In Vitro NDF Digestibility Research Articles

Evaluation of Associative Effects on Degradability, Fermentation Parameters, and In Vitro Methane Production as a Result of Variation in the Ruminants Diets Constituents

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different forage sources and forage-to-concentrate ratios on digestibility, energy concentration, fermentation parameters, and in vitro estimate of methane. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design using a 3 × 6 factorial arrangement with three forages varying the chemical composition (pineapple crop waste silage [PS], corn silage [CS], and Tifton hay [TH]) associated with concentrate feed (C) in six combinations, using triplicates for each ratio. We evaluated in vitro digestibility, metabolizable and net energy, pH, redox potential, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and methane production. The in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) decreased (p = 0.0011) with the inclusion of concentrate. It was also affected by the forage source, but this fact was only observed in CS up to the 50:50 ratio. In TH, this fact occurred from the 80:20 ratio, and this behavior was not observed in the PS. Data on methane production, VFA, and fermentation parameters varied according to forage source and concentrate inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of concentrate reduces methane production, increasing the system’s energy contribution. Overall, the different forage sources and the inclusion of concentrate change digestion and fermentation parameters.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of four chemical additives on the fermentation characteristics, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of total mixed ration silage based on soy sauce residue.

The study aimed to compare the impact of four chemical additives on fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage based on soy sauce residue. The TMR (35% soy sauce residue + 45% Napier grass + 20% concentrate) was placed into silos (10 L). The experiment followed the completely random design, treated with different chemical additives: (1) distilled water (control); (2) 0.1% potassium sorbate (SP); (3) 0.1% sodium benzoate (SS); (4) 0.5% calcium propionate (SC); (5) 0.5% sodium diacetate (SD). Total of 100 silos (5 treatments × 4 aerobic exposure days × 5 replicates) were ensiled for 60 days. After exposure to the air, the samples were analyzed for the dynamic change of fermentation parameters at 4, 9 and 15 days, and the data was analyzed as repeated measures. The content of butyric acid and ammonia nitrogen was maintained at a low level. The highest (p < 0.05) lactic acid (LA) content and the lowest (p < 0.05) pH value were measured in SP. At the first 4 days of aerobic exposure, TMR silages treated with four chemical additives were more stable relative to the control, as indicated by the low pH value and yeast counts. Furthermore, the highest (p < 0.05) LA content and the lowest (p < 0.05) pH value indicated that SP performed superior aerobic stability compared with other chemical additives. The SP shows higher (p < 0.05) 72 h cumulative gas production (GP72) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) relative to the control. In conclusion, the SP performed superior in improving fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of TMR silages based on soy sauce residue.

Determination of the effect of a lactic acid bacteria+enzyme mixture on the silage quality and digestibility of vetch-oat mixture silages

This study was carried out to determine the effects of the addition of lactic acid bacteria+enzyme (LBE) mixture on the fermentation characteristics and digestibility of Hungarian vetch-oat silages. An inoculant was used as additive which contains Lactobacillus plantarum CNCM l-3235, Pediococcus pentosaceus NCIMB 12455, Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM l-3237, Propionibacterium acidipropionici CNCM MA26/4U, alpha-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, cellulase from Trichoderma reesei, xylanase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum, beta-glucanase from Aspergillus niger in its biological composition. While additive was not used for control, LBE1 and LBE2 groups were inoculated with LBE as 300 000 and 500 000 cfu/g of silage material, respectively. After 60-d of incubation, no significant difference was observed in pH values among silages, but the highest lactic acid value was detected in the LBE2 group silages (P&lt;0.01). In vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) values of the silages were 41.65, 44.14 and 47.38% for the control, LBE1 and LBE2 groups, respectively, and it was determined that there was a linear correlation (r=0.945) between the inoculant doses and the IVNDFD values. As a result, LBE improved fermentation characteristics and IVNDFD values of the Hungarian vetch-oat mixture.

Estimation of In Vitro True Digestibility and Fiber Degradation from Feedstuff Fiber Composition When Incubated in Equine Fecal Inoculum

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) composition have been shown to predict in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), and in vitro ADF digestibility (IVADFD) in ruminants. This study’s objective was to estimate in vitro digestibility measures within the DaisyII incubator using equine fecal inoculum from feedstuff NDF and ADF composition. Analyzed feedstuffs included alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa), Coastal Bermudagrass hay, soybean meal, rice bran, hempseed meal, and Bluebonnet® Equilene® Pellets. Data were analyzed using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) within the R Statistical Program©. The highest ranked model for IVTD was the interaction of NDF and ADF: 10003.32 – 0.2904 × NDF − 0.4220 × ADF − 0.0010 × NDF × ADF (Adjusted R2 = 0.959 and AICc = 474.97). Sample IVNDFD was moderately predicted by ADF: 855.15 – 1.5183 × ADF (Adjusted R2 = 0.749 and AICc = 560.82). Feedstuff ADF produced the highest ranked model for IVNDFD: 881.91 – 1.5952 × ADF (Adj. R2 = 0.835 and AICc = 541.33). These results indicate the effectiveness of using feedstuff NDF and ADF composition to predict IVTD, IVNDFD, and IVADFD within equine fecal inoculum. The findings of this study provide better understanding of feedstuff digestibility using equine fecal inoculum, but more research is warranted for validation of the models and the potential impact in vivo.

Effects of Additives on the Fermentation Quality, In Vitro Digestibility, and Aerobic Stability of Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) and Wheat Bran Mixed Silage

This experiment investigated the effects of different additives on the fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of amaranth and wheat bran (AWB) mixed silage. In this experiment, a two-factor (moisture content × additive) completely randomized experimental design was used, with amaranth as the raw silage material, and the moisture content was adjusted to 60%, 65%, and 70% using wheat bran. At each moisture content condition, the silage treatments included groups without any additives (control), with lactic acid bacteria (L), with cellulase (E), and with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase (M). Six replicates of each treatment were analyzed for fermentation quality, chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility of AWB mixed silage after 60 days of ensiling. The results showed that in the same L group, the pH and the lactic acid (LA) in the 60% moisture content (MC) group were lower and higher, respectively, than in the 70% MC group (p &lt; 0.05). In the same E and M groups, the ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen (AN/TN) in the 60% MC group was lower than that in the 70% MC group, and the in vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD) was higher than that in the 70% MC group (p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, the aerobic stability of AWB mixed silage gradually decreased as the MC of the raw material increased (p &lt; 0.05). Under 60% MC, the IVCPD and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) in AWB mixed silage from the E and M groups were higher than those in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Under 60% MC, the pH and AN/TN in AWB mixed silage from the M group were lower than those in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control under 60% MC, the aerobic stability of AWB mixed silage inoculated with L, E, and M increased by 33 h, 42 h, and 57 h, respectively. It was shown that the addition of M resulted in the best fermentation quality, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of AWB mixed silage when the amaranth MC was 60%.

Assessing the Repeatability and Reliability of NIRS to Predict Nutritional Values and to Evaluate Two Lignin Methods in Urochloa spp. Grasses

Reliable forage analysis is crucial for proper ration formulation of ruminant herds. Through its fast, inexpensive, and non-destructive procedures, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has become a valuable method for forage evaluating. Notwithstanding, NIRS needs calibration before routine analysis. In addition, to evaluate the best method for lignin quantification in Urochloa spp. grasses is crucial under a digestibility perspective in grass-fed ruminant production. The aims of this study were to use 149 samples from different Urochloa species to develop NIRS calibration curves (partial least squares regressions) for acid detergent lignin (ADL), acetyl bromide lignin (ABL), as well as for ash, cell wall (CW), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD). Moreover, the aim of this study was to correlate the in vitro digestibility with lignin quantification methods: ADL and ABL. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed potential for the quantification of Urochloa spp. properties, such as lignin contents (ADL and ABL) and ash, CW, NDF, ADF, IVDMD, and IVNDFD. However, calibrations performed using NIRS to measure ADF, ADL, IVDMD, and IVNDFD need to be thought about with caution before their utilization as a routine analysis for determining the potential for nutrient measurement and digestibility of Urochloa spp. grasses. In addition, the ABL method used for lignin quantification was better correlated with IVDMD and IVNDFD than the ADL method.

51 Estimation of in vitro digestibility measures within equine fecal inoculum using feedstuff fiber composition

Previous studies support the use of equine fecal microbes to simulate hindgut fermentation to calculate in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of feedstuffs. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) composition have been shown to predict IVTD, in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), and in vitro ADF digestibility (IVADFD). However, little work has been done to predict these digestibility measures within horses. Thus, the study objective was to determine correlation and estimation of in vitro digestibility measures using equine fecal inoculum from feedstuff NDF and ADF composition. Four mature stock-type geldings (8.5 ± 3.9yr; 558.4 ± 31.0kg; 6.0 ± 0.4 BCS) were used in a duplicated 4 × 6 Factorial Design. Horses were acclimated to a basal diet of 1.8% BW as-fed of Coastal Bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon)and 0.2% BW as-fed of Bluebonnet® Equilene® Pellets for 21d. Feces were collected on d22 via rectal-grab for use as incubation inoculum. Dried, ground feed samples (0.5g: alfalfa hay, Coastal Bermudagrass hay, soybean meal, rice bran, hempseed meal, Bluebonnet® Equilene® Pellets), sealed in ANKOM filter bags, were placed in duplicate within 2 DaisyII incubators for 48hr. After incubation, fiber bags were removed and dried, then analyzed for NDF composition to determine IVTD. Split samples were analyzed to determine pre-incubation NDF composition of feedstuffs. Correlations and linearregressions were performed within R Statistical Program©. Both NDF (r = −0.936) and ADF (r = −0.897) were highly correlated to IVTD. However, ADF had a greater correlation to both IVNDFD (r = −0.807) and IVADFD (r = −0.848) than NDF (r = −0.684; r = −0.720). A linear regression between NDF and IVTD produced the model: IVTD (g/kg DM) = 1052.30 – 0.932 * NDF (g/kg DM); R2 = 0.930; P < 0.001. A lower goodness-of-fit was found between ADF and IVTD: IVTD (g/kg DM) = 1033.25 – 1.528 * ADF (g/kg DM); R2 = 0.866; P < 0.001. An additive model of IVTD versus NDF+ADF mildly increased goodness-of-fit (R2 = 0.953). Sample ADF strongly predicted IVADFD (IVADFD (g/kg ADF) = 881.91 – 1.595 * ADF (g/kg DM); R2 = 0.835; P < 0.001) but only moderately predicted IVNDFD (IVNDFD (g/kg NDF) = 855.15 – 1.518 * ADF (g/kg DM); R2 = 0.749; P < 0.001). These results indicate the effectiveness of using feedstuff NDF to predict IVTD when using equine fecal inoculum. Feedstuff IVNDFD and IVADFD are predicted with less precision, likely due to the lack of foregut digestion of feedstuffs that would occur in vivo. The use of in vitro total-tract digestion modeling in horses may estimate equine hindgut fiber digestion with greater precision.

Improved Forage Quality in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) via Selection for Increased Stem Fiber Digestibility

The low digestibility of fiber in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) limits dry matter intake and energy availability in ruminant animal production systems. Previously, alfalfa plants were identified for low or high rapid (16 h) and low or high potential (96 h) in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) of plant stems. Here, two cycles of bidirectional selection for 16 h and 96 h IVNDFD were carried out. The resulting populations were evaluated for total herbage, percentage of stems to total biomass, IVNDFD, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin as a proportion of NDF (ADL/NDF) at three maturity stages. Within these populations, 96 h IVNDFD was highly heritable (h2 = 0.71), while 16 h IVNDFD had lower heritability (h2 = 0.46). Selection for high IVNDFD reduced NDF and ADL/NDF in plant stems at the late flowering and green pod maturity stages and reduced seasonal variability in stem digestibility but did not alter the percentage of stems. Stability analyses across 12 harvest environments found that selection for high IVNDFD had little effect on environmental stability of the trait compared to the unselected population. Thus, selection for stem IVNDFD was a highly effective strategy for developing alfalfa populations with improved nutritional quality without changing the percentage of stems to total biomass.

Yield, Nutritional Composition, and Digestibility of Conventional and Brown Midrib (BMR) Pearl Millet as Affected by Planting and Harvesting Dates and Interseeded Cowpea.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, nutritional composition, and digestibility of conventional (CON) and brown midrib (BMR) pearl millet (PM) with different establishment dates, maturity at harvest and when mixed with cowpea (CWP). In trial 1, CON and BMR were planted on two different dates. In trial 2, CON and BMR, mixed or not with CWP, were harvested when PM was at the boot or heading stages. In trial 1, dry matter (DM) yield was similar between both PM genotypes but delaying establishment reduced DM yield by 30%. Additionally, BMR had a lower concentration of acid detergent lignin (ADL) and a higher in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) compared to CON. In Trial 2, the DM yield was 7.3% higher for CON compared to BMR, and PM with the BMR trait had a lower level of ADL and higher IVNDFD compared to CON. Mixing PM with CWP had negligible effects on nutritional composition but reduced DM yield by 8.3%. Results of these studies indicated that fiber from BMR PM is more digestible than CON but, in one of the trials, this occurred at the expense of lower DM yield. Mixing CWP with PM negatively impacted DM yield.

New probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplemented to fermented rice straw-based rations on digestibility and rumen characteristics in vitro.

This research was arranged to explore the effect of supplementation of a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a new probiotic in fermented rice straw-based rations on in vitro digestibility and ruminal characteristics. A randomized group design with 3 types of treatment and 4 replications as a group was used in this study. A probiotic inoculum containing L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae with 1 × 1010 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml. Treatments were followed by: P1 = complete rations without probiotics (control), P2 = P1 supplemented 0.5% probiotics, and P3 = P1 supplemented 1% probiotics. Substrate complete rations were based on the fermented rice straw and concentrate (60%:40%). Parameters of digestibility and rumen fermentation products were determined after 48 h of incubation. Probiotics supplemented with fermented rice straw-based rations significantly increased (p < 0.05) digestibility and rumen characteristics in vitro. Supplementation with 1% probiotics (P3) produces the highest digestibility compared to other treatments: in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (55%), in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) (58.28%), in-vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD) (84.42%), in-vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVADFD) (53.99%), in-vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) (58.39%), and in-vitro cellulose digestibility (IVCLD) (67.12%). Rumen pH (6.76-6.80) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) due to supplemented probiotics. Probiotic supplementation in rations significantly (p < 0.05) increased the content of NH3 and total volatile fatty acid (VFA). Supplementation with 1% probiotic (P3) showed the highest concentration of NH3 (26.56 mg/100 ml) and was also followed by the total VFA (115.75 mM) compared to the control (22.59 mg/100 ml and 103.00 mM, respectively). Supplementation of 1% probiotics (combination of L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae) containing 1 × 1010 CFU/ml in fermented rice straw-based rations increases nutrient digestibility, that is, IVDMD, IVOMD, IVCPD, IVADFD, IVNDFD, and IVCLD, and also increases rumen fermentation, which is the concentration of NH3 and total VFA.

Effect of Oregano Oil and Cobalt Lactate on Sheep In Vitro Digestibility, Fermentation Characteristics and Rumen Microbial Community.

Simple SummaryIn the context of a shortage of feed resources and a complete ban on veterinary antibiotics, searching for green additives that can improve the production performance of ruminants has become a popular research topic. Oregano essential oil (EO) inhibits rumen gas production (GP) and regulates animal digestive metabolism, and cobalt lactate (Co) can improve feed digestibility. However, previous studies on EO of oregano and Co showed different results. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of different EOC addition levels on rumen in vitro fermentation and rumen bacterial community composition, and the experimental data obtained showed that all five EOC (0.1425% cobalt lactate + 1.13% oregano essential oil + 98.7275% carrier) addition levels in this experiment had no significant effect on nutrient digestibility. However, the addition of 1500 mg·L−1 EOC significantly improved rumen fermentation parameters and altered the microbiota composition. All presented data provide a theoretical basis for the application of oregano essential oil and cobalt in ruminant nutrition.The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of different EOC (0.1425% cobalt lactate + 1.13% oregano essential oil + 98.7275% carrier) levels on in vitro rumen fermentation and microbial changes. Six EOC levels (treatments: 0 mg·L−1, CON; 50 mg·L−1, EOC1; 100 mg·L−1, EOC2; 400 mg·L−1, EOC3; 800 mg·L−1, EOC4 and 1500 mg·L−1, EOC5) were selected to be used to in vitro incubation. The in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), in vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration, total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration and microbial protein (MCP) concentration were measured after 48 h incubation, after which the groups with significant nutrient digestibility and fermentation parameters were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that the total gas production (GP) of the EOC5 group was higher than that of the other groups after 12 h of in vitro incubation. TVFA, NH3-N and MCP concentrations were also shown to be higher in group EOC5 than those in other groups (p < 0.05), while NH3-N and MCP concentrations in the EOC2 group were lower than those in other groups significantly (p < 0.05). The molar ratio of acetic acid decreased while the molar ratio of propionic acid increased after the addition of EOC. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the rumen microbiota was altered in response to adding EOC, especially for the EOC5 treatment, with firmicutes shown to be the most abundant (43.1%). The relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was significantly lower, while the relative abundance of uncultured_bacterium_f_Muribaculaceae and Succiniclasticum was significantly higher in the EOC5 group than those in other groups (p < 0.05). Comprehensive analysis showed that EOC (1500 mg·L−1) could significantly increase gas production, alter sheep rumen fermentation parameters and microbiota composition.

In vitro digestibility and gas production on complete feed supplemented with Withania somnifera and Leptadenia reticulata herbs in goats

An attempt was made to evaluate the inclusion of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% levels of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Jiwanti (Leptadenia reticulata) herbs as feed additive on feed efficiency of wheat straw-based complete feed in goats. Three adult male Marwari bucks (18 to 24 months) were selected for collection of rumen liquor for in vitro studies. Significantly higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (60.20, 57.53 and 62.04%), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) (62.40, 59.33 and 64.49%), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) (32.28, 32.49 and 35.33%) and in vitro total gas production (29.70, 27.20 and 32.0 ml/24h) were recorded at 3% level of inclusion of W. somnifera and L. reticulata and in 1:1 combination of herbs in complete feed at 48 h of incubation, respectively. It was concluded that W. somnifera and L. reticulata herbs at 3% level improved the nutrient utilization of complete feed in goats.

Preservation Method of Rumen Fluid Collected From Harvested Cattle Alters in vitro Digestibility of Reference Feedstuffs

The objective of our experiment was to evaluate preservation and revitalization strategies for rumen inoculum anticipating research and veterinary applications. Rumen fluid samples were collected from 12 harvested cattle. Liquid samples were divided into five 500-mL aliquots which were randomly allocated to one of five treatments in a 2 × 2 + 1 augmented factorial design. Factors included preservation method [freezing (FZN) or lyophilization (LYO)] and preservative (glycerol; + or –). A fresh control (CON) was maintained from each sample. Feedstuffs used in this experiment were alfalfa hay, Coastal bermudagrass hay, cracked maize, rice bran, and soybean meal. Reference feedstuffs were subjected to batch culture in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) assays using inoculum from each of the five treatments. There was an effect (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of preservation method, preservative, and their interaction for both IVTD and IVNDFD of each of the five references feedstuffs. Freezing or lyophilization of rumen inoculum reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) IVTD and IVNDFD of reference feeds relative to the CON. Despite lower degradation of feeds when frozen or lyophilized rumen fluid was used rather than fresh, differences between them in IVTD and IVNDFD suggest that, in the absence of fresh inoculum, preserved rumen fluid may be a viable option for veterinary applications, such as transfaunation, but likely will not be viable for research applications.

Nutritive Value Variation of Paunch Manure as an Alternative Feed Ingredient.

Simple SummarySustainable livestock production is a benchmark for advancements in animal nutrition. Recovery of nutrients from products currently disposed of provides a potential solution to this mandate. Paunch manure is a potential novel feed ingredient comprised of digested feedstuffs at different stages of degradation, saliva, microorganisms, and products of fermentation. Thus, our objective was to determine the variability in nutritive values of dried paunch manure collected from harvested cattle. Animal-to-animal variation accounted for 30% to 75% of the variance in all measures of nutritive value. We believe that dried paunch manure may be a viable feed ingredient for inclusion in livestock rations, but a centralized composting system may be necessary to increase consistency.Ruminants, which have multi-compartmented stomachs, are adapted to digest cellulosic materials, which constitute the primary expense on ranches and dairies. Industrial byproducts can be repurposed for livestock diets to decrease these costs. Therefore, finding alternative feedstuffs may benefit the economics of livestock production. The goal of this project was to evaluate the variation in nutritive value of ruminal waste as a potential feedstuff. Twelve paunch samples were collected from individual cattle across multiple harvest dates at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried and assayed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), sequential neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and physically-effective fiber (peNDF). Samples were subjected to batch-culture in vitro digestibility assays for the determination of digestibility coefficients. Mean NDF, ADF, ADL, CP and peNDF concentrations were 681, 399, 109, 150, and 387 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variance from sample for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF were 75.3, 41.9, 33.0, 51.2, and 71.3%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) were recorded as 462 and 216 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variation of sample for IVTD and IVNDFD were 31.0 and 30.7%, respectively. Results indicate that rumen waste harvested from abattoirs may be useful for sustainable livestock production, while reducing environmental threats posed by disposal, but the viability of the product is highly dependent on the source animal. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for developing a consistent product.

Effect of drought stress on in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility of corn for silage

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of drought stress on neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lignin (LIG) concentrations and on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) of leaf blades and stem internodes of corn for silage. Eight plots were blocked (i.e., 4 blocks) and randomly subjected to a watered (W) or non-watered (NW) treatment. Within each block, plots were split into 7 sub-plots, to which 1 of 7 corn hybrids were randomly assigned. Before planting, all plots were irrigated with 150 mm of water to ensure a consistent emergence of corn seedlings. After this pre-planting irrigation, NW plots were not irrigated ever again. After planting, W plots were irrigated with 225 and 360 mm of water pre-tasseling and post-tasseling, respectively. Stem internodes and leaf blades from the second phytomer below (LOWER) and the second phytomer above (UPPER) the ear insertion were collected to determine tissue composition and digestibility. Drought stress increased the concentration of NDF in both leaf blades (628 vs. 613 mg NDF/g DM) and stem internodes (625 vs. 572 mg NDF/g DM). Drought stress decreased IVDMD in stem internodes (0.575 vs. 0.525 IVDMD) but had no effect on IVDMD of leaf blades (0.561 IVDMD). Similarly, drought stress decreased IVNDFD in stem internodes (0.422 vs. 0.391 IVNDFD) but had no effect on IVNDFD of leaf blades (0.536 IVNDFD). Drought stress increased the concentration of lignin in the cell wall of leaf blades (161 vs. 141 mg/g CW) but had no effect on stem internodes (266 mg/g CW). Under the conditions of this study, water supply had a minimal effect on lignin concentration in the cell wall and did not increase the in vitro digestibility of fiber in corn for silage. The latter observation is contrary to the general industry belief that water stress increases fiber digestibility in forages.

Rumen fermentation, methane production, and microbial composition following in vitro evaluation of red ginseng byproduct as a protein source.

The main objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate red ginseng byproduct (RGP) as a protein resource and its effects on rumen fermentation characteristics, microflora, CO2, and CH4 production in ruminants. Four treatments for in vitro fermentation using buffered rumen fluid over a 48 h incubation period were used: 1, RGP; 2, corn gluten feed (CGF); 3, wheat gluten (WG); and 4, corn germ meal. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), in vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD), volatile fatty acids, pH, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were estimated after 48 h incubation. Gas production was investigated after 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. The CO2 and CH4 were evaluated after 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. A significant difference in total gas production and CO2 emissions was observed (p < 0.01) at all incubation times. CH4 production in RGP were higher (p < 0.05) than that in other treatments but a higher CH4 portion in the total gas production was observed in WG (p < 0.05) at 48 h incubation. The IVDMD, IVNDFD, and IVCPD of RGP was lower than those of other conventional ingredients (p < 0.01). The RGP had the lowest NH3-N value among the treatments (p < 0.01). The RGP also had the lowest total VFA concentration (p < 0.01), but presented the highest acetate proportion and acetate to propionate ratio among the treatments (both, p < 0.01). The abundance of Prevotella ruminicola was higher in RGP than in WG (p < 0.01), whereas RGP has lower methanogenic archaea (p < 0.01). In conclusion, based on the nutritive value, IVDMD, low NH3-N, and decreased methanogenic archaea, RGP inclusion as a protein source in ruminant diets can be an option in replacing conventional feed sources.

Effects of planting population, genotype, and nitrogen fertilization on dry matter yield, nutrient composition, in vitro ruminal neutral detergent fiber disappearance, and nitrogen and phosphorus removal of corn for silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of corn planting population with different fertilization rates on forage dry matter (DM) yield, silage quality and digestibility, and nutrient removal from the soil in a commercial dairy farm. The study was performed in 2 fields during the springs of 2017 and 2018 at a 425-cow commercial dairy farm located in Crockett, Virginia (USA). Conventional (CONV) and brown midrib (BMR) corn genotypes were planted at a theoretical planting population of 60,000, 75,000, and 90,000 seeds/ha (60 K, 75 K, and 90 K, respectively). Four plots were planted for each planting population and genotype in each field during each year. In addition to pre-planting (200 kg N/ha) and planting (55 kg N/ha) fertilization, plots were fertilized with 50 or 100 kg N/ha when the crop showed 6 visible leaves (V6). Resulting populations were 63,200, 72,600, and 86,300 plants/ha for 60 K, 75 K, and 90 K, respectively. Planting corn at 90 K resulted in the greatest DM yield (21.4 Mg/ha), whereas DM yield was similar for 75 K and 60 K (20.3 Mg/ha). An interaction between planting population and year existed for DM yield. Doubling the dosage of N fertilizer at V6 increased biomass yield only by 3.1 %. Even though the number of kernels per plant increased with double N fertilization, an interaction did not exist between corn planting population and N fertilization. The CONV corn yielded 19.2 % more than the BMR corn (22.5 vs. 18.9 Mg/ha, respectively). Planting population affected the concentrations of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and phosphorus (P), although the magnitudes of these changes have minor nutritional or productive implications. Also, planting population did not affect the concentrations of ash, starch, and sugars. Planting corn at 60 K resulted in the greatest concentration of P (2,661 mg P/kg DM), whereas the concentration of P was similar for 75 K and 90 K (2,566 and 2,552 mg P/kg, respectively). Neither corn planting population or N fertilization affected in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) or in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD). In conclusion, increasing corn planting population and N fertilization had minimal or no effects on corn silage composition and digestibility. Future studies should directly evaluate the interaction between corn planting population and crop maturity on DM yield and on nutrient composition and digestibility of corn for silage.

In vitro gas production including methane from bermudagrasses supplemented with dried distillers grains with solubles

The objective of this study was to document the simulated effect of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) supplementation of Coastal bermudagrass (COS; Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) and Tifton 85 bermudagrass (TIF; C. dactylon [L.] Pers. × Cynodon nlemfuënsis Vanderyst) forage on in vitro gas production, in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), and methane production. Forage and DDGS were combined to represent 3 levels of supplemental DDGS (0, 0.25, or 1% BW), which resulted in ratios of forage:DDGS of 100:0, 87.5:12.5, and 50:50. Samples were incubated using the in vitro gas production technique, and headspace was sampled for quantification of methane concentration. The residue was rinsed in neutral detergent solution for determination of IVTD and IVNDFD. Discrete lag times of both the exponential and logistic equations decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with an increasing proportion of DDGS across TIF and COS. The IVTD of TIF (78% DM) was greater (P < 0.01) than for COS (71% DM), as was IVNDFD (66 vs. 54% NDF). Similarly, IVTD increased (P < 0.01) by 5% with 87.5:12.5 and by 19% with 50:50 across both COS and TIF. Methane production (g/kg of digestible DM and g/kg of digestible OM) decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.02) with an increasing proportion of DDGS for both COS and TIF. Results indicated that DDGS might be supplemented to cattle for increased diet digestibility with an additional potential benefit of reduced methane production. Efficacy of DDGS was dependent on forage nutritive value.

Effects of Microbial and Organic Additives on Fermentation Quality and Aerobic Stability of Barley Silage

The goal of this study was to evaluate effects of various microbial and organic additives on chemical compositions, fermentation indices, and aerobic stability of barley silage. Youngyang barley harvested at 31.5% dry matter (DM), and ensiled into 20 L bucket silo for 0, 1, 3, 7, 48, and 100 d in quadruplicates with four additives following: sterile destilled water at 1% of fresh forage (CON); Lactobacillus plantarum at 1.2 x 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (CL); Lactobacillus buchneri at rate of 1.2 x 105 cfu/g fresh forage (LB); Fermented Persimmon Extract at 1% of fresh forage (FPE); and Essential Oil at 1% of fresh forage (EO). On 100 d of ensiling, CL and FPE silages had lower (p<0.05) DM than CON silage. Additionally, FPE silage had higher (p<0.05) crude protein than CON silage. All silages with additives, except EO, had higher (p<0.05) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than CON silage. Silage treated with CL, LB, and FPE had lower in vitro DM digestibility than CON silage, and silages treated with LB and FPE had higher in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) on 100 d of ensiling. The PFE silage produced the highest (p<0.05) lactate during ensiling period, while LB silage produced the highest (p<0.05) acetate. All inoculated silages had higher (p<0.05) LAB count than control silage. Only CL silage had higher (p<0.05) yeast count than control silage, while the other silages were not differ compared to CON silage. The aerobic stability was higher (p<0.05) in LB and FPE silages than in CON silage. In conclusion, FPE could be an alternative additive to increase IVNDFD, fermentation indices, and aerobic stability of barley silage.

PSIX-27 Moo-vie Snacks: Storage stability and nutritive value of waste popcorn as a feedstock

Abstract The use of by- or co-products in livestock production is not a novel concept. However, as adoption of a novel feed ingredient increases, the cost efficiency of its use generally decreases. Therefore, discovery of novel feed ingredients is a worthwhile academic pursuit. Our objective was to determine the storage stability of popcorn (Zea mays L.) in terms of gain or loss in nutritive value. Popcorn was collected on consecutive weekdays in two wk from a local cinema. Samples (n = 10) were subdivided into 9 aliquots and subjected to storage, uncovered, for 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 35, 70, 105, and 140 d. Following the assigned storage time, samples were dried at 55°C to determine weight loss. Samples were dried at 55°C, ground to pass through a 2-mm screen, and subjected to a batch-culture in vitro assay for digestibility estimates [in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD)]. Subsamples were ground to 1 mm assayed for neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. There was a linear increase (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in weight following open storage which was attributed to absorption of ambient moisture. There was a linear decrease (P = 0.03) in NDF, with values decreasing from 20.2% at d 0 to 16.6% at d 140. However, there was no effect of storage on ADF (P = 0.29), IVTD (P = 0.38), or IVNDFD (P = 0.37). Results are interpreted to mean that waste popcorn is relatively shelf stable and may be a viable candidate as a feedstock for diet formulation.