Oat Hay Research Articles

Effect of Oat Hay as a Substitute for Alfalfa Hay on the Gut Microbiome and Metabolites of Yak Calves.

To evaluate the impact of different roughages on the intestinal microbiota of yak calves, we fed them oat hay in substitution of alfalfa hay, in addition to milk replacer and starter powder. Twenty-one 45-day-old male yak calves were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the milk replacer + starter + alfalfa hay group (AH), the milk replacer + starter + oat hay group (OH), and the milk replacer + starter + mixed hay group (AO), in which the alfalfa hay and oat hay were administered in a 1:1 ratio. All calves in the three groups were fed the same milk replacer and an equivalent amount of dry matter. The formal experiment commenced after a 21-day pre-test period and lasted for 120 days. Following the experiment, the contents of the jejunum and colon were collected to investigate the intestinal microbiota and metabolites using 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS metabolomics. The result showed that the AO group had greater final body weights overall than the AH group and OH group (p < 0.05). The AH group and OH group had considerably greater feed-to-gain ratios than the AO group (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, the OH group exhibited an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota in the jejunum (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota in the colon was increased in the AO group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the AO group exhibited a decreased abundance of Clostridium sensu_stricto_1 (p < 0.05), and the OH group showed an increased abundance UCG-005 and Alistipes in the jejunum. There were many differential metabolites in the OH group and AO group compared to the AH group, and the different metabolites of the OH group were associated with the metabolic pathways of the nervous system, sensory system, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism in the jejunum and with lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and the nervous system in the colon. In the AO group, these metabolites were associated with the digestive system and the translation and metabolism of cofactors in the jejunum and with the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins in the colon. In summary, it is feasible to replace alfalfa hay with oat hay based on milk replacer and starter. The combination of the two forages enhanced nutrient absorption, improved immune function, maintained the internal homeostasis of yak calves, and was more beneficial to their growth and development.

Site-specific effects of fertilizer on hay and grain yields of oats: evidence from large-scale field experiments.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a valuable crop due to its strong adaptability to marginal environments, making it an important component of agricultural systems in regions where other cereals may not thrive. The application of chemical fertilizer can influence oat hay and grain yield significantly. However, large-scale meta-analytical studies of the size and variability of oat hay and grain yields in response to fertilizer addition are still lacking. Based on 83 studies worldwide, this meta-analysis quantifies the impact of the addition of fertilizer on oat hay and grain yields under varying environmental conditions (e.g., soil nutrient levels, texture, and climate). The results confirmed that the fertilizer application increased oat hay yield by 48.9% and grain yield by 36.2%. This study demonstrated that balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium generally enhances oat hay and grain yield despite large temporal and spatial variations. Boosted regression tree (BRT) models suggest that changes in hay and grain yield were primarily dominated by soil pH and nitrogen fertilizer. The response ratio (the natural logarithm of the mean values of hay yield or grain yield with and without fertilization, respectively) of hay yield declined linearly with soil pH. Elevation was the second most important factor affecting the change in response ratio of hay yield and the third most important factor affecting the change in response ratio of grain yield but climatic conditions were not the dominant factors affecting changes in oat hay or grain yield. Overall, these results will benefit producers considering site-specific fertilization management of oat. They could increase yields and save investment in fertilizer, and help to facilitate the genetic breeding of oat varieties with high nutrient use efficiency. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of enriched biochar on methane emissions, rumen microbial structure and rumen fermentation characteristics in Holstein steers

Nutritional strategies, such as oil inclusion or addition of 3-Nitrooxypropanol, to reduce methane emissions from ruminants show promise, but have not been as effective in low quality or roughage based diets. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of enriched biochar on methane production and fermentation characteristics in an oaten hay diet. This study used a 3 × 3 Latin square design, where 3 fistulated Holstein steers (790 ± 100 kg initial body weight) were fed a basal diet of oaten hay, with either 1) oaten pellets (Control), 2) Oaten pellets containing biochar at 1 % of dietary DM; or 3) Oaten pellets containing enriched biochar at 1 % DM. Each period lasted for 21 d, including 14 d dietary adaptation and 7 d experimental measurement. Rumen samples were collected on d 17–21 for determination of liquid and solid associated microbes, and rumen fermentation characteristics. The sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique was used to quantify methane emissions. Body weights (kg), dry matter and organic matter intakes (DMI and OMI), methane production (g/d), methane intensity (g kg-1 BW) and methane yield (g kg-1 DMI) were similar (P ≥ 0.12) across the three treatment groups. Similarly, total VFA concentration and individual percentages of VFA were similar across treatments (P ≥ 0.16). Microbes in the solid and liquid fractions showed little differences among treatments (P ≤ 0.049) indicating that biochar included in an oaten hay diet, whether standard or enriched, had little effect on rumen fermentation, microbial communities or methane emissions in Holstein steers.

Impact of Forage Sources on Ruminal Bacteriome and Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Steers During the Late Fattening Stages.

This study examined the effects of different forage sources on the ruminal bacteriome, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers during the fattening stage. In Korea, where high-concentrate feeding is common, selecting suitable forage is crucial for sustainable beef production. Fifteen 23-month-old Hanwoo steers, weighing an average of 679.27 ± 43.60 kg, were fed the following five different forage sources: oat hay (OAT), rye silage (RYE), Italian ryegrass (IRS), barley forage (BAR), and rice straw silage (RSS), alongside 1.5 kg of dry matter concentrate daily for five months. Carcass traits were evaluated post-slaughter, and rumen fluid samples were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the bacteriome composition. The forage source significantly affected the alpha-diversity indices and bacteriome biomarkers linked to the feed efficiency and ruminal fermentation. Differences in the backfat thickness and meat yield index were noted, with alpha-diversity indices correlating with carcass traits. The phylum Planctomycetota, especially the family Thermoguttaceae, was linked to nitrogen fixation in high-protein diets like IRS, while the genus Limimorpha emerged as a biomarker for the meat yield. These findings highlight the importance of forage selection during late fattening to optimize beef production, considering diet and bacteriome shifts.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile, and meat quality of male goat kids supplemented by alternative feed resources: bitter vetch and sorghum grains

Abstract. Bitter vetch and sorghum grains are alternative local feed resources that are underutilized in the southern Mediterranean area. This study aimed to assess the effects of incorporating these grains into the diet of local goat breeds on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Twenty-four goat kids were divided into three groups. The control group received a conventional diet consisting of oat hay, barley, and fava beans. In the first group, fava beans were replaced with bitter vetch, and in the second group, barley was replaced with sorghum. At the end of the trial, the animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profiles of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were determined. Alternative grain incorporation had no significant effect on the growth parameters. Still, it significantly affected carcass characteristics, especially in the sorghum group compared to the control group, where mesenteric fat was lower (266 vs. 437 g). The back color was lighter (L*=55.1 vs. 59.1) and less yellow (a*=-1.29 vs. 2.22). The diet also influenced the meat's chemical composition, with less protein and ash in the chevrons of animals receiving bitter vetch and sorghum grains, respectively. Regarding the fatty acid (FA) profile, sorghum grains had decreased C18:2 n-6 and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), whereas bitter vetch grains had increased C18:3 n-3, elongase activity, and nutritive value index (NVI). The control group exhibited intermediate results for C15:0, C16:0, C16:1, C20:3 n-3, n-3, health promoting index (HPI), and thrombogenic index (TI). No significant effects were reported for saturated FA (SFA) and monounsaturated FA (MUFA). Bitter vetch and sorghum grains can be safely incorporated into fattening diets of goat kids.

The Potential of Three Vetch Species in Enhancing Feed Intake and Body Weight Gain of Growing Male Lambs

An experiment was intended to evaluate the potential of three vetch species in enhancing feed intake and body weight gain of growing male lambs and to investigate the difference among these three vetch species regarding their effect of supplementation on feed utilization and growth performance of growing male lambs. Twenty-four young male Arsi-Bale lambs of similar body weight were assigned to one of the four treatments in a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were 350 g of hay each of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia sativa,&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia Villosa,&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia narbonensis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; for T2, T3, and T4, and ad libitum fodder oat hay alone (T1). Weight measurements of the lambs were made every ten days during the ninety-day feeding trial. Compared to T1 and T3, T2&amp;apos;s total dry matter intake (1121.4 g/day) was substantially (P&amp;lt;0.05) greater. Lambs fed T2 diets showed significantly higher (P&amp;lt;0.001) crude protein intake (153.3 g/day) and average daily body weight increase (152.0 g/day). In conclusion, supplementation with Vicia sativa (T2) resulted in the highest feed intake and growth performance of lambs across all treatments. As a result, efforts should be undertaken to introduce and expand the production of this forage within the farming system.

Effects of forage feeding to calves on performance, rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility: A meta-analysis

The literature on whether or not to feed forage is marked by inconsistencies, largely due to various factors associated with forage inclusion in calf diets. To elucidate these factors, we conducted a 3-level meta-analysis to comprehensively investigate the overall effects of forage provision in young calves. We searched for studies published between 2000 and 2023 in Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and X-Mol. Moderator analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of different forage sources, forage provision methods, starter forms, milk levels and forage levels on the heterogeneity of growth performance, rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility outcomes in studies feeding forage to calves. Mixed-effect model was used to predict the relationship between forage level and performance. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to determine publication bias. A total of 86 treatment comparisons from 36 articles were included in the final data set. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used to evaluate the effect size, and the statistical heterogeneity of the effect size was estimated using Cochrane's Q test. The results showed that forage supplementation improved growth performance, structural growth, and development of rumen fermentation in calves. However, moderator analyses revealed that several factors, including forage source, feeding method, physical form of starter, milk feeding level and forage feeding level might contribute considerably to variability, resulting in significant heterogeneity in the effects of forage provision in calves. Larger effect sizes were found for oat hay (OH) supplementation rather than alfalfa hay (AH) or straw, feeding forage as a free-choice (FC) compared with a total mixed ration (TMR; defined as a mixture of calf starter and forage), especially when forage was fed as a FC resulting in higher total dry matter intake (TDMI) and body barrel. Forage supplementation was more effective in boosting calf growth in calves provided ground starter than in calves fed pelleted and textured starter. Greater effects were shown for AH supplementation than OH or straw in improving rumen fermentation parameters. Furthermore, compared with the preweaning period, the effect of providing forage on calves was more noticeable in the postweaning period. The results of the mixed-effects model analysis indicated that calves can be efficiently fed 12% of dry matter as forage during the preweaning period to support their growth and development. Meanwhile, 9% of dry matter might be the optimal level for feeding OH and straw to preweaning calves. More studies are essential to explore how different levels of AH dietary supplementation affects calves during the preweaning period, to improve the consistency and accuracy of the dose-response curve predictions. Overall, growth performance and rumen fermentation of dairy calves were affected by forage inclusion. Moreover, forage source, feeding method, physical form of starter, milk feeding level, and forage level are essential factors that result in different degrees of effect on the calf's performance and rumen fermentation.

Statistical approaches for assessing meat quality and heifer rumen histology based on dietary forage.

Feeding local forages to ruminants is a promising strategy for enhancing metabolic processes, promoting sustainable farming, and improving product quality. However, studies comparing the effects of different forages on rumen histology and meat attributes of heifers are limited and variable. This study evaluated the benefits of incorporating local forages into heifer diets by comparing barley straw (BS) and oat hay (OH) on heifer attributes focusing on meat quality (MQ) and rumen status (RS). Sixteen crossbred (Charolais x Limousin) female heifers (7 months of age, 263 ± 10.50 kg) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments (BS or OH) over 120 days. Heifers fed OH showed enhanced RS (p < 0.05), characterized by improved intestinal epithelial integrity and a lower percentage of hyperpigmented cells, suggesting a potential reduction in inflammatory processes compared to BS, which may indicate a lower risk of metabolic diseases. Despite this, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in animal performance, chemical composition, and technological properties of the meat between the dietary groups, while lower levels (p < 0.05) of certain saturated fatty acids (C12:0, C15:0, and C22:0) were found in the meat from heifers fed OH. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the variables and demonstrated that all variables assessed can be condensed into four new variables explaining 75.06% of the variability. Moreover, biplot analysis reveals that the OH diet could be discriminated from BS. Our findings suggest that OH is a valuable fiber source, positively influencing certain heifer attributes, and supporting sustainable animal agriculture practices.

Effect of Variety on the Potential Nutritive Value of Oat Hays

This study was conducted to determine the differences in the chemical composition, in vitro gas production (GP), methane production (CH4), metabolizable energy (ME), and in vitro organic matter digestion (IVOMD) of oat hay varieties commonly used in ruminant feeding (Küçükyayla, Kahraman, Kırklar, ST-4, Yeniceri, Sebat, and Arslanbey). The oat hay varieties in the study were harvested during the flowering period in the 2019-2020 season in Kahramanmaras province. The in vitro findings of this study revealed significant differences among oat hay varieties in terms of their chemical composition, in vitro gas production, methane production, ME and IVOMD (P

Cajanus cajan and Lablab purpureus leaf meal-potential supplements over conventional protein sources for yearling Horro sheep fed a basal diet of fodder oat (Avena sativa) hay

A 90-day feeding trial with 25 yearling Horro lambs (22.6 ± 1.8 kg) was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023. The trial was designed to see how supplementing forage varieties of Cajanus cajan (Degagsa and Belabas) and Lablab purpureus (Beresa-55 and Gebis-17) affected the growth performance, feed intake and digestibility of Horro lambs fed a basal diet of fodder oat hay compared to conventional protein supplements. Five experimental sheep per treatment were arranged in a Randomized Complete Blocked Design to receive dietary treatments formulated on an iso-nitrogenous basis which was targeted to provide crude protein (CP) of 64.37 g/h/day. Data were taken on weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed intake and refusal, and in-vivo digestibility features. All lambs were fed ad-libitum fodder oat hay containing 91.5 % Dry matter, 7.8 % ash, 6.4 % crude protein, 60 % neutral detergent fiber, 42.8 % acid detergent fiber, 13.4 % acid detergent lignin and 65 % in-vitro organic matter digestibility. The dietary treatments were fodder oat hay plus 280.8 g Gebis-17 variety (T1), 274.4 g Beresa-55 variety (T2), 320.9 g Belabas variety (T3), 329.3 g Degagsa variety (T4) and 300 g concentrate mixture (T5). The total dry matter intake (DMI) was higher in T3 and T4 than in the other treatment groups. Except for CP, nutritional consumption differed significantly across treatments. T3 and T4 had higher fiber intakes than the other treatments, while T2 had higher ash intakes and T5 had higher metabolizable energy intakes. Even though there was no significant variation in final body weight, lambs in T5 and T1 showed the greatest weight change and average daily gain. Although the diet in T5 induced the lamb performance in a manner comparable to that of the other dietary supplements, its inaccessibility and high cost would limit the use of such supplements by smallholder farmers. Thus, depending on their availability, either Lablab purpurues or Cajanus cajan varieties could be employed as feed supplements in the lambs` diet.

Responses of nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation and microorganisms to different roughage of dairy buffaloes

Dairy buffaloes are typically fed a high-forage, low-quality diet with high fiber. These conditions result in an inherent energy and protein inefficiency. In order to make full and rational use of feed resources and improve the production level and breeding efficiency of dairy buffaloes, the effects of various roughages on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, and microorganisms in dairy buffaloes were studied in this experiment. Three ternary hybrid buffaloes, with an average body weight of 365 ± 22.1 kg, were selected and fitted with permanent rumen fistulas. They were fed six different diets, each consisting of 1 kg concentrate supplement and one of six types of roughage, including alfalfa hay (A diet), oat hay (O diet), whole corn silage (W diet), king grass (K diet), sugarcane shoot silage (S diet), and rice straw hay (R diet) according to an incomplete Latin square design of 3 × 6, respectively. The pre-feeding period of each period was 12 d. From day 13 to 15 was the official experimental period. During the prefeeding period, free feed intake for each roughage was determined, and during the experiment, the roughage was fed at 90% of the voluntary feed intake. Digestion and metabolism tests were carried out using the total manure collection method to determine the feed intake and fecal output of each buffalo, and to collect feed and fecal samples for chemical analysis. On day 15, rumen fluid samples were collected two hours after morning feeding to determine rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial 16 S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed. The results showed that DM and OM digestibility were greatest for the W diet and lowest for the S diet. The rumen pH of the O diet was significantly greater than that of the W diet. The concentration of rumen fluid NH3-N (mg/dL) increased with increased CP content. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids (mmol/L) in the rumen decreased with increased NDF content but increased with increased NFC content. The relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Spirochaetes were 57.03-74.84%, 14.29-21.86%, and 0.44-1.43% in the different quality roughage groups. Bacteroidetes were mainly Prevotellaceae1 and Rikenellaceae RC_gut_group with relative abundances of 30.17-45.75% and 3.23-7.82%. The relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Spirochaetes decreased with increasing roughage quality. These results provide a theoretical and practical basis for evaluating the nutritional value of dairy buffalo feed, utilizing feed resources, matching rations, feeding scientifically, and protecting animal health.

Short- and long-term effects of different forage types supplemented in preweaning dairy calves on performance and milk production into first lactation

We investigated the short- and long-term effects of different forage types supplemented in preweaning dairy calves on growth performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, bacterial community, and milk production during first lactation. A total of 60 healthy 30-d-old female Holstein calves were blocked by birth date and body weight and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n = 20): normal milk and pelleted starter feeding (CON), supplemented with chopped oat hay (OAH; 75.0 g/d per calf [DM basis]), or alfalfa hay (ALF; 75.0 g/d per calf [DM basis]). The forage supplementation started when calves were 30 d old (d 1 of the experimental period) and ended when they were 73 d old (d 44 of the experimental period, when calves were weaned). Milk and feed intakes and fecal consistency scores were recorded daily. Growth performance, rumen fluid, and blood samples were collected biweekly. After weaning, all the calves were integrated with the same barn and diets. After calving, the milk production was recorded daily. During the experimental period, the OAH group had greater solid feed and total DM intakes and greater rumen pH than the CON group (P ≤ 0.04), but had lower forage intake and CP digestibility than the ALF group (P ≤ 0.04). The ALF group had higher rumen pH and blood BHB concentration (P ≤ 0.04), lower fecal score (P = 0.02), and greater ether extract digestibility (P = 0.02) than the CON group. The ALF and OAH groups had lower concentrations of ruminal total VFA (P = 0.01). Still, the ALF group had a greater proportion of acetate and a relative abundance of cellulose degradation-related bacteria (Lachnoclostridium_1 and Oribacterium) and a lower relative abundance of inflammation-related bacteria (Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-009) in the rumen compared with CON. Interestingly, the average milk production from 6 to 200 DIM was greater in the ALF group (P < 0.01), even though no significant effects were found on the rumen fermentation parameters and blood metabolites at 200 DIM. Generally, alfalfa hay supplementation in preweaning dairy calves had positive effects in the short- and long-term for rumen development, health status, and future milk production.

236 The effects of replacing dried distiller’s grains with solubles with heat-treated soybean meal on nutrient intake and digestibility in forage-based diets

Abstract Cattle growth is calculated through dry matter intake, average daily gain and gain:feed measures that assume performance and digestibility are correlated. Hence, evaluating nutrient digestibility and flow provides additional explanations for subsequent growth performance. Therefore, five fistulated Jersey steers [Initial body weight (BW) = 288 ± 22 kg) fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were utilized in a 4 × 5 row-column design to determine intake and total tract nutrient digestibility when replacing dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) with heat-treated soybean meal (TSBM) in forage-based growing diets. The 56-d study contained 4 periods, each period lasting 14 d [9 d of adaptation and 5 d of collection (d 0 to 4)]. Dietary treatments partially replaced DDGS, included at 16% diet dry matter (DM), with TSBM at increasing inclusion levels of 0 (TSBM0), 4 (TSBM4), 8 (TSBM8), and 12% (TSBM12) DM. Basal diets contained 43.5% corn silage, 36.5% oat hay, and 4% meal supplement (DM). Chromic oxide was incorporated into the diet daily at 0.25% DM as a digesta marker. Steers were housed in individual tie stalls during the 5-d collection period. Treatment diets were fed daily at 0800 h with orts being weighed at 0730 h and subsampled on d 0 to d 4 each period. Fecal collection bags were harnessed to each steer from d 0 to d 4 to collect fecal weight and subsampled twice daily (0700 and 1900 h). Digestibility and feed intake were analyzed utilizing the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment and period as fixed effects and animal as a random effect. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.14) in DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), starch and nitrogen (N) intakes among treatments. Fecal DM, OM, NDF, starch, and N output resulted in no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.24). Subsequently, total tract apparent digestibility differences (P ≥ 0.32) were not detected for DM, OM, NDF, and starch content. However, N total tract apparent digestibility was significantly different (P &amp;lt; 0.03) with TSBM0 resulting in less N digestibility than TSBM12 (65.54% and 71.59%, respectively). Replacing a portion of DDGS with TSBM does not result in deleterious digestive effects in forage-based growing diets. As a result, the utilization of DDGS or TSBM as the primary protein source will depend on growth performance, feedstuff availability and economics.

Oral supplementation with Scabiosa artropurperea L. aqueous extract improves the invivo sexual behaviour, sperm quality and androgen level in rams.

The effects of an aqueous extract of Scabiosa atropurpurea L. (AES) on the reproduction potential of Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams were evaluated over 9 weeks. Eighteen mature (4-6 years old) rams (52.8 ± 2.6 kg) were divided into three groups. The control (C) group was fed oat hay adlibitum with 700 g of concentrate and the other two groups were fed the same diet supplemented with AES at 1 and 2 mg/kg body weight (AES1 and AES2, respectively). Ram sperm was collected with an artificial vagina (2 × 2 days/week) to evaluate sperm production and quality, antioxidant activity, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and calcium concentrations. Sexual behaviour and plasma testosterone concentrations were also investigated. The administration of AES improved sexual behaviour (the duration of contact and the number of lateral approaches). The addition of AES also improved individual spermatozoa motility (C: 71.7% ± 6.3%; AES1: 78.3% ± 4.9%; AES2: 83.8% ± 4.4%), the sperm concentration (C: 5.6 ± 0.36; AES1: 6.4 ± 0.81; AES2: 6.7 ± 0.52 × 109 spermatozoa/mL), the ATP ratio (C: 1 ± 0.08; AES1: 2.1 ± 0.08; AES2: 3.3 ± 0.08) and the calcium concentration (C: 5.6 ± 0.24; AES1: 7.7 ± 0.21; AES2: 8.1 ± 0.24 mmol/L). AES treatment decreased the percentage of abnormal sperm (C: 18.5% ± 1.2%; AES1: 16.2% ± 1.1%; AES2: 14.8% ± 0.94%) and DNA damage (C: 62%; AES1: 27%; AES2: 33%) and was associated with elevated seminal fluid antioxidant activity (C: 22 ± 0.27; AES1: 27.1 ± 1.08 and AES2: 27.5 ± 0.36 mmol Trolox equivalents/L) and plasma testosterone (C: 8.3 ± 0.7; AES1: 11.7 ± 0.4; AES2: 15 ± 0.7 ng/L). In conclusion, our study suggests that S. atropurpurea may be potentially useful to enhance libido and sperm production and quality in ram.

Effects of rosemary essential oil on the milk production and fatty acid profiles of ewes fed oat hay or silage

Effects of rosemary essential oil on the milk production and fatty acid profiles of ewes fed oat hay or silage

Determining Appropriate Numbers and Times of Daily Measurements Using GreenFeed System to Estimate Ruminal Methane Emission of Meat Goats.

The study was conducted to determine appropriate numbers and times of daily gas measurements to estimate total daily methane (CH4) emission of meat goats using a GreenFeed system (GFS). A replicated 4 (four measurement protocols) × 4 (four periods) Latin square design was employed with 16 Boer wethers in a confinement pen setting. Measurement protocols entailed three (G-3T; 0600-0700, 1400-1500, and 2200-2300 h), four (G-4T; 0700-0800, 1300-1400, 1900-2000, and 0100-0200 h), and six (G-6T; 0800-0900, 1200-1300, 1600-1700, 2000-2100, 0000-0100, and 0400-0500 h) times for daily measurement periods in GFS. The fourth protocol was continuous measurement over 24 h with animals in an open-circuit respiration calorimetry system (CS). Oat hay was given in individual feeders, and a small predetermined quantity of a pelleted concentrate supplement (bait) was dispensed by the GFS or manually offered for the CS. Overall, total dry matter (DM) intake (614, 625, 635, and 577 g/day for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 13.9) and digestible DM intake (359, 368, 374, and 320 CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 15.9) were lower for CS than for G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T (p < 0.05), but these variables were not different among the GFS protocols. There was a significant (p < 0.001) effect of measurement protocol on CH4 emission in g/day (11.1, 25.6, 27.3, and 26.7 for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 1.11), g/kg DM intake (19.3, 46.4, 43.9, and 42.4 for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 2.03), and g/kg body weight (0.49, 1.11, 1.18, and 1.16 for CS, G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 0.052), with values being much lower for CS than for G-3T, G-4T and G-6T. Conversely, CH4 emission was similar among the GFS protocols despite differences in the time and number of daily visits (2.03, 2.76, and 3.75 visits for G-3T, G-4T, and G-6T, respectively; SEM = 0.114; p < 0.001). Pearson correlation (r) analysis indicated a moderate to high (p < 0.05) correlation between CS and G-3T (r = 0.62 for CH4 in g/day and r = 0.59 for CH4 in g/kg BW), CS and G-4T (r = 0.67 for CH4 in g/day and r = 0.76 for CH4 in g/kg BW), and CS and G-6T (r = 0.70 for CH4 in g/day and r = 0.75 for CH4 in g/kg BW). However, the correlation coefficient for CH4 in g/kg DM intake was low between CS and G-3T (r = 0.11) and CS and G-6T (r = 0.31) but slightly greater between CS and G-4T (r = 0.47). In conclusion, the results suggest that CH4 emissions using GFS in a confinement setting were greater compared with the CS in goats, but CH4-emission estimation using the GFS correlated with the CH4 emission in the CS system with a stronger relationship for the four times of daily measurements.

Effects of different rearing systems on carcase traits, physicochemical properties, basic chemical composition, fatty acid profiles and amino acid profiles of Gangba lamb

This study aimed to explore the influence of feeding regimens on carcase traits and meat quality of Gangba lambs. Thirty healthy Gangba ram lambs at nine months of age and an average body weight of 14.08 ± 0.79 kg were randomly distributed into three treatment groups (10 replicates per group). The groups are as follows: a grazing (G) group without any supplementation and housing; a semi-grazing (SG) group provided with 200–300 g of concentrates and free access to oat hay off-pasture; and a stall-feeding (SF) group with 400–500 g of concentrates and free access to oat hay. The experiment lasted 85 d, comprising a 10-d adaptation period and a 75-d experimental period. Results showed that significant differences in carcase weight existed among groups, respectively, with the SF group having the highest weights and the G group having the lowest weights (p < 0.05). The pH45min and pH24h in the G group were significantly higher than that in the SG group (p < 0.05). Muscles from the G and SG groups had higher erucic acid (22:1n-9), α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA-c9t11 and CLA-t10c12) than the SF group (p < 0.05). The G group had a lower concentration of proline (Pro) than the SF group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the feeding systems had no effects on chemical composition and little influence on amino acid composition. The traditional grazing rearing and SG systems improved lamb meat quality by increasing the presence of beneficial fatty acids. In contrast, the SF regimen improved the carcase weight of Gangba lambs without increasing their meat quality compared to the grazing rearing and SG systems. The directions of future efforts for breeders are to improve carcase traits (like carcase weight) of lambs in both natural grazing and SG systems, as well as the meat quality of lambs raised in feedlots.

The Effects of Composite Alkali-Stored Spent Hypsizygus marmoreus Substrate on Carcass Quality, Rumen Fermentation, and Rumen Microbial Diversity in Goats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of composite alkali-stored spent Hypsizygus marmoreus substrate (SHMS) on carcass quality, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial diversity in goats. Twenty-four 6-month-old Chuanzhong black goats with similar body weights (20 ± 5 kg) were selected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group) and received four treatments: 0% (control group, CG); 20% (low-addition group, LG); 30% (moderate-addition group, MG); and 40% (high-addition group, HG) of SHMS-replaced silage corn and oat hay. The experiment lasted for 74 days (including a 14 d adaptation period and a 60 d treatment period). The results of this study showed that MG and HG significantly improved the marble score of goat meat (p < 0.05). The flesh color score significantly increased in each group (p < 0.05). The fat color scores significantly increased in LG and MG (p < 0.05). There were no significant effects on the pH value or shear force of the longissimus dorsi in each group (p > 0.05). The cooking loss in MG was higher than that in CG (p < 0.05). The histidine and tyrosine contents in each group of muscles significantly increased (p < 0.05), with no significant effect on fatty acids (p > 0.05). The rumen pH of MG significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) increased by 44.63% and 54.50%, respectively. The addition of the SHMS altered both the alpha and beta diversities of the rumen microbiota and significant differences in the composition and structure of the four microbial communities. The dominant bacterial phylum in each group were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with Prevotella 1 as the dominant bacterial genus. Correlation analysis revealed that rumen bacteria are closely related to the animal carcass quality and rumen fermentation. In the PICRUSt prediction, 21 significantly different pathways were found, and the correlation network showed a positive correlation between the Prevotella 1 and 7 metabolic pathways, while the C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism was positively correlated with nine bacteria. In summary, feeding goats with an SHMS diet can improve the carcass quality, promote rumen fermentation, and alter the microbial structure. The research results can provide a scientific reference for the utilization of SHMS as feed in the goat industry.

Effect of rice bran fermented with Ligilactobacillus equi on in vitro fermentation profile and microbial population.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of fermented rice bran (FRB) with Ligilactobacillus equi on ruminal fermentation using an in vitro system. Oat hay, corn starch, and wheat bran were used as substrate for control. Ten percent of wheat bran was replaced with rice bran (RB), rice bran fermented with distilled water, and rice bran fermented with L. equi for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The experimental diets were mixed with buffered rumen fluid from wethers under nitrogen gas and incubated for 24 h at 39°C. The fermentation profile and microbial population were analyzed after the incubations. The results revealed that the RB and FRB (with or without L. equi) significantly reduced the gas, methane (CH4), and CH4 per dry matter digested (p < 0.001). Total short-chain fatty acid was also reduced in T1 and T2 in comparison with the control (p < 0.001). Propionate proportion was increased while butyrate proportion was reduced in response to treatment addition in cultures (p < 0.001). Anaerobic fungi and Fibrobacter succinogenes abundance were decreased in treatments (p < 0.001). Overall, CH4 production in vitro can be reduced by RB and FRB supplementation as a result of the reduction of fiber-degrading microorganisms and a decrease in gas production.

Caracterização microbiológica, valor nutricional e digestibilidade do feno de aveia preta sob efeito do cultivo antecessor crotalária ou milho

ABSTRACT: The present study assessed the influence of the preceding crop (crotalaria or corn) on the bromatological, digestibility and microbiological aspects of the EMBRAPA 139 black oat hay (Avena strigosa) cultivar. A randomized block design was used, with subplots divided according to time, whereby the preceding crop (crotalaria or corn) was allocated to the main plot and hay storage times (baling, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage) to the subplots, with five repetitions. Crotalaria as predecessor resulted in lower indigestible fiber and higher protein contents in black oat hay, both in acid detergent, as well as higher pH. Corn as the preceding crop provided better hay digestibility due to lower neutral detergent insoluble protein content and higher in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility. The preceding crop did not significantly affect the drying time of forage and the microorganism population.