Fresh Alfalfa Research Articles

Exploiting the anaerobic fermentation of alfalfa as a renewable source of squalene.

The use of alfalfa is a promising response to the increasing demand for squalene. Ensiling could enhance the squalene content of fresh alfalfa and silage. To investigate and exploit the anaerobic fermentation of forage as a new squalene source, alfalfa was ensiled without (CON) or with molasses (ML) and sunflower seed oil (SSL) for 10, 40, and 70 days. Naturally ensiled alfalfa was of poor quality but had up to 1.93 times higher squalene content (P < 0.001) than fresh alfalfa. The squalene-producing bacteria were found to be cocci lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Adding ML and SSL decreased squalene content (P=0.002 and P < 0.001) by 6.89% and 11.6%, respectively. Multiple linear regression models and correlation analysis indicated that squalene synthase was the key enzyme for squalene synthesis. The addition of ML and SSL altered the structure of LAB communities, mainly decreasing the relative abundance of cocci LAB, which was responsible for squalene synthesis, and changing the fermentation products (lactic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia-N) influencing the squalene-related enzymes, thereby decreasing squalene production. Compared with squalene production from the reference bacteria (Pediococcus acidilactici Ch-2, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Bacillus subtilis, engineered Escherichia coli), alfalfa silage had the potential to be a new squalene source. Natural ensiled alfalfa was a promising source for squalene, and ensiling was a potential pathway to obtain novel high-yield squalene bacteria. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Harvesting Period and Storage Duration on Volatile Organic Compounds and Nutritive Qualities of Alfalfa

Harvest time and storage time had significant effects on nutrient quality and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of alfalfa. The objective of this study was to use headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to analyze alfalfa at different harvest periods (budding stage, early blooming, full blooming), and storage for 0 d, 90 d, 180 d, 270 d, and 360 d, the dynamic changes in VOCs and nutritional quality. Results indicated that ketones, aldehydes, alcohols and esters were the main volatile components of alfalfa VOCs, accounting for 87.41%, 88.57% and 90.85% of the total volatile components at budding stage, early blooming and full blooming, respectively. VOCs and nutrient quality of alfalfa varied significantly in different harvest periods; delayed harvesting significantly reduced alfalfa aldehydes, alcohols, crude protein (CP), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) and significantly increased ketone, dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents (p &lt; 0.05). After Comprehensive consideration ofthe yield, nutritional quality and VOCs of alfalfa, the best harvest time was determined to be the budding stage. The VOCs and nutrient quality of alfalfa were significantly different at different storage durations, and ketones, ADF and NDF were significantly increased and significantly reduced DM, CP and TDN (p &lt; 0.05). Ketone content and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content had a significant positive correlation, (NDF F = 5.5, p = 0.024). Storage 360 d 2-methylbutyraldehyde (musty), 1-octen-3-one (earthy musty odor) content increased. These may be the key compounds that causes the smell of fresh alfalfa to fade away and a musty smell to emerge.

Effect of Feeding Lucerne and a Mixed Diet of Oats and Berseem Clover as a Source of Fresh Forage on Ruminal Characteristics and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Dairy Cows during the Winter Period

The inclusion of fresh forages into dairy cows’ diets during the winter can represent economic and nutritional benefits but can affect cows’ metabolic function. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of using fresh berseem clover/oat (MIX), fresh lucerne (LEG) and hay/silage (CON) as forage basis for total mixed ration during the winter period on dairy cows’ rumen characteristics and N metabolism. Three non-lactating rumen-cannulated cows were allocated to each diet for a 14-day period in a 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Sample collection occurred on the last 3 days of each period. Rumen fluid samples were analysed for pH, volatile fatty acids and N-ammonium contents. In situ forage nutrients degradability were evaluated by ruminal incubation. Serum, urine and faecal samples were collected and analysed for N content. Cows had similar feed intakes. No major changes were observed in rumen characteristics, but LEG led to greater ruminal N-ammonium and ammonium ureic N contents. Fresh pasture diets reduced the daily urine ureic N. The fresh forages improved the ruminal kinetics of dry matter and crude protein. The forage nutrients’ effective degradability was greater for the fresh pasture diets than for CON. Overall, inclusion of fresh forages had minor effects on ruminal parameters, but the use of the MIX diet represents a suitable option in terms of N use efficiency.

Tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa cv. Kacang Ratu BW) supplementation for reducing cholesterol and improving quality of carcass and meat of hybrid duck

Context Duck meat is a good source of protein (21.4%) but it is high in cholesterol, with a standard range of 125–200 mg/dL. Alfalfa is a legume that contains saponins, which have been shown to reduce the cholesterol content of meat. Aim We aimed to determine the effect of alfalfa on the weight of the internal organs and carcass, the physicochemical quality of meat, and the cholesterol of hybrid ducks in Indonesia. Methods Ninety 1-day-old Indonesian hybrid ducks were fed basal rations supplemented with 0% (control), 3%, or 6% fresh alfalfa (n = 5 per group), calculated on a dry matter basis. Five replicates were made for each dietary treatment. Dietary treatments were administered to the ducks from 8 to 35 days of age. The parameters measured were the internal organ weight, carcass quality (live weight, carcass weight, carcass percentage, and abdominal fat), physicochemical quality of meat (water content, crude protein, crude fat, pH, water holding capacity [WHC], cooking loss, and tenderness), and the cholesterol content of the liver, breast meat, thigh meat, and blood (including the high-density lipoprotein/HDL and low-density lipoprotein/LDL). Analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range tests determined the significance of results. Key results Supplementation of rations with up to 6% of alfalfa did not significantly affect the weight of the internal organs, but reduced the cholesterol content in the liver, meat, and blood. In addition, the physicochemical parameter of alfalfa supplementation in the rations, up to a level of 6%, had no effect on carcass quality, moisture content, crude protein or pH of hybrid duck meat. Moreover, supplementation with 6% of alfalfa significantly reduced the LDL levels while increasing the HDL and affecting crude fat, WHC, cooking loss, and tenderness of hybrid ducks. Conclusions Supplementation with up to 6% of alfalfa did not affect the weight of key internal digestive organs, but reduced the cholesterol content, and increased the HDL levels of blood. Alfalfa supplementation affected the physicochemical quality of hybrid duck meat. However, the optimum level (production parameters observation) of alfalfa supplementation in the diet was at 3%. Implications Hybrid duck meat exhibits lower cholesterol, higher HDL, and lower LDL when the diet is supplemented with alfalfa, whereas other parameters were largely unchanged.

Effect of feeding Sesbania sesban and reed grass on growth performance, blood parameters, and meat quality of growing lambs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of green fodders, fresh Sesbania sesban, and reed grass, on growth performance, blood metabolites, and meat quality of growing lambs. Twenty-one male Farafra lambs (19.0 ± 1.87kg body weight) were randomly distributed into three groups, each with seven animals. The first group was fed on 60% concentrates and 40% fresh alfalfa, and served as a control. The second and third groups were fed also on 60% concentrates plus 40% fresh Sesbania sesban and reed grass, respectively. Lambs were fed the diets until reaching the target slaughter weight of about 50.0kg, which was obtained after a period of 215days. Five lambs from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered at the end of the experiment. Slaughter body weight, carcass traits weight, and dressing percentage were estimated. Chemical composition and physical properties of longissimus dorsi muscle, from the animals' right side, were determined. It was found that no significant (P > 0.05) differences among groups in body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion rate, hot carcass, dressing percentage, and carcass components were observed. The forage intake of Sesbania and alfalfa tended to be higher than that of reed forage. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the blood parameters among the treatments, except the urea level which was higher in Sesbania sesban group than the reed one. However, the serum urea concentration in Sesbania and reed groups was similar to that of alfalfa. Sesbania sesban and reed forages decreased (P < 0.05) the eye muscle area and shear force in lambs when compared to the control group. The longissimus dorsi muscle of the Sesbania and reed treatments was found to be numerically higher in the moisture and lower in the fat and collagen contents than the alfalfa group. Most of meat and fat color parameters were improved by feeding of Sesbania and reed forages. In conclusion, Sesbania sesban or reed grass, as unconventional forage sources, can be used as alternatives of the commonly used alfalfa feed. Moreover, these sources could enhance the meat quality of lambs and increasing the tenderness with accepted meat and fat color. So, it can be recommended to use Sesbania or reed grass forages in diets of sheep, to overcome the rising in the price or shortage in the availability of traditional green fodders.

The Potential Effects on Microbiota and Silage Fermentation of Alfalfa Under Salt Stress.

This study investigated the fermentation quality of alfalfa grown in different salt stress regions in China. Following the production of silage from the natural fermentation of alfalfa, the interplay between the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and microbiome was examined to understand the influence of these factors on the fermentation quality of silage. The alfalfa was cultivated under salt stress with the following: (a) soil content of <1%0 (CK); (b) 1–2%0 (LS); (c) 2–3%0 (MS); (d) 3–4%0 (HS). The pH of the silage was high (4.9–5.3), and lactic acid content was high (26.3–51.0 g/kg DM). As the salt stress increases, the NA+ of the silages was higher (2.2–5.4 g/kg DM). The bacterial alpha diversities of the alfalfa silages were distinct. There was a predominance of desirable genera including Lactococcus and Lactobacillus in silage produced from alfalfa under salt stress, and this led to better fermentation quality. The chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of the silage were closely correlated with the composition of the bacterial community. Furthermore, NA+ was found to significantly influence the microbiome of the silage. The results confirmed that salt stress has a great impact on the quality and bacterial community of fresh alfalfa and silage. The salt stress and plant ions were thus most responsible for their different fermentation modes in alfalfa silage. The results of the study indicate that exogenous epiphytic microbiota of alfalfa under salt stress could be used as a potential bioresource to improve the fermentation quality.

Effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in the diet on the growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility of hybrid ducks.

Background and Aim:Feed plays the most important role in supporting livestock productivity. There is a need for studies on the nutrient levels in feed absorbed by the body of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation in feed on growth, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility in hybrid ducks.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted in vivo using 75 hybrid ducks, with three treatments and five replications. Each replication consisted of five ducks. The treatments were: T0=basal ration without any alfalfa supplementation; T1=basal ration+3% fresh alfalfa supplementation; and T2=basal ration+6% fresh alfalfa supplementation. Fresh alfalfa was quantified on the basis of dry matter content. Drinking water was provided ad libitum. The observed variables were growth performance, measured in terms of feed consumption, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio; duodenum histomorphology, measured in terms of villus height, villus width, and crypt depth; digestibility, measured in terms of dry matter digestibility; and organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber concentrations. The data were analyzed using variance analysis with a completely randomized design of one-way pattern with Statistical Product for Service Solution application of version 22. The data with significant differences were further analyzed using Duncan’s new multiple range rest.Results:The results of the study showed that 3% alfalfa supplementation increased feed consumption and body weight gain of the hybrid ducks at 35 days of age compared with 0% and 6% supplementation. Furthermore, 3% alfalfa supplementation presented the best result in terms of villus height and duodenal crypt depth. Meanwhile, 6% alfalfa supplementation decreased nutrient digestibility in the ducks.Conclusion:These findings show that supplementation of feed with fresh alfalfa could have a significant effect on hybrid ducks in terms of growth performance, small intestinal histomorphology, and digestibility.

Characterization of Phytoestrogens in Medicago sativa L. and Grazing Beef Cattle.

Phytoestrogens are plant-produced bioactive secondary metabolites known to play an integral role in plant defense that frequently accumulate in times of stress and/or microbial infection. Phytoestrogens typically belong to two distinct chemical classes; flavonoids (isoflavones) and non-flavonoids (lignans and coumestans). Upon consumption by livestock, high concentrations of phytoestrogens can cause long-term disruption in reproduction due to structural similarities with mammalian estrogens and their tendency to bind estrogen receptors. Wide variation in phytoestrogen concentration has been reported in pasture legumes and corresponding silage or hay. Lucerne is a common perennial pasture legume in temperate climates, but information on phytoestrogen production or accumulation in grazing livestock is currently limited. Therefore, metabolic profiling using UHPLC-MS-QToF was performed to identify and quantitate key phytoestrogens in both fresh and dried lucerne fodder from replicated field or controlled glasshouse environments. Phytoestrogens were also profiled in the blood plasma of Angus cattle grazing field-grown lucerne. Results revealed that phytoestrogens varied quantitatively and qualitatively among selected lucerne cultivars grown under glasshouse conditions. Fresh lucerne samples contained higher concentrations of coumestans and other phytoestrogenic isoflavones than did dried samples for all cultivars profiled, with several exceeding desirable threshold levels for grazing cattle. Coumestans and isoflavones profiled in plasma of Angus heifers grazing lucerne increased significantly over a 21-day sampling period following experimental initiation. Currently, threshold concentrations for phytoestrogens in plasma are unreported. However, total phytoestrogen concentration exceeded 300 mg·kg−1 in fresh and 180 mg·kg−1 in dried samples of selected cultivars, suggesting that certain genotypes may upregulate phytoestrogen production, while others may prove suitable sources of fodder for grazing livestock.

Effect of citric acid residue and short-chain fatty acids on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of lucerne ensiled with lactic acid bacteria inoculants.

The experiment aimed to compare the effects of citric acid residue (CAR) to that of three commonly used short-chain fatty acids on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and structural carbohydrate degradation of lucerne ensiled with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants. Fresh lucerne was ensiled with distilled water (control), LAB inoculant (L), CAR+LAB inoculant (CL), formic acid+LAB inoculant (FL), acetic acid+LAB inoculant (AL) and propanoic acid+LAB inoculant (PL) for 50days. Chemical composition and microbial populations were determined after ensiling. The residual silages ensiled for 50days were evaluated for aerobic stability. Compared with control, CL, FL, AL and PL treatments significantly (p<0.05) decreased pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) and butyric acid contents and increased lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid contents. Among them, CL silages had the lowest pH, dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content, whereas the population of LAB and the lactic acid contents were highest. Besides, CL outperformed in enhancing fibre degradation, CL silages significantly decreased (p<0.05) neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose and cellulose contents compared with control and had the highest Flieg's point. All treated-silages improved the aerobic stability compared with control, of which L improved 32h, whereas CL, FL, AL and PL improved 46, 20, 46, >64h, respectively. Applying a combination of CAR and LAB inoculant improved the fermentation quality and structural carbohydrate degradation of lucerne silage and had a similar effect on aerobic stability compared with other three short-chain fatty acids. The CAR had a comparable effect on enhancing the fermentation quality compared with three short-chain fatty acids. Thus, the combination of CAR and LAB inoculant might be used as an ideal additive for lucerne silage making with low WSC and high moisture content.

Exploring the diversity mechanism of fatty acids and the loss mechanisms of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in alfalfa silage using different additives

The purpose of this study was to explore the diversity mechanism of fatty acids (FA) and the loss mechanisms of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and fat-soluble vitamins in alfalfa silages treated with molasses (ML), lipase-producing-Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), propionic acid (PA), sunflower seed oil (OL) and without additives as the control (CON) for 70 d. The results exhibited that natural ensiling led to the losses of PUFA, C18:3n3, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene and increased the FA diversity due to the appearances of C11:0 and C18:2 trans-912 relative to the fresh alfalfa material (FAM). Similar to the control silage, great PUFA losses were observed in ML- and OL-treated silages. In contrast, LP (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001) and PA (P = 0.053 and P = 0.044) reduced the losses of C18:3n3 and PUFA compared with the control. Adding LP increased the contents of C16:0 (P < 0.001), C18:1 trans-9 (P = 0.014), and C18:2n6 (P = 0.001) than FAM. Furthermore, ML, OL, PA and LP increased (P < 0.001) the C11:0 content relative to FAM, and LP- (P < 0.001) and PA-treated (P < 0.001) silages had lower C11:0 content than the control, ML- and OL-treated silages. Compared with the control, adding ML, OL and PA reduced (P < 0.001) the β-carotene loss, and PA (P < 0.001) and LP (P = 0.001) reduced the α-tocopherol loss. Adding LP slightly increased β-carotene (4.9 %) relative to FAM. Next-generation sequencing results showed that undesired Citrobacter and cocci lactic acid bacteria (LAB) included Weissella, Pediococcus and Lactococcus were predominant in the control, OL- and ML-treated silages. The low abundances of these bacteria were detected in PA- and LP-treated silages but they had high abundances of Lactobacillus (> 58.0 %). Spearman correlation and redundancy analyses revealed that these cocci LAB and Citrobacter led to the increases of lipoxygenase activity, contents of C11:0, and C18:2 trans-912, and the losses of PUFA, C18:3n3, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene, while Lactobacillus altered these indexes oppositely. Moreover, Pantoea (r = -0.70 and -0.68), Sphingomonas (r = -0.81 and -0.76), Aureimonas (r = -0.81 and -0.78) and Devosia (r = -0.83 and -0.80) correlated negatively with the losses of α-tocopherol and β-carotene. In conclusion, ML, PA, and LP improved fermentation quality. Adding PA and LP altered the bacterial community in alfalfa silage, which in turn reduced the FA diversity and losses of PUFA, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene.

The potential and effects of saline-alkali alfalfa microbiota under salt stress on the fermentation quality and microbial

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical compositions and microbial communities of salt-tolerant alfalfa silage. Salt-tolerant alfalfa was ensiled with no additive control, and cellulase for 30 and 60 to 90 days. In this study, the dry matter (DM) content of the raw material was 29.9% DM, and the crude protein (CP) content of the alfalfa was 21.9% CP.ResultsAfter 30 days of fermentation, the DM content with the cellulase treatment was reduced by 3.6%, and the CP content was reduced by 12.7%. After 60 days of fermentation, compared with alfalfa raw material, the DM content in the control group (CK) was reduced by 1%, the CP content was reduced by 9.5%, and the WSC (water-soluble carbohydrates) content was reduced by 22.6%. With the cellulase, the lactic acid content of the 30- and 60-day silages was 2.66% DM and 3.48% DM. The content of Firmicutes in salinized alfalfa raw material was less than 0.1% of the total bacterial content. Before and after ensiling, the microbes had similar composition at the phylum level, and were composed of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. The abundance of Pantoea was dominant in fresh alfalfa. In the absence of additives, after 30 days and 60 days of silage, the dominant lactic acid bacteria species became Lactococcus and Enterococcus.ConclusionsThe results showed that LAB (Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus) played a major role in the fermentation of saline alfalfa silage. It also can better preserve the nutrients of saline alfalfa silage. The use of cellulase enhances the reproduction of Lactobacillus. The fermentation time would also change the microbial community of silage fermentation.

Determination of Nutrient Digestibility in Calves Supplemented with Various Levels of Corn Gluten Feed When Consuming Forage-based Rations

Abstract The experimental objective was to determine the effect of supplementing various levels of corn or corn gluten feed (CGF) on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility in cattle consuming a forage-based ration. Twelve purebred Angus and Simmental heifers were stratified across treatments by BW and breed in a 2x2 factorial arrangement across 2 periods (n = 6/treatment). Treatments included either corn or CGF supplemented at 0.25% BW or 0.75% BW with ad libitum access to alfalfa hay. Each period lasted 21 d, with animals housed as a group and moved to individual stalls to consume supplement each morning during the first 10 d and individually thereafter. Fresh alfalfa and supplement were provided daily throughout the experiment, and feed offered and refused were recorded daily while animals were housed individually. During the final 3 d of each period, fecal samples were obtained directly from the rectum of each animal every 6-h. Samples were analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP). Data were analyzed using lm in R with significance defined at P ≤ 0.05. The statistical model included the fixed effects of supplement type, level, and their interaction, breed, and period. No differences (P ≥ 0.28) in ADG or G:F were noted among treatments. Total tract NDF, ADF, and OM digestibility did not differ among treatments, but OM and ADF digestibility tended to be greater (P = 0.10 and P = 0.06, respectively) for animals supplemented with corn. Crude protein digestibility was not influenced by supplement type (P = 0.46), but tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for animals supplemented at 0.25% BW. These results indicate that at supplement levels below 0.75% BW, supplementing cattle with CGF does not result in an improvement in apparent total tract digestibility relative to corn under the conditions of this experiment.

96 Developing and validating near infrared spectroscopy prediction equations for fresh alfalfa using a hand-held device

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a staple in laboratories used to determine forage quality in an affordable and efficient manner compared with standard wet chemistry analysis. The use of hand-held, portable NIRS technology in the field has not been thoroughly developed but could potentially be a tool to measure forage quality at harvest. The objectives of this research were to formulate and validate NIRS predictive equations for in-field use on wet alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) using a hand-held NIRS device (NIR4 Farm, AB Vista, Marlborough, England). In 2019, alfalfa was hand-harvested from an existing stand, sorted by maturity, and chopped to 2.5-cm lengths (n = 100 samples). Alfalfa was scanned as-is by the NIRS device in a climate-controlled room to obtain spectral data. Samples were then ground to 1-mm lengths and thoroughly mixed before performing wet chemistry analysis. Predictive equations were developed using the data gathered through wet chemistry analysis. In 2020, alfalfa was hand-harvested from different existing stands, sorted by maturity, and chopped to 2.5-cm lengths (n = 102 samples). Samples were scanned in the field immediately after harvesting using the NIRS device containing the previously developed equations. Samples were then analyzed using wet chemistry. Data were analyzed using R (version 3.6.2) and significance was set at P < 0.05. Calibration statistics were generated based on the developed prediction equation for crude protein (CP). A linear model and an ANOVA were then used to determine differences between the wet chemistry and NIRS values for CP. Calibration statistics showed that the developed predictive equation for CP could predict results with acceptable accuracy (R 2 = 0.84; Standard Error of Calibration = 1.45). There was no significant difference between wet chemistry and NIRS values for CP ( P = 0.86; R 2 = 0.89; Standard Error of Prediction = 0.77). These findings suggests that the hand-held NIRS could accurately estimate the CP concentration of wet alfalfa. The ability to predict CP indicates that other forage quality parameters may also be predicted by the hand-held NIRS device.

Acceptance of a Protein Concentrate from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) by Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) Fed a Formulated Diet

The majority of plant proteins used in aquatic feeds are derived from seed meals, which may contain antinutritional factors. Protein concentrates from plant foliage have received less attention in fish feeding trials. Alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) is derived from fresh alfalfa foliage that contains approximately 52% protein and is low in fiber. A feeding trial was done to assess growth and feed efficiency responses of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) fed a formulated diet with 180 g/kg APC replacing all fishmeal compared to a control isonitrogenous diet with fishmeal. Yellow perch accepted the APC diet but gained weight at a lower specific growth rate (−0.07% per day) and had an elevated feed conversion ratio (+0.32 g feed/g growth) than fish on the control diet containing fishmeal. There was no impact on survivorship or condition nor differences in fillet yield or composition in fish on the diet with APC compared to the control fishmeal diet. These findings indicate that although replacing fishmeal with APC in a perch diet resulted in slower growth rates, the APC was accepted and has promise as a sustainable protein in aquatic feeds.

Effects of Sugar Cane Molasses Addition on the Fermentation Quality, Microbial Community, and Tastes of Alfalfa Silage.

Simple SummaryIt is difficult for Alfalfa alone to obtain a competitive fermentation quality due to its low content of fermentable carbohydrate and great buffering capacity. Sugar cane molasses additives provide a substrate for the rapid accumulation of lactic acid (LA) and pH reduction while increasing the nutritional quality of silage. The present work aims to study the effects of molasses additives on the fermentation quality and taste evaluation of the alfalfa silage. The microbial communities of the alfalfa silage were also described as the explanation for the changes in silages. The study could give directions on improving the fermentation quality of alfalfa silage and achieve long-term preservation.The objective was to study the effects of sugar cane molasses addition on the fermentation quality and tastes of alfalfa silage. Fresh alfalfa was ensiled with no additive (Control), 1% molasses (M1), 2% molasses (M2), and 3% molasses (M3) for 206 days. The chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of the alfalfa silages were determined, the microbial communities were described by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the tastes were evaluated using an electronic tongue sensing system. With the amount of added molasses (M), most nutrition (dry matter and crude protein) was preserved and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) were sufficiently used to promote the fermentation, resulting in a pH reduction from 5.16 to 4.48. The lactic acid (LA) content and LA/acetic acid (AA) significantly increased, indicating that the fermentation had turned to homofermentation. After ensiling, Enterococcus and Lactobacillus were the dominant genus in all treatments and the undesirable microbes were inhibited, resulting in lower propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA), and NH3-N production. In addition, bitterness, astringency, and sourness reflected tastes of alfalfa silage, while umami and sourness changed with the amount of added molasses. Therefore, molasses additive had improved the fermentation quality and tastes of alfalfa silage, and the M3 group obtained the ideal pH value (below 4.5) and the best condition for long-term preservation.

Silage Additives Usage in Improving Fermentation Quality of Alfalfa Silage: A Review

Alfalfa is difficult to ensile due to its high protein content, low water-soluble carbohydrate level, low dry matter content, and high buffering capacity. Therefore, alfalfa has recently increased its efforts to make silage with additives. Silage additives have been used to enhancing the silage quality of alfalfa in recent years. This review covers research studies that have investigated the efficacy of silage additives on fermentation quality, the bacterial diversity of alfalfa silage using the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique, the effects of microbial inoculant on these bacterial communities, silage's antioxidant enzymes, and unsaturated fatty acid levels. In recent studies, more clear information about bacterial communities in silage fermentation has begun to be obtained with the use of NGS technique. In studies using these techniques, it was reported that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) organic acid additions to alfalfa silage caused Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Sporolactobacillus species to increase relatively in silage environment, the ratio of unwanted species decreased and silage quality increased. Although the amount of alpha-tocopherol, and beta carotene decreased by half in pure silage compared to fresh alfalfa, it was observed that LAB inoculation increased the ratio of alpha tocopherol, beta carotene and also polyunsaturated fatty acids. Future silage additives are expected to determine effects fermentation quality, the bacterial community, the antioxidant enzymes, and unsaturated fatty acid levels.

Organic Crop Productivity Demonstration Using Tillage And Biofertilizer Management Approaches At Kulumsa, Southeastern Ethiopia

Organic agriculture assures sustainability of crop production with low or no use of external agricultural inputs. It is practiced under small scale level for high value crop such as coffee in Ethiopia. Although crop rotation as part of organic agriculture is practiced in food security crops like wheat and faba bean, it is not implemented under large scale production schemes. Thus, a field research was conducted to test and demonstrate organic farming and associated tillage and fertility trials at Kulumsa, southeastern Ethiopia. Interventions were deep plowing followed by soil harmonization using alfalfa and lathyrus planting in 2016. Then, all the planted biomass were converted to the soil during the second heavy plowing before setting up the trials. Separate sets of large blocks (20 ha) of field experiments were undertaken in 2017 main cropping season. Tillage experiments using mechanized and oxen plowing treatments were compared in faba bean and tef demonstration fields in 2.28 ha per each crop. Faba bean productivity was higher in oxen than tractor plowed field. Although non-significant, application of bio fertilizer gave better faba bean yield with tractor than oxen plowed field. Tef yield was better in oxen than tractor plowed field. Similarly, five crops (0.75 ha each) were evaluated for their productivity in organic model farm experiment under green manure and with additional decomposed animal manure. Organic based bread wheat (3300 kg/ha) production showed above national average yield. Productivity of potato was 24,444 kg/ha and that of fresh alfalfa biomass was11, 640 kg/ha. Thus, agroecological system approaches such as proper tillage, soil harmonization and crop rotation showed significant effect to reduce weed species composition and increased productivity at last.

Clarifying the relationships among bacteria, lipid-related enzymes, main polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage using various sugar supplementations

The objective of this study was to clarify the relationships among bacteria, lipid-related enzymes, α-linolenic acid, α-tocopherol and β-carotene in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silages, using without sugars as the control, and with 4 types of sugars (10 g kg−1 fructose, 10 g kg−1 glucose, 10 g kg−1 sucrose, and 20 g kg−1 molasses on fresh matter basis). After ensiling for 70 d, results showed that big losses of α-linolenic acid, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene were observed in the control silage. Supplementations of fructose, glucose, and sucrose increased the contents of α-linolenic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) compared with the fresh alfalfa material. Similar to the control, there was a big loss of α-linolenic acid in the molasses-treated silage due to the high lipoxygenase activity and low activity ratio of lipase to lipoxygenase. Compared with the control, fructose supplementation reduced the losses of α-tocopherol and β-carotene (P < 0.05), and supplementations of glucose and molasses reduced the β-carotene loss after ensiling (P < 0.05). Next-generation sequencing results showed that Pediococcus (25.2 %), undesired Citrobacter (20.6 %), Lactococcus (17.7 %), and Weissella (17.2 %) rather than Lactobacillus (5.12 %) were predominant in the control silage. Molasses-treated silage had 48.1 % lower the abundance of Citrobacter (P < 0.05), and 255 % higher the abundance of Lactobacillus than the control silage (P < 0.05). Consequently, the highest lactic acid concentration and the lowest pH were observed in molasses-treated silage, indicating good fermentation quality. Person correlation analysis showed that Citrobacter (r = 0.84), Pediococcus (r = 0.73), and Lactococcus (r = 0.91) correlated with lipoxygenase positively, and correlated with α-linolenic acid and β-carotene negatively (r < -0.45); Lactobacillus (r = -0.56) and Leuconostoc (r = -0.48) correlated with α-tocopherol negatively. Redundancy analysis exhibited that Citrobacter, Pediococcus, and Lactococcus increased lipoxygenase to degrade α-linolenic acid and β-carotene and Lactobacillus involved in degrading α-tocopherol. In conclusion, sugar supplementations altered the bacterial community in alfalfa silage to reveal the relationships of Lactobacillus, Citrobacter, Pediococcus, and Lactococcus with lipoxygenase, α-linolenic acid, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene, which will provide deep thinking on the measures for reducing the losses of α-linolenic acid, α-tocopherol and β-carotene caused by above bacteria and lipid-related enzymes in alfalfa silage.

The Microbiota Dynamics of Alfalfa Silage During Ensiling and After Air Exposure, and the Metabolomics After Air Exposure Are Affected by Lactobacillus casei and Cellulase Addition.

Both inoculants treatment and enzyme treatment promote the reproduction of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to produce enough lactic acid to lower pH in silage. The present study investigated the microbial community and metabolome in cellulase, Lactobacillus casei, and air treated alfalfa silage. Chopped and wilted alfalfa (first cutting, 29% dry matter) was ensiled without (CON) or with L. casei (1 × 106 cfu g–1 fresh matter) (LC) or cellulase (20,000IU, 0.5% of fresh matter) (CE) for 56 days, then exposed to air for 3 days (PO). Greater ensiling quality was observed in LC and CE, which had lower pH and higher lactic acid content than CON at 56 days of ensiling and 3 days post-oxygen exposure. Air exposure was associated with decreased lactic acid concentrations and increased yeast and mold counts in all silages. SEM showed that the structure of leaf epicuticular wax crystals were intact in fresh alfalfa, totally decomposed in CON silage, and partly preserved in CE and LC silage. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry revealed that 196 metabolites and 95 differential concentration were present in the 3 days air exposure samples. Most of these metabolites, mainly organic acids, polyols, ketones, aldehydes, are capable of antimicrobial activity. The bacterial communities were obviously different among groups and Lactobacillus developed to a dominant status in all silages. Lactobacillus became dominant in bacterial communities of LC and CE silages from days 7 to 56, and their relative abundances reached 94.17–83.93% at day 56, respectively. For CON silage, until day 56, Lactobacillus dominated the bacterial community with abundance of 75.10%. After 3 days of oxygen exposure, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were predominant in CON, and Lactobacillus remained dominant in LC and CE silages. The results indicated that, compared to untreated silages, L. casei could be a priority inoculant for alfalfa silage to boost Lactobacillus abundance and improve fermentation quality. Our high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography mass spectrometry results provide a deep insight into the bacterial community and metabolites in alfalfa silage.

Influence of Litter Size at Birth on Productive Parameters in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Simple SummaryCavia porcellus is an autochthonous species of the high Andean region of countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Several works have been conducted to create programs aimed at improving their productive characteristics. Thus, breeding and conservation are very important for an animal species of high precocity and prolificacy, providing a source of protein of high biological value and for being part of the cultural legacy of many of these countries. Currently, this species is part of the food security in high Andean areas, and technology is being incorporated into its production at an industrial level, also establishing marketing channels. Herein, we conclude that the best productive responses regarding weight were in the litters of three guinea pigs. Furthermore, with respect to sex, the males presented better productive performance than the females.A study was conducted at the Escuela Superior Politècnica de Chimborazo, Ecuador, to evaluate the influence of litter size of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) on their development and to establish the economic profitability of the production system. Forty-eight animals were used, distributed into litters of two, three, and four rodents per litter, with a balanced diet and green fresh alfalfa for the weaning, growth, and fattening stage, the rodents and litters were randomly selected, applying the statistical model completely randomly and evaluating different variables across 120 days. The litters of three guinea pigs obtained the best productive responses and economic profitability. With respect to sex, the males presented better productive behavior, greater economic increase, and less cost, evidencing that mixed feeding influences the number of guinea pigs per birth in terms of growth and development. The results serve to improve guinea pig meat production for the rural population.