Dry Matter Intake Digestibility Research Articles

Effect of a silvopastoral system with Leucaena diversifolia on enteric methane emissions, animal performance, and meat fatty acid profile of beef steers

AbstractThe aim of this research was to evaluate dietary inclusion of Leucaena diversifolia into a grass monoculture (GM) diet and its influence on enteric methane emissions, animal live weight gain and meat fatty acid content of steers. Two GM diets comprised Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman or U. brizantha cv. Toledo; silvopastoral (SPS) mixed diets included an association of either grass with L. diversifolia in a 74:26 (grass:legume) planting ratio. The experiment was conducted over 16 months with 14 Brahman x Angus crossbred steers (374±7.5 kg body weight), divided into two diet groups. Steers were weighed periodically during the experiment, and methane emissions were quantified with the polytunnel technique. The meat quality and fatty acid profile were measured after slaughtering the steers. Energy density, total and digestible dry matter intake and crude protein were higher in steers fed SPS than GM (P≤0.05). At the end of the experiment, animals from SPS weighed on average 63 kg more than animals offered GM (535 vs. 472 kg; P=0.025). Net methane emitted by steers offered SPS was 142 g per day, this is equivalent to 15% less than emissions from animals that were offered GM (168 g; P=0.007). The meat fatty acid profile was similar between diets, except for cervoniv-DHA and omega-6: omega-3 ratio, which were higher in steers consuming GM diet (P≤0.05). The results of this study suggest that the inclusion of L. diversifolia improves nutrient intake, increases animal productivity, reduces daily enteric methane emission, and decreases the omega-6: omega-3 ratio in meat.

Determining Appropriate Numbers and Times of Daily Measurements Using GreenFeed System to Estimate Ruminal Methane Emission of Meat Goats.

The study was conducted to determine appropriate numbers and times of daily gas measurements to estimate total daily methane (CH4) emission of meat goats using a GreenFeed system (GFS). A replicated 4 (four measurement protocols) × 4 (four periods) Latin square design was employed with 16 Boer wethers in a confinement pen setting. Measurement protocols entailed three (G-3T; 0600-0700, 1400-1500, and 2200-2300 h), four (G-4T; 0700-0800, 1300-1400, 1900-2000, and 0100-0200 h), and six (G-6T; 0800-0900, 1200-1300, 1600-1700, 2000-2100, 0000-0100, and 0400-0500 h) times for daily measurement periods in GFS. The fourth protocol was continuous measurement over 24 h with animals in an open-circuit respiration calorimetry system (CS). Oat hay was given in individual feeders, and a small predetermined quantity of a pelleted concentrate supplement (bait) was dispensed by the GFS or manually offered for the CS. Overall, total dry matter (DM) intake (614, 625, 635, and 577 g/day for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 13.9) and digestible DM intake (359, 368, 374, and 320 CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 15.9) were lower for CS than for G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T (p < 0.05), but these variables were not different among the GFS protocols. There was a significant (p < 0.001) effect of measurement protocol on CH4 emission in g/day (11.1, 25.6, 27.3, and 26.7 for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 1.11), g/kg DM intake (19.3, 46.4, 43.9, and 42.4 for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 2.03), and g/kg body weight (0.49, 1.11, 1.18, and 1.16 for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 0.052), with values being much lower for CS than for G-3T, G-4T and G-6T. Conversely, CH4 emission was similar among the GFS protocols despite differences in the time and number of daily visits (2.03, 2.76, and 3.75 visits for G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 0.114; p < 0.001). Pearson correlation (r) analysis indicated a moderate to high (p < 0.05) correlation between CS and G-3T (r = 0.62 for CH4 in g/day and r = 0.59 for CH4 in g/kg BW), CS and G-4T (r = 0.67 for CH4 in g/day and r = 0.76 for CH4 in g/kg BW), and CS and G-6T (r = 0.70 for CH4 in g/day and r = 0.75 for CH4 in g/kg BW). However, the correlation coefficient for CH4 in g/kg DM intake was low between CS and G-3T (r = 0.11) and CS and G-6T (r = 0.31) but slightly greater between CS and G-4T (r = 0.47). In conclusion, the results suggest that CH4 emissions using GFS in a confinement setting were greater compared with the CS in goats, but CH4-emission estimation using the GFS correlated with the CH4 emission in the CS system with a stronger relationship for the four times of daily measurements.

Intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance in sheep offered alfalfa silage with different proportions of the tannin-rich legume sericea lespedeza

Dietary manipulations to include tannins can change the proportion and amounts of nitrogen (N) excreted in the urine and feces as well as improve nitrogen use efficiency by ruminants. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding different proportions of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate) hay (SL) containing tannins (16.8% total condensed tannins; CT) to alfalfa (Medicago sativa) silage. Alfalfa silage was either offered alone (0 g/kg; CONT) or mixed with chopped SL to provide 90 (LOW), 180 (MED), or 270 g/kg SL (HIGH) or 15, 30, or 45 g CT/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis. These diets were offered randomly for ad libitum consumption to 16 Dorper ewe lambs (42.1 ± 1.15 kg BW; Period 1; 41.7 ± 1.12 kg BW; Period 2) in a randomized complete block design experiment where each treatment was offered to four lambs during each of two periods. The same 16 lambs were used in both periods, resulting in eight total observations/treatment. Each period consisted of a 14-d dietary adaptation period followed by 5 d of total fecal and urine collection. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility as well as digestible DM and OM intake (g/day or g/kg BW) decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing SL in the diet. Ruminal acetate and butyrate molar proportions increased quadratically (P = 0.01), whereas ruminal isobutyrate and isovalerate decreased linearly (P = 0.02) with increasing SL in the diet. Apparent N absorption (g/kg N intake) decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing SL in the diet. Urinary N excretions (g/kg N intake) tended (P = 0.10) to respond quadratically while fecal N (g/kg N intake) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing SL proportion in the diet. In this study, supplementation with sericea lespedeza as a tannin source to alfalfa silage decreased forage digestibility without affecting feed intake, and significantly increased N excreted in feces and tended to decrease urine N excretion without affecting N balance. Therefore, feeding tannins in diet can alter N excretion route from urine to feces but may not improve N-use efficiency by the animal.

PSXIII-21 Effects of Bacterial Direct-Fed Microbial Mixtures on Beef Cattle Feeding Behavior

Abstract The effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on beef cattle feeding behavior were evaluated. Six ruminally cannulated crossbred Angus steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Steers were offered a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum during three, 28 d periods (21-d adaptation and 7-d collection). Treatments assigned were: 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A [L. animalis, P. freudenreichii; B. subtilis; and B. licheniformis, at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50mg)/animal-daily minimum (Chr.Hansen]; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were approximately 30% greater than the minimum expected. The DFM diluted mixtures and carrier (Control) were pre-weighed and stored at -20°C until incorporated into the diet (2 g· animal-1· /day-1) 10 min prior to feeding. For mixing, approximately 1 kg (as is) of the diet being offered was removed from the individual recipient, DFM was mixed by hand, and the mixture was incorporated into the feed allocated for the day. The feeding behavior assessment consisted of a 24 h continuous visual observation (every 5 min) performed by trained personnel. Animals were assessed on d 26 of each period (no other management other than cleaning of the stall), while time spent eating, ruminating, resting, active, and drinking were taken. Time spent chewing was accounted for by adding time spent eating and ruminating. In addition, records allowed the count of the number of meals taken, as well as the time spent on each meal. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with animal considered as the experimental unit, the fixed effects of treatment, and random effect of square, period, and animal (square). F-test protected pre-planned orthogonal contrasts was used to compare Control vs. Treat-A and Control vs. Treat-B. Meal number (16/d) and length (8 min/meal) were not affected by treatments (P ≥ 0.54). Main feeding behavior variables consisting of rumination (198 min/d), eating (117 min/d), chewing (315 min/d), drinking (22 min/d), resting (929 min/d), and active (174 min/d) were not affected (P ≥ 0.24) by treatments. A tendency was observed (P = 0.08) where animals offered the Treat-B spent numerically less time ruminating per unit of digestible DM and OM intake compared with Control (13.5 vs. 15.5, and 13.7 vs 15.6 min/kg, respectively). Other behaviors measured in min/kg of DM, NDF, and ADF intake were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by treatments [rumination (11.5, 60.2, and 181), eating (6.5, 34.4, and 104), chewing (18, 94.6, and 285), and drinking (1.2, 6.6, and 19.8) min/kg, respectively]. The bacterial DFM mixtures offered appear not to directly affect the feeding behavior of beef cattle consuming a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet.

Studi Kecernaan dan Konsumsi Pakan pada Kambing Peranak Etawah Jantan Muda yang diberi Pakan Hijauan Mengandung Tannin Kondensasi

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using various levels of forage sengon leaves (Albizia falcataria) as a source of condensed tannin on dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), digestible dry matter intake (DDMI), digestible organic matter intake (DOMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD). This study used sixteen young male ettawa cross-breed goats aged 8–12 months with an average body weight range of 19±1.8 kg. The study was arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments and four bodyweight groups as replicates. Diet treatments consisted of R0: 60% Brachiaria mutica (BM) + 0% A. falcataria (AF) Leaf + 40% Concentrate (CON), R1: 50% BM + 10% AF Leaf + 40% Concentrate, R2: 40% BM + 20% AF Leaf + 40% CON, and R3: 30% BM + 30% AF Leaf + 40% CON. The results showed that the use of sengon leaves as a source of condensed tannin in diets significantly (P 0.05) reduced DMI, OMI, DDMI, and DOMI but did not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) affect DMD and OMD values. This study concluded that AF leaf as a forage source containing condensed tannin made up as much as 30%, or equivalently, 50%, of the forage in the diet of young male ettawa cross-breed goats without having any effect on diet intake or digestibility.

IMPACT OF CONCENTRATES WITH VARYING LEVEL OF METABOLIZEABLE ENERGY AND CRUDE PROTEIN ON GROWTH RATE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITIY IN MALE BUFFALO GROWING CALVES

Twenty buffalo male calves of Nili Ravi breed with 10-12 months of age and 100+ 10 kg of weight were enrolled in this research to see the effect of different levels of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) on dry matter intake (DMI), growth rate and digestibility of nutrients in male buffalo calves. Four experimental rations A, B, C and D were prepared with two levels of CP i.e. 16.0 and 18.0% along with two varying levels of ME i.e. 2.82 &amp; 2.94 Mcal/kg. The animals were individually fed with ad libitum feeding. Buffalo calves who had consumed B&amp;D diets containing 2.94 Mcal/ had higher feed intake (DM basis) kilogram/day and weight gain but the difference was non significant statistically(P&gt;0.05) among all the treatment groups. However, feed conversion efficiency was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments and was better in calves who had consumed diets A &amp;C comprising 2.82 Mcal/kg).DMI digestibility were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the animals fed on diet having high levels of energy other than low energy level while digestibility of CP was significant (P&lt;0.05) among the different groups however and NDF digestibility was almost same in all groups showing non significant difference (P&lt;0.05).It was concluded that Nili Ravi male buffalo calves require more metabolizable energy than beef cattle as endorsed by NRC (2001).

Intake, Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation, and In Situ Disappearance of Bermudagrass Hay by Lactating Beef Cows Offered Corn or Hominy Feed as Supplements at Two Different Rates.

Hominy feed (HF) has been evaluated in feedlot and dairy rations but has not been evaluated as a supplemental energy source for lactating beef cows. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of level of HF supplementation on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and in situ dry matter (DM) disappearance of bermudagrass hay. Five ruminally cannulated lactating beef cows (body weight (BW) = 596 kg, SE = 13.9) were used in an experiment with a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Treatments were a bermudagrass hay-basal diet with low HF (LH; 0.25% BW), medium HF (MH; 0.50% BW), low ground corn (LC; 0.25% BW), medium ground corn (MC; 0.50% BW) and no supplement (CON). Cows were housed individually, and supplements were offered at 0800 daily. Hay was offered to maintain 10% refusal. Periods were 16-d, with 10 d for adaptation. Ruminal fluid was sampled on d 14 of each period for measurement of pH, volatile fatty acids, and rumen ammonia-N. An in situ degradation experiment for bermudagrass hay was completed for each diet. Hay dry-matter intake (DMI % BW) was not affected (p = 0.14) by supplement, but total DMI (DMI % BW) was greater (p ≤ 0.05) in MH and MC compared to LH and CON. Digestible DMI % BW was greater (p = 0.05) in MH compared to LC, MC was intermediate, and LH and CON were lesser (p ≤ 0.01) than all other diets. Dry-matter fill, passage rate, and retention time did not differ by diet (p ≥ 0.31). A diet × time interaction was observed for ammonia-N (p = 0.0002), and propionate (p = 0.02) time effects were observed for other parameters, but no diet effects. Bermudagrass hay's potentially degradable fraction was greater (p ≤ 0.05) in LH than MH and CON, but effective DM degradability was not different (p = 0.39) among diets. Overall, no diets reduced hay intake or disappearance compared to CON; therefore, no negative associative effects were observed from any of the supplements at the levels offered in this study.

Comparison of sheep and goat preferences for different forms of stoned olive cake.

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate voluntary intake of stoned olive cake (SOC) in sheep and goats. The feeding experiment was carried out with a total of 10 animals consisting of five Karya yearlings and five Saanen goats (28.0 ± 2.0 and 37.0 ± 2.1kg initial body weight (BW), respectively). Three feeds were offered as free-choice: alfalfa hay-maize silage mix (40:60 in dry matter basis), pelleted SOC, and ensiled SOC. Goats had higher (P < 0.001) dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes than sheep, although digestible DM and NDF intakes were similar. Goats consumed more (P < 0.05) pelleted SOC and ensiled SOC than sheep as a percentage of total intake (29.2 and 22.4%, respectively). Both sheep and goats preferred (P < 0.001) the silage form of SOC compared to the pelleted form of SOC.

Purine derivatives and creatinine urine excretion as a tool to estimate sheep feed intake

Dry matter intake is a key variable in animal nutritional evaluation. Purine derivates excretion is used to estimate microbial protein synthesis and could be used to estimate DMI. The present study aimed to evaluate PD models to estimate DMI and digestible DMI and access endogenous excretion of PD using regression analysis. Nine trials and 158 experimental units (animal or animal within the period) where DMI, dry matter apparent digestibility (n = 122), and PD urinary excretion were evaluated. Models were evaluated using PROC MIXED of SAS and considering the random effect of the trial. The PDC index was the better single variable to estimate sheep DMI. More complex models considering PD to creatinine ratio and metabolic weight (BW0.75) showed the lowest error. Quadratic terms of PDC index, PD: creatinine ratio, and allantoin to creatinine ratio did not improve DMI estimation. Similar results were observed comparing different models to estimate digestible DMI, however, with lower R2. In addition, endogenous excretion of PD estimated by linear regression was 0.286 mmol/kg of BW0.75. Thus, the PDC index is the best variable to estimate feed intake and digestible DMI from PD excretion.

Genetic Variability for Seed Nutritional Composition in Pearl Millet Genotypes Analyzed by Biplot Method

This study evaluated the chemical composition of pearl millet seeds belonging to different genotypes by biplot analysis. Seeds of 26 different pearl millet populations obtained from ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) within the scope of TÜBİTAK 219O103 run by Şırnak University were used. The seeds were ground and analyzed for their chemical composition, i.e., acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), digestible dry matter (DDM) and dry matter intake (DMI) rate. The results revealed that crude protein ratio varied between 11.74-19.24%, whereas ADF ratio differed between 3.44-11.43%. Similarly, NDF ratio varied between 10.23-23.47%, while DDM ratio ranged between 79.98-86.21%. Likewise, DMI ratio differed between 5.11-11.72%. Scatter plot obtained after biplot analysis indicated three different groups based on the analyzed traits. The first group contained DDM and DMI, whereas the second group consisted of ADF and NDF. The protein ratio was in the third group. It was determined that ADF-NDF and DMI-DDM properties were negatively correlated with each other. According to biplot, genotypes ‘A5-13’, ‘A13-6’ and ‘B1-7’ were prominent for ADF -NDF, DMI-DDM, and protein ratio, respectively. Therefore, these genotypes can be used in future studies to induce the desired traits.

PUFA supplements to improve diarrhea, fecal consistency, and disease resilience in neonatal and preweaning calves

The flaxseed oil (FSO) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were supplemented orally to ten male and female neonatal calves from day 6 of birth to day 28 to improve resilience to disease incidences (TG) and compared to calves reared without PUFA supplement (CG). The PUFA supplementation in liquid form was discontinued on day 29 and fed as bolus consisting of 25 g of ground flaxseed and 25 g of jaggery until day 90. The total dry matter intake in cluding milk solids in neonata calves was 400 g in CG and 428 g in TG (P=0.38). Digestible DMI, CP and energy intake in male and female calves of TGs was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher the CG. However, the body weight gain in calves during neonatal (P=0.08) and preweaning (P=0.14) age was comparable between groups. The serum IgG were 30 mg/mL on day 2 but higher in calves in TGs on day 7 (P=0.08) and day 14 (P=0.07)after birth but comparable in subsequent period until day 30 after birth. Calves resilience to diarrhea, pyrexia, anorexia, skin infection, profused lacrimation, navel ill, muzzle keratinization, umbilical hernia, fecal consistency (FC), and egg count (FEC) were examined. PUFA supplementation reduced the disease risk rate in TG by 42% (P&lt; 0.001) and diarrhea by three folds compared to CG. Haemoglobin, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes improved significantly from day 30 after birth. The intervention was recommended to reduce calf mortality and imrpoved health and body weight gain during neonatal and preweaning age.

Using supplemental condensed tannin to mitigate tall fescue toxicosis in non-pregnant, non-lactating ewes consuming tall fescue silage

Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.)], the primary grazing forage in the mid-south, and has a symbiotic relationship with an endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium coenophialum) that produces ergot alkaloids that cause fescue toxicosis in grazing livestock. Some evidence indicates that condensed tannins (CT) can bind to ergot alkaloids and render them ineffective, thereby preventing symptoms of fescue toxicosis. Non-pregnant, non-lactating ewes [n = 20; 57 ± 1.3 kg initial body weight (BW)] were housed in individual pens (1 × 1.5 m) with metal grate flooring. Ewes were offered ad libitum access to either novel endophyte (NE) or toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue silage with no CT (E0), or CT at 10 (E10) or 30 (E30) g/kg of silage dry matter (DM). The CT used was Quebracho tannin (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado). All ewes received 4 g/kg BW liquid molasses, and this served as the carrier for the CT treatments. The study consisted of 2, 21-d periods with a 30-d washout between periods. A 14-d adaption was followed by 7-d of total fecal and urine collection in each period. Blood samples for prolactin analysis were taken on the last day of each period. Data were analyzed using individual ewe within period as the experimental unit, treatment was a fixed effect, and period and pen were random effects. Prolactin was lesser (P < 0.01) in endophyte infected silage treatments. Intake (DMI; g/kg BW) and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (g/kg BW) were greater (P = 0.05) in NE compared to other treatments. Dry matter digestibility (DMD; g/kg DMI) and aNDF digestibility (g/kg NDF) were greater (P = 0.01) in NE compared to other treatments and organic matter (OM) digestibility [(OMD, g/kg OM intake (OMI)] did not differ between NE and E10, but NE was greater (P = 0.01) than E0 and E30. Digestible DMI and OMI (g/kg BW) were greater (P = 0.01) from NE compared to other treatments. Apparent N absorbed (g/kg N intake) was greater (P = 0.03) in NE, E0, and E10 compared with E30. Fecal N (g/kg N intake) was greater in E30 compared to E0 and E10, but not different from NE. Nitrogen retained (g/kg N intake and N absorbed) did not differ (P ≥ 0.31) among treatments. Condensed tannin supplementation at 30 g/kg DM had negative impacts on DM and OM digestibility and did not prevent decreases in prolactin associated with tall fescue toxicosis.

Intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance by sheep offered ensiled tall fescue, meadow fescue or orchardgrass that was fertilized with dairy slurry or urea

Silage intake and utilization by ruminants can be affected by several factors including forage type and fertilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate intake, digestion, and N balance by sheep offered three different ensiled grasses following fertilization with either urea (C) or dairy slurry (S). Plots of meadow fescue (MF), tall fescue (TF) or orchardgrass (OG) were fertilized with urea (52 kg N/ha; MFC, TFC and OGC) or slurry (71,150 L/ha; MFS, TFS, and OGS) on 2 July 2018 following an initial harvest on 29 June 2018. A second harvest was baled 6 August at approximately 57 % moisture and wrapped in plastic. Eighteen lambs (59 ± 1.5 kg) were allocated randomly to one of the 6 treatment combinations to provide 3 lambs per treatment within each of 3 periods for a total of 9 replications per treatment. Each period consisted of a 10-d adaptation and 7-d total fecal and urine collection. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement using PROC MIXED of SAS. Post-ensiled crude protein (CP) concentrations were greatest from MFS and lowest from OGS (P < 0.05), and aNDF, ADF and lignin were greater (P < 0.05) from OG vs TF and MF, regardless of fertilization. Lactic acid concentrations (g/kg DM) in baled silages were greatest from TFC and lowest from MFC and OGS (P < 0.05). Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intakes (g/kg BW and BW0.75), digestibility and digestible DM and OM intakes (g/kg BW and BW0.75) were greater (P < 0.05) from MF than from TF and OG across fertilization type and digestible OM intake was greater (P < 0.05) from C vs. S across forages. Digestibility of NDF (g/kg NDF) was greater (P < 0.05) from MF and OG vs. TF across fertilization treatments. Nitrogen retention (g/kg N intake) tended (P = 0.08) to be greater from MF vs. OG and urine N (g/kg N intake and g/kg N excreted) was greater from TF and OG compared with MF across fertilization treatments. Therefore, meadow fescue has the potential to provide a higher-quality forage that will increase intake and digestibility over more conventional orchardgrass and tall fescue. Fertilization with dairy slurry affected certain forage chemical components and reduced organic matter intake but did not impact digestibility when applied 35 d prior to a subsequent harvest.

Bazı Macar Fiği (Vicia pannonica Crantz.) Genotiplerinin Tohum ve Kes Verimleri ile Kes Kalitelerinin Belirlenmesi

Çalışma, bazı Macar fiği genotiplerinin tohum ve kes verimleri ile kes kalitelerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla, 2014, 2015 ve 2016 yıllarında 3 yıl süre ile yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada, bitki materyali olarak 10 adet Macar fiği genotipi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre üç tekrarlamalı olarak kurulmuştur. Araştırmada; genotiplerin tohum verimi, kes verimi, bin tane ağırlığı, keslerin ham kül oranı, ham protein oranı ve verimi, asit deterjan lif (ADF), nötral deterjan lif (NDF), sindirilebilir kuru madde (SKM) ve kuru madde tüketimi (KMT) oranları, nispi yem değeri (NYD) gibi özellikleri değerlendirilmiştir. Denemenin yapıldığı her üç yılda da ele alınan bütün özellikler yönünden genotipler arasındaki farklılıkların istatistiki olarak çok önemli düzeyde olduğu saptanmıştır. Üç yıllık deneme sonucuna göre; Macar fiği genotiplerinin tohum verimleri 35.4-126.7 kg/da, kes verimleri 463.2-1110.0 kg/da, bin tane ağırlıkları 25.32-43.23 g, keslerin ham kül oranı %5.30-12.49, ham protein oranı %7.04-15.01, ham protein verimi 36.10-154.43 kg/da, ADF oranı %29.28-49.72, NDF oranı %44.18-63.64, SKM oranı %50.17-66.09, KMT oranı %1.88-2.73 ve NYD 73.52-134.64 arasında değişim gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, Bingöl koşullarında verim açısından Anadolu Pembesi, kalite açısından ise Oğuz, Ağrı Populasyonu ve Hat-5 genotiplerinin diğer genotiplere göre daha üstün olduğu görülmektedir.

Intake, digestibility rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance in lambs offered alfalfa and tall fescue-mixtures harvested and ensiled after a frost

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of harvesting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] after frost and ensiling mixtures of these forages on silage fermentation characteristics, intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation by ewe lambs. Forages were harvested in October of 2017, wilted, and blended as either alfalfa alone, 67% alfalfa + 33% novel endophyte-infected tall fescue, 33% alfalfa + 67% fescue, or 100% fescue. Twenty bins were lined with 2 plastic bags, packed (n = 5/trt) with the respective forages, stored for 3 months, and then assigned randomly to Dorper ewe lambs (n = 20; mean BW = 34.7 ± 6.65 kg) and offered for ad libitum consumption. Lambs were allowed 14 d of adaptation followed by 5 d of total feces and urine collection. Data were analyzed using PROC-MIXED of SAS and orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to identify trends associated with different proportions of fescue to alfalfa. Silage total acids, lactate, and acetate concentrations increased linearly (P < 0.01), while silage ammonia decreased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing proportions of fescue in the silage. The proportions of lactate to total acids (g/kg total acids) increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P = 0.02) with increasing fescue-to-alfalfa ratio. Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intake (g/kg BW), digestibility, and intake of digestible DM and OM (g/kg BW) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as fescue proportion increased in the silages. Total ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA), as well as concentrations of isovalerate and total branched-chain VFA decreased (P < 0.05) linearly and quadratically, butyrate and valerate decreased linearly (P < 0.01), and ruminal acetate concentrations increased (P < 0.01) linearly with increasing fescue concentration in the silage. All N utilization measurements (intake, absorption and retention) decreased with increasing fescue concentration in the silage (P < 0.01). Ensiling alfalfa with fescue that was harvested after a frost may improve forage fermentation characteristics, but may reduce intake and digestibility by lambs compared to feeding undiluted alfalfa silage.

Intake, digestibility, water balance, ruminal dynamics, and blood parameters in sheep fed diets containing extra-fat whole corn germ

We evaluated the effects of replacing ground corn with extra-fat whole corn germ (EFCG; 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on the intake and concentration of soluble nutrients of dry matter and its components, ingestive behavior, water balance, ruminal dynamics, and blood parameters in sheep. Five rumen-fistulated sheep with an average body weight of 67.56 ± 9.13 kg were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design. The experimental period lasted five consecutive 22-day periods divided into 14-day adaptation and 8-day sampling periods. The diets were composed of corn silage and cactus cladodes as roughage and soybean meal, ground corn, EFCG, urea, and mineral premix as concentrate. The forage: concentrate ratio was 70:30. There were no differences in nutrient intake, except for ether extract. However, the concentration of digestible crude protein (CP; P = 0.038) and ether extract (EE; P < 0.001) increased. The replacement levels did not influence ingestive behavior, nor rumination efficiencies. Water intake and excretion were unaffected, except for excretion by feces (P = 0.040), which decreased. There was no effect of treatments on the dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and indigestible neutral fiber detergent (NDF) pools; however, the pool of EE (P < 0.001) increased. The rates of passage (Kp), ingestion (Ki), and degradation (Kd) of DM and aNDF, as well as the passage rate (Kpi) of iNDF, were uninfluenced. Levels of cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P = 0.001) increased. It was concluded that ground corn can be fully replaced by EFCG without affecting intake and concentration of digestible dry matter and its components, water balance, ingestive behavior, rumen dynamics, and glucose and fructosamine serum concentrations. On the other hand, the replacement increased ether extract intake and consequently, cholesterol and triglyceride serum concentrations. Therefore, we recommend total replacement of ground corn by EFCG in diets for sheep. However, further investigations are needed on animal performance and sensory and biochemical characteristics of meat and milk.

Starch and fiber intake effects on energy metabolism, growth, and carapacial scute pyramiding of red-footed tortoise hatchlings (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

Tortoise husbandry includes reports of excessive growth and carapace pyramiding, although triggers still remain to be fully elucidated. Juvenile red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) were fed with two different diets, one high in fiber (HF; 14.2% crude fiber; 39.2% neutral detergent fiber, NDF; dry matter basis, DMB) and one high in starch (HS; 27.7% DMB), to assess effects on energy metabolism, nutrient digestibility, and growth. A total of 20 hatchlings (10 per diet) were used to evaluate: apparent digestibility coefficients (Da) of nutrients and gross energy (GE), passage times at 5 and 11 months of age; resting and post-prandial metabolic rates at 6 and 12 months of age; growth rates; pyramiding; and estimated body composition. Animals fed HS showed higher mass-specific intake of digestible energy (113.9 ± 32.1 kJ kg−1 day−1 vs. 99.6 ± 35.3 kJ kg−1 day−1; P < 0.05), digestible DM (6.1 ± 1.8 g kg−1 day−1 vs. 5.0 ± 1.8 g kg−1 day−1; P < 0.01), shorter transit (3 ± 1 days vs. 4 ± 1 days; P < 0.01) and retention times (8 ± 2 days vs. 10 ± 2 days; P < 0.01), and higher Da of DM, starch, NDF, and GE. Crude protein Da was higher for HF. Rest and post-prandial metabolic rates, and pyramiding degree were not affected by diets. At 13 months, the animals from HS presented wider plastrons and carapaces, and higher carapace width growth rates. In addition, these animals had lower body mineral content (1.88 ± 0.15% vs. 2.15 ± 0.19%; P < 0.01) and bone density (0.13 ± 0.01 g mm−2 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02 g mm−2; P < 0.02). Results provide evidence that highly digestible foods can accelerate shell growth and lower mineralization in this species.

Effect of Post-grazing Sward Height on Ingestive Behavior, Dry Matter Intake, and Milk Production of Holstein Dairy Cows

Sward height is strongly related to the daily dry matter intake of grazing dairy cows, which consequently determines animal performance. Despite that, few studies have explored the potential to increase milk production by managing post-grazing sward height. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of three defoliation intensities on a Lolium arundinaceum-based pasture on frequency and length of grazing meals and ruminating bouts, daily grazing and ruminating time, feeding stations and patches exploration, and dry matter intake and milk production of dairy cows. The treatments imposed were three different post-grazing sward heights: control (TC), medium (TM), and lax (TL), which were managed with 6, 9, and 12 cm of post-grazing sward heights during autumn and winter, and 9, 12, and 15 cm of post-grazing sward heights during spring, respectively. Thirty-six autumn-calving Holstein cows were grouped by parity (2.6 ± 0.8), body weight (618 ± 48) kg, and body condition score (2.8 ± 0.2) and randomized to the treatments. The pasture was accessed from 08:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 03:00 during spring and no supplement was involved during the evaluation period. Daily grazing time averaged 508 ± 15 min and was not affected by treatment. The reduction of post-grazing sward height increased the length of the first grazing session in the morning and the afternoon. The number of grazing sessions was greater on TL than on TM, with no difference in TC. The number of feeding stations (the hypothetical semi-circle in front of an animal from which the bites were taken without moving the front forefeet) visited was less on TC than on TL, and neither of them differed from TM. Dry matter (DM) intake was lesser on TC than on TM and TL (14.7 vs. 17.8 kg DM). Milk production during the evaluation period was 13.1, 16.2, and 18.7 kg/day for TC, TM, and TL, respectively. The milk fat, protein, and lactose content did not differ between treatments. The cows on TC exhibited a lower intake rate, although they were less selective, probably as a consequence of the sward structure of TC treatment. The cows on TM adopted a compensation mechanism which allowed them to achieve the same dry matter intake as cows on TL, but lower milk production. The cows on TL were more selective than TC and TM resulting in higher digestible dry matter intake and consequently higher milk production. The intensity of defoliation impacts on the animal-plant interaction, and constitutes a valuable management tool that can be used to boost forage intake and milk production. The new developments on information technology would allow researchers to link behavioral data with response variables (e.g., milk production, health, welfare, etc.) at different spatio-temporal scales and support short and long-term management decisions.

Effect of Hydroponic Maize Fodder Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutritive Ratio and Intake of Digestible Nutrient in Gir Calves

A study was undertaken to assess the effect of addition of hydroponic maize fodder in concentrate mixture on growth performance of gir calves. A feeding trial of 120 days was undertaken on 16 gir calves divided in four groups of four calves. The animals in control group were fed 1.5 kg concentrate mixture, 2.5 kg groundnut straw and wheat straw ad lib. In group second, 75% of CP was met through concentrate mixture and rest through hydroponic maize fodder along with 2.5 kg groundnut straw and ad lib. wheat straw was given. While, in third group, 50% of CP was met through concentrate mixture and rest through hydroponic maize fodder and 2.5 kg of groundnut straw was given along with ad lib. wheat straw. In group fourth, 25% of CP was met through concentrate mixture and remaining by hydroponic maize fodder and 2.5 kg groundnut straw with ad lib. wheat straw was offered. Significantly higher daily weight gain, digestible crude protein percent, total digestible nutrient percent and intake of digestible dry matter and organic matter in respect of g D-1 was observed in the group in which up to 75% of crude protein of concentrate mixture was replaced by hydroponic maize fodder. Highest (p&lt;0.01) digestible crude protein intake and total digestible nutrient intake g D-1, Kg 100 kg BW-1 and g 100 kg-1 MBS (Metabolic body size) was observed in group provided with 75% crude protein through hydroponic fodder. Hydroponics maize fodder has beneficial effect on growth performance and intake of digestible nutrients in gir calves and it can replace up to 75% of crude protein of concentrate mixture.

PSXVI-27 Using tannin to mitigate tall fescue toxicosis

Abstract Fescue toxicosis has a negative impact on livestock production. Tannins could bind to tall fescue toxins rendering them ineffective. The objective was to improve health and well-being of sheep offered tall fescue infected with the endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium coenophialum) by binding toxins in the rumen with condensed tannins. Non-pregnant, non-lactating ewes (n=20; 57±1.3 kg initial BW) were housed in individual 1×1.5-m pens with grate flooring and were offered ad libitum access to either non-toxic novel-endophyte infected tall fescue haylage (NE), or toxic endophyte infected tall fescue haylage with no condensed tannin (E0), or condensed tannin at 10 (E10), or 30 g/kg haylage DM (E30). Additionally, ewes received 4 g/kg BW liquid molasses, which served as the carrier for the condensed tannins in the E10 and E30 treatments. The study consisted of 2, 21-d periods with a 30-d wash out between periods. In each period, a 14-d adaption was followed by 7 d of total fecal and urine collection. Temperature was maintained at 27 to 29 °C. Dry matter and OM intake (g/kg BW; DMI and OMI, respectively) were not affected (P ≥ 0.15) by treatment, but DM and OM digestibility were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from NE vs E30. Digestibility of NDF was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from NE vs E0, E10, and E30. Digestible DMI was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from NE and E0 vs E30, and digestible OMI was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from NE vs E30. Apparent N absorbed (g/kg N intake) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by lambs offered E0 and E10 compared with E30. Nitrogen retained (g/kg N intake and N absorbed) did not differ (P≥0.29). Therefore, overall impacts of ensiled toxic fescue on lambs were inconsistent and the impact of adding condensed tannins at 30 g/kg DM was negative on most of the DM and OM digestibility measurements.