Roughage Source Research Articles

A diet containing mango peel silage impacts upon feed intake, energy supply and growth performances of male dairy calves

The major challenges for disposal of waste from fruit processing factories are high transportation costs, limited landfill availability and environmental pollution. Therefore, developing efficient waste management techniques to reduce transportation costs and environment pollution is important. In 2021, global mango production was estimated to be at 57 million tons and mango peel (MP) represents 7–24% of the whole fruit weight. MP has been considered for use as ruminant feed in the form of fresh, dried, or silage. Fresh MP was abundant during the mango season and high in fermentable carbohydrate, which can easily breakdown and pollute the environment if a proper waste management method is not implemented. Thus, in this study, fresh MP was ensiled after sun-drying for one day and then fed to male dairy calves as a roughage source to evaluate its effect on feed intake, digestibility, energy balance, BW gain, feed efficiency and blood metabolites. Eight growing crossbred weaned male dairy calves (Holstein Friesians × Zebu) were allocated into two groups [Control (n = 4) and mango peel silage (MPS, n = 4)]. This experiment lasted for 12 weeks and calves were housed in 3.0 × 1.5 meters individual pen with concrete floor. Before feeding times, the weights of feed ingredients were weighed and mixed for 15 min. Calves were then given their respective diets ad libitum twice a day, at 0800 and 1600 h. Daily feed offered and refusals were recorded to determine the daily feed intake. A digestion trial was performed over the last five days of the experiment. BW and measurements were recorded every two weeks to determine the weight gain and body physical changes. Blood was collected at the end of experiment to analyze serum biochemical parameters. Ensiling improved the energy and protein content and decreased fiber content of MP, thereby improving the forage quality. Feeding a diet containing MPS at 30% of DM weight, compared to an isonitrogenous Control diet increased (P < 0.05) feed intake, energy supply and energy balance, changes in body measurements, weight gain, feed efficiency, and glucose concentration, as well as lowered (P < 0.05) the blood urea nitrogen concentration of male dairy calves. Ensiling fresh MP after sun-drying for one day led to stable, high-DM silage. Therefore, ensiling fresh MP could improve the feed supply for ruminant production and be an effective waste management strategy for fruit processing businesses.

Utilization of Purple Napier Grass Silage on Milk Quality and Blood Antioxidant Activity in Lactating Dairy Goats

In this study, our subjects were 18 female crossbred Saanen lactating goats; the goats weighed approximately 43.25 ± 2.35 kg and had been producing milk for 14 ± 2 days. They were assigned to three equally sized experimental groups based on the cycle of the lactation period. In accordance with the randomized complete block design (RCBD), six animals were randomly assigned to the treatments in each block. There were three treatments: (1) control = Napier Pakchong-1 grass silage (NPS); (2) = sweet grass silage (SGS); and (3) = purple Napier silage (PNS). Our findings show that the goats fed with purple Napier grass silage had a higher DM intake (1805.97 g/day) than those that underwent a different treatment (1312.76 and 1443.43 g/day). The goats fed with purple Napier grass silage had higher protein digestibility (79.85) than those fed with Napier Pakchong-1 and sweet grass silage. There were significant differences in the ruminal ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen. Nevertheless, purple Napier grass silage significantly increased butyric acid 2 and 4 h after feeding and increased the number of microorganisms. In the dairy goats fed purple Napier grass silage, we observed a reduction in protozoa and methanogen populations. The levels of antioxidants shown by the plasma indices differed in the goats fed with purple Napier grass silage and showed enhanced milk composition, higher levels of total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the plasma, reduced protozoa methanogen, and a decreased level of malondialdehyde in the plasma. This study highlights that purple Napier grass silage has the potential to be a beneficial source of roughage for lactating dairy goats.

CRISPR/Cas9‐Mediated Genome Editing for Trait Improvement and Stress Tolerance in Leguminosae (Legume Family)

ABSTRACTLegumes represent a significant source of protein, roughage, minerals and carbohydrates in global diets. They are cultivated primarily for human consumption, forage and as a green manure. However, the growth and productivity of legumes are often hindered by a range of biological and environmental factors. The most prevalent diseases afflicting legumes include downy mildew, fusarium root rot, southern blight and common leaf spot. Additionally, environmental stresses such as salinity and drought represents significant challenges. Over time, the development of cultivars with enhanced tolerance has emerged as a sustainable approach to combat the impact of these stresses. Although environmentally friendly, traditional breeding methods entail lengthy screening and cross‐breeding protocols, which constrain their efficacy in addressing climate challenges and ensuring global food security. Furthermore, these approaches rely on the natural availability of genetic variation, which may not always be exist for specific traits, particularly in the context of rapidly changing environmental conditions. Additionally, the traditional breeding method is not sufficiently precise, which can result in the unintended introduction of undesirable traits. Furthermore, the genetic intricacy of legumes presents an additional challenge making it difficult to isolate and enhance desired traits. These constrain impede the capacity to expeditiously develop cultivars that can withstand emerging stresses, such as climate change. Genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding methods. By enabling precise and targeted genetic manipulation, genome editing can enhance desired traits or introduce new ones, thereby facilitating the development of climate‐resilient agronomic varieties. In particular, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR/Cas9)‐mediated editing has demonstrated considerable potential in enhancing legume adaptability to diverse stress conditions and increasing crop yield. This study highlights the advancements in genome editing, with a specific focus on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, as a means to improve legume crops' resilience and productivity in response to environmental pressures.

Progress and Trends in Forage Cactus Silage Research: A Bibliometric Perspective

Opuntia spp. (forage cactus or spineless cactus) is a plant native to Mexico that is commonly used as alternative nutrient-rich fodder in semi-arid regions. Due to its resistance to drought, forage cactus has become an important least-cost ingredient for formulating balanced rations for ruminants during times of scarcity. In addition, ensiling, an anaerobic fermentation process, is also a strategy used to allow a supply of bulky food all year round, since it conserves forage and maintains its nutritional value. In this sense, using the Scopus database and the visualization tool VOSviewer, the present work proposes a bibliometric analysis of forage cactus silage to track and map the evolution and main issues in the research field, current trends, and future directions. The results revealed that the first publication was in 2013; and since 2020, the number of publications has been growing. Brazil was highlighted, by far, as the most relevant country on the topic, and the top institutions were from northeast Brazil, which has been working on co-authored articles. The current hot research topics are focusing on the mixed silage of forage cactus and other forages such as gliricidia, maniçoba, and sorghum biomass, as well as evaluating the fermentative performance and chemical characteristics for improving ruminal diets, especially for goats and sheep. This study provides important information for researchers to identify gaps and direct their studies to better use the whole potential of forage cactus as an alternative roughage source.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria and cellulase additives on the fermentation quality, antioxidant activity, and metabolic profile of oat silage

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, serving as a roughage source for ruminants. This study investigated the impact of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), cellulase (M), and their combinations (LM) on the fermentation quality and metabolic compounds of oat silage. Results demonstrated that all additive treatments significantly increased lactic acid content compared to the control group (P < 0.05), with the lactic acid bacteria treatment group exhibiting the lowest pH value (P < 0.05). Analysis of antioxidant activity and metabolites in oat silage over 60 days revealed 374 differential metabolites with 113 up-regulated and 261 down-regulated, and all treatment groups showing higher antioxidant activity than raw oat materials (P < 0.05). Although no significant differences in antioxidant activity were observed among the various treatment groups in this experiment, notable changes in metabolic pathways were identified. Furthermore, two metabolites (carboxylic acids and derivatives and benzene and substituted derivatives) were identified through non-targeted metabolomics technology, both of which are strongly associated with the antioxidant activity of oat silage. This finding provides a theoretical basis for the efficient use of oat silage in animal husbandry.Graphical abstract

Effects of brewery by-products based silage on productive performance of crossbred dairy cows.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an increasing levels of brewery by-products based silage on productive performances of 3/4 Friesian x Boran mid-lactating cows. Experimental cows had similar in initial milk yield (11.7 ± 1.0), average days in milk (81.7 ± 6.1) and live weight (LW, 430.7 ± 40.3kg) but different in parities (2-5).The dietary treatments were arranged randomly in 4 × 4 Latin Square Design that included ad libitum natural pasture hay feeding for all treatments as a roughage source plus a commercial dairy concentrate mix supplemented at 0.5kg DM (dry matter)/liter of milk produced/day for cows in the control group (T1) and 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7kg DM of brewery by-products based silage per liter of milk yield/cow/day for cows in T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively. The study revealed that the daily milk yield of experimental cows was influenced by dietary treatments with relatively higher daily milk yield being recorded (P < 0.05) for cows in the T4 (13.9l) followed by T3 (13.8l). Milk composition of cows remained unchanged (P > 0.05) except for fat percentage of the milk that showed a declining trend (P < 0.05) with incremental inclusion levels of brewery by-products based silages. The highest net income (NI, 437.9 Eth. Birr) and marginal rate of return (MRR, 800.7%) was obtained for cows receiving brewery by-products based silage at the rate of 0.7kg/liter of milk yield as compared to cows in the other treatment groups. Further study is required on the long term effect of brewery by-products based silage supplementation on productive, reproductive performance, and milk microbial qualities.

The adaptability of Garut sheep grazing on oil palm and rubber plantations in tropical conditions of Indonesia.

The productivity of sheep in humid tropical plantation areas relies on their ability to adapt. Oil palm plantations serve as potential grazing lands for livestock. This study aimed to identify Garut sheep adaptations in oil palm and rubber plantations of the Garut district, West Java, Indonesia. The total number of sheep used was 103 as the object of this study. Each individual of sheep was used for several different observations, including: Physiological assessment using 24 sheep of various ages, molecular analysis of heat stress using 31 sheep, worm egg count using 59 sheep, and for morphological assessment using 98 sheep. A general linear model was employed to analyze rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, number of eggs in each gram of sample feces, body weight (BW), body condition score, and morphometric measurements according to age and sex. Forage was compared between oil palm and rubber plantations during the vegetation analysis. RT, HR, and panting frequency were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the age and sex of the sheep. The mutation was found in the coding region of the HSP70 gene, which is approximately 232 bp long. Fecal eggs were found in 99% of the fecal samples, consisting of 100% Strongyle eggs and 1.75% Moniezia eggs. BW, body condition score, shoulder height, body length, pelvic height, chest circumference, and number of eggs were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the age and sex of the sheep. The average fresh matter of vegetation under the plantation was 248.69 ± 120.94 g/m2 and 718.15 ± 249.93 g/m2 for oil palm and rubber plantations, respectively. Garut sheep were adapted to oil palm and rubber plantations in the humid tropical region. Plantations are potential sources of sheep grazing and roughage. Further research is needed regarding the consumption of forages in oil palm and rubber plantations.

Chemical Composition of Spent Mushroom Paddy Straw (SMPS) and its Nutritive Value in Cattle

Background: An experiment was conducted to study the chemical composition of spent mushroom (Pleuroyus ostreatus) paddy straw (SMPS) and its nutritive value in cattle. Samples of the SMPS were collected from various mushroom farms of Assam and were analysed for proximate principles according to the AOAC (2012) and fraction of fibre were estimated according to the Van Soest method (1991). Methods: Three digestion trials were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of SMPS (difference method) by using a group of six mature healthy and non-productive cows of approximately same age and similar body weight. In first trial, only para grass was fed to animals, in second trial, para grass along with GNC were fed together and in third trial, SMPS and GNC were fed together to determine the digestibility for various nutrients of the SMPS. Result: The average chemical composition of SMPS were 42.65±1.33, 76.30±0.40, 7.23±0.24, 1.31±0.06, 21.25±0.76, 23.69±0.49, 46.51±0.57, 62.03±1.18 and 49.26±0.67 per cent of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, TA, NFE, NDF and ADF, respectively. The DCP and TDN content of SMPS were 4.75 and 59.76 per cent, respectively. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that Spent Mushroom (Pleurotus ostroeatus) paddy straw had higher CP and total ash and lower CF and higher nutritive value (DCP and TDN) compared to paddy straw and could be used as a maintenance types of roughage source for feeding to cattle.

165 Comparing corn earlage to a blend of corn silage and grain when fed at two different inclusions for finishing cattle

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding earlage as the sole source of roughage and grain in a finishing diet when compared with corn silage plus grain at equal forage NDF inclusions in the diet. Crossbred yearling steers [n = 216; initial body weight (BW) = 471 ± 14.1kg] were fed one of 4 experimental diets in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement with roughage type and forage inclusion being the 2 factors. Treatment diets were formulated for earlage to provide all the grain the diet (74%) which provided 14.8% forage and was compared with 29.6% corn silage and 44.4% corn as a 50:50 blend of dry rolled corn (DRC) and high moisture corn (HMC). The other two diets were formulated for corn silage to provide a standard roughage inclusion for finishing diets (i.e., corn silage at 15% to supply 7.5% forage in the diet). To match 7.5% roughage with earlage providing all the roughage, another diet included earlage at 37%, with an additional 37% corn included as the 50:50 blend of HMC and DRC. All diets included 20% wet distiller’s grains (WDGS) and 6% supplement. The two inclusions of forage were either 7.5 or 14.8% forage as either earlage or corn silage. Earlage was assumed to provide 20% forage and corn silage to provide 50% forage, on a DM basis. Cattle were stratified into 3 BW blocks, then assigned randomly assigned to pens within block, and treatment assigned randomly to pens. A total of 24 pens containing 9 steers in each were used with pen as the experimental unit. Feeding performance, carcass characteristics and liver abscess prevalence were evaluated using the MIXED procedure of SAS with BW block and treatment being fixed effects. No interactions between roughage type or forage inclusion were observed for performance or carcass traits (P &amp;gt; 0.13) except for marbling or liver abscesses (P &amp;lt; 0.09). When cattle were fed a diet with corn silage as the roughage source, greater dry matter intakes (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed (P ≤ 0.01), but feed efficiency was not significantly different (P = 0.35). However, when evaluating effects of NDF inclusion, cattle fed 7.5% forage in the diet were 6.8% more efficient than cattle fed 14.8% forage and tended to have greater gain (P = 0.10), but no significant differences were observed for intake (P = 0.11). These data suggest that cattle fed earlage will eat and gain less than cattle fed a blend of corn silage and grain when estimated forage is equivalent, and when earlage is fed as the sole source of grain, cattle will be less efficient than when conventional roughage inclusions are fed.

PSVI-1 Backgrounding and finishing systems for cattle fed corn silages and corn grains differing in amylase expression

Abstract Amylase is a key enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of starch, which typically constitutes the predominant source of energy in feedlot cattle diets. Performance of cattle during the backgrounding phase can influence performance during the subsequent finishing phase. Our objective was to assess growth performance of backgrounding steers fed diets that contained combinations of corn silage (S) and steam-flaked corn (G) from hybrids with high amylase expression (Enogen corn; E; Syngenta Seeds, LLC) or common corn hybrid (C), as well as subsequent finishing performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess incidence when fed G produced from the same hybrids. Crossbred steers (n = 911; 306 ± 8 kg initial body weight) were assigned randomly to one of four backgrounding treatments with 12 replicates in a randomized complete block experiment using a factorial treatment arrangement. Factor 1 consisted of two corn silage hybrids (ES or CS), and factor 2 consisted of two SFC hybrids (EG or CG). In the subsequent finishing phase, animals were assigned to one of two treatments consisting of two grain hybrids (EG or CG) with 24 replicates per treatment. Backgrounding diets (dry basis) contained 20.1% flaked corn and 41.6% corn silage, and finishing diets contained 81.5% flaked corn with triticale silage as a common roughage source. There was no three-way interaction for measures of interest, and no differences among treatment combinations with respect to average daily gain (ADG) or incidence of abscessed livers (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Steers fed CG during the backgrounding phase ate more than steers fed EG (P = 0.04), thus leading to improved overall efficiency of steers fed EG in the backgrounding phase compared with their counterparts fed CG (P &amp;lt; 0.01; Table 1). Overall efficiency tended to be greater for cattle fed CG during the finishing phase (P = 0.06) compared with cattle fed EG during the finishing phase. There was a tendency for interaction between G fed in the backgrounding and G fed in the finishing phase for hot carcass weight (P = 0.07), such that steers fed the same hybrid in both phases had greater carcass weight compared with those fed different hybrids in the backgrounding and finishing phases. Type of grain fed in the backgrounding and finishing phases, but not silage, impacted overall system efficiency.

The role of slope as an environmental variable in plant biodiversity change in Aegean rangelands by SHE analysis: The case of Çakmar rangeland

Rangelands, which have rich plant and animal biodiversity, are also very important as a source of roughage for livestock. Rangeland vegetation patterns vary considerably under the influence of environmental factors. Indicator factors need to be identified and analyzed in order to manage conservation and utilization objectives. In rangelands of the Aegean region, the slope factor can greatly affect the rangeland plant biodiversity in areas close to the base rangeland. In order to investigate the spatial distribution and species variation in plant biodiversity caused by slope, 6 rangeland sections with different slopes were sampled in Koçarlı region (Aydın / Türkiye). Sampling was carried out using the transect method in the spring 2017 based on field observations. Following sampling, indicator species and species distribution and abundance were determined. Alpha biodiversity indices were used to determine the change in species biodiversity by SHE analysis. SHE analysis tests the relationship between S (species richness), H (Shannon-Wiener diversity index) and E (equality). This method aims to examine the contribution of the number of species and the concept of equity in the context of diversity. According to the information obtained as a result of the analysis, it was seen that the increase in slope may cause a decrease in species biodiversity. More species diversity was found in rangelands with low base and slope. Factors such as erosion and water transport affect the canopy and species abundance in high slope rangelands. However, other factors such as grazing intensity can reverse this situation. For this purpose, it has been determined that slope is an important environmental variable when preparing management plans based on grazing capacity and grazing animal species in vegetation studies.

Enhancing Milk Quality and Antioxidant Status in Lactating Dairy Goats through the Dietary Incorporation of Purple Napier Grass Silage.

Oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants can cause damage to certain cellular components. Purple Napier grass, a semi-dwarf variety, is characterized by its purple leaves and contains anthocyanins, which provide it with antioxidant properties. This study examined the effects of feeding purple Napier grass ("Prince") silage to lactating dairy goats on blood antioxidant activity, milk yield, and milk quality. Eighteen female Saanen crossbred goats, weighing 52.34 ± 2.86 kg and producing milk for 14 ± 2 days, were systematically divided into three groups based on their lactation period in the previous cycle as follows: early, mid, and late lactation. In a randomized complete block design (RCBD), treatments were randomly allocated to six animals in each block. The dairy goats were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of the three following treatments: control (100% Napier Pakchong 1 grass silage), 50% (a 50% replacement of the control with purple Napier grass silage), and 100% (100% purple Napier grass silage). The results show that goats who were fed a diet including 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of certain milk contents, especially with regard to lactose, when compared to those who were fed a control diet, as well as a diet with a 50% replacement of purple Napier grass silage. The somatic cell count (SCC) of these goats was reduced. In terms of antioxidant activity, dairy goats who were fed 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of enzymes in both plasma and milk, including glutathione s-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The plasma and milk of these goats showed lower levels of malondialdehyde. The dairy goats who were fed a 100% purple Napier grass silage diet showed higher concentrations of anthocyanins, including C3G, P3G, Peo3G, M3G, Cya, Pel, and total anthocyanins in milk, when compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The increased replacement of purple Napier grass silage led to significant differences in lactose levels, somatic cell count, glutathione S-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, and the composition of anthocyanins. This study provides evidence to support the use of purple Napier grass silage as a beneficial source of roughage for lactating dairy goats.

Partial replacement of soybean meal by other protein sources on nutritional characteristics of beef cattle fed a whole corn grain diet

Diets composed of whole flint corn grain (WCG) without any roughage source are often used in South American countries. The primary source of protein in theses diets is soybean meal. We hypothesized that the combination of different protein sources improves ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility. This study was carried out to assess the impacts of replacing 50% of the soybean meal by other protein sources on voluntary dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, efficiency of N utilization, efficiency of grain use, metabolic characteristics, and ingestive behavior of Nellore cattle fed WCG diets. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore Bulls (average BW = 651.6 ± 31.83 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design, randomly assigned to five diets consisting of 85% of WCG and 15% of pellet supplement with combination of different protein sources: SM - pellet supplement with soybean meal only; CM - soybean meal and cottonseed meal; SFM - soybean meal and sunflower meal; DDG - soybean meal and DDG; DDGS - soybean meal and DDGS. The replacement of 50% of soybean meal by DDG increased (P&lt;0.05) DMI and organic matter intake (OMI), both DMI and OMI were lower with CM. Digestibility, ruminal pH (mean = 5.7), efficiency of N utilization, and diurnal ingestive behavior were not affected (P&gt;0.05) by protein sources. Protein sources also did not affect the grain-use efficiency (P&gt;0.05), with an average value of 96.6% and only 3.4% of the corn grains recovered in the feces. The concentration of GGT enzyme was greatest (P&lt;0.05) for CM and DDGS. The inclusion of DDG increased the DMI but did not improve the nutrients’ digestibility or N metabolism. The results suggest that 50% of the [1]soybean meal can be replaced by sunflower meal, DDG, and DDGS without affecting the nutritional and metabolic parameters of Nellore cattle fed whole flint corn grain diets, providing opportunities for reducing costs in feedlot systems.

Consumo, desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros terminados em confinamento com resíduo úmido de cervejaria como volumoso

ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of wet brewery residue (WBR) as a source of roughage on nutrient intake, performance and ingestive behaviour in lambs finished in confinement. Thirty-two uncastrated male lambs were used, weaned at 50 days of age. The treatments comprised increasing levels of WBR as roughage in the diet: 31, 44, 57 and 70%, on a dry-matter. The concentrate consisted of disintegrated corn, soybean meal, calcitic limestone and mineral salt. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.05) from the increasing levels of WBR on the intake of DM, OM, CP and TCH. The intake of EE, NDF and ADF increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), while TDN intake showed a linear reduction (P &lt; .0001) for increases in the level of WBR. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.010) on the average daily weight gain (ADG) from the addition of WBR to the diet. The time spent on feeding and rumination (P ≤ 0.05), expressed in minutes, showed a linear increase. Feeding rate for DM showed decreasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.006), while NDF rumination rate showed increasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.013) due to the increased levels of WBR in the diet. There was a linear increase in the time spent on each feeding activity (P ≤ 0.007) with the increase in WBR in the diet. Maximum weight gain is achieved when 46.9% WBR is used as a source of roughage in the diet, and this level can be recommended for terminating lambs in confinement.

Yem bezelyesi çeşitlerinin farklı fenolojik dönemlerdeki verim ve kalite özellikleri

Agricultural areas that rely on a single crop for production experience negative soil characteristics, while the benefits of these locations are further diminished by short-term winter fallows. In the ecological conditions of the Aegean Region, cotton-cotton and maize-maize production patterns can be given as examples of this type of production. With the adoption of a sustainable agriculture approach in recent years, the use of winter annual forage crops is quite important in terms of preventing this situation. The inclusion of forage pea in the production patterns both contributes positively to the soil properties and is a potential source of quality roughage. In line with this information, 8 different forage pea varieties (Kirazlı, Ulubatlı, Ürünlü, Gölyazı, Özkaynak, Töre, Taşkent, GAP Pembesi) were harvested at 3 different phenological stages (10%, 50%, 100% flowering) in Aydın ecological conditions. Some agronomic characteristics such as plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), herbage yield (kg da-1) were measured in the experiment. After the measurements, ADF (%), NDF (%), ADL (%), protein properties and relative feed value were determined. While lower values were found in terms of yield and fiber values in early mowing, higher values were found in terms of crude protein ratio and relative feed value. At the same time, the variety-environment interactions showed differences in both years. Our results demonstrated that 100% flowering is preferable in terms of yield. Differences were observed among the varieties according to yield and quality characteristics. In terms of herbage and crude protein yields, Töre, Taşkent and GAP Pembesi were the most prominent common varieties. In terms of relative feed value, Ulubatlı and Ürünlü are the varieties with high values.

Chemical Composition, In vitro Gas Production and In Sacco Degradation of Oil Palm Tree Pith Silages

The objective of this research was to study the chemical composition, gas production kinetics and in sacco ruminal degradation of oil palm tree pith. The experiment design was conducted by complete randomized design (CRD). The treatments consisted of T1 = oil palm tree pith, T2 = oil palm tree pith silage, T3 = 5% urea + oil palm tree pith silage, T4 = 3% molasses + oil palm tree pith silage, T5 = 5% urea with 3% molasses + oil palm tree pith silage, and T6 = by-product of pineapple stem silage. Silage samples were collected at 21 days and their chemical composition, gas production techniques and the rate of degradation of dry matter were examined. The chemical compositions of oil palm tree pith (T1) comprise dry matter 42.4%, crude protein 1.48 %DM, neutral detergent fiber 50.71 %DM and acid detergent fiber 30.35 %DM. Oil palm tree pith silages, T2- T5, consisted of crude protein 2.09, 12.78, 3.74 and 14.53 %%DM, respectively, NDF between 48.15-52.07 %DM and ADF between 29.05-31.25 %DM. By-product of pineapple stem silage (T6) produced the highest gas production. T5 had the highest gas production value compared to other oil palm tree pith. Rumen degradation values of T5 had the highest degradation rate when compared to other oil palm tree pith silages. The rate of rumen degradation increased with higher rumen fermentation time. Therefore, it can be concluded that the oil palm tree pith fermented with urea and molasses improves rumen fermentation and can be used as a roughage source for ruminants.

Effect of feeding Pleurotus pulmonarius-treated empty fruit bunch on nutrient digestibility and milk fatty acid profiles in goats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding P. pulmonarius-treated empty fruit bunch (FTEFB) on the nutrient intakes, digestibility, milk yield and milk profiles of lactating Saanen goats. A total of nine lactating Saanen goats were used in an incomplete cross-over experimental design. The balanced dietary treatments contain different replacement levels of Napier grass with FTEFB at 0% (0-FT), 25% (25-FT) and 50% (50-FT). The FTEFB contained crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) at 4.10, 94.6, 70.8 and 19.4% DM, respectively. The replacement of FTEFB in 25-FT did not alter dry matter, NDF, hemicellulose, ADL, ether extract and gross energy intakes when compared to the control fed group (0-FT). The ADF and cellulose intake was higher in 25-FT than in the others (P < 0.001). The digestibility of hemicellulose, cellulose and ADL were not changed in 25-FT compared to the control group (P < 0.05) whereas when 50% FTEFB was incorporated to the diet, intermediate digestibility was decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Milk yield and protein content did not differ between the goat received 25-FT and the control group (P > 0.05). There are no differences in milk fatty profiles between dietary treatments (P > 0.05), except for OCFA. Goat fed with 25-FT had the lowest OCFA (P < 0.01) and significantly reduced the lauric acid concentration (P < 0 .05) when compared to the control group. Thus, replacement of NG in 25-FT does not adversely affect nutrient intake, fibre digestibility (cellulose and hemicellulose), milk yield, milk composition and milk fatty acid profiles. Overall, FTEFB may have potential to be used in the dairy goat diet as a roughage source to replace Napier grass.

PSX-11 Effect of Preservation Method on Nutritive Value of Kudzu Forage

Abstract “The vine that ate the South,” also known as kudzu (Pueraria montana [Lour.] Merr.) is a drought-tolerant perennial leguminous vine that was introduced from Asia to the United States as an ornamental crop. It was quickly recognized and favored as a solution to soil erosion during the Dust Bowl. However, due to its ability to quickly overtake existing vegetation, it was ultimately labeled as an invasive species by the USDA. Given current sustainability efforts, interest has renewed in ways to incorporate this invasive species for productive agricultural purposes. The goal of this study was to investigate how preservation (i.e., haying) would affect the nutritive value and digestibility of kudzu forage. Kudzu was harvested from a private property in Auburn, Alabama. Two independent plots on the property were utilized; half of thefresh biomass was immediately removed, and the remaining half was removed at 20% moisturefor the sun-cured sample. Samples were collected from each plot and assayed for NDF, ADF, ADL, and CP. Samples were also assayed for in vitro true and NDF disappearance (IVTD and IVNDFD, respectively) as well as in situ ruminal disappearance. Data were analyzed using SAS v. 9.4. There was no effect of preservation on NDF, ADF, ADL, and CP concentrations (P ≥0.39). However, kudzu samples subjected to sun-curing had greater IVTD (64.3%, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and IVTDOM (63.0%; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and tended to have greater IVNDFD (35.6%; P = 0.06) thanfresh kudzu (59.4, 57.8, and 31.3%, respectively). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.12) of preservation on the potentially degradable fraction, lag time, or rate of digestion of kudzu samples. However, fresh samples had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) undegradable residue than did sun-cured samples (49.3 vs.38.8%). The improvements in digestibility are interpreted to mean that preservation methods, such as sun-curing, may be valuable for increasing the value of kudzu as a roughage source for ruminant livestock production systems.

159 Impact of Constant Inclusion or Decreasing Inclusion of Distillers Grains with High-Quality or low-Quality Roughage on Finishing Cattle Performance

Abstract Crossbred, calf-fed steers (n = 480; initial body weight = 292 ± 19 kg) were used in a randomized block design finishing experiment with a 2 × 3 arrangement of treatments to evaluate the impact of constant inclusion or decreasing inclusion of modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) with high-quality or low-quality roughage on finishing cattle performance. Dietary treatments included two roughage sources to provide similar neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from forage (6% corn stalks versus 12% corn silage DM basis) in three diets containing 0, 15, or decreasing inclusion of distillers (30, 15, then 0% across the feeding period). A total of 48 (10 steers/pen) pens were used with 8 pens/treatment. There was an interaction (P = 0.04) between roughage source and MDGS inclusion for dry matter intake (DMI). Cattle fed stalks with decreasing inclusions of MDGS (30-0%) had greater DMI than those fed silage as roughage source, but at 0% inclusion of MDGS there was no difference between roughage sources. No other significant interactions were observed, so main effects will be presented. Cattle fed the diet with 0% MDGS inclusion had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) hot carcass weight (HCW), DMI, average daily gain (ADG), and 12th rib fat, and poorer G:F compared with cattle fed diets where MDGS was at 15% inclusion continuously or when MDGS decreased from 30% to 0%. For the treatment where MDGS was decreased from 30% to 0%, performance differed from that of cattle fed 15% distillers continuously. Cattle fed decreasing inclusions of MDGS (30-0%) had less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) DMI, ADG and tended (P = 0.07) to have lighter HCW. But G:F was not (P = 0.25) affected compared with when distillers was fed at 15% continuously. Marbling score was impacted by distillers inclusion (P = 0.03), where cattle fed 15% MDGS had greater (P = 0.01) marbling score than 0% inclusion and tended (P = 0.06) to be greater than cattle fed 30-0% MDGS. Even though there are differences in marbling score across treatments, all three treatments were within the choice grade and reflect ADG differences across treatments. Cattle fed silage consumed less, gained the same, and had greater G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Based on numerically less HCW, ADG, and poorer G:F, these data suggest that feeding 6% corn stalks did not produce similar performance as feeding 12% corn silage. These data suggest that feeding 15% distillers was not enough to offset decreased quality roughage (stalks) compared with silage as roughage which contradicts previous studies when 30% distillers were fed.

Effects of Dietary Corn Malt-Sactic Mixed Concentrate with Rice Straw and Corn Husk on Rumen Fermentation, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites and Growth Performance in Growing Beef Heifers

The enhancement of protein content in grains is interesting because starch is the main energy component used in beef cattle feeds. Corn malt-sactic is a modified corn grain with increase protein content and improve digestibility through the process of malt germination and microbial fermentation. Therefore, the effects of feeding malt-sactic from corn grain as a high protein energy source in diet were investigated on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and growth performance in beef heifers. Sixteen of 1-year-old Brahman crossbred growing beef heifers with an initial weight of 220 ± 24.5 kg were randomly assigned into 4 different rations according to completely randomized design (CRD). Experimental treatments were corn grain or corn malt-sactic mixed concentrates with roughage sources as follow, T1; corn grain mixed concentrate with corn husk, T2; con grain mixed concentrate with rice straw, T3; malt-sactic mixed concentrate with corn husk, and T4; corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate with rice straw. The results showed that total feed intake and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, NDF and ADF were significantly higher in the heifers fed corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet than corn mixed concentrate diet (p &lt; 0.05). Ruminal pH post-feeding, blood urea nitrogen, and blood glucose were not different among treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Body weight gain and average daily gain were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05), while feed conversion ratio was lower in corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet as compared with corn mixed concentrate diet (p &lt; 0.05). The source of roughage did not affect rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, or growth performance (p &gt; 0.05). Results indicated that using corn malt-sactic as an ingredient in beef heifer diets can improve digestibility and growth performance. HIGHLIGHTS The addition of corn malt-sactic enhances both malt germination and microbial fermentation. Incorporating a corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet boosts heifers' feed intake and improves digestibility. Utilizing a corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet leads to improved Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in heifers. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT