Higher Digestible Energy Research Articles

Evaluating complete silage for goat feeding in Gorontalo, Indonesia

Forage shortages and inconsistent quality in developing countries pose significant challenges to the small ruminant sector. Feeding ruminants with conserved forages is crucial to address this issue and ensure successful ruminant management in developing countries. The use of sorghum crops mixed with grasses as fermentation feed has gained thought because of its high protein efficiency, relatively high digestible energy, and total digestible nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance in Gorontalo local goats fed complete silage with varying levels of mixed concentrations of sorghum straw with grasses. Sixteen male Gorontalo local goats were preferred from the local area and randomly divided into four groups using a completely randomized design (CRD). Over 84 days, four different complete silage diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were given to goats. The goats' daily nutrient intake, digestibility, and growth performance were analyzed. The T1 diet consisted of 30% grass and 60% sorghum straw, the T2 diet included 20% grass and 70% sorghum straw, the T3 diet contained 10% grass and 60% sorghum straw, and the T4 diet had no grass and 90% sorghum straw. The study found that the dry matter intake (DMI) of goats ranged from 330.2 to 335.1 g/day, approximately 3% of their body weight. The digestibility values of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and energy decreased as the amount of sorghum straw in the silage rations increased. The average daily gain (ADG) (gr/day) in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was affected, with T1 showing the highest ADG (43.2) and T4 showing the lowest (40.3). The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) value was also influenced, with T1 and T2 showing the best FCR (7.8 and 7.7) and T3 showing the worst (8.2). Based on these findings, it is recommended to limit the amount of sorghum straw to 60%-70% in complete silage for local goats in Gorontalo, especially in tropical areas where goats are common and sorghum is readily available.

Graduate Student Literature Review: System, plant, and animal factors controlling dietary pasture inclusion and their impact on ration formulation for dairy cows

Diet formulation in a pasture-based dairy system is a challenge as the quality and quantity of available pasture, which generally constitutes the base diet, is constantly changing. The objective of this paper is to cover a more in-depth review of the nutritional characteristics of pasture-based diets, identifying potential system, plant, and animal factors that condition pasture dietary inclusion in dairy cows. In practice, there is a wide diversity of pasture-based systems with predominant to minimal use of pasture requiring a more specific classification that potentially considers the amount and time of access to pasture, access to housing, length of grazing season, seasonality of calving, and level and method of supplementation. There are important differences in the nutritional quality between pasture species and even cultivars. However, under management practices that promote maintenance of pasture in a vegetative state as well as controlling the availability of pasture, it is possible to achieve high dry matter intakes (∼2.9%-3.4% of live weight) of pasture with moderate to high diet energy density, protein supply, and digestibility. The amount of pasture to include in the diet will depend on several factors, such as the type of production system, the cost of supplementary feeds, and the farmer's objectives, but inclusions of ∼40% to 50% of the diet seem to potentially reduce costs while apparently not limiting voluntary feed intake. Considering that there seems to be a continuum of intermediate management systems, a better understanding of the factors inherent to the feed ingredients used, as well as the use of nutrients by cows, and potential interactions between animal × system should be addressed in greater depth. This requires a meta-analysis approach, but given the diversity of the pasture-based system in practice, the existing information is highly fragmented. A clear definition of "subsystems" is necessary to direct the future research and development of mechanistic models.

Administration of Maggot Flour (Hermetia Illucens) from Layer Chicken Manure as a Substitution of Fish Meal in Rations for Quality Growth and Quail Digestion

This study aims to determine the effect of maggot flour (Hertmetia illucens) from laying hens' manure on the growth and digestibility of quail. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The highest average body weight gain (g) was in treatment P0, which was 113.92 grams, while the lowest average body weight gain was in treatment P3, which was 112.90 grams and showed results that were not significantly different (P>0.05). The best ration conversion average during the study was in P1 and P2 which was 4.30 while the worst ration conversion average during the study was in P3 which was 4.42 and showed very significantly different results (P<0.01). The lowest protein digestibility of P3 was 33.68%. The highest fat digestibility was at P4 88.60% which was very significantly different (P<0.01) from the lowest fat digestibility at P3 82.00%. The highest energy digestibility was found at P2 75.70% which was not significantly different (P>0.05) with the lowest energy digestibility at P1 73.06%. Keywords: Maggot flour, quail, ration consumption, protein digestibility, fat digestibility, energy digestibility.

Effect of tannins and kafirins on the nitrogen and energy balance and performance of pigs

Context Tannins are blamed for negatively affecting nutritive value of sorghum. Kafirins are sorghum storage proteins and may be associated with lower animal performance. They have been tested in poultry diets; however, information for pig diets is scarce. Aims Our aim was to determine the role of kafirins and tannins in sorghum nutritive value for swine. Methods Two experiments evaluated effects of sorghum tannin and kafirin levels on (1) nitrogen (N) and energy balance, and (2) performance of pigs. Two sorghum hybrids with low (LT) and high (HT) tannins were grown at two rates of N fertiliser to achieve low (LK) and high (HK) kafirins (i.e. four sorghum treatments: LTLK, LTHK, HTLK and HTHK) and added to soybean meal based diets. A fifth diet included maize instead of sorghum. Five pigs (48.8 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to measure N and energy balance, with 5 days of diet adaptation and 4 days of urine and faeces collection. The performance experiment included 60 pigs (54.0 ± 12.4 kg, 30 barrows and 30 gilts, six of each per treatment) placed in individual pens with free access to water and feed. Key results Energy balance showed a tannin × kafirin interaction (P < 0.05) for dry matter feed intake, which diminished with the LTHK diet and was unaffected with the HTHK diet. Dry matter digestibility was higher (P < 0.001) with maize, intermediate with LT, and lower with HT diets. Pigs fed maize retained more N (P < 0.05) and had higher energy digestibility (P < 0.001) than pigs fed sorghum. HT diets had lower (P < 0.01) energy digestibility than LT diets. In the finishing phase, average daily feed intake showed a tannin × kafirin interaction (P < 0.05); pigs fed the HTHK diet had lower average daily feed intake than other pigs. This lowered average daily liveweight gain and consequently final weight. Conclusions Tannins negatively affected sorghum nutritive value; high kafirins worsened average daily feed intake and liveweight gain, and hence final weight. Implications Management of kafirin content should be considered to avoid adverse performance effects in pigs fed sorghum.

Evaluation of Two Equations for Prediction of Digestible Energy in Mixed Feeds and Diets for Horses.

Simple SummaryHorses need energy from feeds consumed to maintain health and performance. Digestible energy is a common form to express the energy value of feeds for horses. Measurement of digestible energy in feeds requires animal assays that are difficult to conduct. Thus, several researchers have developed empirical equations to predict digestible energy in horse feeds from their chemical composition. In the present study, we evaluated two of those equations that predict digestible energy from the chemical composition declared on the label of commercial mixed feeds and diets in Europe. After testing both equations against 32 mixed feeds and diets of known digestible energy content, we found that one performed slightly better than the other although both provided acceptable predictions. Our results suggest that the effects of crude fiber on the digestibility of the other proximate components should be reexamined in both equations.Several authors have developed equations for estimating digestible energy in horse feeds as an alternative to the inconveniences of in vivo digestibility assays. We aimed to evaluate two of such equations. A dataset was constructed from the literature with 32 mixed feeds and diets of known proximate composition, whose digestibility was measured in in vivo assays. Then, the digestible energy of the mixed feeds and diets was predicted with both equations from their proximate components. Precision, accuracy, reproducibility, bias, and decomposition of total error of predictions were determined. Both equations performed almost equally well (R2 = 0.89 vs. 0.87, root mean square error of prediction = 183 vs. 217 kcal/kg dry matter, concordance correlation coefficient = 0.91 vs. 0.86, and linear error = 24.6 vs. 33.6% of total error). Linear bias (p < 0.01 in both equations) resulted in overvaluation of low digestible energy feeds and, to a lesser extent, undervaluation of high digestible energy feeds and was significantly (p < 0.05) related to crude fiber. The obtained results indicate that the accuracy of both equations could be improved by reassessing the effects of crude fiber on the digestibility of the other proximate components.

In-Vitro Study on Fermentation Characteristics of Different Hulless Barley Cultivar Flakes

Abstract Barley (Hordium vulgare L.) grain is an important food ingredient due to the presence of essential compounds like β-glucans, proteins, resistant starch, phenolic compounds etc. β-glucans are able to lower cholesterol level in blood plasma and the glycaemic index, to enhance lipid metabolism and to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Hulless barley cultivars are more suitable to the human diet, because the hulls can be easily removed, as well as minimal grain processing in food production contributes to the full benefit of the whole grain. Several studies show that hulless grains have a higher digestible energy, and they have higher protein content compared to hulled grains. Different cultivars have unique composition and physical properties. The hulless barley cultivars are less studied than hulled barley and oats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of flakes of different hulless barley cultivars in vitro and to analyse the fermentation pattern of β-glucans and proteins. Samples of six hulless barley cultivar flakes with different β-glucan (4.17–6.59%), soluble dietary fibre (18.1–32.0%) and resistant starch (0.74–10.65%) content were boiled in water 10 min, and the obtained porridge samples were treated under in vitro fementation conditions. The concentration of fermented porridge solids as well as β-glucans and proteins was measured. The concentration of undigested solids varied from 38.3 to 61.0% depending on barley cultivar. The concentration of protein was not significantly changed, but β-glucan concentration was significantly decreased after in vitro digestion comparing to indigestible samples.

Response of laying hens to l-arginine, l-citrulline and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in reduced protein diet.

A study was conducted with Hy-Line Brown laying hens to examine the effects of reduced protein diet, deficiency of arginine (Arg), and addition of crystalline Arg, citrulline (Cit) and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) as substitutes for Arg. Hen performance, egg quality, serum uric acid, liver and reproductive organ weights, and energy and protein digestibility were measured using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments. Treatments were a standard diet (17% protein diet; SP), a reduced diet (13% protein diet deficient in Arg; RP) and RP with added Arg (0.35%, RP-Arg), GAA (0.46% equivalent to 0.35% Arg, RP-GAA) or Cit (0.35%, RP-Cit) to the level of SP. It was hypothesized that performance would decrease with Arg deficient RP diet and the addition of GAA or Cit in RP would allow birds to perform similar or greater than Arg-added RP treatment. The experiment was conducted from 20 to 39 wk of age but the treatment effect was seen only after 29 wk of age. The birds offered RP had reduced egg and albumin weights (P < 0.01), lower yolk color score (P < 0.01), lower protein intake and excretion (P < 0.01) than those offered SP. When Arg or Cit were added to RP to make them equivalent to SP, feed intake (FI) and egg production were not different than those of RP (P > 0.05). The birds offered RP-GAA decreased FI and egg production (P < 0.01) compared to those offered RP. The addition of Arg, Cit or GAA to the RP had no effect on egg quality parameters, protein and energy digestibilities (P > 0.05). However, birds offered the RP-Cit diet tended to have higher Haugh unit (P = 0.095) and lower shell breaking strength (P = 0.088) compared to all other treatments while those offered RP-GAA had higher energy digestibility (P < 0.05) than all other groups but RP. The limited performance response of hens fed RP with added Arg, GAA, or Cit may be due to deficiency of some other nutrients in RP such as phenylalanine, potassium or non-essential amino acids and other components of soybean meal in the diet.

Residual carbon dioxide as an index of feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows

High feed costs make feed conversion efficiency a desirable target for genetic improvement. Residual feed intake (RFI), calculated as the difference between observed and predicted intake, is a commonly used estimate of feed efficiency. However, determination of feed efficiency in dairy herds is challenging due to difficulties in measuring feed intake of individual animals reliably. Using residual CO2 (RCO2) production as an estimate of feed efficiency would allow ranking the cows according to feed efficiency, provided that CO2 production is closely related to heat production and feed intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of RCO2 as an index of feed efficiency using data from respiration calorimetry studies (289 cow per period observations). Heat production was precisely predicted from CO2 production [root mean square error (RMSE)] adjusted for random effects was 1.5% of observed mean]. Dry matter intake (DMI) was better predicted from energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield and CO2 production than from ECM yield and body weight in the model (adjusted RSME = 0.92 vs. 1.39 kg/d). Residual CO2 production estimated as the difference between actual CO2 production and that predicted from ECM yield, metabolic body weight was closely related to RFI (adjusted RMSE = 0.42) that was calculated as the difference between actual DMI and that predicted from ECM, metabolic body weight, and energy balance (EB). When the cows were categorized in 3 groups of equal sizes on the basis of RCO2 (low, medium, and high), low RCO2 cows had lower DMI, RFI, methane production and intensity (g/kg ECM), and heat production, but higher efficiency of metabolizable energy utilization for lactation than high RCO2 cows. When RFI was predicted from RCO2, the residuals (observed - predicted) were negatively related to EB and digestibility. Predicting RFI with a 2-variable model based on RCO2 and digestibility, adjusted RMSE decreased to 0.23 kg/d, and residuals were not significantly related to EB. The cows in low RCO2 group had a higher energy digestibility than the cows in the high RCO2 group, and differences in EB were observed between the groups. Error of the model predicting residual ECM production from RCO2 was 1.41 kg/d. The residuals were positively related to ECM yield and energy digestibility. Predicting residual ECM from RCO2 and ECM yield decreased adjusted RMSE to 1.07 kg/d, and further to 0.78 kg/d when digestibility was included in the 2-variable model. It is concluded that RCO2 has a potential for ranking individual cows based on feed efficiency.

Evaluating digestibility and toxicity of native warm-season grasses for equines.

Introduced cool-season grasses are dominant in Virginia’s grasslands, but their high digestible energy and nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) levels pose a risk for horses prone to obesity and laminitis. Native warm-season grasses (NWSGs) have lower digestible energy and NSC levels that may be more suitable for horses susceptible to laminitis. Although NWSGs have desirable characteristics, they are novel forages for horses. Little is known about NWSG intake or potential toxicity to horses or how grazing by horses may affect NWSG swards. The overall objectives of this research were to 1) assess voluntary intake, toxicological response, and apparent digestibility of NWSG hays fed to horses; and 2) evaluate the characteristics of three NWSG species under equine grazing. For the first objective, a hay feeding trial using indiangrass (IG) (Sorghastrum nutans) and big bluestem (BB) (Andropogon gerardii) was conducted with nine Thoroughbred geldings in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Voluntary dry matter intake of IG and BB hays by horses were 1.3% and 1.1% of BW/d, lower than orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), an introduced cool-season grass, at 1.7% of BW/d (P = 0.0020). Biomarkers for hepatotoxicity remained within acceptable ranges for all treatments. Apparent dry matter digestibility (DMD) did not differ among hays, ranging from 39% to 43%. NSC levels ranged from 4.4% to 5.4%, below maximum recommended concentrations for horses susceptible to laminitis. For the second objective, a grazing trial was conducted comparing IG, BB, and eastern gamagrass (EG) (Tripsacum dactyloides) yields, forage losses, changes in vegetative composition, and effects on equine bodyweight. Nine, 0.1-ha plots were seeded with one of the three native grass treatments, and each plot was grazed by one Thoroughbred gelding in two grazing bouts, one in July and another in September 2019. IG had the greatest available forage, at 4,340 kg/ha, compared with 3,590 kg/ha from BB (P < 0.0001). EG plots established poorly, and had only 650 kg/ha available forage during the experiment. Grazing reduced standing cover of native grasses in IG and BB treatments by about 30%. Horses lost 0.5–1.5 kg BW/d on all treatments. Findings suggest IG and BB merit further consideration as forages for horses susceptible to obesity and pasture-associated laminitis.

Effect of morphological components on the herbage yield and quality of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) grown at different dates

In addition to environmental conditions and cultural practices, plant factors, particularly morphological parts, have a significant effect on the yield and feed value of roughages. However, no studies have been conducted for this purpose on quinoa grown for hay production. Therefore, between 2017 and 2018, a study was planned to determine the effect of different sowing times (mid- March, late March, early April, and mid-April) and plant parts (leaves, stems and panicles) together on the herbage yield and quality characteristics of quinoa. In the experiment established according to a randomized complete blocks design, a significant decrease in plant height, stem thickness, number of branches, and panicle ratios were determined with delayed sowing time. The highest contribution of the stems to the fresh herbage and dry matter yield was determined in the 1st sowing period, but the highest contribution to the neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin contents were determined in the first 2 sowing periods. The highest crude protein ratio and yield were determined in the leaves in the late and 1st sowing period, respectively. The highest digestible dry matter and metabolic energy contents were measured in the leaves in all of the sowing periods. The highest digestible energy and relative feed values were determined in the leaves of plants sown in the last 2 sowing periods. As a result, it was shown that the leaves had a positive contribution to the feed quality of quinoa, while the stems had a positive contribution to the feed yield. In addition, it was concluded that sowing should be performed without delay for high yield and at a later time for quality hay production. Key words:

Effect of deficit irrigation on physiology and forage yield of forage sorghum, pearl millet, and corn

AbstractThe declining Ogallala aquifer in the Texas High Plains may no longer meet the irrigation requirement to produce high water‐demanding forage crops like silage corn (Zea mays L.) to support a large number of beef and dairy enterprises. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) can be viable alternatives to silage corn due to their relative drought tolerance than silage corn. A field experiment was conducted at New Deal, TX to assess and compare the physiology, forage yield, and nutrient composition of the brown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum, BMR pearl millet, and corn under deficit irrigation in 2018 and 2019. The experiment was conducted in a split‐plot design with three irrigation levels (I0 [50 mm], I1 [200 mm], and I2 [350 mm]) as main‐plot and five cultivars (P1498AM [corn], AF7401 and Silo700D [BMR sorghum], and Epic and Exceed [BMR pearl millet]) as sub‐plot with four replications. The higher leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance, and leaf area index resulted in greater biomass assimilation in I2 compared to I1 and I0 irrigation treatments in both years. Sorghum and pearl millet cultivars showed lower water status through lower LWP and canopy‐air temperature difference compared to corn cultivar. However, sorghum cultivars yielded greater fresh biomass than pearl millet and corn in both years. Lower lignin concentration and higher digestible energy were observed in corn, followed by pearl millet and sorghum. These results suggest that under water‐stress conditions BMR sorghum can produce higher forage yield with acceptable nutritive value.

Management factors associated with perinatal lamb mortality in Prince Edward Island flocks

The objective of this observational cohort study was to identify management factors associated with lamb mortality risk for sheep flocks in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Data were collected from 50 lambing groups from 36 sheep flocks during 3 farm visits before, during and after the lambing seasons in 2014−15. Variables of interest included flock management practices, ewe health indicators, ewe nutrition, litter size and lamb birth weight. Principal component analysis was performed and resulting component scores were used for further analysis using a mixed Poisson regression model with lamb mortality risk as the outcome. The median group-level lamb mortality in the first 8 weeks of life was 10.0 % (0 %–30.3 %), with 25 groups having lamb mortality greater than 10 %, which is considered higher than the standard productivity goal. Four principal component scores were retained in the final model identifying generalized factors associated with lamb mortality: 1) flock factors, 2) forage factors, 3) lamb health factors, and 4) general health factors. Specifically, the following management factors were indirectly through the 4 principal components associated with lower lamb mortality: using goal setting; having a strong working relationship with a veterinarian; seeking veterinary advice for animal treatment; using benzimidazole-class anthelmintics; feeding forage with high crude protein, digestible energy, and net energy for maintenance and low acid detergent fiber to late-gestation ewes; applying visual lamb identification methods; using anti-coccidial prophylactic medication to lambs; administering clostridial vaccines to lambs; avoiding separation of hypothermic lambs from their dams; and treatment/prevention of neurological and/or wasting disease. Although this study is exploratory, and confirmation is required, the results should help sheep farmers and researchers direct attention to management variables that could reduce lamb mortality in sheep flocks.

Differences in methane production, yield and intensity and its effects on metabolism of dairy heifers

The effects of divergent phenotypic classification in crossbreed Holstein × Gyr dairy heifers for methane emissions in relation to performance, digestibility, energy and nitrogen partition, blood metabolites and temperature of body surface were evaluated. Thirty-five heifers were classified as high and low emission for CH4 production (g/day), yield (g/kg dry matter intake) and intensity (g/kg average daily gain). Digestibility was evaluated by total collection of feces and urine. Gas exchanges were obtained in open-circuit respiratory chambers. A completely randomized design was used and divergent groups were compared by Fisher's test. No differences were found in intake traits between groups of CH4 production and intensity. The low yield group had higher intake. For digestibility and temperature at different body sites were no differences between variables. High production group had higher energy losses as methane and heat production. Low intensity group had higher digestible energy, energy balance and ratio between metabolizable and digestible energy. Urinary nitrogen was 14.3% lower for low production group. There was a difference between methane yield divergent groups for nitrogen intake, digestible and retained. Energy and nitrogen partitioning traits are correlated to the animals divergent for methane production and yield. The low production group presented lower blood insulin concentration. It was not possible to identify divergent animals for CH4 emission using the infrared thermography technique.

Apparent digestibility of raw materials by yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi)

The apparent digestibility of 14 raw materials by yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) was examined using the diet substitution method and yttrium oxide as the inert marker. Each raw material was examined in triplicate and faecal material was collected from fish using manual stripping techniques. All raw materials were tested at 30% inclusion, except for blood meal (BLM), which was tested at 15% inclusion. The reference diet was primarily composed of fishmeal (FM). The raw materials examined included: two sources of FM (FM-1; prime quality & FM-2; recycled tuna trimmings); poultry by-product meal (PBM-1 & PBM-2); lupin kernel meal (LKM-1 & LKM-2) and soy protein concentrate (SPC-1 & SPC-2) and a single source of krill meal (KRM), meat meal (MM), BLM, faba beans (FBM), corn gluten meal (CGM) and wheat flour (WH). With the exception of FM-2 and BLM, marine and land animal proteins were well digested, recording protein ADCs between 66.5 and 79.2%. The energy from marine and land animal proteins was also well digested, ranging from 67.0–83.5%, with the exception of BLM, which recorded a very low energy ADC of 43.0%. Digestibility of protein from plant sources was highest in WH (97.7%), LKM-2 (95.0%), FBM (94.7%) and LKM-1 (86.3%). The energy from LKM-1, LKM-2 and FBM was also well digested (67.4–76.9%); however, energy digestibility was poor in SPC-1 (35.5%), SPC-2 (31.7%), WH (34.0%) and CGM (19.4%). Generally, the ADCs recorded from plant proteins were greater variability than the ADCs recorded from marine and land animal proteins. Apparent digestibility of amino acids from marine and land animal proteins was fairly consistent and reflected the crude protein ADCs of these raw materials. The recorded ADCs of amino acids from plant proteins was more erratic and the error variance among replicates was higher than observed among replicated marine and land animal proteins. Mean ADCs of many amino acids were > 100% in FBM, LKM-2 and WH whereas the mean ADCs of amino acids recorded from YTK fed CGM were close to zero and in some cases negative. The results from this study indicate that yellowtail kingfish are generally efficient at digesting nutrients and energy from marine and land animal protein sources. Plant proteins such FBM, LKM-1 and LKM-2 appear to have relatively high protein and energy digestibility in yellowtail kingfish and may prove useful as alternative protein and energy sources in aquafeeds. The poor digestibility of the BLM and CGM used in this study suggests these products interfere with digestibility in yellowtail kingfish or there was some form of interaction between these raw materials and other raw materials in the reference diet. The ADCs derived for the raw materials examined in this study will assist in the formulation of research and commercial aquafeeds for this developing aquaculture species.

Digestibility of Energy and Crude Protein in Korean Rice Wine Residues Fed to Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the digestibility of energy and Crude Protein (CP) in Korean Rice Wine Residues (RWR) using in vitro and in vivo approaches. In the in vitro experiment, 2-step and 3-step in vitro disappearance procedures were employed to determine in vitro Ileal Disappearance (IVID) and in vitro Total Tract Disappearance (IVTTD) of nutrients, respectively, in corn, a Soybean Meal-Wheat Mixture (SBMW), RWR and the experimental diets used in the in vivo experiment. In the in vivo experiment, 3 Jeju Island native pigs fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum with an initial mean body weight of 74.8±5.4 kg were individually housed in pens equipped with a feeder and a nipple drinker. A replicated 3×3 Latin square design was employed with 3 dietary treatments, 6 periods and 3 animals. Three experimental diets based on the corn and SBMW with a constant ratio (corn:SBMW = 3.06:1) were formulated to contain 0, 15 or 30% of RWR. All diets contained 0.5% chromic oxide as an indigestible index. Korean RWR had greater IVID of Dry Matter (DM) than corn and SBMW (p<0.05). The IVID of CP in RWR was less than that of corn and SBMW (p<0.05). The IVTTD of DM in RWR was greater than that of corn but less than that of SBMW (p<0.05). The IVID of CP linearly decreased as the inclusion rate of RWR increased (p<0.001). The digestible energy concentration (kcal/kg DM) in diets increased linearly with an increase in RWR in the diets (p = 0.001). The apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of CP in the diets showed a linear decrease (p<0.001) as the inclusion rate of RWR increased. In conclusion, Korean rice wine residues have a high digestible energy concentration and may be used in swine diets with attention to protein utilization.

Nutritional evaluation of former food products (ex-food) intended for pig nutrition

ABSTRACTEx-food or former food products (FFPs) have been proposed as one of the categories with great promise as alternative feed ingredients. FFPs’ nutritional potential is not yet fully exploited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a nutritional evaluation of selected FFPs. In particular, six samples of mixed FFPs, all based on bakery products, were analysed for moisture, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, starch and ash. Nitrogen-free extractives and non-structural carbohydrate were also determined. Based on FFPs’ composition data, estimation of digestible energy and metabolisable energy values for pigs were calculated. Further, the in vitro digestibility values of FFPs were investigated using a multi-step enzymatic technique. A wheat sample was included as a control feed ingredient in the study. All data were reported on dry matter basis. FFPs have shown a nutrient composition comparable with cereal grains. In the tested FFPs, the average protein content was 10.0% and the average starch content was 52.4%. Nitrogen-free extractive ranged from 61.2% to 74.7%, whereas non-structural carbohydrate ranged from 58.5% to 79.3%. Compared with wheat, FFPs were characterised by a relative high fat content, averaging about 10.1%. The relatively high nitrogen-free extractive/non-structural carbohydrate/starch and fat concentration designated FFPs as valuable energy sources. Digestible energy and metabolisable energy averages were 17.2 and 16.9 MJ kg–1, respectively. The average in vitro digestibility value of FFPs samples was 88.2% ± 5.8%, comparable with that of wheat (90.6% ± 1.6%). FFPs are a fat-fortified version of common cereals grains. The high energy content and digestibility values elect FFPs as promising non-traditional ingredients for swine.

Greenhouse gas emission of Canadian cow-calf operations: A whole-farm assessment of 295 farms

The Canadian beef industry is a major contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. The industry is diverse geographically as well as in operation scale and management, suggesting there may be opportunities to reduce GHG emissions through identification and adoption of selected management practices. The objectives of the study were to: i) estimate variation in emission intensity [total farm GHG emissions (kg carbon dioxide equivalents, CO2e) per kg total live weight (LW) sold] among cow-calf farms by categorizing farms into low-and high-emitting groups, and ii) identify management attributes that significantly impact whole-farm GHG emissions. Farm survey data from 295 beef cow-calf farms were used to estimate farm GHG emissions using a whole-farm model, Holos. Emission estimates included methane from enteric fermentation and manure, nitrous oxide from soils (crop, forage, pasture, range) and manure, and carbon dioxide (CO2) from on-farm energy use and production of farm inputs. Farm boundary was delineated at the farm-gate and included all the processes of the farm until weaned calves and culled cows left the farm. Overall, our study indicated that large variation in emission intensity existed among cow-calf operations, regardless of the size (expressed as number of cows or land area) or location of the farms in Canada. Emission intensity averaged 23.9 (range of 16.3 to 37.8) kgCO2ekg−1 LW sold and 2178 (range of 266 to 9782) kgCO2eha−1. Most of the total farm emissions were associated with enteric fermentation (65%) and manure storage (23%). The quartile of low-emitting farms produced an average of 19.9 (range of 16.3 to 21.4) whereas the quartile of high-emitting farms averaged 28.7 (range of 26.3 to 37.8) kgCO2ekg−1 LW sold. Low-emitter farms produced calves more efficiently (calved earlier in the year, higher calf average daily gain), provided diets with higher digestible energy and crude protein, grew fewer annual crops for feed relative to perennial forage, had higher culling rate, and did not compost manure. Our study indicated that improving management efficiency can reduce average emission intensity by 31% on Canadian cow-calf production systems.

Pectin-rich by-products in feeding horses���A review

AbstractAnnually, million tons of agro-industrial wastes are generated in Brazil. A environmentally friendly and economically viable destination for agro-industrial by-products is their use in animal feed, reducing feed costs of the farm. Some products can replace conventional foods such as corn, soybeans and wheat, without incurring losses in animal performance. So the competition by using the same raw materials used in food and feed decreases and higher amount of grain will be used for human consumption. The by-products rich in pectins have high digestible energy content for its high rate of cecal degradation and are used as substitutes for grains rich in starch which traditionally make up the diet of horses. The objective of this review was to describe on the inclusion of by-products rich in pectins in the horses’ diet, emphasizing their benefits to the animal’s health. For the inclusion of pectin-rich by-products such as beet pulp, citrus pulp and soybean hulls in horse’s diet will be observed the nut...

Nutritional Evaluation and Palatability of Major Range Forbs from South Darfur, Sudan

The nutritive value of rangelands in Southern Darfur, Sudan could be improved by introduction and multiplication of nutritious forbs with the objective of increasing livestock production in the area. The present study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value and palatability of eleven range forbs collected at flowering stage from Gahzal Gawazat, Southern Darfur, Sudan using chemical analysis. The crude protein (CP) ranged from 6.8% in Oxygonum atriplicifolium with lowest digestible crude protein (DCP) 2.8% to 16.4% in Zornia diphylla with highest DCP 11.73%. The highest and the lowest crude fiber (CF) values were obtained in Commelina spp (56.4%) and Sesamum alatum (25.9%), respectively. NDF and DMI values were maximum and minimum for Zornia diphylla (44.9 and 2.67%) and Alysicarpus glumaceus (35.3 and 3.4%), respectively. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) ranged from 57.1% in Blepharis linariifolia to 69.3% in Tribulus terrestris with highest digestible energy (DE) in later while the lowest DE was obtained in Commelina spp (2.4%). The calculated in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was highest for the Canavalia ensiformis (50.27%) and lowest value (43.17%) for Commelina spp. Zornia diphylla, Tribulus terrestris and Sesamum alatum showed highest nutritive value, while Alysicarpus glumaceus, Oldenlandia senegalensis and Chrozophora brocchiana showed highest palatability. It is concluded that these rangeland forbs are palatable and their CP and energy contents are sufficient to support different classes of livestock in South Darfur, Sudan.

Stimulate feed intake before weaning and control intake after weaning to optimise health and growth performance

&lt;p&gt;Post-weaning feed restriction is a common practice in rabbit farming to reduce mortality, but results in lower growth performance and slaughter weights. This study aimed to assess the influence of 2 diets both rich in fibre and low in starch, with high or low digestible energy (DE) and digestible protein (DP) contents for a constant DP/DE ratio offered from 18 to 70 d of age, on the growth performance and health parameters of rabbits. Eight hundred rabbit kits were divided in 2 experimental groups differing in the feed offered from 18 to 70 d: a high concentrate diet (HC group; 10.37 MJ DE/kg DM and 102 g DP/kg DM) or low concentrate diet (LC group; 9.63 MJ DE/kg DM and 95 g DP/kg DM). Feed was offered ad libitum before weaning (35 d) and from 63 to 70 d, while feed offered from 35 to 63 d was controlled to obtain similar DE intake in both groups. Feed intake, animal weights and health status were recorded weekly. Mortality was recorded daily. Feed intake was similar in both groups before weaning (P=0.204), and consequently the DE intake was higher in the HC group compared to the LC group before weaning (3.91 vs. 3.39 MJ, respectively; P=0.017). Feed intake from 63 to 70 d was lower in the HC than in the LC group (229 vs. 239 g/d/kit, respectively; P&amp;lt;0.001).&lt;br /&gt;Total DE ingested after weaning was similar in both groups (45.44 MJ; P=0.143). Kits were heavier in the HC group throughout the study (P&amp;lt;0.05). A higher average daily gain during the periods of 18-28, 35-42 and 56-63 d was seen in the HC group (+8.1%, +16.8% and +4.5%, respectively; P&amp;lt;0.05). Mortality and morbidity rates were similar between groups throughout the study (P=1.0 and P=0.104, respectively). Our results suggest that when the feed intake after weaning is controlled, i) the feeding strategy before weaning determines the weight at weaning and at slaughter age; and ii) rabbits fed a diet more highly concentrated but rich in fibre increase their growth performance without negative consequences on their digestive health.&lt;/p&gt;