Rumen Fermentation Characteristics Research Articles

Effect of Adding Fermented Juice of Epiphytic Lactic Acid Bacteria Prepared with Different Sources of Soluble Carbohydrates on Fermentation Characteristics of Wheat Straw Silage, Rumen Fermentation and Nutrients Digestibility by Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted to determine the effect of using different sources of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in preparation of fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) added at ensiling on fermentation characteristics of wheat straw silages (WSS), rumen fermentation and nutrients digestibility by Awassi lambs. The FJLBs were prepared from wild reed plant with glucose at 2% (w/v, FJLB-G), cane molasses at 5% (w/v, FJLB-M) or date molasses at 5% (w/v, FJLB-D). Wheat straw were ensiled for 45 days with addition of FJLBs at level of 1%, for control WSS, distilled water was added at similar quantity as FJLB (WWS-C). Urea and molasses were added to all WSS at level of 1 and 10% on dry matter (DM) basis. Twelve lambs were used in 4 treatments with 3 lambs per each. Lambs were fed concentrate diet at 3% of their BW with free allowances of WSS. Results revealed that ensiling WS with FJLBs improved silage fermentation as evidenced by lower (P<0.01) pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration together with higher (P<0.01) lactic acid (LA) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations. Higher (P<0.01) digestibilities of most nutrients including cell wall components were associated with lambs fed WSS-M and WSS-D as compared with those fed WSS-G and WSS-C. However, higher (P<0.01) organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP), digestibilities were recorded by lambs fed WSS-M. Moreover, ruminal NH3-N and VFA were positively influenced by feeding WSS prepared with FJLB in general, FJLB-M and FJLB-D in particular.

Effect of Replacing Rice Impurities Instead of Wheat Bran or Barley on Rumen Bacteria and Fermentation Characteristics of Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution three levels of rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran or barley grains on digestibility and productive performance of Awassi lambs. In the morning, concentrated feed was given individually at 3% of live body weight as a dry matter basis for 56 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. Roughage intake (wheat straw) was given ad-libitum (with residue) and recorded. Twenty-four male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial weight 24.66 ± 2.81kg divided into six treatments with replacing rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran (T1), T2, T3) or barley grains (T4, T5, T6) in a 2×3 factorial experiment/Completely Randomized Design. The results of rumen ammonia nitrogen showed no significant effect for replacing rice impurities instead of wheat bran and a decrease (P< 0.01) for barley replacement treatments at 0 time, while after 2 hours of feed, ammonia nitrogen increased for replacing rice impurities instead of barley grains (P<0.05), and after 4 hours of feeding, ammonia nitrogen decreased (P<0.01) for the replacing treatments with the superiority of barley grains replacement. The volatile fatty acids increased (P<0.05) for replacing 50% rice impurities instead of wheat bran (T2) at 0 time, while after 2 hours, increased (P<0.05) for all wheat bran replacing treatments compared to barley grains treatments (T5 and T6). After 4 hours, volatile fatty acids decreased (P<0.05) for all replacing treatments. Rumen fluid pH values showed an increase (P<0.05) for 100% relacing instead of wheat bran (T3) at 0 time, while increased after 2 hours of feeding for all substitution treatments, with no significance after 4h. Total count of rumen fluid bacteria showed an increase (P<0.05) in treatments of rice impurities replacing instead of wheat bran and barley at all times of measuring after feeding. In conclusion: It’s preferred to replace rice impurities instead of barley grain or wheat bran to achieve low-priced feed ingredients with a positive effect on rumen fermentation and bacterial count.

Evaluation of several macroalgae species on methane emission and antioxidant activity based on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics

Marine macroalgae are the prospective and promising Indonesian natural resources containing bioactive compounds. This study aimed at evaluating various seaweed species with optimal biological activity to mitigate in vitro rumen methane emission and to confirm their antioxidant properties. In addition, relationships among several phenolic fractions and methane (CH4) production of seaweeds were elucidated by Pearson Correlation to screen seaweeds for their capacity to reduce CH4 formation. For in vitro batch cultures experiment, the diets were 500 mg of a substrate of seaweed. They were incubated with 50 ml of buffered rumen fluid (1:2 ratio of rumen fluid to buffer media) in a 100 ml serum vial at 39°C for 72 hours incubation time. A randomized block design was carried out with 14 dried seaweed treatments and 5 different cattle rumen fluid groups as a block. For total phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity, a completely randomized design with 14 treatments and 3 replications was carried out. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan analysis. The results showed that the lowest methane production (ml/g DM incubated) significantly (P<0.05) was reduced by Halymenia sp. (0.24) and Caulerpa racemosa (0.41). Caulerpa racemosa showed high flavonoid content (1.5 mg Quercetin/g) and Ulva lactuca had the highest phenol content (0.55 mg Gallic Acid/g). Gracilaria coronopifolia had strong antioxidant activity DPPH radical scavenging activity (77.5% inhibition). It was concluded that Halymenia sp., Caulerpa racemosa and Gracilaria coronopifolia could be used as methane inhibitors and antioxidants for ruminants.

Effects of Rumen Fermentation Characteristics on Stress-Related Hormones and Behavior in Sheep

This study investigated the relationship between rumen fermentation, stress-related hormones, and behavior in sheep with the aim of providing insights for improving animal welfare and feed management practices. Eight lambs were assigned to either a high concentration or control group. Blood samples were collected for hormone analysis, and an open field test was conducted to observe behavioral stress responses. The results showed that diet composition may affect the behavior of ruminants in response to stressors and novel situations, as evidenced by the higher number of escape attempts in the high-concentration group. In addition, analyses of individual volatile fatty acids (VFAs) showed a significant positive correlation between the acetic acid/propionic acid ratio and sniffing behavior of the novel object (p &lt; 0.05, ρ = −0.414). These findings have important implications for animal welfare and feed management practices. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential impact of diet composition on the behavior of ruminants in response to stressors and novel situations, highlighting the importance of improving animal welfare through feed management practices. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the complex relationship between rumen fermentation, stress-related hormones, and behavior in ruminant animals.

Effect of Fermented Concentrate on Ruminal Fermentation, Ruminal and Fecal Microbiome, and Growth Performance of Beef Cattle

The impact of fermented concentrate on the growth and rumen health of beef cattle remains an area of emerging research. This study aimed to assess the influence of a fermented concentrate (TRT) compared to a conventional concentrate (CON) on the growth, rumen fermentation characteristics, and microbiota composition in Korean cattle. Using a crossover design, eight cattle were alternately fed TRT and CON diets, with subsequent analysis of feed components, rumen fermentation parameters, and microbial profiles. TRT and CON diets did not differ significantly in their effect on animal growth metrics. However, the TRT diet was associated with reduced digestibility of rapidly degradable carbohydrates and modified rumen fermentation patterns, as evidenced by an elevated pH and increased acetate-to-propionate ratio (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the TRT diet increased the abundance of lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus, and yeast and organic acid levels in the rumen (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidales populations in the rumen and fecal Akkermansia abundance increased in the TRT group compared to the CON group. These microbial changes suggest a potential enhancement of the immune system and overall health of the host. Further research on the long-term implications of incorporating fermented concentrate into cattle diets is warranted.

Effects of supplementing a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and metabolic responses of lactating dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and metabolic response of lactating dairy cows. Sixty-eight lactating (50 ± 6 d in milk) Holstein-Friesian (n = 20) and Swedish Red (n = 48) cows were enrolled to a 15-wk experiment. Cows were blocked by breed, lactation number, and days in milk and, within blocks, assigned to 1 of the 2 treatments: (1) basal partial mixed ration (PMR) without DFM (n = 34; CON) or (2) basal PMR with the addition of 3 g/head per day of a DFM containing Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (n = 34; DFM). The DFM was mixed in a protein pellet, whereas the CON group was fed the same pellet without DFM (1 kg/cow per day). The PMR contained 53% clover grass silage and 47% compound feed plus 3 kg of a concentrate (dry matter basis) offered during milking. Milk yield and production efficiency were recorded daily, whereas milk samples were collected for 24 h every second week of the study for milk composition. During the experimental period, fecal, rumen fluid, and blood samples were collected from each cow for apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and metabolic responses, respectively. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. No treatment effects were observed on cows final body weight and daily dry matter intake. However, cows fed DFM had a greater milk yield, milk production efficiency, lactose and total solids yield, and also tended to have a greater energy-corrected milk production efficiency and milk protein yield. No significant differences were observed on nutrient digestibility and total volatile fatty acids, but molar proportion of acetate was greater for cows fed DFM. In contrast, molar proportion of propionate was greater and butyrate tended to be greater for CON. Cows fed DFM had greater mean plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), but no differences were observed for plasma glucose and insulin. In summary, supplementing a Bacillus-based DFM benefited productive responses of lactating dairy cows, while also modulating rumen fermentation and serum IGF-I.

Effects of replacing hybrid giant napier with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle.

This study investigated the effects of replacing hybrid giant napiers with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle. Twenty-one Simmental crossbred cattle with similar initial body weight (363.42 ± 8.67 kg) were randomly divided into three groups: Group CON (20% hybrid giant napier +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), Group SB (20% sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), and Group FSB (20% fermented sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture). The average daily weight gain in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The feed conversion ratio of the CON and FSB groups was lower compared to the SB group. The apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The levels of NH3-N, microbial protein, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and total volatile fatty acids were higher in the CON and FSB groups than in the SB group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Saccharofermentans, and Eubacteriumcoprostanoligenes_group were lower in the CON and FSB groups compared to the SB group. The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was highest in the FSB group, followed by the CON group and then the SB group. Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was positively correlated with propionate and NH3-N content, while the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was inversely correlated with NH3-N content. Gene function prediction indicated that fermented sugarcane bagasse promoted rumen microbial amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, replacing hybrid giant napiers with 20% sugarcane bagasse negatively affected the growth performance of Simmental crossbred cattle, while the addition of 20% fermented sugarcane bagasse had no adverse effects on growth performance and rumen fermentation characteristics, and did not alter the abundance of the rumen core flora in Simmental crossbred cattle.

PSI-24 Trace Mineral Source, Diet Type, and Rumensin Influences Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics

Abstract Sixteen Angus crossbred steers (531 ± 22.7 kg), fitted with rumen canulae, were used to determine the impact of trace mineral (TM) source, diet type, and Rumensin (R) or Rumensin + Tyolsin (RT) supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics. In experiment 1, steers were individually housed and fed a high concentrate finishing diet for 21 d. Steers were then blocked (n = 4 steers/block) based on mean dry matter intake (DMI) over the acclamation period. Steer blocks were then randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments for 28 d. A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used. Factors included: 1) TM source (Sulfate or Hydroxy Cu, Mn, and Zn TM supplemented at 18, 40, and 90, mg/kg DM, respectively), and 2) with or without RT (supplemented at 36.3 and 11 g/metric ton DM, respectively). Following the 28-d feeding period, rumen samples were collected at 0, 2, and 4 h post-feeding. On experiment 2, all steers were then transitioned to a lactating dairy diet for 21 d. Steers were then blocked and assigned to treatments for 28 d. Treatments included: 1) TM source (Sulfate or Hydroxy Cu, Mn, and Zn TM supplemented at 10, 50, and 60, mg/kg DM, respectively) and 2) with or without R (0.0 or 24.2 g of R/metric ton DM). Following the 28-d feeding period, rumen samples were collected as described previously. Rumen fluid samples from both experiments were analyzed for short chain fatty acids (SCFA), pH, and ammonia concentrations. Within an experiment, data over the three time periods (0, 2, and 4 h) were averaged for each parameter measured before statistical analysis. In experiment 1, Molar proportions of acetate were lesser (P &amp;lt; 0.04) and propionate greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in steers receiving Hydroxy TM compared with steers receiving Sulfate TM. All other rumen fermentation characteristics measured in this experiment were similar across TM source. Rumen molar concentrations of acetic acid were less in steers receiving RT than steers not receiving RT. Steers receiving RT and Hydroxy TM tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to have decreased rumen ammonia concentrations compared with steers receiving RT and Sulfate TM. In experiment 2, there were no TM source impacts on the rumen fermentation characteristics measured. Supplementation of R reduced molar concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.02) and proportions (P &amp;lt; 0.01) of acetate and increased molar concentrations and proportions of propionate (P &amp;lt; 0.01, P &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively) and butyrate (P &amp;lt; 0.02, P &amp;lt; 0.04, respectively). These data indicate that TM source, R, and RT may modulate rumen fermentation characteristics but their impacts on rumen fermentation may be diet dependent.

PSII-8 Comparison of Different Fattening Stages on Rumen Microbiota and Physiological Characteristics in Japanese Black Cattle

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the relationship between rumen microbiota and physiological characteristics in Japanese Black cattle during the fattening period, which are known for their distinctive physiological characteristics due to prominent intramuscular fat deposition. The experimental period was categorized into three stages: early (12 to 14 months of age; T1), middle (15 to 22 months; T2), and late fattening phases (23 to 30 months; T3). We analyzed the rumen microbiota of 21 Japanese Black cattle in each phase using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In addition, we examined the correlation between the rumen microbiota and various physiological parameters, such as blood metabolites, hormones, and rumen fermentation characteristics. Our results showed that rumen microbial diversity was greater in T1, and the inter-group distribution of rumen microbiota in T1 was differentiated from T2 and T3. At the genus level, Flexilinea, Streptococcus, Butyrivibrio, Selenomonas and Kandleria were the most abundant in T1. Bifidobacterium, Shuttleworthia and Sharpea were the most abundant in T2. Acetitomaculum, Mycoplasma, Atopobium and Howardella were the most abundant in T3. In correlation analysis, Monoglobus and Olsenella negatively correlated with IGF-1 and positively correlated with cortisol in T1. Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio positively correlated with daily gain, blood total cholesterol, and lactic acid dehydrogenase in T3. Planctomycetota correlated with volatile fatty acid components during the entire period, while Verrucomicrobiota positively correlated with carcass traits in T1. Additionally, functional genetic profiles indicated that rumen microbiota related to carbohydrate metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis was significantly enriched in T1 and T3, respectively. The composition of rumen microbial in Japanese Black cattle varied depending on fattening stages, and this variation is likely attributable to changes in feed composition. Furthermore, specific microorganisms were significantly associated with physiological parameters. Our findings could help in the development of strategies to enhance gut health and productivity by manipulating the rumen microbiota through the changes in diet compositions considering the fattening stages of Japanese Black cattle.

PSIII-26 Effects of Diets Applied with Bokbunja (Rubus Coreanus Miquel) on Methane Emission and Growth Performances of Korean Native Steers (Hanwoo)

Abstract The present study was conducted to demonstrate the effects of Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miquel) on enteric methane emission and growth performances of Korean native steers (Hanwoo). The experiment was conducted in a crossover design (2 periods × 2 treatments) with adaptation of diet and chambers for 2 wk and measurement of variables for 1wk. Four Hanwoo steers (average body weight = 460.8 ± 15.8 kg) were allocated to each open-circuit respiration chamber in the National Institute of Animal Science, Wanju, South Korea. The treatments were the following 1) diets (concentrate: mixed forage = 4:1) with no additives (CON), and 2) diets applied with 5% of Bokbunja (BOK; Table 1). Steers were fed based on 2% of body weight at 1000 and 1500 h. Blood and rumen fluid were collected after 4 h of the morning feeding on the last day of experimental period to analyze blood metabolites and rumen fermentation characteristics (Table 2). The methane emission yield of BOK decreased significantly compared with CON (21.2 vs. 23.7 g/kg of DMI; P = 0.027). Dry matter intake (DMI) between treatment groups had no significant differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but the average daily gain (ADG) of BOK tended to decrease than CON (0.61 vs. 1.25 kg/day; P = 0.070). Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) tended (Table 3) to decrease in BOK compared with CON (119.7 vs. 130.2 mM/L; P = 0.080). The contents of blood metabolites had no significant differences between treatment groups (P &amp;gt; 0.05; Table 4). In conclusion, diets applied with 5% of Bokbunja clearly decreased methane emission yield without negative effects on DMI and blood metabolites, however, there was still a possibility to decrease ADG and TVFA in steers.

37 Effects of Creep Feeding Duration on Rumen Fermentation Characteristics Using an Ex Vivo Model

Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of creep feeding duration on ruminal fermentation using an ex vivo model. Simmental × Angus, spring-born calves (n = 72) were stratified by age (83 ± 14 d) and body weight (BW) into 12 pens with 6 calves per pen. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: calves fed creep for 105 d (105dCF) or final 21 d (21dCF) before weaning. Cow-calf pairs were housed on concrete drylots with open-front buildings. Cows were limit-fed at maintenance a total mixed ration (TMR) that consisted of corn, grain coproducts, and corn stalks. Calves (n = 16) were utilized for ex vivo experiments. Experiment 1 was conducted on d 76, before the 21dCF calves having access to creep feed. Rumen fluid was collected from 8 calves per treatment via esophageal tubing and mixed with McDougall’s buffer (1:2 ratio). Each rumen fluid inoculum was combined with 2 substrates (cow TMR or creep feed) in a split-plot design and incubated for 24 h at 39°C. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. In Exp. 1, there was no creep feeding duration by substrate interaction (P ≥ 0.16) for 24-h pH, butyrate, acetate, or IVDMD. Molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were greater (P ≤ 0.001) for the 105dCF calves than for the 21dCF calves. There was a treatment by substrate interaction (P = 0.02) for total VFA. The 105dCF calves had greater total VFA than 21dCF calves with a greater magnitude of difference observed with TMR substrate. Calves on 105dCF had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) IVDMD than 21dCF calves regardless of substrate (64% and 59%, respectively). Experiment 2 was conducted on day 105 after all calves were abruptly weaned and transported 263 km to the feedlot. Procedures were similar to Exp. 1, except substrates included creep feed and feedlot receiving diet. In Exp. 2, no treatment by substrate interaction (P ≥ 0.13) was observed for 24-h pH, acetate, propionate, total VFA, or IVDMD. Although acetate was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for the 105dCF calves, propionate was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for the 21dCF calves. There was no treatment effect (P = 0.57) for total VFA; however, it was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for the creep feed substrate than for the receiving diet substrate. In Exp. 2, IVDMD tended to be greater (P = 0.06) for 21dCF calves than 105dCF calves. In conclusion, results indicated creep feeding improved ruminal fermentation ex vivo, but even a short-term creep feeding duration of 21 d appears to be adequate in preparing rumen microbial community to degrade the receiving diet as there were fewer differences in rumen fermentation characteristics at feedlot arrival.

Assessment of the Impact of Coffee Waste as an Alternative Feed Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation and Methane Emissions in an In Vitro Study

Spent coffee waste is the most common by-product of coffee processing, and it has the potential to be used as a source of organic compounds for ruminant diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the optimal inclusion level and method for using spent coffee waste (SCW) as a ruminant feed and investigate its effects on rumen fermentation characteristics and methane (CH4) production. The present in vitro batch culture study was conducted using two different experimental designs. The first experimental design (TRIAL. 1) was performed using a control diet of 500 mg of fresh matter basal diet (60% hay/40% concentrate), with SCW being used as a feed additive at 1%, 10% and 20% of the substrate. The second experimental design was performed using the same control diet, with spent coffee waste replacing either part of the hay (TRIAL. 2) or some of the concentrate mixture (TRIAL. 3) at four different dosages (30:70, 50:50, 70:30 and 100). When SCW was supplemented as a feed additive, there were increases in the production of volatile fatty acids and gas; however, it did not show any suppressive effects on CH4 production. In contrast, when SCW was included as a replacement for hay or concentrate, there were significant reductions in CH4 production with increasing levels of SCW inclusion. These reductions in CH4 production were accompanied by negative effects on nutrient digestibility and total volatile fatty acid production. These findings demonstrate that SCW could potentially be used as a prebiotic feed additive. Additionally, when SCW is used as a replacement for silage at 70:30 and 50:50 dosages appear to be feasible as a substitute for animal feed (hay and concentrate).

Effects of Compound Salt Concentration on Growth, Physiological and Nutritional Value of Hydroponic Forage Wheat

(1) Background: Hydroponic forage plays an increasingly important role in animal breeding during winter and spring in arid and cold regions due to its rich nutrient and good palatability. In the present study, the profiles of growth, physiological indexes, nutritional value and in vitro degradation of hydroponic forage cultivated with different salt concentration were evaluated. (2) Methods: The compound salt was extracted from soil surrounding the Tarim River Basin, and five compound salt solution treatment groups (three replicates each) with concentrations of 0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2% and 1.6% were prepared. Winter wheat seeds were selected as hydroponic forage for germination experiments, and the germination, physiological indicators, nutritional value and in vitro fermentation degradation rate were analyzed. (3) Results: The results showed that the germination and growth of hydroponic herbage were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) inhibited by compound salt concentration higher than 0.8% from the third day. Compared with the 0% concentration group, the chlorophyll content in the 0.4% concentration group was significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05), and contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were 729.71 mg·g−1, 223.19 mg·g−1 and 952.9 mg·g−1, respectively. The total chlorophyll content in the 0.8% and 1.2% concentration groups were significantly lower than those in the 0% and 0.4% concentration groups (p &lt; 0.05), and in the 1.6% concentration group, the content undetected. With the increase in compound salt concentration, the contents of soluble sugar and proline were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05). The nutrient compositions were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) under the 0.4% and 0.8% concentration groups, in which the content of crude protein in 0.4% concentration group was 15.23%. The results of gas production and fermentation parameters suggested that the 0.8% concentration group could enhance rumen fermentation characteristics. (4) Conclusions: In summary, 0.8% as the upper limit concentration and 0% to 0.4% as the optimal concentration range of compound salt can be considered for cultivating hydroponic forage wheat.

Enteric Methane Emissions, Rumen Fermentation Characteristics, and Energetic Efficiency of Holstein Crossbred Bulls Fed Total Mixed Ration Silage with Cassava instead of Rice Straw

This study investigated the effects of substituting rice straw with cassava in total mixed ration silage on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, ruminating activity, and energy balance. An energy balance experiment was conducted to determine nutrient and energy utilization in dairy bulls. Four Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred young bulls (93.19% HF × 6.81% Native Thai; average age of 12.08 ± 0.22 months and body weight of 266 ± 9.80 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 28-d periods. The four dietary treatments included substituting cassava with rice straw on a 50, 150, 250, and 350 g/kg dry matter basis. Increasing the amount of cassava in the diet resulted in linearly decreased rumination behaviors and enteric methane emissions (p &lt; 0.05) but a linear increase in feed intake and digestibility, total volatile fatty acid concentration, and propionic acid: acetic acid ratio in the rumen fluid (p &lt; 0.05), thus leading to a greater energy balance status (p &lt; 0.01). Our results indicated that replacing cassava with rice straw from 5% to 35% in the ration of Holstein bulls resulted in a substantial reduction in physically effective fiber and chewing time but improved nutrient and energy supply. The metabolizable energy requirement for the maintenance of crossbred dairy bulls was estimated to be 599.9 kJ/kg metabolic body weight and the efficiency of metabolizable energy used for growth was 0.88. We concluded that cassava is a good energy feed resource for Holstein crossbred bulls in the tropics.

The Effects of Olive Cake Supplementation on Feedlot Performance and Longissimus Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of American Wagyu Steers and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics

Wagyu cattle are well known for their greater intramuscular fat content which improves eating quality for consumers. These experiments were designed to investigate the impact of olive cake supplementation on Wagyu steer growth performance, longissimus muscle fatty acid composition, and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. We hypothesized that feeding with olive cake would improve animal performance and increase oleic acid (C18:1cis9) composition in the longissimus muscle. Experiment 1: Eighty-three American Wagyu steers (725 ± 10.7 kg) were used in this experiment. Steers were blocked by initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within blocks to one of two treatments. Treatments consisted of (1) control (basal ration with no olive cake) or (2) control diet + 5% supplemental olive. Steers were housed in feedlot pens (n = 4 steers/pen; 11 replicates/treatment) and fed a finishing diet typical for Wagyu cattle. Steers were individually weighed every 28 d throughout the 177 d experiment. Longissimus muscle samples were obtained for fatty acid analysis at the time of slaughter. Experiment 2: Rumen fluid from three beef steers (480 ± 10 kg) fitted with rumen canulae was used to investigate the impact of olive cake on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Treatments consisted of (1) control (no olive cake) or (2) 5% olive cake. Results: Experiment 1: Steers receiving olive cake had a lower (p &lt; 0.05) final BW and DM intake when compared to steers receiving the control diet. Longissimus muscle C18:2 and C22:6 n-3 were greater (p &lt; 0.05) and C18:1cis9 tended (p &lt; 0.06) to be greater in steers receiving olive cake when compared to controls. Experiment 2: Dry matter, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber disappearance and molar proportions of short chain fatty acids were similar across treatments. The weight percentage of C14:1 was greater in in vitro rumen fluid fermented with olive cake when compared to controls. All other long chain fatty acids were similar across treatments. Under the conditions of this experiment, feeding olive cake at 5% of the diet DM reduced live animal performance and had minimal impacts on longissimus muscle fatty acid composition and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics.

Effect of Potato Vine and Leaf Mixed Silage to Whole Corn Crops on Rumen Fermentation and the Microbe of Fatten Angus Bulls

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of potato vine and leaf mixed silage (PVS) on rumen fermentation and the microbe in ruminants and to improve the utilization of PVS resources in ruminants through in vitro gas production and feeding trials. The experiment was divided into three groups: PVS1 (50% corn + 50% potato vine and leaf silage), PVS2 (75% potato vine and leaf + 15% rice straw + 10% cornmeal silage) and whole-plant corn silage (CS). The in vitro gas production results showed that there was a significant reduction in PVS groups in the indexes of total gas (p &lt; 0.05) and CH4 production (p &lt; 0.05). The digestibility of dry matter (p &lt; 0.05), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p &lt; 0.05), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p &lt; 0.05) at 48 h were decreased in the PVS group. For the rumen fermentation indexes, the pH (p &lt; 0.05), microbial crude protein (MCP) (p &lt; 0.05), and acetate to propionate (p &lt; 0.05) showed an increase in the PVS group, but a decrease in the total volatile fatty acid concentration (p &lt; 0.05). In the feeding trial, different silages in diets had no significant effect on the rumen fermentation indexes (p &gt; 0.05). In the rumen microbe composition, the PVS diet significantly reduced the abundance of Prevotella (p &lt; 0.05) compared with the CS diet group. The PVS2 diet significantly increased the abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group (p &lt; 0.05) and Bacteroidales_bacterium_Bact_22 (p &lt; 0.05) compared with the CS diet group. In conclusion, PVS had no negative effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and rumen microbial flora and could significantly reduce rumen gas production compared to CS, positively mitigating animal husbandry CH4 emissions and environmental protection.

Sigla storax (Liquidambar orientalis) mitigates in vitro methane production without disturbances in rumen microbiota and nutrient fermentation in comparison to monensin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro dose-dependent effects of sigla storax (Styrax liquidus) on rumen microbiota and rumen microbial fermentation in comparison to monensin as a positive control. This study was carried out using a rumen simulation model (Rusitec). Treatments consisted of no additive (control), 10mg l-1 of monensin sodium salt, 100mg l-1 (Low-Sigla), and 500mg l-1 (High-Sigla) of sigla storax (n=6/treatment). In addition to rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial composition was investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing. The methane variables and the acetate to propionate ratio decreased in the both High-Sigla and monensin groups (P<0.05). High-Sigla had no effect on ammonia, total SCFA and nutrition degradation, while monensin decreased these parameters (P<0.05). Unlike monensin, the sigla storax treatments did not affect the alpha or beta diversity indexes of the microbiota. The relative abundance of Methanomethylophilaceae and Ruminococcaceae decreased with High-Sigla and monensin (P<0.05), and Atopobiaceae and Eggerthellaceae decreased with the both doses of sigla storax as well as monensin treatments (P<0.05). Syntrophococcus, DNF00809, and Kandleria were among the genera that most decreased with High-Sigla and monensin (Q<0.07) and were strongly positively correlated with methane production (r=0.52-0.56). The high dose of sigla storax (500mg l-1) decreased methane in the rumen ecosystem without adverse effects on nutrient degradation and SCFA production, and without dramatically impacting the microbial composition. Sigla storax might be a novel feed additive to mitigate methane in cattle.

Dietary Palygorskite-Based Antibacterial Agent Supplementation as an Alternative to Antibiotics Improves Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, and Rumen Microbiota in Sheep.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of a palygorskite-based antibacterial agent (PAA) as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, blood parameters, and rumen microbiota in sheep. A total of 120 sheep were randomly divided into five groups of six replicates with four sheep each. Sheep were fed a basal diet, an antibiotic diet supplemented with 500 g/t chlortetracycline (CTC), and a basal diet supplemented with 500, 1000, and 2000 g/t PAA for 80 d, respectively. Supplementation with 2000 g/t PAA and 500 g/t CTC increased the average daily gain (ADG) of sheep compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Diets supplemented with 2000 g/t PAA and 500 g/t CTC reduced (p < 0.05) the feed:gain ratio (F/G ratio) in the overall periods. Dietary supplementation with 1000 g/t PAA significantly increased albumin and total protein (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between growth hormone concentration and PAA supplementation (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the control group, the CTC group had higher growth hormone concentration and lower lipopolysaccharide concentration (p < 0.05). No difference was observed between the five groups in terms of rumen fermentation characteristics (p > 0.05). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was lower in the PAA 2000 and CTC 500 groups than in the control and PAA 500 groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the relative abundance of RuminococcaceaeUCG-010 was observed in the PAA 1000, PAA 2000, and CTC 500 groups compared with that in the control group. In addition, the relative abundance of Prevotella1 (p < 0.05) was higher in the PAA 2000 group than in the control group. These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with PAA has ameliorative effects on growth performance, blood parameters, and rumen microbiota, with an optimal dosage of 2000 g/t for sheep.

Effectiveness of herbal plants on rumen fermentation, methane gas emissions, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and population of protozoa.

Herbal plants have the potential to reduce the population of metagonic bacteria and protozoa due to the bioactive compound contained in herbal plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of herbal plant supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics, methane (CH4) gas emissions, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and protozoan populations. This study consisted of two stages. Stage I involved determining the potential of herbal plants to increase total gas production (Orskov and McDonald methods) and reduce the protozoan population (Hristov method). Three potential herbs were selected at this stage and used in Stage II as supplements in the palm kernel cake (PKC)-based diet (30% herbal plants + 70% PKC). Proximate and Van Soest analyses were used to determine the chemical composition. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), organic matter (IVOMD), and rumen fermentation characteristics were determined using Theodorous method. Conway microdiffusion was used to determine ammonia concentration (NH3). Gas chromatography was used to determine the total and partial volatile fatty acid production. The results of the first stage showed that seven herbal plants (Moringa oleifera, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Clerodendron serratum, Curcuma longa Linn., Urena lobata, Uncaria, and Parkia timoriana) significantly differed in terms of total gas production (p < 0.05). Herbal plants can increase gas production and reduce protozoan populations. The highest total gas production was observed using P. timoriana, M. oleifera, and C. longa Linn. Moringa oleifera plants were the most effective in lowering protozoa population. In Stage 2, the supplementation of herbal plants in PKC-based-diet significantly increased IVDMD, that was ranged from 56.72% to 65.77%, IVOMD that was ranged from 52.10% to 59.54%, and NH3, that was ranged from 13.20 mM to 17.91 mM. Volatile fatty acid partial and total gas production potential and CH4 gas emissions were also significantly different from those of the control (p < 0.05). Supplementation of M. oleifera, C. longa Linn., and P. timoriana in ruminant diet effectively increased total gas production, IVDMD percentage, and IVOMD, and reduced CH4 gas emissions and protozoa populations during rumen fermentation.

Effects of Black Soldier Fly oil and calcium soap supplementation on rumen fermentability of Garut Sheep

Fat is a source of energy for livestock, with low heat metabolic, but dietary fat had negative impact for rumen fermentation. Calcium soap can protect fat for ruminant. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of rumen fermentation in Garut sheep fed with suplements of BSF (Hermetia illucens) oil and BSF Calcium soap. This research used fifteen male Garut sheep with an average body weight of 29.90 ± 3.71 kg. This research used randomized block design consisting of three treatments and five replicates. The treatments were diet without supplementation BSF oil or Calcium soap (P1), diet with BSF oil suplementation 4% (P2) and diet with BSF Calcium soap suplementation 4% (P3). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and further test with Duncan test. The analysis showed that the rumen pH value, ammonia concentration, and protozoa population in the rumen were not affected by the treatments. Concentration of VFA and population of rumen bacteria were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the treatments. The total VFA concentration of P3 was significantly higher (P<0.05) than P1 and P2. Rumen bacteria population of P3 was significantly higher (P<0.05) than P1 and or P2. It can be concluded that supplementation of BSF Calcium soap improve rumen fermentation indicated by higher VFA concentration and bacteria population in the rumen.