Ruminant Production Research Articles

Evaluation of Nutritional Composition of Small Ruminants’ Feed stuffs widely grown in Khulna Region of Bangladesh

Feed stuffs availability is one of the extreme obstacles to small ruminant production, particularly during the dry season. In Khulna region, there are several feed stuffs, fodders, grasses and weeds, but their potential has not yet been completely realized due to a lack of understanding of their nutritional value. Therefore, the research was carried out to determine the nutritional value of available feed stuffs for small ruminants in the Khulna region. Roughage and concentrate samples were collected from different areas of Khulna region. All of the samples were taken in triplicates and analyzed accordingly. The results revealed that among the grass species, the Gitlacontains the highestamount of DM content (39.74%)and lowest in Kalmilata (13.90%). The crude protein contents in grass species ranged from 6.5% to 25.65% being highest in Helencha and lowest in Para. Highest EE content was found in German lata (7.05%), followed by Kakpaya (6.72%). The CF content varied between 9.39% in Chanchito 40.05%in Para. Kakpayacontains the highest ash (17.45%), while Pakchong the lowest (8.68%).Mustard oil cake containsthe highestamount of DM (94.77%) among the concentrates, whereas red wheat contains the lowest (89.85%). Crude protein (CP) contents of concentrate feed stuffs ranged from 5.35% in gram bran to 50.75% in soybean meal. Rice polish (21.12%) showed the highest EE concentration and it was lowest in motor bran (2.50%). The maximum concentration of CF was found in Khesari bran (27.17%), while the lowest was in maize (1.82%). It could be concluded that evaluated concentrate feeds and grass species could serve as prospective livestock feeds in southwest Bangladesh. South Asian J. Agric., Vol. 9, No.1&2, 2022-‘23: 31-38

Identification of reproductive sex-biased gene expression in Asparagopsis taxiformis (lineage 6) gametophytes.

The sub-tropical red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis is of significant interest due to its ability to store halogenated compounds, including bromoform, which can mitigate methane production in ruminants. Significant scale-up of aquaculture production of this seaweed is required; however, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control fundamental physiological processes, including the regulatory factors that determine sexual dimorphism in gametophytes. In this study, we used comparative RNA-sequencing analysis between different morphological parts of mature male and female A. taxiformis (lineage 6) gametophytes that resulted in greater number of sex-biased gene expression in tips (containing the reproductive structures for both sexes), compared with the somatic main axis and rhizomes. Further comparative RNA-seq against immature tips was used to identify 62 reproductive sex-biased genes (59 male-biased, 3 female-biased). Of the reproductive male-biased genes, 46% had an unknown function, while others were predicted to be regulatory factors and enzymes involved in signaling. We found that bromoform content obtained from female samples (8.5 ± 1.0 mg·g-1 dry weight) was ~10% higher on average than that of male samples (6.5 ± 1.0 mg·g-1 dry weight), although no significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the marine bromoform biosynthesis locus gene expression. In summary, our comparative RNA-sequencing analysis provides a first insight into the potential molecular factors relevant to gametogenesis and sexual differentiation in A. taxiformis, with potential benefits for identification of sex-specific markers.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION, IN VITRO GAS AND METHANE PRODUCTION OF Pleurotus SPECIES TREATED CROP RESIDUES FOR THEIR USE IN RUMINANT DIETS

A promising approach for the provision of high-quality supplementary feed for dry season ruminant feeding is the use of fungal-treated crop residues. This current study, therefore, used 3 Pleurotus species (P. ostreatus -PO, P. florida – PF, and P. sajor-caju- PS) to treat 4 crop residues (cowpea chaff - CC, millet chaff - MC, groundnut haulm - GH, and maize stover -MST) over 20 days at room temperature. The treated residues were afterward dried and sub-samples were taken for chemical composition (Dry matter – DM, crude protein – CP, Neutral detergent fibre – NDF, and Acid detergent fibre – ADF) determination and in vitro studies (in vitro gas and methane gas production). The Pleurotus species improved the crop residues nutrient composition through increased CP values and decreased NDF and ADF values but the species varied in their residues preference. PO greatly improved GH and CC; PS greatly improved MC; and PF greatly improved MST. The Pleurotus species improved the in vitro gas production of millet chaff (57 – 107 ml/ g DM – PF; 123 ml/ g DM – PS; and 130 ml/ g DM – PO) only. The highest in vitro gas production in PO-treated MC was complemented with comparable methane gas production (3.28 – 5.19 ml/ g DM) and percentage methane in total gas production (7 – 7%) to intact residue at 72h of incubation. It can be concluded that PO-treated millet chaff can be used as improved supplementary dry season feed for better ruminant production.

In-vitro digestibility and methane gas emission of indigenous and introduced grasses in the rangeland ecosystems of south eastern Kenya

Various grass species with high biomass yield and low moisture demand have been introduced in the rangelands of Kenya to realize increased ruminant productivity that could not be achieved with the low quality of the indigenous grasses. However, this intervention ignores the different methane emission of the indigenous and introduced grasses, a necessary consideration for realizing increased productivity while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. This study determined in-vitro digestibility and methane emission of three indigenous grasses: Eragrostis superba (E. superba), Cenchrus ciliaris (C. ciliaris), Enteropogon macrostachyus (E. macrostachyus) and two introduced grasses (two varieties of Chloris gayana; Boma rhodes and Extozi rhodes. Samples of these five grasses (whole plant above ground) were collected from established pasture plots in South Eastern rangelands of Kenya. The grass samples were collected at bloom stage using one-meter square quadrats for proximate analysis and determination of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) using AOAC (1990) methods. On average, relative to the indigenous grasses, the introduced grasses were higher in crude protein (74.05 g Kg-1 dry matter (DM) vs. 52.11 g Kg-1 DM), organic matter digestibility 62.7% vs 53.6%) and in NDF (712.7 g Kg-1 DM vs. 708.0 g Kg-1 DM), metabolizable energy (16.35 vs 12.90 MJ/kg DM), methane emission (25.61 ml vs 15.93 ml) but with lower in-vitro-dry matter digestibility 54.24% vs 58.12%. Methane production positively correlated with crude protein, NDF, metabolizable energy, ADF and in-vitro organic matter digestibility. Hence, utilizing the introduced grasses to boost cattle production would achieve increased productivity but a point of concern are the higher methane emissions, not to mention the ecosystem change caused by the introduction of new species, which should affect the sustainability of the rangeland ecosystem.

Characterization of the Ruminal Microbiome of Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Kept in Different Ecosystems in the Eastern Amazon.

Increasing the efficiency of rumen fermentation is one of the main ways to maximize the production of ruminants. It is therefore important to understand the ruminal microbiome, as well as environmental influences on that community. However, there are no studies that describe the ruminal microbiota in buffaloes in the Amazon. The objective of this study was to characterize the rumen microbiome of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in the eastern Amazon in the dry and rainy seasons in three grazing ecosystems: Baixo Amazonas (BA), Continente do Pará (CP), Ilha do Marajó (IM), and in a confinement system: Tomé-Açu (TA). Seventy-one crossbred male buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used, aged between 24 and 36 months, with an average weight of 432 kg in the rainy season and 409 kg in the dry season, and fed on native or cultivated pastures. In the confinement system, the feed consisted of sorghum silage, soybean meal, wet sorghum premix, and commercial feed. Samples of the diet from each ecosystem were collected for bromatological analysis. The collections of ruminal content were carried out in slaughterhouses, with the rumen completely emptied and homogenized, the solid and liquid fractions separated, and the ruminal pH measured. DNA was extracted from the rumen samples, then sequenced using Restriction Enzyme Reduced Representation Sequencing. The taxonomic composition was largely similar between ecosystems. All 61 genera in the reference database were recognized, including members of the domains Bacteria and Archaea. The abundance of 23 bacterial genera differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the Tomé-Açu confinement and other ecosystems. Bacillus, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides had lower abundance in samples from the Tomé-Açu system. Among the Archaea, the genus Methanomicrobium was less abundant in Tomé-Açu, while Methanosarcina was more abundant. There was a difference caused by all evaluated factors, but the diet (available or offered) was what most influenced the ruminal microbiota.

Unexploited economic and environmental benefits from cultivated forages in Zambia

Abstract Livestock production is critical for improved food and nutrition security, sustainability of ecosystems, and resilience. Zambia, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, aspires to increase livestock’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product and generate economic opportunities. Global environmental change, however, and the potential of ruminant production to exacerbate it, requires the implementation of innovative and pragmatic technologies for mitigation of and adaptation to the adverse effects of environmental change. Feeding of quality cultivated forages is one of the improved options to address such challenges, especially with dismal cultivation in the country. Cultivated forages provide multiple benefits including an increase in livestock productivity and soil health and reduced greenhouse gas emission intensity. In this study, the seed requirement of promising forage crops to offset the current ruminant roughage gap is estimated. The nutritional and economic benefits of including forages in beef and dairy rations, and associated projected greenhouse gas abatement, are presented. Consequently, the study proposes contextualized business models in Zambia based on both demand-pull factors and supply-push technologies. Zambia is land-linked with eight neighboring countries, and a member of both the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa trade blocks. Therefore, Zambia could produce forage seeds for domestic use as well as the regional market. In addition, it can be a hub for feed production for drier neighboring countries and locations with good livestock production, thereby benefiting the whole region.

Use of macroalgae as a nutritional supplement for sustainable production of ruminants: A systematic review and an insight on the Colombian Caribbean region

Exploring alternative feed sources that reduce rumen methane production while improving livestock productivity is of importance because of rising global temperatures. Colombia is exposed to extreme climate changes and the consequences of these periods of climate change are drought, erosion, salinization, floods, sedimentation and alteration of ecosystems. As a result, the livestock industry experiences significant losses due to damaged feed and reduction in productivity and reproductivity of agricultural animals. The objective of this work is to determine the global bioprospective potential of macroalgae as nutritional supplements for ruminants and their potential application in the Colombian Caribbean area. For this, a quantitative and longitudinal documentary research design was used. An exploratory bibliographical review was carried out to explain the interactions between the variables applying the PRISMA protocol. The analysis of the changes in production variables of the ruminants supplemented with macroalgae was carried out by comparing the data of the treatment groups with their respective control groups in cattle, goats and sheep. For cattle, data by algal phylum showed that brown and red macroalgae increased average daily weight gain. Data by phylum and family of algae associated with milk production showed a positive impact of dietary supplementation with macroalgae on milk production, particularly with green and red algae. In the present study, it has been confirmed that red macroalgae is the best option to produce feed supplements for ruminants because they increase milk and meat production and show a statistically significant reduction in enteric methane production in cattle. For the Colombian Caribbean region, the red algae families Gigartinaceae and Gracilariaceae are recommended to produce feed supplements for ruminants because of their high prevalence in the marine habitats.

Recent Advances in Enteric Methane Mitigation and the Long Road to Sustainable Ruminant Production.

Mitigation of methane emission, a potent greenhouse gas, is a worldwide priority to limit global warming. A substantial part of anthropogenic methane is emitted by the livestock sector, as methane is a normal product of ruminant digestion. We present the latest developments and challenges ahead of the main efficient mitigation strategies of enteric methane production in ruminants. Numerous mitigation strategies have been developed in the last decades, from dietary manipulation and breeding to targeting of methanogens, the microbes that produce methane. The most recent advances focus on specific inhibition of key enzymes involved in methanogenesis. But these inhibitors, although efficient, are not affordable and not adapted to the extensive farming systems prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Effective global mitigation of methane emissions from livestock should be based not only on scientific progress but also on the feasibility and accessibility of mitigation strategies.

Effect of sodium sulfate concentration in drinking water for beef heifers, and the in vitro effect of bismuth subsalicylate on H2S production and fiber disappearance

This study evaluated the effects of ( i) increasing the concentration of sulfate in drinking water on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, ruminal fermentation, and apparent total-tract digestibility, and ( ii) water sulfate concentration and bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) dose on in vitro ruminal fermentation. Eight ruminally cannulated beef heifers (382 ± 45 kg) were used in a replicated incomplete 3 × 3 Latin square design. Water treatments contained low (342 ± 29 mg/L; LS), medium (2785 ± 72 mg/L; MS), or high (4948 ± 163 mg/L; HS) sulfate. Ruminal digesta was collected to evaluate water sulfate and BSS dose (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% dry matter) on ruminal H2S production in vitro. Water intake increased linearly as water sulfate concentration increased ( p = 0.002), but DMI was not affected. Heifers drinking MS and HS had greater ruminal H2S at 10.5 h after water provision than LS (sulfate × time, p &lt; 0.001). In vitro H2S production (µg and µg/mL of rumen inoculum) increased and plateaued with increasing sulfate ( p &lt; 0.001) and was linearly reduced ( p &lt; 0.001) by increasing BSS dose. Increasing water sulfate concentrations did not negatively affect water or feed intake but increased ruminal H2S concentrations. Bismuth subsalicylate may reduce H2S production.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from three provinces of China

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants, especially goats and sheep, have caused significant socio-economic and public health challenges worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in goats and sheep in Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Hunan provinces of China, and to assess whether the age of animals, sampling season and feeding mode influence the distribution and infection of GI parasites. A total of 1,081 fecal samples collected from goats (n = 835) and sheep (n = 246) were detected by saturated saline flotation technique and nylon sifter elutriation and sieving method for eggs/oocysts, respectively. Based on the morphological observation of eggs and oocysts, one tapeworm, five nematodes, three trematodes and nineteen coccidia were identified, of which seven helminths belong to zoonotic parasites. The infection rate of parasites was 83.4% (902/1081) in total samples, 91.6% (765/835) in goats, and 55.7% (137/246) in sheep. The infection rate of coccidia was 71.0% (767/1081), and that of helminths was 56.2% (607/1081). The dominant species was E. alijeri (67.3%, 562/835) in goats, E. parva (30.1%, 74/246) in sheep. The highest prevalent helminths were Trichostrongylidae spp. in goats (58.3%, 487/835), and Moniezia spp. in sheep (22.76%, 56/246). Of 902 positive samples, 825 (91.5%, 825/902) contained multiple (2–10) parasites. The feeding mode, sampling season and regions were relevant risk factors which have significant influence on the occurrence of GI parasites in goats and sheep. The risk coefficient of parasite infection in autumn was 2.49 times higher than spring (Odds ratio = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.51–4.09, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Compared to raising on the high beds, the goats and sheep raising on the ground had the higher risk of parasite infection (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 2.07–7.40, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The risk coefficient of parasite infection in Shaanxi and Hunan was 3.78 and 1.25 times higher than that in Jiangsu (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 2.01–7.12, p &amp;lt; 0.001; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.21–1.29, p &amp;lt; 0.001). These data are significant for the development of prevention strategies to minimise economic losses from small ruminant production and to reduce the risk of water and food infecting humans as vectors of zoonotic parasitic diseases.

Small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District, Jordan

This study aims to assess the small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District, Jordan, to identify the potential intervention areas that could improve the production efficiency and guarantee the sustainability of the small ruminant sector in this area. Sheep breeding is the source of livelihood for most of the people in Al-Ruwaished District, which is characterized by the large number of sheep and goats. We surveyed 5.0% of the small ruminant holders in the study area and conducted individual interviews and surveys with the potential actors in the value chain to undertake a small ruminant value chain analysis. From the survey, we found that the small ruminant value chain consists of five core functions, namely, input supply, production management, marketing, processing, and consumption. Despite the large number of holdings that gives an impression of the stability to the small ruminant sector, the surveyed results show a clear fragility in the value chain of small ruminants in this area. The small ruminant production system is negatively impacted by climate change, especially continuous drought. In addition, the high prices of feed that the farmer cannot afford with clear and real absence of the governmental and non-governmental support activities also impact the development of the value chain. The results of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis reveal that the major constraints faced by this value chain could be divided into external and internal threats. Specifically, the most prominent external threats are the nature of the desert land and continuous drought, while the major internal threats are the absence of appropriate infrastructure, shortage of inputs, and weakness in the production management and marketing. We proposed solutions to these challenges to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the sector, such as the formulation of emergency response plans to severe weather, qualifying farmers’ skills, and establishment of agricultural cooperative societies.

In Vitro Evaluation of Potentially Edible Brazilian Trees and Shrubs in Ruminant Nutrition

The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional value of different tree and shrub leaves in Brazilian ruminant production systems. Eight potentially edible trees and shrubs were identified from interviews with 30 ruminant producers: Aroeira (ARO; Lithraea molleoides), Black Mulberry (BMU; Morus nigra), Candeia (CAN; Eremanthus erythropappus), Jatobá (JAT; Hymenaea courbaril), Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricidia sepium), Santa Bárbara tree (SBT; Mélia azedarach), Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia), and White Mulberry (WMU; Morus alba). Four leaf samples of each edible tree were sampled, and chemical analyses and in vitro assays were performed. Edible trees (except CAN and JAT) had lower neutral detergent fiber content than Mombasa grass. In addition, SBT, BMU, WMU, and TIT had lower fiber content than the other evaluated edible trees. Consequently, SBT, TIT, BMU, and WMU had improved dry matter degradation. Among the edible trees and shrubs, SMW and WMU increased the potential for gas production (a parameter). On the other hand, CAN decreased the estimated gas production 48 h after incubation. Furthermore, TIT decreased methane production up to 24 h after in vitro fermentation. Thus, except ARO, CAN, and JAT, the edible trees evaluated in the present study are potential feeds in moderate- to high-producing animals. Additionally, TIT fermentation reduces in vitro methane production.

Rumen Solubility of Copper, Manganese and Zinc and the Potential Link between the Source and Rumen Function: A Systematic Review

The dietary inclusion of trace minerals (TMs), such as copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), is of importance to cover the ever-evolving requirements for growth, production and reproduction in ruminants. Various sources of TMs are commercially available, such as inorganic (ITM), organic (OTM) or hydroxy (HTM) forms; however, their bioavailability and efficiency to improve ruminant zootechnical parameters may be highly influenced by ruminal solubility and effects on the rumen environment. The objective of this review was to compile the most up-to-date information on the ruminal solubility of ITMs, OTMs and HTMs and their effects on fermentation parameters and rumen microbiota, aiming to support specialists from the animal feed industry when choosing TM products for ruminant supplementation. Some commonly used ITM sources, like sulfates, have a high ruminal solubility, while oxides are less soluble. The ruminal solubility of OTMs is mostly found to be high; however, data on these TM forms are still lacking. Regarding HTMs, ruminal solubility is reported to be low; nevertheless, results are inconsistent. Considering rumen fermentation, ITMs show a negative effect, OTMs might improve, while HTMs do not affect parameters like dry matter degradability, volatile fatty acid production, pH or microbial protein synthesis. As for rumen microbiota, ITMs do not affect microbial populations; OTMs could decrease the abundance of some specific bacteria, like fibrolytic microorganisms, while studies with HTMs are missing or inconclusive. Further research is necessary to better understand the ruminal solubility kinetics of TM sources and the different interactions with fermentation parameters and rumen microbiota to successfully apply the precision TM supplementation of ruminants, tackling deficiency occurrences.

Effects of multispecies and monoculture forages on nutrient digestibility and fermentation responses using an in vitro rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC)

Enteric methane (CH4) emissions are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. A number of different CH4 mitigation strategies have been proposed, and the inclusion of alternative forages into grazing systems could be a practical and feasible option. Multispecies swards comprise a mixture of forage species and can increase grassland productivity, reduce nitrogen fertiliser requirements, and reduce fertiliser-associated nitrous oxide emissions. This study investigated the potential benefit of multispecies swards in reducing ruminal CH4 production. Using the in vitro rumen simulation technique, we compared the effects of different forages (perennial ryegrass, timothy, red clover, white clover, chicory, ribwort plantain and their equi-proportional mixture) on CH4 and gas production, ruminal fermentation parameters and nutrient digestibility. We also compared these responses to perennial ryegrass produced with a higher nitrogen application rate (300 N). The experiment was conducted over 21 d, with the initial 14 d allowed for dietary adaptation. Over the subsequent 7 d, there were significant effects of forage type on CH4 production, ruminal fermentation and digestibility. Ribwort plantain, chicory and white clover showed lower CH4 production; with chicory producing 73% and 57% less CH4 (mmol d−1) compared to 300 N perennial ryegrass and 150 N perennial ryegrass incubation, respectively. Chicory had 72% lower CH4 produced per gram of organic matter digested (mmol g−1) than that of 300 N perennial ryegrass. Chicory and 300 N perennial ryegrass had greater (P < 0.01) organic matter and nutrient digestibility (DM, CP, NDF, and ADF) than other forages. Greater ammonia nitrogen concentration was observed in chicory and both clover species, compared to the other forage species (P < 0.01). In general, the response of the six-species mixture was not significantly different to the average response of the six component monocultures. Thus, from these data, the performance of multispecies swards for these responses (in general) was predictable from the performance of the component monocultures. These results showed that different grassland forages, especially chicory and white clover, have the potential to reduce ruminal CH4 emissions and could be a promising anti-methanogenic alternative to chemical CH4 inhibitors and feed additives. More generally, the relatively wide variation in CH4 abatement potential across a small sample of plant species suggests the merit of wider screening to identify grassland species with high CH4 abatement potential in vitro.

Retrospective study of Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in small ruminants in Grenada, West Indies

Oestrosis is a nasal cavity myiasis caused by Oestrus ovis larvae from Oetrus ovis diptera flies in small ruminants. The presence of the larvae in the nasal cavity is known to cause rhinitis and sinusitis which can negatively impact the productivity of small ruminants. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in sheep and goats presented for necropsy. We reviewed necropsy records of sheep and goats submitted to the Veterinary Pathology diagnostic laboratory at St. George's University from 2001 to 2017. Out of 104 goat necropsy cases, Oestrus ovis larvae were observed in 8 goats giving a prevalence of 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI):3.38% to 14.6%). Similarly, from the 47 sheep necropsies, Oestus ovis larvae were observed in 4 sheep (8.5%) (95% CI: 2.83% to 20.46%). There was no significant difference in Oestrus ovis larvae infestation rates between sheep and goats (p = 1.000, Fisher's exact test). Oestrosis was an incidental finding in all the small ruminants examined at necropsy. This is the first report on Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in small ruminants in Grenada.

Performance, body measurement, physiological adaptability and metabolic status of Garut sheep raised in a pen-intensive system in Indonesia

Small ruminant production systems that utilize pen-intensive systems have become more popular in Indonesia during the past few decades. It is well recognized that allowing sheep freedom to move freely outside can significantly improve their health and welfare. This study used a T test experimental design with ten replicates to compare the performance, body measurements, physiological adaptability, and metabolic status of Garut sheep raised in pen-intensive management with two different treatments (outdoor pen access vs. full indoor pen). A twenty-one-year-old sheep with an average body weight of 19.57±2.50 kg was employed in this experiment. The findings showed that neither treatment's dry matter intake (grams per head per day) nor average daily gain (grams per head per day) differed (P&gt;0.05), but the ewes exposed to outdoor pen access had significantly longer bodies (P≤0.05) than those in the full indoor pen. The physiological health of the ewes having access to the outdoor enclosure was similarly improved (P≤0.05), especially in the morning and afternoon. Apart from plasma glucose levels, the metabolic status of the ewes in both treatment groups was similar, with the exception that the ewes with access to an outdoor enclosure had lower blood glucose (P≤0.05). Furthermore, the adaptability coefficient value was lower (P≤0.05) in compared with those without access to outdoor pen, with no different (P&gt;0.05) in Heat Tolerance Coefficient value. In conclusion, a pen-intensive system with an outside enclosure not only increases the performance of garut ewes but also improves their physiological adaptability. This approach can be highly promoted to improve sheep farming management in Indonesia.

Validation of the methane production measurement accuracy and ranking capacity of portable accumulation chambers for use with small ruminants

Using portable accumulation chambers (PAC) is an attractive approach to recording methane (CH4) production of small ruminants. Mass flow controllers (MFC), for their part, are an effective way of validating PAC measurements, as they allow to simulate methane production rates freely of extraneous factors. The present study describes a series of tests carried out to evaluate the accuracy and precision of methane mass recordings of eight PAC against known CH4 masses released by a MFC. Across the tested range, the PAC were able to recover between 67.6 and 74.5% of the true CH4 released. No significant differences were detected between the different PAC, but a statistically significant linear shift was detected over the mass range. Therefore, PAC as currently used are not well suited for applications looking at absolute production levels requiring high absolute accuracy. If recovery tests are conducted regularly across the measurement range, a calibration factor could be generated to correct for the inaccuracy. These PAC were however well suited for investigating relative differences between animals, e.g. ranking animals to compare differences in CH4 production between breeds. The methane recordings made by these chambers were highly precise, with low coefficients of variation between replicates (0.0–2.4%) and high repeatability (>0.99). Furthermore, the correlation between released and recorded CH4 masses was very strong and positive (R > 0.99). Overall, the mass recovery test presented here provides a feasible method for harmonizing methane monitoring procedures using PAC between research groups, thereby improving joint efforts aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas production in small ruminants.

Management of diseases in a ruminant livestock production system: a participatory appraisal of the performance of veterinary services delivery, and utilization in Ghana

IntroductionSustainable livestock production remains crucial for attainment of food security globally and for safeguarding the livelihoods of many households in low- and –middle income countries. However, the high prevalence of infectious livestock diseases, coupled with inadequate provision and adoption of effective control measures, leads to reduced livestock productivity, increased animal mortalities, and emergence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens. This study sought to assess the management strategies employed by farmers for priority diseases affecting their animals and the utilization and performance of veterinary services.MethodsWe conducted the study in three districts, namely, Mion, Pru East, and Kwahu Afram Plains South Districts, which represent the main livestock production belts in Ghana. We used questionnaires in surveys, to collect pertinent data from 350 ruminant livestock farmers and 13 professional veterinary officers (VOs) in the study districts. Additionally, we conducted seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with 65 livestock farmers in the study districts. The survey data was analyzed, and we describe the distribution of the priority livestock diseases, the disease management strategies employed, and the performance of veterinary services in Ghana. We also analyzed the raw FGD transcript texts deductively based on the study objectives. To validate findings across the different datasets, we used triangulation.ResultsAlmost all the farmers (98%) reared small ruminants, with about 25% also rearing cattle. The main priority livestock diseases identified includes pestes-des-petits-ruminants and mange infection in sheep and goats, as well as contagious bovine pleuropneumonia and foot-and-mouth-disease in cattle. We found that majority (82%) of the farmers relied on treatment, while only 20% opted for vaccination services. Additionally, the veterinary system in Ghana did not adequately regulate the antimicrobial medications employed by farmers to manage diseases. Thus, in most of the cases, the medicines applied by farmers were not useful for the target diseases. Although our findings show the farmers perceived VOs to perform highly compared to informal providers on most of the attributes evaluated including medicine availability and quality, treatment effectiveness, advisory services, service affordability, and competence, only 33% utilized VOs services. The majority of the farmers (51%) used the services of informal providers, who were better in proximity and popularity with farmers.ConclusionsThe livestock sector in Ghana faces a substantial challenge due primarily to vaccine-preventable diseases. Even though VOs demonstrated superior performance on key veterinary service performance indicators, their services are underutilized by livestock farmers. Additionally, the absence of regulatory oversight by the veterinary system over antimicrobials utilized in animal production contributes to their misapplication by livestock farmers, posing a considerable risk to both public health and food security. It is thus imperative to introduce new initiatives that enhance the uptake of animal vaccines and better antimicrobial stewardship to ensure sustainable livestock production.

Socio-Economic Determinants of ICT Utilization among Small Ruminant Farmers in Gombe North Senatorial District of Gombe State, Nigeria

This article examined the relationship between socioeconomic features on the utilization of ICT tools in small ruminant animal production in Gombe North senatorial district of Gombe state, Nigeria. 120 small ruminant animal producers were selected using multistage sampling methodologies. The findings revealed that the respondents’ sex, highest educational level, farm size, and the number of secondary occupations, were the socio-economic characteristics which exerted a strong, influence on the overall extent of ICT gadget usage. Respondents; sex was found to have a rho value of .862, the highest educational level.968, farm size .870 and the number of secondary occupations.930. The study suggests that farmers should seek further education, try to increase their farm size, introduce more other enterprises into their farms and engage in more other secondary occupations.

Effects of sunflower oil infusions of Asparagopsis taxiformis on in vitro ruminal methane production and biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Asparagopsis taxiformis inhibits ruminal methane (CH4) production due to its bromoform (CHBr3) content. The immersion of A. taxiformis in edible vegetable oils allows the extraction and stabilization of the highly volatile CHBr3 in the oil phase. The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of adding sunflower oils with increasing concentrations of CHBr3 on in vitro ruminal methanogenesis and biohydrogenation. Five batches of 48-h in vitro incubations were performed in 14 fermentation bottles, using rumen inocula collected shortly after the slaughter of young crossbred bulls and 1 g of dry matter (DM) from a total diet of mixed feed without added oil (control) or with 60 μL of sunflower oil per gram of DM as the substrate. The treatments were the CHBr3 content in the oil added: 0 μg (B0), 25 μg (B25), 50 μg (B50), 75 μg (B75), 100 μg (B100), and 150 μg (B150) of CHBr3 per gram of substrate DM. Organic matter (OM) degradability, total gas, CH4, volatile fatty acids (VFA), long-chain fatty acids, and dimethyl acetals (DMA) were analyzed at the end of each incubation. Data were analyzed with a model considering the treatments as the fixed effect and the run as a random block and using orthogonal contrasts. Degradability of OM was higher in the control group and was unaffected by CHBr3 concentration. Total gas production per gram of degraded OM was unaffected by treatments and averaged 205 ± 29.8 mL/g. Methane (mL) production decreased linearly with increasing CHBr3 concentrations, with 33%, 47%, and 87% reductions for B75, B100, and B150, respectively. Total VFA concentration was unaffected by oil inclusion but was reduced by 20% in CHBr3-containing treatments, although without any dose-response pattern. The molar percentage of acetate decreased linearly, whereas propionate and butyrate increased linearly with the increasing CHBr3 dosage. Including oil in the diet decreased the branched-chain fatty acids and DMA content. Increasing CHBr3 concentrations did not affect branched-chain fatty acids, but linearly increased most of the identified DMA. Adding oil to the control diet increased the 18:2n-6, whereas increasing the concentration of CHBr3 had no effect on 18:2n-6 but decreased linearly the 18:0 and increased the trans-18:1 isomers. The results obtained provide evidence that oil immersions of A. taxiformis can successfully inhibit ruminal production of CH4 in vitro at doses of 100 and 150 μg/g DM, and simultaneously modulate biohydrogenation.