Effects of Sodium Caseinate and Varying Protein Sources on In Vitro Fermentation of Forages by Mixed Equine Cecal Microorganisms

To assess the impact of protein on fermentation by equine cecal microorganisms, cecal fluid from 4 cecally cannulated horses was used to inoculate fermentation bottles containing buffer, forage, and supplemental protein. In experiment 1, sodium caseinate (SC) provided 0, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, or 4% additional crude protein (CP) to bottles containing alfalfa or native warm-season prairie grass hay. Bottles were equipped with continuous gas pressure monitors and placed into a shaking incubator for 48 hours at 39°C. Cultures with alfalfa had greater (P < .0001) in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD), acid detergent fiber disappearance (ADFD), cumulative gas production, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA). Sodium caseinate increased gas production (P ≤ .05) and decreased pH (P < .003) in cultures with grass hay. Sodium caseinate at 1%, 2%, or 4% additional CP increased IVDMD, NDFD, and ADFD (P < .01), while 4% additional CP also increased total VFA (P < .01). For experiment 2, SC, fishmeal, soybean meal (SBM), whey, porcine blood plasma, and L-lysine hydrochloride were added to supply 2% additional CP to cultures with grass hay. All protein sources decreased pH and increased IVDMD, NDFD, and ADFD (P ≤ .01), with the largest effects elicited by SC, L-lysine, and whey (P ≤ .05). Total VFA (P ≤ .04) and gas (P ≤ .05) production increased with L-lysine, whey, SC, SBM, and fishmeal. While protein supplementation had minimal effects on cultures containing alfalfa, it altered fermentation of grass hay, more notably with more soluble protein sources.     

大豆皮替代羔羊饲粮中玉米或纤维成分对瘤胃消化率和生长性能的影响

通过瘤胃尼龙袋消化试验 (试验 1)和生长性能试验 (试验 2 )评价大豆皮替代羔羊饲粮中玉米或纤维饲料(玉米秸 )对瘤胃消化和生长性能的影响。饲粮处理为大豆皮替代饲粮中全部玉米 (SH C)、饲粮中 5 0 %纤维饲料(SH F)和对照饲粮 (CK)。试验 1结果表明 ,以大豆皮替代羔羊饲粮中全部玉米对于 2 4h和 4 8h干物质消化率(DMD)没有显著影响 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,但极显著降低了 2 4h和 4 8h细胞壁消化率 (NDFD) (P <0 .0 1) ;以大豆皮替代饲粮中 5 0 %纤维饲料显著提高了羔羊饲粮 2 4h和 4 8hDMD(P <0 .0 1)以及 4 8hNDFD(P <0 .0 5 )。试验 2结果表明 ,与对照组相比 ,SH C处理不影响羔羊日粮干物质采食量 (P >0 .0 5 )、日增重 (P >0 .0 5 )和饲料转化效率 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,但可以降低单位增重的饲料成本 ;SH F处理可以显著提高羔羊日粮干物质采食量 (P <0 .0 5 )、增重速度 (P <0 .0 1)和饲料转化效率 (P <0 .0 5 )。     

不同生育期芦竹的营养价值及体外产气特征

本试验旨在探究不同生育期芦竹的营养价值及体外产气特征。采用常规分析法测定生育期分别为75、90、105、120、135d的整株芦竹、芦竹茎、芦竹叶的营养成分含量;用体外产气法测定芦竹体外发酵72h的发酵液pH、干物质消失率(DMD)、中性洗涤纤维消失率(NDFD)和酸性洗涤纤维消失率(ADFD)以及产气量(GP)和产气动态参数。结果表明:1)随着生育期的推移,整株芦竹的粗蛋白质含量逐渐降低,中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)及酸性洗涤木质素(ADL)含量呈升-降-升的波浪状变动,但总体呈上升趋势;茎、叶中的营养成分含量波动较大。2)随生育期的推移,DMD、NDFD和ADFD逐渐降低,75d与90d差异不显著(P0.05),这2者显著或极显著高于105、120d(P0.05或P0.01)。3)随着生育期的推移,最大GP呈现递减趋势,其中75d与90d无显著差异(P0.05),二者均显著或极显著低于其他生育期(P0.05或P0.01),其中105、120和135d的最大GP分别比90d低了40.22%、50.98%和51.53%;产气速度呈现相似的变化趋势。综合得出,芦竹做为牧草的最佳生育期为90d。     

体外产气法研究不同NFC/NDF底物条件下外源纤维素酶的适宜添加水平

本试验旨在利用体外产气法研究不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维(non-fiber carbohydrates/neutral detergent fiber, NFC/NDF)的底物条件下外源纤维素酶(exogenous fibrolytic enzymes, EFE)对底物产气、降解和发酵特性的影响,找出不同底物条件下适宜的EFE添加水平。采用2×5交叉分组试验设计,5个NFC/NDF底物水平 (0.85、1.02、1.19、1.36和1.53)分别添加5种水平的EFE(0, 2, 4, 8 和16 mg/g DM)进行体外发酵。结果表明,1)不同NFC/NDF底物和EFE水平对体外总产气量(GP₄₈)和产气参数(b、c和L)均有显著的影响(P<0.05),且两因素互作显著(P<0.05);底物1中, GP₄₈、b和c值随EFE剂量的增加显著地线性和二次提高(P<0.05),其中以16 mg/g 水平组较高,L值则呈相反趋势;底物2~4中,GP₄₈、b和c值随EFE剂量增加显著地二次提高(P<0.05),其中以4 mg/g 水平组较高。2)不同底物对干物质消失率(DMD)、酸性洗涤纤维降解率(ADFD)、中性洗涤纤维降解率(NDFD)和氮降解率(ND)均有显著的影响(P<0.05),除ND外,EFE水平的添加效应呈现相似结果;底物1条件下,随着EFE添加剂量的提高,DMD、ADFD和NDFD显著地线性提高(P<0.05),其中均以16 mg/g组最高(P<0.05);而底物2~4中则以4 mg/g组最高(P<0.05)。3)不同NFC/NDF底物和EFE水平对瘤胃发酵参数均有显著影响(P<0.05),除丙酸外,两种因素对其他指标的互作效应均显著(P<0.05);在底物1~4条件下,随着EFE添加剂量的提高,除丙酸以外的其他发酵参数显著地线性和二次提高或降低(P<0.05);底物1中,对照组pH值、氨态氮含量和丁酸摩尔浓度显著高于4、8和16 mg/g组(P<0.05),相反,16 mg/g组的总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)、乙酸摩尔浓度和乙酸∶丙酸值较高;底物2~4条件下,pH值和氨态氮含量以4 mg/g组较低,而TVFA、乙酸摩尔浓度和乙酸∶丙酸值则呈相反的趋势。4)NFC/NDF=1.53时,添加EFE对体外产气参数、降解特性和发酵特性均无显著影响(P>0.05)。由此,本试验发现,NFC/NDF底物影响了EFE的添加效应,NFC/NDF=0.85时,16 mg/g EFE水平组有较好纤维降解效果;NFC/NDF分别为1.02、1.19和1.36时,EFE最适添加剂量为4 mg/g;NFC/NDF=1.53时,底物中添加EFE没有正面效应。     

日粮不同纤维水平和精粗比对绒山羊瘤胃内中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维消失率的影响

选用18只、2.5岁、体重25kg左右的安装永久性瘤胃瘘管的内蒙古白绒山羊羯羊,用尼龙袋法测定了3个精粗比(30∶70、20∶80、10∶90)6个中性洗涤纤维(NDF)水平(49%、52%、59%、55%、62%和65%)日粮中的中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)2、4、6、8、12、24、48和72h的消失率。结果表明:NDF水平为52%时,绒山羊日粮中的NDF和ADF消失率较高。精粗比例为30∶70、20∶80和10∶90时,绒山羊日粮中的中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维消失率受影响不同,精粗比20∶80日粮组2～72hNDF和ADF消失率较高,其中2h和72h时NDF和ADF消失率明显高于30∶70和10∶90日粮组。由此可以得出,绒山羊配合饲料中纤维素水平为52%,精粗比例为20∶80较适宜。     

小麦秸与非常规饲料组合效应的研究

本试验旨在探讨小麦秸与非常规饲料间的组合效应。利用体外产气法,评价了小麦秸与喷浆玉米皮、大豆皮、橘子皮和苹果渣分别按0∶100、25∶75、50∶50、75∶25、100∶0比例进行组合的48 h体外发酵总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)浓度和干物质降解率(DMD)、酸性洗涤纤维降解率(ADFD)、中性洗涤纤维降解率(NDFD)以及其组合效应。结果表明:1)在小麦秸与喷浆玉米皮、大豆皮、橘子皮、苹果渣的各组合中,当小麦秸比例为25%时,TVFA浓度均大于小麦秸比例为50%、75%、100%时。2)随着小麦秸比例的增大,小麦秸与喷浆玉米皮、大豆皮、橘子皮、苹果渣组合的DMD逐渐降低,小麦秸与喷浆玉米皮、大豆皮组合各比例之间的DMD差异显著(P0.05)。3)随着小麦秸比例的增大,小麦秸与大豆皮组合的NDFD和ADFD逐渐降低,各比例之间差异显著(P0.05)。在小麦秸与橘子皮的组合中,当小麦秸比例为50%时,NDFD和ADFD最大。4)当小麦秸比例为50%时,小麦秸与橘子皮、苹果渣的组合对NDFD和ADFD的组合效应值最大,显著高于其他各比例(P0.05);当小麦秸比例为75%时,小麦秸与喷浆玉米皮的组合对NDFD和ADFD的组合效应值最大,显著高于其他各比例(P0.05)。综上所述,小麦秸与大豆皮、喷浆玉米皮的最优组合是75∶25。小麦秸与橘子皮、苹果渣的最优组合是50∶50。     

植物乳杆菌对玉米秸秆和水稻秸秆体外发酵特性的影响

本试验旨在探讨植物乳杆菌(Lactobacillus plantarum)对玉米秸秆和水稻秸秆奶牛瘤胃体外发酵特性的影响。采用单因子随机区组试验设计,分别以玉米秸秆和水稻秸秆为发酵底物,分析不同添加水平[0(对照)、0.25×107、0.50×107和0.75×107CFU/m L]植物乳杆菌对发酵底物体外发酵产气量(1、2、4、6、12、24、36、48 h)、产气参数、干物质降解率(DMD)、中性洗涤纤维降解率(NDFD)、发酵液挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)、氨态氮(NH3-N)浓度及p H的影响。结果表明:添加植物乳杆菌能显著提高玉米秸秆发酵初期产气速率和产气量(1~24 h)(P0.05),以添加0.75×107CFU/m L效果最为理想;添加植物乳杆菌能显著提高水稻秸秆体外发酵后期(36~48 h)产气量(P0.05),而以添加0.25×107CFU/m L效果最为理想。随着植物乳杆菌添加水平的增加,2种底物体外发酵液NH3-N浓度均呈现显著的线性增加效应(P0.05)。不同植物乳杆菌添加水平对2种底物体外发酵NDFD、DMD、发酵液VFA(乙酸、丙酸、异丁酸、丁酸和戊酸)浓度以及p H均无显著影响(P0.05)。由试验结果推断,添加植物乳杆菌能促进玉米秸秆和水稻秸秆体外发酵及其氮代谢,同时对维持p H的稳定平衡具有积极作用,最佳添加水平分别为0.75×107和0.25×107CFU/m L。     

Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from the rumen of lambs with rumen acidosis, 16S rRNA identification and sensibility to monensin and lasalocid

A lactic-acid producing bacterium was isolated from the rumen of lambs with rumen acidosis. The cells were Gram-positive, nonmotile, nonsporing, catalase negative spherical, 1.5-2.0 μm in diameter, and occur in pairs and tetrads. Analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA indicated that the rumen bacterium was a strain of Pediococcus acidilactici with 99% of nucleotide homology. This bacterium was sensible to monensin and lasalocid at the unique dose tested of 300 ppm. The concentration of lactic acid and DM degradation decreased (P < 0.05) when monensin or lasalocid were added to the culture media after 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. In contrast, total VFA concentration and pH were higher (P < 0.05) in the culture media added with the ionophores. Up to now S. bovis is considered the main ruminal bacterium related with rumen acidosis, but the importance of P. acidilactici should be also reconsidered in experimental studies focused on the control rumen acidosis.     

Effects of mastication and microbial contamination on ruminal in situ forage disappearance

In an experiment to determine the effects of mastication and microbial contamination on in situ forage disappearance, samples of masticated (M) or nonmasticated alfalfa hay (AH), orchardgrass hay (OGH) and bermudagrass hay (BGH) were incubated in the rumen of two steers for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h. Using diaminopimelic acid as a marker, microbial DM and CP contamination ranged from 10.3 to 22.3% and 46.3 to 95.3% of residual DM and CP, respectively. Percentage contamination was influenced by both time of incubation and forage treatment (P less than .001). Corrected DM and CP disappearances (DMD and CPD) were higher than apparent disappearances (P less than .001). Maximal NDF and ADF disappearances (NDFD and ADFD) obtained at 96 h were 58.2, 52.4; 62.7, 62.3 and 56.7, 52.6% for AH, OGH and BGH, respectively. Lag times (h) for corrected DMD and CPD were shorter (at least P less than .05) than for apparent disappearances, except for corrected CPD of AH. There were no differences (P greater than .10) in lag time of NDFD or ADFD among forages. Rates of disappearance (%/h) of corrected DMD and CPD were faster (at least P less than .01) than for apparent disappearances. The total quantity of microbial CP (mg CP/g DM) associated with residues varied with time depending on forage type (P less than .001). There was a significant relationship between the quantity of microbial CP contamination and the extent of disappearance. Masticated forages followed trends similar to those of nonmasticated forages, but the effect of mastication was not consistent. Results support the need for microbial correction of in situ forage residues.     

Evaluation of dietary addition of 2 essential oils from Achillea moschata,or their components (bornyl acetate,camphor, and eucalyptol) on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbial community composition

This study investigated the effects of 2 Achillea moschata essential oils extracted from plants collected in 2 different valleys of the Italian Alps and 3 pure compounds of oils — bornyl acetate (BOR), camphor (CAM), and eucalyptol (EUCA) — on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbiota. An in vitro batch fermentation experiment (Exp. 1) tested the addition of all of the substances (2 essential oils and 3 compounds) in fermentation bottles (120 mL) at 48 h of incubation, whereas a subsequent in vitro continuous culture experiment (Exp. 2) evaluated the pure compounds added to the fermenters (2 L) for a longer incubation period (9 d). In both experiments, total mixed rations were incubated with the additives, and samples without additives were included as the control (CTR). Each treatment was tested in duplicate and was repeated in 3 and 2 fermentation runs in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Gas production (GP) in Exp. 1 was similar for all of the treatments, and short chain volatile fatty acid (SCFA) production was similar in both experiments except for a decrease of SCFA produced (P = 0.029) due to EUCA addition in Exp. 2. Compared to CTR, BOR and CAM reduced the valerate proportion (P = 0.04) in Exp. 1, and increased (P < 0.01) the acetate proportion in Exp. 2. All treatments increased (P < 0.01) total protozoa counts (+36.7% and +48.4% compared to CTR on average for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). In Exp. 1, all of the treatments lowered the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes and increased the Proteobacteria relative abundances (P < 0.05), whereas in Exp. 2, the EUCA addition increased (P = 0.012) the Ruminococcus. In Exp. 1, methane (CH₄) as a proportion of the GP was lowered (P = 0.004) by the addition of CAM and EUCA compared to CTR, whereas in Exp. 2, EUCA reduced the amount of stoichiometrically calculated CH₄ compared to CTR. Overall, essential oils extracted from A. moschata and the pure compounds did not depress in vitro rumen fermentation, except for EUCA in Exp. 2. In both experiments, an increase of the protozoal population occurred for all the additives.     

小麦秸秆与米糠粕瘤胃体外发酵组合效应研究

为了探讨小麦秸秆与米糠粕间的组合效应,采用体外产气法评价了小麦秸秆与米糠粕按100:0(RBM0)、75:25(RBM25)、50:50(RBM50)、25:75(RBM75)、0:100(RBM100)的比例组合后的发酵特性。结果表明,1)在产气特性方面,随着米糠粕比例的增加,12,24,48 h累计产气量(GP)、理论最大产气量(HM)和产气速率(B)逐渐增大,而体外延滞时间(Lag)逐渐降低,各比例之间差异显著(P<0.05)。2)在体外发酵12,24,48 h时,当米糠粕占25%时,小麦秸秆与米糠粕的产气量产生最大组合效应(P<0.05)。3)当米糠粕占75%时,小麦秸秆与米糠粕的干物质降解率(DMD)、中性洗涤纤维降解率(NDFD)、酸性洗涤纤维降解率(ADFD)最大,各比例之间差异显著(P<0.05);当米糠粕占25%时,小麦秸秆与米糠粕的DMD产生最大的组合效应(P<0.05);当米糠粕占75%时,小麦秸秆与米糠粕的NDFD、ADFD产生最大组合效应(P<0.05)。4)当米糠粕占75%时,小麦秸秆与米糠粕组合体外发酵48 h的乙酸、丙酸、丁酸以及总挥发性脂肪酸浓度最高,乙酸/丙酸最低。5)48 h累计产气量、产气速率与干物质(DM)、粗蛋白(CP)、粗灰分(Ash)以及中性洗涤可溶物(NDS)极显著正相关(P<0.01),与中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、有机物(OM)、半纤维(HC)以及中性洗涤可溶物/粗蛋白(NDS/CP)呈极显著负相关(P<0.01);理论最大产气量与DM、CP、Ash、NDS显著正相关(P<0.05),与NDF、ADF、OM和HC显著负相关(P<0.05);Lag与NDS/CP极显著正相关(P<0.01)。本试验结果提示,在本试验条件下,从产气量及干物质降解率的组合效应方面来看,小麦秸秆与米糠粕的最优组合是75:25;从纤维降解率的组合效应方面来看,小麦秸秆与米糠粕的最优组合是25:75。     

Effect of exogenous xylanase on rumen in vitro gas production and degradability of wheat straw

The objective of this study was to determine effects of xylanase on in vitro gas production (GP) and in sacco degradability of wheat straw. Rumen fluid was obtained from three Mongolian native goats fitted with permanent rumen cannulas. The trial consisted of five doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 μL/g of substrate) of a commercial xylanase (Dyadic^® xylanase PLUS, Dyadic International, Inc., Jupiter, FL, USA). For the in sacco degradability, different levels of xylanase enzyme were added directly onto 2 g of wheat straw in nylon bags and incubated in the rumen for 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h to estimate degradability of wheat straw. Total GP increased (P < 0.001) at all times of incubation at intermediate levels of xylanase. Methane production had a similar pattern at 3 and 12 h of incubation; increased linearly at 24 h of incubation, and was unaffected at 6 and 48 h of incubation. Rumen NH₃‐N concentration increased linearly at 3 h and the highest values were observed with intermediate enzyme levels. All ruminal volatile fatty acids increased linearly with intermediate levels of the fibrolytic enzyme. The in sacco rate of dry matter degradation decreased linearly (P = 0.020) with increasing enzymes. Intermediate levels of xylanase improved rumen kinetic fermentation and degradability. The outcome of this research indicated that the application of xylanase enzyme could improve in vitro GP fermentation of wheat straw.     

Effect of dietary fiber on methane production in Chinese Lantang gilts

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary fiber on methane (CH₄) production in pigs using the Chinese native Lantang gilts as study model. The study consisted of two experiments. In the first, 12 Lantang gilts (58.7±0.37 kg), individually housed in open-circuit respiration chambers were randomly divided into two groups (six replicates per dietary group) and fed either with low fiber diet [LFD; neutral detergent fiber (NDF)=201.5 g/kg] or high fiber diet (HFD; NDF=329.7 g/kg). Wheat bran was the main source of fiber for the LFD while ground rice hull (mixture of rice bran and rice hull) was used in the HFD. Results of the study showed that gilts fed LFD recorded higher (P<0.05) digestibility coefficients for dry matter (DM), total organic carbon (TOC), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose than those in the HFD. However, digestibility coefficient for NDF did not differ between treatments but that for hemicellulose was higher for HDF than for LDF. Because of the higher NDF and hemicellulose contents in the diet, pigs in the HFD recorded higher (P<0.05) amount of digested NDF (126.1 vs. 83.6 g/d) and hemicellulose (38.7 vs. 11.9 g/d) than those fed LFD. The higher amount of digested NDF and hemicellulose recorded for the HFD treatment was inconsistent with the lower (P<0.01) daily CH₄ production from gilts fed the HFD compared to that fed LFD (2.46 vs. 3.90 L/pig). To better explain for the unexpected higher CH₄ production from pigs fed LFD, an in vitro fermentation study was conducted using a factorial design comprised of two inocula (collected from low fiber and high fiber diets) and eight substrates (LFD, HFD, wheat bran, ground rice hull and their respective NDF residues). Results of the in vitro trial seems to suggest that the low CH₄ production from the HFD animals was primarily the results of low fermentation rates of HFD and the ground rice hull. However, the calculated CH₄ productions based on the molar percentage of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in both, in vivo and in vitro experiments reaffirmed the in vivo result, that is, CH₄ production from pigs fed HFD was lower than that fed LFD. Although there is a lack of scientific data from this study to fully explain for the unexpected lower CH₄ production from pigs fed the HFD, our results seems to suggest that quantity of digested fiber (including NDF) was not the sole factor affecting enteric CH₄ production in pigs.     

Vegetation-type effects on performance and meat quality of growing Engadine and Valaisian Black Nose sheep grazing alpine pastures

Lambs of two Swiss mountain breeds, Engadine Sheep (ES; n=55) and Valaisian Black Nose Sheep (VS; n=55), were fattened in 2010 and 2011 on one lowland and three alpine pastures. Groups of six to seven lambs per breed were allocated to pastures of a size allowing ad libitum intake on the following four vegetation types: (i) species-poor and nutrient-rich lowland (400 m a.s.l.) ryegrass–clover ley on flat terrain (‘lowland-rich’); (ii) alpine, species-rich and nutrient-rich vegetation type on a flat terrain (1950 m; ‘alpine-rich’); (iii) alpine, species-rich vegetation type, moderate in nutrients on steep terrain (2150 m; ‘alpine-moderate’); and (iv) alpine, species-rich and nutrient-poor vegetation type on steep terrain (2150 m; ‘alpine-poor’). Lambs were slaughtered after 9 weeks of grazing in a commercial slaughterhouse. Carcasses were subjected to the Swiss CH-TAX classification grid. Meat quality was analysed on the Musculus longissimus dorsi (LD) in the segment of Musculus longissimus lumborum. Forage quality varied among vegetation types as anticipated. Across all sites, ES were superior (P<0.001) to VS in dressing percentage (43.9 vs. 38.4), carcass weight (18.4 vs. 16.4 kg), meat conformation and fat cover scores, even though daily gains had been lower (105 vs. 122 g/d; P<0.05). Meat of ES contained more dry matter, protein, total ash (P<0.001) and fat (P<0.05). Their meat was darker and more intensive red, had lower cooking losses (23.0 vs. 25.1%) but was less tender (65.6 vs. 58.1 N) compared to VS (P<0.001). Vegetation types offering good quality forage (lowland-rich and alpine-rich) enhanced average daily gains, dressing percentage, meat conformation and fat cover scores (mostly P<0.05 against alpine-moderate and -poor). Similarly, a higher vegetation quality promoted a higher intramuscular fat and lower cooking losses. Meat from lowland-rich was darkest and had the lowest shear force (P<0.05). Almost no breed×site interactions occurred in growth performance as well as carcass and meat quality. It was therefore concluded that both breeds are similarly well adapted to the extensive pasture production system in alpine regions. Still, ES seem to be the more efficient one of the two sheep breeds. The results also indicate that growth performance and meat quality clearly vary between vegetation types in animals grazing alpine pastures.     

玉米芯与苜蓿、精料配比对饲粮组合效应的影响

为了探讨玉米芯与苜蓿、精料间不同配比对饲粮组合效应(associative effects, AE)的影响。采用体外产气法测定在精粗比40∶60和30∶70时,精料∶玉米芯∶苜蓿分别为40∶60∶0、40∶45∶15、40∶30∶30、40∶15∶45、40∶0∶60和30∶70∶0、30∶55∶15、30∶40∶30、30∶25∶45、30∶10∶60、30∶0∶70时各饲料组合及各种单独原料分别培养2,4,6,9,12,24,36,48 h的产气量(gas production, GP),培养结束后的上清液及残渣用以测定pH、挥发性脂肪酸(volatile fatty acids,VFA)、氨态氮(NH_3-N)、干物质降解率(dry matter digestibility, DMD)和有机物降解率(organic matter digestibility, OMD),并通过各组合的加权估算值计算出各指标的单项组合效应指数(single factor AE indexes, SFAEI)和综合组合效应指数(multiple-factors AE index, MFAEI)。结果表明:当精粗比为40∶60和30∶70时,玉米芯比例为30、15和10、25、40、55的组在GP、DMD、OMD、NH_3-N、TVFA上显著高于其他组,且有较高的SFAEI (P<0.05,P<0.01),30和10组的MFAEI极显著高于其他各组(P<0.01)。结论:当精料∶玉米芯∶苜蓿为40∶30∶30、30∶10∶60时,饲粮的综合组合效应值最大。     

牛至精油对绵羊瘤胃体外养分降解率、发酵特性及CH4产量的影响

试验旨在研究牛至精油对绵羊瘤胃体外养分降解率、发酵特性及CH₄产量的影响。采用单因素完全随机试验设计,在培养液中分别添加0(CON)、100(EO₁)、400(EO₂)、700(EO₃)和1000 mg·L^-1(EO₄)牛至精油,每组4个重复。发酵48 h后测定养分降解率、发酵参数及不同时间总产气量和CH₄产量。结果表明:1)与CON组相比,干物质降解率、粗蛋白降解率、中性洗涤纤维降解率在EO₁组中均显著升高(P<0.05),在EO₄组中均显著降低(P<0.05),EO₂组中均无显著差异(P>0.05),干物质降解率在EO₃组中显著降低(P<0.05),添加牛至精油对酸性洗涤纤维降解率(ADFD)无显著影响(P>0.05);2)EO₁组pH最低,而总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)、丙酸浓度最高,且乙酸浓度显著高于EO₂、EO₃和EO₄(P<0.05),但乙酸/总挥发性脂肪酸显著低于EO₃、EO₄组(P<0.05),乙酸/丙酸显著低于CON组(P<0.05)。与CON组相比,牛至精油组丁酸、丁酸/总挥发性脂肪酸和氨氮浓度显著降低(P<0.05);3)发酵36 h后,总产气量、甲烷产量均随牛至精油的添加而逐渐降低,与CON组相比,EO₁组发酵18~48 h总产气量显著降低(P<0.05),EO₂、EO₃和EO₄组总产气量、CH₄产量在发酵18 h后均显著降低(P<0.05),EO₄组甲烷百分比在发酵12~36 h显著降低(P<0.05)。综上所述,在绵羊瘤胃体外培养液中添加牛至精油能够提高饲粮养分降解率,调控瘤胃发酵,降低总产气量和甲烷产量,体外条件下添加量不应高于100 mg·L^-1。     

Zinc alleviates the heat stress of primary cultured hepatocytes of broiler embryos via enhancing the antioxidant ability and attenuating the heat shock responses

Zinc (Zn) has been shown to attenuate the adverse effects of heat stress on broilers, but the mechanisms involving this process remain unclear. We aimed to investigate possible protective mechanisms of Zn on primary cultured hepatocytes of broiler embryos subjected to heat stress. Three experiments were conducted. In Exp. 1, hepatocytes were treated with 0, 50, 100, 200, or 400 μmol/L added Zn as inorganic Zn sulfate (iZn) for 12, 24 or 48 h. In Exp. 2, cells were exposed to 40 °C (a normal temperature [NT]) and 44 °C (a high temperature [HT]) for 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 h. In Exp. 3, cells were preincubated with 0 or 50 μmol/L Zn as iZn or organic Zn lysine chelate (oZn) for 8 h under NT, and then incubated with the same Zn treatments under NT or HT for 4 or 6 h. The biomarkers of antioxidative status and heat stress in cells were measured. The results in Exp. 1 indicated that 50 μmol/L Zn and 12 h incubation were the optimal conditions for increasing antioxidant ability of hepatocytes. In Exp. 2, the 4 or 6 h incubation under HT was effective in inducing heat shock responses of hepatocytes. In Exp. 3, HT elevated (P < 0.01) malondialdehyde content and expressions of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA and protein, as well as HSP90 mRNA. However, Zn supplementation increased (P < 0.05) copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) activity and metallothionein mRNA expression, and effectively decreased (P < 0.05) the expressions of HSP70 mRNA and protein, as well as HSP90 mRNA. Furthermore, oZn was more effective (P < 0.05) than iZn in enhancing CuZnSOD activity of hepatocytes under HT. It was concluded that Zn (especially oZn) could alleviate heat stress of broiler hepatocytes via enhancing their antioxidant ability and attenuating heat shock responses.     

Processing index of barley grain and dietary undigested neutral detergent fiber concentration affected chewing behavior,ruminal pH,and total tract nutrient digestibility of heifers fed a high-grain diet

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of processing index (PI) of barley grain and dietary undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) concentration on dry matter (DM) intake, chewing activity, ruminal pH and fermentation characteristics, total tract digestibility, gastrointestinal barrier function, and blood metabolites of finishing beef heifers. The PI was measured as the density after processing expressed as a percentage of the density before processing, and a smaller PI equates to a more extensively processed. Six ruminally cannulated heifers (average body weight, 715 ± 29 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with three PI (65%, 75%, and 85%) × 2 uNDF concentration (low and high; 4.6% vs. 5.6% of DM) factorial arrangement. The heifers were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration consisting of 10% barley silage (low uNDF), or 5% silage and 5% straw (high uNDF), 87% dry-rolled barley grain, and 3% mineral and vitamin supplements. Interactions (P < 0.01) of PI × uNDF were observed for DM intake, ruminating and total chewing time, and DM digestibility in the total digestive tract. Intake of DM, organic matter (OM), starch, and crude protein (CP) did not differ (P > 0.14) between low and high uNDF diets, but intakes of NDF and acid detergent fiber were greater (P = 0.01) for high uNDF diets regardless of barley PI. Heifers fed high uNDF diets had longer (P = 0.05) eating times (min/d or min/kg DM) and tended (P = 0.10) to have longer total chewing times (min/kg DM) than those fed low uNDF diets. Additionally, heifers sorted (P = 0.01) against long particles (>19 mm) for high uNDF diets but not for low uNDF diets. Altering PI of barley grain did not affect (P > 0.12) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, molar percentages of individual VFA, or duration of ruminal pH < 5.8 and <5.6. Total VFA concentration was less (P = 0.01), acetate percentage was greater (P = 0.01), and duration of ruminal pH < 5.8 and <5.6 was less (P = 0.05) for high compared with low uNDF diets. Digestibility of DM, OM, and CP was greater (P = 0.02) for low vs. high uNDF diets with PI of 65% and 75%, with no difference between low and high uNDF diets at PI of 85%. Blood metabolites and gastrointestinal tract barrier function were not affected (P ≥ 0.10) by the treatments. These results suggest that increasing dietary uNDF concentration is an effective strategy to improve ruminal pH status in finishing cattle, regardless of the extent of grain processing, whereas manipulating the extent of barley processing did not reduce the risk of ruminal acidosis.     

酿酒酵母和地衣芽孢杆菌对绵羊瘤胃体外发酵的影响

本试验旨在研究添加酿酒酵母和地衣芽孢杆菌对瘤胃体外发酵的影响。在精粗比为50：50的日粮中添加酿酒酵母6×10¹¹ CFU/kg和5种水平的地衣芽孢杆菌[0（C1组）、1×10¹¹（C2组）、2×10¹¹（C3组）、3×10¹¹（C4组）和4×10¹¹CFU/kg（C5组）],并且设置空白对照组（两种菌均不加）（C组）,制成6种发酵底物。测定体外发酵48 h产气参数、CH₄浓度、培养液发酵指标和饲料养分消失率。结果显示：①酿酒酵母和地衣芽孢杆菌共同作用对24、48 h累积产气量、快速发酵部分产气量、慢速发酵部分产气量、潜在产气量和产气速率均有显著影响（P<0.05）,且在地衣芽孢杆菌添加量为2×10¹¹ CFU/kg时产气量和各项产气参数均达到最大值。②酿酒酵母和地衣芽孢杆菌共同作用对pH影响不显著（P>0.05）,但可显著影响氨态氮（NH₃-N）和微生物蛋白（MCP）产量（P<0.05）。当地衣芽孢杆菌添加量为2×10¹¹ CFU/kg时,NH₃-N浓度最小,MCP含量最大。③酿酒酵母和地衣芽孢杆菌共同作用对干物质消失率（DMD）、有机物消失率（OMD）和代谢能（ME）影响显著（P<0.05）,对中性洗涤纤维消失率（NDFD）和酸性洗涤纤维消失率（ADFD）无显著影响（P>0.05）,且DMD、OMD、NDFD和ME在地衣芽孢杆菌添加量为2×10¹¹ CFU/kg时最大,ADFD最小。综上所述,酿酒酵母和地衣芽孢杆菌联用能促进绵羊瘤胃体外发酵,整体来看,当酿酒酵母的添加量为6×10¹¹ CFU/kg和地衣芽孢杆菌添加量为2×10¹¹ CFU/kg时,作用效果最好。     

Impacts of different spices on in vitro rumen dry matter disappearance,fermentation and methane of wheat or ryegrass hay based substrates

Two completely randomised experiments compared the impact of different spices, each at 30 mg/g substrate DM, on the in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), methane, ammonia and volatile fatty acids (VFA) from either wheat flour (wheat) (experiment 1) as highly or hay based mixtures (experiment 2) as moderately fermentable substrates. Experiment 1 tested the effects of adding cinnamon, clove, coriander, cumin and turmeric, individually, on the rumen fermentation during their in vitro incubations with wheat for 24 h. All spices reduced methane (P < 0.05) from wheat as compared to the spice-free wheat (control). Coriander reduced methane more followed by turmeric, cumin and cinnamon than the control. The IVDMD of wheat did not differ for most spices except cinnamon where IVDMD was reduced (P < 0.05) as compared to the control. Whilst, rumen ammonia was greatest for cumin (P < 0.01) followed by coriander and turmeric, it was lowest for clove (P < 0.01). The spices did not affect the pH and total VFA of rumen fluid for wheat. However, the presence of clove reduced acetic acid (P < 0.05). Experiment 2 tested the effect of only three (coriander, cumin and turmeric) spices individually or together on the in vitro fermentation of hay based mixtures during 96 h of incubation. Whilst all the individual spices or their mixture reduced methane from the hay based mixtures (P < 0.05), the extent of this reduction was highest for turmeric, second highest for coriander and lowest for cumin. It appeared that most spices modified methane emission from wheat as a single ingredient or hay based mixtures without having detrimental effect on diet disappearance or fermentation in vitro. However, the extent of this modification depended on the type of a spice and substrate. Therefore, careful selection of a spice to suit specific feeds would be essential before their in vivo use to modify the fermentation efficiency of ruminant diets.