Non-fibrous Carbohydrates Research Articles

Re-ensiling and microbial inoculant use effects on the quality of maize silages exposed to air

Re-ensiling has increased worldwide due to the increase in marketing of silage between farms. However, litlle is known about the aerobic deterioration and microbial inoculants effect in this process. The aim of this study was to determine the re-ensiling and microbial inoculant use effects on the maize silage quality. Experimental treatments included maize silage exposed to air for zero or 18 h, with or without microbial inoculant use containing a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici. The forage was ensiled in 20 plastic buckets (20 liters capacity) with five repetitions per treatment. The silos were opened after 116 days and the chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), fermentative parameters, microorganism counts, total dry matter (DM) losses and aerobic stability of silage were evaluated. Re-ensiling reduced the non-fibrous carbohydrates content by 14.8%, whereas it increased the neutral detergent fiber content by 6%. The IVDMD was reduced by 6.1% in re-ensiled silages. In addition, re-ensiling increased the losses due to gases, effluents, and total DM. Lower lactic acid content and higher acetic acid content in re-ensiled maize silages were also observed. However, IVDMD increased by 4.6% in inoculated silages. Re-ensiling reduced the nutritive value and IVDMD of maize silages and should be avoided in production systems. The microbial inoculant use was not effective in improving the re-ensiled silage quality, which does not justify its use in these conditions. Farms should avoid purchasing maize silage due to reduction in nutritional value in the re-ensiling process. However, in some cases where farms need to purchase silage for feeding planning, the time between silo opening and re-ensiling should be as short as possible to reduce nutrient loss. Furthermore, in this situation the inoculant use does not improve silage conservation, which makes its use unnecessary.

Effects of replacing corn with by-product from biscuit manufacture on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, and growth performance of pure or crossbred Morada Nova sheep.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of replacing corn with by-product from biscuit manufacture (BBM) on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, and growth performance of pure or crossbred Morada Nova sheep. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs from two genetic groups (GG) were used: purebred red-coated Morada Nova (RMN) and red-coated Morada Nova x white-coated Morada Nova. Each GG had 12 lambs with an initial body weight (BW) of 15.0±0.84 and 18.8±0.88 kg for RMN and crossbred lambs, respectively. Treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design, according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, as follows: two genetic groups (RMN and crossbred) and two diets (ground corn and by-product from biscuit manufacture-BBM) with six replicates. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of GG on feed intake (g/day and as a fraction of BW). Lambs fed BBM had a lower feed intake (p < 0.05) than corn-fed lambs, except for the non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, which did not differ among diets (p > 0.05). No effects (p > 0.05) of GG or diets were observed on apparent digestibility, except for organic matter, which was higher for BBM-fed lambs (p < 0.05). Intake and N urinary excretion were lower (p < 0.05) for BBM-fed lambs when compared to corn-fed lambs. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of GG on growth performance. On the other hand, lambs fed BBM diet had a higher (p < 0.05) feed efficiency than corn-fed lambs. Total replacing corn with BBM in finishing lamb diets increases the efficiency of nutrient utilization, which results in higher feed efficiency. The crossbreeding between the red- and white-coated strains of Morada Nova sheep does not affect nutritional and growth performance.

Different fat sources in supplements for beef cattle at pasture.

We investigated the consequences of fat supplementation (free oil and rumen-protected oil) on the nutrient intake and digestion of beef cattle at pasture. Five rumen-cannulated Nelore bulls, with a median body weight (BW) of 467.8 ± 32.8kg and an age of 26months, were distributed in a Latin square design (5 × 5). The treatments were as follows: WF, no additional fat; PA, rumen-protected palm oil; PS, rumen-protected soybean oil; SO, soybean-free oil and CO, free corn oil. Nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia (NH3-N), serum urea and nitrogen balance were analysed. The supplements with different oil sources did not alter (P > 0.05) the intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), forage DM intake (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), neutral detergent fibre-corrected ash and protein (apNDF), nonfibre carbohydrates (NFC) or total digestible nutrients (TDN) compared to WF. An increase (P < 0.05) in the intake and digestibility of EE was observed with the inclusion of fat, independent of the source. No differences were observed between WF and other supplements with regard to ruminal parameters (pH and NH3-N) (P > 0.05) and serum urea (P > 0.05). The nitrogen balance was not affected by the fat source (P > 0.05). Supplementation of grazing beef cattle (2g/kg BW) with free oil (130g/kg DM supplement) or rumen-protected oil (160g/kg DM supplement) did not interfere with nutrient intake and digestibility.

Differential Effects of Natural Grazing and Feedlot Feeding on Yak Fecal Microbiota.

Variation in food and diet shapes the diversity of the gut microbiota of ruminants. The present study investigated the microbial diversity in the fecal microbiota of yaks reared under natural grazing and feedlot system. A total of 48 domestic yaks with an average age of 7.5 years were selected from two different grazing habitats: one group grazed on natural pasture (grazing yaks—GY) while the other group was fed fodder and concentrate (feedlot yaks—FY). Crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrate, hemicelluloses, and digestible dry matter contents of natural pastures were higher than those in the feedlot. The lower insoluble fiber contents were found in grazing land. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed 675 and 348 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the GY and FY, respectively, in addition to 1,778 common OTUs. Overall, a total of 9,891 OTUs were identified as a whole, of which 6,160 OTUs were from GY and 3,731 were from FY. Shannon index analysis revealed a higher bacterial diversity in GY than FY. At the phylum level, Firmicutes were dominant bacterial taxa in both groups. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in GY (56% ± 0.05) was higher than in FY (41% ± 0.08). At the family level, GY had a significantly higher abundance of Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.001) and Rikenellaceae (p < 0.001) than FY, but FY had a significantly higher abundance of Prevotellaceae than GY (p < 0.001). At the genus level, abundances of Faecalibacterium, Alloprevotella, and Succinivibrio were higher in FY than in GY. This study presents novel information on fecal bacterial composition and diversity in yaks reared under two different production systems.

Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation and Inflammatory Response on Holstein Growing Cattle Treated with Low and High Non-Fibrous Carbohydrate to Neutral Detergent Fiber Ratio Pelleted Total Mixed Ration.

Simple SummaryTotal mixed rations (TMR) have become the usual feeding method for cattle, since being brought into ruminant feeding systems. Though there are numerous benefits of TMR, it also possesses some drawbacks, especially feed sorting. This has resulted in the recent tendency to provide fully pelleted TMR to sheep and goats in some regions of the world. However, the application of pelleted TMR treated with different non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) to neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio on Holstein growing cattle was unknown. This research was carried out to investigate the influences of low and high NFC to NDF ratio pelleted TMR on growth performance, rumen fermentation and inflammatory response in Holstein growing cattle. The results demonstrated that low NFC/NDF (1.07) pelleted TMR can improve the growth performance, reduce feed costs and elevate the digestibility of DM, NDF as well as ADF of Holstein growing cattle. However, high NFC/NDF (1.71) pelleted TMR has adverse effects on rumen fermentation and inflammatory response compared with low NFC/NDF (1.07). Under the condition of this experiment, low NFC/NDF (1.07) pelleted TMR is recommended when applied for Holstein growing cattle fattening.Twenty-four healthy castrated male Holstein growing cattle, with similar body weight (301 ± 11.5 kg), were enrolled in this study and randomly allocated into two groups (12/pen). Holstein growing cattle in the LPT (low NFC/NDF pelleted TMR) group were fed basal pelleted TMR with a low NFC/NDF ratio (NFC/NDF = 1.07), while the HPT (high NFC/NDF pelleted TMR) group were fed with a high NFC/NDF ratio diet (NFC/NDF = 1.71). The results showed that: (1) Body measurements were found to be increased for the LPT group (p < 0.05); compared with the HPT group, feed intake to gain ratio and feed cost in the LPT group were decreased by 12.24% and 15.35%, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared with the HPT group, the LPT group tended to increase chest girth. (2) Digestibility of DM and NDF in the LPT group was higher (p < 0.05) than in the HPT group, being increased by 3.41% and 4.26%, respectively, and increased digestibility of ADF in the LPT group was significant (p < 0.01). (3) The daily feed consumption of NDF in the LPT group was higher than that in the HPT group and the daily rumination time and chewing time in the LPT group were longer than that in the HPT group (p < 0.05). (4) Compared with the LPT group, the parameter of pH, microbial protein and acetate: propionate (p < 0.05) in the HPT group were decreased by 8.57%, 12.46% and 23.71%, respectively. In contrast, the concentration of total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate were higher (p < 0.05) in the HPT group, and increased by 13.49%, 19.59% and 52.70%, respectively. (5) Compared with the LPT group, rumen fluid in the HPT group diet up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of BRECs pro-inflammatory factor IL-1β and TNF-α (p < 0.05), and meanwhile, up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of BRECs pro-inflammatory factor IL-6 (p < 0.01); compared with the LPT group, rumen fluid in the HPT group diet up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of CCL28 and CCL20 (p < 0.05) chemokines in CCL types of BRECs; in addition, compared with the LPT group, rumen fluid in the HPT group up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL9 and CXCL14 chemokines in CXCL types of BRECs (p < 0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of the CXCL5 chemokine tended to be increased (p = 0.06).

Beef Steer Performance on Irrigated Monoculture Legume Pastures Compared with Grass- and Concentrate-Fed Steers.

Simple SummaryMost U.S. beef calves are finished on grain-based rations, but a small proportion are finished on grass-dominated pastures. A number of temperate perennial legumes thrive when cultivated under irrigation in the U.S. Mountain West, including alfalfa, sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil and cicer milkvetch. With the exception of alfalfa, these are non-bloating legumes, and all have fiber and non-fiber carbohydrate concentrations more similar to feedlot rations than to grass. This 3-year study was undertaken to compare the average daily gain of steer calves on monoculture legume pastures to the gain of calves on concentrate diets; in the final year, a grass pasture treatment was added. Gains of calves on birdsfoot trefoil pastures were two-thirds to three-quarters that of concentrate-fed calves; gains on cicer milkvetch pastures were about half that of concentrate-fed calves, and gains on grass pasture were about one-third that of concentrate-fed calves. The elevated gains of birdsfoot trefoil-fed calves compared with grass-fed calves were likely due to greater intake combined with the presence of a condensed tannin that precipitates excess plant protein in the rumen but does not interfere with post-ruminal digestion. Perennial legume pastures are a sustainable alternative to feedlot finishing for western U.S. beef producers.Fall- or spring-born steers grazed monoculture irrigated birdsfoot trefoil (BFT; Lotus corniculatus L.) or cicer milkvetch (CMV; Astragalus cicer L.) pastures for approximately 12 weeks for 3 years and were compared with steers on concentrate diets. In the 3rd year, an irrigated meadow bromegrass (MBG; Bromus biebersteinii Roem. and Schult.) pasture treatment was added for further comparison. Steer average daily gain (ADG) was 1.31, 0.94, 0.83 and 0.69 kg d−1 on concentrate, ‘Norcen’ BFT, ‘Oberhaunstadter’ BFT, and ‘Monarch’ CMV diets, respectively; ADG on grass pastures was 0.43 kg d−1. The ADG on the concentrate diet was greater than ADG on legume or grass pastures, ADG was greater on BFT than CMV in every year (p < 0.03), and ADG on BFT was greater than ADG on grass (p < 0.03). The rate constant of gas production of an in vitro rumen fermentation demonstrated a slower rate of microbial digestion for CMV than for BFT. The elevated ADG on BFT pastures may be due to greater non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) concentration and reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration combined with condensed tannins that protect proteins in the rumen but do not impede protein digestion in the abomasum and intestines.

Rendimiento de corderos alimentados con ensilaje como alimento total a base de nopal

This study aimed was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, and productive performance in lamb fed cactus pear silage associated with tropical forages. Forty male intact crossbred lambs, with an initial body weight of 18.85 ± 1.2 kg, were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 5 treatments and 8 replications. The treatments consisted of diets with different proportions of buffelgrass and wheat bran as sources of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in total feed silage (TFS) based on cactus pear: TFS1 - 279 g/kg of buffelgrass; TFS2 - 240 g/kg of buffelgrass and 17 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS3 - 198 g/kg of buffelgrass and 34 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS4 - 108 g/kg of buffelgrass and 74 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS5 – 118 g/kg of wheat bran. The lowest NDF intake was found in lambs that consumed TFS5 (402 g/d). The non-fibrous carbohydrates apparent digestibility was higher for TFS5, while the NDF apparent digestibility of TFS5 and TFS4 was higher than TFS1. Diets promoted an average daily weight gain of 180.8 g/d. Under experimental conditions, the use of forage cactus pear and concentrate in the form of total mixed rations silage leads to greater intake of crude protein, non-fibrous carbohydrates, ether extract and greater digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates and neutral detergent fiber, however, all diets were viable in the feed of confined sheep, providing gains of up to 198 g/d according with the formulation of the diet.

Bioconversion in Ryegrass-Fescue Hay by Pleurotus ostreatus to Increase Their Nutritional Value for Ruminant

Carbohydrates from lignocellulosic feed can be released by basidiomycete fungi for ruminal fermentation. This study aimed to evaluate the bioconversion of hay of ryegrass-fescue (Lolium perenne—Festuca arundinácea) by solid state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus, to obtain superior quality hay. After only 14 days of fermentation, crude protein (CP) (4.73 to 5.16%), and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) (20.84 to 25.04%) increased, while neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (68.72 to 64.87%) and acid detergent lignin (5.88 to 1.98%) decreased. The enzymatic biodegradation carried out by P. ostreatus was verified, through measurements of enzymatic activity. Lignin peroxidase (LiP) and laccase (Lac) reached the higher activity on day 14 (19.51 U/L and 34.17 U/L, respectively), whereas manganese peroxidase (MnP) displayed stability up to 21 days of fermentation (between 6.54 and 7.75 U/L). In conclusion, results indicate that lignocellulosic feed bioconversion by P. ostreatus is promising to improve the ruminal fermentation of fibrous feedstocks and 14 days were considered to be optimal for hay fermentation.

Integration of Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA Profiling Reveals the Mechanisms of Different Dietary NFC/NDF Ratios Induced Rumen Development in Calves.

Simple SummaryAltering carbohydrate source and form affects the development of the rumen epithelium. Calves fed diets with one of three different ratios of non-fibrous carbohydrate to neutral detergent fiber (NFC/NDF) was conducted to reveal putative mechanisms and pathways affected by and responsible for rumen development. Calves in the high NFC/NDF ratio (1.10) group had higher average daily gain, and ruminal papillae developed flatter than calves in the low NFC/NDF ratio (0.60) group. Transcriptomics identified that a large number of differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to rumen epithelia development including focal adhesion, Wnt signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. The lncRNA-mRNA network analysis revealed that some target genes including XLOC_068691 and monoamine oxidase B (MOAB), XLOC_023657 and dickkopf homolog 2 (DKK2), XLOC_064331 and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12A (PPP1R12A) were affected by the NCF/NDF ratios fed. The pathways and affected genes may serve as markers for the further investigation into the mechanisms regulating dietary and luminal factors impacting rumen development in growing ruminants.The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of dietary non-fibrous carbohydrate to neutral detergent fiber (NFC/NDF) ratios on rumen development of calves, and to investigate the mechanisms by integrating of lncRNA and mRNA profiling. Forty-five weaned Charolais hybrid calves [body weight = 94.38 ± 2.50 kg; age = 70 ± 2.69 d] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups with different dietary NFC/NDF ratios: 1.10 (H group), 0.94 (M group) and 0.60 (L group), respectively. The ventral sac of the rumen was sampled for morphological observation and transcriptional sequencing. The average daily gain of calves in the high NFC/NDF ratio group was significantly higher than that in other groups (p < 0.05). Papillae width was largest in high NFC/NDF ratio group calves (p < 0.05). Identified differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in pathways closely related to rumen epithelial development included focal adhesion, Wingless-int signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. The lncRNA-mRNA network included XLOC_068691 and MOAB, XLOC_023657 and DKK2, XLOC_064331 and PPP1R12A which we interpret to mean they have important regulatory roles in calve rumen development. These findings will serve as a theoretical basis for further analysis of the molecular genetic mechanism of dietary factors affecting rumen development in calves.

Effects of folic acid and riboflavin on growth performance, nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation in Angus bulls.

This study examined the influences of coated folic acid (CFA) and coated riboflavin (CRF) on bull performance, nutrients digestion and ruminal fermentation. Forty-eight Angus bulls based on a randomised block and 2 × 2 factorial design were assigned to four treatments. The CFA of 0 or 6 mg of folic acid/kg DM was supplemented in diets with CRF 0 or 60 mg riboflavin (RF)/kg DM. Supplementation of CRF in diets with CFA had greater increase in daily weight gain and feed efficiency than in diets without CFA. Supplementation with CFA or CRF enhanced digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral-detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrate. Ruminal pH and ammonia N content decreased and total volatile fatty acids concentration and acetate to propionate ratio elevated for CFA or CRF addition. Supplement of CFA or CRF increased the activities of fibrolytic enzymes and the numbers of total bacteria, protozoa, fungi, dominant fibrolytic bacteria and Prevotella ruminicola. The activities of α-amylase, protease and pectinase and the numbers of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Ruminobacter amylophilus were increased by CFA but were unaffected by CRF. Blood concentration of folate elevated and homocysteine decreased for CFA addition. The CRF supplementation elevated blood concentrations of folate and RF. These findings suggested that CFA or CRF inclusion had facilitating effects on performance and ruminal fermentation, and combined addition of CFA and CRF had greater increase in performance than CFA or CRF addition alone in bulls.

Ensiling Grape Pomace With and Without Addition of a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain: Effect on Polyphenols and Microbiological Characteristics, in vitro Nutrient Apparent Digestibility, and Gas Emission.

The present study investigated the effects of different grape pomace storage techniques on the effectiveness as feed on in vitro ruminant digestion efficiency. Grape pomace from an autochthonous red grape variety (cv Nero di Troia) was used as fresh (GP) or ensiled, both without additives (SIL) and with the addition of a bacterial strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 5BG (SIL+). All the different storage treatments were subject to chemical and microbiological evaluation, as well as in vitro digestibility, and gas production. Microbiological data revealed the good quality of grape pomace and silages due to the lactic acid bacteria populations and low presence, or absence, of undesirable microorganisms. The addition of L. plantarum 5BG influenced the chemical characteristics of the silage (SIL+). Ensiling technique deeply changed the polyphenolic composition, reducing anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavanols (condensed tannins precursors), particularly when L. plantarum 5BG was added. Antioxidant capacity was reduced by ensiling, in correlation with the polyphenolic content decrease. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of SIL+ was the lowest (P < 0.01) and its total phenol content was lower than SIL (P < 0.01). No statistical differences were observed between GP, SIL, and SIL+ on the antioxidant capacity by TEAC assay (P > 0.05). Ensiling did not affect the grape pomace nutrient profile, except for the reduction in NFC content. Apparent in vitro digestibility showed how ensiling increased dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) disappearance (P < 0.01), particularly with the L. plantarum 5BG inoculation. Moreover, SIL+ showed the lowest propionic acid (P < 0.05) and the highest methane (P < 0.01), butyric acid (P < 0.01), and nitrogen (P < 0.05) in vitro production. Ensiling GP resulted in a better in vitro digestibility, particularly if L. plantarum 5BG strain is added, probably due to the reduction of flavanols and their lower microbial activity inhibition.

Sugarcane replaced by cactus cladodes improves the ruminal dynamics of sheep

We evaluated the effect of the sugarcane replacement (Saccharum officinarum L.) by cactus cladodes (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) at different levels (0, 180, 360, 540 and 720 g kg-1 on a dry matter (DM) basis) in the diet of sheep on nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behaviour, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen and water balance, dry matter and fibre dynamics and ruminal parameters in sheep. Five castrated male crossbred sheep, with an initial average body weight (BW) of 63.38 ± 7.70 kg, were allocated in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The intakes of DM (P < 0.001), crude protein (CP) (P = 0.009), neutral detergent fibre content adjusted for ash and nitrogen compounds (NDFcp) (P = 0.0016), non-fibre carbohydrates (NFC) (P < 0.001), indigestible NDF (iNDF) (P = 0.0018) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) (P < 0.001) showed a quadratic effect, and the replacement levels on DM did not affect nutrient digestibility. Rumination (P = 0.001) and idle (P = 0.001) times decreased with increasing levels of cactus cladodes. Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) (P = 0.039) increased, and there was no effect on microbial nitrogen synthesis and microbial efficiency. The pools of DM (P = 0.037), NDF (P = 0.008) and indigestible NDF (iNDF) (P = 0.010) were reduced with increasing replacement levels. The DM ingestive (P = 0.005) and degradation (P = 0.005) rates increased, and the passage rate (P = 0.049) showed a quadratic response, with a maximum value of 0.035 h-1 estimated for 44% replacement. Intake (P = 0.004), degradation (P = 0.006) and passage (P = 0.016) rates of NDF, as well as the iNDF passage rate (P = 0.014), increased. The ruminal pH (P = 0.012) reduced with increasing replacement levels. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) (P = 0.020) showed a quadratic response over time, presenting an estimated maximum value of 17.9 mg dL-1 at 0.68 h after feeding. Regarding volatile fatty acids, there was an increase for acetate (P < 0.001), whereas propionate was not influenced. The butyrate (P < 0.001) concentration demonstrated a quadratic effect, with a maximum value of 14.1 mmol L-1. Replacing up to 440 g kg-1 DM of sugarcane by cactus cladodes is recommended to maximise ruminal dynamics and parameters and to improve nutrient use in sheep.

Flaxseed added to the diet of Alpine goats affects the nutrients intake and blood parameters.

The flaxseed is a nutraceutical food used as a source of α-linolenic acid, which can bring benefits to the health of mammals. This study was carried out to examine the effect of flaxseed inclusion in the diets on the intake of nutrients, body weight, and blood parameters of Alpine goats. Twenty-one adult females with an initial average weight of 41.06 ± 1.84kg were used in a completely randomized design, with four experimental treatments (0, 5, 10, and 15% of flaxseed in the total diet) and five replications per treatment. The intake of the dry matter presented a decreasing linear effect (P < 0.001), with a reduction of 53.5% between the control diet (0% of flaxseed) and 15% of flaxseed, but no effect was observed on weight gain (P > 0.05). Inclusion of flaxseed from 0 to 15% linearly decreased the intakes of organic matter, crude protein, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fiber, but increased the ether extract intake (P < 0.001). Regarding plasma concentration traits, increasing the flaxseed levels from 0 to 15% had linear positive effect on LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides (P < 0.05), but no effect on cholesterol, HDL, glucose, creatinine, and urea (P > 0.05). The inclusion of flaxseed in the diet for 80days changes the nutrients intake and blood parameters but shows no impact on body weight. However, further studies are required to determine the impact of flaxseed on the goat's health in the long term since there has been an increase in the concentration of triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL.

Effects of Increasing Levels of Palm Kernel Oil in the Feed of Finishing Lambs.

Simple SummaryPalm kernel oil (PKO) is extracted from an oleaginous seed fruit (Elaeis guineenses Jacq.) commonly cultivated in Brazil and can be used strategically as a ruminal fermentation modulator to improve animal performance. We conducted three experimental trials by increasing PKO levels in the diets of lambs. Although we observed low consumption of most nutrients, we also observed that feed conversion improved as the PKO inclusion level increased, indicating that the animals needed to consume less food to gain 1.0 kg of body weight. In addition, we observed that nutrient digestibility was not affected by the inclusion levels of PKO. We also did not observe differences in ruminal fermentation parameters but noted a reduction in the protozoan population. Therefore, we conclude that the inclusion of palm kernel oil may be beneficial to lambs and can lower the cost of feed in regions that contain an abundance of this byproduct.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm kernel oil (PKO) in a lamb diet on nutrient intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation parameters, and animal performance. Three experimental trials were conducted. The treatments consisted of varying levels of PKO included in the diet, with PKOzero = no PKO inclusion, PKO1.3 = 1.3% addition, PKO2.6 = 2.6% addition, PKO3.9 = 3.9% addition, and PKO5.2 = 5.2% addition, based on the total dry matter (DM) of the diet. With the inclusion of PKO in the diet, linear decreases in DM (p < 0.001), crude ash (p < 0.001), crude protein (CP) (p < 0.001), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.001), nonfibrous carbohydrate (NFC) (p < 0.001), and total digestible nutrient (TDN) (p = 0.021) intake were observed, as was an increase in ether extract (EE) intake (p < 0.001). The digestibility coefficients of NDF and NFC were not affected by PKO addition to the diet. However, the digestibility of DM (p = 0.035), EE (p < 0.001), CP (p < 0.001), and TDNs (p < 0.001) increased when PKO was added to the lambs’ diet. Reductions in N intake (p < 0.001), fecal nitrogen excretion (p < 0.001), and microbial protein production (p < 0.001) were noted with increasing PKO levels. Serum cholesterol increased (p < 0.001) while serum GGT enzyme concentrations in the blood decreased (p = 0.048) with increasing PKO levels. PKO addition had no effect on total weight gain and average daily gain; however, feed conversion improved (p = 0.001) with increasing PKO levels. The intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and growth performance of lambs with PKO1.3 added to their diet were similar to animals that did not receive PKO, meaning that PKO could be an alternative energy source for growing lambs because it does not harm animal performance and can lower the cost of feed.

Inclusion Prosopis juliflora Pod Meal in Grazing Lambs Diets: Performance, Digestibility, Ingestive Behavior and Nitrogen Balance.

Simple SummaryThis research investigated the interest in the replacement of ground corn by Prosopis juliflora pod meal in lambs’ diets. Mesquite or Vilayati babul (Prosopis juliflora (Sw) DC) is a drought resistant, evergreen, spiny tree with drooping branches and a deep laterally spreading root system, constituting a rich source of carbohydrates and proteins in an animal diet, with a crude energy concentration comparable to ground corn. In the present study, Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion in the diet of lambs replaced ground corn totally without affecting production and can become a an economically viable dietary ingredient for the animals’ grazing.Prosopis juliflora is an arboreal legume that concentrates its nutritive value in pods (fruits), constituting a rich source of carbohydrates and with a crude energy concentration comparable to ground corn. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of inclusion of Prosopis juliflora pod meal (0 or control, 250, 500 and 750 g/kg total DM) as a replacement for ground corn in the diet of lambs on performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen balance of lambs grazing in the Megathyrsus maximus pasture. Forty Santa Inês uncastrated lambs with an average body weight (BW) of 24.2 ± 0.55 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. There was a linear increase in the non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility with Prosopis juliflora pod meal supplementation in the diet of the lambs. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake, and digestibility and time spent ruminating were not affected by Prosopis juliflora meal supplementation. Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion increased time spent feeding and idling of lambs, however, without affecting spent time ruminating. Lambs fed with Prosopis juliflora pod meal presented greater final BW, gain: feed ratio, N-balance, microbial protein production ef-ficiency, N-urea urinary (NUU) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). However, the average daily weight (ADG), total weight gain and hot carcass yield as well as N ingested, N excreted in feces and urine, total purines, ab-sorbed purines and N microbial production in lambs were not influenced by Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion. The Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion up to the 750 g/kg level in the concentrate supplement totally replace ground corn in the diet of grazing lambs improving the NFC intake and NDF digestibility, supplement acceptability, microbial protein production efficiency and consequently the performance. The addition of Prosopis juliflora pod meal as a replacement for ground corn in the concentrate does not influence the microbial protein production; however, there was an improvement in the efficiency of microbial synthesis.

Performance, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance and Ingestive Behavior of Young Feedlot Bulls Supplemented with Palm Kernel Oil.

Simple SummaryVegetable oil can be used to increase energy density in diets; manipulate ruminal fermentation; alter nutrient degradation, digestion and absorption; and improve carcass characteristics and quality. Palm kernel oil (PKO) is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineenses), a plant of African origin adapted to tropical regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate PKO as a supplementary fat source in ruminant diets. Thus, two studies were developed to understand the effects of PKO inclusion on performance, ingestive behavior, nutrient digestibility, fermentation parameters and carcass characteristics. The results showed a reduction in dry matter intake with consequent negative effects on digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics due to the dietary inclusion of PKO. However, the addition of the lipid source reduced protozoa counts and the acetate/propionate ratio, important characteristics for reducing ruminal methanogenesis, in further studies.Vegetable oils can be used to increase energy density in diets; manipulate rumen fermentation; and alter the capacity for degradation, digestion and absorption of nutrients. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate palm kernel oil (PKO) in the diet of confined bulls with the inclusion of 0.0, 11.5, 23.0 and 34.6 g PKO/kg dry matter (DM). The first experiment evaluated nutrient intake, performance, ingestive behavior and carcass characteristics. In the second experiment, steers crossbred with a ruminal cannula were used to evaluate digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, short-chain fatty acid levels and protozoal counts. The results showed that the inclusion of PKO linearly reduced intake in kg/day (DM, crude protein—CP, neutral detergent fiber—NDFap, nonfibrous carbohydrates—NFC and total digestible nutrient—TDN) and digestibility (DM, NDFap and TDN). Ether extract intake increased quadratically with the predicted maximum intake of 15.4 g/kg DM. Regarding ingestive behavior, there was a quadratic increase in rumination time and a quadratic reduction in idle time. Nitrogen balance, nitrogen intake, nitrogen retention, microbial protein production, acetate, butyrate, acetate/propionate ratio and protozoa count showed linear decreases due to dietary PKO inclusion. Regarding the carcass characteristics, linear decreases were observed for the final weight, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot carcass yield, cold carcass yield, loin eye area and subcutaneous fat thickness. The inclusion of PKO at up to 34.6 g/kg DM in diets for confined bulls reduces intake, negatively affecting digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics.

Lignocellulose Degradation and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Soybean Incorporated Sorghum Silage Inoculated with Feruloyl-Esterase Producing Lactobacillus plantarum

Availability of feedstock is one of the uncertainties impeding cellulosic biofuel production, and conservation of whole crop biomass as silage is a promising method to ensure year-round feedstock availability for biofuel production. This study investigated lignocellulose degradation and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of a 90-d sorghum silage incorporated with soybean and inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum A1 in a three (0, 25, and 50%; soybean inclusions) by two (uninoculated and inoculated) factorial experiment. The results revealed that L. plantarum A1 inoculated silages had improved fermentation characteristics. The silages’ total N and non-fiber carbohydrate increased with L. plantarum A1 and soybean inclusion (p &lt; 0.05). Inoculation also increased the residual water-soluble carbohydrate by 33.9% (p &lt; 0.05). Inoculation and soybean inclusion significantly hydrolyzed the biomass’ lignocellulose, altered its morphology and microstructural matrix, increased production of ferulic acid and reduced the biomass crystallinity by 15.60% (p &lt; 0.05). L. plantarum A1 inoculation × soybean inclusion improved glucose yield and cellulose conversion during enzymatic saccharification compared to uninoculated treatments. Therefore, incorporating soybean into sorghum silage with L. plantarum A1 inoculation enhanced fermentation quality, lignocellulose degradation and enzymatic saccharification which could serve as a sure way for sustainable year-round feedstock supply for enhanced biofuel production.

Synchronization of rumen degradable protein with non-fiber carbohydrate on microbial protein synthesis and dairy ration digestibility.

Background and Aim:Dairy ration formulations should consider the synchronization of the rumen degradable protein (RDP) to rumen undegradable protein (RUP) ratio (RDPR) with non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) to achieve optimum microbial protein synthesis (MPS), reduce feed costs, and reduce N excretion to the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of RDPR and NFC synchronization on in vitro digestibility, fermentability, and MPS.Materials and Methods:The experiment used a 3×3 factorial randomized block design with four replications. The first factor was RDPR (RDPR1=50:50; RDPR2=55:45; RDPR3=60:40) and the second factor was NFC levels (NFC1=30%, NFC2=35%, NFC3=40%). The experimental diets were evaluated using a two-stage in vitro method. The examined parameters included rumen pH, NH3 concentration, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, the molar proportion of VFAs, rumen microbes (protozoa and total bacteria population), and MPS. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by the Duncan test.Results:The results show that neither RDPR nor NFC affected rumen pH, NH3, total VFA, and the rumen microbe population. The interaction between RDPR and NFC affected the molar proportion of acetate, iso-butyrate, and n-valerate. The combination of RDPR1 and NFC1 produced a lower molar proportion of acetate (49.73%) than the other treatment combinations (>54%). The acetate to propionate ratio was influenced by the NFC levels, in which NFC2 and NFC3 produced the highest ratio (p<0.05). MPS was affected by RDPR and NFC, but not by their interaction. Treatments NFC2 and RDPR3 produced the highest MPS. NFC affected the dry matter and organic matter digestibility (DMD and OMD), with treatment NFC3 resulting in the highest DMD and OMD.Conclusion:The combination of a 60:40 RDPR with 35% NFC resulted in the best synchronization of protein and energy available for MPS and digestion activity in the rumen.

Efeitos de antibióticos promotores de crescimento e do concentrado sobre o consumo, digestibilidade, degradabilidade e variáveis ruminais de novilhos de corte

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of antibiotic growth promoters to concentrate on intake, digestibility, in situ degradability and ruminal variables in steers. Four steers in a Latin square design were fed hay (ad libitum), concentrate [10g kg-1 of body weight (BW)] and mineral mix (0.272g kg-1 of BW). The additives (0.75mg kg-1 of BW) were incorporated in the mineral mix as follows: Control (no antibiotics), lasalocid (LASA), salinomycin (SALI) or virginiamycin (VIRG). Antibiotic did not affect intake, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein, ethereal extract, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The LASA and SALI tended (P=0.09) to reduce the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The SALI and VIRG tended (P=0.09) to reduce the DM disappearance, and VIRG tended (P=0.06) to reduce the NDF disappearance in the rumen. The SALI and VIRG reduced the effective degradation and only SALI reduced the concentration of N-NH3 in the rumen. Thus, the antibiotics did not affect intake, pH, VFA and digestibility, but decreased the degradation of fiber and only SALI reduced the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3) in the rumen.

Nutritive value of forages and diets in some small-scale dairy farms in Kiambu County, Kenya in the short rains season

Sixteen selected small-scale dairy farms were investigated in Kiambu County (Kenya) during the short rains seasonto develop a snapshot of the types of rations fed, milk yields obtained and sources of fodder. On average farmers had1 ha of land and 2.2 lactating cows yielding 8.93 kg milk/cow/d with feed intake of 10.5 kg DM/d. Only 35% of feedconsumed was produced on farm. Boma Rhodes grass hay and green Napier grass were the main forage components(37.9 and 28.3% of total DM). Protein forages used were the herbaceous legumes lucerne and desmodium (19.9 and15.9% CP, respectively) and leguminous shrubs (Leucaena, Calliandra and Sesbania with 21.1% CP and 43.4%aNDFom, on average). Grasses had higher aNDFom digestibility (47.1%) than legumes (39.7%). Napier grass, BomaRhodes grass, lucerne and desmodium had fiber digestibility of 51.9, 48.6, 46.8 and 32.6%, respectively. The energyand protein balances (actual vs. requirements) of the cows were on average -19.3 and -16.4%, respectively, indicatingthat cows utilized body tissues to produce the levels of milk obtained. Mutiple correspondence analysis showed that amilk yield higher than 9.1 kg/d was associated with a level of Boma Rhodes grass &lt;5 kg DM/d, concentration of nonfibrous carbohydrates in the diet &gt;22.0% (DM basis), concentrate level &gt;2.63 kg/cow/d and CP% in the ration &gt;9.1%. To improve milk yields during this season farmers should harvest grass forage at a younger age, include leguminous forage in the diets and increase the level of concentrates fed. These strategies should be demonstrated on farms to show possible benefits.