Ruminal Dry Matter Degradability Research Articles

A comparative analysis of the morphology and nutritive value of five South African native grass species grown under controlled conditions

The comparative growth habits and nutritive value of native grass species of South Africa are largely unknown despite the utility of this information in rangeland restoration efforts. This article presents a comparative characterisation of the morphology, chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of Urochloa mosambicensis, Cymbopogon pospischilii, Eragrostis superba, Fingerhuthia africana and Eragrostis bicolor when grown under controlled conditions. Species were analysed for height, number of leaves, number of tillers, stem diameter and leaf width at different growth stages, whereas chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability (DMD) were assessed at maturity stage. Grass species and growth stages significantly influenced morphological characteristics. Eragrostis superba and U. mosambicensis had the highest number of leaves at the reproductive stage. Urochloa mosambicensis ranked highest in terms of rangeland restoration potential when all morphological parameters were considered, followed by E. superba and C. pospischilii. With the highest crude protein, low acid-detergent lignin and higher DMD at 48 h, F. africana and C. pospischilii have the highest potential feed value. Across the three most suitable native grass species, U. mosambicensis, E. superba and C. pospischilii, there is sufficient genetic diversity that suggests that these plants may play different and complementary ecological roles in the communal rangeland ecosystem.

Effects of nitrate supplementation and forage level on gas production, nitrogen balance and dry-matter degradation in sheep

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nitrate supplementation on dry-matter (DM) degradation and ruminal fermentation parameters by using in vitro gas production and in situ technique. In vitro gas production and in situ DM degradation in the presence or absence of nitrate were recorded at all incubation times. At all incubation times, diets incubated with nitrate gave a significantly lower gas production than did the other diets, except at 2-h incubation. Ruminal DM degradation did not differ among the experimental treatments. Furthermore, at most incubation times, total volatile fatty acids in diets containing nitrate were lower than those in the other treatments. Nitrate supplementation considerably increased gas production from the insoluble fraction, whereas it decreased gas production from the quickly soluble fraction, and potential gas production. Moreover, in all incubations, there were significant correlations between gas production and in situ DM-degradation parameters. The control diet had the greatest retained nitrogen content, but the diets containing nitrate had the greatest faecal nitrogen. The results showed that nitrate addition resulted in a lower gas production and volatile fatty acid production in in vitro assay. It was concluded that considering the strong posetive relationship between the two methodologies, the degradability parameters can be predicted from obtained gas production.

Fermentative profile and nutritional value of elephant grass silage with different levels of crude glycerin

This study aimed to evaluate the best level of inclusion of crude glycerin in elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) silage on fermentative profile, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of dry matter and fiber fraction in elephant grass silages. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design being used elephant grass cv. Napier with four levels of inclusion of glycerin (1, 5, 10, 15% in natural matter) with six repetitions and the control treatment (exclusive silage elephant grass). Increasing linear effect was observed for each unit added glycerin percentage in natural matter (MN) an increase of 0.36% in the DM content of silages and increase of 0.32% in the ether extract. The fermentative quality of silage there was no difference in pH between the control silage and added with glycerine, with an average of 3.91. The degradability of the fiber, the addition of crude glycerin up to 15% increased by 7.2%; 53.8% and 36.5%, respectively, the insoluble fraction, but potentially degradable standardized "bp", degradation rate of the fraction "bp", "c" and effective degradability, respectively. Inclusion of 15% glycerin in natural matter improves the composition bromatological fermentative profile and ruminal degradation of dry matter and fiber fraction.

Ruminal degradability of tropical leguminous plants from eastern Amazonia

The aim of this study was to evaluate ruminal degradation of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of Cratylia argentea, Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merrill, and Stylosanthes guianensis ‘Campo Grande’ (EMBRAPA), aged 55 and 75 days, in sheep with rumen cannulas, using the in-situ technique. A factorial design of 3 leguminous plants × 2 ages × 6 incubation times was used, totaling 36 experimental units. The experimental period included 14 days for adaptation to diet and 5 days for data collection. Cratylia at both ages and Flemingia aged 55 days showed the highest “a” fraction values for DM degradability. Cratylia aged 55 days and Stylosanthes at both ages showed the highest “a” fraction values for CP. The highest “b” fraction value for DM was 51.27% for Stylosanthes aged 55 days. This rate was lower for the other leguminous plants, especially for Flemingia at both ages. The “b” fraction values for NDF are considered low for Flemingia, what may be the result of lower ruminal degradation. The highest “c” fraction degradation rate for DM was observed in all leguminous plants studied aged 75 days. The highest “c” fraction value for CP was 14.84% for Stylosanthes aged 75 days. The highest Kd fraction values for DM, NDF, and CP were found in Flemingia. Cratylia, and Stylosanthes aged 75 days presented higher effective degradability (ED) values for DM at 2 and 5%/hour compared to Flemingia at both ages. Cratylia and Stylosanthes had the highest ED values for NDF, regardless of their passage rates. Stylosanthes presented higher ED values for CP at both ages, regardless of its passage rate. The highest DM, NDF, and CP potential degradability (PD) was obtained for Cratylia and Stylosanthes, at both ages. The leguminous plants Cratylia and Stylosanthes can be recommended for use as a protein bank and supplementation for ruminants, whereas, Flemingia macrophylla should not be used as a protein supplement for ruminants, because it contains high levels of fibrous fractions.

In situ ruminal degradation and effective degradation of foliage from six tree species during dry and rainy seasons in Veracruz, Mexico

Six tree species (Diphysa robinioides, Gliricidia sepium, Erythrina americana, Bursera simaruba, Bambusa vulgaris and Zanthoxylum riedelianum) were investigated for in situ ruminal dry matter degradation, and effective degradability at three passage rates, in Veracruz, Mexico. Leaves, stems and petioles were randomly collected from trees during dry and rainy seasons to estimate, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in situ DM degradation using the nylon-bag technique. Ruminal degradation of organic matter, crude protein (ISCPD) and effective dry matter degradability (ED) were also calculated. The trial was a completely randomized design with a split-plot arrangement of factors, being the main plot factor the species, and the sub-plot factor the season. Legume trees showed the highest CP values for both dry (23.2–18.5%) and rainy seasons (24.2–19.8%). Organic matter showed less variability, which ranged in all species from 87.6% to 93.1%. For NDF during both seasons, B. vulgaris had the highest value (68.5%) contrary to D. robinioides: 36.8%. The highest degradation potential (a + b) and ED corresponded to D. robinioides (80.5% y 65.3%) and G. sepium (78.4% y 66.6%) species, respectively, for both seasons. OM ruminal degradation (ISOMD) averaged 46.9% for the six tree species. For ISCPD, no differences among species were found (P ≥ 0.05), and G. sepium had the highest values (90.5%). Based on the moderate to high CP values and the degradation characteristics, the assessed species constitute an alternative supply for different animal production systems, especially during the dry season .

Effects of Different Levels of Organic and Inorganic Acids Treatment on Quality and Ruminal Dry Matter and Nutrients Degradability of Iranian Clover Silage

Effects of Different Levels of Organic and Inorganic Acids Treatment on Quality and Ruminal Dry Matter and Nutrients Degradability of Iranian Clover Silage

Inoculation and co-inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with root growth promoting microorganisms (Piriformospora indica, Glomus intraradices and Sinorhizobium meliloti) affect molecular structures, nutrient profiles and availability of hay for ruminants.

Inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with root growth promoting microorganisms under semi-arid climate condition may improve biomass production and nutritive value. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with Piriformospora indica (Pi) and co-inoculating Pi with Glomus intraradices (Gi + Pi) or Sinorhizobium meliloti (Sm + Pi) on hay yield, chemical composition, molecular structures by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, in situ ruminal degradability and in vitro gas production. Seedlings were grown in experimental pots in a greenhouse until first cut and then transferred outside and cut a further 4 times. Biomass yield was similar across the treatments. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentration was higher in Pi than in control hay, and ADF decreased further with co-inoculation (P < 0.05). The ether extract (EE) concentration was lower for Pi and Gi + Pi compared with control hay, and control, Pi and Gi + Pi hays had lower EE concentration compared with Sm + Pi (P < 0.05). The FTIR spectroscopic vibration peak height ratio related to proteins (amide 1 + amide 2): total carbohydrate ratio was lower for the inoculation treatments compared with control hay (P < 0.05). In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter and organic matter were higher for hay of inoculated and co-inoculated seedlings than for control hay (P < 0.05). In conclusion, hay of alfalfa seedlings inoculated and co-inoculated with root growth promoting microorganisms had improved nutritional value compared with hay from non-treated alfalfa seedlings, and co-inoculation was the most effective, however, changes were relatively minor.

In vitro degradability of coffee husks treated with doses of fibrolytic enzymes for use in ruminant nutrition

The agricultural activity has generated a progressive amount of waste, which needs a proper treatment to avoid negative environmental impacts. At the same time, values can be added to such waste, as its use in animal feed. This research was conducted at the laboratory of Animal Nutrition, State University of Southwestern Bahia, campuses of Vitória da Conquista and Itapetinga. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of coffee husks on ruminant feeds by increasing doses of fibrolytic enzymes, evaluating their effects on in vitro ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (FDA) of the coffee husk (CH). The experiment was a completely randomized design in a 2x4 factorial scheme. It compounded the following treatments: Coffee husk (CH1): 1.5% enzymes (E) and 24 h enzymatic action (EA); CH2: 3.0% (E) and 24h (EA); CH3: 4.5% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH4: 6% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH5: 1.5% (E) 48 h (EA); CH6: 3% (E) and 48h (EA); CH7: 4.5% (E) and 48h (EA); and CH8: 6% (E) and 48 h (EA), all based on dry matter. An improvement in the degradability of the nutritional parameters MS, NDF, and FDA occurred with the addition of enzymes, with 3% enzyme addition being the best level, and 24 hours, as the best action time. In addition to that, as the EA on coffee husk increased, the degradation rate decreased. Therefore, the use of enzymes can improve the digestibility of the fibrous fraction, enabling the use of the coffee husk and possibly other agroindustrial residues, thus minimizing their adverse effects on nature.

In vitro degradability of coffee husks treated with doses of fibrolytic enzymes for use in ruminant nutrition

The agricultural activity has generated a progressive amount of waste, which needs a proper treatment to avoid negative environmental impacts. At the same time, values can be added to such waste, as its use in animal feed. This research was conducted at the laboratory of Animal Nutrition, State University of Southwestern Bahia, campuses of Vitória da Conquista and Itapetinga. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of coffee husks on ruminant feeds by increasing doses of fibrolytic enzymes, evaluating their effects on in vitro ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (FDA) of the coffee husk (CH). The experiment was a completely randomized design in a 2x4 factorial scheme. It compounded the following treatments: Coffee husk (CH1): 1.5% enzymes (E) and 24 h enzymatic action (EA); CH2: 3.0% (E) and 24h (EA); CH3: 4.5% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH4: 6% (E) and 24 h (EA); CH5: 1.5% (E) 48 h (EA); CH6: 3% (E) and 48h (EA); CH7: 4.5% (E) and 48h (EA); and CH8: 6% (E) and 48 h (EA), all based on dry matter. An improvement in the degradability of the nutritional parameters MS, NDF, and FDA occurred with the addition of enzymes, with 3% enzyme addition being the best level, and 24 hours, as the best action time. In addition to that, as the EA on coffee husk increased, the degradation rate decreased. Therefore, the use of enzymes can improve the digestibility of the fibrous fraction, enabling the use of the coffee husk and possibly other agroindustrial residues, thus minimizing their adverse effects on nature.

Silage fermentation and ruminal degradation of stylo prepared with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase.

In order to improve the silage fermentation of stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis) in tropical areas, stylo silages were prepared with commercial additives Lactobacillus plantarum Chikuso-1 (CH1), L. rhamnasus Snow Lact L (SN), Acremonium cellulase (CE) and their combination as SN+CE or CH1+CE, and the fermentation quality, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of these silages were studied. Stylo silages treated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or cellulase, the pH value and NH3 -N ⁄ total-N were significantly (P<0.05) decreased while the ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) and acid detergent fiber (ADFom) were significantly (P<0.05) increased compared to control. Compared to LAB or cellulase-treated silages, the DM, CP contents and relative feed value (RFV), and the ruminal degradability in LAB plus cellulase-treated silages were significantly (P<0.05) higher, but the aNDFom content was significantly (P<0.05) lower. CH1+CE treatment was more effective in silage fermentation and ruminal degradation than SN+CE treatment. The results confirmed that LAB or LAB plus cellulase treatment could improve the fermentation quality, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of stylo silage. Moreover, the combined treatment with LAB and cellulase may have beneficial synergistic effects on ruminal degradation.

Determination of ruminal dry matter and crude protein degradability and degradation kinetics of several concentrate feed ingredients in cashmere goat

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation parameters of several commercially available concentrate feed ingredients used in Shaanbei White Cashmere Goat (SWCG). Three 4-year-old female SWCGs fitted with permanent rumen fistula were fed with corn straw and concentrate feed. Tested energy and protein feed ingredients were corn, wheat bran (WB), corn germ meal, soybean meal (SBM), rape seed meal (RSM), and distillers dried grains. The feed samples were placed in a nylon bag and incubated in the rumen for 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h to measure the ruminal disappearance of DM and CP. The exponential model was used to calculate the degradation kinetics. There were significant differences between sources in terms of DM and CP disappearance and degradability. In terms of energy feed ingredients, the potential degradability of DM and CP of corn was significantly higher than those of the other energy feed ingredients, whereas the effective degradability (ED) of CP of WB at three outflow rates was significantly higher than those of the others. In protein feed ingredients, SBM had the highest potential degradability of DM and CP. Furthermore, the ED of DM of SBM at three outflow rates was significantly higher than those of the other protein feed ingredients, whereas the ED of CP of RSM at three outflow rates was significantly higher than those of others. Those feed ingredients with low degradability can increase the bypass nutrients, which will be digested in the small intestine. The degradation parameters obtained in this experiment using SWCG would be useful in improving the accuracy of formulation of cashmere goat diet in Northwest of China.

Changes in invitro ruminal and post-ruminal degradation of tropical tannin-rich legumes due to varying levels of polyethylene glycol.

We evaluated the effects of tannins from Flemingia macrophylla (CIAT 17403) and Calliandra calothyrsus (San Ramón CIAT 22310 and Patulul CIAT 22316) on invitro ruminal and post-ruminal dry matter and apparent protein degradation. For each tannin source (legumes), different dosages of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (8000Da) in McDougall buffer were added to achieve ratios of 0:3, 1:3, 2:3 and 3:3 PEG:condensed tannin (CT). Ruminal fluid mixed with McDougall buffer (1:4) was added to tubes containing only legume foliage (control) or PEG-treated legume foliage. For both Calliandra varieties, a higher ruminal dry matter degradation was observed at a PEG:CT ratio of 3:3. For F.macrophylla, no differences were found between 2:3 and 3:3 ratios (p>0.05), indicating that a PEG:CT ratio of 2:3 might be enough to bind tannins. Increasing PEG:CT ratios increased apparent ruminal degraded protein and ammonia concentration (p<0.0001) differing among species (species × ratio: p<0.0001). The degradation of bypass crude protein (dBCP) was influenced by both legume type and PEG:CT ratio (p<0.0001). For Patulul, as PEG:CT ratio increased, dBCP increased, but after tannin ratio of 2:3, there was not a significant increase, and for San Ramón, dBCP degradation was higher as PEG:CT ratio increased up to 2:3. For Flemingia, dBCP was higher than PEG:CT ratio of 0:3 but not different among 1:3, 2:3 or 3:3. Low concentration of CT (116mg/g DM) increased the proportion of protein digested in the abomasum, but higher levels of CT (252mg/g) clearly reduced the proportion of digested CP. For Flemingia, PEG:CT ratio of 2:3 is enough to inactivate tannins, while PEG:CT ratio of 3:3 was needed for Calliandra and consequently increased ruminal degradation of dry mater (rdDM), and crude protein (rdCP), total degradation of dry matter (tdDM), crude protein (tdCP) and ammonia levels.

Effects of hydroxycinnamic acids (Ferulic and p-coumaric acids) in barley cultivars on cell wall components degradability in rumen

Barley grain contains hydroxycinnamic acids especially Ferulic (FA) and p-Coumaric acid (pCA) become cross-linked to cell wall polysaccharids as lignification commences that are the major inhibiting factors of biodegradability of plant cell walls in the rumen. Chemical characteristics, FA and pCA content of 11 Iranian barley cultivars determined. Using 3 fistulated ewes, the effects of FA and pCA content on ruminal degradation of dry matter (DM), neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) and lignin were studied. In barley cultivars, DM varied from 82.52 to 90.90 %; NDF varied from 9.64 to 27.34 % DM; ADF varied from 2.03 to 8.13 % DM and lignin varied from 0.87 to 3.03 % DM. The FA content ranged from 151.2 to 354.2 ?g/g; and pCA content ranged from 114.5 to 444.4 ?g/g of DM. Ruminal degradation parameters for DM, NDF, ADF and lignin were different between barley cultivars. The soluble fraction, slowly degradable, potential degradable, and undegradable fraction of DM were 2.92 to 56.33%; 42.64 to 91.45%; 65.68 to 98.97%, and 1.02 to 34.31%, respectively. The rate of ruminal degradation for DM varied among barley cultivars from 3.64 to 27.81% h-1. The FA was related to rumen indigestible DM, NDF, ADF and lignin, while pCA correlated with ADF. Using multi-regression, FA and pCA were inhibiting factors of ruminal degradability for DM and cell wall components; and FA was the most effective factor to predict DM degradability, while both FA and pCA affected NDF and ADF ruminal degradability.

Improving the in situ ruminal degradability of maize stalk using fungal inoculants in dorper × thin-tailed han crossbred ewes

The mono-culture fungal inoculant of Phaerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) and the co-culture fungal inoculants of P. chrysosporium and Aspergillius niger (A. niger) or Trichoderma viride (T. viride) were screened for their potential to increase the in situ fiber and crude protein digestibility of maize stalk in sheep. The milled maize stalk samples were inoculated in vitro with the mono-culture and co-culture fungal inoculants (10mL/20g) and incubated under solid state fermentation conditions at 30°C for 10days to determine their fibre-degrading enzyme activity and chemical composition. In situ ruminal degradability was assessed using six ruminally cannulated Dorper×thin-tailed Han crossbred ewes (60.0±1.73kg BW) fed a diet with a concentrate-to-roughage ratio of 69:31(dry matter (DM) basis). The samples were incubated in nylon bags for 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72h in the rumen. The results showed that the inoculation of P. chrysosporium increased in situ ruminal degradation of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and hemicellulose in comparison to the control (P<0.05). The maize stalk incubated with P. chrysosporium+T. viride had the greatest in situ degradability of DM, OM, NDF, ADF, ADL and cellulose after incubation for 12h (P<0.05). The inoculation of P. chrysosporium+A. niger increased in situ ruminal crude protein (CP) degradation (P<0.05) in comparison to the other treatments. The in situ DM degradability after fermentation for 72h (72h-DMD) was correlated with the loss of ADL (r=0.870; P<0.05), cellulose (r=0.763; P<0.05), hemicellulose (r=0.864; P<0.05) and the ratio of ADL to hemicellulose (r=0.686; P<0.05). Generally, the co-culture fungal inoculants of P. chrysosporium+T. viride had the greatest effect on improving the availability of nutrients in maize stalks to rumen microbes.

Variation in ruminal in situ degradation of crude protein and starch from maize grains compared to in vitro gas production kinetics and physical and chemical characteristics

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate in situ ruminal dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and starch degradation characteristics and in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics using a set of 20 different maize grain genotypes and (2) to predict the effective degradation (ED) of CP and starch from chemical and physical characteristics alone or in combination with in vitro GP measurements. Maize grains were characterised by different chemical and physical characteristics. Ruminal in situ degradation was measured in three lactating Jersey cows. Ground grains (sieve size: 2 mm) were incubated in bags for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h. Bag residues were analysed for CP and starch content. Degradation kinetics was determined and the ED of DM, CP and starch calculated using a ruminal passage rate of 5%/h and 8%/h. The GP of the grains (sieve size: 1 mm) was recorded after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h incubation in buffered rumen fluid and fitted to an exponential equation to determine GP kinetics. Correlations and stepwise multiple linear regressions were evaluated for the prediction of ED calculated for a passage rate of 5%/h (ED5) for CP (EDCP5) and starch (EDST5). The in situ parameters and ED5 varied widely between genotypes with average values (±SD) of 64% ± 4.2, 62% ± 4.1 and 65% ± 5.2 for ED5 of DM, EDCP5 and EDST5 and were on average 10 percentage points lower for a passage rate of 8%/h. Degradation rates varied between 4.8%/h and 7.4%/h, 4.1%/h and 6.5%/h and 5.3%/h and 8.9%/h for DM, CP and starch, respectively. These rates were in the same range as GP rates (6.0–8.3%/h). The EDCP5 and EDST5 were related to CP concentration and could be evaluated in detail using CP fractions and specific amino acids. In vitro GP measurements and GP rates correlated well with EDCP5 and EDST5 and predicted EDCP5 and EDST5 in combination with the chemical characteristics of the samples. Equations can be used to obtain quick and cost effective information on ruminal degradation of CP and starch from maize grains.

Influence of Oleic Acid on Rumen Fermentation and Fatty Acid Formation In Vitro.

A series of batch cultures were conducted to investigate the effects of oleic acid (OA) on in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability (IVDMD), gas production, methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2) production, and proportion of fatty acids. Rumen fluid was collected from fistulated goats, diluted with incubation buffer, and then incubated with 500 mg Leymus chinensis meal supplemented with different amounts of OA (0, 20, 40, and 60 mg for the CON, OA20, OA40 and OA60 groups, respectively). Incubation was carried out anaerobically at 39°C for 48 h, and the samples were taken at 12, 24 and 48 h and subjected to laboratory analysis. Supplementation of OA decreased IVDMD, the cumulative gas production, theoretical maximum of gas production and CH4 production, but increased H2 production. However, no effect was observed on any parameters of rumen fermentation (pH, ammonia, production of acetate, propionate and butyrate and total volatile fatty acid production). The concentrations of some beneficial fatty acids, such as cis monounsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were higher (P < 0.05) from OA groups than those from the control group at 12 h incubation. In summary, these results suggest that the OA supplementation in diet can reduce methane production and increase the amount of some beneficial fatty acids in vitro.

Effect of a harvest time and cultivar on the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Effect of a harvest time and cultivar on the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Effect of ensiling process of total mixed ration on fermentation profile, nutrient loss and in situ ruminal degradation characteristics of diet.

This experiment aimed to determine the changes in chemical composition, fermentation profile, in situ disappearance characteristics, and nutrient losses of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing steam-flaked corn or brown rice (BR) during storage. TMRs for dairy cows, containing either steam-flaked corn or BR at 31.9% with 15.2% rye silage, 40.5% alfalfa silage, 5.0% beet pulp and 7.0% soybean meal, were prepared (dry matter (DM) basis). Each TMR was placed in a plastic drum silo, stored at 23°C in an air-conditioned room and sampled 0, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 210 days after preparation. In both grain sources, the fermentation products increased, while DM and starch storage losses increased and starch content greatly decreased during storage. The rapidly degradable fraction and effective ruminal degradability of DM, crude protein and starch increased during storage. These changes of dietary characteristics were large during 30 days of storage, but small after 90 days of storage. Replacing corn with BR led to increased fermentation products, starch loss and effective ruminal degradability of the ensiled TMR. These results indicate that the ensiling process of TMR changes the dietary characteristics and replacing corn with BR in TMR had a large impact on these dietary characteristics.

Improving the performance of dairy cattle with a xylanase-rich exogenous enzyme preparation

The objective of this experiment was to examine effects of adding 2 exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) to the total mixed ration (TMR) on the performance of lactating dairy cows (experiment 1) and the kinetics of ruminal degradation of the diet (experiment 2). Twelve EFE had been screened in a series of in vitro assays that identified the most potent EFE and their optimal doses for increasing the digestibility of bermudagrass. In experiment 1, 66 Holstein cows (21±5 d in milk) were grouped by previous milk production and parity (45 multiparous and 21 primiparous) and assigned randomly to 1 of the following 3 treatments: (1) control (CON, untreated), (2) Xylanase Plus [2A, 1mL/kg of TMR dry matter (DM); Dyadic International, Jupiter, FL], and (3) a 75:25 (vol/vol) mixture of Cellulase Plus and Xylanase Plus EFE (3A, 3.4mL/kg of TMR DM; Dyadic International). The EFE were sprayed twice daily onto a TMR (10% bermudagrass silage, 35% corn silage, 5% alfalfa-orchardgrass hay mixture, and 50% concentrates; DM basis) and fed for a 14-d training and covariate period and a 70-d measurement period. Experiment 2 aimed to examine the in situ DM ruminal degradability and ruminal fermentation measurements of the diets fed in experiment 1. Three ruminally fistulated lactating Holstein cows were assigned to the diets. The experiment had a 3×3 Latin square design with 23-d periods. In experiment 1, application of 2A increased intakes (kg/d) of DM (23.5 vs. 22.6), organic matter (21.9 vs. 20.9), and crude protein (3.9 vs. 3.7) and tended to increase yields (kg/d) of fat-corrected milk (41.8 vs. 40.7) and milk fat (1.48 vs. 1.44). In particular, 2A increased milk yield (kg/d) during wk 3 (41.2 vs. 39.8, tendency), 6 (41.9 vs. 40.1), and 7 (42.1 vs. 40.4), whereas 3A increased milk yield (kg/d) during wk 6 (41.5 vs. 40.1, tendency), 8 (41.8 vs. 40.0), and 9 (40.9 vs. 39.5, tendency). In experiment 2, EFE treatment did not affect ruminal DM degradation kinetics or ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and volatile fatty acid concentration. Application of 2A to the bermudagrass-based TMR increased DM intake and milk production, implying that this EFE could be used to increase the performance of lactating dairy cows fed diets containing up to 10% bermudagrass.

Ruminal degradation of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber of banana peel treated with limestone

This study aimed to evaluate the kinetics of dry matter degradation and neutral detergent fiber of banana peel treated with limestone. The banana peel has been acquired from a candy manufacturer that after washing with chlorinated water to 1% and pulp removal was discarded. The banana peel in nature was treated with 1, 2, 3 and 4% of limestone in the natural matter, homogenized and pre-dried in the sun for 120 hours. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments (0 (control), 1, 2, 3 and 4% inclusion of limestone) with 3 repetitions. The dry matter potential degradability, showed no difference (P&gt;0.05) in the levels compared to the control with an average of 67.58%. The insoluble degradation fraction rate of dry matter and the fiber fraction did not differ (P&gt; 0.05) between levels and control. In relation to effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber, there was an increase of 3.47% for each percentage unit increased limestone. In relation to the ruminal degradation parameters of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber is not recommended the utilization of limestone as an additive in the treatment of banana peel.