Neutral Detergent Fiber Fraction Research Articles

Nutritive value of ensiled Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixture

Nutritive value of ensiled Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixture

Effects of Slurry Applied with Soil Conditioners and Mineral Fertilizers on Fiber Fraction Content in Festulolium braunii (K. Richt.) A. Camus

This paper deals with the effects of slurry, soil conditioners, and mineral fertilizers on Festulolium braunii fiber content. The field studies with three replications and a completely randomized design lasted two years (2016–2017). The effects of slurry applied on its own or in combination with mineral fertilizers and with two products improving soil properties was tested on the Sulino cultivar of F. braunii, a forage grass species. The results of the studies demonstrated that crude fiber content of F. braunii significantly varied across harvests. The treatment also significantly affected neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fraction content in the biomass. Due to an interaction effect, its amounts in grass treated with the combination of slurry and UGmax, a product improving soil properties, increased by 10% when compared to plants treated with slurry only, and the addition of Humus Active, another product improving soil properties, increased it by 7%, while the addition of mineral fertilizers did so by only 4%. The amounts of acid detergent fiber (ADF) in F. braunii significantly varied across growing seasons. However, none of the research factors significantly affected the amounts of acid detergent lignin (ADL).

Evaluation of ruminal degradability and metabolism of feedlot finishing diets with or without cotton byproducts.

Cotton byproducts can be an economical source of protein, fat, and fiber in cattle finishing diets. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess the effects of including whole cottonseed (WCS) and cotton gin trash (CGT) in finishing diets on in situ ruminal degradability and 2) to determine the effects of including cotton byproducts in a finishing diet on rumen fluid pH, lactate, and volatile fatty acid concentrations. Six ruminally cannulated steers were used in a crossover design. Treatments included a control diet (CON; 7% prairie hay [PH], 15% Sweet Bran, 67.25% rolled corn, and 5% liquid supplement) and a cotton byproduct diet (CTN; 7% CGT, 15% WCS, 72.25% rolled corn, and 5% water). Both diets included 0.75% urea and 5% dry supplement. In situ bags containing individual diet ingredients and whole diet samples were incubated in the rumen for up to 96 h. Rumen fluid samples were collected over a 24-h period. No treatment × substrate interactions were detected for any fraction of dry matter (DM) or organic matter (OM) degradability for individual ingredients or whole diets (P ≥ 0.14). The A, B, and C fractions, disappearance rate (Kd), and effective degradability of DM and OM differed between diet ingredients (P ≤ 0.04) but were not different between CON and CTN substrates (P ≥ 0.25). A treatment × substrate interaction (P = 0.04) was detected for the effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of CGT and PH but there was no interaction for other fractions (P ≥ 0.27). The A fraction of NDF was greater (P < 0.001) for CGT than PH; however, the B fraction of NDF tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for PH than CGT. No differences (P ≥ 0.37) were detected for the % NDF disappearance at 48 h between CON and CTN substrates. A tendency for a treatment × substrate interaction (P = 0.10) was observed for the effective degradability of starch among diets; however, when the CON substrate was incubated in steers consuming the CON diet, effective degradability of starch was not different (P = 0.84) from when the CTN diet was incubated in steers consuming the CTN diet. There was no treatment × time interaction or treatment effect for rumen pH; however, there was a time effect (P = 0.03). Steers consuming the CTN diet had greater molar proportions of acetate and decreased molar proportions of propionate compared with CON steers (P < 0.01). This experiment suggests that there are minimal differences between the digestibility of finishing diets containing cotton byproducts and those comprised of traditional finishing diet ingredients.

In vitro digestibility of mountain-grown irrigated perennial legume, grass and forb forages is influenced by elevated non-fibrous carbohydrates and plant secondary compounds.

Perennial legumes cultivated under irrigation in the Mountain West USA have non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) concentrations exceeding 400 g kg-1 , a level commonly found in concentrate-based ruminant diets. Our objective was to determine the influence of NFC concentration and plant secondary compounds on in vitro rumen digestion of grass, legume and forb forages compared with digestion of their isolated neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fraction. Forages were composited from ungrazed paddocks of rotationally stocked, irrigated monoculture pastures between May and August 2016, frozen in the field, freeze-dried, and ground. The maximum rate (RMax ) of gas production was greater for the legumes alfalfa (ALF; Medicago sativa L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (BFT; Lotus corniculatus L.) than for the legume cicer milkvetch (CMV; Astragalus cicer L.) the grass meadow brome (MBG; Bromus riparius Rehm.) and the non-legume forb small burnet (SMB; Sanguisorba minor Scop.), and intermediate for the legume sainfoin (SNF; Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.). The RMax of isolated NDF was greatest for BFT and CMV, intermediate for ALF, SNF and SMB and least for MBG. More than 900 g of organic matter kg-1 dry matter of legumes was digested after 96 h. Across forages, the extent of whole-plant digestion increased with NFC and crude protein concentrations, decreased with NDF concentrations, and was modulated by secondary compounds. The extent of digestion of isolated NDF decreased with concentration of lignin and residual tannins. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quality of Silages Made From Meadow Sward From South-Eastern Poland

Abstract Weather conditions prevailing in Poland often cause that meadow sward designated for silage is harvested too late, which decreases the quality of prepared silage. The aim of the research was to assess the quality of silages from dried meadow sward. The silages were ensiled in large cylindrical bales in selected individual farms specializing in milk production. The farms where the research was carried out were located in three voivodeships: slaskie, malopolskie and podkarpackie. In the prepared plant material, the basic chemical composition was determined using the method. When comparing the mean values, it was established that silages from the investigated region had a favourable content of total protein, the highest concentration was recorded for silages from Slask, followed by Malopolska and Podkarpacie. A slightly elevated concentration of crude fibre, fraction of acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), was recorded. This fact shows that farmers collect raw material, particularly from the first cut, too late. Nutrient value of silages from meadow sward decreases with progressing vegetation. Higher protein and energy losses during sward ensiling were also observed at considerable drying of the plant material. In most cases, silages from the studied farms had a low content of monosaccharides. The carried out chemical analyses showed that in overall assessment the studied silages are of good quality; silages prepared from meadow sward from the third cut had the highest value. Proper technology of preservation of meadow sward is one of important factors in the production of feed for ruminants.

Losses and grass silage quality in bunker silos compacted by tractor versus wheel loader

The study aimed to explore whether an increase in bunker silage density obtained by turning to a heavier packing machine than a farm size tractor would reduce losses and improve grass silage quality and aerobic stability. At each of three harvests, two bunkers were packed with either a 14.5 t wheel loader (WL) or an 8.3 t tractor (T). For comparison with the bunker silages, silage was produced simultaneously in round bales with high and low chamber pressure and wrapped immediately or after delay, and in laboratory silos.Compaction with WL increased silage dry matter (DM) density by 9 % compared with T, from 204 to 222 kg DM/m3. On average for three harvests, DM recovered as silage, or lost, was almost identical for the two packing treatments, with 870 g/kg of harvested DM recovered as feed offered to animals, 55 g/kg as wasted silage, and 75 g/kg as invisible losses due to respiration, effluent, fermentation and aerobic deterioration. However, in the harvest with lowest crop DM content, 266 g/kg, invisible DM losses with WL exceeded losses with T by 46 g/kg, of which the main portion was assumed to be caused by more effluent squeezed out by the WL. In the harvest with highest crop DM, 332 g/kg, invisible DM losses with T exceeded losses with WL by 43 g/kg, of which the main portion was assumed to be caused by poorer compaction with T, and therefore higher respiration and aerobic deterioration losses. Wasted silage DM was lower in bales than in bunkers (P = 0.004). The proportion of offered silage DM from poorly compacted bales sealed after delay (867 g/kg) was similar to that of bunkers, whereas the proportion of offered silage DM from well compacted and immediately sealed bales (963 g/kg) was similar to that of laboratory silos.Significant increases in protein bound in the neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber fractions were found in bales sealed after delay where temperatures had rised to 47 °C at wrapping. Similar levels of fiber bound protein were found in bunker silage, suggesting that they were also heated during filling. Spot samples from bunker silo shoulders were more infected by yeasts, moulds and Clostridium tyrobutyricum than samples from mid in bunkers and from bales. No differences in losses, silage composition or aerobic stability were observed between bunker silo packing with WL or T on average over three harvests.

Effects of ensiling time on corn silage neutral detergent fiber degradability and relationship between laboratory fiber analyses and in vivo digestibility

Accurate analysis of degradability of silage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) is important for diet formulation and to predict lactational performance of dairy cows. In this study, 5 corn silage hybrids ensiled for 0 (unfermented), 30, 60, 120, and 150 d were used to determine the effects of ensiling time on silage neutral detergent fiber degradability (NDFD) and to assess the relationships between near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) NDF-related analyses and in situ NDFD variables. In addition, the relationships between dietary concentration of indigestible NDF, 288-h incubation (iNDF288), or undegraded NDF, 240-h incubation (uNDF240), and in vivo total-tract apparent organic matter and NDF digestibility were studied in total mixed ration samples from 16 experiments with lactating dairy cows. Ensiling time had no effect on silage NDF concentration; however, the ratio of acid detergent fiber ÷ NDF increased, and estimated hemicellulose concentration decreased quadratically with ensiling time. Also, concentration of NDF-bound protein decreased, and that of lignin increased linearly with ensiling time. These changes in silage fiber composition resulted in a linear decrease in in situ effective degradability of silage NDF with increasing ensiling time. The indigestible fraction of NDF and concentration of structural carbohydrates were not affected by ensiling time. Correlations of in situ NDFD variables with laboratory NIR NDFD analyses were weak to moderate. The relationship of corn silage uNDF240 with lignin concentration or 30-h NDFD (all NIR analyses) was remarkably good (R2 = 0.73 and 0.88, respectively). The relationship between in situ iNDF288 concentration (but not uNDF240) and in vivo total-tract apparent digestibility of dietary organic matter and NDF was good (R2 = 0.72 and 0.80, respectively). In conclusion, in situ degradability of silage NDF linearly decreased from 0 to 150 d ensiling time, primarily caused by a decrease in concentrations of hemicellulose and NDF-bound protein. In situ NDF degradability measurements and common laboratory NIR NDF-related analyses were generally poorly correlated. We found a good relationship between in vivo NDF digestibility and dietary concentration of iNDF288 determined in situ, but the relationship with uNDF240 was poor.

Ammonia levels on &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; degradation of fibrous carbohydrates from buffel grass

This study was carried out to examine the degradation dynamics of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and the profile of volatile fatty acids that originate from the fermentation of buffel grass ( Cenchrus ciliaris , L.) with various levels of ammonia in the growth medium. The treatments consisted of six levels of ammonia in the growth medium (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 mg/dL), which were obtained by adding urea. These in vitro incubation times were evaluated in three replicates per time for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Rumen concentrations of acetate and propionate responded quadratically to the ammonia levels. The treatment with 15 mg/dL of ammonia nitrogen in the rumen fluid provided mean acetate and propionate contents of 57.6 mM and 23.1 mM, respectively. Urea addition elevated the degradation rate of potentially degradable fraction of NDF (pdNDF) from 2.5% to 20.1% in comparison with the treatment without urea and to a reduction in estimated discrete lag time from 0.34 to 2.31 hours. Urea supplementation increased the specific microorganism growth rate from 2.6% to 20.1%. At the end of the incubation trial, NDF degradation showed a quadratic response, with maximum value obtained at 17.76 mg/dL of ammonia in the rumen fluid. Urea improves the degradation dynamics of NDF from deferred buffel grass and increases the concentrations of acetate and propionate. Keywords: Cenchrus ciliaris , degradation kinetics, non-protein nitrogen, urea

Yield and nutritive value of maize (Zea mays L.) forage as affected by plant density, sowing date and age at harvest

The current study was carried out in Alexandria, Egypt and investigated the effect of sowing date; 1st May, 1st July, and 1st September 2017 and 2018, and age at harvest; 45, 55 and 65 days after sowing (DAS) on yield and quality of maize green forage grown with three plant densities (120, 160, and 200 kg ha–1). Sowing at 1st of May produced the highest significant amount of fresh yield (41.51 t ha–1 in average). Sowing at 1st of July resulted in the production of significantly lower yield (24.54 t ha–1 in average), however, higher dry matter content (175.99 g kg–1 in average), compared to sowing at 1st of May (143.62 g kg–1 in average). A pronounced increase in fresh yield was observed when maize was harvested at 55 DAS (30.89 t ha–1 in average) compared to harvesting at 45 DAS (22.92 t ha–1 in average). Meanwhile, the increase in fresh yield from 55 DAS to 65 DAS was non-significant. The effect of sowing date on quality parameters was greatly dependent on the age of plant at harvest. Harvesting maize green forage at 65 DAS, reflecting an advanced stage of maturity, caused a significant reduction in the crude protein (CP), and a significant increase in the neutral and acid detergent fibre fractions (NDF and ADF), resulting in a decline in the digestible organic matter (DOM). Plant density exerted non-significant influence on the fresh yield and DM content, minimal effect on the CP content, while the effect on the NDF and ADF contents was dependent on the age at harvest. The lignin content (ADL) of the herbage significantly decreased with increasing the plant density. Variations in the DOM were most dependent on the variations in CP content, followed by the variations in ADF and ADL contents. In conclusion, it is recommended to grow green forage maize twice a season on the 1st of May and 1st of July, with intermediate plant density (160 kg ha–1), and harvest it not later than 55 DAS to achieve the optimum balance between herbage productivity and nutritive value.

Development of a mathematical model to predict pool sizes and rates of digestion of 2 pools of digestible neutral detergent fiber and an undigested neutral detergent fiber fraction within various forages

The digestion of neutral detergent fiber treated with amylase and sodium sulfite and ash corrected (aNDFom) has been described as a single digestible pool and a fraction undigested in ruminants. Further, most models that predict rate and extent of digestion of aNDFom in the rumen assume first-order processes, in which the rates of digestion and passage are proportional to the pool size of aNDFom consumed and digested. Data exist demonstrating that the undigested fraction of aNDFom is not well described by a fixed coefficient and varies by maturity and agronomic growing conditions of the plant. Thus, our objective was to improve the prediction of digestible aNDFom (pdNDF) and to quantify, using a minimum number of fermentation time points, 2 pools of digestible aNDFom, pdNDF1 and pdNDF2, and their respective rates. Based on fermentations from 0 to 240 h among 34 forages (grasses, conventional and brown midrib corn silages, and alfalfas), 3 pools were described by aNDFomt = pdNDF1 × e-k1(t-L) + pdNDF2 × e-k2(t-L) + uNDF, where aNDFomt is the residue at time t; L is the lag; k1 is the rate of digestion of pdNDF1; k2 is the rate of digestion of pdNDF2; and uNDF the unavailable NDF on an aNDFom basis. A nonlinear estimation allowed the computation of the pool size and respective digestion rates. Using 3 time points from the digestion curve, 30, 120, and 240 h, as the fermentation endpoints to represent uNDF, we optimized the same model in Vensim (Ventana Simulation Environment; Ventana Systems Inc., Belmont, MA) to obtain rates and pool sizes of aNDFom. In addition, the same optimization was also performed with 2 timepoints and a forage type-specific range for uNDF. Parameters (with and without uNDF) obtained per forage using Vensim were compared by fitting kinetics data from the nonlinear calculations, using coefficients of determination and residual mean squares at convergence for ranking purposes for the whole equation and mean squared prediction errors for specific parameters. The highest coefficient of determination (0.98) and lowest mean square prediction error [0.0927 (NDF-1)2] were obtained when using 48, 120, and 240 h of aNDFom residues or when using 30 and 120 h and a range for the forage-specific uNDFom. Correlations were in all cases consistently high for all kinetic parameters, ranging from 0.76 to 0.99. Results demonstrated that an adequate description of the heterogeneity of aNDFom disappearance was possible without multiple fermentation time points. The equation was fit to all data generated; however, because of the variable nature of pool sizes and rates, forage-specific equations should be developed for better estimations of the forage specific pool sizes and uNDF estimation. This study further describes the heterogeneous nature of aNDFom disappearance and provides an approach for estimating the individual pool sizes and rates of digestion for application for diet formulation.

Technical note: A comparison of alkali treatment methods to improve neutral detergent fiber digestibility of corn stover

The objective of this study was to compare neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility of corn stover that had been treated by 2 alkali treatment methods. Two experiments were conducted to test a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment method that uses an ethanol/water co-solvent (NaOH/ethanol-H2O, United States Patent No. 20140220228) and a calcium hydroxide (CaOH) treatment method, which uses water as a solvent (CaOH/H2O). An in situ trial was conducted to compare NDF digestion kinetics between NaOH/ethanol-H2O-treated stover, CaOH/H2O-treated stover, untreated corn stover, and soy hulls. The digestion rate of potentially digestible NDF (kd) of NaOH/ethanol-H2O-treated corn stover (5.36%/h) was higher than CaOH/H2O-treated stover (2.27%/h), or untreated corn stover (1.76%/h) and similar to the kd of soy hulls (4.93%/h). The indigestible NDF (iNDF) fraction of untreated corn stover (35.1% of NDF) was reduced by CaOH/H2O treatment (27.3% of NDF) and by NaOH/ethanol-H2O treatment (2.8% of NDF). The iNDF fraction in soy hulls (3.6% of NDF) was similar to iNDF of NaOH/ethanol-H2O-treated stover. An in vivo digestibility trial was also conducted to compare fiber digestibility of diets supplemented with untreated corn stover, NaOH/ethanol-H2O-treated corn stover, or soy hulls. Total-tract apparent dry matter (DM) and NDF digestibility were measured with 8 lactating Holstein cows in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with four 21-d periods. Apparent DM digestibility (DMD) was improved when supplemental soy hulls were added to the base diet (60.0% DMD) compared with the base diet with no supplemental fiber (57.7% DMD). Apparent DM digestibility was reduced when diets were supplemented with untreated stover (52.4%). Dry matter digestibility of NaOH/ethanol-H2O-treated stover was similar (54.8% DMD) to all other treatments. Digestibility of NDF was lowest when cows were fed the diet with supplemented untreated stover (35.5% of NDF), and improved when soy hulls (40.6% of NDF) or NaOH/ethanol-H2O-treated stover (43.8% of NDF) were added to the diets. The NaOH/ethanol-H2O treatment process improves the DM and NDF digestibility of corn stover to values similar to those of soy hulls.

Effects of length of ensiling and maturity group on chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradability of whole‐crop maize

AbstractNine hybrids (three maturity groups, dry matter 343 ± 5.6 g/kg) of whole‐crop maize were ensiled in eight replicates in laboratory‐scale silos. Each hybrid was sampled at harvest and after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days (d) of ensiling. Samples were analysed for chemical composition (proximate constituents, fermentation products and pH), starch, non‐protein N (NPN) and NH3‐N. Each sample and its neutral detergent fibre (NDF) fraction were incubated in the Hohenheim gas test system. In vitro gas production was measured after 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hr of incubation. Gas production of the neutral detergent soluble (NDS) fraction (mainly starch) was calculated using a curve subtraction method. Gas production dynamics over time were estimated using a nonlinear regression equation; afterwards, a two‐factorial analysis of variance (storage length, maturity group and their interaction) using the general linear models procedure was conducted. After 30 d, all silages were well fermented. Most fermentation products and proximate constituents only changed until 30 or maximum 60 d of ensiling. Only few changes in in vitro nutrient degradability were detected after the first 30 d or as influenced by maturity group. Ensiling per se increased the ruminal degradability of the NDS, but there was no further increase caused by a prolonged duration of storage. However, extensive changes in crude protein fractions occurred with a linear increase in NPN and NH3‐N compounds from 0 to 120 d of storage, indicating continual protein and amino acid degradation.

Physically adjusted neutral detergent fiber system for lactating dairy cow rations. I: Deriving equations that identify factors that influence effectiveness of fiber

Physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) is the fraction of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) that stimulates chewing activity and contributes to the floating mat of large particles in the rumen. Multiplying dietary NDF by particle size has been used as an estimate of peNDF. In re-evaluating the concept of peNDF, we compared the use of peNDF as dietary NDF × particle size with the use of individual NDF and particle size descriptors (physically adjusted NDF; paNDF) when used with other physical and chemical diet descriptors to predict dry matter (DM) intake (DMI), rumination time, and ruminal pH in lactating dairy cows. The purpose is to ultimately use these equations to estimate diet adequacy to maintain ruminal conditions. Each response variable had 8 models in a 2 (peNDF, paNDF) × 2 (diet, diet and ruminal factors) × 2 (DM, as fed basis) factorial arrangement. Particle size descriptors were those determined with the Penn State Particle Separator. Treatment means (n = 241) from 60 publications were used in backward elimination multiple regression to derive models of response variables. When available, peNDF terms entered equations. Models containing peNDF terms had similar or lower unadjusted concordance correlation coefficients (an indicator of similar or lower accuracy and precision) than did models without peNDF terms. The peNDF models for rumen pH did not differ substantially from paNDF models. This suggests that peNDF can account for some variation in ruminal pH; however, overt advantages of peNDF were not apparent. Significant variables that entered the models included estimated mean particle size; as fed or DM proportions retained on 19- and 8-mm sieves of the Penn State Particle Separator; DMI; dietary concentrations of forage; forage NDF; CP; starch; NDF; rumen-degraded starch and rumen-degraded NDF; and the interaction terms of starch × mean particle size, acid detergent fiber/NDF, and rumination time/DMI. Many dietary factors beyond particle size and NDF were identified as influencing the response variables. In conclusion, these results appear to justify the development of a modeling approach to integrate individual physical and chemical factors to predict effects on factors affecting rumen conditions.

Physically adjusted neutral detergent fiber system for lactating dairy cow rations. II: Development of feeding recommendations

The objective of this work was to leverage equations derived in a meta-analysis into an ensemble modeling system for estimating dietary physical and chemical characteristics required to maintain desired rumen conditions in lactating dairy cattle. Given the availability of data, responsiveness of ruminal pH to animal behaviors, and the chemical composition and physical form of the diet, mean ruminal pH was chosen as the primary rumen environment indicator. Physically effective fiber (peNDF) is defined as the fraction of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) that stimulates chewing activity and contributes to the floating mat of large particles in the rumen. The peNDF of feedstuffs is typically estimated by multiplying the NDF content by a particle size measure, resulting in an estimated index of effectiveness. We hypothesized that the utility of peNDF could be expanded and improved by dissociating NDF and particle size and considering other dietary factors, all integrated into a physically adjusted fiber system that can be used to estimate minimum particle sizes of TMR and diet compositions needed to maintain ruminal pH targets. Particle size measures of TMR were limited to those found with the Penn State particle separator (PSPS). Starting with specific diet characteristics, the system employed an ensemble of models that were integrated using a variable mixture of experts approach to generate more robust recommendations for the percentage of dietary DM material that should be retained on the 8-mm sieve of a PSPS. Additional continuous variables also integrated in the physically adjusted fiber system include the proportion of material (dry matter basis) retained on the 19- and 8-mm sieves of the PSPS, estimated mean particle size, the dietary concentrations of forage, forage NDF, starch, and NDF, and ruminally degraded starch and NDF. The system was able to predict that the minimum proportion of material (dry matter basis) retained on the 8-mm sieve should increase with decreasing forage NDF or dietary NDF. Additionally, the minimum proportion of dry matter material on the 8-mm sieve should increase with increasing dietary starch. Results of this study agreed with described interrelationships between the chemical and physical form of diets fed to dairy cows and quantified the links between NDF intake, diet particle size, and ruminal pH. Feeding recommendations can be interpolated from tables and figures included in this work.

Growth performance and hematology of Djallonké rams fed haulms of four varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

The study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of the haulms of 4 dual-purpose groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties and their effects on the growth and hematology of Djallonké rams. The groundnut varieties were ICGV 97049 (Obolo), ICGX SM 87057 (Yenyawoso), RMP 12 (Azivivi) and Manipinta. Rams (live weight 15.0 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 sole groundnut haulm meal (GHM) treatments, with 4 rams each in an individual pen per treatment (total n = 16 rams). Samples of the groundnut haulms were milled and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The CP concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in Azivivi, Manipinta and Yenyawoso than in Obolo. The highest (P < 0.05) NDF and ADF fractions were obtained in Obolo. Whilst no significant difference was reported in total and daily dry matter (DM) intake among the varieties, CP, NDF and ADF intake all differed between Obolo and other varieties. The apparent nutrient digestibility did not differ (P > 0.05) when the Djallonké rams were fed the haulms. However, significant differences were observed in final live weight and average daily live weight gain. Rams fed the Yenyawoso variety had higher (P < 0.05) final live weight and average daily live weight gain compared with those fed Obolo and Azivivi varieties. Consumption of any of the 4 varieties of groundnut haulms by Djallonké rams did not have any harmful effect on their red and white blood cell numbers and hemoglobin concentration. The study revealed that the different varieties of groundnut haulms differ in nutrient composition and also affect the growth performance of the rams. The Yenyawoso variety may be used as a sole diet for fattening Djallonké rams.

Effect of lignin linkages with other plant cell wall components on in vitro and in vivo neutral detergent fiber digestibility and rate of digestion of grass forages

The objective of this study was to correlate in vitro and in vivo neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (NDFD) with the chemical composition of forages and specific chemical linkages, primarily ester- and ether-linked para-coumaric (pCA) and ferulic acids (FA) in forages fed to dairy cattle. The content of acid detergent lignin (ADL) and its relationship with NDF does not fully explain the observed variability in NDFD. The ferulic and p-coumaric acid linkages between ADL and cell wall polysaccharides, rather than the amount of ADL, might be a better predictor of NDFD. Twenty-three forages, including conventional and brown midrib corn silages and grasses at various stages of maturity were incubated in vitro for measurement of 24-h and 96-h NDFD. Undigested and digested residues were analyzed for NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), ADL, and Klason lignin (KL); ester- and ether-linked pCA and FA were determined in these fractions. To determine whether in vitro observations of ester- and ether-linked pCA and FA and digestibility were similar to in vivo observations, 3 corn silages selected for digestibility were fed to 6 ruminally fistulated cows for 3 wk in 3 iso-NDF diets. Intact samples and NDF and ADF residues of diet, rumen, and feces were analyzed for ester- and ether-linked pCA and FA. From the in vitro study, the phenolic acid content (total pCA and FA) was highest for corn silages, and overall the content of ester- and ether-linked pCA and FA in both NDF and ADF residues were correlated with NDF digestibility parameters, reflecting the competitive effect of these linkages on digestibility. Also, Klason lignin and ADL were negatively correlated with ether-linked ferulic acid on an NDF basis. Overall, esterified FA and esterified pCA were negatively correlated with all of the measured fiber fractions on both a dry matter and an NDF basis. The lignin content of the plant residues and chemical linkages explained most of the variation in both rate and extent of NDF digestion but not uniformly among forages, ranging from 56 to 99%. The results from the in vivo study were similar to the in vitro data, demonstrating the highest total-tract aNDF digestibility (70%; NDF analysis conducted with α-amylase and sodium sulfite) for cows fed the corn silage with the lowest ester- and ether-linked pCA content in the NDF fraction. In this study, digestibility of forage fiber was influenced by the linkages among lignin and the carbohydrate moieties, which vary by hybrid and species and most likely vary by the agronomic conditions under which the plant was grown.

Effect of undigested neutral detergent fiber content of alfalfa hay on lactating dairy cows: Feeding behavior, fiber digestibility, and lactation performance

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 alfalfa hays differing in undigested neutral detergent fiber content and digestibility used as the main forage source in diets fed to high producing cows for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production. Diets were designed to have 2 different amounts of undigestible NDF [high (Hu) and low (Lu)], as determined by 240-h in vitro analysis (uNDF240). Alfalfa hay in vitro digestibility [% of amylase- and sodium sulfite-treated NDF with ash correction (aNDFom)] at 24 and 240 h was 40.2 and 31.2% and 53.6 and 45.7% for low- (LD) and high-digestibility (HD) hays, respectively. The 4 experimental diets (Hu-HD, Lu-HD, Hu-LD, and Lu-LD) contained 46.8, 36.8, 38.8, and 30.1% of alfalfa hay, respectively, 8.6% wheat straw, and 35.3% corn (50% flake and 50% meal; DM basis). Soy hulls and soybean meal were used to replace hay to balance protein and energy among diets. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (average milk production = 46.0 ± 5.2 kg/d, 101 ± 38 d in milk, and 662 ± 42 kg of average body weight) were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with 2 wk of adaptation and a 1-wk collection period. Dry matter and water intake, rumination time, ruminal pH, and milk production and composition were measured. Diets and feces were analyzed for NDF on an organic matter basis (aNDFom), acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, and uNDF240 to estimate total-tract fiber digestibility. Dry matter intake and rumination times were higher in HD diets compared with LD diets, regardless of forage amount. Rumination time was constant per unit of dry matter intake but differed when expressed as a function of uNDF240, aNDFom, or physically effective NDF intake. No differences were found among treatments on average ruminal pH, but the amount of time with pH <5.8 was lower in Hu-HD diets. Milk production and components were not different among diets. Total-tract aNDFom and potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber fraction digestibility was higher for the LD diets (88.3 versus 85.8% aNDFom in HD), for which lower feed intakes were also observed. The Hu-HD diet allowed greater dry matter intake, longer rumination time, and higher ruminal pH, suggesting that the limiting factor for dry matter intake is neutral detergent fiber digestibility and its relative rumen retention time.

Cell wall fractions in the biomass of Dactylis glomerata and Festuca pratensis

&lt;p&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;purpose&lt;/strong&gt; of this paper is to determine the changes in the concentration of different fractions in the cell wall of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; growing on both mineral and organic soil with different harvesting times. This paper has drawn on two field experiments set up and carried out between 2010 and 2013 by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Słupia Wielka. The experimental plots were sown with varieties of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt;: Niva, Tukan, Amila, Crown Royale and with varieties of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt;: Limosa, Pasja, Anturka, Amelka (d. AND 1009). The experiment in Krzyżewo was set up on mineral soil. In Uhnin the experimental plots were located on peat meadow. The full exploitation of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; varieties was due between 2012 and 2013, whereas for &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; it was due between 2011 and 2012. In the experimental plots with the varieties of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; the grass was harvested six times a year and chemical analysis of the biomass was done taking dry matter only from five cuts. The varieties of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; were harvested four times. Each year in the course of the experiment fresh and dry matter of each cut were weighed. The obtained results showed that the time of the harvest or cut for both of the grass species showed significantly different concentrations of the neutral detergent fiber fraction (NDF), acid detergent fiber fraction (ADF) and different concentrations of lignin and cellulose. For both of the grass species, plants harvested in the fourth cut had the highest content of different cell wall fractions. The location, that is the type of soil, affected the concentration of lignin (ADL), but only in the case of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt;. A higher concentration of this polysaccharide was in the grass growing on organic soil.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of sequence of nylon bags rumen incubation on kinetics of degradation in some commonly used feedstuffs in dairy rations

Nowadays, most available information on the degradative behaviour of feeds in ruminants is based on in situ incubation in the rumen, and it is adopted by many feed evaluation systems currently in use for ruminants. However, the outcome of this technique might be affected by many factors such as sequence of nylon bags incubation in the rumen. The objective of current study was to investigate effects of sequence of nylon bag incubation on degradative behavior of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in some feed ingredients commonly used in dairy rations, including alfalfa haylage, corn silage, corn grain and soybean meal. Four multiparous Holstein lactating cows fitted with permanent ruminal cannulas were used. The nylon bags containing feed samples either were placed in the rumen at once and removed at designated time intervals (all in-gradually out method; AG) or were placed in the rumen at designated time points and retrieved at once (gradually in-all out method; GA). Fractional rate of degradation of potentially degradable fraction, lag time and effective rumen degradability (ED) of DM and CP were significantly higher in the AG compared to the GA method (P<0.05). Fractional rates of DM and CP degradation was higher in alfalfa haylage samples incubated in the rumen using the AG method compared to that using the GA method (0.138 h−1 vs. 0.073 h−1 and 0.002 h−1vs. 0.1125 h−1, for DM and CP, respectively; P<0.05). Due to a higher fractional rate of degradation (Kd) of DM and CP, the ED of DM and CP at different fractional passage rates were higher in the AG than those in the GA method (P<0.05). Potentially degradable fraction and lag time of NDF were higher in the AG method compared to the GA method (P<0.05). Placing all bags in the rumen at once and removing them at designated time intervals compared with introduction of bags in reverse sequence and removing them all at once led to a lower undegradable fraction (U) of NDF in alfalfa (1.8% vs. 4.0%, respectively; P<0.05) and corn silage (3.3% vs. 6.7%, respectively; P<0.05) samples. Potentially degradable fraction of ADF was significantly higher in the AG method compared with the GA method (P<0.05). Bag incubation sequence had profound effects on kinetics of degradation of DM, CP and NDF in situ in the feed samples studied. The effects were more evident in the forages (especially alfalfa haylage) than in the concentrate ingredients namely corn grain and soybean meal. This experiment is the first time to investigate effects of two methods under the same experiment conditions, providing basic data for the determination of ED.

Chemical composition and in vitro gas production of fermented cassava pulp with different types of supplements

ABSTRACTThe effect of different additives on chemical composition, in vitro gas production and dry matter (DM) disappearance of cassava pulp was investigated. The experiment used the completely randomized design with 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with control. The control treatment was cassava pulp fermentation without any supplementation. Factor A was a type of microbes including yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or a mixture of microbes (effective microorganisms (EM)), factor B was supplementation of molasses and urea (MU), and factor C was supplementation of a mixture of exogenous enzyme. It was found that the interaction between factors A and C was significant for crude protein (CP), non-protein nitrogen and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) contents. MU supplementation increased the CP content of fermented cassava pulp; however, EM and MU addition resulted in a significantly lower NSC and higher neutral detergent fibre fractions than the control. The supplementation showed higher gas production when compared with un-supplemented group, particularly when MU were added. However, DM disappearance was not affected by type of microbe, urea–molasses addition or exogenous enzyme supplement. Thus, the nutritive value of fermented cassava pulp with yeast and EM was improved by MU supplementation but not by exogenous enzyme addition.