Neutral Detergent Fiber Intake Research Articles

Feeding up to 91% concentrate to Holstein and Jersey dairy cows: Effects on enteric methane emission, rumen fermentation and bacterial community, digestibility, production, and feeding behavior.

Due to climate change, periods of drought might be longer and occur more frequently, which challenges roughage production and requires changed feeding of dairy cattle by increasing the grain content of the diet. This study investigated the effect of diets with concentrate proportions up to 91% of dry matter on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, enteric methane emission, rumen fermentation, rumen bacterial community structure, nutrient digestibility, and feeding behavior of Holstein and Jersey dairy cows. Twelve Danish Holstein and 12 Danish Jersey cows were fed ad libitum with one of 3 total mixed rations differing in concentrate proportion in a continuous design with staggered approach over 19 to 29 d. Dietary concentrate proportions were 49% (C49), 70% (C70), and 91% (C91) on dry matter basis, and were based on increasing proportions of chopped barley straw, dried beet pulp, barley, NaOH-treated wheat, dried distillers grain, and rapeseed cake at the expense of grass/clover silage, corn silage and soybean meal. Cows were adapted to the diets over a 12- to 19-d period, before rumination activity was measured over 3 d. Subsequently, spot samples of feces were collected for digestibility determination over 2 d, and gas exchange was measured on the last 3 d of the experimental period. Shortly after chamber stay, rumen liquid was collected using an oro-ruminal device. Dry matter intake was higher for Holstein than Jersey. Methane emissions (all expressions) were affected by the interaction between breed and diet. Methane per kilogram of DMI was lowered by 18 and 48% for Holstein fed C70 and C91, respectively, compared with C49, whereas this was 17 and 22% respectively for Jersey. Rumen propionate molar proportion increased more, rumen bacterial community was less diverse, and rumination time and rumination chews relative to DMI reduced less for Holstein than for Jersey cows with increasing concentrate level. In conclusion, Holstein dairy cows responded stronger to increased dietary concentrate level regarding methane mitigation, changes in rumen VFA profile, and effect on the rumen bacterial community structure than Jersey cows, whereas Jersey cows responded stronger with regard to rumination time and rumination chews (per kilogram of DMI and per kilogram of neutral detergent fiber intake) than Holstein cows. Thus, diets high in concentrates are a less effective methane mitigation strategy for Jersey than for Holstein.

Açai seed as an additive in Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa ensiling for ruminant nutrition: An alternative to reduce environmental pollutants

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of açai ( Euterpe oleracea ) seeds as a moisture sequestrant in Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass silage and its potential use in sheep diet. In this study, we conducted two experiments using Mombasa grass silage supplemented with açai seeds at 0, 185, 225, 433, and 520 g.kg -1 dry matter (DM). Experiment 1 was used to evaluate the effect of açai seeds on DM, effluent loss (EL), chemical composition, and fermentation characteristics of the silage, while Experiment 2 was used to evaluate the effect of açai seeds on the intake, digestibility, and nitrogen (N) balance of the sheep fed açai seed-supplemented Mombasa grass silage. In Experiment 1, the DM content of the silages increased, and the EL decreased with an increase in the açai seed concentration ( P <0.05). In Experiment 2, the DM, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intake increased ( P <0.05), while the digestible energy intake and N balance were unaffected ( P >0.05) with increasing açai seed concentration in the silage. Açai seeds, up to 520 g.kg -1 DM inclusion level, are effective moisture sequestrants in the Mombasa grass silage because they reduce EL, increase the DM recovery of the ensiled material, and increase the DM intake of the animals. Furthermore, the use of açai seeds as additives in silage is beneficial to the environment because of the reduction in waste production from the açai pulp processing and subsequent reduction in the generation of effluents from silage. • The use of açai seed reduces the effluent generated from silage • Açai seeds increase the dry matter recovery of the ensiled material • The sheep nitrogen retention does not change with açai seed inclusion in the silage • The sheep energy intake does not change with açai seed inclusion in the silage

Inclusion of palm kernel cake in the supplement reduces nutrient digestibility but does not interfere with the performance of steers finished on tropical pasture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing inclusion levels of palm kernel cake (PKC) in the supplement of steers finished on a Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, weight gain, and carcass traits. Forty 1/2 Holstein × 1/2 Zebu crossbred steers with an average body weight of 352.80 ± 3.32kg, at 36months of age, were supplemented with concentrate at 0.4% of their body weight. Four treatments were formulated (supplement containing 0, 15, 30, or 45% PKC, dry matter [DM] basis) and the animals were monitored for 240days, weighed, and slaughtered. The inclusion of PKC in the supplement did not influence the intakes of total DM, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber, but increased (P < 0.05) ether extract intake and reduced (P < 0.05) non-fibrous carbohydrate intake. The apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber decreased (P < 0.05), whereas intake and rumination efficiencies by the dietary treatments. Average daily gain, carcass weight, and backfat thickness did not change in response to the inclusion of PKC in the supplement. We recommend the inclusion of 45% palm kernel cake in the concentrate of steers supplemented at 0.4% of their body weight and finished on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture.

Using supplemental condensed tannin to mitigate tall fescue toxicosis in non-pregnant, non-lactating ewes consuming tall fescue silage

Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.)], the primary grazing forage in the mid-south, and has a symbiotic relationship with an endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium coenophialum) that produces ergot alkaloids that cause fescue toxicosis in grazing livestock. Some evidence indicates that condensed tannins (CT) can bind to ergot alkaloids and render them ineffective, thereby preventing symptoms of fescue toxicosis. Non-pregnant, non-lactating ewes [n = 20; 57 ± 1.3 kg initial body weight (BW)] were housed in individual pens (1 × 1.5 m) with metal grate flooring. Ewes were offered ad libitum access to either novel endophyte (NE) or toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue silage with no CT (E0), or CT at 10 (E10) or 30 (E30) g/kg of silage dry matter (DM). The CT used was Quebracho tannin (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado). All ewes received 4 g/kg BW liquid molasses, and this served as the carrier for the CT treatments. The study consisted of 2, 21-d periods with a 30-d washout between periods. A 14-d adaption was followed by 7-d of total fecal and urine collection in each period. Blood samples for prolactin analysis were taken on the last day of each period. Data were analyzed using individual ewe within period as the experimental unit, treatment was a fixed effect, and period and pen were random effects. Prolactin was lesser (P < 0.01) in endophyte infected silage treatments. Intake (DMI; g/kg BW) and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (g/kg BW) were greater (P = 0.05) in NE compared to other treatments. Dry matter digestibility (DMD; g/kg DMI) and aNDF digestibility (g/kg NDF) were greater (P = 0.01) in NE compared to other treatments and organic matter (OM) digestibility [(OMD, g/kg OM intake (OMI)] did not differ between NE and E10, but NE was greater (P = 0.01) than E0 and E30. Digestible DMI and OMI (g/kg BW) were greater (P = 0.01) from NE compared to other treatments. Apparent N absorbed (g/kg N intake) was greater (P = 0.03) in NE, E0, and E10 compared with E30. Fecal N (g/kg N intake) was greater in E30 compared to E0 and E10, but not different from NE. Nitrogen retained (g/kg N intake and N absorbed) did not differ (P ≥ 0.31) among treatments. Condensed tannin supplementation at 30 g/kg DM had negative impacts on DM and OM digestibility and did not prevent decreases in prolactin associated with tall fescue toxicosis.

Feeding Byproduct-Based Concentrates Instead of Human-Edible Feed Ingredients Increases Net Food Production and Improves Performance of High-Producing Holstein Cows.

The effect of feeding greater amounts of byproducts (BP) as a replacement for human-edible (HE) feed ingredients on nutrient intake, chewing activity, rumen fermentation, production performance, human-edible feed conversion efficiency (HeFCE) and net food production (NFP) of high-producing Holstein cows was evaluated. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows (BW = 673 ± 44, DIM = 112 ± 8 d; 48 ± 2.25 kg/d of milk; mean ± SE) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Each period consisted of 21 d of adaptation followed by 7 d of data collection. Treatments diets were (DM basis): (1) concentrate containing 26% byproducts (BP26; control); (2) concentrate containing 60% byproducts (BP60); and (3) concentrate containing 95% byproducts (BP95). Alfalfa hay (20% dietary DM) and corn silage (20% dietary DM) were included in all diets. Dietary concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), starch and ether extract (EE) were 32.1, 41.0, 26.14 and 3.4% (BP 26); 35.3, 36.0, 22.05 and 4.7% (BP60); and 38.2, 32.0, 17.96 and 6.1% (BP95), respectively (DM basis). Dry matter (22.07 kg/d) and NEL (35.16 Mcal/d) intakes did not differ among treatments. However, ether extract and NDF intakes increased, whereas starch intake decreased linearly as BP ingredients increasingly replaced HE feed ingredients. Eating time was not affected by dietary treatment, but ruminating and total chewing time tended to increase with increasing amounts of BP. Replacing HE with BP ingredients did not affect rumen pH. An increased proportion of BP ingredients in the diet linearly decreased propionate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate concentrations in the rumen and increased acetate concentration and the acetate to propionate ratio. Replacing HE with BP ingredients did not affect milk yield. The yield of 3.5% FCM (39.12, 40.14 and 41.33 kg/d for BP26, BP60 and BP95, respectively) and fat content (2.95, 2.99 and 3.13 % for BP26, BP60 and BP95, respectively) linearly increased. Substituting BP ingredients for HE feed ingredients increased unsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, stearic acid, oleic acid and preformed fatty acids but decreased saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid, de novo and mixed fatty acids. Replacing HE with BP feed ingredients increased human-edible efficiency (HeFCE) for crude protein (1.06, 1.66 and 4.14 kg/kg edible for BP26, BP60 and BP95, respectively) and for energy (2.27, 3.62 and 9.22 MJ/MJ edible for BP26, BP60 and BP95, respectively) and also net food production (NFP) for crude protein (0.064, 0.52, and 1.00 kg/d for BP26, BP60, and BP95, respectively) and energy (62.8, 83.0 and 104.7 MJ/d for BP26, BP60 and BP95, respectively). Feeding byproduct-based concentrates instead of human-edible feed ingredients increase human-edible feed conversion efficiency (HeFCE), net food production (NFP) and improved the performance of high-producing Holstein cows.

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

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

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

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

Effects of concentrate starch level and free-choice provision of straw on performance, feeding behaviour and feed sorting of fattening lambs

The importance of forage in small ruminants’ behaviour is well known, but very few experimental studies have investigated the feeding behaviour of lambs offered ad libitum and as a free choice provision of concentrate and wheat straw. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of concentrate starch level on growth performance and behaviour, preference toward straw and rumen fermentation in lambs offered ad libitum forage and concentrate. Twenty-four Iranian Arabic male lambs (mean ± standard deviation; 18.8 ± 2 kg of BW) were used in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (8 lambs per treatment) for a period of 84 days. Experimental treatments were included 3 levels of starch (27.1%, 35.4% and 43.6% of dietary dry matter (DM)) and wheat straw was offered as a free-choice provision. Total DMI was not different among treatments; however, intakes of straw (P < 0.01), peNDF (P = 0.003), water (P = 0.05), and ME (P = 0.005) linearly increased with increasing level of starch in the concentrates. The increased dietary starch concentration linearly increased total gain (P = 0.02), and average daily gain (P = 0.01), but linearly decreased feed conversion ratio (P = 0.02). Increasing starch in the concentrates linearly increased sorting for straw particles retained on the 19-mm sieve and tended to increase sorting for particles retained on the 8-mm sieve. In contrast, sorting against the fine particles was observed with increasing starch content of the concentrates. Eating time decreased linearly as the amount of starch in the diets increased. Time spent ruminating per kg DM and NDF intake linearly increased with increasing starch in the diet. Standing time increased linearly (P = 0.04) as starch content of the diets increased. Lambs fed low starch diet had higher pH values than medium starch (at 2, 4, and 6 h post-feeding) and high starch (at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h post-feeding) diets. These findings suggest that under free-choice provision of straw and concentrate lambs are able to adjust their sorting behaviour in favor of physically effective NDF and more forage intake with increasing concentrate starch level, which could be an adaptive response to attenuate low rumen pH.

Effect of different dietary inclusion levels of whole plant green tomato (Physalis philadelphica) silage on nutrient intake and digestibility, and in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics in sheep.

Mexico has many agricultural by-products that can be used for animal feed, and green tomatoes are produced throughout the country and can be an alternative to overcome the high prices of cereal-based feeds. This study determined in vitro fermentation kinetics, production performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance from sheep supplemented with whole plant green tomato (GT) on corn silage (CS) based diets. For 21 days, eighteen Suffolk lambs (38 ± 4 kg of live weight) were grouped into three dietary GT inclusion levels to replace CS: a control diet based on 100% CS (GT0, 570 g /kg dry matter, DM), while 100 g/kg DM (GT100) and 200 g/kg DM (GT200) of GT were included as a replacement for CS. A completely randomized design was used to measure in vitro gas production, in vitro rumen fermentation, chemical composition, and in vivo parameters. In vitro gas production, “A” (ml/g DM), fermentation rates “B,” (h−1), and “C” (h−½), were lower for GT200, while DM disappearance (mg/100mg) was lower for GT100 compared with GT0. Compared to GT0, GT100 and GT200 did not affect (P > 0.05) DM and organic matter (OM) intake (g/kgLW0.75). Ether extract intake was higher for GT0 and GT100 (P < 0.001) compared to GT200. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake was higher (P < 0.05) for GT200 compared with GT0. Intake of lignin was higher (P < 0.001) for GT200 than that of GT0 and GT100. Digestibility coefficients for DM, OM, NDF, and Acid detergent fiber (ADF) were lower (P < 0.05) in GT100 than in the rest of the treatments. Nitrogen intake and N excreted in feces and urine were lower (P < 0.001) for GT0. N balance was negative for all treatments, being higher for GT200 (P < 0.05). Overall, the addition of GT at 100 or 200 g/kg DM in sheep diets negatively affects nutrient digestibility and N balance, so their dietary inclusion is not recommended.

The effects of feeding chickpea grains on the lactating performance and blood metabolites of ewes.

An experiment was conducted to see how replacing soybean meal with chickpea grains (CHPE) affected the performance, milk production, digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, and blood metabolites of Awassi ewes. Thirty Awassi ewes with an initial body weight of 53.2 ± 2.31kg and aged between 4 and 5years were selected and randomly assigned to different feeding treatments (10 ewes per diet). Dietary dry matter (DM) was (1) 0g/kg CHPE (CON); (2) 150g/kg CHPE (CHPE150); and (3) 300g/kg CHPE (CHPE300). The costs of these diets were determined using current ingredient prices. The experiment lasted 9weeks. During the trial, ewes and their lambs were kept in individual pens. Daily nutrient intake was monitored. Every 2weeks, the body weight (BW), milk output, and composition of the ewes were measured. In comparison to the CON diet, adding the CHPE to the experimental diets lowered feed costs (US$) per ton by 11% for CHPE150 and 21% for CHPE300. The CHPE300 group had a lower (P < 0.05) consumption of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than the CHPE150 group, while the CON group had the highest (P < 0.05) intake of NDF. The intake of ether extract (EE) (g/d) was higher (P < 0.05) in the ewes fed the CHPE300 compared to the ewes fed CHPE150, and it was lowest in ewes fed the CON diet. When the ewes were fed the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets, the total solids (g/kg) in each kg of milk produced per day was higher (P < 0.05) than when they were fed the CON diet. The cost per kg of milk produced by the ewes was lowered (P < 0.05) when the CHPE was added to their diets. When the ewes on the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets were compared to the ewes on the CON diet, crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher (P < 0.05). The EE digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for the CHPE300 group, while the CHPE150 group had an intermediate outcome. The CHPE300 group had lower amounts of N in their feces and urine (P < 0.05) than the other groups. The retention of N (g/100g) in the ewes fed the CHPE300, and the CHPE150 diets was higher (P < 0.05) than in the ewes fed the CON diet. As a result, the current research demonstrates that part of soybean meal and barley grain could be replaced with chickpeas in the diets of lactating Awassi ewes.

Licuri oil improves feedlot performance and modifies ruminal fauna of Santa Inês ewes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of licuri oil on intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, rumen protozoa population, and productive performance of Santa Inês ewe. Thirty-two Santa Inês ewe (multiparous, non-lactating, 2–4 years old and 36.7 ± 0.87 kg body weight) were distributed in a randomized block design, receiving diets containing licuri oil (0, 2, 4, and 5% based on total dry matter) in partial replacement of ground corn (n = 8 per treatment). The inclusion of licuri oil promoted a quadratic effect for the intakes of dry matter (P = 0.008), and neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.004), dry matter digestibility (P = 0.004), ether extract (P < 0.0001), average daily gain (P = 0.01), rumination time (min/day; P = 0.039 and min/g DM; P = 0.041), chewing time (min/g DM; P = 0.020), and for protozoa counts of the genus Entodinium (P < 0.0001). Ewe fed diets containing licuri oil showed higher consumption of ether extract (P < 0.0001), feed conversion (P = 0.004), and rumen pH (P < 0.0001), in contrast, a reduction in digestibility was observed neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.002) and total population of protozoa (P < 0.0001) in relation to those fed the control diet. In experimental conditions, it is possible to include licuri oil up to 2% in diets with 50% roughage offered to Santa Inês ewe to provide an increase in the intake and digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, greater weight gain, and greater total protozoa count.

Performance, Feeding Behavior and Immune Response in Nellore and Angus × Nellore Steers Fed Whole Shelled Corn Diets with or without Fiber.

Simple SummaryGrain diets provide a higher energy supply during the finishing phase, however, they can reduce rumen pH, leading to physiological stress in animals, affecting immune and metabolic systems and animal performance. To avoid this, an alternative is using fiber sources in low quantities. This study indicated that using fiber sources increases DMI and performance in whole shelled corn diets, and greater DMI increases haptoglobin blood concentration in low fiber diets.This study aimed to evaluate performance, to evaluate performance, carcass traits, feeding behavior, and humoral immune response in Nellore and Angus × Nellore steers fed whole shelled corn diets. Sixteen Nellore and 16 Angus × Nellore steers with 353 ± 25.3 kg were randomly assigned into 2 feeding groups, whole shelled corn without forage (WSC) or whole shelled corn and sugarcane bagasse (WSCB). The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Angus × Nellore steers had greater final BW, DMI, ADG, and subcutaneous fat thickness than Nellore. Moreover, Nellore steers had lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake but spent more time ruminating and had a greater rumination rate of NDF. Regarding the diets, steers fed the WSCB had greater DMI and spent more time chewing and ruminating. Nellore × Angus steers had a greater haptoglobin concentration. The concentration of D-Lactate tended to be greater in the Nellore steers regardless of diet. In conclusion, the use of sugarcane bagasse in WSC diets increases DMI and ADG without affecting feed efficiency or the carcass traits of the steers. Although Angus × Nellore steers have increased haptoglobin concentration, this effect was not enough to reduce the performance of these animals.

Fibrous coproducts of corn and citrus as forage and concentrate sources for dairy cows.

This study evaluated the effect on dairy cows of the partial replacement of whole plant corn silage (WPCS) with corn ear fibrous coproduct (CEFC) in diets with concentrate coproducts from citrus and corn on dry matter intake (DMI), lactation performance, digestibility, and chewing behavior. Holstein dairy cows (n = 20) in 5, 4 × 4 Latin squares (21-d periods) were fed a combination of strategies for feeding fibrous coproducts in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of the following treatments: (1) forage feeds: the partial replacement of WPCS (CS) with CEFC (CO), and (2) concentrate feeds: the partial replacement of wet corn gluten feed (GF) with a blend of pelleted citrus and corn distillers dried grains (CD) to have isonitrogenous diets. The concentrations of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (NDF; peNDF>8) were (% of dry matter): 21.8% for CS, 19.2% for CO, 20.7% for GF, and 20.2% for CD. Cows fed diet CS-CD had the highest yield of energy-corrected milk (30.0 kg/d) relative to the other diets (28.4 kg/d). Milk fat concentration was reduced on CO relative to CS. Cows fed the CO diets had higher DMI (21.2 vs. 20.2 kg/d) and digestible organic matter intake and tended to have a lower ratio of energy-corrected milk to DMI than cows fed CS. Diets CO reduced the daily intake of peNDF>8 and the intake as percent of body weight of peNDF>8, forage NDF, and total NDF relative to CS. Cows fed CO had greater meal frequency and lower daily meal time, meal duration, meal size, and duration of the largest meal than cows fed CS. The CO diet reduced rumination and total chewing in minutes per day and minutes per kilogram of DMI. When expressed per unit of peNDF>8 intake, rumination and total chewing were not affected by forage source. The total-tract starch digestibility coefficient was lower for cows fed CO than CS, but the intake of digestible starch was higher on CO than CS. Cows fed GF had reduced milk yield (29.6 vs. 30.8 kg/d), tended to have reduced DMI (20.4 vs. 21.0 kg/d), and had reduced digestible organic matter intake than cows fed CD. Feed efficiency was not affected by source of concentrate. The type of concentrate did not affect the intake of forage NDF and peNDF>8, but cows fed GF had higher intake of total NDF as percent of body weight than cows fed CD. The GF increased meal frequency and reduced meal size and largest meal duration and size. Cows fed GF had higher rumination and total chewing than cows fed CD (min/d, min/kg of DMI, and min/kg peNDF>8). Starch digestibility was higher and the intake of digestible starch tended to be higher on cows fed GF than CD. Plasma urea-N was higher, milk urea-N tended to be higher, and N utilization efficiency tended to be lower on cows fed GF than CD. Ruminal microbial yield was not affected by any treatment. All strategies evaluated were nutritionally viable and CEFC was a feasible partial replacement for WPCS.

Digestibility, Blood Parameters, Rumen Fermentation, Hematology, and Nitrogen Balance of Goats after Receiving Supplemental Coffee Cherry Pulp as a Source of Phytochemical Nutrients.

Simple SummaryCoffee pulp is a typical byproduct in nations where coffee is cultivated, particularly Thailand. Such phytonutrients as tannin, saponin, and chlorogenic acid are abundant in this residue. Ruminants’ rumen fermentation and feed utilization may both be improved by these substances. Our study demonstrates that feeding goats coffee pulp improved animal digestibility and rumen fermentation activity without affecting feed intake or blood metabolite levels.This research examines the impact of adding dried coffee cherry pulp (CoCP) to goat feed on the digestibility of the feed, rumen fermentation, hematological, and nitrogen balance. A goat feeding experiment employed four male crossbreds (Thai Native × Anglo Nubian) aged 12 months and weighing 21.0 ± 0.2 kg each. The treatment was conceived as a 4 × 4 Latin square with four specific CoCP levels at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/day. Dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), and crude protein intake (CPI) were unaffected by the addition of CoCP. However, across treatment groups, there was a linear increase in ether extract intake (EEI) (p < 0.01), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) (p = 0.06), and acid detergent fiber intake (ADFI) (p = 0.04), as well as a quadratic effect on DMI% BW (p = 0.04). The findings showed that rumen temperature, pH, ammonia-nitrogen, or pack cell volume did not change with CoCP supplementation. Total volatile fatty acid showed linear effects on acetate (p = 0.03) and was quadratically affected by propionate concentration (p = 0.02), acetate to propionate ratio (p = 0.01), acetic plus butyric to propionic acid ratio (p = 0.01), and methane estimation (p = 0.01). With increased CoCP supplementation, there was a linear decrease in protozoa count by about 20.2% as the amount of CoCP supplemented increased (p = 0.06). CoCP supplementation in animal feed resulted in a linear decrease in urinary nitrogen (p = 0.02) and a quadratic effect on absorbed nitrogen (p = 0.08) among treatment groups, with greater N utilization values found in goats fed 200 g/d CoCP. In light of this, supplementing CoCP into animal feed may improve animal digestion and rumen fermentation effectiveness while having no effect on feed intake, rumen microbes, or blood metabolites.

PSII-B-18 Açai Seed as Fiber Source on Intake, Digestibility and Ruminal Parameters in Zebu Beef Cattle fed a High Concentrate Diet

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the effects of açaí seed (AS) as a fiber source on intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation parameters of beef cattle fed a high concentrate diet. Five rumen-fistulated Zebu bulls were used in a 5x5 Latin-square design. Treatments consisted of five diets with different inclusion rates of AS: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of the diet dry matter (DM). The total mixed ration contained 75% of concentrate and 25% of roughage. Mombasa grass silage and AS were used as the roughage sources. The concentrate portion of the diet contained cracked corn (61.8%), soybean meal (8%) and vitamin/mineral premix (5.2% of DM). Each experimental period lasted 25 d and the last 11 d were used for data collection. Total fecal collections were performed over three days. Titanium dioxide was used to estimate the omasal outflow. Statistical significance was declared at P &amp;lt; 0.05, and tendency at 0.05 &amp;gt; P &amp;lt; 0.10. A linear increase was observed for DM (P= 0.07), organic matter (P &amp;lt; 0.05), crude protein (CP, P &amp;lt; 0.05), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake with the inclusion rate of AS. Intake was greatest in bulls receiving diets containing 20% AS. A linear decrease (P&amp;lt; 0.05) in NDF digestibility was detected with the inclusion rate of AS. DM, CP digestibility, and metabolic energy were similar across treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Ruminal and intestinal DM and nutrient digestibility were similar between the treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Rumen concentrations of acetic acid increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and total short-chain fatty acids (P = 0.07) and butyrate (P = 0.08) tended to increase linearly with the inclusion of AS. Açaí seed as a source of fiber in confined Zebu bulls diets alters DM intake and rumen fermentation but has no impact on total tract DM digestibility.

PSVIII-18 Nutrient Digestibility of Feedlot Beef Yearling Steers Offered Finishing Diets with Direct fed Microbial Mixtures

Abstract The effects of dietary inclusion of live bacteria on feedlot beef cattle apparent total tract nutrient digestibility were evaluated. Crossbred-Angus yearling steers (n = 192; initial BW = 409 kg ± 8 kg) were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned into 48 pens (4 steers/pen; 16 pens/treatment) following a randomized complete block design. A steam-flaked corn-based fishing diet was offered ad libitum once daily containing the following treatments: 1) Control, in which no direct fed microbial (DFM) was offered (lactose as carrier only); 2 and 3) Probiotic mixtures at distinct concentrations [Mixture A and B, at 2g/animal-daily (lactose used as carrier)]. Orts DM were quantified (if any) daily and subtracted from total dietary DM offered to calculate DM intake. Fecal samples were collected twice daily (0700 and 1700 h) for 5 consecutive days (d 68 to 72) from at least 3 steers per pen, while feed samples were collected daily. Samples were composited within period, dehydrated (55°C), and ground (1mm) for further analyses. Total fecal output was estimated with a dietary internal marker (288-h indigestible NDF) and used to calculate nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS and pen was considered the experimental unit. Intakes of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF during the digestibility assessment were not affected (P ≥ 0.13) by treatments. Steers offered DFM mixture-A tended to increase digestibility of DM (P = 0.07; 79.3 vs. 77.1%), NDF (P = 0.10; 56.9 vs. 51.6%), and hemicellulose (P = 0.08; 59.4 vs. 53.9%) compared with control, while digestibility of ADF was not affected (P = 0.24) by treatment. The DFM mixture-A seemed to positively affect apparent digestibility of nutrients in steers consuming a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet, in which improvements in the fiber fraction digestion seemed to be a meaningful contributor.

Detoxified castor-bean meal replaces soybean meal in the diet of pasture-finished steers

The use of agroindustrial byproducts in cattle diets, such as castor-bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal, is a more sustainable practice because it does not compete with human food and reduces the volume of organic waste deposited in the environment. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of replacing soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) meal with castor-bean meal on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior and performance of crossbred steers supplemented while on Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster ‘Marandu’ pasture. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete design with 40 animals, which started the experiment weighing 227.1 kg, at 10 mo of age, and were divided into four treatment groups. Castor-bean meal was added to replace soybean meal at the levels of 0, 90, 180, and 280 g kg-1 in the supplement, which was supplied at the rate of 0.4% of body weight. Total DM, pasture DM and neutral detergent fiber intakes did not change (P > 0.05) with the castor-bean levels added to the supplement. Ether extract intake and digestibility decreased linearly (P < 0.05). The animals showed no differences (P > 0.05) in production performance (average daily gain), which averaged 0.65 kg d-1. Grazing, idle, and rumination times were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the treatments. Castor-bean meal can be included up to 280 g kg-1 in the total diet without changing the performance of crossbred steers finished on tropical pasture.

The Effect of Cotton Lint from Agribusiness in Diets on Intake, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance, Blood Metabolites and Ingestive Behaviour of Rams

This study aimed to evaluate intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters of sheep fed with cotton lint levels. Twenty rams weighing 30.2 ± 3.7 kg and aged 12 ± 1.3 months were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and five repetitions. Diets consisted of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate. The treatments consisted of replacing corn with cotton lint at levels of 0, 70, 140, and 210 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of the diets. The animals’ feeding behavior was determined in the last three days of the experimental period. Data were subjected to regression analysis. Decreased linear effect (p &lt; 0.05) was observed for the nutritional fraction’s intake. However, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake and plasma urea-N were not affected (p &gt; 0.05) by lint levels. Apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP), ethereal extract (EE), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) were affected (p &lt; 0.05), except for total carbohydrate. There was a decreased linear effect (p &lt; 0.05) for the intake efficiency of DM and NDF in g/h. The nitrogen balance (g/day) and glucose levels (mg/dL) were reduced with the addition of lint in the diet. The addition of cotton lint up to 70 g/kg in DM can be used over a short-term period.

Effect of dietary inclusion of licuri cake on intake, feeding behavior, and performance of feedlot cull cows.

Licuri cake (LC) is an interesting alternative nutritional component for high-grain diets for ruminants due to its high protein (21.6% CP), fat (12.0% EE), and fiber (62.8% NDF) contents. We investigated the effect of increasing levels of LC inclusion on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, and carcass traits of cull cows fed high-grain diets. Forty Zebu cows with an initial weight of 318 ± 38.1 kg, at 105 months of age, were confined in collective stalls and fed (ad libitum) a diet containing 0, 50, 100, or 150 g/kg LC on a diet dry matter (DM) basis. Licuri cake inclusion induced quadratic responses (P < 0.05) in the intakes of DM (9.57 kg/day at 97.8 g/kg LC), crude protein (CP; 1.02 kg/day at 91.7 g/kg LC), and total digestible nutrients (6.68 kg/day at 75.2 g/kg LC). The digestibility of DM, CP, and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and rumination efficiencies increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of LC in the diet. The inclusion of LC did not influence (P > 0.05) on daily weight gain, hot carcass weight, or back fat thickness in the carcass. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of up to 150 g/kg LC in high-grain diets for feedlot cull cows.

Intake, performance, and feeding behavior of Holstein and Holstein × Gyr heifers grazing intensively managed tropical grasses during the rainy season

Holstein × Gyr and Holstein are the primary dairy breeds used in tropical systems, but when rearing under pasture, feed intake, behavior, and performance might differ between them. This study aimed to evaluate the voluntary intake, nutrient digestibility, performance, and ingestive behavior of Holstein and Holstein × Gyr (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) heifers managed in a rotational system of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça). The experiment was conducted during the summer season throughout four periods of 21 d. Two 8-heifers (four Holstein and four Holstein × Gyr) groups, averaging 258.6 ± 24.79 kg and 157.1 ± 24.99 kg BW, were used. Each group grazed a separate set of 16 paddocks, and all heifers received a concentrate supplement daily. Heifers were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment. Fecal, forage and concentrate samples were evaluated for their DM, CP, crude fat, ash, NDF, and indigestible NDF. Feeding behavior was evaluated through 24 h of live observation for 48 h of each experimental period. Grazing, ruminating, resting, and intake of concentrate times were recorded, and rumination criteria, bout criteria, mealtime, meal frequency, and meal duration were calculated. There was no difference in total dry matter intake (DMI), but forage DMI of Holstein × Gyr was 11.70 % greater than the Holstein heifers. The Holstein × Gyr heifers had greater NDF intake and feed efficiency tended to show greater CP and NDF digestibilities, consequently, they had greater average daily gain (ADG). Holstein grazed less than Holstein × Gyr heifers in the afternoon. Ruminating time was 18.43 % lower for Holstein than Holstein × Gyr heifers, and rumination criteria (i.e. longest non-feeding interval within a rumination event) were greater for Holstein heifers. Holstein heifers presented more prolonged rumination bouts and resting time than Holstein × Gyr heifers. Holstein × Gyr can ingest and ruminate greater amounts of fibrous material, and Holstein heifers needed to spend more time ruminating the cud. Overall, even though the behavior was not markedly different between breeds, rearing young Holstein heifers in tropical pasture conditions is less suitable than Holstein-Gyr because of their lower ADG. Therefore, this management condition seems appropriate for Holstein × Gyr but inappropriate for Holstein dairy heifers.