Kg-1 DM Research Articles

Pig slurry in carpet grass pasture: Yield and plant-available nitrogen

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the response of carpet grass to pig slurry fertilization in order to estimate the agronomic efficiency and the plant-available nitrogen (N) of such manure. A field test was conducted during two years, following a randomized block design with six replicates of the treatments: 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 kg N ha-1 year-1, which resulted in 0, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 m3 ha-1 (2008/09), and 0, 42, 84, 126, 168 and 210 m3 ha-1 (2009/10), according to the N content of the pig slurry used in each year. These treatments were compared with ammonium nitrate (200 kg N ha-1 year-1), in order to estimate the plant-available nitrogen of the manure for the pasture. Pig slurry doses increased linearly the dry matter yield. In 2008/2009, it was increased from 2,600 (0 kg N ha-1) to 7,718 kg ha-1 (500 kg N ha-1), while in 2009-2010 it ranged from 4,310 (0 kg N ha-1) to 12,321 kg ha-1 (500 kg N ha-1). The average agronomic efficiency of the manurewas 15 kg DM kg-1 N and it was lower than that found with ammonium nitrate (27 kg DM kg-1 N).The estimated plant-available N of the pig slurry was similar between the growing years. The N fraction of this manure available to the pasture was 0.64 (2008-09) and 0.60 (2009-10).

Haematological, biochemical and histopathological studies of goats fed Daniella oliveri foliage mixed with cowpea husk

An experiment was conducted to determine the haematological, biochemical and histopathological studies of goats fed Daniella oliveri mixed with cowpea husk. The dietary treatments compared were T1 (100% cowpea husk), T2 (25% Daniella oliveri foliage = 75 cowpea husk), T3 (50% Daniella oliveri foliage = 50% cowpea husk), T4 (75% Daniella oliveri foliage = 25% cowpea husk), T5 (100% Daniella oliveri foliage). The results reveal that T5 had significantly (p>0.05) higher values for ash (958.90 g kg 1 DM), crude protein (166.20 g kg-1 DM), crude fibre (188.50 g kg-1 DM), acid detergent fibre (376.90 g kg-1 DM), neutral detergent fibre (475.90 g kg-1 DM), cellulose (284.70 g kg-1 DM), and hemicelluloses (99.60 g kg-1 DM). T1 significantly had higher ether extract (32.90 g kg-1 DM) and T3 had significantly (p>0.05) higher acid detergent lignin. Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly higher (P<0.05) for T3 and T4. Haemoglobin (Hb) and Red blood cell count (RBC) were significantly higher (P<0.05) for T4. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was significantly different among treatments (P<0.05). White blood cell differentials (Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and Basophils) showed significant difference (P<0.05) among treatments. All the parameters studied for serum biochemical indices were significantly (P<0.05) different among treatments. Histopathology revealed that T1 and T2 had more nephrons with increased glomeruli- bowman's space, distended tubules and detached tubular epithelial cells relative to T3, T4 and T5 kidneys. The liver from T1, T2, T4 and T5 had focal areas of sinusoidal dilatation when compared to T3. Serum biochemistry results of markers for kidney (creatinine and serum urea) and liver function (ALT, AST and ALP) showed that the level of histopathology changes were not sufficient to alter their ultimate function when administered for eight weeks, since all values were within normal ranges.Based on these findings, it can be concluded thatfeeding D. oliveri substituting cowpea husk does not pose any health hazard but will require some fortification with minerals and vitamins at lower levels of inclusion.

<b>Carcass characteristics, meat quality, feeding behavior of Nelore heifers fed diets containing sunflower pie

The aim was to evaluate the feeding behavior, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nelore heifers fed sunflower pie replacing cottonseed meal. They were used 30 heifers with average initial weight of 274 kg ± 28 kg and average age of 24 months, confined for 76 days. The design was completely randomized with five treatments (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g kg-1 DM) and six replicates per treatment. By completing 24 hours after slaughter, it evaluated muscle conformation and degree of finish made the longissimus dorsi at the 13th rib. A representative sample between the 10th and 12th ribs was collected for evaluation of the physical components of carcasses. As well as the other variables, the hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, carcass length and rib eye area were not influenced by different pie levels in feed. The mean percentage of muscle, bone and fat from the carcass were 53.45; 16.14 and 29.46%, respectively, similar among treatments. Therefore, the use of up to 600 g kg-1 of sunflower pie replacing cottonseed meal as the main protein source, did not affect the carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nelore heifers.

<b>Influence of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids on the intake and digestibility of rations in female kids under heat stress

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids (CSFA) on the intake and digestibility of diets. Twenty-five female goat kids housed in digestibility cages and subjected to heat stress of 32°C in a climatic chamber, were used. The female kids were distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments: control (without inclusion of CSFA) and 6.25; 12.50; 18.75 and 25.00 g CSFA kg-1 of DM. The inclusion of CSFA in rations did not influence water intake (3.08 L day-1), dry matter (0.66 kg day-1), organic matter (0.62 kg day-1), crude protein (0.12 kg day-1), neutral detergent fiber (0.27 kg day-1) and total carbohydrate (0.47 kg day-1). The results of the digestibility of dry matter (0.66 kg kg-1), organic matter (0.67 kg kg-1), crude protein (0.78 kg kg-1), neutral detergent fiber (0.47 kg kg-1) and total carbohydrate (0.63 kg kg-1) were not affected by the treatments. However, there was a positive linear effect on the intake and digestibility of ether extract. Therefore, the addition of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids in the diets for female kids under heat stress of 32°C does not influence the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, except for ether extract, which is intrinsic to the product added to the rations.

Feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk production and composition in dairy cows fed silage of wet brewers grain

The aim of this study was to evaluate the supply of wet brewers grain silage with and without nutrient additives in ensiling (wheat bran, soybeans hulls and ground corn), and the effect of additives on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients as well as the efficiency, production and milk composition of Holstein cows. Four multiparous Holstein cows were used, with an average milk production of 25 liters per day. The cows were randomly assigned, via the Latin Square design (4x4), to one of four experimental diets. The experimental period was 21 days. The results obtained in the experiment were evaluated by analysis of variance, Fisher’s F test and Tukey’s test at 5 % probability. The experimental diets consisted of wet brewers grain silage alone, and this silage with the addition of wheat bran, soybean hulls or ground corn. The diets did not affect the initial body weight of the animals. Diets containing wheat bran and ground corn provided a higher intake of dry matter (21.78 and 21.50 kg day-1) and organic matter (20.42 and 20.22 kg day-1) compared to the wet brewers grain silage alone and the diet containing soybean hulls. The results observed for dry matter (636.96 and 632.96 g kg-1), organic matter (659.16 and 654.35 g kg-1 DM), crude protein (712.84 and 717.79 g kg-1 DM) and neutral detergent fiber (598.99 and 538.90 g kg-1 DM) when cows were fed diets containing soybean hulls and ground corn, respectively, were higher than other diets. The different diets did not change daily milk production, milk production corrected for 3.5 % fat or milk composition. The milk urea nitrogen from cows fed ground corn diets was a lower concentration (17.67 mg dL-1), however, it was still above the suitable range (10 to 14 mg dL-1). Providing wet brewers grain silage with soybeans hulls or ground corn to Holstein cows increased the digestibility of dry matter and nutrients. However, the use of silages with wheat bran, soybean hulls or ground corn did not alter the efficiency, production or milk composition of cows fed with these silages.

Use of calcareous algae and monensin in Nellore cattle subjected to an abrupt change in diet

ABSTRACT: Additives are used in high concentrate diets to prevent metabolic disorders in cattle. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of calcium sources and monensin on the control of ruminal acidosis in Nellore cattle that were abruptly shifted to a high (92.3%) concentrate diet. Eight cannulated steers were randomly assigned to two contemporary 4x4 Latin square. Treatments involved the addition of a calcium source, either limestone (LI) or a product derived from calcareous algae (CA), to the basic diet with or without the presence of monensin. Calcareous alga (Lithothamnium calcareum) is a natural and renewable product and a source of calcium carbonate. The quantity of added limestone, calcareous algae and monensin was 7.1g kg-1, 7.4g kg-1 and 30mg kg-1 DM, respectively. There was no effect of calcium source (P=0.607) or monensin (P=0.294) on feed intake or on the concentration of short chain fatty acids. Treatments with calcareous algae resulted in a higher mean ruminal pH (P=0.039), a shorter amount of time with the ruminal pH under 5.2 (P<0.001) and a better control of blood pH (P=0.006). Treatments with monensin also resulted in a shorter amount of time with the ruminal pH below 5.2 (P=0.023). Calcareous algae were shown to be effective in controlling adverse changes in the rumen and in blood variables for Nellore cattle that were subjected to an abrupt change to a high concentrate diet.

Productivity and nutritional quality of Flechinha grass ( Echinolaena inflexa ), native grass of Brazilian Cerrado

ABSTRACT: Due to scarce nutritional data, this study assessed the productivity and nutritional value of Echinolaena inflexa (EI) grass, native to the Cerrado biome. It was compared to B. brizantha (BB), one of the most cultivated grasses in Brazil, during a whole year (rainy; RS and dry season; DS). Sampling was held in accordance with pasture management (entry / exit height; 50 / 5cm and 80 / 25cm for EI and BB, respectively). Dry matter production (DMP), crude protein (CP), neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF; ADF), hemicellulose (HCEL), PB insoluble neutral and acid detergent (PIDN; PIDA), total and non-fibrous carbohydrates (TC; NFC), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM), and in vitro fermentation kinetics and DM degradability (DMD) were evaluated. A completely randomized design (season as a fixed term) and average treatment compared by Tukey post test were applied. EI produced 38.5% of the DMP of BB. A higher CP (75.3; 73.5 in the RS and DS), PIDA (12.5; 8.7), PIDN (47.1; 40.1), NDF (714.4; 749.5) and ADF (396.0; 419.0) were obtained by EI in relation to BB (CP (60.3; 33.5), PIDA (6.0; 3.5), PIDN (21.4; 10.8), NDF (673.0; 675.1) and ADF (335.5; 351.4) during the RS and DS, respectively (g kg-1 DM). In vitro data were directly associated with chemical composition, resulting in lower DMD of EI compared to BB. EI showed productive similarity (DMP) during RS and DS (939.3; 809.8kg DM respectively). Although EI showed greater nutritional stability (CP) between seasons, 17% of CP was linked to ADF and therefore, not available for rumen microorganisms.

Concentración de carbohidratos solubles en agua y nitrógeno posterior a la defoliación en ballicas perennes (Lolium perenne L.) en primavera

It is well documented that water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and nitrogen (N) are sources to start growth after defoliation, but there is little information about the concentration changes postdefoliation when normal and high sugar cultivars (CVS) are used under field conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate, every three days, the WSC and N concentration change in stubble and regrowth of four perennial ryegrasses (AberAvon, AberDart AR1, Arrow AR1 and Jumbo). There was no interaction between CVS and day after defoliation on the WSC or N concentration for each tissue (p > 0.05). There were effects of time after defoliation in both tissues (p < 0.05). The WSC concentration on the stubble declined until day nine (148.9 g kg-1 DM), reaching initial levels on day 18 after defoliation (198.8 g kg-1 DM). In the regrowth the values changed from 114.4 to 159.5 g kg-1 DM, respectively. The N concentration in the stubble and regrowth increased up to day 9 (26.4 g kg-1 DM) and day 12 (38.2 g kg-1 DM), respectively. Later, there was a steady decline until the end of the regrowth period with N concentrations of 20.4 and 27.8 g kg-1 DM for stubble and regrowth, respectively. The results indicate that the use of CVS marketed as high sugar do not bestow any advantage in terms of higher concentrations of WSC in different tissues after defoliation.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Yellow (Lupinus Luteus) and Blue Lupine (Lupinus Angustifolius) Cultivars as Protein Sources in Rats

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of protein from the seeds of yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus) and blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) cultivars, contained in diets fed to rats. The experimental diets were based on the seeds of three yellow lupine (Mister, Markiz, Taper) or three blue lupine (Sonet, Boruta, Elf) cultivars as the only or main protein source. The nutritional value of the diets was determined based on their chemical composition and alkaloid and oligosaccharide concentrations. Lupine seeds were fed to male Wistar rats with initial body weight of approx. 112 g. Alkaloid concentrations in yellow lupine and blue lupine seeds were 0.07-0.09 g kg-1 DM and 0.26-0.39 g kg-1 DM, respectively. Oligosaccharide concentrations in yellow and blue lupine seeds were 108.0-108.9 and 65.4-67.6 g kg-1 DM, respectively. The inclusion of lupine seeds in rat diets increased fecal and urinary nitrogen losses, and decreased nitrogen retention by approx. 10%. The diets based on yellow or blue lupine seeds were characterized by lower nitrogen digestibility and lower biological value of protein than the control diet containing casein.

Spineless cactus as a replacement for wheat bran in sugar cane-based diets for sheep: intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters

ABSTRACT - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing wheat bran by spineless cactus (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) in sugar cane-based diets on intake and nutrient digestibility and ruminal parameters of sheep. Five sheep (Santa Ines; average initial weight of 34.0±3.6 kg) were fitted with cannulas in the rumen and then assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The maximum dry matter (DM; 1414 g d−1), digestible organic matter (658 g d−1), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap; 425 g d−1) intakes were estimated by replacing 80.2, 89.9, and 50.5% of wheat bran. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility increased by 0.60 and 0.85 g kg-1 of DM. With the replacement of 57.1 and 62.2% of wheat bran, a maximum rate of NDF ingestion (0.70 h−1) and NDF ruminal pool (7.31 g) was obtained. Rumen pH increased with the inclusion of spineless cactus, while the maximum concentration of ammonia N (33.3 mg dL−1) and total volatile fatty acids (57.7 μmol mL−1) were estimated at the levels of 72.3 and 63.7% of replacement of wheat bran. It is recommended to replace 63% of wheat bran by spineless cactus in sugar cane-based diets, to promote better animal performance.

Utilization of Sewage Sludge in Agricultural Soil as Fertilizer in the Republic of Benin (West Africa): What are the Risks of Heavy Metals Contamination and Spreading?

Biosolids are the treated organic residuals, also known as sewage sludge, which are generated from domestic wastewater treatment plants. It is an organic matter and nutrients [phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N)]-rich material. Due to these properties, it is has been reported to be a suitable fertilizer or soil amendment which can valuably replace synthesized NPK. Unfortunately, this matter is heavily loaded with inorganic pollutants, namely heavy metals which limit its land application. Here, we evaluated the quality of treated sewage sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) in the republic of Benin; and assessed the eco-toxicological risks of heavy metals contamination and spreading related to the use of sludge as fertilizer in agriculture. Results revealed a slightly alkaline (pH ≥6.5) and high electrical conductivity (EC >4 mS cm-1) of the sludge. Heavy metals including Cd, Co, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Fe and Mn contents were at high level: 27.1, 18.6, 777.1, 1271.7, 165.5, 297.0, 131.2, 3184.0 and 394.2 mg kg-1 DM, respectively. Further fractionation of metals showed high mobility of metals classified as follow: Cu > Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni > Fe > Mn > Co > Zn. As a consequence, although the sludge is rich in organic matter and phosphorous, its high value of EC and heavy metals contents, with high mobility do not favor its used in agriculture soils. In addition, metals were enriched in the sludge; meaning that anthropogenic sources, human activities greatly contributed to the accumulation of metals in the sludge.

In vitro assessment of nutritive value of date palm by-products as feed for ruminants

Date-palm leaves, pedicels, date-pits and waste dates are the main date-palm by-products (DPBP), classically used as a complementary feeding source for livestock by oasis farmers. This work aims to assess in vitro the nutritive value of these DPBP, including waste dates from three varieties (Bouarus, Harchaya and Kentichi), and using vetch-oat hay as a reference feed material. Palm leaves showed the highest NDF, ADF, lignin and crude protein contents (609, 435, 84, 64 g kg-1 DM, respectively). After 144 hours of incubation, the highest cumulative gas production was observed for Kentichi dates (330 mL g-1DM) and the lowest for date-pits (69 mL g-1DM). Regardless of the variety, waste dates showed the highest DM effective degradability (ED; assuming a passage rate of 0.03 h-1) and organic matter digestibility (OMD), whereas date-pits seemed to be a poorly degradable material, with an ED coefficient of 0.09 g g-1 DM. The lowest total VFA production from ruminal fermentation was with date-pits and the highest with waste dates of the Bouarus variety. These results suggest that waste dates, albeit their low protein content, should be considered highly digestible with energy concentrations as high as that of vetch-oat hay. Palm leaves and pedicels can be considered as highly fibrous emergency roughages for low-producing animals. Protein supplementation is required when DPBP are included in the diet of ruminants.

Consumo e desempenho de novilhos alimentados com borra de soja em confinamento

This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of using soybean dreg in finishing of confined steers, with age and initial body weight of 20 months and 328.3 kg, respectively. Each treatment consisted of six experimental animals, which were fed with forage: concentrate ratio, 40:60 (dry matter basis), being bulky corn silage and concentrate based of bark, chaff and soybean dreg, corn, sodium chloride and calcium limestone. The steers were distributed in the treatments: 00, 30, 60, 90 and 120 g of soybean dreg per kg of dry matter in the diet, which contained 29.0, 47.3, 66.7, 86.8 and 106.8 g of ether extract, respectively. The dry matter intake was similar (P> 0.05) among the studied treatments with an average of 9.71 kg day-1. Similarly, no differences were observed (P> 0.05) in crude protein intake with anaverage of 1.36 kg day-1. However, there were differences in the consumption of ether extract and neutral and acid detergent fibre, which decreased linearly with the increase in the inclusion of dreg in the diet (CEE=0,305+0,0061SD; CFDN=5.71–0,011SD; CFDA=3.89–0.008SD kg day-1, respectively). The performance of steers was similar (P>0.05) between treatments, being the average daily gain of 1.542 kg, the fed conversion of 6.35 kg DM kg-1 weight gain and slaughter weight of 457.95 kg. The use of soybean dreg until the limit of 120 g kg-1 in the diet of confined cattle is feasible.

Replacement of aruana grass by gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) on silage quality

Our objective was to investigate the effect of the replacement of aruana grass by gliricidia on the fermentative losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability of silages. For ensiling, whole-crop aruana grass (75 d of growth) was chopped (275 g kg-1 dry matter - DM) and ensiled alone or associated with gliricidia (270 g kg-1 DM; 150 d of growth). For gliricidia, we used only the leaves and stalks to ensile. The evaluated treatments were different ratios of aruana grass to gliricidia (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100), with four replicates (mini-silos). The silage composed only of gliricidia exhibited a lower pH than the other silages. Dry matter recovery was not affected by the treatments, although effluent losses were affected. The replacement of aruana grass by gliricidia 50% at ensiling resulted in a higher lactic acid bacteria count. The aruana grass silages displayed lower protein contents and a higher neutral detergent fiber content than the gliricidia silages after 40 d of fermentation. Consequently, the silage consisting of 100% gliricidia showed higher in vitro DM digestibility, presenting an increase of 8.13% after 40 d of fermentation compared with 100% of aruana grass silage. After silo opening, the gliricidia silage was very stable (>72 h). The low quality of aruana grass silage is improved by replacing this grass with significant amounts of gliricidia (approximately 75%).

The effect of sulfur fertilization on macronutrient concentrations in the post-harvest biomass of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera Metzg)

Brassica oilseed crops have very high sulfur requirements. The progressive decrease in the sulfur content of soil, the growing share of cruciferous vegetables in agricultural ecosystems and a significant drop in annual wet and dry deposition of sulfur have prompted a growing body of research into sulfur as a valuable fertilizer ingredient. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sulfur fertilizers applied to soil on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur concentrations in the root residues, straw and oil cake of winter and spring rapeseed. The experimental material was collected from a field experiment conducted in 2005-2008 at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Balcyny (Poland). The highest concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium and sulfur were noted in the oil cake of both winter and spring rapeseed. Potassium levels were highest in the root residues of winter and spring rapeseed. Winter rapeseed accumulated the highest amounts of calcium in roots, and spring rapeseed – in straw. Sulfur fertilizers applied to soil decreased nitrogen concentrations and increased calcium and sulfur levels in the roots of both spring and winter rapeseed, whereas phosphorus concentrations increased only in the roots of winter rapeseed. Sulfur fertilization led to a drop in the potassium content of winter rapeseed roots (by 0.7 g kg-1 DM) and an increase in potassium levels in spring rapeseed roots (by 1.2 g kg-1 DM). The application of sulfur fertilizers significantly increased potassium and sulfur concentrations in the straw of both spring and winter rapeseed (by 1.3-1.7 and 0.5-0.6 g kg-1 DM, respectively). The application of sulfur fertilizers at optimal dr hab. Krzysztof Jankowski, Chair of Agrotechnology, Agricultural Production Management and Agribusiness, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 8/117, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland, e-mail: krzysztof.jankowski@uwm.edu.pl * Supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Project No. N310 031 32/167.

Effect of micro-alga supplementation on goat and cow milk fatty acid composition

The microalgae cultivation has been developed over the last decades because it is capable of producing valuable metabolites, such as n-3 fatty acids for nutraceutical purposes. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the micro-alga as fat supplement on fatty acid profile of goat and cow milk, with particular reference to n-3 fatty acids and rumenic acid. Twenty dairy goats and 16 dairy cows were randomly allocated to two isonitrogenous treatment groups to investigate the effect of micro-alga supplementation on the composition and fatty acid profile of milk. The 1st goat group was fed with alfalfa hay and concentrate; the 2nd goat group received the same forages but the concentrate was supplemented with 10 g kg-1 DM intake micro-alga. The control group cows were fed with alfalfa hay, corn silage and concentrate, while the experimental animals were fed with the same forages but the concentrate was supplemented with 7.4 g kg-1 DM intake micro-alga. The experimental periods lasted for 17 d. The micro-alga supplements considerably increased rumenic acid concentration in milk (1.20% vi. 1.54%, P < 0.001 for goats; 0.75% vs. 0.85%, P < 0.05 for cows). The n-3 fatty acids were higher in milk (1.02 vs. 1.35; P < 0.001 for goats; 0.47 vs. 0.56; P < 0.05 for cows) and in addition the n-6/n-3 ratio was also more favorable in the micro-alga supplemented groups (3.53 vs. 2.88; P < 0.01 for goats; 4.18 vs. 3.36; P < 0.05 for cows). It is concluded that the diet with micro-alga supplementation significantly increased the concentration of beneficial fatty acids in both goat and cow milk.

Caracterización química de panojas y vainas con semillas nativas del estado de Guerrero, México, para uso en la alimentación animal

Se seleccionaron e identificaron cinco especies forrajeras nativas del estado de Guerrero, México: Bothriochloa sp, Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers, Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd, Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Stend, Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd, consideradas forrajes no convencionales por ser productos naturales, no utilizados actualmente para la alimentación animal. El objetivo fue determinar la composición química en muestras representativas de las cinco plantas, vainas con semillas y panojas. Los análisis realizados fueron: análisis químico proximal, fracciones de fibra, perfil de aminoácidos, factores antinutricios, minerales y vitaminas hidrosolubles. Se encontró que el valor de proteína cruda osciló entre 60 y 202, fibra cruda entre 132.5 y 354.8, extracto etéreo 17 a 32.4, eportados en g-1 kg-1 de materia seca (MS). El contenido de lignina en las gramíneas fue 52 a 82 y en las muestras de leguminosas fue de 132 a 202 g; mientras que la celulosa para el primer grupo fue de 189 a 276 y para el segundo de 95 a 269 g kg-1 MS. De los factores antinutricios analizados el inhibidor de tripsina cuantificado fue de 1.0 a 4.97 UIT mg-1, hemaglutininas y saponinas no se detectaron. Se analizaron los siguientes minerales: Ca (301-652), Mg (57-88), K (565-1286), Na (64.3-630), Zn (0.93-5.1) y Fe (8.3-21.0) (reportados en g kg-1). Se cuantificaron 17 aminoácidos y 3 vitaminas (B1, B2 y B3) de cada muestra presentando valores similares entre ellas. Se concluye que las panojas y las vainas con semillas podrían considerarse como un recurso no convencional en la alimentación de rumiantes.

Gene Expression Profiles of Aralkylamine N-Acetyltransferase, B-cell Translocation Gene-2 and Fatty Acid Synthase in Pasture-based Primiparous Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows Supplemented with Crude Degummed Canola Oil

The effect of oil-rich supplements on the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and reproduction in pasturebased dairy cows is currently unknown, or at best, scanty and limited to impacts on cow liveweight, body condition score, milk composition, fatty acid and plasma metabolite profiles only. This research investigated the gene expression patterns of Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), B-cell translocation gene-2 (BTG2) and Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) genes in response to incremental levels of dietary crude degummed canola oil (CDCO). We tested the hypothesis that the relative mRNA abundance and gene expression profiles of AANAT, BTG2 and FASN in primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows will be up-regulated in response to post-partum dietary supplementation with CDCO in a typical pasture-based dairy production system. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the expression of AANAT, BTG2 and FASN genes in response to incremental levels of CDCO. A random allocation of primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows into four treatment groups comprising wheat-based pelleted with no supplemental CDCO (control), or with CDCO added at 25 ml kg-1 DM (low), 35 ml kg-1 DM (medium) and 50 ml kg-1 DM (high) was utilized in a ten-week experimental feeding trial including two weeks of adjustment. Both level of supplementation and their interaction with duration were significant sources of variation (P 0.05). The high (0.67 fold), medium (0.87 fold) and low (0.56 fold) treatments had suppressed BTG2 expressions compared to the control (1.0 fold) group. The low expression of BTG2 might be important when the reproductive system of cows is recovering from the effect of gestation and new cell growth is required.

Silage fermentation characteristics of grass-legume mixtures harvested at two different maturity stages

The objective of our study was to investigate the diversity of individual parameters of quality of grass-legume mixture silages harvested in two stages of crop utilization and the impact of the interaction of studied factors on the quality. Legumes as an important source of protein are very difficult to ensilage. However, in mixture with grasses their fermentable characteristics are improved. During the growth and development of plants, their chemical composition changes, hence their ability and suitability for ensiling also changes. In regard to the studied factors, the phase of exploitation had a highly significant impact on almost all quality parameters in both years. By delaying the harvest period, dry matter content in silage has significantly increased and the level of crude protein and NH3-N decreased. In regard to the content of lactic acid, the studied silages fall into category of good quality silages. Its content in the first year ranged from 24.3-31.5 in the early harvest stage and from 27.9-36.2 g kg-1 DM at the late harvest stage, and in the second year from 27.4 to 31.4 in the early harvest stage and from 28.2- 31.9 g kg-1 DM at the stage of late harvest. According to the content of acetic and butyric acids, studied silages can also be considered as silages of good quality.

Stability and maturity of maize stalks compost as affected by aeration rate, C/N ratio and moisture content

To estimate the order of importance of factors affecting the stability and maturation of compost, cow feces and maize stalks were co-composted at different aeration rates AR (22, 44 and 66 L kg-1 DM . min-1) of C/N ratios (16, 19, 22), and moisture contents MC (60 %, 65 %, 70 %). A composting process was monitored by physical and chemical methods. The thermophilic phase with all treatments was long enough to meet sanitation requirements. The emitted carbon dioxide and the losses total organic carbon and total extractable carbon increased with increasing aeration rate, there was a significant difference between the treatments with low and high aeration rate, but no significant differences between those two treatments and the moderate aeration rate. The total nitrogen contents of all treatments decreased during the thermophilic phase, while it was increased after that for all treatments except T8. The compost with the highest initial C/N ratio was significantly different from the other treatments and had the highest values of humic substances, degree of humification and humification rate. The compost with the lowest initial C/N ratio was significantly different from the other treatments and had the lowest germination index (57-67%). Aeration rate was the main factor influencing compost stability, while the C/N ratio mainly contributed to compost maturity, and the moisture content had an insignificant effect on the compost quality. The recommended parameters for composting are an aeration rate of 0.44 L kg-1 DM. min-1 and a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 19 with moisture content of 60-70%.