Mixed Forage Research Articles

Hepatic transcriptome perturbations in dairy cows fed different forage resources

BackgroundForage plays critical roles in milk performance of dairy. However, domestic high-quality forage such as alfalfa hay is far from being sufficient in China. Thus, more than 1 million tons of alfalfa hay were imported in China annually in recent years. At the same time, more than 10 million tons of corn stover are generated annually in China. Thus, taking full advantage of corn stover to meet the demand of forage and reduce dependence on imported alfalfa hay has been a strategic policy for the Chinese dairy industry. Changes in liver metabolism under different forage resources are not well known. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of different forage resources on liver metabolism using RNAseq and bioinformatics analyses.ResultsThe results of this study showed that the cows fed a diet with corn stover (CS) as the main forage had lower milk yield, DMI, milk protein content and yield, milk fat yield, and lactose yield than cows fed a mixed forage (MF) diet (P < 0.01). KEGG analysis for differently expressed genes (DEG) in liver (81 up-regulated and 423 down-DEG, Padj ≤0.05) showed that pathways associated with glycan biosynthesis and metabolism and amino acid metabolism was inhibited by the CS diet. In addition, results from DAVID and ClueGO indicated that biological processes related to cell-cell adhesion, multicellular organism growth, and amino acid and protein metabolism also were downregulated by feeding CS. Co-expression network analysis indicated that FAM210A, SLC26A6, FBXW5, EIF6, ZSCAN10, FPGS, and ARMCX2 played critical roles in the network. Bioinformatics analysis showed that genes within the co-expression network were enriched to “pyruvate metabolic process”, “complement activation, classical pathway”, and “retrograde transport, endosome to Golgi”.ConclusionsResults of the present study indicated that feeding a low-quality forage diet inhibits important biological functions of the liver at least in part due to a reduction in DMI. In addition, the results of the present study provide an insight into the metabolic response in the liver to different-quality forage resources. As such, the data can help develop favorable strategies to improve the utilization of corn stover in China.

Performance of two handheld NIR spectrometers to quantify crude protein of composite animal forage and feedstuff

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Two handheld near infrared (NIR) spectrometers were used to quantify crude protein ($CP$) content of mixed forage and feedstuff composed of Sweet Bran, distiller's grains, corn silage, and corn stalk. First was a transportable spectrometer, which measured in the visible and NIR ranges (320–2500 nm) with a spectral interval of 1 nm (H1). Second was a smartphone spectrometer, which measured from 900–1700 nm with a spectral interval of 4 nm (H2). Spectral data of 147 forage and feed samples were collected by both handheld instruments and split into calibration ($n$ = 120) and validation ($n$ = 27) sets. For H1, only absorbances in the NIR region (780–2500 nm) were used in the multivariate analyses, while for H2, absorbances in the second and third overtone regions (940–1660 nm) were used. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression models were developed using mean-centered data that had been preprocessed using standard normal variate (SNV) or Savitzky-Golay first derivative (SG1) or second derivative (SG2) algorithm. PCA models showed two major groups—one with Sweet Bran and distillers grains, and the other with corn silage and corn stalk. Using H1 spectra, the PLS regression model that best predicted $CP$ followed SG1 preprocessing. This model had low root mean square error of prediction ($RMSEP$ = 2.22%) and high ratio of prediction to deviation ($RPD$ = 5.24). With H2 spectra, the model best predicting $CP$ was based on SG2 preprocessing, returning $RMSEP$ = 2.05% and $RPD$ = 5.74. These values were not practically different than those of H1, indicating similar performance of the two devices despite having absorbance measurements only in the second and third overtone regions with H2. The result of this study showed that both handheld NIR instruments can accurately measure forage and feed $CP$ during screening, quality, and process control applications.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Energy partitioning for growth by rabbits fed groundnut and stylo santhes forages supplemented with concentrate

Forty eight crossbred (California X New Zealand White) rabbits were used to evaluate energy partitioning of rabbits fed forages supplemented with concentrate. The rabbits were randomly allocated to three treatments consisting of sole Stylosanthes hamata (stylo),sole Arachis hypogea (groundnut) haulms and 50:50 mixture of both forages (mixed), and four class groups: weaners, 6-8 weeks old (0.79kg), growers, 11-12 weeks old (1.15kg), pubertal, 15-16 weeks old (1.36kg) and adult, &gt;16 weeks old (1.55kg) in a completely randomized design (3 x 4 factorial experiment). The rabbits were individually housed and offered 150g forage and 50g concentrate diet in separate feeders at 08.00hr. Feeding sole or mixed forages did not significantly affect daily gain or body composition of rabbits. DE intake, DE retention as protein, fat and growth, DE requirement for maintenance, protein synthesis, fat synthesis and for growth were similar for sole and mixed forages. Efficiency of utilization of DE for growth was significantly higher for mixed forage than sole stylo and ranged between 0.41-0.43. DE intake was similar for all classes of rabbits. Weaners had significantly higher retained energy as protein, fat and growth, DE requirement for protein and fat synthesis and for growth and efficiency of DE utilization for growth than growing, pubertal and adult rabbits. Efficiency of DE utilization for growth ranged between 0.39-0.47. Retained energy as protein, fat and for growth were similar for weaner and grower rabbits on mixed forage but higher than for pubertal and adult rabbits. For sole stylo, weaner rabbits retained more energy as protein, fat and growth than grower, pubertal and adult rabbits while for sole groundnut haulms, weaner and pubertal rabbits retained more energy as protein, fat and growth than grower and adult rabbits. DE utilization was better for mixed than stylo. It is concluded that feeding a mixture of groundnut and stylo forages slightly increased gain and improved efficiency of DE utilization resulting in better performance of the rabbits.

Nutritional evaluation of mixed forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoid) as feed resources on the haematological indices of pigs

A feed trial was conducted with a total of 30 pigs to evaluate the potential of mixed fresh forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) on pigs. The trial lasted for 63 days. Five diets were formulated which contains 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% level of grass and legume forage. Each diet formed a treatment which was offered to the pigs. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 2 pigs per replicate, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). The pigs were fed 4% of their body weight and water was given ad-libitum. The blood composition of the pigs in terms of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular concentration. Results showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in white blood cell (17.70 – 23.30) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin (15.83 – 18.03) and mean corpuscular volume (48.00 – 53.16(mg/100ml) and there is no treatment effect on observed in packed cell volume (36.00 – 42.00%), haemoglobin (12.00 – 14.00) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (33.25 – 33.41%). Recommended level of inclusion of the mixed forage (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) in the diet of pigs should not exceed 20%.

230 Effects of encapsulated calcium-ammonium nitrate on performance and methane production of beef steers grazing mixed winter forage

Abstract The effects of encapsulated calcium-ammonium nitrate (eCAN) on in vivo methane production and performance were evaluated. A generalized randomized block design was used with beef steers grazing a mixed winter forage (Triticum aestivum, Triticosecale rimpaui, and Secale cereale) for 49 d. Thirty-six Angus-crossbred steers (332 ± 53 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) winter pasture + corn (WC), 2) WC + 328 mg/kg of BW eCAN (WCN) and 3) WC + 124 mg/kg of BW UREA (WCU), all supplemented with corn (0.3% BW treatments). Treatments WCN and WCU were isonitrogenous. A 14d adaptation period was used to adapt cattle to treatments. Methane emissions were measured using the sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique. Blood samples and BW were taken at d 0, 24, 35, and 49. Supplemental corn and NPN orts were collected daily. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of pasture (block); BUN, supplement intake and CP intake were analyzed with repeated measures. Steer was considered the experimental unit. Methane production was not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05) considering g/d, g/kg of BW, g/kg of MBW, or g/kg of ADG. Treatments did not affect ADG (P = 0.941). Supplement intake was affected by treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.001), with WC (0.979 kg) being greater compared to WCU (0.887 kg) and WCN (0.706 kg). Total CP intake increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with WCU (0.155 kg) and WCN (0.116 kg), compared to WC (0.074 kg), which did not have a non-protein source. Blood urea nitrogen was affected by day, with d 24 (18.598 mg/dL) being greater compared to d 0 (8.215 mg/dL), 35 (10.549 mg/dL) and 49 (14.5744 mg/dL). The eCAN did not effectively replace urea as a NPN source to mitigate enteric methane.

117 Organic and conventional pasture systems for lamb production in Southeastern U.S

Abstract Little is known about U.S. organic production of ruminant livestock. Objective was to examine growth, gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection, and eligibility of organic certification between conventional (CON) and organic (ORG) management (Mgt) up to 150 d of age. Katahdin lambs (ORG, n = 240; CON, n = 690) were born in fall (Oct–Dec) or winter (Jan–Mar) between 2014 and 2019 in Booneville, AR. Intact male and female lambs were fence line weaned ~90 d of age, grazed tall fescue and/or mixed forages and were supplemented (corn/soybean meal) when forage quality became limiting. Organic sheep and pastures were certified by NICS. Body weight was determined at birth and approximately 60, 90, 120, and 150 d of age. Blood and feces were collected for packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC) at 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150 d of age. Lambs were selectively dewormed based on Five Point Check and incidence recorded. Data were analyzed by Proc GLM or Mixed with repeated measures (SAS) and included Mgt, sex, season, yr, d of measurement and interactions; age of lamb was included as covariate if needed. Birth weight was usually greater in fall born ORG and less in winter born than CON (mgt x season x yr, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and varied between ORG and CON over time (mgt x season x yr x d, P &amp;lt; 0.001). A similar 4-way interaction occurred for FEC and PCV (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Incidence of deworming was similar between ORG and CON (ranged between 0 and 3 times/lamb, and 3.2% to 151% over season and yr). Because copper oxide wire particles were used for most ORG deworming, between 50 and 92% of lambs were eligible for organic certification by 150 d of age (mgt x season x yr, P = 0.03). Comparisons between farming systems are complex and should consider factors such as varietal and seasonal changes in forages.

65 Effects of grazing cool-season cover crops on forage and animal performance

Abstract Utilization of cool-season cover crops has been shown to increase soil health and cash crop performance in minimum tillage cash crop systems. Though evidence that grazing of cover crops can be viable is limited. Our objective was to determine animal and forage performance when grazing a cool-season annual cover-crop. Twelve 1.2 ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of black oats (Avena strigose), cereal rye (Secale cereal), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and T-raptor (Brassica napus × B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed either 0, 30, 60, or 90 days. Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of control paddocks and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination ADG and total gain (TG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for NDF and ADF using an ANKOM fiber analyzer (ANKOM Tech, Macedon, NY). All data was analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Differences were found in ADG between 90 and 60 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs. 2.8 ± 0.12 kg/d; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and 90 and 30 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs 2.7 ± 0.12 kg/d; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Differences in TG were detected between 90 and 60 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs. 386.67 ± 13.35 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01), between 90 and 30 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01), and between 60 and 30 days grazed (386.67 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg, P &amp;lt; 0.01). No differences in NDF (44.86%, P = 0.99) or ADF (27.20%, P = 0.92) were detected between treatments. These results indicate that different grazing periods could influence cattle growth and performance without negatively impacting forage quality and production.

64 Effects of grazing cool-season cover crops on forage and animal performance

Abstract Utilization of cool-season cover crops has been shown to increase soil health and cash crop performance in minimum tillage cash crop systems. Though evidence that grazing of cover crops can be viable is limited. Our objective was to determine animal and forage performance when grazing a cool-season annual cover-crop. Twelve 1.2 ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of black oats (Avena strigose), cereal rye (Secale cereal), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and T-raptor (Brassica napus × B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed either 0, 30, 60, or 90 days. Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of control paddocks and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination ADG and total gain (TG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for NDF and ADF using an ANKOM fiber analyzer (ANKOM Tech, Macedon, NY). All data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Differences were found in ADG between 90 and 60 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs. 2.8 ± 0.12 kg/d; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and 90 and 30 days grazed (4.2 ± 0.12 vs 2.7 ± 0.12 kg/d; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Differences in TG were detected between 90 and 60 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs. 386.67 ± 13.35 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01), between 90 and 30 days grazed (819 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01), and between 60 and 30 days grazed (386.67 ± 13.35 vs 261.33 ± 13.35 kg, P &amp;lt; 0.01). No differences in NDF (44.86%, P = 0.99) or ADF (27.20%, P = 0.92) were detected between treatments. These results indicate that different grazing periods could influence cattle growth and performance without negatively impacting forage quality and production.

Replacement of Concentrate Mix with Improved Forages for Afar Goats under Semi Intensive Production System Meet to Export Market Weight

The experiment was conducted with the objective of to evaluate the comparative feeding value of improved forages as a replacement of concentrate mix with its economic benefits on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass parameters of Afar goats. Twenty-five yearling intact male Afar goats with initial mean body weight of 15.05±1.25 (mean ± SD) were used for the experiment in randomized complete block design. The experimental animals were grouped in to five blocks of five animals based on their initial body weight and each animal within each block was randomly assigned to one of the five treatment diets. Treatments were grazing (Ad libitum) + 100% concentrate mix (wheat bran and noug seed cake) (T1), grazing (Ad libitum) + 100 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) (T2), grazing (Ad libitum) + 50 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) + 50% concentrate mix (T3), grazing (Ad libitum) + 25 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) + 75% concentrate mix (T4), and grazing (Ad libitum) + 75 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) + 25% concentrate mix (T5). The experiment was consisted of feeding trial followed by carcass evaluation. The supplement given at the rate of 300gDM/head/day. Water and mineralized salt block were available free of choice. The concentrate mix was 2:1 (wheat bran and Noug seed cake. The CP content of the NSC (Noug seed cake), WB (wheat bran), cowpea and Rhodes grass were 31.3, 17.4, 16.9 and 8.6 %, respectively. Organic matter and basal intake were not significant difference (P&gt;0.05) among the treatments, while intake of supplement was slightly higher (P&lt;0.05) for T1, T4, T3, than T5 and T2 respectively. Average daily gain in was higher 110g/d (T4). Hot carcass weight was slightly higher (P&lt;0.05) for T4 10.82 kg. The use of sole cowpea and Rhodes grass mix instead of concentrate mix was reduces feed cost and increase net return. Mixture of cowpea and Rhodes grass as sole supplement is relatively comparable to the supplementary value of concentrate mixture to improve Afar goat performance but forage mix was required higher (p&lt;0.05) feed to bring the same weight to other concentrate contained treatment diets.

Diet Composition Affects Liver and Mammary Tissue Transcriptome in Primiparous Holstein Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryCorn stover (CS) diets are still adopted by small dairy farms in China. Compared with mixed forage (MF) diets, feeding CS diet affects milk composition, digestibility, feed intake, ruminal fermentation, and lactation performance. Mammary gland and liver are two of the most important organs for lactation in cows. However, research related to the effect of CS diet on the metabolism of liver and mammary tissues of dairy cows is limited. Overall evaluation of the biological response of liver and mammary tissues of dairy cows to changes in CS diet compared with MF diet is essential. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the overall adaptation of liver and mammary tissue to a CS diet in mid-lactation primiparous dairy cows. Modest effect on the transcriptome of the liver and mammary tissue by the CS diet was observed. The analysis of the genes affected by CS indicated mammary gland responding to lower level of linoleate from the diet (lower in CS vs. MF) by activating the associated biosynthesis metabolism while the liver adaptively activated potassium transport to compensate for a lower K ingestion. The results of this study may facilitate the development of better feeding and management strategies and the increase of profitability of dairy farms.The objective of the present study was to evaluate the overall adaptations of liver and mammary tissue to a corn stover (CS) compared to a mixed forage (MF) diet in mid-lactation primiparous dairy cows. Twenty-four primiparous lactating Holstein cows were randomly allocated to 2 groups receiving either an alfalfa forage diet (MF, F:C = 60:40) with Chinese wildrye, alfalfa hay and corn silage as forage source or a corn stover forage diet (CS, F:C = 40:60). A subgroup of cows (n = 5/diet) was used for analysis of liver and mammary transcriptome using a 4 × 44K Bovine Agilent microarray chip. The results of functional annotation analysis showed that in liver CS vs. MF inhibited pathways related to lipid metabolism while induced the activity of the potassium channel. In mammary tissue, fatty acid metabolism was activated in CS vs. MF. In conclusion, the analysis of genes affected by CS vs. MF indicated mammary gland responding to lower level of linoleate from the diet (lower in CS vs. MF) by activating the associated biosynthesis metabolic pathway while the liver adaptively activated potassium transport to compensate for a lower K ingestion.

Pit-houses, seasonality, and subsistence resources: an essay from Boyo Paso 2 (ca. 900–700 BP, Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina)

How pre-Hispanic foragers adjusted their foraging and mobility strategies to plant cultivation is a question that drives much of the modern archaeological research. As a result, the spread of food-producing economies during the late pre-Hispanic period from Sierras of Cordoba (Argentina, ca. 1500–360 BP) has been recently defined as a dynamic sociocultural process where a mixed foraging and cultivation economy was accompanied by a flexible and seasonally landscape-use organization. However, the seasonally-sedentary model requires the elaboration of details that has not been specified. In order to enhance the discussion, this paper presents the study carried out on faunal and botanical spring-summer indicators recovered at Boyo Paso 2, an open-air site interpreted as a residential base camp occupied during the growing season (October–April) by people with mixed foraging and cultivation economy. The major aim was to identify reliable biological indicators to assess the season of use of the site based on their ecology. The identification of Rheidae eggshells, small vertebrates, crops, and wild fruits remains, as well as the contextual evidence, supports that Boyo Paso 2 was occupied with a stronger signature in middle spring through early autumn (October–April), when planting, harvesting, and/or wild food were available around the site. Thus, it is concluded that zooarchaeological and archaeobotanical data were critical to understand the dynamic process that has underlain transition from foraging to farming in Sierras of Cordoba, providing data to improve the understanding of residential mobility in archaeological groups where the adoption of crops plants did not necessary lead to fully sedentary farming.

Nutrient content and fermentation characteristics of ensiled Italian ryegrass and winter cereal mixtures for dairy cows

The interest in new alternative forages in Europe has increased in recent years. The nutritional composition and fermentation characteristics during different stages of ensiling were studied with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and winter cereal mixtures. The trial was carried out on a large-scale farm Galgamenti Agricultural Limited Company, Tura, Hungary. Two different forage mixes were studied: Mixture A (three types of Italian ryegrass 40% + two types of triticale 20%+ two types of oats 20%+ wheat 15%+ barley 5%) and Mixture B (three types of Italian ryegrass 55% + two types of winter oats 45%). Experimental field was 30.600 m 2 by the treatments, respectively. The two different forage mixes were sown on 11th September 2017 (Mixture A: 75 kg seed/ha; Mixture B: 75 kg seed/ha) with depth of 2-5 cm. Plant protection treatment was not applied during the growing season. Cutting was carried out in heading stage of triticale by hand at 10 cm stubble height. The fresh Mixture A (dry matter 189 g/kg; crude protein: 161 g/kg DM; NDF: 485 g/kg DM) and the fresh Mixture B (dry matter 195 g/kg; crude protein: 159 g/kg DM; NDF: 519 g/kg DM) were wilted to 28-32% DM (24h) without any movement on the windrow. The wilted forage was picked up by hand and chopped by a forage harvester (John Deere 7300) on concrete surface with theoretical chop length of 9 mm (weight: 800 kg). Wilted and chopped material of 510 g were packed by hand into a glass jars (0.00072 m3 volume, n=5, total no. of minisilos = 15). Five laboratory silos per mixtures were opened on 7, 14 and 90 days after ensiling. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ether extract (EE), ash, and total sugar of all treatments were determined. Additionally, pH and the concentration of ammonia-N, volatile fatty acids were measured in the ensiled mixtures. At the end of 90 days of ensiling in both mixture silages, there were significant differences (p&amp;lt;0.05) in all nutrient contents except for ADF in Mixture A and CP, ash and CF in Mixture B which was not affected by fermentation duration. Ensiling caused a significant decrease in pH (p&amp;lt;0.05), due to the production of lactic acid and succeeded to achieve lactic acid type fermentation. Values for ammonia-N, ethanol and acetic acid, butyric acid were all low. These results indicated that the fermentation quality of Italian ryegrass and winter cereal silages underwent rapid fermentation and were well-preserved.

DEVELOPMENT OF LITHIUM–CONTAINING FEED ADDITIVE AND ITS USE FOR FORTIFICATION OF CHICKEN BROILERS MEAT AND BY-PRODUCTS

The article presents the researches on the development of a feed additive for broiler chickens, including succinic (amber) acid, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, lithium carbonate, L-carnitine, betaine. It was found that the introduction of the developed feed additive to mice food in a dose exceeding 5000 mg / kg per body weight did not affect the general condition of the animals. The experimental results did not allow determining the LD50 of the researched feed additive. The lithiumcontaining feed additive does not have chronic toxicity, does not cause pathological processes in the internal organs of mice and it belongs to hazard class IV (low-hazard substances). It was found that the introduction of a feed additive in amount of 2,350 g per 1 ton of mixed forage for broiler chickens (the concentration of ionized lithium is 66 mg per 1 kg of feed) allows increasing the content of lithium in cooked meat, minced meat and by-products in comparison with samples of products taken from the experimental group. The lithium content in boiled white meat is 0.418 mg / 100 g, which is 211% higher than in the control sample; 0.452 mg / 100 g in boiled red meat which is 426.4% higher than in the control sample. Eating of 300 g of boiled chicken meat fortified with lithium obtained in the process of broiler chickens cramming, this meat provides the recommended daily dose of the specified trace element. The obtained data allow using the raw meat and by-product for the production of lithium fortified food products.

Effects of inclusion of purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.) with native cool-season grasses on in vitro fermentation and in situ digestibility of mixed forages

BackgroundIncorporation of legume species into native North American pastures is considered an effective method to increase native pasture productivity and improve the nutritive value of forage. This study evaluated the effects of inclusion of purple prairie clover (PPC, Dalea purpurea Vent.), a native legume forage, with native cool-season grasses on the in vitro fermentation and in situ digestibility of mixed forages.MethodsWhole plant PPC and mixtures of cool-season grasses were harvested when the PPC reached the vegetative (VEG), full flower (FL) and seedpod (SP) stages, and were combined in ratios (DM basis) of 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0 at each maturity. In vitro ruminal incubations using these mixtures were conducted for 48 h to determine gas production (GP), in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD), total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia-N production. Mixtures of forages harvested when the PPC reached the FL stage and 50:50 mixture of forages harvested at VEG, FL and SP stages were incubated in the rumen of three heifers for 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h to determine in situ degradabilities of DM, neutral detergent fibre (aNDF) and crude protein (CP).ResultsContents of aNDF and ADF increased (P < 0.01), while CP decreased (P < 0.001) as PPC matured. Concentrations of extractable condensed tannins in PPC ranked as FL > VEG > SP (P < 0.05). Regardless of PPC proportions in the mixture, GP decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing PPC maturity. Increasing PPC proportions linearly increased (P < 0.001) GP, IVDMD and total VFA at VEG, but linearly decreased (P < 0.001) them at SP. Irrespective of PPC maturity, ammonia-N production linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing proportions of PPC and the concentration was higher (P < 0.05) at VEG than at FL and SP stages. Increasing proportion of PPC at either maturity linearly increased (P < 0.001) molar percentage of acetate (A) and branched-chain VFA, but linearly decreased (P < 0.001) molar percentage of propionate (P), resulting in a linearly increase (P < 0.001) in the A:P ratio. Increasing FL PPC in the mixture linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01) increased a (soluble fraction), but linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.01) b (potentially degradable fraction) for DM and aNDF, resulting in linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic (P < 0.01) increases in DM and aNDF maximum potential degradabilities (a + b). Effective degradabilities of DM and aNDF were also linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.05), and CP was quadratically increased (P < 0.05) with increasing FL PPC, with the greatest effective degradability being observed with ratios between 50:50 and 75:25. Ruminal maximum potential degradabilities of DM and aNDF decreased (P < 0.001) as the forage matured. Effective degradability of DM ranked as VEG > FL > SP (P < 0.001), whereas the effective degradability of aNDF was similar between VEG and FL and both were greater (P < 0.01) than SP.ConclusionsInclusion of vegetative PPC in a mixed forage diet resulted in the greatest digestibility and incorporation of PPC before seedpod stage with native grasses had a positive effect on ruminal fermentation. Effects of PPC on ruminal digestion depend on both the stage of maturity and its proportion in mixed legume-grass pastures. Pastures containing 50% of PPC in full flower stage would likely provide the greatest quality diet to grazing ruminants subject to potential animal selectivity.

Effects of Selenium-Deprived Habitat on the Immune Index and Antioxidant Capacity of Przewalski's Gazelle.

Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) is an endangered ungulate in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China. This study aimed to determine the influence of selenium (Se) deprivation in the natural habitat on the immune index and antioxidant capacity of P. przewalskii. Samples of soil and forage were collected from affected and healthy areas, and animal tissues were collected from affected and healthy P. przewalskii. The samples were used for measuring mineral content and for hematological and biochemical analyses. The results showed that Se concentrations were significantly lower in the soil and mixed forage samples from the affected area than in those from the healthy area. The Se concentrations were significantly lower in blood and hair samples from affected P. przewalskii than in those from healthy P. przewalskii. Meanwhile, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and platelet count of affected P. przewalskii were significantly lower than those of healthy P. przewalskii. The serum level of glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower and the serum levels of malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide synthase, and lipid peroxide were significantly higher in affected P. przewalskii. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG significantly decreased and the serum levels of IL-6 and IgM significantly reduced in affected P. przewalskii compared with healthy P. przewalskii. Therefore, the findings indicated that Se deprivation in soil and forage caused oxidative stress damage and posed a serious threat to the immune function of P. przewalskii.

Protein Supplementation Improves Performance of Lambs Fed Low-Quality Forage.

Simple SummaryIn Jordan and in the Middle East, both quantity and quality of forage have declined in recent decades. Livestock producers have thus tended to use plant protein supplements such as soybean meal to correct for protein deficiencies. In this study, soybean meal supplementation improved the performance of lambs fed low-quality forage.The objective was to investigate the effect of supplementing Awassi lambs fed low-quality forage with soybean meal. Twenty-one lambs (initial body weight (BW) of 26.1 ± 2.57 kg) were randomly assigned to the study diets, 1) the basal diet (forage mix; CON; n = 7); 2) the basal diet supplemented with either 125 (SBM125; n = 7); or 3) with 250 (SBM250; n = 7) SBM g/head/day. The forage mix was composed of 65% wheat straw and 35% alfalfa hay. The experimental diet was offered to the animals for 54 days. On day 40, four animals from each group were chosen to assess N balance and nutrient digestibility. The intake of crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM) was the highest (p < 0.016) in the SBM250 group, followed by the SBM125 group and the CON diet. Digestibility of DM and CP was higher (p <0.05) for the SBM-containing diets than the CON diet. Final BW and average daily gain were greater (p < 0.008) for lambs that consumed SBM-containing diets than for those that consumed the CON diet. In summary, the growth performance, forage utilization, and nutrient digestibility improved for lambs fed low-quality forage when supplemented with soybean meal.

Production of beef cattle grazing on Brachiaria brizantha (Marandu grass)—Arachis pintoi (forage peanut cv. Belomonte) mixtures exceeded that on grass monocultures fertilized with 120 kg N/ha

AbstractMixed grass/legume pastures are an alternative to grass monocultures for increased beef cattle production in tropical climates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity of beef cattle grazing either a mixed pasture of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu grass and Arachis pintoi (forage peanut) cv. Belomonte or a Marandu monoculture, under rotational stocking. Five trials were conducted over a period of nine years in north‐eastern Brazil where the sward structure (forage, grass and legume mass) and animal performance were compared for a mixed Marandu grass/forage peanut pasture, and a Marandu grass monoculture with 120 kg N ha−1 y−1. Stocking rate was adjusted to maintain forage allowance at 4% body weight/day. A block design was used with four replicates, and warm and cool seasons within each trial were considered, using repeated measurements over time. In the warm season, the forage mass in the mixed pastures was 17% greater than in the monoculture (p = .049), and the stocking rate, average daily gain and liveweight gain per ha were 16.4%, 20.0% and 28.7% greater (p = .004, p &lt; .001 and p &lt; .001 respectively). The average daily gain showed a positive linear relationship with the legume proportion in the sward (p &lt; .001). The mixed forage peanut/Marandu pasture sustained significantly greater beef cattle production (789 kg ha−1 y−1) compared to the N‐fertilized grass monoculture (655 kg ha−1 y−1). Appropriately managed, mixed pastures of forage peanut/Brachiaria pastures are sustainable and have high potential for use in the humid tropics.

PSIX-2 Potential role of rumen microbiota in altering average daily gain and feed efficiency in meat goats fed simple and mixed pastures using bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing

Abstract Our objective was to examine whether the comparative abundance of the Bacteroidetes (B) and Firmicutes (F) bacterial phyla in meat goats fed simple and mixed forages influenced average daily gain (ADG), rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial diversity changes using a tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP). Thirty-six Kiko-cross growing meat goats (BW = 27.7 ± 2.83) at approximate age of 7 mo were used in this study. Animals were randomly allocated to three pasture treatment groups (n = 12) as follows: (1) bermudagrass (BG; Cynodon dactylon), (2) sun hemp (SH; Crotalaria juncea) forage, and (3) BG + SH forage combinations for 45-d. Results indicated that there were no differences in initial BW among treatments, but final BW and ADG were higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for SH and BG + SH combinations than for BG alone. We investigated the alterations between the different forage diets and found that ADG and rumen fermentation (A/P ratio), were highly correlated with the abundance of various bacterial populations within the rumen microbiome. There were linear decreases in percentage of Bacteroidetes (R2 = -0.84; P &amp;lt; 0.05) associated with decreasing ADG. In contrast, increased ADG was linearly associated with higher percentages of Firmicutes (R2 = 0.79; P &amp;lt; 0.05), F/B ratio (R2 = 0.88; P = 0.07), total VFA (R2 = 0.45; P &amp;lt; 0.05), and lower A/P ratio (R2 = -0.72; P &amp;lt; 0.01). This suggest that the substrate and bacterial community have the role in adapting host biological parameters in meat goats. The abundance examination of both Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes will be useful for exploring the structure of gut microbiota as an estimate of animal performance.

Ruminal fermentation kinetics of Moringa oleifera leaf and seed as protein feeds in dairy cow diets: in sacco degradability and protein and fiber fractions assessed by the CNCPS method

The present study aimed to evaluate in sacco fermentation kinetics of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL), whole seeds (MOS), and partially (PDMM) or completely defatted seed meal (DMM). Four dry non-lactating cows (Holstein–Friesian cows, weighing 600 kg, 4 years old), with rumen cannula and T-cannula installed in the distal duodenum were used for the study. The cows were fed a mixed forage (17 kg maize silage and 4.5 kg alfalfa hay) and concentrate diet at 7:3, respectively. Samples were incubated in nylon bags (in sacco) for 3, 6, 9, 16 and 24 h. Proximate analysis showed that DMM and PDMM had greater concentrations of crude protein (CP) and fiber compared with MOL and MOS. Lower concentrations of condensed tannins were noted in both MOL and DMM compared to MOS and PDMM. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in both MOL and MOS. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System analysis showed that MOL followed by MOS had more non-protein nitrogen; however, MOS and PDMM had more true soluble protein compared with MOL and DMM. Numerically, more intermediate and low degradable protein were observed with DMM. Results showed that MOL had the highest (P < 0.05) rate of CP disappearance, effective degradability and intestinal digestibility of CP. Whole MOS had the highest (P = 0.045) lag time for CP disappearance; however, MOL had the highest DM disappearance value. M. oleifera leaves, MOS and PDMM had greater effective degradability (P < 0.001) compared to DMM. It could be concluded that MOL showed better protein nutritive value compared with MOS, DMM or PDMM, and the use of MOL is recommended for practical application.

Partial replacement of nitrogen fertilization with legumes in tropical pasture overseeded with temperate species for the production of steers

AbstractUsing legumes in forage mixes can help decrease the use of nitrogen fertilizers and possibly increase the nutritive value of pasture. The aim of the current study was to determine animal production and behavioural and ingestion parameters by evaluating the production and nutritive value of Aruana grass (Panicum maximum‘Aruana’) intercropped with forage peanut (Arachis pintoi‘Amarillo’) or fertilized with nitrogen. The treatments were N200 (200 kg N/ha per season – summer and winter), 100N + PE (100 kg N/ha per season plus pasture mixture with forage peanut) and N100 (100 kg N/ha per season). The presence of forage peanut in the pasture did not replace nitrogen fertilization as the pasture fertilized with 200 kg of nitrogen had a greater leaf/stem ratio (0.66v.0.54), stocking rate (2600v.2290 kg live weight/ha), average daily gain (0.880v.0.700 kg/day) and live weight gain (LWG) (652v.468 kg/ha) during summer. During winter, no effect of increased nitrogen fertilization on pasture and animal production was observed. In the total study period (summer + winter), a greater LWG (897v.741 kg/ha) occurred when a higher quantity of nitrogen (N200) was placed in the pasture compared to the insertion of forage peanuts in the system.