Unconventional Feed Research Articles

Effects of Ginger Straw Silage with Enzymes on Growth Performance, Digestion and Metabolism, Meat Quality and Rumen Microflora Diversity of Laiwu Black Goat.

Laiwu black goats comprise an excellent local germplasm resource; however, a shortage of feed resources has led to the application of unconventional feed. Ginger straw feed has good physiological effects, but research on this feed source for ruminant animals is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of enzymatic silage ginger straw on Laiwu black goat performance. The experiment used an independent sample t-test analysis method; 24 healthy Laiwu black goats with a body weight of 20.05 ± 1.15 kg and age of 5.67 ± 0.25 months were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates (bars) per group and four goats per replicate. The experimental diet was composed of mixed concentrate, silage, and garlic peel at a 2:7:1 ratio. The silage used in the two groups was whole corn silage (CON group) and 60% whole corn silage plus 40% enzymatic silage ginger straw (SG group), and the other components were identical. Daily feed intake/daily gain (F/G) was significantly higher in the SG group than in the CON group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility between the groups. The shear force, cooking loss, centrifugal loss, and pressure loss of the longissimus dorsi muscle group were significantly lower in the SG than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, the serum and liver total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the SG group, and in the liver, the O2·-, malondialdehyde, and OH· contents were significantly decreased. Collectively, the rumen fluid microbial diversity was changed in the SG group. It was concluded that enzymatic silage ginger straw usage instead of 40% whole silage corn as feed for Laiwu black goats can significantly improve the muscle quality, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora, with no adverse effects on production performance. In conclusion, our study provides a basis for ginger straw processing and storage and its rational application in the Laiwu black goat diet.

Assessing the combination efficiency of some unconventional feed resources with concentrates and Chloris gayana grass in mitigating ruminal methane production in vitro.

In a preliminary in vitro study, leaves of Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Cajanus cajan, Leucaena leucocephala and seed kernel of Mangifera indica were identified as potential candidates in mitigating ruminal methane (CH4) production. The objective of the current study was to investigate the combination efficiency of these unconventional feeds with concentrate mix (CM) or Chloris gayana grass in CH4 reduction. Two feed combinations in different proportions were incubated in vitro with buffered rumen fluid at Hohenheim Gas test. In combination 1, C. gayana and CM were included as basal substrates, while in combination 2, A. nilotica, P. juliflora, C. cajan, L. leucocephala or M. indica seed kernel were included as CH4 reducing supplements at different proportions. The CH4 reducing potentials of feed combinations were presented as the ratio of CH4 to net gas production and expressed as percentage (pCH4). The pCH4 for CM and C. gayana was 16.7% and 16.9%, respectively, while it ranged from 3.18% in A. nilotica to 13.1% in C. cajan. The pCH4 was reduced (p < 0.05) from 14.6% to 9.39% when A. nilotica was combined with CM. In combination of L. leucocephala or C. cajan with CM, the pCH4 (p < 0.05) was reduced from 16.5% and 16.6% with the lowest proportion to 15.1% and 15.2% with the highest inclusion rate respectively. The combination of C. gayana with L. leucocephala or C. cajan reduced (p < 0.05) the pCH4 from 16.3% and 16.4% to 15.1% and 14.9% respectively. The pCH4 was reduced (p < 0.05) from 13.4% to 7.60% when A. nilotica was combined with C. gayana. Estimated digestible organic matter (dOM) and metabolizable energy (ME) increased (p < 0.05) with increasing proportions of M. indica seed kernel with CM or C. gayana. In conclusion, the combination of the basal substrates with unconventional supplements resulted in CH4 reduction without affecting the dOM and ME at lower inclusion rates. Animal-based experiments await to validate in vitro findings.

The Effect of Binders on the Quality of Fermented Poultry Manure Pellets as Unconventional Feed

Poultry manure has the potential to be used as a feed ingredient because it has a high enough protein and amino acid with less growth of patoghenic microorganism. The improvement of poultry manure as pellet can help to increase the palatability and feed storaging. This study aimed to determine the influence of different binders on the chemical and physical attributes of pellets derived from fermented poultry manure. Three binders, namely tapioca flour (T1), wheat flour (T2), and cassava flour (T3), were utilized in the fermentation process, with the fermented poultry manure. A 10% binder was added into the mixture, which was subsequently processed using a pelletizer. Each treatment was replicated three times, with each replication requiring 1500 g of the pellet mixture. Laboratory analyses were conducted to evaluate chemical quality through proximate analysis and gross energy assessment, while physical quality analyses included physical characteristics, measurements of diameter, length, and density, stacking density, stack compaction density, pellet durability index (PDI), modulus of uniformity, modulus of fineness, buoyancy, and water resistance. The results indicated that variations in binders did not yield numerically differences in dry matter content, organic matter, crude fat, crude fiber, and gross energy. Notably, pellets containing a wheat flour binder exhibited the highest crude protein content numerically. Furthermore, influenced the buoyancy test, with wheat flour binder showing the best buoyancy. This study recommends the adoption of wheat flour as a binder in the production of pellets based on fermented poultry manure.

Chemical Compositions and Plant Secondary Metabolites of Nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum L) Oilseed Press-cake from Different Locations

Abstract The industry of tamanu crude oil results in by-product called tamanu oil cake (TOC). The present study investigates the variation of chemical compositions and plant secondary metabolites of TOC collected from different locations as unconventional feed. The TOC was collected from three districts as follows: Purworejo, Bantul, and Sleman. These districts are the production centre of TCO in Central Java Province. Dry matter and organic matter were not different among locations. The TOC from Sleman had higher crude protein than Purworejo and Bantul (p&lt;0.001; 23.5% vs. 19.9% vs. 12.9%). The crude fiber of TOC from Sleman was the lowest followed by Bantul, and then Purworejo (p=0.001; 10.42% vs. 19.6% vs. 28.1%). The ether extract was higher from Purworejo and Bantul compared to Sleman (p=0.001; 13.9% and 15.6% vs. 5.96%). The TOC from Purworejo and Bantul had higher phenol (p=0.002; 6.13% and 5.36% vs. 3.73%), flavonoid (p=0.002; 6.13% and 5.36% vs. 3.73%), saponin (p=0.023; 0.80% and 0.84% vs. 0.57%), and tannin (p=0.001; 0.90% and 0.83% vs. 0.47%) than from Sleman. Considering chemical composition and plant secondary metabolites, the present study concluded that TOC from Sleman was recommended for poultry feed, while TOC from Purworejo and Bantul was recommended for ruminant feed.

The Effect of Absorbent Level and Inoculants on Chemical Composition and Fermentation Characteristics of Fermented Poultry Manure as an Unconventional Feed Ingredient

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of absorbent level and microbial inoculant on chemical compositions and fermentation characteristics of fermented poultry manure (FPM). In the first trial, the FPM was fermented using two levels of cassava solid waste as absorbent, consisted of 10% (AL10) and 30% (AL30). The best absorbent level to improve the quality of FPM was continued in the second trial. In the second trial, FPM was fermented using inoculant treatments following without inoculants (CON), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and multi-purpose microbes (MP). All fermentation was conducted for 14 d in 4 kg mini-silo with quadruplicate. In the first trial, AL30 had higher levels of dry matter and crude fiber but lower levels of crude protein, ether extract, and butyric acid content compared to AL10 (P&lt;0.05). In the second trial, CON presented higher levels of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fiber, but lower levels of ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, pH, ammonia, and butyric acid compared to LP and MP (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the present study found that FPM without inoculant at the 30% absorbent level resulted in higher nutrient composition and better fermentation characteristics compared to other treatments.

Efficacy of supplementing Aspergillus awamori in enhancing growth performance, gut microbiota, digestibility, immunity, and antioxidant activity of heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp

BackgroundGut microbes play a significant role in digestion, developing immunity, and intestinal health. Therefore, direct-fed microbials are used to modify gut microbiota, maintain a healthy digestive system, enhance immunity, and promote the broilers’ performance. In addition, it has a role in improving the utilization of unconventional feed ingredients (olive pulp, OP). This study provides the potential role of Aspergillus awamori in enhancing gut microbial content, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and antioxidative status in heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp.MethodsThree hundred chicks (Ross 308; one day old) were divided into four treatment groups (75 chick/ group) randomly, as follows; CON: chicks fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, OP10: chicks fed a diet containing 10% OP, OA1: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 100 mg per kg, OA2: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 200 mg per kg.ResultsAdding A. awamori to the broiler diet that contains OP had a positive effect on productive performance via enhancing nutrition digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass characteristics. A. awamori supplementation had a positive impact on immune responses by increasing serum immunoglobulin G and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Chickens fed A. awamori showed a noticeable improvement in the oxidative status through the increase in the level of serum superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and the decrease in the level of malondialdehyde. Feeding A. awamori also modified the intestinal microbial content by increasing the population of Lactobacillus (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study indicated that adding 200 mg A. awamori reduced the negative effect of heat stress by modifying the microbial content of the intestine, immune response, and enhancing feed utilization, thus improving broiler performance, as well as, improving the nutritional value of the olive pulp. Therefore, adding A. awamori to the OP diet can be effectively used in heat-stressed broiler diets.

Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom: A Promising Feed Supplement in Poultry Farming

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushrooms are cultivated on diverse by-products based on substrates that hold promise for mitigating antibiotic usage in the poultry industry and reducing environmental pollution. By incorporating agricultural by-products into mushroom cultivation, the functionality of the mushroom products can be increased, then the final product can be a more effective feed supplement. After mushroom cultivation, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be valorized, due to the presence of huge amounts of bioactive compounds like β-glucan, chitin, polyphenols, and flavonoids related to mycelia. As a prebiotic and antimicrobial feed supplement, these mushrooms positively influence gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, and thus overall poultry well-being. This article underscores the potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to enhance the bioactivity of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives, offering a cost-effective and efficient strategy for transforming unconventional feeding materials. Moreover, it emphasizes broader implications, including the reduction of antibiotic dependence in poultry farming, highlighting the promising integration of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives for sustainable and environmentally conscious poultry production.

Chemical Composition and Fermentation Characteristics of Different Proportions of Fermented Poultry Manure and Sheep Feces as Unconventional Feed

The aim of this recent study was to investigate the effects of different ratios of poultry manure and sheep feces on the fermentation quality of fermented poultry and sheep manure (FPSM). This study used poultry manure, dry sheep feces, cassava flour, molasses, and the addition of multiple microbes (Saus Burger Pakan, SBP®). Dried and ground sheep feces, as adsorbents, were mixed with fresh poultry manure at different ratios, including 40% sheep feces and 60% poultry manure (T40), 50% sheep feces and 50% poultry manure (T50), and 60% sheep feces and 40% poultry manure (T60). Each treatment was replicated in triplicate, and 30 kg of each silo was fermented for 14 d. After fermentation, the samples from each treatment were analysed to determine their physical characteristics, chemical compositions, fermentation characteristics, and microbial contamination. The data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s test if any significant difference was detected. The FPSM results showed that T60 presented (P&lt;0.05) higher amounts of dry matter, crude fibre, pH, and lactic acid bacteria colonies. This study recommended the addition of as much as 60% SBP® inoculum and absorbent poultry manure to produce optimum and effective fermentation quality in poultry manure processing.

The Effects of Unconventional Feed Fermentation on Intestinal Oxidative Stress in Animals.

Unconventional feed, which is abundant in China, contains anti-nutritional factors and toxins; however, these can be greatly reduced with microbial fermentation, thus improving the nutrient content of the feed, enhancing animal appetites, and ultimately significantly improving the intestinal health and growth performance of animals. When oxidative stress occurs, fermented feed can effectively reduce the damage caused by stress to the gastrointestinal tract, accelerate the removal of gastrointestinal abnormalities, improve the ability to resist intestinal stress, and ensure the efficient production of animals. This review introduces the application of unconventional fermented feed in animal production, and expounds upon the function of unconventional fermented feed in animals with oxidative stress symptoms, so as to provide a theoretical reference for the development and application of unconventional fermented feed in antioxidative stress reduction.

Mulberry leaves supplementation alters lipid metabolism and promotes fatty acid β oxidation in growing mutton sheep.

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are an unconventional feed with fiber and various active ingredients, and are acknowledged as likely to regulate lipid metabolism, while the molecular mechanism remains undefined. Therefore, our objective was to define the role of MLs on the overall lipid metabolism. We conducted a feeding experiment of three groups on growing mutton sheep fed with dried mulberry leaves (DMLs), with fermented mulberry leaves (FMLs), or without MLs (as control). Analyses of transcriptome and widely target lipids demonstrated the addition of MLs triggered big perturbations in genes and metabolites related to glycerolipid, phospholipid, ether lipid, and sphingolipid metabolism. Additionally, the variations of the above lipids in the treatment of MLs possibly facilitate immunity enhancement of growing mutton sheep via the activation of complement and coagulation cascades. Furthermore, treatments with MLs could expedite proceedings of lipid degradation and fatty acid β oxidation in mitochondria, thereby to achieve the effect of lipid reduction. Besides, added DMLs also fuel fatty acid β-oxidation in peroxisomes and own much stronger lipolysis than added FMLs, possibly attributed to high fiber content in DMLs. These findings establish the novel lipid-lowering role and immune protection of MLs, which lays the foundation for the medicinal application of MLs.

Fermentation Characteristics (In Vitro) of Palm Oil Trunk Waste as Feed for Lactating Dairy Cow

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of palm oil trunk waste utilization as a feed source for lactating dairy cows using an in vitro approach. This study used a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments and 3 groups. Treatment consisted of P0 (control diet), P1 (control diet supplemented with 12.5% palm oil trunk), P2 (control diet supplemented with 25% palm oil trunk), P3 (control diet with commercial concentrate). The parameters observed were rumen pH, NH3 concentration, total VFA concentration, and in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility (IVDMD and IVOMD) coefficients. The findings of this study showed a significant 41.73% in NH3 concentration, 24.96% in total VFA concentration, 10.47% in IVDMD, and 10.91% in IVOMD, upon introducing 25% palm oil trunk waste into the ration (p&lt;0.05), except for rumen pH. It can be concluded that palm oil trunk waste can be used at a level of up to 25% in the diet of lactating dairy cows.&#x0D; Keywords: digestibility, fermentation, in vitro, palm oil trunk, unconventional feed

Extrusion puffing as a pretreatment method to change the surface structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro protein digestibility of distillers dried grains with solubles.

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are rich in nutrition, and they are potential protein feed raw material. However, the existence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin hinders animals' digestion and absorption of DDGS. Making full use of unconventional feed resources such as DDGS can alleviate the shortage of feed resources to a certain extent. This research investigated the effects of twin-screw extrusion on the macromolecular composition, physical and chemical properties, surface structure and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of DDGS. The findings showed that extrusion puffing significantly increased the protein solubility, bulk density, water holding capacity, and swelling capacity, while significantly decreased hemicellulose and crude protein content, particle size and zeta potential of DDGS. The structure damage of DDGS induced by the extrusion was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FITR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Interestingly, no random coil was observed in the analysis of the secondary structure, and extrusion promoted the transformation of α-helix and β-turn to β-sheet, which led to significant increases in protein solubility and IVPD of DDGS (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that IVPD and PS had a positive relationship. Extrusion puffing was an ideal pretreatment method for DDGS modification to improve in vitro protein digestibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Progress in Fermented Unconventional Feed Application in Monogastric Animal Production in China

Unconventional animal feeds present distinct features and considerable variations. However, their efficacy in monogastric animals is hindered by high levels of anti-nutritional elements and subpar palatability. Feed fermentation could offer a solution to these issues. Moreover, fermented unconventional feeds deliver notable economic advantages and represent a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters, particularly in the context of antibiotic restrictions, promising considerable potential. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the types, characteristics, fermentation processes, application outcomes, associated challenges, and prospects of fermented unconventional feeds in monogastric animals. We anticipate that this comprehensive overview will serve as a valuable reference for developing and utilizing unconventional feed resources in the feed industry.

Fermentation Patterns, Methane Production and Microbial Population under In Vitro Conditions from Two Unconventional Feed Resources Incorporated in Ruminant Diets.

In this study, four experimental treatments were evaluated: (T1) alfalfa hay + concentrate, (50:50%, DM); (T2) alfalfa hay + Leucaena leucocephala + concentrate, (30:20:50%, DM); (T3) alfalfa hay + prickly pear + concentrate, (30:20:50%, DM); and (T4) alfalfa hay + Leucaena leucocephala + prickly pear + concentrate, (30:10:10:50%, DM). NH3-N concentrations in T2 and T4 decreased when replaced with alfalfa hay in 20 and 10%, respectively. Treatments did not affect the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) between T3 and T4 (p > 0.05), while the concentrations among T1 and T2 were different (p < 0.05). T2 showed a reduction of 25.5% in the methane production when compared to T1 (p < 0.05). The lowest concentrations of protozoa were observed in T2 and T4, which contained Leucaena leucocephala (T2) and Leucaena leucocephala + prickly pear (T4) (p < 0.05). The highest concentration of total methanogens was recorded in T1 and was different in T2, T3, and T4 (p < 0.05). Leucaena leucocephala, at an inclusion percentage of 20%, decreased the methane when compared to T1, whereas prickly pear increased methane production in relation to T1.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Acceptability of Graded Levels of Ensiled Cabbage Waste and Wheat Offals as Ruminants’ Supplemental Diet

Animal nutritionists are now searching for new non-traditional feed sources to enhance ruminants’ diets due to price increases and the unavailability of some unconventional feed ingredients. In a Completely Randomized Design, wheat offal was substituted with cabbage waste silage in diets 1 to 5 at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, respectively for 30 days to assess the physicochemical characteristics and acceptability of the new diets by Yankasa rams. Temperatures of 29.00 ± 0.14 and 28.05 ± 0.78 °C, respectively, were noticeably lower in diets 4 and 5. Diets 4 (4.26) and 5 (4.38) considerably lowered (P &gt; 0.05) the pH. All of the diets had good silages based on color, smell, and texture, with diet 5 having a firm and wet texture. Diets 4 and 5 had sweet aromatic odour. With increasing the amount of cabbage waste in the silage, the dry matter dropped, going from 80.11 to 46.88% in diets 1 and 5, respectively. Diet 4’s lowest CP of 12.68%, is sufficient for ruminant feeding. In diet 4, the values of crude fiber and ether extract significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased. Although there were substantial differences (P &lt; 0.05) in each diet’s fiber content, the NDF, ADF, and ADL all fell within the acceptable range for excellent silage. All the silages made in diets 1 to 5 were acceptable by Yankasa rams, but diet 5 ranked highest in terms of coefficient of preference (CoP). According to all findings, cabbage waste could be a valuable silage additive in ruminants’ diets. Wheat offal can be replaced by cabbage waste up to 30% and 40% in the diet of ruminants with good silage formation and better CoP.

Proximate Analysis of Unconventional Feed Available in Boalkhali Upazila, Chattogram

The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of unconventional feed resources (UCFR) available in the Chattogram district. Unconventional feed resources refer to all those feeds that have not been traditionally used in another feeding and or are not normally used in commercially produced rations for livestock and poultry. A total of four tree leaves namely Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Mango (Mangifera indica), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), and Mandar (Erythrina fusca) were considered for proximate analysis in the Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Bangladesh. The laboratory analysis was performed according to the standard analytical procedure of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results indicated that the highest Dry mater (DM %) was in Jackfruits leaves whereas the lowest Dry matter (DM %) was in Mandar leaves. The highest Moisture % was in Mandar leaves whereas the lowest Moisture % was in Jackfruits leaves. The highest Crude protein (CP %) was in Mandar leaves whereas the lowest Crude protein (CP %) was in Mango leaves. The highest Crude fiber (CF %) was in Mandar leaves whereas the lowest Crude fiber (CF %) was in Banyan leaves. The highest Ether extract (EE%) was in Mango leaves whereas the lowest Ether extract (EE%) was in Jackfruit leaves and the highest Total Ash (TA%) was in Banyan leaves whereas the lowest Total Ash (TA%) was in Mandar leaves. In conclusion, the nutritional status of all tree leaves showed a higher Crude protein, Crude fiber, Ether extract, and Total Ash content. Therefore, these tree leaves can be used as a potential source of nutrients in livestock and poultry feed as well.

Utilization of certain unconventional feeds in poultry as natural alternatives to curb antimicrobial resistance

Poultry market has been demonstrating emerging potential as an efficient producer of meat with consumption occupying 40.6% of market globally. The requirement of animal protein is anticipated to grow continuously for meeting the requirements by ever-growing human population. To fulfill this demand, the major challenge encountered by poultry breeders was to fasten production in most efficient and economical way. Use of antibiotic growth promoter in feed help in augmenting poultry growth and alter gut microbiota. However, the growing concern of its likely fatal impacts on animal, food safety and on humans for developing microbial resistance; their use was restricted and banned in several countries. With insinuation of ban, several alternatives were explored for having potential growth promoting benefits without hampering the normal gut microbiota. Various phytobiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, organic acids and unconventional feed have positive effects on feed intake, efficiency and play a role as antimicrobial. However, the meager knowledge on availability and potential use of unconventional feeds as potent antimicrobial restricts its application. This review focuses on certain non-conventional feeds rich in specific bioactive compounds, which are attributed to modulate intestinal microbiota, their effects on growth performance and overall health status of poultry. The review aims to serve as a reference for young researchers and poultry industry to recognize alternative feed ingredients to be used as antimicrobial growth promoters minimizing competition between human and animal consumption.

In Vitro Degradability and Methane Production from By-Products Fed to Ruminants

The feasibility of unconventional feed for ruminants must be analyzed for appropriate use as sources of energy or protein that contribute to a sustainable production system addressing concerns about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and food security. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of by-products including bean residue (BR), bean straw (BS), cassava bagasse (CB), corn straw (CS), orange bagasse (OB), peanut shell (PS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), soybean hull (SH), and sugarcane straw (SS). Chemical composition, in vitro degradability, and fermentative parameters were analyzed and subjected to multivariate and principal component analyses. Crude protein content was highly variable among by-products with BR and SH presenting the highest values (p &lt; 0.001). These values did not differ between BR and SH, while the lowest values were observed in OB, PS, SB, SS, CS, and CB. Neutral detergent fiber content was higher in SB, PS, CS, and SS (p &lt; 0.001), while greater in vitro degradability was found for CB, BR, OB, BS, and SH (p &lt; 0.001). However, the in vitro gas production (p &lt; 0.001) and total short-chain fatty acid concentration (p &lt; 0.001) were higher in CB, BR, BS, and OB. Multivariate cluster analysis showed three distinct groups with the most degradable in group 1 followed by group 2. These results demonstrate that the by-products used in this study did not impair in vitro fermentation, and thus have the potential to be used in the diets of ruminants and to improve the sustainability of the livestock production sector.

Effects of different unconventional feed combinations on growth, digestion and rumen fermentation of dairy cows.

To explore the effects of unconventional feed combinations on the growth and production, digestion and metabolism, and rumen fermentation of dairy cows, three different dairy cows were selected for the experiment. They are Holstein cows with permanent rumen fistula, 3 primiparous cows and 6 multiparous cows. The cow diet was prepared according to the ratio of 0% CGF, 7% CGF and 11% CGF. Part of alfalfa hay in the conventional diet was replaced by CGF and Leymus chinensis. The study analyzed the feed intake, digestibility, lactation performance, blood biochemical indicators, rumen degradation parameters, rumen microorganisms and other indicators of dairy cows. The nutritional composition, digestible nutrients and absorbable protein content of CGF, L. chinensis and alfalfa hay were verified. The feed economic benefits of different unconventional feed combinations were also investigated. The protein small intestine digestibility of CGF was higher than that of alfalfa hay. tdFA, NEm, NEg, and DEp were significantly higher than those of L. chinensis and alfalfa hay (P<0.05). Under the three CGF ratios, the nutrient intake and digestibility of the CGF-11% group were the highest (P<0.05). The S, Kd dry matter degradation rate and crude protein degradation rate of the CGF-11% group were significantly higher than those of the CGF-0% group and CGF-7% group (P<0.05). The CGF-11% group had the highest total output value and economic benefits, 119.057 ¥/d and 68.62 ¥/d respectively. To sum up, it was feasible to use the combination of CGF and L. chinensis to replace part of alfalfa hay in cow feed. This method could effectively promote rumen degradation and nutrient absorption in dairy cows. And it can improve the production and economic benefits of dairy farming. This is of great value for adjusting the structure of aquaculture feed in China.

Dietary supplementation with jasmine flower residue improves meat quality and flavor of goat.

Jasmine flower residue (JFR) is a by-product retained in the production process of jasmine tea and can be used as an unconventional feed due to its rich nutrient value. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of JFR to the diet of goats on their meat quality and flavor. Twenty-four castrated Nubian male goats were randomly divided into two groups and fed a mixed diet containing 10% JFR (JFR, n = 12) or a conventional diet (CON, n = 12) for 45 days. Meat quality and flavor were measured at the end of the treatment. The addition of JFR to the diet could reduce the shear force of the longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as, the cross-sectional area and diameter of muscle fibers, indicating that the addition of JFR improved meat quality. JFR also increased the content of glutamic acid and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (C18:3n3 and C20:5N3) and reduced the content of C24:1 and saturated fatty acid (C20:0 and C22:0). In addition, the use of JFR increased the content of acetaldehyde and hexanal in the meat. Furthermore, JFR introduced new volatile components in the meat. The umami, saltiness, and richness of the meat also improved. In conclusion, the addition of jasmine flower residue to the diet can improve the meat quality and flavor of goat.