Hay Mixture Research Articles

107 Bacterial direct-fed microbial mixtures effects on beef cattle ruminal degradability kinetics

Abstract The effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on beef cattle ruminal degradability were evaluated. Six ruminally cannulated beef steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design and offered a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum intake during three, 28-d periods. Treatments were: 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A (L. animalis, P. freudenreichii; B. subtilis; and B. licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50 mg)/animal-daily minimum; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were approximately 30% greater than the minimum expected. Pre-dehydrated (55ºC for 72 h) diets and forage substrates were ground (2 mm) and placed into 10 × 20 cm (28 µm) nylon bags (8 and 5 g, as-is respectively). The diet-substrate included a mixture of (DM basis) steam-flaked corn (70%), alfalfa hay (10%), and wet corn gluten feed (20%). The forage-substrate was represented by ‘WW-B Dahl’ Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii). Substrate in-situ bags were placed within a nylon mesh (with weights) at the ruminal ventral sac, and reversely removed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 20, 32, 48, 64, 72, and 96 h after feeding. Samples were removed, rinsed, and dehydrated for 72 h at 55oC. Residues were composited within period, steer, incubation-time, corrected for residual moisture and were used to fit a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS (animal = experimental unit). Steers offered Treat-A tended to show an increase on the rate of degradation of NDF (P = 0.15) and ADF (P = 0.10) fractions; increased (P < 0.01) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B); and increased (P = 0.02) the effective degradable fraction of NDF (tendency for ADF, P = 0.08) at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% of the diet-substrate compared with Control, while tending to have a reduced rate of degradation for the overall DM (P = 0.06) and OM (P = 0.08) fractions. When the in-situ bags containing the forage-substrate were incubated, steers offered Treat-A showed an increased (P < 0.01) lag time (T0) for hemicellulose compared with Control, while those offered Treat-B had a decreased (P = 0.02) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B) compared with Control. The effective degradable fraction for hemicellulose at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% tended (P = 0.09) to numerically increase for steers offered Treat-A compared with Control. The combination of bacteria in Treat-A enhanced the ruminal degradation of high-quality fiber components, as indicated by the improvements observed within the more degradable fractions from ingredients used in the diet and the forage substrates. Further assessment is warranted to investigate post-ruminal nutrient disappearance.

Diverse forage improves lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in goats, as revealed by metabolomics.

It is well established that promoting the balance of nutrients and plant secondary metabolites (PSM) by feeding diverse forage physiologically improves ruminant production. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the physiological mechanism related to the improvement of physiological stress tolerance, ruminants were fed diverse forage. Oxidative stress markers were quantified, and serum metabolomics was performed. Six crossbred Shiba wethers (32.8±9.2kg BW) were arranged in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design. The treatments were feeding only Sudan grass hay (100% SDN); feeding a mixture of Sudan grass and alfalfa hay (70:30, SDN-ALF); and feeding a mixture of Sudan grass, timothy grass, and alfalfa hay (35:35:30; SDN-TMT-ALF). Each diet group was fed its specific diet for 21days with a 14-day adaptation period. Feed intake and digestibility, blood biochemistry, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analysed. In addition, blood serum metabolites were assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The DM intake and DM, organic matter, and CP digestibility were higher (P<0.05) in the SDN-TMT-ALF group than in the SDN group. The TAC was higher (P<0.01) in the SDN-TMT-ALF and SDN-ALF groups (809.51 and 813.7µM, respectively) than the SDN group (720.69µM), while the SOD level was unchanged (P=0.06) among the treatments. Total serum cholesterol and NH3 levels were higher (P<0.05) in the SDN-TMT-ALF group (89.17mg/dL and 242.42µg/dL, respectively) than in the SDN group (71.00mg/dL and 89.17µg/dL). Additionally, the levels of nine metabolites in serum differed among the treatments (P<0.05). Linoleic acid (LA) and cortisone, which are related to LA metabolism and the steroid biosynthesis pathway, were upregulated by the SDN-ALF and SDN-TMT-ALF diets compared to the SDN diet, suggesting the contribution of ALF to altering the metabolites. The levels of hippuric acid, which is a metabolite of phenolic compounds, were higher (P<0.001) in the animals fed SDN, which contained higher phenolic and luteolin concentrations than the other diets. Pathway analysis suggested that the higher cortisone levels were derived from cholesterol due to upregulated glycolysis metabolism, which was positively related to increased ingestion, digestibility, and serum LA levels in animals given mixed forage. In conclusion, physiological stress tolerance in the animals was regulated by upregulation of LA and steroid hormone metabolism, which was associated with an increase in TAC rather than the ability of the animal to regulate its PSM intake.

Performance of weaner rabbits fed Bermuda grass and Milk weed hay mixtures with concentrate

Performance of weaner rabbits fed Bermuda grass and Milk weed hay mixtures with concentrate

ODCHÓW NORCZ ˛AT POCHODZ ˛ACYCH Z GNIAZD OCIEPLANYCH RÓZNYM MATERIAŁEM

The aim of this study was to compare the rearing of mink in nests insulated with different materials. The study was conducted on a large-scale mink farm located in northwestern Poland. The results of rearing mink from 144 females of the pearl variety, aged one and two years, were analyzed. Four groups were created, taking into account the type of nest lining material and the age of the females. Two weeks prior to the scheduled birth, the nesting houses were lined with two types of insulating material - sawdust from deciduous trees and a mixture of barley straw and hay from meadow vegetation. Data were collected on: the number of born and live-born cubs per litter, the number of reared mink per litter, and the mortality of mink during the rearing period at the mothers. It was found that the material with which mink nests are insulated has an effect on the number of born, live-born and weaned mink. Better reproductive results were reported for females whose nests were insulated with barley straw mixed with meadow hay. They gave birth to larger litters, with more live mink, and raised more young. The mortality rate of young mink was lower in nests insulated with a mixture of straw and hay. The results showed that the use of sawdust as a nest insulating material is associated with a lower survival rate of reared mink. The study shows that the choice of a suitable nest insulating material can favorably affect the number of reared young mink.

Enhancing dairy productivity through best bet feeding interventions under smallholders in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Dairy cattle production is an integral part of smallholder farming systems in the central highlands of Ethiopia, but it is characterized by low milk productivity mainly due to nutritional constraints. This study assessed the comparative advantage of using improved forage-based feeding system over the traditional feeding practices on feed intake, milk yield and quality, and cost benefit analysis of crossbred dairy cows under smallholder farmers. The study was conducted at Welmera and Ejere districts on 12 farmers and two cows per farmer, and two dietary treatments were assigned to each cow randomly, and the study lasted 8 weeks. The treatments were: 1) intervention diet composed of oats-vetch mixture hay with concentrate supplementation at the rate of 0.5 kg/l of milk and 2) basal diet following farmers’ current feeding practices: crop residues and native hay, commonly soaked with local brewery residue (“Atela”) and water. The results showed that there was no difference in total dry matter intake between the two diets. However, the basal feed intake was higher in the traditional feeding practice by 11% whereas the concentrate intake was higher in the intervention diet by 25%. Crude protein intake was significantly higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) in the intervention group by 23%. As a result, milk yield was increased by 36% under oat-vetch mixed fodder-based feeding system as compared to the traditional feeding practice. Consequently, the amount of feed required per unit of milk was lower in the intervention group, indicating higher feed conversion efficiency as compared to the traditional feeding practice. On the other hand, there was no significant variation in milk composition between the two groups. Partial budget analysis indicated that the benefit from the intervention diet (95 birr/cow/day) was greater by 266% than that obtained from the traditional practice (45 birr/cow/day). Utilization of improved forage varieties was proven to play significant role in supplying good quality and abundant feed resource that increased milk yield and also fetch additional economic return for smallholder farmers compared to the existing traditional practice. In general, this study demonstrates that adoption of improved forage production and feeding practices along with sufficient training on balanced ration formulation has been observed to increase dairy productivity and food security through provision of sustainable livelihood opportunity for smallholder farmers.

Mixed oats and alfalfa improved the antioxidant activity of mutton and the performance of goats by affecting intestinal microbiota.

Oat hay and alfalfa hay are important roughage resources in livestock production. However, the effect of the mixture of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the meat quality of Albas goats is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding different proportions of oat hay and alfalfa hay on the growth performance and meat quality of Albas goats. Therefore, 32 goats were fed for 70 days and randomly divided into four treatment groups on the principle of similar weight: whole oat group (OAT), oat alfalfa ratio 3:7 group (OA73), oat alfalfa ratio 7:3 group (OA37) and whole alfalfa group (Alfalfa), with eight goats in each group. Daily feed intake records, feces, feed samples, and rumen fluid collection were made throughout the trial. The goats were weighed on the last day of the trial, and four goats per group were randomly selected for slaughter. Cecum contents, meat samples, and hot carcass weight were collected, and data were recorded. Furthermore, the relationship between the rumen and cecal microbes on performance and meat quality was clarified by analyzing the rumen and hindgut microbiomes. The results showed that feeding alfalfa could significantly reduce the daily weight gain of fattening goats. Compared with the highest group (OA37), the daily weight gain decreased by 19.21%. Although there was no significant change in feed intake in the four treatments, the feed conversion rate of the alfalfa group significantly decreased by 30.24-36.47% compared to the other groups. However, with the increased alfalfa content, MDA decreased significantly, T-AOC was up-regulated, and the antioxidant activity of the fattened goat meat fed with the high alfalfa group was significantly higher than that of the low alfalfa group. Notably, the abundance of Bacteroidales_unclassified and Clostridium were strongly correlated with T-AOC and MDA. Therefore, increasing the proportion of alfalfa in the diet can affect the antioxidant activity of goat meat by improving the gut microbiota, while an oat-hay mixture can improve the growth performance of livestock.

Effects of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Stylosanthes scabra&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Forage Supplementation on &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in Vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Gas Production and Fiber Degradation of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eragrostis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Grass Hay

Natural pastures constitute a major component of ruminant livestock feed, and are the most cost-effective feed resource available for smallholder subsistence farmers. However, this feed resource does not meet animal nutritional requirement due to deficiency in nitrogen, energy and minerals. In addition, at maturity lignification is the major concern since it reduces digestibility and contributes to methane emission. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing low-quality Eragrostis grass hay with five (9281, 11,252, 11,255, 11,595 and 11,604) selected Stylosanthes scabra accessions on in vitro ruminal fermentation and neutral detergent fiber degradation. Therefore, in vitro study was conducted on grass hay, accessions and the mixture of grass hay with each accession included at two (15%, 30%) levels. The substrates (grass hay, accessions and the mixtures) were incubated in separate serum bottles for 72 h. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of the accessions ranged from 300 to 350 g/kg DM with crude protein (CP) value ranging from 177.5 to 184.1 g/kg DM. Eragrostis grass hay had NDF value of 813 g/kg DM, with CP value of 34.3 g/kg DM. Grass hay fermented slowly, it took 30 h for grass hay to produce gas volume above 50 mL, while Stylosanthes scabra accessions took 12 h. Supplementing grass hay with accessions significantly improved fermentation. However, it was observed that 15% inclusion took 30 h to produce gas volume above 50 mL, whereas at 30% inclusions it took 24 h for accession 9281, 11,595 and 11,604. Accession 11,604 improve grass fermentation by almost three times the value of grass hay in 2 h. Grass hay supplemented with accession 11,604 at 30% had a positive associative effect and significantly improved NDF degradability. In conclusion, accession 11,604 may be fed strategically as forage supplement to low-quality forage for ruminants.

Effect of Differently Matured Composts from Willow on Growth and Development of Lettuce

Soil amendments from peats, brown coals and composts produced from segregated biodegradable waste or biomass from fallow land can increase soil fertility and improve soil productivity. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of using willow (Salix viminalis L.) biomass composts as a substrate component in horticulture. The objects of the research were composts produced from willow carried out in a pile under aerobic conditions. The addition of hay and mineral nitrogen (Nmin) was used to improve process efficiency. In order to verify the type and determine fertilizing value, basic chemical parameters were analyzed (pH, total contents of C, N and P) and a pot experiment was established to analyze the germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Changes in pH, an increase in total nitrogen content (TN), phosphorus (TP) and a decrease in TOC was observed in the investigated samples. Results of the experiment showed that the highest yield was obtained from the pots with the mixture of willow, hay and Nmin. Matured composts significantly stimulated the germination and growth of the test plants. It can be concluded that the addition of hay and Nmin significantly improved composting process and increased the fertilizing value of the investigated composts.

Digestibility of Sheep Ration Containing Different Levels of Native Grass Hay and Concentrate Mixture of Wheat Bran and Dried Food Left over

Digestibility of Sheep Ration Containing Different Levels of Native Grass Hay and Concentrate Mixture of Wheat Bran and Dried Food Left over

Mobile bag technique for estimation of nutrient digestibility when hay is supplemented with alternative fibrous feedstuffs in horses

To evaluate the effect of substituting hay with alternative fibrous feedstuffs, the total collection of faeces was used to measure the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). Nutrient disappearance and digestion kinetics were examined with the mobile bag technique (MBT) and marker passage measurements. Four caecally-cannulated horses (body weight (BW) 558 ± 32 kg) were used in a cross-over design experiment with two periods of 14 days adaptation and four days of faecal collection. Horses were fed three times a day with either a hay-only (HAY) diet or a mixture of hay:supplement (MIX) (15.1 and 8.4:6.7 g dry matter (DM)/kg BW/day, respectively). The hay used in both treatments (HAY and MIX) was mainly of Timothy and first cut. The MIX supplement diet consisted of oat hulls, alfalfa-, sugar beet pulp- (SBP), grass- and soya hull pellets, each given in 0.44 g DM/kg BW/meal. On day 15 in each period, 20 bags of either hay or SBP and 6–12 bags (1×2x12 cm; 37 µm pore size; 0.5 g feed) of each feedstuff and ytterbium (Yb, 3 g) were placed in the stomach or caecum, respectively. Bags were harvested from the caecum every hour and faeces were checked for bags every fourth hour, collection time was noted and data from the bags were used to estimate pre-caecal, hindgut and total tract nutrient disappearance. Further, faecal subsamples of 300 g were collected, weighed and stored for Yb analysis and further estimation of feed mean retention time. Rate and extent of feed degradation were estimated from the MBT assuming exponential degradation. The ATTD of DM was similar between the two diets (P > 0.05), but the HAY diet had higher ATTD of crude protein (CP) (P = 0.001), neutral detergent fibre assayed with heat-stable amylase and expressed inclusive of residual ash (aNDF) (P = 0.006), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (P = 0.017), hemicellulose (P = 0.001) and celluloseNDF (P < 0.001). The hindgut mean retention time (MRT) for Yb was longer for the MIX than the HAY diet (P < 0.001). No differences for DM, aNDF or ADF digestibility were measured when comparing the ATTD with nutrient disappearance from bags found in the time interval 20–30 h, indicating the ATTD of these nutrients can be predicted by the MBT. The estimated degradation (Dt), but not effective degradation (ED), is preferred when the MBT is used to predict the ATTD. It can be concluded that hay can be substituted partly by fibrous feedstuffs and that the MBT can predict the ATTD of DM, aNDF and ADF in a mixed ration based on MBT measures on individual feedstuffs.

Plant Community Diversity at Two Reclaimed Mine Tailing Storage Facilities in Québec, Canada

Mining activities generate residues during the ore concentration process. These wastes are placed into large tailing storage facilities, and upon mine closure, these tailings must be reclaimed. This study aimed to determine how different reclamation methods, involving combinations of planted boreal woody species and organic amendments application (paper mill sludge biosolids, chicken manure, and topsoil) affected plant community diversity at two tailing storage facilities in Québec, Canada. We recorded the composition of the plant communities using the percent cover of plant species within 1 m × 1 m quadrats. At the Niobec mine site, paper mill sludge mixed with topsoil enhanced total plant cover was compared with the use of topsoil only; the former amendment, however, reduced evenness (J′) and diversity (1−D) due to the increased growth of grasses and invasive forbs. At the Mont-Wright site, plots having received paper mill sludge mixed with a “Norco” treatment (a mixture of chicken manure, hay, and grass seeds) produced the highest total plant cover. The Norco treatment mixed with topsoil and the single application of topsoil and biosolids produced the highest evenness (J′) and diversity (1−D). Overall, organic amendment applications promoted vegetation cover on tailings and contributed to the colonization of diverse plant communities.

Effects of Dilution Rate on Fermentation Characteristics of Feeds With Different Carbohydrate Composition Incubated in the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC)

This study investigated the impact of carbohydrate source and fluid passage rate (dilution rate) on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial crude protein (MCP) formation. Three commonly used feeds (barley grain [BG], beet pulp [BP], and soybean hulls [SBH]), which differ considerably in their carbohydrate composition, were incubated together with a mixture of grass hay and rapeseed meal in two identical Rusitec apparatuses (each 6 vessels). Differences in fluid passage rate were simulated by infusing artificial saliva at two different rates (1.5% [low] and 3.0% [high] of fermenter volume per h). This resulted in six treatments (tested in 3 runs): BGhigh, BGlow, BPhigh, BPlow, SBHhigh and SBHlow. The system was adapted for 7 d, followed by 4 d of sampling. Production of MCP (mg/g degraded organic matter [dOM]; estimated by 15N analysis) was greater with high dilution rate (DL; p &amp;lt; 0.001) and was higher for SBH compared to both BG and BP (p &amp;lt; 0.001). High DL reduced OM degradability (OMD) compared to low DL (p &amp;lt; 0.001), whereas incubation of BG resulted in higher OMD compared to SBH (p &amp;lt; 0.002). Acetate:propionate ratio decreased in response to high DL (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Total gas and methane production (both /d and /g dOM) were lower with high DL (p &amp;lt; 0.001). In our study increasing liquid passage rate showed the potential to increase MCP and decrease methane production simultaneously. Results encourage further studies investigating these effects on the rumen microbial population.

Effects of different supplement amounts on dry matter intake, milk production and milk composition of high-producing Lacaune dairy ewes

In general, dairy sheep are fed in large groups that receive the same diet based on the average group milk yield (MY), which is increased by approximately 15% and 25% to cover the energy and protein requirements respectively of part of the high-producing ewes, according to the French INRA system recommendations. Despite this, some of the highest producing ewes are still underfed, especially in terms of energy. This experiment was designed to measure the effect of increasing the amount of energy supplement on milk yield, milk composition and forage intake. Three groups of 16 multiparous Lacaune dairy ewes (DIM mean ± SD: 40 ± 1.5) producing 3.4 ± 0.29 L/d, were balanced in terms of MY, milk composition, body weight (BW: 74.7 ± 8.43 kg) and body condition score (BCS: 2.7 ± 0.26). During three periods of three weeks (P1, P2, P3), groups were fed a basal diet based on a mixture of herbage silages and good quality hay (173 g CP/kg DM) offered ad libitum. A protein concentrate was offered at a constant level (0.34 ± 0.034 kg DM/d/ewe) to cover initial protein requirements. Barley grain was offered at three average levels (kg DM/d/ewe): medium (M, 0.478), high (H, 0.667) or very high (vH, 0.883). The three groups (MMH, MHH, MvHH) received the corresponding amount of barley in the three successive periods: in P1, 0.485 for the three groups, in P2, 0.470 for MMH, 0.672 for MHH and 0.883 for MvHH, and in P3, 0.661 for the three groups. Forage and concentrate dry matter intake were measured each week over five days; milk yield and composition (total fat, protein and urea content) were measured once a week; and BW and BCS were measured every two weeks. Modifying the amount of concentrate (P2, P3) gave no significant (P<0.05) difference between groups for MY, milk composition, BW or BCS. In P2, increasing the level of barley led to a high substitution effect with a decrease of the forage dry matter intake. In P3, increasing or decreasing the amount of barley moderately decreased or increased the forage. Taking into account the whole experimental period (P1-P3), increasing the level of barley did not improve (P>0.05) MY, but slightly increased (P<0.05) BW and BCS. In conclusion, increasing the amount of energy of high-producing dairy ewes fed high-quality forage ad libitum, reduces the forage intake, did not improve MY or change milk composition, but increases BW and BCS.

64 Feeding elite equine athletes: Perspectives from high-goal polo and endurance riding competitors

Knowing equine stakeholder feeding practices can better inform research, extension, and education programs. The objective of this exploratory survey was to describe feeding management and activity of horses performing at elite levels in polo and endurance riding. High-goal polo participants were targeted for survey distribution through a polo magazine publication during the winter of 2018. A researcher recruited endurance riders to participate at an American Endurance Ride Conference sanctioned event held in Florida during March 2018. Participants were contacted 3 times to complete a questionnaire to describe horse management practices, dietary information, and preferences with regards to equine nutrition. Eight of 11 (72.7%) polo players and 9 of 22 (40.9%) endurance riders completed the survey. Seventy-six percent of barns (13/17) were located in Florida at the time of survey completion. To compare disciplines, continuous data were analyzed using t -test and categorical data using a Mann-Whitney U-Test. Polo ponies were fed alfalfa hay, with 50% (4/8) of respondents predominately feeding alfalfa hay, and the remaining feeding alfalfa/grass hay mixtures. Endurance horses were more likely ( P = 0.056) to have ad libitum access (7/9) to forage than polo ponies (2/8), likely because most endurance horses were housed on pasture (6/9). For hay, nutritional value was extremely important in forage selection decisions for both polo and endurance sports. Polo respondents were more likely to value ( P = 0.018) forage color and smell than endurance participants. All respondents reported feeding their horses grain or concentrate, a typical recommendation for feeding horses with elevated nutrient requirements due to increased workload. Nutritional value was the most important factor for selection of grain or concentrate, followed by feed availability, veterinarian or nutritionist recommendation, feed manufacturer reputation, cost, or industry professional recommendation, in order of preference. Polo ponies worked an average of 51 ± 24 min/d (STD DEV) 6 times per week. Endurance horses worked longer (115 ± 52 min/d, P = 0.007) but less frequently (4 times per week, P = 0.001) than polo ponies. Polo ponies tended to compete more frequently (3.9 ± 2.3 times per month, P = 0.101) than endurance horses (1.8 ± 0.7). During a race, endurance horses were fed more frequently and offered different feeds than the typical ration. These data indicate feeding management preferences are specific to athletic activities. Widespread use of this questionnaire could help target equine educational programs to the needs of the industry.

An alternative protocol for rearing of stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) under laboratory conditions

Stomoxys calcitrans is widely adopted in experiments due to their relevance in animal health. Nevertheless, the rearing of S. calcitrans under laboratory conditions is still a challenge. In this manuscript, we show a new method for rearing the immature stages of S. calcitrans using plant material as only substrate source and sterilized sand for pupae to mimic their natural environment in order to maintain the colonies in the laboratory and for other biological tests. For this purpose, 65 eggs were collected from the colony established in the laboratory and placed into Petri dishes (80 × 15 mm) containing 50 grams of a mixture of alfalfa hay (100 g) and distilled water (200 ml), in a controlled environment (27 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 5 % UR), and the experiment was repeated six times. The mean number of days for egg hatching was 1.4 (± 0.5), the larval period from L1 to L3 was 11.33 days (± 1.75) and the pupal period was 5.83 days (± 0.51). The complete cycle from egg to adult was 18.66 days (± 2.06). The mean larval survival rate, pupation rate, and emergence rate (pupa to adult) were 91.03 % (± 3.14), 88.71 % (± 3.17), and 91.13 % (± 3.0), respectively. The results obtained in the present work indicated that the use of a larval substrate with alfalfa hay allowed the development of immature stages of S. calcitrans in laboratory, which has been demonstrated by the good percentages of larval development, pupation, and adult emergence.

Effect Of Parity On Intake And Utilization Of A High Forage Low Concentrate Ration By Bunaji Cows In Early Lactation

During the early lactation of three groups of four Bunaji cows each in the first, fourth and seventh parities, a 3:1 hay mixture of Cyonodon nlemfuensis variety robustus and Gliricidia sepium leaves fed ad libitum was supplemented for ten weeks with concentrate that supplied 16% of the daily total dry matter intake (DMI). On metabolic size basis, the intake of actual and digestible dry matter, crude protein (CP) and energy declined with increasing parity, the values for the seventh parity being significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) than those for earlier parities. Animals in the 4th parity produced maximum fat-corrected milk (FCM), solids-corrected milk (SCM) and actual milk that contained the least total solids (TS), fat, and caloric value but highest solids-not-fat (SNF) and lactose (P&lt;0.05). They also most efficiently converted DM, digestible CP (DCP) and digestible energy (DE) consumed into actual milk, FCM and SCM and the nitrogen intake or absorbed into milk nitrogen. Differences in these parameters during the earlier and later parities were similar (P&gt;0.05). On the average, animals in the 4th parity apparently lost or gained no weight. Primiparous animals gained one and half times as much weight as the oldest animals and more efficiently utilized the DM, DCP and DE consumed for weight gain while the ratio of their live weight gain to milk yield was higher (P&lt;0.05). Multiparous animals required 110% of the recommended CP but all animals required 70 - 85% of the recommended DE for maintenance and productive purposes.

Effects of Different Protein and Energy Levels in Mixed Feed on Growth Performance and Reproduction Characteristics of Heifers

Background: In this study, the effects of different protein and energy levels in mixed feed on growth performance and reproduction characteristics of heifers were investigated. Method: The material of the study consisted of 36 Holstein Friesian (black pied) breed cattle at the age of 6 months and average live body weight of 156.65 kg and the experiment was continued for 8 months. During the experiment, four different feeds containing 16% CP - 2500 kcal / kg ME for the 1st group, 16% CP - 2700 kcal / kg ME for the 2nd group, 18% CP - 2500 kcal / kg ME for the 3rd group, 18% HP - 2700 kcal / kg ME for the 4th group were given at 1.5% of the live weight of heifers. (Where CP and ME stand for Crude Protein and Metabolizable Energy, respectively). As roughage, an equal amount of straw and alfalfa hay mixture was given. Result: As a result of this study, the effects of the different protein levels on live body weight and body measurements (body length-BL, withers height-WH, hip height-HH, hip width-HW, body depth-BD, chest girth-CG) were not found significant (P is greater than 0.05). Similarly, the effects of different energy levels on body weight and body measurements (P is greater than 0.05) and protein X energy interaction in terms of live body weight and size were also not found significant (P is greater than 0.05). Regarding the reproductive properties, the differences between the groups in terms of the effect of different protein and energy levels on the first estrus age were found statistically significant (P is less than 0.05). As a result of the analysis made in terms of heifers age during the first insemination, the difference was found to be statistically significant (P is less than 0.05). The effect of different protein and energy levels on the conception rate in the first insemination was found significant (P is less than 0.05). As a result, it was concluded that affordable mixed feed combinations can be used within the limits of mixed feed combinations containing 2500-2700 kcal / kg ME and 16-18% CP, which were given in the investigation; however, low energy-high protein combinations would give more positive results considering their effects on the reproductive performances and conception rates at first insemination.

Combining Orchardgrass and Alfalfa: Effects of Forage Ratios on In Vitro Rumen Degradation and Fermentation Characteristics of Silage Compared with Hay.

Simple SummaryForages are an essential portion of ruminant rations to maintain rumen function. Exploring how orchardgrass and alfalfa interact in the rumen is necessary to better understand their feed use potential as both hay and silage. This study evaluated in vitro rumen degradation, fermentation characteristics, and methane production responses to different forage ratios of alfalfa and orchardgrass. The results indicate that dry matter and organic matter degradability and methane production were greater for mixed silages compared to mixed hays. A forage ratio of 50:50 for orchardgrass and alfalfa favor the growth of rumen microorganisms without compromising nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation.This study aimed to investigate the effects of different forage ratios of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) on in vitro rumen degradation and fermentation characteristics. Orchardgrass and alfalfa were harvested separately and prepared as hay and silage mixtures at ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (w/w on a dry matter basis) and anaerobically incubated for 48 h with rumen fluid obtained from lactating dairy cows. Fermented residues and cultured fluids were used to determine nutrient degradability, fermentation parameters, and associative effect indices. Increasing the proportion of alfalfa in hay and silage mixtures quadratically increased in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD, up +5.14%) and marginally decreased in vitro neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD, down −1.79%). Meanwhile, increasing the proportion of alfalfa accelerated the rumen fermentation process (e.g., gas production) and remarkably enhanced the growth of rumen microbes as indicated by microbial protein production (MCP, 13.4% increase). Increments of rumen degradability and methane production were more pronounced in silage mixtures than hay mixtures. In combination, a forage ratio of 50:50 for orchardgrass and alfalfa is recommended for both hay and silage in order to improve the feed use potential in ruminants.

The effects of hesperidin or naringin dietary supplementation on the milk properties of dairy ewes.

Fortification of animal products with natural bioactive compounds appears to improve their quality and protects consumers against oxidation effects. An experiment was therefore conducted to examine the effects of hesperidin or naringin on milk oxidative stability, yield, composition, coagulation properties, and the fatty acid profile in dairy sheep. Thirty-six Chios ewes were assigned to four groups. A control group was fed a concentrate diet without supplementation. The other three groups were provided with the same diet further supplemented with hesperidin (6000 mg kg-1 ), naringin (6000 mg kg-1 ), or α-tocopheryl acetate (200 mg kg-1 ). The efficacy of flavonoids after a change in diet composition that lowered milk oxidation values by itself was also tested. The duration of the experiment was 28 days with alfalfa hay being the only forage source for the first 14 days, whereas after the 15th day a mixture of alfalfa hay and wheat straw (65:35) was provided. The oxidative stability of milk was improved after 14 days of addition of the examined flavonoids (P< 0.05). Milk malondialdehyde (MDA) values were also decreased as a result of flavonoid dietary supplementation, 14 days after the modification of the forage source. On the other hand, no significant differences in yield, chemical composition, coagulation properties, and fatty acid profile of ewe milk were observed among the treatments throughout the experiment. Enrichment of dairy ewes' diets with hesperidin and naringin might be effective in improving milk's oxidative stability without any effects on the milk's chemical composition, coagulation properties, and fatty acid profile. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of using either soybean or groundnut straw as part of basal diet on body weight gain, and carcass characteristics of Gumuz Sheep

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soybean or groundnut straw replacement for hay on live weight change and carcass characteristics of Gumuz sheep at Pawe Agricultural Research Centre. Thirty yearling male intact Gumuz sheep with initial body weight of 18.91 ± 2.6 kg (mean ± SD) were used in the experiment. The study consists of 90 days of feeding trial period after acclimatization of 15 days for the treatment feed, followed by evaluation of carcass characteristics at the end. The experimental design used was randomized complete block design. The experimental animals were grouped in to six blocks based on their initial body weight and each animal was randomly assigned to one of the five treatment diets; namely, Hay alone basal diet (control treatment; (T1), 50% Hay + 50% soybean straw (T2), 50% Hay + 50% groundnut straw (T3), 25% Hay + 75% groundnut straw (T4), and 25% Hay + 75% soybean straw (T5). Toasted soybean grain of 172 g and 5% molasses (of daily feed offered) were supplemented for each treatment group equally throughout the experiment period. Water and salt lick were available free choice. Natural pasture hay, soybean straw and groundnut straw contained 7.12, 4.39, and 8.08% CP, respectively. The daily body weight gains of T3 (91.48 g/d) was higher (P<0.01) than other treatment groups, whereas T2 (58.5) exhibited lower daily body weight gain. There was no difference in feed conversion efficiency (FCE) among treatments. The hot carcass weight of sheep in T3 and T4 were higher (P<0.01). The mixture of natural pasture hay with groundnut straw 50:50 or 25:75, respectively, resulted in heavier carcass yield showing the priority basal feed, but use of all combinations of the basal feed resulted in good performance of the Gumuz sheep breed. Key words: Metekel, natural pasture hay, replacement.