Intake Of Non-fiber Carbohydrates Research Articles

Effects of fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation on rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

This research communication reports the effects of a compound enzyme preparation consisting of fibrolytic (cellulase 3500 CU/g, xylanase 2000 XU/g, β-glucanase 17 500 GU/g) and amylolytic (amylase 37 000 AU/g) enzymes on nutrient intake, rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation (47 ± 2 d) dairy cows. Twenty Holstein-Friesian cows in similar body condition scores were randomly divided into control (CON, n = 10) and experimental (EXP, n = 10) groups in a completely randomized single-factor design. CON was fed a basal total mixed ration diet and EXP was dietary supplemented with compound enzyme preparation at 70 g/cow/d. The experiment lasted 4 weeks, with 3 weeks for adaptation and then 1 week for measurement. Enzyme supplementation significantly increased diet non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) content as well as dry matter intake (DMI) and NFC intake (P < 0.05). EXP had increased ruminal butyrate and isobutyrate percentages (P < 0.01) but decreased propionate and valerate percentages (P < 0.05), as well as increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity and albumin concentration (P ≤ 0.01). Additionally, EXP had increased milk yield (0.97 kg/d), 4% fat corrected milk yield and energy corrected milk yield, as well as milk fat and protein yield (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with a fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation increased diet NFC content, DMI and NFC intake, affected rumen fermentation by increasing butyrate proportion at the expense of propionate, and enhanced milk performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

Use of crude glycerin in dairy goat feeding and its effects on milk and cheese performance and quality

This study aimed to assess the impact of stepwise dietary inclusion of crude glycerin (CG) on the productive traits of dairy goats and the quality of their milk and cheese. Sixteen Saanen goats, averaging 55 ± 6 kg live weight and 45 days in milk, were allocated into four simultaneous Latin squares (4×4) and fed on diets containing 0 (control), 50, 100, and 150 g/kg of CG in the dry matter (DM). A linear decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake with increasing CG levels in the diet, with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) noted at 100 and 150 g/kg of CG. Additionally, CP digestibility, nitrogen balance, and plasma urea nitrogen decreased (P < 0.05) with CG inclusion. Milk yield corrected for 3.5 % fat, total solids content, and total fatty acid (FA) amounts in goat milk decreased (P < 0.05) with 100 and 150 g/kg of CG. Furthermore, inclusion of 150 g/kg of CG decreased (P < 0.05) fat content in "coalho" cheese, although cheeses from goats fed up to 50 g/kg of CG showed superior (P < 0.05) appearance, global impression, and purchase intention. The CG inclusion increased (P < 0.05) short and odd-chain FA contents while decreasing (P < 0.05) long-chain and polyunsaturated FA levels in goat milk. Overall, we recommend incorporating up to 50 g/kg of CG in dairy goat diets as it does not affect milk and "coalho" cheese performance and quality.

Effect of mushroom crop residue on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, ruminal and blood parameters of lambs

Using agricultural wastes as substrates of mushroom cultivation can minimize environmental pollution and provide a high-quality substrate that might be used for animal feeding after cultivation, which is beneficial for ruminants. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of cultivated mushroom residue in lamb diets. Seven inoculation times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days of cultivation) of mushroom substrates by Pleurotus ostreatus were evaluated in a completely randomized design with five replications to characterize the mushroom crop substrate. Within 30 days of cultivation, the mushroom crop residue (MCR) was sun-dried and tested on the lambs’ diet. The first experiment involved 40 uncastrated crossbred lambs (Santa Ines × Dorper), with a mean body weight (BW) of 27.8 ± 2.37 kg (mean ± SD), which were randomly assigned to five groups of six lambs each. They received five levels of MCR replacing Tifton-85 hay: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % on dry matter basis (DM) to evaluate performance, carcass traits, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters. In the second experiment, 25 lambs (40.0 ± 3.0 kg BW) were distributed in metabolic cages in a completely randomized design with the same five treatments of experiment 1 (MRC replacing Tifton-85 hay) and six replications to determine nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. To evaluate ruminal parameters, a third experiment was conducted with five Santa Ines × Dorper crossbreed rumen-cannulated sheep weighing 42.0 ± 4.0 kg, which were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. After 30 days of cultivation of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus, there was a reduction in the MCR contents of DM, ether extract (EE), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). In contrast, ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber expressed exclusive of residual ash (aNDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in vitro DM digestibility coefficient (IVDMD) increased (P ≤ 0.05) over the cultivation time. The intake of DM, CP, aNDF and NFC quadratically increased (P ≤ 0.05) with the addition of dehydrated MCR in the lambs’ diet. The effective consumed CP composition and the digestibility coefficient of DM, CP, and aNDF decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) due dehydrated MCR addition in the lambs’ diet. The time spent eating and idling, and the rumination efficiency rates (g DM and NDF/h) increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with the replacement of Tifton-85 hay by the dehydrated MCR. The time spent on rumination and chewing, the nº of boli chewed, and the DM intake efficiency rate reduced linearly (P ≤ 0.05). There was a linear (P ≤ 0.05) increase in N-intake, N-fecal, and N-retention and linear reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in N-urinary excretion and rumen protozoa count due to the inclusion of MCR in the lambs’ diet. Growth performance, carcass traits, rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and blood parameters were not changed by the replacement of hay with MCR. Dehydrated mushroom crop residue inclusion at 75 % of total DM replacing Tifton-85 hay in lambs’ diet is recommended because it improves rumination efficiency, and N-retention without any negative effect on rumen pH, blood metabolites, and carcass traits.

Effect of odontoplasty on intake, nutrient digestibility, and intake time of tifton hay in ponies

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dental correction on voluntary nutrient intake, time of intake, apparent digestibility and fecal particle size in Brazilian ponies. Twelve mares, with no history of previous dental treatments, housed in individual pens and fed a diet based on tifton 85 were used. The study comprised two consecutive experimental phases, pre and post dental treatment. Each phase consisted of 15 days for adaptation to the pen and treatment and 5 days for data collection, totaling 20 days. To calculate nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients, samples of diets, leftovers, and feces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude fat (CF), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Food intake time was recorded using a digital video recorder. Fecal particles were analyzed by wet sieving. Dental correction did not influence the intake of DM, CP, NDF, CF, and OM by the animals. However, there was an increase in NFC intake from 0.12 kg to 0.14 kg and in food intake time from 654.50 ± 138.98 to 774.95 ± 167.14. There was a decrease in the digestibility of CP from 0.08 kg to 0.04 kg and an increase in the digestibility of NDF from 0.65 kg to 0.82 kg. Although odontoplasty increased the time of hay intake and the digestibility of the fibrous fractions of the feed of ponies, it did not influence the intake of nutrients and the size of the fecal particles.

Effects of supplementing cassava root silage to grazing dairy cows on nutrient utilization, milk production and composition in the tropics.

The current study evaluated the effects of supplementing cassava root silage (CRS) to dairy cows grazing on Megathyrsus maximus cv Mombasa on nutrient intake and digestibility, as well as on milk production and composition. Ten primiparous Girolando cows with average body weight ± (SEM) of 373.45 ± (63.55) kg were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square. Animals were subjected to five treatments: (I) grazing cows without supplementation (WCS); (II) grazing cows provided with 5kg DM of supplement without CRS (0g/kg DM of CRS) or including (III) 260, (IV) 520, and (V) 780g/kg DM of CRS. Statistical analyses were performed using the PROC MIXED of SAS with significance at P < 0.05. Intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ether extract decreased (P < 0.01), while intake of non-fiber carbohydrates increased (P < 0.01), with increased CRS in the diets. Total DM intake and digestibility of DM, and digestibility of nutritional components were lower (P < 0.03) in WCS animals compared to supplemented animals, except for intake and digestibility of NDF, which was the opposite. Milk yield (MY) and fat corrected milk (FCM), as well as all milk components were unaffected (P > 0.05) by CRS inclusion. In contrast, MY, FCM, protein, lactose, casein, and non-fat milk solids (NFMS) were greater for animals that received supplementation (P < 0.05), compared to animals WCS. Milk fat and total dry extract (TMS) did not differ (P > 0.11) between two groups. In conclusion, CRS may be a potential corn meal replacer in the supplement of dairy cows under tropical conditions.

Slow-releasing urea coated with low-trans vegetable lipids: Effects on lamb performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood parameters

The objective of this study was to produce slow-release urea (SRU) coated with low-trans vegetable fat (LTVF) and compare it to uncoated urea (U) in the diet of lambs. The first experiment evaluated LTVF-coated U produced in three different ratios (U: LTVF), 30:70 (SRU30), 40:60 (SRU40), and 50:50 (SRU50). SRU40 had higher (P < 0.05) coating yield (85.5 %) and efficiency (98 %) in comparison to SRU30 (82.9 and 96 %) and SRU50 (83.7 and 96.6 %). SRU40 maintained better thermal stability for retention and slower release of urea (P < 0.05). A second experiment tested SRU40 in 32 intact male Santa Inês lambs (average age: 6 months; average body weight: 17.9 ± 2.01 kg). The lambs were allocated in four treatments: one control diet with 0.5 % U (U0.5 %) and three levels of SRU40 [1.25 % (SRU1.25); 2.0 % (SRU2); 3.0 % (SRU3); dry matter (DM) basis] in a randomized block design to evaluate performance and ingestive behavior. A third experiment evaluated apparent digestibility, nitrogen (N) metabolism, rumen, and blood parameters of 24 intact Santa Inês lambs (average age: 6 months; average body weight: 16 ± 2.2 kg) in a randomized block design with six replications. Including SRU linearly increased ether extract (EE), and non-fiber carbohydrates intake (P < 0.05) but did not change DM, organic matter, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber assayed with heat stable amylase and expressed excluding residual ash (aNDFom), intake and performance of the lambs (P >0.05). Lambs tended to spend less time ruminating (P = 0.052) and more time eating (P = 0.078) when SRU was included in the diet. The inclusion of SRU in the diet of lambs tended to linearly increase the apparent total tract digestibility of CP (P = 0.078). There was no effect of SRU on N-intake, however, including SRU linearly reduced N-urinary excretion and linearly increased N-retention (P < 0.05). Feeding SRU1.25 % resulted in higher N-retained and lower N-urinary and N-fecal than feeding U0.5 %. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and rumen pH decreased linearly with the inclusion of SRU, while NH3-N concentration increased linearly (P < 0.05). Lambs fed SRU1.25 % presented higher BUN and lower NH3-N compared to lambs fed U0.5 % (P < 0.05). N-retained, microbial nitrogen and protein supply linearly increased (P < 0.05) due to the inclusion of SRU in the lambs’ diet. Lambs fed U0.5 % presented the highest (P < 0.05) BUN concentrations at all times after feeding. There was a linear decrease of BUN in lambs fed SRU at 0, 4, and 6-h post-feeding (P < 0.05). LTVF was efficient in coating urea, especially the formulation with 40 % urea and 60 % vegetable fat (SRU40). It is recommended the inclusion of SRU40 in the diet of lambs up to 3 % (total DM basis) as it improves the use of N in the rumen, reducing N-excretion and increasing N-retention, without affecting the performance of the lambs.

Dwarf and tall elephant grass silages: intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal fermentation, and ingestive behavior in sheep.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the exclusive supply of dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, harvested at 60days of growth, without wilting or the use of additives, on intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen parameters, and ingestive behavior of sheep. Eight castrated male crossbred sheep (57.6 ± 5.25kg body weight), fistulated in the rumen, were distributed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares with four treatments and eight animals per treatment and four periods. The treatments consisted of four elephant grass genotype silages (Mott, Taiwan A-146 2.37, IRI-381, or Elephant B). There was no effect of silages (P > 0.05) on dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrient intake. The dwarf-sized elephant grass silages provided higher crude protein intake (P = 0.047) and N intake (P = 0.047), while the IRI-381 genotype silage provided higher non-fibrous carbohydrate intake compared to Mott (P = 0.042), without differing from Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Elephant B silages. There were no differences (P > 0.05) among the digestibility coefficients of the evaluated silages. It was observed that silages produced with Mott and IRI-381 genotypes caused a slight decrease in ruminal pH (P = 0.013), and the propionic acid concentration was higher in the rumen fluid of the animals fed with Mott silage (P = 0.021). Therefore, dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, produced with cut genotypes at 60days of growth and without the use of additives or wilting process, can be used in sheep feeding.

Tropical grass silages with spineless cactus in diets of Holstein × Zebu heifers in the semiarid region of Brazil.

One of the factors that limit ruminant production in the semiarid region is the lack of roughage in the dry season. The management of forage plants adapted to edaphoclimatic conditions is a strategy to improve animal production. This study was conducted to examine the effects of biomass sorghum silage (BSS; Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and BRS capiaçu grass silage (CGS; Pennisetum purpureum Schum) with or without spineless cactus (Opuntia spp.) in crossbred Holstein × Zebu heifers' diets on the intake, apparent digestibility of the nutrients and animal performance (e.g., final weight, daily weight gain) (experiment 1). Also, to evaluate the ruminal kinetics of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of roughages used in diets using two animals cannulated in the rumen (experiment 2). In experiment 1, ten heifers with an initial body weight of 200 ± 2.74kg (mean ± standard deviation) and a mean age of 10months were used. The animals were distributed in an experimental design in two simultaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares. Five experimental diets were used: diet 1, Volumax sorghum silage (VSS); diet 2, biomass sorghum silage (BSS); diet 3, BRS capiaçu silage (CGS); diet 4, biomass sorghum silage (60%) with spineless cactus (40%) (BSS + SC); and diet 5, BRS capiaçu grass silage (60%) with spineless cactus (40%) (CGS + SC). The diets were formulated with sorghum silage or BRS capiaçu grass silage with or without spineless cactus (roughage) and a maize- and soybean-based concentrate (75:25 roughage-to-concentrate ratio) on DM basis. The experiment lasted 105days, divided into five periods of 21days (17days for the adaptation of the animals to the diets and management and 4 for data collection and samples). The diets containing CGS and CGS + SC resulted in lower dry matter intake (DMI; 5.61kgday-1; P < 0.01), which was 19.4% lower than the diets with VSS, BSS, and BSS + SC (7.00kgday-1). The BSS + SC and CGS + SC diets showed higher crude protein digestibility (P < 0.01) at 21.9% than the other treatments (Volumax, BSS, CGS). The different diets did not change the final weight or the daily weight gain of the heifers. The BRS 716 biomass sorghum silage and BRS capiaçu grass combined with spineless cactus increased (P < 0.05) the intake of nonfibrous carbohydrates and did not interfere (P > 0.05) with the final weight or average daily gain of the crossbred Holstein × Zebu heifers. The standardized potentially degradable fraction (Bp) of the NDF was 13.91% higher (P < 0.01) for BSS and BSS + SC (61.6%) compared to the others (53.0%). A diet based on BSS + SC is recommended for feeding crossbred heifers in the growing phase.

Intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and performance in lamb fed spineless cactus silage associated with forages adapted to the semiarid environment Spineless cactus silages in diets for lambs

The study aimed to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance and productive performance in lamb fed spineless cactus silage associated with forages adapted to the semiarid environment. Forty intact crossbred lambs, with an average body weight of 22.65 ± 1.01 kg, were distributed in a completely randomised design with five treatments (diets based on: spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + buffelgrass silage (SCBS), spineless cactus + gliricidia silage (SCGS), spineless cactus + pornunça silage (SCPS) and corn silage (CS; witness) and eight animals per treatment. Intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and performance of animals were evaluated. The SCGS diet showed higher intake of dry matter and organic matter (P<0.05). The SCGS and SCPS diets showed the highest crude protein intake (P = 0.005). Lower intake of ether extract was found in animals receiving diets containing SCS and SCBS (P = 0.001). SCBS and SCGS provided a higher intake of neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.015). SCS and SCGS diets displayed a higher intake of non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.003). SCGS diets displayed the highest total digestible nutrients intake (P = 0.001). SCPS diet showed lower digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein (P<0.05). SCGS diet showed a lower digestibility coefficient for ether extract (P = 0.009). SCPS diet showed lower digestibility coefficients for neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.022). SCS and SCPS diets showed lower digestibility coefficients for non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.011). The CS promoted lower results for intake (P = 0.003), absorbed (P = 0.003) and balance (P = 0.012) for nitrogen. SCPS diet promoted higher excretion of nitrogen via faeces (P = 0.001) and less excretion of nitrogen via urine (P = 0.033). SCGS diet provided a higher final weight (P = 0.006). SCS and SCGS diets provided more significant body weight gain (P = 0.001). Combining spineless cactus with a roughage base allowed weight gains over 200 g/day, proving to be efficient in diets for feedlot lamb and gains similar or superior to corn-based diets.

Inclusion of palm kernel cake in the supplement reduces nutrient digestibility but does not interfere with the performance of steers finished on tropical pasture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing inclusion levels of palm kernel cake (PKC) in the supplement of steers finished on a Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, weight gain, and carcass traits. Forty 1/2 Holstein × 1/2 Zebu crossbred steers with an average body weight of 352.80 ± 3.32kg, at 36months of age, were supplemented with concentrate at 0.4% of their body weight. Four treatments were formulated (supplement containing 0, 15, 30, or 45% PKC, dry matter [DM] basis) and the animals were monitored for 240days, weighed, and slaughtered. The inclusion of PKC in the supplement did not influence the intakes of total DM, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber, but increased (P < 0.05) ether extract intake and reduced (P < 0.05) non-fibrous carbohydrate intake. The apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber decreased (P < 0.05), whereas intake and rumination efficiencies by the dietary treatments. Average daily gain, carcass weight, and backfat thickness did not change in response to the inclusion of PKC in the supplement. We recommend the inclusion of 45% palm kernel cake in the concentrate of steers supplemented at 0.4% of their body weight and finished on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture.

Bean meal and cactus pear in Santa Inês lamb rations for meat production: Intake, digestibility, performance, carcass yield, and meat quality

Aim of study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, performance, carcass yield, and meat quality parameters in Santa Inês lambs fed cactus pear and bean meal. Area of study: NW Brazil Material and methods: 32 intact Santa Inês male lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (diets): control diet (concentrated feed containing corn and soybean meal as energy and protein ingredients); diet containing bean meal as a protein source; diet containing cactus pear as an energy source and; diet containing bean meal and/or cactus pear), using 8 animals per treatment. At the end of the experimental period, lambs were slaughtered with an average body weight of 32.78 kg. Main results: Animal fed cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear had a higher intake and digestibility for non-fibrous carbohydrates (p&lt;0.05). Lambs fed cactus pear diet had greater water intake via diet and lower neutral detergent fibre digestibility compared to other evaluated diets (p&lt;0.05). Cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear diets promoted lower water intake concerning to control and bean meal diets (p&lt;0.05). The lower feed conversion was observed for animals that received control diet (p&lt;0.05). Carcass characteristics and meat quality were not affected for the diets (p&gt;0.05). Bean meal can be used as a source of protein concentrate in combination with cactus pear promoting a reduction in the use of corn and soybean in diets for small ruminants. The use of cactus pear in the diets promoted a water supply to the animals. Research highlights: Diets containing cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear provided higher non-fibrous carbohydrates intake.

Effects of replacing corn with by-product from biscuit manufacture on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, and growth performance of pure or crossbred Morada Nova sheep.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of replacing corn with by-product from biscuit manufacture (BBM) on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, and growth performance of pure or crossbred Morada Nova sheep. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs from two genetic groups (GG) were used: purebred red-coated Morada Nova (RMN) and red-coated Morada Nova x white-coated Morada Nova. Each GG had 12 lambs with an initial body weight (BW) of 15.0±0.84 and 18.8±0.88 kg for RMN and crossbred lambs, respectively. Treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design, according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, as follows: two genetic groups (RMN and crossbred) and two diets (ground corn and by-product from biscuit manufacture-BBM) with six replicates. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of GG on feed intake (g/day and as a fraction of BW). Lambs fed BBM had a lower feed intake (p < 0.05) than corn-fed lambs, except for the non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, which did not differ among diets (p > 0.05). No effects (p > 0.05) of GG or diets were observed on apparent digestibility, except for organic matter, which was higher for BBM-fed lambs (p < 0.05). Intake and N urinary excretion were lower (p < 0.05) for BBM-fed lambs when compared to corn-fed lambs. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of GG on growth performance. On the other hand, lambs fed BBM diet had a higher (p < 0.05) feed efficiency than corn-fed lambs. Total replacing corn with BBM in finishing lamb diets increases the efficiency of nutrient utilization, which results in higher feed efficiency. The crossbreeding between the red- and white-coated strains of Morada Nova sheep does not affect nutritional and growth performance.

Inclusion Prosopis juliflora Pod Meal in Grazing Lambs Diets: Performance, Digestibility, Ingestive Behavior and Nitrogen Balance.

Simple SummaryThis research investigated the interest in the replacement of ground corn by Prosopis juliflora pod meal in lambs’ diets. Mesquite or Vilayati babul (Prosopis juliflora (Sw) DC) is a drought resistant, evergreen, spiny tree with drooping branches and a deep laterally spreading root system, constituting a rich source of carbohydrates and proteins in an animal diet, with a crude energy concentration comparable to ground corn. In the present study, Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion in the diet of lambs replaced ground corn totally without affecting production and can become a an economically viable dietary ingredient for the animals’ grazing.Prosopis juliflora is an arboreal legume that concentrates its nutritive value in pods (fruits), constituting a rich source of carbohydrates and with a crude energy concentration comparable to ground corn. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of inclusion of Prosopis juliflora pod meal (0 or control, 250, 500 and 750 g/kg total DM) as a replacement for ground corn in the diet of lambs on performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen balance of lambs grazing in the Megathyrsus maximus pasture. Forty Santa Inês uncastrated lambs with an average body weight (BW) of 24.2 ± 0.55 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. There was a linear increase in the non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility with Prosopis juliflora pod meal supplementation in the diet of the lambs. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake, and digestibility and time spent ruminating were not affected by Prosopis juliflora meal supplementation. Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion increased time spent feeding and idling of lambs, however, without affecting spent time ruminating. Lambs fed with Prosopis juliflora pod meal presented greater final BW, gain: feed ratio, N-balance, microbial protein production ef-ficiency, N-urea urinary (NUU) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). However, the average daily weight (ADG), total weight gain and hot carcass yield as well as N ingested, N excreted in feces and urine, total purines, ab-sorbed purines and N microbial production in lambs were not influenced by Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion. The Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion up to the 750 g/kg level in the concentrate supplement totally replace ground corn in the diet of grazing lambs improving the NFC intake and NDF digestibility, supplement acceptability, microbial protein production efficiency and consequently the performance. The addition of Prosopis juliflora pod meal as a replacement for ground corn in the concentrate does not influence the microbial protein production; however, there was an improvement in the efficiency of microbial synthesis.

Nitrogen Intake and Its Partition on Urine, Dung and Products of Dairy and Beef Cattle in Chile

Nitrogen that is excreted through the urine and dung of cattle is an important source of nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions. In Chile, several studies have evaluated nitrogen (N) intake and its partitioning into urine and dung from beef and dairy cattle, however, there are no studies collating all data into one central database, which would allow an estimation of N excretion and its key variables to be developed. The aim of this study was to determine the N partition (milk or meat, urine and dung) and variables influencing the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and urinary N excretion of cattle based on a database generated from Chilean studies. The search of studies was carried out using a keyword list in different web-based platforms. Nitrogen excretion into urine and dung was calculated using equations reported in the literature for beef and dairy cattle. Mixed models were used to identify variables influencing the N partitioning. Nitrogen intake and its partitioning into the animal product, urine and dung were higher for dairy compared to beef cattle. For dairy cattle, NUE was influenced by milk yield, the non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC)/crude protein ratio, acid detergent fiber intake and milk urea N (MUN), while urinary N excretion was influenced by milk yield, MUN and NFC intake. For beef cattle, N intake and its excretion were greater for grazing compared to the confined system, while NUE was greater for confined animals. This database supplies new information on N intake and its partitioning (milk, meat, urine and dung) for dairy and beef cattle, which can be used for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from pasture-based livestock in Chile. Additionally, our study supplies new information on nutritional variables determining NUE and urinary N excretion for dairy cattle, which can be used by farmers to reduce N excretion into the environment.

Productive responses of dairy goats fed on diets containing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) associated or not with cactus (Opuntia stricta) cladodes, and extra-fat whole corn germ as a substitute for corn

This study evaluated the effects of partial replacement of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) with cactus cladodes (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.), and the replacement of corn with extra-fat whole corn germ (EFWCG) on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, and milk yield and composition of dairy goats. Twelve Saanen goats with an average body weight of 54 ± 2.0 kg and with 45 days in lactation were distributed into three simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares according to milk yield and assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement corresponding to two roughage sources (elephant grass associated or not with cactus cladodes) and two energy sources (corn or EFWCG, at 9.5 % of diet dry matter (DM)). The diets with cactus cladodes provided greater intake (P ≤ 0.01) of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), greater digestibility (P ≤ 0.04) of dry matter and OM, shorter feeding and rumination times (P ≤ 0.0003), and lower urea nitrogen content in milk (P ≤ 0.003). Diets containing EFWCG provided a higher intake (P ≤ 0.004) of EE, lower intake of NFC, and higher concentration of fat and total solids in milk (P ≤ 0.04). Both diets without cactus cladodes and diets without EFWCG provided greater digestibility (P ≤ 0.003) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The diets with cactus cladodes and EFWCG showed higher intake (P ≤ 0.04) of DM, NDF, and metabolizable energy, and total and fat-corrected milk yields (P ≤ 0.03). The grass and EFWCG diets showed higher digestibility (P ≤ 0.03) of CP and EE. Partial replacement of elephant grass with cactus cladodes and inclusion of EFWCG as a substitute for corn increased DM intake and energy intake, which was associated with an improved productive performance of dairy goats. Therefore, this diet could be an interesting option for dairy goats in semiarid regions where cactus is an essential fodder for ruminant production.

Effects of forage presentation and addition of molasses-based liquid feed on dairy calf dietary selection and feed sorting of mixed diets

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of including a molasses-based liquid feed on sorting of a mixed diet of starter and hay, and to compare the nutrient composition of the ration consumed by calves offered hay and starter according to different feed presentations. Holstein bull and heifer calves were exposed for the first 8 wk of life to 1 of 3 feed presentation treatments: (1) starter and hay provided in separate buckets (n = 15), (2) a mixed diet of 80% starter and 20% hay (n = 16), or (3) a mixed diet containing the same ratio of starter and hay, with inclusion of 10% (as-is basis) liquid molasses (n = 14). Calves received 8 L/d of pasteurized waste milk and were weaned over a 10-d period beginning at 42 d of age. Intake was recorded daily and calves were weighed weekly. Fresh and refused feed were sampled on 3 consecutive days during wk 4 and 6 of the preweaning period and wk 8 immediately postweaning. Sorting was assessed through nutrient analysis of the feed samples, with additional sorting indices reflective of sorting for starter and hay components calculated based on weighted averages of individual nutrient intakes as a percent of predicated intakes. Dry matter intake and average daily gain did not differ among treatments. During the preweaning period, addition of molasses to the mixed diet did not affect the extent of feed sorting, with calves provided both mixed diets sorting, on average, in favor of starter and against hay. Postweaning, addition of molasses tended to reduce the extent of feed sorting, although calves on both treatments persisted in sorting for starter and against hay. Across treatments, there was an association between the pre- and postweaning extent of feed sorting, suggesting a degree of individual consistency in sorting behavior. Calves provided starter and hay separately consumed a diet consisting of approximately 18 to 19% hay preweaning and 14% hay postweaning, and generally had greater fiber intake and lower intake of nonfiber carbohydrates compared with calves provided a mixed diet. These results indicate that addition of molasses slightly reduced sorting during the postweaning period only. On average, calves provided both mixed diets sorted their feed in favor of starter and against hay, which mirrored dietary selection exhibited by calves offered hay and starter separately.

REPLACEMENT OF TIFTON 85 HAY WITH MANIÇOBA HAY IN THE SPINELESS CACTUS DIET OF SHEEP1 2

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay with maniçoba hay in diets based on spineless cactus on the nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behaviour and ruminal parameters of confined sheep. In order to do this, eight male sheep with ruminal cannulae were used, distributed across four levels (0, 333, 666 and 1.000 g kg-1 of dry matter) of replacement of Tifton 85 hay with maniçoba hay in a double Latin square experimental design. The animals were confined for 60 days divided into four periods of 15 days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay with maniçoba hay did not influence the dry matter intake or digestibility. However, it influenced in a positive linear fashion the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates and in a linear negative fashion the digestibility of insoluble fibre in neutral detergent and crude protein. The ruminal ammonia-nitrogen and the crude protein ruminal content decreased linearly with the replacement of Tifton 85 hay with maniçoba hay. There was no effect of hay replacement on the production of volatile fatty acids or the microbial biofilm. The total replacement Tifton 85 by maniçoba hay in spineless cactus diets for sheep did not influence total digestible nutrient intake, volatile fatty acid production or biofilm, but did affect crude protein digestibility, ammonia-nitrogen and crude protein content in the rumen. Therefore, maniçoba hay can replace 300 g kg-1 grass hay in spineless cactus diets for sheep without compromising intake and ruminal parameters.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF SANTA INÊS SHEEP USING MULTIVARIATE TECHNICS

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to apply multivariate analysis techniques such as principal component and canonical discriminant analyses to a set of performance and carcass data of Santa Inês sheep, to identify the relationships and select the variables that best explain the total variation of the data, in addition to quantifying an association between performance and carcass characteristics. The main components generated were efficient in reducing a cumulative total variation of 25 original variables correlated to four linear combinations, which together explained 80% of the total variation of the data. The first two principal components together explained approximately 65% of the total variation of the variables analyzed. In the first two linear combinations, the characteristics with the highest factor loading coefficients were cold carcass weight (CCW), hot carcass weight (HCW), empty body weight (EBW), average weight (AW), croup width (CW), cold carcass yield (CCY), and hot carcass yield (HCY). The variables selected in the canonical discriminant analysis, in order of importance, were total carbohydrate intake (TCI), total digestible nitrogen intake (TDNI), dry matter intake (DMI), non-fibrous carbohydrate intake (NFI), and fiber detergent neutral intake (NDFI). The first canonical root shows a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.82, showing a high association between the performance variables. The classification errors in the discriminant analysis were less than 5%, which were probably due to the similarity between individuals for the studied traits. The multivariate techniques were adequate and efficient in simplifying the sample space and classifying the animals in their original groups.

A simplified feeding system did not affect milk production compared with a total mixed ration system in dairy cows

The objective of our study was to compare animal performance of a simplified feeding system, named easy feeding (EF), with animal performance of a total mixed ration (TMR) feeding system, using high yielding dairy cows in early lactation. Two treatments, TMR (n = 16) and EF (n = 16), were evaluated in a completely randomised design. Holstein cows (617 ± 85.1 kg of body weight and 52 ± 16 days in milk) were used. The TMR treatment consisted of a mix of concentrates, corn silage and alfalfa hay, mixed and offered twice a day, while EF treatment involved the same diet components offered separately, with concentrate offered individually in the milking parlour, alfalfa hay offered as bales and corn silage offered straight from the silo bag, with no intervention of machinery in the feeding process. The feeding system had no effect on milk production, fat and protein yield, total net energy intake, total dry matter intake, body weight, body condition score plasma metabolites and eating and ruminating time. Cows in EF system had higher non-fibrous carbohydrates intake, lower intakes of crude protein and neutral detergent fibre and longer drinking time than cows in TMR system. Cows in EF selected a diet according to their preferences, which may have allowed them to achieved similar milk yield to TMR cows, despite the advantages of mixed diets in TMR treatment. Thus, the EF system is an attractive alternative to traditional TMR system, provided that costs of feeding operations are effectively reduced. Highlights A new simplified feeding system was compared to TMR system Milk production was similar in both feeding systems Simplified feeding system is an attractive alternative to traditional TMR systems, provided that costs of feeding operations are effectively reduced in EF

Characteristics of Nutrition, Growth, Carcass and Meat of Male Goats Fed Babassu Mesocarp Flour

Twenty-eight Boer × Saanen castrated male goats (21.6 ± 3.0 kg of initial body weigh) were distributed in a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of increasing levels (0, 100, 200 or 300 g/kg, in dry matter basis) of dietary babassu mesocarp flour (BMF) on performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and meat physical and chemical composition. When significant treatment effects were found, data were submitted to orthogonal polynomials for treatment responses. BMF did not change the intake and digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. However, it increased linearly the total carbohydrates intake (p = 0.013), neutral detergent fiber intake (p &lt; 0.001) and digestibility (p = 0.027), while it decreased linearly the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates (p &lt; 0.001) and ether extract (p &lt; 0.001), without changing their digestibility (p &gt; 0.05). The dressing percentage (p = 0.003) and rib eye area (p = 0.024) had a quadratic effect with increasing levels of BMF. The total gastrointestinal weight (TGI) had an increased linear effect (p = 0.001), while the proportion of rumen (p = 0.010), omasum (p &lt; 0.001) and abomasum (p = 0.001) increased linearly with BMF addition. The same effects were presented in leg weight (p = 0.045) and muscle weight (p = 0.049). Weight and yields of commercial cuts and meat physicochemical composition did not change (p &gt; 0.05) with inclusion levels of BMF. The addition of babassu mesocarp flour up to 200 g/kg in the diet of male goat can improve the dressing percentage without major changes in meat physical and chemical traits, representing an attractive alternative feed.