Effect of microbial fermentation on functional specific gravity of small forage particles.

Two experiments were designed to determine the effect of gas production during in vitro digestion on functional specific gravity (FSG) of forage particles. In Exp. 1, FSG of ground alfalfa hay decreased from 1.123 to 1.049 between 3 and 9 h of incubation and increased thereafter to reach a plateau at 1.309 after 30 h of incubation. Gas production peaked at 6 h, but gas associated with particles increased until 9 h of incubation. Gas associated with solid residue was correlated to gas production (r = -.67) but also was influenced by gas holding capacity and rate of escape from the particles. In Exp. 2, measurements were performed on ground alfalfa hay, alfalfa silage, and bromegrass hay containing 42.6, 35, and 66.4% NDF, respectively. Gas production seemed to be related to the amount of readily available substrate. Although at 9 h of incubation more gas was produced by alfalfa silage (.235 mL.min-1.g of DM-1) than by bromegrass hay and alfalfa hay (.087 and .187 mL.min-1.g of DM-1, respectively), gas associated with particles was greater for alfalfa hay (.416 mL/g of DM) than for bromegrass hay and alfalfa silage (.256 and .281 mL/g of DM, respectively). The increase in FSG was more rapid for alfalfa silage than for the hays. After 27 h of digestion, gas associated with particles (milliliters per gram of DM) and FSG were .164, 1.226; .147, 1.235; and .001, 1.467 for bromegrass hay, alfalfa hay, and alfalfa silage, respectively. Gas produced during fermentation delayed the increase in specific gravity of forage particles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of feeding frequency on fermentation pattern and microbial activity in the bovine rumen.

The influence of the feeding frequency on the fermentation in the bovine rumen was investigated by a single reversal trial with restricted supply of feed. The study comprised 6 rumen-fistulated dairy heifers fed a complete diet, low in crude fibre, at 2 frequencies. The effect of the treatment was assessed by the parameters: Concentration of microbial metabolites, total counts of microorganism, concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and fermentative activity in the rumen.Frequent feeding compared to feeding twice daily resulted in marked reduction of the diurnal variation in the concentration of ruminai metabolites without significant influence on the daily means of total VFA and pH, but the molar composition of the VFA mixture and the production rate of VFA were highly affected. The implications of these observations for improved feed utilization to milk production and fattening are discussed.Pronounced increment of the concentration of ATP was found by frequent feeding, but the total counts of microorganisms were found almost unaffected. Since the rate of fermentation was highly correlated with the concentration of ATP, the ATP pool may be an indicator of the fermentative activity of rumen microorganisms.     

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine compounds on rumen fermentation,methanogenesis and microbial flora in vitro

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compounds (TCMC) on rumen fermentation, methane emission and populations of ruminal microbes using an in vitro gas production technique. Cablin patchouli herb (CPH), Atractylodes rhizome (AR), Amur Cork-tree (AC) and Cypsum were mixed with the weight ratios of 1:1:1:0.5 and 1:1:1:1 to make up TCMC1 and TCMC2, respectively. Both TCMC were added at level of 25 g/kg of substrate dry matter. In vitro gas production was recorded and methane concentration was determined at 12 and 24 h of incubation. After 24 h, the incubation was terminated and the inoculants were measured for pH, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids (VFA). Total deoxyribonucleic acid of ruminal microbes was extracted from the inocula, and populations were determined by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Populations of total rumen methanogens, protozoa, total fungi, Ruminococcus albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were expressed as a proportion of total rumen bacterial 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid. Compared with the control, the 2 TCMC decreased (P ≤ 0.05) total VFA concentration, acetate molar proportion, acetate to propionate ratio, gas and methane productions at 12 and 24 h, hydrogen (H) produced and consumed, and methanogens and total fungi populations, while the 2 TCMC increased (P ≤ 0.05) propionate molar proportion. Traditional Chinese medicine compound 1 also decreased (P ≤ 0.05) R. flavefaciens population. From the present study, it is inferred that there is an effect of the TCMC in suppressing methanogenesis, probably mediated via indirect mode by channeling H₂ utilized for methanogenesis to synthesis of propionate and direct action against the rumen microbes involved in methane formation. In addition, the relative methane reduction potential (RMRP) of TCMC2 was superior to that of TCMC1.     

Effects of forage:concentrate ratio and forage type on apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and microbial growth in goats

The effects of forage type and forage:concentrate ratio (F:C) on apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and microbial growth were investigated in goats. A comparison between liquid (LAB) and solid (SAB)-associated bacteria to estimate microbial N flow (MNF) from urinary purine derivative excretion was also examined. Treatments were a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of forage type (grass hay vs. alfalfa hay) and high vs. low F:C (70:30 and 30:70, respectively). Four ruminally cannulated goats were fed, at maintenance intake, 4 experimental diets according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design. High-concentrate diets resulted in greater (P < 0.001) nutrient digestibility except for ADF. However, CP digestibility increased (P < 0.001) only for the high-concentrate diets including grass hay. Likewise, N retention, ruminal NH(3)-N concentration, and urinary excretion of purine derivatives increased (P < 0.05) with increasing concentrate in animals fed diets based on grass hay (0.23 vs. 0.13 g of retained N/g of digested N, 30.1 vs. 12.9 mg of NH(3)-N/100 mL, and 11.5 vs. 8.40 mmol/d, respectively), but not (P > 0.05) when diets included alfalfa hay. Total protozoa numbers and holotricha proportion were greater and less (P < 0.001), respectively, in high- than in low-concentrate diets. The F:C affected (P < 0.001) ruminal pH but not total VFA concentration (P = 0.12). Ammonia-N concentration was similar (P = 0.13) over time, whereas pH, VFA concentration, and protozoa numbers differed (P < 0.001) among diets. Estimated MNF was strongly influenced by using either the purine bases:N ratio obtained in our experimental conditions or values reported in the literature for small ruminants. There was a F:C effect (P = 0.006) on MNF estimated from LAB but not from SAB. The effect of F:C shifting from 70:30 to 30:70 in goat diets depends on the type of forage used. The MNF measured in goats fed different diets was influenced by the bacterial pellet (LAB or SAB). In addition, the purine bases:N ratio values found were different from those reported in the literature, which underlines the need for these variables to be analyzed directly in pellets isolated from specific animals and experimental conditions.     

人工栽培灌丛对牧草生长及水土保持效果的研究

对湟水河源头荒山荒坡上人工栽培的沙棘、柠条等灌丛带的牧草地上部与地下部产量进行测定分析,结果表明：在该地区的荒山荒坡上人工栽培沙棘、柠条等灌丛,牧草地上产草量平均提高23.7%,地下根量平均提高18.2%,水土流失减少1 300 t/hm2。     

Effect of changing forage on the dynamic variation in rumen fermentation in sheep

To better understand rumen adaptation during dietary transitions between high‐ and low‐quality forages, 10 rumen‐cannulated Hu sheep were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments (five sheep each) with the same concentrate‐to‐forage ratio and concentration mixture, but different forage sequences: (i) alfalfa hay (AH) to corn stover (CS) and back to AH; and (ii) CS to AH and back to CS. A significant decrease in the rumen microbial protein concentration was observed on day 6 after dietary transition whether the transition was from AH to CS or from CS to AH, and this was accompanied by an increase in the ammonia nitrogen concentration as well as a decrease in the total volatile fatty acids concentration and pH. However, after transitioning back to the original forage, the rumen fermentation parameters returned to their initial levels within 2 weeks. Our findings suggest that abrupt substitutions of forages with large nutrient differences could influence rumen function to some extent, but recovery can occur within 2 weeks without detrimental effects. Furthermore, we speculate that the variation of fermentation in the first 6 days may indicate an important rumen transition stage that requires further study.     

高谷物日粮对山羊小肠发酵、肠道结构和微生物菌群数量的影响研究

本试验旨在研究高谷物日粮对山羊小肠微生物发酵、上皮组织形态及微生物菌群数量的影响。采用随机区组实验设计,将12头山羊随机分为两组,即全干草组(只饲喂粗饲料)和高谷物组(75%精料和25%粗饲料混合饲喂),每组6头,试验期为6周,试验结束后屠宰取小肠内容物及组织样品用于相关分析。结果表明,1)与干草组相比,饲喂高谷物日粮显著提高了空肠内容物中总挥发性脂肪酸(P=0.015)、丙酸(P=0.008)、丁酸(P=0.004)、异丁酸浓度(P=0.035),降低了乳酸浓度(P=0.008),但对pH值、乙酸、戊酸、异戊酸浓度及LPS含量无显著性影响(P>0.05)。与干草组相比,饲喂高谷物日粮显著提高了回肠内容物的总挥发性脂肪酸(P=0.007)、丙酸(P=0.013)、丁酸(P=0.008)、戊酸(P<0.001)、乳酸浓度(P=0.008)以及脂多糖含量(P<0.001),降低了pH值(P=0.005),但对乙酸、异丁酸和异戊酸浓度无显著影响(P>0.05);2)与干草组相比,高谷物日粮组山羊的十二指肠、空肠和回肠的绒毛高度和隐窝深度均显著升高(P<0.001);空肠绒毛高度与隐窝深度的比值显著降低(P=0.024);电镜结果表明,高谷物组空肠和回肠紧密连接受到破坏;3)与干草组相比,高谷物日粮组山羊回肠黏膜中碱性磷酸酶活性显著提高(P<0.05),但对空肠黏膜中碱性磷酸酶活性无显著影响(P>0.05);4)Real-time PCR定量分析表明,与干草对照组相比,高谷物日粮山羊回肠拟杆菌门16S rRNA基因拷贝数显著降低(P=0.037),厚壁菌门与拟杆菌门细菌数量比值显著升高(P<0.001),但对厚壁菌门细菌基因拷贝数无显著影响(P>0.05);空肠中拟杆菌门基因拷贝数、厚壁菌门基因拷贝数以及厚壁菌门与拟杆菌门细菌数量比值无显著变化(P>0.05)。结果说明,饲喂高谷物日粮对回肠上皮组织形态及回肠微生物发酵具有显著影响,对其健康可能有不利影响。     

Effect of embryo age on the viability of equine embryos after cooled storage using two transport systems

The aim of this study was to compare the viability of 7- and 8-day-old equine embryos cooled and stored for 6 or 24 hours in two different transport systems. Embryos (n = 97) were recovered on day 7 or 8 and assigned to 10 groups (n = 10/group). Embryos within the same age group (D7 or D8) were evaluated immediately after collection (Group-0h) or after storage in an Equitainer at 5°C for 24 hours in 5 ml Emcare Holding Solution (EHS) (Group-E-24h) or 5 ml Ham's F10 (Group-H-24h) or in a refrigerator at 5°C in 500 ml Emcare Flushing Solution (EFS) for 6 hours (Group-B-6h) or 24 hours (Group-B-24h). After collection or storage, embryos were incubated in 1 μg/ml DAPI to determine the percentage of dead cells per embryo (DAPI positive, fluorescent cells). Subsequently, embryos were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and re-stained with DAPI to determine the total number of cells. The percentage of dead cells in group-0h and B-6h was similar and significantly lower than for embryos stored for 24 hours in groups B-24h, E-24h, and H-24h. The percentage of dead cells was similar for embryos stored in an Equitainer (groups E-24h and H-24h) and was significantly higher for embryos stored 24 hours in EFS (Group B-24h). Within each storage system (0h, B-6h, B-24h, E-24h, and H-24h) no significant difference in the percentage of dead cells was observed between 7- and 8-day-old embryos. Storage in 500 ml EFS at 5°C for 6 hours resulted in embryos of better quality than after the traditional 24-hour storage in an Equitainer, suggesting that this simplified system offers a good alternative for short-term storage and transport.     

Effect of intraluminal distention on microvascular perfusion in the equine small colon

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of experimental intraluminal distention on microvascular perfusion of the small colon in horses. ANIMALS: 6 mixed-breed healthy horses (mean age [+/- SDI, 9.1 +/- 2 years). PROCEDURE: Under general anesthesia, the small colon was exposed by celiotomy and 3 segments were demarcated. In 1 of these segments, intraluminal obstruction was created by placement of a latex balloon inflated to a pressure of 40 mm Hg (obstructed segment). The other segments were the sham-operated segment and the control segment. Microvascular perfusion was evaluated in the mucosal, submucosal, muscular, and serosal layers by injection of 15 microm-diameter colored microspheres into branches of the caudal mesenteric artery. Recovery of microspheres was performed by tissue digestion, washing, and centrifugation. Distribution of microspheres in the intestinal layers was evaluated by direct observation of stained frozen sections by light microscopy. RESULTS: A significant reduction was observed in total microvascular perfusion of obstructed segments, which was 26.4% of that of control segments. This reduction was not evident in the mucosal layer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intraluminal distention of the equine small colon wall can promote ischemia by a reduction in microvascular perfusion in the intestinal wall. Intestinal layers do not seem to be affected to the same extent, because the absolute value for mucosal perfusion did not decrease in the obstructed segment.     

Identification and quantification of amines in the equine caecum

Acute laminitis has been associated with the release of compounds, as yet unidentified, produced by hindgut fermentation which affect blood flow to the digit. The objectives of this study were to identify amine compounds in equine caecal and colonic contents, some of which are known to have vasoactive properties. In addition, the concentrations of amines in caecal contents of horses fed either grass or hay diets were compared. Fifteen amines were identified in equine hindgut contents in concentrations greater than 1 microM. The caecal concentrations of phenylethylamine, isoamylamine, cadaverine, diaminoheptane and spermidine were significantly higher in horses on spring/summer grass compared with those on winter grass or hay. These data show that many amines are present in the equine hindgut, some of which may have the potential to cause peripheral vasoconstriction if released into the circulation from the gastrointestinal tract.     

不同栽培利用模式对全株玉米青贮品质的影响

通过对不同玉米品种筛选和栽培利用模式的研究,筛选出适于本地区种植的优质玉米青贮品种,并确立优质青贮玉米最佳栽培利用模式.研究结果表明:乳熟期、蜡熟期和完熟期全株玉米青贮含水量在62%～71%,均可制作出优质青贮,青贮pH值平均为3.76,乳酸、乙酸、丙酸和丁酸含量平均为3.139%、0.358%、0.063%和0.066%,青贮粗蛋白质、粗脂肪含量、体外干物质消化率、体外有机物消化率和产奶净能比青贮前显著增加(P＜0.05),中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维和酸洗洗涤木质素含量比青贮前显著降低(P＜0.05).种植密度对全株玉米青贮的常规营养成分含量、范氏纤维含量、体外干物质消化率、体外有机物消化率和产奶净能无显著影响(P＞0.05);施尿素(150～450 kg/hm2)对全株玉米青贮的粗蛋白质含量、粗纤维含量、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维、酸洗洗涤木质素、体外干物质消化率、体外有机物消化率和产奶净能有显著影响(P＜0.05),300kg/hm2尿素水平的营养品质和青贮品质均优于150kg/hm2和450kg/hm2尿素水平,且蜡熟期品质最为优异.     

甘肃草原禾本科饲用植物资源分布及利用前景

甘肃省具有丰富的禾本科植物资源,植物种类多样,分布地域广阔。通过对甘肃省禾本科植物资源从属种组成和地理分布两个方面进行了分析研究,以期对全省退耕还草过程中禾本科植物的利用提供参考,并对甘肃省禾本科饲用植物资源的保护和在退化草地恢复与草地畜牧业发展中合理利用提出了一些建议。     

日粮精粗比对瘤胃内环境及微生物区系影响的研究

瘤胃作为反刍动物体内的饲料加工厂,其内环境稳定和微生物区系的平衡影响着动物对饲料的利用,日粮精粗比的改变影响瘤胃内环境稳态以及微生物区系组成,从而影响反刍动物的生产效率。本文综述了日粮精粗比影响瘤胃pH、NH3-N浓度、VFA浓度和瘤胃微生物区系组成的研究进展,为在生产实践中提高反刍动物生产效率提供理论依据。     

体外法研究不同功能性低聚糖对瘤胃发酵与微生物蛋白合成的影响

试验旨在研究不同功能性低聚糖对瘤胃发酵与微生物蛋白合成的影响,试验选用3头体况良好、体重约600 kg,装有永久性瘘管的中国荷斯坦奶牛作为瘤胃液供体动物,利用体外批次培养方法,以苜蓿和玉米为饲料源做体外发酵基质,然后添加大豆寡糖、果寡糖、甘露寡糖(添加水平分别为0%、0.5%、1.5%、3.0%)三种功能性低聚糖。结果表明,随着三种功能性低聚糖添加水平的提高对瘤胃体外潜在产气量、快速降解部分、慢速降解部分均极显著增加(P<0.01),但对产气速率没有显著影响(P>0.05)。对于发酵参数,功能性低聚糖种类、低聚糖添加量均对总挥发性脂肪酸和氨态氮影响显著(P<0.05),随着三种功能性低聚糖添加水平的提高,使总挥发性脂肪酸极显著增加(P<0.01),使氨态氮极显著降低(P<0.01),乙酸/丙酸值显著增加(P<0.05)。对于乳酸虽没有显著影响(P>0.05),但是有降低的趋势。对于微生物蛋白的合成,与对照组相比,添加三种功能性低聚糖不仅极显著提高微生物蛋白的量(P<0.01),而且使微生物蛋白的合成率显著增加(P<0.05)。综上所述,功能性低聚糖有助于改善瘤胃发酵和提高微生物蛋白合成。     

乳酸菌对苜蓿青贮发酵品质和细菌菌群的影响

为探究乳酸菌作为青贮添加剂对苜蓿青贮发酵品质和细菌菌群的影响,试验选取萎焉苜蓿为原料分为三个处理组,分别为无添加剂对照组(CK组)和分别添加1×106 cfu/g乳酸菌YX(LPI组)、乳酸菌ZZU A341(LPA组).结果表明:LPI或LPA组乳酸积累量显著高于CK组(P<0.05),pH和氨态氮含量显著低于CK组...     

我国草种质资源的多样性及其保护

对我国草种质资源的多样性进行了综述,我国草种质资源种类繁多、生态型多样,优良草种分布广泛,地方品种、特有种、稀有种和农作物野生近缘种多,通过草种质资源保护项目的实施,我国已保存草种质材料2.8万份（含重复）,在全国不同的气候带建立了15个多年生牧草资源圃,完成14 757份种质材料的农艺性状和1 500多份种质材料的抗性鉴定。建议今后加大野生草种质资源的保护力度,深入开展草种质资源的鉴定评价工作,并尽快建立草种质资源分发利用管理制度。     

Effect of supplementation of allicin on methanogenesis and ruminal microbial flora in Dorper crossbred ewes

Background: Garlic extracts have been reported to be effective in reducing methanogenesis. Related mechanisms are not well illustrated, however, and most studies have been conducted in vitro. This study investigates the effects of supplementary allicin(AL) in sheep diet on in vivo digestibility, rumen fermentation, and shifts of microbial flora.Methods: Two experiments were conducted using Dorper × thin-tailed Han crossbred ewes. In experiment 1,eighteen ewes(60.0 ± 1.73 kg BW) were randomly assigned for 29 days to either of two dietary treatments: a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 2.0 g AL/head?day to investigate supplementary AL on nutrient digestibility and methane emissions. In experiment 2, six ewes(65.2 ± 2.0 kg BW) with ruminal canulas were assigned to the same two dietary treatments as in experiment 1 for 42 days to investigate supplementary AL on ruminal fermentation and microbial flora. The methane emissions were determined using an open-circuit respirometry system and microbial assessment was done by q PCR of 16 S r RNA genes.Results: Supplementary AL increased the apparent digestibility of organic matter(P 0.001), nitrogen(P = 0.006),neutral detergent fiber(P 0.001), and acid detergent fiber(P = 0.002). Fecal nitrogen output was reduced(P = 0.001)but urinary nitrogen output was unaffected(P = 0.691), while nitrogen retention(P = 0.077) and nitrogen retention/nitrogen intake(P = 0.077) tended to increase. Supplementary AL decreased methane emissions scaled to metabolic bodyweight by 5.95 %(P = 0.007) and to digestible organic matter intake by 8.36 %(P = 0.009). Ruminal p H was unaffected(P = 0.601) while ammonia decreased(P = 0.024) and total volatile fatty acids increased(P = 0.024) in response to supplementary AL. Supplementary AL decreased the population of methanogens(P = 0.001) and tended to decrease that of protozoans(P = 0.097), but increased the populations of F. succinogenes(P 0.001), R. flavefaciens(P = 0.001), and B. fibrisolvens(P = 0.001).Conclusions: Supplementation of AL at 2.0 g/head?day effectively enhanced OM, N, NDF, and ADF digestibility and reduced daily methane emissions(L/kg BW0.75) in ewes, probably by decreasing the population of ruminal protozoans and methanogens.     

粗蛋白水平对绵羊日粮养分后肠道消化的影响

本文旨在探讨粗蛋白(CP)水平对绵羊日粮养分后肠道及全消化道消化的影响。试验选4只装有永久性回肠瘘管的4月龄阉羊进行4×4拉丁方试验,定量饲喂4种等能量、相同中性洗涤纤维(NDF)水平、CP水平分别为11.8%(P12组)、14.0%(P14组)、15.9%(P16组)和17.8%(P18组)的日粮。结果表明:随着CP水平提高,日粮DM消化率显著(P<0.05)增加,有机物(OM)消化率无显著变化,CP消化率提高(P<0.01),NDF、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、半纤维素(HC)和纤维素(CEL)消化率增加(P<0.01),P12组的各项指标最低。日粮养分后肠道消化占总消化量的比率DM分别为31.3%、29.1%、28.8%和28.6%;OM分别为22.4%、20.8%、20.3%和20.0%;CP分别为19.3%、15.1%、14.3%和13.7%;NDF相应为28.2%、24.7%、23.4%和22.8%;ADF相应为25.3%、21.1%、19.9%和19.4%,P12组日粮ADF后肠道消化比率显著(P<0.05)高于其他3种日粮;HC分别为32.0%、29.5%、27.9%和27.4%;CEL分别为21.1%、18.9%、18.1%和17.9%,P12组日粮CEL后肠道消化比率显著(P<0.05)高于其他3种日粮;淀粉在后肠道消化不到1%。不同的粗蛋白水平对绵羊日粮养分后肠道的消化有一定的影响。