In Vitro Organic Matter Digestibility Research Articles

Forage accumulation, nutritive value, and grazing efficiency on rotationally stocked ‘Zuri’ guineagrass pastures as affected by pre‐graze canopy height and N rate

AbstractGrazing management and nitrogen fertilisation may affect forage accumulation (FA), nutritive value, and grazing efficiency (GE) of the highly productive ‘Zuri’ guineagrass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs syn. Panicum maximum Jacq.]. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of pre‐graze canopy heights [55 and 75 cm (H55 and H75, respectively)] and N fertilisation rates [150 and 300 kg N ha−1 year−1 (N150 and N300, respectively)] on FA, GE, grazing losses (GL), and nutritive value of Zuri under rotational stocking. The stubble height was 50% of the pre‐graze canopy height. The total FA was 20% greater under H75 than H55 (22,120 vs. 18,370 kg DM ha−1 year−1), as well as the GL was greater under H75 (85%) than under H55 (79%). Regardless of pre‐graze height, the upper stratum of the canopy was composed mostly of leaves contributing to similar crude protein (CP) (142 g kg−1) and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) (559 g kg−1) concentrations. Greater N rate (N300) increased FA (23,500 vs. 16,980 kg DM ha−1 year−1) and resulted in greater GE (84% vs. 80%) compared to N150. The CP and IVDOM concentrations under N300 (157 and 571 g kg−1, respectively) were greater than under N150 (128 and 547 g kg−1). Zuri guineagrass grazed at H75 has great FA and GE, maintaining a similar forage nutritive value compared to H55.

Production of Sweet and High Biomass Sorghum Lines with Optimized Cell Wall Components for Increased Biofuel Bioconversion Yield

The current research focuses on the estimation of fibre content in sweet and high biomass sorghum lines for Production of sweet and high biomass sorghum lines with optimized cell wall components for increased biofuel bioconversion yield, through partially replicated experimental design for F3   populations based on BLUPs values; this study was carried out for four seasons (from postrainy 2020 to rainy 2022) to develop F3 populations of sweet and high-biomass bmr sorghum lines. The proximate fibre component analysis was done in the matured F3 populations by drying the plant samples and grinding them into a fine powder. Fibre quality components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), metabolizable energy (ME), nitrogen, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and ash, were assessed using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS). ICSV18003 had the lowest acid detergent fibre (ADF) percentage at 37.04%, while it also had the highest acid detergent lignin (ADL) percentage at 3.84%. The ash percentage was 3.73% in SSV84 × N609. Moreover, the bmr transferred lines of the F3 population exhibited higher levels of cellulose and hemicellulose, while lignin and ash content were decreased. This indicates that the bmr6 and bmr12 alleles can be confidently utilized in sorghum breeding for bioenergy production, as they meet the requirements for bioethanol production.

Nutritive value and forage accumulation of a black oat germplasm in the northeastern United States

AbstractBlack oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) might be an attractive forage species in the northeastern United States, since it is generally more heat tolerant and disease resistant than other cool‐season grasses. Black oat is currently recommended for fall and winter production in USDA Plant Hardiness ones 8b–10a, which is beyond the northeastern United States (Zones 2a–6a). The objective was to evaluate 10 black oat breeding lines (referred to as “UF1” through “UF10”) for forage accumulation, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) concentrations. The experiment was carried out in April–July 2022 in Pennsylvania Furnace, PA. Triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack cv. TriCal 342) and Legend 567 oat (Avena sativa L.) were included as controls, as well as Haden oat and Gunner triticale, as regionally recommended cultivars. The forage accumulation within the black oat germplasm ranged from 364 to 864 lb dry matter (DM) acre−1, observed in UF7 and UF9, respectively, during the first harvest. During the second harvest, forage accumulation within black oat ranged from 1048 to 1408 lb DM acre−1, from UF8 and UF1, respectively. Crude protein concentrations ranged from 16% to 23% across all black oats, with no differences found within the germplasm. The IVDOM concentrations averaged 78% across all treatments during the first harvest and decreased to 66% during the second harvest. Overall, this study showed that black oat merits further evaluation as forage species in the northeastern United States, but further studies are required to address management of the species.

Herbage accumulation, nutritive value, and fatty acid profile of bermudagrass cultivars grown in different latitudes

AbstractThe geographical distribution of bermudagrass cultivars is limited by freezing events (<0°C), commonly associated with higher latitudes in the northern hemisphere. The lipid composition in the plant cell membranes is critical to promote persistence under freezing conditions. This study evaluated herbage accumulation (HA), nutritive value, and lipid biosynthesis of different bermudagrass cultivars in Ona, FL (27°26' N 82°55' W) and Marianna, FL (30o52' N 85o11' W), in 2 years. Treatments were five bermudagrass cultivars (Coastal, Tifton 44, Tifton 85, Jiggs, and Mislevy) distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. HA was greater in Marianna than in Ona for all cultivars (p < 0.05). Mislevy and Jiggs had greater HA in Marianna than the others (p < 0.05), while all cultivars were similar in Ona (p > 0.05). There was no difference between locations or among the cultivars for crude protein and neutral detergent fibre, but bermudagrass cultivars had greater in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) in Marianna than in Ona (p < 0.05). The concentration of unsaturated fatty acids increased in the northern latitude (Marianna; p < 0.05). Coastal had greater unsaturated fatty acid concentration than other cultivars (p < 0.05). Geographical location affects HA, IVDOM, and unsaturated fatty acid concentration of bermudagrass cultivars. The unsaturated fatty acid concentration plays a key role in acclimating bermudagrass to different thermal environments. Coastal showed great potential to tolerate chilling stress in Florida. Further studies may be developed to identify promising molecular markers for cold tolerance in bermudagrass.

Ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane emissions with the addition of Cassia spp. extract to a total mixed ration based on corn stover

This study evaluated the effects of the addition of four different Cassia species extracts to a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of corn stover on the characteristics and methane emissions in vitro. The design used was a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with the source of inoculum derived from rumen fluid taken from three sheep serving as groups in the treatment. The concentrations of Cassia siamea, C. fistula, C. surattensis, and C. spectabilis extracts added to the TMR based on corn stover were 2 mg/mL. Every treatment was repeated three times. The variables observed were in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD); microbial protein synthesis (MPS); volatile fatty acid (VFA) content; acetate, propionate, and butyrate levels; gas production; methane; and populations of methanogen bacteria and protozoa. The study showed that the addition of Cassia spp. extract to TMR at a dose of 2 mg/mL increased (P <0.05) the IVDMD, IVOMD, N-NH3, and total bacterial population but decreased the total and partial VFA, methanogenic bacteria, and the number of protozoa. The addition of C. surattensis extract reduced methane emissions by 13.11% compared with those of the controls based on the percentage of total gas or 14.9% based on mL/g DOM (P <0.05). In conclusion, Cassia spp. extract is a potential agent for reducing methanogenesis in the rumen.

The addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen to increase fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population in ruminants

Abstract. Agustina S, Wiryawan KG, Suharti S, Meryandini A. 2024. The addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen to increase fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population in ruminants. Biodiversitas 25: 107-115. Rumen microbes have an important role in the rumen. Anaerobic fungi are microbes needed in the forage digestion process in the rumen. The addition of microbes, particularly anaerobic fungi is essential to increase the digestibility of forage within rumen. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen to increase fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population in sheep rumen. The in vitro tests were carried out using the Tilley and Terry method, using elephant grass and rice straw as tested forage. Piromyces sp. (F1, and F3), Caecomyces sp. (F2, and F5), and Neocallimastix frontalis (F4) isolates from buffalo rumen were used as tested anaerobic fungi. The result showed that the addition of anaerobic fungi isolates from buffalo rumen significantly affected fiber digestibility (Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), cellulose and hemicellulose) except lignin digestibility. The addition of N. frontalis had higher fiber digestibility which is 49.02% NDF digestibility, 42.11% ADF digestibility, 44.28% hemicellulose digestibility, and 38.60% cellulose digestibility. Furthermore, N. frontalis also significantly increased In vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), In vitro Organic Matter Digestibility (IVOMD), ammonium (NH3) production, total Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) production, and microbial population compared to Piromyces sp., and Caecomyces sp. In conclusion, anaerobic fungus type N. frontalis showed promising potential to be used as a ruminant probiotic due to its superior effect on fiber digestibility, fermentation, and microbial population compared to Caecomyces sp. and Piromyces sp.

Estimation of ruminal digestibility and fermentation characteristics of coffee pulp: A meta-analysis of in vitro experiments

Integrating various studies with statistical methods can be used by applying a meta-analysis method. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of coffee pulp as ruminant feed on in vitro digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics. The database was developed from six related articles containing 25 studies, collected from Scopus and Google Scholar. The parameters integrated were in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), pH value, total volatile fatty acids (VFA), NH3 and total protozoa. The data were analyzed using a mixed model methodology. The level of coffee pulp was considered as a fixed factor and the different studies as a random effect. The results revealed that coffee pulp addition had a significant quadratic effect to enhance IVDMD (P<0.01) and a significant linear effect to decrease total VFA (P<0.05). However, coffee pulp addition did not significantly affect (P>0.05) on IVOMD, pH, NH3 and total protozoa. In conclusion, coffee pulp can be used as an alternative feedstuff due to its good digestibility in the rumen. Nevertheless, it should be applied in the right amount to avoid negative effects on animal performance.

Evaluation of direct-fed microbials on in vitro ruminal fermentation, gas production kinetic, and greenhouse gas emissions in different ruminants’ diet

IntroductionThree in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (DFM1) and increasing levels of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (DFM2) on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters in three different dietary scenarios.MethodsFor Exp. 1, the basal diet consisted of 25:75 roughage:concentrate ratio (R:C) and was composed by 5 treatments: control (no additive), 2 levels of DFM1 (1X = 1.9 mg and 5X = 9.0 mg), and 2 levels of DFM2 (1X = 3.8 mg and 5X = 19 mg). The Exp. 2 consisted of a 41:59 R:C diet and was composed by 5 treatments: control (no additive) and 2 levels of DFM1 (1X = 3.8 mg and 5 X = 19 mg) and 2 levels of DFM2 (1X = 5.6 mg and 5X = 28 mg). The Exp. 3 consisted of a 100:0 R:C diet [Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa brizantha)] and was composed by the same treatments described in Exp. 1. The DFM1 contained 3.5 × 109 CFU per g of Enterococccus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas the DFM2 contained Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis at 3.2 × 109 CFU per g. In each Exp., an in vitro gas production (GP) system with 43-bottles (AnkomRF) was used in four consecutive 48 or 72-h fermentation batches to evaluate total GP (TGP), kinetics and fermentation profiles, methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2).ResultsFor Exp 1, DFM1 increased quadratically TGP at 24 and 48-h, which reflected in a greater in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). The concentrations of ammonia-N, CH4, and CO2 (mmol/g of IVOMD) reduced quadratically as DFM1 increased. For Exp. 2, DFM1 inclusion reduced butyrate concentration and acetate to propionate ratio. Regarding GHG emissions, DFM1 and DFM2 quadratically reduced CH4 and CO2 emission per IVOMD (mmol/g of IVOMD). For Exp. 3, DFM1 increased quadratically TGP at 48h with no impact on IVOMD. Otherwise, DFM2 increased linearly TGP at 24 and 48h which reflected in a greater IVOMD. The inclusion of DFM1 increased linearly iso-valerate and branched-chain volatile fatty acids (BCVFA) concentration and DFM2 addition increased BCVFA quadratically.DiscussionOverall, addition of DFM1 [Enterococccus faecium (5 × 109 CFU per g) + Saccharomyces cerevisiae (5 × 109 CFU per g)] or DFM2 [Bacillus licheniformis + Bacillus subtilis (3.2 × 109 CFU per g)] might enhance the fermentation process in the rumen and decrease greenhouse gas emissions in a dose-dependent manner, though the results are contingent on the specific type of diet.

Detoxification and enhancement of in vitro rumen digestibility of exhausted olive pomace wastes through alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment

Abstract Background Due to the sharp rise in animal feed costs, funding alternatives to substitute high-cost raw materials used in animal feed is a persistent need. This study investigated the effect of alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreatment as straightforward non-toxic technology to enhance the in vitro rumen digestibility of exhausted olive pomace (EOP), an abundant agricultural waste, to be suitable as animal feedstock. It examined the efficiency to eliminate the toxic phenolic content and minimize lipid oxidation of EOP. Results The pretreatment was first optimized using a central composite experimental design. Under the optimized conditions (1.6% H2O2, 5% NaOH), the measured phenolic content was 1.51 ± 0.03 mg/100 g dry weight (DW) for treated olive pomace (TOP) versus 4.91 ± 0.06 mg/100 g for the untreated one. The pretreatment showed that approximately 25% of the lignin was removed. Crude proteins, neutral detergent fibers, and acid detergent fibers yields of TOP were, respectively, 3.320 ± 0.05, 75.24 ± 0.23, and 54.05 ± 0.35 g/100 g of DW, significantly more important than those of untreated EOP. The enzymatic hydrolysis with a cellulase-based cocktail (Celluclast15 FPU/gDW), recorded a 48% of reducing sugar yield for TOP against 33% for EOP. When the in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was assayed, the potential gas production of TOP (41.371 ml/g DM) was significantly higher than EOP (25.771 ml/g DM). The metabolizable energy of TOP (9.28 kcal/kg DM) was higher than that of EOP (7.78 kcal/kg DM). Conclusions The present study revealed that alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) could be an efficient treatment for the detoxification and enhancement of in vitro rumen digestibility of olive pomace. This straightforward approach demonstrated that treated olive pomace waste may be well valorized as suitable animal feedstock. Graphical Abstract

Alnus viridis: an encroaching species with valuable nutritional value reducing livestock greenhouse gas emissions

Alnus viridis is a shrub species that has been increasing in many European mountains over the past decades, leading to a loss of agricultural areas and several negative environmental impacts. Recently, targeted livestock management systems have been investigated to reduce its encroachment. This study aims to provide an exhaustive assessment of A. viridis leaf composition and its temporal variation across the grazing season. A. viridis leaves were collected throughout the summers of 2020 and 2021 in four encroached sites across the Swiss and Italian Alps, characterized by different pedo-climatic conditions. Based on the data collected by meteorological stations, the growing degree days (GDD) were calculated for each site and year. The leaf functional traits (i.e., Leaf Dry Matter Content – LDMC – and Specific Leaf Area – SLA), chemical composition (macro- and micro-elements and fibre content), phenolic content, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and related gas production (CO2 and CH4) were assessed. The LDMC significantly increased throughout the season, whereas the SLA decreased. All macro- and micro-elements significantly varied during the season, with leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) decreasing. In contrast, leaf fibre contents significantly increased as the season advanced. There was a significant increase in condensed tannin content during the summer season. Finally, adding A. viridis leaves (20% of diet on a dry matter basis) to cattle diets significantly reduced IVOMD, methane produced per digested organic matter (CH4/dOM) and CO2/dOM, compared to a 100% hay diet. Moreover, CH4/dOM and CH4/CO2 ratio increased during the summer season. These results highlight the potential of A. viridis leaves as a valuable forage resource, especially at the beginning of the summer. Such information could be used to optimize grazing of robust livestock in A. viridis-encroached alpine pastures in order to reduce its invasion and minimize greenhouse gases production at the same time.

Impact of Supplementing a Backgrounding Diet with Nonprotein Nitrogen on In Vitro Methane Production, Nutrient Digestibility, and Steer Performance.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) supplementation on in vitro fermentation and animal performance using a backgrounding diet. In experiment 1, incubations were conducted on three separate days (replicates). Treatments were control (CTL, without NPN), urea (U), urea-biuret (UB), and urea-biuret-nitrate (UBN) mixtures. Except for control, treatments were isonitrogenous using 1% U inclusion as a reference. Ruminal fluid was collected from two Angus-crossbred steers fed a backgrounding diet plus 100g of a UBN mixture for at least 35 d. The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and total gas and methane (CH4) production were determined at 24h of incubation. In experiment 2, 72 Angus-crossbred yearling steers (303 ± 29kg of body weight [BW]) were stratified by BW and randomly allocated in nine pens (eight animals/pen and three pens/treatment). Steers consumed a backgrounding diet formulated to match the diet used in the in vitro fermentation experiment. Treatments were U, UB, and UBN and were isonitrogenous using 1% U inclusion as a reference. Steers were adapted to the NPN supplementation for 17 d. Then, digestibility evaluation was performed after 13 d of full NPN supplementation for 4 d using 36 steers (12 steers/treatment). After that, steer performance was evaluated for 56 d (24 steers/treatment). In experiment 1, NPN supplementation increased the concentration of NH3-N and VFA (P < 0.01) without affecting the IVOMD (P = 0.48), total gas (P = 0.51), and CH4 production (P = 0.57). Additionally, in vitro fermentation parameters did not differ (P > 0.05) among NPN sources. In experiment 2, NPN supplementation did not change dry matter and nutrient intake (P > 0.05). However, UB and UBN showed lower (P < 0.05) nutrient digestibility than U, except for starch (P = 0.20). Dry matter intake (P = 0.28), average daily gain (P = 0.88), and gain:feed (P = 0.63) did not differ among steers receiving NPN mixtures. In conclusion, tested NPN mixtures have the potential to be included in the backgrounding diets without any apparent negative effects on animal performance and warrant further studies to evaluate other variables to fully assess the response of feeding these novel NPN mixtures.

Evaluation of perilla seeds (Perilla frutescens) based on nutrient digestibility and pH in vitro tilley and terry

The study was carried out to evaluate the provision of perilla seeds (Perilla frutescens) with the addition of tannins to pH, IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility), and IVOMD (in vitro organic matter digestibility) in the rumen and post rumen. The research used according Completely Randomized Design with four treatments and four replications: T1 = 100% perilla seeds, T2 = 100% perilla seeds + 1% tannin, T3 = 90% basal ration + 10% perilla seeds, T4 = 90% basal ration + 10% perilla seeds + 1% tannin. The method used in vitro two-stage digestibility to the observed of stage I (rumen) and stage II (total). The variables evaluated in this study included IVDMD stage I, IVDMD stage II, IVOMD stage I, IVOMD stage II, and pH. The results showed that giving perilla seeds with the addition of tannin had a pH value obtained in accordance with the pH standard in the rumen (P>0.05); IVDMD stage I and stage II respectively 22.91-35.85% and 36.01-44.15% (P<0.05); IVOMD stage I and stage II were 38.15-48.36% (P<0.05) and 50.04-55.35% (P<0.05), respectively. The conclusion of this research was carried out to give perilla seeds at a level of 10% and 1% tannin in the ration had diverse nutrient digestibility in the rumen and post-rumen. However, it does not affect the pH of the rumen.

The effect of the addition of fermented natural lactic acid bacterial liquid and some lactic acid bacterial inoculants on alfalfa silage quality, in vitro digestibility and gas production

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding fermented natural lactic acid bacteria (PFJ) obtained from different sources and some lactic acid bacteria inoculants to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage on fermentation, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and in vitro gas production. In the study, (i) pure alfalfa plant constituted the control group, whereas (ii) 2% molasses added group (iii) PFJ (3% molasses) prepared from alfalfa + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, (iv) PFJ (3% molasses) prepared from meadow grass + 2% molasses alfalfa. plant, (v) PFJ (3% Molasses) prepared from maize + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, (vi) homofermentative added group + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, (vii) heterofermentative group + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant, added groups formed the trial groups. Homofermentative and heterofermentative LAB inoculants were added to alfalfa plant at the level of 108 cfu/kg. When the DM, CA, ADF, NDF, IVOMD, ME and CH4 values of the prepared silages were examined, the differences between the groups were found to be statistically significant. When the fermentation characteristics (pH, NH3-N, CO2, LA, AA, BA, mold) of the silages prepared by adding PFJ and some LAB inoculants to alfalfa plant, the differences between groups were found to be statistically significant. When examined in terms of all parameters, it was determined that the addition of PFJ (3% molasses) prepared from meadow grass + 2% molasses to alfalfa plant had positive effects on silage quality, fermentation characteristics and in vitro organic matter digestion.

Evaluation of Nutrient and Digestibility of Agricultural Waste Total Mixed Ration Silage as Ruminant Feed

Difficulties in feeding ruminants, which generally use field grass, can be modified by utilizing forage waste from corn, rice and cassava using the total mixed ration (TMR) silage model to obtain feed that is rich in nutrients and long lasting. The study aimed of the study was to determine the nutritional value and digestibility of TMR silage using forage and concentrate waste from corn, rice and cassava. The research design used a completely randomized design with 3 treatments of agricultural waste and 6 replications. The treatment is CWS (corn waste silage); RWS (rice waste silage) and CVWS (cassava waste silage). The parameters tested were crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, NDF, ADF, WSC, RFV, NH3, rumen PH, VFA, In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). The results showed that CVWS (cassava waste silage) increased crude protein, RFV and reduced NDF, while CWS (corn waste silage) reduced crude fiber and ADF, increased NH3 production, VFA and in vitro digestibility

340 Ruminal Protozoa Viability Under Diverse Additives Using Trypan Blue Exclusion Method as an Alternative Counting Methodology

Abstract Beef cattle are a major contributor to methane (CH4) emissions. Enteric CH4 is produced by archaea, mostly hosted by ruminal protozoa, thus, changes in protozoa counts have been associated with CH4 production. Therefore, reliable ruminal protozoa count (PROT) is essential to evaluate CH4-mitigation strategies. Typically, PROT are done by fixation with methyl-green-formalin-saline solution (MFS), which reveals ciliate numbers but not ruminal protozoa viability (VIAB). The Trypan Blue Exclusion Method (TBEM) involves an intracellular probe that dyes the cytoplasm of apoptotic eukaryotic cells with membrane damage, but few studies report its use for PROT. Therefore, our objectives were to establish culture conditions to use the TBEM for PROT and VIAB under different diets (Exp. 1) and feed additives. In Exp. 1 ruminal fluid was collected from 4 Angus-crossbred ruminally cannulated steers receiving a high-grain diet (NOYE) alone or supplemented with 28 g /d of a product of yeast fermentation (YEAST). Filtered and diluted ruminal fluid was incubated (39ºC, 95% CO2) with (SUB) or without (NOSUB) the substrate diet in three types of containers; 125 mL bottles (BOT), Erlenmeyer (ERL), or 16 × 125 mm Hungate tubes (TUB). After 8, 12, 24, and 48 h PROT and VIAB were determined using the TBEM, gas production, and CH4 concentration were measured. Exp. 2 involved in vitro batch culture incubations with a silage-based substrate (CON), plus a 50:50% mix of condensed and hydrolysable tannins (TAN), cashew nutshell extract (CNSE), or citral (CIT) at 0.3, 0.02, and 0.2% of substrate DM, respectively. At 0 and 48 h PROT, VIAB, volatile fatty acids (VFA), CH4, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and gas were determined. In Exp-1, PROT and VIAB were greater in TUB (P = 0.01) at 24 h and in BOT at 48 h (P &amp;lt; 0.01), particularly with SUB (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Supplementation of YEAST reduced VIAB in BOT and TUB compared with ERL (P &amp;lt; 0.01). In Exp. 2, TAN (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and CIT (p 0.05) reduced PROT and VIAB at 24 and 48 h (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Additionally, TAN reduced gas production (P &amp;lt; 0.01), and IVOMD (P &amp;lt; 0.01) coinciding with previous studies reporting protozoa reduction. Protozoa/mL were similar to previous reports with MFS in cows (1.5 × 104) and steers (3.7 × 103). In both experiments, PROT and VIAB reductions by YEAST, TAN and CIT coincided with a reduction of CH4, gas, and IVOMD. Differences in PROT with some studies using MFS might be associated with losses of small Entodinium during initial filtrations. When cultured in BOT with substrate, TBEM is a viable, simple, rapid, and cost-effective methodology to evaluate PROT and VIAB after a nutritional challenge. The ability to assess membrane disruptions associated with protozoa apoptosis in the TBEM is one its greatest advantages.

Effect of ellagic and gallic acid on the mitigation of methane production and ammonia formation in an in vitro model of short-term rumen fermentation

Ruminant production is an important source of animal proteins for human nutrition. However, ruminants contribute to about 30% of anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions worldwide. The reduction of CH4 emissions could represent an important strategy against climate warming. Tannins can play an important role in the mitigation of CH4 emissions from ruminants. However, their mode of action is not yet well known. Thus, the present study aimed to gain a better understanding of the effect of ellagic acid (EA) and gallic acid (GA) on rumen fermentation using a model of short-term in vitro rumen fermentation. The basal diet (hay) was supplemented with EA and GA in five treatments (mg/g dry matter): i) EA 75, ii) EA 150, iii) GA 75, iv) GA 150 and v) EA 75 + GA 75. After a 24 h incubation, pH, ammonia formation, gas production, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and the microbial count were assessed. Total gas production and digestible organic matter (dOM) were decreased after all the treatments, except for GA 75. The treatments EA 150 and EA+GA significantly decreased CH4 production per unit of dietary DM, dOM, CO2 and SCFA. Ammonia production was significantly decreased by EA 150 and EA+GA. EA and GA differently affected the relative abundance of selected bacterial taxa in rumen microbiota. To conclude, EA 150 and EA+GA exerted a significant effect on the reduction of CH4 emissions and ammonia formation, but affecting also the rumen degradability of the diet and the total SCFA production, whereas EA 75 and GA 75 were not effective as EA 150 and EA+GA on CH4 and ammonia, but were less detrimental on feed degradability and SCFA. Further studies are needed to determine whether the beneficial and detrimental effects of tannins on rumen fermentation can be dissociated.

Black oat as an alternative forage species for the US upper Midwest

AbstractBlack oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) is a cool‐season annual grass with Mediterranean origin. In contrast to other cool‐season grasses, black oat is more heat tolerant and disease resistant, making it an attractive option for the US upper Midwest, since it can be utilized during summer, when there is decreased productivity of cool‐season forages due to photorespiration. Black oat is recommended for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8b–10a, far away from the upper Midwest (zones 2a‐5b). The objective was to evaluate 10 black oat breeding lines (referred to as ‘UF1’ through ‘UF10’) for herbage accumulation, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) concentrations. The experiment was carried out on May–July 2021 and 2022 in Stratford, WI. Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack cv. ‘TriCal 342′) and ‘Legend 567′ oat (Avena sativa L.) were included as controls, as well as ‘Ogle’ oat as a regionally recommended cultivar. Herbage accumulation differed by treatment (P = 0.002) and averaged 5900 lb acre−1 among black oat lines, with ‘UF3’ and ‘UF10’ having greater herbage accumulation than oat checks Ogle and Legend 567, and Trical 342 triticale. Crude protein concentration of UF7 and UF3 was 8.5 to 9.5%, respectively. The IVDOM concentrations were above 58% for all black oat. Results indicate certain black oat have the potential to provide forage resources during the early summer in the upper Midwest, but further studies are warranted to evaluate how to best manage this species into cropping or pasture systems in the region.

Nutritional quality of indigenous legume browse in southern Ethiopia: farmers' preference and correlation of local valuation of feed value with scientific indicators.

Developing a technology for fodder trees and shrubs tailored to farmers' preferences is best done with their input, perceptions, and interests in mind. The research aimed to determine farmer preferences for indigenous legumes, fodder trees, and shrubs (ILFTS) and to examine the relationship between feed valuation and scientific parameters. A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 10 farmers in each agroecological zone to determine the benchmarks for the preference ratings. The respondent farmers used the preference score sheet to rate all ILFTS on an individual basis. Twenty farmers with extensive experience in ILFTS took part in the preference score rating of each plant species in each agroecosystems. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), metabolizable energy (ME) and condensed tannin (CT) content of the samples were determined. The standard two-stage in vitro Tilley and Terry method was used to measure the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of samples. Digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD) and ME values were estimated using standard models. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the variation among the species in agroecosystems. Tukey HSD tests were used for mean separation. Farmers evaluated the ILFTS using a variety of parameters, according to the study (feed value, growth rate, biomass output, compatibility, and multifunctionality). The farmers' ILFTS preference score on the evaluation criteria differed considerably (p<0.05) with species in agroecosystems. The CP, ash, and ME values of ILFTS in the study were moderate to high although exhibited a wide variation among the species in agroecosystems. The CP content was above the minimum requirement (8%) to support the normal function of rumen microorganisms. Moreover, CP content exhibited a positive significant correlation with IVDMD, IVOMD, and DOMD, unlike CT and ADL which exhibited a negative significant correlation. Conversely, the DM, OM, CP, IVDMD, IVOMD, DOMD, and ME were shown a positive significant correlation with farmers' feed value preference score, unlike the ADL and CT which exhibited a negative significant correlation. Farmers' indigenous knowledge of feed value is therefore relevant for judging the nutritive value of the ILFTS and could complement the scientific indicators.

Effects of brewer's spent yeast inclusion level and ensiling duration on fermentative, fungal load dynamics, and nutritional characteristics of brewer's spent yeast-based silage

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of brewer's spent yeast (BSY) inclusion level and ensiling duration (ED) on fermentative, fungal load dynamics, and nutritional characteristics of brewer's spent-yeast based silage. Materials and methodsTo prepare the silages materials, 4 BSY inclusion levels (0, 10, 20, and 30%) to replace BSG and 3 ED (2,4 and 6 weeks) were arranged in 4 × 3 factorial combination using a completely randomized design (CRD) in 5 replications. The ratio of brewery spent grain (BSG) to wheat bran (WB) used majorly as protein and energy sources, respectively was 30:69 with a 1% salt addition. Parameters measured include observation for surface spoilage, yeast and mold colony count, silage temperature, pH, total dry matter loss (TDML), major proximate, detergent fractions and permanganate lignin, in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and estimated metabolizable energy (EME) values. ResultsThe study revealed that at any BSY inclusion level and ED, extensive mold growths and discolorations were not observed. However, slightly higher values of 6.5, 5.7, and 12.2 colonies forming unit (CFU)/g DM yeast, mold, and total fungal counts (TFC), respectively were recorded only at the 6 weeks of the fermentation period with 30% BSY inclusion level. Brewer's spent yeast inclusion level and ED had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on silage temperature (mean = 18.05 °C) and pH (mean = 4.16). Among proximate and detergent values, crude protein (mean CP g/kg DM = 204.5), neutral detergent fiber (mean NDF g/kg DM = 552.9), and acid detergent fiber (mean ADF g/kg DM = 115.9) responded significantly (P < 0.05) to both BSY inclusion levels and ED. ConclusionAmong nutritional quality, CP, IVOMD, and EME of silage samples were subjected to substantial improvements when silage masses were prepared from 20% BSY inclusion levels and when the same silage materials were allowed to ferment for four weeks. In addition, the lab-based experiment should be supported with additional silage quality parameters like volatile fatty acid content of the silage materials and supplementation of ruminant livestock under both on-station and on-farm conditions using either a pilot and/or target animals.

Nutritive and Chemical Composition and In Vitro Digestibility of Cladodes of the Opuntia Species

Sixteen cultivars (three resistant species and thirteen susceptible cultivars to cochineal insects) were included in the experiment to evaluate their nutritional and chemical compositions and to determine the in vitro digestibility of cladodes of the Opuntia species. Cultivars showed highly significant (p &lt; 0.001) differences in their chemical composition. The cultivars’ content of ash, crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and Cell (cellulose) varied, with ranges of 8.18–22.75%, 3.19–10.40%, 86.40–91.88%, 77.45–91.82%, 68.25–87.3%, 55.81–78.95%, 14.88–26.15%, 29.66–67.05% and 10.99–19.92%, respectively. The ash content showed a significant highly negative correlation with OM (r = −1.00; p &lt; 0.001), IVDMD (r = −0.603; p &lt; 0.001) and DOMD (r = −0.904; p &lt; 0.001), respectively. The Garao, Aloqa and O. robusta var. X11 cultivars showed the highest similarities, as they are found close to the first branch of the dendrogram. In total, 90% of the variation among the nutritional traits was attributed to the first four PCs, with 55.97% to the first two principal components (PCs). The nutritional composition of the resistant species was greater than or equal to the susceptible ones.