Forage Level Research Articles

Effects of País grape marc inclusion in high and low forage diets: ruminal fermentation, methane production and volatile fatty acids

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of País grape marc (GM) in high (HF) and low forage (LF) ruminant diets on rumen methane (CH4) production and fermentation parameters in an in vitro (batch) culture. Experimental treatments replaced forage for GM at increasing concentrations (0, 10%, 20% dry matter [DM]) in the incubation substrates. Gas production (GP) and CH4 production were measured at 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation and in vitro DM disappearance, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were determined at 24 h. The inclusion of 10% and 20% of GM reduced NH3-N concentrations (p < 0.001) by 48% and 58% respectively, and GM20 inclusion reduced BCVFA concentrations (p = 0.049) by 21% for HF and by 11% LF. Inclusion of 20% GM reduced the percentage of CH4 in gas (p = 0.038), CH4 production (p = 0.004) and CH4 yield (p = 0.027), but leads to a reduction of in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) (p < 0.001), gas production (p < 0.001) and total VFA (p = 0.001). In conclusion, in batch culture conditions, partial substitution of fibre sources by País GM in high and low fibre diets has the potential to reduce NH3-N concentrations and CH4 production and yield with a reduction of IVDMD. HIGHLIGHTS País GM reduces up to 58% in vitro NH3-N rumen concentrations regardless of forage level in the diet. Partial substitution of fibre sources with País GM reduces methane production by up to 15%. Partial substitution of forage sources with País grape marc has the potential to improve livestock systems sustainability.

Nitrate supplementation at two forage levels in dairy cows feeding: milk production and composition, fatty acid profiles, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and hydrogen sink

Abstract Nitrate may reduce the ruminal methane emission by competing methanogenesis to achieve more hydrogen. For this purpose, twenty Holstein lactating cows were examined using a 2×2 factorial design in 4 groups for 60 days with two forage levels (40% and 60%) and supplemental nitrate 0% (F40 and F60) and 3.5% (F40N and F60N) of diet dry matter (DM). Then, the effect of nitrate and forage levels on cow performance, ruminal fermentation, methane emission, and metabolic hydrogen sink were evaluated. The nitrate supplementation did not significantly affect milk yield and ECM/DMI, while milk urea nitrogen was increased. Lowest quantity of milk vitamins (A and E) was observed in nitrate groups. The nitrate supplementation increased c9-C18:1, unsaturated fatty acids, and n-6/n-3 contents of the milk. Blood parameters were affected by nitrate supplementation. Blood met-Hb concentration was increased, while blood glucose was decreased in nitrate groups. High forage and nitrate fed animals (F60N) had higher ruminal acetate and lower propionate concentration, and higher acetate+butyrate to propionate ratio than other groups. Nitrite and NH3-N concentrations were higher in the rumen of nitrate fed animals. Nitrate supplementation inhibited gas volume and methane emission without affecting volatile fatty acids at 12 and 24 h of incubation. The H2 balance, H2 production and consumption, and recovery percentage were significantly lower in F60N group. In conclusion, nitrate supplementation can be employed as an alternative strategy for improving ruminal fermentation, milk quality and methane inhibition.

Crabgrass as an equine pasture forage: impact of establishment method on yield, nutrient composition, and horse preference

Warm-season grasses (WSG) incorporated into traditional cool-season rotational grazing systems to increase summer yields are typically established in monoculture in separate pasture areas. Few studies have evaluated alternative interseeded establishment of WSG, despite potential benefits for improving biodiversity and land-use efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of establishment method (monoculture vs. interseeded) on crabgrass pasture forage yield, nutritive value, and preference under equine grazing. Three adult standardbred mares grazed two main plots on two consecutive days (8 hr/d) for three grazing events in 2019: Jul 28/29 (GRAZE 1), Aug 20/30 (GRAZE 2), Oct 1/2 (GRAZE 3). Each main plot contained four replicates of three treatments: mixed cool-season grass (CSG); Quick-N-Big crabgrass (CRB) [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] interseeded into existing cool-season grass (INT), and CRB established as a monoculture (MON). The cool-season grass mix included Inavale orchardgrass [Dactylis glomerata (L.)], Tower tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.], and Argyle Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis (L.)]. Herbage mass (HM) and sward height (SH) were measured prior to each grazing event and samples were collected (0800–1000 h) for chemical composition analysis. Observed grazing time (GT) in each sub-plot as determined by 5-min scan sampling was utilized as marker of horse preference. Forage HM was greater in MON (8043 ± 1220 kg/ha) than CSG (5001 ± 1308 kg/ha; P = 0.003), with a trend for greater total HM in MON vs. INT (6582 ± 1220 kg/ha: P = 0.06), but HM did not differ between INT and CSG. The SH was also greatest for MON (28 ± 1.11; INT: 23.6 ± 1.11; CSG: 19.7 ± 1.37 cm; P < 0.003). Forage nutrients (digestible energy and crude protein) were largely similar across treatments and met requirements of horses at maintenance. Horse GT was lower in MON (22.6 ± 3.77 min/sub-plot) than in INT (31.9 ± 3.79 min/sub-plot; P = 0.003) and there was a trend for lower GT in MON vs. CSG (29.9 ± 4.17 min/sub-plot: P = 0.07). These results indicate interseeding CRB would not effectively increase yields of traditional cool-season grass equine rotational grazing systems and would not supply similar levels of summer forage provided by monoculture establishment. Results of this study also suggest horses may prefer cool-season grass pasture forage over warm-season crabgrass.

Effects of dietary concentrate: forage ratio on development of gastrointestinal tract in black Tibetan sheep

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary concentrate: forage ratio (C:F) on the development of the gastrointestinal tract in Tibetan lamb. A total of 60 healthy two-month-old weaned black Tibetan sheep (approximately 10.50 kg of initial body weight) were assigned to three treatments and fed C:F of 70:30 (HC group), 50:50 (MC group) and 30:70 (LC group). Using the haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, morphological results showed that the increase of dietary roughage level from 30 to 70% exerts a positive effect on the development of the forestomach including rumen, reticulum and omasum, especially in papillae and muscle layer. Both submucosa thickness and muscle layer of abomasum are significantly increased in the LC group when compared with the HC group. Moreover, the mucosal thickness of the small intestine is higher in the LC group than that in the HC group, whereas crypt depth is higher in HC compared to the LC group. These data suggest that increased dietary forage levels promote gastrointestinal tract growth in black Tibetan sheep by changing in papilla, muscle layer and mucosal thickness, and concentrate can be supplemented up to 30% to fulfil the nutrient requirements without restriction on the development of the gastrointestinal tract.

Physical and chemical characteristics of meat from lambs fed sorghum silage with cashew bagasse.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing forage sorghum for dehydrated cashew bagasse (DCB) in the proportions of 0; 8; 16 and 24%, based on the natural matter at the time of ensiling on the physicochemical parameters of meat from feedlot lambs. None of the physical parameters evaluated showed a significant difference between the substitution levels of sorghum forage for DCB. The final pH obtained in this study showed a value above the recommended for freshly slaughtered meat from animals 24 hours in refrigeration, being considered DFD meat (dark, firm and dry). Regarding the chemical parameters, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the levels of substitution of sorghum forage for DCB to variable moisture and ash was perceived negative linear effect for protein and quadratic effect on lipid levels meat. The replacement of forage sorghum up to 24% of dehydrated bagasse cashew the ensilage does not compromise the quality of the meat, however, the substitution of 8% is to be preferred because it provides meats with lower lipid content.

PSXII-25 Effects of level and source of dietary forage on performance of lactating Alpine goats

Abstract Thirty-two primiparous and 32 multiparous Alpine goats consumed diets varying in level and source of forage to determine influences on lactation performance. Diets were 40, 50, 60, and 70% forage (40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively), with forage in 60F and 70F being coarsely ground grass hay (primarily orchardgrass) and that in 40F and 50F cottonseed hulls, alfalfa pellets, and wheat hay. Initial body weight was 56.1±1.22 and 58.3±1.33 kg for primiparous and multiparous goats, respectively. Diets were 15.7–16.1% crude protein, 40.5, 45.9, 57.1, and 59.6% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 6.1, 7.4, 4.6, and 5.0% acid detergent lignin, 10.0, 15.8, 50.1, and 55.5% particle retention on a 19-mm sieve, and 28.1, 32.4, 41.9, and 43.2% physically effective NDF for 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively. The experiment started at 14 days-in-milk and lasted 16 wk. Average daily gain was similar (P &amp;gt; 0.05) among treatments (-23, -33, -28, and -28 g; SEM=1.11), but dry matter intake [(DMI) 2.71, 2.75, 1.96, and 1.95 kg/d, SEM=0.133] and milk yield (2.82, 2.71, 2.23, and 2.10 kg/d; SEM=0.157) were lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for the 2 diets highest in forage. Treatments affected (P &amp;lt; 0.05) milk fat (3.16, 3.37, 2.93, and 2.97%; SEM=0.120) and protein concentrations (2.62, 2.69, 2.58, and 2.52% for 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively; SEM=0.042). Milk energy yield was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for the 2 diets highest in concentrate (7.51, 7.45, 5.68, and 5.34 MJ/d; SEM=0.471), although relative to DMI yield was not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by diet (2.94, 2.95, 2.76, and 2.74 MJ/kg for 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively (SEM=0.164) and was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for multiparous vs. primiparous goats (2.64 and 3.05 MJ/kg; SEM=0.116). In conclusion, lactational performance of Alpine goats in early to mid-lactation will be constrained with diets high in forage of moderate quality and large particle size.

A comparative analysis of rumen pH, milk production characteristics, and blood metabolites of Holstein cattle fed different forage levels for the establishment of objective indicators of the animal welfare certification standard.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to obtain an objective index that can be quantified and used for establishing an animal welfare certification standard in Korea. For this purpose rumen pH, ruminating time, milk yield, milk quality, and blood components of cows reared in farms feeding high forage level (90%) and farms feeding low forage level (40%) were compared.MethodsData on rumen pH, rumination time, milk yield, milk fat ratio, milk protein ratio, and blood metabolism were collected from 12 heads from a welfare farm (forage rate 88.5%) and 13 heads from a conventional farm (forage rate 34.5%) for three days in October 2019.ResultsThe rumination time was longer in cattle on the welfare farm than on the conventional farm (p<0.01), but ruminal pH fluctuation was greater in the cattle on conventional farm than the welfare farm (p<0.01). Conventional farms with a high ratio of concentrated feed were higher in average daily milk yield than welfare farms, but milk fat and milk production efficiency (milk fat and milk protein corrected milk/total digestible nutrients) was higher in cattle on welfare farms. Blood test results showed a normal range for both farm types, but concentrations of total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acid were significantly higher in cows from conventional farms with a high milk yield (p<0.01).ConclusionThe results of this study confirmed that cows on the animal welfare farm with a high percentage of grass feed had higher milk production efficiency with healthier rumen pH and blood metabolism parameters compared to those on the conventional farm.

Degradability, in vitro fermentation parameters, and kinetic degradation of diets with increasing levels of forage and chitosan.

Chitosan is the second most important natural biopolymer in the world, extracted from crustaceans, shrimps, and crabs and can modulate rumen fermentation. Our hypothesis is that the addition of chitosan alters the fermentation patterns of different diets for ruminants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of chitosan and forage on in vitro dry degradation kinetics and fermentation in a gas production system. The chitosan levels (0, 1625, 3,500, or 7,500 mg/kg of dry matter [DM]) were arranged in a completely randomized block design, and for in vitro ruminal fermentation assay, we used a split splot arrangement. Into the incubator, all chitosan levels were distributed in the four jars, and the forage levels varying on 100, 65, 50, 35, and 20 on DM basis. There was an interaction effect for chitosan and forage levels (P ≤ 0.05) on IVDMD; IVOMD. IVDCP and IVDNDF. Chitosan negatively affected IVDMD in all roughage levels evaluated. The pH and ammonia concentration present effect only for roughage levels and incubation hours. The chitosan did not change (P = 0.3631) the total short-chain fatty acid concentration (overall mean = 21.19 mmol/L) and the C2:C3 ratio (overall mean = 5.85). The IVDCP showed the same decreasing quadratic behavior (P < 0.0001). The increasing chitosan addition increases (P < 0.0001) the gas production and decreases (P < 0.0001) the lag time (parameter C) of diets with greater concentrate participation, characterizing greater efficiency in the degradability of the diet, confirming its potential use in diets for ruminants. Chitosan changes in vitro dry degradation kinetics and fermentation at the minimum dose of 1,722 mg/kg DM for all diets. The roughage level influenced the in vitro nutrients degradability and cumulative gas production.

Effects of inclusion different level of low-quality forage and ruminal undegradable protein to degradable protein ratio in starter diet on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and urinary purine derivatives in young lambs

Forty 12-day-old lambs with an average BW of 6.37 kg were allocated in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of wheat straw feeding level (WS; 10% vs. 25%, DM basis) and rumen undegradable to degradable protein ratio [RUP:RDP; low ratio (LR) = 27:73; high ratio (HR) = 38:62] on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, microbial protein yield (MPY), blood metabolites, and liver enzymes. Treatments (10 lambs/each; 5 males and 5 females) were: (1) 10% WS with low RUP:RDP ratio (10WS-LR); (2) 10% WS with high RUP:RDP ratio (10WS-HR); (3) 25% WS with low RUP:RDP ratio (25WS-LR); and (4) 25% WS with high RUP:RDP ratio (25WS-HR). Lambs were weaned on d 82 of the experiment and remained in the study until d 92. Lambs had free access to starter diet throughout the experiment. Results show that starter intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency did not change among experimental treatments. Organic matter digestibility was reduced in 25WS diets. Greater organic matter digestibility, fibre digestibility (tendency; p = 0.064), wither height (d 82), and urinary allantoin was found in HR compared to LR diets. However, ruminal NH3-N concentration and urinary nitrogen excretion was greater in LR diets indicating lower nitrogen utilization efficiency. The greatest ruminal butyrate concentration as well as the greatest concentration of blood beta-hydroxybutyrate was found for 25WS-HR diet at d 90 of experiment. The blood urea concentration was reduced in HR diets compared to LR diets. In summary, high RUP:RDP ratio is advisable when young lambs received high level of WS in starter diet due to improve nutrient digestibility and nitrogen efficiency.

Effects of supplemental fat sources and forage feeding levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen utilization in dairy calves

Knowledge regarding the potential interactions between supplemental fat source and fiber level in starter diet of dairy calves is lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of supplemental saturated fat [palm fat (PLF) containing 86% palmitic acid (C16:0)] vs. unsaturated fat [soybean oil (SBO) containing 51% linoleic acid (C18:2)] and forage level on feed intake, growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and metabolic traits in dairy calves. Forty newborn Holstein female calves (BW = 39.7 ± 1.8 kg) were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups (each consisting of 10 animals) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of fat source [soybean oil vs. palm fat; 3% of starter based on DM basis] and alfalfa hay level (0 vs. 15%, on DM basis): SBO or PLF with (AH) or without (NAH) alfalfa hay. Calves had ad libitum access to water and starters throughout the study and a constant amount of milk was offered among experimental calves during the pre-weaning period. All calves were weaned on day 63 of age and remained in the study until day 73 of age. The results showed that the lowest and the highest starter intake and average daily gain during pre-weaning period was observed when calves received SBO-AH and PLF-AH, respectively. Accordingly, the lowest wither and hip heights at weaning time (day 63) and final wither height (day 73) were observed in SBO-AH group across treatments. Calves received PLF-AH had the highest weaning and final BW compared to other groups. Feed efficiency tended to be higher in PLF groups compared with SBO calves. Calves fed SBO-AH had the lowest digestibility of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber and also total short chain fatty acid concentrations in rumen compared with other groups. The SBO calves had lower urinary allantoin, urinary purine derivatives, and microbial protein synthesis than PLF calves; however, urinary nitrogen increased with SBO supplementation. In summary, the supplementation of SBO rich in C18:2 and AH during the pre-weaning period resulted in negative responses on growth performance, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation profile. Therefore, the inclusion SBO rich in C18:2 along with forage in the starter is not recommendable for young dairy calves.

Influence of level of groundnut haulms and feeding system on performance of growing rabbits

Forty crossbred weaner rabbits were used in a factorial experiment involving three levels (15, 30 and 45%) of groundnut haulms(GHM) and two feeding systems (separate and mixed). Ratios of concentrate to groundnut haulms or groundnut haulmsmeal were: 1) 85% concentrate plus 15% GHM, 2) 70% concentrate plus 30% GHM and 3) 55% concentrate plus 45% GHM. For separate feeding system, concentrate and groundnut haulms were offered in separate feeders while for mixed feeding system, groundnut haulms meal was incorporated into the concentrate as complete diets. The control rabbits were placed on concentrate alone. Total feed offered was 100g/rabbit/day. Final weight, feed intake and total weight gain increased quadratically with increase in level of groundnut forage. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by level of groundnut forage. Feed cost and cost/kg gain decreased with increase in groundnut haulms level. Savings/kg gain increased with increase in level of groundnut haulms from ₦7.9 to ₦107.6. Feeding groundnut haulms separately or mixed increased daily feed intake of rabbits than sole concentrate. ADG was higher for separate feeding than mixed and sole concentrate. Feed cost was significantly higher for sole concentrate than separate and mixed feeding. Savings/kg gain was ₦450 - ₦300 for separate and mixed feeding compared with sole concentrate. Feed intake was higher for separate at 15 and 45% GHM, while for 30% GHM, mixed feeding had higher intake than separate system. ADG was higher for separate than mixed feeding for all levels of groundnut forage. Feed conversion ratio was similar for separate and mixed feeding system irrespective of groundnut haulms level. Feed cost was lower for separate feeding system at all GHM levels except for 30% GHM level where it was higher for mixed than separate feeding. Feed cost/kg gain was higher for mixed feeding at 15 and 45% GH and lowest for separate at 45% GHM. It is concluded that rabbits can be offered up to 45% GHM while, separate feeding was better than mixed feeding.

Effect of adding graded levels of lablab forages on fermentation characteristics of Brachiaria silage

Ensiling as a method of forage feed conservation is the most appropriate in conserving of crude protein (CP) enhanced forages for sustainable dairy production. This is attributed to the fact that with this method, protein dependent lactic acid bacteria (LAB) hydrolyze water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) into short chain volatile fatty acids (VFAs) which are precursors for milk synthesis while the proteins buffers the excessive organic acids to produce more acetate and propionate. The study therefore aimed at assessing the quality of Brachiaria silage which was protein supplemented with graded levels of lablab forage. To achieve this objective, wilted Brachiaria forage (Brachiaria hybrid cv Mulato II) was collected, wilted and ensiled with and Lablab purpureus forages at inclusion levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% Lablab purpureus forage. The resultant 4 treatments were assessed in a completely randomized design in 3 replicates. All silages were prepared using plastic jar mini-silos to laboratory scale and then incubated at room temperature (±30°C) for 45 days. After the 45 days, chemical analysis for quantification of water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), none protein nitrogen (NH3-N), Acid detergent fiber (ADF), Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), pH, in-vitro organic matter digestibility (INVOMD), acetic acid, lactic acid and propionic acid composition were conducted. The results indicated that; none protein nitrogen, acetic acid and propionic acid composition decreased in quadratic trends with increasing legume forage inclusion to minimum values of 5.8, 48.0 and 0.7g/kg at 14.7, 1.8 and 6.0% inclusion levels of lablab forage, respectively. On the other hand, following a quadratic trend, WSC composition decreased with increase in lablab forage, with a maximum of 28.9g/kg obtained at 7.6% inclusion level of lablab forage. Generally, CP, dry matter, INVOMD and metabolizable energy of the silage increased with increase in the inclusion levels of lablab silage. Using regression equations of the response curves, NDF and ADF decreased with increasing legume forage inclusion to minimum values of 349.3 and 172.1g/kg at inclusion levels of 16.1 and 17.1%, respectively. On the other hand in-vitro organic matter digestibility increased with the increase in the lablab forage inclusion to a maximum of 49.4%. However, mineral composition of the silage was not affected by lablab forage inclusion. Since the quality of silage for dairy cows depends on short chain volatile fatty acid, fibre and crude protein composition, inclusion of lablab forage to Brachiaria hybrid cv mulato II silage at a rate of 17.1% potentially yields the best results in lactating cows.

Soybean oil supplementation and alfalfa hay inclusion in starter feed of Holstein dairy calves: growth performance, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and urinary purine derivatives

Forty newborn Holstein female calves (BW = 39.9 ± 2.1 kg) were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups (each consisting of 10 animals) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of supplemental soybean oil [0 vs. 3% soybean oil (SBO) on dry matter basis] and forage level [0 vs. 15% alfalfa hay (AH) on dry matter basis] to evaluate the interaction effect of supplemental fat and forage feeding level in starter feed of dairy calves. Treatments were; (1) neither SBO supplementation nor AH inclusion (NSBO-NAH); (2) SBO supplementation but no AH included (SBO-NAH); (3) no SBO supplementation but AH included (NSBO-AH); and (4) SBO supplementation with AH (SBO-AH). Calves had ad-libitum access to water and starters throughout the study and weaned on day 63 of age but remained in the study until day 73 of age. The results showed that SBO supplementation reduced starter intake, average daily gain (tendency) and faecal consistency compared to un-supplemented diets. The lowest digestibility for neutral detergent fibre and crude protein, as well as the lowest wither height and volatile fatty acid production, were found for SBO-AH diet among experimental treatments. Moreover, the lowest urinary purine derivatives excretion but the highest urinary nitrogen excretion found in SBO-AH diet indicated the lowest nitrogen utilisation efficiency among experimental treatments. In summary, based on the current study condition, because the negative effects of SBO supplementation were exacerbated when AH was incorporated in the starter feed, concurrent feeding of SBO and AH is not recommendable in young calves. HIGHLIGHTS Supplemental soybean oil and alfalfa hay inclusion in starter feed of dairy calves was evaluated. Supplementation of SBO reduced crude protein digestibility and ruminal propionate concentration and caused looser faecal consistency. The inclusion of AH exacerbated the negative effects of SBO supplementation on ruminal fermentation and microbial activity. Concurrent supplementation of SBO and AH inclusion is not recommendable in dairy calves.

Effects of supplementing Rice Straw with Pigeon Pea Forage on Performance of Yankasa Sheep

Studies were conducted to evolution the feeding value of rice straw (RS) supplemented with varying levels of pigeon pea forage (PPF)as dry season feed for yearling Yankasa ewes. Twent yearling ewes with an average live weight of 15.02kg were randomly assigned to four treatments. Five ewes ner treatment comprising a basal RS diet fed ad libiitium (0.0% PPF), and ad libitium RS supplemented the feed ingredients showed tha RS had 10.81% CP, 5/11% liginin and 4.2% silica while ppf had 15.75% CP, 3.63% ligmim and 0.5mh/kg tannin. in terms of mineral contents analyzed. PPF was higher thanRS only in calcium. The results of the feeding trial showed increase feed intake with increase in level of PPF supplementation. Ewes on the unsupplemented and 0.5% body weight supplementation lost weight (-2.01kg and -1.6kg respectively) while those on 1.0 and 1.5% supplementation had minimal(1.25kg and 1.06kg respectively) weight gain. The digestibility and nitrogen balance showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the digestion of DM, NDF and ADF across the treatments. Supplementing RS diet wit o.1% of the body weight PPF resulted in better digestibility of all nutrients. Nitrogen retention across all treatments were high and ranged between 86.18 to 90.06 percent

The effects of diets containing two corn stubble levels and three non-hydrogenated lipids sources on fattening performance, carcase, and meat quality of male hair-lambs

Research regarding the association of fatty acids (FA) with corn stubble in feedlot lambs is limited. FA dietary supplements can reduce the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF). However, it is not known if the NDF amount added with corn stubble and FA source in the diet can influence the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), all of which are related to meat quality. In this study, 96 male-lambs (29 ± 4.9 kg) were assigned in two dietary NDF levels [25% (NDF-25) and 29% (NDF-29)] and four supplemental fat treatments [no supplemental (C), 3% CLA-60, 3% Safflower oil (SAF) and 3% linseed oil (LIN)] evaluated in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Compared with CLA diets, diets supplemented with SAF and LIN contained more C18:2. Dietary forage level did not affect average daily gain, feed efficiency, or carcase characteristics (p = .56). With NDF-29 increased meat protein content (2%, p < .05). Meat chromatic b* values were greater (p = .02) with NDF-25. Control vs. supplemental lipids (SL) MUFA and PUFA increased in the muscle with SL. The endogenous level of CLA in muscle improved (p < .05) in the muscle with SL. Juiciness meat increased with both NDF levels and lipid supplements (p = .06). In conclusion, protein content and juiciness in the meat improve with NDF-29 (as corn stubble) on a diet. Similarly, SAF and LIN increase the content of PUFA and CLA in meat. Highlights A slight increase of NDF from 25% to 29% added with corn stubble within an iso-energetic diet, change the colour and some sensory variables of the lamb meat. Safflower and linseed oils included in the diet at 3% improve the content of conjugated linoleic acid in lamb meat. The General Quality index in the meat sensory analysis is not affected by inclusion levels of fibre (NDF 25 vs. 29) and lipids (3%) in the diet of hair lambs.

Nutritional evaluation of forage as feed resources on the haematological parameters of pigs

A feeding trial was conducted with a total of 30 pigs to evaluate the potential of fresh Pannicum maximum forage on pigs. The trial lasted for 63 days. Five diets were formulated which contained 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels of the fresh grass forage. Each diet formed a treatment which was offered to the pigs. Each treatment was replicate, arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The pigs were feed 4% of their body weight and water was offered ad-libitum. The blood composition of pig in terms of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved even with the inclusion of fresh grass forage of 20%, while mean corpuscular volume did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) differ from the control which contained 0% forage. It is therefore concluded that fresh Pannicum maximum forage could be used in pig ration at 25% inclusion level without any effect on the animal.

Nutritional evaluation of mixed forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoid) as feed resources on the haematological indices of pigs

A feed trial was conducted with a total of 30 pigs to evaluate the potential of mixed fresh forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) on pigs. The trial lasted for 63 days. Five diets were formulated which contains 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% level of grass and legume forage. Each diet formed a treatment which was offered to the pigs. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 2 pigs per replicate, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). The pigs were fed 4% of their body weight and water was given ad-libitum. The blood composition of the pigs in terms of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular concentration. Results showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in white blood cell (17.70 – 23.30) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin (15.83 – 18.03) and mean corpuscular volume (48.00 – 53.16(mg/100ml) and there is no treatment effect on observed in packed cell volume (36.00 – 42.00%), haemoglobin (12.00 – 14.00) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (33.25 – 33.41%). Recommended level of inclusion of the mixed forage (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) in the diet of pigs should not exceed 20%.

Effect of source and level of forage in the diet on in vitro ammonia emission from manure of Holstein and Jersey dairy cows

Reducing overall reactive N losses from dairy production systems depends substantially on reducing the atmospheric emission of manure ammonia (NH3). The objective of this study was to determine potential NH3-N emission of reconstituted manure using an in vitro protocol. Feces and urine were collected from a companion study designed as a Latin square in which 4 Holstein and 4 Jersey cows were fed diets containing 2 levels of forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) [low-forage NDF (19%) vs. high-forage NDF (24%; dry matter basis)] from either alfalfa silage or corn silage (70:30 vs. 30:70 ratio of alfalfa silage NDF:corn silage NDF) arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial. All diets contained similar levels of crude protein (17%) and starch (23%), and had forage-to-concentrate ratios of 55:45 and 68:32 for low- and high-forage NDF diets, respectively. Measurements of NH3-N emission were conducted in a laboratory-scale chamber with 16 g of reconstituted manure (urine plus feces) incubated for 48 h at 15°C with sampling at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Hourly NH3-N emissions data were analyzed using a repeated-measures mixed model in R (https://www.r-project.org/). The fixed effects were breed, forage NDF level, forage NDF source, time of sampling, and all possible interactions; cow was included as a random term. The cumulative 48-h NH3-N emissions and the scaled-up emissions accounting for daily output of manure from each cow were analyzed using the same model but without time of sampling. Level and source of forage in the diet tended to influence the pattern in hourly rate and 48-h cumulative emission, respectively. Accounting for daily manure volume differences, low-forage NDF diets led to lower estimates of daily NH3-N emissions than high-forage NDF diets (20% on a cow basis, 15% on a raw manure basis, and 18% on a manure-N basis). Compared with Holsteins, Jerseys emitted 17% lower estimated NH3-N on a cow basis, mainly due to lower manure excretion but tended to emit 15% more NH3-N expressed on a manure-N basis. Findings of this study suggested that cow breed and dietary forage NDF level should be considered in the prediction of NH3-N emission from the dairy industry.

PSX-9 Effects of dietary levels of alfalfa and Sericea lespedeza hay on feed intake and growth performance by growing Alpine doelings and Katahdin ewe lambs

Abstract Twenty-four Alpine doelings (initial BW and age of 25.3±0.55 kg and 10.4±0.11 mo, respectively) and 24 Katahdin ewe lambs (24; 28.3±1.02 kg and 9.6±0.04 mo, respectively) were used to determine effects of dietary levels of alfalfa and Sericea lespedeza on feed intake and growth performance. The treatment arrangement was a 2 × 3 factorial. Animals were housed in pens fitted with Calan feeding gates during the study with 4 periods, the first 3 periods were 42 d in length and the fourth 47 d. Diets consumed ad libitum were 75% coarsely ground hay. Forage was alfalfa, a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza, and lespedeza. There were no significant interactions between breed and diet or significant three-way interactions involving period (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Intake of DM in g/d was much greater for Katahdin than for Alpine (P &amp;lt; 0.001; 1,817 vs. 1,274; SEM=51.1), with differences of lesser magnitude in % BW (P = 0.063; 4.14 vs. 3.84; SEM=0.110) and g/kg BW0.75 (P = 0.001; 106 vs. 92; SEM=0.993). All expressions of DMI were similar among diets (P ≥0.199; 1,600, 1,585, and 1,452 g/d, SEM=62.6; 3.97, 4.10, and 3.89% BW, SEM=0.134; 99, 102, and 96 g/kg BW0.75 for alfalfa, alfalfa-lespedeza, and lespedeza, SEM=3.2). The ADG was greater for Katahdin than for Alpine (P &amp;lt; 0.001; 180 vs. 88 g, SEM=5.0) and ranked (P &amp;lt; 0.05) alfalfa &amp;gt; alfalfa-lespedeza &amp;gt; lespedeza (159, 132, and 111 g, respectively; SEM=6.1). The ratio of ADG:DMI was greater for Katahdin than for Alpine (P &amp;lt; 0.001; 104 vs. 72 g/kg; SEM=3.4) and greatest among diets for alfalfa (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 101, 84, and 79 g/kg for alfalfa alfalfa-lespedeza, and lespedeza, respectively; SEM=4.2). In conclusion, the two small ruminant breeds and species responded similarly to dietary characteristics as impacted by the different forage levels.

Guidelines for small ruminant production systems under climate emergency in Europe

• Climate change is a threat for the sustainability of European small ruminants. • There are available adaptation measures to climate change. • Small ruminants are key species to keep livestock activity in harsh environments. • Small ruminants are key for upcycling underutilized feed resources. Projected climate change will involve an additional threat for the sustainability of small ruminant production systems in Europe. Aiming to understand its implications, we conducted a literature review on climate change interactions with sheep and goat systems. The review first identifies the main potential impacts on productivity at the animal level (heat stress effects) and at the forage level (quantity and quality). Results from analysed studies suggest that heat stress thresholds for small ruminants could be higher than previously indicated, although they still will be affected during projected heatwaves. At the forage level, the potential positive effect of CO 2 fertilisation will probably be counteracted in most of the cases due to extreme weather events and other limitations. Based on that findings, the review analyses the most suitable adaptation strategies on animal heat stress and pasture production. Particular attention is paid to integrated approaches, providing co-benefits at different levels. Finally, structural and practical challenges affecting small ruminants’ sustainability in a climate change context are discussed, together with potential synergies and trade-offs among different policies and/or strategies. According to the information reviewed, small ruminant systems could be particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, as they are often produced in harsh areas under already severe circumstances. At the same time, they have particular features that could involve advantages against other livestock systems to cope with –and fight against- future climatic conditions. Consequently, they should play a important role for the climate change adaptation and mitigation options within the livestock sector.