Fibrolytic Enzyme Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of fibrolytic enzyme supplementation on feed intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics in goats fed with Leucaena silage

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding fibrolytic enzyme cocktail, which was derived from dried tomato pomace treated with Aspergillus niger, to Leucaena silage on total gas production by using in vitro gas techniques. In addition, the effect of these enzymes on voluntary feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation were determined using 8 male, crossbred Anglo Nubian x Native goats. The experiment was designed as a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square. The experimental treatments were randomly assigned to each sequence of feeding of the 4 experimental treatments, i.e., 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% (dry matter) of enzyme cocktail supplemented to Leucaena silage. The addition of 0.4% enzyme cocktail increased total gas production at 96 h, which was not different from the addition of commercial cellulase. Gas production from the insoluble fraction (b) was improved by increasing the enzyme cocktail levels (P = 0.039). The voluntary intake of Leucaena silage increased with an increase in the addition of enzyme level (P = 0.025). The dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF and ADF digestibility’s were also increased by increasing the addition of enzyme cocktail level. The addition of enzyme cocktail increased the Prevotella_1 in rumen fluid compared with the untreated group. In conclusion, at 0.4%, the fibrolytic enzyme cocktail derived from A. niger increased feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fibrolytic bacteria community in goats.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation to improve voluntary intake, availability of nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) on voluntary feed intake, availability of different nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves. Fifteen weaned healthy female Jersey crossbred calves (weight 79.73±3.46 kg; age 234.5±11.33 days) were divided equally into three groups viz., Control (T0), Treatment-1 (T1) and Treatment-2 (T2). Growth trial was conducted on these calves for 90 days. Animals in each treatment group were fed ad lib. total mixed ration (TMR) (CP 12%, TDN 65%) individually for 90 days. Calves under control (T0) group were fed ad lib. TMR (without EFE). Calves under T1 and T2 were fed ad lib. TMR supplemented with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg DM of TMR and with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 12000 and 24000 IU/kg DM of TMR, respectively. Significantly greater DMI per unit body weight (kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was recorded in enzyme supplemented groups compared to control group; however, difference between T1 and T2 was non-significant. Addition of EFE in the TMR diet of calves increased TDN and DCP intake (g/kg W0.75) in T1 and T2 than T0 . Supplementation of EFE also enhanced TDN (%), DCP (%), DNDF (%), DE (Mcal/kg of feed) and ME (Mcal/kg of feed) value of the diets under T1 and T2 than T0. Average daily weight gain (g/d/calf) was estimated greater in T1 and T2 than T0. The feed conversion efficiency was similar among three treatments. Whereas, plasma total protein and albumin concentration increased significantly due to supplementation of EFE in the diet of calves. Therefore, it may be concluded that supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg TMR DM) may boost growth potential of finisher Jersey crossbred calves with enhanced intake of nutrients.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation on nutrient intake and digestibility in Black Bengal kids

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) to the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) at two different levels on intake, nutrient digestibility and nutrient availability in Black Bengal kids. A digestibility trial was conducted on 15 post-weaned Black Bengal kids divided into three groups. Control (T0) group was fed ad lib. TMR was prepared from concentrate mixture and green fodder @ 40: 60 on DM basis. T1 and T2 groups were supplemented with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg TMR DM and 12000 and 24000 IU/kg TMR DM, respectively. The study revealed significantly higher digestibility of nutrients, i.e. DM, OM, EE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and total carbohydrates in both enzyme supplemented groups than the control group. However, the digestibility of CP, cellulose and hemicellulose was significantly higher only in T2 group than the control. There was no significant difference between two enzyme supplemented groups in terms of digestibility of different nutrients except for CP which was significantly higher in T2 than T1. The difference in voluntary intake of DM and OM were non-significant but the intake of CP, DCP and TDN were higher in enzyme supplemented groups. Similarly, TDN, DE and ME content of the diet were also higher in two enzyme supplemented groups than control. However, there was no significant difference between T1 and T2 in terms of nutrient availability and intake. Based on the present study, supplementation of EFE @ cellulase 8000 and xylanase 16000 IU/ kg DMwas found to be optimum for improving the nutrient digestibility and availability in Black Bengal kids, which may further improve the productive and reproductive performance of the animals.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation on voluntary intake, availability of nutrients and growth performance in Black Bengal kids (Capra hircus)

A Growth experiment was conducted on fifteen weaned Black Bengal kids divided into three groups. Kids under control (T0) group were fed ad libitum Total Mixed Ration (TMR) prepared from concentrate mixture and green fodder @ 40: 60 (on a DM basis). Kids under T1 and T2 groups were supplemented with two levels of EFE (T1 with cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16,000IU/kg TMR DM and T2 with 12,000 and 24,000IU/kg TMR DM). A digestion trial was also conducted during the last phase of the growth trial. The intake of nutrients, like DM, OM, CP, TDN, and DCP (g/kg W0.75) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in enzyme-supplemented treatments. Supplementation of EFE also increased (P < 0.001) intake of DE and ME (Mcal/ kg W0.75) in Black Bengal kids. The differences in all the blood biochemical parameters and enzymes (glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, urea, AST, and ALT) were non-significant (P > 0.05) among the three treatment groups. Average daily body weight gain (ADG, g/d/kid) was increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 7.00 % in T1 and 7.19 % in T2 over the control group (T0). The FCE (feed conversion efficiency) was also greater (P < 0.05) in both enzyme-supplemented (T1 and T2) groups compared to the control. The results depicted no additional advantage due to the supplementation of a higher level of an enzyme mixture. Therefore, it may be concluded that the supplementation of EFE @ cellulase 8000 and xylanase 16,000IU/kg diet DM increased the intake of different nutrients and growth performance in weaned Black Bengal kids.

Effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on growth performance of lambs fed finger millet straw based diets

Effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on growth performance of lambs fed finger millet straw based diets

Fibrolytic enzyme supplementation improves lactation performance of Awassi ewes fed a high forage diet

Fibrolytic enzyme supplementation improves lactation performance of Awassi ewes fed a high forage diet

Effect of fibrolytic enzyme supplementation of urea-treated wheat straw on nutrient intake, digestion, growth performance, and blood parameters of growing lambs

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE; 1:1 v/v mixture of cellulase PLUS and xylanase PLUS, Dyadic International Inc, USA) to untreated (Control(WS)) and urea pretreated wheat straw (UWS) on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal fermentation, growth performance and blood metabolites of meat lambs. The diet contained 50 % wheat straw and 50 % concentrate (DM basis), and the EFE was applied at 1 mL/ kg DM to the straw. Lambs were arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments (n = 5 lambs per treatment): Control(WS), WS+EFE, UWS, UWS+EFE. The lambs were housed individually in metabolic crates for 56 d divided into three experimental periods: d0–21 adaptation period, d21–28 digestibility trial and average daily gain (ADG) measurements and d28–56 for only ADG measurements. All studied treatments have no effect on nutrients intake. As compared to the control WS, only the EFE supplementation affected the nutrients digestibility. The EFE addition improved the digestibility of dry matter by 9 % and 14 %, organic matter by 8 % and 13 %, crude protein by 7 % and 6 %, neutral detergent fiber by 24 % and 47 %, and acid detergent fiber by 30 % and 48 % for WS+EFE and UWS+EFE as compared to Control(WS) and UWS, respectively. The ruminal NH3-N concentrations measured during d21, d24 and d28 were lower for animals fed WS+EFE and UWS+EFE than those fed on Control(WS) and UWS. The nitrogen retention improved only for UWS+EFE. The EFE supplementation to straw had no effect on ruminal pH and blood metabolites. For the ADG, the highest total ADG improvement (22 %) was recorded for UWS+EFE. These results indicate that urea treatment alone was inefficient in improving straw digestibility and lamb growth performance. However, the EFE supplementation was efficient on lamb growth, especially when combined with urea treatment due to increased ruminal digestibility and nitrogen retention.

"Supplementation of Probiotic and Fibrolytic Enzymes on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Calves"

"Supplementation of Probiotic and Fibrolytic Enzymes on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Calves"

Effect of Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes Supplementation or Functional Feed Additives on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation of Chemically Pre-Treated Sunflower Heads

This study aims to provide possible utilization of sunflower head byproduct (SFH) as a feedstuff by implementing chemical pretreatments (4% sodium hydroxide (SFHNaOH) or 4% urea (SFHurea) and supplementation with either exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) or functional feed additive (FFA). The experimental EFE was a complex (1:1, v/v) of two enzyme products with high activity of β-1,3-1,4-glucanase and endo-1,4-β-D-xylanase and applied at 0 (SFHout), 1, 2, 5, and 10 µL/ gdry matter, while FFA was a fermentation byproduct rich in cellulase and xylanase activities, applied at 0 (SFHout), 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/g DM. SFHurea had the highest (p &lt; 0.05) crude protein (CP) content compared to other SFH substrates. Linear enhancements (p &lt; 0.05) in kinetics of gas production (GP), metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations were observed for all SFH substrates supplemented with EFE. The SFHout had the highest (p &lt; 0.05) potential GP, maximum rate (Rmax) of GP, ME, OMD and SCFAs. Supplementation of EFE was more pronounced than FFA in affecting the kinetic parameters of in vitro GP for all SFH substrates. SFHout supplemented with EFE seems to be the most promising substrate to enhance microbial fermentation in vitro.

Effects of palm oil supplementation and fibrolytic enzymes in high forage diets on growth, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of lambs

This study investigated the effects of palm oil and fibrolytic enzyme supplementation in high forage diets on growth, carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition of lambs. Forty South African Mutton Merino ram lambs were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10 lambs/ treatment) and fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR). The treatments were: TMR diet with Megalac as bypass oil (control); TMR diet supplemented with 3% palm oil; TMR diet with cellulase and xylanase enzymes and TMR diet supplemented with 3% palm oil and cellulase and xylanase enzymes. The lambs were slaughtered at a target weight of about 42 kg. Palm oil supplementation resulted in a longer feeding period (P < 0.05) and lower dressing percentage (P < 0.01), but the carcasses had higher meat yield (P < 0.01) and lower fat content (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatment groups. Additionally, palm oil supplementation increased the proportion of C18:0 (P < 0.05) while decreasing (P < 0.05) the proportion of C14:0 (P < 0.05) and C16:0 (P < 0.05) in fat depots, which may be beneficial for human health. The fibrolytic enzyme treatment had minimal effects on growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid composition of lambs. The interaction effect of palm oil and fibrolytic enzymes had positive effects on the UFA: SFA ratio due to an increase (P < 0.05) in C20:3n6 and C20:4n6 and a reduction (P < 0.05) in saturated fatty acids. The results suggest that methane mitigation strategies through palm oil and enzyme supplementation can be used in lamb diets without adverse effects on product quality.

Effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on milk yield and composition in early lactating crossbred dairy cows

A study was conducted to examine the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) carboxymethylcellulase (CMC) and xylanase (Xy) on milk yield and composition in early lactating crossbred dairy cows fed on total mixed ration (TMR). Fifteen cows within ten days of calving were selected from University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme (ULF &amp; FRDS), Mannuthy and were randomly divided into three groups. The animals were fed with isonitrogenous TMR (3.5 per cent of body weight) for a period of 90 days and the dietary treatments included; T1 offered with the control diet (TDN - 60 per cent, CP - 13 per cent), T2 offered with control diet supplemented with EFE (CMC 3500 units/kg and Xy 16000 units/kg), and T3 given a diet lower in TDN (TDN - 55 per cent) supplemented with EFE (CMC 3500 units/kg and Xy 16000 units/kg).The results of the study revealed that milk yield remained unaffected (p&gt;0.05) with dietary treatments. Milk composition also remained similar, except for milk urea nitrogen which was lower (p&lt;0.05) in enzyme supplemented groups. Thus, it could be inferred that EFE supplementation in cows during early lactation is more beneficial in diets with low TDN since the milk yield and milk composition of cows fed with TMR having low TDN supplemented with EFE had comparable values with those offered with TMR having higher TDN.

Effect of fibrolytic enzyme supplementation on growth performance and nutrient utilization in Surti goat kids fed legume straw-based diet

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE) supplementation on growth and nutrient utilization in Surti goat kids for a period of 90 days. Eighteen kids (4 to 5 months of age, 7.41±0.61 body weight) were allotted to three treatments (6 each), as control (T1) and supplemented (T2 and T3). The kids were fed roughages comprising green Napier hybrid and dry legume straws (Pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan) with required amount of concentrate to fulfil the nutrient requirements. Supplementation of EFE was carried out in T2 and T3 @ 1.0 lakh and 1.5 lakh IU each of cellulase and xylanase per kg dry matter intake per animal per day, respectively. Nutrient intake was comparable; however the nutrient digestibilities of nutrients and fibre fractions were improved (p<0.05) on enzyme supplementation. Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus was positively balanced; however levels were similar (p>0.05) among the treatments. Total body weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio was significantly (p<0.05) improved in T2 and T3. Increase (p<0.01) in the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, total N and trichloroacetic acid precipitable nitrogen was observed on enzyme supplementation. Blood biochemical characters showed an increase in glucose and total protein values with decrease in serum urea level in T2 and T3, while triglycerides and cholesterol were comparable. Daily feed cost was higher (p<0.05) on supplementation but economic efficiency (Rs./kg gain) was not affected. Thus, it was concluded that supplementation of EFE improved the digestibility of nutrients, growth and feed conversion ratio without affecting feed intake and economics of feeding.

Influence of fibrolytic enzymes in total mixed ration containing urea-molasses-treated sugarcane bagasse on the performance of lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of fibrolytic enzyme on nutrient utilization and milk production in dairy cows. Four multiparous early-to-mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows were randomly allocated in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Cows were fed a balanced total mixed ration (TMR) on a dry matter (DM) basis containing 0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6g/kg DM of fibrolytic enzyme in TMR, where the TMR comprises 60% concentrate supplemented with a fibrolytic enzyme at 0, 2, 4, and 6g/kg DM of concentrate, and 40% urea-molasses-treated sugarcane bagasse (UMSB) was used as a roughage source. Fibrolytic enzyme supplementation in TMR containing UMSB did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) of dairy cows (p > 0.05). There was a quadratic effect of fibrolytic enzyme levels on the digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.05), and the maximal response was reached at 1.2-2.4g/kg DM of fibrolytic enzyme added in the TMR. Furthermore, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, milk fat, total volatile fatty acids, and propionic acid were greater in a cow fed with 1.2-2.4g/kg DM of fibrolytic enzyme, resulting in a lower ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding a fibrolytic enzyme in TMR containing UMSB improved nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, and milk production of lactating dairy cows.

Influence of Fibrolytic Enzymes Supplementation on Lactation Performance of Ossimi Ewes

Influence of Fibrolytic Enzymes Supplementation on Lactation Performance of Ossimi Ewes

Digestibility of Nutrients as Influenced by Supplementation of Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes in Dry Non-pregnant Cows

The study was planned to evaluate the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) supplementation for 56 days @ 240 mg/kg total mixed ration (TMR) on digestibility of dry matter and nutrients in dairy cows. Six dry non-pregnant cows were assigned in each treatment with and without EFE. The digestibility trial of seven days was conducted after 49 days of feeding. Dry matter and nutrients intake of cows was not influenced by EFE. The supplementation of EFE had improved digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, cellulose (p less than 0.01), as well as digestibility of nitrogen-free extract and acid detergent fiber, was also higher (pless than 0.05). The body weight gain of cows was higher on the supplementation of EFE in TMR. The study concluded that feeding exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (240 mg/kg) supplemented TMR improved digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, which was reflected as higher body weight gain in dry non-pregnant Gir and crossbred dairy cows.

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ENSILING AND /OR EXOGENOUS FIBROLYTIC ENZYME SUPPLEMENTATION OF DATE PRESS CAKE

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ensiling and /or exogenous fibrolytic enzyme supplementation date press cake using in vitro batch culture technique . Untreated date press cake (DPC) and ensiled DPC with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (ZAD1 and ZAD2) and with or without adding urea compared to corn grains were in vitro evaluated using batch culture technique. DM, NDF and ADF degradation and total gas production as well as fermentation parameters of the incubated samples were determined after 24 h of fermentation. Total VFAs, proportions are not affected (P > 0.05) by any of the treatments. However, value of ammonia concentration was higher (P 0.05) with the ensiling treatments. There were no significant differences in the values of DMD and OMD between the different treatments. But, the values of NDFD and ADFD were increased (P 0.05) between the corn grain and the DPC without any treatments. While, values of metabolizable protein (MP) and efficiency of microbial biomass production (EMP) were increased (p<0.05) with DPC compared to corn grains . There was no significant difference in the rumen activity when using date press cake (DPC) or corn grains. Moreover, the ensiling process did not cause a clear improvement in rumen fermentation.

Inoculum source and transfer of rumen contents from bison to cattle improved in vitro gas production and feed digestibility, but not the responses to exogenous enzymes supplementation

We hypothesized that inoculating the rumen of beef cattle with rumen contents of bison and supplementing with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (FE) would improve ruminal feed digestibility by enhancing microbiome activity in the rumen. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of inoculum source (cattle versus bison), inocula after transfer from bison to cattle, FE supplementation, and their interaction on in vitro fermentation of barley straw, alfalfa hay and wheat dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS). Rumen content transfers were performed using 16 beef heifers (body weight = 461 kg) twice at a 2-week interval by replacing 0.70 of total rumen contents of heifers with an equivalent amount of mixed rumen contents collected from plains bison. Three experiments were conducted using batch culture techniques. Barley straw and alfalfa hay were ground through 1-mm screen and DDGS was incubated as-is. In Exp. 1, inocula were prepared by combining rumen fluids (vol/vol) of cattle and bison at ratios of 100:0, 67:33, 33:67 and 0:100; the substrates were incubated for 96 h for determination of gas production (GP) kinetics. In Exp. 2, inocula with the same ratios as in Exp. 1 were incubated with substrates in vitro for 24 h to determine dry matter (DM) digestibility (DMD). In Exp. 3, incubations were conducted for 6, 24 and 48 h with the same substrates in four runs to compare the before versus after inocula effect. Each batch culture was a completely randomized design without or with FE addition at a rate of 2.0 μl/g substrate DM. Three different FE products (referred to FE1, FE2 and FE3) were used, with FE1 added in Exp. 1 and 2, while all 3 FE were added and compared in Exp. 3. Asymptotic GP of barley straw and alfalfa hay was not affected, whereas that of wheat DDGS responded quadratically (P < 0.04) with increasing bison contents in inocula. Rate of GP decreased (P < 0.03) for barley straw and alfalfa hay (quadratic), and for wheat DDGS (linear) with increasing bison contents in inocula (Exp. 1). In vitro DMD of barley straw at 24 h of incubation quadratically (P < 0.02) increased with increasing bison contents in inocula, whereas DMD of alfalfa hay and DDGS linearly (P < 0.01) decreased (Exp. 2). For Exp. 3, the DMD of barley straw, alfalfa hay and DDGS were greater (P < 0.05) at 6 h of incubation with the inocula collected after, as compared to before the rumen content transfer. In contrast, the DMD of alfalfa hay at 48 h and DDGS at 24 h and 48 h were less (P < 0.04) with inocula after versus before rumen content transfer. Addition of FE improved (P < 0.05) DMD of DDGS. The results demonstrated that the ruminal inocula from bison had an advanced capacity to degrade fibrous feed in vitro as compared to those from cattle. Enrichment of the cattle rumen microbiome with that of bison could potentially improve rumen digestion of fibrous feeds in beef cattle. Moreover, the results also suggest that the improvement in feed digestibility due to supplemental FE may be independent of inoculum source.

Hemato-biochemcial characteristics of lambs on dietary feed additives (exogenous fibrolytic enzymes, Artemisia absinthium Linn.) supplementation

Dietary composition affects blood metabolic profile of farm animals. Hemato-biochemical indices serve as clinical indicators for the impact of dietary manipulations on physiological health status. To augment sheep productivity in temperate regions by improving animal health conditions, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) cocktail and Artemisia absinthium L. (commonly known as wormwood) herb alone and in combination as feed additives on blood metabolic profile in lambs. Crossbred lambs (n = 20) divided into four equal groups of five in each and fed for 90 days followed by 6 days of metabolism trial on oat straw-based complete feeds supplemented with either EFE cocktail (T1) @ 6 g/kg DM or wormwood herb (T2) @ 4.5% of DM or a combination of the two (T3) and complete feed without any supplementation served as control (T0). Hemato-biochemical parameters of all the animals were studied at 0-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day intervals. The feed additives supplementation improved the nutritive value of diets; however, the significant (P < 0.01) effect for percent digestible crude protein and digestible energy were with T3 where combination of enzymes and herb was applied, whereas higher (P < 0.05) percent total digestible nutrients were recorded in groups supplemented with wormwood herb (T2 and T3) compared to control. Feed additive supplementations did not change significantly the mean observations of red blood cell (except hematocrit) and platelet indices, total blood cell counts, energy metabolic profile, serum total cholesterol and total triglycerides, serum total proteins, serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, serum creatinine, and uric acid levels; however, feed additive supplementation have a significant positive effect on differential WBC counts, high-density lipoproteins (P < 0.05), low-density lipoproteins, atherogenic index, serum globulin, and albumin: globulin ratio and serum urea nitrogen (P < 0.01) levels among the treatment groups. The hemato-biochemical metabolic profile of feed additive-supplemented lambs revealed better physiological health status compared to un-supplemented animals. Supplementations of EFE cocktail, wormwood herb, or their combination improved the nutritive value of diets without any adverse effects on hematological and blood biochemical parameter suggesting supplementation of the feed additives for successfully raising lambs intensively.

Effect of supplementation of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) herb and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on growth of lambs

A study was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of Artemisia absinthium L. (wormwood) and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on growth performance of lambs. Crossbred lambs (n=15) of 4–6 months age were randomly divided into three groups (5 each) and fed for a period of 90 days followed by six day metabolism trial. Animals in all the groups were offered oats straw-based complete feed, supplemented with wormwood herb @ 4.5% of dry matter (DM) either alone (G-2) or in combination with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes cocktail @ 0.6% of DM (G-3), whereas the complete feed without any supplementation served as control (G-1). Herb supplementation had positive (P′0.05) effect on digestible crude protein and metabolizable energy intakes (113.85 g/d and 9.20 MJ/d in G-2, 120.42 g/d and 9.72 MJ/d in G-3 compared to 87.38 g/d and 7.25 MJ/d in G-1, respectively). The mean digestibility values were significantly (P<0.05) higher for organic matter (67.65% in G-2 and 69.79% in G-3) and for crude protein (68.60% in G-2 and 71.26% in G-3) while for various fibre fractions were higher (P<0.05) in the G-3 compared to G-1 and G-2. There were significantly (P<0.01) higher total body weight gain (10.92 kg in G-2 and 12.30 kg in G-3) and average daily gain (121.33 g/d in G-2 and 136.67 g/d in G-3) compared to the control (6.92 kg and 76.89 g/d). It was concluded that wormwood herb supplemented alone as feed additive in complete diets for lambs enhance growth rate in terms of higher body weight and body measurements.

Effects of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme supplementation to diets with different NFC/NDF ratios on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation in Chinese domesticated black goats

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) supplementation into diets with different non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC)/neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratios on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and microbiome in Chinese domesticated Lezhi black goats. Treatments were 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diets using low vs. high NFC/NDF ratios (1.06 or 1.66) and with or without EFE supplementation (0 or 0.4 g cellulase and xylanase/kg dry matter of diet). Sixty four Lezhi black goats (11 ± 0.8 kg of live weight) were randomly assigned to the four treatments. High NFC/NDF ratio and EFE supplementation achieved greater average daily gain and improve feed conversion ratio (P < .05). The same treatments also significantly increased digestibility of organic matter (OM), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and NDF. In addition, the high NFC/NDF ratio diet, but not the EFE supplement, improved digestibility of crude protein (CP) and reduced ruminal pH (P < .001). Both high NFC/NDF ratio and EFE supplement decreased ruminal NH3-N concentrations significantly (P < .001), and increased the production of rumen total volatile fatty acids (VFA, P < .001), especially the molar proportion of propionate (P < .05). They reduced the molar proportion of acetate and thus the ratio of acetate to propionate (A: P) (P < .05). Both the high NFC/NDF ratio and the EFE supplement elevated the levels of microbial crude proteins (P < .01). Importantly, the combination of high NFC/NDF ratio and the EFE supplement diet raised the content of the microbial crude proteins to the highest levels among the 4 different treatment groups (P = .012). However, the high NFC/NDF ratio and the EFE supplementation had different impacts on fiber degrading activities. The high NFC/NDF ratio diet decreased, while EFE supplementation increased, the activities of cellulase and xylanase (P < .05). Among the three cellulytic bacteria detected (Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes), only the abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes was significantly decreased with the high NFC/NDF ratio (P = .004). These results illustrate that the diet with a high NFC/NDF ratio and EFE supplementation can improve ADG, feed conversion ratio and nutrient utilization in Lezhi black goats. These improvements are likely attributed to the elevated production of microbial crude proteins and a shift in the molar proportions of VFA in the rumen, rather than increase of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen microbiota.