Effects of animal type (wild vs. domestic) and diet alfalfa level on intake and digestibility of European adult rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the level of alfalfa in the diet on feed intake and digestibility of two types of rabbits, wild (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) vs. domestic (O. cuniculus cuniculus). Ten wild (W; mean LW = 927 g) and 10 domestic (D; mean LW = 4,645 g) adult rabbit does were fed ad libitum two pelleted diets: a control diet (C) with 15% of dehydrated alfalfa hay (as feed basis) and a test diet (A) with 36% of dehydrated alfalfa hay (as feed basis), according to a change‐over design. Wild does dry matter (DM) intake per kg live weight (BW) was 55% higher (p < .001) than the intake of the D ones (58 g vs. 37 g DM per kg BW respectively). However, no difference (p > .05) was found when intake was expressed per kg^0.75 BW (ca. 56 g DM) and tended to be higher (p = .07) in D does when expressed per kg^0.67 BW (62 g vs. 55 g DM). Domestic does showed a higher (p < .05) DM, organic matter, crude energy and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (3; 2; 3; 3 percentage points respectively) than W does. The amount of nutrients and energy digested by D does was lower per kg BW (p < .001), similar per kg^0.75 BW (p > .05) and tended to be higher per kg^0.67 BW (p < .1) than in W does. The diet content of alfalfa did not affect (p > .05) the feed intake nor the diet digestibility. This study suggests that W rabbits exhibit a higher intake per kg BW and a lower digestibility than their D counterparts, which results in similar digestible nutrient and energy intake per kg BW powered to 0.75. The nutritive value of dehydrated alfalfa for rabbits, evaluated through intake and digestibility, seems to be equivalent to their base diets (forage plus concentrate).     

Effect of feeding a pellet diet containing high sulphur with fresh cassava root supplementation on feed use efficiency,ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites in Thai native beef cattle

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of feeding pellet containing high sulphur (PELFUR) diet and fresh cassava root (FCR) to Thai native beef cattle on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites. Four male purebred Thai native beef cattle (1.5–2.0 years old) with initial body weight (BW) of 150 ± 15.0 kg were allocated with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was FCR supplementation at 15 and 20 g/kg of BW. Factor B was the sulphur level in the PELFUR ration at 15 and 30 g/kg of dry matter (DM). No interaction effect was found among FCR supplementation and PELFUR in terms of feed intake and nutrient intake (p > 0.05). Cyanide intake was significantly increased based on FCR supplementation (p < 0.05), whereas sulphur intake was increased by level addition of PELFUR levels (p < 0.05). There were interaction effects among FCR supplementation and PELFUR on digestibility coefficients of DM and organic matter (OM) (p < 0.05). FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg demonstrated the highest digestibility of DM and OM. Moreover, interactions were observed between FCR and PELFUR for bacterial populations (p < 0.01). The populations of bacteria were highest in FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg at various feeding times. An interaction effect from among feeding FCR with PELFUR was found on blood thiocyanate concentrations at various feeding times (p < 0.01). The highest mean values of blood thiocyanate were observed when feeding FCR at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR at 30 g/kg. No interaction effect was found between FCR and PELFUR on total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and their profiles (p > 0.05). However, the proportions of the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding were increased when FCR at 20 g/kg BW was supplemented (p < 0.01). FCR at 20 g/kg BW could enhance propionate (C3) at 4 h post-feeding when compared with FCR at 15 g/kg BW (p < 0.01). Moreover, supplementation of PELFUR at 30 g/kg increased the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding, whereas the concentration of C3 at 4 h post-feeding was enhanced (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found for any parameters among treatments and between the main effect of FCR and PELFUR supplementation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding of two combinations (FCR 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg) could promote the nutrient digestibility, the bacterial populations and the rate of disappearance of cyanide without having any adverse effect on rumen fermentation.     

Nutritional strategies for heifers under grazing system: productive and nutritional performance,metabolic profile and ovarian activity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of nutritional strategies on productive and nutritional performance, metabolic profile, and ovarian activity in heifers under grazing in the tropics in Brazil. Forty Nellore heifers averaging 8.5?±?0.06 months and 248.6?±?3.3 kg body weight (BW) were distributed in a completely randomized 2?×?2 factorial design with four treatments and ten replicates. The evaluated strategies consisted of different amounts of energetic-protein supplement: (1) 4 g/kg of BW of supplement in the pre-weaning and post-weaning; (2) 4 g/kg of BW of supplement pre-weaning and 6 g/kg in the post-weaning; (3) 6 g/kg of BW of supplement in the pre-weaning and 4 g/kg of BW in the post-weaning and; (4) 6 g/kg of BW of supplement in the pre-weaning and post-weaning. Crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) intake were increased (P?<?0.05) by increasing the amounts of supplement in the post-weaning. Additionally, increasing supplement amounts in the post-weaning increased the digestibility of OM and CP (P?<?0.05). Means insulin and glucose concentrations were greater (P?<?0.05) for heifers that received higher amounts of supplement in the post-weaning. Average daily gain and fat thickness in the rump were increased (P?<?0.05) by increasing supplement amounts in the post-weaning. Amounts of supplement did not influence the body growth of heifers. However, follicular number, diameter, and progesterone concentration were greater (P?<?0.05) for heifers that received higher amounts of supplement in the post-weaning. In summary, increasing supplement amounts in the post-weaning improve the performance, energy and metabolic status, and ovarian activity in beef heifers under grazing in the tropics. Due to higher intake of supplement, the heifers receiving 6 g/kg of BW post-weaning had greater responses, independently of the supplement amount received pre-weaning.

     

Supplementation of cottonseed,linseed, and noug seed cakes on feed intake,digestibility, body weight,and carcass parameters of Sidama goats

A digestibility, feed intake, and carcass evaluation experiment using 20 yearling intact male Sidama goats weighing 16.4 ± 0.63 kg (mean ± SD) was conducted in Ethiopia with the objectives to determine feed intake, digestibility, body weight (BW) gain, and carcass parameters. The treatments included feeding natural pasture hay (T1, control) and supplementation with cottonseed cake (284 g—T2), linseed cake (250 g—T3), and noug seed cake (296 g—T4) on dry matter (DM) basis to supply 85 g crude protein (CP) per head per day. Randomized complete block design for feed intake and BW parameters and complete randomized design for digestibility and carcass parameters were used. Hay DM intake was higher (P < 0.01) for T1 than for the other treatments. T3 promoted higher (P < 0.01) DM (29.3 g/kg W^0.75/day) and CP (14.1 g/kg W^0.75/day) intake than T4 (8.9 g/kg W^0.75/day DM and 4.1 g/kg W^0.75/day CP). T3 showed better (P < 0.05) organic matter and CP digestibility than T2. Goats in T3 had higher nitrogen intake (P < 0.01) and retention (P < 0.05) than those in T1. Goats in T2 and T3 showed higher (P < 0.05) daily BW gain and final BW than those in T4 and T1. Goats in T2 and T3 had higher (P < 0.05) slaughter weight, empty BW, hot carcass weight, rib-eye muscle area, and dressing percentage on slaughter weight basis than those in T1. The results showed that T2 and T3 had similar effect on CP intake, daily BW gain, and carcass parameters for growing Sidama goats fed natural pasture hay.     

Renal energy excretion of horses depends on renal hippuric acid and nitrogen excretion

The prediction of renal energy excretion is crucial in a metabolizable energy system for horses. Phenolic acids from forage cell walls may affect renal energy losses by increasing hippuric acid excretion. Therefore, the relationships were investigated between renal energy, nitrogen (N) and hippuric acid excretion of four adult ponies (230–384 kg body weight (BW)) consuming diets based on fresh grass, grass silage, grass cobs (heat‐dried, finely chopped, pressed grass), alfalfa hay, straw, extruded straw and soybean meal. Feed intake was measured; urine and faeces were quantitatively collected for three days. Feed was analysed for crude nutrients, gross energy, amino acids and neutral‐detergent‐insoluble crude protein (CP); faeces were analysed for crude nutrients and cross energy; urine was analysed for N, hippuric acid, creatinine and gross energy. Renal energy excretion (y; kJ/kg BW^0.75) correlated with renal N excretion (x₁; g/kg BW^0.75) and renal hippuric acid excretion (x₂; g/kg BW^0.75): y = 14.4 + 30.2x₁+20.7x₂ (r = .95; n = 30; p < .05). Renal hippuric acid excretion was highest after intake of fresh grass and lowest after intake of soybean meal. The ratio of hippuric acid to creatinine in urine and the excretion of hippuric acid per gram of dry matter intake was significantly higher for fresh grass than for all other rations. There was no relationship between aromatic amino acid intake and renal hippuric acid excretion. The results of the present study and literature data suggest that feed can be categorized into four groups with regard to the energy losses per gram CP intake: (i) protein supplements (e.g., soybean meal): 4.2–4.9 kJ/g CP intake (ii) alfalfa hay, grains, dried sugar beet pulp: 6.4 kJ/g CP intake, (iii) hay, preserved grass products, straw: 5.2–12.3 kJ/g CP intake (mean 8) and (iv) fresh grass. For group (iii) a negative relationship was observed between renal energy losses per gram of CP and the content of CP or neutral‐detergent‐insoluble CP in dry matter.     

Effects of oral monosodium glutamate administration on serum metabolomics of suckling piglets

This study was conducted to determine the effects of oral administration with glutamate on metabolism of suckling piglets based on ¹H-Nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy through the level of metabolism. Forty-eight healthy [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] piglets born on the same day with a similar birth bodyweight (1.55 ± 0.20 kg) were obtained from six sows (8 piglets per sow). The piglets from each sow were randomly assigned into four treatments (2 piglets per treatment). The piglets were given 0.09 g/kg body weight (BW) of sodium chloride (CN group), 0.03 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (LMG group), 0.25 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (MMG group) and 0.50 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (HMG group) twice a day respectively. An ¹H NMR-based metabolomics’ study found that the addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) significantly reduced serum citrate content in 7-day-old piglets, while HMG significantly increased serum trimethylamine content and significantly reduced unsaturated fat content in 7-day-old piglets (p < .05). The content of glutamine, trimethylamine, albumin, choline and urea nitrogen was significantly increased and the creatinine content decreased significantly in the 21-day-old HMG (p < .05). Analysis of serum hormones revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) content in the 21-day-old HMG was highest (p < .05). The cholecystokinin (CCK) content in the HMG of 7-day-old piglets was lower than that in the LMG (p < .05), and the CCK content in the serum of the 21-day-old MMG was highest (p < .05). The serum leptin levels in the 21-day-old HMG were the lowest (p < .05). The serum insulin content in the 7-day-old MMG was highest (p < .05). This study suggests that MSG plays an important role in the metabolism of sugar, fat and protein (amino acids). These results provide a theoretical basis for designing piglet feed formulations.     

Metabolisable energy intake and growth of privately owned growing dogs in comparison with official recommendations on the growth curve and energy supply

The correct assumption of metabolisable energy (ME) requirement is essential for the nutrition consultation and diet formulation. In young dogs, too high energy supply can accelerate growth and thus lead to developmental orthopaedic diseases. The aim of the present study was to collect the data on ME intake and body weight (BW) development in privately owned growing dogs in order to compare these data with the current recommendations. Our hypothesis was that the actual ME intake of healthy young dogs would be lower than the actual recommendation. The data of 493 privately owned puppies (median age at first consultation 21 weeks, the median expected mature BW 30 kg) on ME intake, actual and expected mature BW were collected and compared with recommendations of the Society of Nutrition Physiology (GfE, Meyer and Zentek and NRC). In 243 dogs, there was a follow‐up. The actual BW did not deviate systematically from the calculated expected BW (R² = .929). The ME intake significantly decreased with age (p < .05) and significantly increased with expected mature BW (p < .05). There was no significant interaction between these two parameters (p > .05). Sex had no effect on the ME intake (p > .05). The ME intake of young dogs with a history of skeletal problems or of food allergy did not differ systematically from healthy dogs of similar age and expected mature BW. The ME intake was considerably below NRC recommendations, especially in younger puppies (>8–17 weeks: 78%, >17–26 weeks: 83% of NRC recommendation). A predictive linear equation for ME intake was developed: ME intake (MJ) = (1.063 ? 0.565 × [actual BW/expected mature BW]) × actual BW^0.75.     

Brangus Cow–Calf Performance Under Two Stocking Levels on Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland

Cow–calf productivity on 2 lightly (25%–30% use) and 2 conservatively grazed pastures (35%–40% use) were evaluated over a 5-year-period (1997 to 2001) in the Chihuahuan Desert of south-central New Mexico. Spring calving Brangus cows were randomly assigned to study pastures in January of each year. Experimental pastures were similar in area (1 098 ± 69 ha, mean ± SE) with similar terrain and distance to water. Use of primary forage species averaged 28.8% ± 4.3% in lightly stocked pastures and 41.8% ± 4.4% on conservatively grazed pastures. Perennial grass standing crop (168.8 ± 86 vs. 173.6 ±  kg·ha^-1) and adjusted 205-day calf weaning weights (279.1 ±  vs. 270.7 ±  kg) did not differ among lightly and conservatively grazed pastures. Cow body condition scores in autumn, winter, and spring were similar among grazing levels as were autumn and winter body weights. However, cow body weights tended to be heavier (P < 0.10) in lightly grazed pastures relative to conservatively grazed pastures (524 vs. 502 ± 9.7 kg) in spring. Lightly grazed pastures yielded greater (P < 0.05) kg of calf weaned·ha^-1 and calf crop percent than conservatively grazed pastures in 1998 due to destocking of conservatively grazed pastures during that year's drought. Conversely, pregnancy percent tended to be greater (P < 0.1) in conservatively relative to lightly grazed pastures (92.6% vs. 87.7%); however, this advantage is explained by herd management as cows in the conservatively grazed pastures were removed during drought of 1998, avoiding exposure to the drought stress experienced by cows in the lightly grazed pastures. Nonetheless, pregnancy percents from both grazing treatments would be acceptable for most range beef production systems. Results suggest that consistently applying light grazing use of forage is a practical approach for Chihuahuan Desert cow–calf operations to avoid herd liquidation during short term drought.     

Performance,body fat reserves and plasma metabolites in Brown Swiss dairy cows: Indoor feeding versus pasture‐based feeding

Feeding dairy cows indoors or on pasture affects not only labour, machinery and housing costs, but also animals’ performance and metabolism. This study investigates the effects of indoor feeding (IF) with a partial‐mixed ration (PMR) versus pasture‐based feeding (PF) on milk production, fertility, backfat thickness (BFT), body weight (BW) loss and energy metabolism of Brown Swiss (BS) dairy cows with similar genetic production potential. The IF herd consisted of 13 cows fed a PMR composed of maize and grass silage plus protein concentrate according to each cow's requirements. The PF herd consisted of 14 cows offered barn‐ventilated hay ad libitum after calving from January until March and grazed on semi‐continuous pastures during the vegetation period. The IF cows produced more energy‐corrected milk (ECM) per standard lactation (9,407 vs. 5,960 kg; p < .01), more milk fat (378 vs. 227 kg; p < .01) and milk protein (326 vs. 215 kg; p < .01). The calving interval (377 vs. 405 days; p < .01) and time empty (86 vs. 118 days; p < .01) were shorter in the PF compared to IF, possibly also due to different selection criteria for maintaining the respective seasonal calving rhythm. The empty body fat loss calculated according to BCS until its nadir was higher in IF cows (IF: 10.4 vs. PF: 4.8 MJ/day; p < .01), but no differences were noted in total body fat loss estimated via BFT (p = .24). However, PF had lower blood glucose concentration at all investigated time points, but no differences occurred in serum non‐esterified fatty acid and β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations post‐partum. In conclusion, BS cows were equally well suited for the IF with PMR and the PF system investigated here without developing a prominent metabolic load despite differences in nutrient supply. As such, investigated BS dairy cows in our trial seem to have a high capacity for metabolic adaptation to different production systems.     

Effect of oak (Quercus persica) acorn level on apparent digestibility,ruminal fermentation,nitrogen balance and urinary purine derivatives in pregnant goats

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary oak (Quercus persica) acorn (OA) level on dry matter intake (DMI), apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) utilization, ruminal fermentation, protozoa population and urinary purine derivatives (PD) during the last 60 days of goat pregnancy. Twenty‐four multiparous pregnant goats (41.7 ± 2.3 kg BW) were assigned to one of three experimental diets consisted of control diet (C, without OA) and diets containing 20 (OA₂₀) or 40 g/100 g of OA (OA₄₀) on a DM basis in a completely randomized block design. Goats fed OA₄₀ had lower DMI (p < .01), DM (p < .01), OM (p < .01) and NDF (p < .05) digestibility, ruminal NH₃‐N concentration (p < .01), N intake (p < .01) and N retention (p < .01). Crude protein digestibility and ruminal acetate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were lower in animals fed OA‐contained diets (p < .01), whereas ruminal propionate concentration was higher in goats fed the C diet (p < .01). Animals fed OA₄₀ had higher faecal N excretion and lower urinary N excretion (p < .01). Urinary PD was lower in goats fed diets containing OA in relation to those fed the C diet (p < .01). Total protozoa population decreased linearly with increasing OA level in the diet (p < .05). These results suggest that feeding OA, especially high level, has negative impacts on DMI, nutrient digestibility, VFA concentration, N retention and urinary PD excretion that may have adverse effects on metabolism and performance of pregnant goats.     

Associations between endotoxin‐induced metabolic changes and temperament in Brahman bulls,

The influence of temperament on the alteration of metabolic parameters in response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was investigated. Brahman bulls were selected based on temperament score. Bulls (10 months; 211 ± 5 kg BW; n = 6, 8 and 7 for Calm, Intermediate and Temperamental groups, respectively) were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters to evaluate peripheral blood concentrations of glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, epinephrine and cortisol before and after LPS administration (0.5 μg/kg BW LPS). Feed intake was also recorded. Intermediate bulls consumed more feed than the Temperamental bulls during the challenge (p = 0.046). Pre‐LPS glucose (p = 0.401) and BUN (p = 0.222) did not differ among the temperament groups. However, pre‐LPS insulin (p = 0.023) was lower, whereas pre‐LPS NEFA (p < 0.001), cortisol (p < 0.001) and epinephrine (p < 0.001) were greater in Temperamental than in Calm and Intermediate bulls. Post‐LPS glucose was increased in Calm and Intermediate bulls but not in Temperamental bulls (p < 0.001). Insulin concentrations post‐LPS were greater in Calm than in Intermediate and Temperamental bulls (p < 0.001). Concentrations of NEFA post‐LPS were greater in Temperamental than in Calm and Intermediate bulls (p < 0.001). Serum BUN concentration increased post‐LPS, with values being greater in Calm and Intermediate than in Temperamental bulls (p = 0.012). Collectively, these data demonstrate that animal temperament is related to the metabolic responses of Brahman bulls following a provocative endotoxin challenge. Specifically, Temperamental bulls may preferentially utilize an alternate energy source (i.e. NEFA) to a greater degree than do bulls of Calm and Intermediate temperaments. The use of circulating NEFA from lipolysis may reduce the negative metabolic consequences of an immune response by allowing for a prompt answer to increasing energy demands required during immunological challenge, compared with the time required for glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.     

Glutamate effects on sucking piglet intestinal morphology and luminal metabolites

This study was conducted to measure the effects of orally administered glutamate (Glu) on suckling piglet (SP) intestinal morphology and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Forty‐eight newborn piglets with similar initial weights (1.55 ± 0.20 kg) were selected from six sows (eight piglets/sow) and randomly assigned into four groups. There was daily administration of the following: 0.18 g/kg body weight (BW) of sodium chloride (CN group); 0.06 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (LMG group); 0.50 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (MMG group); and 1.00 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (HMG group). Four piglets (one/group) were randomly selected from each sow for tissue sampling at days 7 and 21. MMG group jejunal villus height and crypt depth significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the CN group as of days 7 and 21. HMG group jejunal villus height and crypt depth reduced (p < 0.05) compared to the MMG group. LMG group jejunum goblet cell count was greater (p < 0.05) than that of the MMG or HMG groups. MMG and HMG group ileal villus height was greater (p < 0.05) than either CN or LMG groups as of day 7. HMG ileal crypt depth decreased (p < 0.05) compared to LMG and MMG groups. The MMG group had greater (p < 0.05) acetic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid and pentanoic acid contents in their caecum than the other groups as of day 21. It also had greater acetic acid, propanoic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid and isopentanoic acid contents in the colon than the other groups on day 21. No significant VFA content differences in the caecum or the colon were observed among groups on day 7. These results indicated that oral administration with monosodium glutamate (MSG) at 0.50 g/kg BW/day improved SP intestinal morphology and increased caecal and colonal VFA contents.     

Endogenous fat losses and true and apparent fat digestibility in adult and growing dogs fed diets containing poultry offal fat

The objective of this study was to evaluate the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dietary nutrients, endogenous fat loss (EFL), dietary metabolizable energy (ME) content, coefficient of true digestibility (CTD) of fat and faecal parameters of dogs. A total of 16 puppies and 8 adult dogs were distributed according to a double Latin square experimental design. A basal diet was formulated, to which increasing levels (60, 120 and 180 g/kg) of poultry offal fat oil were added. EFL was estimated using hyperbolic and linear regression as a function of LW/day and dry matter (DM) intake, respectively, and the CTD of fat was calculated. The CTTAD of acid-hydrolysis ether extract (AHEE) and ME content increased as dietary poultry offal fat level increased both in adult dogs and in puppies (p < .05). The CTTAD of DM and crude protein were higher in adult dogs than in puppies. EFL was estimated by hyperbolic regression as y = 98.1094 − 13.6202/x and y = 99.1280 − 26.1366/x, where y = CTTAD of AHEE (%) and x = AHEE intake/kg BW, for adult dogs and puppies, respectively, which yielded EFL values of 138 and 262 mg AHEE per kg BW per day for adult dogs and puppies respectively. The EFL estimated by linear regression was 7.89 g and 8.97 g/kg DM intake for adult dogs and puppies respectively. The CTD estimated by both methodologies was higher in puppies than in adults (p < .05). Lower faecal DM and score, and higher ammonia production were obtained in puppies than adult dogs (p < .05). The results indicate good fat utilization and that fat digestibility is underestimated, as the CTTAD of AHEE does not take into account EFL, particularly at low-fat inclusion levels and in growing dogs, which have greater EFL than adult dogs.     

Estimating purine derivatives and nitrogen compound excretion using total urine collection or spot urine samples in grazing heifers

The study aimed to evaluate the excretion of purine derivatives (PDs) and nitrogen compounds (NCs) and their ratios with creatinine in supplemented Zebu heifers kept on pastures by comparing total urine collection and spot sampling. Five Nelore heifers (400 ± 15 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The treatments were the amount of concentrate (220 g of crude protein/kg dry matter) offered (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg BW). In each period, the total urine collection was performed continuously for 3 days (subsampled at intervals of 4 h, 00:00–04:00 h, 04:00–08:00 h, 08:00–12:00 h, 12:00–16:00 h, 16:00–20:00 h and 20:00–24:00 h). The spot urine samplings were performed (in each period) for 24 h (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h). Creatinine, total urinary nitrogen (UN), urea nitrogen (UreaN), allantoin and uric acid were analysed. Creatinine excretion was 23.01 ± 0.19 mg/kg BW and was not affected by collection day, treatment or their interactions (p > 0.05). Treatments affected (p < 0.05) PD excretions, however did not affect the ratio PD:creatinine (p > 0.05). Treatments and collection time affected (p < 0.05) NC excretion, whereas the UN:creatinine and UreaN:creatinine ratios were not affected (p > 0.05). Creatinine excretion and the PD:creatinine ratios in the urine samples estimated by the total or spot sampling were not different (p > 0.05). However, sampling method affected (p < 0.05) the UN:creatinine and UreaN:creatinine (p < 0.05) ratios. Creatinine can adequately estimate urinary excretion in grazing heifers, and a single spot urine sample at any time of the day can be used to estimate PD excretion in grazing heifers. But two spot urine samples are needed for proper NC excretion estimations in grazing heifers’ urine.     

Effects of Allium mongolicum Regel supplementation on the digestibility,methane production,and antioxidant capacity of Simmental calves in northwest China

This study evaluated the effects of Allium mongolicum Regel (AM) supplementation on nitrogen (N) balance, ruminal fermentation, and antioxidant properties. Sixteen male calves were assigned randomly to four groups, and the four were added with 0 (CON), 200 mg/kg (body weight; BW) (Low AM; LA), 400 mg/kg (BW) (Middle AM; MA), or 800 mg/kg (BW) (High AM; HA) per day for each individual. AM was added on dry matter (DM) basis. The experiment lasted for 58 days. Supplementation of AM could significantly increase average daily gain, DM digestibility, acid detergent fiber digestibility, and retained N/Intake N. N digestibility and molar proportion of propionate in the MA and HA treatments were higher than that in the CON treatment (p < .05), respectively. AM supplementation significantly increased the molar concentration of total volatile fatty acid in the rumen fluid (p < .05). The ratio of acetate to propionate in the MA and HA groups was lower than that in the CON treatment (p < .05). Furthermore, AM supplementation significantly reduced methane (CH₄) (p < .05) emissions. AM supplementation significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase. The MA group could significantly increase the activities of glutathione peroxidase and decrease the content of malondialdehyde. Our results indicated that AM supplementation could affect the nutrient digestibility, CH₄ emission, and antioxidant capacity of Simmental calves.     

Influence of Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood characteristics,faecal microbiota and faecal score in weanling pigs

The present study investigated the influence of Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, faecal microbiota and faecal score in weanling pigs. A total of 120 weaning pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 7.73 ± 0.75 kg (28 days of age)] were randomly allotted into three treatments according to their initial body weight (BW) and gender in a 6‐week experiment. There were 8 replication pens in each treatment, with five pigs/pen. Dietary treatment groups were as follows: (a) basal diet (CON), (b) CON + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 1 × 10⁸ CFU/kg (T1) and (c) CON + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg (T2). Days 1 to 7, the BW and ADG with T2 treatment were higher (p < .05) than CON treatment, as well as F:G showed trends in linear reduction (p < .1). Days 8 to 21, the BW and ADG were improved (p < .05) in pigs offered T1 and T2 diets compared with CON diet. Days 22 to 42, BW and ADG were higher (p < .05) in pigs fed T2 diet than CON and T1 diets, and the pigs fed T1 diet had higher BW than CON treatment. Overall, the ADG with the T2 treatment was higher (p < .05) than that with the T1 and CON treatments, and pigs offered T1 treatment had higher (p < .05) ADG than CON treatment. Moreover, F:G ratio were significantly decreased (p < .05) by T2 treatment compared with CON treatment. The faecal Lactobacillus counts were improved, and E. coli counts were reduced (p < .05) in pigs fed T2 diet compared with CON at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg has shown a beneficial effect in improving BW, increase ADG, decrease F:G ratio.     

Pasture,multi-enzymes,benzoic acid and essential oils positively influence performance,intestinal organ weight and egg quality in free-range laying hens

1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of range type, multi-enzyme applications, and a combination of benzoic acid (BA) and essential oils (EO) on the productive performance, organ weight and egg quality of free-range laying hens.

2. Three hundred laying hens were evaluated for the short-term (6 weeks) and long-term (12 weeks) effects of range type (G = no pasture, P = pasture) and feed additives (T1 = control; T2 = betaglucanase/pectinase/protease; T3 = BA/EO). Body weight, feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production (EP), digestive organ weight, and egg quality (EQ) were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS 2.2 in a 2×2×3 factorial arrangement.

3. Hens that ranged on pasture were significantly heavier (2043 g vs. 1996 g; p < 0.001), laid heavier eggs (61.9 g vs. 60.3 g; p < 0.001) and produced darker yolk colour (4.3 vs. 7.0; p < 0.001) compared to hens ranged on gravel. Hens fed T2 were significantly heavier (2050 g) compared to hens fed T1 (2005 g) or T3 (2008 g). Organ weights (gizzard, liver and pancreas) were significantly heavier in hens ranged on pasture (16.8 g/kg BW, 22.3 g/kg BW and 1.89 g/kg BW, respectively) compared to hens ranged on gravel (14.2 g/kg BW, 21.7 g/kg BW and 1.83 g/kg BW, respectively). Over time, body weight (1970–2070 g; p < 0.001) and egg weight (59.5–62.8 g; p < 0.001) increased, FI (123–120 g; p = 0.024) was reduced and FCR (2.36–2.10; p = 0.002) improved

4. In conclusion, hens housed on pasture and fed multi-enzyme supplemented diets had significantly heavier body weight and produced heavier eggs with darker yolk colour. Pasture intake and enzyme supplementation increased digestive organ weight significantly.     

Effect of dietary supplementation with resveratrol on nutrient digestibility,methanogenesis and ruminal microbial flora in sheep

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on methanogenesis and microbial flora in Dorper × thin‐tailed Han cross‐bred ewes. In experiment 1, ten ewes (67.2 ± 2.24 kg BW) were assigned to two dietary treatments, a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with resveratrol (0.25 g/head·day), to investigate the effect of resveratrol on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. In experiment 2, six ewes (64.0 ± 1.85 kg BW) with ruminal cannulae were assigned to the identical dietary treatments used in experiment 1 to investigate supplementary resveratrol on ruminal fermentation and microbial flora using qPCR. The results showed that supplementary resveratrol improved the digestibility of organic matter (OM; p < 0.001), nitrogen (N; p = 0.007), neutral detergent fibre (NDF; p < 0.001) and acid detergent fibre (ADF; p < 0.001). The excretion of faecal N was reduced (p = 0.007), whereas that of urinary N increased (p = 0.002), which led to an unchanged N retention (p = 0.157). Both CO₂ and CH₄ output scaled to digestible dry matter (DM) intake decreased from 602.5 to 518.7 (p = 0.039) and 68.2 to 56.6 (p < 0.001) respectively. Ruminal pH (p = 0.341), ammonia (p = 0.512) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) (p = 0.249) were unaffected by resveratrol. The molar proportion of propionate increased from 13.1 to 17.5% (p < 0.001) while that of butyrate decreased from 11.0 to 9.55% (p < 0.001). The ratio of acetate to propionate (A/P) decreased from 5.44 to 3.96 (p < 0.001). Supplementary resveratrol increased ruminal population of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens (p < 0.001) while decreased protozoa and methanogens. In conclusion, dietary resveratrol inhibited methanogenesis without adversely affecting ruminal fermentation.     

Effect of dietary protein on intake,nutrients utilization,nitrogen balance,blood metabolites,growth and puberty in growing Bhadawari buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers

Fifteen Bhadawari buffalo heifers of 207?±?9.78 kg mean body weight were randomly distributed into three dietary groups to evaluate the effect of protein level on nutrient utilization, nitrogen (N) balance, growth rate, blood metabolites, and puberty. All animals were offered wheat straw-berseem diets supplemented with concentrate mixtures of similar energy (2.7 Mcal/kg) and different protein levels (14.3–22 %). Animals of standard-protein group (SPG) were offered protein and energy as per requirement, while animals of low-protein group (LPG) and high-protein group (HPG) were fed 20 % less and 20 % more protein, respectively, than SPG. Feed dry matter (DM) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake (% body wt. and g/kg w^0.75) were similar for all three diets; however, the crude protein (CP) and digestible crude protein (DCP) intake on percent body weight and per kilogram metabolic weight was higher (P?<?0.05) in HPG than in SPG or LPG. Digestibility of CP, cellulose, and hemicellulose was higher (P?<?0.05) in HPG versus LPG. Fecal N excretion was similar, while urinary N excretion was highest (P?<?0.05) in HPG (74.83 g/day) compared with SPG (50.03 g/day) and LPG (47.88 g/day), which resulted in lower N retention in HPG than in the other dietary groups. Level of dietary N had no effect on blood metabolites viz. glucose, urea, and N. Digestible energy (DE) and ME contents of diets were identical, while DCP contents were higher (P?<?0.05) in HPG than in LPG. Feed and nutrient (CP and ME) conversion efficiency to produce a unit kilogram weight gain was identical among the dietary groups. Dietary protein level had no effect on the heifer’s weight and age at puberty. The mean growth rate of heifers at 240 days was higher (P?>?0.05) in SPG (330.8 g/day) than in LPG (296.7 g/day), while the animals gained more weight in January to March months and the lowest weight in May to July months. Protein level had no effect on conception rate of heifers. Results revealed that 20 % higher or less protein than the ICAR requirement had no significant (P?>?0.05) on feed intake, nutrient conversion efficiency for weight gain, heifer growth, and puberty; however, 20 % more protein increased urinary N loss.