Pelleted Total Mixed Ration Research Articles

Effect of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted total mixed ration on growth performance, nutrient availability, carcass traits and composition in finisher Barbari kids.

The study aimed to assess the impact of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with varying concentrate (C) to roughage (R) ratios on feed intake, nutrient utilization, growth, and carcass characteristics in Barbari kids. Sixteen weaned male Barbari kids (av. age, 233 ± 11 days; weight, 13.86 ± 0.76kg) were divided into two groups (T1 and T2), each receiving different pelleted diets (TMR) with distinct concentrate to roughage ratios (T1 with 60:40; T2 with 40:60). The kids were fed for 133 days, and a digestion trial was conducted at the end of the study. After completion, all kids were slaughtered. Although, kids under T1 consumed higher (P < 0.001) amount of dry matter, and crude protein compared to T2, which was due to a higher concentrate to roughage ratio in T1. But, the average daily body weight gain (ADG) of finisher kids was 88.53, and 79.83g/d/kid in T1 and T2, respectively; however, the difference was non-significant. Digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrate was also greater in T1 compared to T2. Total digestible nutrients intake was higher (P < 0.001) in T1; similarly intake of digestible energy, and metabolizable energy were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in T1 compared to T2. Concentrations of volatile fatty acids and NH3-nitrogen were also enhanced (P < 0.05) in T1 compared to T2. We observed similar carcass weight, and dressing percentage in both groups, and carcass composition remained unaffected. The pelleted diet containing greater ratio of concentrate: roughage (60:40) had no additional benefits in terms of ADG, and carcass traits in finisher kids. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted TMR diet containing C40: R60 (TDN 57.13%, DCP 7.64%, ME 9.11MJ/kg feed) is suitable for optimizing growth performance with desirable carcass traits, and meat composition in finisher Barbari kids reared under the intensive system.

Effects of dietary forage neutral detergent fiber and rumen degradable starch ratios on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes and nutrient digestibility of Hu sheep fed a pelleted total mixed ration.

Pelleted total mixed ration (P-TMR) feeding, which has become a common practice in providing nutrition for fattening sheep, requires careful consideration of the balance between forage neutral detergent fiber (FNDF) and rumen degradable starch (RDS) to maintain proper rumen functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the dietary FNDF/RDS ratio (FRR) on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes, and nutrient digestibility in Hu sheep fed a P-TMR diet. This study utilized eight ruminally cannulated male Hu sheep, following a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 31 d each period. Diets consisted of four FRR levels: 1.0 (high FNDF/RDS ratio, HFRR), 0.8 (middle high FNDF/RDS ratio, MHFRR), 0.6 (middle low FNDF/RDS ratio, MLFRR), and 0.4 (low FNDF/RDS ratio, LFRR). Reducing the dietary FRR levels resulted in a linear decrease in ruminal minimum pH and mean pH, while linearly increasing the duration and area of pH below 5.8 and 5.6, as well as the acidosis index. Sheep in the HFRR and MHFRR groups did not experience subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), whereas sheep in another two groups did. The concentration of total volatile fatty acid and the molar ratios of propionate and valerate, as well as the concentrate of lactate in the rumen linearly increased with reducing dietary FRR, while the molar ratio of acetate and acetate to propionate ratio linearly decreased. The degradability of NDF and ADF for alfalfa hay has a quadratic response with reducing the dietary FRR. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. In addition, reducing the dietary FRR caused a linear decrease in OTUs, Chao1, and Ace index of ruminal microflora. Reducing FRR in the diet increased the percentage of reads assigned as Firmicutes, but it decreased the percentage of reads assigned as Bacteroidetes in the rumen. At genus level, the percentage of reads assigned as Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Succinivibrio, and Butyrivibrio linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. The results of this study demonstrate that the dietary FRR of 0.8 is crucial in preventing the onset of SARA and promotes an enhanced richness of ruminal microbes and also improves fiber digestibility, which is a recommended dietary FRR reference when formulating P-TMR diets for sheep.

Variability in chewing, ruminal fermentation, digestibility and bacterial communities between subacute ruminal acidosis-susceptible and acidosis-tolerant sheep.

Sorting behaviour is a common phenomenon observed in ruminants when they are provided with a total mixed ration, which contributes to variations in the severity of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) reduces sorting, but high-grain content increases acidosis risk. However, whether the variability in the severity of SARA exists in sheep fed the same high-grain PTMR is less understood. This study aimed to investigate SARA variability among individual sheep offered a high-grain PTMR, considering chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, bacterial communities and nutrient digestibility. Twenty ruminally cannulated male Hu sheep were individually housed in cages and fed a PTMR comprising 80% concentrate mix and 20% roughage. A 14-day adaptation period to the diet and facilities was provided before a 10-day sample collection period. Continuous monitoring of ruminal pH was conducted for 48h, during which time chewing activity was also recorded. Ruminal fluid samples were collected for analysis of volatile fatty acid and microbial DNA extraction. Faecal samples were collected to measure nutrient digestibility. Based on their acidosis index, the sheep were classified into two groups: SARA-susceptible group (n=6) and SARA-tolerant group (n=6). The SARA-susceptible sheep exhibited a lower ruminal mean pH and minimum pH than the SARA-tolerant sheep (P<0.05). Additionally, the SARA-susceptible group increased the acidosis index, duration and areas of pH below 5.8 and 5.6 compared to the SARA-tolerant group (P<0.05). The SARA-susceptible group also exhibited a longer ruminating time than the SARA-tolerant group (P<0.05). The SARA-susceptible group exhibited a tendency to increase the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P=0.089), while simultaneously decreasing the copy number of Fibrobacter succinogenes in the rumen, as well as the digestibility of NDF and ADF compared to the SARA-tolerant group (P<0.05). The acidosis index was found to be positively correlated with ruminating time (min/kg DM intake (DMI)) and total chewing time (min/kg DMI), but negatively correlated with the copy number of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus in the rumen. These findings indicate that there exists variability in the SARA severity among sheep when fed a high-grain PTMR, as evidenced by varied chewing activity, bacterial communities and nutrient digestibility. Ruminating time, total chewing time per kilogram of DMI as well as the copy number of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus in the rumen hold potential as indicators for assessing the severity of SARA.

Feed intake, feeding behavior, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of goats fed pelleted total mixed rations with varying Rhodes hay levels

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary physical form and Rhodes grass hay inclusion level on growth, feeding behavior, digestibility coefficient, and carcass characteristics in fattening male goats. The experimental factors were dietary physical form (mash and pellet) and the inclusion level of Rhodes grass (150 kg/t and 250 kg/t; RG150 and RG250). Their combination formed four treatments: RG150M (mash, 150 kg Rhodes grass and 850 kg concentrate per tonne), RG250M (mash, 250 kg Rhodes grass and 750 kg concentrate per tonne), RG150P (pellet, 150 kg Rhodes grass and 850 kg concentrate per tonne), and RG250P (pellet, 250 kg Rhodes grass and 750 kg concentrate per tonne). Forty male Beetal goats (20.3 ± 1.9 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly divided into four treatments (10 bucks/treatment). After adaptation for 10 d, the animals were measured for animal performance for 91 d and digestibility coefficients for 7 d and finally slaughtered for the determination of carcass characteristics. Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher (P < 0.05) in RG250P, and average daily gain (ADG) was highest (P < 0.05) in RG250P, followed by RG150P. Goats fed mash-formed diets spent more time (P < 0.05) consuming food than those fed pellet-formed diets. The feeding rate (g/min) was higher (P < 0.05) in pelleted diets than in the mash form, and meal size (g/meal) was higher (P < 0.05) in those goats fed 150 kg/t Rhodes grass-based total mixed ration (TMR). The rumination time was higher (P < 0.05) in the mash and RG250 groups as compared to pelleted and RG150 groups. Laying time (min/d) and laying frequency were higher (P < 0.05) for goats fed TMR in pelleted than mash form. The digestibility of nutrients was higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed mash-formed TMR than those fed pelleted TMR. Nitrogen balance was not (P > 0.05) influenced by the form of the diet or hay inclusion level. The hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight were higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed pelleted TMR than those fed the mash-formed TMR. It can be concluded that the feeding pelleted total mixed ration increases DMI, ADG, resting period, and hot carcass weight. When Rhodes grass hay is included in the pelleted diet at 250 kg/t, DMI and ADG were highest. The inclusion level of Rhodes grass at 250 kg/t also has higher rumination time, meal frequency, and drinking frequency.

Enrichment of Dairy-Type Lamb Diet with Microencapsulated Omega-3 Fish Oil: Effects on Growth, Carcass Quality and Meat Fatty Acids

The hypothesis that adding omega-3 oil to feedlot pellets will improve the meat's favourable n-3 PUFA composition was tested in this experiment. Therefore, we evaluated the productive traits and modification of the composition of n-3 PUFA of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in growing lambs supplemented with microencapsulated omega-3 oil (MEOIL) in pelleted total mixed rations (TMR). Thirty six one month old Valle del Belice male lambs (14.04 ± 0.1 kg) were randomly distributed to one of the three dietary treatments (n = 12 lambs each) and provided the supplemented diets up to 14 weeks of age: 1. control (CON) pelleted TMR without omega-3 oil supplementation; 2. omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 1% (MEOIL1) supplementation; and 3- Omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 3% (MEOIL3) supplementation. Supplementing MEOIL at both levels in diet positively impacted (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) and feed efficiency. At the end of feeding period, most carcass quality traits did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among groups, with the exception of carcass dressing and loin yield at both levels of MEOIL. The color and physical traits of LL muscle were affected by MEOIL supplementation (p < 0.05), with no significant change in chemical characteristics. Fatty acids composition of meat in term of linolenic, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by both levels of MEOIL. It was concluded that the tested microencapsulated omega-3 oil preparation may be included at 1% in lamb diet for increasing unsaturated fatty acids in meat without any detrimental effects on lamb productivity.

Effects of supplementing a yeast culture in a pelleted total mixed ration on fiber degradation, fermentation parameters, and the bacterial community in the rumen of sheep

Feeding animals with pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) is a widespread practice as it reduces feed losses during storage, feeding and the animal’s sorting. Supplementation of yeast culture can promote rumen fiber degradation, which may occur through stabilizing rumen pH. There are few studies, however, evaluating the optimal supplementation level of yeast culture in pelleted TMR in which rumen pH has been continuously measured. This study aimed to determine the optimal level of a commercial yeast culture product (of which the number of viable CFU was not measured) mixed and pelleted with the TMR, on fiber degradation in situ, rumen pH dynamics, rumen fermentation variables, and the bacterial community composition of rumen fluid. Under a partial Latin square design, a total of twelve wethers equipped with permanent rumen fistulas were randomly assigned to four treatments of yeast culture at 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0% dietary dry matter. After a 28 d period comprising 21 d for adaptation and 7 d for measurements, each group of three wethers was randomly reassigned to another treatment. Thus, each yeast supplementation level was fed to a total of six animals. In situ dry matter (DMD) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFD) disappearance of corn stover, mean rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids concentration, acetate, propionate, and n-butyrate molar percentages, and the acetate to propionate ratio were influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by dietary treatments. Quadratic (P ≤ 0.03) responses to increasing yeast culture supplementation level were observed for mean rumen pH, daily duration of pH below a 5.8 threshold considered inhibitory for fibrolysis, and the molar percentages of propionate, n-butyrate, and the acetate to propionate ratio. The highest in situ DMD and NDFD occurred when yeast was supplemented at 1%. Increasing yeast culture supplementation level tended to quadratically increase the abundance of fibrolytic bacterial genera NK4A214 and FD2005, which peaked at 1% yeast culture in the diet DM. The molar percentage of n-butyrate was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9 and NK4A214. In our study, supplementation of pelleted TMR with 1% yeast culture provided as residual yeast medium components, was optimal for fiber degradation of forage fed to ruminants. Members of genera NK4A214 and FD2005 may contribute extra n-butyrate.

Supplementation of graded levels of rumen-protected choline to a pelleted total mixed ration did not improve the growth and slaughter performance of fattening lambs.

Choline is an essential nutrient in ruminant diets, which contributes to the fundamental biological functions of the animal. However, choline is easily degraded in the rumen before it can be absorbed. Rumen-protected choline (RPC) supplementation might support the fast growth of ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing graded levels of RPC in a pelleted total mixed ration for fattening lambs. Sixty three-month-old male Small Tail Han and northeast fine wool sheep hybrid lambs with a liveweight of 15.3 ± 1.8 kg (mean ± SD) were fed designated diets and randomly assigned into five treatment groups (n = 12 per group). The five treatments were the rate of RPC supplementation at 0, 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g (equivalent to 0, 0.31, 0.63, 0.94, and 1.25 g of choline chloride, respectively)/kg basal diet and the RPC-supplemented feed was offered for 112 days after 12 days of adaptation. Average daily gain, dry matter intake, and nutrient digestibility were similar across treatments. The rumen pH was quadratically significant among treatments, with the lowest and highest pH observed from the 2.5 and 5 g/kg RPC supplement groups, respectively (P = 0.02). After feeding, the ruminal ammonia concentrations among treatments were different (P < 0.05), with the highest value observed from the 5 g/kg RPC supplement group. Microbial crude protein level was different, with the highest value recorded from the 0 g/kg RPC supplement group (P = 0.028). A linear effect (P < 0.05) was observed from short-chain fatty acid values among treatments before and after feeding. Serum albumin (P = 0.003) and albumin/globulin ratio (P = 0.002) had a quadratic effect, with the highest value found in the 0 g/kg RPC supplement group. Abdominal fat was higher in RPC-supplemented groups (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Drip loss was 65% higher in RPC-supplemented groups compared to the control group (P = 0.012). Overall, the study results showed an effect of RPC on ruminal parameters, but the supplementation of low-level RPC did not improve the growth and slaughter performance of fattening lambs.

Diet Type Impacts Production Performance of Fattening Lambs by Manipulating the Ruminal Microbiota and Metabolome.

The pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) has a positive effect on the productivity of fattening lambs. However, whether the beneficial effects are underpinned by altering the rumen microbiota and metabolome that remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate correlations among growth performance, ruminal microbiota, and ruminal metabolome of lambs fed PTMR diet. A total of 100 crossbred (Dorper sheep × Fine-wool sheep) ram lambs at 55 days of age with similar body weight (BW) (13.2 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly allocated to 10 pens that were fed either PTMR (PTMR group) or unpelleted total mixed ration (UPTMR group) with the same dietary ingredients and nutritional contents. The average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were determined during the 62-day experimental period and ruminal pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, microbiota, and metabolome in the rumen of the lambs were examined at the end of the experiment. Compared to those of the UPTMR group, the PTMR group had greater ADFI (P = 0.002), ADG (P = 0.003), and feed efficiency (G/F) (P < 0.05). Similarly, feeding PTMR increased the concentration of total VFA (TVFA) and the molar proportion of propionate, but decreased the proportion of butyrate and acetate to propionate ratio in the rumen of lambs compared to that in lambs from the UPTMR group (P < 0.05). In addition, the PTMR group demonstrated lowered alpha-diversity of the ruminal microbiota and enhanced the relative abundance of Fibrobacter (P < 0.05), Veillonellaceae (P < 0.05), and the abundance of Rikenellaceae (P = 0.064) in the rumen compared with those in the UPTMR group. Feeding lambs with PTMR significantly upregulated the metabolic pathways involving tryptophan, histidine, cysteine and methionine, β-alanine, tyrosine metabolisms, and steroid biosynthesis. Moreover, the abundance of the microbiota strongly correlated with the altered performance, ruminal VFA, metabolites, and metabolic pathways of lambs. Taken together, feeding PTMR shaped the ruminal microbiota of lambs with decreased diversity, while improving relative abundance of some specific microbes and upregulating certain growth-related metabolic pathways, which contributed to the augmented growth performance and G/F of fattening lambs. Thus, feeding PTMR to fattening lambs for superior production performance and G/F is recommended.

Effects of physical form and wheat straw level in the diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen papillae morphometry, and carcass characteristics in Lohi lambs

Context To achieve maximum growth and decrease fattening periods farmers tend to use a high concentrate diet in the total mixed ration (TMR). A larger particle size of straw may increase the concentrate level in the TMR and improve the performance without affecting the rumen health of lambs. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical form (PF) and wheat straw levels (SL) in the diet on growth performance, rumen health, and carcass characteristics of lambs. Methods Thirty-two male Lohi lambs (31.5 ± 2.5 kg, age 6–7 months) were randomly assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two physical forms [pelleted, conventional mashed] and two levels of straw (15% and 25%). The experiment lasted for 16 weeks including 2 weeks for dietary adaptation, 13 weeks for growth data collection, and 1 week for digestibility. Key results Lambs fed pelleted and 15% straw diets had greater dry matter intake than those offered mashed and 25% straw diets. Lambs fed 15% pelleted straw TMR displayed a greater final bodyweight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency than the other treatments. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility were higher in lambs fed on the pelleted and 15% straw diets compared to those fed on the mashed and the 25% straw diets. However, neutral detergent fibre digestibility was higher in the lambs fed 15% straw than those fed 25% straw diets. Lambs fed pelleted and 15% straw diets had longer papillae (P &lt; 0.05), covering greater surface area than those fed on the mashed and 25% straw diets. Lambs fed on the pelleted and 15% straw diets had greater (P &lt; 0.05) marbling score, rib eye area, empty live weight, hot carcass weight, and fat content than the lambs fed mashed and 25% straw diets. Conclusion Greater digestibility and feed intake of lambs fed a 15% pelleted straw TMR led to better growth performance, and improved carcass quality. Implications Feeding wheat straw-based pelleted TMR with 15% straw ground at 8 mm shows great potential to enhance the sustainable lamb production system in Pakistan.

Dietary Supplementation of Yeast Culture Into Pelleted Total Mixed Rations Improves the Growth Performance of Fattening Lambs.

There is a growing interest in the use of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) culture (YC) for the enhancement of growth performance and general animal health. Grain-based pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) are emerging in intensive sheep farming systems, but it is uncertain if the process of pelleting results in YC becoming ineffective. This study aimed to examine the effects of YC supplemented to pelleted TMR at two proportions of corn in the diet on animal performance, feed digestion, blood parameters, rumen fermentation, and microbial community in fattening lambs. A 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted with two experimental factors and two levels in each factor, resulting in four treatments: (1) low proportion of corn in the diet (LC; 350 g corn/kg diet) without YC, (2) LC with YC (5 g/kg diet), (3) high proportion of corn in the diet (HC; 600 g corn/kg diet) without YC, and (4) HC with YC. Fifty-six 3-month-old male F2 hybrids of thin-tailed sheep and Northeast fine-wool sheep with a liveweight of 19.9 ± 2.7 kg were randomly assigned to the four treatment groups with an equal number of animals in each group. The results showed that live yeast cells could not survive during pelleting, and thus, any biological effects of the YC were the result of feeding dead yeast and the metabolites of yeast fermentation rather than live yeast cells. The supplementation of YC resulted in 31.1 g/day more average daily gain regardless of the proportion of corn in the diet with unchanged feed intake during the 56-day growth measurement period. The digestibility of neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre was increased, but the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein was not affected by YC. The supplementation of YC altered the rumen bacterial population and species, but the most abundant phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria remained unchanged. This study indicates that YC products can be supplemented to pelleted TMR for improved lamb growth performance, although live yeast cells are inactive after pelleting. The improved performance could be attributed to improved fibre digestibility.

Pelleting of a Total Mixed Ration Affects Growth Performance of Fattening Lambs.

Feeding pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) instead of traditional loose concentrate plus forage to fattening lambs is an emerging practice. This study aimed to determine the effects of feeding pelleted TMR to fattening lambs on feed intake behaviour, growth performance, feed digestion, rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial community, serum parameters, slaughter performance, meat quality, and the economic outcome. Two physical forms (pelleted vs. un-pelleted) of TMR composed of the same ingredients with the same particle sizes were compared in three animal experiments. Feed intake and average daily gain were higher when the TMR was pelleted, but apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients (organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and ether extract) and serum parameters were not affected and apparent total tract dry matter digestibility was slightly lower. Feeding pelleted TMR increased total short-chain fatty acid concentration and decreased rumen pH. Rumen microbial community was not affected by the physical form of the TMR at phylum level but changed slightly at genus level. Liveweight at slaughter and hot carcass weight were higher for lambs fed the pelleted compared to the un-pelleted TMR, while dressing percentage and meat quality were not affected. In conclusion, feeding pelleted TMR improves growth performance of fattening lambs mainly due to an increase in feed intake. Feeding pelleted TMR is a feasible strategy for intensive lamb fattening operations.

Rumen morphometry and sorting behavior of fattening male goat fed pelleted and unpelleted TMR with two levels of wheat straw

Abstract The physical form of the diet and level of straw in fattening total mixed rations (TMR) can influence sorting behavior and rumen morphometry. Therefore, the objectives of this experiment were to evaluate two levels of wheat straw (WS) in conventional and pelleted TMR on feed sorting behavior, rumen morphometry, the thickness of stratum corneum (SC), and color of reticulorumen mucosa. Thirty-two Beetle male goats (8 goats/treatment) were assigned to one of the four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: CTMR15 and CTMR 25 (conventional TMR containing 15 and 25 % WS, respectively), the PTMR15 and PTMR25 (pelleted TMR containing 15 and 25 % WS, respectively). In PTMR, the WS was ground to 8 mm and then pelleted. Feed sorting behavior of goats fed conventional TMR was evaluated twice weekly using Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS). At the end of the experiment, goats (n = 8/treatment) were slaughtered and rumen tissues preserved for further rumen morphometric examination. The CTMR25 fed goats consumed more medium ( 8 mm) and short (> 1.18) particles. There was a significant interaction (P 0.05) by the PF or the SL in the diet. The thickness of stratum corneum (SC) (18.55 μm) was highest (P

Effects of grain type and conditioning temperature during pelleting on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, meat quality and blood metabolites of fattening lambs

Ruminants can tolerate moderate concentrations of dietary tannin, making it feasible to replace corn with sorghum in ruminant diets; however, conditioning temperature of pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) greatly affects nutrient digestibility. The objective was to determine effects of grain type and conditioning temperature during pelleting on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, meat quality and blood metabolites of fattening lambs. This was a 2 × 3 factorial study, with corn and sorghum and three conditioning temperatures (65, 75 and 85 °C) in a randomized complete design, with 36 lambs (120 ± 10.2 d and 24.9 ± 3.3 kg) grouped by weight and randomly allocated. The resulting six PTMRs were referred to as 65-S, 75-S and 85-S for sorghum-based diets, and 65-C, 75-C and 85-C for corn-based diets, for low, medium and high pelleting temperatures, respectively. There was no grain type × conditioning temperature (Grain × Temp) interaction on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility. Furthermore, grain type did not affect DM intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) or feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fattening lambs. Pelleting at 75 °C improved ADG (P < 0.03) and FCR (P < 0.02) of fattening lambs compared to other temperatures. There was a Grain × Temp interaction (P < 0.01) on ruminal pH (lowest in lambs fed 75-S). There tended (P = 0.07) to be a Grain × Temp interaction for total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and there were Grain × Temp interactions for molar proportions of acetate (P < 0.04), butyrate (P < 0.03) and branch-chained VFA (P < 0.01). Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had greater molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.03) and lower acetate to propionate ratio (A:P, P < 0.04). Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had higher plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen (N) (P < 0.03), glucose (P < 0.01) and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05), whereas other blood metabolites were not affected by treatments. There were Grain × Temp (P < 0.03) interactions for color coordinates of longissimus and mid-gluteal muscle. Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had lower (P < 0.01) dressing percentage and meat quality than those fed corn-based PTMR. We concluded that sorghum can replace corn in lamb diets without compromising growth performance and feed efficiency; furthermore, feeding sorghum vs corn improved rumen fermentation, with reduced A:P ratio and enhanced N and glucose utilization. Finally, pelleting at 75 °C increased feeding value of either sorghum- or corn-based PTMR for fattening lambs.

Effects of dietary supplementation with different fermented feeds on performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical indexes of fattening lambs.

ObjectiveThe effects of adding fermented feed to a pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) on the growth performance of lambs remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the feed efficiency and productivity of lambs that were fed PTMR containing fermented soybean meal (FSM) or wheat bran (FWB).MethodsSixty 90-d-old hybrid lambs were randomly allocated into 12 pens (5 lambs/pen) that were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (3 pens/treatment) with PTMR (basal diet), 2% FSM, or Lactobacillus- or yeast-FWB (L-FWB or Y-FWB) addition in the basal diet.ResultsThe findings showed that lambs fed 2% FSM supplemented diet had enhanced (p<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and carcass yield (p = 0.015), while they had a decreased (p = 0.006) feed conversion ratio compared to that of other three groups. Inclusion of FSM or FWB in PTMR improved (p<0.05) the nutrient digestibility, while it reduced the urea nitrogen content in serum compared to the PTMR group. Additionally, the decreased ratio of N excretion to ADG (p<0.01) was observed with FSM and L-FWB supplementation compared with the PTMR and Y-FWB groups.ConclusionIn conclusion, feeding the fermented feed-supplemented diet improved nutrient digestibility and growth performance, and 2% FSM-supplemented diet exhibited superior production-promoting efficiency to lambs.

Effects of the Supplementation of Lysophospholipids through Pelleted Total Mixed Rations on Blood Biochemical Parameters and Milk Production and Composition of Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryDietary supplementation of lysophospholipids improves ruminant growth performance and may increase milk production in dairy cows. Pelleted total mixed rations are increasingly used in ruminant production systems. However, the effects of lysophospholipid supplementation in a pelleted total mixed ration for dairy cows have not been reported before. In this study, we fed dairy cows pelleted total mixed rations containing 0 or 0.5 g of lysophospholipids in a kilogram of diet and found that lysophospholipids did not increase milk and nutrient yields or improve milk quality, although the feed additive altered certain plasma biochemical parameters, which may be beneficial for animal health. We do not recommend lysophospholipids to be used as a feed additive in pelleted total mixed rations for dairy cows based on the current evidence we collected from this study.Lysophospholipids (LPL), a new feed additive, were supplemented to a pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) of dairy cows to examine its effects on feed intake, production, and composition of milk and plasma biochemical parameters. Two dietary treatments included diets supplemented without (control diet; CON) or with LPL at a dose of 0.5 g/kg of pelleted TMR. Twelve multiparous, mid-lactation, Holstein cows (Bodyweight 730 ± 9.3 kg; 100 ± 6.0 days in milk) were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary treatments with a 42-day measurement period after a 14-day adaptation period. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Feed intake and milk yields were recorded daily, blood samples were collected fortnightly, and milk samples weekly. The results showed that the supplementation of LPL did not change feed dry matter intake, milk yields, and milk composition. However, it increased total protein and globulin and the activity of alkaline phosphatase and decreased total cholesterol in plasma. This study suggests that LPL may have beneficent effects in animal health but might be not a feasible feed additive to increase production for dairy cows fed a pelleted TMR.

Effects of feeding ground versus pelleted total mixed ration on digestion, rumen function and milk production performance of dairy cows

This study evaluated the effects of feeding ground (G) versus pelleted (P) total mixed ration (PTMR) on digestibility and milk production performance of mid‐lactation dairy cows over a 42‐days period. Results showed that, compared to GTMR, feeding PTMR increased dry matter intake and digestibility, ruminal propionate proportions and milk protein percentage, but decreased acetate‐to‐propionate ratio, milk fat percentage and aldehydes, acids, alcohols, and aromatic hydrocarbon proportions in milk. The PTMR did not improve milk yield but accelerated live weight recovery of cows and led to acidosis risk in lactating cows due to negative effects on rumen fermentation.

Performance, rumen fermentation, and gastrointestinal microflora of lambs fed pelleted or unpelleted total mixed ration

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of feeding pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) on growth performance, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and gastrointestinal microflora of fattening lambs. A total of 100 crossbred (Dorper sheep × Small-tail Han Sheep, DH) ram lambs at 120 d age with similar body weight (BW, 34.9 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly allocated to 10 pens. The pens were randomly assigned to 2 treatments with 5 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were PTMR and un-pelleted total mixed ration (UPTMR) with the same dietary ingredients and nutritional contents. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined in a 32-d experimental period. Ruminal pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, microbes in the rumen and cecum, and carcass weight were measured at the end of the experiment. Lambs fed PTMR had a greater ADFI (P = 0.002) than these fed UPTMR, greater ADG (P = 0.003) and carcass yield (P = 0.003) than that fed UPTMR. However, no significant difference was observed on FCR (P = 0.259) between the two groups of lambs. Compared with UPTMR treatment, feeding PTMR increased acetate and propionate concentrations, while decreased acetate to propionate ratio in the rumen (P < 0.05). Feeding PTMR increased the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae (P < 0.05) and decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.05) in the rumen, and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidales (P < 0.05) and decreased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiales and Erysipelotrichales (P < 0.05) in the cecum relative to that of UPTMR group. In conclusion, feeding PTMR improved the growth performance and carcass yield of fattening lamb, primarily due to improvements in ADFI and ruminal fermentation characteristics through changing the structure and abundance of ruminal beneficial microbiota in fattening lambs. Thus, it is a feasible strategy to feed PTMR to fattening lambs in the intensive feed-lot style feeding system.

Comparison of the rumen bacterial community, rumen fermentation and growth performance of fattening lambs fed low-grain, pelleted or non-pelleted high grain total mixed ration

This study aimed to compare the rumen bacterial community, rumen fermentation and growth performance of fattening lambs fed non-pelleted low grain, non-pelleted high grain or pelleted high-grain total mixed ration (TMR) in Hu sheep. Fifteen male lambs were allocated into 3 groups (n = 5 for each). One group (CON) received a low-grain non pelleted TMR (30% concentrate), the second group (HG) received a high-grain non-pelleted TMR (70% concentrate), while the third group (HP) received the same high-grain TMR in a pelleted form. The composition and CowPI predicted function of ruminal digesta-associated microbiome, rumen fermentation parameters and growth performance were examined. The animals of the HG group showed a significantly higher average daily gain (P = 0.032) and body weight gain compared to the CON group (P = 0.032). While there was no significant difference between HG and HP in any of the growth performance parameters. As compared with the HG group, rumen pH of the HP group was lower (P = 0.012), while lactate concentration was higher (P = 0.024). The unweighted unifractional principle coordinates analysis and the analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that all groups clustered separately from each other. All the alpha diversity estimators were decreased in HG compared to CON as well as in HP compared to HG. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla in all groups and the abundance of Fibrobacteres was significantly decreased in the HP group compared to the HG group (P = 0.047). At the genus level, as compared with the HG group, pelleting resulted in a decrease in the percentage of unclassified BS11 gut group and Succiniclasticum, while it led to an increase in the abundance of some simple sugar fermenters like Megasphaera (P = 0.008), Olsenella (P = 0.007), Dialister (P = 0.009) and Sharpea (P = 0.019). Among the predominant OTUs, the proportion of some OTUs belonging to the Prevotella species increased in the HG group with a severe decrease in the HP group. The CowPI predicted functional profile of the rumen microbiome revealed the enrichment of the pentose phosphate pathway in the HP group only. In summary, this study showed that pelleting the high-grain TMR altered the rumen fermentation and amplified the ruminal microbiome simple sugar utilization.

Pelleted total mixed ration improves growth performance of fattening lambs

Twenty-four fattening lambs were randomly assigned to two groups (completely randomized design) to assess effects of feeding a pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) on growth performance and rumen fermentation characteristic of lambs. Dietary treatments were PTMR and unpelleted total mixed ration (UPTMR). During a 56-d fattening period, growth and digestibility were measured and samples of blood and rumen fluid were collected. At the end of the fattening period, lambs were slaughtered and digestive tracts were collected and evaluated. Dietary PTMR increased dry matter intake and average daily gain (P < 0.001) of lambs, but did not significantly affect feed conversion rate, increased apparent digestibility of dietary crude protein (P < 0.001), ash-free acid detergent fiber (P < 0.001), ether extract (P < 0.01), and starch (P < 0.001), but did not change apparent digestibility of dietary dry matter and amylase-treated ash-free neutral detergent fiber. Feeding PTMR increased concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) and decreased low density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma (P < 0.05) and hence was beneficial to health of lambs by modulating cholesterol metabolism. Feeding PTMR altered rumen fermentation and increased the ratio of acetate to propionate in rumen fluid (P<0.001). Furthermore, PTMR increased rumen papilla height and density (P < 0.001), decreased crypt depth of duodenum (P < 0.05) and hence increased the ratio of villus length to crypt depth and mucosal layer thickness of duodenum (P < 0.001), jejunum (P < 0.01), and ileum (P < 0.01). In conclusion, feeding PTMR increased growth performance of fattening lambs; this was attributed to improvements in gastrointestinal tract development, rumen fermentation characteristics and cholesterol metabolism.

Feeding of wheat middlings in lamb total mixed rations: Effects on growth performance and carcass traits

Little scientific information is available that evaluates wheat middlings (WM) as corn grain substitute in lamb diet. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of feeding WM in total mixed rations (TMR) on lamb performance and carcass characteristics. Forty Comisana breed male lambs (13 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allocated randomly to two isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. Two pelleted TMR were formulated: control diet contained 400 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of corn as main starch source, whereas experimental diet contained 600 g/kg DM of WM. Lambs were slaughtered after fifty days of feeding trial and carcass data were collected. In order to evaluate in vivo digestibility of TMR, four adult Comisana rams were placed in metabolic cages and their individual faeces and urine were collected, and indicated differences for NDF and ADF fractions. Results from growth trial of lambs showed that final live weight and gain as well as feed conversion ratio were improved by WM in diet (P=0.035). In slaughter trial, none of the parameters studied were influenced by dietary treatment, except for slaughter weight and cold-carcass dressing that were improved in lambs fed WM (P=0.047 and P=0.042, respectively). Additionally, WM diet had no effect on lamb carcass traits. As result, WM maintained lamb performance and had no negative effect on lamb performance and carcass traits. Maximizing the use of WM may become economically feasible for lamb feeders when prices turn favorable compared to conventional dietary ingredients such as corn.