Lower Neutral Detergent Fiber Research Articles

Bean meal and cactus pear in Santa Inês lamb rations for meat production: Intake, digestibility, performance, carcass yield, and meat quality

Aim of study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, performance, carcass yield, and meat quality parameters in Santa Inês lambs fed cactus pear and bean meal. Area of study: NW Brazil Material and methods: 32 intact Santa Inês male lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (diets): control diet (concentrated feed containing corn and soybean meal as energy and protein ingredients); diet containing bean meal as a protein source; diet containing cactus pear as an energy source and; diet containing bean meal and/or cactus pear), using 8 animals per treatment. At the end of the experimental period, lambs were slaughtered with an average body weight of 32.78 kg. Main results: Animal fed cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear had a higher intake and digestibility for non-fibrous carbohydrates (p<0.05). Lambs fed cactus pear diet had greater water intake via diet and lower neutral detergent fibre digestibility compared to other evaluated diets (p<0.05). Cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear diets promoted lower water intake concerning to control and bean meal diets (p<0.05). The lower feed conversion was observed for animals that received control diet (p<0.05). Carcass characteristics and meat quality were not affected for the diets (p>0.05). Bean meal can be used as a source of protein concentrate in combination with cactus pear promoting a reduction in the use of corn and soybean in diets for small ruminants. The use of cactus pear in the diets promoted a water supply to the animals. Research highlights: Diets containing cactus pear and bean meal/cactus pear provided higher non-fibrous carbohydrates intake.

Dietary neutral detergent fibre and lignin contents affect intake, digestibility and digesta retention in captive sloths (Bradypus variegatus).

We evaluated food intake, digestibility, digesta retention and digestible energy (DE) intake in four three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus, body mass 2.86 ± 0.10 kg) fed two leaf-based diets containing different neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin contents. Total dry matter intake (DMI), and intake in relation to body mass and metabolic body weight were higher for the mixed diet with lower NDF content based on Pterondon sp. + Inga sp. (47 g day-1 , 16 g kg-1 day-1 and 21 g kg-0.75 day-1 ) compared to the treatment with higher content of NDF from only Cecropia pachystachya leaves (37 g day-1 , 14 g kg-1 day-1 and 18 g kg-0.75 day-1 ). The digestibility of dry matter (dDM) and neutral detergent fibre (dNDF) were higher in the mixed diet (60% and 61%respectively). There was a higher supply of DEand metabolisable energy (ME) on the mixed diet, at 221 and 199 kJ kg-0.75 day-1 , meeting the average energy requirement of 185 kJ ME kg-0.75 day-1 ME estimated for sloths in this study. In contrast, the diet with C. pachystachya generated a deficit of 31 kJ ME kg-0.75 day-1 . There was a correlation between DMI and dNDF (r2 = 0.89), and between dNDF and dDM (r2 = 0.98) across treatments. The mean retention times for a liquid and a particle marker were lower on the mixed diet with the higher intake at 133 h (passage rate = 0.75% h-1 ) and 181 h (0.55% h-1 ), and longer on the single-species diet with lower intake at 204 h (0.49% h-1 ) and 261 h (0.38% h-1 ). The results suggest that it may be beneficial for sloths to be offered a variety of browse from which they can choose low-NDF components. Further, we suggest that these sloths perform 'digesta washing'to increase the microbial yield in the stomach to maximise the digestion of NDF and dry matter.

Bacterial Community and Fermentation Quality of Ensiling Alfalfa With Commercial Lactic Acid Bacterial Additives.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of six common commercial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) additives [A1, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. buchneri, and Enterococcus faecalis; A2, L. plantarum and L. casei; A3, L. plantarum and L. buchneri; A4, L. plantarum, L. buchneri, L. casei, and Pediococcus acidilactici; A5, L. plantarum (producing feruloyl esterase); and A6, L. buchneri, P. acidilactici, β-glucanase, and xylanase] on the bacterial community and fermentation quality of alfalfa silage. Alfalfa was harvested at the squaring stage, wilted in the field for 24 h, and ensiled without any additives (Control) or with A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, or A6. Microbial counts, bacterial community, fermentation parameters, and nutritional composition were determined after ensiling for 90 days. The total abundance of LAB genera on alfalfa pre-ensiling was 0.38% in bacterial community. The abundances of Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus in the Control silage were 42.18, 40.18, and 8.09% of abundance, respectively. The abundances of Lactobacillus in A1-, A2-, A3-, A4-, and A5-treatments were 89.32, 92.93, 92.87, 81.12, and 80.44%, respectively. The abundances of Pediococcus and Lactobacillus in A6-treatment were 70.14 and 24.86%, respectively. Compared with Control silage, LAB-treated silage had lower pH and less ammonia nitrogen and water-soluble carbohydrates concentrations (p < 0.05). Further, the A5- and A6-treatments contained lower neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose than other treatments (p < 0.05). Overall, LAB genera were presented as minor taxa in alfalfa pre-ensiling and as dominant taxa in alfalfa silage. Adding LAB additives improved the fermentation quality and altered the bacterial community of alfalfa silage. The main bacterial genera in Control silage were Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus. Lactobacillus dominated the bacterial communities of A1-, A2-, A3-, A4-, and A5-treatments, while Pediococcus and Lactobacillus were dominant bacterial genera in A6-treatment. Inoculating A5 and A6 degraded the fiber in alfalfa silage. It is necessary to ensile alfalfa with LAB inoculants.

Two novel screened microbial consortia and their application in combination with Lactobacillus plantarum for improving fermentation quality of high-moisture alfalfa.

To enrich lignocellulolytic microbial consortia and evaluate whether a combination of these consortia and Lactobacillus plantarum can facilitate degradation of structural carbohydrates and improve fermentation quality of high-moisture alfalfa silage. Two novel microbial consortia (CL and YL) with high lignocellulolytic potential were enriched, and had higher enzyme activities at slightly acidic conditions (pH 3.5-6.5). Two consortia were inoculated with and without combined L. plantarum (LP) to alfalfa for up to 120days of ensiling. The two consortia alone or combined with LP significantly (p<0.05) increased lactic-to-acetic acid ratios and decreased contents of volatile organic acids and NH3 -N as compared to the control. Treatments that combining microbial consortia and LP further resulted in the higher contents of lactic acid (LA), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and crude protein, dry matter (DM) recovery, and lower neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and cellulose contents, with YLP silage showing the lowest pH (4.41) and highest LA content (76.72gkg-1 DM) and the conversion of WSC into LA (184.03%). The addition of lignocellulolytic microbial consortia (CL or YL) to alfalfa silages as attractive silage inoculants could improve fermentation quality, and that their combination with L. plantarum appeared more effective on the degradation of structural carbohydrates and conversion of soluble carbohydrates into LA. High-moisture alfalfa is difficult to ensile due to its high buffering capacity and low readily fermentable carbohydrate contents. Microbial consortia (CL and YL) can encode a broad selection of multi-functional CAZymes, and their combination with LP could be promising for the degradation of structural carbohydrates simultaneously with improvement fermentation quality, with high performance in LA production.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers Improve Growth and Leaf Nutrient Composition of Moringa oleifera

Establishing the appropriate agronomic practices like fertilizer application is important for maximizing yield and improving nutritional quality of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. The objective of the presented study was to determine the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates on plant growth performance and leaf nutrient composition of moringa. The experiment was a 4 × 3 factorial, with four nitrogen levels (100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha−1) and three levels of phosphorus (40, 80 and 120 kg ha−1). The experiment was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD), treatments were replicated four times. Twelve weeks after planting, the moringa trees treated with 100 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1 were significantly taller by 46.8% than trees supplied with 400 kg N ha−1 and 120 kg P ha−1. Similarly, trees that received 100 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1, and those treated with 200 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1 had significantly greater stem diameter (&amp;gt;36%) compared to moringa trees that received 400 kg N ha−1 and 40 kg P ha−1. Crude protein was significantly higher by 26.3% in the 400 kg N ha−1 and 120 kg P ha−1 treatment combination than that of the 100 kg N ha−1 and 40 kg P ha−1 treatment combinations. Moringa trees that received 100 kg N ha−1 and 40 kg P ha−1 had the highest neutral detergent fiber content (30.71%), while the trees that received 400 kg N ha−1 and 120 kg P ha−1 had the lower neutral detergent fiber content of 22.77%. Based on the study, the combination of 100 kg N ha−1 and 80 kg P ha−1 can be recommended for maximum yield and nutritional content of moringa leaves.

Effects of supplementation rate of an extruded dried distillers' grains cube fed to growing heifers on voluntary intake and digestibility of bermudagrass hay.

Our objectives were to 1) investigate the difference in chemical composition and disappearance kinetics between loose dried distillers' grains (DDG) and extruded DDG cubes and 2) evaluate the effects of supplementation rate of extruded DDG cubes on voluntary dry matter intake (DMI), rate and extent of digestibility, and blood parameters of growing beef heifers offered ad libitum bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay. To characterize the changes in chemical composition during the extrusion process, loose and extruded DDG were evaluated via near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, and dry matter (DM) disappearance kinetics were evaluated via time point in situ incubations. Extruded DDG cubes had greater (P ≤ 0.01) contents of fat, neutral detergent insoluble crude protein, and total digestible nutrients, but lower (P ≤ 0.01) neutral and acid detergent fiber than loose DDG. Additionally, the DM of extruded DDG cubes was more immediately soluble (P < 0.01), had greater (P < 0.01) effective degradability and lag time, and tended (P = 0.07) to have a greater disappearance rate than loose DDG. In the 29-d supplementation rate study, 23 Charolais-cross heifers were randomly assigned to one of four supplemental treatments: 1) control, no supplement; 2) low, 0.90 kg DDG cubes per d; 3) intermediate, 1.81 kg DDG cubes per d; or 4) high, 3.62 kg DDG cubes per d. Titanium dioxide was used as an external marker to estimate fecal output and particulate passage rate (Kp). Blood was collected from each animal to determine supplementation effects on blood metabolites. Indigestible neutral detergent fiber was used as an internal marker to assess the rate and extent of hay and diet DM digestibility (DMD). Increasing supplementation rate increased Kp and total diet DMI linearly (P < 0.01), yet linearly decreased (P < 0.01) hay DMI. Hay DMD decreased quadratically (P < 0.01), while total diet DMD increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increased DDG cube inclusion. Supplemented heifers had greater (P = 0.07) blood urea nitrogen concentrations than control animals 4 h post-supplementation. Intermediate and high rates of supplementation resulted in lower (P < 0.01) serum nonesterified fatty acid concentrations post-supplementation than control heifers. Concentrations of serum glucose and lactate were greatest (P ≤ 0.06) 8 h post-supplementation. Our results suggest that extruded DDG cubes may be an adequate supplement for cattle consuming moderate-quality forage, and further research is warranted.

Produção de massa seca, composição botânica e valor nutritivo de forrageiras de inverno sobressemeadas em pasto de tifton 85 adubado com fertilizantes químicos e cama de aves

The objective of the study was to evaluate the productivity, botanical composition and nutritional value of tifton 85 subjected to different overseeds and fertilization. The experimental design was the RBD in a 3x3 factorial scheme, with 4 replications. The factors evaluated were overseeded forage species (exclusive tifton and overseeded with single black oat and intercropped with ryegrass) and fertilization (absence and presence of chemical fertilization or poultry litter). The establishment of black oat and ryegrass by overseeding with the use of chemical fertilization in tifton 85 promoted an increase in the production of forage DM to animals in grazing, with higher content of CP and IVDM and lower NDF.

Effects of brewers’ spent grains on fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of mixed silage prepared with corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato vine

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of brewers’ spent grains (BSG) on the fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro parameters of mixed silage prepared with corn stalk, dried apple pomace and sweet potato vine. In the experiment, a ternary mixture of corn stalk, sweet potato vine and dried apple pomace (50/30/20) was ensiled with 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% BSG on a fresh weight (FW) basis for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 30 days, respectively. The application of BSG significantly (p<.05) increased lactic, acetic and total volatile fatty acids content, and significantly (p<.05) decreased pH, lactic acid/acetic acid, ammonia nitrogen, dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrates content during ensiling. None or tiny amounts of propionic and butyric acid were detected in all silages. Compared with the control, higher (p<.05) Flieg points, crude protein content and lower (p<.05) neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose content were found in BSG-treated silages on day 30 of ensiling. After 72 h of incubation, the application of BSG significantly (p<.05) increased the cumulative gas production, potential gas production, in vitro dry matter, crude protein digestibility and metabolisable energy. The 20% BSG silages had better fermentation quality and higher in vitro digestibility, as indicated by higher lactic acid content, in vitro dry matter, crude protein digestibility, metabolisable energy, lower pH, and lower ammonia nitrogen content than other silages. The application of 20% BSG was recommended to ensure good quality silages. Highlights Ensiling in the form of mixed silages is a good way to consume largely agro-food by-products. Reducing the energy waste and environmental pollution caused by high-quantity agro-food by-products. 20% brewers’ spent grains application had positive effects on in vitro parameters.

Digestibility and Silage Quality of Potato Pulp Silages Prepared with Different Feedstuff

The objective of this study was to determine silage quality and digestibility of potato pulp ensiled with different feedstuffs (straw, alfalfa hay and wheat bran). A total of 5 different potato pulp silages (PPS) were prepared with 5% ground barley straw, ground alfalfa hay, wheat bran alone or combination of 2.5 % wheat bran+ground straw, and wheat bran+ground alfalfa hay on a fed basis.These silages were ensiled in 2-L jars. After 49d of ensiling, all silages were opened and the chemical composition, pH, organic acids, ammonia-N contents, in situ organic matter (OM) and starch degradabilities and in vitro OM digestibility (IVOMD) of the silages were determined. Then, energy values were calculated.The highest dry matter (DM) and OM concentrations were observed in PPS prepared with wheat bran alone (P&lt;0.05). Potato pulp silage containing ground barley straw alone had the lowest crude protein (CP) concentration (P&lt;0.05) and silage containing wheat bran alone had the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations among PPS (P&lt;0.05). Potato pulp with wheat bran alone had the highest lactic acid concentrations among all silages (P&lt;0.05). Acetic acid concentrations of silages were similar (P&gt;0.05). The in situ OM degradability and IVOMD were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) among all silages. However, in situ starch digestibility was similar among PPS (P&gt;0.05). It can be concluded that PPS prepared with different feedstuffs at a 5% level had good fermentation properties and high degradability values. Even a high quality PPS can be obtained with the addition of 5% ground barley straw alone.

Effects of supplementing pomegranate peel with fatty acid sources on oxidative stress, blood metabolites, and milk production of dairy cows fed high-concentrate diets

Primiparous cows are more susceptible to oxidative stress than multiparous cows because of their lower total antioxidant capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fatty acid (FA) source with and without pomegranate peel (PP) as an antioxidant-rich source in the diet on oxidative stress, blood metabolites, lactation performance, and nutrient digestibility in primiparous lactating cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows in early lactation were randomly assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 28 days with 21 days for feed adjustment and 7 days for data and sample collection. The diets were supplemented with 15 g/kg DM of palmitic acid-enriched fat (enriched in saturated FA) or fish oil (enriched in unsaturated FA) contained 0 or 87 g/kg DM of PP. Pomegranate peels increased total dietary antioxidant concentrations and fish oil reduced the ratio of n-6 to n-3 in the experimental diets. Significant interactions were observed for plasma non-esterified FA and malondialdehyde concentrations, milk fat yield, and apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility. Plasma non-esterified FA concentrations decreased in cows fed palmitic acid-enriched fat when PP was included in the diet. Diets with PP resulted in increased plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde in cows fed fish oil but not in those fed the palmitic acid-enriched fat. In addition, total plasma antioxidant capacity increased in cows fed PP containing diets, whereas blood inflammatory markers were not affected by the by inclusion of PP. Supplementing palmitic acid-enriched fat increased milk fat yield by 10% compared with fish oil, whereas a trend toward a decrease in this variable was observed when fish oil was fed without PP. Also, feed intake increased and milk protein concentration decreased in cows consuming diets containing PP, while milk yield was greater for cows fed fish oil. Cows fed palmitic acid-enriched fat had lower DM and NDF digestibility than in those fed fish oil. The molar fraction of propionate in the rumen decreased and the ratio of acetate to propionate increased in cows fed PP containing diets. Cows fed palmitic acid-enriched fat had a greater molar fraction of propionate but a lower ratio of acetate to propionate than cows fed fish oil. Overall, inclusion of PP in diets containing fish oil or palmitic acid-enriched fat contributed to improved feed intake and antioxidant capacity, while we observed no interaction on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in dairy cows.

Influence of Varieties and Spacings on Growth, Biomass Yield and Nutritional Value of Corn Silage in Paddy Field

Abstract The objectives of the experiment were to determine plant spacing and variety to produce the suitable growth, yield components, biomass yield of field corn and nutritional value of corn silage in paddy field condition. The field experiment was conducted at the Lopburi Research Station, Khok Charoen district, Lopburi province, Thailand in 2018-2019 and was arranged in a split plot design in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications. The main plot contained 3 plant spacings viz. 75×15, 75×20 and 75×25 cm and sub plot consisted of 5 field corn varieties (CP888, NS3, S7328, SW4452 and SW5). The results showed that wide spacing tended to produce higher ears per plant than narrow spacing. CP888 was the highest ears per plant variety. NS3 was the highest leaf/stem ratio variety. SW5 showed high leaf, stem and fresh biomass yield and it also produce ear yield closing to a high ear yield variety at 75×25 cm spacing. Moreover, SW5 also had high crude protein (CP) content, while plant spacing did not significantly affect acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ash, and lactic acid of corn silage. The widest spacing (75×25 cm) showed lower NDF than the narrowest spacing (75×15 cm). It was evident that SW5 and 75×25 cm spacing may be considered optimum for biomass yields without negatively affecting the corn silage quality. Keywords: Nutritional value, Paddy field, Plant spacing, Silage corn, Variety

Biological additives improved qualities,

Context The amelioration of low-quality cheap feed for livestock production has become a huge challenge faced by the livestock producers coupled with the illicit disposal of the straw, which causes global environmental nuisance through burning and health impairment. Aims The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of biological additives on nutrient profiles, silage quality, in vitro rumen fermentation in different varieties of rice straw silage; ML4, ML10, ML21, ML24, MR219 and Putra-1 were ensiled with water (control), enzyme (E) and a combination of bacteria and enzyme (BE) in a complete randomised design (CRD) experiment. Methodology The rice straw varieties, obtained from the paddy research farm were chopped to ∼2–3 cm, treated according to the above treatments to attain 70% moisture content and compressed in a 1 L jar and ensiled for 30 days. Key results Crude protein (CP) in the treated rice straw silage was higher than in the control. The treatment with BE had a lower neutral detergent fibre (42.31%) and a lower acid detergent fibre (21.08%) concentration for Putra-1 than did other treatments (E and control) and varieties. For the silage extract, the lowest pH, NH3, butyric acid and propionic acid were obtained in the BE treatment in most of the rice straw varieties. In addition, straw treated with BE had the highest lactic acid content, in vitro gas production kinetics, digestibility, and rumen fermentation, compared with the E and control treatments. Conclusion This study showed that a BE treatment effectively improved the quality of rice straw silage, with the Putra-1 variety giving the most outstanding result. Implication Selection of the appropriate biological treatment and variety of rice straw is important to improve straw quality. However, the treated rice straw needs further evaluation for its in vivo efficacy.

Identifying optimal early‐season harvest timing in annual fall forages

AbstractFall forage production in the northeastern United States is complicated by early onset of cool temperatures, limiting forage availability in cool‐season perennials. Annual forages planted in late summer as cover crops or supplemental forage crops may fill this niche; however, data on their nutritive value over the short fall harvest window is lacking. This study compared six annual forage crops for their forage mass and nutritive value and identified optimal harvest times based on changes between forage mass and digestibility. Monocultures of canola (Brassica napus L.), forage radish (Raphanus sativus L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), spring triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus [Secale × Triticum]), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea L.), and a mixture of all six species were sown in August of 2015 and 2016 then harvested at three time points (6, 8, and 10 weeks after planting [WAP]) over the fall (September–November). Canola, oat, and spring wheat had the greatest forage mass, while sunn hemp had the least across all harvests. Canola and forage radish had the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and greatest in vitro true dry matter digestibilities (IVTDMd) across all harvests, while sunn hemp and the grasses declined in IVTDMd after first and second harvest. Forage mass of the fall mix was comparable to the highest yielding monoculture at third harvest only. Results suggest that forage brassicas can be harvested without compromising mass or nutritive value, while cereal grasses gained forage mass at the expense of nutritive value.

Effect of Molasses Addition at Ensiling on Ruminal &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In Situ&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Dry Matter and Nutrient Degradation of Whole-Plant Soybean Silage Harvested at Different Phenological Stages

Whole-plant soybean ensiling has limitations and challenges that affect silage fermentation patterns and reduce ruminal nutrient degradation. Perhaps either the addition of molasses at ensiling or harvesting at different phenological stages has the potential to enhance whole-plant soybean silage (WSS) ruminal degradation. This experiment was a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating the effects of molasses (0 and 40 g/kg fresh forage) and phenological stage (R5: beginning seed, R6: full seed, and R7: beginning maturity) on ruminal in situ degradation. Molasses increased effective ruminal degradability (ERD) of dry matter (DM) regardless of the phenological stage and increased ERD of crude protein at R5 and R6. The addition of molasses at later phenological stages increased ERD of neutral detergent fiber (NDF). There was a molasses × phenological stage interaction effect with greater fractions A and B of NDF at R7 and R5, respectively, but lower undegraded NDF at R5 and R6 with molasses addition. Although the benefits of adding molasses were more pronounced in R5 and R6, adding molasses to whole-plant soybean at ensiling is recommended regardless of phenological stage. Increasing the proportion of digestible nutrients at harvesting either by harvesting at later phenological stages or the addition of molasses is a powerful strategy to manage ruminal degradation of DM and nutrients in WSS.

Forage growth, yield and nutritional characteristics of five African foxtail ecotypes grown at Magadu dairy farm in Morogoro, Tanzania

This study was conducted to assess the forage growth, yield and nutritional characteristics of five ecotypes of African foxtail (Cenchrus ciliaris) grown under the similar environmental condition at Magadu Dairy Farm (MDF), a facility of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania. The ecotypes used in the study were collected from semi-arid areas of three districts namely Kiteto (Ologoraing’ok namelock and Ologoraing’ok twanga ecotypes), Mpwapwa (Nzingangata and Orupilipili ecotypes), and Kilolo (Iramata mtandika ecotype). Each ecotype was planted in a 12 m2 plot with plants interspacing of 0.5 m, 1.5 m space between plots and three replications. Then 30 tussocks were randomly sampled per ecotype and their plant height, tiller number, inflorescence length, leaf length and leaf mid-width were recorded. The dry matter yield and Nutritional characteristics were analysed from the harvested above-ground biomass in two quadrats of one square metre per plot at the age of six weeks from standardization cut. The results indicated significant variation (p-value&lt;0.05) among ecotypes on the studied characteristics. Orupilipili ecotype indicated higher mean values of plant height (93.8 cm), leaf area (25.8 cm2), inflorescence length (10.1 cm) and dry mater (10.35 tDMha-1). Ologoraing’ok namelock had the lowest growth and yield characteristics except mean tiller numbers (197.3). The lowest-yielding ecotype indicated the highest percentage of Crude Protein (21.15), Acid Detergent Fibre (31.35) and ash content (16.91) but with the lowest Neutral Detergent fibre (55.89). Correlations were significant for all pairs of traits assessed. Discriminant tests suggested close relationship between Ologoraing’ok namelock and Ologoraing’ok twanga, Nzingangata and Iramata mtandika but each ecotype indicated a significant number (&gt;46%) of unique individuals. This study recommends further study on the ecotypes when subjected to stresses such as defoliation, salinity and drought.

EFFECT OF MATURITY STAGES ON POTENTIAL NUTRITIVE VALUE OF VICIA CRACCA (L.) HAY

The aim of the current experiment was to determine the effect of harvesting stage on the potential nutritive value. Vicia cracca plant was harvested at three maturity stages (before flowering, flowering and seeding). Vicia cracca plants were dried at 70 °C and grinded in a hand-mill with 1 mm sieve for chemical analysis. Crude protein, crude oil, crude ash, condensed tannin, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) parameters were investigated as the chemical composition. Harvesting stage had a significant (p ≤ 0.01) effect on chemical composition. Dry matter, NDF and ADF contents were increased with advancing maturity whereas crude protein, crude oil, condensed tannin and crude ash contents were decreased. As a conclusion, the nutritive value of Vicia cracca plant decreased with increasing maturity. Vicia cracca hays harvested at three maturity stages were adequate in term of mineral content for ruminant. Therefore, the Vicia cracca plant can be harvested or grazed before flowering and flowering stages due to high crude protein, crude oil and low ADF and NDF.

Different Aspergillus niger Strains and Inoculum Levels Affect the Nutritional Composition of Olive Leaves in Solid-state Fermentation

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Aspergillus niger strain and inoculum level on the nutritional composition of olive leaves. The experiment had a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments with two A. niger strains (ATCC 200345 [A] and ATCC 9142 [B]) and three inoculum levels (104, 106, and 108). Olive leaves were milled to 2 mm and fermented in solid-state by two different A. niger strains and analysed for nutritional composition. Crude protein (CP) was increased linearly as the inoculum level increased. Ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) were decreased linearly in A strain or quadratically in B strain with increased inoculum levels. Crude ash and nitrogen-free extract content did not differ among groups. Strain A increased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) at higher inoculum level, whereas NDF was decreased as inoculum level increased in B strain. The lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) was obtained from the B strain or 106 inoculum level. The results showed that the effect of two strains on CP and ADF changed similarly with increased inoculum levels. However, two strains affected EE, CF, and NDF content differently with increased inoculum levels. The optimal situations were 108 inoculum level for higher CP, A104 or B104 for higher EE, B106 for lower CF, B106 or B108 for lower NDF, 106 inoculum level or B strain for lower ADF. B strain at 106 inoculation level can be preferred to obtain an average CP and EE content and lower CF, NDF, and ADF content.

Ensilage potential and nutritional value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at different phenology and storage duration in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria

AbstractInsufficient forage supply from natural rangelands during the dry season hampers ruminants' performance in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Therefore, to provide alternative feed resources, we evaluated silage potential of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at boot, dough and maturity stages for 4‐, 8‐, 12‐ and 16‐week ensiling durations, in a 3 × 4 factorial experiment. The dry matter yield (DMY) was determined at each harvest stage, and the forages were subsequently ensiled. The results revealed that the DMY of S. almum at maturity was 8.98% and 18.67% higher than at dough and boot stages, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). The silages were ranked “good silage” based on physical characteristics. Silage pH decreased with advancing ensiling duration from 4 to 16 weeks in boot (5.25–4.63), dough (5.63–4.11) and maturity (5.42–4.91), with a corresponding increase in lactic and volatile fatty acids. Crude protein (CP) was higher in forages ensiled at maturity and increased with ensiling duration after initial decline from 4 to 8 weeks. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose increased quadratically from boot to dough and subsequently declined at maturity. Growth stage, ensiling duration and their interactions influenced the macrominerals' content (p &lt; 0.05). Silages' dry matter intake (DMI) declined from boot to dough stage across the ensiling durations, and except for 8 weeks, the DMI increased at maturity by 6.71%, 5.54% and 7.19% in 4, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. Therefore, owing to the lower NDF and high DMY, CP and DMI of S. almum ensiled at maturity for 16 weeks, it could guarantee a quantitative and qualitative forage supply to maintain optimum animal performance throughout the dry season.

Metagenomic Analysis Reveals New Microbiota Related to Fiber Digestion in Pigs.

Making full use of high fiber and low-cost crop coproducts is helpful to alleviate the situation of people and livestock competing for crops. Digestion of dietary fibers in pigs is mainly through microbial fermentation in the large intestine. To reveal microbiota related to fiber digestion in pigs, fecal samples have been collected from 274 healthy female Suhuai pigs at 160 days of age under the same feeding conditions and have measured apparent neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility. Samples from Suhuai pigs with extreme high and low apparent NDF digestibility and extreme high and low apparent ADF digestibility were subjected to shotgun metagenomic sequencing. At the species level, 62 microbial species in H_NDF group and 54 microbial species in H_ADF group were related to high fiber digestibility. Among them, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 3-1 and Alistipes sp. CAG:514 may be new types of microorganisms associated with fiber digestion. In addition, we found that more abundant GH5 and GH48 family (contribute to cellulose degradation) genes, GH39 and GH53 family (contribute to hemicellulose degradation) genes in microorganisms may contribute to the higher apparent NDF digestibility of pigs, and more abundant GH3 and GH9 family (contribute to cellulose degradation) genes in microorganisms may contribute to the higher apparent ADF digestibility of pigs. The abundance of AA4 family (helps in lignin degradation) genes in H_NDF and H_ADF groups was significantly higher than that in L_NDF and L_ADF groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Three pathways in H_NDF group and four pathways in H_ADF group are important pathways associated with degradation of non-starch polysaccharides, and their relative abundance is significantly higher than that in L_NDF and L_ADF groups, respectively. Gut microbiota of Suhuai pigs with high apparent fiber digestibility had higher abundance of genes and microbiota related to fiber digestion and may have stronger fiber digestion potential compared with low apparent fiber digestibility group. This study revealed that the characteristics of gut microbiota and microbial gene functions of pigs with high fiber apparent digestibility, which provided a theoretical basis and reference for further understanding the impact of gut microbiota on fiber digestibility of pigs.

Chemical Composition and Digestibility of Preferred Forage Species by Lactating Somali Camels in Kenya

Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of frequent drought in the Kenya arid and semiarid lands with resultant fodder and water shortages. In order to adapt to these longer and less predictable droughts, keeping of camels has been adopted as a coping strategy in grappling with the vagaries of climate change. Camels are both grazers and browsers of a broad spectrum of preferred forages whose nutrient composition is not well documented. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the chemical composition of forage species mostly preferred by lactating Somali camels in Laikipia County, Kenya. Lactating Somali camels and their calves were monitored while browsing and grazing in the rangelands during the wet and dry seasons from August to November 2019. The forage species were ranked on the basis of bite count. The most browsed forages identified through observation were sampled, identified by the local and scientific names, and analyzed for proximate composition, detergent fiber fractions, and in vitro dry matter digestibility. The most browsed forage species were Acacia nubica (22.6%), Acacia seyal (47.3%), Cucumis aculeatus (7.2%), Euclea divinorum (11.1%), Hibiscus parrifolia (11.9%) during the wet season and Barleria acanthoides (22.9%), Balanites aegyptiaca (15.5%), Cynodon dactylon (11.7%), Lycium europaeum (32%), and Pollichia campestris (17.8%) during the dry season. Shrubs constituted 60%, trees 30%, and grasses 10% of the most preferred forage species. The preferred browsed and grazed species had a range of 7.1% ± 0.4% to 25.7% ± 1.2% crude protein on a dry matter basis, 29.1% ± 2.7% to 74.0% ± 7% for neutral detergent fiber concentrations, and 43.4% ± 0.2% to 81.6% ± 0.3% for in vitro dry matter digestibility. The study indicates that trees and shrubs with high crude protein and low neutral detergent fiber concentrations were more preferred, indicating that forage nutritive value affected the forage preference by the camels.