Intake Of Straw Research Articles

Growth performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Thai-native beef cattle fed cassava pulp fermented with Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives.

Raw cassava pulp is a low-nutritional agro-industry residue with a high moist content that is susceptible to rot. Biodegradation of cassava pulp by adding Lactobacillus spp. plus stimulants could boost bio-acidity to preserve cassava pulp as ruminant feed. This investigation assessed the effect of ensiled cassava pulp without or with Lactobacillus casei TH14 (LTH14), urea, and molasses on the intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of native Thai beef cattle. Eight Thai-native beef bulls (170.3 ± 20.2kg of initial body weight) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups in a completely randomized design: cassava pulp ensiled without additives (CPFNO; n = 4) and cassava pulp ensiled with the combination of LTH14 (2.5g per ton of fresh material), urea (4% DM), and molasses (4% DM) (CPFWA; n = 4). The intake of the concentrate diet and ensiled cassava pulp did not differ (p > 0.05) between the CPFNO and CPFWA groups, including final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). However, CPFWA affected higher rice straw intake compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). The intake and digestibility of crude protein (CP) were greater for the CPFWA group at 43.86% and 30.87%, respectively, compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N)and blood urea-nitrogen (BUN) were increased when animals were fed with CPFWA (p < 0.05). The average total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration of CPFWA was greater than that of CPFNO by 27.49% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CPFWA supplementation can enhance rice straw intake, CP intake and digestion, total ruminal VFA concentration, and BUN levels, without adversely affecting growth performance.

Fat composition in milk replacer modulates plasma cholesterol of dairy calves

This study evaluated the effect of feeding milk replacers (MR) formulated with alternative fat sources and containing different fat compositions on plasma cholesterol of dairy calves. Forty-five individually housed male Holstein calves (2.3 ± 0.82 d; mean ± SD) were blocked by arrival day and age. Within each block, calves were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) an MR containing a fat blend with 65% rapeseed and 35% coconut fats (RC), 2) an MR containing 65% palm and 35% coconut fat (PC), and 3) an MR containing 65% lard and 35% dairy cream (LD). All MR were isoenergetic with 30% fat, 25% protein, and 36% lactose (DM basis). Calves were fed 6.0 L/d from d 1 to 5, 7.0 L/d from d 6 to 9, and 8.0 L/d from d 10 to 35 at 13.5% solids. Water and chopped wheat straw were available ad libitum from arrival onwards. Milk, water, and straw intakes were recorded daily. Blood was sampled and BW was measured at arrival and weekly thereafter at 1300 h. Fecal scores were recorded daily after the morning meal. Growth and intakes did not differ among treatments. Plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations were higher in calves fed RC than PC and LD, and higher in calves fed PC than LD. Additionally, plasma TG was greater in calves fed PC than LD at wk 2 after arrival, while calves fed RC did not differ from the other treatments. The proportion of abnormal fecal scores were reduced in calves fed RC in wk 2. Including palm and rapeseed fats in the MR did not affect growth but increased plasma total cholesterol.

Direct threshing of paddy (Oryza sativa) ear-head with reduced straw and optimized grain throughput rate

Reduction of the straw intake is a new harvesting technique that reduces energy and input costs. In existing combine harvesters, the cutter bar of the standard header is set at an increased height, or the stripper header combine harvester is used to minimize the straw intake. The thresher was developed and tested in the year 2018 and 2019, at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal to reduce the straw intake by direct ear head threshing of standing plants. It reduces energy consumption compared to some common existing harvesting methods. The specially designed plant guiding plates were accommodated before the threshing cylinder to achieve this. The set of two guiding plates passes over the plant’s row and converges the panicle portion of plants by bending them gradually. The rice (Oryza sativa L.) panicles were placed over the rotating cylinder and the stem portion remains in a standing posture. Thus, only 4.16% of total straw available on the plants was fed, and about 23 times straw intake was reduced. RSM-based response surface methodology was used to design the experiment. During the experiment, the grain throughput rate (GTR) was varied by changing the speed of plant feeding. To measure the cylinder speed, threshing torque, and plant feed speed the laboratory model thresher was equipped with rotary encoder, torque transducer and proximity sensors, respectively. The collected threshed mixture was analyzed to determine threshing performance. The optimized GTR and cylinder speed were 180 kg/h and 17.55 m/sec at which the threshing efficiency, total grain loss, and specific energy were 98.36%, 4.67%, and 1.1 kWh/t of grain, respectively.

Feeding colostrum and transition milk facilitates digestive tract functionality recovery from feed restriction and fasting of dairy calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the digestive tract recovery and metabolism of feeding either bovine colostrum (BC), transition milk (TM), or milk replacer (MR) after an episode of feed restriction and fasting (FRF) in dairy calves. Thirty-five Holstein male calves (22 ± 4.8 d old) were involved in a 50-d study. After 3 d of feeding 2 L of rehydration solution twice daily and 19 h of fasting (d 1 of study), calves were randomly assigned to one of the 5 feeding treatments (n = 7): calves were offered either pooled BC during 4 (C4) or 10 (C10) days, pooled TM during 4 (TM4) or 10 (TM10) days, or MR for 10 d (CTRL) at the rate of 720 g/d DM content. Then, all calves were fed the same feeding program, gradually decreasing MR from 3 L twice daily to 2 L once daily at 12.5% DM until weaning (d 42), and concentrate feed, water, and straw were offered ad libitum until d 50. Citrulline, Cr-EDTA, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) in serum and complete blood count (CBC) were determined on d -3, 1, 2, 5, and 11 relative to FRF, except BHB and NEFA at d -3. Volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactoferrin (LTF), IgA, and microbiota (Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and Fecalis prausnitzii) were analyzed in feces on d 5 and 11 before the morning feeding. Health scores were recorded daily from d -3 to d 14 as well as d 23 and 30. Feed concentrate, MR, and straw intake were recorded daily, and body weight on d -3, 1, 2, 5, and 11 and weekly afterward. Calf performance, intake, serum Cr-EDTA, CBC, fecal LTF concentrations and microbiota parameters were similar among treatments throughout the study. Serum NEFA concentrations were greater in TM4, TM10 and C10 calves compared with the CTRL ones from d 2 to 11, and after the FRF, serum concentrations of BHB were lower in CTRL calves than in the other treatments, and on d 11, serum BHB concentrations in the long treatments (C10 and TM10) remained greater than those in the shorter ones (C4 and TM4) and CTRL. Serum citrulline concentrations were similar on d -3 and 1 in all treatments, but they were greater in C4, C10, TM4, and TM10 on d 2 and 5, and on d 11 they were only greater in C10 and TM10 than in CTRL calves. Fecal IgA concentrations tended to be greater in C10 than in CTRL, TM4, and TM10 calves, and in C4 and TM10 than in CTRL animals. Fecal propionate proportion was lesser in C10 than in CTRL, TM4, and TM10 calves, while butyrate was greater in C4 and C10 than in TM4 and CTRL calves. The proportion of non-normal fecal scores of C10 fed calves was greater than TM4 and TM10 calves. Results showed that TM and BC may help to recover intestinal functionality, provide gut immune protection, and increase liver fatty acid oxidation in calves after a FRF episode.

Effects of Chestnut Hydrolysable Tannin on Intake, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Milk Production and Somatic Cell Count in Crossbred Dairy Cows

This study was conducted to determine the effects of chestnut hydrolysable tannin (CHT) on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, milk yield and somatic cell count in crossbred dairy cows (>75% Holstein Friesian). Four crossbred dairy cows (467.6 ± 35.2 kg BW) were assigned to be supplemented with one of four levels of CHT according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Dietary treatments included the control (without CHT supplementation) and CHT treatments that consisted of supplementation with 3.15, 6.30 and 9.45 g CHT/day. Rice straw was given ad libitum. The results showed that increasing levels of CHT tended to quadratically decrease rice straw intake (p = 0.06). However, total dry matter intake (DMI) and other nutrients were not different (p > 0.05) among the dietary treatments. The apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) in cows with CHT treatments were higher (p < 0.05) than those of control cows. Milk yield and milk composition were not different (p > 0.05) among treatments. Lactose yield tended to increase linearly (p = 0.09) as CHT supplementation increased. Ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were not different (p > 0.05), but total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) increased linearly (p < 0.05) as CHT levels increased. The somatic cell count (SCC) and somatic cell score (SCS) in the CHT treatments were different (p < 0.01) than those in the control treatment. In conclusion, it appears that CHT supplementation improved feed utilization and influenced SCC in crossbred dairy cows. Long-term research is needed to confirm the benefit of CHT supplementation.

Effects of the Level and Composition of Concentrate Supplements before Breeding and in Early Gestation on Production of Different Hair Sheep Breeds.

Female hair sheep, 27 Dorper (DOR), 41 Katahdin (KAT), and 39 St. Croix (STC), were used to determine influences of the nutritional plane before breeding and in early gestation on feed intake, body weight, body condition score, body mass indexes, blood constituent concentrations, and reproductive performance. There were 35 multiparous and 72 primiparous sheep, with initial ages of 5.6 ± 0.25 years and 1.5 ± 0.01 years, respectively (average overall initial age of 2.8 ± 0.20 years). Wheat straw (4% crude protein; dry matter [DM] basis) was consumed ad libitum and supplemented with approximately 0.15% initial body weight (BW) of soybean meal (LS) or a 1:3 mixture of soybean meal and rolled corn at 1% BW (HS; DM). The supplementation period was 162 days, with the breeding of animals in two sets sequentially, with the pre-breeding period 84 and 97 days, and that after breeding began at 78 and 65 days, respectively. Wheat straw DM intake (1.75, 1.30, 1.57, 1.15, 1.80, and 1.38% BW; SEM = 0.112) was lower (p < 0.05), but average daily gain (-46, 42, -44, 70, -47, and 51 g for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; SEM = 7.3) was greater (p < 0.05) for HS than LS treatment during the supplementation period. Additionally, changes in body condition score during the supplementation period (-0.61, 0.36, -0.53, 0.27, -0.39, and -0.18; SEM = 0.058), and changes in body mass index based on height at the withers and body length from the point of the shoulder to the pin bone (BW/[height × length], g/cm2) from 7 days before supplementation (day -7) to day 162 were -1.99, 0.07, -2.19, -0.55, -2.39, and 0.17 for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; (SEM = 0.297) were affected by supplement treatment. All blood constituent concentrations and characteristics addressed varied with the day of sampling (-7, 14, 49, 73, and 162) as well as the interaction between the supplement treatment and the day (p < 0.05), with few effects of interactions involving breed. Birth rate (66.7, 93.5, 84.6, 95.5, 82.8, and 100.0; SEM = 9.83) and individual lamb birth weight (4.50, 4.61, 4.28, 3.98, 3.73, and 3.88 kg; SEM = 0.201) were not affected by supplement treatment (p = 0.063 and 0.787, respectively), although litter size (0.92, 1.21, 1.17, 1.86, 1.12, and 1.82; SEM = 0.221) and total litter birth weight (5.84, 5.74, 5.92, 7.52, 5.04, and 6.78 kg for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; SEM = 0.529) were greater (p < 0.05) for HS than for LS. In conclusion, although there was some compensation in wheat straw intake for the different levels of supplementation, soybean meal given alone rather than with cereal grain adversely affected BW, BCS, BMI, and reproductive performance, the latter primarily through litter size but also via a trend for an effect on the birth rate. Hence, the supplementation of low-protein and high-fiber forage such as wheat straw should include a consideration of the inclusion of a feedstuff(s) high in energy in addition to nitrogen.

Effects of Nutritional Plane at Breeding on Feed Intake, Body Weight, Condition Score, Mass Indexes, and Chemical Composition, and Reproductive Performance of Hair Sheep.

This study was conducted to assess effects of the nutritional plane before and during breeding on feed intake, body weight (BW) change, reproductive performance, body condition score (BCS), body mass indexes (BMI), and body composition of three breeds of hair sheep. Twenty-five Dorper, 27 Katahdin, and 33 St. Croix ewes were allocated to groups and treatments based on initial BW and age. Supplementation treatments were soybean meal fed at 0.16% BW (LS) and a mixture of 25% soybean meal and 75% ground corn given at 0.8% BW (HS; dry matter basis) for 88 to 102 days including 17 days after breeding. Wheat straw intake (% BW) was greater (p < 0.01) for LS than for HS. Average daily gain and BCS change were similar among breeds, but both were greater for HS vs. LS. Birth rate, litter size, total litter birth weight, gestation length, and number of services were similar among breeds (p > 0.05), although individual lamb birth weight was lower for St. Croix than for Katahdin (p < 0.05). None of these reproductive variables were influenced by treatment or the breed × treatment interaction (p > 0.05). There were no breed differences in whole body concentrations of water, fat, protein, ash, or energy in week 0 or 4, but in 8 week concentrations of water, protein, and ash were greatest among breeds for St. Croix (p < 0.05) and levels of fat and energy were lower for St. Croix than for Dorper (p < 0.05). In week 8, total amounts and concentrations of fat and energy were greater for HS vs. LS and those of water, protein, and ash were less for HS (p < 0.05). There were interactions (p < 0.05) between treatment and period in blood concentrations of cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and between breed, treatment, and period in level of triglycerides and total antioxidant capacity. The concentration of cortisol was greater for HS vs. LS (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation did not influence reproductive performance despite differences in BW and BCS change, which may be due to the initial moderate BCS and greater wheat straw intake for the LS treatment.

Effects of supplementing rice straw with two fodder tree leaves and their combinations on voluntary feed intake, growth, and nitrogen utilization in sheep.

Fodder tree leaves (FTL) are limitless nutrient resources that provide high-quality feed, particularly during the dry season, improving animal diets, and reducing the use of concentrates in ruminant livestock farming. In order to determine the benefits of FTL, two experiments were conducted to measure the voluntary feed intake, growth performance, and nitrogen utilization of forest-type (FT) sheep fed rice straw (RS) and supplemented with either Leucaena leucocephala (LEU) or Samanea saman (SAM) or their equal combination (LS). For the growth trial (Experiment 1), 12 male FT sheep with mean initial body weight (BW) of 17.0 ± 1.0 kg (mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design. The diets were Urea-treated RS (UTS) (Control), RS + L (LEU), RS + S (SAM), and RS + 50% L + 50% S (LS). After 14 d of adjustment period, feed intakes and refusals were recorded daily, whereas BW was recorded bi-weekly for 12 wk. Four rams weighing 17.0 ± 1.0 kg BW were randomly assigned to the four treatments over a four period in a repeated (4 × 4) Latin square design to estimate the nitrogen (N) balance study (Experiment 2). Treatment diets were the same as that of Experiment 1. Dry matter intake of straw was highest (P = 0.0001) for sheep fed UTS. However, combining L with S increased (P = 0.0001) straw DM intake compared to feeding L or S alone. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in total feed intake between sheep offered UTS and LS, but both were significantly higher (P = 0.0001) than those offered LEU and SAM. Body weight gain (3.70 kg) and growth rate (196.15 g/d) were highest (P = 0.0001) for sheep offered LS compared to the other treatment groups. Values for N balance differed (P = 0.0001) among treatment diets. N balance for LUE and LS supplemented diets were higher than that of SAM but all were higher (P = 0.0001) than those offered UTS. Leucaena and Samanea leaves could, therefore, be utilized as supplement to poor-quality straws to improve the productivity of small ruminants especially during the long dry seasons in the tropics.

Database of Nutrition Status, Production and Reproduction Performance, and Social Economy of a Farmer of a Beef Cattle Farm in Sumberpucung District, Malang Regency

Sumberpucung District, Malang Regency has the potential for developing beef cattle. This study aimed to analyze the nutrition status, production, and reproduction performance of beef cattle as well as examine the socio-economic of farmers. The research method is a survey to obtain a database about beef cattle kept by a farmer. This study involved 50 respondents spread over 4 villages, namely Senggreng, Jatiguwi, Trenyang, and Sambigede. The results of the research showed that the average age of farmers was only 14% who were under 40 years old. The number of cattle ownership was an average of 2-3 heads with the largest breed of cattle being Simmental crossbreeds. The system of breeding and rearing was wholly AI and in the cage. Feed that was usually given in general was rice straw followed by corn straw, sugarcane top, elephant grass, field grass, and rice bran. The average feed intake of rice straw, corn straw, and elephant grass were 17.865 – 22.9 kg/head/day, 10.23 – 20.5 kg/head/day, and 17-31.3 kg/head/day respectively. The chest girth of the male adult group had the highest value of 162.5 cm and the female adult group of 165.7 cm. The highest estimated live weights for male and female adults in Jatiguwi village were 340.40 kg and 352.31 kg respectively. The highest and the lowest average gestation length were 235 days and 224 days respectively. The highest and the lowest average of S/C were 5.5 times and once. The average calving interval of a cow in Senggreng, Trenyang, Sambigede, and Jatiguwi villages were 440 days, 399 days, 420 days, and 403 days respectively. The number of cattle that were pregnant in the first AI, second AI, and more than the second AI were 27 heads, 32 heads, and 24 heads. Based on the type of feed and its intake, it can be said that the nutrition status of beef cattle in Sumberpucung District is highly good. Effects of nutrition status can be seen from the performance of production and reproduction of cattle in terms of chest girth, live weight, and calving interval.

Effect of partial exchange of lactose with fat in milk replacer on performance and blood metabolites of Holstein calves

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary energy source (fat vs. carbohydrate) in calf milk replacer (MR) on growth performance parameters and feed intake in rearing calves. In a randomized complete block design, 68 Holstein calves [40 females and 28 males; (mean ± SD) body weight (BW): 43.7 ± 1.43 kg] were assigned to 17 blocks of 4 calves based on birth date and parity of the dam. Within each block, calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a high-lactose MR (HL; 17% fat; 44% lactose; n = 34), or a high-fat MR (HF; 23% fat; 37% lactose; n = 34). Lactose was exchanged for fat on a weight per weight basis, resulting in a 6% difference in metabolizable energy density per kilogram of MR. The feeding plan started with 6 L/d for 7 d, then 8 L/d for 35 d, 6 L/d for 7 d, and finally, 4 L/d for 7 d. Milk replacer allowances were offered in 2 meals per day at 140 g/L. Measurements included daily MR, starter and straw intakes, weekly BW, and blood metabolites, including nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose, on wk 4, 6, 8, and 10. Increasing fat at the expense of lactose did not affect MR intake or solid feed intake during the preweaning and weaning periods. However, HF calves tended to consume more solid feed than HL calves during the postweaning period (2.63 ± 0.08 vs. 2.52 ± 0.08 kg/d). Additionally, average daily gain (HF = 0.78 ± 0.02, HL = 0.77 ± 0.02 kg/d) and final BW (HF = 98.8 ± 1.53, HL = 97.7 ± 1.57 kg) were not affected by MR composition. Nevertheless, NEFA concentration was higher in HF calves than in HL calves (0.21 ± 0.01 vs. 0.17 ± 0.01 mmol/L), and glucose concentration was higher in HF calves (6.52 ± 0.23 vs. 5.86 ± 0.23 mmol/L). Under the conditions of this study, HF calves consumed similar amounts of solid feed and grew comparably to the HL calves; however, the isonitrogenous replacement of lactose by fat had evident metabolic effects, such as increased blood NEFA and glucose concentrations.

Effects of concentrate starch level and free-choice provision of straw on performance, feeding behaviour and feed sorting of fattening lambs

The importance of forage in small ruminants’ behaviour is well known, but very few experimental studies have investigated the feeding behaviour of lambs offered ad libitum and as a free choice provision of concentrate and wheat straw. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of concentrate starch level on growth performance and behaviour, preference toward straw and rumen fermentation in lambs offered ad libitum forage and concentrate. Twenty-four Iranian Arabic male lambs (mean ± standard deviation; 18.8 ± 2 kg of BW) were used in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (8 lambs per treatment) for a period of 84 days. Experimental treatments were included 3 levels of starch (27.1%, 35.4% and 43.6% of dietary dry matter (DM)) and wheat straw was offered as a free-choice provision. Total DMI was not different among treatments; however, intakes of straw (P < 0.01), peNDF (P = 0.003), water (P = 0.05), and ME (P = 0.005) linearly increased with increasing level of starch in the concentrates. The increased dietary starch concentration linearly increased total gain (P = 0.02), and average daily gain (P = 0.01), but linearly decreased feed conversion ratio (P = 0.02). Increasing starch in the concentrates linearly increased sorting for straw particles retained on the 19-mm sieve and tended to increase sorting for particles retained on the 8-mm sieve. In contrast, sorting against the fine particles was observed with increasing starch content of the concentrates. Eating time decreased linearly as the amount of starch in the diets increased. Time spent ruminating per kg DM and NDF intake linearly increased with increasing starch in the diet. Standing time increased linearly (P = 0.04) as starch content of the diets increased. Lambs fed low starch diet had higher pH values than medium starch (at 2, 4, and 6 h post-feeding) and high starch (at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h post-feeding) diets. These findings suggest that under free-choice provision of straw and concentrate lambs are able to adjust their sorting behaviour in favor of physically effective NDF and more forage intake with increasing concentrate starch level, which could be an adaptive response to attenuate low rumen pH.

Effects of cassava chips (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and rain tree pods (Samanea saman) fermented with traditional fermentation starter (loog-pang kaomark) on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and microbial population in goats

To obtain guidelines for improving the quality of animal feed on production performance, rumen fermentation, and microbial population in goats. A total of 16 native-bore crossbred goats were used. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was planned to compare four supplementation forms. There were four different loog-pang kaomark fermented cassava chips and rain tree pods (CRFLK) at proportions 100:0, 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60, respectively. The results of this study found that rice straw intake in terms of kg was higher in goats fed CRFLK 50:50, 60:40, and 40:60. While CP, NDF, and ADF digestibility were increased in goat fed CRFLK 50:50 and 40:60. The concentration of acetic acid was decreased by supplementation of CRFLK (p < 0.05) whereas NH3-N and propionic acid were increased (p < 0.05) by goat fed CRFLK. However, CH4 was decreased (p < 0.05) as a result of supplementation of CRFLK. The goat fed CRFLK decreased the protozoal population (p < 0.05). Moreover, the bacteria population was increased by fed with CRFLK (p < 0.05). This study concluded that feeding concentrate inclusion with CRFLK 50:50 and 40:60 resulted in higher propionic acid, CP digestibility, and lowest CH4 production.

Performance indicators of sheep fed rice straw supplemented with browse leaves

The use of browse leaves as a protein source can help ruminants cope with adverse nutritional stress under unpredictable climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine feed intake, digestibility, metabolisable energy intake, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of sheep fed untreated rice straw supplemented with browse leaves. Four forest type rams with an average weight of 27.75± 0.89 kg (2 years old) and in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design were used in the digestibility study. Twelve ram lambs of average weight 13.2 kg ± 0.05 kg were assigned to the experimental diets randomly for 12 weeks in the growth study in a completely randomized design. Animals were fed four diets namely: Untreated rice straw (URS) + Albizzia lebbek (AL) (Control), URS + Moringa oleifera (MO), URS + Ficus exasperata (FE) and URS + Spondias mombin (SM). The dietary treatment influenced (p&lt;0.05) the digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD), maintenance energy requirement (MEm), metabolisable energy intake (MEI) and ratio of metabolisable energy intake to maintenance energy requirement (MEI: MEm). The DOMD, MEm, MEI and MEI: MEm were in the range of 965-983 g/kgDM, 3.61-5.36 MJ/d, 9.51-15.8 MJ/d and 2.63-3.38 respectively. The total intake of browse and straw ranged from 428.71 to 487.14 g/d. The average daily gain ranged from 7.14 to 20.24 g/d. The animals fed URS+FE recorded the highest average daily gain (p&lt;0.05) while the animals fed URS+AL recorded the lowest average daily gain (p&lt;0.05). Feed conversion efficiency ranged from 25.97 to 71.45 kg feed/ kg gain. The sheep fed URS+FE were the most efficient (p&lt;0.05) and those fed URS+AL, the least efficient (p&lt;0.05). Supplementation of browse leaves to sheep using untreated rice straw as a basal diet improved digestibility with moderate weight gains. These browse leaves (AL, FE, MO and SM) can be used to supplement poor quality ruminant diets for improved performance particularly during periods of feed scarcity. Key words: Digestible organic matter in dry matter, metabolisable energy, weight gain

Enhancing Rumen Fermentation Characteristic and Methane Mitigation Using Phytonutrient Pellet in Beef Cattle

The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) fruit peel pellet (CRP) supplementation on rumen fermentation, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance in crossbred beef cattle. Four beef cattle crossbred bulls (Brahman 75% × Thai native 25%), with 250 ± 15 kg of liveweight at 18 months old, were randomly selected to receive four dietary treatment groups: no supplementation (control) and the supplementation of CRP at 2, 4 and 6% of dry matter intake (DMI) by using a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The cattle were fed a concentrate at 2 kg/day, and rice straw was offered ad libitum. The results showed that rumen pH at 4 h and average post-feeding values were in the normal range, though they were slightly reduced with CRP supplementation at 4 and 6% DMI (p &lt; 0.05). Rumen temperature, ammonia nitrogen level, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate (C2), and butyrate (C4) production were similar among treatments. Nevertheless, propionate (C3) concentration was significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) in the CRP groups at 2 and 4% DMI. In addition, the C2/C3 ratio and CH4 production were significantly reduced in the CRP groups, especially at 2 and 4% DMI. Rice straw intake and total feed intake in terms of %BW were significantly higher in the groups with CRP at 2 and 4% DMI (p &lt; 0.05). The apparent nutrient digestibilities were not affected by the treatments. Nitrogen intake, nitrogen absorption, and nitrogen retention were significantly enhanced by the CRP supplementation (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, feces and total nitrogen excretion were not different among treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Ultimately, the supplementation of CRP at 2 and 4% DMI significantly improved the C3 concentration, reduced the C2/C3 ratio, mitigated methane production, and enhanced feed intake and nitrogen utilization efficiency. Therefore, CRP supplementation shows promise as a rumen dietary enhancer.

Phytonutrient pellet supplementation enhanced rumen fermentation efficiency and milk production of lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of inclusion of dragon fruit peel pellet (DFPP) and dietary non-protein nitrogen (NPN) on nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, plasma antioxidant activity, microbial protein synthesis, milk yield and composition in lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows. Four animals were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments were as follows: 300 g DM of DFPP +100 g of urea (T1), 300 g DM of DFPP + 200 g of urea (T2), 400 g DM of DFPP + 100 g of urea (T3), and 400 g DM of DFPP + 200 g of urea (T4), respectively. The results showed that intake of rice straw was increased (P < 0.01) by the DFPP addition. Including DFPP and urea did not affect (P > 0.05) the NDF and ADF digestibilities, but increased the apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein (P < 0.01). Rumen fermentation process, especially the propionate concentration, was significantly increased by the DFPP levels. The plasma antioxidant activity was increased (P > 0.05) with the addition of DFPP. The DFPP improved (P < 0.01) microbial protein synthesis. The supplementation of DFPP and urea increased (P < 0.05) milk fat, whereas milk yield and 3.5% fat corrected milk were only increased (P < 0.05) by the DFPP supplementation. Based on these results, addition of DFPP at 400 g/animal per day with urea at 100 g/animal per day improved rumen fermentation, plasma antioxidant activity, milk yield and milk fat percentage.

PSXII-28 Effects of the nutritional plane before and after breeding on performance of different hair sheep breeds

Abstract Female hair sheep, 27 Dorper (DOR), 41 Katahdin (KAT), and 39 St. Croix (STC), were used to determine influences of nutritional planes before and after breeding on performance. There were 35 multiparous and 72 primiparous sheep, the latter 2.8±0.20 yr of age. Wheat straw [4% crude protein; dry matter (DM) basis] was consumed ad libitum and supplemented with approximately 0.25% initial body weight (BW) of soybean meal (SBM; Low) or a 1:3 mixture of SBM and rolled corn at 1% BW (High; DM). The supplementation period was 162 d, and with breeding of animals in 2 groups sequentially the pre-breeding period was 84 and 97 d and that after breeding began was 78 and 65 d. Wheat straw DM intake (1.75, 1.30, 1.57, 1.15, 1.80, and 1.38% BW; SEM=0.112), average daily gain (-46, 42, -44, 70, -47, and 51 g; SEM=7.3), and change in body condition score (-0.61, 0.36, -0.53, 0.27, -0.39, and -0.18 for DOR-Low, DOR-High, KAT-Low, KAT-High, STC-Low, and STC-High, respectively; SEM=0.058) were influenced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by supplement treatment. Birth rate (66.7, 93.5, 84.6, 95.5, 82.8, and 100.0; SEM=9.83) and individual lamb birth weight (4.50, 4.61, 4.28, 3.98, 3.73, and 3.88 kg; SEM=0.201) were not affected by supplement treatment (P = 0.063 and 0.787, respectively), although litter size (0.92, 1.21, 1.17, 1.86, 1.12, and 1.82; SEM=0.221) and total litter birth weight (5.84, 5.74, 5.92, 7.52, 5.04, and 6.78 kg for DOR-Low, DOR-High, KAT-Low, KAT-High, STC-Low, and STC-High, respectively; SEM=0.529) were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for High than for Low. In conclusion, although there was some compensation in wheat straw intake for the different levels of supplementation, SBM given alone rather than with cereal grain adversely affected body weight and condition and reproductive performance, the latter primarily through litter size but also via a trend for an effect on birth rate.

Garut Sheep productivity in different initial body weight with feeding by water spinach straw at adaptation phase

This study aims to determine Garut Sheep productivity in different initial body weight feeding by water spinach straw at adaptation phase. Thirty-one Garut ewes (1-year-old) used on this research and divided into 3 groups of initial body weight, SS (11.01-14.00 kg), MS (14.01-17.00 kg), LS (17.01-20.00 kg). Sheep were kept intensively and fed concentrate and water spinach straw (Ipomea reptans). The weighing was carried out before treatment (day 0) and after the adaptation period ended (day 14). Average daily gain, Feed conversion ratio, Feed cost per day, and Feed cost per gain were calculate to evaluate animal productivity. There are no differences in feed intake of water spinach straw and concentrate on each group of body weight (P>0.05). MS and LS groups had the best gain and ADG (P <0.05). MS has the best feed conversion compared to SS, so it has an impact on the feed cost per gain which is also cheaper (P <0.05). The results of this study show that the FCR and feed cost per gain of LS group were not different compare SS group (P> 0.05). It can be concluded that MS group has the best performance during the adaptation period.

Effect of supplements on feed utilization of Tigray Highland sheep fed a basal diet of barley straw.

The feeding experiment was conducted at Ofla district, southern Tigray, North Ethiopia, to investigate feed utilization, diet digestibility, and its economic feasibility under different supplementation options. Twenty-four yearling intact growing lambs were used in randomized complete block design with three treatments and eight replications. The treatment diets were T1 (molasses 15% + wheat bran 48% + cotton seed cake 35%), T2 (maize grain 20% + wheat bran 43% + noug seed cake 35%) and T3 (maize grain 20% + wheat bran 33% + dried brewers' grain 45%). The diet was formulated as iso-nitrogenous and each animal has taken daily nutrient requirements according to their body weight. The collected data were analyzed using SAS (2007) statistical software. Economic analysis was done using standard partial budget analysis guidelines of CIMMIT (1988). The crude protein contents of the three treatment rations were comparable across treatments. There was a higher total dry matter intake recorded in animals fed on T3 as compared to the other treatments. The barley straw intake was higher and significant (P < 0.05) for the animals' group in T3 than that of T1 and T2. Animals fed with T3 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher organic matter intake as compared to those fed with T1 and T2. However, there was no significant (P > 0.05) differences in crude protein intake between treatments. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein had no significant differences (P > 0.05) between treatments. Similarly, the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among T1, T2, and T3. In general, animals that fed on T3 achieved better feed utilization and economic return as compared to the others.

Growth and bacterial dynamics of beef calves during transition from milk/pasture to a high-concentrate diet added with tannins or medium-chain fatty acids

Context Rumen fermentation modulation with feed additives during the transition period to high-concentrate diets might help to avoid bacterial dysbiosis. Aims Assessing the effects of the addition of tannins and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) to the adaptation diet of beef calves to a high-concentrate ration on the rate of intake, animal performance and rumen bacterial composition. Methods Eighteen 7-month-old beef calves were abruptly weaned and transitioned over a 28-day period from a milk/grass regime to one of the following diets: a non-supplemented high-concentrate diet plus wheat straw, both given ad libitum (C); C plus 20 g/kg of a 65:35 chestnut and quebracho tannin extract; and C plus 6 g/kg of a commercial mixture of MCFA. Concentrate and straw rate of intake were recorded. Rumen fluid was collected on Days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 0, 3, 6 and 9 h after feeding to characterise rumen fermentation. Samples from 0 h were analysed to assess the bacterial population using Ion Torrent sequencing. Key results The rate of intake of concentrates and straw, as well as daily gains and final weights, were similar (P &gt; 0.05) among diets. The addition of tannins or MCFA did not modify (P = 0.98) the rumen bacterial population, which was affected by sampling day (P &lt; 0.001). The additives inclusion did not affect relative abundances of the main bacterial taxa (P &lt; 0.05), most of them differing across days (P &lt; 0.001). Diversity indexes (Shannon and richness) declined over sampling days (P &lt; 0.05), although some genera emerged after concentrate inclusion. Conclusions At the doses used in the present experiment, tannins and MCFA did not exert any effect on intake, animal performance and bacterial population. Abrupt transition to high-concentrate diets modified the rumen environment and bacterial community, indicating bacterial adaptation to new environmental conditions. Implications Abrupt transition of 7-month-old calves from milk/pasture to a high-concentrate diet did not impair rumen microbiota or performance; therefore, the use of feed additives seems unnecessary.

Effects of soybean meal supplementation on ruminal kinetics of feed particle size reduction and passage in dairy cows fed rice straw.

Six ruminal-cannulated nonlactating Holstein Friesian cows (mean body weight:660 ± 42.9 kg) were used to investigate the effect of soybean meal (SBM) supplementation on voluntary rice straw (RS) intake, feed particle size reduction, and passage kinetics in the rumen. They were allocated to two dietary treatments: RS alone or RS supplemented with SBM. Voluntary dry matter intake of RS and total tract fiber digestibility was increased by SBM supplementation (p < 0.05). Supplementation with SBM decreased rumination time per dietary dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFom) intake (p < 0.01). Particle size distribution in the rumen and total ruminal NDFom digesta weights were not affected by SBM supplementation. However, the disappearance rates of total digesta and large and small particles from the rumen were increased by SBM supplementation (p < 0.01). Moreover, SBM supplementation increased the rate of size reduction in ruminal particles (p < 0.05). In situ disappearance of DM and NDFom of RS in the rumen was greater in SBM-supplemented cows than in nonsupplemented cows (p < 0.05). This study clearly showed that increased ruminal RS particle size reduction, passage, and fermentation due to SBM supplementation accelerated the RS particle clearance from the rumen and resulted in increased voluntary RS intake of dairy cows.