Cattle Fed Research Articles

Analysis of the Management of Cereal Crop Residues on Farms to Optimise Cattle Feed in the Western Cotton Growing Zone of Burkina Faso

Crop residues are insufficiently valorised by farmers in western Burkina Faso, while cattle face a shortage of forage. The aim of this study was to analyse the management of cereal crop residues in cotton-cereal farming to optimise their use as feed for draught cattle. A sample of 72 cotton farmers was selected from nine villages in the study area by the stratification method and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The quantities of cereal crop residue biomass collected by farmers were assessed directly in the field. The results showed that maize and sorghum stalks were predominantly used in cattle feed (86.1 and 90.3%), composting (50 and 44.4%), and mulching (26.9 and 25%), respectively. The average quantities of cereal crop residues stored were 0.83, 0.16, and 1.19 tonnes of dry matter (tDM) for crop farmers, livestock breeders, and agro-pastoralists, respectively, with respective fodder balances of -3.99, -29.05, and -16.99 Tropical Cattle Units (TCU) for the use of cattle, or -0.88, -0.38, and -1.81 TCU for the use of draught cattle during the lean season. Concentrated feed use was 0.20, 0.05, and 0.21 kg/cattle/day; respectively. The main factors influencing the quantities of cereal residues stored on the farms were the size of the cultivated areas and the farmers’ capacity for transportation. Provision of transport equipment and storage infrastructure would therefore appear to be a solution that could improve the level of fodder residue storage, particularly for draught oxen.

Beef cattle feedlot runoff impacts on soil antimicrobial resistance

AbstractField application of beef cattle feedlot runoff may transport manure‐borne microbes and antibiotic resistant bacteria to agricultural soils eventually impacting deeper soils and groundwater. To evaluate this potential, total soil, antibiotic resistance (AR), and fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus) and the presence/abundance of AR genes were examined to a depth of 1.8 m in an agricultural field receiving long‐term application of feedlot runoff and compared to a nearby pasture receiving no runoff. While plate counts of total soil bacteria and cefotaxime‐resistant, erythromycin‐resistant, and tetracycline‐resistant bacteria decreased with depth on both fields (p < 0.001) by an average 2‐log10 colony forming unit g−1 to 1.8‐m depth, field differences were only observed with greater abundances of total soil and erythromycin‐resistant bacteria (p ≤ 0.026) in the runoff‐amended versus control field soils. Soil bacterial and fecal indicator bacterial isolates evaluated phenotypically for resistance to 12 antibiotics varied in range and sensitivity. Using a culture‐independent approach, erm(C) and tet(Q) were detected using polymerase chain reaction in 31% and 58% of runoff‐field samples throughout the soil profile. Detection of erm(C) and tet(Q) in the control field soil profile was less frequent (0% and 11%, respectively). Two other genes, erm(A) and tet(X) were not detected in any soil samples. Based upon these results, long‐term applications of beef cattle feedlot runoff may increase the total abundance of microorganisms in the surface and shallow soil, but the relative enrichment of AR was dependent upon the type of resistance evaluated and, more specifically, the genes targeted for analysis.

Ruminal degradation of maize starch is affected by sowing date

Context Delaying sowing date of maize allows producers to achieve stabilised yield. Delays in the sowing date generate changes in the grain structure, which may affect the ruminal degradability of the maize starch. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maize sowing date on ruminal starch degradability, and how it is related with grain physical characteristics and source:sink ratio during the grain-filling period. Methods To study the effects of maize sowing date on grain physical characteristics and on starch in situ effective degradability (ED; 6%/h passage rate from the rumen), eight treatments were defined on the basis of eight different sowing dates in Argentina of a commercial semi-dentate maize hybrid (Dekalb 7210 VT3P), as follows: Treatment 1 (13 October), Treatments 2, 3, and 4 (4, 17 and 26 November respectively), Treatments 5, 6 and 7 (3, 15 and 28 December, respectively) and Treatment 8 (5 January). For each sowing date, three plots of maize were sown in a complete randomised-block design and harvested at grain physiological maturity. Key results Starch ED of ground (2.0-mm) grains ranged from 631 to 801 g/kg and showed a ‘J’-shape response, being lower for the sowing dates from 17 November to 3 December and highest on the sowing date of 5 January. Grain density increased until the sowing date of 17 November, and then decreased. Grain vitreousness and hardness were initially not affected, but started to decline after the sowing date of 17 November. Grain test weight was not affected until the sowing date of 15 December, when it started to decline. The source:sink ratio during the grain-filling period decreased as the sowing date was delayed. Effective starch degradability was negatively correlated with the physical characteristics evaluated and the source:sink ratio. Conclusions Delaying sowing date affected the maize source:sink ratio during the grain-filling period; this was associated with changes in grain physical characteristics and with an increase in ruminal starch degradability. Implications Delaying sowing date increases dry matter (DM) and starch effective degradability, and therefore could affect cattle weight gain and feed conversion efficiency.

Speciation of arsenic in Milk from cows fed seaweed.

Including seaweed in cattle feed has gained increased interest, but it is important to take into account that the concentration of toxic metals, especially arsenic, is high in seaweed. This study investigated the arsenic species in milk from seaweed-fed cows. Total arsenic in milk of control diets (9.3 ± 1.0 μg As kg-1, n = 4, dry mass) were significantly higher than seaweed-based diet (high-seaweed diet: 7.8 ± 0.4 μg As kg-1, p < 0.05, n = 4, dry mass; low seaweed diet: 6.2 ± 1.0 μg As kg-1, p < 0.01, n = 4, dry mass). Arsenic speciation showed that the main species present were arsenobetaine (AB) and arsenate (As(V)) (37% and 24% of the total arsenic, respectively). Trace amounts of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and arsenocholine (AC) have also been detected in milk. Apart from arsenate being significantly lower (p < 0.001) in milk from seaweed-fed cows, than in milk from the control group, other arsenic species showed no significant differences between groups. The lower total arsenic and arsenate in seaweed diet groups indicates a possible competition of uptake between arsenate and phosphate and the presence of AC indicates a reduction of AB occurred in the digestive tract. Feeding a seaweed blend (91% Ascophyllum nodosum and 9% Laminaria digitata) does not raise As-related safety concerns for milk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

First evaluation of the impact of a targeted subunit vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in feedlot cattle

Abstract Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a serious health and economic problem in the beef industry, which is often associated with transportation and caused by different pathogens. In this study we evaluated the effect of a novel subunit targeted vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in feedlot cattle, a major viral agent of BRD. The core of this novel vaccine is the fusion of the BVDV structural glycoprotein, E2, to a single-chain antibody, APCH, together termed, APCH-E2. The APCH antibody targets the E2 antigen to the major histocompatibility type II molecule (MHC-II) present on antigen-presenting cells. To evaluate the vaccine, 2992 animals were randomly allocated into two groups, Control group (N=1491) and Treatment group (N=1501). Animals of both groups received the routine sanitary plan: two doses of clostridial, respiratory and rabies vaccines. Animals within the treatment group also received two doses of a targeted subunit vaccine against BVDV. Serum samples were taken on the day of the first inoculation (T0) and 90 days later (T90). Viral circulation was monitored using an anti-P80 ELISA (virus-specific) and immune response was evaluated by anti-E2 ELISA (detects virus and vaccine immune responses). Only animals treated for respiratory disease were considered positive cases of BRD. Results demonstrate that the Control group had significantly more animals treated for BRD cases compared to the Treatment group (5.9% vs 3.7%, p=0.02). The Control group had a greater number of animals positive for anti-P80 antibodies and significantly fewer animals positive for anti-E2 antibodies compared to the Treatment group (69% vs 61% and 71% vs 99%, respectively, p=0.003), consistent with natural viral circulation within this group. The Treatment group, conversely, had fewer animals positive for anti-P80 antibodies and a greater number of animals positive for anti-E2 antibodies, consistent with a robust vaccine-induced antibody response and a reduction of the BVDV circulation within this group. The data indicate the new subunit targeted vaccine induced greater anti-E2 antibodies and reduced the amount of BVD virus circulation within the Treatment group leading to a fewer number of animals needing to be treated for BRD.

POTENTIAL OF CATTLE FEED FROM PALM OIL LEAVES AND MIDRIBS USING THE FERMENTATION PROCESS IN WEST KALIMANTAN

Abstract: One of the most crucial phases of cattle farming is the supply of high-quality animal feed, which can enhance productivity and animal health. Animal feed is often a problem in West Kalimantan. However, this area is an oil palm plantation, so it has the potential to produce oil palm waste. This community service activity aims to increase knowledge and practice community skills in oil palm plantations in utilizing palm oil waste in cattle feed. The community service applied a socialization and training methods to make high-quality fermented animal feed using palm oil waste, namely leaves and fronds. Participants in this program included the village chief and the village's livestock owners, a total of 30 people. The farmers benefited from the results of this training and socialization. The villagers can use palm leaves and fronds to make fermented animal feed. This adds insight into how to improve livestock productivity and health. In addition, this activity also has the potential to reduce the amount of palm oil waste generated, in addition to increasing the economic value of the waste. The results of the feed processing technology service activities after socialization and training were carried out, there was an increase in participants' knowledge regarding understanding feed processing, post-test scores from 33% to 80% after the post-test, and post-test scores on feed processing practices from 40% to 80% after the post-test. 

Were Consumers of Plant-based Beef Substitutes Buyers of Organic or Grass-fed Beef? Insights from Correlations in Willingness to Pay

Organic and grass-fed beef serve as niche alternatives to conventionally grain-fed beef. A recent addition is plant-based beef substitutes, all three of which are marketed as environmentally friendly options. Despite this, it remains uncertain which specific products plant-based beef substitutes are most directly competing with. In this study, we investigate the correlations between the willingness to pay for plant-based beef substitutes and organic/grass-fed beef using a choice experiment and the Willingness to Pay Space model. Our findings indicate positive correlations between consumers' preferences for plant-based, organic, and grass-fed beef. This suggests that plant-based beef consumers are more likely to be prior consumers of organic or grass-fed beef. Given their relatively small market shares, novel beef substitutes could pose intense competition to the ecolabeled products.

Mucosal Immunization with Spore-Based Vaccines against Mannheimia haemolytica Enhances Antigen-Specific Immunity

Background: Mannheimia haemolytica is a bovine respiratory pathogen commonly associated with bacterial bronchopneumonia. Current vaccine strategies have shown variable efficacy in feedlot cattle, and therefore novel vaccines are needed. Bacillus subtilis spores have been investigated as a mucosal vaccine platform, due to their ability to bind and present antigens to the mucosa and act as an adjuvant. The aim of this study was to develop two spore-based mucosal vaccines targeting M. haemolytica and evaluate their immunogenicity in mice. Methods: Two antigen constructs composed of cholera toxin B subunit, M. haemolytica leukotoxin, and either the M. haemolytica outer membrane protein PlpE (MhCP1) or GS60 (MhCP2) were synthesized, purified and then bound to spores as vaccines. In two separate mice trials, the spore-bound vaccines (Spore-MhCP1 and Spore-MhCP2) were administered to mice through intranasal and intragastric routes, while free antigens were administered intranasally and intramuscularly. Unbound spores were also evaluated intranasally. Antigen-specific serum IgG and mucosal IgA from bronchoalveolar lavage, feces, and saliva were measured after vaccination. Mice sera from all treatment groups were assessed for their bactericidal activity against M. haemolytica. Results: In both mice experiments, intramuscular immunization induced the strongest serum IgG antibody response. However, the intranasal administration of Spore-MhCP1 and Spore-MhCP2 elicited the greatest secretory IgA-specific response against leukotoxin, PlpE, and GS60 in bronchoalveolar lavage, saliva, and feces (p &lt; 0.05). Compared to the intranasal administration of free antigen, spore-bound antigen groups showed greater bactericidal activity against M. haemolytica (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Since intranasally delivered Spore-MhCP1 and Spore-MhCP2 elicited both systemic and mucosal immune responses in mice, these vaccines may have potential to mitigate lung infection in cattle by restricting M. haemolytica colonization and proliferation in the respiratory tract. The efficacy of these mucosal spore-based vaccines merits further assessment against M. haemolytica in cattle.

Prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in bovine feed and feed components: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi and identified as contaminants in animal feed. They have potentially harmful effects, including carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and repro-toxicity in animals and humans. As a result of climate change, there is the potential for a change in the prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in animal feed components. This necessitates an assessment of the present and emerging threats to the food supply chain from mycotoxins. This systematic review and meta-analysis study synthesised studies on mycotoxin contamination and prevalence in cattle feed components. The studies were collected from scientific databases Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Embase between 2011 and 2022. The meta-analysis synthesised 97 studies on the prevalence and the concentration of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin and T-2/HT-2 toxins in feed components. Aflatoxin was highly prevalent (59 %), with a concentration of 2.58–3.92 μg kg−1 in feed components. Ochratoxin A had a global prevalence of 31 % with a concentration of 5.56–12.41 μg kg−1. Deoxynivalenol had a global concentration of 233.17–327.73 μg kg−1 and a prevalence of 74 %. Zearalenone had a prevalence of 70 % and a concentration of 42.47–66.19 μg kg−1. The concentration and prevalence of fumonisins was 232.19–393.07 μg kg−1 and 65 %, respectively. The prevalence and concentration of T-2/HT-2 toxins were 45 % and 23.54–35.12 μg kg−1, respectively. The synthesised concentration of the mycotoxins in the overall feed components was lower than the regulated and guidance values set by the European Union. However, in a few cases, the 95th percentile exceeded these concentration values due to high levels of uncertainty attributed to lower sample size, and thus, need to be considered while conducting risk assessments. The study highlights climates and regions likely to be conducive to the emergence of mycotoxin risk, especially considering the potential influences of climate change.

ARCH/GARCH Analysis: Estimating Beef Price Volatility in Indonesia

This study analyses the volatility of beef prices in Indonesia, a strategic commodity that significantly impacts the welfare of producers and consumers. The sustained and erratic price fluctuations pose an economic risk to producers and threaten farmers' economic stability. ARCH / GARCH models were used to analyze daily beef price data from 10 July 2017 to 31 December 2023, obtained from the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre of Bank Indonesia. The GARCH (2,2) model is the most suitable for estimating the volatility of beef prices in Indonesia, with low and sustainable volatility in the long run. Factors that affect this volatility include feeder cattle and beef imports, exchange rates, livestock diseases, the COVID-19 pandemic, and government policies such as PPKM and PSBB during the new normal era. Important events such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and New Year also influence price volatility of beef. This research aims to assist the government to design more effective market stabilization policies in the short, medium, and long term period. Keywords: beef, ARCH/GARCH, price volatility, fluctuation

Epidemiology of Digital Dermatitis in Western Canadian Feedlot Cattle.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is an emerging disease in feedlot cattle. Our objective was to identify animal- and feedlot-level risk factors for DD by analyzing individual animal health records (n = 1,209,883) and feedlot-level records from western Canadian feedlots (n = 28) between 2014 and 2018, inclusive. The risk of a DD diagnosis was higher (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.08, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.86) in cattle sourced from confined background operations (CB) versus cattle sourced from auction markets (AM). Conversely, ranch direct (RD) cattle were (IRR = 0.02, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.30) lower risk than AM cattle of being diagnosed with DD. The risk of being diagnosed with DD was higher in females than in males. The magnitude of the risk in females over males was influenced by annual DD incidence in low morbidity years (2014, 2017, and 2018) (IRR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.19), medium morbidity years (2016) (IRR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.64 to 5.33), and high morbidity years (2015) (IRR = 5.41, 95% CI 3.27 to 8.95). At the feedlot-level, the risk of a diagnosis of DD was lower in small capacity (SCF) versus large capacity feedlots (LCF) (IRR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.76). Future research should focus on identifying factors that may propagate disease transmission between cattle of different sexes and from different acquisition sources.

Use of probiotic lactobacilli as alternative to monensin in beef feedlot cattle

Use of probiotic lactobacilli as alternative to monensin in beef feedlot cattle

Level of aflatoxins in dairy feeds, poultry feeds, and feed ingredients produced by feed factories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Aflatoxins are one of the major factors that affect the quality and safety of feeds. They can be transferred into livestock through contaminated feed and then onto humans via animal sources of food such as milk, meat, and eggs. The objective of this study was to detect and quantify the level of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, and total aflatoxin) in dairy feeds, poultry (layer and broiler) feeds, and feed ingredients produced in Addis Ababa. A total of 42 feeds and feed ingredients consisting of dairy feeds (n = 5), poultry broiler feeds (n = 6), layer feeds (n = 6), and feed ingredients (n = 25) were collected from feed factories in the city and analyzed in fresh weigh basis. The aflatoxins were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography after clean-up with immunoaffinity columns. Aflatoxin B1 levels in feeds ranged from 51.66 to 370.51µg/kg in dairy cattle feed, from 1.45 to 139.51µg/kg in poultry layer feed, and from 16.49 to 148.86µg/kg in broiler feed. Aflatoxin B1 levels in maize ranged from 2.64 to 46.74µg/kg and in Niger seed cake from 110.93 to 438.86µg/kg. Aflatoxin B1 levels in wheat bran, wheat middling, and soybean were below 5µg/kg. 100% of dairy feeds, 67% of poultry layer, 67% of broiler feeds, and 24% of ingredients contained aflatoxin in levels higher than the maximum tolerable limit set by the US Food and Drug Administration and Ethiopian Standard Agency. This shows the need for strong regulatory monitoring and better feed management practices to prevent consumers of animal-source foods from significant health impacts associated with aflatoxins.

Developments, bottlenecks, and opportunities in seed markets for improved forages in East Africa: The case of Kenya

AbstractBackgroundCattle farming plays a pivotal role in Africa's agricultural and livestock sector, poised for growth due to population expansion and rising per capita consumption of animal‐sourced food. Forages are a primary source of feed for dairy cattle, significantly impacting production costs. While local forage varieties are preferred by dairy farmers, there has been an increase in the adoption of improved forages in recent years. However, the overall adoption rate is still low, for example, due to underdeveloped forage seed markets.MethodsThis study describes the dynamics, challenges, and potential of these markets in Kenya and selected East African countries, focusing on (i) market evolution over the past decade, (ii) forthcoming market prospects, and (iii) bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Data were gathered in 2022 through qualitative interviews with stakeholders representing six segments of the forage seed sector across six countries.ResultsWe found a sustained growth of the improved forage seed market in recent years. The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices, regulatory difficulties, and limited producer knowledge.ConclusionsThe findings unveil positive dynamics in the region's forage seed market, fueled by the engagement and determination of stakeholders who recognize the manifold benefits that it holds for both the dairy industry and economic growth. The realization of this market's potential requires addressing prevailing challenges, including elevated seed costs, intricate variety registration processes, and a pervasive lack of awareness among farmers.

Biomass Densification to Improve Management Efficiency and to Obtain High Value Products in México

In México, the utilization of fast-growing plant species for biomass production presents transportation-related issues such as freshness reduction, the transportation of large volumes with minimal weight due to low density, limited storage availability, and logistical challenges. To enhance understanding in this field, the research aimed to evaluate the densification potential of a variety of organic materials, with a specific emphasis on the biomass derived from eight species of rapidly growing plants, three animal species’ manure, and concentrated feed. After conditioning, 100 g samples underwent particle size analysis and were categorized into seven sizes. Pellets and briquettes (40 g, 10% moisture, 15 MPa pressure, 5 min processing, 80 °C temperature) were produced and evaluated for bulk density (BD) and pellet (PD) and briquette durability (BDU). The predominant particle sizes were 0.850 mm and 0.425 mm. Original biomass bulk density (OBBD) varied notably, with ovine manure (0.50 g cm−3) and cattle feed (0.49 g cm−3) exhibiting the highest values. Caprine manure (0.83 g cm−3) and ovine manure (0.78 g cm−3) yielded the densest pellets at 1.76 and 1.84 g cm−3, respectively. Apple tree pellets achieved premium quality with the highest hardness (97.9%). Cattle manure (1.25 g cm−3) and cattle feed (1.25 g cm−3) had the densest briquettes, with notable BBD/OBBD ratios in pine sawdust (4.6) and corn (4.5). Caprine manure and Acacia biomass briquettes showed premium quality with the highest hardness (99.1%), emphasizing densification variations and the need for tailored approaches based on organic material characteristics.

First Record of Tricolored Blackbirds in Idaho

Over 99% of Tricolored Blackbirds (Agelaius tricolor) occur in California. However, small populations persist in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Baja California. Loss of wetlands that historically served as foraging and breeding habitat has led to their increasing use of agricultural landscapes including silage fields and cattle feedlots. Here we provide the first documentation of the Tricolored Blackbird in Idaho (26 March–13 May and 3 November–16 December 2023), of up to 30 birds observed at five different locations associated with cattle feedlots, each 10–15 km apart, in Payette and Gem counties. Seven observations included recordings of vocalizations (3-23 April and 14 December 2023), largely coinciding with the final observations at each location, presumably before dispersal to breeding grounds. We consider three hypotheses to explain the apparently sudden occurrence of these birds, including their return to some of the same sites in November 2023: (1) a continued pattern of range expansion due to climate change; (2) an undetected long-term population due to low survey effort; or (3) a large-scale movement in response to flooding and extreme weather in the traditional range. We encourage continued monitoring and surveying of these locations in the coming years and surveying for both new wintering locations and for evidence of the Tricolored Blackbird breeding in Idaho.

ANALISIS PENGENDALIAN KUALITAS MENGGUNAKAN METODE SIX SIGMA DI PT CHEIL JEDANG FEED AND CARE - PLANT SERANG

PT Cheil Jedang Feed And Care - Plant Serang is a company that operates in the field of cattle feed manufacturing and produces three kinds of feed for cattle: poultry feed, shrimp feed, and aqua feed. (pakan ternak ikan). With a production capacity of 271,308 per year. By 2022, it was 224.991,45 tons, with a defective number of 1.540,30 tons, or the equivalent of 0,7% of total production. In an effort to minimize the result of the defective product that occurs when the production process takes place in a company, a company needs strong commitment in carrying out the quality control process. The DMAIC method is used and assisted by some tools based on the existing data, and then improvement can be done with the six-sigma methodology that includes define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. After the improvement has been achieved, there is a decrease in the number of teams implementing the DMAIC method. It can be clearly seen that the original defect in the course of the year 1 January to December 2022 reached 1.540,30 MT of total production of 224.991,45 MT, which is 0,7% of the produced defect, and the path has passed the tolerance limit established by the company of 0.6%. After implementation of the method, DMAIC gives very significant results. Such things can be observed by reducing the defect number by 0.3% of the total production of 65.300,15 MT, even though it has not been implemented during the year from January to August 2023

Assessment Environmental and Social Impacts for the Rice Straw Utilization Technical Models to Promote Circular Economy for Rice Production in Chau Thanh District - An Giang Province

The study objective is to provide an initial scientific basis for calculating CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emission reduction from the three technical models such as rice-straw composting, rice-straw fermented for cattle feed, and straw mushroom production, which are rice-straw utilization alternatives instead of open burning them in Chau Thanh district. The study calculation is based on the surveyed practical database, the theoretical emission factors (EF), and the implementation of EasyPol-Ex software version 5 (Ex-Act) to estimate the amount of CO2e emissions when switching. The results show that in 2022, Chau Thanh could avoid 330,236 tons of CO2 emissions by burning 171,637 tons of rice straw. The estimated amount of CO2 emitted from harvesting and rolling rice straw by machine was 4.375 g CO2e per kilogram of rice straw. The EF for transportation of rice straw to model implementation places was 740 gCO2e/kg. The additional EFs for mushroom, composting, and animal feed production models were 222g, 172g and 60g CO2e/kg, respectively. Results indicate that although the EF of rice straw collection and transportation was still high, the total CO2e from three models (including transportation) was still lower than the EF from straw burning. In addition, farmers who own the paddy field earned an extra 500,000 VND/ha per crop, and farmers earned an extra about 1.7 to 2.3 million VND per crop, depending on the model applied. The successful implementation of technical models promoted the concept of circular economy applied to rice production industries.

Ruminal Microbiome Differences in Angus Steers with Differing Feed Efficiencies during the Feedlot Finishing Phase.

The catabolic activity of the ruminal microbial community of cattle enables the conversion of low-quality feedstuffs into meat and milk. The rate at which this conversion occurs is termed feed efficiency, which is of crucial importance given that feed expenses account for up to 70% of the cost of animal production. The present study assessed the relationship between cattle feed efficiency and the composition of their ruminal microbial communities during the feedlot finishing period. Angus steers (n = 65) were fed a feedlot finishing diet for 82 days and their growth performance metrics were evaluated. These included the dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and residual feed intake (RFI). Steers were rank-ordered based upon their RFI, and the five lowest RFI (most efficient) and five highest RFI (least efficient) steers were selected for evaluations. Ruminal fluid samples were collected on days 0 and 82 of the finishing period. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) were quantified, and microbial DNA was extracted and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. The results showed that the ADG was not different (p = 0.82) between efficiency groups during the 82-day feedlot period; however, the efficient steers had lower (p = 0.03) DMI and RFI (p = 0.003). Less-efficient (high RFI) steers developed higher (p = 0.01) ruminal Methanobrevibacter relative abundances (p = 0.01) and tended (p = 0.09) to have more Methanosphaera. In high-efficiency steers (low RFI), the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae increased (p = 0.04) over the 82-day period. The molar proportions of VFA were not different between the two efficiency groups, but some changes in the concentration of specific VFA were observed over time. The results indicated that the ruminal microbial populations of the less-efficient steers contained a greater relative abundance of methanogens compared to the high-efficiency steers during the feedlot phase, likely resulting in more energetic waste in the form or methane and less dietary energy being harvested by the less-efficient animals.

Lacticaseibacillus pabuli sp. nov., isolated from fermented cattle feed.

Strain BSF-3MT is a Gram-stain-positive, non-flagellated, facultative anaerobic and rod-shaped bacterium that was isolated from fermented feed collected at a cattle farm in the Daejeon region of the Republic of Korea. It was studied using polyphasic taxonomic methods. Using 16S rRNA gene sequences and the resulting phylogenetic tree, the strain was primarily identified as a member of the genus Lacticaseibacillus. Strain BSF-3MT contained a chromosome of 2.5 Mbp and a plasmid of 33.4 kbp. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 51.3 mol%. Strain BSF-3MT had the highest ortho-average nucleotide identity value of 73.7 % with Lacticaseibacillus songhuajiangensis 7-19T, its closest relative in the phylogenetic tree based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences and the phylogenomic tree based on up-to-date bacterial core genes. Based on the results of a polyphasic taxonomic study, strain BSF-3MT represents a novel species in the genus Lacticaseibacillus, for which the name Lacticaseibacillus pabuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BSF-3MT (=KACC 23028T=NBRC 116014T).