Type Of Hay Research Articles

Dietary and other management factors associated with colic in horses

Objective To determine whether dietary and other management factors were associated with development of colic in horses. Design Prospective matched case-control study. Population 2,060 horses examined by veterinarians in private practice in Texas for colic and noncolic emergencies. Procedure Each month for 12 months, participating veterinarians were sent forms to collect information on 1 horse with colic and 1 horse that received emergency treatment for a condition other than colic. Information collected included signalment, farm management and characteristics, diet, medical and preventive medical factors, transport, and activity or use. Case and control horses were compared by means of conditional logistic regression to identify factors associated with colic. Results Recent change in diet, recent change in type of hay, history of previous episode of colic, history of abdominal surgery for colic, recent change in weather conditions, recent change in housing, Arabian breed, administration of an anthelmintic during the 7-day period prior to examination, failure to receive regular deworming, age > 10 years, and regular exercise (vs pastured at all times) were associated with increased risk of colic. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Results suggest that changes in diet (particularly in type of hay fed) contribute to increased risk of colic. A regular program for administration of anthelmintics may reduce the overall frequency at which colic develops, but recent administration of anthelmintics may predispose some horses to colic. Arabian horses may have an increased risk of colic, and horses at pasture may have a decreased risk of colic. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999;215:53-60)

Surgical reduction of ileal impactions in the horse: 28 cases.

To evaluate the seasonal influence, signalment, type of hay consumed, clinical examination findings, and outcome after surgery for horses with ileal impaction. A retrospective study. Between 1988 and 1993, 28 horses had surgical correction of ileal impaction. There was a significantly higher rate of ileal impaction during the Fall (September-November, P = .0041 ). Mean duration of clinical signs of abdominal pain before referral was 15 hours. Transrectal palpation was used to localize the impaction in 11 horses. The ileal impaction was reduced by extraluminal massage aided by admixing of intestinal fluid oral to the impaction or injection of fluids intraluminally and then movement of the ingesta into the cecum alone in 24 horses. A total of 26 horses recovered from surgery; 24 horses were discharged from the hospital and eventually returned to previous use. Two horses had fatal postoperative complications: jejunocecostomy dehiscence and development of extensive small intestine adhesions after manual reduction of the impaction. One horse initially treated by manual reduction required jejunocecostomy twice for management of recurrent ileal impaction. Follow-up information was obtained for 21 horses, of which 20 were alive 1 year or longer after surgery. A total of 27 of 28 horses were fed Coastal Bermudagrass hay as the primary type of hay consumed. A total of 9 horses continued to be fed Coastal Bermudagrass hay as the only roughage source, whereas 6 horses were fed Coastal Bermudagrass with at least 50% other hay, and in 6 horses, Coastal Bermudagrass hay was entirely eliminated from the diet. Ileal impactions can be successfully reduced by celiotomy and extraluminal massage and injection techniques to soften the ingesta for passage into the cecum without enterotomy or bypass techniques in most horses. Changes in weather and feeding practices in the Fall may account for an increased risk of ileal impaction in horses in the southeastern United States at that time of year.

Prediction of the nutritive value of lucerne hay in diets for growing rabbits

Fifty-one New Zealand White × California rabbits were used to evaluate apparent in vivo dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), energy, nitrogen (N), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and amino acid digestibilities of five lucerne hays varying in chemical composition. Hays were ground and pelleted and given as sole feeds throughout the experiment. In vitro DM, OM, NDF and N digestibilities of feed samples were also determined. A ruminal incubation trial was performed to determine NDF disappearance of lucerne hays in nylon bags. The type of lucerne hay had a large effect on its nutritive value. The range of variation for digestible energy (DE) and digestible crude protein (CP) contents and for NDF digestibility was 6.4–9.2 kJ g −1, 114–164 g kg −1 and 0.204–0.276, respectively. The type of lucerne hay also affected lysine, methionine and threonine digestibilities. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the best single predictors for energy, CP, NDF and amino acid digestibilities were dietary NDF and non starch polysaccharide (NSP) contents, ruminal NDF degradability after 48 h of incubation and CP digestibility, respectively. Regressions using only chemical components as independent variables were also calculated. The results of this study showed that in vitro methods and prediction equations determined for mixed diets and concentrated ingredients need to be adjusted to estimate nutritive value of forages in rabbits.

Effect of type of lucerne hay on caecal fermentation and nitrogen contribution through caecotrophy in rabbits.

Seventy-five New Zealand White x Californian rabbits were used to study the influence of the chemical composition of lucerne hay on caecal and caecotrophy characteristics. Five lucerne hays varying in chemical composition were ground and formed into pellets. These were the sole form of nutrition during the experiment. The type of lucerne hay did not affect caecal volatile fatty acid concentration, pattern of fermentation of pH. However, the caecal ammonia concentration decreased linearly (by 30% between extreme diets, P = 0.002) when dietary fibre proportion increased. The weight of caecum and caecal contents increased linearly (by 12%, P = 0.010, and 35%, P < 0.001, respectively, between extreme diets) with dietary fibre proportion. Soft faeces excretion and contribution of soft faeces to dry matter intake were not influenced by the type of lucerne hay. The proportion of caecal content that appeared daily as soft faeces and the total and microbial nitrogen concentrations in soft faeces were higher (42, 14 and 39%, respectively) for the lucerne hay with the lowest dietary fibre proportion than for the average of the other hays.

THE APPLICABILITY OF SEVERAL DIFFUSE SOLAR RADIATION MODELS TO THE CYPRIOTE ENVIRONMENT

Solar radiation measurements at one location in Cyprus are used to test the applicability of several theoretical and empirical models which compute diffuse radiation on a horizontal surface. Two types of correlation tests were used [1]: the first correlates the ratio of diffuse-to-global solar radiation with the “clearness index” KT; and the second correlates the ratio of diffuse-to-global solar radiation with the fractional sunshine. Therefore, the selected models for discussion are compared and tested for their applicability to one location in die eastern Mediterranean basin in general, on the basis of statistical error tests. A comparative study of the models shows that Page's model [3], based on the first type of correlations and Hay's one [13] based on the second type of correlations, are equally accurate for the greater Cypriote environment. Finally, two statistical equations are proposed for estimating diffuse radiation for solar energy applications in the greater environment of Cyprus.

Effects of ammoniation of brome-alfalfa and alfalfa hay, stored as large round bales on preservation and feed quality

Feeding trials with growing steers and digestibility trials with sheep were conducted during each of 3 yr in a split-split plot design, to compare the effects of anhydrous ammonia (2% wt wt−1, in plastic-covered stacks of large round bales) on preservation of brome-alfalfa and alfalfa hay harvested at &lt; 20 and at 30% moisture with respective field cured (&lt; 20% moisture) nonammoniated hays. Even after 14 wk of storage, the ammoniated high-moisture hays were free of visible molds. Dry matter (DM) recovery varied from 93.9 to 98.7% but was not affected by either moisture content or ammoniation. Ammoniation increased (P &lt; 0.05) acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN, % total N) in high-moisture brome-alfalfa hay to 16.8 from 9.7% in nonammoniated hay. Within each type of hay, dry matter intake and average daily gain of growing steers were not affected by treatment. Feed efficiency was reduced (P &lt; 0.05) in animals fed ammoniated high-moisture brome-alfalfa (11.2) but was improved (P &lt; 0.05) in those fed ammoniated high-moisture alfalfa (9.8) when compared with the respective field cured hay (10.1 and 11.4). Compared to nonammoniated hay, ammoniating high-moisture brome-alfalfa hay had no effect on digestibilities of DM and acid detergent fiber (ADF) but decreased and increased (P &lt; 0.05) digestibility of nitrogen (N) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), respectively. With alfalfa, ammoniation did not affect digestibilities of either low- or high-moisture hay. Rumen volatile fatty acid profiles were not influenced but rumen fluid pH was elevated in sheep fed ammoniated hays. Results indicate that anhydrous ammonia treatment effectively preserved high-moisture alfalfa without adversely affecting nutritional quality parameters. Key words: Ammonia, brome-alfalfa, alfalfa, cattle, sheep, digestibility

A SURVEY OF DAIRY HERDS IN THE FRASER VALLEY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA TO DETERMINE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF UNSATISFACTORY REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

In a preliminary study of reproductive performance of 261 dairy herds in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia for the period 1966 through 1970, mean non-return rate was 4.7% less in 1970 than in the previous 4 yr. In February 1972, factors associated with the reproductive performance of 68 herds in the same region were studied in greater detail. Herd non-return rates for 1971 were estimated from artificial insemination (AI) unit records. Feed samples, soil samples, feed intakes, and herd production levels were obtained for each period. The results indicated that differences in mineral nutrition between herds were associated with reproductive performance. The Cu/Mo ratio in silage was the most important factor, with increases in Cu relative to Mo being associated with low herd non-return rates. Other minerals found to be important included the Cu/Mo ratio in hay and grain, Cu in hay, Mo and Se in grain, Ca and P in silage and the variability of soil Mg levels. The type of forage fed was also important, with herds receiving diverse rations having higher conception rates than those restricted to one type of silage and/or hay.

FATE OF THE SILICA IN PRAIRIE HAY AND ALFALFA HAY CONSUMED BY CATTLE

Each of three rumen-fistulated cows was fed prairie hay at 5.5, 7.3, or 9.1 kg/day during three consecutive 2-wk periods and then the same amounts of alfalfa hay for a second series of 2-wk periods. The prairie hay contained 5.7% silica and the alfalfa hay contained 0.4% silica. Reticulo-rumen fluid was saturated with silicic acid at all levels of intake of prairie hay but was unsaturated at all levels of intake of alfalfa hay, though the concentration increased with increasing intake. The concentration did not vary with time after the feeding of either type of hay. Output of silicic acid in urine tended to increase with increasing intakes of either type of hay. The concentration of silicic acid in blood plasma was higher with prairie hay than with alfalfa hay but was unaffected by level of hay intake. Neither type of hay nor level of intake affected the concentration of silicic acid in saliva. In a second experiment, silicic acid concentration in the reticulo-rumen fluid of cows on alfalfa hay was shown to be unrelated to water intake. In both experiments, the rate of excretion of silicic acid in urine of cows on alfalfa hay closely paralleled the concentration of silicic acid in reticulo-rumen fluid (r = 0.94). Estimates derived from the results of these experiments indicate that 7% of the silica in prairie hay and 16% of that in alfalfa hay was taken into solution in reticulo-rumen fluid and thus made available for absorption. Of these amounts, not more than 12% was absorbed with a diet of prairie hay and up to 45% may have been absorbed with a diet of alfalfa hay. Excretion of silicic acid was between 60 and 75% of that absorbed on the prairie hay diet and between 40 and 60% of that absorbed on the alfalfa hay diet.

Factors Relating to Development of Spontaneous Oxidized Flavor in Raw Milk

Abstract Factors affecting spontaneous oxidation in 1198 raw milk samples collected from 137 herds were determined. Milk was examined organoleptically for oxidized flavor 48h after collection on a 0 (none) to 4 (pronounced) scale. The mean concentration of copper was 48 μ g/kg and of tocopherol 25.6 μ g/kg lipid. Copper and tocopherol concentrations were correlated with oxidized flavor score and together accounted for 15.1% of its variation. Variables of herd were breed of cow, age of cow, and percent of herd in first 60, second 60, and more than 120 days of lactation. No correlations were significant between breed or age of cow and oxidized flavor score. The percent of herd in the first 60 days of lactation was correlated with oxidized flavor score but accounted for only 3.9% of the variability. Variables of management were age, type, and amount of hay fed, type and amount of concentrate fed, and production of milk and milk fat. No correlations between type or amount of feed and oxidized flavor score were significant. Production both of milk and milk fat was correlated with oxidized flavor score but accounted for only .40 and .03% of the variability.

Effect of treatment with formaldehyde and intraperitoneal supplementation with D-L methionine on the digestion and utilisation of a hay diet by sheep

Abstract Untreated hay and two hays treated with formaldehyde (HCHO) were fed to penned Romney male sheep and live-weight change and wool growth measured. The hays were fed at energy intakes approximating to maintenance (MP) and 50% of maintenance (LP), with and without intraperitoneal supplementation with d-l methionine (2.4 g/sheep/2 days). There was a small live-weight loss at MP and a larger live-weight loss at LP. Formaldehyde treatment and methionine supplementation caused small but significant reductions in the rate of live-weight loss. In the absence of methionine supplementation, wool growth rate and fibre diameter were not increased by HCHO treatment of the hay. Both parameters were increased by methionine supplementation and by increasing energy intake (P < 0.001). The mean responses to methionine supplementation were 2.4 and 1.9 g wool/day at LP and MP respectively. The wool growth response to methionine was not influenced by the type of hay fed at LP, but at MP the response was greater on HCH...

Effect of breed, sex, type of cereal and supplementary hay upon the performance of beef cattle given high-concentrate diets

1. In a 2×3×3 factorial experiment a total of seventy-two female or castrated pure Friesian, Charolais × Friesian and Welsh Black × Friesian cattle were fed individually and ad libitum on three diets from 200 lb to slaughter at 800 or 900 lb, depending on sex. The diets were ground barley (87%) and protein-mineral-vitamin supplement (13%) given with or without 1 lb of hay per animal daily, or ground maize (87%) and supplement (13%) given with 1 lb of hay daily.2. The three breed-types differed significantly in growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. Gaining at 2·66 lb/day and converting 4·56 lb of meal into 1 lb live-weight gain, the Charolais crosses grew 7·7 % faster than pure Friesians and consumed 14·1% less meal per unit gain. Welsh Black crosses made 9·3% less rapid gains and required 7·7 % more meal per unit gain than pure Friesians. The disparity between the three breedtypes increased with increasing liveweight.

Self-heating of hay and grain in Dewar flasks and the development of farmer's lung antigens.

SUMMARY: In moist hay allowed to self-heat aerobically in Dewar flasks, the pattern of temperature change with time was affected considerably by the type of hay and duration of storage, but there was a relationship between water content and maximum temperature reached. Below 29% water content there was little heating or antigen production; in the critical range of 29-34% water content, different lots of hay self-heated to different temperatures between 33 and 55° and varied widely in their content of farmer&apos;s lung hay antigen complex (FLH), the wetter hays usually producing the more antigen; all samples with 40% water heated to c. 65° and produced FLH antigen, associated with the presence of Thermopolyspora polyspora. Progressively less antigen, especially in the lower regions of the flasks, was produced as water content increased from 47 to 68%. Moist barley and oat grain also self-heated and produced FLH antigen, usually only in the middle of the grain mass, where T. polyspora was most abundant; the drier upper layers and the lower regions where excess water accumulated were free from the antigen.

Microbial and Biochemical Changes during the Moulding of Hay

SUMMARY: Experimental batches of hay were baled at different moisture contents, and the microbial and biochemical changes studied by sequential sampling. The type of hay obtained could, in general, be related to the initial moisture content, and to the temperature subsequently attained. Good hays (about 16 % moisture) heated little and contained a small but diverse microflora. Hays baled at about 25 % moisture heated to about 45° and moulded, mainly with Aspergillus glaucus. Wet bales, with initial moisture contents of about 40 %, became very hot (60°-65°) and contained a large flora of thermophilic fungi, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, Absidia spp., Mucor pusillus, Humicola lanuginosa, and actinomycetes. During the initial heating period, which was correlated with a general rise in numbers of micro-organisms, particularly actinomycetes and bacteria, the acidity and volatile nitrogen increased. Later, when fungi and actinomycetes grew profusely, soluble sugars decreased rapidly and the pH value rose to 7.0 or above. Stacks of wet and dry hays were compared with bales made from the same hays. The wet stack developed a core of brown acid hay, containing many spore-forming bacteria but few fungi, surrounded by a layer of mouldy hay.

A High Roughage System for Raising Dairy Calves Based on the Early Development of Rumen Function. III. Effect of Rumen Inoculations and the Ratio of Hay to Grain on Digestion and Nitrogen Retention

Summary The digestibility of protein, dry matter, and cellulose and nitrogen retention have been studied in rumen inoculated and uninoculated calves and in calves fed various types of hay and grain in the ratios of 4:1, 3 :2, and 2 :3. Cud inoculations increased the apparent digestibility of protein in a calf when a low protein, poor quality hay ration was fed or when the chief source of protein was alfalfa hay. Increased protein through heavier grain feeding did not result in a difference in protein digestibility between cud inoculated and uninoculated calves. Nitrogen retention was not significantly affected by rumen inoculations. Alfalfa and mixed clover-timothy hay fed in combination with a mixture of corn and soybean oil meal in the ratio of four parts hay to one part grain resulted in the low nitrogen retention of 7.45g. per day per 100lb. of body weight. When hay-grain ratios of 3:2 and 2:3 were fed, the average retention was 11.87 and 12.87g. of nitrogen per 100lb. of body weight per day, respectively. The average daily nitrogen retention for the two types of hay was approximately the same even though the apparent digestibility of alfalfa hay was markedly higher than that of the mixed clover-timothy. The digestibility of cellulose was less when the 2:3 ratio of hay to grain was fed than when either 4:1 or 3:2 ratios were fed, regardless of the type of hay used. Calves changed abruptly from a 2:3 to a 4:1 ratio digested cellulose equally as well as control calves fed continuously on a 4:1 ratio. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to rumen physiology and their application to the high roughage system of calf feeding.

Variation in Fat, Ascorbic Acid, and Riboflavin Content of Goat's Milk

Summary Thirty-nine samples of goat's milk produced in various localities in Massachusetts were examined for their fat, ascorbic acid, and riboflavin content. The milk was produced by four breeds of goats. They were from 1 to 12 years of age, and from the tenth day to the thirty-sixth month of lactation. All were fed a grain ration and some type of hay. Fourteen samples of milk were from goats that also received grass or other herbage. The milk of the stall-fed goats contained 4.2 per cent of fat, 15.1 mg. of ascorbic acid, and 1.24 mg. of riboflavin per liter. The other samples of milk averaged 4.5 per cent of fat, 20 mg. of ascorbic acid, and 1.02 mg. of riboflavin per liter. In general the riboflavin was lower and the fat and ascorbic acid content were not materially different from cow's milk. The significance of difference of the values obtained for the milk of the four breeds was discussed.