Neutral Detergent Research Articles

Metabolism fatty acids total lipids in the liquid contents of scars and productive cows indices in the presence in their diet coffee slurry

The biochemical mechanisms of action available in the diet in the summer of coffee sludge on metabolic processes in the body and productive performance of cows are poorly understood. The purpose of the study was to metabolism of nitrogenous compounds in liquid capacious rumen, milk production and composition of milk cows in the presence of the coffee slurry in the diet in the summer. Higher levels of fat obtained by the addition to the diet of cows coffee sludge. Cows fed feed consisting of coffee slurry in an amount of 8 and 16%. Established that the average daily feed of cows in the body, which together with the young grasses and legumes and forage fed coffee sludge reported in 4.2 and 11.2% more neutral detergent and 4.5 and 12.2% acid detergent fiber. Feeding cows coffee sludge results in reduction of nitrogen ammonia and amino nitrogen in their liquid roomy scar regardless of time relative to the start of feeding. Thus, the amount of protein nitrogen in the rumen fluid of cows increased research at the 10th hour from the start of feeding, and general – to 7–10th. As a result of feeding the young grass, fodder and coffee sludge cows increased average daily milk yield. At the same time research in the milk of cows increased protein, fat and lactose. The most pronounced effect on the metabolism of nitrogenous compounds in the rumen of cows and productive performance makes extra feeding cows with young grasses and legumes and forage, coffee slurry in an amount of 16% by weight of feed.

Effects of hydroxycinnamic acids (Ferulic and p-coumaric acids) in barley cultivars on cell wall components degradability in rumen

Barley grain contains hydroxycinnamic acids especially Ferulic (FA) and p-Coumaric acid (pCA) become cross-linked to cell wall polysaccharids as lignification commences that are the major inhibiting factors of biodegradability of plant cell walls in the rumen. Chemical characteristics, FA and pCA content of 11 Iranian barley cultivars determined. Using 3 fistulated ewes, the effects of FA and pCA content on ruminal degradation of dry matter (DM), neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) and lignin were studied. In barley cultivars, DM varied from 82.52 to 90.90 %; NDF varied from 9.64 to 27.34 % DM; ADF varied from 2.03 to 8.13 % DM and lignin varied from 0.87 to 3.03 % DM. The FA content ranged from 151.2 to 354.2 ?g/g; and pCA content ranged from 114.5 to 444.4 ?g/g of DM. Ruminal degradation parameters for DM, NDF, ADF and lignin were different between barley cultivars. The soluble fraction, slowly degradable, potential degradable, and undegradable fraction of DM were 2.92 to 56.33%; 42.64 to 91.45%; 65.68 to 98.97%, and 1.02 to 34.31%, respectively. The rate of ruminal degradation for DM varied among barley cultivars from 3.64 to 27.81% h-1. The FA was related to rumen indigestible DM, NDF, ADF and lignin, while pCA correlated with ADF. Using multi-regression, FA and pCA were inhibiting factors of ruminal degradability for DM and cell wall components; and FA was the most effective factor to predict DM degradability, while both FA and pCA affected NDF and ADF ruminal degradability.

Chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility of Moringa oleifera, Aspilia africana and Azadirachta indica leaves using rabbit inoculum

The effect of caecal inoculum of rabbit on in vitro gas production and dry matter digestibility of Moringa oleifera , Azadirachta indica and Aspilia africana leaf meals at different levels of 0%, 15% and 30%. Leave samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), lignin (ADL), acid (ADF) and neutral (NDF) detergent fibres. The gas production was continuously measured by incubating samples in buffered solution for 96 hr. Cumulative gas production was recorded from 2 - 96 hrs of incubation periods using non-linear regression equation. Concentrations of CP (13.66-26.26 %DM), NDF (48.00-60.00 %DM) and ADF (36-54 %DM), ADL (48.00 - 60.00 %DM) differed among species. Mineral results showed that K (417.52 ppm), Fe (10.01 ppm), Cu (0.22 ppm) and Zn (0.88 ppm) were highest in A. Africana . Highest (p<0.05) metabolizable energy (3.94 MJKg-1), organic matter digestibility (28.06%) and short chain fatty acids (0.05 μmol) estimated from the in vitro gas production parameters were observed at 30% MOM. The present experiment has shown that the leaves of the plants improve the efficiency of protein digestion in the caecum and are sufficient to meet the requirements of rabbits. Keywords: Moringa oleifera , Azadirachta indica , Aspilia africana , in vitro gas production and Rabbits

Single step non-thermal cleaning/sanitation of knives used in meat industry with ultrasound

The combination of ultrasound (US) with chlorinated water (CW) and neutral detergent (ND) for simultaneous cleaning and sanitation of knives used during cattle slaughter was evaluated as a novel non thermal treatment. The US mode of operation, detergent concentration and time of treatment were studied and the results were compared with the conventional sanitation method used in meat industries. The conventional sanitation method promoted a decrease (p<0.05) in the counts of mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, molds and yeasts, and a similar behavior was observed for US+CW (2.05±0.08mg/l of chlorine, and mode operation normal and sweep for 10min) and US+CW+ND (5ml/l and mode operation sweep for 5min) methods. Nevertheless, when detergent concentration and sonication time were increased (20ml/l, 15min) a strong decrease (p<0.05) in the counts of mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, molds and yeasts. Knife blades presented appropriate hygienic-sanitary properties in such conditions based on the Clean-Trace Surface Protein Plus™ test swab, which were better than the results obtained from conventional method. Kinetic modeling of knife sanitation was performed according to the transfer of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus during the process indicated highest migration rate of residues for US+CW+ND method, reaching 1.61mg/l·min. The hardness of knives' surface (Rockwell) was not changed by sonication using US+CW+ND method. These results indicate that both knife cleaning and sanitation processes could be performed in a unique step without the use of heat.

Micro mineral distribution on fiber fraction of feeds

This study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of micro minerals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Co and Cu) of feeds and their distribution in fiber fractions (Neutral Detergent Fiber/NDF and Acid Detergent Fiber/ADF). Three species of common feeds namely ground nut cake (Arachis hypogaea), mustard cake (Brassica juncea), soybean meal (Glycine max), were collected. Micro minerals concentration in the feed samples and fiber fractions were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) Icap 6000 Series. The results showed that micro minerals concentration of feed and their distribution in fiber fraction varied among species. The concentration of all the minerals in feed was above the critical level. Distribution of micro minerals in NDF and ADF were also estimated. Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc(Zn), in feeds were the highest elements associated in NDF and ADF, while the lowest was found in cobalt (Co) and manganese(Mn).

Efficiency of a cleaning protocol for the removal of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus strains in dairy plants

Staphylococci are considered a major concern in dairy plants mainly due to the intensive production flow, automation of processing plants and increased demand in the microbiological quality of dairy products. This study aimed to identify S. aureus strains isolated from three Brazilian dairy plants, evaluate the influence of time, temperature and contact surface on the bacterial adhesion process, as well as the efficiency of simulated hygiene and sanitation protocol in removing adhered cells. For genotypic analyses, the presence of icaA and icaD in strains was evaluated. Adherence assays were performed in biofilm reactor, comparing the influence of 2 temperatures (5°C and 35°C), 2 surfaces (stainless steel and polypropylene) and 4 contact times (3, 6, 12h and post-sanitization). To evaluate the process effectiveness in removing adhered cells, neutral detergent and sanitizing agent based on sodium hypochlorite were used in order to simulate the situation observed in one of the dairy plants analyzed. The presence of icaA and icaD genes was determined in 75.3% and 77.6% of strains, respectively; 70.6% of isolates showed both genes, whereas 17.6% showed no genes. Genes for enterotoxin production were found in all samples, relating to SEG and SEH toxins. The number of cells adhered on both surfaces was about 3 and 6 log10 CFU/cm2 at temperatures of 5°C and 35°C, respectively, for most situations evaluated, with significant increase over the evaluation period. In general, the temperature of 35°C favored greater adherence of S. aureus. At 5°C, there was a considerable number of adhered cells, but in populations significantly lower than those observed at 35°C. The cleaning and sanitizing protocol was ineffective in removing adhered cells; better performance of sodium hypochlorite was observed at 5°C, which should be related to lower adherence observed at this temperature. Thus, the process was not able to reduce the number of S. aureus bacteria adhered on both surfaces to safe levels under the conditions evaluated.

Sanitizantes: concentrações e aplicabilidade na indústria de alimentos

The aim of this work was a survey of more sanitizers used in the food company in the southwest of Parana, as well as their concentration and applicability. We applied a questionnaire to collaborators responsible for these industries, asking questions about what are the most widely used sanitizer in hygienic cleaning equipment, utensils, installations and hands. For the main equipments and utensils, the sanitizers used are sodium hypochlorite (70%), peracetic acid (20%), quaternary ammonium (10%) and smaller quantity of biguanide and alcohol. As for installations, 60% of companies use sodium hypochlorite, 20% peracetic acid and 20% biguanide. For hand hygiene, 60% of the evaluated companies use neutral detergent and 70% alcohol, and 40% reported using antibacterial soap with active Triclosan®. From this survey we found that the most commonly used sanitizer for equipments and utensils on the Southwestern food industry of Parana is sodium hypochlorite, mainly due to its low cost, easy access and availability in commerce, allied to its efficiency. For hygienic cleaning of hands, the most widely used was neutral detergent followed by disinfection with 70% alcohol.

Momento de aplicação do nitrogênio e algumas variáveis estruturais e bromatológicas do capim-massai

RESUMO As plantas forrageiras tropicais apresentam alto potencial de produção de massa de forragem, condicionada às condições edafoclimáticas, principalmente à adubação nitrogenada. A magnitude da resposta depende do sincronismo entre a disponibilidade de nutrientes e as necessidades da planta forrageira na rebrotação, e os resultados encontrados na literatura são contrastantes. Assim, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar características estruturais e bromatológicas de Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Massai submetido a quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 40, 80 e 120mg/dm3) e três momentos de aplicação após o corte (um, três e sete dias), divididos em três cortes, em um esquema fatorial 4 x 3 e delineado inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação. O incremento na taxa de aparecimento de perfilhos, na densidade populacional de perfilhos, na produção de massa seca de folha total e nos teores de proteína bruta foi de 42%, 65%, 770% e 35%, respectivamente, para a dose de 120mg/dm³ em relação à ausência de adubação nitrogenada. As fibras em detergente neutro e em detergente ácido decresceram cerca de 6% e 9%, respectivamente, com a adição de nitrogênio. Apenas a massa seca de folha total respondeu às épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio após o corte, com valores pouco expressivos. A adubação nitrogenada exerce efeito positivo sobre as variáveis estudadas, porém novos estudos devem ser conduzidos para a definição da época de adubação de nitrogênio após o corte, para a melhor utilização do nutriente pelas plantas.

Perdas, perfil fermentativo e composição química das silagens de capim Brachiaria decumbens com inclusão de farelo de arroz

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do farelo de arroz sobre as perdas por gases e efluente, o perfil fermentativo e a composição química das silagens de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk ensilado em silos de laboratório. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos: 0; 10; 20, 30 e 40g/kg de farelo de arroz, com base na matéria natural da gramínea. Os valores das perdas por gases e efluentes foram reduzidos linearmente em 0,11 e 0,39g/kg MS, enquanto a recuperação da matéria seca aumentou linearmente em 0,32g/kg MS. Houve comportamento quadrático nos valores de pH e, redução linear para os valores de N-amoniacal e poder tampão, estimados em 1,1 e 0,5g/kg MS. As concentrações de ácido acético, butírico e propiônico foram reduzidas linearmente em 0,1; 0,008 e 0,006g/kg MS, enquanto a de ácido láctico aumentou linearmente em 0,5g/kg MS. Cada unidade porcentual de farelo de arroz promoveu aumento linear de 4,3; 1,8; 7,1 e 7,0g/kg nos teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e nutrientes digestíveis totais, e redução linear de 6,9; 4,3 e 2,6g/kg MS nos teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e hemicelulose. A inclusão de 10g/kg de farelo de arroz já assegura diminuição das perdas por gases e efluentes, aumento na recuperação de matéria seca, proporcionando melhorias no perfil fermentativo e na composição química das silagens.

PROGRESSO TEMPORAL E CONTROLE DA ANTRACNOSE EM BANANA NO SEMIÁRIDO NORTE MINEIRO

RESUMO A antracnose é uma das principais doenças pós-colheita em bananas. O trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar, durante dez meses, a intensidade da antracnose e o efeito da lavagem e sanitização das frutas no controle da doença em pós-colheita de bananas. O experimento foi realizado de setembro de 2013 a junho de 2014. As coletas dos frutos foram realizadas, mensalmente, em cinco propriedades comerciais localizadas nos municípios de Jaíba, Janaúba e Nova Porteirinha, cultivadas com banana ‘Prata-Anã’. As pencas foram subdivididas em buquês de três frutos, o delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial e submetidos aos tratamentos: frutos sem a realização da lavagem (testemunha); frutos lavados na propriedade; frutos lavados no laboratório com hipoclorito de sódio a 2%; frutos lavados no laboratório com hipoclorito de sódio a 2% seguido de aplicação com fungicida Imazalil. As avaliações foram realizadas em 10 épocas e os tratamentos repetidos cinco vezes. Calculou-se área abaixo da curva de progresso da intensidade (AACPI) e área abaixo da curva de progresso da severidade (AACPS). Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas através do teste de Scott-Knott, a 5% de probabilidade. A maior intensidade de antracnose em bananas no Norte de Minas ocorre nos meses de novembro de 2013 a março de 2014. A menor intensidade ocorre nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2013 e abril a junho de 2014. Nos meses de novembro a março, época de maior intensidade de doença, a lavagem dos frutos com detergente neutro e hipoclorito de sódio a 2% seguida de aplicação do fungicida Imazalil é a técnica mais eficiente de controle. A lavagem dos frutos, apenas com detergente neutro pode favorecer o aparecimento de antracnose, pela degradação da cutícula.

Thesis Abstract Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines: chemical composition and protein digestibility.

The bean represents the main source of proteins for the low income populations, although the digestibility of those proteins is relatively low. Consequently, the programs of plant genetic breeding have been working on the search for new lines with higher protein levels. Thus, with the purpose of supplying information to the researchers, in this study, 21 bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines were analyzed for the centesimal and mineral composition, protein digestibility, phenolic compounds, and trypsin inhibitor. The entirely randomized experimental design was used with 21 treatments (lines) and three repetitions. All values were within the following ranges: 22.34 to 36.28 g crude protein/100 g dry matter (DM); 7.56 to 20.91 g neutral detergent fiber/100 g DM; 0.53 to 2.55 g fat/100 g DM and 2.97 to 4.87 g ashes/100 g DM. The levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, in g/100 g DM, varied from 0.45 to 0.72; 1.51 to 2.48; 0.03 to 0.28; 0.18 to 0.34 and 0.28 to 0.45, respectively. Regarding copper, manganese, zinc and iron, the levels, in mg/kg DM, varied from 11.37 to 17.73; 14.93 to 28.90; 36.67 to 69.90 and 71.37 to 126.90, respectively. The in vitro protein digestibility varied from 18.03 to 48.32%. The levels of phenolic compounds varied from 0.28 to 1.08 mg acid tanic/100 g DM and the one of trypsin inhibitor from 59.93 to 151.07 trypsin inhibited units/mg DM. Among the lines with higher protein contents, "ESAL 569" (beige with brown stripe) presented the largest protein digestibility and considerable levels of minerals. "P-180" (beige with brown stripe) was one of the lines with higher crude protein contents and digestibilities, and also presented high levels for most of the minerals. No relation between protein digestibility and the contents of phenolic compounds or trypsin inhibitor was observed.

Potential of Using Maize Cobs in Pig Diets - A Review.

The quest to broaden the narrow range of feed ingredients available to pig producers has prompted research on the use of low cost, unconventional feedstuffs, which are typically fibrous and abundant. Maize cobs, a by-product of a major cereal grown worldwide, have potential to be used as a pig feed ingredient. Presently, maize cobs are either dumped or burnt for fuel. The major challenge in using maize cobs in pig diets is their lignocellulosic nature (45% to 55% cellulose, 25% to 35% hemicellulose, and 20% to 30% lignin) which is resistant to pigs’ digestive enzymes. The high fiber in maize cobs (930 g neutral detergent fiber/kg dry matter [DM]; 573 g acid detergent fiber/kg DM) increases rate of passage and sequestration of nutrients in the fiber reducing their digestion. However, grinding, heating and fermentation can modify the structure of the fibrous components in the maize cobs and improve their utilization. Pigs can also extract up to 25% of energy maintenance requirements from fermentation products. In addition, dietary fiber improves pig intestinal health by promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria, which suppress proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. This paper reviews maize cob composition and the effect on digestibility of nutrients, intestinal microflora and growth performance and proposes the use of ensiling using exogenous enzymes to enhance utilization in diets of pigs.

Evaluation of feeds from tropical origin for in vitro methane production potential and rumen fermentation in vitro

Enteric methane arising due to fermentation of feeds in the rumen contributes substantially to the greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, like evaluation of chemical composition and nutritive values of feeds, methane production potential of each feed should be determined. This experiment was conducted to evaluate several feeds for methane production potential and rumen fermentation using in vitro gas production technique so that low methane producing feeds could be utilized to feed ruminants. Protein- and energy-rich concentrates (n=11), cereal and grass forages (n=11), and different straws and shrubs (n=12), which are commonly fed to ruminants in India, were collected from a number of locations. Gas production kinetics, methane production, degradability and rumen fermentation greatly varied (p&lt;0.01) among feeds depending upon the chemical composition. Methane production (mL/g of degraded organic matter) was lower (p&lt;0.01) for concentrate than forages, and straws and shrubs. Among shrubs and straws, methane production was lower (p&lt;0.01) for shrubs than straws. Methane production was correlated (p&lt;0.05) with concentrations of crude protein (CP), ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) negatively, and with neutral detergent (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) positively. Potential gas production was negatively correlated (p=0.04) with ADF, but positively (p&lt;0.01) with NFC content. Rate of gas production and ammonia concentration were influenced by CP content positively (p&lt;0.05), but by NDF and ADF negatively (p&lt;0.05). Total volatile fatty acid concentration and organic matter degradability were correlated (p&lt;0.05) positively with CP and NFC content, but negatively with NDF and ADF content. The results suggest that incorporation of concentrates and shrubs replacing straws and forages in the diets of ruminants may decrease methane production.

Utilization of equations to predict carbohydrate fractions in some tropical grasses

Abstract The chemical composition of five grasses, divided into stem and leaf, at three maturity stages, was used to predict carbohydrate fractions by equations based either on the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) or equations from our research group. CNCPS carbohydrate fractions are estimated based on the NDF analysis. However, NDF does not include pectic substances and other neutral detergent (ND) soluble polysaccharides such as β-glucans, galactans, etc. that are part of the cell wall matrix. Since NDF does not represent the complete plant cell wall, a crude cell wall (CW) preparation, which represents plant cell wall matrix more completely because it preserves those carbohydrates that otherwise would be solubilized by the ND solution, was used in equations to predict carbohydrate fractions. By substituting NDF for CW, it was found that pectin and other neutral detergent soluble polysaccharides (soluble fiber, SF) actually appeared in the fraction A of CNCPS, the rapidly degradable carbohydrate pool, instead of fraction B1, as proposed in the original CNCPS model. However, location of SF in the fraction A seems inappropriate since the degradation rate of SF is lower than other fraction A components. Thus, an alternative could be to place SF in a specific carbohydrate fraction (B2). This B2 fraction (SF) can be estimated by subtracting NDF from the CW preparation. Because in the original CNCPS model the slowly degradable cell wall carbohydrates were assigned as fraction B2, we suggest naming this carbohydrate pool a new fraction, B3. With this arrangement, the fraction B1 would be constituted only of starch. Carbohydrate pools must be adequately estimated so that rate and extent of forage degradation will be valuable tools to optimize animal performance. Simplified and easy-to-use equations to estimate carbohydrate fractions are proposed.

Field inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhiza on maize (Zea mays L.) under low inputs: preliminary study on quantitative and qualitative aspects

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis contributes to the sustainability of soil-plant system. A field experiment was conducted to examine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) on quantitative and qualitative performance in forage maize (Zea mays L.). Within the project Sviluppo di modelli zootecnici ai fini della sostenibilità (SOS-ZOOT) a trial was conducted at the experimental farm of the Agricultural Research Council in Bella (PZ), located in Basilicata region (Southern Italy) at 360 m asl, characterised by an annual rainfall of approximately 650 mm. For spring sowing, two plots of 2500 m2 were used, one sown with seeds inoculated with AM (M), 1.0 kg/ha, and the other one with non-inoculated seeds (NM). After 120 days after sowing, when plants showed 30% dry matter, five replicates of 1 m2 per plot were used to estimate dry matter yield (DMY), while half plot was dedicated to the assessment of grain production. For each replicate, three representative plants were considered; each plant was measured for height and was divided into leaves, stem and ear. For each plot, the following constituents were determined: crude protein, ash, ether extract, crude fibre (CF), fractions of fibre [neutral detergent (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and sulphuric acid lignin] and phosphorus (P). Throughout the period of plants’ growth, no herbicides, organic or inorganic fertilisation, and irrigation water were distributed. The preliminary results revealed a significant effect of AM inoculation on forage maize DMY, P content in the whole plant, into the leaves and on the quality of steam. The M thesis showed a significant increase in terms of DMY in comparison with the NM thesis: 21.2 vs 17.9 t/ha (P&lt;0.05). The mycorrhized whole plants [0.22 vs 0.17% dry matter (DM), P&lt;0.05] and leaves (0.14 vs 0.09% DM, P&lt;0.05) showed an increased P content. The stems of M plants showed a content of CF, NDF, ADF and Ash significantly lower compared with NM plants. No significant differences were observed for the other parameters. The preliminary study revealed a significant effect of AM seed inoculation on DMY and quality of forage maize cultivated within a low input system.

Comparison of Yield, Nutritive Value, and In Vitro Digestibility of Monocrop and Intercropped Corn-Soybean Silages Cut at Two Maturity Stages

Limited information on nutrient composition and in vitro digestibility of corn-soybean intercropped silage is available. The objective of this study was to compare corn (Zea mays L.) or soybean (Glycine max L. Yesilsoy) monocrop silage with corn-soybean intercropped silages in term of yield, nutritive value, and in vitro digestibility. Intercropping was as follows: 1 row corn to 1 row soybean (1M1S), 1 row corn to 2 rows soybean (1M2S) and 2 rows corn to 1 row soybean (2M1S). The crops were harvested when the corn reached 3/5 or 1/4 milk line. The silage samples were analysed for pH, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Also, in vitro true (IVTD) and in vitro NDF (IVNFD) digestibilities were determined in the silages samples. The DM, EE, calculated non structural carbohydrate values were higher in silage harvested at 1/4 than 3/5 milk line. All intercropped silages had higher CP values (1M1S, 8.3%; 1M2S, 10.1%; 2M1S, 8.0%) than the monocrop corn (SM, 6.8%) silage. The NDF and ADF levels were higher for 1M1S, 2M1S and SM compared with 1M2S and monocrop soybean (SS) silage. In vitro true DM digestibility of all silages increased with maturity stage; it was higher for the 1M2S than other silages. It is concluded that corn-soybean intercropped silage has better nutrient composition and digestibility than SM or SS silage.

Evaluation of Energy Digestibility and Prediction of Digestible and Metabolisable Energy in Sunflower Seed Meal Fed to Growing Pigs

The experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition, digestible energy (DE), metabolisable energy (ME) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) in sunflower seed meal (SFSM) and to develop reasonable prediction equations for estimating energy digestibility based on chemical composition of these meals for growing pigs. Ten SFSMs were collected and 66 crossbred barrows (initial body weight=36.43±5.25 kg) were randomly allocated to one of eleven diets. The basal diet was based on corn and soybean meal which contained 82.2% corn, 14.8% de-hulled soybean meal and 3% premix. The test diets contained 30% SFSM at the expense of corn and soybean meals. The experiment comprised a 7-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d collection period of faecal matter and urine. On a dry matter (DM) basis, the content of crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fibre, and gross energy (GE) ranged from 29.33 to 39.09%, 38.15 to 55.40%, 24.59 to 37.34% and 18.65 to 21.50 MJ/kg, respectively. The concentration of DE and ME ranged from 10.51 to 12.47 MJ/kg and 10.26 to 12.16 MJ/kg of DM, respectively. The DE values and ATTD of GE among the ten SFSMs significantly differed (P<0.05). The ATTD of GE ranged from 52.86 to 63.90%. The best models for predicting DE and ME were also established. In conclusion, the chemical composition of SFSM was variable (coeffiecient of variance>10%) among the ten SFSMs (DM). The results of DE, ME and prediction equations could be applied to evaluate the energy digestibility of SFSM in growing pigs.

The use of cellulase and filter bag technique to predict digestibility of forages

A study was conducted to determine the reliability of the novel in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) method for predicting the in vivo organic matter digestibility (OMD) of forages. The study was carried out on two sets of feeds of known OMD determined on sheep: set A (n=35), consisting of whole crop cereal (corn and barley) herbages and set B (n=80), mostly consisting of grass and clover silages. IVDMD was determined by the CEL48-ND method in which 500mg of dried and ground feed sample was inserted into filter bag (ANKOM Technology Corporation, Fairport, NY, USA) and then the bags were incubated for 48h at 39°C in the cellulase solution (celullase Onozuka R10), in the jars of DaisyII Incubator (ANKOM Technology Corporation). After incubation the bags with residues were extracted in a neutral detergent (ND) for 1h at 100°C in Ankom220 Fiber Analyzer (ANKOM Technology Corporation). The data for all sets were used to find the best single and multiple regression equations to predict OMD. For each set the linear regressions were calculated in which OMD was the dependent variable (Y) whereas IVDMD determined by CEL48-ND was the predictor X1 and contents of nutrients (g/kg DM) were predictors X2, X3, X4 or X5. The equations were compared by means of coefficient of determination (R2), standard deviation of differences between observed (Yi) and predicted value (Ỹi) (residual standard deviation; RSD), and mean square prediction error (MSPE). Additionally, the verification of equations was also done based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Mean R2 for the regression equations of OMD by CEL48-ND was 0.468 (set A), 0.581 (set B) and 0.539 (set A+B). Including the next predictor (X2, X3, X4 or X5) increased R2, and decreased RSD, MSPE and AIC, especially in the equations calculated for whole crop corn herbages, grass silages and clover silages. It can be concluded that the in vitro method presented in this study is a simple alternative for existing methods in which buffered rumen fluid is used. Using a standard enzyme available commercially worldwide may decrease variation between laboratories. Further, using filter bags and Daisy Incubator decreases labour costs and use of animals.

Quantitative characterization of five cover crop species

SUMMARYThe introduction of cover crops in the intercrop period may provide a broad range of ecosystem services derived from the multiple functions they can perform, such as erosion control, recycling of nutrients or forage source. However, the achievement of these services in a particular agrosystem is not always required at the same time or to the same degree. Thus, species selection and definition of targeted objectives is critical when growing cover crops. The goal of the current work was to describe the traits that determine the suitability of five species (barley, rye, triticale, mustard and vetch) for cover cropping. A field trial was established during two seasons (October to April) in Madrid (central Spain). Ground cover and biomass were monitored at regular intervals during each growing season. A Gompertz model characterized ground cover until the decay observed after frosts, while biomass was fitted to Gompertz, logistic and linear-exponential equations. At the end of the experiment, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and fibre (neutral detergent, acid and lignin) contents, and the N fixed by the legume were determined. The grasses reached the highest ground cover (83–99%) and biomass (1226–1928 g/m2) at the end of the experiment. With the highest C:N ratio (27–39) and dietary fibre (527–600 mg/g) and the lowest residue quality (~680 mg/g), grasses were suitable for erosion control, catch crop and fodder. The vetch presented the lowest N uptake (2·4 and 0·7 g N/m2) due to N fixation (9·8 and 1·6 g N/m2) and low biomass accumulation. The mustard presented high N uptake in the warm year and could act as a catch crop, but low fodder capability in both years. The thermal time before reaching 30% ground cover was a good indicator of early coverage species. Variable quantification allowed finding variability among the species and provided information for further decisions involving cover crop selection and management.

Comportamento ingestivo e respostas fisiológicas de novilhos submetidos a dietas com torta de amendoim

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do farelo de soja por torta de amendoim no concentrado da dieta de novilhos, por meio do comportamento ingestivo e respostas fisiológicas. Foram utilizados cinco novilhos, dispostos em um quadrado latino 5 x 5. As dietas foram compostas de feno de tifton, milho moído, farelo de soja e torta de amendoim, constituídas de zero (100% de farelo de soja), 25, 50, 75 e 100% de substituição por torta de amendoim no concentrado. Os níveis de torta de amendoim não influenciaram (P&gt;0,05) as eficiências de ingestão e ruminação da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro. Em relação às atividades comportamentais, o único parâmetro em que se observou efeito da substituição foi o número de períodos de ócio no turno da manhã (P&lt;0,05), no qual se constatou efeito linear crescente. A taxa de secreção salivar e a quebra de partículas foram semelhantes, pois não houve efeito (P&gt;0,05) das dietas sobre as características de mastigação. Como não houve efeito (P&gt;0,05) das dietas sobre as frequências respiratória, cardíaca e a temperatura retal, o calor endógeno produzido pela fermentação ruminal foi equivalente. A torta de amendoim, por conter aflatoxinas, quando fornecida em alta relação volumoso x concentrado, pode substituir o farelo de soja na dieta de novilhos, pois ocasiona comportamento ingestivo e respostas fisiológicas semelhantes.