Total Digestible Nutrients Intake Research Articles

Effect of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted total mixed ration on growth performance, nutrient availability, carcass traits and composition in finisher Barbari kids.

The study aimed to assess the impact of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with varying concentrate (C) to roughage (R) ratios on feed intake, nutrient utilization, growth, and carcass characteristics in Barbari kids. Sixteen weaned male Barbari kids (av. age, 233 ± 11 days; weight, 13.86 ± 0.76kg) were divided into two groups (T1 and T2), each receiving different pelleted diets (TMR) with distinct concentrate to roughage ratios (T1 with 60:40; T2 with 40:60). The kids were fed for 133 days, and a digestion trial was conducted at the end of the study. After completion, all kids were slaughtered. Although, kids under T1 consumed higher (P < 0.001) amount of dry matter, and crude protein compared to T2, which was due to a higher concentrate to roughage ratio in T1. But, the average daily body weight gain (ADG) of finisher kids was 88.53, and 79.83g/d/kid in T1 and T2, respectively; however, the difference was non-significant. Digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrate was also greater in T1 compared to T2. Total digestible nutrients intake was higher (P < 0.001) in T1; similarly intake of digestible energy, and metabolizable energy were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in T1 compared to T2. Concentrations of volatile fatty acids and NH3-nitrogen were also enhanced (P < 0.05) in T1 compared to T2. We observed similar carcass weight, and dressing percentage in both groups, and carcass composition remained unaffected. The pelleted diet containing greater ratio of concentrate: roughage (60:40) had no additional benefits in terms of ADG, and carcass traits in finisher kids. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted TMR diet containing C40: R60 (TDN 57.13%, DCP 7.64%, ME 9.11MJ/kg feed) is suitable for optimizing growth performance with desirable carcass traits, and meat composition in finisher Barbari kids reared under the intensive system.

Full-fat corn germ improves the performance and milk fat yield of Girolando cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes as forage sources.

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient use in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin Square and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased fat-corrected milk yield by 2.2kg/day and the synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk by 94.4, 60.0, and 201.10g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake by 1.01kg/day, with the intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients following the same pattern. Conversely, the substitution of corn for full-fat corn germ linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the total non-fiber carbohydrate intake from 5.79 to 4.40kg/d. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Cows fed corn germ excreted less (p < 0.05) urea-N in milk and urine N. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance the milk production efficiency of crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.

Feeding behavior, intake pattern, and nutrient sufficiency of sheep fed sorghum straw silage and concentrate

This study aimed to determine the behavior, intake pattern, and nutritional sufficiency level of sheep fed sorghum straw silage and concentrate. Twelve male local sheep weighing 13.13 ± 2.39 kg were kept in individual pens with a size of 80 × 125 cm2. The concentrate comprised soybean meal, rice bran, ground corn, mineral premix, and urea. Forage and concentrate were given at the same time in different feed bunks and were available all the time. The data observed were related to behavior, feed intake, and growth. The behavioral activities observed were duration of eating, mineral block licking, drinking, rumination, laying, and other activities. The feed intakes observed were hourly intake and daily intake. Behavioral data and dry matter intake patterns were analyzed descriptively, while nutritional sufficiency was analyzed using a one-sample t test compared to the nutrient requirements of local sheep for an increase in body weight of 100 grams per day. The activities carried out within 24 hours were eating (24.00%), ruminating (19.05%), mineral block licking (3.45%), drinking (0.28%), laying (31.02%), and other activities (31.02%). The feed intake ratios of sorghum straw silage and concentrate were 10.89% and 89.11%, respectively, with an average daily gain of 140.00 g per head per day. The total dry matter intake was 737.34 g, consisting of a total intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients of 16.48% and 71.44%, respectively, exceeding the needs of local sheep for a daily gain of 100 g per day. Sheep can use sorghum straw silage as a forage source and regulate their consumption to meet their nutritional needs.

Can the post-ruminal urea release impact liver metabolism, and nutritional status of beef cows at late gestation?

We aimed to evaluate the effects of post-ruminal supply of urea (PRU) on nutritional status, and liver metabolism of pregnant beef cows during late gestation. Twenty-four Brahman dams, pregnant from a single sire, and weighing 545 kg ± 23 kg were confined into individual pens at 174 ± 23 d of gestation, and randomly assigned into one of two dietary treatments up to 270 d of gestation: Control (CON, n = 12), consisting of a basal diet supplemented with conventional urea, where the cows were fed with diets containing 13.5 g conventional urea per kg dry matter; and PRU (PRU, n = 12), consisting of a basal diet supplemented with a urea coated to extensively prevent ruminal degradation while being intestinally digestible, where the cows were fed with diets containing 14,8 g urea protected from ruminal degradation per kg dry matter. Post-ruminal supply of urea reduced the urine levels of 3-methylhistidine (P = 0.02). There were no differences between treatments for dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.76), total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake (P = 0.30), and in the body composition variables, such as, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT; P = 0.72), and rib eye area (REA; P = 0.85). In addition, there were no differences between treatments for serum levels of glucose (P = 0.87), and serum levels of glucogenic (P = 0.28), ketogenic (P = 0.72), glucogenic, and ketogenic (P = 0.45) amino acids, neither for urea in urine (P = 0.51) as well as urea serum (P = 0.30). One the other hand, enriched pathways were differentiated related to carbohydrate digestion, and absorption, glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway, and biosynthesis of amino acids of the exclusively expressed proteins in PRU cows. Shifting urea supply from the rumen to post-ruminal compartments decreases muscle catabolism in cows during late gestation. Our findings indicate that post-ruminal urea supplementation for beef cows at late gestation may improve the energy metabolism to support maternal demands. In addition, the post-ruminal urea release seems to be able to trigger pathways to counterbalance the oxidative stress associated to the increase liver metabolic rate.

The Determination of Nutrient Intake on Productivity and Potential Methane Emission of Fat-Tailed Sheep Fed Odot Grass as a Source of Crude Fibre

The purposes of this study were to examine the determination of crude protein (CP), Crude Fibre (Cfi) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) on the productivity and potential methane emission of fat-tailed sheep (FTS) fed Odot grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) as a source of crude fibre. The materials used were 15 male FTS with an initial body weight (BW) of 19.5 kg ± 0.61 (CV = 0.59). The feed consisted of 28.57% Odot grass, 14.29% coffee peel, 4.28% rice bran, 7.86% pollard, 21.43% cassava, 21.43% corn cobs and 2% molasses. Sheep were reared intensively in pens for 30 days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The parameters in this study were dry matter intake (DMI), CP intake, Cfi intake, TDN, FTS productivity, and the determination of nutrient intake on FTS productivity and methane output. The data were analysed using correlation regression analysis. The results showed that the DMI was 956.67 g/day, CP intake was 119.31 g/day, Cfi intake was 256,22 g/day, TDN intake was 634.54 g/day, ADG 102,03 g/day and FCR of 10.1 g feed/g ADG. The potential methane emission of FTS-fed Odot grass as a source of fibre was 59.49 litres/day. DMI, CP and TDN positively correlate with methane emission (r=0.77). Cfi intake consumption is very closely related to methane output (r=1). Based on the results of the study, to increase FTS ADGs of 100 g required DM 4.76% BW, CP requirement was 120.8 g/100 gADG and TDN requirement was 642.4 g/100gADG, Cfi requirement was 259.40g/100gADG with methane emission of 60.26 litres.

Inclusion of licuri cake in high-grain diets for steers: Intake, digestibility, carcass characteristics, and meat quality

A high-grain diet is essential to maximize growth and yield as well as to provide high-quality meat in beef cattle. This study evaluated the effects of including licuri cake in high-grain diets for steers on performance and carcass and meat quality. Forty-four crossbred (1/2 Bos taurus × 1/2 Bos indicus) castrated steers at 24 months of age, with an initial weight of 358.19 ± 41.57 kg, were used. The animals were distributed into four treatments that consisted of diets including licuri cake (0, 85, 170, or 255 g/kg, dry matter basis). Dry matter intake and digestibility decreased with the inclusion of licuri cake in the diet. However, the addition of the ingredient did not influence the intakes of total digestible nutrients (6.7 ± 0.5 kg/day) or crude protein. Licuri cake inclusion did not influence weight gain (1.5 ± 0.2 kg/day) or hot carcass weight (255.1 ± 24.9 kg). There was also no effect on carcass fat thickness, whereas the cholesterol content in the meat decreased with the addition of the cake. We recommend the inclusion of up to 255 g/kg licuri cake in the diet of feedlot steers fed high-concentrate diets.

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.

Potencial de silagens de genótipos de capim-elefante como volumoso exclusivo sobre a composição tecidual e a qualidade da carne de cordeiros: um estudo preliminar

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets containing elephant grass genotypes silages as exclusive roughage on leg tissue composition, and physicochemical characteristics of meat of lambs. Twenty-four crossbred male lambs with an average initial body weight of 20.29±2.66kg were distributed in a complete randomized design with three treatments and eight replicates. The treatments consisted of three silages of elephant grass genotypes (IRI-381, Elephant B or Mott), without additives or wilting, as the only roughage. The diets did not affect (P&gt;0.05) the dry matter (898.70±60.10 g/day), crude protein (128.93±6.91g/day), total digestible nutrients (690.20±91.82g/day) intakes, body weight at slaughter (24.83±2.79kg), and carcass yields (P&gt;0.05). The tissue composition of the leg did not differ significantly between silages of elephant grass genotypes (P&gt;0.05). No difference (P&gt;0.05) for the physicochemical characteristics of meat from lambs fed diets tested was observed. Therefore, our results indicate that diets containing 50% elephant grass genotypes silages (IRI-381, Elephant B or Mott), harvested at 60 days of growth, have potential for use in lambs feeding.

Dwarf and tall elephant grass silages: intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal fermentation, and ingestive behavior in sheep.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the exclusive supply of dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, harvested at 60days of growth, without wilting or the use of additives, on intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen parameters, and ingestive behavior of sheep. Eight castrated male crossbred sheep (57.6 ± 5.25kg body weight), fistulated in the rumen, were distributed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares with four treatments and eight animals per treatment and four periods. The treatments consisted of four elephant grass genotype silages (Mott, Taiwan A-146 2.37, IRI-381, or Elephant B). There was no effect of silages (P > 0.05) on dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrient intake. The dwarf-sized elephant grass silages provided higher crude protein intake (P = 0.047) and N intake (P = 0.047), while the IRI-381 genotype silage provided higher non-fibrous carbohydrate intake compared to Mott (P = 0.042), without differing from Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Elephant B silages. There were no differences (P > 0.05) among the digestibility coefficients of the evaluated silages. It was observed that silages produced with Mott and IRI-381 genotypes caused a slight decrease in ruminal pH (P = 0.013), and the propionic acid concentration was higher in the rumen fluid of the animals fed with Mott silage (P = 0.021). Therefore, dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, produced with cut genotypes at 60days of growth and without the use of additives or wilting process, can be used in sheep feeding.

Prediction models of intake and productive performance of non-castrated Nellore cattle finished in the feedlot system under tropical conditions.

The objective of this study was to understand and predict the intake and performance of Nellore cattle finished in the feedlot. Individual data from 144 non-castrated male Nellore steers finished in the feedlot between the years 2016 and 2020 were used. Descriptive statistical analyses and Pearson's correlation were performed. The outliers were tested by evaluating the studentized residuals in relation to the values predicted by the equations. Residues that were outside the range of - 2.5 to 2.5 were removed. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by the coefficients of determination (r2) and root mean square error (RMSE). The mean dry matter intake (DMI) was 10.2kg/day, neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) was 3.4kg/day, corresponding to 33.3% of DMI, crude protein intake (CPI) was 1.6kg/day, and total digestible nutrient intake (TDNI) was 7.1kg/day. The CPI to ADG ratio was 1.3kg CPI/kg ADG and the TDNI to CPI ratio was 4.5kg TDNI/kg CPI. The averages of productive performance were 1.3kg/day for average daily gain (ADG), 152.6kg for total weight gain (TWG), and 497.8kg for final body weight (FBW) in average days in the confinement of 115.7days. The intake measures correlated significantly with the performance measures, except for carcass yield and days in the feedlot. TWG had a high positive correlation with ADG (r = 0.84), while FBW had a positive correlation (r = 0.86) with hot carcass weight (HCW). Measures of intake, performance, and days in the feedlot can be used as predictors of DMI, FBW, HCW, TWG, and ADG. The prediction equations had satisfactory precision and accuracy for non-castrated Nellore cattle finished in feedlot systems under tropical conditions.

Effects of low-fat dried distillers grains on nutrient intake and digestibility in high-concentrate diets

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including levels of low-fat dried distillers grains without soluble (DDG) in high-concentrate diets on intake and digestibility. Four rumen-cannulated Nellore cattle received four dietary treatments in a 4×4 Latin square experimental design. Treatments included diets without DDG (D0) and varying inclusion levels of DDG at 150 g/kg (D150), 300 g/kg (D300), and 450 g/kg (D450). Four periods of total feces and urine collection were performed to estimate nutrient intake and digestibility and estimate nitrogen balance. Collections of omasum digesta were used to estimate ruminal degradability. The ruminal emptying technique was performed to estimate the ruminal rates of ingestion, passage, and digestion (kd). The inclusion of DDG reduced the intake of total digestible nutrients (TDN) (P < 0.01), dry matter (DM) (P = 0.02), organic matter (OM) (P = 0.02), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) (P < 0.01) and ether extract (EE) (P = 0.06). The intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased linearly (P < 0.01), whereas CP had a quadratic pattern (P = 0.02). The total digestibility in kg/d of DM (P < 0.01), OM (P < 0.01), NFC (P < 0.01) and EE (P = 0.02) decreased linearly. The total digestibility in kg/d of the NDF increased linearly (P < 0.01) and the CP had a quadratic pattern (P = 0.01). The kd of DM (P = 0.01), OM (P < 0.01) decreased linearly and NDF increased linearly (P < 0.01). The amount of N retained did not change (P = 0.72), but the intake of metabolizable protein increased (P = 0.03). Therefore, the inclusion of low-fat DDG in finishing diets reduces TDN intake and reduces the digestibility of almost all nutrients.

Intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and performance in lamb fed spineless cactus silage associated with forages adapted to the semiarid environment Spineless cactus silages in diets for lambs

The study aimed to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance and productive performance in lamb fed spineless cactus silage associated with forages adapted to the semiarid environment. Forty intact crossbred lambs, with an average body weight of 22.65 ± 1.01 kg, were distributed in a completely randomised design with five treatments (diets based on: spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + buffelgrass silage (SCBS), spineless cactus + gliricidia silage (SCGS), spineless cactus + pornunça silage (SCPS) and corn silage (CS; witness) and eight animals per treatment. Intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and performance of animals were evaluated. The SCGS diet showed higher intake of dry matter and organic matter (P<0.05). The SCGS and SCPS diets showed the highest crude protein intake (P = 0.005). Lower intake of ether extract was found in animals receiving diets containing SCS and SCBS (P = 0.001). SCBS and SCGS provided a higher intake of neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.015). SCS and SCGS diets displayed a higher intake of non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.003). SCGS diets displayed the highest total digestible nutrients intake (P = 0.001). SCPS diet showed lower digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein (P<0.05). SCGS diet showed a lower digestibility coefficient for ether extract (P = 0.009). SCPS diet showed lower digestibility coefficients for neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.022). SCS and SCPS diets showed lower digestibility coefficients for non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.011). The CS promoted lower results for intake (P = 0.003), absorbed (P = 0.003) and balance (P = 0.012) for nitrogen. SCPS diet promoted higher excretion of nitrogen via faeces (P = 0.001) and less excretion of nitrogen via urine (P = 0.033). SCGS diet provided a higher final weight (P = 0.006). SCS and SCGS diets provided more significant body weight gain (P = 0.001). Combining spineless cactus with a roughage base allowed weight gains over 200 g/day, proving to be efficient in diets for feedlot lamb and gains similar or superior to corn-based diets.

Predicting microbial crude protein synthesis in cattle from intakes of dietary energy and crude protein.

Accurate predictions of microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis are needed to predict metabolizable protein supply in ruminants. Since 1996, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine series on beef cattle nutrient requirements has used the intake of total digestible nutrients (TDN) to predict ruminal MCP synthesis. Because various tabular energy values for feeds are highly correlated, our objective was to determine whether intakes of digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy for maintenance (NEm) could be used as predictors of MCP synthesis in beef cattle. A published database of 285 treatment means from experiments that evaluated MCP synthesis was updated with 50 additional treatment mean observations. When intakes of TDN, fat-free TDN, DE, ME, NEm, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and starch were used in a stepwise regression analysis to predict MCP, only intakes of DE and CP met the P < 0.10 criterion for entry into the model. Mixed-model regression analyses were used to adjust for random intercept and slope effects of citations to evaluate intake of DE alone or in combination with CP intake as predictors of MCP synthesis, and the intakes of TDN, ME, and NEm as alternatives to DE intake. Similar precisions in predicting MCP synthesis were obtained with all measures of energy intake (CV = root mean square error [RMSE] as a percentage of the overall mean MCP varied from 9% to 9.67%), and adding CP intake to statistical models increased precision (CV ranged from 8.43% to 9.39%). Resampling analyses were used to evaluate observed vs. predicted values for the various energy intake models with or without CP intake, as well as the TDN-based equation used in the current beef cattle nutrient requirements calculations. The coefficient of determination, concordance correlation coefficient, and RMSE of prediction as a percentage of the mean averaged 0.595%, 0.730%, and 28.6% for the four measures of energy intake, with average values of 0.630%, 0.757%, and 27.4%, respectively, for equations that included CP intake. The TDN equation adopted by the 2016 beef cattle nutrient requirements system yielded similar results to newly developed equations but had a slightly greater mean bias. We concluded that any of the measures of energy intake we evaluated can be used to predict MCP synthesis by beef cattle and that adding CP intake improves model precision.

Effect of dietary inclusion of licuri cake on intake, feeding behavior, and performance of feedlot cull cows.

Licuri cake (LC) is an interesting alternative nutritional component for high-grain diets for ruminants due to its high protein (21.6% CP), fat (12.0% EE), and fiber (62.8% NDF) contents. We investigated the effect of increasing levels of LC inclusion on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, and carcass traits of cull cows fed high-grain diets. Forty Zebu cows with an initial weight of 318 ± 38.1 kg, at 105 months of age, were confined in collective stalls and fed (ad libitum) a diet containing 0, 50, 100, or 150 g/kg LC on a diet dry matter (DM) basis. Licuri cake inclusion induced quadratic responses (P < 0.05) in the intakes of DM (9.57 kg/day at 97.8 g/kg LC), crude protein (CP; 1.02 kg/day at 91.7 g/kg LC), and total digestible nutrients (6.68 kg/day at 75.2 g/kg LC). The digestibility of DM, CP, and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and rumination efficiencies increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of LC in the diet. The inclusion of LC did not influence (P > 0.05) on daily weight gain, hot carcass weight, or back fat thickness in the carcass. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of up to 150 g/kg LC in high-grain diets for feedlot cull cows.

Ruminal undegradable protein enriched diet during late gestation of beef cows affects maternal metabolism and offspring’s skeletal muscle development

We aimed to investigate the impacts of ruminal undegradable protein (RUP) enriched diet during late gestation on performance of pregnant beef cows and skeletal muscle growth of the offspring. From 180d of gestation to parturition, a total of 31 Brahman pregnant cows were randomly assigned to one of the experimental treatments: High-RUP diet (H-RUP, n = 17), and control diet (CTRL, n = 14). Maternal results showed no differences (P > 0.05) in dry matter intake, and total digestible nutrients intake between treatments. However, crude protein intake and the RUP intake were greater (P < 0.01) in H-RUP, while CTRL group had greater (P < 0.01) rumen degradable protein intake. Cows from H-RUP group were heavier (P < 0.01) at parturition and had greater (P = 0.01) average daily gain. Blood levels of nitric oxide tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in H-RUP, while blood glucose levels were not altered (P > 0.60) by RUP-enriched diet. Blood aminoacidic profile showed greater (P = 0.02) concentrations of methionine in CTRL group, and greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of the branched chain amino acids in H-RUP cows. A greater (P = 0.04) number of muscle fibers were observed in the H-RUP offspring, while a tendency (P = 0.07) of greater muscle fiber diameter was observed in CTRL offspring. Gene expression analysis indicated higher (P < 0.01) expression of the satellite cells marker (PAX7) in CTRL offspring. In contrast, the expression of the markers of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (PDGFRα), and adipogenesis (ZFP423, PPARγ, C/EBPα) were higher in the skeletal muscle of H-RUP offspring. Consistently, at the protein level the greater abundance of ZFP423 (P = 0.03), and PPARγ (P = 0.01) were observed in H-RUP offspring. Moreover, the expression of the fibrogenic marker (TGFβ) was higher (P = 0.01) in H-RUP offspring. Our findings suggest that supplementing pregnant beef cows during late gestation may increase the availability of amino acids, responsible to maintain maternal body conditions and to change the skeletal muscle characteristics of the offspring. Since the resulting offspring from H-RUP treatment showed greater number of muscle fiber and an increase in the process of intramuscular adipogenesis our data suggest that a RUP-enriched diet for pregnant cows at late gestation may be beneficial for the achievement of better carcasses at slaughter. However, the feeding strategy showed no changes in the offspring’s performance during the growing phase.

Effect of forage to concentrate ratio on growth performance and feeding behavior of Thalli lambs.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of forage to concentrate ratio (F:C) on growth performance and feeding behavior of Thalli lambs. For this purpose, twenty-one male Thalli lambs with initial live body weight (26.30 ± 3.02kg) were selected and divided into three experimental groups in a randomized complete block design. The experimental duration was 12weeks. The experimental diets were F:C (100:0), F:C (80:20), and F:C (60:40). Alfalfa hay was used as forage source. Lambs fed F:C (60:40) and F:C (80:20) diets showed higher dry matter intake (DMI), total dry matter intake (TDMI), organic matter intake (OMI), weight gain, growth rate, better feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency as compared to the lambs fed F:C (100:0) (P < 0.05). The results also showed that crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake were maximum in F:C (60:40)-fed lambs (P < 0.05). However, higher crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intakes were seen in the F:C (100:0)-fed lambs (P < 0.05). The results of nutrient digestibilities revealed the improved OM, DM, CP, and ADF digestibilities in lambs fed with F:C (60:40) and F:C (80:20) (P < 0.05). The digestibility of NDF and CF were not affected by the all-dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Behavior results explored that eating time, and chewing time was higher in F:C (100:0)-fed lambs (P < 0.05), while standing time, lying time, and abnormal behavior were increased in lambs fed with F:C (60:40) and F:C (80:20) (P < 0.05). Based on the results, it is concluded that the addition of concentrate at 20% and 40% improves growth performance and increases DMI, TDMI, OMI, and nutrient digestibility. However, standing time, lying time, and abnormal behavior increase by feeding of the 20% and 40% concentrate. Therefore, it is suggested that the concentrate should be supplied in restricted amounts to improve lambs' welfare and normal behavior without influencing their performance.

Is the total mixed ration the best option for feeding crossbred dairy cows using diets based on cactus cladodes on family farms?

The study aimed to evaluate the effects on the performance of lactating cows of different strategies for supplying diets based on cactus cladodes. Eight Girolando cows at 97 ± 7.6 days into lactation, producing 12.2 ± 0.26 kg milk/day, were assigned to 4 treatments in two 4 × 4 Latin squares. The feeding strategies were: total mixed ration (TMR) based on a mixture of concentrates, cactus cladodes [Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.] and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) fed after milking; concentrate fed during milking with cactus cladodes and sugarcane offered later (Con/CC+SC); cactus cladodes combined with concentrate fed after milking with sugarcane offered later (CC+Con/SC); and sugarcane combined with concentrate fed after milking with cactus cladodes offered later (SC+Con/CC). Intakes of neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 4.54 ± 0.09 kg/d) and total digestible nutrients (TDN; 9.30 ± 0.50 kg/d) were similar (P&gt;0.05) for all feeding strategies and there was no effect of feeding strategy on milk yield (12.2 ± 0.26 kg/d). The different feeding strategies did not change the ingestive behavior or performance of lactating Girolando cows. Since the shortage of labor prohibits the feeding of TMRs on family farms because of labor required for preparation, these rations would be appropriate only on large farms where the costs of machines to prepare diets efficiently might be available. Cows fed concentrate during milking spent longer to consume the concentrate than the time to milk, resulting in inefficient usage of scarce labor. Appropriate feeding strategies for family farms appear to be SC+Con/CC and CC+Con/SC, i.e. partial separation of dietary ingredients, and all feeding should be done after milking.

Effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera foliage on nutrient metabolism, metabolic profile, immunity and growth performance of goat kids

The objective of present study was to ascertain the effect of dietary inclusion of moringa foliage on the performance of kids . Eighteen male kids were divided randomly into 3 groups and allocated to control (CON), COT and MOT groups. The kids in CON group fed with total mixed ration (TMR) consisting wheat straw and concentrate, however, kids in COT and MOT groups were offered TMRs replacing 25% wheat straw with cowpea and moringa foliage, respectively. The responses of various parameters were studied during 120 days of feeding. Intake of dry-matter (DM) and organic-matter (OM) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MOT relative to CON and COT groups; however, digestibility of various nutrients was comparable among treatment groups. Intake of digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) was higher (p < 0.05) in MOT than CON. The intake and retention (gd −1 ) of nitrogen (N) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MOT than COT and CON groups. The average daily gain (ADG, gd −1 ) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MOT followed by COT and CON groups. Similarly, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (p < 0.05) in MOT and COT groups than CON. Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analogous amongst treatments. Serum glucose, total protein and globulin were found to be significantly higher in MOT and COT groups. The cholesterol and serum urea were decreased in MOT in comparison to CON. Serum growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T 3 ), thyroxine (T 4 ) and cell mediated and humoral immune responses were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in MOT followed by COT and CON groups. Total antioxidant capacity was also found to be higher (p < 0.05) in MOT and COT groups. Dietary inclusion of moringa foliage as TMR substantially increased nutrient intake, metabolic profile, immunity and growth performance in goat kids.

Effect of replacing soybean meal by a blend of ground corn and urea-ammonium sulphate on milk production and composition, digestibility and N balance of dairy Murrah buffaloes.

This study evaluated the effect of replacing soybean meal by a blend of ground corn and urea-ammonium sulphate (GCU-S) in the diet of lactating buffaloes on milk production and composition, digestibility, N balance and blood metabolites. Twelve multiparous dairy Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), at 100 ± 4 d in milk and yielding 10 ± 2.5 kg/d, were randomly distributed in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square, with four different inclusions of GCU-S at U-S levels: 0 (control), 8.0, 16.4 and 24.1 g/kg dry matter (DM) total. Replacing soybean meal with GC-US had a significant depressing effect on absolute DM intake, which was still numerically evident but no longer significant when expressed on a body weight-related basis. Intakes of crude protein (CP) and N as well as N-urinary excretion were also significantly depressed. Digestibility of dry matter was improved and, as a proportion of DMI, intake of total digestible nutrients increased significantly. Perhaps as a result, feed efficiency (kg DMI required per kg 6% fat-corrected milk) was significantly improved. Efficiency of protein use for milk production was significantly improved, but not when expressed as milk protein output. N transfer into milk, as a proportion of total N intake, also increased significantly. However, GC-US inclusion had no significant effect on milk production or milk composition, nor did it affect serum metabolites, digestibilities (apart from dry matter) or N measures of balance apart from those mentioned above. Inclusion of this blend of ground corn with urea and ammonium suplate can be recommended for dairy buffalo because, although it decreases DMI and N-excretion, it improves DM digestibility and feeding efficiency whilst maintaining milk production and composition.

Intake, nutrient metabolism and balance studies in sheep fed Himalayan Elm (Ulmus wallichiana) leaf meal incorporated total mixed ration

With the soaring cost and scarcity of concentrate feeds worldwide, use of un-conventional tree foliages in the animal diets can be effective in curtailing the feeding costs to economise livestock production. The present experiment was conducted with the aim to assess incorporation of Himalayan Elm (Ulmus wallichiana) leaf meal (ELM) as partial replacement to conventional concentrate feed mixture (CFM) in total mixed ration (TMR) of sheep. In Experiment-I (in vitro study), the effect of graded increasing levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) of ELM inclusion as replacement to CFM constituting 40% in the basal TMR on nutrient degradability was assessed. The results revealed the effective level for optimal nutrient degradability at 30% ELM inclusion. In Experiment-II (in vivo study), a feeding trial was conducted for 30 days on sheep (16) distributed equally into two groups, offered basal TMR as control (Cont) and TMR containing ELM replacing CFM at 30% level as treatment group (ELMG), the level selected based on results of optimum nutrient degradability in in vitro assay. Without affecting dry matter and organic matter intakes, ELM included diet enhanced crude protein and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. Moreover, content and the intakes of digestible nutrients were similar between the two groups, with total digestible nutrients intake being 56.66% and 61.88% more than the recommendation in control and ELMG groups, respectively. Animals of both the groups were in positive balances of N, Ca and P, though N balances (g/d) and live weight gain (g/d) were comparable while Ca and P balances (g/d) were higher in ELMG. Cost of production lowered with 35.84% reduction in feed cost per kg live weight gain in ELMG group compared to control. It was concluded that 30% CFM in TMR for sheep could be replaced with ELM safely as a sustainable strategy to alleviate the conventional feed shortage for profitable sheep rearing.