Silage Feeding Research Articles

Feeding silage to fattening pigs – effects on nitrogen utilization and ammonia losses from fresh manure

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of feeding silage to pigs on nitrogen (N) utilization and ammonia (NH3) volatilization. In total, 128 Yorkshire × Hampshire (30–110 kg) pigs were fed commercial feed (Control) or commercial feed mixed with dried, milled silage in pelleted form (Pellet-S), fresh, chopped silage (Silage-Ch) or intensively treated silage (Silage-Pr). Silage replaced 20% of the crude protein (g/kg). Diet affected daily N excretion, which was higher for pigs fed Silage-Ch and Silage-Pr than for pigs in the Pellet-S and Control treatments. Ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) content in the manure and NH3 volatilization from fresh manure were higher for Control pigs than for pigs in the other treatments. Overall, these results show that pre-treatment of silage influences N utilization and excretion. Furthermore, the results indicate that feeding silage to pigs can reduce NH3 volatilization from fresh manure.

Pengaruh Pemberian Silase Rumput Kume dan Alysicarpus vaginalis dengan Imbangan yang Berbeda Terhadap Total Digestible Nutrien (TDN) dan Retensi Nitrogen pada Sapi Persilangan Ongole Brahman

This study aims to determine the administration of kume grass silage and Alysicarpus vaginalis with different balances on total digestible nutrient (TDN) and nitrogen retention in ongole brahman crossbreed cattle. In this study, 4 ongole Brahman cross cattle were used with an age range of 8-12 months, and a body weight range of 137.0 -200 kg, with an average body weight of 167.25 kg. The research method used was the Latin square design method (RBSL) with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment used in this study was silage feed consisting of: P0: Kume grass 64% + 36% concentrate feed, P20: Kume grass 51.2% + Alysicarpus vaginalis 12.8% + 36% concentrate feed, P40: Kume grass 38.4% + Alysicarpus vaginalis 25.6% + 36% concentrate feed, P60: Kume grass 25.6% + Alysicarpus vaginalis 38.4% + 36% concentrate feed. The variables measured were TDN, N consumption, urine N production, faecal N production, and N retention. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and if there was a difference then it was continued with Duncan's further test. The results showed that the administration of kume grass silage and Alysicarpus vaginalis with different balances up to a level of 60% had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the TDN value, stool N production, urine N production, but had a very significant effect (P<0,01) on the N retention value. It was concluded that the administration of kume grass silage and Alysicarpus vaginalis with different proportions up to a level of 60% decreased TDN values, N retention, N consumption, fecal N production and urine N production.

Fermentation quality and bacterial community of delayed filling stylo silage in response to inoculating lactic acid bacteria strains and inoculating time

BackgroundFilling silos generally takes much time in practice, which may negatively affect silage fermentation and feed intake. To clarify the effects of inoculating time, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and filling time on the silage fermentation and microbes of stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis) and its silage, ensiling was quickly performed (quickly filling, QF) with or without LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum SXC48, Lb. plantarum CCZZ1 and Enterococcus faecalis XC124), and was performed after stylo inoculated with or without LAB was placed for 1 day (delayed filling, DF1) and 2 days (DF2).ResultsDelayed filling significantly increased pH, buffering capacity, microbial counts and lactic acid, acetic acid and NH3–N contents of stylo prior to ensiling. Inoculating Lb. plantarum SXC48 and CCZZ1 improved the fermentation quality of QF silage, indicated by more lactic acid, as well as lower pH and butyric acid content. Inoculating time significantly affected the pH and lactic acid content of silages. For the DF2 silages, inoculating SXC48 at filling was better than at chopping, while inoculating CCZZ1 had good fermentation quality, regardless of inoculating time. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that delayed filling enhanced the bacterial diversity of materials and silage, and inoculating significantly changed the composition of silage microbes. Kosakonia, Pseudomonas and Pantoea jointly dominated the fresh material, while Pantoea and Lelliottia jointly dominated the DF2 material. For the QF silages, inoculating SXC48 and CCZZ1 increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus from 16.4% in the control silage to 76.5% and 82.0%, respectively. Pantoea and Lelliottia jointly dominated the DF silages. Inoculating SXC48 and CCZZ1 also increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the DF stylo silages.ConclusionsUnder the present research conditions, delayed filling increased the lactic acid content and reduced the acetic acid, propionic acid and NH3–N contents of stylo silage, however, increased the bacterial diversity and relative abundance of undesirable bacteria, such as Pantoea and Lelliottia. The inoculating effectiveness varied with the LAB strains and inoculating time. Inoculating strian SXC48 at filling was better than at chopping, while inoculating strian CCZZ1 at both chopping and filling obtained the similar benefit.Graphical

Interaction between plants and epiphytic lactic acid bacteria that affect plant silage fermentation.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the ability to ferment water-soluble carbohydrates, resulting in the production of significant amounts of lactic acid. When utilized as additives in silage fermentation and feed, they have been shown to enhance the quality of these products. Epiphytic LAB of plants play a major role in the fermentation of silage plants. Plant species in turn affect the community structure of epiphytic LAB. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have suggested that epiphytic LAB are more effective than exogenous LAB when applied to silage. Inoculating silage plants with epiphytic LAB has attracted extensive attention because of the potential to improve the fermentation quality of silages. This review discusses the interaction of epiphytic LAB with plants during silage fermentation and compares the effects of exogenous and epiphytic LAB on plant fermentation. Overall, this review provides insight into the potential benefits of using epiphytic LAB as an inoculant and proposes a theoretical basis for improving silage quality.

Injurious pecking in organic turkey fattening—effects of husbandry and feeding on injuries and plumage damage of a slow- (Auburn) and a fast-growing (B.U.T.6) genotype

Injuries and plumage damage (PD) are important indicators of welfare. First priority in turkey fattening is to reduce injurious pecking, which includes aggressive pecking (agonistic behavior) and additionally severe feather pecking (SFP) and cannibalism with their multifactorial reasons. Still, there are few studies available evaluating different genotypes for their welfare status under organic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genotype and husbandry with 100% organic feeding (2 variants with different riboflavin content: V1 and V2) on injuries and PD. During rearing nonbeaktrimmed male turkeys of a slow- (Auburn, n=256) and fast-growing (B.U.T.6, n=128) genotype were kept in 2 indoor housing systems (without environmental enrichment (EE)=H1-, n=144 and with EE=H2+, n=240). During fattening 13 animals per pen of H2+ were relocated to a free-range system (H3 MS, n=104). EE included pecking stones, elevated seating platforms and silage feeding. The study included five 4-wk feeding phases. At the end of each phase, injuries and PD were scored to assess animal welfare. Injury scores ranged from 0 (=no damage) to 3 (=severe damage) and PD from 0 to 4. Injurious pecking was observed from the 8th week onward (injuries: 16.5% and PD: 31.4%). Binary logistic regression models showed that both indicators were affected by genotype (each P < 0.001), husbandry (each P < 0.001), feeding (injuries P=0.004; PD P=0.003), and age (each P < 0.001). Auburn showed less injuries and PD than B.U.T.6. H1- had the fewest injuries and PD for Auburn animals compared to H2+ or H3 MS. In summary, the use of alternative genotypes (Auburn) in organic fattening improved welfare, but keeping them in free-range systems or in husbandry with EE, does not lead to a reduction of injurious pecking. Therefore, further studies are needed with more and changing enrichment materials, further management measures, changes in housing structure, and even more intensive animal care.

Pengaruh Teknik Silase Pakan Komplit Tersuplementasi Ampas Tahu Berprotein Kasar Berlebih pada Domba Secara InVivo

Tofu dregs are feed ingredients with high nutritional content and easy to rot. Therefore a silage storage technique is needed to preserve and reduce environmental pollution. The process of preserving high-protein feed by silage has a weakness in the process of lowering the pH. This happens because the ammonia from the deamination process is alkaline . The silage processing can converting some nutrients into organic acids which can improve livestock health and production. The Complete feed silage which was supplemented with tofu dregs was carried out on thin-tailed local rams aged 8-10 months and body weight 16-18 kg. The rams were grouped to 4 groups. The first gorup was P0 = complete feed which was suplemented with tofu dregs without silage processing compared to P1 = P0 + silage processing which was fermented for at least 14 days. The data then analyzed using t-independent method in a randomized block design on the basis of body weight. The results of the study showed that the average dry matter consumption of livestock was not significantly different P&gt;0.1, the increase in monthly weight was higher in group P1 with a P value &lt;0.05, the silage process increased the efficiency of p&lt;0.05. Both treatment had no effect on cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, red blood grains and white blood grains. So it can be concluded that feeding by silage is better than fresh&#x0D; &#x0D; .&#x0D; Keywords: Silage, rams, tofu dregs&#x0D; &#x0D;

Aplikasi Silase Limbah Sayuran Sebagai Sumber Pakan Alternatif dalam Upaya untuk Meningkatkan Persentase Karkas Entog (Cairina moschata) Jantan

Carcass percentage can be affected by feed consumed, age, sex, and environment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of giving vegetable waste silage in the ration on the percentage of carcasses, and to obtain the optimum percentage of male musk carcass feed formulations. The research was carried out experimentally using a completely randomized design (CRD). A total of 80 male mussels were placed in 20 cage plots, so that each cage plot consisted of 4 individuals. The type of treatment used was R0 (100% rice bran) as control, R1 (75% rice bran + 25% vegetable waste silage), R2 (50% rice bran + 50% vegetable waste silage), R3 (25% rice bran + 75% vegetable waste silage). Variables observed included live weight, carcass weight, carcass percentage and carcass percentage (breast, thigh, back and wings). The research data were analyzed using analysis of variance and if they showed significant differences then further tested using Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that the use of vegetable waste silage feed had no significant effect on carcass weight (p&gt;0,05). However, vegetable waste silage can be used as additional feed for rice brand not lass than 25% and not more than 50%. The results showed that treatment R1 (75% rice bran + 25% vegetable waste silage) and R2 treatment (50% rice bran + 50% vegetable waste silage) produced good carcass and percentage carcass weight in male ducks.

Selection of grain sorghum varieties for the north Caucasian region of Russia

It is possible to solve the problem of productivity and improve the gross harvest of agricultural products by introducing new varieties and hybrids adapted to the conditions of cultivation into production. The diversity of the varietal composition of sorghum crops necessitates a careful approach in the selection of varieties. This is especially important for the North Caucasus region, which is characterized by contrasting natural and climatic conditions. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the existing varietal range of grain, sweet, grass sorghum, to identify varieties recommended for cultivation in the North Caucasus region. The work on the development of sorghum crops was carried out at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “ARC “Donskoy” in accordance with the Methodology of the State Commission for Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops. There has been found that since 2013 20 grain sorghum varieties and hybrids of Russian originators (7 sugar sorghum varieties, 6 Sudan grass varieties, 7 sorghum-Sudan hybrids) have been approved for cultivation in the North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation. Since 2013 2 grain sorghum varieties, 2 sweet and Sudan grass varieties, 1 sorghum-Sudan hybrid have been developed and introduced into the Register at ARC “Donskoy”. There have been developed grain sorghum varieties ‘Zernogradskoye 88’, ‘Esaul’ which are distinguished by high grain productivity of 5.0–6.2 t/ha and have been recommended for use for feed and food purposes. Sweet sorghum varieties ‘Feniks’ and ‘Yuzhnoe’ have been characterized by a large productivity of green mass for silage (37–45 t/ha) and good feed qualities, which allows them to be used for silage production. Sudan grass varieties ‘Alisa’ and ‘Gratsiya’ have made it possible to obtain 2 cuttings of high-quality green fodder (39–44 t/ha) and hay (12.0–13.2 t/ha). The sorghum-Sudan hybrid ‘Dobrynya F1’ has 55–61 t/ha of green mass for two cuttings and could be recommended for use for green fodder, hay, silage.

Manufacturing of Silage Feed for Daily Goats in Lama Vilage, Pancur Batu District

Giving quality feed to dairy goats can increase milk production. In the rainy season, the availability of grass and forage is abundant, while in the dry season the availability of local feed is reduced. Forage preservation technology and other local feeds are needed to be available continuously. This can be overcome by applying the manufacture of silage feed using fermentation technology. The method applied in this service activity is the transfer of knowledge conveyed in the socialization activity in the form of 1) introduction of agricultural and agro-industrial waste that can be used as an alternative forage and concentrates, (2) preparation of formulated dairy goat feed, (3) silage feed manufacturing technology and (4) monitoring and mentoring activities. The socialization ware carried out in the form of a lecture followed by a question and answer session. The results of the activities of farmers know some local feeds that have the potential to be used as animal feed, know how to make feed formulations and technology for making silage feed. The knowledge and skills of making silage feed that has been owned by farmers are expected to overcome the difficulties of farmers in sustainably providing feed and can increase goat milk production.

Prevalence of Chronic Progressive Lymphedema in the Rhenish German Draught Horse

Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) is a common disease in Rhenisch German draught horses. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of this disease and its progression with age in 493 Rhenish German draught horses from different regions in Germany. We employed generalized linear models with binomial, multinomial, and normal distributions to analyse the effects of breeding association, coat colour, sex and age within sex, time of examination, limb on which CPL was recorded, and farm-related factors on disease scores. The occurrence and severity of CPL were significantly influenced by breeding area, sex, coat colour, and interaction of age by sex. Males had significantly higher CPL-scores than geldings (1.92-fold) and females (5.02-fold) as well as a faster (1.85-fold) disease progression per year of life than females (1.44-fold) and geldings (1.25-fold). Regression on age within sex was still significant when age was restricted to a minimum of 7 years in the analysis. Bay horses exhibited 1.77-fold and 2.19-fold higher CPL-scores than chestnut and black horses. Keeping horses on pasture and keeping bedding clean reduced CPL-scores, whereas feeding of hay silage and concentrates during winter increased CPL-scores. Our analysis revealed significant regression coefficients of cannon bone circumference on CPL-scores. Relationships with hoof measures and skinfold diameter at the neck were not found. In conclusion, differences among breeding districts and sexes by age had the largest impact on CPL prevalence and scores. Disease progression was evident up to a mean age of 16 years in males and 20 years in females. The identification of risk factors and their effects on CPL should help to reduce the occurrence and progression of CPL.

Substantiation of the Choice of Special Ranges for Photoluminescent Control of the Composition and Nutritional Value of Forages

Promising optical methods for analyzing the nutritional value of the components of the feed mixture for cattle have been studied. The results of the study substantiated the spectral ranges of photoluminescence 380-550 and 450-600 nm, respectively, allowing to determine the mass fractions of silage and compound feed in the mixture, as well as to evaluate the quality of mixing by optical methods.

Corn Silage as a Total Diet with by-Products of the Babassu Agroindustry in the Feed of Confined Ruminants

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of total ration silage (TRS) containing two babassu by-products to replace the corn. The silages were formulated to meet the requirements of sheep for an average daily gain of 200 g/day. A completely randomized experimental design was used with four treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of CS: Corn silage (Control); TRSS: Corn silage with corn and soybean meal; TRSF: Total ration silage with babassu mesocarp flour; and TRSC: Total feed silage with babassu cake. The chemical composition of the silages had a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) for all variates. There was a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) for gas (LG, p &lt; 0.001) and effluent losses (LE, p &lt; 0.001), dry matter recovery (DMR, p &lt; 0.001), buffer capacity (BC, p &lt; 0.001), lactic acid (LA, p &lt; 0.001), butyric acid (BA, p &lt; 0.001), lactic acid/fermentation products (LA:FP, p &lt; 0.001), and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N, p &lt; 0.001). The babassu by-products can replace ground corn by up to 50% in total ration silage and improve the fermentation profile and nutritional value of the silage, meeting the nutritional requirements of finishing sheep.

Turnover of Benzoxazinoids during the Aerobic Deterioration of Maize Silage (Zea mays).

While plant-specialized metabolites can affect mammal health, their fate during the aerobic deterioration of crop silage remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the metabolization of benzoxazinoids (BXs) in silages of two maize genotypes (W22 wild type and bx1 mutant line) during aerobic deterioration. In W22 plants, concentrations of the aglucone BXs DIMBOA and HMBOA in silage decreased over time upon air exposure, while concentrations of MBOA and BOA increased. Mutant plants had low levels of BXs, which did not significantly vary over time. Aerobic stability was BX-dependent, as pH and counts of yeasts and molds were higher in W22 compared to that in bx1 silage. The nutrient composition was not affected by BXs. These preliminary results may be used to estimate the amounts of BXs provided to farm animals via silage feeding. However, further research is warranted under different harvest and storage conditions.

Evaluation of Urea and Molasses Treatment on The Nutritional Composition of Guinea Corn Stalk

The majority of the world’s population relies on livestock as source of protein whereas the success of livestock production is reliant on availability of quality feeds which has been challenged by competition impose by geometric growth in human population. This study assessed the effect of molasses and urea treatment on the physical quality, proximate and amino acid composition of guinea corn silage as a means to augment protein content in guinea corn silage feed stocks. Guinea corn stalks samples collected randomly on farmlands around Federal University Wukari, Nigeria. After pulverization was divided into two portions and one portion subjected to molasses and urea treatment while the other served as control. Effect of treatment was assessed by estimating and comparing the physical quality, proximate and amino acid composition of the treated and untreated sample using standard methods. The result showed that the mean pH value became more acidic after treatment from 6.12 to 5.24. While the moisture, lipid and crude protein content were significantly increased due to treatment (P &lt;0.05). There was also a significant elevation in amino acid content due to urea and molasses treatment in 14 out of the 18 amino acids determined at 95% confidence limit (P&lt;0.05). And the total amino acid content of the silage sample was improved from 43.80 g/100g to 62.27 g/100g. The nature of amino acids in the treated silage (test sample) were in the order of prevalence total amino acid with acidic side chain (TAAA)&gt;total amino acid with basic side chain (TBAA)&gt;total aromatic amino acid (TArAA)&gt;total sulphur containing amino acid (TSAA). The most concentrated amino acid was glutamic acid, an important amino acid responsible in building the immune system.

Yield, Water Use Efficiency and Silage Feeding Value of Sorghum Cultivars as Affected by Planting Date and Planting Method

Yield, Water Use Efficiency and Silage Feeding Value of Sorghum Cultivars as Affected by Planting Date and Planting Method

Performance of Dairy Cows Offered Grass Silage Produced within Either a Three- or Four-Harvest System When Supplemented with Concentrates on a Feed-to-Yield Basis.

More frequent harvesting of grass swards provides an opportunity to improve the nutritive value of grass silage. This study investigated the effect of offering silages produced within either a three- (3H) or four-harvest (4H) system on dairy cow performance when concentrate supplements were offered according to the individual cow's milk yield (feed-to-yield). Cows (n = 80) were allocated to either 3H or 4H at calving and remained on experiment for 25 weeks. Within both treatments, cows were offered silage from each harvest consecutively in proportion to the dry matter (DM) yield for each harvest. Silage was offered as a mixed ration with concentrate added at a rate of 8 kg/cow/day. Additional concentrates were offered on a feed-to-yield basis. Herbage yields were reduced in the 4H system, but 4H silage contained higher metabolisable energy and crude protein content compared to 3H. Cows offered the 4H silage had greater silage DM intake, milk yield and milk protein content, while milk fat content was greater in cows offered 3H silages. In conclusion, increasing harvesting frequency from three to four harvests per year can improve silage feed value, silage intakes and milk yields when concentrates are offered on a feed-to-yield basis.

Effect of Silage Feeding on the Growth Performance and Body Confirmation of Tapri Goats under Intensive Management System

Effect of Silage Feeding on the Growth Performance and Body Confirmation of Tapri Goats under Intensive Management System

Гематологічні показники та якість сперми баранів у період статевого спокою за згодовування ліпосомальної вітамінно-мінеральної добавки

The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of feeding a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement during the period of sexual rest on hematological indicators and quality of ram sperm. The experiment was conducted at the PE “Kogut BM” in Horodotsky district, Lviv region, on 12 clinically healthy Texel rams, aged 2–4 years, during the period of sexual rest (March-May). Animals were divided into two groups — control and experimental, 6 animals per group. The control rams received the basic diet containing hay, corn silage, and compound feed. For 45 days, the sheep of the experimental group were individually added to the combined feed a feed additive containing vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate in the form of a liposomal emulsion. At the beginning and at the end of feeding, we took blood samples, in which hematological indicators were determined. After the end of supplement feeding, ejaculates were collected twice a week in doublets for three weeks. Physiological indicators of ejaculate quality (volume, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm, as well as sperm viability, morphological disorders and percentage of degenerative sperm) were determined using the CASA computerized system. It was established that feeding liposomal vitamin-mineral supplements to rams during the period of sexual rest improves hematological indicators: the content of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets and hematocrit increase significantly (P&lt;0.05–0.001) while the content of leukocytes decreases by 24.2% (P&lt;0.05). Accordingly, the erythrocyte indices of the blood of experimental breeding rams were higher than those of control animals. Feeding rams with a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement ensured an increase in ejaculate volume by 17.6% (P&lt;0.05), sperm concentration (P&lt;0.01), their viability, as well as a decrease in the number of immature (P&lt;0.001) and degenerated (P&lt;0.05) sperm. Higher quality indicators of ejaculates of rams under the influence of vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate indicate the possibility of obtaining sperm from breeding rams during the period of sexual rest.

Evaluation of rations of high-yielding cows with different energy levels

The materials of the publication reflect the results of scientific research conducted on the Simmental breed dairy cows in the conditions of the “Pchany-Denkovych” farm in the Stryi district of the Lviv region. The study is based on optimizing the normalized energy nutrition of dairy cows with a milk yield of 6000 kg or more per lactation. The main objective of the research was to study the impact of different levels of energy nutrition of cows by lactation phase and its effect on productivity, hematological indicators, the level of individual rumen metabolites, digestibility of essential nutrients, nitrogen balance, and live weight dynamics. Three groups of eight cows each were selected for research. The rations of the experimental animals provided for the inclusion of a protein-fat concentrate in the compound feed at the rate of 5–10 % by nutrition. The main ration consisted of bulk fodder, cereal-bean hay, hay, silage, and balanced compound feed, which were fed from the feed table in the form of a mixture prepared in a feed mixer–the farm practices year-round uniform feeding of cows with a walking yard. The deficiency of mineral substances in the diet was replenished due to iodized salt, monocalcium phosphate, and polysalts of trace elements. Feeding and housing conditions for all experimental animals during the comparison period lasting 15 days were the same and differed in the reference period in terms of nutrient availability in percentages. The analysis of the obtained results showed that increasing the energy supply of cows had a positive effect on milk productivity. In the first period of lactation, the highest yield was obtained from cows of the third group, which indicates that the experimental animals are approaching the maximum possible potential productivity. This trend persists both in the second and third periods. The increased level of energy nutrition due to the use of protein-fat concentrate had a positive effect on the increase in the live weight of cows. During the analysis of the obtained indicators of the rumen content, a probable increase in the number of amylo- and cellulolytic bacteria was revealed - the quantitative advantage (second and third group) compared to the control is 1.52–2.33 and 1.67–2.54 million/ml. A similar pattern is observed in the number of proteolytic bacteria, which contributed to the increase in the enzymatic activity of the microflora. Regarding the digestibility of the primary nutrients of the feed, their growing trend was established in the second and third groups, which confirms the results of the balanced experiment. Thus, animals of the second group are characterized by the highest digestibility and assimilation of nitrogen. Its positive balance was (+7.1) compared to the third and (+3.0) to the first, in which the nitrogen balance was negative. The use of nitrogen for milk in these groups was the highest: from consumed – 31.7 % and from digested – 48.5 %. Thus, the conducted studies provide a reason to recommend that the farm use a protein-fat concentrate of 5% of the diet's total nutrition in the feeding of dairy cows. Its use will ensure an increase in the level of milk productivity and will make it possible to optimize the energy nutrition of cows during the calving period and mid-lactation.

A proteomic approach to identify biomarkers of foal meat quality: A focus on tenderness, color and intramuscular fat traits

Foal meat is considered a healthy alternative to other meat sources and more environmentally sustainable. However, its quality is highly variable and there is lack of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying its determination. Genotype and diet play a relevant role as the main factors that can allow a control of the final quality and the use of high-throughput analytical methods such as proteomics is a way to achieve this lofty goal. This research aimed to study-two breeds (Burguete and Jaca Navarra) supplemented with two different finishing diets: conventional concentrate and straw (C) vs silage and organic feed (S). The proteomic approach built a library of 294 proteins that were subjected to several statistical and bioinformatic analyses. Burguete breed finished with concentrate produced higher meat quality in terms of tenderness, intramuscular fat and color lightness mainly due to the high abundance of energy metabolic proteins. Tenderness was correlated to myofibrillar proteins (ACTA1, MYBPH, MYL1 and TNNC1) and energy metabolic proteins (ALDOA, CKM, TPI1 and PGMA2). Regarding color, the main pathways were energy metabolism, involving several glycolytic enzymes (ALDOA, PKM, PFKM and CKM). Oxidative stress and response to stress proteins (HSPA1A, SOD2 and PRDX2) were further involved in color variation. Moreover, we revealed that several proteins were related to the intramuscular fat accordingly to the breed. This study proposed several candidate protein biomarkers for foal meat quality that are worthy to evaluate in the future.