Replacing Corn Grain Research Articles

Effect of Replacing Corn Grain and Soybean Meal with Field Peas at Different Levels on Feed Intake, Milk Production, and Metabolism in Dairy Cows under a Restrictive Grazing.

This study assessed the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) and corn grain with field peas in the concentrate of grazing dairy cows on milk production, intake, ruminal fermentation, and blood indicators. Twelve multiparous lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were utilized in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, comprising three periods and three treatments: (1) Pea-0 (Control diet): 6 kg dry matter (DM) of fresh pasture, 7.2 kg DM of grass silage, and 7 kg DM of a concentrate containing 0% pea; (2) Pea-30: Control diet with the concentrate composed of 30% pea; (3) Pea-60: Control diet with the concentrate composed of 60% pea. The effect of treatments on productive and metabolic parameters was evaluated using linear-mixed models. Pasture and total DM intake, milk production, and composition were unaffected by treatments. Despite the concentrates being isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, crude protein (CP) intake was slightly higher in Pea-30 and significantly higher in Pea-60 due to higher pasture CP content in the pasture grazed by these groups, leading to higher milk urea content, though within recommended ranges. Blood parameters showed no significant changes, except for plasma β-hydroxybutyrate, which was lowest in the Pea-60 treatment; however, all values were within ranges not indicative of subclinical ketosis. Ruminal fermentation parameters were similar across treatments. These findings support the use of field peas as a viable alternative to replace SBM and corn grain in concentrates, enabling similar milk production and composition in grazing dairy cows.

Dry distillers grain with high fiber solubles replacing corn grain in confined sheep diets

In Brazil, the meat production market has intensified, with more and more improvements being sought every day in the production system to maintain greater economic viability. Therefore, initially, there is greater attention to animal nutrition, using different food sources to ensure good animal performance. As a result, the search for alternative foods has been highlighted due to the good dietary energy components for ruminants. The objective was to evaluate inclusion levels of dried distillers grain with high fiber solubles (DDGS FS OURO®) in the diet of confined sheep regarding nutrient consumption characteristics. Eight animals of the Santa Inês breed were used, males, castrated, with an initial body weight of 30 kg, aged 7 months. The animals were distributed in a double 4x4 Latin square design, with 4 experimental periods of 21 days each, with 16 days of adaptation and 5 days for sample collection. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of 20, 40, 60 and 80% of DDGS high fiber in dry matter, in high concentrate diets. The inclusion of DDGS did not influence the consumption of DM (kg/day), DM (% BW), MO (kg/day) and CP (kg/day), with average values of 1.42; 3.55; 1.23 and 0.264, respectively. Regarding the consumption of NDF and iNDF, a linear increase can be noted with the inclusion of DDGS. The inclusion of dry distillers grain with high-fiber solubles favored a greater consumption of neutral detergent fiber without changing the consumption of dry matter, which for a high-concentrate diet would be interesting to reduce the risk of acidosis.

Effect of NDF levels of complete pelleted diet and dietary transition period on rumen pH, growth performance, digestibility, and blood indices in fattening male goats

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low and high NDF levels in complete pelleted diets (CPD) on early diet transition in fattening male goats. Forty male goats were blocked by their initial body weights (BW), and within each block, animals were randomly assigned to one of the four diets using a randomized complete block design. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial comprising of two levels of NDF (20.2% and 32%) and two diet transition strategies (day 7 and 15). All the diets were iso-nitrogenous, having a 15:85 forage-to-concentrate ratio. In the high NDF diet, a higher level of 32% was achieved by replacing corn grain with soy hulls and wheat bran. The goats were housed individually and had ad libitum access to feed and water. During the transition phase, conventional feeding was replaced by the CPD in three steps, and thereafter, all animals had free choice access to their respective diets. Body weight and blood samples were conducted weekly, while rumen samples were collected on day 0, 7 and 15, and then fortnightly. Feeding behavior data was recorded on day 7 during the transition period using video cameras. Nutrient digestibility was performed twice, with n = 4 animals/treatment: 1) after 15 days and 2) at the end of the study. The results revealed that goats fed on a high NDF diet had higher (P < 0.05) DMI and ADG than those fed on a low NDF diet during the transition. Additionally, there was an interaction between NDF and transition days after the transition period and the entire study period. The feed-to-gain ratio was lower (P = 0.05) in goats fed on the LNDF-15 compared with the LNDF-7. The rumen pH of low NDF-7 goats was lower (P < 0.05) throughout the study compared with other treatments. Moreover, the odds for diarrhea were higher (P = 0.03) in the low NDF-7 goats compared to other treatments during and after the diet transition. Male goats fed on a high NDF diet had higher (P < 0.05) nutrient digestibility after transition, but no effect thereafter. Animals fed on a high NDF diet had higher (P < 0.05) DMI, NDF intake, laying, standing time, and rumination time during the diet transition period. Feeding behavior was not recorded after the dietary transition period. In conclusion, feeding HNDF-7 to goats during the diet transition period resulted in improved growth performance, key feeding behavior parameters, and nutrient digestibility. Whereas, during the post-diet transition period, both LNDF-15 and HNDF-7 goats displayed comparable growth performance without any adverse effects on animal health.

Evaluation of Dried Citrus Pulp Addition to Total Mixed Ration in Replacement to Corn on Mutton Goat Performance and Health Indices

Due to the human population explosion, demand for food, especially meat, has also increased. Increasing mutton production, in this scenario, is one way to mitigate this emerging issue as it nourishes a large human population. However, its production is challenging due to high feeding costs. This study was executed to develop cost-effective feed for mutton goat production by adding dried citrus pulp to the total mixed ration. Citrus pulp was used as an energy source instead of corn grain. A total of 12 bucks were divided into 4 groups, each having 3 animals. After 21 days of adaptation, bucks were assigned to experimental groups. The experimental groups were designated as A, B, C and D. They were fed TMR with 0, 10, 15 and 20% dried citrus pulp, respectively, as a replacement for corn grain for 90 days. The effect of the dried citrus pulp inclusion on the bucks’ growth performance such as feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was evaluated on weekly basis. Hematological and biochemical parameters including total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, complete blood count and serum antioxidant (catalase) activity were also determined. Results indicated that all hematological and biochemical parameters showed non-significant differences among the control and treatment groups. Weekly weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were equal in corn based as well as in dried citrus pulp-based diet with a lower feeding cost for the latter. It is concluded that the use of dried citrus pulp up to 20% as a replacement of corn in ration of fattening bucks is economical to use without any adverse effects.

The use of an alternative feed ingredient in the diet of pigs

The main grain feeds for animals in our country are still corn, wheat and barley. It is known that animals and poultry are competitors to humans in terms of grain consumption. Therefore, it is currently relevant in the fi eld of mono-gastric animals feeding to search for non-traditional feed sources. One of these is sorghum grain. The purpose of the work was to increase the live weight of young pigs when using low-cost compound feed with sorghum. We carried out a scientifi c and economic experiment at the LLC “TOPAGRO” enterprise in the Volgograd region on young pigs of three-breed hybrids. The animals of the control group received an farm diet with corn, and in the diet of the animals of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, 50, 75 and 100 % of corn was replaced with sorghum. In the feeding diet of pigs, partial or complete replacement of corn grain with sorghum of the variety Kamyshinskoe 75 contributed to an increase in the digestibility of nutrients compared with the indicators of analogues of the control group. The live weight of pigs on 119 days of experiment in the 1st experimental group was by 1,77 % higher than the control group, in the 2nd experimental group by 3,09 % (P &gt; 0,95) and in the 3rd experimental group by 2,66 kg than in the control group. Control slaughter of animals has shown that the slaughter yield in the experimental groups was higher than in the control group from 0,53 to 0,91 abs.%. Thus, the replacement of corn grain with sorghum in the diets of pigs of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd experimental groups positively aff ected the digestibility of nutrients of compound feed and meat productivity of pigs.

The effectiveness of the use of sorghum grain in feeding of farm animals and poultry

Corn, wheat and barley remain important sources of nutrients and energy in the diets of farm animals and poultry. According to statistics in the feed factories are allocated up to 45 % to corn, about 35 % to wheat, 25,5 % to barley. In this regard, the task of more appropriate use of the abovementioned grains and the search for alternative feed sources has appeared. In the Volgograd region sorghum of the variety Kamyshinskoe 75 is successfully grown, which is not inferior to corn in nutritional value. The purpose of the work was to increase the productive traits of farm animals and poultry when using sorghum as part of diets. A series of experiments was carried out on sheep of Volgograd breed under the conditions of the IFof the farm Abdalvagapov M. A., young pigs of three-breed hybrids at the LLC “TOPAGRO” enterprise, broiler chickens of the cross Ross-308 in the SRC Effi ciency and Safety of feed and Feed additives of the Volgograd State Agrarian University. The animals and poultry of the control groups were received the main diet with corn, and in the diet of animals and poultry of the experimental groups a complete replacement of corn with sorghum was made. Sorghum compared with corn was characterized by a predominant content of crude protein by 1,74 abs.%, crude ash by 0,38 abs.% and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 0,12 abs.%. At the end of the studies on sheep (age 120 days) in the experimental group the live weight was 35,19 kg, which was higher than in the control by 2,83 % (P &gt; 0,99). The live weight of young pigs at the end of the experiment was 129,95 kg or 2,66 % more than in the control group. Broiler chickens from the control group weighed 2198,36 g by the age of 35 days and by 0,9 % more then in the experimental group. Thus, the complete replacement of corn grain by sorghum in the diets of experimental animals and poultry had a positive eff ect on their growth rate.

Effect of mango seeds as an untraditional source of energy on the productive performance of dairy Damascus goats.

Eighteen dairy Damascus goats weighing 38-45 kg live body weight and aged 3-4 years were divided into three groups according to their body weight, with six goats in each group. Yellow corn grain in their concentrate feed mixture was replaced with mango seeds (MS) at levels of 0% MS in group 1 (G1, control), 20% MS in group 2 (G2), and 40% MS in group 3 (G3). The digestibility coefficients of the organic matter, dry matter, crude fiber, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and total digestible nutrients increased (P < 0.05) upon feeding MS to G2 and G3. The amounts of dry matter, total digestible nutrients, and digestible crude protein required per 1 kg 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were lower (P < 0.05) in G2 and G3 vs. G1. Actual milk and 3.5% FCM yield increased (P < 0.05) with the increasing MS dietary level. G2 and G3 had the highest significant (P < 0.05) total solids, total protein, non-protein nitrogen, casein, ash, fat, solids not fat, lactose, and calcium contents compared with G1. Replacing yellow corn grain with MS in G2 and G3 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the cholesterol concentration and AST activity. Feeding MS increased the concentrations of caprioc, caprylic, capric, stearic, oleic, elaidic, and linoleic acids and decreased the concentrations of butyric, laueic, tridecanoic, myristic, myristoleic, pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, cis-10-Heptadecanoic, cis-11-eicosenoic, linolenic, arachidonic, and lignoseric acids in the milk fat. The results show that the replacement of corn grain with MS improved the digestibility, milk yield, feed conversion, and economic efficiency, with no adverse effects on the performance of Damascus goats.

Effect of particle size of zeolite clay included in high-energy diets for feedlot lambs: Growth performance, dietary energy, carcass traits, and visceral mass.

Several reports on the effects of zeolite (ZEO) inclusion in diets for feedlot lamb diets have indicated improvements in dietary energy efficiency and decreases in internal fat. Inclusion levels and the type of zeolite used have been the main focus of those reports. However, the possible effect of the zeolite particle size on the growth performance and carcass characteristics has not yet been investigated. Forty-eight male intact Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs were fed for 67 days with a high-energy diet supplemented with ZEO as follows: 1) basal diet 0% ZEO (control); 2) basal diet 3% ZEO particle size 250 µM (sieve 60); 3) basal diet 3% ZEO particle size 149 µM (sieve 100); and 4) basal diet 3% ZEO particle size 74 µM (sieve 200). ZEO replaced corn grain and soybean meal in equal parts. At the end of feeding, lambs were slaughtered, and variables such as carcass characteristics and visceral mass were evaluated. Particle size did not affect growth performance, carcass characteristics, or visceral mass. The inclusion of ZEO reduced 3.4% of dietary net energy in diets but did not affect dry matter intake or average daily gain, thus improving (p ≤ 0.05) dietary energy efficiency by 2.9%. Except for an 18.9% reduction (p = 0.02) in visceral mass fat, ZEO did not affect other carcass characteristics or visceral organ mass. The particle size studied in the present experiment has not affected any of the variables of growth performance or carcass characteristics. ZEO inclusion could be a strategy to reduce the visceral fat in finishing lambs.

Bioeconomic analysis of total replacement of corn grain with by-product from biscuit manufacture for purebred and crossbred Morada Nova lambs in feedlot system in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

The economic feasibility of replacing corn grain with by-product from biscuit manufacture (BBM) as an energy source in the diet for purebred and crossbred native lambs raised in feedlot was evaluated. Four production systems were developed based on nutritional management and genetic groups: (PS1) purebred native lambs fed a conventional diet based on corn and soybean meal; (PS2) purebred native lambs fed a diet with BBM replacing 100% of the corn; (PS3) crossbred native lambs fed a conventional diet based on corn and soybean meal; and (PS4) crossbred native lambs fed a diet with BBM replacing 100% of the corn in the diet. The extrapolation was performed for a module of 24 Morada Nova (MN) breed lambs (12 MN red (MNR) and 12 ½MNR × ½MN white lambs)) with an initial body weight of 18.8 ± 0.875 and 15.0 ± 0.838kg for MNR and crossbred, respectively. Feed, animal acquisition, and labor present the total production costs. The greatest profits were obtained in the production systems that fed the crossbred lambs with BBM. The lesser cost of BBM contributed to greater total factor productivity regardless of genetic group (1.095 vs. 1.015 for BBM and conventional feed, respectively). Systems using BBM (SP2 and SP4) showed an estimated payback of 5.44 and 3.24years, respectively, while the use of conventional feed contributed to negative economic data (PS1 and PS3) with payback period greater than 10years. The use of BBM as an energy source in the diet of crossbred sheep was economically feasible and showed better economic indices when compared to the systems using a conventional diet.

Assessment of corn wet distillers grains fed to crossbred bulls on feeding behavior, rumen morphology, liver abscesses and blood parameters.

Corn ethanol production has been growing in Brazil in the last ten years, generating by-products to feedlot diets. This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of low-fat corn wet distillers grains (LF-WDG) on feeding behavior, ruminal health, liver abscesses and blood parameters of F1 Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished. Our hypothesis is that evaluation of data from feeding behavior, rumen and liver health would help to explain animal performance. In this trail, one-hundred animals were fed for 129 days with diets containing amounts of 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of LF-WDG replacing corn grain and soybean meal. Evaluations of fluctuation of dry matter intake (DMI) were carried out. Additionally, feeding behavior data were assessed by monitoring (24-h period) the feeding, rumination, time spent eating (TSE), and time expended on other activities (resting and number of meals per day). Blood variables such as pH, bicarbonate, total CO2 content, and base excess in extracellular fluid (Beecf) were determined. After slaughter, rumen epithelium was classified according to the incidence of lesions (rumenitis) and abnormalities (papillae clumped), and samples were collected for morphology and histology evaluations. Moreover, livers were scored for severity of abscesses as follow: as unabscessed (0), one or two small abscesses (A−), two to four small active abscesses (A) or one or more large, active abscesses (A+). The DMI (kg/day) differed (P = 0.03) among treatments and there is a tendency of 15 and 30 LF-WDG (% DM) had lower %DMI fluctuation compared to 0 or 45%. The TSE increased linearly (P < 0.01) as the amounts of inclusion of LF-WDG increased. Moreover, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, NDF consumption rate and NDF rumination efficiency increased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. The incidence of rumenitis tended (P = 0.08) to be greater at 45% LF-WDG, while keratin thickness decreased linearly in bulls fed LF-WDG (P < 0.01). The severity of liver abscesses (score A+) increased linearly (P = 0.02). Regarding blood parameters, only Beecf decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current study was confirmed. We previous reported that F1 Angus-Nellore bulls fed LF-WDG show greater weight gain (1.94 ± 0.09 kg/day) and final body weight (620 ± 18.8 kg) when compare to control (1.8 ± 0.09 kg/day and 602 ± 18.8 kg, respectively). Here, we conclude that inclusion of 15 to 30% LF-WDG in feedlot diets improved feeding behavior without impairing ruminal health and blood parameters, driving performance and weigh gain of crossbred bulls. However, bulls fed 45% LF-WDG had greater severity of liver abscesses.

The Replacement of Ground Corn with Sugar Beet in the Diet of Pasture-Fed Lactating Dairy Cows and Its Effect on Productive Performance and Rumen Metabolism.

Simple SummaryCereal grains have increased in cost, and therefore dairy farmers try to find alternatives to provide energy in the rumen. Sugar beet roots have high energy content and may be a sound alternative to replace ground corn partially or totally in the diet of dairy cows. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the replacement of ground corn with fresh sugar beet on the milk production responses, rumen metabolism, and profitability of pasture fed dairy cows. Although cows supplemented with sugar beet roots had reduced dry matter intake and milk production compared with control cows, fat percentage was increased, and therefore, there were no differences in energy corrected milk yield (FPCM) among the treatments. Moreover, feeding costs were reduced, and thus, the margin over feed costs was increased for sugar beets. In addition, the replacement of ground corn by sugar beets reduced urinary N excretion, and thus, it may contribute to the reduction in N2O emission from dairy systems. Using sugar beet roots as an energy supplement can be a suitable alternative to ground corn in pasture-fed lactating dairy cows, increasing the sustainability of dairy systems.(1) Background: Sugars have a potential to provide great amounts of fermentable energy in the rumen. Feeding fresh sugar beet (SB) to dairy cattle to replace a portion of the grain in the ration has not received sufficient attention. This study determined dry matter intake (DMI), feeding behavior, rumen fermentation and milk production responses when replacing corn grain with increasing levels of SB in pasture-fed lactating dairy cow diets. (2) Methods: A total of 12 early-lactation cows were used in a replicated (n = 4) 3 × 3 Latin square design. The control diet consisted of 21 kg dry matter (DM) composed of 6.3 kg DM green chopped perennial ryegrass, 7 kg DM grass silage, 2 kg DM of concentrate, 1 kg DM soybean meal and 4.5 kg DM of ground corn. The other treatments replaced 50% or 100% of the ground corn with SB roots. (3) Results: The replacement of ground corn with sugar beet reduced DMI and milk yield (p < 0.05), but it increased milk fat concentration (p = 0.045), reduced feeding costs and increased margin over feed costs (p < 0.01). Urinary nitrogen was linearly reduced with SB supplementation (p = 0.026). (4) Conclusions: Using SB roots as energetic supplement can be a suitable alternative to ground corn in pasture-fed lactating dairy cows.

Nitrogen utilization and nutrient intake and digestibility can be improved in sheep fed cotton-burrs with crude glycerin

The present study evaluated the replacement of corn grain with increasing levels of crude glycerin (CG) in cotton burrs-based diets for sheep in terms of intake and digestibility, nitrogen (N) metabolism, microbial protein synthesis (MPS) efficiency, blood glucose, and ruminal parameters. Five male sheep (body weight 52.2 ± 5.5 kg), castrated and rumen-fistulated, were used in a randomized 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experimental period consisted of 17 d (10 d for adaptation and 7 d for sampling). Isonitrogenous diets with 112 g crude protein (CP) per kg dry matter (DM) were formulated to contain 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, and 200 g CG/kg DM. Compared to the control diet, feeding CG up to 200 g/kg DM quadratically changed (P < 0.01) nutrient intake. Maximum intake of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), and water was achieved when feeding 150 g CG/kg DM. Compared to zero CG inclusion, feeding 200 g CG/kg DM linearly increased (P ≤ 0.03) the digestibility of OM and aNDF by 3.4 % and 13.6 %, respectively, while DM digestibility tended to increase linearly by 6 % (P = 0.05). The apparent N digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.02) by 6.8 % and 10.4 % with GC inclusion levels of 150 and 200 g/kg DM, respectively. Nitrogen intake, fecal and urinary N, absorbed N, and N absorbed per unit of N intake were all quadratically changed (P ≤ 0.03) by CG inclusion. These parameters increased by 34.7 %, 15.7 %, 34.5 %, 49.3 %, and 10.7 %, respectively, when a diet of 150 g CG/kg DM was fed. Feeding different levels of CG in a sheep diet did not affect (P ≥ 0.12) ruminal MPS (g microbial N/d) and MPS efficiency (g microbial CP/kg total digestible nutrients), ruminal pH, and concentrations of ruminal ammoniacal-N and blood glucose. Crude glycerin included up to 150 g/kg in cotton burrs-based diets for sheep improved N utilization and intake and digestibility of nutrients without affecting ruminal parameters, glucose blood concentrations, and MPS efficiency.

Feeding corn germ instead of corn grain on the performance of Holstein dairy cows fed low-forage diet and human-edible feed conversion efficiency

Using corn germ (CG) instead of corn grain could maintain dairy cow performance and might increase the efficiency of human food production. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain with CG on the performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility of dairy cows. It also aimed to investigate the effect of CG on the efficiency of human food production in high-producing Holstein dairy cows in early lactation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows with 65.6 ± 8.5 DIM, milk yield of 55.6 ± 4.5 kg/d, and body weight of 611.3 ± 43.3 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were (1) control treatment (CT, diet contains corn grain), (2) alternative treatment (AT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG), and (3) balanced treatment (BT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG but with the same energy content as CT). Control and balanced diets were isoenergetic (6.61 MJ/kg of DM); however, AT had higher energy (6.77 MJ/kg of DM). Treatments had no effect on dry and organic matter intake. NDF intake, however, was higher in CG diets compared with CT (P = 0.0001). Total-tract digestibility of DM tended to be reduced (P = 0.08), and OM digestibility was reduced (P = 0.05) by the inclusion of CG in diets. Whole and energy-corrected milk production were greater in AT compared with CT and BT (P < 0.05). Milk yield was similar in cows fed CT and BT. Treatments had no effect on milk composition or feed efficiency. Diet CT, when compared with CG diets, had lower efficiency in terms of human-edible feed conversion efficiency (HeFCE) and net food production (P < 0.05). Diet BT had greater HeFCE and net production of human-edible CP than AT (P < 0.05). Plasma BHBA, non-esterified fatty acids, and glucose concentrations were not affected by treatments, but plasma cholesterol was higher in cows that consumed CG diets (P = 0.04). The results indicate that, in high-producing early lactation dairy cows fed high concentrate diets, net food protein production can be substantially improved without lowering milk production through the reduction of dietary starch from 30.2 to 24.8% by replacing corn grain with CG.

Complete replacement of corn grain with crude glycerin for dairy cows

The biodiesel process generates crude glycerin as a coproduct, which is primarily glycerol, but also includes varying amounts of other materials that may impact the value of crude glycerin as a feed for livestock. The response of dairy cows to the complete substitution of finely-ground mature corn with crude glycerin in diets containing a high content of non-forage fiber sources was evaluated. The goal was to maximize milk yield per unit of cultivated corn and to have a high replacement rate of corn starch by glycerol in the diet. Eighteen Holsteins (185±58 days in lactation) were housed in sand-bedded tie stalls and individually fed. Cows received a sequence of two treatments in a crossover design with 28-day periods. Treatments were: 1) control diet containing 14.8% ground corn (Control, CTL), or 2) a diet with complete substitution of ground corn with an isonitrogenous mixture of crude glycerin and soybean meal (Glycerin, GLY) at 12.3 and 2.7% of the ration dry matter (DM), respectively. Diets had (% of DM) 33.8% forage, 19.4% citrus pulp, and 8.6% whole cottonseeds. Crude glycerin contained 6.3% moisture, 76.2% glycerol, and 8,800 ppm of methanol, on an as-fed basis. No effect on DM intake (DMI, 16.7 kg/d) was observed, whereas GLY decreased milk yield from 23.4 to 21.3 kg/d. The daily secretion of lactose was lower (0.94 vs 1.05 kg/d) and there was a trend for total solids (2.57 vs 2.79 kg/d) to be lower for GLY than CTL. Plasma glucose concentration was decreased for cows fed the GLY diet (51.6 vs 58.3 mg/dL). Glycerin increased butyrate in rumen fluid (19.9 vs 15.6% of total volatile fatty acids) and decreased acetate (58.7 vs 64.6% of total volatile fatty acids) and the acetate to propionate ratio (2.79 vs 3.30). Total tract apparent OM digestibility was increased with GLY (74.1 vs 70.8% of intake). The ratios of milk yield to DMI (1.40 vs 1.30 kg milk/kg DMI) and milk energy secretion to digestible OM intake (DOMI) (1.47 vs 1.30 Mcal/kg) were decreased in GLY. There was no difference between treatments on rumen microbial yield, estimated by the daily excretion of urinary allantoin, and urinary allantoin per unit of DOMI. Eating time per unit of DMI was reduced for cows fed GLY (12.6 vs 14.2 min/kg DMI) and rumination rate did not differ between treatments (18.2 min/kg DMI). Overall, the substitution of ground corn with a crude glycerin and soybean meal mixture increased OM digestibility and decreased rumen acetate to propionate ratio, plasma glucose concentration, milk yield, and efficiencies of feed and energy utilization.

Making broiler meat sustainable: optimizing feeding

The article provides a comparative analysis of feeding complete feed for broiler chickens with a corn grain content of 40% by weight, with a complete replacement of corn by sorghum grain of 40% by weight and with a complete replacement of corn grain with extruded sorghum grain in an amount of 40% by weight of feed. It has been found that replacing corn with sorghum that has passed the extrusion process in a hot region of the Russian Federation in compound feed for broiler chickens had a positive effect on their live weight, feed conversion and metabolism. With the complete replacement of corn grain with extruded sorghum grain in feed mixtures for broiler chickens, their growth rate increased by 7.7%, nutrient digestibility coefficients by 2.3-2.6%, nitrogen assimilation - by 3.3%, calcium - by 1.6%, phosphorus - by 0.5% while reducing feed costs per unit of production by 4.8%.

ЗЕРНО СОРГО В РАЦИОНАХ ДЛЯ СВИНЕЙ СНИЖАЕТ ИХ СЕБЕСТОИМОСТЬ ДО 40%

The aim of the research was to study the possibility of replacing corn grain with sorghum grain in the diets of pigs. The following tasks were solved: to study the actual nutritional value of corn grain and sorghum grain; make recipes for compound feed with the inclusion of corn and sorghum grains; to determine the effect of compound feed from grain sorghum on suckling sows and offspring; to evaluate the effect of compound feed from grain sorghum on the growth and development of fattening young animals. Scientific and economic experiments were carried out on the basis of the KLH them. Frunze of the Belgorod region on groups of suckling sows and fattening young pigs. Grain sorghum variety Slavyanskoe Pole 210 bred by the All-Russian Research Institute of Sorghum and Soybean Slavyanskoe Pole was tested. Our scientific studies have shown that most of the biological characteristics of sorghum grain are neutral for pigs and do not have a significant negative impact on their digestion and viability. If we take into account that the diet with the inclusion of sorghum is cheaper than the corn-containing diet by 3 rubles per 1 kg, the high economic efficiency of the production of fodder based on sorghum grain in the amount of 5 rubles per 1 grown head is obvious.

Effects of partially replacing dietary corn with molasses, condensed whey permeate, or treated condensed whey permeate on ruminal microbial fermentation

Corn is a feedstuff commonly fed to dairy cows as a source of energy. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether partially replacing dietary corn with molasses or condensed whey permeate, in lactating dairy cow diets in a dual-flow continuous culture system, can maintain nutrient digestibility by ruminal microorganisms. Furthermore, this study evaluated whether treating condensed whey permeate before feeding could aid the fermentation of the condensed whey permeate in the rumen. Eight fermentors were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square with 4 periods of 10 d each. The control diet (CON) was formulated with corn grain, and the other diets were formulated by replacing corn grain with either sugarcane molasses (MOL), condensed whey permeate (CWP), or treated condensed whey permeate (TCWP). Diets were formulated by replacing 4% of the diet dry matter (DM) in the form of starch from corn with sugars from the byproducts. Sugars were defined as water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in the rations. The fermentors were fed 52 g of DM twice daily of diets containing 17% crude protein, 28% neutral detergent fiber, and 45% nonfiber carbohydrates. Liquid treatments were pipetted into each fermentor. After 7 d of adaptation, samples were collected for analyses of volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate, and ammonia, and fermentors' pH were measured at time points after the morning feeding for 3 d. Pooled samples from effluent containers were collected for similar analyses, nutrient flow, and N metabolism. Data were statistically analyzed using Proc MIXED of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.); fixed effects included treatment and time, and random effects included fermentor, period, and square. The interaction of treatment and time was included for the kinetics samples. The TCWP and MOL treatments maintained greater fermentor pH compared with CWP. Total VFA concentration was increased in CWP compared with MOL. The acetate:propionate ratio was increased in TCWP compared with CON, due to tendencies of increased acetate molar proportion and decreased propionate molar proportion in TCWP. Lactate concentration was increased in MOL. Digestibility of WSC was increased in the diets that replaced corn with byproducts. The partial replacement of 4% of DM from corn starch with the sugars in byproducts had minimal effects on ruminal microbial fermentation and increased pH. Treated CWP had similar effects to molasses.

Replacement of corn by glycerine and vegetal oils (cashew and castor oils) as alternative additives feeds in diets of Purunã bulls finished in feedlot

Glycerine a co-product from the biodiesel industry and cashew and clove oils could be an alternative food for replacing corn as an energy source and synthetic additives commonly used in feedlot diets. This work was realized to study the effects of replacing corn grain with glycerine and vegetal oils (nut shell liquid and castor oils) on animal performance, feed intake, feed efficiency and apparent digestibility of Purunã bulls finished in feedlot. A total of 32 Purunã bulls (¼ Aberdeen Angus + ¼ Caracu + ¼ Charolaise + ¼ Canchim) with a mean age of 32 ± 2.0 months and a mean body weight 206.1 ± 20.0 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with four diets and eight replications per diet. The four experimental diets were as follows: CONT – basal diet; VOIL –basal diet and addition of vegetable oils (3 g/animal/day); GLYC – basal diet and addition of glycerine (20.1% glycerine on a DM basis); GLVO – basal diet and addition of glycerol (20.1% glycerine in DM basis) and vegetal oils (3 g/animal/day). Final body weight and average daily gain were similar (P > 0,05) among bulls from four diets. There was an increase (P < 0,05) in hot carcass weight and the dressing percentage when VOIL, GLYC, and GLVO were included in the diet. The VOIL diet increased (P < 0.05) the DM intake and other nutrients in comparison to CONT diet. DM efficiency was similar (P > 0.04) among the four diets. The GLYC and VOIL diets reduced (P < 0.05) the NDF intake (10.0 and 18.9%) in comparison to the CONT and GLVO diets, respectively. However, bulls fed GLYC and GLVO diets had a high (P < 0.05) intake of metabolizable energy when compared to bulls fed diets without glycerin. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, TC, NFC, and NDF was higher (P < 0.05) when glycerin was added to the diets; whereas no change was observed in the apparent digestibility of EE, ADF, and CF. In conclusion, diets containing glycerine and vegetal oils did not change average daily gain; however, they improved the carcass weight, the feed intake, and the apparent digestibility.

Low-tannin sorghum grain could be used as an alternative to corn in diet for nursery pigs.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that low-tannin sorghum grain produced in China as a potential substitute for corn in diets could not impair the performance of nursery pigs. A total of 60 pigs (7.2±1.2kg) were randomly assigned to 2 diets with 5 replicate pens per treatment. Corn-based diet (CBD) included 60% corn grain during the overall experimental period, and sorghum-based diet (SBD) consisted of 30% (d 1 to 14) or 60.55% (d 15 to 28) sorghum grain in partial or total replacement of corn grain. Both diets were formulated to contain the same amount of digestible energy and indispensable amino acids. The results demonstrated no differences in growth performance or apparent digestibility of gross energy between treatments over the whole period. However, the substitution of corn by sorghum reduced (p<0.05) or tended to reduce (p=0.09) apparent digestibility of crude protein associated with an increased faecal nitrogen excretion per weight gain (p<0.05). Pigs fed SBD had higher contents of urea nitrogen, total triglyceride and insulin in serum than those fed CBD (p<0.05). Visceral organ weights or antioxidant enzyme activities in serum or liver were not different between treatments. Compared with CBD, SBD increased or tended to increase amylase activity in jejunal mucosa (p<0.05) or trypsin activity in duodenal mucosa (p=0.08). Replacement of corn by the low-tannin sorghum in diets did not influence the microbiota community based on alpha and beta diversity in caecal and colonal digesta. Overall, the home-grown low-tannin sorghum could be an alternative energy source in diets for pigs without adverse effects on growth performance.

Effects of varying proportions of corn grain to barley grain in corn silage-based diet on feed sorting behaviour and productivity of dairy cows

Context Although several studies investigated the dairy cow performance in response to varying ratios of corn to barley grain, little attention has been paid to the forage component of the diet. We hypothesised that a diet based on corn silage with coarse particles might promote chewing and saliva secretion, neutralising acids produced during excess fermentation of high-barley diet and, thus, improve dairy cow productivity. Aims Feed sorting behaviour, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and milk production were recorded in Holstein cows offered a corn silage-based diet in which corn grain was incrementally substituted with barley grain. Methods Eight multiparous cows, averaging 189 ± 24 days in milk, 577 ± 47 kg bodyweight and 33 ± 5 kg/day milk yield, were distributed according to two 4 × 4 Latin squares. Four total mixed rations were designed, differing in corn to barley ratios as follows: (1) 100:0, (2) 67:33, (3) 33:67 and (4) 0:100. Corn silage and alfalfa hay constituted 31.0% and 9.0% of diet DM respectively. Key results Although no treatment difference existed on sorting of long, medium or fine particles, the extent of sorting for 1.18-mm particles tended to increase linearly as corn to barley ratio decreased. The ruminal pH declined linearly from 5.90 to 5.60 as the barley grain proportion increased from 0 to 100. Acetate to propionate ratio decreased linearly (P &lt; 0.01) as the barley grain proportion increased. No differences were seen in feed consumption and organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and fat digestion in total tract. However, non-fibre carbohydrate digestibility tended to increase linearly (P = 0.07) as the ratio of corn to barley grain decreased. Time spent eating, ruminating and chewing remained largely unaffected by treatment. Treatments had no effect on fat-corrected milk production and milk composition, with the exception that actual milk production tended to increase linearly as the corn to barley ratio decreased. Feed efficiency (milk production/DM intake (DMI)) increased linearly from 1.22 to 1.32 as the barley grain proportion increased from 0 to 100. Conclusions Although the differences in feeding behaviour, DMI, and milk production and composition were negligible among experimental diets, cows consuming a corn silage-based diet with incremental substitution of corn grain with barley grain produced more milk per kilogram of DMI. Implications Increased proportion of barley grain in replacement of corn grain in corn silage-based diet might be advised as it increased the efficiency of feed conversion to milk.