Ruminant Animal Production Research Articles

Effects of the stage of growth on the forage yield, quality and nutrient uptake of three varieties of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in a humid zone of Edo State, Nigeria

A field study was conducted to investigate the effects of stage of growth on the forage yield, mineral composition and nutrient uptake of three sorghum varieties at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. A 3×3 factorial design fitted into a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) was used. The three varieties of sorghum used were: Samsorg 16, 44 and 48 while the three stages of growth were: vegetative (6 WAP), flowering (12 WAP) and fruiting (16 WAP). Data were obtained on vegetative parameters, forage and dry matter yields. The mineral composition and nutrient uptake were also determined. The results showed that except for the number of tillersplant-1, stage of growth significantly influenced the vegetative characters and yield of sorghum. Samsorg 16 at the fruiting stage had the highest forage (29.20 t ha-1) and dry matter yields (14.85 t ha-1). The macro-and micro-nutrients in the leaves of the crops were adequate except for Mn, Zn and Cu contents compared to the established critical levels for ruminant animal production. Samsorg 48 at fruiting and vegetative stages had the highest and least uptake of P, K, Mg, Ca and Na, respectively. However, considering the nutrient uptake, Samsorg 16 variety harvested at the fruiting stage is recommended as forage for livestock production and nutrition in this zone.

Forage accumulation and radiation use of alfalfa under deficit irrigation

AbstractThe supply of high‐quality forage is fundamental to the development of ruminant animal production in drought areas where irrigation provides strong support to the forage production. The objective was to explore the response of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth and radiation use to deficit irrigation in a 2‐yr field study. Two deficit‐irrigation treatments and a full‐irrigation control (CK) were established under flood irrigation. Growth‐related indicators and radiation use were measured regularly. Results showed that deficit irrigation reduced forage accumulation, leaf area index (LAI), plant relative water content (RWC), and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of alfalfa. Compared with CK, slight deficit irrigation (SD) and moderate deficit irrigation (MD) decreased forage accumulation rate by 20 and 30%, respectively. Logistic model as a function of growing degree days (GDD) fitted well LAI change (R2 > .9). Deficit irrigation reduced the average rate of quick growth of LAI from 5 to 36%. Water deficit did not significantly change the GDD corresponding to the rapid growth phase but reduced the growth rate. Under deficit irrigation, decreased LAI did not always lead to significant cumulative intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (CIPAR) decrease, but resulted in significantly lowered RUE. In conclusion, the decrease of forage accumulation of alfalfa under deficit irrigation would be caused mainly by weakened photosynthetic ability (representing RUE).

Challenges and strategies for agricultural green development in the Yangtze River Basin

ABSTRACT The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) has been recognized as one of the key strategic development regions in China. Agriculture p52roduction systems in the YRB have contributed considerably to China’s goal of food security. Realizing Agriculture Green Development (AGD) means agriculture production systems with high productivity, high resource use efficiency and low environmental costs. However, challenges and barriers still exist for realizing AGD in the YRB. Here, we summarize four main challenges for AGD in the YRB, and identify two approaches (top-down and bottom-up) including main strategies needed to achieve AGD. The four challenges include, but are not limited to, (1) low agricultural productivity and nutrient use efficiencies, (2) an uneven agricultural production structure, (3) rapid urbanization, and (4) uncoordinated targets for environmental protection and food production. We conclude that both top-down and bottom-up approaches are needed to deliver AGD in the YRB. Top-down approaches are mainly operated by government and underpinned by research, which uses spatial planning to promote the balance between agricultural production and the ecological environment, and to optimize the proportions of cereal and cash crop production with monogastric and ruminant animal production. The bottom-up approach needs strategies to close the yield gap of various cropping and livestock systems, improve resource use efficiencies to control environmental impacts. Furthermore, training and education are needed to increase awarenessand improve skills for farmers and advisers. Our review can serve as example for other global regions that are in transition from unsustainable agriculture production towards sustainable withclean environment and healthy economies.

Forage value of vegetative leaf and stem biomass fractions of selected grasses indigenous to African rangelands

Context Rangeland grasses native to Africa constitute the main diet for free-ranging livestock and wild herbivores. Leaf:stem ratio is a key characteristic used for assessing quality of forages. However, studies to determine the allocation of biomass to leaves and stems as well as chemical components and nutritive value, especially of grasses in African rangelands, are rare. Aim This study was conducted to establish biomass allocation and chemical and mineral components in leaf and stem fractions of three grasses, Eragrostis superba, Enteropogon macrostachyus and Cenchrus ciliaris, all indigenous to African rangelands. Methods Plant height, plant densities, plant tiller densities and biomass yields were estimated at the elongation stage, before inflorescence. Chemical and mineral components were determined from biomass harvested at the vegetative phase for all three grass species. Dry matter, ash content, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, and calcium, phosphorus and potassium contents were determined. Key results Enteropogon macrostachyus displayed significantly greater plant and tiller densities and plant height than the other two species. Leaf and stem biomass fractions varied significantly (P < 0.05) among grasses. Leaf:stem ratio of E. superba was double that of E. macrostachyus and C. ciliaris. Crude protein and organic matter yields and net energy for lactation were highest (P < 0.05) in E. superba leaf biomass, as was Ca content. Conclusions Eragrostis superba demonstrated greater potential as a forage species for ruminant animal production than E. macrostachyus and C. ciliaris. Implications Eragrostis superba is a key forage species that warrants promotion in pasture establishment programs in its native environments.

Accessing the nutritional composition and phytochemical screening of Panicum maximum and Newbouldia laevis leaves

Ruminant livestock in most parts of the tropics graze extensively on naturally growing forages which are poor in quality. These tropical forages compared to those in the temperate, support lower levels of ruminant animal production mainly because they contain less nitrogen and are less digestible. The quality and quantity of these grasses become more critical in the dry seasons and thereby imposing more serious constraint to the development and productivity of these animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to access nutritional composition of Panicum maximum and Newbouldia laevis. Phytochemical screening of Newbouldia laevis was also carried out. Newbouldia laevis had higher crude fibre, ether extract and crude protein compared to Panicim maximum. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Tannin, Alkaloids, Flavonoids and Saponnin in Newbouldia laevis. The percentages of tannin, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponin in the Newbouldia laevis were 11.5, 52.07, 3.1 and 0.64, respectively while none was recorded for Panicum maximum. The relatively high crude fibre, ether extract and crude protein values for both plants s appeared satisfactory for animal production. Also, the presence of the phytochemicals in the plant showed it importance in ethno veterinary medicine and pharmacology.

Nutritional potential of differently processed Cajanus cajan leaves on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf growing rams fed Panicum maximum

Browse legume plants particularly pigeon pea forage generates a lot of underutilized leaves which if properly harnessed can be a cheaper source of nutrients for small ruminant animal production, during dry season feed shortages. In this study, the nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf growing rams fed differently processed Cajanus cajan leaves and Panicum maximum basal diet for 56 days feeding trial. A total of sixteen(16) growing WAD rams between 6 - 9 months with an average body weight of 7.00 - 12.00k were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 4 rams each and 2 rams per replicate. The experimental diet was fed at 3% body weight of individual ram while fresh, wilted, and dried forms of Cajanus cajan leaves supplemented at varied inclusion levels (0%, 30% fresh, 30% wilted and 30% dried) with Panicum maximum. There were significant (P<0.05) differencesin all parameters determined on nutrient digestibility across the dietary treatments. Animals maintained on T (70% Panicum maximum and 30% dried Cajanus cajan leaves) had the 4 highest dry matter digestibility (60.46%), while the lowest value (48.56%) for DMD was recorded in T diet. Rams fed T diet had the highest mean crude protein digestibility (CPD) 1 2 value of 11.30%, followed by T (10.68%), 10.02% for T , while T diet had the lowest mean 2 1 4CPD of 9.21%. Rams fed T diet had the highest mean crude fibre digestibility (CFD) value of 1 37.65%, while 35.03, 33.18 and 32.71 were recorded for T , T and T diet respectively. T was 4 2 3 4 observed to have the highest mean ash digestibility value of 17.07% with T , T and T having 3 1 2 the value of 16.02, 14.28 and 13.36 respectively. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in all parameters determined on nitrogen utilization across the dietary treatments. Rammaintained on T diet had the highest mean intake of 4.42g/d while T diet had the lowest 2 1 mean value of 2.64g/d. The lowest mean nitrogen balance (NB) of 0.43g/d was observed in rams fed T diet while rams on T diet had the highest NB value of 2.18g/d. Rams fed T diet 1 2 4 had the highest faecal nitrogen value of 2.14g/d. However, rams maintained on T diet had 4 the highest value urinary nitrogen of 1.07g/d. The nitrogen utilization fluctuatedsignificantly (P<0.05) across the dietary treatments. It can be concluded that supplementation of fresh Cajanus cajan forages at 30% inclusion with Panicum maximum at 70% for growing rams can enhance nutrient utilization in terms of crude protein digestibility and nitrogen utilization without any deleterious effects on the animals.

Comparison of methods to measure enteric methane emissions from ruminants: an integrative review

The agricultural industry is the main emitter of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), gases that each have a global warming potential that is greater than that of CO2 by 23 and 298 times, respectively. On a global scale, enteric fermentation from ruminant animal production (especially of cattle and sheep) is responsible for between 21% and 25% of total anthropogenic CH4 emissions. The search for effective, simple, and fast methods to measure the production of CH4 and other products from ruminal fermentation has been the objective of several studies on ruminant nutrition. Thus, techniques have been developed under experimental conditions of Brazil and other international countries to quantify CH4 emissions of ruminants. The objective of this literature review is to discuss and compare the existing techniques of measuring enteric CH4 from ruminants. Each technique has a shortcoming or disadvantage in its characterization of ruminal fermentation. The ex-situ technique of measuring CH4 from ruminal fermentation has been quite promising, because it facilitates the measurement of CH4 and other fermentation products, such as short chain fatty acids (SOFA). CH4 detection by a portable laser is effective in monitoring fluctuations in emission and is recommended especially for short-term measurements of respiring and eructating animals reared in a feedlot system. Other methods are being improved and better adapted for practical use in the ongoing quest for more efficient uses of ruminal fermentation products.

A food system revolution for China in the post-pandemic world

The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening food shortages in food deficit countries, such as China, which rely on import for domestic food consumption. We argue that fundamental revolution in China’s livestock system can meet about 50% of its consumption of livestock products and thereby reduce the country’s reliance on imports. Three food system revolutions that can greatly reduce China’s reliance on imports are technically and economically feasible, and generate high eco-system benefits: (1) organic or inorganic based microbial feed protein production to substitute imported feed protein, (2) vegetation greening and fodder production through grassland restoration to reduce import of ruminant animal products, and (3) insect protein based fish-plant production and offshore marine restoration to replace red meat consumption and increase recycling of manure. Together these revolutions can accelerate progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals in exporting countries.

FORAGE YIELD AND NUTRITIVE QUALITY OF TWO GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA L) VARIETIES AS INFLUENCED BY FERTILIZER TYPES

This study was carried out to investigate the forage yield and nutritive quality of two groundnut (SAMNUT 22 and local) varieties as influenced by fertilizer type in the humid ecological zone of Nigeria. The study was a 3 x 2 factorial experiment in a split-plot design with the fertilizer type (poultry droppings, NPK and the control) as the main plot and variety (SAMNUT 22 and Local) as the sub-plot which amounts to six treatments with three replicates. The inorganic-fertilized SAMNUT 22 had the highest forage dry matter (DM) yield (10.23 t/ha). The inorganic-fertilized local variety had the highest DM (94.60 %) and the least DM value (93.68 %) recorded for inorganic-fertilized SAMNUT 22. The highest and least crude protein (21.71 % vs 18.28%) contents were recorded for inorganic-fertilized local and unfertilized SAMNUT 22 variety, respectively. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) that were recorded for the unfertilized SAMNUT 22 were the highest with values 58.13 %, 25.86 % and 3.35 %, respectively. The highest gas (57.75 ml/200mgDM) production, methane (13.50 ml/200mgDM) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (70.22 %) were recorded for unfertilized local variety, unfertilized SAMNUT 22 and organic-fertilized local variety, respectively. The unfertilized SAMNUT 22 had the highest tannin content of 6.43 mg/100g and saponin content of 9.29 mg/100g whereas the organically fertilized Local variety had the highest oxalate (140.65 mg/100g) content. In conclusion, the two varieties and especially SAMNUT 22 when inorganic fertilizer was applied have proved to be good feed resource with regards to high yield, CP and low anti-nutrient quality and are recommended as forage of high nutritive values for ruminant animal production.

Organic residue analysis shows sub-regional patterns in the use of pottery by Northern European hunter-gatherers.

The introduction of pottery vessels to Europe has long been seen as closely linked with the spread of agriculture and pastoralism from the Near East. The adoption of pottery technology by hunter–gatherers in Northern and Eastern Europe does not fit this paradigm, and its role within these communities is so far unresolved. To investigate the motivations for hunter–gatherer pottery use, here, we present the systematic analysis of the contents of 528 early vessels from the Baltic Sea region, mostly dating to the late 6th–5th millennium cal BC, using molecular and isotopic characterization techniques. The results demonstrate clear sub-regional trends in the use of ceramics by hunter–gatherers; aquatic resources in the Eastern Baltic, non-ruminant animal fats in the Southeastern Baltic, and a more variable use, including ruminant animal products, in the Western Baltic, potentially including dairy. We found surprisingly little evidence for the use of ceramics for non-culinary activities, such as the production of resins. We attribute the emergence of these sub-regional cuisines to the diffusion of new culinary ideas afforded by the adoption of pottery, e.g. cooking and combining foods, but culturally contextualized and influenced by traditional practices.

Effect of secondary compounds on nutrients utilization and productivity of ruminant animals: A review

Plants produce secondary compounds (include tannins, saponins, flavoids, glucosinolates, mimosine and essential oils) which are not used for their growth, development and reproduction of the plant. The review found out the nutrient utilization and productivity performance of ruminant animals supplementing with secondary compounds containing forages, browse species, shrubs, grains, legumes and others. Secondary compounds influence the digestibility, dry matter intake and absorption of nutrients in ruminant’s nutrition. Their dose determines whether they are enhancers or detrimental. Tannins, saponins and essential oils are the major secondary compounds which may improve the health, average live weight gain and milk and wool production. Moreover, ruminant animals consuming secondary compound containing forages support the efficient utilization of energy while reducing the rumen gas production which results in low methane. The main problem of supplementing such kind of forages is the absence of consistent recommended dose. Therefore, this area needs to get more attention and further research should be done to establish much more profitable farm and to boost the economic value of ruminant animals.

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cattle Production and Health: Driver or Passenger?

Ruminant production systems face significant challenges currently, driven by heightened awareness of their negative environmental impact and the rapidly rising global population. Recent findings have underscored how the composition and function of the rumen microbiome are associated with economically valuable traits, including feed efficiency and methane emission. Although omics-based technological advances in the last decade have revolutionized our understanding of host-associated microbial communities, there remains incongruence over the correct approach for analysis of large omic data sets. A global approach that examines host/microbiome interactions in both the rumen and the lower digestive tract is required to harness the full potential of the gastrointestinal microbiome for sustainable ruminant production. This review highlights how the ruminant animal production community may identify and exploit the causal relationships between the gut microbiome and host traits of interest for a practical application of omic data to animal health and production.

Nutrient Profile and in vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Flamboyant (Delonix regia) Seeds Subjected to Different Processing Methods for Sustainable Ruminant Production in Humid Tropic

This study assessed the nutrient profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of flamboyant (Delonix regia) seeds subjected to different processing methods for sustainable ruminant production in humid tropic. Eight (8) different processing methods formed the experimental treatments, namely T1 (raw/control); T2 (roasted); T3 (soaked in water for 24 hours); T4 (soaked in water for 48 hours); T5 (soaked in rumen liquor for 24 hours); T6 (soaked in rumen liquor for 48 hours); T7 (parboiled for 45 minutes.) and T8 (cooked 45 minutes. The treatments were replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Data obtained on the nutrient profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics was subjected to a One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9. The mean was separated using Duncan’s New multiple Range Test (DNMRT). The results showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) effects of processing methods on crude fibre (CF) and calcium (Ca) contents of the processed seeds with the values ranges from 2.97 % in T4 to 4.59% in T8 for crude fibre (CF). Similar (P>0.05) contents was recorded for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), phosphorous (P) and iron (Fe) content across the experimental treatments, the contents ranges from 88.41 – 89.51%, 20.59 – 21.45%, 2.24 – 3.05%, 4.25 – 4.89% 38.89 – 39.78%, 25.14 – 25.47%, 3.7 – 4.0%, 62.90 – 66.50mg/kg for DM, CP, EE, ash, NDF, ADF, P and Fe content respectively. Significant (P<0.05) different was observed for methane gas (CH4) production, with values ranges from 15.33 – 29.33 (ml). Similar value was observed for fermentation efficiency (FE), short chain fatty acids (SCFA), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolisible energy (ME) across the experimental treatments and the values ranges from 0.37 – 0.67, 0.75 – 1.02 Mmol, 61.92 – 68.61% and 7.38 – 9.55 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Conclusively, irrespective of the processing methods flamboyant seeds had adequate nutrients to meet the nutritional requirements of ruminants except crude fibre (CF) which can be fortified with roughages or fibrous feedstuffs. The in vitro fermentation characteristics showed that the seed has potentials as a feed resource to support ruminant animal production especially in the dry season.

Effects of socio-economic factors on small ruminant production in Ohafia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria

The study investigated the socio-economic factors affecting small ruminant production in Ohafia Agricultural Zone of Abia state. Specifically the study examined the socioeconomic characteristic of the small ruminant farmers, management system of production, estimated the net return of the enterprises, determinants of small ruminant production and identify constraints militating against small ruminant animal production the study area. A multi stage sampling technique was used to sample for eighty (80) respondents from Bende and Ohafia local government areas, forty respondents from each respectively. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive such as frequency and percentages. More so gross margin and regression models were also used. Results of the study showed that the respondents had a mean age of thirty–nine (39) years. About 57.5% were males, 56.3% were married, 98.5% had one form of education or the other, a yearly income of ₦ 68,438 was estimated. The gross margin estimate showed that the enterprise was profitable. The F-ratio was statistically significant at 5%, socio-economic characteristics such as age, household size, income and rearing experience, were statistically significant at various level and were the major factor that influenced small ruminant production. Major constraints identified include; insufficient fund, disease incidence, and others. The study therefore recommends that younger people should be encouraged into small ruminant production because small ruminant animal production is laborious. The younger people are energetic to take up the task involved. The farmers should also form cooperative societies to increase their access to credit facilities. Keywords: socio-economic, characteristics, profit, small ruminants, production

Citrus and Winery Wastes: Promising Dietary Supplements for Sustainable Ruminant Animal Nutrition, Health, Production, and Meat Quality

Citrus and grapes are the most widely grown fruits globally, with one-third of total production used for juice and wine making. The juice and winemaking processes generate large quantities of solid organic wastes including citrus pulp and grape pomace. These fruit wastes pose serious economic, environmental, and social challenges, especially in low-to-middle-income countries due to financial, technological, and infrastructural limitations. They are, however, rich in valuable compounds which can be utilized in the ruminant livestock industry as novel, economical, and natural sources of cellulose, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phytochemicals, which have nutritional, anthelmintic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Despite citrus and grape fruit wastes having such potential, they remain underexploited by the livestock industry in low-to-middle-income countries owing to lack of finance, skills, technology, and infrastructure. Inclusion of these fruit wastes in ruminant diets could combine the desirable effects of enhancing animal nutrition, health, welfare, production, and meat quality attributes with the prevention of challenges associated with their disposal into the environment. The current review explores the valorization potential of citrus and winery wastes as dietary supplements to sustainably enhance ruminant animal nutrition, health, welfare, production, and meat quality.

The effect of maturity on concentration and biological activity of protein precipitating polyphenolics in ground juniper is dependent upon species

Nutritional characteristics of Juniperus species are now well known and suitability as an abundant, low-cost feedstuff for ruminant animal production is a possibility. Juniperus species produce plant secondary metabolites including condensed tannins (CT) and volatile oils. Maturity of Juniperus species has been shown to affect the concentration of plant secondary metabolites produced. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of Juniperus species (Juniperus ashei, J. monosperma, J. pinchotii and J. virginiana) and maturity on protein precipitating polyphenolic (PPP) compounds, their biological activity and relatedness of these effects to rumen digestibility characteristics. We found a species by maturity interaction for PPP (P < 0.001) and for the amount of protein bound (PB; P < 0.001) by PPP. Protein precipitable phenolic concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) for all species in the immature stage as compared to the mature stage except for J. virginiana, for which PPP were unaffected by maturity. The PB by J. pinchotii and J. monosperma was greater (P < 0.001) in the immature stage as compared to the mature stage whereas that of J. ashei and J. virginiana remained unchanged by stage of maturity. Linear regression within species and maturity of 48-h IVTDMD and total gas production on PPP suggested a positive correlation exists for immature J. virginiana (R2 = 0.71) and mature J. pinchotii (R2 = 0.68) for IVTDMD, and J. virginiana (R2 = 0.81) for total gas production. There was no relationship for PB within species and maturity of juniper and 48-h IVTDMD or total gas production, suggesting that biological activity of protein binding by PPP is unrelated to overall in vitro digestion of Juniperus species. The effect of maturity on concentration and biological activity of PPP in juniper is dependent upon species.

STRATEGIES REQUIRED BY WOMEN FARMERS IN RUMINANT ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigates strategies required by women farmers on ruminant animal production in Benue State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 805 respondents comprising of 205 Agricultural extension officers and 600 women farmers. Purposive sampling technique was used to get a sample of 307. A-29 structured items questionnaire titled: Women Farmers in Ruminant Animal Production Questionnaire (WFRAPQ) were developed from literature and used for data collection. The instrument was face validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the questionnaire items which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.84. The data collected was analyzed using weighted mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that women farmers require management practices in ruminant animal production and that women encountered several challenges in ruminant animal production amongst others. It was recommended among others that women farmers should be provided with conducive environment in which livestock could be effectively reared. Article visualizations:

The role of condensed tannins in ruminant animal production: advances, limitations and future directions

ABSTRACT Tannins represent one of the most abundant polyphenolic compounds in plants. Tannins exist as a multitude of chemically unique entities in nature. The most commonly occurring tannins are typically divided into two major classes based on chemical structure: hydrolysable (HT) or condensed tannins (CT). Hydrolysable tannins are esters of gallic or ellagic acid linked to a polyol core, typically glucose. Condensed tannins or proanthocyanidins consist of flavan-3-ol subunits linked together to form oligomers and polymers. Both HT and CT are defined as astringent, medium-to-high-molecular weight polyphenolic compounds that characteristically bind and precipitate soluble proteins. The objective of this paper was to present recent advances in CT-ruminant interactions, the limitations associated with understanding and using CT in ruminant animal production, and future needs for research to further advance our knowledge of the role of CT in optimization of ruminant animal production. Condensed tannins pose some anti-nutritional problems to ruminants due to their astringent property that reduces feed intake and, consequently, animal performance. Ruminants can, however, tolerate CT by slowly adapting the ruminal microbes to the toxic effects of CT and by releasing CT-binding salivary proteins. The protein-binding ability of CT has some benefits to the ruminant due to complexes formed with essential amino acids, preventing their degradation in the rumen, but releasing them in the lower gut for absorption by the animal. Recent data have suggested increased N retention when CT is given to growing animals. There are potential benefits of using CT and HT for anthelmintic purposes due to their ability to inhibit egg hatching and larval motility of gastrointestinal nematode parasites, especially in small ruminants. Condensed tannins also bind to minerals (Al, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, and Zn). Although studies with ruminants have been contradictory, it has been reported that because the CT-metal ion complex is stable over a wide pH range, CT may reduce the bioavailability of minerals. Methane mitigation by feeding CT might be the most impactful benefit for ruminant production. Many empirical equations have been developed to predict ruminal methane emissions, but very few have included CT. Future research should focus on the improvement of methodology to assess CT biological activity, interaction with other plant-specialized metabolites, and associated physiological and nutritional impacts on ruminants.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРОТЕИНОВЫХ КОРМОВЫХ ДОБАВОК НА МОЛОЧНУЮ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ КОЗ ЗААНЕНСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ

The productivity of ruminant animals largely depends on the provision of rations with a sufficient amount of high-grade protein, the quality of which is characterized by a general level of intake from the prednis and the composition of amino acids available for absorption in the intestine. The number of these amino acids is an objective criterion of protein nutrient feeding. The article presents the results of studying the effect of protein feed additives on milk productivity and the quality of lactating goat milk of Zaanen breed. The scientific and economic experience was carried out on three groups of goats of Zaanen breed of the first lactation, formed on the principle of para- analogues. Studies have established that the equivalent replacement in the diet of a sunflower meal with soybean and red oilcake significantly increases the average daily milk yield by 16.1% (P 0.01) and 11.7% (P 0.05). The qualitative indicators of goat milk of these experimental groups also had slightly higher values. So, the milk of goats, that received red oilcake, by the mass fraction of protein, exceeded the milk of goats that received sunflower oil cake by 0.08% (p0.05), soybean cake - by 0.11% (p0.01). Our research, aimed at a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of using sunflower, soybean and rye cake in rations of lactating goats, taking into account their effect on milk production of goats, the composition and technological properties of milk, morphological and biochemical indicators of blood, are topical, of scientific and practical importance.

HoBi-like is the most prevalent ruminant pestivirus in Northeastern Brazil

The ruminant pestiviral species BVDV-1, BVDV-2 and BDV, along with the putative species HoBi-like, may cause substantial economic losses in cattle, sheep and goats. Brazil's large size, variable biomes and wide range of ruminant animal production within different geographic regions suggest that the presence and prevalence of ruminant pestivirus may differ by regions within Brazil. This study investigated the genetic diversity of ruminant pestiviruses and determined the frequency of active infections within two states of the Northeast Region of Brazil, Maranhão and Rio Grande do Norte. Serum samples from 16,621 cattle and 2,672 small ruminants from 569 different herds residing in this region were tested by RT-PCR followed by DNA sequencing. Seventeen positive cattle were detected (0.1%) from fifteen different herds (2.64%). All isolates were classified as HoBi-like pestiviruses based on phylogenetic analysis. All small ruminant samples tested negative. The findings presented herein suggest that the Northeast Region of Brazil has a uniquely high prevalence of HoBi-like viruses. The increasing reports of HoBi-like viruses detected in cattle in the field suggest that natural infection with these viruses may be more widespread than previously thought. The identification of HoBi-like viruses as the most prevalent type of ruminant pestivirus circulating in the Northeast Region of Brazil indicates the need for both continued monitoring and determination of the extent of economic losses associated with HoBi-like virus infections. In addition, it must be taken into account in the choice of diagnostic tests and in vaccine formulations.