Livestock Diets Research Articles

29. The competitiveness of bioenergy by-products in optimized livestock diet formulation

29. The competitiveness of bioenergy by-products in optimized livestock diet formulation

Investigation of Solanum carolinense Dominance and Phytotoxic Effect in Festuca arundinacea with Special Reference to Allelochemical Identification, Analysis of Phytohormones and Antioxidant Mechanisms

Exposure to invasive weeds in pasturelands may result in significant losses and toxicity in forage crops. These species may also contain a compound that may be toxic as well as beneficial depending upon the effect induced. The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea has now recognized Solanum carolinense (Horsenettle)—an invasive weed species—as a potential threat to forage crops in pasturelands and to the entire agro-ecosystem. As a forage crop, Festuca arundinacea (Tall fescue) is one of the major economical crops and diets of livestock; in this study, the competition patterns of Solanum carolinense and Festuca arundinacea were examined with respect to their seeding ratios and growth periods. In addition, an extract from the root of Solanum carolinense (SCE) was prepared and treated at 2500 ppm and 5000 ppm in a Festuca arundinacea plant to observe its effect. The experimental results showed that as the growth period of the Horsenettle and the SCE treatment increased, the germination rate, plant height, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of the tall fescue were significantly decreased. Moreover, the SCE treatment significantly increased the quantities of reactive oxygen species (O2− and H2O2), antioxidants (Catalase and Peroxidase), and endogenous phytohormones (Abscisic acid and Salicylic acid), and simultaneously decreased the superoxide dismutase content in the tall fescue shoots. Furthermore, we identified several glycoalkaloids from the SCE extract, among which Solanidan-3-ol, (3β,5α)’ possessed a higher number (52%). Based on these results, we predicted that the Solanidan-3-ol, (3β,5α)’ present in horsenettle has a major role in imposing phytotoxicity on agricultural crops. The glycoalkaloids in the Solanum species have been reported to possess both phytotoxic and therapeutic uses. Based on this concept, we believe that the compound available in Solanum carolinense could be used in developing crop protection or medicinal products through broader research. Conversely, our findings also showed the probable risk of horsenettle to the agro-ecosystem, especially in terms of forage production.

Does shrub encroachment reduce foraging grass abundance through plant-plant competition in Lesotho mountain rangelands?

Shrub encroachment is understood to be an important problem facing rangeland ecosystems globally. The phenomenon is still poorly understood both in regard to its impacts (e.g., on diversity, productivity, and soil properties) and its causes. We study the impacts and causes of dwarf shrub encroachment in the highlands of Lesotho. There, shrubs have been described as indicators of generalized land degradation and soil erosion. Surprisingly, our findings show that grass abundance is not reduced by shrub abundance, but that forb abundance does decrease with shrub abundance. We suggest that not enough research has been done to examine the role of forbs in livestock diets, nor in assessing its role in plant-plant competition in grass-shrub systems. Equating shrub presence with declines in available forage may be hasty, as according to our results, grasses were not decreased by shrub expansion in this context; however, forbs are critical components of livestock diets. We propose that the role of forbs in this system should be further studied, focusing on the role that high-nutrient or N-fixing forbs could play in returning nutrients to the soil and affecting livestock grazing patterns, both of which could reduce shrub abundances and favor the establishment of a richer forb community.

Wheat transcriptomic responses to extended feeding by wheat curl mites

The economic importance of wheat and its contribution to human and livestock diets has been already demonstrated. However, wheat production is impacted by pests that induce yield reductions. Among these pests, wheat curl mite (WCM, Aceria tosichella Keifer) impacts wheat all around the world. WCM are tiny pests that feed within the whorl of developing leaves, and their feeding causes leaf curling by preventing them from unfurling. The curling of the leaves provides a protective niche for the WCM. Additionally, WCM are also the vector of serious viruses in wheat. Little is known regarding the impact of the WCM on wheat transcriptome, and to date, only one article has been published describing the wheat transcriptomic changes after 1 day of WCM feeding. To better understand the wheat transcriptome variation after extended feeding by WCM [10 days post infestation (dpi)], we used an RNA-seq approach. We collected WCM-infested and uninfested leaves from two wheat cultivars: Byrd (WCM resistant) and Settler CL (WCM susceptible) at 10 dpi. Our transcriptomic analysis revealed the common and specific transcriptomic variations in WCM resistant and susceptible wheat cultivars, chromosome 3D specific location of the differentially expressed genes with functions involved in defense and stress response, and also identified the gene functions related to lipid signaling and membrane integrity, and phytohormone pathways potentially contributing to WCM resistance. Collectively, our study provides important insights on wheat defense mechanisms against WCM after extended feeding.

Contrasting Volatilomes of Livestock Dung Drive Preference of the Dung Beetle Bubas bison (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Volatile cues can play a significant role in the location and discrimination of food resources by insects. Dung beetles have been reported to discriminate among dung types produced by different species, thereby exhibiting behavioral preferences. However, the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in dung localization and preference remains largely unexplored in dung beetles. Here we performed several studies: firstly, cage olfactometer bioassays were performed to evaluate the behavioral responses of Bubas bison (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to VOCs emanating from fresh horse, sheep, and cattle dung; secondly, concurrent volatilome analysis was performed to characterize volatilomes of these dung types. Bubas bison adults exhibited greater attraction to horse dung and less attraction to cattle dung, and they preferred dung from horses fed a pasture-based diet over dung from those fed lucerne hay. Volatilomes of the corresponding dung samples from each livestock species contained a diverse group of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, and sulfurous compounds, but the composition and abundance of annotated VOCs varied with dung type and livestock diet. The volatilome of horse dung was the most chemically diverse. Results from a third study evaluating electroantennogram response and supplementary olfactometry provided strong evidence that indole, butyric acid, butanone, p-cresol, skatole, and phenol, as well as toluene, are involved in the attraction of B. bison to dung, with a mixture of these components significantly more attractive than individual constituents.

Cockroach (Periplaneta Americana) as fishmeal replacer in diets of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Juveniles

The utilization of insects as feed has witnessed dramatic inclusion in livestock and aquaculture diets. The farming of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is gaining acceptance among industries. However, research on its use in livestock and fish nutrition is scanty. This study aimed at investigating the growth of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed cockroach insect meal (CIM) as fishmeal (FM) replacer. One hundred and fifty Clarias gariepinus juveniles (6.29 ± 0.06 g) were stocked at 10 fish/tank/replicate and fed 40% crude protein diets formulated thus: Diet 1 (0% CIM; control), Diet 2 (25% CIM), Diet 3 (50% CIM), Diet 4 (75% CIM) and Diet 5 (100% CIM). Fish were fed at 5% of their body weight twice daily for 56-day experimental period. The results showed that final weight, mean weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency and food conversion ratios of fish fed 25 and 50% insect meal-based diets were not significantly different (p>0.05) from those treated with the control diet. Survival rates were not significantly different in all dietary treatments. Quadratic regression analysis revealed that insect meal can be used at up to 58% inclusion level in diets of C. gariepinus juveniles for optimal growth.
 Keywords: Amino acid, Blattodea, fish-nutrition, growth performance, C. gariepinus

Rapeseed Meal and Its Application in Pig Diet: A Review

Rapeseed is the second largest plant protein resource in the world with an ideal profile of essential amino acids. Rapeseed meal (RSM) is one of the by-products of rapeseed oil extraction. Due to the anti-nutritional components (glucosinolates and fiber) and poor palatability, RSM is limited in livestock diets. Recently, how to decrease the anti-nutritional factors and improve the nutritional value of RSM has become a hot topic. Therefore, the major components of RSM have been reviewed with emphasis on the methods to improve the nutritional value of RSM as well as the application of RSM in pig diets.

The Role of Probiotics in Alleviating Postweaning Diarrhea in Piglets From the Perspective of Intestinal Barriers.

Early weaning of piglets is an important strategy for improving the production efficiency of sows in modern intensive farming systems. However, due to multiple stressors such as physiological, environmental and social challenges, postweaning syndrome in piglets often occurs during early weaning period, and postweaning diarrhea (PWD) is a serious threat to piglet health, resulting in high mortality. Early weaning disrupts the intestinal barrier function of piglets, disturbs the homeostasis of gut microbiota, and destroys the intestinal chemical, mechanical and immunological barriers, which is one of the main causes of PWD in piglets. The traditional method of preventing PWD is to supplement piglet diet with antibiotics. However, the long-term overuse of antibiotics led to bacterial resistance, and antibiotics residues in animal products, threatening human health while causing dysbiosis of gut microbiota and superinfection of piglets. Antibiotic supplementation in livestock diets is prohibited in many countries and regions. Regarding this context, finding antibiotic alternatives to maintain piglet health at the critical weaning period becomes a real emergency. More and more studies showed that probiotics can prevent and treat PWD by regulating the intestinal barriers in recent years. Here, we review the research status of PWD-preventing and treating probiotics and discuss its potential mechanisms from the perspective of intestinal barriers (the intestinal microbial barrier, the intestinal chemical barrier, the intestinal mechanical barrier and the intestinal immunological barrier) in piglets.

The Effect of Manure from Cattle Fed Barley- vs. Corn-Based Diets on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Depends on Soil Type

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cattle production have led to modifications of livestock diet composition aimed at reducing CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation. These diet modifications can result in varied manure types that may differentially affect GHG emissions when applied to soil. The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effect of different manure types on GHG emissions. We conducted an incubation experiment, comparing the manure from livestock fed a corn-based diet (CM) to that from livestock fed a traditional barley-based diet (BM). The manures were applied to three soil types (with varied soil fertility and pH) and compared to a control (without manure application). Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were greater from CM than from BM across all soil types (29.1 and 14.7 mg CO2-C kg−1, respectively). However, CM resulted in lower N2O emissions relative to BM in the low fertility soil (4.21 and 72.67 μg N2O-N kg−1, respectively) and in lower CH4 emissions relative to BM in the two acidic soils (0.5 and 2.5 μg CH4-C kg−1, respectively). Total GHG emissions (sum of CO2, N2O, and CH4) were similar between CM and BM across all soil types, but CM (unlike BM) had 52–66% lower emissions in the low fertility soil relative to both CM and BM in the high fertility soil. Our study shows that manure and soil type interact to affect GHG emissions and that CM may mitigate N2O emissions relative to BM when applied to low fertility soils.

Optimization of UAV-Based Imaging and Image Processing Orthomosaic and Point Cloud Approaches for Estimating Biomass in a Forage Crop

Forage and field peas provide essential nutrients for livestock diets, and high-quality field peas can influence livestock health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Above-ground biomass (AGBM) is one of the vital traits and the primary component of yield in forage pea breeding programs. However, a standard method of AGBM measurement is a destructive and labor-intensive process. This study utilized an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a true-color RGB and a five-band multispectral camera to estimate the AGBM of winter pea in three breeding trials (two seed yields and one cover crop). Three processing techniques—vegetation index (VI), digital surface model (DSM), and 3D reconstruction model from point clouds—were used to extract the digital traits (height and volume) associated with AGBM. The digital traits were compared with the ground reference data (measured plant height and harvested AGBM). The results showed that the canopy volume estimated from the 3D model (alpha shape, α = 1.5) developed from UAV-based RGB imagery’s point clouds provided consistent and high correlation with fresh AGBM (r = 0.78–0.81, p < 0.001) and dry AGBM (r = 0.70–0.81, p < 0.001), compared with other techniques across the three trials. The DSM-based approach (height at 95th percentile) had consistent and high correlation (r = 0.71–0.95, p < 0.001) with canopy height estimation. Using the UAV imagery, the proposed approaches demonstrated the potential for estimating the crop AGBM across winter pea breeding trials.

Production of Meat and Milk from Grass in the United Kingdom

Grassland accounts for a high proportion of the agricultural area of the United Kingdom, but the significance of its contribution to the nation’s food supply has been questioned. Using representative figures for the composition of UK ruminant livestock diets, we estimated the total production of human-edible protein from grass and forage crops consumed by cattle and sheep. We found that this equates to 21.5 g of protein per person per day, of which 15.2 g comes from milk, 4.71 g from beef and 1.60 g from sheep meat. This represents 45% of the total amount of human-edible animal protein produced in the UK (46.6 g/head) and is equivalent to one-third of the recommended adult human daily protein intake of 64 g/head. Given the growing pressure to produce food in a more resource-efficient manner, grasslands have a valuable role to play in providing food alongside multiple public goods.

Dietary strategies to enrich milk with healthy fatty acids – A review

Abstract Feed is the main factor impacting the composition and quality of milk of dairy animals. Therefore, the present review explores the effects of feed and nutrition on milk fat content and levels of healthy fatty acids (FA) in milk consumed by humans. Milk and dairy products are two main sources of healthy and unhealthy FA in human nutrition. The concentrations of FA in milk depend mainly on diets; therefore, milk FA concentrations and ratios can be greatly altered by some feeding strategies. Dietary supplementation of the diets of dairy livestock with vegetable seeds or oils, microalgae and phytogenic feed additives, and feeding of some grasses can enhance the contents of healthy FA, including n-3 FA, α-linolenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and, generally, unsaturated FA in milk and dairy products. Enrichment of milk with healthy FA may make milk a source of anticarcinogens (CLA and polyphenols) for human health. This review, therefore, focusses on the current research findings on enrichment of milk with healthy FA and summarizes some effective supplementation strategies to alter milk FA profile.

Regional Assessment of Stocking Rate Effects on Uruguayan Rangelands: A Ranch-Level Study

We analyzed the variation of plant composition, forage production, and livestock diet across a broad stocking rate gradient on Eastern Hills rangelands of Uruguay. Our approach encompassed five ranches subjected to mixed sheep-cattle grazing and combined field surveys, microhistological fecal analysis, and remote sensing techniques. We hypothesized that selectivity would decrease as stocking rate increased. Vegetation data and fecal samples were obtained in 17 paddocks in 2008. To investigate the role of stocking rate on vegetation, we focused on dominant species and forage type cover. Diet composition was analyzed at forage type level. Annual net primary productivity was estimated for each paddock using the normalized difference vegetation index derived from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor. We found a clear relationship between the variation in stocking rate and floristic and forage type composition, both suggesting a deterioration of grassland conservation status. Cool season grass cover varied from 25% to 5%, from low to high stocking rates. Dicot cover showed an opposite trend, with values around 15% in the low and moderate stocking levels and reaching 35% on high-stocked paddocks. Diet composition and diet overlap between herbivores also showed clear patterns of response to stocking rate. On the other hand, livestock selectivity interacted with herbivore type. While cattle showed the expected pattern, sheep did not decrease selectivity in winter as stocking rate increased. Contrary to expectations, annual net primary productivity was similar across the different stocking rate levels and the month of maximum productivity was generally March. Our study provides strong evidence of marked rangeland degradation; however, the lack of response in terms of ANPP and the ability of sheep to maintain selectivity under high stocking rates could help to explain the lack of responsiveness in the adoption of generalized stocking adjustments by the ranchers.

Fodder Leaves and Wood Mass Productivity Assessment of Moringa oleifera in Semi-arid Central India

Good quality feed resources are very important component to achieve the production potential from livestock business. Supplementation of protein rich fodder tree leaves or its leaf meal could be a potential alternative for increasing the quality of livestock diet. A study was conducted to assess Moringa foliage plantation with respect to leaves and wood leaves and wood production per unit area to quantify precise biomass production. The relationship between plant base diameter to leaf biomass and wood mass yield were established and observed high correlation coefficients (R2 ) ranges from 0.80 to 0.87. Mean fodder leaves yield of 227q/ha, woodmass yield of 984q /ha with leaf stem ratio of 18.8:81.2 were observed on fresh harvesting basis. Dried leaf and wood mass production were recorded 66q/ha and 659 q/ha, respectively. The crude protein yield from Moringa leaves was assessed as 12.9 q on dry matter basis from one hectare Moringa field. A process methodology has also been developed for the preparation of Moringa leaf meal.

Yield Potential and Water Use Efficiency of Alternate Rotation Crops in the Semiarid Environment of Southwestern United States

Highlights Water use efficiency and yield potential of 10 rotation crops were tested under dryland and fully irrigated conditions. Pearl millet in grasses, cowpea and sesbania in legumes had great potential as rotation crops with greater yields and WUEs. Irrigation improved water use efficiency of crops compared to dryland conditions. Abstract. Unpredictability in weather patterns prompted a need for testing diverse crops with broad range adaptability to introduce into the existing cropping systems or to innovate alternate cropping systems in the southwestern United States. Such crops suitable for system integration should preferably be dual-purpose and resource-use efficient. Keeping this in view, a two-year study was conducted at NMSU Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center, Tucumcari, New Mexico, comprised of 10 annual crop species including grasses, legumes, and oilseed crops. The study aimed at researching yield potential and water use efficiency of the selected crops under dryland and limited irrigated conditions in the semiarid, subtropical environment. Results suggest that both crop species and water regime (irrigated vs. dryland) had significant effects on seed and biomass yield and water use efficiencies (WUE) (P<0.05). Seed and biomass production under dryland conditions were significantly influenced each year by amount of precipitation received. Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] had consistently greater seed and biomass yields and WUEs than the other crops. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and sesbania (Sesbania sesban) proved to be viable legumes with the advantage of greater biomass yields and water-use efficiency (WUEs) compared to other the legumes tested (P<0.05). For a balanced livestock diet, pearl millet+cowpea intercrop combination is a good option with greater yields and WUEs. Integrating these rotation crops into the traditional winter wheat cropping systems or alternate cropping systems may provide a significant benefit to producers in the semiarid southwestern United States. Keywords: Alternate crops, Summer rotation, Water-use efficiency, Yield potential.

Performance of three handheld NIR spectrometers for predicting grass silage quality

Description of the subject. Feed is the main variable cost in dairy farming. More efficient use of forage resources is one way to reduce production costs. Improving forage resource efficiency can start with a better assessment of the dry matter content and nutritional value of forages. Currently, analytical process time is often long and analyses are not repeatable while the quality of the fodder changes over time. Being able to analyze forages directly on-farm would make it possible to adapt the animal diet according to forage variability, in order to improve the profitability of the farm. Objectives. To propose in situ rapid analysis solutions to better characterize dry matter content and the chemical composition of fodder for assessing its feeding value. Method. The performance of three recently developed spectroscopic handheld devices, namely the Viavi’s MicroNIR 1700, the Ocean Insight’s FlameNIR and the Malvern Panalytical’s ASD FieldSpec 4, are evaluated to predict dry matter content and the chemical composition of fresh and unground grass silage in the framework of precision feeding and compared to the reference benchtop Foss’s XDS instrument. The conventional global PLS and local PLS are used as multivariate calibration methods. Results. The assessed handheld devices allow the dairy farmer to obtain a relatively precise quantitative prediction of the dry matter and crude fiber content (2.5% and 1.8% respectively on average, in terms of ratios between the local PLS error on fresh forage and the reference method error) in order to adapt the livestock diet. Crude protein, even if the prediction accuracy is lower (6.4%), is still well predicted. Higher errors are obtained for ash (9.2%), crude neutral (6.8%) and acid detergent fiber (6.9%). Conclusions. The studied devices should allow the dairy farmer to obtain a relatively precise quantitative prediction of those quality parameters in order to directly adapt the quantity of forage distributed to the animals. Performances could probably be improved by including more samples/spectra into the databases.

The Effects of Calcination on Mineral Composition and Physical Properties of Limestones and Oyster Shells Derived from Different Sources

Limestones and oyster shells are normally used in raw or roasted meal form in the livestock diet. Calcination is intended to improve the mineral concentration and physical characteristics of limestones and oyster shells which vary based on different chemical compositions, textures, and impurities of their types and habitats. The present research aimed to study the effects of calcination on mineral composition and the physical properties of limestones and oyster derived from various sources. Limestone samples from three local limestone mining and oyster shell samples from three shellfish species were calcined by burning at a temperature of 800-1000°C. The calcined products were analyzed for mineral content (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Mn), physical properties (bulk density, tapped density, specific density, and angle of repose), and particle size. Results indicated that calcination had no significant effect on Ca and P concentrations but reduced micro mineral concentration. Limestones had a higher Mg concentration than that of oyster shells, and calcination increased Mg concentration. Calcined oyster shells had higher densities, percentages of fine particles, and lower angles of response. The results suggested that the type of limestones and oyster shells could determine their thermal decomposition properties.

Insects as animal feed: novel ingredients for use in pet, aquaculture and livestock diet.

Insects as animal feed: novel ingredients for use in pet, aquaculture and livestock diet.

Nutritive Value Variation of Paunch Manure as an Alternative Feed Ingredient.

Simple SummarySustainable livestock production is a benchmark for advancements in animal nutrition. Recovery of nutrients from products currently disposed of provides a potential solution to this mandate. Paunch manure is a potential novel feed ingredient comprised of digested feedstuffs at different stages of degradation, saliva, microorganisms, and products of fermentation. Thus, our objective was to determine the variability in nutritive values of dried paunch manure collected from harvested cattle. Animal-to-animal variation accounted for 30% to 75% of the variance in all measures of nutritive value. We believe that dried paunch manure may be a viable feed ingredient for inclusion in livestock rations, but a centralized composting system may be necessary to increase consistency.Ruminants, which have multi-compartmented stomachs, are adapted to digest cellulosic materials, which constitute the primary expense on ranches and dairies. Industrial byproducts can be repurposed for livestock diets to decrease these costs. Therefore, finding alternative feedstuffs may benefit the economics of livestock production. The goal of this project was to evaluate the variation in nutritive value of ruminal waste as a potential feedstuff. Twelve paunch samples were collected from individual cattle across multiple harvest dates at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried and assayed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), sequential neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and physically-effective fiber (peNDF). Samples were subjected to batch-culture in vitro digestibility assays for the determination of digestibility coefficients. Mean NDF, ADF, ADL, CP and peNDF concentrations were 681, 399, 109, 150, and 387 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variance from sample for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF were 75.3, 41.9, 33.0, 51.2, and 71.3%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) were recorded as 462 and 216 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variation of sample for IVTD and IVNDFD were 31.0 and 30.7%, respectively. Results indicate that rumen waste harvested from abattoirs may be useful for sustainable livestock production, while reducing environmental threats posed by disposal, but the viability of the product is highly dependent on the source animal. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for developing a consistent product.

Growth performance, conversion and survival rates of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) reared on various livestock diets

Growth performance, conversion and survival rates of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) reared on various livestock diets