Rumen Dry Matter Degradability Research Articles

Evaluation of degradability of Moringa, Pineapple waste and Plantain herbs by in situ and in vitro gas production technique

Nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients is important for potential use in feed rations. It is very important to determine not only the nutrient content and quality of feeds but also their digestibility prior to adding in the ration. This study was undertaken to assess the potential nutritive value of selected shade-dried herbs of moringa, pineapple waste, and plantain through in situ degradation and in vitro gas production techniques. The study compared 4 treatments, namely moringa (MH), pineapple waste (PwH), plantain (PH) herbs, and a combination of three of them with a ratio of 1:1:1 (MxH). The rumen dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability kinetics were analyzed by using the nylon bags (in situ) procedure and the organic matter digestibility and fermentation characteristics were analyzed by in vitro gas production technique. The results of the in situ study revealed that the ruminal dry matter disappearance differed significantly (P<0.001) among herbs at all incubation periods whereas the PH had the greatest disappearance and PwH had the lowest among all herbs. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest potential and effective degradability of dry matter were found in PH and the lowest in PwH among herbs. The ruminal CP disappearance differed significantly (p<0.05) among herbs at all incubation periods. The MH had the greatest CP disappearance whereas PwH had the lowest. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest potential and effective degradability of CP were found in MH and MxH, respectively, and the lowest in PwH among herbs. The results of the in vitro study revealed that cumulative gas production was increased with increasing the periods of incubation for all herbs. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest gas production was found in PH and MH among all herbs at 48h of incubation. The organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in MH & PH and lower in PwH. Short-chain fatty acids were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in MH & PH and lower in PwH among herbs. It may be concluded that both plantain and moringa herbs showed better potential and effective degradability and also higher organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy comparable to pineapple waste herbs. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 88-98.

Silage additives improve fermentation quality, aerobic stability and rumen degradation in mixed silage composed of amaranth and corn straw.

The objective of this research was to investigate effects of different additives on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and rumen degradation of mixed silage composed of amaranth and corn straw. The mixture ratio of amaranth to corn straw was 78%: 22%. Three additives were selected in this study and five groups were as follows: control group (CON, without additive), lactic acid bacteria group (LAB, 5 mg/kg, Lactobacillus plantarum ≥ 1.6×1010 CFU/g and L. buchneri ≥ 4.0×109 CFU/g), glucose group (GLU, 30 g/kg), cellulase group (CEL, 2 mg/kg) and lactic acid bacteria, glucose and cellulase group (LGC, added at the same levels as in individual group). The period of ensiling was 60 days. Fermentation quality, chemical composition and aerobic stability of mixed silage were analyzed. Four cows with permanent ruminal fistula were selected as experimental animals. Nylon bag technique was used to study rumen degradation characteristic of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of mixed silage. Compared with CON group, the addition of different silage additives could improve mixed silage quality of amaranth and corn straw to some extent. Combining three additives significantly increased (P < 0.05) the DM, CP and lactic acid contents, whereas decreased (P < 0.05) the ADF and NDF contents as well as pH and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen. Moreover, the aerobic stability and rumen degradation of DM, CP and NDF were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in LGC group when compared to other groups. In conclusion, the combined addition of lactic acid bacteria, glucose and cellulase increased DM, CP and lactic acid contents as well as lactic acid bacteria count, decreased NDF and ADF contents and aerobic bacteria and mold counts, improved aerobic stability and rumen degradation of amaranth and corn straw mixed silage.

The effects of heat-moisture treatment on resistant starch levels in cassava and on fermentation, methanogenesis, and microbial populations in ruminants.

Resistant starch (RS) is difficult to digest in the digestive tract. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on RS in cassava and examined its impact on rumen fermentation. Cassava flour was used as a raw material and used in a randomized block design with four different cycles of HMT as the treatments and four different rumen incubations in vitro as blocks. Treatments included: HMT0: without HMT (control), HMT1: one HMT cycle, HMT2: two HMT cycles, and HMT3: three HMT cycles. Heat-moisture treatment processes were performed at 121°C for 15 min and then freezing at -20°C for 6 h. Analyzed HMT cassava starch characteristics included components, digestibility, and physicochemical properties. In in vitro rumen fermentation studies (48 h incubation) using HMT cassava, digestibility, gas production, methane, fermentation profiles, and microbial population assessments were performed. Heat-moisture treatment significantly reduced (p < 0.05) starch, amylopectin, rapidly digestible starch (RDS), and slowly digestible starch levels. In contrast, amylose, reducing sugars, very RDS, RS, and protein digestion levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, a reduced crystallinity index and an increased amorphous index were observed in starch using Fourier-transform infrared analyses, while a change in crystalline type from type A to type B, along with a reduction in crystallinity degree, was observed in X-ray diffraction analyses. Heat-moisture treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced rumen dry matter (DM) degradation, gas production, methane (CH4 for 12 h), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and propionate levels. In addition, acetate, butyrate, and acetate/propionate ratios, as well as population of Streptococcus bovis and Bacteroides were significantly increased (p < 0.05). However, pH, ammonia, and organic matter digestibility were unaffected (p > 0.05) by HMT. Cassava HMT altered starch characteristics, significantly increased RS, which appeared to limit rumen digestion activity, decreased rumen DM degradation, gas production, VFAs, and CH4 production for 12 h, but increased S. bovis and Bacteroides levels.

Shortening the adaptation of Nellore cattle to high-concentrate diets using only virginiamycin as sole feed additive negatively impacts ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization.

Feedlot cattle are usually adapted to high-concentrate diets containing sodium monensin (MON) in more than 14 days. However, considering that the dry matter intake DMI is usually lower during adaptation when compared to the finishing period, the use of MON during adaptation may decrease even further the DMI, and virginiamycin (VM) may be an alternative. This study was designed to investigate the effects of shortening the adaptation length from 14 to 9 or 6 days on ruminal metabolism, feeding behavior, and nutrient digestibility of Nellore cattle fed high-concentrate diets containing only VM as the sole feed additive. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin square, where each period lasted 21 days. Five 17 mo-old Nellore yearling bulls were used (415 ± 22 kg of body weight), which were assigned to five treatments: (1) MON (30 mg/kg) and adaptation for 14 days; (2) MON (30 mg/kg) + VM (25 mg/kg) and adaptation for 14 days; (3) VM (25 mg/kg) and adaptation for 14 days; (4) VM (25 mg/kg) and adaptation for 9 days, and (5) VM (25 mg/kg) and adaptation for 6 days. A quadratic effect for adaptation length when only VM was fed was observed for mean pH (P = 0.03), duration of pH below 5.2 (P = 0.01) and 6.2 (P = 0.01), where cattle consuming VM adapted for 9 days had higher mean pH and shorter period of pH below 5.2 and 6.2. Cattle that consumed only MON had a lower concentration of butyrate (P = 0.02) and a higher concentration of propionate (P = 0.04) when compared to those consuming VM and adapted for 14 days. As the adaptation length decreased for animals consuming only VM, the rumen degradability of dry matter (P < 0.01), neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.01), and starch (P < 0.01) decreased; however, protozoa numbers of Entodinium and total protozoa increased. It is not recommended to shorten the adaptation length of these animals to either 6 or 9 days without negatively impacting nutrient disappearance and ruminal fermentation patterns.

Effects of Inclusion of Different Levels of Ethiopian Thyme (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Thymus schimperi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Ronniger) as Natural Additive on Chemical Composition and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In Sacco&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Dry Matter Degradability of Total Mixed Ration and Feed Ingredients

This study evaluated the effects of the inclusion of Ethiopian thyme (Thymus schimperi Ronninger) to natural pasture hay (NPH), noug seed cake (NSC), wheat bran (WB) and total mixed ration (TMR) on the chemical composition and in Sacco dry matter (DM) degradability of the feeds. The Thyme plant used for the study was collected from Dinsho and Tarmaber districts in the highlands of Ethiopia. Samples of the TMR and NPH, WB and NSC with or without thyme were divided into two parts and ground to pass through 1 mm screen for chemical analysis and 2 mm screen for in sacco DM degradability. The TMR contained 50% NPH, 32.5% WB, 14% NSC, 3% molasses and 0.5% common salt. The feed ingredients (NPH, WB and NSC) and the TMR were incubated without thyme or with thyme substituting the diet at 8%, 16% and 24% levels of treatments. The chemical composition of all the feeds differed significantly (P In sacco rumen dry matter degradability of NPH, WB, NSC and TMR was increased (P in sacco DM degradability of NPH at all incubation hours was higher (P Thymus schimperi plant up to a level of 24% DM in feed can reasonably stimulate the growth and activity of the certain rumen microbes that promoted an improvement in ruminal DM degradability of the diet with the thyme inclusion.

Nutritional Quality and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Silage Prepared with Lucerne, Sweet Maize Stalk, and Their Mixtures

The objective of this work was to evaluate the pH, chemical composition, minerals, vitamins, and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of silage prepared with lucerne, sweet maize stalk (MS), and their mixtures. Freshly chopped lucerne and MS were combined in ratios of 100:0 (M0, control), 80:20 (M20), 60:40 (M40), 40:60 (M60), 20:80 (M80), and 0:100 (M100) on a fresh matter basis. Each treatment was prepared in triplicate, and a total of eighteen silos were fermented for 65 days. After 65 days of fermentation, the pH values in M0, M20, M40, M60, M80, and M100 silages were 5.47, 4.84, 4.23, 4.13, 3.79, and 3.61, respectively. As the MS proportion in the mixtures increased, silage K, Ca, P, Na, Fe, and Cu concentrations linearly decreased (p &lt; 0.001) and so did vitamins B5 and K1 and α-tocopherol. In vitro rumen dry matter and organic matter degradability, pH, ammonia, total volatile fatty acid, and gas production linearly decreased (p &lt; 0.01), while neutral detergent fiber concentration linearly increased (p &lt; 0.001), with increasing proportion of MS. The in vitro dry matter and organic matter degradability rapidly decreased when the MS percentage was ≥60%. In conclusion, the M40 silage is the most suitable for livestock utilization in local forage production considering the balance of silage pH, nutritional quality, and in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics.

Effect of flaking on the digestibility of corn in ruminants.

In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of flaking on the nutrient digestibility of corn grain in ruminants. In this regard, in vitro rumen fermentation, in situ rumen degradability, and in vivo metabolic experiments were performed. The automated gas production technique was used for the in vitro fermentation experiments. Six types of corn flakes with various degrees of gelatinization (32%, 41%, 48%, 66%, 86%, and 89%) were ground and incubated in rumen fluid to measure rumen fermentation characteristics and digestion rate. The in situ degradability of ground corn, whole corn, and corn flakes with 62% and 66% gelatinization was measured by incubation in the rumen of two cannulated Holstein cows. In vivo metabolic experiments were performed using 12 crossbred goats (29.8 ± 4.37 kg) using a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The dietary treatments consisted of ground corn and flaked corn with 48% or 62% gelatinization. In vitro experiments showed that as the degree of gelatinization increased, the digestion rate increased linearly, while the discrete lag time decreased linearly (p < 0.05). The effective rumen dry matter degradability, determined by in situ fermentation, was 37%p lower in corn flakes than ground corn, assuming a passage rate of 6%/h (p < 0.01), and there was no difference between the two flakes. In the in vivo experiment, there was no difference in dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and nitrogen utilization among the treatment groups (p > 0.05); however, the crude fat digestibility was lower for corn flakes than for ground corn (p < 0.05). To summarize, the rate of fermentation of corn flakes increased as the degree of gelatinization increased. However, non-ground corn flakes had lower rumen digestibility and did not improve in vivo apparent nutrient digestibility, compared with ground corn. In contrast to the assumption that flaked corn provides more energy to ruminant animals than ground corn, we conclude that the digestibility and energy value of corn flakes are lower than those of ground corn if mastication does not sufficiently reduce the particle size of corn flakes.

Effect of Chitosan and Naringin on Enteric Methane Emissions in Crossbred Heifers Fed Tropical Grass.

Simple SummaryThe increase in human population and the concomitant rise in demand for animal protein have contributed to augment enteric methane emissions. It is imperative to reduce methane, increase sustainable production, avoid the use of chemical compounds, and guarantee quality products for the consumer. Chitosan and naringin possess antimicrobial properties, and they have shown their capacity to reduce methane in in vitro trials. This study investigated their effects as feed additives given to improve ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization and decrease methane in crossbred heifers fed tropical grass. In in vitro experiments, chitosan and naringin at three levels (0, 1.5, 3.0 g/kg) showed significant methane reductions when 1.5 g/kg of chitosan was included. The in situ study did not reveal changes in rumen degradability with the inclusion of the additives. However, in in vivo assays, chitosan and naringin at 1.5 or 3.0 g/kg dry matter intake or the combination of both compounds (1.5 and 1.5 g/kg) given directly into the rumen did not induce changes in rumen fermentation, methane production, or nutrient utilization. However, given the promising evidence from other studies, more research needs to be conducted to clarify the potential effects of chitosan and naringin in animal production.In order to meet consumer needs, the livestock industry is increasingly seeking natural feed additives with the ability to improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization, alternatives to antibiotics, and mitigate methane emissions in ruminants. Chitosan (CHI) is a polysaccharide with antimicrobial capability against protozoa and Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, fungi, and yeasts while naringin (NA) is a flavonoid with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. First, an in vitro gas production experiment was performed adding 0, 1.5, 3.0 g/kg of CHI and NA under a completely randomized design. The substrate containing forage and concentrate in a 70:30 ratio on a dry matter (DM) basis. Compounds increased the concentration of propionic acid, and a significant reduction in methane production was observed with the inclusion of CHI at 1.5 g/kg in in vitro experiments (p < 0.001). In a dry matter rumen degradability study for 96 h, there were no differences in potential and effective degradability. In the in vivo study, six crossbred heifers fitted with rumen cannulas were assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design according to the following treatments: control (CTL), no additive; chitosan (CHI1, 1.5 g/kg DMI); (CHI2, 3.0 g/kg DMI); naringin (NA1, 1.5 g/kg DMI); (NA2, 3.0 g/kg DMI) and a mixture of CHI and NA (1.5 + 1.5 g/kg DMI) given directly through the rumen cannula. Additives did not affect rumen fermentation (p > 0.05), DM intake and digestibility of (p > 0.05), and enteric methane emissions (p > 0.05). CHI at a concentration of 1.5 g/kg DM in in vitro experiments had a positive effect on fermentation pattern increasing propionate and reduced methane production. In contrast, in the in vivo studies, there was not a positive effect on rumen fermentation, nor in enteric methane production in crossbred heifers fed a basal ration of tropical grass.

Comparative chemical composition and rumen degradation of common reed and elephant grass in urban/peri-urban dairying systems in Uganda

ABSTRACT Urban/peri-urban dairying in East Africa used to be typified by elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schumach) as the primary forage. However, the ever-declining space for farming has made forage cultivation increasingly difficult. As a coping strategy, farmers are harvesting vegetation biomass from natural environment, particularly common reed (Phragmites australis, Cav.) from wetlands. This study aimed to compare elephant grass and common reed in terms of chemical composition and in situ rumen degradation. Samples were collected (in dry and wet seasons) and analyzed for chemical composition, and in situ rumen degradation of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) determined. Rumen degradation was determined by incubating triplicate nylon-bagged samples in rumens of three cannulated Ankole–Friesian crossbred steers. The CP content ranged from 10.8% to 16.2% DM (common reed), and 9.9–12.5% DM (elephant grass). Common reed showed lower DM, and ADF compositions, and higher effective rumen degradability of DM, CP, and NDF in both seasons. For both forages, CP content was higher during the dry season, while effective rumen degradability of DM, CP, and NDF were higher in the wet season. In summary, the chemical and rumen degradation results suggest that common reed may be nutritionally superior to elephant grass.

Slow-Release Urea as a Sustainable Alternative to Soybean Meal in Ruminant Nutrition

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using a commercial slow-release urea product (SRU; Optigen®, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY, USA) as a partial replacement for vegetable protein sources in cattle diets. The first experiment was an in vitro rumen fermentation that evaluated the effect of replacing soybean meal (SBM) nitrogen with nitrogen from either SRU or free urea in diets varying in forage:concentrate ratios. The second experiment examined the effect of replacing SBM with SRU on in situ dry matter and nitrogen degradability in the rumen. In the third experiment, a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing SBM (0% as-fed SRU) with 1% or 3% as-fed SRU on feed carbon footprint (CFP; total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the life cycle of feed raw materials) and the toxicity potential of SRU in growing beef cattle. Results showed that replacing SBM with SRU up to 1.3% did not negatively affect in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. Supplementing SRU favourably decreased ruminal accumulation of ammonia and lactic acid when compared to free urea. There was no significant effect on effective rumen degradability of dry matter and nitrogen when one-third of SBM was replaced by SRU in the in situ study. Compared with the 0% SRU diet, feed CFP decreased by 18% and 54% in 1% SRU and 3% SRU diets, respectively. Additionally, feeding up to 3% SRU diet to beef cattle did not affect health and intake, and blood hematological and biochemical indices were within the physiological range for healthy bulls, suggesting no indication of ammonia toxicity. Overall, these results indicate that SRU can be used as a sustainable alternative to partially replace vegetable protein sources in ruminant diets without compromising rumen function and health of ruminants.

DRY MATTER DEGRADATION CHA RACTERISTICS OF RICE STOVER WITH DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS OF Ficus capensis OR Alchornea cordifolia IN RUMEN FISTULATED SHEEP, GOATS OR CATTLE

Rumen dry matter degradation characteristics (soluble fraction, degradable fraction, rate of degradation and effective degradability) of leaves of two browse species (Alchornea cordifolia, Ficus capensis) and rice stover and their varying proportions (10, 20 or 30% of each browse: crop residue mixture) were evaluated in rumen fistulated West African Dwarf sheep and goats and Bunaji cattle. The forages differed (P&lt;0.05) in soluble fraction (a) rate of degradation (c) and effective degradability (ED) but did not differ in the degradable fraction (b). Rice stover bad the highest rate of degradation and F. capensis the least. Effective degradability (ED) was highest in cattle followed by sheep and goats with a high degree of correlation among them. The inclusion of the different proportions of browse in the mixtures show some significance in a, b and ED (P&lt;0.05). Mixture had a depressive effect on the soluble fraction of the feeds in rice stover: A. cordifolia mixtures. Degradable fraction differed mainly in F. capensis mixtures. The rate of degradation was affected mainly in sheep and cattle among the feeds in rice stover: F. capensis mixtures. The different mixtures influenced effective degradability. As with the sole feeds, ED was highest in cattle, followed by sheep and goats.

Rumen dry matter degradability of Yankasa rams fed Brachiaria ruziziensis (Congo grass) hay with different supplements

This study was carried out to determine rumen dry matter degradability of Brachiaria ruziziensis (Congo grass) by cannulated Yankasa rams fed different supplements (maize offal, wheat offal, groundnut hay). The research was carried out at Polycon Research farm, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi. Four (4) cannulated Yankasa rams were used for the study, each animal was replicated three times. In-sacco method involving small nylon bags containing experimental diets were inserted into the rumen of the cannulated rams at 0 hour, with inspection at 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours. Three (3) nylon bags marked with different colours containing different treatment diets were inserted into the cannula of the rumen to test for degradability, the small nylon bags were removed at different hours (6, 12, 18 and 24 hours, respectively) to test their degradability. The supplementary treatment diets were wheat offal (WO), Maize Offal (MO) and Groundnut Hay (GH) while Brachiaria ruziziensis was fed as basal diet. The rumen degradability showed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) across the treatments at different hours. Results from this study showed that MO had the highest value (P&lt;0.05) at 0 (27.20%), 6 (36.75%), 12 (38.62%) and 18 (46.15%) hours. However, WO had the highest value (64.72%) at 24 hours, but the value obtained was similar with 61.32% obtained for rams fed maize offal supplement. It was concluded from the result of this study that treatment T2 (Brachiaria ruziziensis + Maize offal) had the best rumen degradability. Itis therefore, recommended that maize offal should be supplemented with Brachiaria ruziziensis hay at 370g/day for better rumen degradabilit y in ruminant animals.

PSVII-35 Late-Breaking Abstract: Microwave heat treatment feed effect on ruminal degradability and intestinal protein digestibility - a brief review

Abstract Rumen degradability of crude protein (CP) of feed is a major factor that determines the utilization of CP in ruminant production. This study briefly reviewed the findings from six international studies of microwave (MW) heat treatment effect on feed CP rumen degradability and intestinal CP digestibility. Six in vitro studies of concentrate feed (canola seed, canola meal, soya bean meal, cottonseed meal, corn, and barley) showed a decrease in effective rumen degradability of dry matter and protein by 4–40% and 17–40%, respectively compared to control group (untreated concentrate feed). Among the six studies, four studies identified the MW heat treatment effect on intestinal protein digestibility. Due to MW heat treatment, canola seed, canola meal, soya bean meal, and cottonseed meal showed an increase in intestinal CP digestibility by 17%, 20%, 21%, and 19%, respectively. Overall the briefly reviewed studies showed that, MW heat treatment substantially reduced feed CP ruminal degradability and increased in vitro CP digestibility of ruminally undegraded CP.

PSVI-16 Essential fatty acids and bio-surfactants can improve de bovine production in tropical pasture

Abstract Improving the efficiency of production of beef cattle on tropical pasture is a challenge. So, new technologies need be tested. Essential fatty acids (EFA) are essential for cell structure, regulation and can improve the immune response. Bio-surfactants (BS) can increase the interaction between microorganisms and substrates in the rumen (Liu et al., 2013). The aim of this work was to test a blend of EFA and BS in the performance of beef cattle in tropical pasture. This study was conducted in the Premix’s Research Center, Patrocínio Paulista, São Paulo State, Brazil. The area used had 6 hectares of pasture of Urochloa brizantha (syn. Brachiaria brizantha). Twenty-four Nellore steers were evaluated for 313 days. The initial weight was 253 ±10.9 kg. The diet was pasture and protein-energy supplements (0.4% of live weight) with (test) or not (control) additives. The additive was the blend of EFA (14.02g/kg-linolenic) and BS (57.5g/kg-phosphatidylcholine) including 0.3% in the supplement. The parameters used were daily average gain, carcass yield and carcass daily gain. The rumen degradability of dry matter of the forage was analyzed with cannulated animals (72, 48, 36, 24, 12, 6, 0 hours; Orskov &amp; McDonald,1979). The analysis of variance was used with 5% significance. The daily average gain was 680 g/day for the control and 735 g/day for the test (P = 0.02). The carcass yield is not different (mean=55.48). The carcass daily gain was 429 g/day for the control and 456 g/day for the test (P = 0.06). The degradation potential of dry matter was 54.25% for the control and 56.71% for the test (P = 0.03). This is 4.5% more degradation of dry matter for the test. It can explain the 8% more of daily average gain and 8.45 kg of carcass in the period. The blend of EFA and BS can take additive effect improving the bovine production on tropical pasture and can be an environmentally friendly alternative.

PSIX-17 Investigation of rumen starch and protein degradation kinetics in relation to corn processed by super-conditioned pelleting, extruding and puffing

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the rumen dry matter (DM), starch and protein degradation kinetics of an Iranian corn grain (single crass 702) processed using different thermal processing methods including 1) grinding (G, 2mm), 2) super-conditioned pelleting (SCP; moisture 20%, retention time 6 min and conditioning temperature 95°C), 3) puffing (PUF; puffing temperature 200°C, hot air velocity 25 m/s, feed rate 100 g/m) and 4) extruding (EX; moisture 20%, temperature of melting zone 75°C and die zone 125°C and time 150s). Three lactating Holstein cows fitted with a ruminal cannula were used. Samples were incubated into the rumen for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h. Rumen degradation kinetics were fitted based on equations. Data were analyzed by GLM procedure of SAS (P &amp;lt; 0.05) using a completely randomized design with 6 replications for every treatment. Rapidly soluble fraction (a) and fractional rate constant (c) of DM were higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in PUF and EX corns than SCP. The lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) slowly degradable fraction (b) of DM was found in SCP. The highest (P &amp;lt; 0.01) effective rumen degradability of DM (ERDM), starch (ERDS) and protein (ERDP) were observed in the EX, followed by PUF, SCP and G corns. Fraction a of starch and protein was significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in EX, PUF and SCP than G. The rate of degradability (c) of starch, DM and protein in EX and PUF were similar and higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01) than SCP and G, but c for starch in EX was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) than PUF and fallowed by SCP and G corns. In conclusion, the super-conditioning of corn as a new method of corn processing increased rapidly soluble fraction starch similar to PUF and EX corns and effective rumen degradability of starch was significantly increased in SCP corn.

In Vitro and In Situ Evaluation of Broccoli Wastes as Potential Feed for Ruminants.

Simple SummaryPublic concern about food wastes has increased in recent years. According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), vegetable food losses happen mainly at cultivation and harvest, but losses at distribution and consumption are also important. The dry matter of some vegetable wastes is rich in protein and fiber and the wastes could be used in ruminant feeding, but information on their nutritive value is needed. Both broccoli florets and stems were studied, and the rumen degradability of diets including increasing amounts of dried broccoli was assessed. Both florets and stems had low dry matter content (<5%), but were rich in protein (>23%) and sugars (>19.9%). Both broccoli fractions were highly degradable in the rumen, with stems showing greater values than florets. In contrast, stems had lower in vitro intestinal digestibility than florets. According to in vitro results, dried broccoli could replace up to 24% of the cereals and high-protein ingredients in a high-cereal concentrate without affecting the rumen fermentation of the diet.The potential of broccoli wastes (florets and stems) as ruminant feed was analyzed using in vitro and in situ techniques. Both stems and florets had high moisture content (90.6 and 86.1%, respectively), but the stems contained (% dry matter) lower levels (p < 0.05) of crude protein (CP; 23.2 vs. 30.8%) and ether extract (2.91 vs. 6.15%) and tended to have greater sugars content (p = 0.071; 33.4 vs. 19.6%) than florets. Stems had greater in vitro dry matter rumen degradability (45.3%; 24 h incubation) and lower in vitro CP intestinal digestibility (82.7%) compared with florets (42.2 and 90.1%, respectively). Rumen degradability of protein was high (<85%) for both fractions. In a second experiment, diets including different proportions of broccoli were formulated and fermented in vitro. The replacement of 24% of conventional feeds (wheat, soybean meal and wheat bran) in a concentrate by dried broccoli increased the amount of organic matter fermented in vitro and the NH3-N concentrations of a mixed diet including 40% of the concentrate. Including dried broccoli in the diet produced only small modifications in the volatile fatty acid profile and did not affect CH4 emission.

Effect of replacing soybean meal with marula nut meal on rumen dry matter and crude protein degradability.

In situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in ruminant diets composed of graded inclusion levels of marula nut meal (MNM) as a protein source to replace soybean meal were evaluated. The five diets denoted as diet 1 (0.0gkg-1 MNM: control), diet 2 (45.5gkg-1 MNM), diet 3 (91.7gkg-1 MNM), diet 4 (138.4gkg-1 MNM), and diet 5 (185.9gkg-1 MNM) were tested. Three cannulated mid-lactating Holstein cows were used to incubate triplicate subsamples of each diet for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48h in polyester bags. The soluble fractions of DM and CP increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of MNM (138.4-185.9gkg-1 MNM). However, the insoluble but degradable fractions of DM and CP increased (P < 0.05) with decreasing levels of MNM (45.5-0.0gkg-1 and 91.7-0.0gkg-1 MNM, respectively). While the degradation rate of fraction and the effective degradability of DM increased (P < 0.05) with decreasing levels of MNM (91.7-0.0gkg-1), those of CP increased with increasing levels of MNM (138.4-185.9gkg-1 MNM) in the diet. These results suggest that dietary inclusion of MNM up to 91.7gkg-1 in ruminant diets can provide undegradable protein to be absorbed in the small intestines and used for metabolic function, while an inclusion of up to 185.9gkg-1 can be degraded in the rumen for microbial protein synthesis.

Ruminal parameters and fatty acid composition of omasal digesta and milk in cows fed sugarcane-based diets supplemented with sunflower oil

This study evaluates the intake and digestion of nutrients, parameters of rumen fermentation and degradation, omasal digesta and milk fatty acid composition, productive performance, and the concentration of serum metabolites in cows fed 600 g kg-1 sugarcane-based diets containing 0 (control), 15, 30, and 45 g kg-1 sunflower oil (SO) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Four rumen-cannulated Holstein x Gyr cows yielding 15±5 kg day-1 with 110±10 days in milk were allocated in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Data were analyzed using mixed models, and significant differences were declared at P &lt; 0.05. There was no effect of SO on the intake and apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and nonfibrous carbohydrates, but there was a linear increase in the intake and digestibility of ether extract. Dietary SO levels did not alter the ruminal degradability parameters for DM and NDF, rumen pH and contents of ammonia N, acetate, propionate and volatile fatty acids. Milk fat content and yield were linearly decreased, whereas a linear increase in milk protein content was observed in response to increasing levels of SO, but with no effect on milk yield. Linear reductions in palmitic and ?-linolenic acid contents, a linear increase in trans-10 C18:1 and elaidic acids, and a quadratic effect on vaccenic and rumenic acids were observed in omasal digesta of cows fed increasing levels of SO. Overall, up to 45 g kg-1 SO can be included on DM of chopped sugarcane-based diets without reducing consumption, apparent digestibility and rumen degradability of DM and fiber. Supplementing chopped sugarcane-based diets with 30 to 45 g kg-1 SO (DM basis) promotes milk fat depression due to the inhibition of mammary lipogenesis by specific rumen-derived fatty acid intermediates of the biohydrogenation of unsaturated C18 fatty acids. The inclusion of 15 to 45 g kg-1 SO in chopped sugarcane-based diets improves the nutritional quality of milk fat, with increases in the levels of oleic, vaccenic and rumenic acids, beneficial to human health, and a reduction in the levels of the hypercholesterolemic lauric, myristic and palmitic acids.

Ruminal degradation of dry matter, crude protein and fiber fraction of oilseed byproducts

The objective was to evaluate the rumen degradability of dry matter, crude protein and fiber fraction of some oilseed byproducts. Oilseed byproducts evaluated were: Sunflower Meal, Cotton Cake and Castor Bean Cake. The rumen degradability test was performed following a split plot randomized complete block design with three treatments (plots) and seven incubation times (subplots) and six blocks (animals). The readily soluble fraction of the dry matter of sunflower meal was 35.0% higher than the same fraction of cotton cake and castor bean cake (mean 24.46%, P &lt; 0.01). The highest potential degradability of crude protein (P &lt; 0.01) was verified in castor bean cake (96.90%, 5% rate of passage). Sunflower meal had the lowest insoluble fraction of the fiber fraction, 34.4%, compared to cotton cake and castor bean cake, with 64.4% and 39.4%, respectively (P &lt; 0.01). Sunflower meal had the highest fiber effective degradability (25.2%). Sunflower meal presented better values of ruminal parameters of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber in relation to the other byproducts.

Enhance in-vitro rumen fermentation of Panicum maximum with biological supplements

&lt;p class="abstrak2"&gt;Recently the utilization of biological feed additives over chemical feed additives in animal feeds have increased. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing wild guinea grass (panicum maximum) with two plant species, artocarpus heterophyllus (jack leaves; ah) and tridax procumbens (Tp) containing plant secondary metabolites tannin and saponin, respectively and the enzyme product dyadic cellulase (Ce) and yeast (Ye). For each suplement two levels of treatments were tested. In plant-based suplements 20 (Aht1, Tpt1) and 30% (Aht2 and Tpt2) substituted the base substrate. The enzyme was applied as 10 µl (Cet1) and 20 µl (Cet2) and yeast as 4 mg (Yet1) and 6 mg (Yet2). the experimental design was a randomized complete block design (rcbd) and the period of in vitro rumen fermentation incubation was 72 hrs. All treatments significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) enhanced the in vitro gas production (Ivgp) compared with the control. Treatments of ah and ce significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) improved the in vitro rumen dry matter degradability (ivrdmd). All treatments significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) suppressed the ruminal protozoa population as compared to the control. Ammonia nitrogen (Nh3-N) production was not significantly (P&amp;gt;0.05) influenced with supplements. in conclusion, treatments enhanced the rumen fermentation in means of enhanced ivgp, ivrdmd and reduced protozoa numbers.&lt;/p&gt;