Proportion Of Butyric Acid Research Articles

The Production of Marandu Grass (Urochloa brizantha) Extracts as a Natural Modifier of Rumen Fermentation Kinetics Using an In Vitro Technique

The ethanolic (EE) and hydroalcoholic (HE) extracts of Urochloa brizantha concentrations were developed with the aim of evaluating their effect on rumen fermentation using an in vitro gas production technique. The EE and HE presented 3.62 and 5.38 mg protodioscin/mL, respectively. Ten treatments were evaluated in a completely randomized factorial arrangement (2 × 4 + 2), where the main effects were two extracts (EE and HE) and four levels (50, 100, 150, and 200 mL of extract/kg of DM) plus two controls: one positive (25 ppm of monensin–MON) and one (with no additives–CTL). The extract treatments (EXT, EE, and HE) reduced colonization time by 33.59% compared to the MON. IVDMD (p < 0.001) and IVOMD (p < 0.0001) were negatively affected by EXT addition when compared to CTL. Additionally, EXT reduced the proportion of propionic acid and increased the proportion of butyric acid in relation to CTL and MON treatments. Both EE and HE extracts of U. brizantha were able to alter rumen fermentation kinetic, with HE showing a higher concentration of protodioscin. Further research is needed to optimize extraction methodologies, comprehensively profile secondary compounds, and conduct trials with varying doses to effectively assess the viability of U. brizantha extract as an additive.

Impact of dietary Laminaria digitata with alginate lyase or carbohydrase mixture on nutrient digestibility and gut health of weaned piglets

Laminaria digitata is a brown seaweed rich in prebiotic polysaccharides, mainly laminarin, but its alginate-rich cell wall could compromise nutrient access. Carbohydrase supplementation, such as individual alginate lyase and carbohydrases mixture (Rovabio® Excel AP), could enhance nutrient digestibility and prebiotic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these enzymes on nutrient digestibility and gut health of weaned piglets fed with 10% L. digitata. Diets did not affect growth performance (P > 0.05). The majority of the feed fractions had similar digestibility across all diets, but the supplementation of alginate lyase increased hemicellulose digestibility by 3.3% compared to the control group (P = 0.047). Additionally, we observed that algal zinc was more readily available compared to the control group, even without enzymatic supplementation (P < 0.001). However, the increased digestibility of some minerals, such as potassium, raises concerns about potential mineral imbalance. Seaweed groups had a higher abundance of beneficial bacteria in colon contents, such as Prevotella, Oscillospira and Catenisphaera. Furthermore, the addition of alginate lyase led to a lower pH in the colon (P < 0.001) and caecum (P < 0.001) of piglets, which is possibly a result of released fermentable laminarin, and is consistent with the higher proportion of butyric acid found in these intestinal compartments. L. digitata is a putative supplement to enhance piglet gut health due to its prebiotic polysaccharides. Alginate lyase supplementation further improves nutrient digestibility and prebiotic potential. These results suggest the potential use of L. digitata and these enzymatic supplements in commercial piglet-feeding practices.

Effects of Dietary Level of Corn Bran on Laying Performance and Cecum Microbial Communities in Laying Ducks

The application of corn bran (CB) to laying ducks via iso-energy and iso-nitrogen diets is rarely reported. Six hundred laying ducks (49 weeks) were equally assigned to five treatments: the control group with 0% CB and the other four groups with 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% CB. The experiment lasted for 11 weeks. With the increase in CB, the relative weight of the proventriculus, gizzard, and ileum and the content and proportion of butyric acid in the cecal digesta were quadratically changed (p &lt; 0.05), and the highest value was observed in the 12% CB group. Compared with the control, the 12% CB group showed decreased Deferribacteres, Spirochaetota, and Fusobacteriota at the phyla level and showed increased Pediococcus and decreased Bifidobacterium and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group at the genus level (p &lt; 0.10); the 12% CB group also showed 46 different metabolites, which are related to Lactobacillus and Pediococcus (p &lt; 0.05). The 12% CB group showed increased (p &lt; 0.05) albumen height at week 8 and yolk color at weeks 4 and 8 compared with the control. Overall, dietary inclusion of 3% to 12% CB is a possible feeding strategy for laying ducks under iso-energy and iso-nitrogen conditions, and the 12% CB group was more effective.

Acidogenic fermentation of potato peel waste for volatile fatty acids production: Effect of initial organic load.

As a renewable carbon source produced from organic wastes by acidogenic fermentation, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are important intermediates in chemical and biological fields and beneficial to resource recovery and carbon neutrality. Maximizing VFA production by some strategies without additional chemicals is critical to increasing economic and environmental benefits. In this study, the effects of initial organic load (OL) on the performance of VFA production, variations of intermediate metabolites, and the thermogravimetric properties of potato peel waste (PPW) during batch acidogenic fermentation were studied. The results showed that the concentration of VFAs increased with the increase of initial OL, while the VFA yield decreased with the increase of initial OL. When the initial OL was in the range of 28.4g VS/L-91.3g VS/L, the fermentation type of PPW was butyric acid fermentation. The highest butyric acid proportion of 61.3% was achieved with the initial OL of 71.5g VS/L. With the increase of initial OL, the proportion of acetic acid and the utilization rate of protein in the PPW decreased. VFAs were produced from proteins and carbohydrates in the early stage and mainly produced from carbohydrates in the later stage. The production efficiency of VFA was relatively high with the initial OL of 71.5g VS/L, because more easily-biodegradable compounds were solubilized. The results showed that suitably increased initial OL could accelerate acidogenesis, reduce hydrolysis time, and increase the proportion of butyric acid. The findings in this work suggest that PPW is a promising feedstock for butyric acid biosynthesis and appropriate initial OL is beneficial to VFA production.

Effects of Two Feeding Patterns on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Bacterial Community Composition in Yak Calves.

The health of young ruminants is highly dependent on early rumen microbial colonization. In this study, the effects of milk replacer on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and the rumen microflora in yak calves were evaluated. Sixty yak calves (body weight = 22.5 ± 0.95 kg, age = 30 ± 1 d) were assigned to the CON group (breastfed) or TRT group (milk replacer fed) and evaluated over 120 d. At 120 d, ruminal fluid samples were collected from 14 calves and then conducted for rumen fermentation and microbiota analyses. There was no difference in growth performance; however, calf survival was higher in the TRT group than in the CON group. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids and the molar proportion of butyric acid and lactic acid were increased with milk replacer feed in the TRT group (p < 0.05), but iso-valeric acid concentration was highest in the CON group (p < 0.05). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most dominant phyla in the CON and TRT groups, respectively. In the TRT group, Bacteroidetes, Prevotellaceae, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidetes, and Prevotella_1 were the dominant flora in the rumen of calves. The relative abundances of various taxa were correlated with rumen fermentation parameters; the relative abundance of Quinella and iso-butyrate levels were positively correlated (r = 0.57). The relative abundances of the Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and A/P were positively correlated (r = 0.57). In summary, milk replacer is conducive to the development of the rumen microflora, the establishment of rumen fermentation function, and the implementation of early weaning in yaks.

Kazalniki in vitro fermentacije in tvorba HMK iz nestrukturnih ogljikovih hidratov pri kuncih

Šest čistih nestrukturnih ogljikovih hidratov (glukoza, fruktoza, saharoza, β-glukan iz ječmena, inulin iz cikorije (inulin-C) in inulin nedefiniranega izvora (inulin-N)) smo inkubirali v inokulumu, pripravljenem iz vsebine slepega črevesa kuncev, in spremljali kazalnike kinetike in vitro tvorbe plina (skupna potencialna tvorba plina (B), največja hitrost fermentacije (MFR), čas, v katerem je MFR dosežena (TMFR), časovni zamik fermentacije (Lag), tvorba plina (Gas8) in hitrost fermentacije pri 8 urah inkubacije (FR8)) in vsebnosti hlapnih maščobnih kislin (HMK) po 8 urah fermentacije. MFR so bili največji, TMFR pa najkrajši pri fermentaciji sladkorjev: glukoze (MFR 36,0 ml/h; TMFR 8,6 h), fruktoze (MFR 38,6 ml/h; TMFR 9,6 h) in saharoze (MFR 33,2 ml/h; TMFR 9,4 h). Najslabše je fermentiral β-glukan (MFR 12,5 ml/h; TMFR 15,3 h), inulina pa sta fermentirala zelo različno: inulin-N hitreje in intenzivneje (MFR 32,3 ml/h; TMFR 8,3 h), podobno kot sladkorji, inulin-C pa počasi in s slabo intenzivnostjo (MFR 30,5 ml/h; TMFR 11,5 h). Tvorba HMK je bila največja pri sladkorjih in inulinu-N, majhna pri inulinu-C in najmanjša pri β-glukanu (p &lt; 0,05). Molarni delež ocetne kisline je bil pri sladkorjih in inulinu-N manjši kot pri inulinu-C in β-glukanu, pri katerih je bil delež maslene kisline najmanjši (p &lt; 0,05).

Feeding Thai Native Sheep Molasses Either Alone or in Combination with Urea-Fermented Sugarcane Bagasse: The Effects on Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Hematological Parameters.

Simple SummaryA key strategy for attaining value-added and ecologically sustainable operations is the conversion of agro-industrial waste into animal feed. Sugarcane bagasse, a fibrous byproduct of the sugar-refining process, is widely available. Bagasse, however, has low nutritional value and a high quantity of indigestible fiber, which causes low digestibility and, as a result, poor animal performance. Ensiled bagasse’s fermentation properties improved after being treated with molasses and urea. Sheep’s ability to digest crude protein was increased by mixing fermented sugarcane bagasse with 10% molasses and 3% urea without having an adverse impact on the ruminal fermentation or the animal’s hematological parameters.The purpose of this study was to find out how adding molasses to fermented sugarcane bagasse (FSB) alone or in combination with urea affected sheep’s rumen fermentation, hematological parameters, and ability to digest nutrients. Four Thai native sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 20.87 ± 1.95 kg and 11 ± 1.0 months old were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 periods of 14-d adaptation and 7 d of sample collection. Each treatment received a different combination of experimental roughage as follows: FSB without additives (T1), FSB + 10% molasses (T2), FSB + 20% molasses (T3), and FSB + 10% molasses + 3% urea (T4). The concentrate diet was fed twice daily at 2% BW, while roughage sources were provided ad libitum for each treatment. The crude protein (CP) digestibility in the T2 and T3 groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in the FSB group without additions, with the T4 group having the highest (p < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in blood glucose, packed cell volume, ruminal pH, ammonia–nitrogen (NH3-N), propionic acid, or acetic acid, the plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) at 0 h was highest in the T4 group (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. However, the proportion of butyric acid tended to be higher in all FSB groups with additives. Thus, the current experiment concluded that the addition of molasses alone or in combination with urea had positive effects on pH and LAB population, and including both together in FSB improved the CP digestibility of sheep. In conclusion, FSB with 10% molasses and 3% urea might be used as an alternate roughage source for ruminants without affecting the animal’s ruminal fermentation or hematological parameters.

Reduction of Enteric Methane Emissions in Heifers Fed Tropical Grass-Based Rations Supplemented with Palm Oil

Vegetable oils have been shown to reduce enteric methane (CH4) production by up to 20%. However, when the level of incorporation exceeds the threshold of 70 g/kg DM, dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility may be reduced. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the incorporation of three levels of palm oil (PO) on enteric CH4 emissions, rumen fermentation and apparent digestibility in heifers fed low-quality grass. Four rumen-cannulated heifers (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (CON) and three increasing PO levels: 20, 40 and 60 g/kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four periods of 22 days (14 days of adaptation to the ration), 5 days of feces and rumen fluid sampling (day 18, 4 h postprandial) and the last 3 days for measurements of CH4 in respiration chambers. With the exception of CP (p = 0.04), starch (p = 0.002) and EE (p &lt; 0.001), the intake of nutrients was not affected by the inclusion of PO (p &gt; 0.05). The apparent digestibility (AD) of nutrients was not affected by the inclusion of PO (p &gt; 0.05), except for starch, which reduced its AD as the PO level was increased (p &lt; 0.05). The gross energy intake was higher in PO-containing rations (p = 0.001), on the other hand, the digestible energy intake was similar between treatments (p &gt; 0.05). In situ ruminal digestion kinetics and the potential degradability remained unchanged (p &gt; 0.05), however, the effective degradability decreased with the inclusion of PO in the rations (p &lt; 0.05). The ruminal pH and molar proportions of acetic, isovaleric and valeric acid were not different between treatments (p &gt; 0.05). The ruminal concentration of propionic acid increased as the PO level increased, reaching its highest molar proportion with 60 g/kg PO (p &lt; 0.05), however, the acetic/propionic ratio and the molar proportions of butyric acid and isobutyric acid decreased as the PO level increased (p &lt; 0.05). The total daily CH4 production was lower in diets containing 20, 40 and 60 g/kg PO compared to the CON diet (p &lt; 0.001). The production of CH4 per kg DMI and DOMI was greater (p &lt; 0.05) for the CON diet compared to all three rations containing PO. The emission intensity, Ym, energy lost as CH4, emission factor (EF) and kg CO2 eq/year were reduced as an effect of the inclusion of PO (p &lt; 0.05). Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the incorporation of PO in cattle rations has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions by 4% for every 10 g/kg PO in the ration, without affecting DMI, apparent digestibility or the consumption of digestible nutrient fractions.

Effects of ammonia-treated maize on growth performance of beef cattle

High-moisture cereal grains are often treated with ammonia to prevent spoilage and for perceived animal performance advantages, but there are few reports on the effects of ammonia treatment of cereal on cattle performance. This study was carried out on 101 Charolais cattle to quantify the effects of feeding ammonia-treated maize on the performance of intensively fattened beef cattle. Animals were assigned to 16 pens in two sheds and all animals in each pen were fed on the same diet for 176 d. The cereal in the diets was either ammonia-treated maize (ATM) or untreated maize diet (UTM), formulated to be approximately isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Cattle fed ATM had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (6.14 ± 0.39 vs 6.49 ± 0.41 kg DM/kg BW; p = 0.011) and tended to have a higher average daily liveweight gain (ADG) (1.60 ± 0.10 vs 1.54 ± 0.10 kg/d; p = 0.060). The pH of the ruminal fluid at slaughter was higher (p < 0.001) in animals that were fed the ATM diet (6.35 ± 0.69) compared to those fed the UTM diet (5.46 ± 0.33). No differences were found in the concentrations of NH3 or total VFA in ruminal fluid between the two groups. The molar proportion of butyric acid from all VFAs was lower in animals fed ATM than UTM (14.69 ± 3.55% and 18.04 ± 2.97% respectively; p = 0.012), and the molar proportion of propionic acid was higher in the ATM than the UTM groups (22.14 ± 1.54% and 19.54 ± 1.72% respectively; p < 0.001). The ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid was significantly lower in animals fed ATM compared to those fed UTM (ATM vs UTM: 2.64 ± 0.26 vs 2.97 ± 0.29; p = 0.0038). Faecal starch was lower in cattle fed ATM than untreated maize (UTM) (14.73 ± 5.65 vs 18.14 ± 4.27% DM; p < 0.001). The pH of faeces in the ATM group was higher than that in the UTM group (4.75 ± 0.19 vs 4.55 ± 0.19; p < 0.001). In conclusion, ammonia treatment of maize resulted in increased ADG and decreased FCR, with reduced faecal starch concentration, suggesting possible gains in efficiency of starch utilisation.

N-Carbamoylglutamate Supplementation on the Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Milk Quality, Antioxidant Parameters, and Metabolites of Jersey Cattle in High-Altitude Areas.

This study aimed to assess the impact of the dietary supplementation of N-carbamoylglutamate (NCG) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, milk quality, oxidative stress, and metabolites in the plasma and feces of Jersey cattle under high altitude with the hypoxic condition. A total of 14 healthy lactating Jersey dairy cows with similar body conditions were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group (CON group, N = 6 replicates) was fed with a conventional complete diet, whereas the experimental group (NCG group, N = 8 replicates) received 20 g/d per head NCG supplementation. The experiment lasted for 60 days, the adaptation period was 12 days, and the formal experiment period was 48 days. Except that the NCG group showed an upward trend in dry matter intake (DMI) (p = 0.09) and the fermentation parameters, the molar proportion of butyric acid tended to decrease (p = 0.08); the two groups had no significant differences (p > 0.05) in nutrients digestibility, plasma immunity, and antioxidant ability. However, compared with the CON group, the milk fat rate and blood oxygen saturation of the NCG group showed an upward trend (p = 0.09). For indexes associated with altitude stress, the contents of thyroxine, transferrin, and endothelin both decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the NCG group. Meanwhile, heat shock protein (p = 0.07) and aldosterone (p = 0.06) also showed a downward trend. A total of 114 different metabolites were identified from feces and plasma, 42 metabolites were derived from plasma that mainly included 5 kinds of Super Class, and 72 metabolites were derived from feces that mainly included 9 kinds of Super Class. The significantly increased plasma differential metabolites were 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate and salicyluric acid, and the significantly increased fecal differential metabolites were Butenafine (fold change > 2). Pathway analysis showed that after applying NCG as a feed additive, the changes of the Jersey dairy cows mainly focused on amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. These results indicated that adding NCG to the diet can prevent the hypoxic stress state of lactating Jersey cows in high-altitude areas and has a tendency to improve milk quality.

How Divergence for Feed Efficiency Traits Affects Body Measurements and Metabolites in Blood and Ruminal Parameters on Pre-Weaning Dairy Heifers.

Simple SummaryImprovements in dairy cattle feed efficiency have substantial effects on economic efficiency and can reduce environmental impacts through lower feeding costs and fewer emissions associated with dairy farming. The efficiency of an animal for converting feed into products is influenced by genetic, physiological, and environmental factors that result in individual variations. The utilization of feed efficiency indexes aims to identify and select animals with great economic value in a production system. Associations between morphometric indicators, hormone concentrations, and blood parameters may assist in the identification of differences in the efficiency of feed utilization and in understanding the physiological bases linked to animals’ metabolic responses, thus helping to identify more efficient animals. In our study, it is unlikely that measurements of blood, rumen, or morphometric indicators, per se, will be useful in the early identification of more efficient animals. Understanding the underlying physiological basis for improved feed efficiency in dairy heifers requires further investigation.The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate feed efficiency indexes and their relationships with body measurements and blood and ruminal metabolites in the pre-weaning period; (2) to determine if such measurements can be used as feed-efficiency markers during the pre-weaning period. Holstein–Gyr heifer calves (n = 36), enrolled between 4 and 12 weeks of age, were classified into two residual feed intake (RFI) and residual body weight gain (RG) groups: high efficiency (HE; RFI, n = 10; and RG, n = 9), and low efficiency (LE; RFI, n = 10; and RG, n = 8). Calves were fed whole milk (6 L/day) and solid feed ad libitum. Body developments were measured weekly and feed intake (milk and solid feed) daily during the whole period. Blood samples were collected at 12 weeks of age and analyzed for glucose, insulin and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Samples of ruminal content were collected on the same day and analyzed for pH, NH3-N, and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Among the growth characteristics, only the initial hip width differed between the RFI groups, and withers height differed between the RG groups. Concentration of BHB was greater and glucose: insulin ratios tended to be greater in LE-RG animals. Butyric acid proportions were similar among RFI groups, but tended to be greater for HE-RG than for LE-RG. Overall, correlation coefficients between RFI or RG and blood, rumen, or morphometric markers were low. Thus, it is unlikely that measurements of metabolic indicators, per se, will be useful in the early identification of more efficient animals. Understanding the underlying physiological basis for improved feed efficiency in dairy heifers requires further investigation.

Effect of Feed Supplementation with Clostridium butyricum, Alone or in Combination with Carob Meal or Citrus Pulp, on Digestive and Metabolic Status of Piglets.

Simple SummaryDuring the intensive production of weaned piglets, frequent digestive disorders need to be avoided, as it is a critical phase; however, there are limitations to using antibiotics and ZnO at high levels. In this study, we investigate the inclusion of a probiotic (Clostridium butyricum) in combination with sources of fiber that might have a potential prebiotic effect, generating an optimal digestive status for weaned piglets. A trial is carried out using 30 post-weaning piglets for 27 days using five dietary treatments: a negative control, a positive control with high levels of ZnO, and three dietary treatments supplemented with Clostridium butyricum (alone or in combination with carob meal or citrus pulp). Supplementation with this probiotic could improve the piglets’ intestinal wellness status by increasing butyric acid, without being altered by the inclusion of carob meal or citrus pulp at 5%, obtaining digestibility values comparable with those realized by the incorporation of high levels of ZnO in the diet. In addition, carob meal could decrease the concentration of serum interleukin-8 (a type of pro-inflammatory cytokine). However, a growth performance trial of piglets in commercial conditions needs to be developed to confirm these effects.This work studied the effects of the inclusion of Clostridium butyricum on feed, alone or with carob meal or citrus pulp, on the digestive and metabolic status of weaned piglets. A total of 30 male piglets (weaned at 21 days) is used. There are five dietary treatments: negative without ZnO at high doses (C−), a positive control supplemented with ZnO at 2500 ppm of Zn (C+), supplemented with Clostridium butyricum as a probiotic (PRO), and supplemented with probiotic and 5% carob meal (PROC) or 5% citrus pulp (PROP). During the experiment (27 days), the piglets were periodically weighed and sampled for a serum biochemical, fecal microbiological, intestine histological, and digestive status analysis. The body weight, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (DM), and fecal microbiology were not affected by the treatments (p ≥ 0.05). However, the apparent fecal digestibility of DM was lower for the C− treatment than for C+ (p < 0.05), and the total concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in feces with C+ was lower than that for the PROC treatment (p < 0.05). The treatments with the probiotic had a higher molar proportion of butyric acid in feces than C+, and it was found that C− reached an intermediate value (p < 0.01). No general effects of diet were found on the histological measures performed on the jejunum and ileum, and in the serum biochemical analysis (p ≥ 0.05), only the concentration of interleukin-8 was lower for the PROC treatment compared to the C−, C+, and PRO treatments (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the intestinal wellness of piglets could be improved with the supplementation of Clostridium butyricum by increasing butyric acid, and this effect was not altered with the inclusion of carob meal or citrus pulp. More studies under commercial conditions are needed, as the effects might be different in more challenging environmental circumstances.

Trace mineral source impacts rumen trace mineral metabolism and fiber digestion in steers fed a medium-quality grass hay diet.

Twelve Angus steers (BW 452.8 ± 6.1 kg) fitted with ruminal cannulae were used to determine the impact of trace mineral (TM) source on digestibility, ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) composition, ruminal soluble concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn, and relative binding strength of trace minerals located in the rumen insoluble digesta fraction. Steers were fed a medium-quality grass hay diet (DM basis: 10.8% CP, 63.1% neutral detergent fiber [NDF], 6.9 mg Cu/kg, 65.5 mg Mn/kg, and 39.4 mg Zn/kg) supplemented with protein for 21 d. Treatments consisted of either sulfate (STM) or hydroxy (HTM) sources (n = 6 steers/treatment) to provide 20, 40, and 60 mg supplemental Cu, Mn, and Zn/kg DM, respectively. Following a 21-d adaptation period, total fecal output was collected for 5 d. Dry matter (P < 0.07) and CP (P < 0.06) digestibility tended to be reduced, and NDF (P < 0.04) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P < 0.05) digestibility were reduced in STM- vs. HTM-supplemented steers. On day 6, ruminal fluid was collected at 0, 2, and 4 h post-feeding and analyzed for VFA. There were no treatment x time interactions for VFA. Steers receiving HTM had less (P < 0.02) molar proportions of butyric acid and greater (P < 0.05) total VFA concentrations than STM-supplemented steers. Steers were then fed the same diet without supplemental Cu, Zn, or Mn for 14 d. On day 15 steers received a pulse dose of 20 mg Cu, 40 mg Mn, and 60 mg Zn/kg DM from either STM or HTM (n = 6 steers/treatment). Ruminal samples were obtained at 2-h intervals starting at −4 and ending at 24 h relative to dosing. There was a treatment x time interaction (P < 0.03) for ruminal soluble Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Ruminal soluble mineral concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for Cu at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 h; for Mn at 4 and 6 h; and for Zn at 4, 6, and 8 h post-dosing in STM compared with HTM-supplemented steers. Copper concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) at 12 and 24 h and Zn concentrations in ruminal solid digesta were greater at 24 h in HTM-supplemented steers. Upon dialysis against Tris-EDTA, the percent Zn released from digesta was greater (P < 0.05) at 12 h (P < 0.03) and 24 h (P < 0.05), and the percent Cu released was greater (P < 0.02) at 24 h post-dosing in HTM steers when compared with STM-supplemented steers. Results indicate that Cu and Zn from HTM have low solubility in the rumen and appear to be less tightly bound to ruminal solid digesta than Cu and Zn from STM. The lower ruminal soluble concentrations of Cu and Zn in steers given HTM were associated with greater fiber digestibility.

Feeding milk supplemented with Ulva sp., Ascophyllum nodosum, or Saccharina latissima to preweaning dairy calves: Effects on growth, gut microbiota, gut histomorphology, and short-chain fatty acids in digesta

Emerging knowledge shows the importance of preweaning nutrition on programming the gastrointestinal microbiome and development of the gut barrier function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of supplementing cow milk with either intact dried Ulva sp., Ascophyllum nodosum, or Saccharina latissima on growth performance and several gut health parameters of preweaning dairy calves. Forty male Holstein calves were selected based on birth weight (41 ± 4 kg) and plasma Brix percentage (≥8.7%) at d 2 of life. From d 2 to d 42 of life, the control calves (n = 10) were fed with cow milk (8 L/d) without seaweed supplementation, and the experimental calves were fed with cow milk (8 L/d) supplemented with either Ulva sp. (n = 10), A. nodosum (n = 10), or S. latissima (n = 10) at a concentration of 50 g/8 L of cow milk per day (i.e., 5% on a dry matter basis). Calves were weighed every week, and body weight gain and calf starter intake were monitored weekly. At d 42 ± 3 of life, calves were slaughtered. The organ weights and digesta pH from the reticulorumen, mid- and end small intestine, and mid-colon were recorded. A tissue sample (5 cm) collected from the mid-small intestine was analyzed for histomorphology. Digesta from the mid-small intestine and mid-colon were analyzed for lactobacilli, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteriaceae, and short-chain fatty acid profile. Weight gain of the calves was not affected by seaweed supplementation. Proportional organ weights were not affected by seaweed supplementation except for reticulorumen weight, which was higher in calves fed Ulva sp. Both the mid-small intestinal and mid-colonic digesta populations of lactobacilli, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli, as well as the mid-small intestinal histomorphology in seaweed-supplemented calves were not different from control calves. However, acetic acid proportion in mid-colonic digesta was increased in calves fed Ulva sp. and A. nodosum, whereas butyric acid proportion was decreased compared with the control calves. Digesta pH in mid- and end small intestine and mid-colon were not affected, whereas ruminal pH was increased in calves fed Ulva sp. compared with the control calves. In conclusion, intact dried seaweed supplementation did not improve the growth or selected gut health parameters (i.e., histomorphology, digesta pH, bacteria, and short-chain fatty acids) in preweaning Holstein calves.

Effects of ginseng soluble dietary fiber on serum antioxidant status, immune factor levels and cecal health in healthy rats

As an important component of ginseng, the in vivo benefits of ginseng water-soluble dietary fiber (ginseng-SDF) have not been fully revealed. To explore these benefits, healthy rats were given ginseng-SDF (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight/day) by gavage for 15 days. The results showed that ginseng-SDF significantly improved the rats’ growth performance and serum antioxidant status. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, and IgG) levels in the ginseng-SDF groups were increased. High-dose ginseng-SDF significantly increased the cecal butyric acid proportion compared with the K group. Ginseng-SDF increased the abundance of Firmicutes and promoted the proliferation of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, and cellulose decomposers such as Ruminococcus and Clostridium in cecal microflora. These altered microflora were correlated with growth performance, antioxidant status and immunoglobulin indexes. The above results suggested that ginseng-SDF might have positive effects on growth, oxidative-immune levels and cecal health in rats.

Performance indicators and gastrointestinal response of rabbits to dietary soybean meal replacement with silkworm pupae and mealworm larvae meals

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effects of silkworm pupae meal (SPM) and mealworm larvae meal (MLM) on the production results and function of the digestive system in rabbits. Thirty male New Zealand White growing rabbits were divided into three feeding groups: control (C) (10% soybean meal [SBM] in the diet), group SPM (5% SBM and 4% SPM) and group MLM (5% SBM and 4% MLM). Compared with group C, rabbits of groups SPM and MLM, were characterised by higher final body weight and daily body weight gains. They were also found to have better apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of ether extract, and acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Increased digesta viscosity was observed in these rabbits, as well as reduced extracellular activity of bacterial α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, α-arabinofuranosidase and β-xylosidase in the caecal digesta. Similar differences between groups were also noted for the intracellular activity of β-glucuronidase, total activity of β-xylosidase and α-glucosidase. The SPM and MLM treatments contributed to an increase in the extracellular and total activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) in the caecal digesta. The SPM and MLM treatments were characterised by increased extracellular/total activity of colonic bacterial NAGase as well as increased release rates of NAGase and β-cellobiosidase, compared with group C. The rabbits fed the MLM diet had the lowest caecal concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total short chain fatty acids (SCFA). The proportion of butyric acid in the caecal SCFA profile was significantly lower in group MLM than in group C. The SPM treatment reduced the colonic concentration of iso-valeric acid. Group C had the highest colonic SCFA pool. It can be concluded that an inclusion of 4% SPM and 4% MLM in rabbit diets improved their production results, as well as beneficially increased the ATTD of fat, ADF and ADL without compromising the ATTD of other nutrients and energy. Although both dietary insect-derived products caused a mobilisation of microbiota to utilise of chitin (see NAGase activity), they stifled the metabolism of large intestinal microbiota, as manifested by decreased enzyme activity and lower SCFA concentrations.

Changes in the In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation of Diets for Dairy Cows Based on Selected Sorghum Cultivars Compared to Maize, Rye and Grass Silage

An in vitro experiment was conducted to determine the impact of silage produced from selected varieties of sorghum on the microbial fermentation profile of cows’ ruminal fluid. To determine the main microbial fermentation products, ruminal fluid samples were obtained from Polish Holstein–Friesian cows. Serum bottles were filled with 80 mL of ruminal samples, and 1 g of one of the following substrates was added: corn silage (CS), grass silage (GS), rye silage (RS), sorghum silage (sweet) (SS1), sorghum silage (grain) (SS2) or sorghum silage (dual-purpose) (SS3). The serum bottles were flushed with CO2 and fermented for 8 and 24 h at 39 °C. After incubation, the obtained gas and rumen fluid were then analysed to determine the methane and volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents using gas chromatography. The use of sorghum silage (SS) resulted in a decrease in the total concentration VFA concentration in the ruminal fluid compared with the use of other silages, especially GS. Moreover, the ruminal fluid contained a lower molar proportion of propionic and butyric acids when SS was used compared with CS. The butyric acid proportion was higher in SS samples than in RS samples. The differences in chemical composition between sorghum varieties did not influence the rumen VFA concentration or profile. A decrease in gas production, but without effects on methanogenesis, was observed when SS was used compared with GS and CS. The analysis demonstrates the physiological processes of fermentation in the rumen, as evidenced by the products of microbial fermentation. The main advantage is that the addition of SS, irrespective of the plant variety, reduced fermentation gas production in the ruminal fluid compared with CS. The silage of the analyzed sorghum varieties may be used in the diets of dairy cows as a substitute for corn and grass silages.

Pilot-scale fermentation of urban food waste for volatile fatty acids production: The importance of pH

Here, a pilot-scale volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production system was established using food waste (FW) as feedstock under acidic conditions. The effects of pH (uncontrolled, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5) on the FW acidification system were investigated. The results showed that VFAs concentration increased from 8419 to 15048 mg COD/L with pH level increasing from 4.5 to 6.5, and the highest VFA production yield (0.79 mgCOD/mgCOD) was obtained at a pH of 6.5. A larger proportion of butyric acid (52.9%) was observed, accompanied by a 23% decrease of acetic acid when pH was elevated to 6.5. Microbial analysis showed that Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Sporanaerobacter, and Proteiniphilum were dominant, which not only positively influence the hydrolysis and acidogenesis processes but also play an essential role in the conversion of acetic acid to butyric acid. In summary, this study provides a valuable reference for large-scale FW treatment to recover valuable resources.

Rotavirus-Induced Diarrhea Changes the Proteins, Amino Acids and Fatty Acids Profiles in Fecal Samples of the Infants

Background: Rotavirus-induced diarrhea (RD) could cause disorders in food protein and fat metabolism of infants the changes of which have not been clearly revealed; however, relevant studies are limited. Objectives: The aim was to investigate the changes of proteins, amino acids and fatty acids profiles in fecal samples of the infants caused by RD. Methods: A total of 30 fecal samples were collected from 15 RD infants and 15 healthy infants. The compositions of fecal proteins, amino acids and fatty acids profiles in all fecal samples were analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), automatic amino acid analyzer and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Results: Compared to H infants, the feces in RD infants had lower contents of proteins with 50 - 55, 79 - 80, and 84 - 85 KDa, meanwhile higher contents of proteins with 67 - 69 KDa. The levels of aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycinc, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, histidine, arginine, and proline in the feces from RD infants were significantly lower than that of H infants (P &lt; 0.05). The relative proportions of butyric acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, cis-11, 14-icotenic acid, cis-11, 14, 17- epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, cis-13, 16-docosanoic acid, and cis-7, 10, 13, 16,19 docosapentaenoic acid in feces from RD infants decreased significantly compared to those of H infants (P &lt; 0.05). On the contrary, significant increases in the relative proportions of caprylic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, cis-10-heptadecaenoic acid, oleic acid, and γ-linoleic acid were found in the; feces of RD infants (P &lt; .05). Conclusions: RD changed the proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids profiles in infants feces, which improved the understanding of relationship between RD and fecal metabolites profile.

Effect of replacement of soybean meal with rice gluten meal on in vitro fermentation characteristics of total mixed ration

An in vitro study was conducted to assess the effect of using rice gluten meal as a substitute of soybean meal (SBM) in ruminant diet. The SBM comprising 12.5% whole diet [total mixed ration (TMR)] was substituted by rice gluten meal (RGM) on w/w basis at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% level. In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), organic matter disappearance (IVOMD), net gas production, methane production and fermentation efficiency of TMRs was assessed. The chemical composition of TMRs revealed decrease in total ash, acid detergent fiber and total carbohydrate contents and increase in organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose, neutral detergent insoluble crude protein and acid detergent insoluble crude protein contents with increase in RGM in TMRs. No significant difference in net gas production, IVDMD and IVOMD was observed between the TMR treatments having graded levels of RGM and control. The NH3-N in TMRs declined with increase in RGM and was highest (P<0.05) in control. The relative proportion of propionic acid and isovaleric acid was highest in TMR 3 (50% RGM replacing SBM); whereas relative proportion of butyric acid was lowest in TMR 3. CH4 production showed decline with increase in RGM in TMRs beyond 25% level replacing SBM. The H-recovery was lowest in control TMR. The hydrogen consumed via CH4 as compared to the hydrogen consumed via VFA was lowest in TMR 3. The fermentation efficiency was highest in TMR 3. Thus, RGM could replace up to 100% of soybean meal in TMR of ruminants without any adverse effect on nutrient digestibility which is equivalent to 12.5% of whole dietary dry matter.