High Feed Value Research Articles

Genome-wide analysis of the R2R3-MYB gene family and identification of candidate genes that regulate isoflavone biosynthesis in red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a perennial legume with high feeding and medicinal value attributed to its abundant isoflavone content. Previous studies reported that R2R3-MYB transcription factors are involved in the biosynthesis of isoflavones; however, their specific role in red clover remains poorly understood. Through comprehensive genome-wide and transcriptome analyses, a total of 138 TpR2R3-MYB genes were identified and classified into 30 distinct subgroups within a phylogenetic tree. Importantly, six of these subgroups showed associations with isoflavone biosynthesis in red clover. The majority of segmental duplication events (Ka/Ks < 1) indicated that the TpR2R3-MYB gene underwent strong purifying selection during evolution. The qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated high expression levels of TpMYB79 and TpMYB53 in Minshan red clover at full flowering stage, consistent with the trend for isoflavone content determination, suggesting that TpMYB79 and TpMYB53 might be important regulators of isoflavone biosynthesis in red clover. Additionally, we observed nucleus and vacuole membrane localization of TpMYB53 and TpMYB79, with TpMYB53 primarily exerting transcriptional activation through its C-terminal activation motifs while TpMYB79 exhibited no transcriptional activity. These findings provided a foundation for the study of the biological function of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in red clover.

Feeding Value Assessment of Five Varieties Whole-Plant Cassava in Tropical China

The feeding value of five varieties of whole-plant cassava (SC5, SC7, SC9, SC14, and SC205) was assessed through analysis of the nutritional composition and in situ ruminal degradability. The results showed abundant nutrients in whole-plant cassava, and the means of starch and crude protein (CP) were 267.7 and 176.8 (g kg−1), and ranged from 223.7 g kg−1 (SC9) to 296.4 g kg−1 (SC14) and from 142.4 g kg−1 (SC5) to 195.8 g kg−1 (SC9) (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. Meanwhile, the moderate neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of whole-plant cassava was also observed and ranged from 266.2 g kg−1 in SC9 to 286.6 g kg−1 in SC14 (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, the trace elements, such as Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, in whole-plant cassava were relatively enriched, and their mean concentrations were 135.8, 1225.2, 5.8, and 105.3 mg kg−1 (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. Both the highest essential amino acid and total amino acid concentrations were obtained in SC7 (p &lt; 0.01). The hydrogen cyanide (HCN) content of fresh and dried whole-plant cassava ranged from 76.5 to 131.6 and from 36.0 to 56.7 mg kg−1 (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. The in situ dry matter ruminal degradability and metabolizable energy (ME) varied significantly (p &lt; 0.05) and were consistently lowest and highest in SC9 and SC14, ranging from 50.9% to 80.0% and from 7.5 to 12.3 MJ kg−1, respectively. Collectively, all varieties of whole-plant cassava had a high feeding value, as reflected by abundant starch, minerals, amino acid, and water-soluble carbohydrates, while having a low fiber content and HCN toxicity, as well as excellent ruminal digestibility characteristics, and they could be used as a potential feed resource for ruminants.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PLANTS AS A FACTOR IN ASSESSING THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FOREST PASTURES OF THE NORTH-WESTERN CASPIAN SEA

The article presents the results of an assessment of the chemical composition and nutritional value of the most common vegetation of various life forms (trees, semi-shrubs, perennial grasses) in the forest pastures of the semi-desert zone of the Northwestern Caspian Sea. The research was carried out on forested pasture areas of the Neftekumsky district of the Stavropol Territory. The basis of the research was the laboratory-field method. The twig-leaf and herbaceous phytomass of forest pastures, in accordance with its chemical indicators of organic matter content, meets zootechnical requirements. The maximum protein content is observed in spring in the woody greenery of Ulmus pumila (at the level of 18.19%) and decreases in autumn (17.4%). In addition, it was found that the twig-leaf mass of Ulmus pumila has a relatively high feed value (0.68 f.u., 8.5 Mj, digestible protein 62.67 g/kg) than herbaceous species and is a large reserve in forest pastures during drought or absence of herbaceous vegetation before the establishment of snow cover. As a result of the research, it was also found that during the dry period (summer) in the grass-grass and grass-grass phytocenoses, there is a low protein content (less than 10%) and a high fiber content (34.0–35.13%). The nutritional value of plants in general on man–made forest pastures is 0.25–0.68 fodder units, while 1 kg of feed contains 31.0–78.48 g of digestible protein. The fat content in the analyzed plants in the territory under consideration is small (1.10–4.23%), and the content of nitrogen-free extractives is quite high (30.44–65.2%) regardless of the season of the year. According to the content of macronutrients, a deficiency of phosphorus (P) was detected according to the norms. Accordingly, with constant grazing of animals in these areas, it is necessary to additionally include feed additives containing this element in the diet for the prevention of deficiency and diseases.

Phenotypic parameters of the mother stock of the Jersey breed

Recently, in connection with the transition to an industrial approach in animal husbandry and an increase in demand for planned breeds bred in Ukraine, high requirements have arisen for their productivity, feed cost, suitability for machine milking and other characteristics. Breeding of the Jersey breed can serve as an important reserve for the further development of dairy cattle breeding in Ukraine. The Jersey breed is characterized by high productivity and is the most fat-milk breed in the world, with high feed value and good technological properties of the udder. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the phenotypic parameters of the Jersey cattle herd and to study the influence of the duration of the service period on the efficiency of milk production. 1,331 head of breeding stock of the Jersey breed are kept in the APNVP “Vizit” of the Khmelnytskyi district of the Vinnytsia region, of which 68.4 % are cows. Youngsters are rated elite-record and elite – 99.3 %. Up to 3 lactations are kept in a herd of Jersey cows. Hope per cow is 5819 kg of milk, with a fat content of 6.05 % and a protein content of 4.2 %. The milk productivity of cows exceeds the minimum requirements for the Jersey breed by 83 % for the first lactation, by 82.1 % for the second, and by 73.1 % for the third. The hope for 305 days of lactation in cows with a service period of 90 days in the second lactation is 11.8 % less than the data of cows with a service period of 120 days, for the third lactation – by 11.4 %. The average daily survival of cows with a service period of 120 days was lower than that of control cows by 7.0 %. The efficiency of using cows when extending the service period beyond the 90-day limit recommended by experts reduces the milk productivity of cows. The ratio of fat to protein is higher in Jerseys by 0.3, fat to dry skimmed milk residue by 0.2, and protein to dry skimmed milk residue by 0.06.

The brachytic2 mutation alone or its combination with the brown midrib3 mutation improves fiber digestibility in forage maize

AbstractShort stature maize (SSM), which carries the brachytic2 (br2) mutation, has reduced plant height and increased plant standability. Since a large area of maize (Zea mays L.) is planted for silage, it is important to investigate the forage nutritive value of SSM. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of the br2 mutation alone or its combination with the brown midrib3 (bm3) mutation on feeding value parameters, notably fiber digestibility and lignification. SSM hybrids had forage feeding value equivalent to BMR hybrids and better than that of tall hybrids. The br2 mutation significantly increased fiber digestibility in the sets of near‐isogenic inbreds by 4 percentage units and hybrids by 2.7 percentage units. Those favorable effects could be attributed to reduction in lignin concentration and changes in the distribution of lignin within the stem. Furthermore, the combination of br2 with bm3 resulted in an increase in fiber digestibility, which appeared to be additive. Altogether, our results indicated that SSM has the potential to create fodder of high feeding value and favorable standability.

Исследование отклонений формы изделий из быстрорежущей стали при точении фрезерованием на станках с ЧПУ

Investigation of form deviations of cylindrical high-speed steel (HSS) products made under turning-milling operation by CNC-controlled lathe machining center (further CNC) with auxiliary drive axle is given. Technological support of high-speed steel products quality made by turning milling operation on a CNC lathe machining center with an auxiliary drive axle takes effect owing to the shape deviation reduction. Planning of experiments was carried out according to the Taguchi method for four factors and three levels. The experiment was conducted on a DMG NEF 400 lathe machining center having an auxiliary drive axle, which allows machining modes to be performed with a rotating tool. Samples of high-speed steel R6M5K5-MP were used. Machining operation was made according to the scheme of orthogonal turning by milling. A core carbide mill CCM 4321 was used as a cutting tool. Out-of-roundness (lobing) was estimated using optical method. All measurements were carried out on the Bruker Contour GT-K1 optical profilometer. Surface micro-dimensions were measured by optical scanning of the surface. Surface optical scanning resulted in a point cloud was obtained that mirrors micro-dimensions of the cylindrical profile of the piece partmeasured section. The obtained data obtained made it possible to measure a lobing that occurs under orthogonal milling turning method. The influence of cutting modes on the shape and size of the maximum peaks of the cut is proved. The smallest facet pattern value is observed for milling width a_e in the range of 3,5...5,5 mm with high feed values for the tooth f_z and low cutting speed v_c. The largest cut height is observed at the average values of a_e, a_p, v_c. It is an optical profilometer that is an effective means of measuring facet patterns or lobings. The results obtained in the work allow predicting form deviations of a blank made of high-speed steel under turning milling operations on CNC machines. The results of the study can be used to improve rotary cutting tools quality in the tool industry.

Priorities for the development of alfalfa pasture in northern China.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is acclaimed as "Queen of forages" because of its great yield and high feeding value. China is the second biggest country in acreage of alfalfa cultivation, but the cultivation regions of alfalfa are distinguished by adverse climatic and edaphic conditions in northern China. Moreover, the lack of elite alfalfa varieties with great adaptation and poor field management are vital factors limiting development of alfalfa pasture in China. In addition, nutritional quality of alfalfa in China is also poor compared to that in countries of developed animal husbandry industrial. Here, we propose several priorities in terms of a comprehensive system of alfalfa breeding, field management, harvest and processing with Chinese characteristics, based on the theories and methodologies of breeding science, agronomy, plant physiology and agricultural machinery. Implementation of these priorities will greatly contribute to the sustainable development of the alfalfa pasture in China.

Supplementing Proteolytic Enzymes Increased the In Vitro Nutrient Effective Degradability and Fermentation Characteristics of Pineapple Waste Silage

Pineapple waste silage (PAS) is an abundant agro-industrial by-product characterized by its high fiber content posing a high potential feed value as roughage for ruminants. Studies on its supplementation with proteolytic enzyme (PE) will help extend its utilization as an alternative nutritive feed source for cattle nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the in vitro nutrient degradability and fermentation characteristics of fiber-rich but low-protein PAS supplemented with different levels of PE. Seven treatments were evaluated in this study: PAS without PE and PAS1 to PAS6, which corresponds to incremental levels of PAS supplementation as follows: 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. The nutrient disappearance, nutrient effective degradability, and fermentation characteristics such as total gas production, ammonia-nitrogen, and pH values were evaluated in vitro. PAS without added PE showed a comparably good nutritive value (dry matter: 94.30%, neutral detergent fiber: 63.66%, acid detergent fiber: 34.78%) to that of commonly used corn silage in South Korea. With the supplementation of PE in PAS, the PE increased the effective degradability of different nutrients such as dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP). The effect of PE supplementation on the degradation of nutrients was consistent with improvements in in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Supplementing PAS with PE increased the total gas production and decreased the pH values, which are characteristics of heightened fiber degradation and fermentation. The ammonia-N concentration of the in vitro-incubated PAS was moderated by the addition of PE, which is likely due to the decrease in pH or in vitro acidosis and has shown a synergistic protease activity effect on nutrient degradation. Overall, supplementing PAS with PE increased the effective degradability of DM, NDF, ADF, OM, and CP, with the most dramatic effects observed in PAS3 and PAS6 (0.3% and 4%, respectively).

Effects of starters with different NDF/starch ratio on rumen fermentation parameters and rumen microorganisms in lambs.

Starch and NDF are the main components in the diets of ruminants worldwide and are the main energy source for rumen microorganisms and hosts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different NDF/starch ratios on rumen fermentation parameters, rumen development and rumen microbes in lambs and to predict the function of rumen microbes by metagenomic techniques. In this study, 30 lambs with birth weights of (3.0 ± 0.5) kg were selected. The lambs of Hu sheep were randomly divided into two groups, fed starter with an NDF/starch ratio of 0.5 (group A) or 1.0 (group C). Samples of the rumen tissue and contents were collected after slaughter. The results showed that the ADG and ADFI of group A were significantly higher than those of group C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the FCR (P > 0.05). Therefore, from the perspective of feed-related economic benefits, group C showed greater economic value; the A/P of group C was significantly lower than that of group A (0.05 < P < 0.1), and the TVFA showed no significant difference (P > 0.05); The lengths of the rumen papillae of group C was significantly higher than that of group A (0.05 < P < 0.1). There was no significant difference in the abundance of the top 10 species at the phylum level and genus level (P > 0.05). CAZymes gene enrichment was observed in the rumen microbial community of lambs in group C (P < 0.05). In conclusion, group C, fed with starter with a higher NDF/starch ratio, had a higher feeding value. This study provides comprehensive insights into the composition of NDF and starch in lamb starter.

Effects of sodium diacetate and microbial inoculants on fermentation of forage rye

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is a valuable annual forage crop in Korea but there is limited information about the impact of chemical and biological additives on fermentation characteristics of the crop. This experiment was conducted to investigate fermentation dynamics of wilted forage rye treated with the following six additives; control (no additive), sodium diacetate applied at 3 g/kg wilted forage weight (SDA3), 6 g/kg wilted forage weight (SDA6), inoculations (106 CFU/g wilted forage) of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), L. buchneri (LB), or LP+LB. The ensiled rye sampled at 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 45 days indicated that the acidification occurred fast within five days of storage than the rest of the storage period. The microbial inoculants decline the pH of ensiled forage, more rapidly than the control or SDA treated, which accompanied by the decrease of water-soluble carbohydrates and increase of lactic acid. Compared with the control silage, all treatments suppressed ammonia-nitrogen formation below to 35 g/kg DM throughout the sampling period. Suppression of total microbial counting occurred in SDA6, LP, and LP + LB. The lactic acid production rates were generally higher in microbial inoculation treatments. Acetic acid concentration was lowest in the LP-treated silage and highest in the SDA- and LB-treated silages. The in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility and total digestible nutrients were the highest in the silage treated with SDA (6 g/kg) at day 45 of ensiling. Based on lower ammonia-nitrogen concentrations and higher feed value, ensiling forage rye treated with SDA at 6 g/kg is promising through enhanced silage quality.

Effects of mixed sugarcane tops and napiergrass silages on fermentative quality, nutritional value, and milk yield in water buffaloes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectsof sugarcane tops (STs) and napiergrass (NG) silage on fermentative quality, nutritional value and milk yield in water buffaloes. Silage were prepared either conventionally without ST (C) or mixed with 25% (S1), 50% (S2), and 75% (S3) ST based on fresh matter. Twenty-eight lactating buffaloes were divided into four groups with seven replicates and fed four experimental diets containing the corresponding silages. The S3 silage fermented well with a higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid content and lower (P < 0.05) pH and ammonia-N level than those of other mixed silage. Silage with increasing ST proportions showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, and gross energy. As a result, water buffalo fed S3 silage increased dry matter intake (P < 0.05) and tended to have higher milk yield and feed efficiency as compared with the C group. Our study indicates that adding ST improves NG silage fermentation and enhances the nutrient digestibility and milk production in water buffaloes, and mixing ratio of 25%NG and 75%ST had the highest lactate fermentation quality and presented a high feed value.

Feed and biological value of the alfalfa green mass carbohydrate-lignin complex

Purpose. To study how the content of the main nutrients, the amount and ratio of structural and nonstructural carbohydrates in the green mass of alfalfa changes during the process of growth and development. To establish a phase in which the produced feed will have high feed and biological value. Methods. Sampling was carried out in accordance with the State Standard of Ukraine (SSU) ISO 6497:2005, determination of the content of moisture and other volatile substances – SSU ISO 6496:2005, nitrogen and crude protein – SSU 7169:2010, crude fat – SSU ISO 6492:2003, fiber – SSU 8844: 2019, raw ash – SSU ISO 5984:2004, carbohydrate-lignin complex (sugars, hemicellulose, cellulose) – SSU 7982:2015, neutral detergent fiber – SSU ISO 16472, acid detergent fiber and lignin – SSU ISO 13906:2013, starch – SSU ISO 6493:2008. Results. During alfalfa green mass growth and development, the content of dry matter increases gradually from 15% to 25%, the content of crude protein in it decreases from 26% to 13%, and crude fiber increases from 15% to 38%, the content and composition of nitrogen-free extractives change. In the phase of branching, the cellulose content is 12%, in the phase of full flowering – 24.6%, during beans development – 30.6%. The lignin content increases from 2.3% to 14.4%, that is, more than six times. The feeding value, expressed in the feed unit indicator, decreases from 0.9 to 0.79, and the exchangeable energy in the phase of budding and the beginning of flowering is at the level of 9.5 MJ. Conclusions. The green mass of alfalfa in the phase of budding-beginning of flowering is a valuable raw material for the production of feeds (hay, silage, granulated feed, grass flour, etc.), since the yield of the crop in this phase is still high, the crude protein content is at the 20% level, the amount of easily hydrolyzed carbohydrates is 14%, the amount of structural carbohydrates is still at the 30.0% level. The calculated feeding value of green mass is higher than the feeding value of the produced hay in terms of feed units by only 3.5%, digestible protein by 11%, and exchangeable energy by 2.6%.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profile of the HD-Zip Transcription Factor Family Associated with Seed Germination and Abiotic Stress Response in Miscanthus sinensis.

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass, non-food bioenergy crop, and forage with high feeding value. It can adapt to many kinds of soil conditions due to its high level of resistance to various abiotic stresses. However, a low level of seed germination restricts the utilization and application of M. sinensis. It is reported that the Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) gene family participates in plant growth and development and ability to cope with outside environment stresses, which may potentially regulate seed germination and stress resistance in M. sinensis. In this study, a complete overview of M. sinensis HD-Zip genes was conducted, including gene structure, conserved motifs, chromosomal distribution, and gene duplication patterns. A total of 169 members were identified, and the HD-Zip proteins were divided into four subgroups. Inter-chromosomal evolutionary analysis revealed that four pairs of tandem duplicate genes and 72 segmental duplications were detected, suggesting the possible role of gene replication events in the amplification of the M. sinensis HD-Zip gene family. There was an uneven distribution of HD-Zip genes on 19 chromosomes of M. sinensis. Also, evolutionary analysis showed that M. sinensis HD-Zip gene family members had more collinearity with monocotyledons and less with dicotyledons. The gene structure analysis showed that there were 93.5% of proteins with motif 1 and motif 4, while motif 10 was only found in group IV. Based on the cis-elements analysis, it appeared that most of the genes were related to plant growth and development, various hormones, and abiotic stress. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed that Misin06G303300.1 was significantly expressed in seed germination and Misin05G030000.1 and Misin06G303300.1 were highly expressed under chromium, salt, and drought stress. Results in this study will provide a basis for further exploring the potential role of HD-Zip genes in stress responses and genetic improvement of M. sinensis seed germination.

Differentially expressed genes related to plant height and yield in two alfalfa cultivars based on RNA-seq.

BackgroundAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a kind of forage with high relative feeding value in farming and livestock breeding, and is of great significance to the development of animal husbandry. The growth of the aboveground part of alfalfa is an important factor that limits crop yield. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms that maintain vigorous growth in alfalfa may contribute to the development of molecular breeding for this crop.MethodsHere, we evaluated the growth phenotypes of five cultivars of alfalfa (WL 712, WL 525HQ, Victoria, Knight 2, and Aohan). Then RNA-seq was performed on the stems of WL 712, chosen as a fast growing cultivar, and Aohan, chosen as a slow growing cultivar. GO enrichment analysis was conducted on all differentially expressed genes (DEGs).ResultAmong the differentially expressed genes that were up-regulated in the fast growing cultivar, GO analysis revealed enrichment in the following seven categories: formation of water-conducting tissue in vascular plants, biosynthesis and degradation of lignin, formation of the primary or secondary cell wall, cell enlargement and plant growth, cell division and shoot initiation, stem growth and induced germination, and cell elongation. KEGG analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were annotated as being involved in plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. KEGG analysis also showed that up-regulated in the fast growing cultivar were members of the WRKY family of transcription factors related to plant growth and development, members of the NAC and MYB gene families related to the synthesis of cellulose and hemicellulose, and the development of secondary cell wall fibres, and finally, MYB family members that are involved in plant growth regulation. Our research results not only enrich the transcriptome database of alfalfa, but also provide valuable information for explaining the molecular mechanism of fast growth, and can provide reference for the production of alfalfa.

Effects of sodium diacetate or microbial inoculants on aerobic stability of wilted rye silage.

The primary goal was to identify the effectiveness of chemical or biological additives in delaying the deterioration of early-harvested wilted rye silage after exposure to air. Rye harvested as a whole plant at the early heading stage was wilted for 24 h. The wilted forage was divided into treatments including sodium diacetate (SDA) at 3 (SDA3) and 6 g/kg (SDA6), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), L. buchneri (LB), or their equal mixture (LP+LB) at 1×106 colony-forming unit/g fresh matter. After 60 d of conservation in 20-L silos, lactic acid was greater in LP and LP+LB silages than other treatments (102 vs 90.2 g/kg dry matter [DM]). Acetic acid was greatest in SDA6 (32.0 g/kg DM) followed by LB (26.1 g/kg DM) and was lowest in LP treatment (4.73 g/kg DM). Silage pH was lower with microbial inoculation and the lowest and highest values were observed in LP and untreated silages, respectively. After 60 d, neutral detergent fiber concentration was lowest in SDA6 silages, resulting in the greatest in vitro DM digestibility (846 g/kg DM). Aerobic stability was longest in SDA6 (176 h) followed by LB treatment (134 h). Instability after aerobiosis was greatest in LP silages (68 h), about 8 h less than untreated silages. After aerobic exposure, yeast and mold numbers were lowest in SDA6 silages, resulting in DM loss minimization. Exhaustion of acetic acid and lactic acid after aerobic exposure was lowest with SDA6 but greatest with untreated and LP silages. Treatment of early-cut wilted rye forage with SDA at 6 g/kg resulted in silages with higher feeding value and fermentation quality, and substantially delayed deterioration after aerobic exposure, potentially qualifying SDA at this load for promotion of silage quality and delaying aerobic spoilage of early-harvested (low DM) rye forage.

Assessment of Feed Value of Chicory and Lucerne for Poultry, Determination of Bioaccessibility of Their Polyphenols and Their Effects on Caecal Microbiota

Chicory and lucerne possess high feed value for poultry being good sources of protein and fiber. In addition, they are rich in polyphenols that help the body build an integrated antioxidant system to prevent damage from free radicals and positively modulate microbial populations in the gastrointestinal tract. These health-promoting effects of polyphenols depend on their bioaccessibility and absorption in the animal body. The present paper aimed to study the bioaccessibility of polyphenols from chicory and lucerne after subjecting the samples to gastric and intestinal phases of digestion in an in vitro model of chicken gut and assessment of their feed value by measuring the presence of fermentable substrates (in terms of gas production), SCFAs produced and their effects on gut microbiota population during in vitro cecal fermentation. Results revealed that the bioaccessibility of polyphenols varied with different polyphenol compounds. The highest bioaccessibility was recorded for p-hydroxybenzoic acid (90.8%) from chicory following the intestinal phase of digestion. The lowest bioaccessibility was observed for quercetin-3-rhamnoside (12.6%) from chicory after the gastric phase of digestion. From lucerne, the highest bioaccessibility was recorded for kaempferol-3-glucoside (77.5%) after the intestinal phase of digestion. Total gas production was higher for lucerne (39.9 mL/g) than chicory (28.1 mL/g). Similarly, total SCFAs production was higher after 24 h of cecal fermentation with lucerne (42.2 mmol L−1) as compared to chicory (38.1 mmol L−1). Results also revealed that the relative abundance of Clostridium was reduced with chicory (0.225%) and lucerne (0.176%) as compared to the control (0.550%) after 24 h of cecal fermentation. The relative abundance of Streptococcus was reduced by lucerne (4.845%) but was increased with chicory (17.267%) as compared to the control (5.204%) after 24 h of fermentation. These findings indicated that chicory and lucerne differentially affected the microbial populations during in vitro cecal fermentation.

DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF HIGH-PROTEIN FEED ADDITIVE FROM BY-PRODUCTS OF SUNFLOWER OIL PRODUCTION

The oil and fat industry of Ukraine is one of the most powerful branches of the food industry, the development of which is of particular importance for assessing the country's food security. The screening showed that Ukraine occupies a leading position in the world market for the production of sunflower and sunflower oil, as well as the export of sunflower oil. The largest Ukrainian companies producing unrefined and refined sunflower oil are listed.The structural scheme of obtaining by-products, which are formed during the processing of oil crops, which have a rather high feed value and are used in feeding agricultural animals and poultry, is presented. Determining factors affecting the amount of by-products of vegetable oil production are characterized.Production of a high-protein feed additive based on sunflower meal, sunflower cake and mineral raw materials is proposed.A technological process scheme for the production of a high-protein feed additive has been developed, which provides for the following technological lines: a line for cleaning oilseeds; fall line of oilseeds; oil seed core pressing line; cake and meal preparation line; mineral raw material preparation line; dosage line; mixing line; granulation line.The production of the proposed high-protein feed additive in granulated form can be carried out at the existing oil processing enterprise in the meal granulation shop, which will make it possible to effectively use the by-products of sunflower oil production.

Influence of weather conditions and weediness on barley (Hordeum vulgare) yield

Barley belongs to the leading grain crops. This is due to its good adaptive abilities to various climatic conditions, as well as its high nutritional and feed value. However, this crop, when developed in the field, is forced to compete with weeds, which inevitably leads to a decrease in yield. The relationship between clogging, weather and climatic conditions and crop yields has been observed. However, for the geographical region of Siberia, there are few similar works exploring this relationship. Therefore, study on the influence of weather conditions and weeds on the formation of the yield of spring barley in the southeast of Western Siberia is a prerequisite for the development of the protection of this crop from weeds. This research included the study of the species composition of weeds and hydrothermal characteristics and their influence on the formation of the yield of spring barley. The studies were carried out in the steppe zone of the Kuznetsk Basin and the Mariinsky forest-steppe of the West Siberian Plain of the Kemerovo Region (Russia) from 2014 to 2018. To characterize the dynamics of yield, sown areas and gross harvests of spring barley, data from statistical bulletins of the territorial body of the Federal State Statistics Service for the Kemerovo region were used. An increase in the yield of barley was observed. In 2018, compared to 2014, the difference was 0.19 t/ha and revealed a significant reduction in acreage and, due to this, a decrease in the gross yield of barley was noted. Thirtyfour species of weeds belonging to 16 families were recorded on the plot. The biological groups of weeds are represented by six types: ephemera, early spring, late spring, annual wintering, rhizome perennials, and root suckers. The yield of spring barley is greatly reduced by dicotyledonous biennial species of weeds from the Cabbage and Bluegrass families.

Proximate Analysis, in vitro Dry Matter Degradability and Palatability Index of Legume Residues and Maize Straws for Ruminants

Background: Legume residues such as leaves from cowpea and lablab plants can be accumulated in large quantities after fruits harvesting. These legumes can be incorporated in ruminants’ diets due to their high feeding value. They are rich in crude protein, vitamins and minerals when compared to grasses that normally deteriorate during dry seasons. This paper is focusing on determining effect of legume residues and maize straws on in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and palatability indices in ruminants. Methods: For palatability experiment, each of five male boer goats was provided with four feeding troughs carrying four different feeds (maize straws and 3 legumes = Lablab purpureus - lablab and 2 Vigna unguiculata - cowpeas - Dr Saunders and Betswit). The legume residues and maize straws were also analyzed for chemical composition and IVDMD. All data was subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Result: Dr Saunders (230.7 g/kg DM) had the highest (P less than 0.05) crude protein content when compared to all diets. Lablab (126.3 g/kg DM) had the lowest (P less than 0.05) acid detergent lignin. The highest (P less than 0.05) condensed tannins concentrations (50.1 g/kg DM) was recorded for Betswit. The highest (P less than 0.05) in vitro dry matter degradability was recorded for lablab at 24 up to 72 hrs. Lablab had a higher palatability index (P less than 0.05) when compared to other diets. Intake (r2 = 0.955) and palatability index (r2 = 0.971) were positively and significantly (P less than 0.05) predicted from total phenolics on goats. Though lablab had better values in most parameters measured, all legumes can be highly recommended to supplement low-quality roughages such as maize straws and grasses.

The Connection Between Storage and Quality of Meadow Hay

The practical application of hay quality is of particular importance in Hungarian beef cattle and horse farming. Due to the high price of protein and supplementary feeds on the international market, it may be a worthwhile alternative to base the demand for feedstuffs exclusively on high feed value meadow hay. To do this, it is necessary to be aware of the daily variation in quality and quantity. Following the good practice guidelines both livestock farming and product marketing can be planned. Our recommended solution is focusing on quality reservation. The presented technology (ventilation, dry floor, large air space) guarantee the conservation of the genuinely high value hay. Strict protocol must be applied (mowing at the right time with conditioner, forage sampling for digestible fibre content). After stacking, bale temperature increases during the first 5 days up to 41℃. Then the next 8 days a stagnant trend is seen. At the final stage, core temperature stabilizes at 30℃. Preventing caramelization and hay stack fires are priorities for every farmer.