Levels Of Protein Supplementation Research Articles

PSII-23 Effect of Protein Supplementation Level and Degradability on N Balance in Steers Consuming Low-Quality Forage: Ii.Bos Taurus Indicus

Abstract Low-quality forage lacks the nitrogen (N) necessary for optimal forage utilization and animal performance. Supplemental protein improves forage utilization by increasing ruminally available N and energy supply to the animal. Together these two are expected to increase N absorption and balance. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effect of ruminal degradability and level of protein supplementation on N balance in Bos taurus indicus steers. Accordingly, six ruminally cannulated Brahman steers (BW 369 ± 51 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate the interaction between level and degradability of protein supplementation when consuming King Ranch Bluestem hay (3.5% CP, 71.0% NDF). Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with steers receiving protein supplements (43% CP) with two ruminal degradable protein levels; 35% RDP (35%; 58% corn gluten meal and 42% soybean hulls) and 70% RDP (70%; 100% soybean meal). Supplements were fed at two levels, providing 1.26 or 2.53 g of supplement/kg BW (LOW and HIGH). A control (CON) provided no supplement. Five, 14-d periods, consisted of 9 d adaptation and 4 d to measure intake, digestion, and N balance, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation. No degradability × level interactions were significant (P > 0.10) for any measures of N balance. Forage organic matter intake increased (P < 0.01) in response to supplementation, forage N intake tended to increase (P = 0.06). Supplemental N intake increased with increased supplementation, as designed, (P < 0.01) resulting in a significant increase in total N intake (P < 0.01). Degradability tended (P = 0.09) to affect supplement N intake with 70% RDP being greater than 35% RDP. Fecal N excretion increased 50% for LOW and 68% for HIGH (P < 0.01) compared with CON but did not differ (P = 0.24) between RDP levels. Urinary N excretion increased with increasing level (P < 0.01) and degradability (P < 0.01) of the protein supplement. Urinary N excretion increased 250% for the 70% HIGH supplement and 84% for the 35% HIGH supplement. Nitrogen absorption increased from -3.8 g N/d for unsupplemented steers to 38.8 and 48.8 g N/d for the 35% HIGH and 70% HIGH, respectfully (P < 0.01). Nitrogen retention increased (P = 0.03) with level of supplementation from -19.1 g N/d for unsupplemented steers to 10.6 and 9.7 g N/d for 35% HIGH and 70% HIGH, respectfully. Providing supplemental N to Bos taurus indicus increased N intake, excretion, absorption, and retention. Level of ruminal degradability did not affect the amount of N retained or absorbed suggesting that protein supplementation regardless of ruminal N degradability will improve N balance in Bos taurus indicus consuming low-quality forage.

PSII-22 Effect of Protein Supplementation Level and Degradability on N Balance By Steers Consuming Low-Quality Forage: I.Bos Taurus Taurus

Abstract Globally, cattle convert low-quality forage to beef and milk; therefore, understanding protein utilization in Bos taurus taurus is critical to enhancing sustainability as over and under-supplementation of protein are economically and environmentally costly. Low-quality forage lacks the N necessary for proper utilization and metabolic function. Supplemental protein improves low-quality forage utilization and is expected to increase N absorption and retention. Accordingly, our objective was to determine the effect of ruminal degradability and level of protein supplementation on N balance in Bos taurus taurus steers. To achieve this objective, six ruminally cannulated Angus steers (BW 294 ± 37.7 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate the interaction between level and degradability of protein supplementation when consuming King Ranch Bluestem hay (3.5% CP, 71.0% NDF). Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial steers receiving protein supplements (43% CP) with two ruminal degradable protein levels; 35% RDP (35%; 58% corn gluten meal and 42% soybean hulls) and 70% RDP (70%; 100% soybean meal). Supplements were fed at two levels, providing 1.26 or 2.53 g of supplement/kg BW (LOW and HIGH, respectively). A control (CON) provided no supplement. Five, 14-d periods, consisted of 9 d adaptation and 4 d to measure intake, digestion, and N balance, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation. No significant (P ≥ 0.14) degradability × level interactions were detected for any measures of N balance. Although forage organic matter intake increased (P < 0.01) in response to supplementation, forage N intake was not improved. Supplemental N intake increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increased supplementation, as designed, resulting in a significant linear (P < 0.01) increase in total N intake. In addition, 70% RDP supplement resulted in greater supplemental N intake than the 35% RDP supplement. Fecal N excretion increased linearly with supplementation. Supplementation at the HIGH level increased (P < 0.01) fecal N excretion 90% compared with CON. There was no significant (P = 0.94) effect of ruminal degradability. Urinary N excretion was greater (P < 0.01) when the 70% RDP supplement was fed than the 35% RDP. Nitrogen absorption linearly increased with supplementation (P < 0.01). Similarly, nitrogen retention linearly increased (P < 0.01) with level of supplementation but was not significantly affected by degradability (P = 0.87). In conclusion, providing supplemental N to Bos taurus taurus increased N intake, excretion, absorption, and retention. Level of ruminal degradability did not affect N retention or absorption suggesting that protein supplementation regardless of ruminal N degradability improves N balance in Bos taurus taurus consuming low-quality forage.

PSII-3 Effect of Protein Supplementation Level and Degradability on Forage Utilization by Steers Consuming Low-Quality Forage: II. Bos taurus indicus

Abstract A deficiency of ruminally available N (RAN) caused by a basal diet of low-quality forage may depress forage utilization. Supplemental protein improves utilization by addressing the RAN therefore increasing intake and potentially improving digestibility. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ruminal degradability and level of protein supplementation on forage utilization by Bos taurus indicus steers. Accordingly, five ruminally cannulated Brahman steers (BW 369 ± 51 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate the interaction between level and degradability of protein supplementation when consuming a basal diet of King Ranch Bluestem hay (3.5% CP, 71.0% NDF). Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with steers receiving protein supplements (43% CP) having two levels of protein degradability (35 or 70% RDP) fed at two levels of supplementation, 1.26 or 2.53 g/kg BW (LOW and HIGH). A control treatment providing no supplemental protein was also included (CON). Five 14-d periods were conducted, consisting of 9 d adaptation, 4 d to measure intake and digestion, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation. No degradability × level interactions were observed for any measures of intake or digestion (P > 0.10). Protein supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.01) total digestible OM intake (TDOMI), NDF intake (P = 0.01), and total digestible NDF intake (DNDFI; P < 0.03). Total digestible OMI was greater in steers receiving 70% RDP than the 35% RDP (P = 0.08). This response resulted from the linear increase in FOMI with 75% RDP (P = 0.03), that was not observed with 35% RDP. Despite differences in FOMI, TDOMI increased linearly (P ≤ 0.03) for both 35 and 70% RDP, partially the result of providing a highly digestible supplement. Forage OMI differences also resulted in NDFI being greater for 70% RDP than 35% RDP (P = 0.06) and DNDFI increasing linearly with the addition of both supplements (P ≤ 0.03). Organic matter digestibility (OMD) increased linearly with supplementation as a result of supplement provision. In contrast to observations previously reported in Bos taurus steers, provision of 35% RDP supplement did not improve FOMI. Supplementation with 70% RDP improved FOMI 19 and 20% compared to the basal diet at LOW and HIGH levels, respectively. A portion of this relatively modest response to protein supplementation could be attributed to greater intake in the unsupplemented controls.

PSII-2 Effect of Protein Supplementation Level and Degradability on Forage Utilization by Steers Consuming Low-Quality Forage: I. Bos taurus taurus

Abstract A deficiency of ruminally available N (RAN) caused by a basal diet of low-quality forage may depress forage utilization. Supplemental protein improves utilization by increasing RAN therefore increasing intake and potentially improving digestibility. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ruminal degradability and level of protein supplementation on forage utilization by Bos taurus taurus steers. Accordingly, six ruminally cannulated Angus steers (BW 294 ± 37.7 kg) were used in a 5×5 Latin square to evaluate the interaction between level and degradability of protein supplementation when consuming King Ranch Bluestem hay (3.5% CP, 71.0% NDF). Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial with steers receiving protein supplements (43% CP) with two levels of protein degradability (35 or 70% RDP) fed at two levels of supplementation, providing 1.26 or 2.53 g/kg BW (LOW and HIGH). A control treatment (CON) provided no supplemental protein. Five 14-d periods were conducted, consisting of 9 d adaptation and 4 d to measure intake and digestion, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation. No degradability × level interactions were significant for any measures of intake or digestion, although there was a tendency for an interaction (P = 0.09) for total organic matter intake (TOMI), resulting from a tendency for a quadratic (P = 0.08) increase when supplemented. In contrast, the 70% RDP supplement continued to increase TOMI linearly (P < 0.01), suggesting the maximum effective level of supplementation was not reached. As expected, protein supplementation increased all measures of intake such as, forage OMI (FOMI), total digestible OMI (TDOMI), and NDF intake (P < 0.01). In addition, level of supplementation affected all measures of intake (P ≤ 0.01) with HIGH being greater than LOW. Protein supplements with 70% RDP at LOW increased FOMI 28% versus control when supplemented at LOW, and 47% at HIGH. Supplementation with 35% RDP increased FOMI 23% at the LOW and 28% at HIGH indicating the lower degradability supplement was less effective at improving forage utilization that the 70% RDP supplement (P = 0.01). Total NDF intake (NDFI) followed this same pattern with 70% RDP supplementation increasing NDFI 29 and 52% with LOW and HIGH supplementation, respectfully; 28 and 37% when 35% RDP supplementation was provided (P = 0.10). Despite the effect of protein supplementation on intake, OM digestion (OMD) and NDF digestion (NDFD) were not affected by protein supplementation regardless of degradability or level (P ≥ 0.23). In conclusion, FOMI and TDOMI were increased with the provision of greater levels and more degradable supplements resulting in better forage utilization.

Performance, fecal egg count and feeding behavior of lambs grazing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) with increased levels of protein supplementation

The current study investigated the effect of increased protein supplementation levels on fecal egg count, performance and feeding behavior of lambs grazing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). The treatments consisted of five levels of crude protein (CP) in an isoenergetic supplement (0%, 8%, 16%, 24% and 32% CP) provided to growing lambs. Fifty lambs at initial live weight of 20.2 ± 2.94 kg were slaughtered after 75 days of protein supplementation. Ether extract intake decreased with the increase of CP in the supplement. Average daily weight gain was over 60% greater for lambs receiving supplement with 16% and 24% CP than lambs in the control group. Protein supplementation did not affect grazing and ruminating behavior but lambs in the control group spent from 82% to 88% less time eating the supplement (4.01 min; P < 0.01) and visited the supplement trough 3.01 times a day. Fecal egg count remained low with the increase of protein in the supplement in the beginning of the grazing period. Intake, weight gain, carcass length and rump width of the lambs enhanced as CP in the supplement increased, with optimal performance obtained with 8% CP in the supplement for lambs grazing elephant grass.

Bacterial Communities of the Uterus and Rumen During Heifer Development With Protein Supplementation

Bacterial communities play major roles in rumen and uterine function toward optimal animal performance and may be affected by changes occurring during heifer development such as nutritional supplementation for optimal growth and the attainment of puberty. The effect of different levels of protein supplementation on ruminal and uterine bacterial communities following weaning was examined through first breeding of heifers. Angus heifers (n = 39) were blocked by initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of three 163-day (d) crude protein (CP) supplementation diets including control (10% CP, n = 14), 20% CP (n = 11), or 40% CP (n = 14) treatment groups. Growth and development were monitored by body weight, with blood progesterone concentration determined every 14 d to determine pubertal status. Uterine flush and rumen fluid were collected on d 56, 112, and 163 relative to the start of supplementation. Bacterial DNA was extracted from fluid samples, the V1–V3 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, and amplicons were sequenced then processed in R 4.1. Statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.4 with a GLIMMIX procedure utilizing fixed effects of protein, month, pubertal status, and interactions, with random effects including BW, interaction of BW and protein, and heifer within the interaction, and repeated measures of day. In the uterus, pubertal status and day of supplementation affected the observed amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and led to clustering of samples in a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA; P &amp;lt; 0.05), but no effect of protein supplementation was observed. Ruminal samples clustered in PCoA (P = 0.001), and observed ASVs were impacted over time (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), but no effect of protein supplementation was detected. In contrast, protein supplementation, pubertal status, and day of supplementation affected the abundance of multiple phyla and genera in the uterus and rumen (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Temporal and pubertal status effects on the heifer’s uterine bacterial communities potentially indicate a maturing uterine microbiome. Protein supplementation did not impact microbial diversity measures but did affect the abundance of individual bacterial phyla and genera that may provide future opportunities to manipulate bacterial community composition and maximize productivity.

Interaction of protein supplementation and ecotype on growth performance and carcass traits of Nguni goats

Nguni goats are thought not to respond to dietary protein supplementation. The objective of the study was to determine the interaction of protein supplementation and ecotype on growth performance and carcass traits of Nongoma, Msinga and Cedara Nguni goat ecotypes. Thirty-six five-month-old castrated males were randomly allotted to a 3 × 3 factorial design experiment and provided 0, 150 and 300 g protein concentrate per day. There was an interaction of ecotype and protein supplementation on average daily gain (ADG). The ADG of the Nongoma and Cedara goats increased with protein supplementation, but the Msinga ecotype was not affected by the treatments. Goats of the Cedara ecotype weighed 34.4 kg when provided 300 g of supplement, whereas the Nongoma ecotype weighed 26.5 kg at slaughter when unsupplemented. The dressing percentage did not differ with the level of protein supplementation or ecotype. From the fifth quarter, the skin was affected by ecotype, gut fill by protein supplementation and the weight of the head by both factors. The Cedara ecotype had a heavier fifth quarter at 300 g supplementation. There was no interaction of protein supplementation and ecotype on dissectible fat. Intestine and visceral fats were affected by protein supplementation, whereas stomach fat was affected by ecotype.

Hydroxychloride trace minerals improve apparent total tract nutrient digestibility in Bonsmara beef cattle

The effect of hydroxychloride trace minerals (HTM) on nutrient digestibility in comparison with sulfate trace minerals (STM) was tested in Bonsmara beef cattle fed Eragrostis tef hay as roughage, with high or low protein supplementation. Eight 12 month old Bonsmara beef heifers were housed individually and fed according to a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Two levels of protein supplementation, being 12.79% crude protein (CP) in the low protein concentrate and 30.16% CP in the high protein concentrate, were combined with two sources of trace minerals, being HTM and STM. All four diets contained 15 ppm added Cu, 50 ppm added Zn and 33 ppm added Mn. The Eragrostis tef hay roughage was fed ad libitum. The supplements including the minerals were fed separately daily at a fixed rate of 1.4 kg/heifer/day. Each period was 24 days starting with 18 days adaptation period followed by 6 days sampling period. The body weight and feed intake were measured during each period, to calculate growth performance. Feed and fecal samples were collected during sampling period and analyzed for nutrient digestibility, while acid insoluble ash was used as indigestible marker. On the last day of each period, rumen fluid was collected via a stomach tube for rumen pH and volatile fatty acid measurements.Results showed that HTM had a significant positive effect (P < 0.05) on dry matter (+ 1.78%, P = 0.042), organic matter (+ 1.81%, P = 0.039), neutral detergent fiber (1.80%, P = 0.020) and acid detergent fiber (+ 2.41%, P = 0.019) digestibility in Bonsmara beef cattle compared to STM, regardless of protein supplementation. Feeding higher protein level increased CP digestibility compared to low protein supplementation (+7.92%, P < 0.001), while overall the mineral sources only tended to improve CP digestibility when HTM were fed (+3.18%, P = 0.052). High CP supplementation resulted in a higher acetate (+ 0.638 g/l, P < 0.001), and butyrate (+ 0.196 g/l, P = 0.010) production in the rumen compared to low CP supplementation, regardless of mineral source. Propionate production tended to be higher in the rumen of protein supplemented heifers (+ 0.114 g/l, P = 0.060), which tended to be more evident in heifers fed HTM. However, the effects observed on nutrient digestibility and rumen parameters did not translate into differences in growth performance.

The influence of supplemental feed protein concentration on growth and carcass characteristics of Short Horn Zebu bulls grazing natural pastures

In Uganda, beef production is mainly based on local cattle breeds like the Short Horn Zebu (SHZ) which graze unimproved natural pastures. Sole grazing on natural pastures cannot meet the annual nutrient requirements of SHZ due to seasonal variability in quantity and quality of the pastures resulting in delayed attainment of market slaughter weight. In order to meet the nutrient requirements of SHZ and hence to shorten the time to attain market weight, we evaluated the effect of providing ad libitum supplements of varying crude protein (CP) levels (90, 110 and 130 g CP kg−1 dry matter (DM)) on the performance and carcass characteristics of grazing SHZ bulls. Ninety-six SHZ (6 ± 2 months old) were allocated to one of four treatment diets including the control T1 (sole grazing), T2, T3 and T4 grazing plus a supplement containing 90, 110 and 130 g CP kg−1 DM, respectively. Crude protein of natural pastures ranged between 103.9 to 158.4 g kg−1DM. Dry matter intake (DMI) varied with month (P<0.001) and increased (P<0.001) level of protein supplementation. For supplemented groups, the supplement contributed more than 75% of DMI even though supplement intake did not vary (P>0.05) with level of CP in supplement. However, CP intake of animals increased with level of CP of the supplement offered. Final live weight and average daily weight gain (ADG) increased (P<0.001) with level of CP in supplement. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) varied (P<0.01) with level of CP in the supplement (13.7 for T4 vs 18.5 for T1). The supplement with 110 g CP kg−1 DM resulted in higher α-linoleic acid and ratio of n6:n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat compared to meat from unsupplemented cattle. It is concluded that providing grazing SHZ cattle with a supplement containing 110 g CP kg−1 DM improves feed intake, ADG, carcass yield and carcass composition.

Effects of replacing wet distillers grains with supplemental SoyPass in forage-based growing cattle diets.

One hundred twenty individually fed steers (initial BW 283 kg ± 32) were utilized in an 84-d growing trial to evaluate the effects of increased metabolizable lysine from non-enzymatically browned soybean meal (SoyPass) in grass hay-based diets containing wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). The treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial with two levels of protein supplement as 20% (low; DL20) or 35% (high; DL35) of dietary DM using WDGS as the basal protein source, and three increments of SoyPass (SP) replacing 0%, 30%, or 60% of the WDGS DM in the protein supplement yielding six dietary treatments. Average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), gain:feed (G:F), and plasma urea N (PUN) data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS as a 2 × 3 factorial. Animal was the experimental unit and fixed effects included body weight block, dietary inclusion of distillers grains (DL20, DL35), dietary inclusion of SoyPass (SP) (3 levels), and DL × SP inclusion interactions. Linear and quadratic interactions between DL and SP inclusion were analyzed using covariate regression. No interactions were detected for ADG between SP and DL (P = 0.76). Additionally, SP had no effect on ADG (P = 0.49). However, ADG was increased for steers consuming the DL35 diet compared to DL20 (1.13 vs. 0.86 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.01). A DL × SP interaction was detected for DMI (P = 0.01). As SP replaced WDGS in the DL35 diet, DMI increased linearly from 8.10 to 8.93 kg/d (P = 0.02). In the DL20 diet, DMI was not different as SP replaced WDGS (P ≥ 0.11). Therefore, G:F tended to decrease linearly (P = 0.06) as SP replaced WDGS in the DL35 diet, while no difference (P ≥ 0.11) was detected in the DL20 diet, suggesting SP contained less energy than WDGS but did improve dietary lysine balance. Furthermore, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) increased linearly as SP replaced WDGS in the DL20 diet (P < 0.01) but was not affected by SP substitution in the DL35 diet (P ≥ 0.19). When WDGS is fed at a low (20% DM) or high (35% DM) inclusion rate in a forage-based diet, replacing the distillers with a source of protected amino acids supplied through heat-treated soybean meal, did not improve performance. A more concentrated or energy-dense form of amino acids may be beneficial in forage-based growing cattle diets containing 20% distillers grains but is not needed in diets with 35% distillers grains.

Effect of feeding different levels of protein supplementation on the growth performance of young snails (Archachatina marginata) in the western highlands of Cameroon

Effect of feeding different levels of protein supplementation on the growth performance of young snails (Archachatina marginata) in the western highlands of Cameroon

PSX-10 Program Chair Poster Pick: Effects of meat goat breed, salinity of drinking water, and level of protein supplementation on intake and digestion

Abstract The objective was to determine if effects of level of salinity in drinking water for yearling meat goat wethers consuming low-protein roughage are influenced by level of protein supplementation and breed. Eighteen Boer (initial BW of 37.9±1.12 kg and 1.15±0.009 yr) and 18 Spanish goats (33.5±0.66 kg and 1.16±0.008 yr) consumed wheat straw ad libitum for 10 wk. Soybean meal was supplemented at 0.13–0.14 or 0.27–0.28% BW (DM; Low and High, respectively) and water was fresh alone (240 mg/kg total dissolved salts) or with NaCl added at 5,000 or 10,000 mg/L (FW, MS, and HS, respectively). Final BW was not influenced by supplement or water treatments (P &amp;gt;0.12) and was greater (P = 0.003) for Boer vs. Spanish (38.6 and 34.7 kg; SEM=0.84). Water intake ranked (P &amp;lt; 0.05) FW&amp;lt; MS&amp;lt; HS (1,093, 1,295, and 1,541 g/d; SEM=66.6). Wheat straw DMI was similar between supplement treatments (684 and 692 g/d; SEM=21.1) and, thus, total DMI tended (P &amp;lt; 0.068) to be greater for High (733 and 793 g/d for Low and High, respectively; SEM=21.9). There was an interaction (P = 0.015) in total DMI between breed and water treatments because of a relatively low value for Spanish-FW (821, 733, and 811 for Boer and 636, 781, and 796 g/d for Spanish consuming FW, MS, and HS, respectively; SEM=38.0). Breed and water and supplement treatments did not influence the average of total tract digestibilities determined in wk 4 and 8 (P &amp;gt;010). In conclusion, these yearling meat goats displayed considerable tolerance of drinking water high in salinity as varied by NaCl addition, without consistent breed differences. Furthermore, under these conditions, effects of level of protein supplementation did not markedly differ among water treatments or between goat breeds. Future research should address animals with greater nutrient and energy demands and sources of saline water with various mineral arrays.

66 Effects of level of protein supplementation on intake of wheat straw and drinking water varying in salinity by Boer and Spanish goats

Abstract The effect of level of supplemental protein on intake of wheat straw by yearling meat goats drinking saline water was determined. Eighteen Boer and 18 Spanish wethers (initial BW 37.5±0.97 and 34.0±0.41 kg, respectively) consumed straw ad libitum supplemented with soybean meal DM at 0.14 or 0.28% BW (LP and HP, respectively) during 2 4-wk phases. Phase-1 water treatments were fresh water [FW; 233 ppm total dissolved salts (TDS)] and FW with 10,000 and 15,000 ppm TDS added via NaCl (MS and HS, respectively). The added TDS level for HS was 20,000 ppm in phase 2. In the preceding 8 wk, MS- and HS-wethers consumed water with 5,000 and 10,000 ppm TDS, respectively. There were no interactions between supplement and water treatments in water or DMI in the last 2 wk of phases. In phase 1, water intake varied among water treatments (1,075, 1,080, and 1,362 g/d; SEM=74.9) but was not influenced by supplement treatment (1,150 and 1,195 g/d; SEM=61.1), and DMI was similar for both water (603, 598, and 640 g/d for FW, MS, and HS, respectively; SEM=30.0) and supplement treatments (627 and 600 g/d for LP and HP, respectively; SEM=24.5). In phase 2, there was a breed×water treatment interaction (P = 0.039) in water intake (1,038, 1,178, and 1,907 for Boer and 744, 1,029, and 1,340 g/d for Spanish consuming FW, MS, and HS, respectively; SEM=77.7). However, straw intake was not influenced by water (717, 736, and 759 g/d for FW, MS, and HS, respectively; SEM=36.4) or supplement treatment (732 and 743 g/d for LP and HP, respectively; SEM=29.7). In conclusion, with relatively high levels of TDS in drinking water achieved by NaCl addition, a high level of supplemental protein did not enhance intake of wheat straw. However, future research should address other types of saline water.

In vitro ruminal fermentation parameters and methane production of Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha) in a silvopastoral system associated with levels of protein supplementation

AbstractThe addition of protein supplementation in a silvopastoral system can contribute to improved forage intake and digestibility. Our objective was to evaluate in vitro ruminal parameters, digestibility and gas production of Marandu palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster] in a silvopastoral system and compare this to parameters obtained from diets with protein supplementation. Forage was sampled during the growing season (November to April) in 2016/17 and 2017/18. In vitro incubation treatments consisted of four levels of protein supplement (20% of crude protein; CP) in the diet (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 g/kg of body weight). The neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and indigestible neutral detergent fibre concentrations were highest in the first year. In the second year, CP concentration was 21% greater than in the first year. There was a linear increase for digestion rate, a quadratic effect for lag time and a linear decrease for average digestion time as supplementation levels were increased. The least lag time and digestion time occurred in the second year. There was no supplementation effect on ruminal pH, acetate and butyrate concentrations. Second‐year in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was greater than in the first year. Increases in supplementation levels linearly enhanced IVDMD and reduced methane (CH4) production. The inclusion of a protein supplement contributed to reduced CH4 and increased volatile fatty acids production; therefore, we recommended the supplement inclusion of &gt;0.28 g/kg of BW for animals grazing in well‐managed palisadegrass pastures.

Effects of protein supplements on fertility and assessment of the fertility genes (GDF9 and BMP15) in indigenous sheep of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of protein supplements on fertility and assess the fertility gene (BMP15 and GDP9) in sheep of Bangladesh. Thirty six ewes fed two protein level (Treatment 1, T1 and treatment 2, T2) and no protein supplement ration (control, T0). Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed from blood cell DNA following standard protocols. PCR products were sequenced using Sanger sequencing and MEGA6 software were used for molecular analysis. The conception rate of ewes was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treated group than the control. Gestation period and lambing interval were significantly higher (worse) in control (154.00 ± 0.57 and 186.00 ± 1.24 days) than treated groups. Birth weight of lamb ranged from 1.07 to 1.65 kg and higher birth weight was found in T2 than other groups. Sequence alignment of BMP15 and GDF9 gene in indigenous sheep showed 100% homology with other sheep breed. As no mutation was observed and apparently these genes have no effect on ewe fertility. However, nutritional supplements had a positive impact on reproductive performance. The phylogenetic inferences have close relations of Bangladeshi sheep with other breed elsewhere.

Protein supplementation for sheep fed with tropical forage

The effects of increasing levels of protein supplementation (50, 100, 150 and 200 animal per day) and mineral salt on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and ingestive behavior of sheep consuming tropical forage (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) were evaluated. Five non-castrated crossbred lambs (½ Santa Inês x ½ undefined breed) with average initial body weight of 35.0 kg (± 4.40 kg) were allocated in individual cages and analyzed in a 5x5 Latin square experimental design composed of five animals, five treatments and five evaluation periods of 14 days each. The contrast (protein supplement vs. mineral mixture) was not significant (p&gt;0.05) for total dry matter intake, total organic matter intake, total ether extract intake and total carbohydrate intake variables. However, it was significant (p&lt;0.05) for the variables forage dry matter intake, total crude protein intake, total mineral matter intake, total neutral detergent fiber intake and total non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, demonstrating possible replacement of forage by the supplement. Although the diet dry matter digestibility declined linearly (p &lt;0.05), there was a significant linear increase effect of supplementation (P &lt;0.05) on apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, non-fibrous carbohydrates and consumption of digestible non-fibrous carbohydrates. This was due to higher participation of supplement in the diet ingested by supplemented sheep. The type of supplementation (protein or mineral mixture) did not affect the animals€™ daily activities. Protein supplementation did not affect the water ingestion (P &lt;0.05), demonstrating that even at the highest level of supplementation (200 g/day), animals were not induced to drink more water by the diet. We conclude that increasing levels of protein supplementation associated with good quality elephant grass resulted in increases in sheep digestive parameters, and supplementation below 100 g day-1 resulted in similar parameters to those of sheep receiving mineral mix (control). Additionally, protein supplementation did not affect (P&gt; 0.05) either the water intake or ingestive behavior of sheep, with rumination and rest coinciding with dusk and dawn.

375 The effect of supplemental protein from weaning until first breeding on heifer development and uterine environment characteristics

Abstract Replacement heifer development is one of the most critical components of productive beef operations. By identifying the ideal uterine environment in pre-breeding heifers, fertility and reproductive efficiency can be maximized. Our hypothesis was that different levels of protein supplementation would affect the rate of development and uterine environment of beef heifers. To test the effects of dietary supplementation on these outcomes, a randomized complete block design with repeated measures was implemented. Commercial Angus heifers (n = 60) were blocked by BW into 4 weight classes. Within each weight class, three pens of 5 heifers each were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups of supplemental protein [10% (control), 20% (P20), and 40% (P40)]. All heifers were allowed access to ad libitum grass hay. Bodyweight and BCS were collected every 2 weeks to monitor heifer development. Uterine fluid samples were collected monthly by flushing with sterile saline to evaluate components of the uterine environment. Relative uterine pH was calculated by subtracting saline pH from the uterine flush pH. Separate mixed model ANOVAs and mean separation via PROC GLIMMIX (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) were used to determine if protein supplementation treatments, time and their interactions influenced BW, BCS, or uterine environment. Bodyweight of the control group was significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than P20 or P40 groups from December to March. There was an interaction between treatment and time for relative uterine pH (P = 0.002). In November, the P40 group exhibited less change in pH compared to the control group (0.33±0.1 vs. 0.74±0.1; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Whereas in December the P40 (0.23±0.1) group showed more basic uterine environment compared to the P20 (-0.22±0.1) or control (-0.13±0.1) groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, higher protein supplementation does improve heifer growth and development, as well as altering the pH of the uterine fluid from weaning to first breeding

Effect of dietary supplementation with heat-treated canola meal on ruminal nutrient metabolism in lactating dairy cows

An experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of incremental levels of heat-moisture-treated canola meal (TCM) fed to dairy cows on the relationship between ruminal nutrient digestion and milk production. Experimental diets were fed to 4 multiparous rumen-cannulated Nordic Red cows, averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 681 ± 54.8 kg of body weight, 111 ± 16 d in milk, and 29.1 ± 9.1 kg of milk/d at the start of the study, in a Latin square design with four 21-d periods. The 4 experimental dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet of grass silage and crimped barley, and 3 diets in which the crimped barley was replaced with TCM, giving 3 incremental levels of protein supplementation. Nutrient flow was quantified by the omasal sampling technique using 3 markers (Cr, Yb, and indigestible neutral detergent fiber). Continuous infusion of 15N was used to label bacterial crude protein. Additionally, ruminal sampling and evacuations and measurements of total-tract digestibility were conducted. The experimental diets provided 132, 148, 164, and 180 g of crude protein/kg of dry matter. The increased level of TCM linearly increased dry matter intake from 15.1 to 16.6 kg/d and energy-corrected milk yield from 21.0 to 25.6 kg/d. The increased proportion of TCM when substituting barley with TCM was associated with greater total-tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber, which could be explained by increased digestion rate of potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber. Omasal flow of nonammonia N naturally increased with greater dietary TCM inclusion, but the increased intestinal supply of rumen-undegradable protein was partly offset by diminished microbial protein synthesis when feeding more TCM. This was also reflected in a decreased proportion of milk protein from ruminal bacterial protein when TCM supplementation increased.

Effect of source and level of protein supplementation on rice straw utilization by Brahman steers

Seven ruminally cannulated Brahman steers were used in a 7 × 4 incomplete block design to determine the effects of cottonseed meal (CSM; 43.9% CP, 82.9% RDP) or dried distillers' grains (DDG; 27.5% CP, 43.6% RDP) supplementation on rice straw utilization (47 g/kg CP and 681 g/kg NDF). Treatments consisted of a negative control receiving no supplement (control) and 3 levels (60, 120, and 180 mg N/kg BW) of either CSM or DDG. Periods were 14 d with 8 d for adaptation and 6 d for data collection. Steers had ad libitum access to rice straw and were fed supplements daily. Increased supplementation resulted in a linear increase (P ≤ 0.06) in forage OM intake from 13.5 g/kg BW by controls to 15.5 and 16.1 g/kg BW for 180 mg N/kg BW of DDG and CSM, respectively. No differences between sources were observed (P = 0.84). Total digestible OM intake was increased by supplementation (linear, P < 0.01) from 6.9 g/kg BW (control) to 10.0 and 11.2 g/kg BW for 180 mg N/kg BW of CSM and DDG, respectively. A greater response was observed for DDG (P = 0.05) due to greater provision of supplement (g DM/d) to achieve isonitrogenous treatment levels. Total tract OM digestion tended to increase with DDG supplementation (linear, P = 0.08) but not CSM supplementation (P = 0.19). Both supplements did not affect NDF digestion (P > 0.40) or calculated forage NDF digestibility (P > 0.40). Ruminal ammonia concentrations peaked 4 h after supplementation/feeding with the greatest concentration (4.0 mM) observed for 180 mg N/kg BW of CSM and the lowest concentration at 4 h observed in the control (0.8 mM). Provision of CSM resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.01) in average ruminal ammonia, in contrast to the quadratic response (P = 0.02) observed with DDG supplementation. Total VFA production linearly increased for both CSM and DDG supplementation (P = 0.09 and P = 0.01, respectively). Protein supplements containing high and low levels of RDP were effective at improving intake and utilization of rice straw by Brahman steers.

Effect of source and level of protein supplementation on rice straw utilization by Brahman steers

Seven ruminally cannulated Brahman steers were used in a 7 × 4 incomplete block design to determine the effects of cottonseed meal (CSM; 43.9% CP, 82.9% RDP) or dried distillers' grains (DDG; 27.5% CP, 43.6% RDP) supplementation on rice straw utilization (47 g/kg CP and 681 g/kg NDF). Treatments consisted of a negative control receiving no supplement (control) and 3 levels (60, 120, and 180 mg N/kg BW) of either CSM or DDG. Periods were 14 d with 8 d for adaptation and 6 d for data collection. Steers had ad libitum access to rice straw and were fed supplements daily. Increased supplementation resulted in a linear increase ( ≤ 0.06) in forage OM intake from 13.5 g/kg BW by controls to 15.5 and 16.1 g/kg BW for 180 mg N/kg BW of DDG and CSM, respectively. No differences between sources were observed ( = 0.84). Total digestible OM intake was increased by supplementation (linear, < 0.01) from 6.9 g/kg BW (control) to 10.0 and 11.2 g/kg BW for 180 mg N/kg BW of CSM and DDG, respectively. A greater response was observed for DDG ( = 0.05) due to greater provision of supplement (g DM/d) to achieve isonitrogenous treatment levels. Total tract OM digestion tended to increase with DDG supplementation (linear, = 0.08) but not CSM supplementation ( = 0.19). Both supplements did not affect NDF digestion ( > 0.40) or calculated forage NDF digestibility ( > 0.40). Ruminal ammonia concentrations peaked 4 h after supplementation/feeding with the greatest concentration (4.0 m) observed for 180 mg N/kg BW of CSM and the lowest concentration at 4 h observed in the control (0.8 m). Provision of CSM resulted in a linear increase ( < 0.01) in average ruminal ammonia, in contrast to the quadratic response ( = 0.02) observed with DDG supplementation. Total VFA production linearly increased for both CSM and DDG supplementation ( = 0.09 and = 0.01, respectively). Protein supplements containing high and low levels of RDP were effective at improving intake and utilization of rice straw by Brahman steers.