Non-fibrous Carbohydrates Research Articles

In vitro ruminal-microbial fermentation pattern: nutritional insights about some agricultural crop mesocarps (peel) in ruminant nutrition

Different agricultural crop wastes (ACW) such as mesocarps (peel) are annually produced after consuming their edible parts in the world without any scientific information about their nutritional potential. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the ruminal-microbial fermentation pattern and nutritional potential of some crop mesocarps (peel) including different species of melons (Watermelon, Galia melon, Rockmelon, Til sabz, and Til atashi) as well as cucumber and eggplant using common and standard laboratory methods. The amount of crude protein (CP) varied from 7.19 to 19.1% of dry matter (DM) for Til sabz and cucumber mesocarps, respectively. The highest (34.1% of DM) and lowest (15.4%) content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were related to eggplant and Til sabz peels, respectively (p < 0.05). The content of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) varied from 38.7% for eggplant peel to 66.6% for Til sabz. All mesocarps had a low DM percentage (4.88% of DM for cucumber to 8.45 for eggplant). Rockmelon peel had the highest amount of calcium (5.25 g/kg DM) and magnesium (5.75 g/kg DM) compared with the other mesocarps (p < 0.05). The highest amounts of potassium (33.4 g/kg of DM), sodium (7.15 g/kg of DM), and zinc (21 mg/kg of DM) were observed in the peels of watermelon, Til atashi, and cucumber, respectively (p < 0.05). The potential of ruminal-microbial gas production also differed from 55.6 ml/200 mg of DM for eggplant to 63.1 ml for Til sabz peel. Except for cucumber (8.75 MJ/kg of DM) and eggplant (8.71 MJ), other mesocarps (different melon species) had almost similar metabolizable energy (ME, 9.06–9.50 MJ/kg of DM). Among the studied mesocarps, the lowest ruminal-microbial DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility was also observed in eggplant and cucumber (p < 0.05). Gallia melon had the highest acid-base buffering capacity (267 mEq×10− 3, p < 0.05). According to our findings, the mesocarps of melons showed a higher nutritional value than the cucumber and eggplant. In general, Til sabz exhibited a notable favorite and superior nutritional characteristic compared with the other mesocarps.

Prediction Total Digestible Nutrient value of forage and feedstuffs from their chemical characteristics

Total Digestible Nutrient Value of forage and concentrate and nutritional characteristics and develop a prediction equation using the chemical composition variables as predictors. Nutrient chemical characteristics data were obtained from 278 forage and 87 feedstuffs. The data included dry and organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, fiber composition, and non-fiber Carbohydrate. Stepwise regression was used to eliminate variables that did not influence variation in the model and used 0.05 as the critical probability level. Data were then randomly divided into two parts; two-thirds of the data was used to estimate the Total Digestible Nutrient, whereas the remaining part was used to validate the estimated Total Digestible Nutrient and was analyzed by multiple linear regressions. Total Digestible Nutrient in forage was negatively correlated with Ether Extract, Acid Detergent Lignin, and Non-fibre Carbohydrate (P&lt;0.01) but positively correlated with Crude Protein (P&lt;0.01), ash, Neutral Detergent Fibre, and Acid Detergent Fiber. Total Digestible Nutrient in feedstuffs was negatively correlated with NFC (P&lt;0.01) but positively correlated with Neutral Detergent Fibre (P&lt;0.01), Acid Detergent Lignin (P&lt;0.01), Ether Extract (P&lt;0.01), Crude Protein (P&lt;0.01), ash, and Acid Detergent Fiber (P&lt;0.01). The results show that the Total Digestible Nutrient content can be accurately estimated starting from the chemical composition. Keywords: total digestible nutrient; forage; concentrate; feed analysis.

Impact of defibrillation technique on the rheological, thermo-mechanical, and nutritional properties of nanosuspensions produced from multiple fractions of pinhão seed (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze)

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of the mechanical defibrillation technique on the pinhão nanosuspensions production obtained from the whole pinhão, its coat, and almond. The nanosuspensions were characterized concerning their composition, morphology, thermal stability, rheological behavior, compound profiling, and cytotoxicity. The results revealed a significant fiber content in pinhão coat nanosuspension (63.12 ± 0.52 %) and non-fiber carbohydrates in whole pinhão (59.00 ± 0.13 %) and almond (74.39 ± 0.23 %) nanosuspensions. The defibrillation process led to micro/nano-sized fibers in pinhão coat nanosuspensions and small-size starch granules in almond nanosuspensions. The nanosuspensions containing pinhão coat exhibited a gel-like behavior, while almond nanosuspensions displayed liquid-like characteristics. Pinhão coat nanosuspensions presented a significant content of flavonoids and phytosterols, whereas almond-based nanosuspensions contained substantial sugar amounts. No cytotoxicity was observed at the concentrations evaluated. These findings demonstrated that the defibrillation technique impacted the properties of pinhão constituents, allowing their application in new product development.

Fermentation profile, chemical composition, and aerobic stability of cassava shoots silages with cactus pear

The aim was to evaluate the effect of the cactus pear levels (0, 15, 30, and 45%) in cassava shoot silages on the fermentation profile, chemical composition, and aerobic stability. Four treatments were tested with five repetitions, totaling 20 silos. The inclusion of cactus pear in cassava shoots silages promoted an increase in gas losses (P &lt; 0.001), buffering capacity (P &lt; 0.001), pH (P = 0.033), mineral matter (P &lt; 0.001), total carbohydrates (P &lt; 0.001), non-fiber carbohydrates (P &lt; 0.001) and a decreasing in dry matter (P &lt; 0.001), organic matter (P &lt; 0.001), ether extract (P = 0.002), and crude protein (P &lt; 0.001) content. A quadratic effect was observed for effluent losses (P &lt; 0.001), with greater effluent losses (94.78 kg/t natural matter) obtained with the inclusion of 30% cactus pear in cassava shoots silages. Cactus pear inclusion in cassava shoots silage promoted a reduction in the pH during oxygen exposure (P = 0.008). Including cactus pear in up to 45% of cassava silage, shoots cause changes in the fermentation and nutritional characteristics. However, values found in the silages are by good quality standards.

Effect of new strains of Lentilactobacillus buchneri as inoculants in sorghum silage on the fermentative profile, aerobic stability, and voluntary intake in lambs

ABSTRACT We evaluated the effects of various wild strains of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on the fermentation and aerobic stability of sorghum silages as well as on their intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal fermentation in lambs. Four Santa Inês × Dorper crossbred lambs with rumen fistulations were distributed using a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The experimental diets were as follows: silage without inoculation (Control), silage inoculated with a commercial inoculant (Lalsil As), silage inoculated with L. buchneri strain LB 50.4 (LB 50.4), and silage inoculated with L. buchneri strain LB 90.14 (LB 90.14). All inoculated silages and their total mixed ration (TMR) remained stable over 7 d of air exposure, while the control silage and its TMR lost their aerobic stability after ±40.96 h (P < 0.001). The silage containing LB 50.4 exhibited the lowest digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.037), organic matter (P = 0.037), and non-fibrous carbohydrates (P = 0.012). The diet based on LB 50.4 silage showed the highest acetate to propionate ratio (P = 0.005). The strains of L. buchneri used in this study effectively improved the aerobic stability of sorghum silage and the respective diets without compromising nutrient intake or ruminal fermentation.

Fresh aquaculture sludge management with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae: investigation on bioconversion performances

Aquaculture solid waste (ASW) is a nutrient rich material that can pose a significant environment challenge if not properly managed. This study investigated the potential of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae in converting this waste into biomass. Five substrates comprising chicken feed supplemented with varying proportions of fresh ASW (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) were formulated and evaluated for larval growth and waste bioconversion efficiency. High nutrients retention (N: 23.25 ± 1.40%; C: 21.94 ± 0.99%; S: 12.20 ± 1.33%) and feed conversion ratio (1.78 ± 0.08) were detected on substrate 100ASW, although the limited feeding rate (114.54 ± 5.38 mg dry substrate/larvae) and the high amount of indigestible fibres (ADF = 15.87 ± 0.24%; ADL = 6.36 ± 0.17%) were translated to low larval growth (final larval average weight: 66.17 ± 1.81 mg). Decreasing ASW content resulted in reduced fibres and ash, increase in non-fibrous carbohydrates and C/N ratio, and improved larval growth and substrate utilization. However, high larval metabolic activity suggested higher nutrients loss to the environment. Substrate 75ASW demonstrated the best performances in terms of larval production (final larval average weight: 176.30 ± 12.12 mg), waste reduction (substrate reduction corrected by percentage of ASW: 26.76 ± 0.86%) and nutrients assimilation (N: 22.14 ± 1.14%; C: 15.29 ± 0.82%; S: 15.40 ± 0.99%). This substrate closely aligned with optimal BSF rearing substrates reported in literature. Overall, this study highlights the potential of BSF larvae in managing fresh ASW, offering a dual benefit of waste reduction and insect biomass production.

The Impact of Genotype on Chemical Composition, Feeding Value and In Vitro Rumen Degradability of Fresh and Ensiled Forage of Native Maize (Zea mays L.) from Mexico

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the genotype on the chemical composition, feeding value and in vitro rumen degradability of fresh and ensiled forage of four native maize varieties (Amarillo, Olotillo, Tampiqueño and Tuxpeño) from Tamaulipas, Mexico, and a commercial hybrid, as well as the stability and aerobic deterioration of the silage. In all genotypes, fresh forage consisted of whole plants of maize that were harvested when the grain reached a milky-mass state, and silage was fresh forage chopped and ensiled in plastic bags, where it fermented for 120 days. The hybrid presented the highest content (p &lt; 0.05) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ether extract, non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFCs) and starch, as well as the lowest content (p &lt; 0.05) of fibers (NDF and ADF), acid detergent lignin and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs). Furthermore, the hybrid and Amarillo genotypes obtained the lowest pH and ammoniacal nitrogen content (p &lt; 0.05), intermediate values (p &lt; 0.05) of lactic and butyric acid, and the lowest and highest acetic acid content (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. Although OM did not differ (p &gt; 0.05) between states of the forage, the fresh forage presented a higher (p &lt; 0.05) content of DM, crude protein, NDF, ADF, WSCs, pH and butyric acid in all genotypes, while the rest of the parameters were higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the silage. However, Amarillo obtained the highest feeding value (p &lt; 0.05) in terms of DM intake, relative forage value, digestible energy, metabolizable energy and rumen degradability (DM, NDF and ADF), and between states of the forage, ensiled obtained the highest feeding value (p &lt; 0.05). During the aerobic exposure, the Amarillo and hybrid silage showed greater (p &lt; 0.05) stability (&gt;38 h), and less (p &lt; 0.05) deterioration, pH increase and loss of DM and OM, while Tuxpeño obtained less stability and greater deterioration. In conclusion, the genotype did influence the chemical composition of fresh and ensiled forage, which affected the feeding value and in vitro rumen degradability, and the Amarillo and hybrid genotypes presented the best values in the evaluated parameters.

Cutting schedule and species composition to improve energy‐to‐protein ratios in alfalfa‐based mixtures

AbstractEnergy‐to‐protein ratios have been suggested as a potential forage attribute related to nitrogen (N) use efficiency in dairy cows but how these ratios vary with the cutting management of alfalfa‐based mixtures is poorly known. Our objective was to determine the effect of cutting schedules of alfalfa‐based mixtures and their species composition on two forage energy‐to‐protein ratios from a large number of samples from four field experiments with previously published results on forage dry matter yield and nutritive value. The two energy‐to‐protein ratios were (1) nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) to crude protein (CP), NFC/CP, and (2) NFC to the sum of nonprotein N (NPN) and rapidly degradable protein fraction (PB1), NFC/(NPN + PB1). Cutting alfalfa‐based mixtures at the early bloom stage rather than at the early bud stage of alfalfa and taking a fall harvest increased mostly the NFC/CP ratio. Including at least one grass species with alfalfa had variable effects on the two ratios. Although several grass species were tested, we cannot conclude on the best grass species to use. Observed increases in the energy‐to‐protein ratios, however, were relatively small (&lt;8%) and not always consistent in different experiments. Because the relative changes in the energy (NFC) and protein (CP or NPN + PB1) components of the ratios often varied in the same direction when induced by cutting schedules or the presence of grasses with alfalfa, opportunities to improve energy‐to‐protein ratios with those practices remain limited.

345 Bioconversion Treatment of Corn Stover Can Create Cheap Feed Resource for Limited Resource Farmers

Abstract The study aimed to improve the nutritive value of corn stover to provide a viable and sustainable source of cheap feed resource for ruminant production since feed is the single largest cost in any livestock enterprise. Corn stover is the largest non-food biomass available in the United States. It could be a low-cost feed, but high lignocellulose content limits both digestibility and nutritive value. Some fungi, especially white rot fungi (WRF), are known to selectively degrade fiber lignin and secrete bioactive compounds that could benefit digestibility and feed value. Pleurotus ostreatus is a mushroom-forming WRF. We tested corn stover fermented with P. ostreatus for improvement in nutrients and digestibility (Table 1). Two ruminally cannulated dairy cows were used in an in vitro study to test the effect of P. ostreatus use in solid state fermentation on the chemical composition in corn stover. The experiment was 2 x 3 factorial design with 4 replicates sampled at 6, 24 and 48 h on treated and untreated (control) corn stover. The dry matter disappearance (DMd) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production (Table 2). Treatments were 1) untreated corn stover as control, and 2) corn stover treated with P. ostreatus. Crude protein (CP) and ash were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) impacted with 52.9 and 31.2% increment in CP and ash respectively for treated samples. We noted an increase (P &amp;lt; 0.001) of 106 to 681% in microbial yield in treated vs untreated samples which demonstrated a greater potential for increased microbial protein synthesis. Acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose were significantly reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.001) by 6.71, 18.2 and 37.8%, respectively for the treated samples. Non-fiber carbohydrate was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) impacted with a 118% increment and both DMd and total VFA were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) greater, ranging between 40.9 to 240% and 5.85 to 11.2%, respectively (Table 3). Additionally, the rumen fermentation pathway favored the production of propionate with a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) treatment and time effect that resulted in 9.37 - 14.0% increment in propionate production for the treated samples. Consequently, a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) effect was observed in acetate production with 1.76 - 4.01% reduction, which resulted in 7.09 - 11.42% reduction in A:P ratio for the treated samples (Table 4). The study showed that bioconversion can improve the feeding value of corn stover to provide an economical novel feed resource, and that corn stover spent mushroom substrate could potentially substitute conventional feeds to support animal requirements. Although actual cow performance remains to be determined experimentally via feeding studies, we are convinced that bioconversion of agricultural waste from crop farming could be a functional system approach to alleviate the feed cost challenges faced by socially disadvantaged and limited-resource farmers.

PSIV-21 Comparing the Nutritional Value and the Trade-Off Between Sugars and Starch of Male-Sterile with Non-Sterile Sorghum Hybrids

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the effect male-sterile versus non-sterile sorghum hybrids on nutritional value with emphasis on carbohydrates. The experiment was conducted on a dairy farm in West Texas under center pivot irrigation. Two male-sterile (Non-BMR, F465; and BMR12, F430) and three non-sterile sorghum hybrids (non-BMR F10; BMR12, F382, and F431; Richardson Seeds) were used in a split-plot design to reduce cross-pollination. Because of westerly prevailing winds, male-sterile hybrids were allocated to the west and non-sterile hybrids to the east, plots were blocked by irrigation section, and replicated 3 times. Plots were harvested 148 days after seeding with non-sterile hybrids after the hard dough stage and male-sterile hybrids 7 weeks after boot stage and harvested with a self-propelled forage harvester with a theoretical length of cut of 12 mm and roll gap setting at 2 mm. Duplicate samples of freshly chopped forage were obtained from each plot and immediately placed into a cooler with ice until harvest was completed. Samples were then frozen until shipped to Rock River laboratory where near-infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed. In addition, water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and NDFD at 30h were analyzed with wet chemistry methods. The statistical analysis was performed using mixed linear regression models (GLIMMIX procedure of SAS). Type (Sterile and non-Sterile), trait (BMR12 and non-BMR) and its interaction were included as predictor variables in all models. Normal distribution of residuals was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk test (P &amp;gt; 0.05) and visual diagnostic of residual plots. A summary of the results is presented in Table 1. WSC was 2.5-fold greater for the sterile hybrids when compared with non-sterile, whereas starch was 2.2-fold greater for non-sterile when compared with sterile hybrids (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Non-fiber carbohydrates were greater for non-sterile over sterile sorghum hybrids (P &amp;lt; 0.0001); however, non-sterile hybrids were past the optimal stage of harvest (soft dough), which would result in poor digestibility of grain starch and protein. In addition, crude protein (CP) was less for sterile than non-sterile (8.29% and 10.2% respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Compared with non-sterile hybrids, male sterile hybrids DM was decreased (28.4% and 40.8%, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.0001) due to its proportionally greater vegetative plant parts compared with reproductive plant parts. The trade-off between WSC and starch in male-sterile sorghum hybrids is because sugars are not translocated to the grain where starch is developed as in non-sterile hybrids. This research indicates that concerns about low sorghum starch digestibility can be overcome by using male-sterile sorghum hybrids that will, at least partially, compensate for the reduced starch yield by increasing water-soluble carbohydrates storage.

PSII-14 Chemical Composition of Tropical Forage Fertilized with Different Sources of Nitrogen Fertilizers

Abstract Nitrogen fertilization can improve the chemical composition of tropical forages, as nitrogen is required at all stages of plant development. The aim of this study was to verify the chemical composition of Urochloa brizantha cv. marandu fertilized with different sources of nitrogen fertilizers from the following treatments: without nitrogen fertilization (CO), fertilization with urea (UR), fertilization with ammonium nitrate (NI) and fertilization with ammonium sulfate (SA). The study was carried out from December 2021 to April 2022, in the cerrado biome of Brazil at the FCAV/UNESP Forage Sector, Jaboticabal Campus, during the rearing phase of Nelore cattle, non-castrated males kept on pasture, managed in a continuous stocking system and variable load capacity. In treatments with fertilization, 150 kg of N· ha-1 were applied, divided into 3 applications. The design used was in randomized blocks (DBC). The evaluation of the chemical composition of the forage was carried out from collections every 28 days of samples of the fraction of the forage consumed by the animals through the hand-plucking method. The samples were dried at 55ºC for 72 hours and ground in a Willey mill, with a 1 mm mesh sieve. The chemical composition of the forage was estimated by spectroscopy in the near infrared light region, NIRS (Near Infrared Spectrometer), using a modular FT-NIR spectrometer. The data obtained were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05), using the statistical program R, version 3.4.4. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased the organic matter content of the forage (P = 0.001). The organic matter content of the non-fertilized treatment was 91.97%, while the average of the fertilized treatments was 92.22%. The percentage of crude protein in the forage also showed a significant difference (P &amp;lt; 0.001) between the non-fertilized treatment, which had an average of 10.64%, and the fertilized treatments, which had an average of 17.75%. The neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber components also differed from the application of nitrogen fertilizer (P &amp;lt; 0.001) but did not differ between the types of fertilizers. The neutral detergent fiber content was significantly different (P &amp;lt; 0.001) between the non-fertilized treatment (59.21%) and the fertilized treatments (54.30%). The observed data for acid detergent fiber were 31.46% for the treatment without the use of fertilizers and 30.24% for the treatments with the use of fertilizers. Non-fibrous carbohydrates and liguinin components were also analyzed, but showed no difference between treatments, P = 0.078 and P = 0.209, respectively. This study confirms that the chemical composition of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu can be significantly improved through the application of nitrogen fertilizers. However, our results showed no significant difference between the types of fertilizers tested.

347 Effects of Inoculation Period on the Nutritive Value of Pleurotus Ostreatus Treated Corn Stover

Abstract The objective of the study was to optimize and improve the feeding value of corn stover. Despite the documented ability of Pleurotus ostreatus to selectively delignify crop residues, it is not widely used for ruminant fiber digestion partly due to extended pretreatment time. Optimization of crop residues is influenced by enzymatic activities of fiber degrading enzymes and dependent on the stage of P. ostreatus growth. Thus, optimizing the inoculation period for lignin removal by P. ostreatus is important to improve and increase success on lignocellulose feed resources utilization. Therefore, we hypothesized a difference in nutritive value for different inoculation periods for P. ostreatus spent substrates. Two ruminally cannulated dairy cows were used in an in vitro study arranged in a 3 x 5 factorial design with 4 replicates to evaluate the effects of inoculation period [0 (control), 2, 4, 6 and 8 wk] on P. ostreatus spent substrates at 6, 24 and 48 h of fermentation on chemical composition, dry matter disappearance (DMd) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) non-linear treatment effect across the inoculation period was observed in the treated samples (Table 1). An increase of 44.4 to 59.1% and 20.6 to 78.6% was noted for the crude protein and ash contents, respectively. Also, significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) incubation time effect across the inoculation period resulted in a wide variation (22.6 - 755%) in the microbial mass with greater values for 2- and 4-wk treatments. Neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) reduced with a range between 7.29 to 18.7% and 26.6 to 40.8%, respectively (Table 3). Inconsistent positive and negative outcomes across the periods in acid detergent fiber, lignin and cellulose resulted in significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) 116 and 121% increment in non-fiber carbohydrates for 2 and 4-wk treatments, respectively. Consequently, both DMd and total VFA were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) greater, ranging between 238 to 242% and 13.9 to 15.1% respectively for these treatments (Table 2). Additionally, the rumen fermentation pathway favored production of propionate with significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) treatment and time effect that resulted in 7.46 and 8.30% increment in propionate production after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. Consequently, significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) reduction was observed in acetate with 4.44 and 3.58%, and 11.7 and 11.1% in A:P ratio for 2 and 4 wk, respectively. High butyrate production was observed for 2 wk in comparison with 4 wk resulting in 18.3 and 9.86% increment, respectively, when compared with control (Table 4). The study showed that 2 wk of inoculation is sufficient to provide bio-transformed cow-calf feed resource from P. ostreatus treated corn stover, which is contrary to 30 days (4 wk) previously recommended.

Influence of different growing stages of whole-plant soybeans on their nutrient content and silage quality for cattle

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effects of growing stage (GS) on morphological and chemical composition of whole-plant soybean (WPS), and fermentative profile and chemical composition of whole-plant soybean silage (SS). This study was divided into two trials conducted in a complete randomised block design. The first trial evaluated the effect of GS from R1 to R8 (59–135 d after sowing) on morphological and chemical composition of WPS and its botanical components. The second trial determined the effects of GS from R3 (71 d after sowing) to R7 (124 d after sowing) on dry matter (DM) losses, fermentative profile, chemical composition and aerobic stability of SS. The proportion of leaves in WPS was reduced, while stem and pod proportions were increased as the GS progressed. Ensiling WPS at R6 and R7 decreased the contents of acetic acid, lactic acid and branched-chain fatty acids, and ethanol, and increased the contents of propionic acid and NH3-N. However, silage butyric acid concentrations in R6 and R7 were relatively high (18.1 and 19.9 g/kg DM, respectively). Butyric acid and buffering capacity varied according to GS with the lowest values observed in silages derived from GS R3, R5 and R7, and the highest values observed in silages made from GS R5. Later GS resulted in greater contents of DM, crude protein and ether extract, and lower contents of acid detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrate in SS. The high fat of SS produced from later GS limits high inclusion levels in ruminant diets. Morphological components impacted chemical composition of SS, whereas the R7 stage improved fermentative profile and resulted in an SS with greater in situ degradability of DM and neutral detergent fibre.

Microbiota and Nutrient Portraits of European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Rumen Contents in Characteristic Southern German Habitats

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are found in various habitats, from pure forest cultures to agricultural areas and mountains. In adapting to the geographically and seasonally differentiating food supply, they depend, above all, on an adapted microbiome. However, knowledge about the microbiome of wild ruminants still needs to be improved. There are only a few publications for individual species with a low number of samples. This study aims to identify a core microbiota for Bavarian roe deer and present nutrient and microbiota portraits of the individual habitat types. This study investigated the roe deer’s rumen (reticulorumen) content from seven different characteristic Bavarian habitat types. The focus was on the composition of nutrients, fermentation products, and the rumen bacterial community. A total of 311 roe deer samples were analysed, with the most even possible distribution per habitat, season, age class, and gender. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations and microbial composition were identified for the factors habitat, season, and age class. The highest crude protein content (plant protein and microbial) in the rumen was determined in the purely agricultural habitat (AG), the highest value of non-fibre carbohydrates in the alpine mountain forest, and the highest fibre content (neutral detergent fibre, NDF) in the pine forest habitat. Maximum values for fibre content go up to 70% NDF. The proportion of metabolites (ammonia, lactate, total volatile fatty acids) was highest in the Agriculture-Beech-Forest habitat (ABF). Correlations can be identified between adaptations in the microbiota and specific nutrient concentrations, as well as in strong fluctuations in ingested forage. In addition, a core bacterial community comprising five genera could be identified across all habitats, up to 44% of total relative abundance. As with all wild ruminants, many microbial genera remain largely unclassified at various taxonomic levels. This study provides a more in-depth insight into the diversity and complexity of the roe deer rumen microbiota. It highlights the key microorganisms responsible for converting naturally available nutrients of different botanical origins.

Influence of Select Dietary Trace Minerals and their Levels on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Minerals Balance in Male Goats.

A study was conducted on eighteen male goats to evaluate the effect of incremental levels of select dietary trace minerals on growth performance, nutrient utilization and minerals balance. Animals (16.65 ± 0.53kg average BW) were randomly divided into three groups and fed a basal diet to meet the requirement of all the nutrients except select trace minerals for 60 days. Groups were T1 (0.204 ppm Se, 35.29 ppm Zn, 7.37 ppm Cu, 39.79 ppm Mn), T2 (0.504 ppm Se, 55.29 ppm Zn, 17.37 ppm Cu, 59.79 ppm Mn), and T3 (0.804 ppm Se, 75.29 ppm Zn, 27.37 ppm Cu, 79.79 ppm Mn). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) (% BW) was lower (P < 0.05) in T3 as compared to other groups however, average daily gain (ADG) in body weight (P = 0.113) and feed: gain ratio (P = 0.102) showed subtle improvement in T2 and T3 groups. Feeding of higher levels of select trace minerals did not affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients, or plane of nutrition, however, the digestibility of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) increased (P = 0.004) in T2 and T3 groups than T1. The balance of N, Ca, P and Cu did not differ among the groups but balance of Zn, Mn and Se increased in T2 and T3 groups than T1 group. It is concluded that feeding higher levels of Zn (75.29 ppm), Cu (27.37 ppm), Mn (79.79 ppm) and Se (0.804 ppm) in combination, improved NFC digestibility, retention of Zn, Mn and Se and had subtle beneficial effects on the growth performance of male goats.

Cactus cladodes for dairy goats: what is the best fiber source?

This study evaluated the effect of different fiber sources supplied with cactus cladodes in diets on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield, and composition of dairy goats. The fiber sources were corn silage, sorghum silage, Digitaria pentzii Stent. hay, and sugarcane bagasse. Twelve Saanen goats with an average weight of 48.9 ± 7.3 kg and average production of 2.8 ± 0.7 kg of milk/day were assigned in three simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares (four animals, four treatments, and four experimental periods). There was no difference between the fiber sources for intake (P > 0.05) of dry matter (2.58 kg/day), organic matter (2.30 kg/day), crude protein (0.385 kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (0.895 kg/day), non-fibrous carbohydrates (0.858 kg/day), and metabolizable energy (5.66 Mcal/day). Also, the fiber sources did not influence dry matter and nutrient digestibility (P > 0.05). The association of cactus cladodes with silages, hay, and sugarcane bagasse did not change milk production, milk production corrected for 3.5% of fat and corrected for energy (2.78; 2.53 and 2,55 kg/day, respectively), in addition to milk composition (P > 0.05). No differences were observed in ingestive behavior (P > 0.05). Any fiber sources evaluated are recommended.

Comparing the predictive ability of Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery and a proximal hyperspectral sensor for the estimation of pasture nutritive characteristics in an intensive rotational grazing system

Using remote sensing to estimate the nutritive characteristics of pasture in livestock systems is a rapidly developing area that has the potential to improve pasture management and utilisation and in turn improve livestock productivity. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 paired satellites have shown promise in predicting pasture nutritive characteristics and have a pixel size small enough to be able to identify intra-paddock nutrient variation in rotational dairy grazing systems where paddock sizes are small. This study sought to develop nutrient prediction models using a dataset of nine Sentinel-2A and -2B satellite images, by linking imagery to perennial ryegrass dairy pasture samples cut within known pixels of the images in the days directly after each cloud-free overpass. Just before destructive pasture sampling, a handheld, proximal, hyperspectral sensor was used to gather spectral signatures (400–2500 nm) from areas to be sampled. Pasture samples (n = 200) were analysed using wet chemistry techniques for seven nutritive characteristics. The dry matter concentration of the samples was also measured, creating eight variates to be modelled in total. The Sentinel-2 data from within the selected pixels was extracted and used to create input features for Random Forest prediction models. Input features included the raw multispectral bands, common vegetation indices, and independent variables ‘season’ and ‘month’. Predictive models were also developed from the hyperspectral sensor data using Partial Least Squares Regression. For both modelling types, variable selection was used to reduce model inputs to only those sensitive to each nutrient. Results comparing the final models in an independent validation test showed similar predictive performance of the Sentinel-2 satellite and the proximal hyperspectral sensor for all variates of interest, shown by mean absolute errors that were not significantly different. In each case, the dry matter concentration was the best predicted variable (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) > 0.90) with excellent potential to be quantified by Sentinel-2 satellites. Crude protein, metabolisable energy, neutral detergent fibre, non-fibre carbohydrate, and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations were also predicted with good to moderate accuracy by both sensors (LCCC between 0.50 and 0.80). These models would be sufficiently accurate for making qualitative predictions (e.g., grouping into high to low categories). Ash and acid detergent fibre concentrations were poorly predicted (LCCC < 0.50) and these models would not be recommended for further use. It was concluded that multispectral data from Sentinel-2 has great potential to estimate pasture nutrient concentrations for intensively grazed pastures such as those used in dairy systems in temperate regions.

Partial substitution of concentrate with Parkia biglobosa foliage improves feed utilisation and performance of goats

Abstract This study investigated the response of intake, ruminal fermentation, digestibility, N utilisation and growth performance in goats fed concentrate partially substituted with Parkia biglobosa foliage (PBF). Fifteen goats were randomly assigned to a control concentrate diet (PBF0) which was partially substituted with 25% PBF (PBF25) or 50% PBF (PBF50) on dry matter (DM) basis. Concentrate, TST and non-fibre carbohydrates intakes (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.001), digestible organic matter (DOM; linear, P=0.001) and urinary N (linear, P=0.039) decreased with increased PBF level. Condensed tannins intake, fibre fractions and cellulose digestibility, faecal N (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.05) and ruminal pH (quadratic, P=0.001) increased with increasing PBF level. Average daily gain, DM and crude protein (CP) digestibility, N intake and retention (quadratic, P&lt;0.05), organic matter and hemicellulose digestibility, DM and nutrient intakes, energy concentration, ruminally-fermented DOM and microbial protein synthesis (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.05), and digestible CP and volatile fatty acids (linear, P&lt;0.05) increased as PBF level increased. Feed:gain ratio and total N excretion (quadratic, P&lt;0.05), and ruminal total N and ammonia N (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.05) decreased in PBF25. It is concluded that PBF is a cost-effective alternative supplement which could reduce the quantity of concentrate for goat feeding by 50%.

Effect of alfalfa supplementary change dietary non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) to neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio on rumen fermentation and microbial function in Gansu alpine fine wool sheep (Ovis aries)

Bodyweight loss and rumen microbial dysfunction of grazing sheep was a challenge for the sheep production industry during cold season, which were considered to correlated with under-roughage-feeding. Alfalfa is a good roughage supplementary for ruminants, which can improve grazing sheep bodyweight-loss and rumen microbial dysfunction during grass-withering period. This study evaluated the effects of alfalfa hay supplementary change dietary non-fibrous carbohydrate/neutral detergent fiber (NFC/NDF) ratios on rumen fermentation and microbial function of Gansu alpine fine wool sheep during extreme cold season. 120 ewes (3–4 yrs) with an average body weight of 28.71 ± 1.22 kg were allocated randomly into three treatments, and fed NFC/NDF of 1.92 (H group), 1.11 (M group), and 0.68 (L group), respectively. This study was conducted for 107 d, including 7 d of adaption to the diets. The rumen fermentation parameters and microbial characteristics were measured after the end of feeding trials. The results showed that the concentrations of sheep body weight, nitrogen components (Total-N, Soluble protein-N and Ammonia-N), blood biochemical indices (LDH, BUN and CHO) and ruminal volatile fatty acids (TVFA and propionate) significantly increased with an increase in the proportion of NFC/NDF ratios (p < .05), and the acetate and acetate/propionat ratio presented a contrary decreasing trend (p < .05). A total of 1018 OTUs were obtained with 97% consistency. Ruminococcus, Ruminococcaceae and Prevotella were observed as the predominant phyla in ruminal fluid microbiota. Higher NFC/NDF ratios with Alfalfa supplementary increased the richness and diversity of ruminal fluid microbiota, and decreased ruminal fluid microbiota beta-diversity. Using clusters of orthologous groups (COG), the ruminal fluid microbiota of alfalfa supplementary feeding showed low immune pathway and high carbohydrate metabolism pathway. In summary, the study suggested that there was an increasing tendency in dietary NFC/NDF ratio of 1.92 in body weight, ruminal fermentation, microbial community composition and fermentation characteristics through developing alfalfa supplementary system.

Eating time of dairy cows: a study focusing on commercial farms

The association of daily eating times (ET) of dairy cows, measured by wearable sensors, with diet composition, feeding practices, and performance was investigated. About 800 lactating cows of two breeds (Holstein Friesian – HF and Italian Simmental - IS) reared on 14 commercial farms were considered. Cows were grouped into ET classes (ETC, min/d): ETC-1 ≤ 180; ETC-2 from > 180 to ≤ 220; ETC-3 from > 220 to ≤ 260; ETC-4 from > 260 to ≤ 300; and ETC-5 > 300. Low ETC was positively associated with ether extract, crude protein, nonfibre carbohydrates, and neutral detergent fibre digestibility, and negatively associated with acid detergent lignin and particle size. A higher frequency of feed pushing per day seemed to be able to increase ETC. The relationship between ETC and performance, adjusted for breed, diet composition, days in milk, and parity, showed that cows with the highest ETC were more productive compared to those with shorter ETC (31.9 vs. 27.0 kg/d of milk) without significant changes in milk composition. Moving from short to long ETC, there was a linear reduction in urea, somatic cells, and body condition score. On the contrary, there was a positive association between ETC and time spent ruminating. Considering differences between breeds, HF had a higher milk yield, ruminated 20 min more, and had a higher ET (255 vs. 228 min/d) than IS. The study provides preliminary results for future research to better define the role of ET in the overall feed efficiency and health status of cows.