Neutral Detergent Fiber Research Articles

Influence of Temperature and Precipitation on the Forage Quality of Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Idaho Fescue During the Dormant Season

Dormant forage is generally understood to be low-quality, but how and why it changes over the dormant season have not been well studied. Therefore, this study evaluated the changes in the forage quality of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) over the course of the dormant season and in response to concurrent environmental conditions. We collected forage samples every 14 days for two consecutive winters in southwestern Montana, USA. Samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). A suite of environmental metrics was derived from PRISM weather data. Data were analyzed with a linear mixed model and the STATICO ordination method. Crude protein and ADF varied throughout the winter across both years, with CP ranging from 1.9–4.0% and ADF from 37–42%. The differences between species were more pronounced and more consistent in CP. The differences between years were more pronounced in ADF and NDF. Relative temperature explained the most variation in forage quality. Crude protein is positively correlated with short-term warmer temperatures, whereas NDF is positively correlated with longer-term warmer temperatures. This demonstrates that forage quality can change over the dormant season and is influenced by winter weather events.

Proximate analysis and aerobic stability of forage mixtures composed of Cenchrus purpureus cv. Taiwan A-146 and Paspalum virgatum L. ensiled under laboratory conditions

To evaluate the quality of silage composed of Cenchrus purpureus cv. Taiwan A-146 and Paspalum virgatum L. under laboratory conditions, both forage species were harvested south of Lake Maracaibo-Venezuela. The plant material was reduced to 2.5 cm and distributed according to the treatments (T): T0: 100% C. purpureus (CPT); T1: 100% P. virgatum (PV); T2: 50% CPT + 50% PV; T3: 75% CPT + 25% PV and T4: 25% CPT + 75% PV; then, polyethylene bags were used to fill the silo, in which each mixture was placed, incorporating molasses at 6% of its weight as an additive; then, oxygen was extracted to seal the bags and they were kept in darkness for 30 days. All mixtures were subjected to proximate analysis before and after storage. A completely randomized design was chosen, using Tukey's test for multiple comparisons of means. Statistical analysis revealed that CPT and fresh PV were different (p<0.05) for the variables moisture, dry matter, crude protein and ash, but similar (p>0.05) in ethereal extract, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and nitrogen free extract. After fermentation, crude protein (CP) content increased (p<0.05) in CPT, while the other parameters increased without changes (p>0.05), except for nitrogen free extract, which reduced its post-silage concentration, although energy increased (p>0.05), since the calculated theoretical value (kcal/g) was higher in the silage but similar (p>0.05) with respect to the initial fresh forage; Aerobic stability was influenced by the proportion of CPT, because the high moisture content reduced its suitability time to be consumed. It is concluded that, theoretically, under laboratory analysis conditions, the forage species evaluated represent a feasible alternative for supplementing large ruminants, since they are medium quality pastures with a better nutritional profile when ensiled.

Biomass production and silage quality of ensiled BRS Capiaçu elephant grass at different regrowth ages and residue heights

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal combination of regrowth age and residue height of BRS Capiaçu elephant grass that yields the best balance between the dry mass production (DMP) of the harvested forage and silage quality. Four regrowth ages (75, 90, 105, and 120 days) and two residue heights (10 and 50 cm) were evaluated. The experimental design used a randomized complete block design with a 4 × 2 factorial scheme and 3 replicates. The regrowth age led to a linear increase in DMP. As regrowth age advanced, there were linear increases in the dry matter (DM) concentration, cell wall constituents, and fraction C (acid detergent insoluble nitrogen) of crude protein and reductions in the in vitro digestibility of DM and neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD) in both the plant and its silage. Lower pH values were observed in silage made from plants harvested at 10 cm. No significant effects of the studied factors were found on the concentrations of organic acids in the silage, except for propionic acid. Management using a 105-day regrowth period and a 10-cm residue height resulted in a better balance between the dry mass production, fermentative profile and nutritional value of silage.

Nutritional composition, nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy, and standardized amino acid digestibility of palm kernel meal from several countries.

Extensive nutritional analyses were conducted for palm kernel meal (PKM) sourced from 5 countries. Two precision-fed rooster trials were conducted to evaluate the nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) and standardized amino acid (AA) digestibility of 10 PKM samples (PKM 1 to 10). The TMEn was determined using conventional Single Comb White Leghorn roosters, and standardized AA digestibility was determined using cecectomized roosters. Roosters were fasted for 26 h prior to crop intubation with 25 g of each PKM. Excreta were then collected for 48 h post-intubation and freeze dried for analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using a one-way ANOVA for a completely randomized design. The least significant difference test was conducted to determine if differences between or among individual treatments were significant at P < 0.05. The PKM samples were found to have an average (DM basis) of 14% CP, 7.5 % fat, and 64% neutral detergent fiber, 0.4% Ca, 0.7% P, and 1.3% phytic acid. Average TMEn for PKM samples was 2082 kcal/kg (DM basis)(range was 1,644 to 2,511). Average Lys, Met, Cys, and Thr digestibility values (%), with ranges in parentheses, for PKM samples were 47 (34 to 60), 73 (66 to 80), 47 (29 to 58), and 65 (54 to 77), respectively. The PKM samples contained highly variable levels of TMEn and digestible AA within and among countries. Nutrient composition also varied substantially among PKM samples.

Feed intake, preferences, in vivo digestibility, and nutritional value of tedera (B. bituminosa var. bituminosa) and maralfalfa (Pennisetum purpureum) in Canary sheep

This study evaluated the nutritional value and energy content of tedera (B. bituminosa var. bituminosa) and maralfalfa (Pennisetum purpureum) through analyses of chemical composition, digestibility, intake, and preference trials. Tedera was compared with maralfalfa and alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa). Tedera showed higher crude protein (193 g CP/kg DM) and estimated energy (10.5 MJ DE/kg DM) but lower dry matter (286.3 g DM/kg) and neutral detergent fiber (373 g NDF/kg DM) than both maralfalfa and alfalfa hay. The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of tedera was 61.7%, compared to 51.0% for alfalfa hay and 66.3% for maralfalfa. Digestible organic matter (DOM) ranged from 467 g/kg DM in alfalfa hay to 566.4 g/kg DM in tedera. Four Canary sheep with a mean body weight (BW) of 42.2 ± 5.0 kg were used for digestibility and preference trials. The live weights of the sheep were recorded at the start and end of the 12-day trial. Feed offered and refusals were weighed and recorded daily for eight days, while feces were collected for four days to calculate apparent in vivo digestibility. For tedera, the apparent in vivo OM digestibility, estimated digestible energy, and digestible organic matter were 69.4%, 11.8 MJ/kg DM, and 637.7 g/kg DM, respectively. Preference and feed intake were compared between tedera, maralfalfa and alfalfa hay. Total DM consumption was 1091.3 g/day (tedera + maralfalfa + alfalfa hay), with alfalfa hay intake representing 40.8%, maralfalfa 37.3%, and tedera 21.9% of the total DM consumed. However, no significant differences were observed in the ratio of forages consumed/offered (44.8% for tedera and 51.8% for maralfalfa) or in the total grams of DM, CP, and MJ/kg of DE consumed by the sheep with both forages. The sheep adopted different feeding strategies in response to the chemical composition and nutritive value of the forages. Preferences and intake in this trial were associated with high NDF content in maralfalfa and alfalfa hay and with the high CP content in tedera rather than digestibility results. This may be due to the complementarity of the three forages and the higher CP content in tedera affecting intake. Nevertheless, tedera and marafalfa could be a good forage considering its nutritive value, digestibility, and proven growth performance in herbivores.

Mineral salt and urea in finishing bulls on tropical pasture: performance, carcass traits, and meat fatty acid composition

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mineral supplementation (MS, Control) and mineral supplementation combined with urea (MS + U) on feed intake, apparent digestibility, performance, carcass traits, and the lipid profile of the meat from Girolando bulls finished on pasture. Twenty bulls with an initial weight of 345.60 ± 56 kg and an age of 24 months were used. The bulls were assigned to one of two treatments – MS or MS + U, ad libitum – using a completely randomised design and were maintained on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture for 285 days. The addition of urea did not affect (P > 0.05) the intake or apparent digestibility of dry matter or neutral detergent fiber in the bulls’ diets. The average daily gain was 14% higher (P < 0.05) in MS bulls; however, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed in carcass weight (238 kg) or carcass fat thickness (3.85 mm). The chemical composition, tenderness, and fatty acid profile of the meat did not differ (P > 0.05) between the MS and MS + U groups. Ultimately, incorporating urea into the mineral supplement did not confer any benefits regarding the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of bulls finished on pasture.

Bakery Waste Inclusion in the Diet of Growing Black Goat Kids: Evaluation of Performance and Health Aspects

The influence of bakery waste (BAWA) in the diet of black goat kids on nutrient intake, health, growth potential, and carcass features was assessed. Three treatment diets, consisting of 0 BAWA (CON), 50 g/kg BAWA (BAWA50), and 100 BAWA (BAWA100) of dietary dry matter (DM), were administered to 27 male kids (initial body weight = 17.43 ± kg; age = 105 ± 3.5 days) at random (9/treatment). Bakery waste was included in diets BAWA50 and BAWA100, replacing some of the barley grain. The study lasted for 70 days (7 days used for adaptation and 63 days used for data collection). Kids in the BAWA100 group consumed considerably more (p &lt; 0.01) DM, crude protein (CP), and metabolizable energy than those in the BAWA50 and CON groups. However, intakes of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ether extract (EE) were similar (p ≥ 0.08) among the treatment diets. The kids’ initial and final body weights, total growth, and average daily weight were not substantially impacted (p ≥ 0.13) by the addition of BAWA. All diets had similar feed efficiency when it came to converting feed into body weight increases (p ≥ 0.11). Nevertheless, the BAWA diet yielded a considerably lower cost gain (p = 0.04) than the CON diet. The three treatment groups had no differences (p ≥ 0.15) in DM, ADF, NDF, and EE digestibility. However, compared to the CON group, the digestibility of CP tended to improve (p = 0.07) in the BAWA100 and BAWA50 groups. The three experimental groups’ nitrogen (N) intakes did not differ significantly from one another (p &gt; 0.33). Additionally, the three diets’ N retention percentage and grams/d were equivalent (p &gt; 0.33). Several carcass metrics, such as dressing percentage, hot and cold carcass weights, fasting live weight, and non-carcass components, were not significantly affected (p &gt; 0.23) by the addition of BAWA. Additionally, no differences in carcass cut weights were found. The inclusion of BAWA100 and BAWA50 increased loin cut weight (p = 0.043) and total lean muscle weight (p = 0.001) compared to the CON group. Other components, such as intermuscular fat, subcutaneous fat, total fat, total bone, meat-to-bone ratio, and meat-to-fat ratio, were similar among the three diet groups. Concerning carcass linear dimension measurements, only rib fat depth was greater (p = 0.008) in kids fed the BAWA100 diet compared to the BAWA50 and CON diets. No significant variation was observed among the treatments concerning various physicochemical properties of the longissimus dorsi muscle in the black goat kids. All measured serum metabolites and hematological parameters were not affected by the incorporation of BAWA into the diet. In summary, the inclusion of 50 and 100 g/kg BAWA in the diet had comparable effects on the black goat kids’ feed intake, digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and overall health. Importantly, feed costs can be reduced by using up to 100 g/kg of BAWA on a DM basis.

Effects of multienzyme supplementation on energy and nutrient digestibility in various feed ingredients for pregnant gilts.

The utilization of exogenous fiber-degrading enzymes in commercial swine diets is a strategy to increase the nutrient and energy density of poorly digestible ingredients. In a prior set of studies, dietary multienzyme blend (MEblend) supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, non-starch polysaccharides, and energy in complete high-fibrous gestation diets by 6% when fed to gestating sows. The current study aimed to determine the effects of MEblend (containing xylanase, β-glucanase, cellulase, amylase, protease, pectinase, and invertase activities) supplementation on ATTD of energy and nutrients of individual feedstuffs commonly used in gestating sow diets across major pork-producing regions worldwide, which differ in their fibrous components. Twenty-seven gilts (initial body weight 176 ± 6.6kg), in a crossover design with four periods (periods 1, 2, 3, and 4 from d 41 to 55, 56 to 70, 71 to 85, and 86 to 100 of gestation, respectively), were allocated to one of 7 diets (with or without MEblend supplementation at 0.1% inclusion; 7-8 observations per treatment) to determine the ATTD of energy and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Three diets contained corn, wheat, and sorghum as the sole source of energy. In the other diets, soybean meal (SBM), field peas (FP), canola meal (CM), and sugar beet pulp (SBP) each replaced 25% of the corn in the corn diet to determine the energy value of individual feedstuffs. Data were analyzed using a Student's t-test to evaluate the effect of enzyme supplementation on these feedstuffs. The MEblend increased the metabolizable and net energy of corn (P = 0.10) and wheat (P < 0.01) by 2% and 3%, respectively. The energy content of sorghum was not impacted by MEblend. Furthermore, a 6%, 4%, and 25% increase was observed in metabolizable and net energy of SBM, FP, and CM, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). The energy value in SBP was not affected by MEblend supplementation. In conclusion, supplementing diets with a multienzyme blend increased the energy content of corn, wheat, soybean meal, field peas, and canola meal fed to gestating sows by approximately 2% to 25%, depending on the feedstuffs. The energy value of sorghum and sugar beet pulp was not affected by the multienzyme blend. This should be considered when formulating fibrous diets for gestating sows to increase nutrient utilization of feedstuffs.

Performance of 1-year-old camel calves fed a basal ration of alfalfa hay supplemented with different levels of concentrate

BackgroundThe use of a high-concentrate diet in fattening camels may have significant effects on growth performance and digestion as well as economic returns. This experiment was designed to study the effects of feeding different levels of concentrate in their diet on growth performance and digestion in a desert climate.MethodsEighteen 12-month-old male camel calves were used, and divided into three treatments of six each. The concentrate was administered based on their body weight (BW) at 0.7 (low), 1.0 (medium), and 1.3% (high), with free access to alfalfa and water. The experiment lasted for 6 months, in which digestibility trials took place at 14, 16, and 18 months of age, which corresponded to 2, 4, and 6 months of the experimental period.ResultsNo significant variations were observed in final BW, BW changes, or average daily gain among feeding treatments. Increasing the concentrate level had a negative effect on roughage intake, impacting the roughage-to-concentrate ratio (P < 0.05) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P < 0.05). Increasing concentrate levels significantly increased total intake (P < 0.05), leading to a worse feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). However, animal age had no negative effect on nutrient digestibility, and there were no interactions between concentrate supplement level and animal age. Significant increases in plasma total protein (P < 0.05) and urea (P < 0.05) were observed when the leve lof concentrate was increased. A similar trend was observed in rumen ammonia concentration. Camel calves fed low vs. medium or high levels of concentrate showed a greater rumen pH (P < 0.05), which was linked to a lower concentration of volatile fatty acids (P < 0.010).ConclusionsThe present study concluded that yearling camel calves receiving different levels of concentrate with ad lib alfalfa hay could cover their nutrient requirements for maintenance and growth with a daily gain of 630 g/day when the level of concentrate was limited to 0.7% of BW and the total intake was only around 1.65% of BW, or 70.6 g/kg metabolic BW.

Estimating Total-Tract Digestibility of Nutrients and Their Contribution to Digestible Energy Supplies in Equine Diets.

Our objectives were to use a quantitative literature review to explore dietary and feed factors influencing apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter (DMD), crude protein (CPD), neutral detergent fiber (NDFD), ether extract (EED), non-structural carbohydrates (NSCD), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFCD), and residual organic matter (rOMD) in equine diets, and to assess their contributions to digestible energy (DE) supplies. Data from 54 studies were modeled using linear mixed-effect regressions, with publication as a random effect to account for study variability. For each nutrient, five models were derived with explanatory variables including: dry matter intake (DMI; % BW/day) and DM (% as-fed), and dietary components (CP, organic matter, EE, NDF, acid detergent fiber, NSC, starch, and NFC as % of DM), and feed types (forage, non-forage fiber, legumes, cereal, and oil proportions). Model selection was based on concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), sigma hat error, and corrected Akaike Information Criteria, with models chosen based on their performance in simulating digestibility on example diets. Two models, one from measured and one from calculated data, for each nutrient were used to estimate dietary DE content and compared to existing DE estimation methods. Selected models explained variation well, with CCCs ranging from 0.740 to 0.969 (CPD: 0.886; NDFD: 0.775; EED: 0.813; NSCD: 0.969; rOMD: 0.740). The models were evaluated against measured DE from 17 studies. For reference, the DE estimations were also evaluated relative to those from other current DE systems. Overall, this approach offers an additional, practical tool for estimating energy supplies in equine diets.

Effects and function of citric acid on fermentation quality and microbial community in sugarcane tops silage with high and low water-soluble carbohydrate content

Sugarcane tops silage (STS), as a source of roughage for ruminants, is rich in water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content, which significantly affects silage quality. Citric acid (CA) is a low-cost natural antimicrobial agent that can inhibit undesirable microbes and improve silage quality. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of CA on the chemical composition, fermentation quality, microbial communities, and metabolic pathways of STS with high and low WSC contents before or after aerobic exposure. Fresh sugarcane tops with low-WSC [143.05 g/kg dry matter (DM)] and high-WSC (249.99 g/kg DM) contents were treated with and without CA and then ensiled for 125 days, followed by aerobic exposure for 4, 8, and 16 days. The results showed that high-WSC STS had lower crude protein (CP) content and higher DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents, whether treated with CA or not. CA-inoculated silage exhibited decreased DM loss and enterobacteria (EB) counts compared to the control. High-WSC STS treated with CA had higher WSC content and lower yeast count than those without CA inoculation. During the 0–16 days of aerobic exposure, the propionic acid and butyric acid contents in CA-inoculated silage were almost unchanged and ranged from 0 to 1 g/kg DM. Meanwhile, the ethanol content was almost unchanged and ranged from 0 to 1 g/kg DM only in low-WSC STS, irrespective of CA addition. Before aerobic exposure, CA inoculation decreased the abundances of undesirable microbes (e.g., Clostridium_sensu_stricto_12 and Paecilomyces) and animal pathogens, while amino acid metabolism was lower in high-WSC STS regardless of CA treatment. After aerobic exposure, CA inoculation increased the abundance of bacteria with antibacterial effects, including Paenibacillus and Bacillus. Moreover, the metabolism of energy and nucleotides was lower in high-WSC STS treated with CA, and the animal pathogens was lower in low-WSC STS treated with CA. In conclusion, CA inoculation could be effective in decreasing nutrients loss, improving fermentation quality, inhibiting harmful microorganisms, and modulating the metabolic pathways of microorganisms in STS with high and low WSC contents prior to and after aerobic exposure.

Chemical Composition of &lt;i&gt;Rauvolfia Vomitoria&lt;/i&gt; Leaves as a Feed Resource for Ruminant Species

Rauvolfia vomitoria is a browse plant with lactogenic properties and it is available all year round. This research sought to evaluate the proximate, minerals, vitamins composition, fibre fractions and anti-nutritional factors present in the leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria (RV). Fresh leaves of RV were harvested and taken to the laboratory immediately for chemical analyses following standard procedures. Results obtained showed that RV contained 19.33 % crude protein, 6.64 % crude fibre, 61.69 % nitrogen free extract, 67.60 mg/100g calcium, 180.11 mg/100g magnesium, 68.31 mg/100g phosphorus, 128.16 mg/100g sodium, 47.93 mg/100g potassium, 18.82 mg/100g vitamin A, 64.74 mg/100g vitamin C, 41.62 mg/100g vitamin D, 20.85 mg/100g vitamin E and 13.26 mg/100g vitamin K. Rauvolfia vomitoria leaves also contained 62.91 % neutral detergent fibre, 39.00 % acid detergent fibre, 15.25% acid detergent lignin, 23.75 % cellulose, 23.91 % hemicellulose, 20.04 mg/100g tannins, 3,61 mg/100g saponin, 128.96 mg/100g oxalic acid, 43.18 mg/100g phytic acid and 15.78 mg/100g hydrocyanic acid. These rich chemical constituents of RV leaves will make it to support optimum reticulo-rumen fermentation, digestibility and retention of nutrients which in turn will result in maximum productivity in terms of milk and meat by ruminant animals.

Effects of rumen-degradable starch on lactation performance, gastrointestinal fermentation, and plasma metabolomic in dairy cows.

This study investigated the effects of rumen-degradable starch (RDS) on lactation performance, gastrointestinal fermentation, and plasma metabolomics in dairy cows. Six mid-lactation cows, fitted with rumen, duodenum, and ileum cannulas, were used in a duplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-day periods. The cows were fed a low RDS (LRDS; 62.18 %), medium-RDS (MRDS; 71.25 %), or high-RDS (HRDS; 80.32 %) diet. The results showed that cows fed HRDS had diet a lower milk fat content by 14.77 % (LRDS) and 11.73 % (MRDS), while increased somatic cell count compared to the LRDS and MRDS groups (34.42 and 29.38 %, respectively). Additionally, rumen fluid pH was decreased in the HRDS group than in the MRDS and LRDS groups (7.81 and 7.08 %, respectively), while microbial protein (MCP) concentration was higher in the MRDS group. The HRDS group had lower concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and acetate in the ileal digesta than the LRDS group. The HRDS diet decreased neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility compared with LRDS and MRDS groups (7.68 and 8.50 %, respectively), and reduced plasma concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), while increasing plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and serum amyloid-A (SAA) levels. Pathway analysis revealed that starch and sucrose metabolism, galactose metabolism, and carbohydrate digestion and absorption were upregulated in the MRDS and HRDS groups. The HRDS diet had a tendency to negatively affect linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism. These findings provide insights into optimising feed efficiency and milk quality by regulating RDS levels in dairy cow diets.

Influence of Dietary Forage Neutral Detergent Fiber on Ruminal Fermentation, Chewing Activity, Nutrient Digestion, and Ruminal Microbiota of Hu Sheep

Influence of Dietary Forage Neutral Detergent Fiber on Ruminal Fermentation, Chewing Activity, Nutrient Digestion, and Ruminal Microbiota of Hu Sheep

Changes in the nutritional composition of corn silage w ith the use of chemical additives and microbial inoculants

This work aimed to evaluate the use of different additives in the bromatological composition of corn silage. The experimental design was completely randomized with five additives evaluated: no additive; silage added with urea (3.0%); silage added with limestone (3.0%); silage added with granulated sugar (3.0%); and silage with bacterial inoculant. After 60 days of ensiling, the chemical-bromatological composition of the produced silages was evaluated. Lime-added silage had higher dry matter contents (not differing from silage with no additive), mineral matter, and lignin. Silage with urea had higher values of crude protein (19.55%) and lower levels of total carbohydrates (74.29%) and non-fiber carbohydrates (27.13%). Silage with no additive had lower levels of ADF (38.99%) and NDF (19.79%) and a higher content of total digestible nutrients (73.98%). Using additives in corn silage promotes higher concentrations of acid or neutral detergent fiber, cellulose, and hemicellulose and lower TDN levels in its bromatological composition. The addition of urea provides an increase in protein levels, while limestone increases mineral material levels.

Exploring the Influence of Environmental and Crop Management Factors on Sorghum Nutrient Composition and Amino Acid Digestibility in Broilers

This exploratory study expected crop management and climatic factors to significantly influence the nutrient composition and amino acid digestibility of tannin-free sorghum grain determined in broilers of 3 wks of age. Using data from six tannin-free sorghum samples harvested across the southeast USA, Pearson correlations were analyzed (r ≥ |0.8|; p &lt; 0.05). Standardized ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAD) was determined in a previous study using eight replicate cages with 13 birds per sorghum sample. SIAD values were correlated with nitrogen fertilization, yield, seeding rate, and climatic data obtained by surveying the crop growers and from weather stations. Nitrogen fertilization positively correlated with dry matter and starch. Yield was positively associated with SIAD, while seeding rate was negatively correlated with dry matter and Lys. Fiber, particular neutral detergent fiber, showed an inverse relationship with SIAD. No significant correlations with climatic factors were found, which was likely due to the close proximity of growing locations (r ≤ |0.8|; p &gt; 0.05). Despite the limitations of a small sample size (n = 6) and genetic variability within and between each sorghum sample, these findings provide preliminary insights into managing sorghum cultivation to enhance its nutritional value for poultry. Future research should explore larger datasets, from further locations apart, and standardized data collection measurements to be able develop predictive models for grain quality improvement.

Impact of Organic Materials (Tea Waste and Farm Manure) on Yield, Protein Content, Fiber Fractions, and Mineral Composition of Tea Plants in an Organic System

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic materials and fertilizers on tea plant yield and quality in an organic tea garden in Türkiye. The objective was to identify sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers that could enhance tea production while maintaining or improving nutritional quality. A two-year field study (2019–2020) was conducted in an organic tea garden in Pazar, Rize, Türkiye, to assess the impacts of various organic materials on tea plant yield and quality. A Randomized Complete Block Design with split-split plots was employed, with three organic materials (Control, Farm Manure, Tea Waste) as main plots, five organic fertilizers (Control, Organoferm, Neobioplus, Bionur, Orbitosol) as subplots, and three harvest times as sub-sub plots. The study analyzed fresh and dry yield, protein content, cell wall components (Acid Detergent Fiber [ADF] and Neutral Detergent Fiber [NDF] representing indigestible fiber fractions, and Acid Digestible Protein [ADP] indicating protein availability), and macroelements (Phosphorus [P], Potassium [K], Calcium [Ca], and Magnesium [Mg]). Tea waste significantly enhanced protein content, yield, and phosphorus levels, while farm manure increased fresh and dry yields, as well as potassium and magnesium concentrations. Organoferm fertilizer improved most quality parameters except for calcium and magnesium. Results indicated that organic amendments, particularly farm manure, tea waste and Organoferm fertilizer, can be effective in improving tea plant yield and nutritional quality, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

The development and evaluation of multiple regression equations based on four common nutritional analysis packages to predict the metabolisable energy density of diets fed to grower/finisher and adult pigs and their use for rat and mouse diets.

We have used multiple regression analyses to develop a series of metabolisable energy (ME) prediction equations from chemical analyses of pig diets that can be extended to murine diets. We compiled four datasets from an extensive range of published metabolism studies with grower/finisher and adult pigs. The analytes in the datasets were increasingly complex, comprising: 1. the proximate or Weende analysis, 2. the previous analysis but with neutral detergent fibre (NDF) replacing crude fibre, 3. the NDF package plus starch, 4. the NDF package plus starch and sugars. Diet manufacturers routinely provide most of the analytes for batches of murine diet, or they are easily obtainable. The study uniquely compares the four analytical packages side-by-side. The number of records in the datasets varies from 367 to 827. With increasing analytical complexity, adjusted R2 values for ME prediction improved from 0.751 to 0.869, and the mean absolute error from 0.422 to 0.289 kJ/g. Overall, the models' prediction interval (PI) improved from 1 to 0.7 kJ/g, which is ± 7% to 5% for a typical dietary ME density of 14.8 kJ/g. Although prediction accuracy increases as one extends the range and complexity of the analytes measured, the improvement is slight and may not justify the substantial increase in analytical cost. The equations were validated for use on future data sets by k-fold analysis. Although the equations are developed from pig data, they are suitable for rat and mouse diets, based on comparable digestibility measurements, and substantially improve existing methods.

Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Lambs Fed with Increasing Levels of High-Oleic Sunflower Cake

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sunflower cake from high-oleic seeds on performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and intramuscular fatty acid composition of finishing lambs. Thirty-six crossbred ewe lambs were assigned to four treatments (nine lambs/treatment) in a completely randomized design: 0 (control), 150, 300 and 450 g/kg DM of high-oleic sunflower cake. The lambs were weighed weekly and slaughtered with 42.3 ± 0.18 kg body weight and 270 ± 10.8 days of old. The inclusion of sunflower cake did not affect weight gain, dry matter intake and metabolizable energy intake (p &gt; 0.05). There was an increase in neutral detergent fiber and EE intake (p &lt; 0.01) with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the diet of the lambs. The inclusion of sunflower cake reduced hot and cold carcass yields (p &lt; 0.01). Intramuscular fat content, L*, oleic acid, rumenic acid and EPA fatty acids linearly increased (p &lt; 0.01) with the inclusion of high-oleic sunflower cake. The inclusion of high-oleic sunflower cake reduced saturated fatty acids (p &lt; 0.01), except stearic acid, which linearly increased (p &lt; 0.01). Up to 450 g/kg DM of high-oleic sunflower cake in the diet of lambs did not affect animal performance while providing a higher deposition of fat with better fatty acid composition for human consumption.

Effect of Experimental Warming on Forage Nutritive Value and Storage in Alpine Meadows at Three Different Altitudes of Nianqing Tanggula Mountain, Northern Tibet: A Long-Term Experience

Effects of climate warming on nutrition quality and storage of alpine grasslands are still controversial, which is not conducive to the management and utilization of alpine grasslands. A long-term warming experiment (with open-top chambers used to elevate temperature) was conducted at three elevations (relatively low, mid-, and high elevations with 4313, 4513, and 4693 m) of Northern Tibet in 2010 to compare the differences in forage nutritional quality and storage response to warming among three elevations and to explore the relationships between forage nutritional quality and production. In 2019, community surveys, observations of forage biomass and nutrition quality, and soil physicochemical properties were carried out. Forage nutrition quality included crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ether extract (EE), crude ash (Ash), and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content. Warming did not affect community aboveground biomass (AGB) at the three elevations. Warming improved community nutrition quality by increasing community CP content by 25.80% and decreasing community NDF content by 15.51% at the low elevation. In contrast, warming reduced community nutrition quality by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF contents by 13.45%, 23.68%, and 17.43%, respectively, and decreasing Ash content by 39.50% at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, or WSC contents at the mid-elevation. Warming increased community nutrition storage by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF storges by 74.69%, 88.18%, and 79.71%, respectively, at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community nutrition storages at the low or mid-elevations. Overall, forbs had higher CP, EE, Ash, and WSC contents and lower ADF and NDF contents compared with graminoids. Community EE content increased with community AGB, but community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, and WSC contents were not related to community AGB. Therefore, from the low to high elevation, the effects of warming on forage nutrition quality gradually changed from improving to inhibiting. Warming altered rangeland quality by affecting forage nutrition quality rather than forage production. There were no trade-offs between forage nutrition quality and forage production.