Total Digestible Nutrient Content Research Articles

Effect of a Simultaneous Increase in Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients Contents on Late Fattening Hanwoo Steers

Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle.

Effects of Inoculation of Lactobacillus plantarum at Different Doses on Triticale (Triticosecale wittmack) Silage on Quality, Fermentation and Aerobic Stability Properties and Feed Value

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) inoculation into triticale silage on fermentation, quality, feed value, and aerobic stability. This study used three doses of LP bacteria strains (MF098786 strain) isolated from homemade pickles as inoculants. As LP dose, 1×106, 1×108 and 1×109 cfu/mL levels were used. The LP inoculation was applied by spraying onto by using a sterile injector at 1 mL per 1 kg material. The prepared silages were incubated for 60 d. The treatment groups in the study consisted of triticale control (TC), 1×106 (LP6T), 1×108 (LP8T) and 1×109 cfu/kg DM (LP9T) LP inoculated triticale. The LP inoculation of triticale silage improved silage fermentation, chemical and microbiological properties, silage quality, and feed value, and aerobic stability of the product, regardless of dose application. This application did not change the silage's organic matter, ash, and hemicellulose contents but decreased the crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents. While there was no significant change in color parameters in all silages, a decrease in the ultimate pH value, and improvement in Flieg score and RFV were detected. The LP inoculation into triticale silage increased the number of lactic acid bacteria and decreased the number of yeast in the silages. This application improved the total digestible nutrient and energy values of LP9T silage compared with other silages. When LP doses were evaluated within themselves, it was determined that all doses gave almost similar results in terms of the parameters studied. However, when the data obtained from the research are evaluated as a whole, LP inoculation at the level of 1×109 cfu/mL can be recommended to triticale silage, because of the positive effects of silage on total digestible nutrient, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and net energy contents.

Detailing the chemical composition of roasted soybeans and the effect for its use in the diet of dairy cows

Roasted soybeans are a complete source of indigestible protein in the rumen, have high sanitary and hygienic indicators, are devoid of non-nutritional substances of ordinary raw soybeans. The SoyPass and RaPass technology provides all the advantages of roasting soybeans and creates prerequisites for prolonged storage of beans for up to two years without prior drying. The introduction of full-fat flattened soybeans roasted by the Roast-A-Matic roaster into the diet of dairy cows leads to an increase in their milk productivity. Certified results of chemical research show that after frying, the percentage of crude protein significantly increased (by 2.92 points, P < 0.05) and the content of total digestible nutrients (by 8.1 %, P < 0.05), urease activity decreased to 0.06 ± 0.007 units of pH. The biological value of soy protein after frying corresponds to the indicators of the reference protein. Two groups of cows were involved in the study: № 1 – high-yielding cows with a daily milk yield of 30.69–35.96 L (n = 307) and № 2 – medium- and low-yielding cows with a yield of 19.05–28.88 L (n = 377). Group № 1 was given 300 g of roasted soybeans (111 g of protein) daily in their diet instead of 250 g of a high-protein supplement (200 g of protein); group No. 2 – gradually replaced 230 g of the supplement (184 g of protein) and 1500 g of 51 % meal (765 g of protein) with 1700 g of roasted soybeans (629 g of protein). In both groups, the 65-day observation period should be divided into 2 periods: 1) a 30-day period of intensive growth with a rapid increase in milk yield (up to +24.2–25.0 %); 2) the period of stabilization (from the 31st to the 65th day), characterized by some fluctuations in the % increase in milk, but in general by reliable maximum values (up to +25.0–36.7 %). The maximum daily volume in group № 1 reached 41.83 ± 1.04 and 41.83 ± 0.3 L (Р < 0.01) on the 32nd and 38th days, respectively. At the same time, the range of the indicators of the individual yield in the group ranged from 10.7 to 11.7 L. Similar indicators for group № 2 were: 32.56 ± 2.74 L (Р < 0.025) on the 58th day and 10.4–23.8 L. So, in the first 30 days of feeding full-fat fried soybeans, there is a rapid but unstable (with fluctuating peaks) increase in milk productivity of cows. During the 2nd month of soy consumption, the maximum milk yield is reached, when the increase in added milk is not rapid, but stable. Thus, it is advisable to introduce 1.5–2.0 kg/day of roasted soybeans (equivalent to 0.3–0.4 kg of fat/day) into the diet of dairy cows.

Valor nutritivo e características fermentativas da silagem de milheto com diferentes níveis de casca de café

ABSTRACT: The research was conducted to test the hypothesis that the inclusion of coffee husk (Coffea sp.) would improve the fermentative characteristics and quality of pearl millet silage (Pennisetumglaucum). Thus, the objective was to assess the effect of the inclusion of different levels of coffee husk in pearl millet silage on the chemical composition, fermentative characteristics and degradability in situ of silage. The experimental design used was completely randomized and the treatments consisted of the silage of the whole pearl millet plant with the inclusion of increasing levels of coffee husk: 0%, 7%, 14% and 21%, based on natural matter. After 60 days of fermentation, the silages were evaluated for chemical characteristics, fermentative, degradability in situ dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The inclusion of coffee husk did not alter (P > 0.05) the contents of crude protein (11.94%), NDF (44.89%) and total digestible nutrients (65.09%). There were increases in the concentrations of DM and fiber in acid detergent, accompanied by a reduction in the concentrations of mineral matter and ether extract, as the proportion of coffee husks in silages increased. There was an increase in the lignin content up to the level of 7.59% inclusion of the coffee husk. There was no effect of the inclusion of the coffee husk on the pH of the silage (3.60). However, the inclusion of coffee husk resulted in a reduction in temperature, gas losses, and degradability in situ of silage DM and NDF. It is recommended to include coffee husk up to the level of 14.0% of the natural matter to improve the fermentation pattern and the quality of the pearl millet silage.

Chemical composition of marandu palisade grass fertilized with nitrogen and potassium

The goal was to evaluate the chemical composition of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu through the use of fertilization with nitrogen and potassium. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of UFMT, Cuiabá Campus, from December to April 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 - rainy season; and from May to September in 2018 and 2019 – dry season. Treatments corresponded to a 5x2 factorial scheme, with five nitrogen doses (0; 25; 50; 75; 100 kg ha-¹) and two potassium doses (0; 25 kg ha-1). The sample was unified as one for each individual period.The chemical characteristics evaluated were crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF),total digestible nutrients (TDN) and net energy of lactation (NEF). For CP, a positive linear effect was observed for nitrogen fertilization, with 15.87% and 11.68% for the highest dose inthe rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Likewise, a linear increase in TDN and in NEL was observed. For NDF, ADF and iNDF content there was a linear reduction in both rainy and dryseasons. For potassium fertilization, there is little influence on the chemical characteristics, in fact, only in the rainy season for fiber, TDN and NEL contents. However, nitrogen fertilizationpromoted an increase of 51.13% in the CP content at the highest applied dose. The NDE, ADF and iNDF content decrease linearly with nitrogen input, on the contrary, there was an increase in TDN and NEL.

Prediction Total Digestible Nutrient value of forage and feedstuffs from their chemical characteristics

Total Digestible Nutrient Value of forage and concentrate and nutritional characteristics and develop a prediction equation using the chemical composition variables as predictors. Nutrient chemical characteristics data were obtained from 278 forage and 87 feedstuffs. The data included dry and organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, fiber composition, and non-fiber Carbohydrate. Stepwise regression was used to eliminate variables that did not influence variation in the model and used 0.05 as the critical probability level. Data were then randomly divided into two parts; two-thirds of the data was used to estimate the Total Digestible Nutrient, whereas the remaining part was used to validate the estimated Total Digestible Nutrient and was analyzed by multiple linear regressions. Total Digestible Nutrient in forage was negatively correlated with Ether Extract, Acid Detergent Lignin, and Non-fibre Carbohydrate (P<0.01) but positively correlated with Crude Protein (P<0.01), ash, Neutral Detergent Fibre, and Acid Detergent Fiber. Total Digestible Nutrient in feedstuffs was negatively correlated with NFC (P<0.01) but positively correlated with Neutral Detergent Fibre (P<0.01), Acid Detergent Lignin (P<0.01), Ether Extract (P<0.01), Crude Protein (P<0.01), ash, and Acid Detergent Fiber (P<0.01). The results show that the Total Digestible Nutrient content can be accurately estimated starting from the chemical composition. Keywords: total digestible nutrient; forage; concentrate; feed analysis.

Performance of growing lambs on rations containing <i>Lathyrus </i>grainsas protein source

The effect of feeding Lathyrus grain as substitute of GNC protein in the diet of lambs was studied for nutrient utilization, blood and rumen metabolites and growth performance. Jalauni lambs (n=18) weighing around 16.45±1.50 kg were randomly allocated into three dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design. In the control group (LG0), the animals were fed ad lib. green chaff of fodder Sorghum bicolor cv. M. P. Chari with concentrate mixture as per requirement whereas in the LG50 and LG100, the crude protein of groundnut cake was replaced @50% and 100% with Lathyrus grain (LG) protein in the concentrate mixture, respectively. Supplementation of LG did not influence the total DMI (g/day) in animals of different experimental groups. Digestibility(%) of DM, OM, and cell wall polysaccharides (NDF, ADF, cellulose) was also comparable amongst the different dietary groups, while CP digestibility was higher in LG50 group than LG0 or LG100 group. Digestible crude protein (DCP) content was higher in LG50 than LG0 or LG 100 whereas total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents were comparable amongst the treatment groups. Similarly, rumen metabolites and all the blood parameters were comparable among the groups and within the normal physiological range. The daily body weight gain was not affected with the experimental diets. It could be concluded that Lathyrus grain could be used as an alternative source of protein in the concentrate mixture without any adverse impacts on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites and growth performance of Jalauni lambs.

Sustainable oil palm biomass waste utilization in Southeast Asia: Cascade recycling for mushroom growing, animal feedstock production, and composting animal excrement as fertilizer

Palm oil production has increased greatly due to its high stability and growing global population, causing the waste generated by the palm oil industry to grow rapidly. Research utilizing palm oil waste as a substrate for mushroom cultivation is currently ongoing in palm oil-producing countries. This research explores the possibility of utilizing oil palm waste-based mushroom cultivation medium as feedstock for goats and further extends the experiment to the use of excrement as compost material for B. campestris. In this research, we report that oil palm trunk (OPT) and fermented empty fruit bunches (FEFBs) as mushroom cultivation substrates produce yields of 98.3 and 97.2 g/bottle, respectively, while the conventional substrate produces 96.6 g/bottle, showing similar yields but with reduced cultivation time. The in vivo digestion experiments showed no significant differences in the total digestible nutrient (TDN) content between the control group and the group that used fermented total mixed ration (TMR) feed containing 10% palm biomass spent mushroom substrate (SMS). Although the plant height and fresh and dry weights of B. campestris were higher in the excrement-treated groups than in the control group, the germination rate was lower, although the difference was not significant. Based on these results, it was shown that palm biomass could be used in cascade recycling through edible mushroom substrates to livestock feed and compost, thereby adding value to palm biomass.

Buffel grass pre-dried as a modulator of the fermentation, nutritional and aerobic stability profile of cactus pear silage

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate fermentation losses and the fermentation profile of cactus pear silage with buffel grass pre-dried. Five levels of inclusion of buffel grass pre-dried in cactus pear silage (0%; 15%; 25%; 35% and 45% on a dry matter basis) were evaluated with 6 replications, in a completely randomised design. After 90 storage days, silos were opened and silages were analysed. The density, effluent losses, buffering capacity, flieg index, mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients content were quadratically influenced (P < 0.05) of the inclusion of buffel grass pre-dried in cactus pear silage. The inclusion of buffel grass pre-dried promoted a decreasing on gas losses, maximum pH, final pH during stability and CO2 production at the three exposure times, and an increasing on dry matter recovery, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, ammonia nitrogen, dry matter, neutral and acid detergent fibre, and hemicellulose contents in the cactus pear silages. The inclusion of up to 35% buffel grass pre-dried in cactus pear silage represents a viable strategy in the process of nutrient conservation and fermentation quality. In addition to presenting low carbon production during aerobic stability.

Estimation of Rice Straw Adequacy as Ruminants Feed-in Java Based on Yield Area Conversion

Java is considered a center for the ruminant population and supplies cattle and buffalo to several parts of Indonesia. Livestock population increment needs the adequacy of feed, both quantity and quality. Potential sources of feeds are therefore needed to be inventoried to ensure the sustainability of feed adequacy. This study aimed to estimate the potential amount of feed from rice straw in Java for supporting ruminant production in the region. The method of this study was descriptive and quantitative, using secondary data. The potential amount of rice straw as cattle and buffalo feed ingredients was calculated using the yield area of rice. The yield area was converted to grain production, which led to the rice straw production as feed availability. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and total digestible nutrient (TDN) contents were used as a parameter. The percentage of the three parameters was collected from previous studies. The availability of DM, CP, and TDN from rice straws was then calculated based on the Animal Unit (AU). On the other hand, feed requirement was derived from the cattle and buffalo population. The population data were converted to AU, and then the total DM, CP, and TDN requirements were calculated based on previous studies (6.25 kg DM.AU-1, 0.66 kg CP.AU -1, and 4.3 kg TDN.AU-1). The feed availability and condition in Java province were compared and classified into three categories: surplus, sufficient, and deficit. The results showed that Banten, West Java, and Central Java provinces were sufficient to feed adequacy, whereas East Java and Yogyakarta provinces were deficient. This study suggests each province should utilize alternative feed resources in addition to rice straws to ensuring a sufficient feed supply for a ruminant.

Estimasi dan Validasi Total Digestible Nutrient Hijauan Pakan dari Komposisi Kimia Pakan

This study aims to estimate and validate the accuracy of estimated Total Digestible Nutrient (TDN) content in forages based on the chemical composition of feed. Data on nutrient composition for estimates were obtained from the BR-CORTE database consisting of 86 types of forages and primary data from observations consisting of 19 types of forages. Analysis data is used Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, determination coefficient (R2), and root mean square error (RMSE) for estimation models, variance test (ANOVA), and T-test for validation. The results showed that forage TDN had a negative correlation with Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) (P &lt;0.01) and lignin (P &lt;0.05), but was positively correlated with Non-Fibre Carbohydrate (NFC) (P &lt;0.01), Ether Extract (EE) and Crude Protein (CP) (P&lt;0.01). Thus, the TDN value can be estimated from the chemical composition in the feed. The regression equation that will be used to estimate forage TDN content is TDN = 0.482 NDF + 1.538 EE + 0.699 NFC + 0.718 CP (R2=0.994). Then, this equation is validated and compared to the Hartadi’s and Wardeh’s equations. The results of the T-test showed that the TDN value estimated is non significantly different with TDN Hartadi for cattle (P&gt;0.05). It concluded TDN value of local forage can be estimated based on this estimation models.

Effects of palm kernel cake on nutrient utilization and performance of grazing and confined cattle: a meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary palm kernel cake inclusion (PKCInclusion) on the nutrient intake and digestibility, as well as on the performance of cattle under grazing and confined systems. Additionally, potential maximum safe levels (MSL) for PKCInclusion were explored for cattle under those systems using a broken-line approach. Overall, 22 studies for 85 treatment means and 747 experimental units were included in the dataset used for the meta-analysis in which, quantitative responses to increasing PKCInclusion levels were fitted using a mixed model, considering the study as a random effect. Additionally, all studies tested a treatment without the inclusion of PKC (PKCInclusion = 0g/kg DM) in the concentrate and total mixed ration fed to grazing and confined animals, respectively. In grazing animals, intake, and digestibility of dry matter (DM), as well as intake of total digestible nutrient (TDN) and digestibility of crude protein (CP) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as PKCInclusion increased. Conversely, the intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased linearly (P < 0.01). Additionally, the intake of CP showed a quadratic decreasing pattern (P < 0.01) with the increase in dietary PKCInclusion. In confined animals, intake of DM, CP, NDF, and TDN revealed quadratic patterns (P < 0.01) as PKCInclusion increased. The digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, as well as TDN concentration showed a linear decreasing pattern (P < 0.05) as PKCInclusion increased. For performance, data revealed that average daily gain (ADG) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in grazing and confined animals with the increase in PKCInclusion. Feed efficiency (FE) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in grazing animals, whereas it showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in confined animals. Exploration of the quadratic relationships of intake of DM, CP, NDF, and TDN with PKCInclusion in confined animals revealed MSL values for PKC ranging from 85.56 ± 14.2 to 126.4 ± 14.7g PKC/kg DM. In grazing animals, exploration of the quadratic relationship of intake of CP with PKCInclusion, revealed an MSL value of 96.23 ± 9.01g PKC/kg DM. In conclusion, data revealed that the use of PKC in both confined and grazing systems reduces the nutrient utilization and performance of cattle in a dose-dependent manner without a maximum safe level that does not reduce animal performance.

NIRS Estimation of the Nutritive Value of Sugarcane Silage at Different Harvest Seasons and with Additives

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of sugarcane silage at different harvest seasons and treated with additives, as well as its estimation by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The experiment was developed in Colorado do Oeste, RO, Brazil, being adopted a completely randomized design with four repetitions. The treatments were arranged in a 3´5 factorial scheme, being: three harvest seasons (March, May and July); and five additives: 10% corn flour; 10% disintegrated straw and cob corn; 15% rice bran; 1,0% urea; no additive. Dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, indigestible neutral detergent fiber and estimated total digestible nutrients contents were evaluated. The nutritive value of sugarcane silage improves with additives, when compared to sugarcane silage in natura. The moisture sequestering additives present better results when compared to urea, with the exception of crude protein content. The co-product rice bran provides reduced fiber content, and increased crude protein and total digestible nutrient contents of the silage. The silage produced in July and with additives provides the highest contents of total digestible nutrients. The near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy estimates are excellent (R2cv &gt; 0.95) for crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and ash, offering ranchers and researchers a fast and inexpensive service.

The Effect of Babassu Industry By-Products as an Alternative Feed for Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative characteristics, chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility of a total mixed ration silage containing two babassu by-products, starchy flour and babassu cake. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomised design containing four treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of corn silage, corn silage based on the standard corn and soybean diet, corn silage with babassu flour, and corn silage with babassu cake. No significant difference was observed in the pH values (p = 0.256) for the studied silages. Higher values for dry matter recovery were observed for the silages of the total diets. The corn silage presented lower lactic acid production (55.15 g/kg DM) and acetic acid (11.54 g/kg DM) in relation to the total ration silages. The inclusion of babassu by-products increased the dry matter (p &lt; 0.001), crude protein (p &lt; 0.001), and total digestible nutrient content (p &lt; 0.001) in the total ration silages. Silage in the form of the total ration containing regional babassu by-products improved the fermentative profile of the silages and the nutritional value of the diets, endowing them with potential for use as a feed alternative for dairy cattle.

Sunflower cake versus soybean meal and alfalfa for nitrogen utilization when crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrate levels are equivalent.

The reported efficiency of N usage by sunflower cake (SFC) was inferior to that of soybean meal (SBM) in a study in which the non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content was lower in the SFC diet. Here, we adjusted crude protein (CP) and NFC levels to near-equivalence among three diets containing SFC or SBM for four non-lactating Holstein cows. Alfalfa hay was also added to the comparison. The results demonstrated that the total digestible nutrient contents were not significantly different among the diets. Intake N, fecal N, absorbed N, urinary N, and retained N did not differ significantly among the diets. The efficiency of N usage in the body (retained N/absorbed N) did not differ significantly among the diets. No between-diet difference was observed in the protein- and energy-related ruminal and blood properties, including the estimated microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. These results suggest that regardless of the quality and balance of amino acids in a feed, the efficiency of N usage can be improved by a supply of digestible carbohydrates, which leads to an increase in ruminal microbial protein.

Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Wild Grass Fodder for Mega Herbivore (Elephas maximus) in the Foothills of Western Ghats.

Simple SummaryThe aim of the study is to improve elephant habitats by restoring them with wild grass fodder. Based on the feeding behaviour and food spectrum of elephants, the study documented 30 grass fodders. We used standard protocols to assess the nutritional analysis, and finally the study identified five nutrient rich potential grass fodder, viz., Cynodon dactylon, Dichanthium aristatum, Heteropogon contortus, Oplismenus burmannii and Themeda triandra for fodder bank development in corridors and fringe areas to improve the habitat of elephants. Hence, the findings are crucial and can be utilized for the management and conservation of elephantsin the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve (CER).An elephant, being a mega herbivore, consumes large amounts of food. Due to the lack of availability of fodder inside the forest, the elephants move out of their habitat areas and also find agricultural crops attractive, which further results in man–animal conflict. To improve the elephant habitat area, the current study was conducted to assess the availability of native fodder grasses inside the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve, Western Ghats, from April 2021–April 2022. The area falls between 10°37′and 11°31′ North latitudes and 76°39′and 77°5′ East longitudes. It was approached in a systematic random sampling method. A total of 128 sample plots of 1 sq.m size were randomly placed, and the density of grass species was recorded in percentage (%). The collected samples were shade dried for one week, ground to pass through a 1 mm sieve, and stored in polythene bags. Furthermore, the samples were chemically analyzed to determine their nutritional values. The dry matter (DM) content of various grass fodder varied from 28.18% to 59.75%. The crude protein (CP) content differed between 5.94% and 11.94%. The highest CP was recorded in Cynodon dactylon (11.94%) and the least in Aristida setacea (5.94%). Ether extract content was found in the ranges of 1.00% to 5.00%. The acid detergent fibre (ADF) content of Aristida setacea (45.74%) was observed as the highest, whereas the lowest was observed in Oplismenus burmannii (26.78%), followed by Themeda triandra (26.85%), Heteropogon contortus (30.12%) and Enteropogon monostachyos (30.31%). The average neutral detergent fibre content of grass fodder was 52.27%, with a range of 37.89% (Oplismenus burmannii) to 67.87% (Cymbopogon martinii). The average total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of grass was 77.45%; relative forage quality (RFQ) exhibited wider variations among the grasses and ranged between 107.51 and 198.83. This study is a pioneer in evaluating the nutritional values of native grass fodder species for elephants in the Western Ghats. The study gives strategies for the selection of high nutritive fodder grass for the habitat improvement of elephants, and it also provides scientific and baseline information for the conservation of native grass fodder species in the Western Ghats.

Nutritional assessment of tropical pastures as a sustainability strategy in dual-purpose cattle ranching in the South of Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela

Pastures represent the greatest sustainability challenge for tropical cattle, as they are fibrous pastures, low in protein, with few soluble carbohydrates and limited digestibility. To evaluate the nutritional quality of tropical pastures, during the rainy and dry season a farm dedicated to raising dual-purpose cattle in the South of Lake Maracaibo-Venezuela was visited; there, six paddocks dominated by grasses adapted to the ecological conditions of the tropical humid rainforest were randomly selected. The sampling consisted of collecting, simulating the selective biting pattern of the animal, all the forage biomass found in 1 m 2 delimited by a metal frame that was thrown on several occasions until covering the grazing area. A final composite sample was made for each paddock, which were weighed and analyzed to determine parameters of nutritional interest. The study revealed that the paddock as a source of variation affected (P < 0.05) the floristic composition of the pastures, while the highest yield of consumable green matter, dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash and nitrogen-free extract was recorded during the rainy season (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of the season on the content of total digestible nutrients, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. The results suggest intensifying grazing during the wettest season and incorporating a gradual fertilization plan that guarantees higher forage biomass during the drought.

150 Effects of Annual and Perennial Forage Systems on Forage Biomass and Quality, Grazing Animal Performance, and Enteric Methane Emissions

Abstract The effects of perennial and annual forage systems on forage biomass and quality, grazing animal performance, and enteric methane emissions were evaluated over two summer grazing seasons in 2020 and 2021. Forage systems (treatments) included (1) AC Success hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm. × Bromus inermis Leyss.) + PS30006 alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (HBG-ALF), (2) AC Armada meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) + AAC Mountainview sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) (MBG-SF), (3) AC Hazlet fall rye (Secale cereale L.) + Frosty berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) (FR-CLOV) and (4) Winfred forage brassica (Brassica oleracea L.× Brassica rapa L.) + Gorilla forage brassica (Brassica napus L.) + 4010 pea (Pisum sativum L.) + CDC Austenson barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) (BAR-PEA-BRASS). Yearling beef steers (n=156, body weight = 364 ± 14 kg) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 replicated (n=3) forage systems for an average of 54 d grazing period each year. Dry matter yield (DMY) was greatest (P=0.006) for HBG-ALF (3036 kg/ha) and lowest for FR-CLOV (993 kg/ha) (P=0.005). Dry matter yield of BAR-PEA-BRASS (2123 kg/ha) and MBG-SF (1950 kg/ha) was similar (P=0.57). Total digestible nutrients (TDN) of BAR-PEA-BRASS (63.0%) and FR-CLOV (62.0%) was greater (P=0.001) than HBG-ALF (53.8%) and MBG-SF (54.7%). Crude protein (CP) was greatest (P=0.001) in FR-CLOV (13%). Crude protein of BAR-PEA-BRASS (9.6%) was greater (P=0.003) than HBG-ALF (6.6%) and MBG-SF (5.3%). Steer performance was greatest (P=0.03) on HBG-ALF (124 kg/ha). Steer performance on FR-CLOV (82 kg/ha), MBG-SF (76 kg/ha) and BAR-PEA-BRASS (74 kg/ha) was similar (P=0.92). Enteric methane emissions from beef steers did not differ between forage treatments (P=0.08). In summary, HBG-ALF forage system provided greater DMY, and grazing animal performance compared to the other forage systems, however TDN and CP content was lower than other forage systems and enteric methane emissions did not differ among treatments.

Effects of Tytanit and Nitrogen on Cellulose and Hemicellulose Content of Festulolium braunii and on Its Digestibility

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effects of the foliar application of Tytanit, at the same time comparing it with the effects of mineral nitrogen, on the cellulose and hemicellulose content and its effect on Festulolium braunii digestibility. The experiment was founded in the spring of 2014 in the field of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce, Poland. The plant used in the experiment was the Felopa variety of Festulolium braunii. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg/ha were studied in the experiment. During its full use (2015–2017), Festulolium braunii was harvested three times. The content of cellulose and hemicellulose was determined by near-infrared reflection spectroscopy (NIRS) using the NIRFlex N-500. The higher dose of 1% Tytanit contributed to an increase in cellulose content of Festulolium braunii (334.8 g kg−1), at the same time decreasing hemicellulose content (175.0 g kg−1), lignification degree (7.1%), dry matter digestibility (59.71%), and total digestible nutrient content (52.99%).

Digestible and metabolizable energy prediction models in guinea pig feedstuffs

ABSTRACT In the formulation of rations for guinea pigs, the energy value of the food and the requirements should be expressed as digestible energy (DE) or metabolizable energy (ME); the chemical composition tables do not report values for this species. The conventional determination of DE and ME of the feedstuffs requires animal experimentation, personnel, and specialized high-cost equipment. Study objective was developed mathematical models to estimate DE and ME using chemical composition and digestibility data from 26 forages, 8 dry agro-industrial wastes and 23 concentrated feeds, generated in previous studies using 5 male guinea pigs aged 5–6 months at 600–700 g of weight in each trial. Multiple hierarchical linear regression in SPSS 23 was used to generate the prediction models. Equations based on total digestible nutrient content served as standard equations for comparison with models generated based on . The best fitted equations for predicting ME content were those using DE ( = 0.966), and dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, organic matter, and organic matter digestibility ( = 0.910). Other equations were generated to predict DE and ME of guinea pig feeds, using other proximal components and digestibility coefficients, with greater than 0.9.