True Dry Matter Research Articles

Comparison of In-vitro Digestibility of Commonly used Forage and Concentrates in Dairy Buffalo, Cow, and Sheep by using Daisy Incubator

This study was evaluated using the new in vitro system, DAISY Incubator, in-vitro true dry matter (DM) digestibility of 8 different feedstuffs in Buffalo, cow, and sheep. Eight different feeds were tested and grouped into roughage and concentrate. The experiment was replicated on three different timelines for all feeds and the three inoculum sources. The incubation time for the digestibility was 48 hours for each species inoculum. In the study, rumen fluids from different animals did not have a significant effect on the in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility of different feedstuffs during the 48-hour incubation period (p> 0.05). The pellet wheat bran showed the lowest mean value in sheep among all the species' feedstuffs. It was concluded that the DAISY incubator method could be used to predict the true digestibility in different species of animals.

Screening Dietary Fat Sources and Concentrations Included in Low- and High-Forage Diets Using an In Vitro Gas Production System

Including dietary fat can increase the energy density of diets fed to ruminants, reducing dry matter intake (DMI). Effects of different fat sources on nutrient digestion and fermentation can vary depending on dietary fat concentration and the forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C). Therefore, this study’s objective was to screen the effects of fat sources supplemented at different concentrations to high- and low-forage diets on in vitro digestibility and fermentation. Treatments included either low forage (LF; 35%) or high forage (HF; 70%) with two fat levels (6 or 9% DM) using six different fat sources, plus control. The control diet (CON) had a basal level of fat in the diet (3% fat; 0% fat inclusion), and fat sources were added to attain 6% or 9% dietary fat and consisted of the following: Coconut oil, CO; Poultry fat, PF; Palm oil, PO; Palm kernel oil, PKO; Soybean oil, SOY; and Ca Salts, MEG. In vitro Gas Production (GP) modules were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 × 7 factorial design and were incubated for four 24 h runs. The CO-fed module had the highest dry matter (DM) apparent digestibility (AD) (p < 0.01), followed by SOY and PF. The true DM digestibility (TDMD) and organic matter (OM) AD were the highest in CO (p < 0.01) than the other fat types. The AD for DM, OM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher in LF (p < 0.01). The 6% fat inclusion had a higher GP (109 vs. 103 mL ± 2.09; p < 0.03). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was lower in different fat types than the CON and the acetate molar proportion (p > 0.01). The propionate was the lowest for the CON, which increased the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio (p < 0.01). These results suggest that LF diets with high fat concentrations can be utilized, and different fat sources may improve DM and fiber digestibility.

Effects of Different Essential Oil Blends and Fumaric Acid on In Vitro Fermentation, Greenhouse Gases, Nutrient Degradability, and Total and Molar Proportions of Volatile Fatty Acid Production in a Total Mixed Ration for Dairy Cattle

The present study evaluated the inclusion of fumaric acid and essential oil blends (EOBs) containing anise, cedarwood, clove, cumin, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemongrass, nutmeg, oregano, and peppermint at different proportions on in vitro dry matter (DM) disappearance (DMD), fiber fraction disappearance, the efficiency of microbial production, and the total volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Ten treatments without (control treatment) or with different EOB/fumaric combinations were used in the study with eight replicates. The EOB inclusion level was 200 μL/g of feed (total mixed ration, (TMR)) while fumaric acid was administered at 3% of the TMR (DM basis). The highest DMD, in vitro true degradable DM, partitioning factor (PF24), and in vitro apparent degradable DM were recorded for the fumaric only treatment and the control. Neutral detergent fiber disappearance was reduced with the inclusion of EOB/fumaric combinations. The production of microbial mass and undegraded DM were higher (p < 0.001) for all EOBs and EOB and fumaric treatments. The inclusion of EOB and fumaric combinations reduced (p < 0.001) the total gas production, methane, and ammonia, with a higher PF24 value noted for EOB3 treatment. The inclusion of individual EOB1 containing garlic, lemongrass, cumin, lavender, and nutmeg in a ratio of 4:2:2:1:1 or combined with fumaric acid yielded the highest propionate concentration across all treatments. We concluded that EOBs decreased methane production and nutrient degradability with better results with the individual EOB1 or EOB1/fumaric combination, which showed a potential enhancement in energy production.

PSIV-A-12 Ruminal in vitro digestibility of novel pennycress meal using the Daisy II incubator

Abstract Field pennycress seed has a high oil content, making it valuable for biofuel production. The high protein content of the resulting pennycress meal makes it a potentially valuable protein feedstuff for livestock. However, pennycress meal also contains greater content of fiber, erucic acid, and glucosinolates, which limit its use in livestock rations. Golden pennycress, a novel pennycress, was developed to contain greater oil content and decreased content of fiber, increasing the value of pennycress meal as a potential livestock feed. The objective of this research was to characterize a novel pennycress meal using an in vitro rumen fermentation system. Digestion of golden pennycress (GPC), black-seeded pennycress (BPC), and a total mixed ration (TMR, as the control), was evaluated in vitro using the Daisy II incubator. Each incubation vessel contained 12 filter bags (4 containing GPC, 4 containing BPC, and 4 containing the TMR). Rumen fluid was collected from two cannulated steers and processed according to Ankom procedures; samples were incubated in the rumen fluid inoculum for either 24 or 48 h. Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) of GPC averaged 23% (dry matter basis) and was less than the BCP NDF content (30%, dry matter basis). In vitro true dry matter disappearance (IVTDMD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) were calculated and shown in Table 1. Proc Mixed procedures of SAS were used to identify difference in digestibility. Due to the novelty of golden pennycress, this study appears to be the first that compares ruminal digestibility of pennycress meals, thereby establishing initial data relative to the feeding value of GPC. As the novel pennycress was developed to have a reduced fiber level, the reduced NDF content of GPC over BPC was expected. The significant increase of IVTDMD of GPC compared with BPC at either incubation length suggests increased overall digestibility and improved dry matter utilization of the novel pennycress. Additional research investigating the reduced NDFD of GPC is warranted. As the first study evaluating the use of golden pennycress meal in ruminant diets, this study provides baseline values from which to build additional research projects.

Mutating alfalfa COUMARATE 3-HYDROXYLASE using multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 leads to reduced lignin deposition and improved forage quality.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage quality is adversely affected by lignin deposition in cell walls at advanced maturity stages. Reducing lignin content through RNA interference or antisense approaches has been shown to improve alfalfa forage quality and digestibility. We employed a multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-editing system to reduce lignin content and alter lignin composition in alfalfa by targeting the COUMARATE 3-HYDROXYLASE (MsC3H) gene, which encodes a key enzyme in lignin biosynthesis. Four guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting the first exon of MsC3H were designed and clustered into a tRNA-gRNA polycistronic system and introduced into tetraploid alfalfa via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Out of 130 transgenic lines, at least 73 lines were confirmed to contain gene-editing events in one or more alleles of MsC3H. Fifty-five lines were selected for lignin content/composition analysis. Amongst these lines, three independent tetra-allelic homozygous lines (Msc3h-013, Msc3h-121, and Msc3h-158) with different mutation events in MsC3H were characterized in detail. Homozygous mutation of MsC3H in these three lines significantly reduced the lignin content and altered lignin composition in stems. Moreover, these lines had significantly lower levels of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber as well as higher levels of total digestible nutrients, relative feed values, and in vitro true dry matter digestibility. Taken together, these results showed that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of MsC3H successfully reduced shoot lignin content, improved digestibility, and nutritional values without sacrificing plant growth and biomass yield. These lines could be used in alfalfa breeding programs to generate elite transgene-free alfalfa cultivars with reduced lignin and improved forage quality.

Comparison of forages’ digestion levels for different in vitro digestion techniques in horses

Forages are widely used in horse diets. Different in vitro techniques are being tried to determine the fermentation levels of forages in the horse digestive tract. This study aimed to evaluate the digestion levels of four dry forages commonly used in horse nutrition: alfalfa herbage, meadow hay, wheat straw, and Italian ryegrass. In vitro total digestion (TDT), in vitro Sunvold-large intestine digestion (SDT) and in vitro Menke-large intestine digestion (MDT) techniques were compared. The study determined in vitro true dry matter digestion (T-DMD), in vitro true organic matter digestion (T-OMD) and in vitro true neutral detergent fibre digestion (T-NDFD). Additionally, concentrations of straight short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; acetic acid - AA, propionic acid , butyric acid, and valeric acid ) and branched short-chain fatty acids (BSCFA) were assessed. The highest in vitro T-DMD, T-OMD and T-NDFD values were determined by the in vitro TDT for the four forages (p<0.05). In vitro T-DMD and T-OMD values of alfalfa herbage were higher than those of Italian ryegrass, meadow hay and wheat straw in the in vitro TDT (p<0.001). In addition, in vitro T-DMD and T-OMD values of alfalfa herbage in the in vitro SDT were higher than those of meadow hay and wheat straw (p<0.001). In the in vitro TDT, the molarity of AA, total SCFA and BSCFA in the digestion fluid of alfalfa herbage was higher than those of other forages (p<0.05). The in vitro total enzymatic+fermentative digestion technique for horse forages revealed higher values than the in vitro fermentative digestion techniques. In general, the higher the non-structural carbohydrate and crude protein contents in the forage, the higher the results of the in vitro TDT compared to the other techniques.

426 Forages Containing Plant Secondary Compounds Can Improve Digestibility, Rumen Ammonia and Rumen Metabolites of Pasture: an in Vitro Continuous Culture Case Study

Abstract Forages containing plant secondary metabolites (PSM) have been investigated for use in reducing nitrogen waste in feedlot and dairy cattle diets but use as supplements to grazing beef cattle to capture the positive effects of PSM is unclear. Here we investigate potential improvement in rumen digestibility and metabolome, rumen ammonia production and flow from feed protein due to PSM bioactivity in forages used to supplement pasture grass using in vitro methods. Can PSM-containing forages offer a practical way to improve range nutrition and provide delivery of phytochemical benefits? Phytochemical- containing forages birdsfoot trefoil (BFT), sainfoin (SAN), small burnet (SMB) and cicer milkvetch (CMV) supplemented grass pasture diets (200 g/kg of DM). In vitro true dry matter digestibility was determined using 2-stage in vitro methods. Randomly assigned diets of PAS supplemented with one of the PSM-containing forage diets (PAS+X) or not supplemented (PAS) were randomly applied to in vitro dual flow continuous culture (CC) vessels inoculated with grazing beef cow rumen fluid as a metabolic host. For 2-stage digestibility, SMB digestibility exceeded that of CMV, followed by BFT and SAN. The grass diet (PAS) was the least digestible (Table 1). Saponin was detected in CMV samples, which is a new finding. For CC, compared with PAS, minimum culture pH for PAS+CMV was highest (P &amp;lt; 0.02) but no differences were observed in pH between PAS, and PAS+BFT and PAS+SAN. Compared with PAS, the molar proportion of the fatty acid propionate increased with PAS+CMV(P = 0.03) in contrast to the acetate- to- propionate ratio found highest for PAS and decreased for all diets with supplementation of PSM forages. Concentration of rumen NH3–N flow to rumen fluid per gram of protein intake was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.01) with PAS+CMV and PAS+SMB, compared with grass only. Feeding CMV and SMB to grazing cattle may improve nutrient utilization, metabolome, and environmental sustainability of beef cattle production by improving diet digestibility and reducing ammonia waste.

The effect of seaweed formulations on in vitro fermentation, nutrient utilization and growth performance in crossbred calves

The aim of this research was to study the effect of seaweed formulations on in vitro rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization and growth performance of crossbred calves. The study included 18 male crossbred calves of 130±7.56 kg body weight, divided into 3 groups of 6 each following a completely randomized design. Calves in the control (T0) were fed a standard diet, while treatment groups T1 and T2 were supplemented with AF-KWP or AFRD-5 at the rate of 4% of concentrate mixture, with 1% calcium carbonate and 1% dicalcium phosphate replacing the mineral mixture, and common salt offered in T0 . The experiment was conducted for a period of 120 days. At the end of the experiment, a metabolism trial was conducted to study the nutrient utilization. In vitro total gas and methane production was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in the seaweed supplemented groups. A significant difference (P&lt;0.05) was also observed in the retention of calcium and phosphorus between the different groups. A non-significant difference was observed in nutrient digestibility, dry matter intake, total gain in body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio between the three treatment groups. It might be concluded that seaweed formulations significantly reduced in vitro total gas and methane production without affecting true dry matter digestibility and true organic matter digestibility. Moreover, seaweed formulation supplementation did not affect the growth performance and nutrient utilization in the crossbred calves.

Effect of single or combined homo- and heterofermentative silage additives on the quality, nutritive value, and in vitro digestibility of ensiled wheat harvested at early dough stage of maturity

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of single or combined homo- and heterofermentative silage additives on silage quality, nutritional composition, feed value, and in vitro digestibility of ensiled wheat harvested at early dough stage of maturity. The study was carried out as a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of two levels of homofermentative silage inoculant (0 or 0.8 mg/kg) and two levels of heterofermentative silage inoculant (0 or 500 mg/kg) consisting of 4 groups with 4 replicates in each group. Control group received no silage additive. Remaining groups received either HMF, HTF, or a combination of both silage additives (HMF + HTF). pH and Flieg point of silage prepared with HMF and HTF alone or in combination were respectively lower and greater compared to control group. Nutritional composition, feed value, and in vitro true dry matter and organic matter digestibilities were unaffected among the treatments. In conclusion, the study shows that the application of single or combined HMF and HTF inoculants yields well-preserved wheat silage whereas the nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility may remain unaffected.

Effects of the Incubation Period of Pleurotus ostreatus on the Chemical Composition and Nutrient Availability of Solid-State-Fermented Corn Stover.

The current study aimed to optimize and improve the feeding value of Pleurotus ostreatus-fermented corn stover by evaluating the effects of five solid-state fermentation times and three in vitro fermentation periods on the chemical composition, dry matter disappearance (DMD), microbial mass and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of treated and untreated corn stover. The study utilized a 3 × 5 factorial design, with eight replicates per treatment. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), ash and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) contents increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with increases in the solid-state fermentation time. Increases of 44.4-59.1%, 20.6-78.6% and 40.5-121% were noted for the CP, ash and NFC contents, respectively. Organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) across the treatments. Similar trends were noted for DM and fiber disappearance in the treatments. The total gas production and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) increased quadratically, while microbial mass and in vitro apparent DMD increased in a linear manner. The total VFA, propionate and butyrate contents increased linearly. Both the acetate content and the A:P ratio decreased in a linear manner. The results show that the rumen fermentation pathway favors the production of propionate, with increases in propionate production of 7.46 and 8.30% after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. The study showed that a 2 wk period of solid-state fermentation is sufficient to provide a bio-transformed cow-calf feed resource from P. ostreatus-treated corn stover.

Agronomic and structural responses of stockpiled alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures

AbstractThe incorporation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) into bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] forage systems in the southern United States has increased. Stockpiling this mixture may extend the grazing season into the fall and winter months with high‐quality forage. The objective of this 2‐year study was to evaluate agronomic and structural responses of alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures managed under five stockpiling periods (6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 weeks) in two locations (Shorter, AL, and Tifton, GA). Across locations, stockpiling mixtures for 8 weeks or longer (2400 lb DM ac−1, on average) resulted in greater (P = 0.001) herbage accumulation than 6 weeks (3185 lb DM ac−1). The alfalfa proportion was similar among stockpiling periods in Shorter but greater (P = 0.043) at 10 and 14 weeks than 6, 8, and 12 weeks in Tifton. A location × year × stockpiling interaction was observed for crude protein (CP, P &lt; 0.001) and in vitro true dry matter digestibility over 48 h (IVTDMD48, P &lt; 0.001). Crude protein concentrations were similar among stockpiling periods in 2020 in both locations. In 2019, however, CP concentrations reduced with increasing stockpiling period length in Shorter and were similar among treatments in Tifton, except for the lesser CP at 8 than at 10, 12, and 14, weeks. Forage IVTDMD48 concentrations declined with increasing stockpiling period length at both locations, with a more pronounced decline in Shorter in 2019. Results suggest that stockpiling alfalfa–bermudagrass mixtures for up to 8 weeks is a viable option to supply high nutritive value forage and lower lodging losses into the early winter months.

The Effect of the Stirring Speed on the In Vitro Dry Matter Degradability of Feeds

In vitro methods have been standardized and tested to correctly simulate the rumen environment and fermentation process. A few studies have verified that the feed degradability achieved as a result of stirring the samples is higher when the samples are incubated under continuous stirring than when they are only stirred twice daily. The objective of this study has been to verify the effect of the speed of stirring on feed degradability during In vitro incubation. For this purpose, the apparent and true dry matter degradability (ADMD and TDMD) of grass hay, pelleted alfalfa, corn silage, barley meal, straw, and a total mixed ration (TMR) were measured after 48 h of incubation in jars under different rotation speeds. The same types of feed were placed in the four jars of each instrument, and the rotation system of the machine was modified to ensure the simultaneous rotation of a pair of original jars (which sometimes stopped and/or rotated slowly and irregularly) together with a pair of modified jars under regular and continuous rotation. A rev counter data logger was mounted onto the jars, and the rotation speeds of the original and modified jars were measured and compared under different conditions (empty jars, jars with liquid, jars with rumen fluid, and sample bags). The modifications to the instruments stabilized the rotation of the jars, thereby making the stirring more regular during incubation. The degradability was partly influenced by the regular stirring, albeit with just one instrument, and for grass hay, barley meal, corn silage, and TMR. In short, it has been found that the regular stirring of sample bags is not essential to obtain reliable degradability measurement during incubation, although it is better to maintain a constant rotation to ensure a regular and standardized In vitro incubation process and therefore to allow reproducibility and comparisons of the results on feed degradability.

Nutrient profile, digestibility, and feeding value of common vetch (Vicia sativa) alone or intercropping with different forages

The present study was conducted to assess the nutrient profile, digestibility and feeding values of common vetch alone or intercropping combinations with different cereal and legume forages in central district of Burdur, Türkiye. Approximately 2 kg fresh matter of common vetch alone or 9 different intercropping combinations was harvested from different locations. Nutrient composition and in vitro true dry matter digestibility were analyzed whereas feeding values were calculated. The study showed that intercropping largely decreased the crude protein of common vetch while an increase in fiber and carbohydrate fractions was noted except acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin that decreased in intercropping mixtures compared to common vetch alone. In addition, there was an increase in digestibility and feeding values in intercropping mixtures in comparison with common vetch alone. In conclusion, intercropping of common vetch with cereal forages improves the nutrient profile, in vitro digestibility, and feeding values despite a reduction in the crude protein content of intercropping mixtures compared to common vetch.

Effect of Sodium Hydroxide Treatment on Chemical Composition and Feed Value of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Straw

This research was undertaken with the aim of determining the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) and true dry matter digestibility (TDMD), dry matter intake (DMI), and relative feed value (RFV) of common reed (Phragmites australis) straw. Reed straw was treated with 0% (control), 1%, 2%, and 3% NaOH and stored in 1.5-L glass jars in triplicate for 21 days. NaOH treatment had a significant effect on the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, NDFD and TDMD, DMI, and RFV of the reed straw. While it decreased the cell wall content of the reed straw, it significantly increased the NDFD, TDMD, DMI, and RFV. The neutral detergent fiber content of the reed straw decreased with NaOH treatment in a dose-dependent manner and ranged from 56.03% to 65.05%, whereas the NDFD increased and ranged from 53.10% to 59.99%. Metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility, and TDMD values were improved, ranging from 9.15 to 10.19 MJ/kg DM, 58.46% to 65.05%, and 55.29% to 62.33%, respectively. The estimated RFV and DMI also improved, ranging from 84.70% to 95.58% and from 1.87% to 2.14% of body weight, respectively. The most effective treatment dose of NaOH was 3%. Therefore, it can be suggested that NaOH treatment has the potential to improve the nutritive value of reed straw. However, before large applications, further in vivo investigations are required to determine the effects of NaOH treatment on the feed intake and production of ruminant animals.

An increase in livestock density increases forage nutritional value but decreases net primary production and annual forage nutritional yield in the alpine grassland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Pasture biomass and quality are dependent on herbivore grazing and precipitation, but the responses of vegetation to the interactive effects of climate and grazing regimes remain unclear. We conducted an eight-year sheep grazing experiment with 4 stocking rates (0, 3.5, 5.5, and 7.5 sheep/ha) in an alpine meadow of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) and forage nutritional value (FNV) of four dominant species (Poa annua, Kobresia humilis, Astragalus adsurgens and Potentilla fruticosa) were measured during a wet year (360 mm rainfall) and a drought year (216 mm rainfall). The FNV was used as indicator of forage quality and was calculated from the crude protein (CP) content, in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTD), metabolic energy (ME) yield, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of the plant. The stocking rate explained a minimum of 76% of the variations of ANPP, and the precipitation sub-additive effect for ANPP ranged from 5% to 12%. The interaction of sheep stocking rate and precipitation affected ANPP of the 4 species, except for P. fruticosa. The FNV of the pasture increased with increasing grazing pressure, but ANPP and forage nutritional yield (FNY) decreased. In calculating FNY, the increase in FNV did not compensate for the decrease in ANPP. In non-grazed plots, the CP yield declined sharply (18%-55%) in response to drought, but there was no effect on ME yield. The interaction between stocking rate and precipitation affected forage quality of the 4 plant species differently. The grassland ANPP and FNY could be maintained at a grazing intensity of 3.5 sheep/ha in wet and dry years. Our results highlight that stocking density affects pasture ANPP and FNV, and is contingent on rainfall.

Impact of Moringa oleifera on rumen fermentation and methane emission under in vitro condition

Exploring innovative methods to provide essential nutrients and reducing ruminant greenhouse gas emission is crucial for animal production and diminishing global warming. This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaves (ML) in ruminants at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 40% level in different roughage (R) and concentrate (C) (80R:20C, 70R:30C and 60R:40C) under in vitro conditions. Chemical composition of ML, concentrate mixture and berseem were estimated. Rumen fermentation parameters of male goat kids viz., total gas production, CH4, true dry matter digestibility (TDMD), organic matter digestibility (TOMD), partial fraction (PF), microbial biomass (MBP), ammonia (N), acetate, propionate, butyrate and acetate propionate ratio were observed under in vitro conditions. Results revealed that crude protein, organic matter and ethyl ether content were higher in ML as compared to concentrate mixture and berseem. Magnesium and iron content were also higher in ML as compared to concentrate and berseem. Total gas production, digestibility of DM and OM, MBP, acetate and propionate level were improved (P < 0.05) upto 10–20% replacement. In contrast, decreased in CH4 (%) and CH4 (mL/100 mg dDM) was noted with increased levels of ML incorporation. There was no change observed in ammonia, acetate: propionate ratios at all the three planes of nutrition. In this study, it is concluded that mixing Moringa oleifera leaves in feed can be used as protein supplement and reduce the methane emission without causing any effect on digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters. However, ML can be suggested for widespread practice to attain the sustainable animal production (10–20%) and to alleviate the global warming.

PSXII-11 Evaluation of Yellow-Flowered Subspecies Falcata Alfalfa to Purple Flowered Medicago Sativa for Northern Plains: Productivity, Nutrient Profile, and in Vitro True dry Matter Digestibility

Abstract The protein content and nitrogen fixation capabilities of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) make it valuable in cropland and rangelands. However, the semi-arid Northern Great Plains climate negatively affects stand establishment and persistence. Falcata alfalfa (Medicago sativa subs. Falcata) produces adventitious shoots from roots, improving stress and drought resistance. This study compared production and forage quality for yellow- flowered falcata alfalfa (FAL) to a conventional alfalfa (var. Vernal [MSP]). Plots were established as randomized complete block design with four replications. Each cultivar was seeded in 2019 as a monoculture. In 2020, two harvests were made and sampled. Dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value of alfalfa were determined. Results showed first cut DMY was 4,228±361 and 3,442±720 kg/ha for the FAL and MSP, respectively. Results for forage quality for first harvest indicate that FAL alfalfa had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ash (10.36 vs. 9.85 %), lignin (7. 86 vs. 7. 14 %), acid detergent fiber (ADF: 38.4 vs. 33.4%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF: 45.4 vs. 39.0 %) but less crude protein (CP; 18.7 vs. 21.2 %, DM basis), total digestible nutrients (TDN: 59.2 vs. 55.5%), non- fiber carbohydrates (NFC; 186 vs. 164), sugar (8.4 vs. 7.0 %), in vitro true dry matter digestibility after a 48-h incubation (IVTDMD48: 58.6 vs. 55.8%), compared with FAL. However, for the second harvest, DMY was 2,837±361 kg/ha for FAL, which had greater CP (20.4 vs. 19.4%), similar ADF (35.4 vs. 35.0), NDF (42.7 vs. 41.8 %), and IVTDMD48 (65.6 vs. 64.0%), but lower lignin (7.68 vs. 7.84%) and TDN (58.1 vs 58.9%) than MSP which yielded 2546 ±515 kg/ha. Falcata had greater nutritive value at second cutting and greater yield compared with Medicago but generally differed little for quality, suggesting falcata can be a viable alternative legume for Northern Plains.

Determining The Feed Value, Feed Quality, and in Vitro Fermentation Properties of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) Harvested in Different Periods

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical content, in vitro gas and methane production, relative feed value (RFV), relative feed quality (RFQ), in vitro digestibility parameters, and microbial protein production of the Italian ryegrass plants harvested in different periods of the 2020 production season in Erzincan. In this study an ANKOM Daisy Incubator was used to determine the in vitro digestibility parameters. In vitro gas production technique was used todetermine gas production and predicted parameters. It was found that there were significant differences between the Italian ryegrass plants harvested in different periods in terms of composition, RFV, RFQ, and in vitro digestibility and fermentation parameters. The RFV, metabolizable energy (ME), net energy (NE), true NDF digestibility (TNDFD), organic matter digestibility degree (OMDD), total digestible nutrient (TDN), dry matter intake (DMI), and RFQ values of the Italian ryegrass plants were found to be 247.32, 9.13, 5.68, 62.26%, 54.15%, 55.35%, 4.82%, and 215.81, respectively. On the other hand, after 24 hours of incubation it’s in vitro gas (GP), and methane production (ml and %), true dry matter digestibility (TDMD) values, partitioning factor (PF), microbial protein (MP), microbial protein synthesis efficiency (MPSE), and true digestibility (TD) were found to be 105.41, 17.35, 16.42, 281.72, 2.68, 57.68, 20.32, and 59.82, respectively. In conclusion, determining the digestibility of plants via the measurement of RFV, RFQ, digestion parameters, and gas production in different harvest periods provided insights into the potential of Italian ryegrass as a feed material.

Investigation of the effectiveness of tomato pulp on the in vitro fermentation of working horse diets

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of dried tomato pulp, as a soluble dietary fibre source, using [0 (control group), 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0% (experimental groups) as dry matter-DM] in horse total mixed ration (TMR) on the in vitro fermentation parameters. The in vitro total gas production (TGP), methane emission, gas yield (GY24), metabolic energy (ME), in vitro true dry matter disappearance (T-DMd), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) molarities, partial factor (PF24), microbial crude protein production (MCP), and pH value at 24 h of fermentation in horse TMR’s were determined. In the study, in vitro TGP, GY24, PF24, ME, MCP, SCFA, and methane emission of horse TMR’s were not changed by 2.5 and 5.0% tomato pulp supplementation (P > 0.05). The in vitro TGP (73.6 vs. 85.6 and 105.9 mL/g DM), GY24 (189.4 vs. 210.8 and 286.3 mL for g T-DMd), PF24 (5.9 vs. 5.2 and 4.2 mg/mL for GY24) ME (5.3 vs. 5.6 and 6.1 MJ/kg DM), MCP (270.1 vs. 258.2 and 215.1 mg/g DM), SCFA (0.32 vs. 0.37 and 0.46 mmol/0.2 g), and methane emission (0.28 vs. 0.33 and 0.48 ml/g DM) of horse TMR’s positively affected by 10 and 20% tomato pulp supplementation (P < 0.05). The in vitro T-DMd values of TMRs and pH value of in vitro digestion fluid were similar for both control and experimental groups (P > 0.05). As a result, it was demonstrated that tomato pulp, which uses as dietary fibre and CP source, did not affect negatively the digestion values of the working horse diet. However, it has been considered that tomato pulp using at 10 and 20% ratios increased the in vitro digestion values of the working horse diet. Determining the in vitro digestion levels of tomato pulp, which is a source of soluble dietary fibre, for horses will guide future in vitro and in vivo studies.

Isolation and characterization of sulphate reducing bacteria from goat rumen and its inclusion to improve in vitro feed fermentation

In the present study sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were isolated from the rumen of goats fed a diet of wheat straw and concentrate in 50:50 ratio using specific medium followed by phenotypic and phylogenetic characterization. Based on the biochemical characteristics, four best SRB isolates were evaluated for their efficacy to reduce in vitro CH4 production and stimulate fibre digestion. It was found that true dry matter digestibility (IVTD) and production of metabolites were higher but methane emission was low by inclusion of live culture of SRB4 isolate as compared to control. Sequencing of 16S rDNA revealed 99% homology of SRB4 with Streptococcus caviae strain NR156902. The isolate also exhibited expression of dissimilatory sulphite reductase gene (dsR) gene substantiating sulphate reducing ability of the isolate. The results indicate the ability of SRB4 to reduce in vitro CH4 emissions and improve fibre digestibility, hence can be explored as an effective candidate for microbial feed additive to modify rumen fermentation, so that enteric methane production can be controlled.