Total Dry Matter Digestibility Research Articles

Characterization of ruminal degradation, intestinal digestion and total true nutrient supply to dairy cows from feedstocks and coproducts from Canola bio-oil processing: Impact by source origin.

The objective of this study was to characterize ruminal degradation, intestinal digestion and total true nutrient supply to dairy cows from canola feedstock (canola seeds) and coproducts (meal and pellets) from bio-oil processing which were impacted by source origin. The feedstocks and coproducts (mash, pellet) were randomly collected from five different bio-oil processing plants with five different batches of samples in each bio-processing plant in Canada (CA) and China (CH). In situ rumen degradation kinetics were determined using four fistulated Holstein cows with incubation times at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h. Intestinal digestions were determined using the three-step in vitro method with preincubation at 12 h. The DVE/OEB and National Research Council systems were applied to evaluate the truly absorbable nutrient supply to dairy cows and feed milk values (FMVs). The results showed that in situ undegradable fractions (U) (p = 0.025) were higher in CA meals, and potentially degradable fraction of D was higher (p = 0.016) in CH meals. CH meals had higher total digestible dry matter (TDDM, p = 0.018) and intestinal digestibility of protein (dIDP, p = 0.016). Canola meals from CA had lower MREE (microbial protein synthesized in the rumen based on available rumen degradable protein; p = 0.011) and DVME (rumen synthesized microbial protein digested in the small intestine; p = 0.011) and had higher ECP (endogenous protein in the small intestine, p = 0.001) and absorbed endogenous crude protein (truly absorbed ECP in the small intestine) than CH (p = 0.001). The FMV evaluated based on the metabolic protein and net energy showed no differences between CA and CH in both coproducts and feedstocks.

Investigation on the forage utilization of indica and japonica weedy rice with strong ratooning ability

AbstractThere was few research on the utilization and development of weedy rice. Some weedy rice has remarkable good characteristics as forage in some soil which is difficult to plant crops and pastures. In this study, two weedy rice lines of japonica and indica subspecies with high ratooning ability (Xijing, japonica; Gaoxian, indica) were used to study the possibility of their forage utilization and related suitable cultivation methods. Three different stubble heights of first season were set in 2018 and 2019, and three cutting times of first season (heading stage, milk stage, and waxy ripening stage) were set in 2019. The ratoon grass was harvested 40 days after the first season harvest. For japonica weedy rice line Xijing, its grass yield was significantly lower than that of indica weedy rice line Gaoxian. The dry matter yield of first season grass plus ratoon grass of Gaoxian with the first season harvested at milk stage was the highest of all. The total digestible dry matter yield (first season grass plus ratoon grass) of Gaoxian with 15 cm cutting stubble of first season was higher than those of stubble 30 and 45 cm treatments (p < .05). In conclusions, indica weedy rice line Gaoxian, with high biomass of first season and good ratooning ability, had the good potential for forage development by harvesting first season at milk stage with 15 cm stubble height.

Effect of Dietary Starch-to-Fat Ratio on Lipid Metabolism, Inflammation, and Microbiota of Multiparous Sow and Newborn Piglets

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary starch-to-fat ratio on reproductive performance and lipid metabolism of sows and newborn piglets. A total of 75 Landrace × Yorkshire multiparous sows at d 84 of gestation were selected and randomly divided into three groups based on body weight. From d 85 of gestation to farrowing, sows were fed one of three dietary starch-to-fat ratios (20:1, 10:1, and 5:1). Dietary high starch-to-fat ratio increased the birth weight of piglets (p < 0.05). The apparent total digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy of sows was improved by an increasing starch-to-fat ratio during gestation (p < 0.05). Decreased dietary starch-to-fat ratio increased the concentration of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and GSH-Px in sows (p < 0.05). During parturition, sows had increased plasma interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α in the low ratio group (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Streptococcaceae in the low ratio group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). The medium dietary starch-to-fat ratio significantly increased the concentrations of short chain fatty acids. In conclusion, this study suggested that for sows a diet with ahigh starch to fat ratio could ameliorate lipid metabolism disorder and maternal inflammation during late gestation.

The Impact of Mineral and Energy Supplementation and Phytogenic Compounds on Rumen Microbial Diversity and Nitrogen Utilization in Grazing Beef Cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of a phytogenic compound blend (PHA) containing hydrolyzable tannins, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde oil to mineral salt or energy supplementation on the rumen microbiota and nitrogen metabolism of grazing Nellore cattle. Eight castrated Nellore steers were distributed in a double-Latin-square 4 × 4 design, with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two types of supplements with or without the addition of the PHA), as follows: energy supplement without the PHA addition (EW); energy supplement with the PHA addition (EPHA); mineral supplement without the addition of the PHA (MW); mineral supplement with the PHA addition (MPHA). Steers that received supplements with the PHA have a lower ruminal proportion of valerate (with the PHA, 1.06%; without the PHA, 1.15%), a lower ruminal abundance of Verrucomicrobia, and a tendency for lower DM digestibility (with the PHA, 62.8%; without the PHA, 64.8%). Energy supplements allowed for higher ammonia concentrations (+2.28 mg of NH3-N/dL), increased the propionate proportion (+0.29% of total VFA), and had a higher ruminal abundance of Proteobacteria and Spirochaetae phyla in the rumen. The PHA addition in the supplement did not improve nitrogen retention, reduced the ruminal proportion of valerate, and had a negative impact on both the total dry-matter digestibility and the abundance of several ruminal bacterial groups belonging to the Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia phyla.

Effects of the inclusion of coffee pulp silage in the diet on the performance and profitability of crossbred milk cows in the middle tropics

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of coffee pulp silage (CPS) on the performance and profitability of crossbred cows in the middle tropics. The research took place at the Villa Marina Experimental Farm of the University of Pamplona, Pamplonita, Colombia. Four lactating multiparous bovines with a body weight of 380 ± 10 kg, 6 ± 0.03 years of age and a body condition of 3.8 on a scale of 1 to 5. The animals were distributed in a balanced 4 × 4 Latin square for residual effect. The experiment consisted of four subperiods of 21 days each, being the first 14 days of adaptation to the experimental diet and 7 days for taking samples. The base diet consisted of Pennisetum sp. forage, concentrated in a proportion of 0.2% of body weight, water, and mineralized salt at will. The inclusion of the CPS was included in levels of 4, 8, and 12% of the dry matter (DM) intake. DM intake parameters, nutrient digestibility, milk production and composition, blood parameters, and economic analysis were evaluated. Treatments were compared using orthogonal contrasts; contrasts were constructed in order to evaluate the effects of inclusion of CPS, and the linear and quadratic effects of level inclusion in the DM of the diet. For the variables which did not present inclusion of CPS effect but a linear or quadratic effect was significant, a Dunnett’s test was performed to identify whether a supplemented treatment differed from the control. Significance was considered at P < 0.05 and tendencies when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. The inclusion of CPS in the diet increases (P < 0.05) the voluntary intake in kg day−1 of DM, organic matter (OM), CP, ethereal extract (EE), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), digested OM (DM), neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), DNDF and dietary NTD concentration, the total digestibility of DM and OM, and dietary DOM content. The production and chemical composition of milk was not affected (P > 0.10) by the inclusion of EPC in the diet. The inclusion of CPS increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of albumin and globulins in the blood. The inclusion of CPS in the diet improved the productive efficiency of dairy cattle. The inclusion of 4% CPS in the DM of the diet is a nutritional strategy, which improves the nutritional characteristics and the concentration of albumin and globulins in the blood of crossed dairy cows in the middle tropics and benefit: cost ratio without affecting milk production.

Evaluating feed value of native Jeju bamboo (Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai) for beef cattle.

Recently, indigenous Korean grass Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai [SQ] has garnered much interest as a roughage source for livestock to mitigate its adverse effects on habitat diversity. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the ruminal fermentation, palatability, and nutrient digestibility of SQ for Korean native beef cattle (Hanwoo) using in vitro rumen fermentation, in situ rumen degradability, and in vivo feeding trials. Using in vitro tests with rumen fluid as the inoculum for 48 h, ruminal fermentation of SQ was evaluated and compared with that of other roughage sources commonly used in Korea (i.e., rice straw, Timothy hay, and Italian ryegrass [IRG]). Additionally, an in situ trial 96 h was performed using three cannulated Hanwoo steers. Further, an in vivo trial was performed using eight Hanwoo steers to compare the palatability of SQ with rice straw in total mixed ration [TMR] and forage-concentrate separate feeding conditions. Finally, an in vivo digestibility trial of SQ fed as TMR of two particle sizes was performed with four Hanwoo steers. In vitro and in situ trials revealed that SQ was comparable or superior to rice straw in terms of the ruminal fermentation characteristics of pH, gas production, total volatile fatty acid content, and effective ruminal dry matter digestibility (DMD), although its fermentability was lower than that of Timothy hay and IRG. In the palatability test, steers showed a greater preference for SQ when given as TMR. The total tract DMD of SQ fed as TMR was 75.9 ± 1.37%, and it did not differ by particle size. The feed value of SQ as a roughage source for Hanwoo steers is comparable or superior to that of rice straw, particularly when provided as TMR.

Forage production and quality of &lt;i&gt;Urochloa decumbens&lt;/i&gt; cultivar ‘Basilisk’ in Okinawa, Japan

Two studies were conducted to assess forage growth and nutritive value of Urochloa decumbens (syn. Brachiaria decumbens) cultivar ‘Basilisk’ in comparison with other grass species grown in Okinawa during 2002–2005 and 2006–2008. Harvests were performed every 40 days from April to October and every 55 days from November to March. In Experiment 1, from 2002 to 2005 total dry matter (DM) yield of ‘Basilisk’ (119.5 t/ha) was significantly higher than that of Digitaria eriantha cultivar ‘Transvala’ (87.4 t/ha; P = 0.01), one of the most popular recommended grass varieties in Okinawa Prefecture. Mean DM digestibility of ‘Basilisk’ was 56.7%, significantly higher than that of other recommended grass varieties (54.5–51.4%). In addition, total digestible DM yield (64.8 t/ha) and crude protein (CP) yield (13.7 t/ha) of ‘Basilisk’ were significantly higher than those of other varieties including ‘Transvala’ (P&lt;0.01). In Experiment 2, total DM yield of ‘Basilisk’ during 2006–2008 was 93.0 t/ha and significantly higher only than that of Urochloa mutica (syn. Brachiaria mutica) (78.6 t/ha; P&lt;0.01), whereas mean DM digestibility (54.8%) was significantly higher only than that of Chloris gayana cultivar ‘Katambora’ (52.8%; P&lt;0.05). Total digestible DM yield (48.8 t/ha) of ‘Basilisk’ was significantly higher only than that of U. mutica (40.3 t/ha; P&lt;0.01) while its total CP yield (10.4 t/ha) was similar to those of other Urochloa cultivars (P&gt;0.05). As a result, in 2016 ‘Basilisk’ was approved to be added to the list of grasses recommended for sowing in Okinawa Prefecture for improving beef production in the area. A suitable supply of seed to allow this cultivar to be sown widely is essential if its potential for improving beef production in the region is to be realized.

Apparent digestibility of dried azolla powder incorporated diets in rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)

Dry matter and nutrient digestibility of dried azolla powder incorporated in the traditional feed was evaluated in advanced fingerlings of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) reared in aerated indoor plastic tanks. The fish were fed nearly isocaloric diets formulated to contain azolla powder, replacing the main ingredients, groundnut cake and rice bran of the Control diet at 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels. Total dry matter digestibility and major nutrient digestibility were estimated using acid insoluble ash as the marker. Digestibility (%) of dry matter, protein, fat and nitrogen free extract (NFE) showed a declining trend with increased azolla incorporation. Only protein and fat digestibility of 20% azolla diet was comparable with that of the Control, with higher incorporation levels resulting in significant reduction in the digestibility values. Keywords: Alternate protein source, Feed ingredient, Fish feed, Rohu

PSXVI-1 Effect of dietary poppy seed meal supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and blood profile in growing-finishing pigs

Abstract Yeast products are extensively used as additives in livestock feed to improve their growth performance and intestinal health. A total of 90 crossbred finishing pigs were allocated to one of three treatments according to their BW and sex (2 barrows and 2 gilts) with 6 replicates per treatment and 5 pigs per pen for eight weeks. The dietary treatments were CON -basal diet, CON + 0.05% yeast hydrolysate (YH), CON + 0.1% YH. The yeast hydrolysate supplement used in this study was commercially prepared in the name of CALMORIN. The active ingredients of YH were 40% of crude protein, 3.5% of nucleotides, 23% of β-glucans,4.9% glutamic acid, and 15% of mannan-oligosaccharides. Data were subjected to the statistical analysis as a complete randomized design using the GLM procedures of SAS and the pen was used as the experimental unit. Linear and quadratic polynomial contrasts were performed to determine the effects yeast in the diet with P &amp;lt; 0.05 indicating significance. Dietary inclusion of YH supplement linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) body weight and average daily gain of pigs at wk 4,8, and overall trail period (respectively). Moreover, apparent total digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy showed linear (P &amp;lt; 0.05) improvement in pigs fed graded level of YH supplementation. Also, the inclusion of YH supplementation linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the fecal microbial lactobacillus population. Furthermore, during the end of the trial, pigs fed YH tended to linearly increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) backfat thickness and lean meat percentage and linearly reduce drip loss (P &amp;gt; 0.05) from meat sample on day 3 and 5 of storage. In conclusion the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, lactobacillus count, and meat quality of finishing pigs were positively enhanced by yeast hydrolysate supplement in the diet.

PSXIII-12 Exploring nutritional differences of canola seeds and bio-processing co-products (meals, pellets) from different processing plants/companies in Canada and China for dairy cattle

Abstract Canola was created as a low erucic acid and low glucosinolate seed, to produce high quality oil for human consumption and meal for use in livestock feed. China is an important user of Canadian canola products (seeds, oil, and meal). The extraction of the oil from the seed produces a co-product called canola meal. This meal is rich in protein and is used as a protein source in animal diets. However, differences in the characteristics of the seeds, or processing methods during oil extraction may affect the quality of this co-product. Plus, the synthesis of tissues and milk is related to the amino acids available to the animal for absorption in the small intestine. This study aimed to determine if there are significant differences in the intestinal digestibility (in vitro) of CP and DM between canola seeds and meals from different companies in Canada and to determine if there are significant differences between them in Canada and China. The three-step procedure was applied on residues from a 12-hour rumen incubation in fistulated dairy cows to estimate the intestinal digestibility of CP and DM. There were significant differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for TDDM (Total digestible dry matter) and IDP (intestinal digestibility of protein) of the meals between countries. The samples from China had higher TDDM (83.76% versus 81.53%, P = 0.018), while Canada’s had higher IDP (68.51% versus 65.28%, P = 0.016). No significant differences were observed within countries. Based on the material analyzed during this study, it is safe to affirm that there are no significant differences in the digestibility of DM and CP between Canada and China. It was concluded that the quality of the canola seeds or meals produced in both Canada and China were similar when used in dairy rations. Key words: canola seeds and bio-processing co-products (meals, pellets), nutritional differences, dairy cows

Nutrient Digestibility and Digestive Enzyme Activity in Fringe Lipped Carp, Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch, 1795), Fed Diets Containing Cottonseed Meal

Advanced fingerlings of Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch, 1795) were reared in aerated indoor plastic tanks to elucidate the dry matter and nutrient digestibility of cottonseed meal (CSM) in the feed. The fish were fed isocaloric formulated diets containing CSM replacing the main ingredients – groundnut cake and rice bran of the control diet at 10, 20, 30 and 40 % levels. Total dry matter digestibility and major nutrient digestibility were estimated using acid insoluble ash as the marker. In general, the digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, and nitrogen-free extract was higher in CSM incorporated diets than the control diet. While the dry matter and nitrogen-free extract digestibility values were highest at 40 % CSM incorporation level, those for protein and fat digestibility were highest in 30 % and 10 % levels, respectively, showing an apparent reduction thereafter. The incorporation of CSM had a stimulatory effect on most of the intestinal digestive enzymes tested. Fish fed 20 % CSM diet recorded the highest activity of total protease and carboxypeptidases while those fed 30 % CSM diet had highest trypsin and amylase activities; all showing reducing trend consequently. In the case of hepatopancreas, the reducing trend in the activities of protease, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase A, and lipase observed with increased incorporation levels of CSM was significant (P &lt; 0.05) and the reduction in the activities of trypsin, amylase and cellulase in CSM fed fish was not significant (P &gt; 0.05). The study indicates the possibility of incorporation of CSM in the diet of L. fimbriatus up to 40 % level without affecting nutrient digestibility.

Determination of in vitro dry matter, protein, and fiber digestibility and fermentability of novel corn coproducts for swine and ruminants.

New processes are being used in some dry-grind ethanol plants in the United States and Brazil to improve ethanol yield and efficiency of production while also providing nutritionally enhanced corn coproducts compared with conventional corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of 5 conventional corn DDGS sources and 10 emerging novel corn coproducts for swine and ruminants, and compare coproducts produced using similar processes in the United States and Brazil. Chemical composition, on a dry matter (DM) basis, among the 15 coproducts ranged from 18.5% to 54.7% for crude protein (CP), 12.3% to 51.4% for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 1.6% to 8.6% for acid detergent fiber, 4.7% to 12.3% for ether extract, and 1.6% to 8.6% for ash. For swine, in vitro hydrolysis of DM and CP were greater (P < 0.01) for the three U.S. corn DDGS sources compared with the two Brazilian corn DDGS sources, but in vitro fermentability of DM was comparable (P > 0.05) among all sources except one U.S. DDGS source that had less fermentable DM. High-protein and yeast dried distillers grains (Ultramax, UM; StillPro, SP) coproducts also had comparable (P > 0.05) DM fermentability for swine, but UM coproducts had greater (P < 0.01) DM and CP hydrolysis compared with SP. High-protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) from Brazil had greater (P < 0.01) DM and CP hydrolysis, but less (P < 0.01) DM fermentability for swine than HP-DDG produced in the United States, using the same process. For ruminants, total DM digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) in conventional DDGS sources from the United States compared with the two DDGS sources from Brazil. Total protein digestibility for ruminants was comparable and above 81% for all coproducts except for a DDGS source from Brazil, a HP-DDG source from the United States, and a UM sample. Interestingly, the corn fiber + solubles coproduct had not only relatively high digestibility of NDF (67.9%), DM (91.6%), and total CP (81.9%) for ruminants, but it also had relatively high total tract digestibility of DM (86.2%) and CP (69.9%) for swine. These results suggest that nutrient digestibility of conventional DDGS sources produced in the United States appear to be greater than corn Brazilian DDGS sources, but new process technologies being implemented in ethanol and coproduct production in both countries can enhance the nutritional value of corn coproducts for both swine and ruminants.

PENGARUH PERLAKUAN FERMENTASI DAN AMONIASI KULIT SINGKONG TERHADAP NILAI KECERNAAN BAHAN KERING DAN BAHAN ORGANIK RANSUM PADA DOMBA JANTAN

This research aimed to determine the effect of fermentation and ammoniation treatment of cassava peels on ration on dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in male sheeps. This research was conducted in May--June 2019 in the cage unit and the Laboratory of Nutrition and Animal Feed, Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The experimental design applied was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 3 replications. The experimental unit used were 9 sheeps. The treatments given were ration+15% cassava peels without treatment (R0), ration+15% fermented cassava peels (R1), and ration+15% ammoniated cassava peels (R2). The results showed that the use of cassava peel fermentation and ammoniation treatment had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility in male sheep. The average of total digestibility of dry matter and organic matter of ration showed an increase of digestibility. The treatment of fermentation and ammoniation gave the best effect when compared to that without processing.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Ammoniation, Fermentation, Cassava peels, Dry matter digestibility and organic matter digesbility, Sheep

The Effect of Nutmeg Leaves Tannin (Myristica fragrans Houtt) as Protein Protecting Agents on In Vitro Nutrient Digestibility

This experiment was aimed to study the effect of nutmeg leaf tannin addition on in vitro nutrient digestibility. Treatments in this experiment consisted of: P0 (control without tannin), P1 (feed + 2% tannin) and P2 (feed + 4% tannin). Feed for fermentation substrate consisted of Pennisetum purpureum and soybean meal with ratio 60:40. Fermentation was carried out using Tilley and Terry two stages in vitro technique for 48 hours. Variables measured were the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in the rumen as well as the total digestive tract digestibility based on in vitro technique. The data obtained were analyzed by One Way ANOVA, and followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that rumen dry matter digestibility was lower (P&lt;0.05) in P1 and P2 (59.03±3.24 and 57.19±1.32) compared to P0 (70.77±1.05), but did not show a significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the total dry matter digestibility of P0, P1, and P2 (74.88±5.28, 67.70±3.21, and 64.83±4.96). Organic matter digestibility in the rumen was also lower (P&lt;0.05) in P1 and P2 (55.55±6.29 and 55.76±6.88) compared to P0 (75.39±0.91), but did not show significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in total organic matter digestibility from P0, P1, and P2 (64.69±6.44, 64.33±6.34, and 61.20±5.11). The digestibility of crude protein in the rumen at P1 and P2 (45.48±5.12 and 38.47±3.44) was also significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) compared to P0 (60.93±9.72), whereas total digestibility did not show any significant difference (P&gt;0.05). Addition of tannin leaf nutmeg 2% optimally reduced rumen dry matter and crude protein digestibility without causing excessive negative impact on results of in vitro digestibility, so it can be used as a protective agent protein feed.

Feedlot diets with soybean oil, selenium and vitamin E alters rumen metabolism and fatty acids content in steers

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of combining selenium (Se) and vitamin E (E) on intake, total digestibility and omasum escape of fatty acids in steers fed diets supplemented with high concentration of soybean oil (SO). Five rumen cannulated Tabapuã steers (BW = 398 ± 28.7 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement: Soybean oil diets without Se (Se-) or with Se at 5 g animal per day (Se+) combined with SO diets without vitamin E (E-) or with vitamin E at 1500 IU animal per day (E+) and an added treatment without additional oil (WAO). Diets were formulated to contain 124 g/kg of crude protein (CP) in the dry matter (DM) and included corn silage, ground corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, corn gluten meal and mineral supplement. Soybean oil was added to diets at 60 g/kg of dietary DM. Each experimental period lasted 21 days with 14 days of adaptation to the diets, and 7 days for data collection. There were no effects of combining selenium or vitamin E on DM and nutrients intake (P > 0.10). The DM intake decreased in diets with supplemental SO compared to WAO diets (P = 0.02). Soybean oil supplementation decreased the total digestibility of DM (P = 0.05), OM (P = 0.05), NFC (P = 0.04) and aNDFom (P < 0.01). However, the total EE digestibility increased (P < 0.01). Diets did not affect the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (P> 0.10). At the same time, SO diets decreased the excretion of microbial N and the total protozoal counts (P< 0.05). There was no interaction for treatment × time on pH, VFA and NH3-N (P> 0.10). The individual VFA, mol/100 mol concentration was similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.10; Table 5). The total VFA content, mM increased 6.5 % in Se diets compared to no Se supplementation (P = 0.068). There was a reduction in the rumen NH3-N content in SO diets compared to WAO (P < 0.05). Soybean oil diets increased the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and linoleic acid (C18:2 trans-10 cis-12; P < 0.01) in the omasum and it tended to enhance with selenium supplementation (P = 0.07). The combination of selenium and vitamin E in feedlot diets with high soybean oil inclusion, contrary to our hypothesis, do not improve rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization. Future studies should use lower inclusions of soybean oil in beef cattle diets to avoid possible suppression of supranutritional effects of selenium and vitamin E on ruminal metabolism and biohydrogenation.

Application of fermentation strategy in aquafeed for sustainable aquaculture

AbstractBecause of its high nutritional value, palatability and increased digestibility, fishy meal is widely used as an animal protein source in the aquafeed industry. However, the resource shortages and rising prices seriously restrict the use of fish meal (FM) in aquaculture. In this light, much efforts have been conducted to seek the sustainable supplies of protein sources to substitute FM. Due to their relatively low protein content and palatability, the presence of anti‐nutritional factors (ANFs) and unbalanced amino acid profiles, the plant protein sources have been limited in aquafeed, whereas the animal protein sources can replace FM in aquafeed due to their high protein content, total digestible dry matter and lack of ANFs. The fermentation process was recognized for its role in improving the nutritional quality of animal and plant protein sources. The protein sources can be treated with appropriate microorganisms to preserve its nutrients and finally incorporated into aquafeed, which would reduce feed costs and environmental pollution. Fermented meals showed better nutrient efficiency and could improve the nutritional value of aquafeed. This review was intended to present more updated information about the application of fermented ingredients in aquafeed industry. Based on the data collected, this review will contribute to further research into the production of fermented feed as a functional feed for sustainable aquaculture.

Seasonal and diurnal relationship of forage nutritive value and mass in a tall fescue pasture under continuous stocking

AbstractMonitoring forage mass and nutritive value of pastures are encouraged to ensure adequate and efficient grazing management. For on‐farm monitoring, reliable instruments such as the rising plate meter (RPM) are useful and easy to achieve. The objective of this research was to verify the relationship between measurements of RPM (MRPM) to forage nutritive value based on seasonal and diurnal changes within a tall fescue sward under continuous stocking management. The study was conducted at the Plateau AgResearch and Education Center in Crossville, TN, from January 2015 to December 2016. The experiment was conducted in two 9‐hectare pastures consisting of a tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons., formerly Festuca arundinacea Schreb.] sward. During the 12‐month grazing period each year, total aboveground available forage was measured monthly in each pasture with a calibrated RPM. In addition, each month, several randomly placed 1‐m2 sample areas were collected at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to characterize forage nutritive value. Neutral detergent fiber, crude protein and in vitro total dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) were predicted by means of near‐infrared spectroscopy. During the entire year of 2015, all correlation coefficients of forage nutritive value variables with MRPM were significant. However, in 2016, only IVTDMD showed a significant correlation with MRPM. Of the nutritive value variables, we chose to focus on the IVTDMD and MRPM relationship because it had one of the highest correlations for most seasons and different times of day, especially in 2015. There was a strong relationship between RPM measurements of herbage mass with IVTDMD, and this relationship is especially useful during the spring, where rapid growth is occurring. The same relationship was not found to be consistent during periods of slow forage growth, especially if recovering from a drought event.

Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, chewing activity, and ruminal fermentation of raising Japanese Black steers fed diets containing whole crop corn silage at three levels

AbstractThe effects of the inclusion level of corn silage (CS) in an ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, chewing activity, and ruminal fermentation were investigated. Six Japanese Black steers during the raising period were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary treatments: a diet containing 40.0%, 52.5%, or 65.0% CS on a dry matter (DM) basis. The three TMRs, in which the crude protein (CP) and DM levels were adjusted, were vacuum‐sealed and then stored for &gt;30 days. Increasing the inclusion level of CS caused lower pH values and higher lactate production in the ensiled TMR. The DM intakes by the animals that received three dietary treatments were identical. The feeding of the TMR with the highest CS inclusion level resulted in slight decreases in total DM digestibility, and content and intake of total digestible nutrients, whereas the nutrient digestibilities (CP, non‐fibrous carbohydrate, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber) were not significantly different among the dietary treatments. The eating and ruminating times by the steers fed the TMRs were elongated concomitantly with the increase in the CS inclusion level. The feeding of TMRs with higher CS inclusion led to slower fermentation in the rumen. These findings suggest that a CS inclusion level up to approx. 50% in a TMR should be considered a reasonable level for Japanese Black steers during the raising period.

IN VITRO TREATMENT OF Centrosema pubescens (Benth.) WITH SULFUR WATER AND SHEEP MANURE

This study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro Centrosema pubescens response treated with sulfur water and sheep manure. The experiment was conducted at Agrostology Laboratory, Department of Animal Nutrition Science, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Sam Ratulangi University Manado. Randomized group design of 2 x 5 factorial patterns with three repetitions based on the rumen liquid collecting time was used in this research. There were two factors in this experiment; sheep manure and sulfur water. The first factors consisted of 0 ton/ha manure (A1) and 25 ton/ha manure (A2). The second factor was sulfur water that divided into 5 levels; 0% (B1), 25% (B2), 50% (B3), 75% (B4) and 100% (B5). Variables measured in this research were dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), ammonia (NH3) and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA). In vitro nutritional evaluation performed with all variables showed both factors (sulfur water and sheep manure) had significant differences (p &lt; 0.001) and had no significant effect (p &lt; 0.05) on each variable. Interaction of both factors was very significant (p &lt; 0.01) ontotal VFA and DMD. From this study it can be concluded that production of NH3, VFA, total DMD and OMD showed an optimal result if treated with 25 ton/ha of sheep manure and 50% sulfur water (39.25 ppm).&#x0D; Keywords: Centrosema pubescens, sulfur water, sheep manure

Predicting feed intake and feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows using digesta marker techniques

Direct measurement of individual animal dry matter intake (DMI) remains a fundamental challenge to assessing dairy feed efficiency (FE). Digesta marker, is currently the most used indirect technique for estimating DMI in production animals. In this meta-analysis we evaluated the performance of marker-based estimates against direct or observed measurements and developed equations for the prediction of FE (g energy-corrected milk (ECM)/kg DMI). Data were taken from 29 change-over studies consisting of 416 cow-within period observations. Most studies used more than one digesta marker. So, for each observed measurement of DMI, faecal dry matter output (FDMO) and apparent total tract dry matter digestibility (DMD), there was one or more corresponding marker estimate. There were 924, 409 and 846 observations for estimated FDMO (eFDMO), estimated apparent total tract DMD (eDMD) and estimated DMI (eDMI), respectively. The experimental diets were based mainly on grass silage, with soya bean or rapeseed meal as protein supplements and cereal grains or by-products as energy supplements. Across all diets, average forage to concentrate ratio on a dry matter (DM) basis was 59 : 41. Variance component and repeatability estimates of observed and marker estimations were determined using random factors in mixed procedures of SAS. Between-cow CV in observed FDMO, DMD and DMI was, 10.3, 1.69 and 8.04, respectively. Overall, the repeatability estimates of observed variables were greater than their corresponding marker-based estimates of repeatability. Regression of observed measurements on marker-based estimates gave good relationships (R2=0.87, 0.68, 0.74 and 0.74, relative prediction error =10.9%, 6.5%, 15.4% and 18.7%for FDMO, DMD, DMI and FE predictions, respectively). Despite this, the mean and slope biases were statistically significant (P<0.001) for all regressions. More than half of the errors in all regressions were due to mean and slope biases (52.4% 87.4%, 82.9% and 85.8% for FDMO, DMD, DMI and FE, respectively), whereas the contributions of random errors were small. Based on residual variance, the best model for predicting FE developed from the dataset was FE (g ECM/kg DMI)=1179(±54.1) +38.2(±2.05)×ECM(kg/day)−0.64(±0.051)×BW (kg)−75.6(±4.39)×eFDMO (kg/day). Although eDMD was positively related to FE, it only showed a tendency to reduce the residual variance. Despite inaccuracy in marker procedures, eFDMO from external markers provided a reliable determination for FE measurement. However, DMD estimated by internal markers did not improve prediction of FE, probably reflecting small variability.