Type Of Roughage Research Articles

ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR FLUTTERING GRASS WITH A ROLLER FLUTTER

Hay is a common type of roughage, the quality of which largely depends on the duration of natural drying. In order to obtain high-quality fodder, it is necessary to minimize the stay of mown plants in field conditions. Nutrient losses during hay harvesting occur as a result of biochemical processes, leaching of nutrients by precipitation during adverse weather.In addition, harvesting hay is accompanied by mechanical losses due to the crushing of vegetative organs of plants (leaves, inflorescences) by the working bodies of hay harvesting machines. These losses not only reduce the collection of hay, but also significantly reduce the quality of fodder, since leaves and inflorescences contain 2-3 times more nutrients than stems, they are due to the unequal drying rate of vegetative organs of plants. Small vegetative organs of plants, due to the peculiarities of their anatomical structure, give off moisture more intensively than stems, and therefore they become fragile earlier and break off and are lost as a result of the action of working organs of machines. An effective method of accelerating and equalizing the drying rate of vegetative parts of plants is flattening of grass clippings. Thanks to this measure, uniform drying of the entire plant mass is ensured, and therefore, the loss of nutrients during hay harvesting is reduced. For flattening legumes, it is advisable to use mowers equipped with roller flatteners, because they act less harshly on the grass than dynamic flatteners, reducing the crushing of the most valuable parts of plants - leaves and inflorescences. The main operational indicator that allows you to estimate the energy consumption of the process of flattening grass is the power consumption for the drive of the flattening rollers. A method of determining the power required to drive the flattening rollers of mower-folders has been developed, which can be used for calculations in the design of roller flatteners.

Sugarcane, corn silage and concentrate levels in cattle diet

This study evaluated two roughage types (sugarcane and corn silage) and two concentrate feed levels (0 and 25% of the total dry matter) in the cattle diet, in a 2x2 factorial design, and compared passage rate measurements (indicator and rumen evacuation). Four Holstein-Zebu heifers cannulated in the rumen and ileum were evaluated, in a 4x4 Latin square design. Stool samples (8th - 10th day) and rumen fluid (8th day) were collected and the rumen was emptied (14th and 16th day). Treatments were compared by contrast, evaluating the effects of roughage, concentrate feed and interaction between these factors. Dry matter (DM) intake and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (apNDF) were highest for animals fed corn silage, and DM and organic matter (OM) intake were highest when fed concentrate. There was no roughage effect on ruminal mass, but concentrate decreased ruminal NDF in the total digesta mass. The coefficients of total digestion of crude protein (CP), apNDF and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) were higher for sugarcane than corn silage. Concentrate feed improved the total digestibility of OM and NFC. Passage rates evaluated by the marker technique and rumen evacuation were similar. Corn silage or 25% concentrate in the cattle diet improved consumption, intake rate and nutrient digestibility. The particle passage rate can be estimated by rumen evacuation or by adjusting a nonlinear mathematical model.

Responses of nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation and microorganisms to different roughage of dairy buffaloes

Dairy buffaloes are typically fed a high-forage, low-quality diet with high fiber. These conditions result in an inherent energy and protein inefficiency. In order to make full and rational use of feed resources and improve the production level and breeding efficiency of dairy buffaloes, the effects of various roughages on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, and microorganisms in dairy buffaloes were studied in this experiment. Three ternary hybrid buffaloes, with an average body weight of 365 ± 22.1 kg, were selected and fitted with permanent rumen fistulas. They were fed six different diets, each consisting of 1 kg concentrate supplement and one of six types of roughage, including alfalfa hay (A diet), oat hay (O diet), whole corn silage (W diet), king grass (K diet), sugarcane shoot silage (S diet), and rice straw hay (R diet) according to an incomplete Latin square design of 3 × 6, respectively. The pre-feeding period of each period was 12 d. From day 13 to 15 was the official experimental period. During the prefeeding period, free feed intake for each roughage was determined, and during the experiment, the roughage was fed at 90% of the voluntary feed intake. Digestion and metabolism tests were carried out using the total manure collection method to determine the feed intake and fecal output of each buffalo, and to collect feed and fecal samples for chemical analysis. On day 15, rumen fluid samples were collected two hours after morning feeding to determine rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial 16 S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed. The results showed that DM and OM digestibility were greatest for the W diet and lowest for the S diet. The rumen pH of the O diet was significantly greater than that of the W diet. The concentration of rumen fluid NH3-N (mg/dL) increased with increased CP content. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids (mmol/L) in the rumen decreased with increased NDF content but increased with increased NFC content. The relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Spirochaetes were 57.03-74.84%, 14.29-21.86%, and 0.44-1.43% in the different quality roughage groups. Bacteroidetes were mainly Prevotellaceae1 and Rikenellaceae RC_gut_group with relative abundances of 30.17-45.75% and 3.23-7.82%. The relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Spirochaetes decreased with increasing roughage quality. These results provide a theoretical and practical basis for evaluating the nutritional value of dairy buffalo feed, utilizing feed resources, matching rations, feeding scientifically, and protecting animal health.

165 Comparing corn earlage to a blend of corn silage and grain when fed at two different inclusions for finishing cattle

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding earlage as the sole source of roughage and grain in a finishing diet when compared with corn silage plus grain at equal forage NDF inclusions in the diet. Crossbred yearling steers [n = 216; initial body weight (BW) = 471 ± 14.1kg] were fed one of 4 experimental diets in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement with roughage type and forage inclusion being the 2 factors. Treatment diets were formulated for earlage to provide all the grain the diet (74%) which provided 14.8% forage and was compared with 29.6% corn silage and 44.4% corn as a 50:50 blend of dry rolled corn (DRC) and high moisture corn (HMC). The other two diets were formulated for corn silage to provide a standard roughage inclusion for finishing diets (i.e., corn silage at 15% to supply 7.5% forage in the diet). To match 7.5% roughage with earlage providing all the roughage, another diet included earlage at 37%, with an additional 37% corn included as the 50:50 blend of HMC and DRC. All diets included 20% wet distiller’s grains (WDGS) and 6% supplement. The two inclusions of forage were either 7.5 or 14.8% forage as either earlage or corn silage. Earlage was assumed to provide 20% forage and corn silage to provide 50% forage, on a DM basis. Cattle were stratified into 3 BW blocks, then assigned randomly assigned to pens within block, and treatment assigned randomly to pens. A total of 24 pens containing 9 steers in each were used with pen as the experimental unit. Feeding performance, carcass characteristics and liver abscess prevalence were evaluated using the MIXED procedure of SAS with BW block and treatment being fixed effects. No interactions between roughage type or forage inclusion were observed for performance or carcass traits (P > 0.13) except for marbling or liver abscesses (P < 0.09). When cattle were fed a diet with corn silage as the roughage source, greater dry matter intakes (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed (P ≤ 0.01), but feed efficiency was not significantly different (P = 0.35). However, when evaluating effects of NDF inclusion, cattle fed 7.5% forage in the diet were 6.8% more efficient than cattle fed 14.8% forage and tended to have greater gain (P = 0.10), but no significant differences were observed for intake (P = 0.11). These data suggest that cattle fed earlage will eat and gain less than cattle fed a blend of corn silage and grain when estimated forage is equivalent, and when earlage is fed as the sole source of grain, cattle will be less efficient than when conventional roughage inclusions are fed.

Association of diet and lifestyle factors with semen quality in male partners of Chinese couples preparing for pregnancy

BackgroundSemen quality significantly influences conception, and its preservation is crucial for couples seeking pregnancy. We investigated dietary and lifestyle risk factors impacting semen quality.MethodsA total of 466 males from the Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center’s pre-pregnancy consultation clinic were recruited between January 2021 and March 2023 for inclusion. Semen analysis was performed, and diet and lifestyle data were gathered via questionnaire. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the link between diet, lifestyle variables, and semen quality.ResultsSmoking worsened progressive sperm motility (38.0% vs. 36.0%, t = 2.262; P = 0.049). Alcohol consumption impaired progressive motility (40.5 ± 17.8% vs. 34.7 ± 16.1%, t = 3.396; P < 0.001) and total motility (56.0% vs. 64.0%; P = 0.001). Using plastic beverage bottles for oil or seasonings lowered sperm concentrations (40.4% vs. 59.0% vs. 65.5%; P = 0.032). A sweet diet correlated with higher total sperm motility (55.0% vs. 60.0%, 62.0% vs. 63.2%; P = 0.017). Higher milk product intake improved sperm concentration (41.6106vs. 63.7106 vs. 66.1*106; P = 0.021) and motility (54.5% vs. 56.0% vs. 63.0%; P = 0.033). More frequent egg consumption increased semen volume (3.1 mL vs. 3.8 mL vs. 4.0 mL; P = 0.038). Roughage intake enhanced sperm concentration (160.8106 vs. 224.6106; P = 0.027), and adequate sleep improved progressive sperm motility rate (35.4% ± 18.2% vs. 40.2 ± 16.3%, F = 3.747; P = 0.024) and total motility (52.7% vs. 61.5%; P = 0.013). The regression model showed that using plastic containers for condiments was a protective factor for semen volume (OR: 0.12; CI 0.03–0.55; P = 0.006), sperm concentration (OR: 0.001, CI 0.00–0.30; P = 0.012), and count (OR: 0.12, CI 0.03–0.48; P = 0.003). Milk and egg consumption were also protective for semen volume (OR: 0.18, CI 0.06–0.51; P = 0.001 and OR: 0.11, CI 0.03–0.55; P = 0.006, respectively), while sufficient sleep benefitted total sperm motility (OR: 0.47, CI 0.24–0.95; P = 0.034).ConclusionsSmoking and drinking, type of condiment container, diet preference, sleep duration, and milk, roughage, and egg consumption may reduce semen quality.

Effects of Replacing Alfalfa Hay with Oat Hay in Fermented Total Mixed Ration on Growth Performance and Rumen Microbiota in Lambs

The use of the fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) is a promising approach for the preservation of feedstuff, but the effect of FTMR on the between growth performance and ruminal microflora of lambs are still limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of different roughage types in the FTMR on growth performance and rumen microbiota of lambs. Forty-five six-month-old Small tail Han sheep × Ujumqin male lambs were randomly allocated into three groups (three pens per treatment and five lambs per pen) with the initial body weight (BW) of 28.50 ± 1.50 kg. The three treatments were as follows: the low oat percentages group (LO) contained 200 g/kg oat hay + 400 g/kg alfalfa hay, the medium oat percentages group (MO) contained 300 g/kg oat hay + 300 g/kg alfalfa hay, and the high oat percentages group (HO) contained 400 g/kg oat hay + 200 g/kg alfalfa hay. The result revealed that the dry matter intake and average daily gain were markedly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in the MO treatment than in the LO and HO treatments, whereas no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) was found in the final body weight. There were no significant (p &gt; 0.05) differences on the Shannon and Simpson index among the three treatments. The PCoA score plot illustrated the individual separation in the LO, MO, and HO treatments. At the phylum level, the presence of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes belonging to the dominant phyla is widely described in rumen communities among the three treatments. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Fibrobacter, and Succinivibrio in the level of the genes were remarkably higher (p &lt; 0.05) in MO treatment than that in LO and HO treatments, while the relative abundance of Sediminispirochaeta was remarkably higher (p &lt; 0.05) in LO treatment than that in MO and HO treatments. These results indicated that the MO treatments could more effectively improve growth performance than the LO and HO treatments, and also revealed that the different forage types in diets reshaped the compositions and function of the rumen microbiota. Consequently, the findings presented in this study provide a reference for the application of FTMR in animal production and the understanding of the interaction between diet, animal performance, and ruminal microbiota.

Unveiling unstable non-acid incidence in Holstein cows fed with corn silage or sugarcane.

We aimed to evaluate the incidence of unstable non-acid milk (UNAM) in cows fed either sugarcane or corn silage. Second, we aimed to evaluate the effect of daily variation (d 1 to 4) and alcohol grades (72, 78, and 80%) on UNAM incidence. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot crossover design, with 2 periods and 2 roughage types (sugarcane or corn silage). Thirteen multiparous Holstein cows with an average of 281 ± 29 d in milk were randomly distributed into 2 diets. Individual blood (analysis of total proteins, albumin, urea, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, chloride, glucose, and lactate) and milk samples (analysis of protein, fat, lactose and total solids, somatic cell count, and characterization of the protein profile) were collected during the last 4 d of each period. For UNAM identification, the alcohol test was conducted in milk samples at 4°C; specifically, if the sample presented the formation of clots, this would be noted as positive for UNAM. In addition, the Dornic acidity analysis was performed in the same samples to evaluate the true milk acidity. The use of sugarcane and higher degrees of alcohol were associated with increased UNAM. We observed no daily variation in UNAM. Nevertheless, we found no roughage type effect on the variables most commonly associated with UNAM, such as changes in salts in the casein micelle and, consequently, the zeta potential and the κ-casein (CN) fraction. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the zeta potential and the concentrations of αS2-CN, blood ionic calcium, lactate, and glucose increased as the incidence of UNAM increased, showing a positive correlation among these variables. In contrast, the concentrations of lactose, phosphorus, and potassium decreased as UNAM increased, presenting a negative correlation. This study brought important discoveries to unveil why cows manifest UNAM. For instance, higher alcohol grades and cows fed with sugarcane had increased the incidence of UNAM. Additionally, animals with a higher incidence of UNAM (sugarcane-fed cows) were related to increased ionic calcium and glucose and changes in milk protein profile, with lower levels of BSA, β-CN, and α-lactalbumin and greater αS1-CN content, all of which were correlated with UNAM. Nonetheless, this trial also provides evidence for the need for further studies to better understand the physiological mechanisms that directly affect the stability of milk protein.

Doğu Anadolu Bölgesindeki Sığırcılık İşletmelerinde Yem Kullanımı ve Sığır Besleme Uygulamaları: Erzincan İli Merkez İlçesi Örneği

This study was conducted to determine the common animal feeding practices as well as types of feeds used in the cattle enterprises located in the central county of Erzincan province. For this purpose, data were obtained by conducting a face to face survey with 401 dairy cattle breeders. Percentages of the enterprises which moved their animals to pasture in March, April, May and June were respectively 2.6%, 56.7%, 39.3% and 1.3%. Cattle breeders tended generally to buy concentrate feed from feed mills, while majority of them (74.8%) grew forage crops in their own enterprises. The most commonly used roughage types were wheat-barley straw (95.8%), alfalfa hay (78.1%) and meadow hay (52.1%), while crushed barley (92.0%), wheat bran (78.6%), dairy cattle feed (68.3%) and cattle fattening feed (50.6%) were prominent as concentrate feeds. It was also determined that feeds in the majority of the enterprises (97.5%) were distributed to animals by hand. Data regarding weaning age of calves indicated that 0.6% of the enterprises weaned their calves at one month of age, 10.9% at two months of age, 79.7% at three-four months of ages, 5.4% at five-six months of ages and 3.4% at seven months of age or older. In conclusion, the awareness of the breeders about updated cattle feeding practices and especially for silage corn planting as well as usage of maize silage for nutrition of animals must be increased and the incentives and financial supports in this respect has to be raised for profitable cattle husbandry in central county.

The Effect of Lignin Composition on Ruminal Fiber Fractions Degradation from Different Roughage Sources in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is known for its unique utilization of low-quality fibrous feeds and outstanding digestion performance, highlighting its role as an animal model in studying fiber fractions degradation. Among roughage, lignin attracted wide attention in ruminant nutrition studies, which affects animal digestibility. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the functional relation between three lignin monomeric compositions of coniferyl alcohol (G), ρ-coumaryl alcohol (H) and sinapyl alcohol (S) and ruminal fiber degradation in water buffalo. Hence, three female water buffaloes (Nili-Ravi × Mediterranean, five years old, 480 ± 20 kg) were assigned for an in vivo study by utilizing the nylon-bag method, examining eight kinds of roughage. All the experimental roughage types were analyzed for the effective degradability (ED) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CEL) and hemicellulose (HC) fractions. Then, prediction models for the roughage fiber degradation were established based on the characteristics of lignin monomer content. The results showed that S, S/G and S/(G+S+H) were positively correlated with the ED of NDF, ADF, CEL and HC; H/S was negatively correlated. For the effective degradability of ADL (ADLD), S and S/(G+S+H) were positively correlated with it; H, H/G, H/S and H/(G+S+H) were negatively correlated. The model with the highest fitting degree was ADLD = 0.161 − 1.918 × H + 3.152 × S (R2 = 0.758, p &lt; 0.01). These results indicated that the lignin monomer composition is closely related to the utilization rate of roughage fiber. S-type lignin monomer plays a vital role in the fiber degradation of roughage. The experiment found the effect of lignin monomer composition on the degradation of fiber fractions using buffalo as the experimental animal and constructed prediction models, providing a scientific basis for building a new technological method using lignin composition to evaluate buffalo roughage. Furthermore, the capacity of ADL degradation of buffalo was proved in this experiment. In order to further explore the ability of lignin degradation by the buffalo, the DNA of rumen microorganisms was extracted for sequencing. The top three composition of rumen microorganisms at the genus level were Prevotella_1, 226, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-011. Six strains with lignin degradation ability were screened from buffalo rumen contents. This experiment also revealed that the buffalos possess rumen microorganisms with lignin degradation potential.

Productive, nutritional, and physiological responses of Barki ewes to different types of roughages (Berseem hay, Atriplex or silage) and dry yeast during gestation and suckling periods

Productive, nutritional, and physiological responses of Barki ewes to different types of roughages (Berseem hay, Atriplex or silage) and dry yeast during gestation and suckling periods

Effects of roughage type on particle separation, rumination, fiber mat characteristics, in situ degradation, and ruminal fermentation parameters in beef steers.

Six ruminally cannulated steers (average BW = 791 ± 71 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment to determine the effects of roughage type on rumination, fiber mat characteristics, and rumen fermentation variables. Three roughages were included at 7% (DM basis) in a steam flaked corn-based diet: cotton burrs (CB), wheat silage (WS), or corn stalks (CS). Steers were fitted with a sensory collar to record rumination behaviors in 2-h intervals at the beginning of the experiment. Each 30-d period consisted of 7 d of recovery, 14 d of diet adaptation, 7 d of rumination data collection (daily and bi-hourly average rumination), 1 d of rumen fluid collection, and 1 d of rumen evacuations. In situ degradation of individual roughages was determined for 4 d after period 3 evacuations. During rumen evacuations, ruminal contents were removed; the rumen fiber mat (RF) was separated from the liquid portion with a 2-mm sieve, weighed, and a subsample was dried. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with steer as the experimental unit and roughage (CB, WS, and CS) as the main effect. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not different for CB and WS (P = 0.25) and greatest for steers consuming CS diet (P ≤ 0.01). Roughage type did not influence the weight of the RF dry matter (%; DM; P = 0.92), RF weight (P = 0.69), or RF:DMI ratio (P = 0.29). Daily rumination (min/d) did not differ among roughages (P = 0.40), but min of rumination/kg of DMI was greatest for CS (18.0 min), min/kg of NDF was greatest for WS (89.8 min; P = 0.02), and min/kg of peNDF was greatest for CS (132.4 min; P ≤ 0.01). Wheat silage had the greatest percentage of soluble and degradable DM. Rumen fiber mat did not differ for roughages, although rumination min/kg of DMI and peNDF was greatest for steers consuming CS and WS. In situ degradation determined that CB-R and CS-R had the greatest percentage of ruminal undegraded DM. Based on the objective of the experiment, roughage type did not influence daily rumination or fiber mat characteristics.

Comparative effect of Volvariella volvacea-treated rice straw and purple corn stover fed at different levels on predicted methane production and milk fatty acid profiles in tropical dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of rice straw (RS) and purple corn stover (PCS) treated with Volvariella volvacea fed in total mixed rations (TMR) on ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, calculated methane (CH4) production, and milk fatty acid profile in mid-lactation crossbred Holstein Friesian cows. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A included roughage type (V. volvacea-treated RS and V. volvacea-treated PCS), and Factor B included roughage (R)-to-concentrate (C) ratio (R:C) (50:50 and 60:40). The four dietary treatment combinations were 1) RS with an R:C ratio of 50:50 (RS50); 2) RS with an R:C ratio of 60:40 (RS60); 3) PCS with an R:C ratio of 50:50 (PCS50); and 4) PCS with an R:C ratio of 60:40 (PCS60). Different roughage sources did not alter total tract digestibility of DM, OM, and NDF (P > 0.05), but PCS increased NDF digestibility by 4.6 percentage units and CP digestibility by 15.6 percentage units. Roughage types influenced rumen propionic acid (C3) concentration 4 h after feeding with PCA increasing higher C3 concentration compared to RS at both R:C ratios. There was no interaction between roughage types and the R:C ratio for CH4 emission calculated based on volatile fatty acid profiles. However, roughage type impacted CH4 emission. Calculated CH4 concentration was lower in PCS than RS. Changing the R:C ratio did not alter milk production, milk composition, or somatic cell count (SCC). Moreover, roughage type did not influence milk production and milk composition, except for SCC which was lower in PCS. Roughage type and the R:C ratio independently influenced milk fat arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) concentration. Furthermore, the PCS group had higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than the RS groups. The proportion of total C18:0 and cis-9 C18:1 in milk fat increased 10% with the feeding of PCS50 and PCS60. However, milk cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 increased by 61% in the PCS group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, PCS increased rumen C3 and milk fat CLA and arachidonic acid concentration and decreased CH4 production compared to the RS. The PCS treated with V. volvacea could be used for up to 60% of TMR for dairy cows.

251 Effects of Roughage Source on Rumination Time and Ruminal Ph in Steers Fed a Steam-flaked Corn Finishing Diet

Abstract Research is limited on how physically effective fiber from various roughage sources aids in rumination time and ruminal pH of finishing beef cattle. This experiment’s objective was to evaluate rumination time and ruminal pH of beef steers consuming finishing diets with varying roughage sources (corn stalks, cotton burrs, or wheat silage). We hypothesized that roughage type would not impact rumination time and ruminal pH if different sources provide similar dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Ruminally cannulated steers (n = 6; average BW = 644.56 + 13.15 kg) were used in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square with 3 dietary treatments and 3, 21-d periods (20-d diet adaptation, 1-d sampling). Steers consumed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet containing corn stalks (CS), cotton burrs (CB), or wheat silage (WS) included at 7% (DM basis) of the diet. Dietary NDF was similar across treatments. Steers were fitted with a sensory collar to record daily rumination (Allflex Livestock Intelligence). Ruminal pH was measured using a handheld pH probe on d-21 at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hr postprandial. The NDF and dry matter intake (DMI) were greatest for steers consuming the WS diet (P &amp;lt; 0.01) while CS and CB diets did not differ (P = 0.81). While dietary NDF and estimated physically effective NDF (peNDF) were similar among roughage sources, CB had the lowest actual peNDF, consistent with lower rumination time (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and lower ruminal pH (P = 0.29). This experiment’s results indicate that roughage source impacted rumination time despite feeding steers a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet with similar roughage and NDF levels. Using rumination time (min/d) to determine peNDF was a better indicator of rumen function parameters than particle size measured via the Penn State Particle Separator equation.

Effect of solid feed level and types of roughage on passage kinetics of milk replacer, concentrate, and roughage in veal calves

This study aimed (1) to provide estimates of total mean retention times of milk replacer (MR), concentrates, and roughage in veal calves fed a mixed diet; (2) to determine the effect of level and type of solid feed (SF) on passage kinetics of MR, concentrates, and roughages in veal calves; and (3) to compare passage kinetics in veal calves using the fecal excretion curves of indigestible markers and a noninvasive 13C tracer breath test approach to determine whether the latter technique can serve as an alternative. At the start of the trial, 48 Holstein-Friesian calves (6 wk of age; 68 ± 7.7 kg of body weight; BW) were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (for statistical analysis, only 39 calf observations were used). Three treatments contained chopped wheat straw as roughage in the SF mixture in a concentrate:roughage ratio of 90:10 (dry matter basis). The SF level was 20 g/kg of metabolic BW per day (low straw), 30 g/kg of metabolic BW per day (middle straw), or 40 g/kg of metabolic BW per day (high straw). The fourth treatment (high hay) contained long perennial ryegrass hay as roughage in the SF mixture in a concentrate:roughage ratio of 70:30 (dry matter basis, at 40 g/kg of metabolic BW per day). The quantity of MR was fixed for the high straw treatment, whereas the amount of MR for the other treatments during the adaptation period was adjusted based on a pair gain strategy (i.e., exchanging ration components but keeping similar net energy). At the end of the adaptation period, calves ranged from 12 to 15 wk of age with an average BW of 123 ± 8.6 kg. Passage kinetics of concentrates were estimated by measuring 13C enrichment excess of CO2 in breath from a pulsed-dose of [1-13C]octanoate. Passage kinetics of roughage, concentrates, and MR were also estimated using fecal excretion curves obtained after ingestion of chromium-mordanted roughage, Yb2O3, and Co-EDTA, respectively. We conclude that [1-13C]octanoate cannot serve as a measure for oro-duodenal transit of concentrates because of unrealistic estimates. Based on the fecal excretion curves, we concluded that the total mean retention time of MR (i.e., time to peak; the moment that the excretion curve reaches peak concentration) was, on average, 12.4 h, and that the passage kinetics of MR was not affected by the level or type of SF. The mean retention time of concentrates was shorter (21.4 h) than that of both straw (59.1 h) and hay (36.8 h), and was not affected by the level or type of SF. Also, the mean retention time of the slowest compartment (i.e., the rumen) was shorter for concentrates (39.6 h) than that of straw (110.0 h) and hay (59.2 h). Contrary, the passage of roughage was affected by level and type of SF. Long hay increased time to peak by 22.3 h and decreased ruminal mean retention time by 50.8 h relative to chopped straw, indicating that the passage rate of long hay is faster than that of chopped straw. We conclude that the level and type of SF only affects the passage kinetics of roughage and not that of MR and concentrates.

Estimation of relative feed value, relative forage quality and net energy lactation values of some roughage samples by using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

The aim of this study is to determine the relative feed value (RFV), relative forage quality (RFQ) and net energy lactation (NEL) values of some roughage samples, based on the measurements taken from two different near infrared reflectance (NIR) devices. Corn silage (n = 18), alfalfa (n = 9), oat grass hay (n = 15), wheat straw (n = 10) were used as roughage samples and NIR measurements were taken from these samples in two ways. In the study, two different NIR (NIR1, NIR2) devices were used and nutrient values of roughage samples which were used were determined. The reference chemical analyzes of the roughage samples used in the study were made in the laboratory as dry matter. After the determination of the nutritional values, by adding these nutritional values (Dry matter, ether extract, crude protein, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber) to the RFV, RFQ, NEL equations, RFV, RFQ and NEL values of each roughage sample were calculated. Meanwhile, the roughage samples used in the study were also analyzed in NIR devices and after the nutritional values were determined, these nutritional values were written in the RFV, RFQ, NEL equations thus RFV, RFQ, NEL values of each roughage samples were calculated separately for each device. Relationships between predictions obtained from NIR1 and NIR2 devices and reference chemical analysis values were determined by statistical tests. It was determined that the type of device and sample used had an important effect on the relationships between the results obtained from the reference analyzes and the predictions based on NIR measurements. Regression coefficients between RVF, RFQ and NEL values obtained from NIR1 and NIR2 devices and RVF, RFQ and NEL values obtained from reference (REF) analysis were determined to be 0.37 and 0.50. Among the roughage types, the highest similarity between NIR results and reference analysis results was found in alfalfa samples. The study results showed that indirect estimation by NIR relating to RVF, RFQ and NEL parameters is possible depending on the sample type and that there is a need for calibration improvement studies to determine these parameters directly with NIR.

223 Evaluation of dietary characteristics and empty body chemical components affecting the relationship between heat production and metabolizable energy intake in growing beef cattle

Abstract Metabolizable energy required for maintenance varies with diet and empty body chemical composition. The objective was to quantify the relationships of dietary characteristics and empty body chemical composition with heat production. A literature search was performed to compile data (31 studies, 214 treatment means) on metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and composition of empty body gain in growing steers and heifers. Data analysis were performed using R statistical package for mixed models with study as random variable. Nonlinear regression of energy gain (EG) on MEI indicated the relationship was not curvilinear in this data set, likely due to lack of negative values of EG. Further analyses were conducted using a linear model. Dietary characteristics of roughage level (0–100% of diet DM) and CP (10–25% diet DM), metabolizable energy concentration (1.3–3.3 Mcal/kg DM), and roughage type were evaluated in the model. Roughage sources were categorized into no roughage, silage, hay, pellets, silage + pellets, and hay + pellets. Of the empty body chemical components, proportion of fat in the empty body (EBFp) and in the gain (EBFgp) had a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) interaction with MEI on HP. Of the dietary characteristics, roughage level and type had a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) interaction with MEI on HP; however, when both were included in the model, roughage type was not significant (P &amp;gt; 0.10). The final model was 47.01 ± 12.54 + 0.630 ± 0.05*MEI – 132.3 ± 64.7*EBFp + 0.0007 ± 0.0001*MEI*Roughage level + 0.753 ± 0.24*MEI*EBFp – 0.268 ± 0.032*MEI*EBFgp with an R2 of 0.919 and an AIC of 1614 compared with 0.867 and 1695 for the simple linear regression model of HP on MEI. In conclusion, greater empty body fat decreased the intercept, and greater empty body fat proportion and levels of roughage in the diet increased the slope between HP and MEI, whereas greater percentage of fat in the empty body gain decreased the slope between HP and MEI.

235 Effects of cottonseed hulls and bermudagrass hay particle size on dry matter intake, physiological parameters, and growth performance of feedlot lambs

Abstract A randomized design trial was used to evaluated effects of cottonseed hulls (CSH) and bermudagrass hay (BGH) particle size in feedlot diets fed to female Rambouillet lambs (n = 10/treatment) on dry matter intake (DMI), physiological parameters, and growth performance. After 14 days of adaptation, lambs were individually fed 80% concentrate diets during two distinct 21-d periods with either CSH or BGH as the roughage source, respectively. Diets were identical except for the roughage particle size (3/8, 1/4, or 3/16-inch hammermill screens); control diets contained unground CSH or course-ground BGH. Data were analyzed by period using a model including treatment as main effect and animal as repeated measure. No differences in initial and final BW were observed. Lamb DMI (g/d) did not vary (P &amp;gt; 0.10) among the different particle sizes. However, there was a linear decrease (P = 0.007) in DMI as a percentage of BW when CSH particle size increased, while no difference was observed for BGH (P &amp;gt; 0.55). Rumen fluid pH was not affected by roughage particle size (P &amp;gt; 0.19) in either Period. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in rumen fluid FAs concentration were observed related to CSH despite a quadratic trend (P = 0.07) in acetate concentration. Total VFA (P = 0.01), acetate (P = 0.008), and propionate (P = 0.04) concentrations in ruminal fluid from lambs fed diets containing BGH quadratically increased, while butyrate linearly decreased (P = 0.03). There was a trend for a quadratic increase (P = 0.09) in blood serum ammonia when CSH particle size increased. Blood serum urea during both periods and ammonia during Period 2, did not vary with roughage particle size. Results suggested that particle size is dependent upon type of roughage. Generally, in high concentrate lamb feedlot diets a course particle size (3/8” screen) is recommended.

Effects of Roughage Quality and Particle Size on Rumen Parameters and Fatty Acid Profiles of Longissimus Dorsi Fat of Lambs Fed Complete Feed.

Simple SummaryRoughage type and particle size may play an important role in rumen volatile fatty acid levels and consequently affect fatty acid profile in meat and quality. Two roughage sources and two particles were used in this trial for growing lambs to study the effect in volatile fatty acids levels and fatty acids profile of longissimus dorsi (LD) fat. The results of this trial supported the hypothesis by confirming the effect of roughage type and particle size on meat quality and human health.The fatty acid composition for the longissimus dorsi (LD) fat of carcass sheep is a crucial factor impacting meat quality. We performed a 90-day feeding trial of 25 Naemi lambs to investigate the effects of roughage sources (alfalfa or wheat straw) of two sizes (regular and 1 cm chopped) when fed with pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) on the growth performance, fermentation patterns, and fatty acid (FA) composition of longissimus dorsi (LD) fat. Lambs were randomly assigned to individual pens with five treatment diets, as follows: C, control group with TMR; T1, TMR and regular alfalfa hay; T2, TMR and alfalfa hay chopped to 1 cm; T3, TMR and regular wheat straw; and T4, TMR and wheat straw chopped to 1 cm. Four lambs were randomly selected from each treatment (20 total) and sacrificed. LD fat of the carcass was extracted and analyzed for FA using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Significantly increased feed intake was found in T1 and T2. The FA composition of LD fat in T2 had higher unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), omega-6 (n6), and omega-3 (n3) FA content. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and α-linoleic acid were highest in lambs fed T1 and T2. Feeding different types of roughage, especially alfalfa hay, either regular or chopped, with total pelleted mixed ration is crucial to improving feed intake and body weight gain, as it positively enhances the rumen microbial fermentation process by controlling rumen pH. The FA profiles of meat from lambs fed TMR with regular or 1 cm particle size alfalfa hay (T1 and T2) are recommended for human consumption as a source of healthy FAs.

Effects of Paper Mulberry Silage on the Milk Production, Apparent Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Bacteria Composition in Holstein Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryPaper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera; PM) is a type of roughage rich in bioactive substances, such as phenolics and flavonoids, which are beneficial for animal health. This study evaluated the apparent digestibility of PM silage in Holstein dairy cows and its effect on the milk production, antioxidant capacity, and fecal bacteria composition of the animals. The results showed that the PM silage had no significant influence on the milk yield, apparent digestibility, and fecal bacteria composition of dairy cows. However, diets with PM silage can enhance the antioxidant and immune capacity of dairy cows, mainly due to the bioactive substance in PM. Today, faced with a shortage of feedstuff resources in ruminants, PM can be a useful feed resource for ruminants. Simultaneously, with the ban on antibiotics, PM may become an important functional feed for protecting animal health.Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera; PM) is an excellent and extensive type of roughage in Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PM silage on the milk production, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and fecal bacteria composition in Holstein dairy cows. Forty-five lactating Holstein dairy cows with a similar milk yield and parity were selected and randomly assigned to three groups. The control group was fed a non-PM silage diet, and the PM-treated groups were fed 4.5 and 9.0% PM silage supplementary diets for 28 days. Then, treatment groups were fed diets containing 13.5 and 18.0% PM silage for the next 28 days, respectively. PM silage increased the milk urea nitrogen and decreased the somatic cell count (p < 0.05), but did not affect the dry matter intake, milk yield, apparent digestibility, and energy balance of dairy cows. PM silage can enhance the blood total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and immune globulin content (p < 0.05). The PM silage significantly decreased the relative abundance of the genera Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 and Tyzzerella-4 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PM silage enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immunity of dairy cows, but did not influence the milk yield, dry matter digestibility, and fecal bacteria composition.

MetaRNAseq analysis of surti buffalo rumen content reveals that transcriptionally active microorganisms need not be abundant.

The present study describes rumen microbiota composition and their functional profiles in Indian Surti buffaloes by metagenomic (MG) and metatranscriptomic (MT) approaches. The study compares samples from buffaloes fed three different proportion of roughages; green and dry type of roughage; and different rumen liquor fractions. Irrespective of sample, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most predominant bacterial phyla, followed by Proteobacteria, Fibrobacteres and Actinobacteria while, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Ruminococcus and Clostridium were the most abundant genera. Different proportions of taxa were observed in both MG and MT approaches indicating the differences in organisms present and organisms active in the rumen. Higher proportions of fungal taxa were observed in MT while important organisms like Fibrobacter and Butyrivibrio and abundant organisms like Bacteroides and Prevotella were underrepresented in MT data. Functionally, higher proportions of genes involved in Carbohydrate metabolism, Amino acid metabolism and Translation were observed in both data. Genes involved in Metabolism were observed to be underrepresented in MT data while, those involved in Genetic information processing were overrepresented in MT data. Further, genes involved in Carbohydrate metabolism were overexpressed compared to genes involved in Amino acid metabolism in MT data compared to MG data which had higher proportion of genes involved in Amino acid metabolism than Carbohydrate metabolism. In all significant differences were observed between both approaches, different fractions of rumen liquor (liquid and solid) and different proportions of roughage in diet.