Fresh Alfalfa Research Articles

Structural and quantitative changes of saponins in fresh alfalfa compared to alfalfa silage.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an important legume used in animal feed. The primary objective of the present study was to analyze and trace the individual saponins in fresh and ensiled alfalfa of ten varieties, with the aim of evaluating the structural changes that saponins undergo during ensiling. A secondary objective was to examine whether any of the changes in saponin content were associated with changes in the basic nutrient composition of the ensiled alfalfa. The total saponin concentration increased when the fresh alfalfa was processed into silage. Three of the zanhic acid glycosides were degraded substantially, whereas the other two increased in all the tested varieties. Five of the seven medicagenic acid glycosides were not changed, whereas the remaining saponins completely disappeared. Finally, two glycosides of soyasapogenol B displayed an inverse relationship to each other. The nutrient content of fresh material and silages remained relatively constant, with some variations in the crude protein content of the selected alfalfa varieties. The total concentration of saponins increased two- to three-fold after ensilation over the levels present in fresh alfalfa material. The increases in saponin concentration showed a negative linear relationship between protein on a dry matter basis and saponin content. These findings are significant because no known published data have shown this transformation in the ensiling of alfalfa. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of lactic acid bacteria, cellulase, cellulase-producing Bacillus pumilus and their combinations on alfalfa silage quality

This study assessed the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), cellulase, cellulase-producing Bacillus pumilus and their combinations on the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, bacterial community and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silage. A completely randomized design involving a 8 (silage additives)×3 or 2 (silage days) factorial arrangement of treatments was adopted in the present study. The 8 silage additive treatments were: untreated alfalfa (control); two commercial additives (GFJ and Chikuso-1); an originally selected LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum a214) isolated from alfalfa silage; a cellulase-producing Bacillus (CB) isolated from fresh alfalfa; cellulase (C); and the combined additives (a214+C and a214+CB). Silage fermentation characteristics, chemical composition and microorganism populations were analysed after 30, 60 and 65 days (60 days followed by exposure to air for five additional days). In vitro digestibility was analysed for 30 and 60 days. Compared with the other treatments, selected LAB a214, a214 combined with either C or CB, and Chikuso-1 had the decreased (P<0.001) pH and increased (P<0.001) lactic acid concentrations during the ensiling process, and there were no differences (P>0.05) among them. Fiber degradation was not significant (P≥0.054) in any C or CB treatments. The a214 treatment showed the highest (P=0.009) in vitro digestibility of dry matter (595.0 g kg−1 DM) after ensiling and the highest abundance of Lactobacillus (69.42 and 79.81%, respectively) on days 60 and 65, compared to all of other treatments. Overall, the silage quality of alfalfa was improved with the addition of a214, which indicates its potential as an alfalfa silage inoculant.

Influences of malic acid isomers and their application levels on fermentation quality and biochemical characteristics of alfalfa silage

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different malic acid (MA) isomers (D-MA, L-MA and DL-MA) and their application levels (0, 0.2, 0.6 and 1% of fresh weight, FW) on the fermentation and biochemical characteristics of alfalfa silage, as well as on the degradation of these MA isomers in silage. Alfalfa was harvested at early bloom stage, and after wilting to approximately 35% dry matter (DM), the chopped forages were ensiled in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags containing 200–230 g wilted forage for 60 d, with 3 replications for each treatment. Silage pH decreased with the increase of the application level of MA. Lactic acid in silage also increased when the application level of MA ranged from 0.2% to 0.6%. However, a decline in lactic acid was observed when the application level of MA reached 1% (FW). On average silage treated with DL-MA had greater lactic acid concentration compared to D-MA or L-MA treated silages. Treatment with MA lowered non-protein nitrogen (NPN) concentration in ensiled forage as application level of the MA increased. In comparison with the control silage, inclusion of MA at ensiling effectively decreased the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in total fatty acid, whereas it markedly increased the proportion of α-linolenic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and silages treated with DL-MA had greater PUFA and lower SFA. After 60 d of ensiling, the concentration of MA decreased from 22.4 g/kg DM in fresh alfalfa to 6 g/kg DM in silage. On average the greatest percent of MA degraded was observed in L-MA followed by DL-MA, and the averaged residues of MA in D-MA, L-MA and DL-MA-treated silages were 19.8, 12.6, and 16.1 g/kg DM, respectively. Although the amount of degraded MA in ensiled alfalfa increased with the elevated application levels, the percent of MA degraded decreased constantly. Overall, silage microbes used more of L-MA or DL- MA than D-MA, and application of 0.6% DL-MA at the ensiling of alfalfa effectively improved silage fermentation, limited proteolysis, lipolysis and biohydrogenation in ensiled alfalfa.

Effect of supplementation with fresh orange pulp (Citrus sinensis) on mortality, growth performance, slaughter traits and sensory characteristics in meat guinea pigs

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of the partial replacement of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with fresh orange pulp (Citrus sinensis) in a diet fed to guinea pigs on their mortality, growth performance, slaughter traits and sensory characteristics during the fattening period. A total of 450 guinea pigs were housed in collective pens of ~10 animals. Animals were divided into three groups: Control group (CG), supplied with fresh alfalfa as forage and treatment groups (G15 and G30), in which 15 and 30% of alfalfa was replaced by orange pulp, respectively. No significant differences were found between CG and G15 for traits studied. However, G30 showed the lowest values for growth and carcass traits. No significant differences were found for sensory characteristics. In conclusion, a moderate inclusion of orange pulp could contribute to diminishing dependence of alfalfa on guinea pig meat production.

Comparison of warm season and cool season forages for dairy grazing systems in continuous culture.

The objective of this study was to compare warm-season annual grasses to cool-season perennial (CSP) grasses for ruminal nutrient digestibility and N metabolism in a dual-flow continuous culture fermentation system. Dietary treatments were 1) fresh alfalfa, 2) CSP grasses and legumes, 3) brown-midrib sorghum-sudangrass (BMRSS), and 4) teff grass from an organic dairy production system. Eight dual-flow continuous culture fermenters were used during two consecutive 10-d periods consisting of 7 d for stabilization followed by 3 d of sampling. Fermenter samples were collected on days 8, 9, and 10 for analysis of pH, NH3-N, and VFA. Apparent DM, OM, NDF, and ADF digestibility were on average lesser (P < 0.05) in CSP grasses and legumes and warm-season annual grasses compared with alfalfa. True DM and OM digestibility were lesser (P < 0.05) for CSP grasses and legumes and warm-season annual grasses compared with fresh alfalfa. Total VFA were not affected (P > 0.05) by forage. The NH3-N concentrations were highest (P < 0.05) with alfalfa compared with the other CSP grasses and legumes and warm-season annual grasses. CP digestibility was not affected (P > 0.05) by forage treatment. Flow of NH3-N was greatest (P < 0.05) for alfalfa, reflecting the greatest NH3-N concentration. Flow of total N was greatest (P < 0.05) for alfalfa, intermediate for teff, and lowest for CSP grasses and legumes and BMRSS. Flows of bacterial N, efficiency of bacterial N, non-NH3-N, and dietary N were not affected (P > 0.05) by forage source. Overall, fermentation of warm-season grasses was similar to the cool-season grasses and legumes which indicate dairy producers may use warm-season grasses without concerns about negative impact on rumen health.

Effects of a meal feeding regimen and the availability of fresh alfalfa on growth performance and meat and bone quality of broiler genotypes

ABSTRACT1. The aim of this study was to identify a feeding regimen that encourages good pasture use in slow (SG) and fast (FG) growing broiler genotypes under free-range management.2. SG and FG birds fed on either an ad libitum (ADB) or a meal feeding (MEF) programme were given free outdoor access with or without fresh alfalfa from day 22 to 72 and from day 22 to 45, respectively. In two consecutive trials, 800 birds of each genotype were included in a factorial design using groups of 40 birds replicated 5 times.3. Fresh alfalfa consumption did not improve growth performance and meat quality attributes, whereas the feeding regimen had significant implications. When compared with their ad libitum-fed counterparts, meal-fed birds showed a significantly lower body weight at a considerably lower feed consumption rate, leading to a more favourable feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the course of the experiment.4. The MEF regimen with a strong feed limitation significantly increased crop and gizzard weight in both genotypes. In FG birds, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss and pH 45 in the breast and thigh meat were adversely affected by MEF; however, feed restriction demonstrated benefits with significant decreases in muscle fat accumulation. In SG birds, decreases in protein and dry matter content of the breast and thigh muscle with meal feeding were conclusive.5. In both genotypes, there was no treatment-related effect on meat yield, mineral composition of the meat or bone mechanical properties.6. In conclusion, MEF, irrespective of alfalfa intake, may provide a viable method to decrease FCR; it may be able to contribute to the production of chickens with lean carcasses but it was not capable of improving overall meat quality.

Effects of addition of malic or citric acids on fermentation quality and chemical characteristics of alfalfa silage

We studied the effects on alfalfa preservation and chemical composition of the addition of different levels of malic acid and citric acid at ensiling as well as the utilization efficiency of these 2 organic acids after fermentation. Alfalfa was harvested at early bloom stage. After wilting to a dry matter content of approximately 40%, the alfalfa was chopped into 1- to 2-cm pieces for ensiling. Four levels (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1% of fresh weight) of malic acid or citric acid were applied to chopped alfalfa at ensiling with 4 replicates for each treatment, and the treated alfalfa forages were ensiled for 60 d in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags (dimensions: 200 mm × 300 mm) packed with 200 to 230 g of fresh alfalfa per mini silo and an initial density of 0.534 g/cm3. The application of malic or citric acids at ensiling for 60 d led to lower silage pH than was observed in the control silage (0% of malic or citric acids). Application of the 2 organic acids led to higher lactic acid concentration in alfalfa silage than in the control silage except with the application rate of 1% of fresh weight. Silages treated with both organic acids had lower nonprotein nitrogen concentrations than the control silages, and the nonprotein nitrogen concentrations in ensiled forages decreased with the increase in malic or citric acid application rates. The application of the 2 organic acid additives led to lower saturated fatty acid proportions and higher polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions in ensiled alfalfa than in the control silage. The amount of malic and citric acids degraded during ensiling of alfalfa was 1.45 and 0.63 g, respectively. At the application rate of 0.5% of fresh weight, residues of malic acid and citric acid in alfalfa silage were 11.1 and 13.6 g/kg of dry matter. These results indicate that including malic or citric acids at the ensiling of alfalfa effectively improved silage fermentation quality, limited proteolysis, improved fatty acid composition of the ensiled forage, and could provide animals with additional feed additives proven to promote animal performance. However, when the application rate of both organic acids reached 1%, the concentration of lactic acid in silages decreased notably. Additionally, 0.5 and 1% application rates also increased the yeast count in ensiled alfalfa.

Effects of formic acid and potassium diformate on the fermentation quality, chemical composition and aerobic stability of alfalfa silage

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of potassium diformate (KDF) as a potential additive for alfalfa silage. Fresh alfalfa was untreated or treated with formic acid (4 g/kg fresh weight, FW) or three concentrations of KDF (4, 5.5 or 7 g/kg FW). After 60 days of ensiling, the addition of formic acid and greater levels of KDF (5.5 and 7 g/kg) effectively reduced silage pH and inhibited the undesirable bacteria, indicated by lower butyric acid, ethanol, ammonia N concentrations and microbial populations (including enterobacteria, yeasts, moulds and clostridia). Additives decreased the dry‐matter loss, and more water‐soluble carbohydrates were preserved in the silages with formic acid or potassium diformate than in the control. Alfalfa silages treated with formic acid at 4 g/kg FW or potassium diformate at 5.5 or 7 g/kg FW were classified as the highest quality silage based on the higher Flieg's point (above 70) and remained stable for more than 9 days during aerobic exposure. Potassium diformate is recommended as an effective additive for alfalfa silages at a level of 5.5 or 7 g/kg FW under the humid and hot conditions of southern China.

Effects of sodium diacetate on the fermentation profile, chemical composition and aerobic stability of alfalfa silage.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium diacetate (SDA) on fermentation profile, chemical composition and aerobic stability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage.MethodsFresh alfalfa was ensiled with various concentrations of SDA (0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 g/kg of fresh forage). After 60 days of the ensiling, the samples were collected to examine the fermentative quality, chemical composition and aerobic stability.ResultsThe application of SDA significantly (p<0.05) decreased silage pH with the lowest value in silage with 7 g/kg of SDA. The proliferations of enterobacteria, yeasts, molds and clostridia were inhibited by SDA, resulted in lower ethanol, propionic and butyric acid concentrations and dry matter loss in SDA treated silages than control. The increasing SDA linearly decreased free amino acid N (p<0.001), ammonia N (p = 0.018) and non-protein N (p<0.001), while linearly increased water soluble carbohydrate (p<0.001) and peptide N (p<0.001). It is speculated that SDA accelerated the shift from homofermentative to heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria during the silage fermentation, indicated by lower lactic acid production in SDA-9 than SDA-7 silages after 60 days of ensiling. Alfalfa silages treated with SDA at 7 g/kg had highest Flieg’s point and remained stable more than 9 d during aerobic exposure under humid and hot conditions in southern China.ConclusionSDA may be used as an additive for alfalfa silages at a level of 7 g/kg.

Effects of four short-chain fatty acids or salts on dynamics of fermentation and microbial characteristics of alfalfa silage

The effect of four chemical compounds with antimicrobial properties on the fermentation and microbial dynamics of alfalfa silages were studied under laboratory conditions. Fresh alfalfa was treated with (1) no additive (control), (2) formic acid (FA, 4g/kg fresh weight), (3) potassium diformate (PD, 5.5g/kg fresh weight), (4) sodium diacetate (SD, 7g/kg fresh weight), and (5) calcium propionate (CAP, 10g/kg fresh weight). First cut alfalfa was harvested at about 10% bloom stage, chopped to approximately 1.5cm particle length, and ensiled into plastic laboratory silos (1-L capacity, 9.5cm diameter×18.7cm height). Six silos for each treatment were opened after 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 30days of ensiling, respectively. The pH readings for FA and PD silages rapidly decreased during the first 5days of ensiling and remained the lowest two values among the treatments through the entire ensiling. The lactic acid fermentation in FA and PD silages were retarded from the d 0.5 of ensiling, indicated by consistently lower lactic acid concentrations than control over the entire ensiling process. During the first 3days of ensiling, SD and CAP silages showed lower (P<0.05) lactic acid concentrations than untreated silages, however, this trend was reversed after 14days of ensiling. Three short-chain fatty salts decreased the butyric acid content and dry matter loss, preserved more WSC in alfalfa silage. Of the chemical additives, potassium diformate was as effective as formic acid in immediately reducing pH, while the addition of sodium diacetate and calcium propionate did not reduce silage pH to the level that ensure good conservation of alfalfa silage after 30days of ensiling.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria inoculants on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage quality: assessment of degradation (in situ) and gas production (in vitro)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is difficult to ensile successfully because of the low content of moisture and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in fresh alfalfa and the high buffering capacity in fresh alfalfa. Here, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus pentosaceus) on silage quality, in situ ruminal degradability, and in vitro fermentation of alfalfa silage. The first cut of alfalfa was wilted, chopped, and randomly divided into four groups: the control (CON) and control mixed with three separate LAB inoculants (106 cfu g−1). Simmental steers with a body weight of (452±18) kg and with installed rumen fistulas were prepared for in situ degradation and for in vitro gas production. LAB inoculants had a lower (P<0.05) content of butyric acid than the CON group. Among them, the L. casei inoculated silage had a higher (P<0.05) content of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and a lower (P<0.05) NH3-H content. The effective degradation (ED) of crude protein in LAB inoculation decreased (P<0.05), while the ED of acid detergent fiber increased (P<0.05) in situ fermentation. The alfalfa silage with LAB inoculants produced more carbon dioxide (P<0.05). The NH3-H content of mixed incubation fluid in L. casei inoculated silage was lower (P<0.05) compared with other groups. Therefore, this study showed that LAB inoculants could improve both ensiling quality and degradation. In particular, the L. casei inoculations exhibited better performance by limiting proteolysis during ensiling.

Chemical composition of alfalfa silage with waste date and its feeding effect on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding ensiled alfalfa with waste date on ruminal fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, protozoa population and blood parameters in sheep. Eight rams were used in a 2×2 change over design. Each experimental period consisted of 21days including 16days for adaptation and 5days for sampling. For ensiling, fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different levels of waste date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were mixed together and ensiled in 100-l containers for 45days. Chemical composition of silages such as dry matter (DM), crude protein, NH3 -N, organic matter, NDF, ADF and pH were determined. Then, it was used as 30% (DM basis) in diets. The experimental diets were as follows: (i) control (diet containing alfalfa silage without waste date), (ii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 5g waste date/95g DM, (iii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 10g waste date/90g DM, and (iv) diet containing alfalfa silage with 15g waste date/85g DM. The results of this experiment showed that adding waste date to alfalfa during ensiling, improved silage quality, DM and energy level. Total protozoa population and all of holotrich, cellulolytic and entodinia in rumen fluid were increased linearly by increasing the level of waste date. Nitrogen (N) intake, urinary N excretion and nitrogen retention were affected by dietary treatments. Also, allantoin, uric acid, total purine derivatives, microbial protein synthesis, cholesterol level and blood urea nitrogen were significantly different. In conclusion, direct ensilage of alfalfa can be attained by mixing 15g waste date/85g DM and positive associative effects such as increased metabolizable energy (ME) and silage quality occurred.

Ruminal bacterial community changes during adaptation of goats to fresh alfalfa forage

Using culture-independent molecular approaches, we studied the bacterial population changes in the rumen of goats abruptly converted from alfalfa hay to fresh alfalfa diet. Administration of fresh forage with significantly increased soluble nitrogen and soluble protein nitrogen resulted in frothy bloat. Changes of the bacterial composition of rumen were monitored using DGGE analysis of 16S rDNA gene amplicons and quantitative PCR method. As the diet changed, the bacterial population of Bacteroidetes and γ-Proteobacteria decreased, even if animals have not shown signs of frothy bloat. The most severely bloated animals showed an increase of Bacteroidetes phylum. Lactobacillus/Streptococcus group belonging to Firmicutes phylum decreased in response to transferring the animals from hay to a fresh forage-based diet, and did not achieve the values observed at the beginning of the experiment. In summary, changes in the diet and subsequent frothy bloat occurrence produce long-lasting changes in the structure of the microbial community and may be associated with a specific bacterial population belonging to the Bacteroidetes phylum.

Frothy Bloat (primary ruminal tympany) Potential and Nutrient Content of Forage Kochia (Bassia prostrata L.)

Forage kochia (Bassia prostrata L.) has been used extensively by grazing animals in Central Asia. Forage kochia was introduced into the U.S.A. in 1966 from a Stavropol Botanical Gardens (USSR) planting, and released as a cultivar (Immigrant) in 1984. It has been included in fire and rangeland rehabilitation seed mixes and planted on at least 200,000-400,000 ha in the USA. However, in central Nevada (USA), it has been linked to cattle mortality by frothy bloat (primary ruminal tympany) under specific ecological site conditions. In order to assess its potential to cause frothy bloat in free roaming cattle, we investigated the nutritive value of forage kochia across a grazing season (September-January), and compared in vitro gas production, and foam production and strength with fresh alfalfa. Crude protein values were highest in October-November (23.3 and 21.5%, respectively), while NDF was lowest during the same period (38.8 and 39.3%, respectively). Gas and foam production were higher for alfalfa than kochia over a 12 h incubation period. In general, alfalfa produced twice as much gas and foam as forage kochia (P<0.001). However, forage kochia foam strength (g/DM) was double that of alfalfa (P<0.002), and by 6 h incubation time, foam height of forage kochia was twice that of alfalfa (P<0.001). Forage kochia when used as the sole forage in the diet has the potential to cause frothy bloat in cattle. Fresh alfalfa produces more gas in the rumen; however, foam from forage kochia digestion is likely to be more persistent, potentially leading to frothy bloat development.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria with bacteriocinogenic potential on the fermentation profile and chemical composition of alfalfa silage in tropical conditions

The fermentation profile, chemical composition, and microbial populations of alfalfa silages treated with microbial inoculants (MI) at different fermentation periods (T) were evaluated in tropical conditions. A 4×6 factorial arrangement was used in a randomized design with 3 replicates. Fresh alfalfa was treated with (1) no treatment (CTRL), (2) commercial inoculant (CIN), (3) Pediococcus acidilactici (strain 10.6, S1), and (4) Pediococcus pentosaceus (strain 6.16, S2). An inoculant application rate of 106 cfu/g of fresh forage was used. The fermentation periods were 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 d. Alfalfa was harvested 82 d after sowing at the early flowering stage, chopped into 1.5-cm particle size, and ensiled in 25×35cm vacuum-sealed plastic bags. The numbers of lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria, mold, and yeast in alfalfa before ensiling were 5.42, 5.58, 4.82, and 4.8 log cfu/g, respectively. Silage chemical composition was evaluated only at 56 d. All parameters were affected by the interaction MI × T, except the concentrations of lactic and propionic acids. Alfalfa silage treated with S1 or S2 had lower pH values than CTRL from the first day until 28 d. However, the inoculants resulted in similar pH after 56 d, and these values were lower than the CTRL. The highest concentration of lactic acid was observed in the silage treated with S1 and S2 at 7 and 14 d of ensiling. The concentration of acetic acid was lower in the silages treated with S1 and S2 than the CTRL and CIN at 3 and 28 d of fermentation. There was no effect of MI or MI × T interaction on the microbial populations. However, the number of enterobacteria decreased over the fermentation period until 14 d and increased slightly after this time point. The chemical composition of alfalfa silage was not affected by MI at 56 d of ensiling. The strain P. pentosaceus 6.16 was the most efficient in dominating the fermentation process by decreasing the pH more quickly and increasing the concentration of lactic acid, suggesting its potential use as a silage inoculant.

Serum biochemistry parameters in the Omani racing Arabian camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Blood samples were collected from thirty, 2-year old female Arabian camels from the eastern region of Oman. Camels were managed in the traditional way in the Arabian Gulf region, primarily fed fresh alfalfa and barley grain. Blood was drawn into serum vaccutainers from jugular venipuncture. Serum samples were analyzed by spectrophotometric analysis using a CX7/CX7 serum chemistry analyzer (Synchron, Beckman). Means, standard deviations and minimum and maximum values were calculated using Excel spreadsheets on Microsoft Office 2007. The SAS (2000) package was used to produce coefficient of determination (R2) between the eight serum mineral values. The following mean values Å} standard deviation were recorded: glucose: 92.8Å}19.2 mg/dL; total protein (TP): 6.17 Å} 0.34 g/dL; albumin: 32.21 Å} 9.933 mg/dL; blood urea nitrogen (BUN): 15.48 Å} 4.49 mg/dL; creatinine: 1.64 Å} 0.238 mg/dL; uric acid: 0.28 Å} 0.041 mg/dL; total globulins (TG): 0.28 Å} 0.041 mg/dL; cholesterol: 40.52 Å} 13.225 mg/dL; total bilirubin: 0.34Å}0.124 mg/dL; alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 113.9Å}29.75 (IU/L); aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 88.8Å}70.03 (IU/L); alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 13.3Å}5.97 (IU/L); Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT): 21.3Å}10.18 (IU/L); lactate dehydrogenase (LD); 419.9Å}160.38 (IU/L); Creatine kinase (CK): 46.3Å}16.2 (IU/L); sodium (Na): 144.5Å}5.80 mmol/L; potassium (K): 4.23Å}0.42 mmol/L; calcium (Ca): 9.63Å}0.43; phosphorus (P): 9.56?Å}0.76 mg/dL; iron (Fe): 107.8Å}25.54 μg/dl; copper (Cu): 72.5Å}8.08 μg/dl; chlorine (Cl): 113.0Å}4.52 mmol/L. Findings of the current study provide baseline values that may be used by clinicians for racing camels in Oman. There were some significant correlations especially between macro minerals (Na, Ca, K, and P) that may be used to estimate their values with less cost by reducing the number of elements to be analyzed.

Technical Note: Collection and preparation techniques change nutrient composition of masticate collected from esophageally fistulated cattle.

Two experiments determined effects of collection and preparation techniques on nutrient composition of masticate samples from esophageally fistulated cattle. In Exp. 1, 12 esophageally fistulated cattle were maintained on 2 precollection diets, high CP (24% CP; = 6) or low CP (7.7% CP; = 6), for 8 d. On d 9, the esophageal plug was removed, screen bottom bags were attached, and each cow was offered fresh grass. Immediately after fresh grass sample collection was complete, dry grass (hay) was offered and a sample was collected. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum urea nitrogen concentration. Masticate samples of both fresh and dry grass were divided and each was either squeezed by hand until no more saliva could be removed or remained unsqueezed. In Exp. 2, 10 esophageally fistulated cattle were fitted with either screen ( = 5) or solid ( = 5) bottom collection bags after removal of the esophageal plug and presented grass hay, fresh grass, alfalfa hay, or fresh alfalfa. In Exp. 1, the precollection diet did not affect ( = 0.49) CP content of masticate even though serum urea nitrogen tended to be greater ( = 0.08) for high- vs. low-CP precollection diets. Forage harvest type offered (fresh vs. hay) interacted ( = 0.01) with preparation technique (squeezed vs. unsqueezed) for CP, where CP decreased in squeezed fresh samples ( < 0.001) but not in squeezed grass hay samples ( = 0.98). In Exp. 2, ingestion greatly increased levels of ash ( < 0.001). Crude protein was greater ( < 0.004) before ingestion for all samples except grass hay ( = 0.43). Levels of NDF were similar before and after ingestion ( > 0.15) for all samples except fresh alfalfa, which was greater after ingestion ( = 0.002). Ingestion status did not affect in vitro OM disappearance (IVOMD; > 0.34) except for grass hay, which was greater after ingestion ( < 0.001). Bag type (screen vs. solid) did not affect ash and NDF ( > 0.31), except for fresh alfalfa, which were greater ( < 0.03) for solid bottom bags. Bag type did not affect alfalfa CP ( = 0.71) but did affect grass CP, which was lower ( = 0.02) for solid bottom bags. Bag type did not affect IVOMD ( > 0.33). More ( = 0.01) fresh forage than hay was recovered through the esophageal opening. Previous diet did not impact masticate samples but squeezing impacted CP levels of high-quality forage and therefore should not be performed. Nutrient values should be reported on an OM basis.

Effect of treating alfalfa silage with pistachio by-products extract on Saanen dairy goats performance and microbial nitrogen synthesis.

A lactation experiment was conducted to determine the influence of addition of pistachio by-products extract (PBE) to alfalfa silage (AS) on performance, rumen fermentation, milk yield and composition, and microbial nitrogen synthesis. Eight multiparous dairy goats (1.8±0.25kg of milk yield) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments to compare two types of AS (supplemented with or without PBE) with two levels of dietary crude protein (14% vs. 16% CP). Dietary treatments were (i) AS with 14% CP of DM diet without PBE (14%CP-PBE), (ii) AS with 14% CP of DM diet with PBE (14%CP+PBE), (iii) AS with 16% CP of DM diet without PBE (16%CP-PBE) and (iv) AS with 16% CP of DM diet with PBE (16%CP+PBE). PBE was sprayed on fresh alfalfa at a ratio of 500ml/kg alfalfa DM to get the final concentration of 1% tannin as tannic acid equivalent on DM basis. Intake of CP was greater (p<0.01) in goats fed 16% CP diets than those fed 14% CP diets, regardless of PBE supplementation. Supplementation of PBE tended to decrease (p=0.09) rumen NH3 -N concentration regardless of the level of CP in the diet. Supplementation of PBE tended (p=0.09) to decrease total purine derivatives regardless of the level of CP in the diet with no significant change in microbial nitrogen supply. Efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) had a tendency (p=0.07) to decrease in PBE supplemented diets. There was also a tendency (p=0.10) for more EMNS in 14% CP fed goats than those fed 16% CP diets. Therefore, AS supplemented with PBE may lead to less concentration of ruminal NH3 -N because of decreased degradation of CP by rumen micro-organisms in response to pistachio by-products tannins.

Addition of inulin, alfalfa and citrus pulp in diets for piglets: Influence on nutritional and faecal parameters, intestinal organs, and colonic fermentation and bacterial populations

The effects of the inclusion of inulin, fresh alfalfa and fresh citrus pulp in diets for piglets on intake, nutritional and faecal parameters, digestive tract size, fermentation kinetics and colonic microbial populations was evaluated. Twenty-four cross-breed piglets (initial BW: 9.75±1.63kg) in a randomized complete block design were housed in metabolic cages and assigned to one of 4 treatments: 100% corn and soybean meal control diet (CON), 97% CON+3% inulin (INU), 95.5% CON+4.5% fresh alfalfa (ALF) and 95.5% CON+4.5% fresh citrus pulp (CIT). The experiment consisted of a 12 d adaptation period followed by 12 d for samples collection. The last 2 days of the experiment all animals were euthanized, the digestive tract of each animal was removed and an individual sample of colonic digesta was collected. Feed intake tended to be lower in the fibre supplemented groups (P=0.098), and was lower in ALF than in CIT (P=0.026). Groups receiving fibres tended to excrete more faeces (P=0.088), evacuated softer faeces (P=0.041) and presented a lower digestibility of CP (P=0.003). Retention of N was higher in the CON group than in fibre containing diets (P=0.009), and lower for ALF than for CIT (P=0.034). Colonic pH was lower in CIT and ALF treatments than in INU (P=0.016), in vitro gas volume was higher in the fibre-supplemented groups than in CON (P=0.048), but no differences between colonic bacterial counts were noticed among treatments. From the data obtained we conclude that the addition of fresh alfalfa and citrus pulp produce some beneficial effects in terms of promoting an increase in the hindgut fermentation, but negative aspects related to poorer nutrients absorption and N utilization can limit the usage of these fibrous sources.

Metabolic rates of three gazelle species (Nanger soemmerringii, Gazella gazella, Gazella spekei) adapted to arid habitats

The basal metabolic rate of mammals correlates with body mass, but deviations from this regression have been observed and explanations comprise ecological adaptations, reproductive strategies or phylogeny. Certain mammalian groups, adapted to arid environments, show comparatively lower metabolic rates. To expand existing datasets and to investigate metabolic rates in ruminants adapted to arid environments, we conducted respiration measurements with three gazelle species (Gazella spekei, G. gazella and N. soemmerringii, total n=16). After an adaptation period to a diet of fresh lucerne offered ad libitum, subjects were put separately into respiration boxes for 24h where they had free access to food and water. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured with a modular system of gas analyzers and pumps. Mean and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were calculated by accounting for the entire measurement phase or the lowest 20 oxygen measurements, respectively. N. soemmerringii had the lowest relative RMR values and the highest respiratory coefficients compared to the other species. Measured values were compared to expected RMR values calculated based on body mass. Gazella spekei and G. gazella showed higher RMR values than expected, while the RMR of N. soemmerringii was in the range of expected values. Our results indicate that not all mammals adapted to aridity have lower metabolic rates under conditions of unlimited resources and that in these cases other physiological adaptations might be of higher importance. Further extensions of the datasets could allow explaining which deviations of metabolic rate from the body mass regressions result from convergent adaptations.