Molasses Supplementation Research Articles

Statistical optimization of waste molasses-based exopolysaccharides and self-sustainable bioelectricity production for dual chamber microbial fuel cell by Bacillus piscis

BackgroundThe application of exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria (EPS) in dual chamber microbial fuel cells (DCMFC) is critical which can minimize the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of molasses with bioelectricity production. Hence, our study aimed to evaluate the EPS production by the novel strain Bacillus piscis by using molasses waste. Therefore, statistical modeling was used to optimize the EPS production. Its structure was characterized by UV, FTIR, NMR, and monosaccharides compositions. Eventually, to highlight B. piscis' adaptability in energy applications, bioelectricity production by this organism was studied in the BCMFC fed by an optimized molasses medium.ResultsB. piscis OK324045 characterized by 16S rRNA is a potent EPS-forming organism and yielded a 6.42-fold increase upon supplementation of molasses (5%), MgSO4 (0.05%), and inoculum size (4%). The novel exopolysaccharide produced by Bacillus sp. (EPS-BP5M) was confirmed by the structural analysis. The findings indicated that the MFC's maximum close circuit voltage (CCV) was 265 mV. The strain enhanced the performance of DCMFC achieving maximum power density (PD) of 31.98 mW m−2, COD removal rate of 90.91%, and color removal of 27.68%. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry (CV) revealed that anodic biofilms may directly transfer electrons to anodes without the use of external redox mediators. Additionally, CV measurements made at various sweep scan rates to evaluate the kinetic studies showed that the electron charge transfer was irreversible. The SEM images showed the biofilm growth distributed over the electrode’s surface.ConclusionsThis study offers a novel B. piscis strain for EPS-BP5M production, COD removal, decolorization, and electricity generation of the optimized molasses medium in MFCs. The biosynthesis of EPS-BP5M by a Bacillus piscis strain and its electrochemical activity has never been documented before. The approach adopted will provide significant benefits to sugar industries by generating bioelectricity using molasses as fuel and providing a viable way to improve molasses wastewater treatment.

Effects of molasses supplementation on animal performance and carcass parameters of beef cattle: a meta-analysis.

Molasses must be one of the most used foods in the diet of ruminant animals; however, there is no consensus on the effect of including molasses on carcass parameters. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of including molasses in the diet of feedlot cattle on performance and carcass parameters. Thirteen peer-reviewed publications with 45 treatment means were included in the dataset. The effect of molasses in beef cattle diets was evaluated by examining the weighted mean differences (WMD) between molasses treatment (diet with molasses) and control diet (diet without molasses). Heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression and subgroup analysis using genetic type and experimental period, molasses in diet (g/kg dry matter (DM)), molasses type, concentrate in diet (g/kg DM), and forage type. The inclusion of molasses in the diet increased dry matter digestibility, but reduced NDF digestibility, carcass weight, subcutaneous, and visceral fat. The main sources of variation for the responses with molasses inclusion on intake, digestibility, performance, and carcass parameters were the level of molasses inclusion and the experimental period. In general context, the inclusion of molasses in the diet between 100 to 150g/kg of DM did not affect performance and carcass parameters. However, the inclusion of molasses above 200g/kg reduces the average daily gain and carcass weight.

Effect of molasses supplementation on growth performance, water quality and microbial dynamics during indoor rearing of pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931

A study was conducted with Pacific white-leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931) juveniles to ascertain the effect ofmolasses supplementation on the growth performance, culture environment and microbial dynamics of rearing water. Theweight gain at the end of the experiment of 55 days duration were significantly (p<0.05) higher in molasses supplementedgroup (12.08±0.45 g) as compared to control (10.44±0.34 g). Apparent feed conversion ratio (AFCR) was found significantly(p>0.05) lower in case of molasses supplemented group with higher survival percentage. Supplementation of molasses alsoimproved the rearing water quality. The total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) level was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the rearingwater of molasses supplemented tank (2.213±0.165 ppm) compared to control (2.915±0.191 ppm). There was no significantdifference in total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and total Vibrio (TV) load between the water of the two groups. However,the proportion of TV to THB was significantly lower in case of molasses supplemented group as compared to control. Thisstudy indicated that supplementation of molasses can significantly improve the growth performance of P. vannamei withbetter feed utilisation and also improves the water quality by reducing the level of toxic gas i.e. ammonia in water. Keywords: Ammonia, C:N ratio, Molasses, Vibrio

Metabolic and Proteomic Analysis of Chlorella sorokiniana, Chloroidium saccharofilum, and Chlorella vulgaris Cells Cultured in Autotrophic, Photoheterotrophic, and Mixotrophic Cultivation Modes.

Chlorella is one of the most well-known microalgal genera, currently comprising approximately a hundred species of single-celled green algae according to the AlgaeBase. Strains of the genus Chlorella have the ability to metabolize both inorganic and organic carbon sources in various trophic modes and synthesize valuable metabolites that are widely used in many industries. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of three trophic modes on the growth parameters, productivities of individual cell components, and biochemical composition of Chlorella sorokiniana, Chloroidium saccharofilum, and Chlorella vulgaris cells with special consideration of protein profiles detected by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Mixotrophic conditions with the use of an agro-industrial by-product stimulated the growth of all Chlorella species, which was confirmed by the highest specific growth rates and the shortest biomass doubling times. The mixotrophic cultivation of all Chlorella species yielded a high amount of protein-rich biomass with reduced contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and carbohydrates. Additionally, this work provides the first information about the proteome of Chloroidium saccharofilum, Chlorella sorokiniana, and Chlorella vulgaris cells cultured in molasses supplementation conditions. The proteomic analysis of the three Chlorella species growing photoheterotrophically and mixotrophically showed increased accumulation of proteins involved in the cell energy metabolism and carbon uptake, photosynthesis process, and protein synthesis, as well as proteins involved in intracellular movements and chaperone proteins.

Dual-bioaugmentation strategy to enhance the formation of algal-bacteria symbiosis biofloc in aquaculture wastewater supplemented with agricultural wastes as an alternative nutrient sources and biomass support materials

This study performs an integrated evaluation of the formation and distribution of algal-bacterial bioflocs in aquaculture wastewater supplemented with agricultural waste, together with an assessment of their behavior in the microbial community and of the water quality of the system in which a new bioaugmentation strategy was applied. Results indicated that the dual bioaugmentation strategy via the consortium addition of bacteria and microalgae had the highest formation performance, providing the most compact biofloc structure (0.59 g/L), excellent settleability (71.91%), and a large particle diameter (4.25 mm). The fed-batch supplementation of molasses and rice bran, in terms of changes in the values of COD, NH4+, NO3–, and PO43–, stimulated the formation of biofloc through algal-bacterial bioflocs and microbe-rice bran complexes within a well-established microbial community. These findings provide new insight into the influence of bioaugmentation on the formation of an innovative algal-bacterial biofloc.

Effects of maternal winter vs. year-round supplementation of protein and energy on postnatal growth, immune function, and carcass characteristics of Bos indicus-influenced beef offspring.

This 2-yr study evaluated the effects of winter vs. year-round supplementation of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows on cow reproductive performance and impact on their offspring. On day 0 of each year (approximately day 122±23 of gestation), 82 to 84 mature Brangus cows/yr were stratified by body weight (BW; 475±67kg) and body condition score (BCS; 4.85±0.73) and randomly assigned to 1 of 6 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (13 to 14 cows/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures consisting of winter supplementation with molasses + urea (WMOL), or year-round supplementation with molasses + urea (YMOL) or wheat middling-based range cubes (YCUB). Total yearly supplement DM amount was 272kg/cow and supplements were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous (75% TDN and 20% CP). On day 421 (weaning; approximately 260±24 d of age), 33 to 35 steers/yr were vaccinated against parainfluenza-3 (PI3) and bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and transported 1,193 km to a feedlot. Steers were penned according to maternal pasture and managed similarly until slaughter. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. On day 217 (start of breeding season), BCS was greater (P = 0.01) for YMOL than WMOL cows, whereas BCS of YCUB did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) to both WMOL and YMOL cows. The percentage of cows that calved, calving date, birth BW, and preweaning BW of the first offspring did not differ (P ≥ 0.22) among maternal treatments. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.001) for YCUB steers at feedlot arrival (day 422) than WMOL and YMOL steers. Moreover, YCUB steers had greater (P = 0.02) and tended (P = 0.08) to have greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin compared to WMOL and YMOL steers, respectively. Antibody titers against PI3 and BVDV-1 viruses did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) among maternal treatments. Steer BW at feedlot exit was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for YMOL and WMOL than YCUB steers. However, feedlot DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.37) by maternal treatment. Hot carcass weight, yield grade, LMA, and marbling did not differ (P ≥ 0.14) among maternal treatments. Percentage of steers that graded low choice was enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) for WMOL and YCUB than YMOL steers. Maternal year-round supplementation of range cubes or molasses + urea either did not impact or decrease growth, immune function, and carcass characteristics of the offspring when compared with maternal supplementation of molasses + urea during winter only.

Produksi Karotenoid oleh Rhodosporidium paludigenum dalam Media Yeast Peptone Dextrose dengan Suplementasi Molase

Carotenoid pigments are commonly found in fruits and vegetables, but carotenoids can also be produced by microorganisms such as yeasts. Carotenoids have several benefits, including antioxidant compounds and vitamin A precursors. Production of carotenoids by microorganisms depends on various factors, such as pH, temperature, and nutrient content in the media. This study aimed to determine the optimum concentration of molasses supplementation and the initial pH of the media for carotenoid production by the red yeast Rhodosporidium paludigenum. In this study, the red yeast was cultivated in Yeast Peptone Dextrose (YPD) media supplemented with molasses, with a total sugar concentration of 2% in the media. This study had a factorial design with eight treatment groups, i.e., molasses supplementation of 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% in the media with initial pH of 5 and 6 for each molasses supplementation. The results showed that the culture in the media with supplementation of 25% molasses and pH 5 produced the highest levels of carotenoids when compared to those with 50% and 75% molasses supplementation concentrations. The yields of β-carotene and xanthophyll over biomass dry-weight in the media with 25% molasses supplementation at pH 5 were 26.67 μg/g and 31.15 μg/g, respectively. Nevertheless, the red yeast in the media without supplementation (0%) produced the highest carotenoid concentration among all treatments.

Primary brewery wastewater as feedstock for the yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides and the microalga Tetradesmus obliquus mixed cultures with lipid production

Rhodosporidium toruloides and Tetradesmus obliquus pure and mixed cultures were grown on primary brewery wastewater (PBWW), with and without supplementation of sugarcane molasses (SCM) and urea. R. toruloides developed in pure cultures was not able to grow on PBWW, with or without supplementation, but grew in mixed cultures with the microalga T. obliquus in all media. In contrast, all T. obliquus pure cultures developed on PBWW, with and without supplementation, were able to develop. Higher biomass productivity (149.3 mg L−1 h−1) was obtained for the mixed culture using PBWW supplemented with 10 g L−1 of SCM and 2 g L−1 of urea. Therefore, a strategy to stimulate lipid production by R. toruloides and T. obliquus grown in mixed cultures with higher SCM concentrations (20, 40 and 100 g L-1 of SCM) was developed. The maximum lipid content (26.3 % (w/w DCW)) was obtained for the mixed culture developed on PBWW, supplemented with 100 g L-1 of SCM plus 2 g L-1 of urea, at t = 121 h. This work demonstrated the feasibility of using PBWW supplemented with SCM and urea as culture medium to grow R. toruloides and T. obliquus and to produce microbial lipids.

Biovalorization of lignin derived compounds with molasses as co-substrate for polyhydroxyalkanoate production

The bioconversion of 15 lignin-derived compounds (LDCs) into polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) was studied in the present study. PHA accumulating strain Burkholderia sp. ISTR5 was employed for the bioconversion of LDCs. Burkholderia sp. ISTR5 (R5) efficiently bioconverted LDCs into PHA. Due to low PHA yield on LDCs, the co-metabolism with agro-industrial waste molasses was studied, and it showed a considerable increase in the PHA production. With the supplementation of molasses, ∼ 20% increment in PHA production was observed on different LDCs. The highest increase in PHA percentage (w/w cell dry weight) after the addition of molasses was observed on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) by 23%, followed by benzoic acid (22%) and gallic acid (21%). The Highest PHA accumulation was observed on p-coumaric acid (270 mg/L) followed by 4-HBA (260 mg/L) and gallic acid (256 mg/L). Produced PHA was characterized to be poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). The co-metabolism methodology considerably increased the PHA production and will be beneficial for setting up an agro-based efficient biorefinery. • Burkholderia sp. ISTR5 established for lignin derived compounds biovalorization. • Lignin derived compounds degradation resulted in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate as major product. • Molasses as co-substrate played a crucial role for enhancement of PHA production. • Biovalorization of lignin derived compounds was presented with agro-industrial waste as co-substrate.

Cattle seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine viral diarrhea in the northeastern of Colombia.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is one of the most common and economically significant viral infections in cattle. Different risk factors have been associated with viral exposure and transmission, generating endemic regions with different biotype circulations. To find the BVD status in the northeastern region of Colombia, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with the disease in non-vaccinated farms. For this purpose, a two-time point sampling strategy was developed, obtaining serum from 1157 animals housed in 25 farms distributed in 46 townships, thus for antibody detection against non-structural protein 3 (NS3, p80) of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) using an indirect ELISA test. For the first time in Colombia, the presence of serological persistent cattle was evaluated in 1047 animals 3 weeks later of first sampling. The information on a standardized questionnaire with closed and dichotomic answers was used to calculate the putative risk factors. The association analysis by univariate and multivariate logistic regression reported odds ratios (OR) with a 95% of confidence interval (C.I). The overall seroprevalence was 65% (95% CI 62.5-72.9%), with variations according to age ranges. The prevalence of persistent serological positive corresponded to 37.7% (95% CI 34.2-41.5). The risk factors found by multivariate analyses were the lease of pastures (OR = 2.071 CI 1.485-3.690), the use of the same needle (OR = 2.249 CI 1.354-3.736), the molasses supplementation (OR = 2.742 CI 1.156-5.807), and the native Creole breed (OR = 1.895 CI 1.416-2.804). The results of this study confirmed the endemism and higher common exposure to BVDV, as well as the presence of serological persistent cattle in Valledupar, Colombia.

Meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of including molasses in the diet for dairy cows on performance, milk fat synthesis and milk fatty acid

Different types of molasses have been included in diets for ruminant animals, mainly as a substitute for energetic ingredients, such as corn and sorghum. However, the positive effect of this inclusion on the performance, fatty acid profile and composition of cows’ milk is not yet clear. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate by meta-analysis the effect of including molasses in diets for dairy cows on the milk fatty content and fatty acid in milk. The eleven peer-reviewed publications with 52 treatments means were included in data set. The effect of including molasses in the diet of dairy cows were evaluated using random effect models to examine the weighted mean differences (WMD) between molasses treatment (diets with molasses inclusion) and control treatment (without molasses inclusion in the diet). Heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression and subgroup analysis considering genetic group, days in milk, molasses in the diet (g/kg DM), type of molasses, concentrate in the diet (g/kg DM). The covariates genetic group and days in milk influenced most the variability of responses to the inclusion of molasses in the diet for dairy cows. Molasses supplementation to dairy cow diets negatively impacted animal performance and milk composition by reducing milk yield and milk protein, lactose yield and concentration (with inclusions levels of molasses greater than 60 g/kg of DM). However, inclusions of molasses up to 120 g/kg of DM in diet, did not affect the yield and concentration of fat in milk. The inclusions of molasses in the diet caused a reduction in the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (Total UFA -10.67%); however, it increased the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in milk (11.52%), without affecting total of polyunsaturated fatty acids and C18: 2 cis-9, trans-11 CLA.

Effects of Winter vs. Year-round Supplementation of Multiparous Bos Indicus-influenced Beef Cows on Offspring Postnatal Growth, Immunity, and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract This 2-yr study evaluated the effects of winter vs. year-round supplementation of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows on offspring feedlot performance. Brangus cows (82–84 cows/yr) were stratified by BW and BCS (475 ± 67 kg; 4.85 ± 0.73) and randomly assigned to bahiagrass pastures (13–14 cows/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (2 pastures/treatment/yr) and consisted of winter supplementation with molasses (MOL-W), or year-round supplementation with molasses (MOL-Y) or cubes (CUB-Y). Supplements were isocaloric and isonitrogenous (75% TDN, 20% CP; DM basis). Total yearly supplement DM amount was 272 kg/cow for all treatments. At weaning (d 421), 33–35 steers/yr were vaccinated against bovine respiratory disease, transported for 720 miles to the feedlot, penned according to prepartum pasture distribution, and fed the same corn silage-based diet until harvest. Data were analyzed using SAS GLIMMIX procedure. Cow BCS at calving was greater (P < 0.01) for MOL-Y and CUB-Y vs. CON cows. Calving rate, calving date, calf birth weight, and calf preweaning BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.22) among treatments. Steer feedlot BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.36) at time of feedlot entry but was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MOL-Y and MOL-W steers vs. CUB-Y steers at feedlot exit. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations at feedlot entry were greater (P = 0.05) for CUB-Y vs. CON steers, with MOL-Y steers being intermediate, whereas plasma cortisol concentrations at feedlot entry were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CUB-Y vs. MOL-Y and MOL-W steers. Marbling score, yield grade, and carcass weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.14), but CON steers had greater fat thickness at the 12th rib than MOL-Y and CUB-Y steers. Hence, year-round supplementation (molasses or cubes) of beef cows increased cow BCS at calving but had minor effects on offspring post-weaning growth and immunity compared to winter supplementation of molasses.

Chemical Quality and Digestibility Value in Silage of <i>Pennisetum purpuphoides </i>and<i> Pennisetum purpureum </i>Gamma with Different Levels of Molasses Supplementation

This research was conducted to determine the chemical quality and digestibility of silage varieties of Pennisetum purpuphoides and Pennisetum purpureum gamma supplemented with molasses at different levels. The study was designed using a completely randomized design (CRD) 2 x 3 factorial pattern. The first factor was Pennisetum varieties consisting of P. purpuphoides and P. purpureum gamma radiation. The second factor was the level of molasses supplementation, i.e., 0, 3, and 6 %, with 5 replications on each group. The selected variable is the chemical characteristics of silage, i.e., pH, DM, OM, CP, CF, and NNFE, TDN, NH3, and lactic acid of silage. Pennisetum purpureum gamma and 6% molasses supplementation produce silage with good chemical quality. The increase in the level of supplementation of molasses is inversely proportional to the pH, crude fiber and NH3 silage (P<0.05). Varieties markedly decreased curing pH, NH3, crude fiber, and silage concentration (P<0.05). The content of lactic acid, DM, CP, crude fiber, TDN, and NNFE significantly increased linearly with an increase in the level of molasses supplementations (P<0.05) and also significantly decreased CF levels (P<0.05), but not significantly different from the OM content (P>0.05). Varieties that showed changes in some parameters of the proposed chemical composition is towards decreasing crude fiber (P<0.05), but significantly increased on the composition of DM, OM, CP, and NNFE (P<0.05). Besides molasses supplementation at the 6% level on P. purpureum gamma varieties, their combinations showed improvements to produce the best chemical quality and digestibility of silage.

Dietary supplementation of tilapia juveniles reared in bft (bioflocs) tanks with dl-methionine

Abstract The present study aimed at determining the effects of dietary DL-methionine supplementation on the water quality, bioflocs composition and Nile tilapia juvenile’s (initial body weight = 2.76 ± 0.06 g) growth performance in BFT rearing tanks (18 fish/100-L tank). Fish were or not subjected to artificial feed restriction. The experimental treatments consisted of two control groups: 1 - no feed restriction, no methionine supplementation; 2 - feed restriction at 25%, no methionine supplementation. There were also four treated groups: 1 - feed restriction at 25%, dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 0.5%; 2 - feed restriction at 25%, dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 1.0%; 3 - feed restriction at 25%, dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 2.0%; 4 - feed restriction at 25%, DL-methionine supplementation of molasses at 1.0. Supplementation of the commercial diet with DL-methionine has not affected either the water quality of the BFT Nile tilapia rearing tanks or the proximate composition of the bioflocs. After 8 weeks, weight gain of fish reared in tanks with feed restriction and dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 1% or 2% has not differed (P>0.05) from the tanks without feed restriction. In conclusion, it is possible to restrict the daily feed allowances of Nile tilapia juveniles reared in BFT tanks at 25%, with no growth performance impairment, if a minimal dietary DL-methionine supplementation of 1.0% is given.

Evaluation of multi-nutrient block supplementation on nutrient intake and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed based diet of cowpea shell and maize offal

The effects of supplementing different urea molasses blocks to Yankasa Rams fed maize offal-based diet on nutrient intake, growth performance and economics of production were evaluated. Yankasa rams fed cowpea shell and maize offal-based diets mixed in a ratio of 1:3 supplemented with urea molasses block (UMB). The supplementary blocks were formulated to contain 0, 5, 10 and 15% urea. Twenty Yankasa rams were used for the experiment with initial body weights range of 16-20kg and randomly allocated to four treatment groups of five animals each in completely randomized designed. Data on feed and water intake, body weight change were measured. Rams were fed both the basal diet and supplements ad libitum. The result revealed no significant (P>0.05) difference in basal feed (579.38-595.18g/day), UMB (60.78-96.50g/day) and dry matter intakes (584.36-609.33 g/day) among the treatments. Rams on treatment 3 recorded the highest average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (101.43 g/day, 5.93) than those on treatment 2 (48.57 g/day, 12.37) with the least. The cost of UMB/kg was least in treatment 3 (N 46.66) compared to those on treatment 1(N 83.66), 2(N 113.05) and 4(N 50.39). Supplementation of urea molasses block improved growth performance and FCR. Urea up to 15% may be included in urea molasses blocks without any detrimental effects on performance. However, including urea at 10% in UMB gave the highest ADG and FCR and therefore may be recommended for growing Yankasa rams

Effects of dietary supplementation with different concentration of molasses on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation indices of Nubian goats

BackgroundMolasses is a potential energy supplement; extensively used to improve growth performance, milk and meat characteristics in goats at relatively low concentrations of 5–40% of the diet. Few data are available concerning feeding molasses to goat kids; therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with higher concentrations of molasses on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation indices. Twenty male Nubian goat kids (4–6 months old; 9–10 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 4 groups receiving different concentration of molasses: 0% (M-0), 30% (M-30), 40% (M-40) and 45% (M-45) for 5 weeks. Feed (DFI) and water intake (DWI) were measured daily, while the blood and rumen liquor samples were collected weekly.ResultsThe DFI increased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased in all molasses-supplemented groups (P ≤ 0.05), whereas DWI increased in M-30 and decreased in M-45 (P ≤ 0.05). The final BW and average daily gain (ADG) increased (P < 0.0001) in groups M-30 and M-40 compared to the control and M-45. Blood pH was significantly influenced by dietary molasses concentration (MC) and the duration of molasses supplementation (MD), where it decreased in groups M-30 and M-45 compared to the control and M-40 (P < 0.05). The MC had no significant effect on blood Hb, HCT, TLC, albumin, [K+], AST, ALT and total protozoa count (TPC), as well as ruminal-[Na+], [K+], strong ion difference concentration ([SID3]) and [NH3]; however, only [NH3] was significantly affected by MD and the interaction between MC and MD (MC × MD). Serum TP, globulins, [Na+] and [Cl−] increased (P ≤ 0.05) in all supplemented groups, while A/G ratio and [SID3] decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Ruminal pH decreased (P < 0.0001) in M-40 and M-45 compared to the control and M-30. However, [VFAs] increased (P < 0.04) in M-30 and M-40 compared to the control and M-45, while osmolality increased (P ≤ 0.05) in M-30 compared to the other groups.ConclusionsDietary supplementation with molasses at a concentration of 30% for 3 weeks improved growth performance, protein metabolism and rumen fermentation without compromising animal health, immunity, and electrolytes and acid-base homeostasis.

Influence of crushed maize and soybean cake on the growth of crossbred female calves

The present research work was conducted to develop a balanced ration for crossbred high yielding calves in farm condition. For this purpose, seventy days long feeding trial was conducted with nine crossbred female calves having nearly similar body weight and age. Nine crossbred calves were equally divided into three groups such as T1 (1 kg concentrate mixture of crushed maize, wheat bran, mustard oil cake, molasses, DCP and salt at a ratio of 25:45:22:5:1:2, respectively), T2 (1 kg concentrate mixture of crushed maize, wheat bran, soybean cake, molasses, DCP and salt at a ratio of 27:45:20:5:1:2, respectively) and T3 (Wheat bran, rice polish, mustard oil cake, DCP, Salt were supplied according to BAU routine farm feeding at a ratio of 65:18:14:1:2, respectively). All calves were supplied with ad libitum green grasses (German and Para) and fresh clean drinking water. From the research finding, it was observed that the average total dry matter intake, total body weight gain, body length gain and heart girth gain were in T1 (2.68a±0.000 kg, 2.51a±0.21 kg, 1.83a±0.12 cm, 1.29a±0.07 cm, respectively) and T2 (2.65a±0.001 kg, 2.55a±0.21 kg, 1.67a±0.12 cm, 1.25a±0.07 cm, respectively) groups significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than that of the T3 (2.34b±0.002 kg, 0.96b±0.21 kg, 0.81b±0.12 cm, 0.64b±0.07 cm, respectively) group. The result showed that the body weight gain of T2 group was higher by supplementation of balanced ration. Therefore, the feed supplementation of crushed maize, wheat bran, soybean cake, molasses, DCP and salt at a ratio of 27:45:20:5:1:2, respectively should be supplied to crossbred calves for the future development of dairy herd replacement stock for profitable dairy business.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2020, 6(3): 499-506

Behavior, health, and productivity of early-lactation dairy cows supplemented with molasses in automated milking systems

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of molasses-based liquid feed (LF) supplementation within automated milking systems (AMS) on the behavior, health, and production of early-lactation dairy cows. In 6 commercial AMS dairy herds, 390 dairy cows were randomly assigned before calving to 1 of 2 treatments, within farm, balanced by parity: (1) control group (CON) receiving a standard AMS pellet [mean = 3.9 kg/d on a dry matter (DM) basis, n = 188], or (2) same amount of standard AMS pellet (mean = 3.6 kg/d on a DM basis, n = 202) plus 1 kg/d DM of LF for multiparous cows (1.6 kg/d as fed) and 0.88 kg/d DM for primiparous cows (1.4 kg/d as fed). Across farms, cows were fed partial mixed rations similar in ingredient and nutrient composition. Cows on the LF treatment received supplementation for the first 60 d in milk (DIM). Blood samples were taken 2 times/wk for the first 3 wk postcalving to assess β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Samples with BHB ≥1.2 mmol/L were classified as a positive case of subclinical ketosis (SCK). Cow body condition and lameness were scored every 10 d postcalving until 60 DIM. No differences were detected between treatments for milk yield (average milk yield = 37.4 ± 1.98 kg/d) and milking frequency (average milking frequency = 3.2 ± 0.01 times/d). Similarly, no difference between treatments in daily AMS visits was detected (average AMS visits = 5.3 ± 0.3 times/d). However, CON cows experienced more AMS refusals/d than LF cows (LF = 1.6 refusals/d, CON = 2.1 refusals/d). No difference between treatments in daily rumination time was detected (average rumination time = 476 ± 10.8 min/d). Treatment was associated with the number of times cows tested positive for SCK; cows on LF had fewer repeated diagnoses of SCK, such that 15% of cows on LF had ≥3 diagnoses of SCK out of 5 tests, compared with 27% of CON cows. Cows receiving molasses tended to have lower blood BHB values at ∼15 DIM. Molasses supplementation also allowed cows to maintain a more stable body condition score, as LF cows tended to lose less body condition over the first 60 DIM compared with CON cows. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that supplementing a molasses-based LF to AMS cows may help support the energy demands of milk production in early lactation and, thus, reduce the incidence of repeat positive SCK tests during that time period.

Sequential optimization of the fermentation factors with integrating seed culture adaptation for increased biorefinery of beet molasses to lactic acid

Microbial bioconversion of agro-industrial wastes to green chemicals has become an important objective in industrial biotechnology for lowering the product costs. Therefore, in this work, beet molasses was used as a potential raw material for lactic acid (LA) production by a newly isolated bacterium, Enterococcus faecium S6. The pretreatment of molasses with EDTA has exhibited the highest effectiveness for bioconversion to LA. The optimal medium components and culture conditions were established. Supplementation of molasses by yeast extract (YE) and ammonium chloride have achieved LA production of 11.90 g/L at a yield of 0.71 g/g-consumed sugars and a productivity of 0.33 g/L/h. Various approaches were used for the optimization of relevant factors affecting l-LA production in batch fermentations. Using classical “one-factor-at-a-time” approach, the optimal factors were as follows: sugar concentration, 40 g/L; pH, 7.0; 40 °C; and inoculum size, 10% (v/v) achieving LA at 29.7 g/L. The effects of these five fermentation parameters were further investigated by response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize LA production. The optimized fermentation conditions by RSM were as follows: sugar concentration, 65 g/L; YE, 0.625 g/L; temperature, 42 °C; pH, 6.75; and inoculum size, 9.5% (v/v) that achieved LA production of 41.5 g/L. Further improvements were achieved using repeated batch fermentation that has conducted for 16 runs. Using seed culture pre-adapted to the actual fermentation conditions in repeated batch fermentation led to enhanced LA production with a shorter process time compared to batch fermentation. These results achieved a maximum LA of 64.7 g/L with high yield (0.94 g/g of consumed sugars) and productivity (2.16 g/L/h). This study presented a cost-effective and long-term fermentative production of LA from beet molasses.

Maternal supplementation of energy and protein, but not methionine hydroxy analog, enhanced postnatal growth and response to vaccination in Bos indicus-influenced beef offspring.

A 2-yr study evaluated the growth and postvaccination immune response of beef calves born from heifers offered no supplementation or pre- and postpartum supplementation of sugarcane molasses + urea with or without methionine hydroxy analog (MHA). On day 0 of each year (57 ± 5 d prepartum), Brangus crossbred beef heifers (n = 36/yr; 20 to 22 mo of age) were stratified by their initial body weight (BW; 396 ± 24.1 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 5.6 ± 0.43) and randomly allocated into 1 of 12 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (3 heifers/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (4 pastures/treatment/yr) and consisted of no supplementation (NOSUP) and supplementation of sugarcane molasses + urea (7.2 kg of DM/heifer/wk) with (MOL+) or without (MOL-) fortification with 105 g/heifer/wk of MHA. Treatments were provided from 57 ± 5 d prepartum until 17 ± 5 d postpartum (day 0 to 74). On day 74, all heifer-calf pairs were combined and managed as a single group until the end of the breeding season (day 237). Calves were early weaned at 89 ± 5 d of age (day 147), limit-fed at 3.5% of BW (DM basis) in drylot until day 201, and vaccinated against respiratory disease pathogens on days 160 and 188. Prepartum BCS on day 44 did not differ (P = 0.26) between MOL+ and MOL- heifers but both groups had greater (P < 0.0001) BCS than NOSUP heifers. Plasma concentrations of l-methionine on day 44 were the greatest (P ≤ 0.04) for MOL+ heifers and did not differ (P = 0.40) between NOSUP vs. MOL- heifers. Calf birth BW did not differ (P = 0.13) among treatments. Calf average daily gain (ADG) from birth to day 201 did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) between MOL+ vs. MOL- calves, but both groups had greater (P ≤ 0.05) ADG from birth to day 201 than NOSUP calves. Calf postvaccination plasma concentrations of glucose, cortisol, and haptoglobin did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.13). However, plasma concentrations of IGF-1 on day 167 and the overall positive vaccine seroconversion did not differ (P ≥ 0.18) between MOL- and MOL+ calves, but both were greater (P ≤ 0.04) compared with NOSUP calves. Hence, maternal supplementation of sugarcane molasses + urea increased BCS at calving and offspring BW gain and response to vaccination against respiratory pathogens compared with no maternal supplementation. MHA inclusion into maternal supplements effectively increased maternal plasma l-methionine concentrations but did not enhance maternal BCS at calving and offspring growth and postvaccination immune response.