Total Neutral Detergent Fiber Research Articles

What is the impact of neutral detergent fibre digestibility on productive performance of beef cattle fed tropical forages?

Our objective was to quantify the relationship between total neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility and nutritional and productive characteristics in cattle fed tropical forages using a meta-analytical approach. The dataset used to develop this work was compiled from 24 experiments carried out with beef cattle in Brazil, published between 2005 and 2020, and totalising 115 treatment means. All the experiments were carried out using change-over designs and included a control treatment (i.e., only forage). There was a linear and positive relationship (P<0.01) between total NDF digestibility and voluntary forage intake. We estimated a 0.17 g/kg body weight increase in forage intake for each percentage point (i.e., 0.01 g/g) of improvement in NDF digestibility. On average, increasing total NDF digestibility caused a linear improvement (P<0.01) in rumen microbial nitrogen production (NMIC) and in dietary digested organic matter (DOM). The total NDF digestibility was linear and positively associated with nitrogen balance (NB, P<0.01). However, the increment in NB as a response to total NDF digestibility was more prominent as dietary NDF decreased (P<0.01). In summary, we concluded that increasing NDF digestibility in cattle fed tropical forage-based diets improves the voluntary forage intake and the supply of energy and metabolisable protein. This simultaneous effect causes an increase in the animal's nitrogen accretion and weight gain, but this effect will be more prominent as the dietary content of neutral detergent fibre decreases.

401 Effect of protein and starch supplementation level on intake and digestibility by steers consuming low-quality forage: I. Bos taurus

Abstract A deficiency of ruminally available N (RAN) caused by a basal diet of low-quality forage depresses forage utilization. Supplemental protein improves forage utilization by increasing RAN, resulting in increased intake and potentially improving digestion. Addition of starch to a supplement can increase total digestible organic matter (OM) intake (TDOMI); however, too much starch decreases RAN and pH potentially decreasing forage utilization. Our objective was to determine the effect of starch supplementation on intake and digestion in Bos taurus indicus steers. Accordingly, five ruminally cannulated Brahman steers [body weight (BW) = 420 ± 55 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square to evaluate the effect of decreasing supplemental starch when consuming King Ranch Bluestem hay (3.5% CP, 73% NDF). Steers received four isonitrogenous (130 mg N/ kg BW) supplements providing increasing levels of starch (2% starch = 100% soybean meal; 20% starch = 26.3% corn, 73% soybean meal, 0.7% urea; 38% starch = 51.6% corn, 47% soybean meal, 1.4% urea; 56% starch = 78.6% corn, 19% soybean meal, 2.4% urea). Five 14-d periods were conducted, consisting of 9 d adaptation and 4 d to measure intake and digestion, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation. As designed, supplement OM intake (SOMI) increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) as starch level increased. Other measures of intake, including forage OM intake (FOMI), total OM intake (TOMI), and total neutral detergent fiber intake (TNDFI) decreased in a cubic manner in response to increasing starch (P ≤ 0.04). Forage OMI also responded with a cubic decrease (72.2, 68.9, and 69.5 g/kg BW0.75) when the protein supplement contained 2, 20, and 38% starch, respectively, but decreased to 61.2 g/kg BW0.75 when the 56% starch supplement was provided. Similarly, TOMI decreased 5.3% when starch inclusion increased from 38 to 56%. Total tract OM digestion and NDF digestion were not significantly affected (P ≥ 0.86) by starch level in the supplement; therefore, despite TOMI and TNDFI decreasing, there was no effect on total digestible OM intake and (TDOMI) and total digestible NDF intake (TDNDFI). In conclusion, providing supplemental starch over 38% decreased forage utilization. Decreases in FOMI with starch inclusion may be attributed to competition for RAN between fiber fermenting and starch fermenting bacteria.

Effect of supplementing concentrate mixture with field pea hull on yearling ram lambs of local sheep: Nutrient intake, linear body measurements, and changes in body weight

The fattening of sheep has been recognized as a potentially profitable activity in the highlands of Ethiopia. However, feed shortage and increasing prices for conventional feed ingredients and commercially formulated concentrate mixtures critically affect the fattening practice of sheep in the country. So, this feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding field pea hull at different inclusion levels with a concentrate mixture on feed intakes, nutrient utilization, linear body measurements, and body weight gain. Eighteen yearling ram lambs were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were T1 (control), fed native hay adlibitum + concentrate mixture formulated using only conventional feed ingredients (0% field pea hull); T2 and T3 were fed native hay adlibitum + concentrate mixture formulated with inclusion of 35% field pea hull and 50% field pea hull, respectively along with other feed ingredients. The feeding trial was conducted for 90 days. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS, and Turkey’s HSD multiple-comparison was used for means separation. The result showed a significant (p&lt;0.001) variation in dry matter and nutrient intake among treatments. The DMI was the highest in T3, followed by T2, while it was the lowest in T1. The average total neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber intakes and metabolizable energy intake were highest in T3 and followed by T2, while they were the lowest in T1. The average total body weight gain (kg) was higher in T3 (9.0kg) and T2 (8.67kg) than in T1 (6.58kg). Similarly, higher average daily body weight gains were recorded in T3 (100g) and T2 (96.3g) than in T1 (73.2g). Sheep that were fed field pea hull by the inclusion of 50 % in concentrate mixtures (T3) were more efficient in feed utilization (p&lt;0.05) than T1 as they consumed significantly less amount of feed per 1 g of body weight gain. Hence, it is concluded that feeding of 50% field pea hull along with concentrate mixture could be used for better fattening performance of sheep.

211 Evaluation of Beef Heifer Variability in the Ability to Eat and Digest a High Forage Diet

Abstract This study evaluated beef heifers selected for high or low digestible fiber intake (DFI) and investigated its relationship with methane production, residual feed intake (RFI), and total tract digestibility. Sixteen recently weaned black Angus beef heifers (n = 8/treatment) were selected from a group 64 heifers (224 ± 17.2 kg) fed a high forage-based diet [70% barley silage:30% pelleted concentrate (DM basis)]. The 64 heifers were fed in 6 outdoor pens equipped with GrowSafe bunks to monitor feed intake for 60 d (14 d adaptation + 46 d for data collection). Individual fecal samples and BW, and feed samples were taken once weekly. Fecal samples were pooled by animal. Feed and fecal samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) content. The internal marker uNDF was used to estimate total tract diet DM and NDF digestibility. The 8 heifers with the greatest and the 8 with the least digestible NDF intake (g/kg BW0.75) were selected and used for methane measurements using the GreenFeed system (42 d) and in a total-tract digestibility trial with total fecal and urine collection using the same high forage based diet. Results from the GrowSafe selection trial indicated no differences between the average BW of low and high DFI heifers (264 vs. 274 kg, P = 0.20). Heifers selected for high DFI had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) DM and NDF intake (kg/d or % of BW), and digestibility (49.6 vs. 42.1% NDF digestibility). The heifer groups differed in RFI (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with high DFI categorized as inefficient (+0.84 RFI) and low DFI as efficient (-0.34 RFI). No differences in ADG were observed between low and high DFI heifers during this short 46 d study period (0.614 vs 0.773, P = 0.16). High DFI heifers had lower methane production than low DFI heifers (15.9 vs. 19.0 g/kg of DMI, P = 0.02). The results of the total-tract digestibility trial showed that the high DFI heifers had a greater DMI compared with the low DFI heifers (10.9 vs. 10.2 kg/d; P = 0.04). The DMI intake was not different between groups when expressed as a % of BW (2.06 vs 2.04, P = 0.65). There was also no difference observed for DM digestibility (73.0 vs 73.1%) between the two groups. It is important to note that in the digestibility study, the DMI was less than in the GrowSafe selection trial (2.5 vs 3.2% BW) and this may have influenced results. Heifers with high DFI were heavier than low DFI heifers (533 vs. 505, P = 0.02) during the digestibility trial. Results suggest that selecting heifers for high DFI may increase growth rate and reduce methane production.

Replacing ground Rhodes grass hay with soyhulls in the pelleted diet: effects on ingestive behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, growth performance, and economic viability of intensive fattening Lohi lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing soyhulls (SH) for ground Rhodes grass hay (RGH) in a pelleted diet on ingestive behavior, digestibility, blood metabolites, growth performance, and economic viability of fattening Lohi lambs. A total of thirty male lambs (age: 5months; body weight 20.4 ± 0.24kg) were allotted to one of the three diets (n = 10 lambs/diet) under a completely randomized design. The diets were with 25% RGH inclusion (control), replacing 15% RGH with 15% SH as a fiber source (SH-15), and containing only 25% SH inclusion on a dry basis (SH-25). Ingestive behavior parameters like time spent (min/day), bouts frequency (number/day), and bout length (min/bout) for feeding, drinking, rumination, chewing, standing, and lying were not influenced (P > 0.05) by replacing RGH with SH. The dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) chewing rate, rumination rate, and feeding efficiency were also not changed (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, whereas total dry matter and NDF intakes, and their rumination efficiencies were lower (P < 0.05) for the SH-25 than for the rest of the treatments. The digestibility of NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher (P < 0.05) for the SH-25 than for the rest of the treatments. The concentrations of blood metabolites like glucose, blood nitrogen, and cholesterol were not changed (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. Similarly, performance parameters like dry matter intake, initial and final body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were similar (P > 0.05) across the treatments. However, the incidence of loose fecal consistency was higher (P < 0.05) for SH-25 than for the control. The values of economic efficiency were better for SH-25-fed lambs than those fed the rest of the treatments. Based on the results, substituting SH for RGH in a pelleted diet improved the digestibility of fiber fractions, and economics without affecting the growth performance, and blood metabolites of fattening lambs. However, lower rumination efficiency and loos fecal consistency are evidencing less effectiveness of SH fiber.

Evaluation of the Nutritive Value and Digestibility of Sprouted Barley as Feed for Growing Lambs: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

Simple SummarySprouted barley has recently been used in animal feed, but studies on its nutritional and digestibility values for growing lambs are very limited, especially when compared with traditional forages. However, the aim of the current research is to determine the practical level and nutritional properties of sprouted barley as a replacement for the traditional feed for growing lambs by ascertaining its efficacy of performance, nutritional value, digestibility, and fermentation characteristics in vivo and in vitro. The current research helps both workers and researchers to determine the level and the most effective way to utilize sprouted barley as an alternative strategy to traditional feeding systems. In conclusion, sprouted barley with traditional feed improves digestibility and fermentation characteristics. Further studies are needed to increase nutrient requirements for optimal lamb growth performance.The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of freshly sprouted barley on the growth of lambs, in addition to its nutritional value and digestibility. In addition, sprouted barley digestibility and rumen fermentation were studied in vitro on a dry matter (DM) basis. A total of 45 three-month-old Awassi lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments of sprouted barley (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) diets. Bodyweight, weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded every two weeks. Nutrient analyses were performed on feed, faecal, and urine samples. DM and non-fibrous carbohydrates were measured. Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), as well as gas production, pH value, ammonia-N, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs), were determined in vitro using continuous culture. The results showed that final bodyweight was lower (p < 0.05), while feed intake and the feed-to-gain ratio were increased (p < 0.05) in sprouted barley treatments. Nutrient analysis indicators of sprouted barley treatments (25 to100%) were lower (p < 0.05) for DM, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, lignin and ash, and higher for total digestible nutrients, NDF, fat, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and net energy than the traditional diet. In the in vivo study, the digestibility of nutrients in sprouted barley treatments was improved (p < 0.05), while the diet (sprouted barley 100%) had the lowest digestibility of DM, OM, and NDF compared with the other treatments in the in vitro study. In conclusion, the addition of sprouted barley improved digestibility, and fermentation characteristics, while having a negative effect on growth. Further studies are recommended for optimal growth performance.

Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast as a protein source in early- to mid-lactation dairy cow diets: Effects on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, and milk production

We examined the effects of substituting soybean meal with either yeast protein from Cyberlindnera jadinii or barley in concentrate feeds on feed intake, ruminal fermentation products, milk production, and milk composition in Norwegian Red (NRF) dairy cows. The concentrate feeds were prepared in pellet form as soy-based (SBM; where soybean meal is included as a protein ingredient), yeast-based (YEA; soybean meal replaced with yeast protein), or barley-based (BAR; soybean meal replaced with barley). The SBM contained 7.0% soybean meal on a dry matter (DM) basis. This was replaced with yeast protein and barley in the YEA and BAR concentrate feeds, respectively. A total of 48 early- to mid-lactation [days in milk ± standard deviation (SD): 103 ± 33.5 d] NRF cows in their first to fourth parity and with initial milk yield of 32.6 kg (SD = 7.7) were allocated into 3 groups, using a randomized block design, after feeding a common diet [SBM and good-quality grass silage: crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of 181 and 532 g/kg of DM, respectively] for 14 d (i.e., covariate period). The groups (n = 16) were then fed one of the dietary treatments (SBM, YEA, or BAR) for a period of 56 d (i.e., experimental period). The concentrate feeds were offered in split portions from 3 automatic feeders using electronic identification, with ad libitum access to the same grass silage. Dietary treatments had no effect on daily silage intake, total DM intake, or total NDF intake. Dietary CP intake was lower and starch intake was higher in the BAR group compared with the other groups. Ruminal fluid pH, short-chain volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, acetate-to-propionate ratio, and non-glucogenic to glucogenic VFA ratio were not affected by dietary treatments. No effects of the dietary treatments were observed on body weight change, body condition score change, milk yield, energy-corrected milk yield, milk lactose and fat percentages, or their yields. In conclusion, yeast protein can substitute conventional soybean meal in dairy cow diets without adverse effect on milk production and milk composition, given free access to good-quality grass silage.

Nutritional comparison between hydroponically grown leguminous and non-leguminous fodder to identify the adaptability and best harvesting time for sustainable hydroponic grass production

Two types of fodder crops were evaluated in this study, maize (Zia maize) and black gram (BG) (Vigna mungo) and in maize, non-descriptive local maize (LM) and hybrid maize (HM) verity were used. LM was considered as control and changes of the nutritional composition according to the type of fodder (leguminous and non-leguminous) and the day was evaluated. For comparative nutritional analysis, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and total ash were analyzed and the biomass yield was measured using weight balance and root and shoot length of experimental fodders. Results revealed that among three types of forages total DM was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in HM and significantly (P&lt;0.01) lower in BG. Considering total CP and NDF, it was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in BG and HM than LM. The highest biomass yield and shoot length were observed in BG and the lowest biomass yield was observed in HM. Moreover, with the increment of days, all fodder sprouts DM% was constantly decreasing, however, CP% maintained the same level from day 1 to 5. Although from day 6 to 9, CP% increased moderately for HM and BG, CP% decreased slightly for LM. Therefore, farmer can use BG and HM for maximum utilization of nutrients and considering DM and CP% for LM day 6 was the best time for harvesting; however, for HM and BG, day 9 or more than 9 was the best time for harvesting.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(3): 321-328, December 2021

Substitution of non-forage fibre sources for cereal grains and molasses in calf starter on performance and development of ruminal function

One hundred and thirty-six, new-born female Holstein calves (body weight (BW) = 37.6±0.79 kg) were allocated to one of four starter feeds to evaluate the effects of replacing cereal grains and (or) molasses with non-forage fibre sources on intake, weight gain, and indicators of ruminal development. Diets consisted of a typical, low (16%) neutral detergent fibre (NDF) texturised calf starter, texturised calf starter with moderately higher (20%) NDF, texturised calf starter with moderately higher (21%) NDF and no molasses, and a complete pelleted high (25%) NDF calf starter. Average daily gains and starter intakes were unaffected by moderate levels of NDF. Average daily gain and feed intakes were increased in the preweaning phase but decreased in the postweaning phase by the high NDF complete pelleted diet. Total tract apparent NDF digestibility increased linearly with age but did not differ among diets. Blood concentrations of glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) decreased and increased, respectively, with age. Further, blood BHB concentrations were largely unaffected by diet and did not change with increasing dry matter (DM) intake until a threshold was reached, and then increased linearly. Calf-side blood BHB testing resulted in an appreciable number of measurements below the limit of detection of the meter, resulting in censored data. Application of appropriate statistical methodology, required for proper parameter estimation from censored data, suggest the potential for successful field application of calf-side BHB measurements for monitoring starter intake and readiness for weaning in commercial settings. Feeding solely a complete pelleted calf starter throughout the starter phase may provide insufficient levels of effective fibre. Integration of the results of this study with previously published literature via a quantitative analysis suggests that maintaining intake may be the key to successful inclusion of non-forage fibre sources in calf starters.

Protein supplementation for sheep fed with tropical forage

The effects of increasing levels of protein supplementation (50, 100, 150 and 200 animal per day) and mineral salt on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and ingestive behavior of sheep consuming tropical forage (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) were evaluated. Five non-castrated crossbred lambs (½ Santa Inês x ½ undefined breed) with average initial body weight of 35.0 kg (± 4.40 kg) were allocated in individual cages and analyzed in a 5x5 Latin square experimental design composed of five animals, five treatments and five evaluation periods of 14 days each. The contrast (protein supplement vs. mineral mixture) was not significant (p&gt;0.05) for total dry matter intake, total organic matter intake, total ether extract intake and total carbohydrate intake variables. However, it was significant (p&lt;0.05) for the variables forage dry matter intake, total crude protein intake, total mineral matter intake, total neutral detergent fiber intake and total non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, demonstrating possible replacement of forage by the supplement. Although the diet dry matter digestibility declined linearly (p &lt;0.05), there was a significant linear increase effect of supplementation (P &lt;0.05) on apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, non-fibrous carbohydrates and consumption of digestible non-fibrous carbohydrates. This was due to higher participation of supplement in the diet ingested by supplemented sheep. The type of supplementation (protein or mineral mixture) did not affect the animals€™ daily activities. Protein supplementation did not affect the water ingestion (P &lt;0.05), demonstrating that even at the highest level of supplementation (200 g/day), animals were not induced to drink more water by the diet. We conclude that increasing levels of protein supplementation associated with good quality elephant grass resulted in increases in sheep digestive parameters, and supplementation below 100 g day-1 resulted in similar parameters to those of sheep receiving mineral mix (control). Additionally, protein supplementation did not affect (P&gt; 0.05) either the water intake or ingestive behavior of sheep, with rumination and rest coinciding with dusk and dawn.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes and ammonia fiber expansion on the fermentation of wheat straw in an artificial rumen system (RUSITEC)1.

This study investigated the effect of treatment of wheat straw using ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (Viscozyme) on fiber digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and microbial populations in an artificial rumen system [Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC)]. Four treatments were assigned to 16 vessels (4 per treatment) in 2 RUSITEC apparatuses in a randomized block design. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial using untreated or AFEX-treated wheat straw with or without exogenous fibrolytic enzymes [0 or 500 μg of protein/g straw dry matter (DM)]. Fibrolytic enzymes were applied to straw, prior to sealing in nylon bags. The concentrate mixture was provided in a separate bag within each fermentation vessel. The RUSITECs were adapted for 8 d and disappearance of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP) was measured after 48 h of incubation. Ammonia fiber expansion increased (P < 0.01) the disappearance of wheat straw DM (69.6 vs. 38.3%), NDF (65.6 vs. 36.8%), ADF (61.4 vs. 36.0%), and CP (68.3 vs. 24.0%). Total dietary DM, organic matter (OM), and NDF disappearance was also increased (P ≤ 0.05) by enzymes. Total microbial protein production was greater (P < 0.01) for AFEX-treated (72.9 mg/d) than untreated straw (63.1 mg/d). Total gas and methane (CH4) production (P < 0.01) were also greater for AFEX-treated wheat straw than untreated straw, with a tendency for total gas to increase (P = 0.06) with enzymes. Ammonia fiber expansion increased (P < 0.01) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and the molar proportion of propionate, while it decreased (P < 0.01) acetate and the acetate-to-propionate ratio. The AFEX-treated straw had lower relative quantities of fungi, methanogens, and Fibrobacter succinogenes (P < 0.01) and fewer protozoa (P < 0.01) compared to untreated straw. The pH of fermenters fed AFEX-treated straw was lower (P < 0.01) than those fed untreated straw. Both AFEX (P < 0.01) and enzymes (P = 0.02) decreased xylanase activity. There was an enzyme × straw interaction (P = 0.02) for endoglucanase activity. Enzymes increased endoglucanase activity of AFEX-treated wheat straw, but had no effect on untreated straw. The addition of enzymes lowered the relative abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, but increased F. succinogenes. These results indicate that AFEX increased the ruminal disappearance of wheat straw and improved fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in the RUSITEC.

Potential nitrogen to energy synchronization, rumen degradation kinetics, and intestinal digestibility of blend pelleted products of new co-products from bio-fuel processing, pulse screenings and lignosulfonate compound in dairy cows

Recently, a new co-product (carinata meal) has been emerged from the bio-fuel processing industry, which nutritional value has not been yet fully understood and evaluated nor even registered as a feed for ruminants. So, it becomes an urgent need to explore the potential of this new coproduct in livestock feeds when blend with other feedstuffs. The aim of this project was to develop and test blend pelleted products based on combination of new and conventional co-products from bio-fuel (carinata meal) and bio-oil (canola meal) processing, pea screenings and lignosulfonate compound (feed additive) at different levels in order to efficiently utilize the new co-product and optimize various nutrient supply in dairy cows. The eight blend pelleted products were: BPP1: lignosulfonate 0.0% + carinata meal 50.0% + pea screenings 50.0%; BPP2: lignosulfonate 4.8% + carinata meal 47.6% + pea screenings 47.6%; BPP3: lignosulfonate 0.0% + carinata meal 75.0% + pea screenings 25.0%; BPP4: lignosulfonate 4.8% + carinata meal 71.4% + pea screenings 23.8%; BPP5: lignosulfonate 0.0% + canola meal 50.0% + pea screenings 50.0%; BPP6: lignosulfonate 4.8% + canola meal 47.6% + pea screenings 47.6%; BPP7: lignosulfonate 0.0% + canola meal 75.0% + pea screenings 25.0%; BPP8: lignosulfonate 4.8% + canola meal 71.4% + pea screenings 23.8%. All blended proportions were on dry matter (DM) basis. The results were compared between blend pelleted products based on new co-product carinata meal and conventional co-product canola meal; high and low level of inclusion of co-products (contrarily, low and high level of inclusion of pea screenings); and inclusion and no inclusion of lignosulfonate compound in terms of rumen degradation kinetics, indigestible neutral detergent fiber(NDF) at 288 h (iNDF), hourly effective rumen degradation ratios/potential nitrogen-to energy synchronization and intestinal digestion of rumen undegraded nutrients. The results showed that carinata based pelleted product BPP3 and BPP4 had higher (P < 0.05) level of rumen undegraded protein (BCPDVE: 233 and 239 g/kg DM; RUPNRC: 210 and 216 g/kg DM; respectively) than the other blend pelleted products. The BPP3 also showed higher (P < 0.05) effective degradation of NDF (EDNDF: 64 g/kg DM) than the other blend pelleted products except BPP4 and BPP7 (56 and 61 g/kg DM; respectively). The iNDF was higher in canola based pelleted product BPP7, while the values were ranged from 5.3 to 12.5% DM. Intestinal absorbable feed protein (IADP) was higher in BPP4 (168 g/kg DM) than the other pelleted products except BPP3; however, BPP3 showed higher (P < 0.05) total digestible protein (TDP: 405 g/kg DM) than the other blend pelleted products followed by BPP4 (383 g/kg DM) and BPP7 (370 g/kg DM). In addition, BPP3 showed higher (P < 0.05) total digestible NDF (TDNDF: 139 g/kg DM) than the other blend pelleted products. In summary, the new co-product (carinata meal) based pelleted products (BPP1 to BPP4) contained higher RUP (+56 g/kg DM), lower EDCP (–24 g/kg DM), higher EDNDF (+2.9%), lower iNDF (−4.2% DM), higher IADP (+55.7 g/kg DM) and higher TDP (+32 g/kg DM) than canola based pelleted products (BPP6 to BPP8). Therefore, the result of this study suggest that the Carinata meal based pelleted products BPP3 and BPP4 can be used as high quality protein supplements for dairy cows.

Abstract A19: Dietary-fiber and fecal fiber contents including pH in rural Africans with colorectal cancer

Abstract Studies have shown improved/increased intake of dietary fiber and low fecal pH are associated with a lowered risk for colorectal cancer. This study aimed to compare dietary fiber intake, fecal neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and fecal pH level of colorectal cancer patients and matched apparently healthy control group in rural Africans in Zaria, Nigeria. Twenty-one subjects of mean age 44.7 years who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer by histology and 14 apparently healthy matched control groups with mean age 45.2 years were recruited for this study. A predefined semi structured food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to access the dietary fiber intake by the subjects. The fecal NDF content was analyzed by extracting 1 g of fecal sample with a mixture of ethanol/ether and refluxed with decalin and sodium sulphite. The extract was suctioned and washed with acetone to yield the total NDF. The NDF was refluxed with an acid detergent solution and dried overnight to yield the ADF. The differences in the NDF and ADF gave the total hemicelluloses. The differences in the weight of the ADF post-treatment with permanganate solution yielded the total lignin. The differences in weight of the permanganate residue post-treatment with 72% Sulphuric acid gave the cellulose content. A pH meter calibrated with buffers of pH 4 and 7 was used to measure the fecal pH of all the subjects. Results from the FFQ show all subjects consumed variety of dietary fiber food in significant amount. However, there was a significant difference in the fecal NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose contents from the colorectal cancer patients when compared with the control group (p &amp;lt;0.05). So also was there a significant difference in fecal pH between the two groups (p &amp;lt;0.05). Consumption of dietary fiber rich foodstuffs alone may not be adequate for prevention against colorectal cancer incidence in some rural Africans in Zaria. There is a need to look into other associating factors which, might have been contributing to colorectal cancer incidence/increase in rural African population. Citation Format: Mohammed Faruk, Sani Ibrahim, Ahmed Adamu, Abdulmumini Hassan Rafindadi, Yahaya Ukwenya, Yawale Iliyasu, Abdullahi Adamu, Mohammed Sani Shehu, Danladi Amodu Ameh, Sirajo Mohammed Aminu, Saad Aliyu Ahmed, John Idoko, Atara Ntekim, Aishatu Maude Suleiman, Khalid Zahir Shah, Kasimu Umar Adoke. Dietary-fiber and fecal fiber contents including pH in rural Africans with colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR International Conference: New Frontiers in Cancer Research; 2017 Jan 18-22; Cape Town, South Africa. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(22 Suppl):Abstract nr A19.

&lt;b&gt;Production and chemical composition of grasses and legumes cultivated in pure form, mixed or in consortium

The objective of this study was to assess the edible biomass and chemical composition of forages grown on pure form, as a grass mix, and in grass-legume consortia. The following species were tested: white oats ( Avena sativa ), black oats ( Avena strigosa ), ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum ), forage peanut ( Arachis pintoi ), white clover ( Trifolium repens ), and red clover ( Trifolium pratense ). The experiment consisted of sixteen treatments arranged in a completely randomized design. The parameters measured were total dry matter (PMST), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP). No significant differences in PMST were found among the consortia (p > 0.05). Only the pure cultivated white clover (p > 0.05) was comparable to the consortia in terms of biomass production. The three legumes had the lowest average NDF values (p > 0.05), based on their contributions to the total NDF content of the consortia along the cuts. The ADF content increased for all treatments during the cuts. The results indicate that in pasture, legumes increase protein content, and forage consortia increase both the pasture production and the grazing period. Their chemical composition is adequate for boosting livestock production in pastures.

Palm kernel cake obtained from biodiesel production in diets for goats: feeding behavior and physiological parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) cake in diets for goats on feeding behaviors, rectal temperature, and cardiac and respiratory frequencies. Forty crossbred Boer male, non-castrated goats (ten animals per treatment), with an average age of 90days and an initial body weight of 15.01±1.76kg, were used. The goats were fed Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) hay and palm kernel supplemented at the rates of 0, 7, 14, and 21% of dry matter (DM). The feeding behaviors (rumination, feeding, and idling times) were observed for three 24-h periods. DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake values were estimated as the difference between the total DM and NDF contents of the feed offered and the total DM and NDF contents of the orts. There was no effect of palm kernel cake inclusion in goat diets on DM intake (P>0.05). However, palm kernel cake promoted a linear increase (P<0.05) in NDF intake and time spent feeding and ruminating (min/day; %; period) and a linear decrease in time spent idling. Palm kernel cakes had no effects (P>0.05) on the chewing, feeding, and rumination efficiency (DM and NDF) or on physiological variables. The use up to 21% palm kernel cake in the diet of crossbred Boer goats maintained the feeding behaviors and did not change the physiological parameters of goats; therefore, its use is recommended in the diet of these animals.

Effect of Feeding Leucaena leucocephala Leaves and Pods on Feed Intake, Digestibility, body Weight Change and Carcass Characteristic of Central-Highland Sheep Fed basal Diet Wheat bran and Natural Pasture Hay in tigray, Ethiopia

Feed intake, digestibility, body weight change, carcass characteristics and profitability of supplementing 20 yearling central-highland sheep (17±1.5 kg) fed basal diet of natural pasture hay (NPH) and wheat bran with dried Leucana leucocephala leaves (LLL) and pods (LLP) and their mixture were evaluated after 84 d of feeding trial followed by 7 d of fecal collection and carcass analyses. Treatment diets(partial DM basis) were: T1 (control) = 90g wheat bran +3 g salt; T2=90g wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLL; T3= 90g wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLP; T4= 90g wheat bran +3 g salt+103.5 g LLL +103.5 g LLP with NPH offered ad libitum for all treatments. Lambs were assigned to each treatment in RCBD. The crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of LLL were 21.8, 20.2 and 9.9%/DM, respectively and that of LLP 18.9, 42.1 and 25.7%/DM, respectively. The total DM intake was highest for T2, T3 and T4 as compared to the control group. However, the total CP and digestible CP intakes were highest (P 0.05) in total NDF and ADF intakes among the treatments. Coefficient of DM digestibility (P<0.05) of T2, T3 and T4 was higher than that of T1. Dressing percentage (DP) calculated onthe basis of slaughter body weight (SBW) was higher (P<0.05) for T2 and T4 than T1. Rib eye muscle area (REMA) and hot carcass weight were higher (P<0.05) for T2 followed by T4 and T3 but T1 was least. Thus, T2 (LLL supplementation) gave better nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and carcass characteristics and is recommended. However, all leucaena meal supplemented animals performed better than the control, thus can be used as supplements.

Synergism of Cattle and Bison Inoculum on Ruminal Fermentation and Select Bacterial Communities in an Artificial Rumen (Rusitec) Fed a Barley Straw Based Diet.

This study evaluated the effect of increasing the proportion of bison relative to cattle inoculum on fermentation and microbial populations within an artificial rumen (Rusitec). The experiment was a completely randomized design with a factorial treatment structure (proportion cattle:bison inoculum; 0:100, 33:67, 67:33, and 100:0) replicated in two Rusitec apparatuses (n = 8 fermenters). The experiment was 15 d with 8 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling. Fermenters were fed a diet of 70:30 barley straw:concentrate (DM basis). True digestibility of DM was determined after 48 h of incubation from d 13 to 15, and daily ammonia (NH3) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production were measured on d 9–12. Protozoa counts were determined at d 9, 11, 13, and 15 and particle-associated bacteria (PAB) from d 13 to 15. Select bacterial populations in the PAB were measured using RT-qPCR. Fermenter was considered the experimental unit and day of sampling as a repeated measure. Increasing the proportion of bison inoculum resulted in a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on straw, concentrate and total true DM disappearance and on straw and total neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) disappearance, with greater disappearances observed with mixed inoculum. There were no effect of source or proportion of inoculum on ADF disappearance (P > 0.05). Increasing bison inoculum linearly increased (P < 0.05) concentrate aNDF disappearance, total and concentrate N disappearance as well as total daily VFA and acetate production. A positive quadratic response (P < 0.05) was observed for daily NH3-N, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isovalerate and isobutyrate production, as well as the acetate:propionate ratio. Increasing the proportion of bison inoculum linearly increased (P < 0.05) total protozoa numbers. No effects were observed on pH, total gas and methane production, microbial N synthesis, or copies of 16S rRNA associated with total bacteria, Selenomonas ruminantium or Prevotella bryantii. Increasing bison inoculum had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on Fibrobacter succinogenes, and tended to linearly (P < 0.10) increase Ruminococcus flavefaciens and decrease (P < 0.05) Ruminococcus albus copy numbers. In conclusion, bison inoculum increased the degradation of feed protein and fiber. A mixture of cattle and bison rumen inoculum acted synergistically, increasing the DM and aNDF disappearance of barley straw.

Particle length of silages affects apparent ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows

Effects of particle length of silages on apparent ruminal synthesis (ARS) and postruminal supply of B vitamins were evaluated in 2 feeding trials. Diets containing alfalfa (trial 1) or orchardgrass (trial 2) silages, chopped to either 19mm (long cut, LC) or 10mm (short cut, SC) theoretical particle length, as the sole forage were offered to ruminally and duodenally cannulated lactating Holstein cows in crossover design experiments. Forages chopped to a theoretical particle length of 19 and 10mm had mean particles sizes of 14.1 and 8.1mm, respectively, in trial 1, and 15.3 and 11.3mm, respectively, in trial 2. Trial 1 was conducted with 13 multiparous cows in two 19-d treatment periods; both diets contained approximately 20% forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 25% total NDF, and forage-to-concentrate ratios were approximately 47:53. Trial 2 was conducted with 15 cows in two 18-d treatment periods; both diets contained approximately 23% forage NDF, 28% total NDF, and had a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 50:50. Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folates, and vitamin B12 were measured in feed and duodenal content. Daily ARS was calculated as the duodenal flow minus the intake. In trial 1, daily intake of individual B vitamins was increased with the LC diet, but ARS of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folates was reduced. In trial 2, except for folates, intakes of the other B vitamins were decreased with the LC diets, whereas ARS of riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 was increased. Daily ARS of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 were correlated negatively with their intake, suggesting that ruminal bacteria reduced their synthesis when dietary supply increased. Microbial activity could have also reduced degradation of thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, which is supported by (1) the negative correlation between ARS of these vitamins and ruminal pH or microbial N duodenal flow; and (2) the positive correlation between ARS and ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids. Folate ARS followed the opposite correlation pattern. Nevertheless, in spite of differences in intake and ARS, with both forages, decreasing particle length of silages had limited effects on the amounts of B vitamins reaching the sites of absorption in the small intestine of dairy cows.

Effects of forage family on apparent ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows

Effects of forage family (legume vs. grass) on apparent ruminal synthesis (ARS) and postruminal supply of B vitamins were evaluated in 2 experiments. Diets containing either alfalfa (AL) or orchardgrass (OG) silages as the sole forage were offered to ruminally and duodenally cannulated lactating Holstein cows in crossover design experiments. Experiment 1 compared diets containing AL and OG [~23% forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ~27% total NDF] offered to 8 cows in two 15-d treatment periods. Experiment 2 compared diets containing AL and OG (~25% forage NDF and ~30% total NDF) offered to 13 cows in two 18-d treatment periods. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folates, and vitamin B12 were analyzed in feeds and duodenal digesta. Apparent ruminal synthesis was calculated as the duodenal flow of each vitamin minus its intake. Forage family affected B vitamin intakes, duodenal flow, and ARS. In both experiments, AL diets increased vitamin B6 and decreased folate intakes. In experiment 1, riboflavin and niacin intakes were greater with the OG diet, whereas in experiment 2 thiamin intake was greater but riboflavin intake was smaller with the OG diet. In spite of the low contribution of either silage to the dietary folate content, folate intake was greater with OG diets than AL due to the difference in soybean meal contribution between diets. Niacin and folate ARS were not affected by the forage family. Duodenal microbial nitrogen flow was positively correlated with ARS of riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folates, and vitamin B12, but tended to be negatively correlated with thiamin ARS. Apparent ruminal synthesis of folates and vitamin B12 appear to be related to microbial biomass activity. Changes in nutrient composition of the diets likely affected the microbial population in the rumen and their B vitamin metabolism.

The Role iNDF in the Regulation of Feed Intake and the Importance of Its Assessment in Subtropical Ruminant Systems (the Role of iNDF in the Regulation of Forage Intake)

The intake and digestibility of forages is largely influenced by the fibre content and specifically the neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Currently, the focus in commercial diet formulation and the modelling of animal performance is on the total NDF so as to achieve higher ruminant feed intakes, higher production performance and rumen health. Rations are often formulated for a specific level of NDF in the diet assuming that the digestibility of NDF operates over a narrow range. Forage NDF, particularly in C4 forages, varies greatly in potential digestibility within the rumen. This potential digestibility is defined as the NDF fraction which disappears after a long incubation period and the remaining indigestible component of NDF (iNDF) is unavailable for microbial digestion. It is hypothesized that this dietary iNDF has an important role in contributing to rumen digesta load and voluntary intake. Formulating a diet to a specific level of NDF without reference to the iNDF could markedly affect the resulting intake, digestibility and metabolisable energy (ME) content of the diet. It is concluded that nutritional models need to be modified to accept directly determined iNDF.