Sheep Diets Research Articles

Coconut fruit pulp by-product in the diet of sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of coconut fruit pulp by-product (CPB) on the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal parameters of sheep. Five intact, male, non-descript lambs with a mean initial body weight of 25.5 ± 1.68kg were assigned to a Latin square design (5 × 5) of five treatments consisting of CPB inclusion levels, in five proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% dry matter (DM), in diets consisting of sugarcane bagasse as forage, with corn and soybean meal. Each period lasted 15days for adaptation followed by 6days for data collection. The inclusion of CPB linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the intake of DM, crude protein, non-fibre carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and DM digestibility. The inclusion of CPB linearly increased (P < 0.05) the ether extract digestibility, but did not influence (P > 0.05) the NDF digestibility. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in the absorbed nitrogen (N) and retained N (g/day); however, a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for N absorbed (% consumed) as well as ammonia nitrogen was observed. There was a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for propionate (mMol/L and %) and the ratio of acetate, propionate and butyrate (mMol/L and %) with the inclusion of CPB in the diet. Based on these findings, it was recommended to incorporate CPB up to the level of 5% in the diet of sheep.

The effectiveness of the association of probiotics in the diets of sheep

Relevance. Of scientific interest are studies on the physiological effect of the association of probiotic strains of microorganisms for their subsequent use by ruminants in order to increase productivity due to increasing the adaptive capabilities of the body.Methods. To study the effect of feeding the association of probiotics in loose and granular species, physiological experiments were conducted on animals with chronic rumen fistulas, with the study of the characteristics of consumption and digestibility of feed nutrients, nitrogen balance, indicators of scar digestion, microbiota of the large intestine, features of metabolic processes in the body and indicators of natural resistance according to generally accepted modern research methods.Results. The positive effect of feeding the association of probiotics at dosage7 g/head/day in bulk and in mini-granules on feed consumption, digestibilitywas revealed, with an increase in the amount of compound nutrients and an increase in digestibility coefficients, as well as nitrogen retention. Higher levels of mass formation of bacteria, protozoa, their amounts both before and after feeding, with a higher concentration of volatile fatty acids, amylolytic activity were found in the scar content. In microbiological studies of fecesunder the influence of the probiotic association, higher levels of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria were found, with a lower level of lactose-positive non-pathogenic microorganisms belonging to the Escherichia coli group of pathogenic molds, enterococci. The improvement of carbohydrate-fat and protein metabolism, as well as hematological parameters of blood in the body of animals receiving probiotic strains was found. The data obtained indicate the expediency of using probiotic associations in ruminants to improve metabolic processes in the body as a basis for increasing productivity and to improve adaptive capabilities.

Lactobacillus improves meat quality in Sunit sheep by affecting mitochondrial biogenesis through the AMPK pathway.

Sunit sheep are famous for their high meat quality, but the meat quality of them has declined due to the change in feeding methods. Lactobacillus has a variety of probiotic effects and is widely used in animal diets to optimize meat quality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with different levels of Lactobacillus on meat quality. A total of 24 3-month-old Sunit sheep with an average body weight of 19.03 ± 3.67 kg were randomly divided into control (C), 1% (L1), 2% (L2), and 3% Lactobacillus groups (L3), with 6 sheep in each group. Myofiber characteristics, meat quality, and metabolic enzyme activity were detected. Moreover, the regulatory mechanism of Lactobacillus on meat quality was explored by using Western blotting and real-time Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results showed that dietary addition of Lactobacillus decreased LDH activity in the Biceps femoris of Sunit sheep (P < 0.05). Compared to the other groups, the 1% Lactobacillus group showed the conversion of myofibers from the glycolytic to the oxidative type, and the increasing b* values (P < 0.05), decreasing shear force and cooking loss of meat (P < 0.05) and the relative gene and protein expression levels of AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, and COX IV (P < 0.05) in the Biceps femoris were also increased in the 1% Lactobacillus group. Therefore, the addition of Lactobacillus to the diet of Sunit sheep could regulate the AMPK signaling pathway to promote myofiber type conversion, which improves meat quality. This study provided a theoretical and data basis for improving the meat quality of sheep and supplied a novel way of applying Lactobacillus.

Effect of feeding wormwood herb (Artemisia absinthium Linn.) added total mixed ration on wool production and quality in sheep

ABSTRACT Emphasis over organic livestock production has resulted in increased interest in natural products. This study aims to evaluate dietary incorporation effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) herb on wool characteristics and economics in sheep. In vitro assay was conducted to determine effective inclusion levels of feed additives followed by in vivo feeding trial for three months on crossbred (15) sheep distributed into three groups: control (Con) fed basal diet, groups fed diet added with 4.50% herb either alone (Hrb) and with 0.60% exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) (HrbEz), the levels chosen on basis of the best results of in vitro assay. Toward end of feeding trial, six days digestibility trial was conducted after which animals were shorn. Wormwood herb inclusions had significant (P < .05) positive effect on digestible nutrient contents and their intakes. Greasy and clean wool yields were higher (P < .05) resulted in lowering cost of wool production to the tune of 11.3% in Hrb and 22.2% in HrbEz group compared to control with no difference for all fiber quality characteristics except fiber length. It was concluded that incorporation of 4.50% wormwood herb with 0.60% of EFE in diet of sheep resulted in better wool growth economically with no adverse effect on quality.

Impact of effective microbes (em) bokashi supplementation on nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation and gas volume production in diets of sheep

&#x0D; The present study was conducted to determine the appropriate type of by-products {sugar beet pulp (SBP), grape seeds (GS), olive cake (OC), citrus pulp (CtP), and jojoba meal (JM)} fermented with activated effective microorganisms (EM-Bokashi) to be integrated into the diet of sheep to obtain the best nutrient digestibility and rumen characteristic of Barki sheep. An in vitro experiment was carried out on five fistulated females for rumen fermentation activity, while 15 males were used for digestibility trials. Treatment with EM caused less cell wall content. GS and CtP had higher feed intake (FI) and digestibility coefficients; the lower was found for JM as well less FI. SBP and JM had a higher pH and NH3 concentration, while they were less for GS and CtP. Those had higher total volatile fatty acids (TVFA's) concentration, percentage of acetate, and acetic to propionic (A/P) ratio. JM had less acetate, A/P and higher propionate and butyrate. Higher gas volume after 24h fermentation was noticed for GS and CtP, they were higher kinetic parameters as well, but they were less methane production and more ME (MJ/kg DM), OMD (%) and microbial protein syntheses. Therefore, in conclusion, feeding Bokashi of GS or CtP to sheep can improve productivity, while using Bokashi of JM should be combined with other feeds.&#x0D;

Effect of different dietary inclusion levels of whole plant green tomato (Physalis philadelphica) silage on nutrient intake and digestibility, and in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics in sheep.

Mexico has many agricultural by-products that can be used for animal feed, and green tomatoes are produced throughout the country and can be an alternative to overcome the high prices of cereal-based feeds. This study determined in vitro fermentation kinetics, production performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance from sheep supplemented with whole plant green tomato (GT) on corn silage (CS) based diets. For 21 days, eighteen Suffolk lambs (38 ± 4 kg of live weight) were grouped into three dietary GT inclusion levels to replace CS: a control diet based on 100% CS (GT0, 570 g /kg dry matter, DM), while 100 g/kg DM (GT100) and 200 g/kg DM (GT200) of GT were included as a replacement for CS. A completely randomized design was used to measure in vitro gas production, in vitro rumen fermentation, chemical composition, and in vivo parameters. In vitro gas production, “A” (ml/g DM), fermentation rates “B,” (h−1), and “C” (h−½), were lower for GT200, while DM disappearance (mg/100mg) was lower for GT100 compared with GT0. Compared to GT0, GT100 and GT200 did not affect (P > 0.05) DM and organic matter (OM) intake (g/kgLW0.75). Ether extract intake was higher for GT0 and GT100 (P < 0.001) compared to GT200. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake was higher (P < 0.05) for GT200 compared with GT0. Intake of lignin was higher (P < 0.001) for GT200 than that of GT0 and GT100. Digestibility coefficients for DM, OM, NDF, and Acid detergent fiber (ADF) were lower (P < 0.05) in GT100 than in the rest of the treatments. Nitrogen intake and N excreted in feces and urine were lower (P < 0.001) for GT0. N balance was negative for all treatments, being higher for GT200 (P < 0.05). Overall, the addition of GT at 100 or 200 g/kg DM in sheep diets negatively affects nutrient digestibility and N balance, so their dietary inclusion is not recommended.

Effects of dietary fossil shell flour supplementation on a basal diet, relative feed values, in vitro true digestibility, and rumen fermentation parameters of Dohne-Merino wethers

ABSTRACT The availability of fossil shell flour(FSF) has increased its use as a natural feed additive in livestock diets. Therefore, identifying its optimum inclusion levels in livestock production is essential for animal productivity. This study investigated the effects of various fossil shell flour (FSF) inclusion levels on in vitro digestibility, relative feed values and rumen parameters of Dohne-Merino wethers. Twenty-four fistulated wethers, averagely 20 ± 1·5 kg body weight, were used in a complete randomized design. They were fed a basal diet without fossil shell flour (control, 0%) or with the addition of 2% FSF (T2), 4% FSF(T3) and 6% FSF (T4) of diet DM for 35 days. The results showed that increasing FSF levels had no effect on ruminal T0C or pH, but Ammonia-N increased (P < 0.01) with increasing FSF. The total molar concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of FSF. IVTDDM, IVTDNDF and IVTDADF decreased to 4% FSF inclusion but tended to increase (P = 0.06) at 6% inclusion. Relative feed values of the diets tended to increase (P = 0.07) by adding fossil shell flour. In conclusion, adding FSF to the sheep diet had no adverse effects on the rumen parameters, though in vitro true digestibility could be reduced.

350 Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Inclusion of dry Distillers Grains with Solubles (Ddgs) on Performance, Fermentation, Carcass Characteristics, and Nitrogen Efficiency in Sheep

Abstract We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on performance, fermentation, carcass characteristics, and nitrogen efficiency in meat sheep. A total of 36 peer-reviewed manuscripts from 1997 to 2021 met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Data from 940 sheep (29.1±11.5 kg) were used to estimate the magnitude of the effect between DDGS and control (No DDGS) treatments weighted by inverse variance using a robust variance estimation. Categorical and continuous covariates, like breed (pure or crossbreed), CP, NDF, and DDGS inclusion rate (0 to 100%) were adjusted to a mixed model to perform a meta-regression and subset analysis. Dietary DDGS increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) dry matter digestibility (75.9 vs.74.9 %), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (55.9 vs. 53.8%) with respect to the control. Compared with the control, dietary DDGS increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) final body weight (51.4 vs. 50.4 kg) and tended to increase (P = 0.06) average daily gain (254.1 vs. 247.6 g/d) in sheep. Similarly, dietary DDGS tended to increase (P &amp;lt; 0.10) hot and cold carcass weight (25.5 vs. 24.6 kg; 21.1 vs. 19.8 kg), and meat redness (16.3 vs. 16.6) compared with the control. Dietary DDGS reduced acetate molar proportions (50.1 vs. 52.0%) and acetate: propionate ratio (1.63 vs. 1.87; P = 0.02). The subset analysis revealed that breed and DDGS levels in the diet influenced yield grade and carcass weight. Dietary inclusion of DDGS linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) nitrogen intake and rumen NH3-N, but also urinary nitrogen. The inclusion rate of DDGS should not exceed 30% in the diet to prevent negative effects on nitrogen metabolism, rumen fermentation, and carcass characteristics in meat sheep. Collectively, this study supports the inclusion of DDGS in meat sheep diets to increase performance and meat quality.

The Potential Use of Endophyte-Free inebrians as Sheep Feed Evaluated with In Vitro Fermentation

Endophytic fungal infection is the major reason for intoxication of animals caused by drunken horse grass. Fortunately, it has been established that seed detoxification techniques and isolation of endophytic fungi infect non-endophytic fungi populations with the same genetic background as endophyte-infected Achnatherum inebrians. Moreover, sheep can use endophyte-free Achnatherum inebriants (EF) without obvious toxicity symptoms. The present study selected EF as a representative grass, consisting of five different replacement levels, EF0, EF25, EF50, EF75, and EF100, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the fermentation substrate, respectively. Simultaneously, in vitro fermentation and the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing method was used to explore the effect of EF on sheep ruminal fermentation and microbial diversity. The results revealed that EF100 had the highest values for pH, acetate: propionate, the Patescibacteria, Kiritimatiellaeota, and Synergistetes phylum levels, Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Saccharofermentans genus levels than the other treatments (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, EF25 was associated with higher levels of abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE), Chaol index of the phyla Synergistetes and Bacteroidetes, and of the genus Erysipelotrichaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Prevotella as compared with other treatments (p &lt; 0.05). EF50 resulted in the greatest values for the genus Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae as compared with other treatments (p &lt; 0.05). EF75 resulted in the greatest values for the Shannon index as compared with other treatments (p &lt; 0.05). EF0 resulted in the greatest values for gas production (GP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes, and the genus Succiniclasticum, Ruminobacter, Family_XIII and Treponema as compared with other treatments (p &lt; 0.05). PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that most of the functional prediction pathways were involved in Carbohydrate metabolism and, Amino acid metabolism. Therefore, the recommended ratio of EF in sheep diet should range from 25% to 50%, and the maximum proportion should not exceed 75%.

Effect of sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus) in ruminal fermentation in vitro and emission of gases

Objective: The production of total gas, methane (CH4) and in vitro fermentative variables in diets for sheep with 1 and 2 % sunflower oil were evaluated. Design/Methodology/Approach: Serological vials with 0.5 g of treatment and 50 ml of culture medium were incubated at 39 °C for 24, 48 and 72 h. The production of total gas, CH4, and degradation of dry matter (DEGDM), neutral detergent fiber (DEGNDF), acid (DEGADF), production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) were estimated. . The experimental design was completely randomized. Results: Total gas production at 48 and 72 h increased (p &lt; 0.05) and at 24 h decreased (p &lt; 0.05) as the oil increased. CH4 production at 24 and 48 h did not present differences (p &gt; 0.05); a linear decrease (p &lt; 0.05) was quantified at 72 h. DEGDM increased (p &lt; 0.05) at 24 and 48 h and decreased (p &lt; 0.05) at 72 h. DEGNDF and DEGADF increased (p &lt; 0.05) at 48 h. Butyric acid content and N-NH3 decreased (p &lt; 0.05) at 48 h. Study Limitation/Implications: An inclusion greater than 2 % of sunflower oil in the diet can reduce the degradability of the food and the microbial protein. Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of up to 2% of sunflower oil in diets for lambs does not affect the degradation of fibers and is an alternative to reduce the methane emitted into the environment.

Changing Land Use and Political Economy at Neolithic and Bronze Age Knossos, Crete: Stable Carbon (δ13C) and Nitrogen (δ15N) Isotope Analysis of Charred Crop Grains and Faunal Bone Collagen

Excavations at Knossos have uncovered faunal and archaeobotanical archives spanning the Neolithic and Bronze Age (7th–2nd millennia bce), during which one of Europe’s earliest known farming settlements developed into its first major urban settlement and centre of one of its oldest regional states. Through stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) analysis of seeds and bones (as evidence for the growing conditions of cereal and pulse crops and for the types of forage consumed by livestock), land use and, ultimately, political economy are explored. Changing husbandry conditions overwrite any effects of long-term aridification. Early (7th–6th millennium bce) Knossian farmers grew intensively managed cereals and pulses (probably in rotation) that were closely integrated (as manured sources of forage) with livestock. Through the later Neolithic and Bronze Age, settlement growth accompanied more extensive cultivation (eventually with cereals and pulses not in rotation) and greater use of rough graze and, by goats, browse. Pasture on cultivated land remained central, however, to the maintenance of sheep, cattle, and pigs. Variable diet of early sheep suggests management at the household level, while thereafter progressive dietary divergence of sheep and goats implies their separate herding. Until the Old Palace phase (early 2nd millennium bce), urban growth was matched by increasingly extensive and probably distant cultivation and herding but somewhat more intensive conditions during the New and Final Palace phases (mid-2nd millennium bce) perhaps reflect greater reliance on surplus from prime land of previously rival centres that now came under Knossian control.

Babassu Byproducts in Total Mixed Ration Silage Based on Sugarcane for Small Ruminants Diets

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fermentative profile, chemical composition, and in situ degradability of total mixed ration silage with or without babassu byproducts formulated for sheep diets. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments (silages) and five replications (silos). The treatments were SS: sugarcane silage (control); SSCS: sugarcane silage with corn and soybean meal; SSBF: sugarcane silage with corn, soybean meal, and babassu flour; and SSBC: sugarcane silage with corn, soybean meal, and babassu cake. The experimental diets were formulated to be isoprotein, and to meet the nutritional requirements of confined sheep with an average weight of 20 kg, according to Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants. The SSCS, SSBF, and SSBC treatments presented the highest values of dry matter recovery (83.74, 82.08, and 83.92%, respectively), and higher dry matter (349.07, 344,39, and 352.32 g/kg, respectively), crude protein (151.19, 136.98, and 142.14 g/kg DM, respectively), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (444.70, 353.40, and 371.30 g/kg DM, respectively) contents than the SS treatment. The largest degradations of DM, CP, and neutral detergent fiber in each treatment occurred at 72 h, in which the SSCS treatments presented the highest degradations in comparison to the others (80.59, 87.89, and 55.68, respectively). The inclusion of babassu byproducts in sugarcane silages in the form of total ration acted positively in the qualitative indicators of the silages, improving the fermentation profile and reducing losses, as well as improving the chemical composition and in situ degradability.

Nitrogen utilization and nutrient intake and digestibility can be improved in sheep fed cotton-burrs with crude glycerin

The present study evaluated the replacement of corn grain with increasing levels of crude glycerin (CG) in cotton burrs-based diets for sheep in terms of intake and digestibility, nitrogen (N) metabolism, microbial protein synthesis (MPS) efficiency, blood glucose, and ruminal parameters. Five male sheep (body weight 52.2 ± 5.5 kg), castrated and rumen-fistulated, were used in a randomized 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experimental period consisted of 17 d (10 d for adaptation and 7 d for sampling). Isonitrogenous diets with 112 g crude protein (CP) per kg dry matter (DM) were formulated to contain 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, and 200 g CG/kg DM. Compared to the control diet, feeding CG up to 200 g/kg DM quadratically changed (P < 0.01) nutrient intake. Maximum intake of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), and water was achieved when feeding 150 g CG/kg DM. Compared to zero CG inclusion, feeding 200 g CG/kg DM linearly increased (P ≤ 0.03) the digestibility of OM and aNDF by 3.4 % and 13.6 %, respectively, while DM digestibility tended to increase linearly by 6 % (P = 0.05). The apparent N digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.02) by 6.8 % and 10.4 % with GC inclusion levels of 150 and 200 g/kg DM, respectively. Nitrogen intake, fecal and urinary N, absorbed N, and N absorbed per unit of N intake were all quadratically changed (P ≤ 0.03) by CG inclusion. These parameters increased by 34.7 %, 15.7 %, 34.5 %, 49.3 %, and 10.7 %, respectively, when a diet of 150 g CG/kg DM was fed. Feeding different levels of CG in a sheep diet did not affect (P ≥ 0.12) ruminal MPS (g microbial N/d) and MPS efficiency (g microbial CP/kg total digestible nutrients), ruminal pH, and concentrations of ruminal ammoniacal-N and blood glucose. Crude glycerin included up to 150 g/kg in cotton burrs-based diets for sheep improved N utilization and intake and digestibility of nutrients without affecting ruminal parameters, glucose blood concentrations, and MPS efficiency.

Influence of partial replacement of alfalfa with two Salicornia forages on digestion, rumen variables, blood biochemistry metabolites and antioxidant capacity in sheep

In a completely randomized design, 24 Shall rams (average initial body weight [BW]: 43 ± 1.4 kg, aged 1.5 years) were used to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay with 2 species of Salicornia forage (i.e. bigelovii and persica) on in vivo total tract apparent digestibility, estimated microbial N synthesis (EMNS), rumen fluid parameters, blood metabolites, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and production of methane in vitro. The three diets offered to sheep (8 per diet) prepared on a dry matter basis were 1- alfalfa hay (990 g/kg DM) + 10 g/kg DM vitamin-mineral supplement (control; AD), 2- alfalfa hay + Salicornia bigelovii (SBF) + vitamin-mineral supplement at a ratio of 690:300:10 (SBD), and 3- alfalfa hay + Salicornia persica (SPF) + vitamin-mineral supplement at a ratio of 690:300:10 (SPD). Salicornia diets did not affect DM, organic matter, crude protein or neutral detergent fiber digestibility. There was no dietary effect on in vivo ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids, or in vitro methane production. Salicornia diets increased rumen concentration of ammonia-N, total numbers of protozoa, and the population of Entodiniinae, whereas the cellulolytic bacteria population and EMNS decreased. Feeding SBD and SPD had no effect on the concentration of plasma albumin, cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglyceride, and the albumin-globulin ratio but urea-N and TAC increased. Overall, replacing part of the alfalfa hay ration with SBF or SPF improved TAC in sheep with no negative effects on nutrient digestibility or in vitro methane production. This trial showed that Salicornia could be used as a partial substitute for conventional forage in the diet of sheep.

Maternal undernutrition during periconceptional period affects whole-genome ovine muscle methylation in adult offspring.

Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that maternal nutritional status during early pregnancy, including the period around the time of conception, may induce long-lasting epigenetic changes in the offspring. However, this remains largely unexplored in livestock. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate if modification of the maternal diet of sheep (CTR: control; UND: 50% undernutrition) during the periconceptional period (42 d in total: -14/+28 from mating), would impact CpG methylation in muscle tissue (Longissimus dorsi) of adult offspring (11.5 mo old). Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing identified 262 (Edge-R, FDR < 0.05) and 686 (logistic regression, FDR < 0.001) differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the UND and CTR groups. Gene ontology analysis identified genes related to development, functions of the muscular system, and steroid hormone receptor activity within the DMRs. The data reported here show that nutritional stress during early pregnancy leads to epigenetic modifications in the muscle of the resulting offspring, with possible implications for cardiac dysfunction, muscle physiology, and meat production.

Spineless cactus-based diets associated with various nitrogen sources in sheep diets

This study evaluated the effects of various nitrogen (N) sources augmenting spineless cactus-based diets on intake, digestibility, rumen kinetics and N balance in sheep. Eight rumen-fistulated sheep with an average initial bodyweight of 62 ± 6.83 kg were allotted to one of two 4 x 4 Latin squares. The diets consisted of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera), Tifton hay, corn grain, vegetable oil and a mineral mixture augmented with either soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM), whole cottonseed (WCS) or urea (U) to provide additional nitrogen. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intakes were similar (P &gt;0.05) for sheep fed the diets with SBM, CSM, and WCS. The digestibility coefficients of DM and CP were similar (P &gt;0.05) for SM, CM, and U diets. The rate of DM disappearance from the rumen did not differ (P &gt;0.05) between treatments. However, the rumen ammonia, pH and N balance was higher (P &lt;0.05) for sheep fed the WCS and U diets. The N absorbed and N retained did not differ (P &gt;0.05) between the diets. Soybean meal and CSM are similar in their effects and can be used for sheep in diets based on spineless cactus. Whole cottonseed and U are interesting sources of N but should be used with caution owing to their effects on digestibility and nutrient intake in sheep.

Response of sheep fed urea-treated corncob and supplemented with cassava leaf meal

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding untreated or urea-treated ground corncob and supplementing with cassava leaf meal (CLM) in a total mixed ration on growth, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) utilization and rumen fermentation of sheep. Five diet treatments with five replications consisted of untreated corncob + concentrate (CC); urea-treated corncob + concentrate (UCC); and CC and UCC supplemented with CLM and designated as CC+CLM and UCC+CLM, respectively. A diet formulated with a mixture of elephant grass and concentrate was used as control (EG). There were no significant differences in dry matter intake (DMI) between treatments. The average DMI was 4.17% bodyweight. Average daily gain (ADG) of sheep fed the treatment diets was between 146.3 and 176.2 g/h/day, and was higher than EG (89.1 g/head/day). Thus, the treatments improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). Nitrogen retention was lowest for EG and highest for UCC and UCC+CLM. The addition of CLM had no effect on growth, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and rumen fermentation characteristics. It was concluded that corncob could be used as a replacement for elephant grass in postweaning diets for sheep.

FERMENTACIÓN RUMINAL Y PRODUCCIÓN DE METANO IN VITRO DE DIETAS PARA OVINOS CON INCLUSIÓN DE TANINOS CONDENSADOS Y NIVELES CRECIENTES DE ACEITE DE ORÉGANO (Lippia graveolens)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; Ruminants have been related to greenhouse gas production. Therefore, it has been necessary to find alternatives by using natural additives to reduce their production by modulation of rumen fermentation. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;. It was to evaluate the effect of the addition of condensed tannins (CT) and different levels of essential oregano oil (&lt;em&gt;Lippia graveolens&lt;/em&gt;) (EOO) in sheep's diets on &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; fermentation products such as total gas production, methane (CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;), carbon dioxide (CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;), pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;), and volatile fatty acids (VFA). &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; There were evaluated six experimental diets: the control diet with 4% of CT kg/DM, and 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 or 1% de EOO kg/DM, respectively. Total gas production, CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;, CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, pH, N-NH&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;, and AGV were measured at different &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; incubation times. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; Total gas production was not affected (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &amp;gt; 0.05) due to treatment or the interaction treatment*time. An exponential increment was observed (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &amp;lt; 0.05) according to incubation time. CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; and CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; production increased at 48 h. The lowest emissions of these gases were recorded when 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 1% of EOO were added to the diet. Nevertheless, no differences were found (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &amp;gt; 0.05) due to treatment or the interaction treatment*time. Acetic and butyric acid concentrations were affected due to incubation time and the interaction treatment*time; however, there was no effect due to treatment (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &amp;gt; 0.05). Propionic acid production and pH were not affected (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &amp;gt; 0.05) due to treatment, time, or interaction treatment*time. N-NH&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; production increased through incubation time (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &amp;lt; 0.05), with the highest concentration at 48 h for all treatments, without differences (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &amp;gt; 0.05) due to treatment or interaction treatment*time. &lt;strong&gt;Implications.&lt;/strong&gt; These results suggest that the inclusion levels of TC and EOO in the diet were not enough to affect rumen fermentation or methane production. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate higher levels of these compounds in sheep's diets. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; The addition of CT or the different levels of EOO included in sheep's diets evaluated in this study did not affect total gas production, CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;, CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, pH, concentration of N-NH&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;, AGV, and pH.&lt;/p&gt;

Crude glycerin and cottonseed cake replacing common energy and protein sources on the metabolism of feedlot lambs

This study proposed to evaluate the effects of replacing ground corn by crude glycerin and soybean meal by cottonseed cake, in association or not, on nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs. Eight ruminally-cannulated lambs (average age: 1 year; initial body weight: 51.10 ± 8.94 kg) were randomly distributed in a 4 × 4 double Latin square design, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with 21-day periods (last six days for data collection). Four experimental diets were tested with different sources or combinations of energy and protein ingredients in the concentrate, respectively: 1) ground corn and soybean meal; 2) ground corn and cottonseed cake; 3) crude glycerin and soybean meal; 4) crude glycerin and cottonseed cake. An interaction effect between energy and protein sources occurred on nutrient intake and digestibility of ether extract (EE; P < 0.05). The lowest values of nutrient intake other than EE were observed in lambs fed with crude glycerin (P < 0.05). Higher intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was observed in lambs fed with cottonseed cake (P < 0.05). Higher apparent digestibilities of crude protein (CP) and EE, and lower non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were observed in lambs fed with crude glycerin (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the time spent in feeding, rumination, idling activities, chewing, number and time per period spent doing the activities, as well as the feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and NDF (P > 0.05). Diet and time effects were observed on ruminal fermentation parameters (P < 0.05). An interaction effect occurred between the energy source and time was observed for pH, acetate, and butyrate concentrations, and acetate:propionate ratio (P < 0.05). Lambs fed with crude glycerin showed lower intake and fecal excretion of nitrogen than those fed ground corn (P < 0.05). The triglyceride concentration was affected by the energy source (P < 0.05); with higher concentrations being observed when crude glycerin replaced ground corn. Furthermore, there was an interaction effect between energy and protein sources in the concentrations of total proteins (P < 0.01) and globulin (P < 0.01); with lower values in diets with ground corn and cottonseed cake. Cottonseed cake can replace 100% of soybean meal in diets without affecting the ingestive behavior and metabolism of feedlot lambs. On the other hand, replacing 100% ground corn with crude glycerin has potential for use in lamb feedlot diets; however more studies need to be performed. Furthermore, we recommend the use of these alternative sources, since the combination of crude glycerin and cottonseed cake can replace 100% of ground corn and soybean meal in sheep diets.

Effect of Alpha-lipoic Acid on Productive Parameters and Ruminal VFA Profile in Sheep

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on feed over the productive parameters of sheep, as well as volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen and blood glucose.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Producción Animal del Altiplano (CEIEPAA), located in Tequisquiapan, Querétaro-México.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 64 sheep (Pelibuey x Dorset), two months old (32 males and 32 females with an average weight of 20.7 ± 1.3 kg) were used. Animals were housed in 16 pens, 4 animals per pen, and each pen was assigned to one of the 4 ALA inclusion treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 ppm). ALA was mixed with 50 g of ground corn to ensure its consumption; the animals of treatment 0 also received 50 g of ground corn without ALA.&#x0D; Results: Differences in weight gain were observed from day 56 in the animals supplemented with 80 ppm of ALA (P &lt; .0001) and an improvement in daily weight gain (246 g) and feed conversion (P = .05) was shown. Animals treated with 40 ppm of ALA observed lower blood glucose without affecting the productive parameters (P = .05). A lower concentration of VFA was found in the treatment 120 ppm on day 84 (334.2 ± 26.5 vs 260.0 ± 15.7; P = .05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The inclusion of 80 ppm of ALA in the diet of sheep could improve the productive parameters.