Degradation parameters of amaranth,barley and quinoa in alpacas fed grass hay

This study was conducted to determine the compartment 1 (C1) characteristics of alpacas (fistulated male, 7 ± 1.5 years old, 61 ± 5 kg BW) fed grass hay (GH) supplemented with amaranth (AM), quinoa (Q) and barley (B) grains. Alpacas were provided water ad libitum while housed in metabolism crates. The GH and GH plus treatments were fed at 0700 every day. Treatment periods were for 14 days in which GH or GH plus one of the grain treatments were randomly allocated. On day 14, volatile fatty acids (VFA), pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃‐N) were determined at 1, 3, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 24 h post‐feeding. C1 degradation of each feed component was also determined with the alpacas being fed GH only and the samples incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 14, 24, 48 and 72 h. Dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and crude protein (CP) were determined and were divided into three categories: a = immediately soluble; b = the non‐soluble but degradable; and u = non‐degradable/unavailable, potential extent of degradation (PE), degradation rate (c) and effective degradation (ED). C1 passage rate was determined using acid detergent insoluble ash as a marker and was calculated to be 5.5%?h‐1. Total DM intake was highest (p < 0.05) for B and resulted in a higher (p < 0.05) CP intake. GH and AM were different in mean pH (6.81 and 6.66, respectively). B NH₃‐N was greater (p < 0.05) than the other treatments. Total VFA was greatest (p < 0.05) for AM, with the greatest composition differences being a shift form acetate percentage to butyrate. DM, NDF and CP degradation was different across the treatments, where PE and ED were higher (p < 0.05) for the grain treatments. The pseudo‐grains AM and Q had similar C1 degradation characteristics to B.     

Effects of pistachio by‐products on digestibility,milk production,milk fatty acid profile and blood metabolites in Saanen dairy goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pistachio by‐products (PBP) on nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and milk fatty acid (FA) profile in Saanen dairy goats. Nine multiparous lactating Saanen goats (on day 90 post‐partum, 45 ± 2/kg BW) were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three treatment diets: 1) control diet (alfalfa hay based), 2) 32% PBP and 3) 32% PBP + polyethylene glycol (PEG‐4000; 1 g/kg dry matter). Each period lasted 21 days, including 14 day for treatment adaptation and 7 day for data collection. Pistachio by‐products significantly decreased (p < 0.01) crude protein (CP) digestibility compared with the control diet (64.4% vs. 58.7%), but PEG addition did not differ for CP digestibility of goats fed 32% PBP + PEG and those fed the two other diets. The digestibility of NDF tended (p = 0.06) to decrease for goats fed PBP compared with those fed the control diet. Yields of milk and 4% fat‐corrected milk were not affected by dietary treatments. Compared with the control diet, PBP supplementation appreciably changed the proportions of almost all the milk FA measured; the main effects were decreases (p < 0.01) in FA from 8:0 to 16:0 and increases (p < 0.01) proportions of cis‐9, trans‐11 18:2 and trans‐11 18:1, monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA and long‐chain FA. The saturated FA, short‐chain FA and medium‐chain FA proportions were lower (p < 0.01) in goats fed the two PBP supplemented diet than in those fed the control diet and PEG addition led to intermediate proportions of saturated FA, unsaturated and monounsaturated FA. Inclusion of PBP in the diet decreased (p < 0.01) plasma concentrations of glucose and urea nitrogen compared with the control diet. It was concluded that PBP can be used as forage in the diet of dairy goats without interfering with milk yield. Inclusion of 32% PBP in the diet of dairy goats had beneficial effects on milk FA profile but PEG addition to PBP did not contribute to enhance further milk FA profile.     

Effects of pistachio by‐products in replacement of alfalfa hay on populations of rumen bacteria involved in biohydrogenation and fermentative parameters in the rumen of sheep

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sundried pistachio by‐products (PBP) as a replacement of alfalfa hay (AH) on blood metabolites, rumen fermentation and populations of rumen bacteria involved in biohydrogenation (BH) in Baluchi sheep. Four adult male Baluchi sheep (41 ± 1.3 kg, BW) fitted with ruminal cannulae were randomly assigned to four experimental diets in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary treatments were as follows: (i) control, (ii) 12% PBP (0.33 of AH in basal diet replaced by PBP), (iii) 24% PBP (0.66 of AH in basal diet replaced by PBP) and (iv) 36% PBP (all of AH in basal diet replaced by PBP). The basal diet was 360 g/kg dry matter (DM) alfalfa hay, 160 g/kg DM wheat straw and 480 g/kg DM concentrate. The trial consisted of four periods, each composed of 16 days adaptation and 4 days data collection including measurement of blood metabolites, rumen fermentation and population of bacteria. No differences were observed in rumen pH among the treatments, while rumen ammonia‐N concentrations were decreased (p< 0.05) with increasing PBP by up to 36% DM of the diets. Using of 36% PBP in the diet reduced (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations and the molar proportion of acetate, while the concentration of propionate, butyrate and acetate to propionate ratio were similar to all other treatments. The concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased (p < 0.01) with increasing PBP by up to 36% DM in the diets of sheep. However, other blood metabolites were not affected by the experimental diets. It was concluded that PBP in replacement of AH had no effects on the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus in relation to the control diet.     

不同蛋白质水平条件下氨基酸平衡日粮对生长猪氮、磷及能量代谢的影响

选用平均体重为(40±2)kg杜长大三元杂交去势公猪3头,按3×3的拉丁方进行试验设计,试验分3期,每期为7 d,采用全收粪法,研究不同蛋白质(CP)水平的氨基酸平衡日粮CP水平分别为14%、16%和18%)对氮、磷及能量代谢的影响。结果表明:不同蛋白质水平日粮处理间的氮表观消化率差异不显(著P>0.05),氮的沉积率以14%CP和16%CP组显著高于18%CP组(P<0.05),而14%CP和16%CP组之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。粪氮排出量14%CP日粮组显著低于16%CP和18%CP日粮组(P<0.05),16%CP日粮组和18%CP日粮组间无显著差异(P>0.05)。随着日粮蛋白质水平下降,生长猪的氮排出量、粪氮和尿氮均减少,总排泄氮中尿氮的比例较大,而粪氮则较少。不同蛋白质水平日粮对磷和能量的消化利用无显著影响(P>0.05)。     

低蛋白饲粮补充4种氨基酸对肉用羊增重与肉质中氨基酸含量及血清学的影响

本试验旨在研究不同水平低蛋白饲粮补充过瘤胃氨基酸对育肥杜寒杂交肉用母羊增重、血清中蛋白与激素指标、肌肉中氨基酸含量和肉品质的影响,探索育肥肉羊饲粮低蛋白质含量的理论价值和应用效果。选用150只体重相近4月龄育肥杜寒杂交肉用母羊,随机分成5组,每组3个重复,每个重复10只羊。对照组饲喂粗蛋白质水平为16%的饲粮,试验组饲喂氨基酸平衡低蛋白饲粮,分为LP14组(饲粮CP=14%)、LP12组(饲粮CP=12%)、LP10组(饲粮CP=10%)和LP12+NPN组(饲粮CP=12%,添加1%尿素),各试验组饲粮中都添加过瘤胃赖氨酸、蛋氨酸、苏氨酸和精氨酸,使其和对照组饲粮中这4种氨基酸的含量保持一致,试验期90 d。结果表明:(1)不同水平的低蛋白饲粮在补充过瘤胃氨基酸后,对育肥杜寒杂交肉用母羊的试验末重、净增重和饲料转化比均无显著性影响(P>0.05),对照组干物质采食量高于各试验组(P<0.01),LP12+NPN组育肥羊干物质采食量高于其他低蛋白组(P<0.01)。(2)各组间试验羊血清总蛋白(TP)、球蛋白(GLB)、生长激素(GH)、类胰岛素样生长因子I(IGF-I)均无显著性差异(P>0.05),低蛋白组育肥羊血清尿素氮(BUN)显著低于对照组(P<0.01)。(3)各组肉羊背最长肌在肉色、滴水损失、pH0、pH24、熟肉率以及剪切力上均差异不显著(P>0.05)。(4)各组间试验羊的背最长肌中氨基酸的含量差异不显著(P>0.05)。在本试验条件下,降低育肥杜寒杂交肉羊饲粮粗蛋白质水平1~4个百分点并补充过瘤胃赖氨酸、蛋氨酸、苏氨酸、精氨酸和尿素,不会影响其增重情况、血清指标和肉品质,即低蛋白饲粮补充过瘤胃氨基酸可以满足肉羊育肥阶段的营养需要。     

Feed Intake and Sperm Morphology in Ogaden Bucks Supplemented with Either Agro-industrial By-products or Khat (Catha edulis) Leftover

In this study, feed intake and sperm morphology were evaluated in Ogaden bucks supplemented with either agro-industrial by-products or khat leftover. Thirty-five bucks at about 1 year of age, and 15 ± 1.5 kg initial body weight, were involved in a 12-week feeding programme that had four diet groups. The control (C) diet comprised grass hay alone, fed ad libitum ; treatment 1 (T1) comprised grass hay ad libitum supplemented with a mix of agro-industrial by-products at 1% of body weight (BW); treatment 2 (T2) comprised grass hay ad libitum supplemented with khat leftovers at 1% of BW; and treatment 3 (T3) comprised khat leftover alone, fed ad libitum . Bucks in T1–T3 consumed the highest (p < 0.001) dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM) and gross energy (GE) compared with control. Among the treatment groups, DM, OM and GE intakes were higher (p < 0.05) in T3 and T2, while CP intake was highest (p < 0.05) in T1. T1 and T3 improved (p < 0.001) the percentage of morphologically-normal spermatozoa in comparison with C, with bucks in T3 being best. The proportion of total abnormal sperm head shapes and proximal cytoplasmic droplets was lowest (p < 0.01) in T1 and T3 and highest in C. Although feeding with T1 improved feed intake and sperm morphology, feeding with T3 showed the highest response. Thus, we conclude that T3 and T1 could be utilized as feedstuff to improve sperm morphology in goats under the smallholder farming system in Ethiopia.     

The value of Leucaena leucocephala bark in leucaena—grass hay diets for Thai goats

The study assessed the value of Leucaena leucocephala bark in leucaena—grass hay diets fed to Thai goats. Thai goats in metabolism pens were fed diets containing leucaena leaf (55%) + pangola grass hay (hay, 45%); leucaena leaf (48%) + leucaena bark (9%) + hay (43%); leucaena bark (57%) + hay (43%); and hay only. Feed percentages are expressed on a dry weight basis. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were measured for the four diets. Leucaena bark had lower CP concentration than the leaf (11.7 vs. 25.9), and the leucaena bark + hay diet had lower DM and CP digestibility than the other diets. The calculated bark digestibilities of DM and CP of 44.1% and 38.2%, respectively, were much lower than the values for the leucaena leaf of 62.9% and 89.1%, respectively. The lower than expected CP digestibility was attributed to higher tannin levels in the bark compared to the leaves. Despite this, the bark was well accepted by the goats and was often preferred to the hay. Stripping of the bark by goats also results in stems that dry quicker and have higher calorific value as fuel. However, if leucaena branches are fed as a sole diet, the goats may consume up to 30% of bark on a DM basis and this would reduce nutritive value and animal productivity.     

Influences of dietary regimens on microbial content in gastrointestinal tracts of meat goats

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary treatments on microbial loads and pH of gastrointestinal tract contents in meat goats, as well as the concentration of volatile fatty acid (VFA) in the rumen. Crossbred (Boer x Spanish) goats (n = 36; BW = 17.7 kg) were assigned randomly to one of three experimental diets (n = 12/diet or 3 pens/treatment) for 90 days:alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay alone (AH-diet); 18% CP concentrate alone (C-diet); or, a combined diet (AHC-diet), consisting of the AH-diet for the first 45 days, followed by 45 days of the C-diet. After evisceration, pH values of rumen liquor and colon digesta were immediately measured from each animal, as well as aseptically collected rumen liquor and rectal samples to determine the microbial loads. Collected rumen liquor was also prepared for volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents. Feeding meat goats with alfalfa hay alone had higher (P < 0.05) rumen (7.17) and colon (7.10) pH compared with those fed either the concentrate alone or combined-diet. Although the acetate content was high in the AH-fed group (66.3 mM) compared to the AHC-diet group (34.6 mM), no significant differences were found in the total VFA contents in rumen liquor among the goats fed three different dietary regimens. Total plate counts were not significantly different among goats fed the experimental diets in the rumen or rectal samples. Escherichia coli counts in the rectal samples were lower (P < 0.05) in the AH-diet group (6.43 log₁₀ CFU/g) compared with the C-diet (8.21 log₁₀ CFU/g) or AHC-diet (8.40 log₁₀ CFU/g) groups. However, no significant differences were found in the E. coli counts of rumen samples from goats fed the experimental diets. The mean (± SEM) rumen E. coli counts were 1.38, 1.65, and 2.51 ± 0.560 log₁₀ CFU/g in the AH-, C-, and AHC-diet groups, respectively. The results indicate that feeding hay alone may decrease the fecal shedding of E. coli in meat goats with increasing the rumen and colon pH.     

Effects of protein concentration and source on nutrient digestibility by mature steers limit-fed high-concentrate diets.

Five ruminally fistulated 3-yr-old mature Holstein steers (average BW 691+/-23 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square experiment with a 2 x 2 + 1 fact orial arrangement of treatments. Effects of protein concentration and protein source on nutrient digestibility, excretion of DM and fecal N, ruminal fluid volume and dilution rate, ruminal characteristics, and in situ DM disappearance of whole shelled corn, ground corn, and orchardgrass hay were measured in steers limit-fed high-concentrate diets at 1.5% of BW. A negative control basal diet (NC; 9% CP) was supplemented to achieve either 11 or 14% CP; supplemental CP was either from soybean meal (11 and 14% SBM) or a 50:50 ratio of CP from urea and soybean meal (11 and 14% U). Dry matter and OM digestibilities were 5% greater (P < .07) for steers fed the SBM diets than for those fed the U diets. Starch digestibility did not differ (P > .10) among steers fed any of the diets. Nitrogen source did not affect (P > .10) apparent N digestibility or fecal N excretion; however, steers fed the NC diet had the lowest (P < .10) apparent N digestibility compared with those fed all other diets. Ruminal fluid volume was lower (P < .06) when steers were fed the NC diet compared with all other diets; there were no differences (P > .74) among diets for ruminal fluid dilution rate. In general, ruminal ammonia N and VFA molar proportions were not affected by protein source or concentration. Although CP concentration affected (P < .06) in situ DM disappearance of ground corn, CP concentration did not (P > .48) affect total tract digestion of DM or OM. This indicates that CP concentration may have affected site of digestion, but not extent of digestion. When mature ruminants were limit-fed a corn-based diet to meet primarily a maintenance function, protein source and concentration had little effect on measures of nutrient digestion.     

The effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on micro‐organism community,enzyme activities and fatty acid profile in the rumen liquid of goats

Microalgae might be considered as an alternative source of fat and/or protein for ruminant's diets. However, changes in populations of ruminal micro‐organisms associated with biohydrogenation process, methane and ammonia production in response to microalgae dietary supplementation have not been well characterized. Thus, 16 cross‐bred goats were divided into two groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group had no microalgae while those of the treated group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrate (chlor). On the 30th experimental day, samples of rumen fluid were collected for microbial DNA extraction, fatty acid profile and enzyme activity analyses. The results showed that the chlor diet compared with the control increased significantly the populations of Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium and Methanogens bacteria and protozoa in the rumen of goats. A significant reduction in the cellulase activity and in the abundance of Ruminococcus albus, and a significant increase in the protease activity and in the abundance of Clostridium sticklandii in the rumen liquid of goats fed with the chlor diet, compared with the control, were found. Chlorella vulgaris supplementation promoted the formation of trans C_18:1, trans‐11 C_18:1 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), while the proportions of C_18:0 and long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) reduced significantly in the rumen liquid of goats. This shift in ruminal biohydrogenation pathway was accompanied by a significant increase in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens trans C_18:1‐producing bacteria. In conclusion, the supplementation of diets with microalgae needs further investigation because it enhances the populations of methane‐producing bacteria and protozoa.     

Effect of Feed Processing Method on Average Daily Gain and Gastric Ulcer Development in Weanling Horses

The present study evaluated the effects of two different methods of feed processing on growth and gastric ulceration in 16 weanling Standardbred horses. The two diets were composed of identical ingredients that were processed differently and fed at a rate of 3% body weight per day. The hay and grain diet (diet HG) consisted of 50% alfalfa hay cubes and 50% commercial texturized grain mix fed as is, without any further processing, with the cubes and grain fed in separate containers. The complete pelleted diet (diet CP) consisted of the same proportion of hay cubes and grain mix, which was ground, pelleted, and fed in a single container. The horses were divided into two groups and the study was divided into three periods of 30 days each. During period 1, all 16 horses consumed only free choice alfalfa hay (diet H). Group 1 was given diet CP during period 2 and diet HG during period 3. Group 2 was given diet HG during period 2 and diet CP during period 3. The horses were endoscopically examined for the baseline number and severity of stomach ulcers at the end of period 1, then again at the end of each treatment diet feeding period. Horses on diet CP in periods 2 and 3 had greater ulcer numbers (P = .0135) than diet HG. However, there was no significant difference (P = .30) in ulcer numbers when making a direct comparison between diets CP and HG. Despite the gastric ulceration found in horses on diet CP, the average daily gain was significantly greater (P = .016) for diet CP than for diet HG. Both diets containing grain were observed to cause gastric ulceration.     

Effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Erythrina variegata on the performance of growing goats

The effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Erythrina variegata on the performance of growing goats was studied using a local breed (Ma T'ou) with an average initial body weight of 11.2?kg (SD?=?0.9). Twenty-four animals were allocated to a randomized design, with six animals (three males and three females) per treatment. The treatments were four different levels of replacement of the diet crude protein (CP) with CP from Erythrina foliage (EF) at 0?% (E-0), 20?% (E-20), 40?% (E-40), and 60?% (E-60). There were no significant differences in the dry matter (DM) intake between treatments, but total CP intake was significantly higher in the goats fed the diet E-60 compared to E-20 (61.1 and 51.4?g/day, respectively). The average daily liveweight gain of the goats did not differ between treatments and ranged from 51 to 63?g/day. Sixteen animals were kept in metabolism cages for a digestibility study and given with the same four diets as in the main experiment. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was significantly higher for diet E-60 than for E-0. Neither the apparent digestibility of CP and N retention nor carcass characteristics (16 animals) differed with an increase in the level of CP from EF in the diets. In conclusion, CP from EF can replace up to 60?% of CP from a mixed diet with soybean meal without any negative effect on the growth in goats.     

尼龙袋法评价香蕉叶单宁对瘤胃降解特性的影响

旨在探究香蕉叶单宁对奶牛瘤胃降解特性的影响和评价香蕉叶的饲喂价值。样品分别为苜蓿干草组(100%的苜蓿干草)、苜蓿干草和香蕉叶混合组(50%苜蓿干草+50%香蕉叶)、香蕉叶组(100%香蕉叶)、苜蓿干草组(100%的苜蓿干草)+6%聚乙二醇(6% PEG)、苜蓿干草和香蕉叶混合组(50%苜蓿干草+50%香蕉叶)+6%聚乙二醇(6% PEG)、香蕉叶组(100%香蕉叶)+6%聚乙二醇(6% PEG)。测定样品中的营养成分含量,使用3头安装了瘤胃瘘管的荷斯坦奶牛进行半体内试验,用尼龙袋法测定上述样品在瘤胃内0、2、4、8、12、24、48、72 h的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的降解率,得到各营养物质的动态降解参数。结果表明,相较于苜蓿干草,香蕉叶干物质和粗蛋白的快速降解部分、慢速降解部分、慢速降解部分的降解速率、有效降解率是显著低于苜蓿干草的(P<0.001),香蕉叶和苜蓿的NDF的有效降解率没有显著差异。添加了PEG后,香蕉叶和香蕉叶苜蓿混合组的快速降解部分和有效降解率显著高于未添加PEG的两组(P<0.001)。结果表明香蕉叶中的单宁会抑制香蕉叶的瘤胃降解率,因此在使用香蕉叶调制反刍动物的饲料时需要控制单宁的含量。     

Supplements Containing Escape Protein Improve Redberry Juniper Intake by Goats

Redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii Sudw.) is a common invasive plant species in west-central Texas. Goats will consume redberry juniper, but intake is limited by monoterpenoids found in the plant. Previous research has shown that goats will increase juniper intake through 1) conditioning and 2) protein supplementation. This study compared intake of juniper when goats received different protein supplements either with or without protein sources that are high in amino acids that escape digestion in the rumen. Recently weaned Boer-cross goats (n = 47) were randomly placed into five treatments. Treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4 received a protein supplement and juniper for 1 h daily for 14 d, along with a basal diet of alfalfa pellets (2% body weight). Treatment 5 received only a basal diet of alfalfa pellets and juniper. All supplements were formulated to be isonitrogenous (37% crude protein [CP]). Treatment 1 contained cottonseed meal (high CP escape value), treatment 2 contained cottonseed meal and distiller’s dried grain (higher CP escape value), treatment 3 contained soybean meal (low CP escape value), and treatment 4 contained soybean meal and distiller’s dried grain (moderate CP escape value). Refusals of juniper, supplements, and alfalfa were weighed daily to determine intake. Supplementation with 1) cottonseed meal, 2) soybean meal, or 3) soybean meal and distillers dried grain did not influence (P > 0.05) juniper intake. Conversely, goats supplemented with cottonseed meal and distiller’s dried grain ate more (P < 0.05) juniper than goats receiving only alfalfa, possibly because of increased escape of glucogenic amino acids. We contend that supplementation with feeds high in protein escape values should increase juniper intake on rangelands.     

Effects of Short-Term High Carbohydrate or Fat Intakes on Leptin, Growth Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone Secretions in Prepubertal Fat-Tailed Tuj Lambs

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of high carbohydrate or fat diets, fed for 15 days at the end of breeding season, on leptin, GH and LH secretions in prepubertal fat‐tailed Tuj lambs. For that purpose, 9‐month‐old ram‐lambs were divided into three groups as control group (fed with basal ration, n = 4), high carbohydrate (HC) group, basal ration plus barley, n = 4), or high fat (HF) group (basal ration plus by‐pass fat, n = 4). For the measurement of leptin and GH, blood plasma samples were collected on days 1, 4, 9 and 14 of the experiment. For the measurement of LH pulse frequency, serial blood samples were collected every 15 min for 6 h on day 14. Lambs were weighed and body condition scored (BCS) on days 1 and 15. Body weight and BCS increased towards the end of the study (p < 0.05). The BCS was higher in high energy groups at the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). Diet affected plasma leptin concentrations (p = 0.002) but time did not. The GH concentrations were not affected by diet or time. The LH pulse frequency appeared to be higher in HC and HF groups but there were no statistical difference between the groups. There was a significant positive relationship between overall BCS and corresponding leptin concentrations (R² = 0.263; p = 0.010) and between LH pulse frequency and leptin concentrations (R² = 0.594; p = 0.003). In conclusion, the present study suggests that rather than type of energy, amount of energy intake and body energy reserves are much important regulators of plasma leptin concentrations and LH pulse frequency in fat‐tailed Tuj lambs.     

Replacement effects of Panicum maximum with Ficus polita on performance of West African dwarf goats

The replacement value of Ficus polita for Panicum maximum was evaluated on 32 female post‐weaned West African dwarfs goats. Ficus polita was fed with P. maximum at different proportions of 0:90 (F. polita:P. maximum), 30:60, 60:30 and 90:0 constituting diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Each diet was supplemented with 10% cassava peels. Dry matter intake per kg metabolic weight of goats was not significantly (p > 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. However, crude protein intake per kg metabolic weight was higher (p < 0.05) in animals fed 60% and 90%F. polita than those fed sole P. maximum diet. Daily weight gain of goats fed diet 3 (60%F. polita) was higher (p < 0.05) (27.3 g) than those fed diets 4 (18.9 g), 2 (20.8 g) and the control (6.6 g). Dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were higher (p < 0.05) in goats fed 60%F. polita than those fed other diets, except for DM digestibility which was statistically similar to diets 2 and 4 but higher than those fed diet 1 without F. polita. Organic matter and CP digestibility were highest (72.0 and 65.7% respectively) in animals fed 60%F. polita. Nitrogen retention of goats fed 60%F. polita (diet 3) was higher (p < 0.05) than that obtained with other diets. The results suggest that feeding combination of F. polita and P. maximum at ratio 60:30 respectively has associative effects that can enhance growth rate, feed intake, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen utilization for goat production during dry season in the tropics.     

山羊绒生长缓慢期日粮适宜氮硫比的综合评定

利用9只安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管和十二指肠瘘管的周岁二狼山型白绒山羊 ,于山羊绒生长缓慢期(1～2月)研究日粮不同硫含量((分别为0.15 %、0.23 %、0.27 %)以及氮硫比(分别为11.02 :1、7.40 :1、6.03 :1)对绒山羊氮代谢、硫代谢、营养物质消化率、消化道食糜流通量的影响。试验结果表明 :在山羊绒生长缓慢期 ,由日粮中添加无机硫调控氮硫比 ,氮硫比为7.40 :1组可消化氮、沉积氮、沉积氮/进食氮及氮的消化率均显著高于氮硫比为6.03 :1组(P<0.05),亦高于未添加硫组(N/S=11.02),但差异不显著(P>0.05);而沉积氮/可消化氮显著高于其它两组(P<0.05)。随着硫的添加 ,硫的沉积量显著提高 ,但利用率降低。OM、DM、ADF的消化率以氮硫比7.40 :1组高于另两组 ,6.03 :1组最低。饲喂不同氮硫比日粮 ,瘤胃和十二指肠总氮流量各组间无显著差异 ,总硫流量随硫的添加而提高。在绒生长缓慢期日粮中添加硫使ADF、CP、DM的瘤胃动态降解率降低。根据沉积氮、硫、DM、OM、ADF的消化率与日粮硫水平之间二次曲线关系得到绒生长缓慢期日粮适宜硫水平为0.213 % ,适宜氮硫比为7.80 :1。     

日粮粗蛋白质水平对育肥湖羊瘤胃微生物组成和发酵参数的影响

为研究日粮粗蛋白质水平(crude protein,CP)对育肥湖羊瘤胃微生物、pH及VFA含量的影响,选取54只4月龄[(32.25±2.50)kg]湖羊公羔,采用完全随机分组设计,将试验羊分为3个处理组,每个处理组18个重复,每个重复1只羊,3个处理组日粮CP水平分别为11.5%、14.0%、16.5%,试验期共70 d,包括7 d预试期,63 d正试期。试验期结束后,每组选择10只试验羊进行屠宰,测定屠宰性能并采集瘤胃内容物,用于瘤胃微生物DNA提取。结果表明:1)不同CP处理组对宰前活重、胴体重、屠宰率、瘤胃总重、瘤胃组织重及尾脂重无显著影响(P>0.05)。2)11.5%CP组瘤胃液氨态氮显著低于14.0%CP及16.5%CP组(P<0.001),但14.0%CP组与16.5%CP组无显著差异(P>0.05)。瘤胃液pH随日粮蛋白水平的增加有增加的趋势(P<0.1)。3)总挥发性脂肪酸(total volatile fatty acids,TVFA)浓度不受日粮中CP水平的影响(P>0.05),其中乙酸、丙酸、异丁酸、丁酸、戊酸比例均不受CP水平的影响(P>0.05),但异戊酸的比例随日粮中CP水平的增加有增加趋势(P=0.098)。4)在不同CP处理组中,瘤胃内溶纤维丁酸弧菌含量最高,但各处理组间无显著差异(P>0.05),其中白色瘤胃球菌、产琥珀酸丝状杆菌、普雷沃氏菌的含量均不受CP水平的影响(P>0.05),而黄色瘤胃球菌11.5%CP组显著低于14.0%CP组(P<0.05),16.5%CP组与11.5%CP组及14.0%CP组无显著差异。综上所述,日粮不同CP水平不影响试验羊屠宰性能,但能够影响瘤胃液pH及氨态氮含量,随CP水平的增加,异戊酸的比例有增加的趋势,14.0%CP组黄色瘤胃球菌数最多。     

The effect of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and phytase inclusion on pig performance,bone parameters and pork quality in finisher pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing both phytase and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25‐OH ‐D?) on pig performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, bone parameters and pork quality in finisher pigs. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial comprising of four dietary treatments. One hundred and twenty pigs (60 male, 60 female) were blocked according to live weight and sex and allocated to the following dietary treatments: low P (4.81 g/kg) diet (basal) (T1); low P diet + phytase (T2); low P diet + 25‐OH ‐D? (T3) and low P diet + phytase + 25‐OH ‐D? (T4). Pigs supplemented with phytase had a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI ) (2.45 kg vs. 2.59 kg; p  < 0.05) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR ) (2.74 kg/kg vs. 2.85 kg/kg; p  <  0.05) compared to pigs offered the nonphytase diets. Pigs offered phytase diets had a higher (p  <  0.05) coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD ) of ash, phosphorous (P) and calcium (Ca) compared with pigs offered the nonphytase supplemented diets. Pigs offered the 25‐OH ‐D₃ diets had a higher CATTD of N and ash. Pigs offered the phytase diets had increased (p  <  0.05) bone DM , ash, Ca, P and density compared to the nonphytase diets. There was a significant interaction (p  <  0.05) between phytase and 25‐OH ‐D₃ on cook loss. Pigs offered 25‐OH ‐D₃ had increased cook loss over the basal diet; however, there was no effect on cook loss when phytase and 25‐OH ‐D₃ were offered in combination compared to the phytase only diet. Pigs offered 25‐OH ‐D₃ exhibited higher (p  <  0.05) Warner Bratzler shear force values and lower (p  <  0.05) pork lightness (L *) surface colorimeter values. In conclusion, there was no benefit to offering a combination of phytase and 25‐OH ‐D₃ on pig performance, bone parameters or pork quality.     

Investigations on the effects of Ca-soap of linseed oil on rumen fermentation in sheep and on milk composition of goats

Six rumen-cannulated wethers were fed by a diet composed of alfalfa hay and concentrate and supplemented by 75 g Ca-soap of linseed oil (5.4% in dry matter, DM) daily. A model trial was performed to detect the effects of the Ca-soap on rumen fermentation parameters and on fibre digestion. Approximately 3 h after feeding Ca-soap, ratio of C2:C3 decreased (from 4.33 to 4.02) and the production of i- and n-butyrate and i- and n-valeriate increased by 28, 5.3, 11.76% and 6.80% respectively. Total volatile fatty acid concentration in rumen fluid did not change (126.1 vs. 126.4 mm) as a result of Ca-soap supplementation. The in vitro trial showed no detrimental influence of Ca-soap on the acid detergent fibre (ADF) degradation. Using feed samples containing Ca-soap to be incubated in tubes, ADF digestion proved to be significantly higher (p < 0.001). Approximately 14 goats (Saanen breed, 30-70 days in lactation) were used to test the effects of Ca-soap on milk composition. Their ration contained alfalfa hay, millet straw and a concentrate. In the experimental group (seven goats) the diet was supplemented with Ca-soap of linseed oil (75 g/animal/day). The milk composition was changed (slightly reduced solid content, sometimes significantly reduced milk fat contents), when Ca-soap was included in the diet of lactating goats.