Levels Of Neutral Detergent Fiber Research Articles

Co-fermentation with multiple-strains and cellulase enhances the nutritional quality of hot-pressed rapeseed meal by modifying its physicochemical properties

The thermal damage of proteins and the presence of anti-nutritional factors seriously affect the quality of hot-pressed rapeseed meal (RSM), thereby limiting its utilization in the feed and food industry. Previously, we developed a co-fermentation method with multi-strains and cellulase that can simultaneously degrade the protein and anti-nutrient components in hot-pressed RSM. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fermentation on the physicochemical properties and nutritional value of hot-pressed RSM. After fermentation, the levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and glucosinolate (GLS) in hot pressed RSM decreased by 41.47% and 77.30%, respectively, and the trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein (TASP) and lysine contents increased by 1007.62% and 65.25%, respectively. During the fermentation process, the extensive hydrolysis of rapeseed protein resulted in a 49.11% yield of peptides < 3K Da, and intensified the umami, saltiness, sweetness, and bitterness of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM). Animal experiments demonstrated that co-fermentation effectively enhances the ileal digestibility of most amino acids in hot-pressed RSM, as well as the deposition of nitrogen and energy, thereby improving the growth of growing pigs. Overall, the co-fermentation with microbes and cellulase is an effective strategy for enhancing the quality of hot-pressed RSM.

Nitrogen Fertilization Using Conventional and Slow-Release Fertilizers at Multiple Levels in Lolium multiflorum Lam. Pastures

Pastures are essential for sustaining dairy production, particularly in temperate climates where year-round grazing is feasible. However, comprehensive analyses of their productivity, efficiency, and cost evaluation remain uncommon. This study evaluated the productivity, quality, nitrogen fertilization use efficiency, and production costs of Lolium multiflorum Lam pasture on a farm in São Miguel Island. The research compared conventional nitrogen fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen fertilizer at application rates of 320 and 160 kg N ha−1, alongside a control treatment. A Latin square design with five treatments was employed to assess both agronomic and economic performance. The results showed that the type of fertilizer did not significantly influence productivity or quality, while nitrogen levels had a notable impact. Higher nitrogen doses increased dry matter yield and crude protein content. Fiber characteristics remained relatively stable, though neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber levels tended to rise with increased nitrogen application. Nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency consistently exceeded 70%, regardless of the fertilizer type or application rate. Regarding production costs, conventional fertilizer was significantly more cost-effective than slow-release fertilizer, underscoring the importance of selecting economically viable options without compromising agronomic performance in forage production.

Differential immunological responses in lamb rumen and colon to alfalfa hay and wheat straw in a concentrate-rich diet: insights into microbe-host interactions.

The impact of a concentrate-rich (CR) diet on the gut microbiome and epithelium homeostasis is well documented. However, it has not been systematically studied whether and how host-microbial interaction contributes to the immune homeostasis in the rumen and colon of lambs fed alfalfa hay and wheat straw, alone or combined, in a CR diet. In all, 63 lambs (initial body weight, 16.69 ± 1.50 kg) were randomly allotted to three dietary groups, each consisting of three pens with seven lambs per pen. Over 14 weeks, the lambs were fed diets as follows: 60% concentrate supplemented with either 40% wheat straw (WG), 20% alfalfa hay combined with 20% wheat straw (MG), or 40% alfalfa hay (AG). The present findings showed that lambs in the AG group had greater (P < 0.05) IgG and lower (P = 0.067) tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations relative to those in the MG and WG groups. The 16S rRNA analysis highlighted that various bacterial phyla and genera in the rumen and colon preferentially degrade fiber and starch derived from alfalfa hay and wheat straw. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the bacterial genera from the Firmicutes are broadly associated with genes involved in various signaling pathways, underscoring the potential role of Firmicutes as key drivers of host-microbial interactions under the present feeding conditions. These findings shed light on the fact that the rumen and colon immune homeostasis is distinctively influenced by diets of alfalfa hay, wheat straw, or their combination in a CR diet. Further studies should examine the prolonged effects of replacing wheat straw with alfalfa hay in a concentrate-rich diet formulated to provide equivalent neutral detergent fiber levels. This could reveal how various forage fibers influence host-microbial interactions and gut health.IMPORTANCEIn contemporary feedlots, a growing trend is to feed animals a concentrate-rich (CR) diet that could disrupt the synchronized interplay between microbes and host metabolism, leading to altered metabolic functions. Wheat straw and alfalfa hay have different levels of protein and neutral detergent fiber, each with varying rates of digestion. It is unclear how including alfalfa hay and wheat straw, alone or combined in a CR diet, influences the host-microbial consortia and immune homeostasis. Herein, we showed that rumen and colon showed differential immune responses to the alfalfa hay, wheat straw, or both. Bacterial genera preferentially degrade fiber and starch derived from alfalfa hay, wheat straw, or both. Bacterial genera from Firmicutes phylum play a pivotal role in driving the host-microbial interactions, as indicated by their extensive association with genes across various signaling pathways.

Effect of Dietary Sugarcane Bagasse on Reproductive Performance, Constipation, and Gut Microbiota of Gestational Sows.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of using sugarcane bagasse (SB) as a substitute for soybean hulls and wheat bran in the diet of pregnant sows on their reproductive performance and gut microbiota. A total of seventy-two primiparous sows were randomly divided into four treatment groups, with eighteen replicates of one sow each. The sows were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0% (CON), 5%, 10%, and 15% SB to replace soybean hulls from day 57 of gestation until the day of the end of the gestation period. The results showed that SB contains higher levels of crude fiber (42.1%) and neutral detergent fiber (81.3%) than soybean hulls, and it also exhibited the highest volumetric expansion when soaked in water (50 g expanding to 389.8 mL) compared to the other six materials we tested (vegetable scraps, soybean hulls, wheat bran, rice bran meal, rice bran, and corn DDGS). Compared with the CON, 5% SB significantly increased the litter birth weight of piglets. Meanwhile, 10% and 15% SB significantly increased the rates of constipation and reduced the contents of isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid in feces. Furthermore, 10% and 15% SB significantly disturbed gut microbial diversity with increasing Streptococcus and decreasing Prevotellaceae_NK3B31-group and Christensenellaceae_R-7-group genera in feces. Interestingly, Streptococcus had a significant negative correlation with isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and fecal score, while Prevotellaceae_NK3B31-group and Christensenellaceae_R-7-group had a positive correlation with them. In conclusion, our study indicates that 5% SB can be used as an equivalent substitute for soybean hulls to improve the reproductive performance of sows without affecting their gut microbiota.

Utilizing Agricultural By-Products for Sustainable Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) Diets: Evaluating Low-Cost Feed Alternatives in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a promising protein source in the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. This study assessed the impact of three by-product diet formulations on intensively reared agoutis, including a cost analysis and nutritional evaluation as well as the nutritional composition, digestibility, and economic viability of three experimental diets. Sixteen adult male agoutis were individually housed at the University of the West Indies’ Field Station. After a two-week acclimatization, a four-week data collection phase followed. The four treatments included a control diet of commercial rabbit pellets and three experimental diets with varying by-product ratios. Key findings revealed that Treatment 2 had elevated Dry Matter, Crude Fat, and fiber but potentially compromised digestibility due to higher fiber and lignin. Treatment 1 resulted in the highest morbidity and was discontinued after two weeks due to significant weight loss but demonstrated the most cost-effective results, with the lowest variable cost per 45 kg, the lowest feeding cost to reach 3 kg, and the highest gross margin. Treatment 2 effectively maintained animal weight. Treatment 3 showed promising growth due to low levels of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL). Alternative dietary feedstuffs from agricultural by-products show potential for sustaining body weight in adult male agoutis, but further research is needed to refine nutritional requirements for growing agoutis.

Determination of nutritional value and methane production potential of styrax tree (Styrax officinalis L.) leaves

This study aimed to determine the effect of nutritional values of the “styrax tree” (Styrax officinalis L.) on in vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolic energy (ME) content. In this study, styrax leaf samples were collected for analysis in three different periods: May, July and September. According to the analysis results, crude ash (CA), dry matter (DM), crude fat (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) values, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased in September compared to May and July. In September, compared to May, CA has increased by 23 %, DM by 64 %, CM by 30.5 %, ADF by 9.8 %, and NDF by 9.8 %. During the vegetation period, there was an increase in dry matter content in parallel with maturation. The dry matter content of Styrax tree leaves (STL) increased in May (30 %), July (40 %) and September (50 %). Crude protein amounts were found 19 % in May, 17 % in July, and 15 % in September. As the STL grows, decreases in CP, which plays a role in plant growth, and increases in the cell membrane were observed. The CF content in STL changed to 3.2 %, 4.4 %, and 4.3 % in May, July, and September, respectively, with the highest value determined in July and very close to the September value. CA content in styrax tree plants varied by 8.58 % in May, in July by 9.86 %, and in September by 10.56 %. As the amount of dry matter increased according to the periods, the amount of CA also increased. NDF and ADF levels increased in parallel with the vegetation period's development in STL. NDF was found to be 37.5 %, 39.0 %, and 41.5 % according to the periods. ADF amount was found 27 % in May, 28.5 % in July, and 30 % in September. Metabolic energy varied between 8.86 and 10.06 (MJ/kg KM) depending on the periods. When organic matter digestion levels were examined, it was seen that the highest OMD was in July with 58.71 %. Gas production was determined by incubations of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and the maximum gas measurement value was in September, July, and May, respectively. As a result of the study, STL can be a good alternative feed source for ruminants when adequate amounts of high-quality feed materials cannot be provided.

Pengaruh Lama Waktu Biofermentasi Chromolaena Odorata dengan Sumber Karbon Gula Lontar Cair terhadap Kandungan NDF, ADF Serta Mineral Ca dan P

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the length of biofermentation time of Chromolaena odorata with the best source of liquid palm sugar carbon to obtain the content of NDF, ADF, and Minerals Ca and P. The method used in this study was an experimental method with Complete Randomized Design (RAL) with 4 treatments and 4 repeats so that there were 16 experimental units. The treatment levels are as follows: LB21 = Biofermentation duration for 21 days (as control), LB14 = Biofermentation duration for 14 days, LB7 = Biofermentation duration for 7 days, LB0 = Biofermentation duration for 0 days. The variables studied were NDF, ADF, and Ca and Phosphorus Minerals. The results of the study are as follows: LB21: NDF of 40.286%, ADF of 29.2775%, Calcium of 0.9105%, Phosphorus of 0.53652%; LB14: NDF of 57.382%, ADF of 36.1975%, Calcium of 0.90725%, Phosphorus of 0.53775%; LB7: NDF of 47.02%, ADF of 30.1275%, Calcium of 0.86925%, Phosphorus of 0.51225%; LB0: NDF of 2.478%, ADF of 40.7375%, Calcium of 0.8045%, Phosphorus of 0.48375%. The results of statistical analysis showed that the long treatment of biofermentation time with a source of liquid palm sugar carbon had a significant effect (P&lt;0,05) to contet ndf dan adf chromolaena odorata, whereas parameter calcium and phosphorus no real effect (P&gt;0.05). It was concluded that the length of biofermentation time of Chromolaena odorata with a source of liquid palm sugar carbon affected the levels of Neutral Detergent Fiber and Acid Detergent Fiber but did not affect the content of Calcium and Phosphorus Minerals.

Evaluation of minerals, trace elements, and antinutritional factors in selected legume fodder species (Fabaceae) with the potential to improve cattle nutrition and gastrointestinal health

The study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition, trace elements and anti-nutritional factors of fodder species belonging to the family Fabaceae potentially used as an alternative feed for cattle. The proximate composition, particularly dry matter, moisture, fats, crude proteins (CP), carbohydrates, crude fibre (CF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), were analysed, thereby, nonfibre carbohydrate (NFC) and gross energy (GE) were calculated. Thirty-three trace elements were determined from chemically digested dried plant material using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and ICP-OES (ICP-Optical Emission Spectrophotometry). The tannin levels, a known antinutritional factor, were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteu method. The methods were validated by the relative standard deviation (RSD) values and acceptable recovery percentage, linearity, limit of quantification (LoQ), and limit of detection (LoD). The proximate composition analysis estimated levels of dry matter (> 90 %), ash (3.77–26.98 %), crude proteins (8.22–22.19 %), carbohydrates (54.00–86.79 %), crude fibre (10.54–40.10 %), NDF (22.26–59.20 %) and GE (< 100 Kcal kg−1 DM) in leguminous species. Essential elements were detected in recommended levels including Zn (21.20–50.30 mg/kg), Co (0.06–0.045 mg kg), Cr (0.5–5.08 mg kg−1), Mn (9.02–197 mg kg−1), Mg (0.10–0.52 mg kg−1), Fe (42.40–812 mg kg−1) and Na (72.00–1721 mg kg−1). The concentration of toxic elements was below critical levels and tannin occurred at a safe level (< 50 mgTAE kg−1) for ruminant consumption. Therefore, the selected fodder can effectively contribute to cattle dietary requirements for smallscale farmers in Onderstepoort, Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Surviving at the highest and coldest: Nutritional and chemical components of fallback foods for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys.

Fallback foods (FBF), categorized into staple and filler types, are suboptimal food sources chosen by animals in response to a scarcity of preferred food items during specific periods. Using lichens as FBF by Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) represents a distinctive ecological adaptation and evolutionary development within nonhuman primates. This study delves into the annual dietary choices of the species to address issues, elucidate the nutritional value, and understand the ecological significance of lichens for this primate species, which resides at the highest altitudes and experiences the coldest weather among global primates. The findings reveal that the lichens consumed by the monkeys serve as the staple FBF, with Bryoria spp. and Usnea longissima being the primary dietary species. The former is the preferred choice, providing higher digestible fiber (neutral detergent fiber) levels but lower tannin, fat, ADF, and energy levels. During the dry season, lichens dominate as the monkeys' primary food and nutritional resources. In the wet season, they act as a fundamental food selection rather than an ideal dietary choice, substituting nutrients from fruits, seeds, and leaves. Compared to other Asian colobine counterparts, this species exhibits the highest lichen consumption but the lowest proportions of leaves, flowers, and seeds. This study provides valuable evidence and information for developing or amending conservation strategies and guidelines for the dietary management of captive breeding of monkeys, one of the world's critically endangered primate species.

Sunflower oil supplementation in the diets of lactating cows: productive and nutritional performance

Eight Jersey cows (2nd-4th lactation; 483 ± 43 kg body weight; milk yield 21±2.2 kg day-1) were used in a double 4x4 latin square design to evaluate whether the inclusion of increasing levels of sunflower oil in the concentrate up to the limit of 110.0 g kg-1 DM of EE, in replacement to corn grain, has an impact on milk production and composition, feed efficiency, energy balance, intake and digestibility. of diets, and the fatty acid profile of milk fat from Jersey cows. The treatments consisted in lipid supplementation with increasing levels of sunflower oil replacing the corn grain and wheat bran of concentrate, including: CD (control diet), without sunflower oil and with 38 g kg-1 of EE dry matter (DM); and three treatmens with sunflower oil concentrate-included: SF65= 65 g kg-1 DM of EE; SF86=86 g kg-1 DM of EE and SF110=110 g kg-1 DM of EE. The increase of EE in diets did not affect the dry matter intake, neutral detergent fiber or crude protein. There was a linear increase in the digestibility coefficients for organic matter, crude protein, EE, neutral detergent fiber and blood levels of cholesterol. Treatments did not affect milk production, fat content, lactose or total solids. It is possible to use up to a limit of 110.0 g kg-1 DM of EE in the diet, decreasing the concentrate total amount.

Mutating alfalfa COUMARATE 3-HYDROXYLASE using multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 leads to reduced lignin deposition and improved forage quality.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage quality is adversely affected by lignin deposition in cell walls at advanced maturity stages. Reducing lignin content through RNA interference or antisense approaches has been shown to improve alfalfa forage quality and digestibility. We employed a multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-editing system to reduce lignin content and alter lignin composition in alfalfa by targeting the COUMARATE 3-HYDROXYLASE (MsC3H) gene, which encodes a key enzyme in lignin biosynthesis. Four guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting the first exon of MsC3H were designed and clustered into a tRNA-gRNA polycistronic system and introduced into tetraploid alfalfa via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Out of 130 transgenic lines, at least 73 lines were confirmed to contain gene-editing events in one or more alleles of MsC3H. Fifty-five lines were selected for lignin content/composition analysis. Amongst these lines, three independent tetra-allelic homozygous lines (Msc3h-013, Msc3h-121, and Msc3h-158) with different mutation events in MsC3H were characterized in detail. Homozygous mutation of MsC3H in these three lines significantly reduced the lignin content and altered lignin composition in stems. Moreover, these lines had significantly lower levels of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber as well as higher levels of total digestible nutrients, relative feed values, and in vitro true dry matter digestibility. Taken together, these results showed that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of MsC3H successfully reduced shoot lignin content, improved digestibility, and nutritional values without sacrificing plant growth and biomass yield. These lines could be used in alfalfa breeding programs to generate elite transgene-free alfalfa cultivars with reduced lignin and improved forage quality.

Use of Increasing Levels of Low-Quality Forage in Dairy Cows’ Diets to Regulate Enteric Methane Production in Subtropical Regions

Dairy cows are the highest daily and annual methane (CH4) producers among all cattle categories. So, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing supplementation levels of a low-quality forage on dry matter intake (DMI), DM digestibility (DMD), milk production, enteric CH4 emission, gross energy, and protein partitioning in Holstein cows. In total, eight cows (112 ± 38 days postpartum; mean ± s.d.) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments composed of 4 dietary neutral detergent fibre (NDF) inclusion levels (40.2% (control), 43.3%, 46.5%, and 50.5%) in a 4 × 4 repeated Latin square experimental design. The cows were fed corn + alfalfa silage and a concentrate (60:40 forage:concentrate ratio). To increase the contents of low-quality NDF, part of the silage was replaced with maize stover (MSTV). The CH4 production was measured in an open-circuit respiration chamber. The DMI increased significantly and linearly (p &lt; 0.05) with increasing levels of MSTV. However, the CH4 yield decreased (p &lt; 0.0001) as the NDF level increased (32.1, 28.1, 23.1, and 21.3 CH4 L/kg DMI, respectively). DMD decreased as NDF levels in the diet increased (p &lt; 0.0001). The NDF digestibility (DNDF) explained the better (p &lt; 0.0001) CH4 production response than DMD. It was concluded that low-quality forages can be used to regulate CH4 production in subtropical and tropical climate regions.

Effect of crossbreeding and dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen parameters and nitrogen retention of beef cattle

This experiment sought to evaluate the influence of varying levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the diet on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen conditions, and nitrogen retention in crossbred cattle. Beef cattle aged 18 months were organized into groups using a 2x (4x4) Latin square design. The NDF levels investigated were 47%, 51%, 55%, and 59% of dry matter (referred to as NDF47, NDF51, NDF55, and NDF59 treatments, respectively). While dry matter (DM) consumption per 100 kg body weight (BW) did not exhibit significant differences between treatments, Charolais crossbred cattle (2.16 kg DM) demonstrated higher intake than Black Angus crossbred cattle (2.04 kg DM). Metabolizable energy intake in Charolais crossbred cattle significantly differed from that in Black Angus crossbred cattle (17.6 and 16.7 MJ/100 kg BW, respectively). Regarding NDF treatments, NDF47 did not differ from NDF51 and NDF55, but it was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than the NDF59 treatment (18.1, 17.3, 17.1, and 16.0 MJ/100 kg BW, respectively). Although dry matter and organic matter digestibility did not significantly differ between Charolais and Black Angus crossbred cattle, variations were noted among treatments (P&lt;0.05). Specifically, DM digestibility of NDF47 (62.8%) was significantly higher than NDF59 (55.4%), with no significant differences observed for NDF51 (59.8%) and NDF55 treatments (58.9%). Rumen pH, N-NH3, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations at 0h and 3h post-feeding did not exhibit significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in this study. However, nitrogen retention in Black Angus crossbred cattle was significantly lower than in Charolais crossbred cattle (0.124 and 0.166 g/kg BW, respectively). Across treatments, nitrogen retention values were numerically higher (P&gt;0.05) in NDF47, NDF51, NDF55, and NDF59 treatments (0.166, 0.148, 0.139, and 0.126 g/kg BW, respectively). In summary, this study determined that Charolais crossbred cattle displayed increased feed intake, crude protein digestibility, and nitrogen retention compared to Black Angus crossbred cattle. Furthermore, a dietary NDF level of 55% was suggested as suitable for practical use in terms of feed utilization by farmers. Keywords: Forage, crossbreeding, rumen fermentation, and ruminant. Abbreviations: DM: dry matter, OM: organic matter, CP: crude protein, NDF: neutral detergent fiber and ME: metabolic energy, BW: body weight. NDF

Effect of cutting time and storage time on the nutritional value of stargrass hay

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cutting time on the nutritional composition and dehydration rate of stargrass, as well as the nutritional value of the hay as a function of storage time. Two plant cutting times were analyzed: at 13:00 (H13) and 17:00 (H17). After cutting, the dehydration rate of both the plant and its fractions until baling was monitored. The bales were checked for nutritional composition and digestibility after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. At the time of cutting, a difference was observed for the concentrations of ethanol-soluble carbohydrates, which were higher for H17 (90.3 g kg-1) compared to H13 (52.9 g kg-1). Leaf dehydration rates were higher in the H17 treatment. Cutting time had no influence on the nutritional value of the hay. With storage time, there was an increase in the levels of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, and a reduction in the content of ethanol-soluble carbohydrates. It was concluded that cutting at 17:00 allows for a greater accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in the plant. Cutting time does not change the time required for dehydration and the nutritional value of the hay. Storage time reduces soluble components and increases fibrous constituents

Effects of the Supplementation of Essential Oil Mixtures on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Immune Status and Microbial Community in Weaned Piglets

Since essential oils—such as cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol—have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, this study aimed to examine the supplementation of different essential oil mixtures together with 1600 mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, incidence of diarrhea, serum immune indices, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microflora structure in weaned piglets. A total of 240 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average body weight of 8.85 ± 0.21 kg were randomly allocated to 30 pens (6 pens per diet, 4 males and 4 females per pen). Five different experimental diets were prepared and administered for 28 days: (i) a control diet (C), a corn–soybean basal diet without antibiotics, ZnO, or a supplementation of growth promoters; (ii) a control diet with 400 mg/kg essential oil mixtures 1 (EOM1); (iii) a control diet supplemented with ZnO at 1600 mg/kg (Z); (iv) a diet incorporating the Z diet with the addition of essential oil mixtures 1 at 400 mg/kg (ZOM1); and (v) a diet incorporating the Z diet with the addition of essential oil mixtures 2 at 400 mg/kg (ZOM2). During day (d) 14–28 and d 1–28 of the experiment, the average daily gain (ADG) in piglets in the ZOM1 and ZOM2 groups were higher (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the C group. The diarrhea incidence of the Z, ZOM1, and ZOM2 groups were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05), and the piglets of the ZOM1 group exhibited the lowest diarrhea incidence throughout the trial period. Additionally, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, organic matter (OM), and ether extract (EE) were higher than those fed the Z diet, and higher levels of NDF, ADF, and crude protein (CP) were observed in groups other than those fed the ZOM1 diet (p &lt; 0.01). On d 14, the pigs fed EOM1 and ZOM2 diets showed a somewhat lower (p &lt; 0.1) immunoglobulin G (lgG) level in serum than those fed the C diet. Additionally, the IL-8 level in serum in the ZOM1 group tended to be higher than that in the other groups (p &lt; 0.1). The piglets fed the ZOM1 diet showed a tendency of lower (p = 0.05) acetate concentration in feces on d 14. Principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the composition of fecal microbial communities among the groups. Dietary EOM1 significantly increased the number of fecal bacteroides (p &lt; 0.05) and tended to increase the number of Prevotella (p &lt; 0.1). Therefore, EOM1 combined with 1600 mg/kg ZnO tends to reduce diarrhea incidence, tends to improve the fecal microbial community structure and growth performance of weaned piglets, and has the potential to replace pharmacological dosages of ZnO.

PSV-28 Effects of the Dietary Concentrate Level and Harvest Weight on Growth Performance of Spanish Goat Wethers and Doelings

Abstract Thirty-six Spanish goat wethers and 36 doelings with initial mean age of 4.3 ± 0.03 months and body weight (BW) of 20.6 and 18.6 kg, respectively (SEM = 0.41), were used in 2 phases to determine effects of dietary concentrate level and harvest weight on growth performance. Three animals of each type were allocated to 12 pens for a total of 6 per pen. The diet in the first phase, 13 weeks in length, had 20% concentrate and 80% forage (20C) with crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations of 13 and 50%, respectively. At the end of Phase 1, animals in 2 pens were harvested. In phase 2 that lasted 9 to 11 weeks, two pens per dietary treatment and animal type continued to be fed diets with different levels of concentrate (20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C) with the same crude protein concentration of 13% and NDF level of 50, 35, 33, 33, and 31%, respectively. Animals were harvested from treatments of 50C and 70C, 40C and 60C, and 20C after 9, 10, and 11 weeks, respectively. Dry matter intake in Phase 1 was 733 ± 18.1 g/day and 3.39 ± 0.070 % BW, with an average BW during the phase of 21.6 ± 0.26 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) in Phase 2 was not affected by diet or diet × animal type (P = 0.712) but was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for wethers than for doelings (44 and 18 g, respectively; SEM = 5.4). There was a tendency (P = 0.055) for differences in ADG among treatments (4, 44, 43, 17, and 45 g for 20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C, respectively; SEM = 8.7). Dry matter intake in g/day in Phase 2 was similar among treatments (644, 750, 680, 597, and 621 g/day; SEM = 36.9) but in % BW was greatest among diets (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for 40C (2.73, 3.25, 2.84, 2.62, and 2.63 for 20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C, respectively; SEM = 0.062). Also, there was a tendency (P = 0.057) for ADG during the entire experiment to differ among treatments (46, 17, 27, 30, 20, and 30 for 20C (phase 1 only) 20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C (phase 1 and phase 2), respectively; SEM = 5.0). These results suggest that a low concentrate diet followed by diets higher in concentrate containing similar CP and NDF content of 31 to 35% may not influence growth performance of Spanish goat wethers and doelings, but continuous feeding of a low concentrate diet with 50% NDF limits growth rate.

Chemical composition of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) and its effect on growth performance, feed efficiency and metabolic biochemistry of juvenile hybrid tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus

The aquaculture due to the high cost and continued shortage of animal protein sources, the development of alternative plant protein sources has been one of the main challenges to establish sustainable aquaculture as economically viable. Objective of this investigation was to determine the chemical composition and effect of Tithonia diversifolia on the growth performance, feed efficiency and metabolic biochemistry of juveniles of Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus. Five treatments were used: 0% (control), 4, 8, 12 and 16% levels of inclusion of T. diversifolia flour in diet to feed juvenile fish cultured in 15 plastic aquariums at a density of 15 fish/aquarium. The assay lasted eight weeks. The T. diversifolia flour was characterized for showing adequate levels of crude protein (21%), with low crude fat (4.5%) levels, neutral detergent fiber levels: 43.03% and acid detergent fiber: 24.40%. The growth performance presented significant differences (p˂0.05), for weight gain, day average weight gain (DAW), length gain, day average length gain (DAL), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In treatment with 16% of inclusion of T. diversifolia flour, values obtained for weight gain, DAW, SGR, FE and PER (15.88 g, 0.28 g. day-1, 2.03 %, 0.34 g.g-1 and 0.98, respectively), which did not differ with the control treatment, highlighting the benefits of T diversifolia flour. The metabolic biochemistry parameters experienced a decrease with the increase of T. diversifolia in diet, where the highest values of triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose were for the control treatment (p &lt;0.05), while the protein increased to 4% of the flour. T. diversifolia flour presents an adequate balance of nutrients for its chemical composition and amino acids, without causing negative effects on the growth performance, weight-length relationship, feed efficiency, survival and metabolic biochemistry.

Dietary Neutral Detergent Fiber Levels Impacting Dairy Cows' Feeding Behavior, Rumen Fermentation, and Production Performance during the Period of Peak-Lactation.

This study investigated the impact of dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels (25.49%, 28.65%, 31.66%, and 34.65%, respectively) on the feeding behavior, rumen fermentation, cellulolytic bacteria, and production performance of dairy cows during peak lactation. A feeding experiment was conducted using four fistulated Holstein dairy cows (600 ± 25 kg) with days in milk (50 ± 15 days), employing a 4 × 4 Latin square design to assign the cows to four groups. The results demonstrated that increasing NDF levels in the diet had the following effects: (1) A linear decrease in dry matter intake (DMI), NDF intake, and physically effective NDF8.0 (peNDF8.0) intake; a linear increase in the average time spent eating and ruminating, as well as the time spent eating and ruminating per kilogram of dry matter (DM); a quadratic response in the time spent ruminating per kilogram of NDF and peNDF8.0. (2) A linear increase in average pH value, acetate concentration, and the proportions of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens among total bacteria; a linear decrease in ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration, microbial crude protein (MCP), total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), propionate, butyrate, and lactate. (3) A linear decrease in milk yield, milk protein percentage, and nitrogen efficiency of dairy cows; a linear increase in milk fat percentage and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentration. Based on the combined results, it was found that diets with 25% and 34% NDF had detrimental effects on the feeding behavior, rumen fermentation, and production performance of dairy cows. However, the diet with 28% NDF showed superior outcomes in production performance compared to the one with 31% NDF. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to include a diet containing 28% NDF during the critical peak lactation period for dairy cows.

Improved forage quality and biomass yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) by Arabidopsis QQS orphan gene

Improving the forage quality of alfalfa in terms of digestibility and crude content is essential for any alfalfa quality breeding programs. Arabidopsis thaliana orphan gene QQS (Qua-Quine Starch) has been shown to improve protein content and alter carbohydrate composition in different food crops. However, there are significant differences in agronomic traits and nutritional conditions between alfalfa and other food crops. To explore the biological function and molecular mechanisms of QQS in alfalfa, we generated QQS transgenic plants and their segregated population (T1 generation), and evaluated their performance under normal- and nitrogen-deficient conditions. Our findings indicate that QQS can significantly enhance the total nitrogen and crude protein content of alfalfa and increase nodule weight under low-nitrogen conditions. Furthermore, QQS transgenic lines also showed reduced levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lignin, improving forage digestibility. By RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR analysis, we found that QQS affected the expression of genes involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, lignin biosynthesis and amino acid biosynthesis and degradation pathways in alfalfa. In addition, QQS also improved alfalfa biomass yield by increasing branch number and plant height in both greenhouse and field conditions. Our results demonstrate that QQS as a useful molecular tool can improve alfalfa biomass yield and overall forage quality and could have significant implications for the alfalfa breeding industry in satisfying the constant demands for high-quality and high-yielding forage.

Effect of Mixing Peanut Vine on Fermentation Quality, Nitrogen Fraction and Microbial Community of High-Moisture Alfalfa Silage

Fresh alfalfa is difficult to ensile successfully because of its high moisture content and greater susceptibility to spoilage by Clostridia, Bacilli or Enterobacter. In this study, we evaluated the effects of mixing high-moisture alfalfa with peanut vine in different proportions on the bacterial communities and fermentation characteristics of silage. The high-moisture alfalfa and peanut vine were mixed at ratios of 10:0 (CK), 8:2 (TI), 7:3 (T2), 6:4 (T3) and 5:5 (T4), respectively. For each treatment, silos (25 × 35 cm) were anaerobically fermented in darkness at room temperature and analyzed after 45 days. The results showed that the CK silage was weakly fermented, as indicated by a low lactic acid concentration, a high pH value, and high levels of propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). As the proportion of peanut vine in the mixture increased, the pH level decreased, and levels of BA, propionic acid, NH3-N, crude protein(CP), nonprotein nitrogen and soluble protein also declined (p &lt; 0.05), while the lactic acid concentration increased and levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) also rose (p &lt; 0.05). A protein component analysis of silage mixtures using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) showed that the content of the nonprotein nitrogen component (PA) decreased when the proportion of peanut vine increased, whereas the content of rapidly degraded protein (PB1) increased. Mixing with peanut vine also influenced the distribution of the bacterial community. Compared with the CK silage, the relative abundances of Enterococcus, Garciella and Anaerosporobacter in T2, T3 and T4 were significantly lower, while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly higher. In the T2, T3 and T4 groups, Garciella and Anaerosporobacter were not detected. In summary, in this study, we ensiled high-moisture alfalfa, which was weakly fermented. We found that mixing with peanut vine improved fermentation quality and optimized the structure of the bacterial community. Therefore, to improve the fermentation quality and nutritional value of silage, high-moisture alfalfa should be ensiled with at least 30% peanut vine.