Fresh Forage Research Articles

The inclusion of fresh forage in the lactating buffalo diet affects fatty acid and sensory profile of mozzarella cheese

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inclusion of fresh forage in diet for lactating buffalo on properties of mozzarella cheese under intensive farming conditions. Thirty-two buffalo cows were equally allotted into 2 groups fed diets with (fresh group, FRS) or without (control group, CTL) fresh sorghum. The study consisted of 2 trials. In the first one, animals from group FRS were fed a diet containing 10 kg of fresh sorghum (10-FRS diet) that was doubled to 20 kg (20-FRS diet) in the second trial. All diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, and fresh forage accounted for 13.4 and 26.5 of dietary dry matter, respectively, for the 10-FRS and 20-FRS diet. In each trial, milk from the 2 groups was used to produce 3 batches/diet of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Protected Designation of Origin cheese. Milk yield and composition were not influenced by dietary treatment. The use of 10-FRS diet did not affect any properties of mozzarella. As the inclusion rate of fresh sorghum doubled to 20 kg, an increment of unsaturated fatty acid percentages and a lowering of short-chain and saturated fatty acids were observed. Moreover, the sensory characteristics of mozzarella were modified, although no effects were observed on consumer acceptance. We conclude that the use of green fodder can represent a low-cost feeding strategy to improve the healthiness of buffalo mozzarella under intensive farming conditions with no detrimental effect on consumer blind acceptance.

Cholinesterase Activities and Oxidative Stress in Cattle Experimentally Exposed to Nitrate/Nitrite in Cultivated Pasture with Different Fertilization Schemes

Background: Nitrate and nitrite poisoning is associated with pasture intake that has high nitrate levels and leads to acute methemoglobinemia. Pasture may accumulate nitrate under certain conditions, such as excessively fertilized soil or en­vironmental conditions that enhance the N absorption (rain preceded by a period of drought). After ingestion of plants, this substrate reaches the rumen and, in physiological conditions, is reduced to nitrite and afterward to ammonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in cholinesterase activities and oxidative stress caused by subclinical poisoning for nitrate and nitrite in cattle fed with Pennisetum glaucum in three different fertilization schemes. Materials, Methods & Results: In order to perform the experimental poisoning, the pasture was cultivated in three dif­ferent paddocks: with nitrogen topdressing (urea; group 1), organic fertilizer (group 2) or without fertilizer (group 3; control). Nitrate accumulation in forage was evaluated by the diphenylamine test. After food fasting of 12 h, nine bovine were randomly allocated to one of the experimental groups and fed with fresh forage (ad libitum) from respective pad­dock. In different time points from beginning of pasture intake (0, 2, 4, 6 and 9 h) heart rate and respiratory frequency were assessed, as well as mucous membrane color and behavioral changes. Blood samples from jugular vein into vials with and without anticoagulant were collected. From blood samples, serum nitrite levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity were evaluated, as well as oxidative stress through the following param­eters: levels of nitrate/nitrite (NOx), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), beyond the antioxidant system by enzyme activity measurement of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The diphenylamine test was positive to group 1 and 2, so that the pasture presented 3.16 mg/kg, 2.98 mg/kg and 1.67 mg/kg of nitrate for group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In addition, cows from group 1 demonstrated increased (P < 0.05) nitrite levels in serum, compared to other groups, and greater heart rate after 9 h (P < 0.05). The AChE and BChE activity in group 1 showed significant increase (P < 0.05) at 4 and 6 h (AChE), and 4 and 9 h (BChE) compared to group 3. Also, NOx levels were lower at 6 and 9 h (P < 0.05) and at 9 h (P < 0.05) for animals of group 1 and 2, respectively, when compared to group 3. Furthermore, in the group 1 levels of ROS and TBARS were significantly higher (P < 0.05) after 2 and 4 h, and 6 and 9 h compared to other groups, respectively. The CAT activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 h of the experiment, but on the other hand, decreased at 6 and 9 h in group 1. Nevertheless, the animals from group 2 presented only a significant reduction in this enzyme activity at 9 h. Furthermore, SOD activity was reduced in animals of groups 1 (P < 0.05) at 4, 6 and 9 h, compared to other groups. Discussion: It was concluded that the nitrate and nitrite poisoning by pasture intake cultivated and fertilized with urea leads to increased levels of serum nitrite, as well as the cholinesterase activity and causes oxidative stress in cattle. It is conjectured that the cholinesterase activity and oxidative stress may assist in understanding the pathophysiology of changes caused by poisoning.Keywords: plant toxicology, poisoning, methemoglobin, cholinergic system, oxidative stress.

POTENSI PENGEMBANGAN TERNAK SAPI POTONG DENGAN POLA INTEGRASI KELAPA-SAPI DI KECAMATAN TABARU KABUPATEN HALMAHERA BARAT

This study aims to (1) Analyzing Potential of Beef Cattle Development with Pattern of Integration of Coconuts in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (2) fresh forage production coconut plant area in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (3) the nutrional content of forage the coconut plant area in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (4) potential population of cattle and animal unit (AU) in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency (5) revenue through integration and non integration in Tabaru Subdistrict of West Halmahera Regency. The research was conducted in Tabaru district of West Halmahera district since Desember 2017 to February 2018. The determination of respondents was performed using simple random sampling method. Criteria of respondents involved in this study were household farmers running a coco-beef integration, at least animal maintenance of more than one year and they had sold cattle. The results showed the particular characteristics of household farmers including coconut plantation ownership of 3.8 ha with the average number of animals of 10.2 heads, the average education level of primary school, the animal breeding experience of 12,7 years and animal maintenance purposes as beef production and animal labor. Management aspects of farm animals were still under the traditional maintenance systems, animals were resistant to disease, and house hold farmer knowledge on animal reproduction was still limited. Aspects of feed resources were positively supporting in the development of beef cattle under integration pattern, especially the nutritional value of forage and land carrying capacities and Livestock productivity aspects had quite well potential.

Evaluation of internal and external markers to estimate faecal output and feed intake in sheep fed fresh forage

The objectives of the present study were to estimate dry-matter intake and output of faeces using two external and four internal markers in sheep fed Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu on an ad libitum basis over 3- and 5-day periods. Six sheep fitted with ruminal cannulas were randomly assigned in a crossover design experiment to receive either of two treatments of external markers, namely titanium dioxide (TiO2) and chromic oxide (Cr2O3). Faecal output was obtained by total faecal collection and faecal grab sampling. Faeces were collected for 3- or 5-day periods, and, for each collection period, two sampling methods were compared; grab samples were collected directly in the rectum once daily, and a second sample was taken at the same time directly in faecal collection bags after having determined the daily total output of faeces. Faecal concentrations of the internal markers, indigestible dry matter, indigestible neutral detergent fibre, indigestible acid detergent fibre and indigestible acid detergent lignin (iADL), were determined. Faecal output was not accurately predicted with indigestible dry matter, indigestible neutral detergent fibre, indigestible acid detergent fibre and iADL. Dry-matter intake was predicted with iADL and TiO2 when faeces were collected for 5 days as grab samples once daily, or as total collection and with Cr2O3 when faecal grab samples were collected for 5 days. The results using external markers indicated that TiO2 is not a marker equivalent to Cr2O3 for estimating intake and faecal output. TiO2 was the only external marker to accurately estimate faecal output, independent of the method (total or grab) and time period (3 or 5 days) used; this suggests that TiO2 is the best marker tested for predicting the faecal output of sheep that are fed a diet of fresh Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu) grass ad libitum.

Chemical composition and fermentative characteristics of old man saltbush silage supplemented with energy concentrates

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation profile and chemical composition of old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lindl.) silage supplemented with cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) scraps or grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in the proportion of 10% based on natural matter. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 7 factorial arrangement (3 treatments and 7 opening days), with three replications. The treatments consisted of three silages: old man saltbush silage, old man saltbush silage + cassava scrap, and old man saltbush silage + grain sorghum. The experiment was conducted at the EMBRAPA Semiarid Animal Nutrition Laboratory, located in the city of Petrolina-PE. Twenty-one experimental silos were used for each treatment; these silos were opened after 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days in ensiling. The pH, ammoniacal nitrogen and total nitrogen ratio, dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, mineral matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrate, and dry matter in vitro digestibility. The additives grain sorghum and cassava scrap increased the dry matter content and reduced pH values. N-NH3 NT-1 values increased as the fermentation processes progressed, and after 56 fermentation days were close to 11%. Silages were classified as excellent in the fermentation process. The addition of cassava scrap and grain sorghum favors the ensiling process of the old man saltbush, providing improvements in the silage nutritive value. During the storage period, the use of these additives promoted a reduction of total losses, inhibition of alcoholic fermentation, and greater carbohydrates recovery, resulting in silage with a nutritive value similar to that of fresh forage, representing an alternative source of additives.

Effects of urea addition on the fermentation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) silage

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of urea addition on fermentation characteristics, losses and chemical composition of silage of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) ‘BRS Ponta Negra’. The sorghum plant was chopped and treated with different levels of urea (0.1756, 0.3512, 0.7024 and 1.4048 g per 10 kg fresh forage for the respective proportions of 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0% of forage (dry matter [DM] basis), and packed into quintuplicate experimen- tal silos to determine its effects on fermentation, losses and chemical composition of sorghum silages. Addition of urea increased lactic acid bacteria up to the level of 60 g kg−1 (DM basis). Compared with control silage, the addition of urea (p < 0.05) reduced DM losses. Urea-treated silages linearly increased (p < 0.05) the ammoniacal nitrogen and crude protein contents, and linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the ethanol content. The pH in urea-treated silages indicated better preservation of substrates obtained from fermentation. The intermediate level of 2.0% urea additive can be used to improve fermentation, reducing losses in sorghum silage without compromising lactic acid production. However, the addition of 0.5% and 1.0% urea to sorghum silage is sufficient to improve aerobic stability.

Cholinesterase Activities and Oxidative Stress in Cattle Experimentally Exposed to Nitrate/Nitrite in Cultivated Pasture with Different Fertilization Schemes

Background: Nitrate and nitrite poisoning is associated with pasture intake that has high nitrate levels and leads to acute methemoglobinemia. Pasture may accumulate nitrate under certain conditions, such as excessively fertilized soil or environmental conditions that enhance the N absorption (rain preceded by a period of drought). After ingestion of plants, this substrate reaches the rumen and, in physiological conditions, is reduced to nitrite and afterward to ammonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in cholinesterase activities and oxidative stress caused by subclinical poisoning for nitrate and nitrite in cattle fed with Pennisetum glaucum in three different fertilization schemes.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: In order to perform the experimental poisoning, the pasture was cultivated in three different paddocks: with nitrogen topdressing (urea; group 1), organic fertilizer (group 2) or without fertilizer (group 3; control). Nitrate accumulation in forage was evaluated by the diphenylamine test. After food fasting of 12 h, nine bovine were randomly allocated to one of the experimental groups and fed with fresh forage (ad libitum) from respective paddock. In different time points from beginning of pasture intake (0, 2, 4, 6 and 9 h) heart rate and respiratory frequency were assessed, as well as mucous membrane color and behavioral changes. Blood samples from jugular vein into vials with and without anticoagulant were collected. From blood samples, serum nitrite levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity were evaluated, as well as oxidative stress through the following parameters: levels of nitrate/nitrite (NOx ), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), beyond the antioxidant system by enzyme activity measurement of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The diphenylamine test was positive to group 1 and 2, so that the pasture presented 3.16 mg/kg, 2.98 mg/kg and 1.67 mg/kg of nitrate for group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In addition, cows from group 1 demonstrated increased (P &lt; 0.05) nitrite levels in serum, compared to other groups, and greater heart rate after 9 h (P &lt; 0.05). The AChE and BChE activity in group 1 showed significant increase (P &lt; 0.05) at 4 and 6 h (AChE), and 4 and 9 h (BChE) compared to group 3. Also, NOx levels were lower at 6 and 9 h (P &lt; 0.05) and at 9 h (P &lt; 0.05) for animals of group 1 and 2, respectively, when compared to group 3. Furthermore, in the group 1 levels of ROS and TBARS were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) after 2 and 4 h, and 6 and 9 h compared to other groups, respectively. The CAT activity increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) with 2 and 4 h of the experiment, but on the other hand, decreased at 6 and 9 h in group 1. Nevertheless, the animals from group 2 presented only a significant reduction in this enzyme activity at 9 h. Furthermore, SOD activity was reduced in animals of groups 1 (P &lt; 0.05) at 4, 6 and 9 h, compared to other groups.Discussion: It was concluded that the nitrate and nitrite poisoning by pasture intake cultivated and fertilized with urea leads to increased levels of serum nitrite, as well as the cholinesterase activity and causes oxidative stress in cattle. It is conjectured that the cholinesterase activity and oxidative stress may assist in understanding the pathophysiology of changes caused by poisoning.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of a chemical additive based on sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage

We evaluated the effectiveness of an additive comprising sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite (SSL) as active ingredients for its ability to improve the aerobic stability of corn silages made in North America. In experiment 1, treatment with SSL (1.5 and 2.0 L/t) on whole-plant corn (WPC) was compared with treatment with an additive containing buffered propionic acid and citric acid (BPA; 2 L/t) on corn harvested at 32 and 38% dry matter and ensiled for 120 d. Silage treated with BPA was higher in ammonia-N and propionic acid relative to other treatments. Treatments with all of the additives had numerically, but not statistically, fewer yeasts compared with untreated silage. Both application rates of SSL resulted in lower concentrations of ethanol compared with untreated and BPA silages. Treatment with BPA improved the aerobic stability of silages compared with untreated silage, but the effect from SSL was markedly greater. In experiment 2, WPC was untreated or treated with 2 or 3 L of SSL/t or a microbial inoculant containing Enterococcus faecium M74, Lactobacillus plantarum CH6072, and Lactobacillus buchneri LN1819 (final total lactic acid bacteria application rate of 150,000 cfu/g of fresh forage). Silages were air stressed for 24 h at 28 and 42 d of storage and ensiled for 49 d before opening. Inoculation had no effect on acid end products, ethanol, number of yeasts, or aerobic stability compared with other treatments. Treatment with SSL decreased the amount of ethanol, had no effect on number of yeasts, and improved aerobic stability in a dose-dependent manner compared with other treatments. In experiment 3, WPC was untreated or treated with 2 L of SSL/t and ensiled for 5, 15, and 30 d. Treatment with SSL resulted in silage with fewer yeasts and lower concentrations of ethanol after all times of ensiling compared with untreated silage. In addition, SSL improved aerobic stability after each period of ensiling, but the effect was more at 15 and 30 d compared with 5 d of storage. Treating WPC with SSL can improve the aerobic stability of corn silage made in North America, and the effect can be observed as soon as 5 d after ensiling.

Effect of re-ensiling on the quality of sorghum silage

The commercialization of silage in many countries, including Brazil, has increased in recent years. Re-ensiling of previously ensiled forage occurs when silage is relocated from one farm to another, where it will be compacted and sealed again. During this process, silage is exposed to oxygen before being ensiled, which may affect its quality. We exposed sorghum silage to air during the anaerobic storage phase to simulate the transportation of silages between farms. Experimental treatments included silage exposed to air for 0 or 12 h, with or without the use of an inoculant containing a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and the propionic bacteria Propionibacterium acidipropionici (1 × 106 cfu/g of forage; Biomax corn, Lallemand, Saint-Simon, France), totaling 4 treatments: conventional silage, conventional silage with inoculant use, re-ensilage after exposure to air, and re-ensilage after exposure to air with use of an inoculant. The sorghum was stored in experimental silos containing about 9.0 kg of fresh forage per replicate. Treatments were tested in a factorial 2 × 2 design with 5 replicates each. Chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility, fermentative characteristics, losses (due to gas, effluents, and total dry matter), microorganism counts, and aerobic stability of sorghum silage were evaluated. Dry matter content of sorghum before ensiling was 273.12 g/kg. The 12-h re-ensiling process increased the effluent loss of the silage when compared with conventional silage (456.42 vs. 201.19 g/kg of FM, respectively). In addition, re-ensiled silages presented lower concentrations of lactic acid and higher concentrations of propionic acid than the silages that had not been opened during storage. The aerobic stability of silage was not affected by the re-ensiling process and the use of inoculant. The use of inoculant increased the pH and loss of dry matter of the silages (4.23 vs. 3.98 and 14.05 vs. 7.82%, respectively) and therefore did not provide any benefits in this study.

Effects of homolactic bacterial inoculant on the performance of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of applying a homofermentative bacterial inoculant to corn silage on the performance of dairy cows. After harvesting, corn forage was treated with nothing (CON) or with an inoculant containing a mixture of Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecium at 1.5 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (MC; SiloSolve MC, Chr. Hansen A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark). After 186 d of storage in Ag-Bags (A Miller-St. Nazianz Inc., St. Nazianz, WI), silages were fed as part of a total mixed ration containing 55% concentrates, 10% alfalfa hay, and 35% CON or MC corn silage. Sixty early-lactation Holstein dairy cows (30 multiparous and 30 primiparous) housed in a freestall barn with Calan gates (American Calan Inc., Northwood, NH) were assigned to the dietary treatments from 20 to 100 d in milk. Silage inoculated with MC had a more homofermentative pattern evidenced by greater lactic acid concentration (3.83 vs. 4.48% of DM) and lower concentrations of acetic (2.34 vs. 1.68% of DM) and propionic (0.37 vs. 0.10% of DM) acids and ammonia (9.11 vs. 7.82% of N) for CON and MC, respectively. Dry matter intake (23.1 vs. 23.2 kg/d) did not differ among treatments, but the MC silage had greater apparent digestibility of DM (68.8 vs. 70.8%), which led to greater yields of milk (37.7 vs. 38.5 kg/d), fat-corrected milk (37.6 vs. 38.4 kg/d), milk fat (1.30 vs. 1.33 kg/d), and lactose (1.83 vs. 1.92 kg/d) for CON and MC cows, respectively. Milk from cows fed MC silage had higher lactose (4.86 vs. 4.93%), lower protein (2.93 vs. 2.83%), and similar contents of fat (3.47 vs. 3.44%) compared with CON cows. Feed efficiency (fat-corrected milk/dry matter intake) was not affected by treatment (1.69 vs. 1.72 for CON and MC, respectively). Inoculation of corn silage with the homofermentative inoculant increased digestibility of the total mixed ration and increased milk yield by lactating dairy cows.

Fermentation and chemical composition of guinea grass silage added with wheat meal and Streptococcus bovis

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of wheat meal alone or combined with Streptococcus bovis on the fermentation and chemical composition of guinea grass silage. A completely randomised design was used in the following treatments: deionised water, untreated; fresh forage plus 100 g kg−1 of wheat meal; S. bovis JB1 plus 100 g kg−1 of wheat meal; and S. bovis HC5 plus 100 g kg−1 of wheat meal, with six replications. There were a higher number of enterobacteria, moulds and yeast populations in the untreated silage (P < .05) compared to treated silages. The association of S. bovis with wheat meal resulted in lower pH and concentration of NH3-N (P < .05) than silages untreated and treated only with wheat meal. The use of both S. bovis JB1 and HC5 combined with 100 g kg−1 wheat meal can also be a good alternative to farmers for improving the silage quality of guinea grass silage.

Potential of Spring Barley, Oat and Triticale Intercrops with Field Peas for Forage Production, Nutrition Quality and Beef Cattle Diet

Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) monocrops and their intercrops with two forage varieties (40-10 and Tucker) and one seed variety (Cooper) peas (Pisum sativum L.) were evaluated for forage production, nutrition quality and suitability in the beef cattle diet. Pea + cereal intercrops were compared to respective cereal monocrops in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Plant height of cereals tended to be reduced in intercrops compared to respective monocrops. Taller 40-10 forage type pea tended to cause lodging in 2009 and 2011, not observed with other pea varieties. Fresh forage of pea + cereal intercrops had higher moisture than respective cereal monocrops. Fourteen of the 18 intercrops had less dry matter yield (DMY) than respective cereal monocrops. Shorter Tucker pea had less negative impact on DMY than taller 40-10 pea. Treatments with barley had lower DMY than respective oat and triticale systems. Intercrops improved forage crude protein (CP) content over the respective monocrops, which was enough to overcome the DMY penalty and produce more CP yield than their monocrops. The forage Ca and Mg contents were improved by intercrops over their monocrops, and they were greater with 40-10 pea than other pea varieties and with barley than oat or triticale. The forage P content also tended to be higher in intercrops than corresponding monocrops, without a consistent effect of cereal type or pea variety. The forage K and S contents were not consistently influenced by the cereal types, pea varieties or intercrops. Forage Na content was greater from oat than respective barley and triticale treatments. The monocrops and intercrops had similar forage Cu content, and treatments with barley had more Cu than with oat or triticale. Forage Zn content tended to be intercrops &gt; monocrops; and barley &gt; triticale &gt; oat. Treatments had no influence on the forage Fe and Mn contents. Levels of acid (ADF) and neutral (NDF) detergent fibres in the forage were similar for the corresponding intercrops and monocrops, and greater for oat than barley or triticale treatments. Some of the intercrops improved total digestible nutrients (TDN) content in forage over their monocrops. Monocrop of oat had less TDN than barley or triticale. Drought reduced the ADF, NDF and TDN contents. The forage NEL, NEM and NEG as well as RFV and NFC showed similar trend as the TDN. Overall, the tested pea + cereal intercrops did not increase DMY over the respective monocrops, but they indicated several nutritional quality benefits. These improvements present opportunities to substitute some grain or supplements in the beef cattle diet with better quality forage by intercrops.

Outermost Small Islands in Indonesia for Quarantine Area and Livestock Development

Indonesia has about 17,506 islands consisting of large and small islands. Outermost small islands are direct boundary of Indonesia with neighboring countries. These outermost islands have the potency to be used as quarantine area and for livestock development, especially beef cattle in order to support the development of food security of meat. Some of outermost islands are Jemaja island in Riau Province, Singkil island in Aceh Province and Naduk island in Bangka Belitung Province. Criteria to determine quarantine area and livestock development are availability of natural resources (fresh water and forage), free of contagious diseases, human resources, market access, and transportation. This paper describes about the condition and forage availability in those three islands and their surrounding area. Those islands have potential variety of forage with different carrying capacities. Type of grass that has been adapted in the outermost islands are &lt;em&gt;Paspalum conjugatum&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Axonopus compressus&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Cynodon dactylon&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Cynodon plectostachyus&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;Panicum repens&lt;/em&gt;.

Microwave pretreatment allows accurate fatty acid analysis of small fresh weight (100 g) dried alfalfa, ryegrass, and winter rye samples

Accurate analysis of forage fatty acid (FA) profile and content, particularly polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), is vital for ongoing research optimizing the desired FA content of ruminant-derived foods. Lyophilization (i.e., freeze-drying) is regarded as the gold standard for preserving labile constituents, such as PUFA, in fresh forage samples. This method, however, is expensive, time consuming, and generally impractical for the large number and size of forage samples in agronomic studies.The objective of the first experiment was to evaluate the efficacy of a brief (1 min) microwave pretreatment prior to forced hot air drying (FHA) for preserving alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) forage samples, relative to both a freeze-drying control and FHA drying alone. In a second experiment, similar drying methods were examined in winter rye (Secale cereale L.), as well as the decline of ALA proportion of total FA in ground samples stored 72 weeks.In the first experiment, small fresh weight samples (100 g) receiving 1 min microwave pretreatment before FHA drying were found equivalent to freeze-dried samples in FA content and profile, and both were greater in ΣPUFA than samples that received FHA alone. Large fresh weight samples (400–500 g) receiving FHA alone, a common practice in agronomic studies, contained 1.5–2.5 fold lower total ALA content and 1.3–1.6 fold lower LA content than the freeze-dried control, while large fresh weight samples (400–500 g) receiving 1 or 2 min microwave pretreatment contained 1.2–2.2 fold lower total ALA content and 1.1–1.5 fold lower LA content than the freeze-dried control. The second experiment revealed a reduction in ALA proportion of total FA of stored samples over a long period of time regardless of preparation method; however, FHA samples had a greater rate of reduction.This study confirms that FHA drying alone is not adequate for forage sample preservation for FA analysis, and may lead to a significant underestimation of ALA, the principal FA in plants. This distorts measurements of other FA reported on a proportional basis (g 100 g−1 total FA). In conclusion, a simple and inexpensive 1 min microwave pretreatment prior to FHA drying results in FA analysis comparable to freeze-dried samples, provided that samples are of a small fresh weight (100 g).

EFFECT OF GROWTH STIMULANT SUBSTANCES ON THE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF SOME EGYPTIAN CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM ALEXANDRINUM, L.) VARIETIES

Two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Farm, faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egyptduring 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons to investigate the effect of some plant stimulant substances(control,ascorbic acid 1 g/L, citric acid 1 g/L, humic acid 2 g/L and salicylic acid 0.5 g/L)as foliar application on vegetative growth performance(plant height, number of leaves and stems/m2,stems and leaves dry weight/m2,total dry weight/m2 , leaf area/ m2, specific leaf area and specific leaf weight/ m2 and leaf/stem ratio),photosynthetic pigments(total chlorophyll), plant chemical composition(N,P and K%) and nutritive value(P and DP%), forage yield( fresh and dry forage/fed) and seed yields and its components (number of heads/ m2, number of seeds/head, 1000-seed weight, seed weight/head and seed yield/fed) of some Egyptian clover varieties (Serw1, Sakha4, Helaly, Gemmeiza1 and Giza 6).The results obtained could be summarized as follows: 1-The Data indicated thatHelaly variety surpassed the other varieties in most growth characters (plant height, number of leaves/ m2, stems, leaves and total dry weight/m2 and leaf area/ m2), photosynthetic pigment (total chlorophyll),Chemical composition(N %) and nutritive values(crude protein and digestible protein percentage),forage yield(total fresh and dry forage yields/fed)and seed yield and its components(number of seeds/head, seed weight/head and seed yield /fed). However, Gemmeiza 1 variety surpassed the other varieties in number of stems/ m2 and number of heads/ m2.On the other hand, the highest values ofP% and K% were recorded by Sakha4.Serw1variety gave the highest value of 1000-seed weight in both seasons. 2- Foliar application of humic acid was superior to the other rest stimulant substances in most characters studied of growth characters and forage yield. However, Salicylic acid produced generally the highest values of chemical composition and nutritive values and seed yield and its components. On the other hand, unsprayed clover plants gave the lowest values of most characters studied. 3-The interactions between Egyptian clover varieties and stimulant substances were found to be significant for most characters under study.It could be concluded that Helaly variety treated with foliar humic acid being the most effective combined treatment for maximizing fresh forage yield/fed, while the same variety when treated with foliar salicylic acid produced the highest values of seed yield/fed of Egyptian clover under the experiment conditions. 4-Seasonal fresh and dry forage yields were significantly and positively correlated with characters studied except number of stems/m2, number of seeds/head and seed weight/head in the first season and 1000-seed weight in the two seasons. Also seed yield/fed was significantly positively associated with all characters studied except 1000-seed weight in both seasons.

Performance of finishing beef cattle fed diets containing maize silages inoculated with lactic-acid bacteria and Bacillus subtilis

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of lactic-acid bacteria and Bacillus subtilis as silage additives on feed intake and growth performance of finishing feedlot beef cattle. Whole-maize forage was ensiled either with distilled water (untreated), or inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri and L. plantarum at a rate 1 × 105 cfu/g fresh forage for each bacteria (LBLP); or inoculated with B. subtilis and L. plantarum at a rate 1 × 105 cfu/g fresh forage for each bacteria (BSLP). Thirty-six young crossbreed bulls (316 ± 33.9 kg) were used in the feedlot program for 110 days, and they were assigned (n = 12) to one of three diets containing untreated, LBLP, or BSLP silages in a 40:60 forage:concentrate ratio. Dry matter (DM) intake, average daily gain, and carcass yield of bulls were unaffected by silage inoculation. Conversely, bulls fed the BSLP silage had lower DM, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility compared with bulls fed untreated silage. Bulls fed both inoculated silages had a reduction of ~12% in neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility compared with that in bulls fed untreated silage. Bulls fed the LBLP silage spent more time chewing (496 min/day) than bulls fed untreated silage. There was little effect of silage inoculation on rumen fermentation, but bulls fed the inoculated silages had a lower concentration of ammonia-N. In conclusion, adding L. plantarum combined with L. buchneri or B. subtilis to maize silage do not improve the growth performance of finishing feedlot beef cattle.

PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI SILASE RANSUM KOMPLIT DALAM UPAYA MENGATASI KEKURANGAN PAKAN PADA MUSIM KEMARAU DI DUSUN GELIANG DESA PEMPATAN

Pempatan village located at 600-1100 m altitude with annual rainfall average 2000-2500 mm and minimumtemperature 270C and maximum 360C. Generally, the basic livelihood of the Pempatan villagers is fromcattle livestock. Forage production in the dry season is very low and tend to shortage of forage, while in therainy season is excess of forage. The feeding only from fresh forage, where the existence of forage depend onthe season, so in the dry season generally shortage of forage and could decrease the cattle productivity. Basedon the problems it is necessary to explanation about technology of complete ration of silage to effort theshortage of feed in the dry season at Geliang, Pempatan Village. The community services activity attend by25 people, 16 people from the breeder, and the rest from the students. Based on the results of communityservices activity and interviews with the livestock groups found that Geliang Lestari group has potential todevelop, it could be seen from the seriousness of the participants to attend the community services and thefeed demonstrations with well understood and accepted. In this activity, was introduced complete rationsilage and demonstrated the offering for cattle. Based on the results of the community services activity, itcould be concluded that bali cattle is possible for developing in Geliang Lestari Sustainable Livestock Group.The development of the livestock population must be followed by supplies of feed through the processingand storage in complete ration silage.

Effects of Partial Mixed Rations on Production, Composition and Nutritional Value of Milk in Lactating Dairy Cows in Temperate Region of Argentina

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of supplementing an oat winter pasture with a total mixed ration (TMR) on lactation performance of dairy cows. Nine multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three TMR: pasture ratios at 79:21 (T1), 58:42 (T2) and 33:67 (T3) on a dry matter (DM) basis. The response to the 100% TMR diet (TMR-100) was tested using an extra period of 14 days inmediately after finishing the Latin square schedule using the nine experimental cows. Total DM intake resulted higher in TMR-100 (28.2 (kg/cow·day) and decreased by 2.64 kg/cow·day in T1, 5.02 kg in T2 and 6.68 kg in T3. Yields of milk (31.2 kg/cow·day) and fat corrected milk (26.8 kg/cow·day) was similar between T1, T2 and T3. Milk yield resulted higher in TMR-100 (32.1 kg/cow·day) compared to T2 (30.7 kg/cow·day). Milk fat concentration (g/100 g) was higher in T2 (3.13) and T3 (3.20) compared to T1 (2.96) and TMR-100 (2.85) and milk fat yield did not differ. Milk protein content resulted higher in TMR-100 and T2 averaging 3.37 g/100 g compared to T1 (3.32 g/100 g). The lowest milk protein concentration was observed in T3 (3.29 g/100 g) that resulted only different to T2. Milk protein yield did not differ between T1, T2 and T3 averaging 1.03 kg/cow·day. A lower protein yield was detected in T2 (1.03) and T3 (1.00) when compared to TMR-100 (1.07). Efficiency of milk production (kg milk/kg DM intake) resulted higher in T3 (1.42) compared to T1 (1.25). Treatments that included pasture yielded a higher efficiency of milk production when compared to TMR-100 (1.13). Plasma urea concentration resulted lower in TMR-100 (33.8 mg/dl) with no significant differences for this parameter between the other treatments. Glucose plasma levels did not differ between T1, T2 and T3 but plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) gradually increased as the proportion of pasture was enhanced according to the lower energy intake. Plasma insulin levels were higher in TMR-100 and T2 whereas concentration of somatomedins (IGF-1) remained unaffected. Grouth hormone (GH) levels and the GH/insulin ratio were highly variable and not affected by treatments. Concentration of vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acids gradually increased with the inclusion of pasture in the diet. Supplementing a winter oat pasture with TMR may be a suitable strategy to maintain milk production with a high conversion efficiency but part of the produced milk could be sustained at the expense of endogenous energy mobilization. The conditions of replacing pasture for TMR in high yielding dairy cows should be defined taking into account the depressing effect of pasture on total DM and energy intake when fresh forage is included in high proportion in the diet.

Inoculant effects on the fermentation quality, chemical composition and saponin content of lucerne silage in a mixture with wheat bran or corn husk

This study evaluated the effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculants on the fermentation quality and chemical composition of lucerne silage (A), a mixture of lucerne and wheat bran (A+WB), and a mixture of lucerne and corn husk (A+CH). The application rates of wheat bran in A+WB or corn husk in A+CH were 10%, 15%, and 20% of the whole fresh material. These different materials were treated with distilled water (Control), Lactobacillus plantarum 1 (LAB1), L. plantarum 2 (LAB2), L. plantarum 8 (LAB8) or a commercial inoculant (LALMAND) at a rate of 106 CFU/g of fresh forage. As the application rate of the by-products increased, the dry matter, lactate, propionate, and neutral detergent fibre (after heat-stable amylase treatment) contents increased, and the pH and the acetate, ammonia nitrogen, crude protein, and non-fibre carbohydrate contents decreased. The A+WB showed better fermentation quality than A and A+CH. The inoculants had beneficial effects on the silages, but the effects varied. The results indicate that the use of LAB1, LAB2, or LAB8 was better with A, whereas LALMAND was preferable for use with A+WB or A+CH. The saponin content decreased during ensiling and was positively correlated with the pH and the acetate and ammonia nitrogen content but negatively correlated with the dry matter content. The increase in the application rate of by-products and the addition of LALMAND further decreased the saponin content. Overall, the combined effects of the inoculants, by-products, and different application rates improved the fermentation quality and chemical composition and led to greater a reduction of saponin in lucerne silage, but the selection of suitable types and application rates of by-products and inoculants is essential.

Sugarcane silage treated with calcium hydroxide in feedlot cattle diet: animal performance and meat quality

This study aimed at evaluating sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) silage treated with calcium hydroxide - Ca(OH)2 - (slacked lime) as the only roughage source in a feedlot ration, regarding animal performance and meat quality. Forty five Canchim steers (22 months old, 345 kg live weight) were assigned, in a complete randomized block design, to three treatments (total mixed rations - TMR - with 35% roughage): T1- TMR with fresh sugarcane; T2 - TMR with sugarcane silage treated with calcium hydroxide (10 g Ca(OH)2/kg of fresh forage); T3 - TMR with corn silage. Dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE), average daily gain (ADG) and carcass yield (CY) were evaluated. Meat was analyzed for quality parameters (pH, water holding capacity, cooking loss, color and shear force) and sensory attributes. Steers fed the silage treated with calcium hydroxide presented similar (P&gt;0.05) DMI (11.3 kg dry matter - DM/d), FE (0.15 kg live weight - LW/kg DMI) and CY (52.6%) compared to those receiving corn silage, despite their lower (P&lt;0.05) ADG (1.57 vs. 1.81 kg live weight/d). Compared to animals fed the fresh sugarcane, steers fed sugarcane silage treated with calcium hydroxide presented higher (P&lt;0.05) DMI (11.3 vs. 9.8 kg DM/d) and CY (52.7% vs. 51.2%) but similar (P&gt;0.05) ADG and FE (1.5 kg LW/d and 0.14 kg LW/kg DMI, respectively). The different rations did not affect (P&gt;0.05) meat quality parameters and sensory attributes, except fat color and off flavor sensory attribute. It was concluded that calcium hydroxide can be indicated as an efficient additive for the ensilage of sugarcane. Feedlot cattle fed TMR containing sugarcane silage treated with this additive, as the only roughage source, presented adequate performance and meat quality.