Higher Dry Matter Intake Research Articles

Utilization of Purple Napier Grass Silage on Milk Quality and Blood Antioxidant Activity in Lactating Dairy Goats

In this study, our subjects were 18 female crossbred Saanen lactating goats; the goats weighed approximately 43.25 ± 2.35 kg and had been producing milk for 14 ± 2 days. They were assigned to three equally sized experimental groups based on the cycle of the lactation period. In accordance with the randomized complete block design (RCBD), six animals were randomly assigned to the treatments in each block. There were three treatments: (1) control = Napier Pakchong-1 grass silage (NPS); (2) = sweet grass silage (SGS); and (3) = purple Napier silage (PNS). Our findings show that the goats fed with purple Napier grass silage had a higher DM intake (1805.97 g/day) than those that underwent a different treatment (1312.76 and 1443.43 g/day). The goats fed with purple Napier grass silage had higher protein digestibility (79.85) than those fed with Napier Pakchong-1 and sweet grass silage. There were significant differences in the ruminal ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen. Nevertheless, purple Napier grass silage significantly increased butyric acid 2 and 4 h after feeding and increased the number of microorganisms. In the dairy goats fed purple Napier grass silage, we observed a reduction in protozoa and methanogen populations. The levels of antioxidants shown by the plasma indices differed in the goats fed with purple Napier grass silage and showed enhanced milk composition, higher levels of total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the plasma, reduced protozoa methanogen, and a decreased level of malondialdehyde in the plasma. This study highlights that purple Napier grass silage has the potential to be a beneficial source of roughage for lactating dairy goats.

189 Association of the liver phosphoproteome with divergent dry matter intake in finishing beef steers

Abstract As the need for improving the sustainability of the beef industry increases, optimizing feed efficiency is of the utmost importance. The liver has a central role in nutrient metabolism, and for ruminants particularly, it is essential for providing glucose through gluconeogenesis via substrates such as propionate, lactate, and glycerol. Further, through cell signaling and vagal afferent signals, the liver acts to stimulate and inhibit dry matter intake (DMI). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate alterations in the phosphoproteome of finishing beef steers in relation to divergent DMI to identify changes in the abundance of signaling proteins. Angus steers [n = 57; initial body weight (BW) = 518 ± 27 kg] underwent a 63-d intake trial utilizing an Insentec Roughage Intake Control System (Hokofarm Group, Emmeloord, The Netherlands). Prior to beginning the trial, liver biopsy samples were collected from all steers. Samples from steers with the greatest and least DMI (n = 8 each) were utilized for phosphoproteomic analysis. Liver protein was isolated and labeled with isobaric tandem mass tagging reagents. Samples were enriched for phosphopeptides using immobilized metal affinity chromatography and subsequently analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Spectral data were searched in the National Center for Biotechnology Information Bos taurus protein database using MaxQuant (version 2.2.0.0; Max Planck Inst., Munich, Germany), and the data were analyzed using Perseus (version 2.0.10.0; Max Planck Inst.). Two sample t-tests were conducted to determine the difference in phosphopeptide abundance between steers with high and low DMI. A total of 16,365 phosphopeptides were identified, and 287 were differentially expressed (False Discovery Rate < 0.05). In addition, 2,777 phosphopeptides were differentially expressed based on an unadjusted P < 0.05 which were used for enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. The background for this analysis was all identified phosphopeptides. Gene ontology terms enriched included processes related to phosphorylation activity, intracellular signal transduction, response to insulin, kinase activity, and signaling protein binding. Enriched KEGG pathways included pathways related to insulin signaling, such as AMPK signaling, mTOR signaling, and MAPK signaling. Further, pathways related to glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, glucagon signaling, insulin resistance, carbon metabolism, and various other signaling pathways were also enriched. These results suggest a link between the liver phosphoproteome and DMI, indicating that divergent DMI is associated with alterations in signaling pathways related to nutrient uptake and metabolic processes.

Effect of various flavors in starter diets on growth, behavior, and blood parameters of Holstein calves

This study investigated the effect of adding various flavors to calf starter concentrates on the performance, behavior, and blood parameters of Holstein dairy calves. The hypothesis was that an optimal flavor enhancer would increase starter intake, improve growth performance, and possibly enable earlier weaning without adverse physiological effects. In Experiment 1, a cafeteria test was conducted with 80 pre-weaned calves to evaluate four synthetic flavor enhancers (salty, sweet, sour, bitter) at levels of 3.3, 6.6, and 9.9 g/kg dry matter (DM)11DM; Dry matter, and a control without a flavor enhancer. Experiment 2 tested higher levels (9.9, 19.8, 29.7 g/kg DM) of the sweet flavor enhancer sodium saccharin in a single cafeteria test with 20 calves. Experiment 3 compared three sweet flavor enhancers (sodium saccharin, stevia, sucralose) at 9.9 g/kg DM in another cafeteria test with 20 calves. After selecting sodium saccharin at 9.9 g/kg DM as the optimal flavor enhancer, Experiment 4 was conducted with 40 calves divided into a treatment group receiving the flavored starter and a control group without flavor. In Experiment 1, sodium saccharin at 9.9 g/kg DM resulted in the highest dry matter intake (DMI)22DMI; Dry matter intake of 347 g/d, significantly higher than the control (173 g/d). Experiment 2 revealed a quadratic effect with DMI peaking at 9.9 g/kg DM sodium saccharin (201.0 g/d) and declining at higher levels. Experiment 3 confirmed that sodium saccharin outperformed other sweet flavor enhancers, increasing DMI to 350 g/d compared to 251 g/d for the control. In Experiment 4, calves fed the starter concentrate with 9.9 g/kg DM sodium saccharin showed significantly higher DMI (1749 g/d), average daily gain (ADG33ADG; Average daily gain; 730 g/d), and feed conversion ratio (FCR;44FCR; feed conversion ratio 2.05) compared to the control group (DMI 1470 g/d, ADG 650 g/d, FCR 2.36). Furthermore, calves in the flavored treatment were weaned earlier (59 days) than the control group (64 days). Behavioral observations showed that the sweet flavor treatment increased the time spent on solid feed intake, rumination, and standing behavior. Calves fed the flavored starter had lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood urea nitrogen, suggesting improved nutrient utilization. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential benefits of incorporating sodium saccharin as a sweet flavor enhancer in calf starter concentrates, leading to improved feed intake, growth performance, feed efficiency, final body weight (FBW)55FBW; final body weight, and behavioral patterns during the critical pre-weaning and post-weaning periods.

The effect of feeding level on protein and energy utilization in young and mature Kacang goats

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the amount of feeding on nutrient utilization of Kacang goats. This study used 16 heads, consisting of 8 young Kacang goats (5-6 months old), weighing 12.75 kg (CV = 2.4%), and 8 mature Kacang goats (12-15 months old), weighing 17.34 kg (CV = 2.7%). The diet was in the form of pellets, consisting of 25% wheat straw, 32% soybean meal, 39% rice bran, 3% sugarcane molasses, and 1% minerals. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) in a nested structure. The main factor (the nest) was the age of the goat, i.e. young and mature, while the second factor (the nested factor) was feeding level, i.e. low (maintenance level) and high (twice maintenance level). The parameters were dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), protein and energy intake, protein and energy digestibility, protein and energy retention, body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion. The results showed the goat of high feeding level had higher DMI (P<0.05) than that of low feeding level, both in the young goat (243 g/d vs 466 g/d) and the mature goat (303g/d vs 657). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in DMD between feeding levels and between age of goats (averaged 73.67%). The goats of high level had higher (P<0.01) nutrients retention in goats and the mature goats. The goats of high feeding level had significantly higher (P<0.05) BWG than that of low feeding level (14.64 g/d vs 41.95 g/d in the young goat and 18.35 g/d vs 58.77 g/d in the mature goat). The high feeding level resulted in lower FCR (P<0.01) than the lower feeding level, both in the young goats (16.40 vs 11.44) and in the mature goats (16.47 vs 11.47). It can be concluded that young and mature Kacang goats had similar abilities in feed digestion. The higher feeding level resulted in the better utilization of dietary protein and energy, and productivity of the goat.

Effect of replacing cottonseed meal with fenugreek seed meal on feed intake, digestibility, growth, blood parameters and economics of fattening lambs

The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the partial or complete replacement of cotton seed meal (CSM) with fenugreek seed meal (FSM) on chemical composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation, the growth performance and economic efficiency of growing lambs. Thirty-two male Ossimi lambs weighing 42±0.7 kg, and 210±7 d were divided randomly into four experimental groups of eight lambs each. Lambs were fed four diets containing 40 % berseem clover and 60 % concentrate feed mixture. Cotton seed meal was replaced with FSM at 0 % (FSM0; control treatment), 50 % (FSM50 treatment), 75 % (FSM75 treatment) or 100 % (FSM100 treatment). The experiment was lasted for 105 d consisting of 15 d for adaptation and 90 days for measurements. The replacement did not affect crude protein (CP) or gross energy (GE) of the diets. However, the concentrations of individual amino acids and polyphenols differed between CSM and FSM. Diets containing FSM reduced the in vitro methane production (P=0.024) by 30–41.1 %, and nutrient degradability (P<0.05). The highest DM intake was observed (quadratic effect, P<0.001) with lambs fed the FSM50 diet (1.68 kg DM), which also showed the highest final body weight (65.5 kg) (quadratic effect, P=0.045), total weight gain (22.6 kg) (quadratic effect, P=0.034), and daily weight gain (251.1 g) (quadratic effect, P=0.033). Higher organic matter digestibility (∼ 69.4 %) was observed (quadratic effect, P=0.016) with the lambs of FSM50 treatment (P<0.05). Replacing CSM with FSM linearly increased (P=0.024) blood antioxidant activity and decreased blood cholesterol (P=0.022), triglycerides (P=0.035) and high-density lipoprotein (P=0.034) compared to the control treatment. The highest relative percentage of net revenue was observed with the FSM50 diet (131 %) while the lowest one was observed (P=0.011) with the FSM100 diet (92.9 %). It is concluded that CSM can be replaced with FSM at 50 % in diets of growing lambs for better performance and economic efficiency.

The Effect of Different Irrigation Frequency and Level on Yield and Quality Characteristics of Silage Sorghum

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different irrigation frequency and levels on silage sorghum plant for yield and quality at the Bingöl University Agricultural Research and Application Field in 2022 using the Master BMR variety as plant material. Randomized complete blocks applying the split-plots experimental design with three replications was used; four irrigation levels (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and four irrigation frequencies (5, 10, 15 and 20 days) were considered as treatments. Percentage of moisture replacement was determined using total moisture loss from evapotranspiration (ET). Amount of water discharged by emitters were predetermined, hence, time was used to determine the exact amount. Properties related to green forage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein ratio, crude protein yield, acid detergent insoluble fibre, neutral detergent insoluble fibre, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed value were investigated. Statistically significant differences between all the examined features were observed. The highest green forage yield, dry matter yield and crude protein yield were obtained from 5-day frequency and 100% level. Highest crude protein ratio from 5-day frequency and 25% level, lowest acid detergent insoluble fibre rate and highest digestible dry matter rate from 20-day frequency and 25% level, highest dry matter intake and relative feed value with the lowest neutral detergent insoluble fibre rate were observed from 25% level with 10 and 20-day frequencies. In conclusion; it can be stated that, to obtain high yield from silage sorghum, it is necessary to irrigate at 5 days frequencies and 100% level. However, high-quality product can be obtained with a 10-day frequency and a 25% level with low yield.

Ruminal microbiome and productive response of lambs fed shrimp shell meal

The fishing industry produces byproducts that accumulate and cause environmental pollution problems; however, could be used as an alternative source of nutrients in ruminants. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the response over ruminal microbiome, apparent digestibility and productivity of Katahdin lambs fed different levels of shrimp shell meal (HCC). Four male lambs with live weight of 22 ± 2.5 kg were assigned in a repeated Latin square design (4 animals x 4 treatments). The animals were assigned for 16 days per period to diets with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g 100 g DM of HCC, the treatments were: HCC0, HCC5, HCC10 and HCC20, respectively. The greatest daily weight gain was found in the HCC5 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). However, the highest dry matter intake was observed in animals with the HCC20 diet (P ≤ 0.05). In the apparent digestibility of the dry matter there was no difference between treatments (P &gt; 0.05), neither in the concentration of total bacteria (P &gt; 0.05), while the concentration of cellulolytic bacteria and chitin-degrading bacteria was higher in the animals from HCC20 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicate an adaptation of the ruminal microbiome to high doses of HCC, therefore, HCC can be used in diets for sheep without effect on rumen metabolism and microbial, nutrient digestibility and animal performance.

Behavioral consistency of competitive behaviors and feeding patterns in lactating dairy cows across stocking densities at the feed bunk.

High feed bunk stocking densities can differentially impact individual dairy cows' competitive behaviors, feeding patterns, and feed efficiency. Our objective was to manipulate feed bunk stocking densities to evaluate intra-individual behavioral consistency across stocking densities and quantify associations with feed efficiency and production. Thirty-two primiparous (130.7 ± 29.0 days in milk, DIM) and 32 multiparous (111.3 ± 38.3 DIM) lactating Holstein cows were housed with 32 roughage intake control (RIC) bins. Each cow was assigned to share 8 bins with others of the same parity and similar body weight (16 cows/block; 2:1 feed bunk stocking density except during tests). Competition and feeding patterns were evaluated via video and RIC data, respectively, at 3 stocking densities (1:1, 2:1, 4:1 cows/bin) during 1-h tests (2 tests/stocking density; 6 tests/cow) following 2 h feed deprivation. Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated across the 45-d study as the difference between observed and predicted dry matter intake (DMI) after accounting for known energy sinks. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the overall impact of test stocking density on competition and feeding patterns. To evaluate intra-individual consistency between stocking densities, individual stability statistic (ISS) scores were computed. Correlational relationships were determined between RFI and ISS scores. Cows displayed the most competitive behaviors at 2:1 stocking density (p < 0.0001) but experienced the highest rate of contacts per minute of eating time at 4:1 (1:1 vs. 2:1 vs. 4:1: 0.09 vs. 0.95 vs. 1.60 contacts/min; p < 0.0001). Feeding patterns were modulated as stocking density increased; eating rate increased (0.16 vs. 0.18 vs. 0.22 kg/min; p < 0.001) as eating time (40.3 vs. 28.2 vs. 14.6 min; p < 0.001) and DMI decreased (6.3 vs. 5.1 vs. 3.0 kg; p < 0.001). As stocking density doubled, individuals remained consistent (p = 0.018) in time spent near others actively eating and tended to remain consistent in competition behavior and feeding patterns (0.053 ≤ p ≤ 0.094). Between 2:1 and 4:1, cows with higher DMI and milk production were more consistent in first-visit DMI and duration. Feed efficiency was not associated with behavioral consistency across the tests (p ≥ 0.14). Nonetheless, feed bunk stocking density has behavioral implications which should be considered in nutritional management decisions.

Supplementation of Acacia dealbata versus Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal has potential to maintain growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands in South Africa

Supplementing livestock grazing communal rangelands with leaf-meals from Acacia trees, which are currently considered as problematic invasive alien plants globally, may be a sustainable way of exploiting their desirable nutritional and anthelmintic properties. The current study evaluated worm burdens and growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands supplemented with leaf-meals prepared from the invasive alien plant species; Acacia mearnsii or A. dealbata. Forty, three-month-old ewe lambs weighing an average of 18.9 ± 0.60 kg were randomly allocated to four supplementary diets: (1) rangeland hay only (control), (2) commercial protein supplement plus rangeland hay, (3) A. mearnsii leaf-meal plus rangeland hay and (4) A. dealbata leaf-meal plus rangeland hay. All the supplementary diets were formulated to meet the lambs’ minimum maintenance requirements for protein. All the lambs were grazed on communal rangelands daily from 0800 to 1400 after which they were penned to allow them access to their respective supplementary diets until 08:00 the following morning. The respective supplementary diets were offered at the rate of 400 g ewe− 1 day− 1 for 60 days. Lambs fed the commercial protein supplement had the highest dry matter intake followed by those fed the Acacia leaf-meals and the control diet, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Relative to the other supplementary diets, lambs fed the commercial protein supplement and A. dealbata leaf-meal had higher (P ≤ 0.05) final body weight and average daily gains. Dietary supplementation did not affect lamb faecal worm egg counts over the study period (P > 0.05). There was no association between supplementary diets and lamb FAMACHA© scores (P > 0.05). It was concluded that supplementation of Acacia dealbata versus Acacia mearnsii has the potential to emulate commercial protein in maintaining growth performance of lambs grazing communal rangelands in the dry season.

Sainfoin can be included up to 40% in the concentrate of finishing lambs without impairing their performance, rumen fermentation, and carcass quality

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is an excellent forage legume to be included in sheep diets as fresh forage, but its inclusion in concentrates fed to indoor lambs reared has been scarcely studied. This study evaluated the effects of including different levels of dehydrated sainfoin in the concentrates fed to light lambs during the finishing period on animal performance, ruminal fermentation, and carcass traits. Twenty–six weaned male Rasa Aragonesa lambs (14.0 ± 0.49 kg body weight) were randomly grouped and individually fed ad libitum with isoproteic and isoenergetic pelleted concentrates containing 0% (0SF; n=9), 20% (20SF; n=9) or 40% sainfoin (40SF; n=8) for 40 days, from weaning to slaughter. In addition, an in vitro assay was carried out to evaluate the concentrates. The 40SF lambs had a higher dry matter intake (P < 0.01) and tended to show an improvement in average daily gain (P < 0.10). The diet had no effect on carcass weight, dressing percentage, rectus abdominis color or subcutaneous caudal fat color (P > 0.05). Regarding the rumen study, the diet did not affect most ruminal fermentation parameters (P > 0.05), except for pH, which was greater in 40SF lambs than in 20SF lambs (P < 0.05), and the proportion of acetic acid and the acetic:propionic ratio, both of which were higher in 40SF and 20SF lambs than in 0SF lambs (P < 0.01). The results from the in vitro assay showed that the 40SF diet decreased the in vitro dry matter degradability, increased propionic, and decreased butyric proportion compared to 0SF concentrate (P < 0.05), but no effect was obtained for gas, methane, total volatile fatty acids, and ammonia formation among diets (P > 0.05). The lack of detrimental effects on lamb performance and carcass traits suggests that the inclusion of up to 40% sainfoin in the concentrate of light lambs reared indoors would be advisable to promote the use of local forages.

Nutritional strategies, performance, digestibility, and carcass traits of Santa Ines and Rabo Largo breeds in a tropical climate.

The aim of this study was to compare the performance, intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, carcass traits, and the yield of commercial cuts of Santa Ines (SI) and Rabo Largo (RL) breeds fed diets with high or low roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C) under a tropical climate. Twenty lambs from each breed were individually housed in covered pens and fed the experimental diets for 58days. The diets were formulated to meet the growth requirements of lambs with a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 70:30 and 30:70. Significant interactions of breed × diet for nutrient intake were observed (P < 0.05), with SI lambs fed low R:C diet showing higher intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrates compared to RL lambs fed the same diet. SI lambs fed high R:C diet had higher intake of neutral detergent fiber than RL lambs (P < 0.05). SI lambs displayed better average daily gain and feed efficiency, regardless of diet (P < 0.05). Carcass traits and gastrointestinal components were influenced by breed and diet (P < 0.05). SI lambs fed low R:C diet showed higher subcutaneous fat thickness and better carcass finishing compared to RL lambs (P < 0.05). SI breed lambs exhibited better growth performance, carcass traits, and gastrointestinal characteristics, even when fed diets with a high roughage-to-concentrate ratio.

The effect of humate as a feed additive on feed intake, production, and carcass parameters of Angus steers

Humate may be a valuable livestock feed additive, with potential effects on nutrient utilisation and animal performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of K Humate S 100R supplementation on the feed intake, liveweight gain, and carcass parameters of Angus steers. Within individual pens, 40 weaned steers were allocated to four treatment groups (n = 10/potassium humate K Humate S100R, Omnia Specialities Australia) for 100 days. The treatment groups included Group 1, 35 g K Humate S100R/animal/day; Group 2, 70 g K Humate S100R/animal/day; Group 3, 140 g K Humate S100R/animal/day; and Control Group, which were not supplemented with K Humate S100R (0 g K Humate S100R/animal/day). Chemical and mineral composition of the feed ingredients, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily weight gains were recorded. The steers were slaughtered as a single group at a commercial Australian abattoir. Standard measures for hot standard carcass weight, eye muscle area, fat depth and coverage, marbling, ossification, meat and fat colour, dressing percentage and loin pH values at 24‐hour postmortem were recorded. It was found that the steers allocated to Group 2 had higher DMI (P = 0.003) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P &lt; 0.001) compared with those allocated to Group 1 and the Control Group. The MSA marbling score was lowest for steers allocated to the Control Group (P &lt; 0.05) and comparable for those allocated to Groups 1, 2, and 3. Together, these results demonstrate that increased levels of K Humate S100R supplementation improved the carcass quality, via an increase in MSA. However, further research is warranted on the potential effects of humates supplementation on intramuscular fat associated qualities of beef.

Association of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance with feed efficiency and production traits of finishing beef steers.

Increasing nutrient utilization efficiency is an important component of enhancing the sustainability of beef cattle production. The objective of this experiment was to determine the association of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance with dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed ratio (G:F), and residual feed intake (RFI). Steers (n = 54; initial body weight = 518 ± 27.0kg) were subjected to an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) where glucose was dosed through a jugular catheter and serial blood samples were collected. Three days after the last group's IVGTT, steers began a 63-d DMI and ADG test. Body weight was measured on days 0, 1, 21, 42, 62, and 63, and DMI was measured using an Insentec Roughage Intake Control system (Hokofarm Group, Emmeloord, the Netherlands). To examine relationships between DMI, ADG, G:F, and RFI with IVGTT measurements, Pearson correlations were calculated using Proc Corr of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Additionally, cattle were classified based on DMI, ADG, RFI, and G:F, where the medium classification was set as mean ± 0.5 SD, the low classification was < 0.5 SD from the mean, and the high classification was > 0.5 SD from the mean. No associations between DMI and IVGTT parameters were observed, and no differences were detected when classifying cattle as having low, medium, or high DMI. Peak insulin concentration in response to the IVGTT tended to be correlated with ADG (r = 0.28; P = 0.07), indicating cattle with greater ADG tend to have a greater insulin release in response to glucose. Glucose nadir concentrations tended to be positively correlated with ADG (r = 0.26; P = 0.10). Additionally, the glucose nadir was greater in high-ADG steers (P = 0.003). The association of greater glucose nadir with high-ADG could indicate that high-ADG steers do not clear glucose as efficiently as low-ADG steers, potentially indicating increased insulin resistance. Further, RFI was not correlated with IVGTT measurements, but low RFI steers had a greater peak glucose concentration (P = 0.040) and tended to have a greater glucose area under the curve (P = 0.09). G:F was correlated with glucose area under the curve (r = 0.33; P = 0.050), glucose nadir (r = 0.35; P = 0.011), and insulin time to peak (r = 0.39; P = 0.010). These results indicate that glucose metabolism and insulin signaling are associated with growth and efficiency, but the molecular mechanisms that drive these effects need to be elucidated.

Methane output across life stages in sheep, how it differs from lambs to adult ewes using portable accumulation chambers.

Methane (CH4) produced from enteric fermentation is a potent greenhouse gas produced by ruminant animals. Multiple measurements are required across life stages to develop an understanding of how CH4 output changes throughout the animal's lifetime. The objectives of the current study were to estimate CH4 output across life stages in sheep and to investigate the relationship between CH4 output and dry matter (DM) intake (DMI). Data were generated on a total of 266 female Suffolk and Texel animals. Methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) output, estimated using portable accumulation chambers, and DMI, estimated using the n-alkane technique outdoors and using individual penning indoors, were quantified across the animal's life stage; as lambs (<12 mo), nulliparous hoggets (12 to 24 mo) and ewes (primiparous or greater; > 24 mo). Ewes were further classified as pregnant, lactating, and dry (non-pregnant and non-lactating). Multiple measurements were taken within and across the life stages of the same animals. A linear mixed model was used to determine if CH4 and CO2 output differed across life stages and using a separate linear mixed model the factors associated with CH4 output within each life stage were also investigated. Methane, CO2 output, and DMI differed by life stage (P < 0.05), with lactating ewes producing the greatest amount of CH4 (25.99 g CH4/d) and CO2 (1711.6 g CO2/d), while also having the highest DMI (2.18 kg DM/d). Methane output differed by live-weight of the animals across all life stages (P < 0.001). As ewe body condition score increased CH4 output declined (P < 0.05). Correlations between CH4 output measured across life stages ranged from 0.26 (SE 0.08; lambs and lactating ewes) to 0.59 (SE 0.06; hoggets and pregnant ewes), while correlations between CO2 output measured across life stages ranged from 0.12 (SE 0.06; lambs and hoggets) to 0.65 (SE 0.06; hoggets and lactating ewes). DMI was moderately correlated with CH4 (0.44; SE 0.04) and CO2 output (0.59; SE 0.03). Results from this study provide estimates of CH4 output across life stages in a pasture-based sheep production system and offer valuable information for the national inventory and the marginal abatement cost curve on the optimum time to target mitigation strategies.

Analysis of rotational grazing management for sheep in mixed grassland.

Sown mixed grassland is rarely used for livestock raising and grazing; however, different forages can provide various nutrients for livestock, which may be beneficial to animal health and welfare. We established a sown mixed grassland and adopted a rotational grazing system, monitored the changes in aboveground biomass and sheep weights during the summer grazing period, measured the nutrients of forage by near-infrared spectroscopy, tested the contents of medium- and long-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography, and explored an efficient sheep fattening system that is suitable for agro-pastoral interlacing areas. The results showed that the maximum forage supply in a single grazing paddock was 4.6 kg DM/d, the highest dry matter intake (DMI) was 1.80 kg DM/ewe/d, the average daily weight gain (ADG) was 193.3 g, the DMI and ADG were significantly correlated (P<0.05), and the average feed weight gain ratio (F/G) reached 8.02. The average crude protein and metabolizable energy intake by sheep were 286 g/ewe/d and 18.5 MJ/ewe/d respectively, and the n-6/n-3 ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mutton was 2.84. The results indicated that the sheep fattening system had high feed conversion efficiency, could improve the yield and quality of sheep, and could be promoted in suitable regions.

Effects of yeast peptides on the growth, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, immune function, and diarrhea status of suckling calves.

Yeast peptides, which are small-molecule active peptides extracted from yeast proteins, are known for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of yeast peptide on suckling calves remain unclear. In this study, the effects of yeast peptide supplementation on the growth, diarrhea incidence, and immune function of calves during the suckling period were determined. Thirty newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) and the treatment group (AP), which received fresh pasteurized milk supplemented with yeast peptides (5 g/day). The experiment lasted for 49 days (7-56 days of age). The dry matter intake, body weight, diarrhea status, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity of the calves were analyzed. The AP group had higher dry matter intake, daily weight gain, and feed efficiency than the CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the duration and frequency of diarrhea were significantly lower in the AP group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities of the AP group were significantly higher than those of the CON group (P < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights for the improvement of early health management during calf rearing.

Nutrient Intake and Nitrogen Balance of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Raw Cashew Nut Shell Diets

A study was conducted using twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks with an average weight of 6.74 ± 0.33 kg to determine the nutrient intake and nitrogen balance. The goats were allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design. The raw cashew nut shell was sun-dried and crushed to a particle size of less than 1 cm. The cashew nut shell was incorporated in the diets at the rate of 0% (diet A), 5% (diet B), 10% (diet C) and 15% (diet D) respectively. The experimental period lasted for 63days excluding 2weeks of adaptation. The chemical and mineral compositions of the diets were determined. Result showed that chemical composition were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the raw cashew nut shell. The crude protein ranged from 7.16 to 7.89% while the crude fiber varied from 22.45 to 24.01%. Calcium and Phosphorus content increased with increased level of raw cashew nut shell. Sodium ranged from 17.47 to 23.00% while magnesium varied from 9.34 to 12.94%. Goats fed diets A had the highest nitrogen balance (8.57 g/day) and highest percentage of nitrogen retention (86.58%) which is statistically similar to the values obtained in goats fed diet B; (8.34 g/day nitrogen balance and 84.58% percentage nitrogen retention). However, dry matter intake recorded in this study were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of raw sundried cashew nut shell in the diet. Goats fed diets A had the highest dry matter intake (456.37 g/day) while goats fed diet D had the least (207.69 g/day). Crude protein intake and crude fiber intake increased as the levels of raw cashew nut shell increased in diets. In conclusion, feeding of raw sundried cashew nut shell at 5% could provide good quality replacement ingredient to ruminants especially during the dry season for improved performance and productivity.

Assessing the In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of Supplementation with a Garlic (Allium sativum) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil Mixture on Digestibility in West African Sheep.

This study assessed the impact of a mixture of garlic (Allium sativum) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oils (EOGOs) on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vivo apparent nutrient digestibility. Different EOGO inclusion levels were evaluated to assess the dose response and potential effects of the mixture. Three EOGO inclusion levels (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/kg of incubated dry matter) were evaluated in vitro, while four treatments (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/day of EOGO and a control group) were tested in vivo on 12 West African sheep. A randomized controlled trial was conducted using a 4 × 4 design. Blood parameters (glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and β-hydroxybutyrate) were measured to observe the effect of EOGO on the metabolism. The results showed that the inclusion of EOGO significantly enhanced IVDMD at low levels (p < 0.052) compared with the highest levels in treatments containing 0.5 and 0.75 mL/kg of EOGO dry matter. A higher intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.05) was observed in the in vivo diets with the inclusion of EOGO. In terms of in vivo apparent digestibility, significant differences were found among treatments in the digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, and NDF. EOGO inclusion increased the digestibility of DM. CP digestibility displayed a cubic effect (p < 0.038), with the lowest values of digestibility observed at 1 mL EOGO inclusion. Additionally, NDF digestibility showed a cubic effect (p < 0.012), with the highest value obtained at 0.75 mL of EOGO inclusion. The inclusion levels above 0.75 mL EOGO showed a cubic effect, which indicates that higher concentrations of EOGO may not be beneficial for the digestibility of CP and NDF. Although no significant difference was observed in total digestible nutrients, a linear trend was observed (p < 0.059). EOGO improved the intake of DM, CP, and NDF. EOGO supplementation improved the digestibility of DM and NDF, with optimal levels observed at 0.5 mL/day. No significant effects were observed in the blood parameters. These results suggest that EOGO has the potential as an additive in ruminal nutrition to improve food digestibility and serve as an alternative to antibiotic additives. The use of EOGO potentially improves fiber digestion and may reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock production. Garlic (A. sativum) and oregano (O. vulgare) essential oils effectively modulated fiber digestibility at 0.75 mL/day. Garlic (A. sativum) and oregano (O. vulgare) essential oils have the potential to improve digestibility at low inclusion levels and serve as an alternative to antibiotic additives. The effectiveness of essential oils is greater in a mixture and at lower doses.

Performances, carcass characteristics, and economic benefit of yearling Hararghe highland rams fed diet containing concentrate mixtures and sugarcane bagasse or rice husk treated with Trichoderma viride and effective microorganisms.

The productivity of small ruminants in Ethiopia is low due to a shortage of feed supply throughout the year, both in terms of quality and quantity. This problem leads to the utilization of locally available lignocellulose by-products, which encompass high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It is known that the nutritive value of these lignocellulose by-products can be improved through biological, chemical, or a combination of both treatments This study was aimed at evaluating body weight change, carcass characteristics, and economic efficiency of rams fed a total mixed diet containing biologically treated rice husk (RH) or sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Thirty-six sheep, weighing an average initial body weight of 18 ± 1.8 kg were used. Two feeds (SCB and RH) and three biological treatments (Control, Trichoderma viride [Tv], and effective microbes [EM]) were used with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2 × 3 factorial arrangements. Ram fed on RH containing diets had higher dry matter intake (DMI) (g/h/day), DMI (% of BW), DMI (g/kg BW0.75), average daily gain (ADG) (106 vs. 53 g/day), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (0.107 vs. 0.076) than SCB containing diets. Ram fed diets containing biologically treated roughages had significantly higher (p < .05) DMI (g/h/day), DMI (% of BW), DMI (g/kg BW0.75), ADG, and FCE. However, no significant differences were observed between sheep fed diets containing EM and Tv in DMI (g/h/day), DMI (% of BW), DMI (g/kg BW0.75), ADG, and FCE. This study also revealed that significantly (p < .05) higher carcass weight, dressing percentage (DP), rib eye muscle area, total non-carcass fat, and total edible offal components had been recorded for rams fed diets containing RH as roughage source related to rams fed diets containing SCB. While other parameters were unaffected by treatments, sheep fed diets containing biologically treated feed had a higher hot carcass weight plus DP. However, no significant (p > .05) difference was found between diets based on biologically treated roughage. Profitability analysis indicated that sheep fattening on a diet containing RH and by-products treated with Tv and EM showed greater profitability than untreated SCB. The authors had concluded that fattening sheep on diets containing RH results in higher feed intake, better body weight gain, more carcasses and higher profits, but optimum inclusion levels need further research, for either treated or untreated SCB.

Determination of climatologically suitable places in Türkiye for feedlot cattle production using the Comprehensive Climate Index model.

The purpose of this study was to determine climatologically suitable places to raise feedlot cattle in Türkiye. The Comprehensive Climate Index (CCI), a model that enables one to quantify beef cattle performance based on environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation) at any time in the year, was used to predict dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency (FE) of feedlot cattle. Thirty years of daily average temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed values were obtained for 15 cities, namely, Antalya, Balikesir, Çorum, Diyarbakir, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Isparta, Izmir, Kayseri, Konya, Sivas, and Van. Measured daily solar radiation values were not available and values were calculated based on a formula that takes hemisphere, latitude, and day of the year into account. Since mostly dairy breed calves are placed into a feedlot in Türkiye, the Holstein option in the CCI model was chosen to calculate the maintenance energy requirement. Based on previous feedlot feeding studies conducted in Türkiye, it was assumed that calves would be placed on feed at 250 kg and be marketed at 520 kg, that the diet would have 2600 kcal/kg metabolic energy, and that DMI would be 2.31% of the body weight. Results indicate that cattle raised in Antalya (the hottest place) and Erzurum (the coldest place) had the lowest and highest DMI, respectively (P<0.05). Summer months depressed the DMI of cattle in hotter cities and winter months increased the DMI of cattle in colder cities (P<0.05). Feedlot cattle raised in hotter and colder regions of Türkiye had lower ADG than other places having a more temperate climate (P<0.05). In general, cattle raised in a hotter climate had better FE than those raised in a cold climate (P<0.05).