NDF Fractions Research Articles

107 Bacterial direct-fed microbial mixtures effects on beef cattle ruminal degradability kinetics

Abstract The effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on beef cattle ruminal degradability were evaluated. Six ruminally cannulated beef steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design and offered a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum intake during three, 28-d periods. Treatments were: 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A (L. animalis, P. freudenreichii; B. subtilis; and B. licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50 mg)/animal-daily minimum; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were approximately 30% greater than the minimum expected. Pre-dehydrated (55ºC for 72 h) diets and forage substrates were ground (2 mm) and placed into 10 × 20 cm (28 µm) nylon bags (8 and 5 g, as-is respectively). The diet-substrate included a mixture of (DM basis) steam-flaked corn (70%), alfalfa hay (10%), and wet corn gluten feed (20%). The forage-substrate was represented by ‘WW-B Dahl’ Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii). Substrate in-situ bags were placed within a nylon mesh (with weights) at the ruminal ventral sac, and reversely removed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 20, 32, 48, 64, 72, and 96 h after feeding. Samples were removed, rinsed, and dehydrated for 72 h at 55oC. Residues were composited within period, steer, incubation-time, corrected for residual moisture and were used to fit a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS (animal = experimental unit). Steers offered Treat-A tended to show an increase on the rate of degradation of NDF (P = 0.15) and ADF (P = 0.10) fractions; increased (P < 0.01) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B); and increased (P = 0.02) the effective degradable fraction of NDF (tendency for ADF, P = 0.08) at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% of the diet-substrate compared with Control, while tending to have a reduced rate of degradation for the overall DM (P = 0.06) and OM (P = 0.08) fractions. When the in-situ bags containing the forage-substrate were incubated, steers offered Treat-A showed an increased (P < 0.01) lag time (T0) for hemicellulose compared with Control, while those offered Treat-B had a decreased (P = 0.02) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B) compared with Control. The effective degradable fraction for hemicellulose at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% tended (P = 0.09) to numerically increase for steers offered Treat-A compared with Control. The combination of bacteria in Treat-A enhanced the ruminal degradation of high-quality fiber components, as indicated by the improvements observed within the more degradable fractions from ingredients used in the diet and the forage substrates. Further assessment is warranted to investigate post-ruminal nutrient disappearance.

Effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial mixtures offered to beef cattle consuming finishing diets on intake, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, and ruminal kinetics/fermentation profile.

Effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on intake, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation profile, and ruminal degradation kinetics of beef steers were evaluated. Crossbred Angus ruminally cannulated steers (n = 6; body weight [BW] = 520 ± 30kg) were used in a duplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design and offered a steam-flaked corn-based finisher diet to ad libitum intake for 3, 28-d periods. Treatments were 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A (Lactobacillus animalis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50mg)/animal-daily minimum; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were ~30% greater than the minimum expected. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the model including the fixed effect of treatment and the random effects of square, period, and animal (square). For repeated measure variables, the fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction, and the random effects of square, period, animal (square), and animal (treatment) were used. Preplanned contrasts comparing Control × Treat-A or Treat-B were performed. Intake and major feeding behavior variables were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by treatments. Steers offered Treat-A had an increased (P = 0.04) ADF digestibility compared with Control. Steers offered Treat-A experienced daily 300min less (P = 0.04) time under ruminal pH 5.6, a greater (P = 0.04) ruminal pH average and NH3-N concentration (P = 0.05) and tended (P = 0.06) to have a lower ruminal temperature compared to Control. Ruminal VFA was not affected (P ≥ 0.38) by treatments. Steers offered Treat-A increased (P = 0.02) and tended (P = 0.08) to increase the ruminal effective degradable NDF and ADF fractions of the diet-substrate, respectively. When the forage-substrate (low quality) was incubated, steers offered Treat-A tended (P = 0.09) to increase the effective degradable hemicellulose fraction compared to Control. In this experiment, the bacterial combinations did not affect intake and feeding behavior, while the combination with a greater proportion of B. licheniformis (Treat-A) elicited an improved core-fiber digestibility and a healthier ruminal pH pattern, in which the ruminal environment showed to be more prone to induce the effective degradability of fiber fractions, while also releasing more NH3-N.

Effects of Season and Agro Ecology on the Nutritional Quality of Browse Species for the Dromedary Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) in Borana Plateau, Southern Ethiopia

The nutritional value of browsing species is being affected, camel movement is being disrupted, and camel feed resources appear to be being substantially degraded by climate change and its variations. This study explores the effects of season and location on the composition of nutrients and in vitro dry matter digestibility of the main browse species utilized as camel feed. Using an ANOVA model. Lannea rivae had an average DM content of 87.23% while Acacia brevispica had a range of 95.58%. There are no statistically significant variations (p>0.05) in the ash content of browsing species, which ranges from 2.56% in Acacia mellifera to 18.66% in Grewia evolute. The CP content of Lannea rivae in Maerua triphylla ranged from 6.19% to 27.24%. During the wet season, there is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). On the other hand, Grewia evolute's CP contents varied from 24.56% to 10.44%, showing a significant difference (p<0.05). The results showed that Acacia etabaica had an NDF content that ranged from 25.63% to 72.10% Lannea rivae. Lannea rivae had the greatest ADF content (30.53%), and Grewia tembensis had the lowest (8.20%), with the difference being statistically significant (p<0.05). Grewia villosa in Lannea rivae had an ADL content that ranged from 2.82% to 15.86%. There is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) during the dry season. During the wet season, the NDF concentration of Maerua triphylla in Boscia mossambicensis varied from 38.33% to 62.43%. The lowest ADF content was found in Acacia etabaica (22.47%), while the highest was found in Boscia mossambicensis (42.56%). The distinction is statistically significant (p<0.001). Grewia evolute contained 2.82% to 15.86% Acacia tortilis ADL. During the dry season, Dichrostachys cinerea had the lowest cellulose concentration (3.68%), whereas Euphorbia nubica had the greatest (18.77%). The study's conclusions indicate that the location is irrelevant. NDF, ADF, and ADL fiber fractions and chemical composition (DM, Ash, and CP) did not differ substantially (P<0. 05). The effects of location and season on the chemical and fiber compositions and nutritional value of browse species for dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are clarified by this study. To identify other variables that affect the nutritional composition of browsing species, more investigation is required.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of NBPT and NPPT Application as a Urease Carrier in Fertilization of Maize (Zea mays L.) for Ensiling

The study presents the results of a 3-year field trial aimed at assessing the yield and quality of raw material for ensiling in the cultivation of three maize varieties differing in their agronomic and genetic profile, conditioned by the selection of nitrogen fertilizer. Maize cultivar ES Metronom showed a significant advantage over other cultivars when fertilized with UltraGrain stabile, or alternatively Super N-46. The application of nitrogen-stabilized fertilizers or urea + N-Lock significantly increased the yield of maize green fodder for ensiling. The “stay-green” maize cultivars were characterized by a higher content of non-structural carbohydrates, including starch and water-soluble sugars, and a lower content of structural carbohydrates, compared to the conventional cultivar, which increased their suitability for ensiling. The negative effect of maize fertilization with ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate + N-Lock on the chemical composition of green fodder was demonstrated by a reduced starch content and increased structural carbohydrate contents, including crude fiber and NDF. In turn, the positive effect of maize fertilization with urea and urea + N-Lock on the chemical composition of maize fodder was shown by increased starch content and reduced structural carbohydrate contents, including crude fiber and its NDF and ADF fractions. The analysis of the number and weight of leaves may indicate a highly effective utilization of nitrogen (“stay-green” maize hybrids), leading to the faster formation of leaves with a larger assimilation surface, which is the basis for the efficient absorption of solar radiation. The results obtained clearly show that only the correct choice of maize variety for silage cultivation, combined with nitrogen fertilizer guaranteeing access to N during the growing season, can guarantee a high yield for ensiling.

Nutritional values of forage-legume-based silages and protein concentrates for growing pigs

In organic pig production systems, one of the main challenges is to meet the demand for resources rich in protein. Among the resources available, temperate green plants, such as forage legumes, are potential sources of energy and protein. The aim of the study was to determine the nutritional value of silages (S) from the whole plant of lucerne (L) and red clover (R) and protein pastes (PPs) obtained from L and R leaves. In a first trial, 30 pigs were used in a factorial design to determine the total tract digestibility (TTD) of dietary nutrients and energy in five dietary treatments. The control group was fed a control diet (C1). The lucerne silage (LS) and red clover silage (RS) groups were fed a 78%:22% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C1 diet and LS or RS. The lucerne protein paste (LPP) and the red clover protein paste (RPP) groups were fed an 81%:19% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C1 diet and LPP or RPP. In the second trial, five pigs were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to evaluate the standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AAs) in the four legume products. The control diet (C2) was formulated with casein as the sole protein source. The LS and RS groups were fed an 85%:15% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C2 diet and LS or RS. The LPP and RPP groups were fed an 80%:20% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C2 diet and LPP or RPP. Regardless of the plant species, silages obtained from L and R leaves contained less AA and more fibre than protein pastes. While the fresh forages contained the same percentage of protein N in total N (63.6%), lucerne lost more protein N during ensiling than red clover (−75.5 vs −33.8%). The calculated TTD coefficient of energy was higher in silages than in protein pastes and lower in R than in L products (72.8, 71.5, 67.7, and 61.3 for LS, RS, LPP and RPP, respectively). The SID of total essential AA was higher in LPP than in RPP (87.2 vs 79.2%) whereas it was lower in LS than in RS (33.2 vs 56.8%). The lower SID values in silages were explained by the protein degradation during the ensiling process and a high proportion of AA linked to the NDF fraction. The results of the present study show that protein pastes obtained from lucerne and red clover are valuable protein sources for pig. In contrast, legume silages have to be considered as an energy source rather than a protein source.

Corn processing, flake density, and starch retrogradation influence ruminal solubility of starch, fiber, protein, and minerals.

Five ruminally cannulated steers (body weight = 390 ± 7.86 kg) were used in three experiments to evaluate effects of corn processing, flake density, and starch retrogradation on in situ ruminal degradation. In experiment 1, corn was left whole or processed with no screen, ground through a 6-mm screen, or ground through a 1-mm screen. In experiment 2, we produced steam-flaked corn at four densities: 309, 335, 360, and 386 g/L. These four flake densities were sifted for 20 s through a 4-mm screen to produce two particle sizes within each flake density: sifted flakes (>4 mm) and sifted fines (<4 mm). In experiment 3, sifted flakes (335 g/L) were stored for 3-d at either 23 °C (starch availability = 55%) or 55 °C to induce starch retrogradation (starch availability = 41%). All samples for each of the three experiments were weighed into nylon bags and ruminally incubated for 0-h to estimate the soluble fraction. The residue remaining was analyzed for nutrient composition. In experiment 1, whole shelled corn had lesser (P < 0.01) ruminal solubility of all nutrients measured compared with ground corn. Corn ground with a screen (6 and 1 mm) had greater (P < 0.01) ruminal solubility of all nutrients measured compared with corn ground with no screen. Corn ground through a 1-mm screen had greater (P < 0.03) ruminal solubility of DM, total starch, CP, ADF, AHF, P, Mg, K, S, Zn, Fe, and Mn compared with corn ground through a 6-mm screen. In experiment 2, increasing flake density linearly decreased (P < 0.02) the soluble fraction of DM, total starch, CP, ADF, AHF, P, K, S, and Zn of sifted flakes. The soluble DM fraction of sifted fines tended to decrease (P = 0.06) linearly with increasing flake density. Total starch, CP, NDF, and Zn soluble fractions of sifted fines were not influenced by flake density. In experiment 3, storage of sifted flakes in heat-sealed foil bags at 55 °C for 3-d decreased (P < 0.04) the soluble fractions of DM, total starch, CP, NDF, P, Mg, K, S, and Fe. With each increase in the degree of corn processing, there was an increase in the solubility of nutrients. Increasing flake density can decrease ruminal solubility of flakes; however, the soluble fraction of sifted fines is not influenced as much by changes in flake density. Inducing starch retrogradation decreases ruminal solubility of starch, nonstarch OM, and minerals.

Producción de metano in vitro y parámetros fermentativos de mezclas de ensilado de girasol silvestre y pasto elefante, inoculadas o no con cepas de bacterias ácido-lácticas epífitas

The present investigation was carried out to determine the extent of the incorporation of Tithonia diversifolia (TD) and the possibility of blending it with Pennisetum purpureum (PP) to obtain the maximum benefit for ensilability and for animal nutrition. Silage mixtures of wild sunflower (TD) and elephant grass (PP) were evaluated based on chemical composition, quantification of gas production, methane release and fermentation parameters. The silage blends were arranged in four T. diversifolia / P. purpureum proportions, namely: 100/0; 67/33; 33/67; and 0/100 (fresh weight). Silages with higher proportions of T. diversifolia increased crude protein content, in vitro digestibility while decreasing NDF and ADF fractions (P&lt;0.05). High amounts of T. diversifolia showed the lowest gas production values (160.2 ml), while treatments with higher grass inclusion produced a greater amount of gas up to 194.5 ml. Methane production was higher by increasing the proportion of P. purpureum into the silage blends. The silage inoculum did not have any impact on in vitro gas production (P&lt;0.05). Also, higher proportions of T. diversifolia reduced acidification process while P. purpureum inclusion facilitated lower pH values. Lactic acid bacteria inoculum tended to decrease pH of silages but no clear effects on silage temperature were observed. Silages with high proportions of T. diversifolia (67 % of inclusion) would be more palatable for animals and might also translate into larger animal performance due to greater protein supply and better digestibility than silages with larger proportion of P. purpureum (67 and 100 % of inclusion).

The Effect of Tytanit Foliar Application and Different Nitrogen on Fibre Fraction Content and the Feed Value of Festulolium braunii

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Tytanit foliar application, also comparing it with that of nitrogen, on the content of Festulolium braunii fibre fractions, its nutritional value and feed intake. The experiment showed that forage of better quality could be obtained by reducing the amounts of traditional nitrogen fertilisers, or excluding them and using a product containing titanium instead. The experiment commenced in the spring of 2014 in the field of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce. The plant used in the experiment was the Felopa variety of Festulolium braunii. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg ha−1 were studied. Festulolium braunii was harvested three times a year in the period 2015–2017. The amounts of NFD, ADF, and ADL in the plant material were determined by near-infrared reflection spectroscopy (NIRS) using the NIRFex N-500. Relative feed value (RFV) and dry matter intake (DMI) were calculated. The higher dose of Tytanit supplied to Festulolium braunii contributed to an increase in NDF and ADF fraction content and a reduction in RFV and ADL fraction and DMI.

Ruminal Degradation Kinetics of Beef Steers Fed Annual or Perennial Grass-hay with or Without Supplementation

Abstract The effects of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) supplementation on ruminal degradation kinetics of steers fed annual [‘Tiffany’Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter; TEFF] or perennial [‘WW-B Dahl’ Old World bluestem, Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz).T. Blake; OWB] grass hay were evaluated. Ruminally cannulated crossbred-Angus steers (n = 6; BW = 304 ± 11 kg) were assigned to a 4 × 6 unbalanced Latin square design with 4 treatments. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial, with factors being hay type (OWB or TEFF) and DDGS supplementation [0 or 0.5% BW (DM basis)]. Steers had ad libitum access to hay and received 110 g of a mineral/vitamin packet daily. Periods consisted of a 14-d adaptation followed by 7 d of collection. Hay types were reverse-incubated at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h post-feeding. Residues from the in situ incubations were fitted to a first-order kinetics model using the non-linear procedure of SAS. The GLIMMIX procedures of SAS were used for the statistical analysis. A hay type × DDGS interaction was observed (P ≤ 0.05) for the estimation of substrate effective degradable fraction of OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose; however, after adjusting with Tukey’s, there were no treatment mean differences (P ≥ 0.08). The rate of digestion, soluble fraction, and the potentially degradable fraction of OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose increased (P ≤ 0.05), while the undegradable fraction decreased (P ≤ 0.01) when steers were fed TEFF, regardless of DDGS supplementation. Ruminal degradation lag-time increased (P ≤ 0.02) by 1.5, 1.45, and 2.6 h for DM, OM, and ADF, respectively in steers fed OWB, regardless of DDGS supplementation. Ruminal degradation kinetics were not (P ≥ 0.17) independently affected by DDGS supplementation. Future investigations should elucidate the interaction between supplementation and forage quality.

Feedlot-finishing lambs with different levels of soybean pre-cleaning by-product as the roughage source

An experiment was conducted in the Sheep Farming Laboratory at the Federal University of Santa Maria to examine the effect of different levels of replacement of sorghum silage with soybean pre-cleaning by-product (SPCB) on nutrient intake, performance and feeding behavior; as well as to undertake an economic analysis of feeding finishing lambs in a feedlot system. The study involved 32 uncastrated Texel × Ile de France crossbred male lambs weaned at 60 days of age. Treatments consisted of diets in which the roughage source (sorghum silage) was replaced with SPCB at the levels of 0, 33.5, 66.5 or 100% (DM basis). A 45:55 roughage:concentrate ratio was used (DM basis). The diets were composed of a roughage feed based on sorghum silage and/or SPCB, and a concentrate consisting of crushed maize, soybean meal and limestone. In addition, mineral salt was freely available to the animals. The lambs were slaughtered upon reaching the pre-established live weight of 35 kg. Intake on a DM basis showed a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05) in all forms it was evaluated and expressed, except for the NDF fraction, which increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with SPCB inclusion. Average daily weight gain was not significantly influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by the different SPCB levels, averaging 292 g/day. As regards the feeding behavior characteristics evaluated, the number of daily feeding bouts increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with the SPCB content of the diets. Total feed cost decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the profit per kilogram of gain and profit obtained per day in the feedlot period increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with SPCB inclusion. The use of soybean pre-cleaning by-product as the roughage source in the finishing of feedlot lambs proved to be a viable alternative in both the productive and economic terms.

167 Analysis of variation in net energy prediction of feed ingredients fed to swine

Abstract Precision of NRC and CVB net energy (NE) prediction equations was investigated by taking into account natural and analyzed variation of the chemical components (e.g., moisture, protein, starch, NDF, ADF, sugars, fat) for six feed ingredients used in swine diets. Precision is defined as the variation of the NE formula given the variation of its chemical components. Stochastic variables were substituted for the component values and the variation in nutrient composition was algebraically, not statistically, propagated to the NE value for both equations. This was done both, for the naturally occurring variation as published in CVB, and for a range of analytical variation values associated with wet chemistry analysis based on a range of values obtained by published ring-tests. Consequently, variation of the NE value and the contribution to variation of each chemical component in the NE equation were calculated. The variation of NE prediction using CVB is lower than using NRC. The main contributor for increased variation of the NRC NE is the NDF fraction. Whereas in CVB, this is replaced by the NSP fraction which is computed as a residue from the other chemical component values, forcing the sum of the composition to add to 100%. Furthermore, it was determined that analyzing all nutrients, in particular NDF and ADF, did not always reduce the variation of the NE equations. In conclusion, analytical variation, especially fiber analysis, must be critically examined and, preferably, sum to 100% to increase precision in the prediction of NE in feed ingredients. Otherwise, the use of a residue fraction, although nutritionally difficult to justify, actually increased precision in the NE equations. Note that it is unfair to compare both NE formulas based on precision alone. An interesting follow-up question is to take accuracy also into account when comparing CVB and NRC.

58 Effects of Diploid and Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass Cultivars on Cattle Performance, Herbage Mass, and Nutritive Value

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) can be divided into two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x) and tetraploid (2n = 4x). Polyploid versions of a given plant species result in increased seedling vigor, more robust growth and, potentially, greater yield. While most data suggest no difference in yield between diploid and tetraploid cultivars, there is still potential for weight gain advantages thanks to increased non-structural carbohydrates in tetraploid cells. The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain of cattle grazing either diploid or tetraploid cultivars of annual ryegrass. Two diploid annual ryegrass cultivars (Marshall and Tam 90) and two tetraploid cultivars (Jumbo and Nelson) were planted in 0.81-ha pastures, each replicated four times. Four steers (mean initial BW = 214 kg) were randomly assigned to each pasture for an 82-d grazing period. Body weights were recorded starting at day 0 then every 28 days throughout the season. Data were analyzed in the GLM procedure of SAS using a significance level of α = 0.05. There were significant differences between cytotypes with respect to seasonal yield with diploids (9547.90 kg/ha) yielding greater than tetraploids (7762.00 kg/ha). As expected, ADF and NDF fractions were significantly less for tetraploids (ADF; 31.39%, NDF; 31.39%) compared to diploids (ADF; 33.75%, NDF; 53.25%). Tetraploids also contained significantly greater crude protein (13.50%) than diploids (12.90%). Cytotype had no effect on final average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.9427). However, final ADG was significantly impacted by cultivar (P = 0.0134). Final ADG for Tam 90 (1.10 kg/d) was greater than Marshall (0.92 kg/d). Cattle grazing Nelson (1.04 kg/d) and Jumbo (0.99 kg/d) did not differ. Results show that regardless of differences in seasonal yield and nutritive value between cytotypes, there were no advantages in ADG for cattle grazing either cytotype.

57 Effects of Diploid and Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass Cultivars on Cattle Performance, Herbage Mass, and Nutritive Value

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) can be divided into two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x) and tetraploid (2n = 4x). Polyploid versions of a given plant species result in increased seedling vigor, more robust growth and, potentially, greater yield. While most data suggest no difference in yield between diploid and tetraploid cultivars, there is still potential for weight gain advantages thanks to increased non-structural carbohydrates in tetraploid cells. The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain of cattle grazing either diploid or tetraploid cultivars of annual ryegrass. Two diploid annual ryegrass cultivars (Marshall and Tam 90) and two tetraploid cultivars (Jumbo and Nelson) were planted in 0.81-ha pastures, each replicated four times. Four steers (mean initial BW = 214 kg) were randomly assigned to each pasture for an 82-d grazing period. Body weights were recorded starting at d0 then every 28 days throughout the season. Data were analyzed in the GLM procedure of SAS using a significance level of α = 0.05. There were significant differences between cytotypes with respect to seasonal yield with diploids (9547.90 kg/ha) yielding greater than tetraploids (7762.00 kg/ha). As expected, ADF and NDF fractions were significantly less for tetraploids (ADF; 31.39%, NDF; 31.39%) compared to diploids (ADF; 33.75%, NDF; 53.25%). Tetraploids also contained significantly greater crude protein (13.50%) than diploids (12.90%). Cytotype had no effect on final average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.9427). However, final ADG was significantly impacted by cultivar (P = 0.0134). Final ADG for Tam 90 (1.10 kg/d) was greater than Marshall (0.92 kg/d). Cattle grazing Nelson (1.04 kg/d) and Jumbo (0.99 kg/d) did not differ. Results show that regardless of differences in seasonal yield and nutritive value between cytotypes, there were no advantages in ADG for cattle grazing either cytotype.

Digestive Potential of Soybean Agro-Industry Byproducts.

Simple SummaryThis manuscript addresses the use of nutritional alternatives: that the addition of soybean hull levels affect protein and carbohydrate fractionation, with significant changes in rumen degradability; that most of the analyzed variables were affected linearly, so levels of additive inclusion resulted in the satisfactory growth of rumen microorganisms and synchronism between the protein and carbohydrate digestion rates; and that these had an important effect on the end products of fermentation and on animal production. This is significant because animals fed diets showing these characteristics can better express their animal performance. The results obtained in this study indicate that the addition of intermediate levels of soybean hulls close to 20–30% ensures better characteristics in the silage of Brachiaria decumbens.This study aimed to determine the protein and carbohydrate fractions as well as the in situ rumen degradability of Brachiaria decumbens silage (BDS) supplemented with soybean hulls. Five soybean hull inclusion levels were used: 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% of the fresh matter of B. decumbens grass, distributed into a completely randomized design with five replications. The inclusion of soybean hulls caused a linear decrease (p < 0.001) in carbohydrate fractions A + B1 and a linear increase (p < 0.001) in carbohydrate fraction C. The percentage of non-protein nitrogen fraction increased linearly (p < 0.001), but the nitrogen fractions B1 + B2 and B3 presented a negative quadratic effect (p < 0.01) with soybean hull level and fraction C presented a linear decrease (p < 0.001). The dry matter (DM) degradability of soluble fraction (A) and the undigestible DM decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with the soybean hull level. The potentially degradable water-insoluble portion (DM fraction B) and degradability rate (c) of the DM fraction B increased linearly (p < 0.001) with soybean hull level. The crude protein (CP) fraction A presented a linear increase (p < 0.001) with soybean hull inclusion; however, soybean hull levels caused a linear decrease (p < 0.001) in the CP level of fraction B. The degradable insoluble fraction of NDF (D) of the silage increased linearly (p < 0.001) and the indigestible NDF fraction of the silage was linearly decreased with the soybean hull level (p < 0.001). The inclusion of intermediate levels (20–30%) of soybean hulls provided better protein and carbohydrate fractions and better quality of BDS.

The Effect of Wheat Bran on the Total Apparent Digestibility of Dry Matter, NDF, ADF and CP in Goat Diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of wheat bran in increasing amounts on the total apparent dry matter digestibility (DM), the fiber (NDF, ADF) and the protein (CP) in goat diets. Eight Criollo x Nubian goats were used in a 4x4 Latin square experimental design. Four diets were provided: alfalfa hay (D0); alfalfa hay + wheat bran (WB) (0.5% of BW/day) (D1), alfalfa hay + WB (1% of BW/day) (D2) and alfalfa hay + WB (1.5% of BW/day) (D3). All the treatments consisted of alfalfa hay delivered ad libitum. In vivo total apparent digestibility of the DM intake and its fractions was calculated as a result of the difference between the ingested and excreted amounts in relation to the intake. Forage intake and the relation forage/concentrate decreased linearly (p 0.05) with the WB increase in the different treatments. We can conclude that the addition of WB in Criollo x Nubian goats improved the total apparent digestibility of the ingested DM by replacing hay for concentrate, without altering NDF, ADF and CP fractions.

&lt;b&gt;Ruminal degradation of elephant grass silages added with faveira pods

The objective of this study was to evaluate in situ ruminal degradability of elephant grass silages with addition of 8, 16 and 24% of faveira pods in experimental silos of 100x50 mm, equipped with bunsen valves. The content of crude protein (cp) and neutral detergent fiber (ndf) were determined on a dry matter basis. To evaluate the in situ degradability of dm, cp and ndf, nylon bags containing 4 g sample were incubated in the rumen of three fistulated cattle for 6, 24 and 72h. The dm and cp content of elephant grass silages increased (p &lt; 0.05) from 8% inclusion associated with a higher concentration of constituents in faveira pods (77.25 and 9.61% dm). The ndf fraction reduced 10.91% (p &lt; 0.05) when adding 24% pods. The potential degradation (pd) of dm and cp increased with inclusion of faveira pods, with 75.97 and 95.21%, respectively, for the level of 24%. There was increased potentially degradable fraction (bp) of ndf by 7.07% with inclusion of 24% faveira pods, as well as a reduced colonization time (lag) from 3.81 to 3.44 hours. The addition of up to 24% faveira pods to elephant grass silages improves rumen microbial degradation, and it is indicated this level of addition to obtain better quality silage.

Effects of partial or total replacement of corn cracked grain with high concentrations of crude glycerin on rumen metabolism of crossbred sheep

Crude glycerin, a by-product of the biodiesel industry, has been used as a strategic ingredient in intensive ruminant production systems, mainly in substitution of starch-rich ingredients. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of up to 30% of crude glycerin in diets for feedlot sheep, on ruminal parameters, such as pH, NH3-N and volatile fatty acids concentrations, in situ degradability, as well as in vitro greenhouse gas production and in vitro digestibility. Eight ruminally-cannulated male Santa Inês × Dorper sheep (64.5 ± 8.5 kg) were distributed in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The experimental diets contained 0, 10, 20 or 30% of crude glycerin and were labeled as G0, G10, G20 and G30, respectively. The crude glycerin totally replaced the corn cracked grain in treatment G30. The inclusion of crude glycerin in the diets tended to promote a quadratic effect in DMI, with greater values observed for treatments G10 and G20. Crude glycerin tended to increase the ruminal pH and NH3-N, but linearly reduced the total molar concentration of VFA, acetic, butyric, isobutyric and isovaleric acids. Treatments linearly increased in vitro DM digestibility of diets and linearly reduced NDF digestibility. The inclusion of crude glycerin in the diets linearly decreased the in vitro total gas and CO2 production (mL/g degraded) and tented to reduce CH4 (mL/g degraded). A linear increase of soluble fraction in water (“a”) of the diets was observed with the increasing inclusion of crude glycerin. The insoluble but potentially degradable fraction (“b”) of DM and NDF of the diets were linearly decreased and increased, respectively. The potential ruminal degradation of the diets was markedly and linearly increased with the increasing inclusion of the by-product. The replacement of corn cracked grain by crude glycerin (up to 30% DM) changes rumen fermentation parameters, decreasing VFA production, in vitro total gas production and CH4. Additionally, the potential and effective degradation as well as in vitro DM digestibility of diets are improved while fiber digestibility is impaired.

577 In vitro ruminal fermentation and enteric methane production of tropical forages supplemented with nitrogen or the combination of nitrogen and starch

This research was conducted to evaluate in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters (CO2emissions, NDF degradability, pH, VFA, and NH3-N) and enteric methane production of medium quality tropical grass hay (TGH;Brachiaria decumbens, 6.8% CP), supplemented with N only (urea:ammonium sulfate), or the combination of N and starch. The 7 treatments evaluated were: control (TGH only, 6.8% CP), N supplementation (TGH + N at 90.1 and TGH + N 130 g/kg), N + starch supplementation (low starch, 10% of forage weight; and high starch, 20% of forage weight). Samples were incubated in serum bottles (50 mL) at 39C, each run being replicated 4 times. Methane, CO2, and VFA were evaluated after 24-h incubation. The measurements of NDF degradability, NH3-N concentration, and pH were performed at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h. Values of pH, NH3-N, VFA, CH4, and CO2obtained for the different incubation times were evaluated as repeated measures design. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (SAS Inst., Cary, NC) and differences were declared significant atPï‚£0.05. Treatment was considered fixed effect whereas treatment within run considered random. When expressed in mL/g DM, no effect was found on CH4(P =0.498) and CO2(P =0.538) production, potentially degradable fraction of NDF (P =0.429), nondegradable fraction of NDF (P =0.429), and fractional degradation rate of NDF (P =0.568). Yet, compared to control, supplementation did affect total VFA concentration (P < 0.05), more specifically, with starch affecting (P < 0.05) total acetate production, and decreasing A:P ratio (P < 0.05). The pH was found to be higher for supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Supplementation also affected NH3-N, after 36 h, with high starch inclusion being the highest (P < 0.05). Overall, the N supplementation alone does not improve TGH fermentation dynamics, and independent of the level of N supplementation, the inclusion of starch onto TGH supplementation strategies is likely to affect only VFA profile rather than total production.

Potential for improving fiber digestion in the rumen of cattle (Bos taurus) through microbial inoculation from bison (Bison bison): In situ fiber degradation1

The objective of this experiment was to determine if partial replacement of cattle rumen contents with those from bison would increase in situ ruminal fiber degradation of various forages. The second objective was to examine individual variation among cattle in their ability to degrade forage and their responses to inoculation. In situ degradation of barley straw, canola straw, alfalfa hay, and timothy hay was measured in 16 ruminally cannulated heifers fed a barley straw-based diet before and after inoculation with combined rumen contents from 32 bison (performed twice, 14 d apart). Each feed was incubated in the rumen of each heifer for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 120 h, and the degradation parameters were determined as washout fraction (), potentially degradable fraction (), rate of digestion of fraction (), and total potentially degradable fraction (). The of barley straw decreased ( = 0.04) after inoculation, whereas fraction of NDF increased ( = 0.03) and fraction of NDF and ADF decreased ( ≤ 0.02) by inoculation. In contrast, of alfalfa hay NDF and ADF decreased ( = 0.002) after inoculation, but fraction of NDF and ADF ( ≤ 0.02) increased. There were no major effects ( > 0.06) of inoculation on the fiber degradation of timothy hay or canola straw. The differential response between barley straw and alfalfa hay may have occurred because the cattle were previously adapted to a barley straw diet, whereas the bison were fed barley silage and oats. Some animals consistently ranked higher or lower for or across at least 3 of the 4 feeds incubated, but the rankings changed after inoculation. In conclusion, inoculation of cattle with bison rumen contents failed to improve degradation of fiber from barley straw, canola straw, or timothy hay in cattle well adapted to a barley straw diet, although there were small improvements in the extent of degradation of fiber from alfalfa hay. Cattle varied both in their ability to degrade various forages and in their responses to inoculation with bison rumen contents.

Effect of crude glycerine in supplement on the intake, rumen fermentation, and microbial profile of Nellore steers grazing tropical grass

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude glycerine (CG) inclusion in feed supplement (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280g/kg DM basis of supplement) on the forage intake and digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, kinetics of fibre degradation, and rumen microbial profile of Nellore steers grazing on tropical grass. Ten ruminally cannulated Nellore steers [490kg±47 body weight (BW)] were used in a replicated 5×5 Latin square design with 14-d periods. Steers were individually supplemented at the rate of 300g/100kg of BW. Inclusion of CG in the supplement did not affect (P>0.05) dry matter intake, apparent total tract digestibility, ruminal pH (P=0.784) or total ruminal VFA (P=0.291), but linearly decreased the NH3-N concentration (P=0.021). The inclusion of CG in the supplement linearly increased (P <0.001) the molar proportions of butyrate and valerate; linearly decreased the acetate (P=0.007) concentration, thus reducing the acetate to propionate ratio (P<0.001); and did not affect the molar proportions of propionate and isobutyrate. Inclusion of GC had a quadratic effect (P=0.010) on the in situ potential degradable fraction of NDF and rate of fibre degradation (P=0.006). Addition of CG linearly decreased the number of protozoa of the genera Entodinium (P=0.015) and Isotricha (P=0.058) and the relative proportions of Ruminococcus albus (P=0.047) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens in the rumen (P=0.036), but did not affect Fibrobacter succinogenes (P=0.420) or the methanogens (P=0.150). The inclusion of CG in the supplement up to 280g/kg DM altered ruminal fermentation and negatively affected in situ fibre degradation and the gram-positive cellulolytic bacterial population, but did not affect intake and apparent total tract digestibility for Nellore steers grazing tropical grass.