achromobacter xylosoxidans. The isolation and characterization of phytase-producing bacteria from Tithonia diversifolia acidification resulted in the identification of two promising candidates that can be applied as sources of phytase producers. Phytase-producing bacteria can be utilized to improve digestibility and palatability in animal feed.

Effects of refused melon fruit in Canarana grass ensilage on intake, digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass characteristics and meat attributes of feedlot lambs.

Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of ensiling refused melon fruit (RMF) with Canarana grass on the intake, apparent digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of feedlot lambs. Four distinct silage treatment types were prepared by ensiling RMF at 0g/kg (control), 70g/kg, 140g/kg, and 210g/kg (as fed) with Canarana grass. Twenty-eight male Santa Inês lambs (7 lambs per treatment), initially weighing 22.3 ± 1.0kg at 120 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design and confined for a total of 96 days, including a 23-day adaptation period and 73 experimental days in a feedlot. The lambs received the treatment-silage in diets as a complete mixture with a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70. The inclusion of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage decreased (P < 0.05) the lambs' intake of dry matter, crude protein and metabolisable energy. The inclusion of RMF in ensilage had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates. The serum total protein and cholesterol levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage, but we observed no effect on the final weight and average daily gain of the lambs. The feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) by including RMF in the Canarana grass ensilage. The RMF in the ensilage did not influence cold carcass weight and yield. The fat content of the meat decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage. It is recommended the inclusion of up to 210g/kg of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage to increase feed efficiency and avoid impacts on the performance and carcass attributes of confined lambs.