Ruminant Diets Research Articles

THE CONTENT OF MICRO-ELEMENTS IN FERMENTED CORN SILAGE AND ALFALFA SAYAGE

Corn silage and alfalfa hay occupy an important place among juicy and coarse fodder for cattle. Due to violation of the technology of procurement, storage or use of these fodders, a large part of them decays and becomes unsuitable for animals feeding. Getting such feed into the diet of ruminants can cause various negative consequences. Therefore, the problem of effective disposal of spoiled corn silage and alfalfa hay arises. One of the effective methods of spoiled feed of plant origin processing into organic fertilizer is composting using microbiological preparations - biodestructors. Composting accelerates mineralization and increases the assimilation of trace elements by plants. However, the problem of the influence of different doses of the BTU-CENTR biodestructor on the content of microelements in fermented corn silage and alfalfa hay has not been studied. For the study, samples of spoiled fodder had been selected, which were fermented without the introduction of a biodestructor (control) and with the introduction of a biodestructor in doses of 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 cm3/t. The content of Ferrum, Zinc, Manganese, Copper and Cobalt was determined in hay and silage after composting. During composting of spoiled alfalfa hay, the Ferrum content in it increases relatively to feed before fermentation. In the control version, the increase in metal content was at the level of 40.0%. Fermentation of fodder with the participation of a biodestructor (use dose of 10.0 cm3/t) led to an increase in the content of Ferum in the composted biomass by 35.7% compared to the control group. During composting with the addition of a biodestructor in the amount of 20.0 cm3/t, the Ferrum content increases by 2.1 times relatively to the metal content in alfalfa hay before fermentation. During the composting of hay with the addition of a biodestructor, the mineralization process accelerated and the content of Zinc per unit of the fermented mass increased. The highest metal content was found in the experimental group where the microbiological preparation was used at a dose of 20.0 cm3/t. The difference with the control indicator was 49.6%. Fermentation of alfalfa hay without a biodestructor led to the fact that the content of Manganese was the lowest in relation to the research groups. The biggest difference was with fermented biomass biodestructor at a dose of 20.0 cm3/t and constituted 23.3%. The content of Copper in alfalfa hay after fermentation with a biodestructor increases significantly. It has been proven that the more biodestructor was used during composting of alfalfa hay, the higher was the metal content in the fermented mass. At the highest dose of the biodestructor, the content of metal-biotics in the fermented hay increased by a statistically significant value. The difference with the control group constituted 50.3%. The higher dose of the BTU CENTR biodestructor was added to the starting material, the higher was the Cobalt content in the composted hay. When a biodestructor was applied to alfalfa hay at a dose of 20.0 cm3/t, the metal-biotic content after composting was 26.7% higher than in the control group. A similar regularity was revealed regarding the change in the content of biotic metals in corn silage after its composting with a biodestructor. Fermentation of silage without the addition of a biodestructor was accompanied by an increase in the content of Ferrum, Zinc, Manganese, Copper and Cobalt in the composted biomass relatively to the feed before fermentation. The more the biodestructor was added to the corn silage, the more fermentation contributed to the increase in mineralization, and accordingly, the content of biotic metals in it. With the use of the largest dose of biodestructor, the content of Ferrum, Zinc, Manganese, Copper and Cobalt in fermented feed increases by 37.2, respectively; 41.3; 46.4; 21.6 and 30.0% relatively to the control group.

Industrial and Ruminant Trans-Fatty Acids-Enriched Diets Differentially Modulate the Microbiome and Fecal Metabolites in C57BL/6 Mice

Industrially originated trans-fatty acids (I-tFAs), such as elaidic acid (EA), and ruminant trans-fatty acids (R-tFAs), such as trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA), may have opposite effects on metabolic health. The objective was to compare the effects of consuming 2-3% I-tFA or R-tFA on the gut microbiome and fecal metabolite profile in mice after 7 and 28 days. Forty C57BL/6 mice were assigned to one of the four prepared formulations: lecithin nanovesicles, lecithin nanovesicles with EA or TPA, or water. Fecal samples and animals' weights were collected on days 0, 7, and 28. Fecal samples were used to determine gut microbiome profiles by 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolite concentrations by GC/MS. At 28 days, TPA intake decreased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp55 but increased Staphylococcus sp119. EA intake also increased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp119 but decreased Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 at 28 days. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were increased after TPA while decreased after EA after 7 and 28 days. This study shows that TPA and EA modify the abundance of specific microbial taxa and fecal metabolite profiles in distinct ways.

Genetic divergence of cassava genotypes from Petrolina

This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes to identify the ones with the best nutritional values for ruminant diets. Nine genotypes were used: Amansa Burro (BGM 549), Aramaris (BGM 116), Brasília, Cambadinha (BRS Guaíra), Curvelinha, Engana Ladrão (BGM 1269), Trouxinha (BGM 1468), BRS Gema de Ovo, and BRS Dourada. A completely randomized block experimental design with nine treatments (genotypes) and three blocks (replicates) were employed. The roots were analyzed for dry matter production (DMP) in tonnes per hectare, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), starch, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The multivariate analysis was carried out using Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on Mahalanobis distance. The groups formed were evaluated by Scott-Knott test. The group formed by genotype Engana Ladrão was chosen as the best one for having the highest DMP t ha-1 and IVDMD values and the lowest NDF and ADF contents.

Meta-analysis of the benefits of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae intervention on milk yield and component characteristics in lactating small ruminants

Abstract Milk yield and components in small ruminants fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) have been investigated, but results were not consistent among investigators. Hence, this trial aimed to explore the efficacy of SC supplementation in improving milk yield and components (i.e., milk proteins, fat, lactose, total solids and ash) in small ruminants. A search performed in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases yield 1,826 studies, of which 26 met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects model was used to aggregate milk production variables. Meta-regression analysis examined the effect of the following moderators: SC type, ruminant type (sheep or goat), diet type, breed, duration of supplementation and supplementation levels on outcome measures. Subgroup analysis explored the influence of the following moderators: SC type and ruminant type on outcomes measures. SC had positive moderate effect on milk yield (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.72; p < 0.001; heterogeneity [I 2] = 73%) and small effect on milk proteins (SMD = 0.46; p = 0.004; I 2 = 83%), milk lactose (SMD = 0.17; p = 0.007; I 2 = 0%) and fat (SMD = 0.28; p = 0.016; I 2 = 70%). Subgroup analysis revealed that SC improved milk yield, lactose and proteins in lactating sheep and milk yield and fat in lactating goats. Our results show that moderators influenced the results of the meta-analysis and explained most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, SC should be included in small ruminant diets as it had small-to-moderate effects on milk yield and aspects of milk components.

Influence of the Season on the Nutritive Value and Gas Production of Opuntia ficus-indica and Agave americana L. in Ruminant Feed.

Using invasive plants in animal production can provide an economical and eco-sustainable competitive advantage in a globalized market. The Opuntia ficus-indica and the Agave americana L. are invasive plants historically used by Azorean farmers as an alternative ruminant water source in the summer. This study aims to better understand their properties and how they vary throughout the year, so their use to complement animal diets can be optimised. Six samples of each species were collected on the Terceira Island during 2 growth seasons: winter (January 2021) and summer (September 2021), and their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and gas production, were determined. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in all parameters between the summer and the winter, with larger variations in both fibre (NDF and ADF) and digestibility parameters found between the Opuntia and the Agave. Gas production was greater in the summer for Opuntia and in the winter for Agave. Even though the digestibility was lower in the summer, we found that both plants offer a viable ruminant feed complement in both seasons, providing a cheap and eco-sustainable alternative water source, that can be associated to dry forage and compound feeding stuff with a high crude protein content when designing ruminant diets.

Вплив лікувально-профілактичної кормової добавки на рубцеву ферментацію хворих на кетоз корів

It is known that ionophoric antibiotics regulate ruminal fermentation, improve the utilization of feed protein, and prevent the occurrence of ketosis and steatosis in ruminants. Ionophoric antibiotics and β-acids of hops have a similar spectrum of biological activity, that is, they inhibit the vital activity of most gram-positive microorganisms of the rumen. Bacteria, like other living organisms, need vitamin E as an active antioxidant for cell membranes. The toxicity of tocopherol is very low, so adding it to the diet of ruminants in larger quantities can stimulate celluloselytic rumen bacteria and compensate for the negative effect of ionophores on fiber breakdown. Since rumen bacteria break down a significant part of dietary choline, methionine and carnitine, ruminants must receive them in a protected form, so their influence on rumen fermentation is insignificant. Three groups of cows of the Ukrainian dairy black-spotted breed with milk yields of 5 or more thousand kg during the previous lactation were formed: with signs of clinical ketosis — 4 animals; with subclinical ketosis — 5 animals and clinically healthy — 5 animals. For a month, cows with ketosis were given a treatment supplement containing crushed granules of hop cones (20 g), vitamin E (3 g), and rumen protected choline (50 g), methionine (20 g) and carnitine (1 g). Clinically healthy cows were used as control. In the blood of cows with subclinical ketosis, the additive increased the concentration of glucose and decreased the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate, these indicators were within the normal range. In cows with symptoms of clinical ketosis, using of the feed additive also reduced the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (P&lt;0.01), but it was still higher than normal. In sick cows, amylolytic and lipolytic activity was lower than in healthy cows (P&lt;0.05–0.01). Celluloselytic activity was lower only in cows with clinical ketosis. The proteolytic activity of rumen content changed in the opposite way; it was higher in sick cows (P&lt;0.05–0.01). This is a consequence of the increase in the number and activity of hyper producing ammonia bacteria in the rumen, what is characteristic for ketosis. After treatment of cows with subclinical ketosis, the celluloselytic and amylolytic activities in the rumen fluid were equal to the corresponding indicators of healthy cows, and the proteolytic activity was even slightly lower (P&lt;0.05) than in the control group. Treatment of cows with clinical form of ketosis was not as effective, although the general trends remained. During subclinical and clinical ketosis, a greater amount of ammonia was found in the rumen fluid (P&lt;0.05–0.01), because of higher proteolytic activity. In both forms of ketosis, the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen decreased, and the concentration of lactate increased (P&lt;0.05–0.01). After the treatment, these indicators in cows with subclinical ketosis approached the healthy animals, while the condition of cows with clinical ketosis improved, but the concentration of ammonia continued to differ from healthy animals.

Additive Tannins in Ruminant Nutrition: An Alternative to Achieve Sustainability in Animal Production

Sustainable intensification involves maintaining ecosystem balance and increasing productivity per animal per unit area. Phytogenic additives can be used as an alternative to achieve sustainable intensification. Tannins are phenolic compounds present in plants that are classified according to their chemical structure into hydrolyzable and condensed compounds. When added to ruminant diets, condensed tannins exert effects on rumen fermentation, such as a reduction in rumen protein degradation and enteric methane production per unit of dry matter ingested, and may also improve weight gain. The advantage of this mechanism is that it increases dietary protein utilization, reduces nitrogen excretion in urine, and reduces nitrous oxide emissions. However, the positive effects of these compounds as nutritional additives require further investigation. Therefore, the objective of this review is to demonstrate the results hitherto known of the use of condensed tannins in ruminant nutrition. The use of tannins can result in both positive and negative effects, depending on the sources and doses administered.

Roles of Essential Oils, Polyphenols, and Saponins of Medicinal Plants as Natural Additives and Anthelmintics in Ruminant Diets: A Systematic Review.

Public awareness on health and safety issues in using antibiotics for livestock production has led many countries to ban the use of all growth-promoting antibiotics (GPA) for livestock feeding. The ban on the utilization of antibiotics in livestock, on the other hand, is an opportunity for researchers and livestock practitioners to develop alternative feed additives that are safe for both livestock and the consumers of animal derived foods. Many feed additives were developed from a number of plants that contain secondary metabolites, such as essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins. These secondary metabolites are extracted from various parts of many types of plants for their uses as feed additives and anthelmintics. Recent investigations on using essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins as dietary additives and anthelmintics demonstrate that they can increase not only the production and health of ruminants but also ensure the safety of the resulting foods. There are many publications on the advantageous impacts of dietary plant bioactive components on ruminants; however, a comprehensive review on individual bioactive constituents of each plant secondary metabolites along with their beneficial effects as feed additives and anthelmintics on ruminants is highly required. This current study reviewed the individual bioactive components of different plant secondary metabolites and their functions as additives and anthelmintics to improve ruminant production and health, with respect to safety, affordability and efficiency, using a systematic review procedure.

Effect of Spirulina Dietary Supplementation in Modifying the Rumen Microbiota of Ewes

Supplementing ruminant diets with microalgae, may prove an effective nutritional strategy to manipulate rumen microbiota. Forty-eight ewes were divided into four homogenous groups (n = 12) according to their fat-corrected milk yield (6%), body weight, age, and days in milk, and were fed individually with concentrate, alfalfa hay, and wheat straw. The concentrate of the control group (CON) had no Spirulina supplementation, while in the treated groups 5 (SP5), 10 (SP10), and 15 g (SP15) of Spirulina were supplemented as an additive in the concentrate. An initial screening using metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology was followed by RT-qPCR analysis for the targeting of specific microbes, which unveiled the main alterations of the rumen microbiota under the Spirulina supplementation levels. The relative abundance of Eubacterium ruminantium and Fibrobacter succinogenes in rumen fluid, as well as Ruminococcus albus in rumen solid fraction, were significantly increased in the SP15 group. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Prevotella brevis was significantly increased in the rumen fluid of the SP5 and SP10 groups. In contrast, the relative abundance of Ruminobacter amylophilus was significantly decreased in the rumen fluid of the SP10 compared to the CON group, while in the solid fraction it was significantly decreased in the SP groups. Moreover, the relative abundance of Selenomonas ruminantium was significantly decreased in the SP5 and SP15 groups, while the relative abundance of Streptococcus bovis was significantly decreased in the SP groups. Consequently, supplementing 15 g Spirulina/ewe/day increased the relative abundance of key cellulolytic species in the rumen, while amylolytic species were reduced only in the solid fraction.

Grape, Pomegranate, Olive, and Tomato By-Products Fed to Dairy Ruminants Improve Milk Fatty Acid Profile without Depressing Milk Production

The continuous increase in the cost of feeds and the need to improve the sustainability of animal production require the identification of alternative feeds, such as those derived from the agro-industrial sector, that can be effectively used for animal nutrition. Since these by-products (BP) are sources of bioactive substances, especially polyphenols, they may play an important role as a new resource for improving the nutritional value of animal-derived products, being effective in the modulation of the biohydrogenation process in the rumen, and, hence, in the composition of milk fatty acids (FA). The main objective of this work was to evaluate if the inclusion of BP in the diets of dairy ruminants, as a partial replacement of concentrates, could improve the nutritional quality of dairy products without having negative effects on animal production traits. To meet this goal, we summarized the effects of widespread agro-industrial by-products such as grape pomace or grape marc, pomegranate, olive cake, and tomato pomace on milk production, milk composition, and FA profile in dairy cows, sheep, and goats. The results evidenced that substitution of part of the ratio ingredients, mainly concentrates, in general, does not affect milk production and its main components, but at the highest tested doses, it can depress the yield within the range of 10-12%. However, the general positive effect on milk FA profile was evident by using almost all BP at different tested doses. The inclusion of these BP in the ration, from 5% up to 40% of dry matter (DM), did not depress milk yield, fat, or protein production, demonstrating positive features in terms of both economic and environmental sustainability and the reduction of human-animal competition for food. The general improvement of the nutritional quality of milk fat related to the inclusion of these BP in dairy ruminant diets is an important advantage for the commercial promotion of dairy products resulting from the recycling of agro-industrial by-products.

In Vitro Evaluation of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Tubers as an Alternative Feed for Ruminants

The purpose of the current study is to determine the effects of the replacement of cassava chips with winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) tubers (WBTs) on gas production parameters, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation in ruminant diets. The study was performed using a 3 × 4 factorial arrangements and was designed using a completely random method. Factor A employed three various roughage sources that were frequently used by locals to feed ruminants: Oryza sativa L. (a1), Brachiaria ruziziensis (a2), and Pennisetum purpureum (a3). The levels of WBTs substitutions for cassava chips at 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% in the diet were selected as factor B. The experiment's findings revealed that replacing the cassava chips in the diet with WBTs at levels of 66 and 100% enhanced the fermentation process by producing a high gas volume at 96 h when Ruzi grass (RZ) was used as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). The interaction between the roughage source and WBTs showed that organic matter (OM) degradability improved markedly in the case of RZ grass in combination with WBTs at all levels. Both the total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) at 8 h of incubation and the average value decreased when a complete substitution of casava chips with WBT (WBT 100%) was employed or when employing rice straw as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). There was no interaction between WBTs and roughage source on the ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration (ml/dL) and rumen microbial count (p > 0.05). In summary, WBTs can be used effectively when combined with grass (Ruzi and Napier). The implementation of WBTs as a novel alternative feed may effectively replace cassava chips without affecting rumen function.

UHPLC-QTOF/MS Untargeted Lipidomics and Caffeine Carry-Over in Milk of Goats under Spent Coffee Ground Enriched Diet

Supplementing the diet of ruminants with agro-industrial by-products is a common practice. In this study, we applied an untargeted lipidomics approach to study the changes in the milk lipid metabolite profiles linked to the addition of different doses of spent coffee grounds (SCG) to the diet of lactating goats. The carryover of caffeine from feed to milk was also studied. Compared to controls, the milk of goats on the SCG diet showed higher levels of cholesteryl esters, sphingomyelins, and phospholipids, while nonesterified fatty acids were downregulated. After 12 h from the last SCG dose, the carry-over of caffeine was, on average, 3%. Collectively, our results establish that SCG supplementation induces changes in the milk levels of complex lipid molecules and causes the transfer of caffeine and caffeine metabolites from feed to milk.

Microencapsulation of Yarrowia lipolytica: cell viability and application in vitro ruminant diets.

Microencapsulation is an alternative to increase the survival capacity of microorganisms, including Yarrowia lipolytica, a widely studied yeast that produces high-value metabolites, such as lipids, aromatic compounds, biomass, lipases, and organic acids. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the effectiveness of different wall materials and the influence of the addition of salts on the microencapsulation of Y. lipolytica, evaluating yield, relationship with cell stability, ability to survive during storage, and in vitro application of ruminant diets. The spray drying process was performed via atomization, testing 11 different compositions using maltodextrin (MD), modified starch (MS) and whey protein concentrate (WPC), Y. lipolytica (Y. lipo) cells, tripolyphosphate (TPP), and sodium erythorbate (SE). The data show a reduction in the water activity value in all treatments. The highest encapsulation yield was found in treatments using MD + TPP + Y. lipo (84.0%) and WPC + TPP + Y. lipo (81.6%). Microencapsulated particles showed a survival rate ranging from 71.61 to 99.83% after 24h. The treatments WPC + Y. lipo, WPC + SE + Y. lipo, WPC + TPP + Y. lipo, and MD + SE + Y. lipo remained stable for up to 105days under storage conditions. The treatment WPC + SE + Y. lipo (microencapsulated yeast) was applied in the diet of ruminants due to the greater stability of cell survival. The comparison between the WPC + SE + Y. lipo treatment, wall materials, and the non-microencapsulated yeast showed that the microencapsulated yeast obtained a higher soluble fraction, degradability potential, and release of nutrients.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF MINERALS ON THE PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING CATTLE AND BUFFALO

A significant part of a complete dairy feeding program is the mineral-vitamin component. Physiologically, minerals are involved in reproduction, lactation, cow/calf health during pregnancy and cow recovery after calving and general herd health. Highly productive dairy animals have much greater needs for minerals and vitamins than low-producing.Concentrations of minerals andvitamins in feeds can be extremely variable. Dairy animals commonly need 3 vitamins and 17 mineral for their optimal productivity. Even the deficiency of any of these can result in health, reproduction and milk production problems. The antioxidant, vitamin E and carotene are beneficial in reducing mastitis. Vitamins (D, E, C and carotene) and minerals (Cu, Zn, and Se) are needed for enhanced immune response.Almost all the members of B.comlex group, C vitamin K2 are synthesized in rumenbut ruminant diet should contain sufficient cobalt for B12 synthesis. Vitamin A is neither synthesized in the body nor contributed by bacteria and it is the only vitamin, which may be deficient supply under many conditions. Therefore its supply seems to be critical.Vitamin E content of forage is highly variable and is effective in reducing gossypol toxicity. Generally it is assumed that the dairy animals with functional rumen do not develop deficiency. Different research reports suggest the need for supplemental biotin, thiamin and niacin for dairy cattle. Pre-partum anionic diets should be supplemented to avoid Milk fever. High phosphorus diets do not improve milk production or reproduction but there is environmental concern from use of excess P. Manganese has its role in ovulation and fertility of dairy animals. Grazing dairy animals should have access to high quality freechoice mineral mixtures. Mineral and Vitamin supplementation should especially be managed before the periods of increased trace mineral demand such as calving, joining, dry-off and growth.

Theoretical and practical aspects of the application of probiotics in goat breeding

One of the main conditions for the intensification of goat breeding is the application of the concept of rational animal feeding. This concept considers the use of balanced full-fledged feeds that ensure optimal use of the genetic potential of animal productivity and obtaining high-quality products from them. The article presents the works of domestic and foreign researchers and scientists, publications of an analytical nature related to the study of the mechanisms of action of probiotics on the body of animals and the impact on productive qualities. The use of drugs in the diets of small ruminants remains insufficiently studied, which justifies the relevance of the ongoing research. According to our estimates, probiotics have a positive effect on the course of metabolic processes in the body, the rumen microflora, improve the health and reproductive functions of animals, participate in the regulation of meat and dairy productivity, reduce the negative impact of technological stresses, accelerate the removal of radionuclides from the body, and so on, that is, they have a wide spectrum of action.

Inclusion of Red Macroalgae (Asparagopsis taxiformis) in Dairy Cow Diets Modulates Feed Intake, Chewing Activity and Estimated Saliva Secretion.

The current study assessed the effects of red macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT)-included as an enteric methane inhibitor-in dairy cow diets on feed intake and eating-rumination behaviour. Fifteen early lactating Norwegian Red dairy cows were offered ad libitum access to drinking water and a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of 35% concentrate feed and 65% grass silage on a dry matter (DM) basis. The experiment lasted for 74 days with the first 22 days on a common diet used as the covariate period. At the end of the covariate period, the cows were randomly allocated into one of three dietary treatments: namely, 0% AT (control), 0.125% AT and 0.25% AT in the TMR. The TMR was offered in individual feed troughs with AT blended in a 400 g (w/w) water-molasses mixture. Eating-rumination behaviour was recorded for 11 days using RumiWatchSystem after feeding the experimental diets for 30 days. The 0.25% AT inclusion significantly reduced the DM intake (DMI). Time (min/d) spent on eating and eating in a head-down position increased with the increasing AT level in the diet, whereas rumination time was not affected. The greater time spent on eating head-down with the 0.25% AT group resulted in a significantly higher chewing index (min/kg DMI). Estimated saliva production per unit DMI (L/kg DMI, SE) increased from 10.9 (0.4) in the control to 11.3 (0.3) and 13.0 (0.3) in the 0.125% and 0.25% AT groups, respectively. This aligned with the measured ruminal fluid pH (6.09, 6.14, and 6.37 in the control, 0.125% AT and 0.25% AT groups, respectively). In conclusion, either the level of the water-molasses mixture used was not sufficient to mask the taste of AT, or the cows used it as a cue to sort out the AT. Studies with relatively larger numbers of animals and longer adaptation periods than what we used here, with varied modes of delivery of the seaweed may provide novel strategies for administering the additive in ruminant diets.

Characterization of Lupin Cultivars Based on Phenotypical, Molecular and Metabolomic Analyses

Lupins are an important source of protein that could replace soybeans in the diet of ruminants and monogastrics, without reducing their performance. Lupinus albus (L. albus) is the main species of the genus Lupinus that is cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The aim of the present research was to study commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines of L. albus by using phenotypical, molecular and biochemical data, in order to be used in breeding projects. Seven commercial cultivars (Estoril, Fas Sweet, Multitalia, Magnus, Orus, Ulysse Sulimo and Figaro) and three advanced lines from the company AGROLAND (LKML, LKAP and LKAU) were used. Eleven morphological traits were described using UPOV Guidelines (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants). Additionally, agronomical traits and yield components were measured. Regarding the nutritional value, grain samples were analyzed for N and the crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), total alkaloids (TA), total phenolic content (TP), total tannins content (TT) and condensed tannins (CT) were calculated. Genetic diversity among genetic materials was assessed by SSRs molecular markers. The metabolomic analysis for four selected cultivars (Figaro, Magnus, Multitalia and Sulimo) was performed on the seeds with the GC/EI/MS technique. According to the results, the advanced lines were most productive but also with higher content of total alkaloids than the commercial cultivars. The only exception was the cultivar Multitalia that was characterized by a high content of alkaloids. Based on the SSRs, the cultivars Magnus, Orus and Estoril were grouped together while the breeding lines LKAP, LICML and LKAU were grouped with Multitalia. Regarding the metabolomic profile, the cultivars Multitalia and Magnus were together, while Sulimo was grouped with Figaro. Finally, the content of several beneficial metabolites for human and animal nutrition was significantly increased in Sulimo and Figaro, compared to Magnus and Multitalia. Both commercial varieties and lines have characteristics that can be exploited and used in breeding programs.

Potential of Fruits and Vegetable By-Products as an Alternative Feed Source for Sustainable Ruminant Nutrition and Production: A Review

The agro-food industry produces tons of waste at different stages in the food production process, creating a massive ecological crisis. If implemented, the use of fruit and vegetable by-products (FVBPs) in animal nutrition has the potential to lessen the environmental footprint of the food production chain, lower animal feeding costs, and improve the quality and sustainability of animal products. Recent research on the inclusion of FVBPs, naturally enriched with polyphenols, in the diets of small and large ruminants has shown some promising outcomes, which we discuss in this review. The effects of FVBPs on digestion, rumen fermentation, methane emissions, rumen liquor fatty acid profile, and milk production are examined. Due to the chemical composition and the presence of certain bioactive compounds, FVBPs are capable of influencing the ruminal and intestinal ecosystem through improved kinetics of fermentation. Several in vivo studies have demonstrated that the dietary inclusion of FVBPs resulted in improved milk production and composition without any negative effect on animal performance. Using FVBPs as an alternative to conventional feedstuffs may promote sustainable animal production and nutrition. However, it must be stressed that the efficacy of these feed supplements is conditional on the source, kind, and quantity employed.

Inclusion of Camelina sativa Seeds in Ewes' Diet Modifies Rumen Microbiota.

Supplementing ruminant diets with unconventional feedstuffs (Camelina sativa seeds; CS) rich in bioactive molecules such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, may prove a potential eco-efficient strategy to manipulate rumen microbiome towards efficiency. Forty-eight ewes were divided into four homogenous groups (n = 12) according to their fat-corrected milk yield (6%), body weight, and age, and were fed individually with concentrate, alfalfa hay, and wheat straw. The concentrate of the control group (CON) had no CS inclusion, whereas the treated groups were supplemented with CS at 60 (CS6), 110 (CS11), and 160 (CS16) g·kg-1 of concentrate, respectively. Rumen digesta was collected using an esophageal tube and then liquid and solid particles were separated using cheesecloth layers. An initial bacteriome screening using next-generation sequencing of 16S was followed by specific microbes targeting with a RT-qPCR platform, which unveiled the basic changes of the rumen microbiota under CS supplementation levels. The relative abundances of Archaea and methanogens were significantly reduced in the solid particles of CS11 and CS16. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Protozoa was significantly increased in both rumen fluid and solid particles of the CS6, whereas that of Fungi was significantly reduced in the rumen particle of the CS16. In rumen fluid, the relative abundance of Fibrobacter succinogens and Ruminobacter amylophilus were significantly increased in the CS6 and CS11, respectively. In the solid particles of the CS11, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens was significantly reduced, whereas those of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and Ruminobacter amylophilus were significantly increased. Additionally, the relative abundance of Selenomonas ruminantium was significantly increased in both CS11 and CS16. Consequently, the highest CS content in the concentrate reduced the relative abundance of methanogens without inducing radical changes in rumen microorganisms that could impair ruminal fermentation and ewes' performance.

Twice daily feeding of canola oil steeped with Asparagopsis armata reduced methane emissions of lactating dairy cows

Red seaweeds have emerged as a potent methane-mitigating feed additive in ruminant diets. However, to date they have only been applied to production systems where total mixed rations (TMR) are given. New formulations are being developed to increase the application of red seaweeds, mainly Asparagopsis spp., across different production systems including those without TMR such as grazing-based systems. One product of interest is Asparagopsis armata steeped in edible oil (ASP-Oil) to extract and stabilise the primary antimethanogenic compound, bromoform. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feeding two formulations of ASP-Oil, with (ASP-Oil 1) and without (ASP-Oil 2) the seaweed biomass removed, on enteric methane emissions, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows over 32 d. Thirty-nine lactating, multiparous, Holstein-Friesian (75 ± 20.6 days in milk) were randomly allocated to one of the three treatments; control (CON; basal diet + 134 g canola oil), ASP-Oil with the seaweed biomass removed (ASP1; basal diet + 134 g ASP-Oil 1), and ASP-Oil without the seaweed biomass removed (ASP2; basal diet + 145 g ASP-Oil 2 + 12 g canola oil). The treatments were given twice daily, using a pulse feeding technique, as a concentrate/oil supplement during each milking. The basal diet consisted of vetch hay ad libitum and 7.0 kg DM/d of a grain mix. Individual forage intakes were measured daily via electronic monitoring of individual cows at the feed bins. Methane emissions were measured using the modified sulphur hexafluoride tracer technique on days 27–32. At the rate of 136 g/d, there was no significant effect of treatment on DMI or milk yield, however during the transition period a rate of 268 g/d decreased hay intake. The supplementation of ASP1 and ASP2 decreased energy corrected milk (ECM; P = 0.029) compared to those cows offered the CON diet. Methane production (g/d) of cows given the ASP1 diet was 44 % lower than cows on the CON diet, methane yield (g/kg DMI) was 44 % lower, and methane intensity (g/kg ECM) was 38 % lower. For the ASP2 cows, the reductions were 39 % for methane production, 33 % for methane yield, and 31 % for methane intensity. Feeding the ASP-Oil increased bromoform concentrations in milk. However, the concentrations detected were demonstrated to be considerably lower than published safe concentrations in milk for human consumption (100 μg/L). These results show that the ASP-Oil has potential to be used as a methane mitigating feed additive when fed in a pulse feeding system.