Rumen Degradation Research Articles

Use of Heating Methods and Xylose to Increase Rumen Undegradable Protein of Alternative Protein Sources: 1) Peanut Meal

Peanut meal has an excellent total protein content but also has low rumen undegradable protein (RUP). High-performance ruminants have high RUP requirements. We aimed to evaluate the effects of processing peanut meal with an autoclave and conventional and microwave ovens, with and without using xylose on its ruminal kinetics degradation parameters and intestinal digestibility (ID). In situ studies were conducted to determine dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) rumen degradation kinetics. In vitro studies were conducted to evaluate intestinal digestibility (ID). The control treatment had a greater fraction A for DM and CP than peanut meals processed with an autoclave or conventional oven. The control had greater kd for CP compared with the microwave. The addition of xylose decreased fraction A, the degradation rate of fraction B (kd) and RUP, and increased the protein B fraction of autoclaved peanut meal. We observed a decrease in effective degradability (ED) and increased RUP for processed treatments in all experiments compared with the control. Processing methods did not affect the protein ID of autoclaved peanut meal compared to the control. An interaction between xylose and heating time was observed, where increasing heating time linearly reduced the ID of xylose-untreated treatments. Overall, these results suggest that the tested methods effectively increased the RUP content of peanut meal.

Impacts of Rumen Degradable or Undegradable Protein Supplementation on Supplement Intake and Performance of Yearling Heifers and Cows Grazing Dryland Pastures.

Angus and Red Angus-based yearling heifers (n = 40) and lactating cows (n = 51) were each used in a complete randomized design and stratified by weight and body condition score to one of two treatments: (1) pressed supplement block containing rumen undegradable protein (RUP) and (2) pressed supplement block containing rumen degradable protein (RDP). Heifer and cow supplement intake displayed (p < 0.01) a treatment × period interaction. The RUP heifers and RDP cows consumed more in Period 2 than Period 1, whereas RDP heifers and RUP cows consumed more in Period 1 than Period 2, respectively. Intake rate demonstrated (p < 0.01) a treatment effect for heifers, with RUP consuming supplement faster than the RDP treatment. Intake rate for cows demonstrated (p < 0.01) a treatment × period interaction with RUP cows in Period 1 having faster intakes than Period 2, and RDP cows having the inverse. Cow intake variation displayed (p < 0.01) a treatment × period interaction with RUP cows having more variation in Period 2, while RDP cows had less variation in intake in Period 2. In conclusion, RDP and RUP impacted intake behavior of cows and heifers but had minimal impacts on performance.

Effects of Different Additives on Fermentation Quality, Microbial Communities, and Rumen Degradation of Alfalfa Silage

This study examined the effects of different additives on the fermentation quality, nutrient composition, microbial communities, and rumen degradation of ensiled alfalfa. Six treatments were employed in which additives were applied to alfalfa on a fresh weight basis: CK (no additive), FA (0.6% formic acid), CaO (3% calcium oxide and 3% urea), LB (1 × 106 cfu/g Lentilactobacillus buchneri), GLB (2% glucose and 1 × 106 cfu/g L. buchneri), and FLB (2% fucoidan and 1 × 106 cfu/g L. buchneri). After 60 days of ensiling, all treatments altered the bacterial communities, improved the fermentation quality, reduced dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) losses, and enhanced the rumen degradation of nutrients. The addition of LB increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. (p &lt; 0.05), whereas GLB reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the NH3-N:TN ratio and elevated (p &lt; 0.05) the concentrations of Lactobacillus and lactic acid content. The FA treatment reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the pH, as well as the DM and CP degradations, while the CaO treatment increased the degradations of DM, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber. We concluded that FA, LB, GLB, and FLB had beneficial effects on alfalfa fermentation, and that CaO increased alfalfa silage rumen degradation.

Effects of Copper Sulfate and Encapsulated Copper Addition on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production

Copper is a microelement crucial for the proper functioning of animals’ metabolic processes. The function of copper in rumen fermentation processes and methanogenesis is not well analyzed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the different types of copper supplement, their rumen decomposition and effect on in vitro ruminal fermentation as well as methanogenesis. Two different copper additives were used in the experiment: CS—copper sulfate (CuSO4 × 5 H2O)—and EC—encapsulated copper (tribasic copper chloride and copper sulfate enclosed within a polysaccharide polymer coating). A total mixed ration without copper additive was used as a control (C). In vitro rumen fermentation was conducted, and fermentation profile, gas production and methanogenesis were evaluated. After 24 h of fermentation, the amount of copper in the rumen fluid was significantly higher in the CS group. EC was protected against rumen degradation to a greater extent. The type of used copper supplement affects rumen fermentation. However, the effect on methanogenesis is ambiguous. CS supplement increases rumen gas production but does not affect methanogenesis. The obtained results suggest that the EC supplement may reduce the risk of low-fat milk and may improve the economic indicators of milk production. An in vivo experiment is necessary to compare the obtained in vitro results with animal productivity.

In Situ Rumen Degradation Characteristics and Bacterial Colonization of Corn Silages Differing in Ferulic and p-Coumaric Acid Contents.

In plant cell wall, ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (pCA) are commonly linked with arabinoxylans and lignin through ester and ether bonds. These linkages were deemed to hinder the access of rumen microbes to cell wall polysaccharides. The attachment of rumen microbes to plant cell wall was believed to have profound effects on the rate and the extent of forage digestion in rumen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bound phenolic acid content and their composition in corn silages on the nutrient degradability, and the composition of the attached bacteria. Following an in situ rumen degradation method, eight representative corn silages with different FA and pCA contents were placed into nylon bags and incubated in the rumens of three matured lactating Holstein cows for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Corn silage digestibility was assessed by in situ degradation methods. As a result, the effective degradability of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre were negatively related to the ether-linked FA and pCA, and their ratio in corn silages, suggesting that not only the content and but also the composition of phenolic acids significantly affected the degradation characteristics of corn silages. After 24 h rumen fermentation, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota were observed as the dominant phyla in the bacterial communities attached to the corn silages. After 72 h rumen fermentation, the rumen degradation of ester-linked FA was much greater than that of ester-linked pCA. The correlation analysis noted that Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-002, Olsenella, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, Acetitomaculum, and Bifidobacterium were negatively related to the initial ether-linked FA content while Prevotella was positively related to the ether-linked FA content and the ratio of pCA to FA. In summary, the present results suggested that the content of ether-linked phenolic acids in plant cell walls exhibited a more profound effect on the pattern of microbial colonization than the fibre content.

Effects of different heat processing methods of rapeseed on ruminal and post-ruminal nutrient disappearance

Due to improving the nutritive value of oilseeds and changing their digestion site in ruminants, processing, including heat treatment, seems necessary. The present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of applying heat processing such as roasting, microwaving and autoclaving on nutritive values; the amount and rate of degradability in rumen, and the disappearance of rapeseed nutrients in rumen, post-rumen and total tract. This evaluation was performed using mobile nylon bags techniques; three-step method of digestion and protein CNCPS fraction. A completely randomized design was used to investigate the effect of applying heat processing, and SAS software was used to analyze the data. The field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope was used to monitored the effect of heat treatment on surface of rapeseed. The application of heat processing in this research (roasting, microwaving and autoclaving) had no significant effect on the chemical composition of rapeseed. The results obtained from mobile nylon bags method and three-step digestion method showed that raw rapeseed has the highest disappearance of DM and CP in rumen and therefore has a significant difference with processed seeds (P&lt;0.05). Also, the disappearance of DM and CP of processed rapeseed in intestines was significantly higher than raw seed (P&lt;0.05), and this was higher than other processing for autoclaved rapeseed. According to the results obtained from CNCPS protein fractionation, applying heat processing altering protein fractionation (P&lt;0.05). Applying microwave processing has created cracks in the surface of the rapeseed wall, and this condition was not observed in the wall surface of other heated seeds. In general, it can be said that in addition to increasing the digestibility of rapeseed in the entire gastrointestinal tract, applying heat processing reduces its degradability in the rumen and has increased the disappearance of nutrients in the intestine, that it can be stated the digestion site is altered from rumen to intestine, which can prevent the loss of protein sources in ruminant feed.

Degradabilidade in situ do amido de diferentes genótipos de milho e em diferentes tamanhos de partículas

Three corn genotypes (hard, semi-hard and semindented) ground in a 10 mm diameter sieve and separated into four particle sizes (greater than 1400 µm; between 1400 and 850 µm; between 850 and 420 µm; and smaller than 420 µm) were evaluated. Starch degradation was verified after incubations in the rumen of cattle, at times of 3, 6, 9, 15, 24 and 48 hours. Corn genotypes with lower vitreousness showed higher solubility, rumen passage rate and rumen degradation. Genotypes in smaller particles showed higher degradations than larger particles. Corn with low vitreousness associated with finer grinding showed better ruminal starch fermentation.

Comparing the effects of gamma ray and alkaline treatments of sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide on chemical composition, ruminal degradation kinetics and crystallinity degree of soybean straw

This research was conducted to compare the effects of gamma ray (GR) at doses of 100 and 150 kGy, alkaline treatments of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO) at concentrations of 50 and 160 g/kg of dry matter (DM) respectively, and their combined use on chemical composition, ruminal degradation kinetics and crystallinity degree of soybean straw (SBS). After processing, the chemical composition of the samples was determined using the AOAC standard methods. Ruminal degradability trial was carried out by the nylon bag technique. Crystallinity degree of the samples was investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Using alkaline compounds in processing of SBS significantly increased the Ash amount (P < 0.0001). The greatest value was observed in CaO and CaO + GR treatments (100 and 150 kGy). The crude fiber (CF) of samples was reduced due to the effect of gamma irradiation, alkaline compounds, and their combination (P < 0.0001). Samples irradiated with 150 kGy dose of GR had the least amount of CF. The processing increased the effective rumen degradability (ERD) of DM for SBS at rumen outflow rates of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.08/h (P < 0.0001). The greatest amounts at the mentioned outflow rates were observed in GR (100, and 150 kGy), and NaOH + GR (100 and 150 kGy) treatments. Different treatments reduced the crystallinity degree of SBS compared to the control group. The least crystallinity percentage was observed in GR (150 kGy) treated samples. Totally, gamma irradiation, alkaline treatments and their combined use improved the nutritional value of SBS. In this respect, gamma irradiation was more effective than alkaline compounds.

Interconnection between protein-related chemical functional group spectral features of prairie oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties and ruminant relevant nutrition-Degradation, intestinal digestionand true nutrient supply to dairy cows.

To our knowledge, the study interconnection between inherent chemical functional group spectral features and nutrient utilisation is still limited. The objective of this study was to test the adequacy of vibrational Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy as a fast tool to assess the interactive relationship between the nutritive value of the Prairie cool-season oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties in dairy cows and inherent chemical functional group spectral features. The chemical functional group spectral features of the Prairie cool-season oat varieties in western Canada were determined by Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectancespectroscopy. The protein-related spectral parameters of chemical functional groups included peak height and peak area intensity of Amide I, Amid II, protein structural α-helix and β-sheet, and their ratios. The rumen degradation kinetics were determined using in situ techniques with four rumen-canulated lactating dairy cows. The intestinal digestion was evaluated using a three-step in vitro technique with 12 h preincubation. The experiment was an randomized complete block design. The data were analysed using the mixed-model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System. The results showed that the interconnection between rumen degradation kinetics, intestinal digestionand true nutrient supply to dairy cows and protein-related chemical functional group spectral features could be revealed by ATR-FTIR with univariate and multi-variate spectral analyses. These findings indicate that ruminant relevant nutritive value of cool-season oats could be rapidly evaluated and predicted using oat-specific functional group spectral characteristics which could be obtained by a non-distractive bioanalytical tool of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.

Influence of Direct-fed Microbial Blend and Ferula Elaeochytris on in Vitro Rumen Fermentation Pattern and Degradability During Simulated Ruminal Acidosis.

The use of probiotics and phytobiotics has attracted interest because of their protective effect against acidosis. Ferula elaeochytris (FE) is considered a good source of bioactive compounds, mainly monoterpene α-pinene. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a direct-fed microbial blend (Pro) and FE on rumen fermentation parameters in vitro under normal and acidosis conditions. An in vitro experiment using the Hohenheimer Futterwerttest (HFT) gas production system was conducted. An acidosis challenge was made to compare the effectiveness of the probiotics blend and FE extract on ruminal pH regulation. To generate different ruminal fermentation parameters, the design of the trial considered the 2 additives (Pro and FE) × 6 incubation times (2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h) × 2 conditions (acidosis and normal) × 2 incubation runs for each feedstuff (barley, alfalfa and straw). An acidosis challenge was successfully induced. The Pro and FE additives had no impact on the observed rumen fermentation parameters such as volatile fatty acid concentration or ammonia (P = 0.001). The acidosis condition decreased total in vitro degradability (IVD) by 3.5% and 21.9% for barley and straw, respectively (P < 0.001). The additives had different significant effects on the IVD of nutrients during both normal and acidosis conditions. In alfalfa samples, FE supplementation significantly decreased the IVD of all observed nutrients under the ruminal acidosis condition, although it had no effect during the normal condition. An acidosis challenge was successfully induced and the effect of additives was varied on fermentation parameters and rumen degradability of different feeds either under normal or acidosis conditions.

In vitro rumen degradability of tropical legumes and their secondary metabolites depends on inoculum source.

In this study, the in vitro apparent rumen degradability of organic matter (ARDOM) and plant secondary metabolites (ARDPSM) of three tropical legumes (Mucuna pruriens, Canavalia ensiformis, and Leucaena leucocephala) were assessed. For this, 3 experiments were set up, i.e., single end-point incubations (24h) with ruminal inoculum from either Belgian or Cuban sheep, as well as kinetic assessments (0h, 2h, 4h, 6h, 8h, 10h, 12h, and 24h) inoculum from Belgian sheep. L-mimosine, L-canavanine, Concanavalin A (Con A), and trypsin inhibitor (TI) were the plant secondary metabolites (PSM) targeted in this study. In all three experiments, both beans, as well as forage/bean meals of M. pruriens and C. ensiformis and their PSM, were extensively degraded during 24h incubation, irrespective of the inoculum source (0.44 to 0.70 and 0.43 to 0.78g/g of organic matter (OM) for ARDOM, respectively, and > 0.80g/g for L-canavanine, > 0.76 TIU/TIU for TI, and > 0.95g/g for Con A, for both legumes). Forage meal of L. leucocephala was considerably less degraded, with apparent ruminal degradabilities of 0.20g/g OM and 0.35g/g OM after 24h incubation with Belgian or Cuban sheep inoculum, respectively. This could - at least partially - be related to L-mimosine, present in L. leucocephala, which was hardly degraded in the Belgian incubation, while a more extensive ruminal breakdown was observed under the Cuban conditions (0.05g/g PSM vs. 0.78g/g PSM, respectively). The negative effect of L-mimosine on OM degradability was supported in an additional in vitro experiment with straw and inoculum from Belgian sheep, as ruminal degradation of straw was 31% lower when pure L-mimosine was supplemented.

Effects of oregano essential oil, cobalt and synergistic of both of them on rumen degradation rate and fermentation characteristics for corn silage

This study used oregano essential oil (EO), cobalt (Co) and synergistic of both of them additives instead of antibiotics to explore the effects of different additives on the corn silage fibre structure degradation, nutrient degradation rate and rumen fermentation characteristics of sheep. The additives used in the study as a product were provided by Ralco, Inc., USA. The Latin square experimental design was adopted with 5 treatments. The following treatments were fed through the rumen fistula: carrier (Car), carrier + EO, carrier + Co, carrier + EO + cobalt (EOC) and no additives as the control (CON). These treatments were fed to five sheep for five rounds at a dose of 80 mg/kg. At 48 h of degradation, the area of degraded corn leaf and husk reached 100%, SEM results showed that except for Car and CON treatment, there were obvious destroyed fibre structure differences under EO, Co and EOC treatment, showing total disappearance of leaf epidermal cells, palisade tissue and spongy tissue, especially under EOC. Under EOC treatment, DMD48 h, CPD48 h, NDFD48 h and ADFD48 h increased by 3.33%, 3.89%, 7.64% and 5.67%, respectively, compared with CON, while NDFD48 h and ADFD48 h increased by 4.70% and 6.05% under Co (p > 0.05). The NH3-N concentration in rumen fluid decreased by 19.36%, 27.20% and 19.48%, while the microbial protein (MCP) content increased by 6.32%, 4.29% and 5.97% (p > 0.05) under EO, Co and EOC treatments compared with CON at 48 h (p < 0.05). The total VFA concentration under EO, Co and EOC treatment was lower than CON at 6 and 48 h (p = 0.016, p = 0.022) and the propionate and acetate concentrations were higher under EOC treatment than CON at 48 h (p > 0.05). Feeding EOC increased the fibre structure degradation and nutrient degradation rate of corn silage and improved rumen fermentation in sheep, resulting in better effects than feeding EO or Co alone. HIGHLIGHTS This article revealed the significance of oregano essential oil synergistic with cobalt (EOC) on rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradation rate of sheep. In this study, the degradation of leaves in the rumen was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the degradation area was calculated by electron microscopy for the first time. The results of this study will provide the theoretical basis for EOC as a substitute for antibiotics.

PSVII-2 Effects of Feeding a Starch or Pectin Supplement on Ruminal Parameters and gas Production of Grazing Young Bulls

Abstract The study aimed to investigate the effects of two feeding times and two sources of energy supplementation on pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of beef cattle reared in Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pastures. We used eight rumen-cannulated ½ Aberdeen Angus x ½ Nellore young bulls (280±7 kg) distributed in a double 4x4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of supplementation at 0.3% of body weight with corn or citrus pulp, supplied at 0900 or 1700. Ruminal fluid pH was measured with a digital pH analyzer and SCFA was analyzed on a Shimadzu HPLC. The IVGP was determined using a transducer and a data logger for 48 h after incubation of samples combining forage and supplement in real intake proportion (88% forage, 12% supplement). Considering the rapid fermentation of sugars, animals supplemented with pectin maintained higher pH (P = 0.021) due to changes in bacterial populations to digest the pectic substances (Table 1). Lactate production after starch digestion caused lower pH. Despite the differences in evaluated energy substrates, there was no effect on the primary SCFA concentration (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Citrus pulp provided greater formic (P = 0.005) and valeric (P = 0.042) acids concentrations compared with corn, but there was no influence of formic acid in lactic acid production (Table 1). The greater IVGP by citrus pulp (P = 0.0140; Figure 1) may be related to its greater carbohydrate fraction A, soluble with a rapid rate of rumen degradation, and also because its ruminal fermentation results in greater acetic acid production, which provides more ruminal H2 and CO2, favoring the CH4 production. The citrus pulp can be used as an alternative source to corn because it might prevent acidosis, does not affect the main SCFA production, and is a non-human edible feed.

PSII-B-17 Effect of Corn Grain Processing and Moisture Content in Finishing Diets Formulated to Meet Rumen Degradable Protein Requirements on Feedlot Cattle Performance

Abstract Increased dietary inclusion of rapidly-fermentable carbohydrates and a great proportion of corn-derived CP may result in increased rumen degradable protein (RDP) microbial requirements and reduced RDP supply, respectively. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of processing and moisture content of corn grain in finishing diets concurrently balanced to meet increased RDP requirements on feedlot cattle performance. A semi-dent corn hybrid crop was harvested and stored as dry-whole (DWC), dry-rolled (DRC), whole high-moisture (WHMC), or rolled high-moisture (RHMC) corn (89.3% DM and 32.4% moisture for dry and high-moisture corn, respectively). Four dietary treatments containing 78.8-79.0% corn grain were arranged by adding (DM basis) 0.15, 0.20, 0.0, or 0.0% of urea to DWC, DRC, WHMC, or RHMC-based diets, respectively, to meet RDP requirements, which were measured in previous experiments using the same corn hybrid as in the present experiment. Angus steers (n = 144; 356 ± 2.7 kg initial BW) were group-housed in 24 pens, fed once daily from d 1 to 86, and held off feed and water for 16 h to record initial and final BW. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block (6) design. Rate of BW gain and HCW increased and DMI decreased (P ≤ 0.02) from dry and whole to moist and rolled corn-fed steers (Table 1). Consequently, steers fed the RHMC-based and 0%-urea diet were finished at heavier BW and were more efficient (P ≤ 0.02) converting feed into BW and carcass compared with steers fed any of the other diets. Feeding high-moisture compared with dry corn led to improved cattle performance and might reduce urea-derived costs. The convenience of using RHMC instead of WHMC may rely upon the balance between improved animal performance and increased feed costs associated with corn processing.

Production Potential and Quality of Panicum maximum Cultivars Established in a Semi-Arid Environment

This study was conducted to examine the forage production potential and quality of Panicum maximum cultivars in a semi-arid environment, in four different periods. Six cultivars were evaluated: Aruana, Massai, Mombasa, BRS Tamani, Tanzania, and BRS Zuri. The experiment was laid out in a randomized-block design with four replicates, and assessments took place in four different periods (establishment, dry season, transition, and rainy season). Forage accumulation rate (FAR), chemical composition, digestibility, and in vitro rumen degradation kinetics were evaluated. There was an interaction effect between cultivars and evaluation periods for all variables, except dry matter (DM) content. The highest FAR occurred in cvs. BRS Tamani (47.0 kg DM/ha/day) and BRS Zuri (86.9 kg DM/ha/day) in the establishment and rainy periods, respectively, while cv. Aruana showed the lowest FAR (14.5 kg DM/ha/day). The highest crude protein contents were found in cv. BRS Tamani in the transition period; cv. BRS Zuri in the dry season; and cv. Tanzania in the rainy season (128.2, 116.7, and 95.0 g/kg DM, respectively). Cultivar Aruana showed the highest average in vitro dry matter digestibility (810.0 g/kg DM). Cultivars Aruana and Zuri exhibited the highest means of the total in vitro gas production (23.59 and 20.24 mL/100 mg DM, respectively). Cultivars BRS Tamani and BRS Zuri had the best response in terms of forage accumulation and nutritional value. The quality of cv. Massai remained constant throughout the year. All Panicum maximum cultivars evaluated here have the potential for use in animal production systems in a semi-arid environment.

Influence of Acacia Mearnsii Fodder on Rumen Digestion and Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Production.

Simple SummaryThe anthropogenic generation of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the production of ruminants has contributed to environmental deterioration throughout the world; therefore, reducing their production becomes one of the main objectives today. The manipulation of the ruminant diet with forage sources rich in bioactive compounds (tannins) is considered an alternative to mitigate the production of CH4 and improve the productive performance of the animals. Based on this, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of different amounts of Acacia mearnssi, rich in tannins, on the parameters of ruminal degradation, digestibility of DM and OM, and the generation of gas, CH4, and CO2. The incorporation of A. mearnssi forage in the ration had a reducing effect on GHG production and possibly improved utilization of dietary protein in response to the presence of tannins. However, even with the lowest level of acacia in the diet, the effective digestion of DM and OM was affected. Under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that it is possible to replace traditional forages with up to 20% of A. mearnsii, without observing changes in the production of greenhouse gases with respect to the control treatment (0% of A. mearnsii); however, A. mearnsii is not usable because it significantly decreases rumen degradability of DM and OM, which would considerably affect the production in animals.In recent years, the worrying generation of GHG from ruminant production has generated widespread interest in exploring nutritional strategies focused on reducing these gases, presenting the use of bioactive compounds (tannins) as an alternative in the diet. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of the addition of different levels of Acacia mearnsii on ruminal degradation, nutrient digestibility, and mitigation of greenhouse gas production. A completely randomized design with four treatments and six repetitions was used. The treatments were: T1, T2, T3, and T4 diets with, respectively, 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% A. mearnsii. The rumen degradation kinetic and in vitro digestibility, and the production of gas, CH4, and CO2 were evaluated. In situ rumen degradation and in vitro digestibility of DM and OM showed differences between treatments, with T1 being higher (p < 0.05) in the degradation of the soluble fraction (A), potential degradation (A + B), and effective degradation for the different passage rates in percent hour (0.02, 0.05, and 0.08), compared to the other treatments. Rumen pH did not show differences (p > 0.05) between treatments. The lowest (p < 0.05) gas, CH4, and CO2 production was observed in treatments T1 and T2 with an approximate mean of 354.5 mL gas/0.500 g fermented DM, 36.5 mL CH4/0.500 g fermented DM, and 151.5 mL CO2/0.500 g fermented DM, respectively, compared to treatments T3 and T4. Under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that it is possible to replace traditional forages with up to 20% of A. mearnsii, without observing changes in the production of greenhouse gases with respect to the control treatment (0% of A. mearnsii); however, A. mearnsii is not usable because it significantly decreases rumen degradability of DM and OM, which would considerably affect the production in animals.

Physicochemical Changes of Heat-Treated Corn Grain Used in Ruminant Nutrition.

Simple SummaryWhole grain with an intact pericarp is highly resistant to digestion by ruminants and external processing is required. Cereal grain is processed using different combinations of heat, moisture, time, and mechanical action. As a result of processing, starch becomes more available to both ruminal microbial and pancreatic enzymes. In animal science literature, there is a lack of data regarding the physicochemical properties of starchy materials prior to and after the application of processing treatments, as well as the connection to biological responses of animals in nutritional studies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to quantitatively represent physicochemical properties of raw and heat-treated corn starch using an in vitro methodology that is commonly used by food scientists. The heat treatments examined were pelleting, steam flaking, micronization, and extrusion of corn. The obtained results indicated significant differences in gelatinization, hydration, and pasting properties of corn starch depending on the heat treatment applied. Future research should aim for the determination of rumen starch degradation traits and possible correlations with the present results.Cereal grain is processed using different combinations of heat, moisture, time, and mechanical action in order to improve its digestibility. The objective of the present research was to quantitatively represent the physicochemical properties of raw and processed starch using an in vitro methodology, as well as to describe the changes that occurred after heat treatment, such as pelleting, steam flaking, micronization, and extrusion of corn. Based on the obtained results, pelleting, steam flaking, and micronization can be considered as mild heat treatment methods, whereas extrusion proved to be a severe heat treatment method. Analysis of functional and pasting properties implied a possible interaction between the degraded components in the steam-flaked sample, as well as in the micronized sample, through to a lesser extent. Additionally, the occurrence of dextrins was noted after extrusion. The obtained results indicate the existence of significant differences in the physicochemical properties of corn starch depending on the heat treatment applied, which could possibly affect rumen starch degradation traits.

Evaluation of the Feed Nutritional Value of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Meal for Holstein Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryThree follow-up experiments as one set were conducted to evaluate the feed nutritional value of noni (Morinda citrifolia) meal to be included in the diet of Holstein dairy cows. An in vitro study was conducted to explore the effect of noni meal on rumen fermentation characteristics. An in situ study was conducted to evaluate the rumen degradation characteristics of noni meal, using wheat bran as a control. Finally, an in vivo study was carried out to investigate the applicability of noni meal as a feed ingredient for Holstein dairy cows. The in vitro study showed that the addition of noni meal up to 7% at 24 and 48 h of incubation did not negatively affect rumen fermentation characteristics. The in situ study showed that the rumen degradable protein content of the noni meal was high. The in vivo study showed that 1.5% noni meal can be used as a feed ingredient for Holstein dairy cows to improve the C18:1 fatty acid concentration in the milk.In three consecutive studies, we evaluated the effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia) meal on rumen fermentation and degradation characteristics, production performance, physiological parameters, and milk fatty acid profile in Holstein dairy cows. In in vitro (first study) and in situ (second study) experiments, rumen fluids from two fistulated Holstein dairy cows were used. The concentration of noni meal added was 0 (control), 1, 3, 5, or 7% of the basal diet (DM basis). In the in situ experiment, wheat bran was used as a control. Triplicated bags were incubated for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, or 96 h. In an in vivo experiment (third study), 38 Holstein cows (145 ± 87 days DIM; 1.8 ± 0.9 parity; 35.4 ± 6.3 kg/day milk yield) were equally assigned to the control and treatment groups (19 cows each). Basal feed and noni meal pellets (1.5% of total feed DM basis) were fed to the treatment group. The control group was also fed the basal feed and pellets containing 0% noni meal. There were no significant differences in in vitro dry matter digestibility, pH, total gas production (TGP), CH4, NH3-N, and volatile fatty acids (p > 0.05). In the in situ experiments, the crude protein (CP) rapidly soluble fraction ‘a’ (CP-a) was higher in noni meal than in wheat bran, and rumen degradable protein was also higher in noni meal than in wheat bran. In the in vivo experiments, when noni meal pellets were fed, there was no significant difference in milk yield and composition, but the triglyceride levels decreased (p < 0.05), the C18:1 fatty acid level increased (p < 0.05), and the C18:0 fatty acid level decreased (p < 0.05). Collectively, noni meal can be used as a feed ingredient up to 1.5% (total feed DM basis) in Holstein dairy cows and as feed supplementation to increase the C18:1 fatty acid level in milk.

Effects of corn straw treated with CaO on rumen degradation characteristics and fermentation parameters and their correlation with microbial diversity in rumen

The objectives of this study were to investigate the degradation characteristics and fermentation parameters of corn straw treated with different concentrations of calcium oxide (CaO) and degradation characteristics and fermentation parameters of samples in relation to microorganisms diversity in the rumen. Corn straw with 60 % moisture were treated with four concentrations of CaO (0 %, 3 %, 5 %, and 7 % of dry straw weight) respectively: i) The nylon bag technology method was used in estimating the rumen effective degradability, and each treatment was performed eight times. Then, the degradability of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined by taking nylon bags from rumen at 0 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. ii) The fermentation parameters of corn straw were measured by rumen simulation technology in vitro. The mixture was measured at different times (6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 72 h) for the determination of ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N), volatile fatty acids (VFAs) indexes and rumen microbes. iii) The free online platform of Majorbio Cloud Platform was used in evaluating microbe diversity, abundance, and taxonomic composition in the rumen. Species difference analysis was designed, each treatment had three replicates, and 48 samples in total were used. iv) The correlations among effective degradability, fermentation indexes, and rumen microorganisms of corn straw treated by CaO were analyzed by means of an online platform. The results showed that i) the effective rumen degradability of corn straw treated with CaO significant differed among treatments (P < 0.01). The degradability of DM, NDF, and ADF in 7 % and 5 % treatments were higher than that in other treatments (P < 0.01). Soluble and rapidly degraded components in corn straw had significant higher in 5 % and 7 % treatments than in the 0 % and 3 % treatments. ii）The concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total VFA at 6 h in vitro had significant differences (P < 0.01) or obvious upward tendency with increasing concentration of CaO. iii) Alpha index analysis revealed that rumen microorganisms diversity and abundance obviously decreased from 0 % to 7 % treatment in 6 h fermentation. Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group at the genus level decreased in the top 15 species in terms of average abundance (P < 0.01), but the most abundant genus Prevotella_1 had an upward tendency in 6 h incubation (P = 0.066). iv) Correlation analysis demonstrated that Prevotella_1 and Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 had positive correlations with acetate, propionate, total VFA, and DM, NDF, and ADF degradability (P < 0.01). Overall, corn straw treated with CaO at 5 % and 7 % can improve rumen effective degradability and promote the fermentation of corn straw, especially promoting Prevotella_1 enrichment in the straw in a short time. In terms of cost saving, 5 % CaO treatment is the best choice.

Effect of cool-season adapted chickpea varieties on physicochemical and nutritional characteristics in ruminant systems

The focus of this study was to evaluate the effect of varieties on structural, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics of cool-season adapted chickpeas as an alternative source for protein and energy feed for ruminant livestock. The hypothesis of this study was that cool-season adapted CDC chickpeas varieties grown in Western Canada would have significant differences in nutritional characteristics and truly nutrient supply to dairy livestock. The Crop Development Center (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Canada) provided the experimental samples of cool-season adapted chickpeas used in this study. Three chickpea varieties, CDC Alma, CDC Cory, and CDC Frontier were collected from three locations in Saskatchewan: Elorse, Limerick, and Lucky Lake. The standard official methods from the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were used for chemical analyses. Energy parameters were determined using the NRC dairy-2001. An in situ technique in cannulated cows was used to evaluate rumen degradation kinetics. Intestinal digestibility was determined in vitro using the 12 h residual samples from in situ incubations. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with variety as a fixed effect and location as a random effect was used for statistical analyses using the MIXED model procedure of SAS 9.4. Significance was declared at P < 0.05 and tendencies at 0.05 < P < 0.10. Varieties CDC Alma and CDC Cory had a higher carbohydrate content than CDC Frontier (P = 0.02). Conversely, CDC Frontier had higher crude protein (CP) (P = 0.02) and SCP (soluble crude protein) (P = 0.02) than the other chickpeas. The rumen undegraded crude protein (RUP) was higher in CDC Alma and CDC Frontier compared to CDC Cory (P = 0.01). The intestinal digested crude protein (IDP) was higher in CDC Frontier than CDC Alma and CDC Cory (P = 0.03). No differences were observed in the true protein supply (DVE value), metabolizable protein (MP), and Feed Milk Value (FMV) between the three CDC varieties (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the chemical and nutrient profiles, rumen degradation kinetics, intestinal digestibility, and true nutrient availability in lactating cows among the cool-season adapted CDC chickpea varieties have been obtained. The cool-season adapted CDC chickpea varieties had > 770 g/kg EDCP and < 230 g/kg RUCP. CDC Frontier showed better results with relatively higher CP, higher degraded protein balance (OEB, DPB), higher truly digestive protein nutrient supply (DVE, MP) to dairy cows, and higher FMV than other two varieties. In general, cool-season CDC chickpea varieties grown in western Canada can be used as an alternative energy and protein nutrient option for ruminants.