Effects of Streblus asper Lour foliage on digestibility,rumen fermentation,and nitrogen balance of growing goats

Eighteen crossbred (Thai native x Anglo-Nubian) goats were chosen from a Suranaree University of Technology’s farm on the basis of similar bodyweight (15.5 ± 3.5 kg). The goats were randomly allocated to three treatments in randomized complete block design. Each goat was given urea-treated rice straw as roughage plus the respective treatment diets. The diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic containing cassava pulp, molasses, urea, and commercial mineral and vitamin mix. The experimental treatments were (1) soybean meal (SBM), (2) partial substitution of SBM with Streblus aspe Lour foliage, or (3) partial substitution of SBM with Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) foliage. Nutrient intakes, ruminal characteristics (pH, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids), nitrogen balances, and plasma urea nitrogen were not significantly different among treatments. The present results indicate that protein foliages from locally grown shrubs and trees can substitute imported feedstuffs concentrate (e.g., SBM) as protein supplement for goat production.     

In vitro rumen fermentation and digestibility of buffaloes as influenced by grape pomace powder and urea treated rice straw supplementation

This study aimed to investigate the effect of grape pomace powder levels and roughage sources on gas kinetics, digestibility and fermentation of swamp buffaloes by using in vitro techniques. The experimental design was a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Factor A was two sources of roughage (untreated rice straw, RS, and 3% urea treated rice straw, UTRS) and factor B was four levels of grape pomace powder (GPP) supplementation (0, 2, 4, 6% of substrate) on a dry matter basis. Results revealed that GPP supplementation at 2, 4 and 6% of substrate influenced gas kinetics. Cumulative gas production tended to be lower in the supplemented group. In vitro true digestibility was higher in the GPP supplementation at 2% with UTRS while microbial mass was higher in the supplemented groups. Supplementation of GPP significantly increased the total volatile fatty acids, especially propionate. Calculated methane production was subsequently decreased in the supplemented groups. Bacterial population was higher while protozoal population was lower by GPP supplementation. It could be concluded that supplementation of GPP at 2% of the substrate with UTRS improved in vitro true digestibility, rumen fermentation end‐products as well as reducing methane production.     

Combined effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol and canola oil supplementation on methane emissions,rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation,and total tract digestibility in beef cattle

The individual and combined effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and canola oil (OIL) supplementation on enteric methane (CH₄) and hydrogen (H₂) emissions, rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation, and total tract nutrient digestibility were investigated in beef cattle. Eight beef heifers (mean body weight ± SD, 732 ± 43 kg) with ruminal fistulas were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 (with and without 3-NOP) × 2 (with and without OIL) arrangement of treatments and 28-d periods (13 d adaption and 15 d measurements). The four treatments were: control (no 3-NOP, no OIL), 3-NOP (200 mg/kg dry matter [DM]), OIL (50 g/kg DM), and 3-NOP (200 mg/kg DM) plus OIL (50 g/kg DM). Animals were fed restrictively (7.6 kg DM/d) a basal diet of 900 g/kg DM barley silage and 100 g/kg DM supplement. 3-NOP and OIL decreased (P < 0.01) CH₄ yield (g/kg DM intake) by 31.6% and 27.4%, respectively, with no 3-NOP × OIL interaction (P = 0.85). Feeding 3-NOP plus OIL decreased CH₄ yield by 51% compared with control. There was a 3-NOP × OIL interaction (P = 0.02) for H₂ yield (g/kg DM intake); the increase in H₂ yield (P < 0.01) due to 3-NOP was less when it was combined with OIL. There were 3-NOP × OIL interactions for molar percentages of acetate and propionate (P < 0.01); individually, 3-NOP and OIL decreased acetate and increased propionate percentages with no further effect when supplemented together. 3-NOP slightly increased crude protein (P = 0.02) and starch (P = 0.01) digestibilities, while OIL decreased the digestibilities of DM (P < 0.01) and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.01) with no interactions (P = 0.15 and 0.10, respectively). 3-NOP and OIL increased (P = 0.04 and P < 0.01, respectively) saturated fatty acid concentration in rumen fluid, with no interaction effect. Interactions for ruminal trans-monounsaturated fatty acids (t-MUFA) concentration and percentage were observed (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01); 3-NOP had no effect on t-MUFA concentration and percentage, while OIL increased the concentration (P < 0.01) and percentage (P < 0.01) of t-MUFA but to a lesser extent when combined with 3-NOP. In conclusion, the CH₄-mitigating effects of 3-NOP and OIL were independent and incremental. Supplementing ruminant diets with a combination of 3-NOP and OIL may help mitigate CH₄ emissions, but the decrease in total tract digestibility due to OIL may decrease animal performance and needs further investigation.     

Effect of virginiamycin on in vivo digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen balance

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of virginiamycin. Digestibility was determined with wethers, fed a diet of 0.65 maize silage and 0.35 concentrate on a dry matter basis (Experiment I) or a complete dry feed (Experiment II) at maintenance, and with growing bulls fed a maize silage diet ad libitum supplemented with 7.5 g concentrate per kg live weight (Experiment III). Virginiamycin was incorporated at 0 or 65 ppm in the concentrate and 0 or 25 ppm in the complete dry feed. No significant effect on dry or organic matter digestibility was observed, although digestibilities of protein and ether extract were reduced by virginiamycin in experiments I and II, respectively. Rumen fermentation was studied in experiments I and II. Virginiamycin increased acetic acid concentration and reduced butyric acid concentration in experiment I, but exerted no significant effect in experiment II. An interaction between diet type and virginiamycin was found for the C2/C3 ratio. Nitrogen balance, measured in experiment III, was not affected by virginiamycin.     

Effects of treating rice straw with urea or urea and calcium hydroxide upon intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and milk yield of dairy cows

Three, multiparous Holstein crossbred dairy cows with initial body weight of 385 ± 19 kg were randomly allocated to 3 treatments of rice straw (T1 = untreated rice straw; T2 = 5.5% urea-treated rice straw (5 g urea in 100 ml water to 100 g air-dry (91% DM) straw); T3 = 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw (2.0 g urea and 2.0 g Ca(OH)₂ in 100 ml to 100 g air-dry (91% DM) straw) according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Each period lasted for 21 days in which feed, feces and rumen fluid were collected during the last 7 days for chemical analyses. The findings revealed significant improvements in dry matter intake and digestibility by using 5.5% urea-treated rice straw and 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw. Ruminal pH and NH₃-N were found higher (P < 0.05) as compared with urea-treated rice straw fed group, while blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen were in normal ranges. Volatile fatty acid concentrations especially those of acetic acid were decreased (P < 0.05) and those of propionic acid were increased (P < 0.05), thus acetic acid:propionic acid was subsequently lowered (P < 0.05) in cows fed with 5.5% urea-treated rice straw and 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw, respectively. Moreover, ruminal viable and cellulolytic bacterial counts were enhanced by urea and calcium hydroxide treatments. Milk protein and fat concentrations were additionally increased by respective treatments while 3.5% fat-corrected milk was highest; ranking from 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw, 5.5% urea-treated rice straw and urea-treated rice straw fed groups. Based on this study, implications could be made that using 2.2% urea + 2.2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw for straw treatment could be an alternative treatment to 5.5% urea treatment with regards to its effectiveness and treatment cost for lactating dairy cows.     

Effects of adding urea on fermentation quality of pruned persimmon branch silage and its digestibility,preference, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation in beef cattle

Four cattle were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to study digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen retention and preference of ensiling pruned persimmon branch (PPB) chips treated with urea. After 60 days of ensiling, urea‐treated PPB showed higher (P < 0.05) pH, acetic acid and ammonia‐N levels than no‐urea PPB. Both urea‐treated PPB and rice straw diets showed higher (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility and digestible nutrient content in cattle than no‐urea PPB diet. Neither mold nor yeast was detected in any urea‐treated PPB. Urinary and fecal excretion as well as nitrogen retention in cattle fed urea‐treated PPB were higher (P < 0.05) than in those fed no‐urea PPB and rice straw. With the exception that ruminal ammonia‐N levels in cattle fed urea‐treated PPB were higher (P < 0.05) than in those given no‐urea PPB and rice straw, ruminal pH, volatile fatty acid concentrations, and the acetic : propionic acid ratio of rumen content were unaffected by diets. The rank order of preference was rice straw > low‐urea > no‐urea > high‐urea. The results suggested that urea treatment of PPB inhibited growth of mold and yeast during silage storage, enhanced its digestibility and had nutritive value almost equivalent to that of rice straw.     

Effect of corn supplementation on purine derivatives and rumen fermentation in sheep fed PKC and urea-treated rice straw

This study investigated the effect of different levels of corn supplementation as energy source into palm kernel cake–urea-treated rice straw basal diet on urinary excretion of purine derivatives, nitrogen utilization, rumen fermentation, and rumen microorganism populations. Twenty-seven Dorper lambs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups and kept in individual pens for a 120-day period. The animals were subjected to the dietary treatments as follows: T1: 75.3% PKC?+?0% corn, T2: 70.3% PKC?+?5% corn, and T3: 65.3% PKC?+?10% corn. Hypoxanthine and uric acid excretion level were recorded similarly in lambs supplemented with corn. The microbial N yield and butyrate level was higher in corn-supplemented group, but fecal N excretion, T3 has the lowest level than other groups. Lambs fed T3 had a greater rumen protozoa population while the number of R. flavefaciens was recorded highest in T2. No significant differences were observed for total bacteria, F. succinogenes, R. albus, and methanogen population among all treatment. Based on these results, T3 could be fed to lambs without deleterious effect on the VFA and N balance.     

Effects of blend of canola oil and palm oil on nutrient intake and digestibility,growth performance,rumen fermentation and fatty acids in goats

The study examined the effects of blend of 80% canola oil and 20% palm oil (BCPO) on nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, rumen fermentation and fatty acids (FA) in goats. Twenty‐four Boer bucks were randomly assigned to diets containing 0, 4 and 8% BCPO on a dry matter basis, fed for 100 days and slaughtered. Diet did not affect feed efficiency, growth performance, intake and digestibility of all nutrients except ether extract. Intakes and digestibilities of ether extract, unsaturated fatty acids (FA) and total FA were higher (P < 0.05) while digestibility of C18:0 was lower (P < 0.05) in oil‐fed goats than the control goats. Total volatile FA, acetate, butyrate, acetate/propionate ratio and methane decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing BCPO but propionate, NH₃‐N and rumen pH did not differ between diets. Ruminal concentration of C18:0, n‐3 FA and total FA increased (P < 0.05) while C12:0, C14:0, C15:0 and n‐6 FA decreased with increasing BCPO. Analysis of the FA composition of Triceps brachii muscle showed that concentrations of C16:0, C14:0 and C18:2n‐6 were lower (P < 0.05) while C18:1n‐9, C18:3n‐3 and C20:5n‐3 were higher in oil‐fed goats compared with control goats. Dietary BCPO altered muscle lipids without having detrimental effects on nutrient intake and digestibility and growth performance in goats.     

大蒜素对瘤胃发酵和甲烷产量的影响

大蒜素能调控瘤胃发酵模式,明显降低瘤胃甲烷产量,降低氨态氮浓度.本文综述了大蒜素及其抑茵机制,以及大蒜素对甲烷产量和瘤胃发酵的影响.     

Effects of physically effective fiber on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility in goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physically effective NDF (peNDF) in goat diets containing alfalfa hay as the sole forage source on feed intake, chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibility. Four rumen-fistulated goats were fed different proportions of chopped and ground alfalfa hay in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Diets were chemically similar but varied in peNDF content: low, moderate low, moderate high, and high. Dietary peNDF content was determined using the Penn State Particle Separator with 2 sieves (8 and 19 mm) or 3 sieves (1.18, 8, and 19 mm). The dietary peNDF content ranged from 1.9 to 11.7% using the 2 sieves and from 15.2 to 20.0% using the 3 sieves. Increasing forage particle length increased intake of peNDF, but decreased DMI linearly (P = 0.05). Ruminating and total chewing time (min/d) were increased linearly (P = 0.001 and 0.007, respectively) with increased dietary peNDF, resulting in a linear reduction (P < 0.001) in the duration of time that ruminal pH was less than 5.8 (10.9, 9.0, 1.2, and 0.3 h/d, respectively). Increasing dietary peNDF tended to increase the molar proportion of propionate linearly (P = 0.08) and decrease the molar proportion of butyrate (P = 0.09), but did not affect total VFA concentration. Increasing dietary peNDF linearly decreased the apparent digestibility of OM, NDF, and ADF in the total tract (P = 0.009, 0.003, and 0.008, respectively). This study demonstrated that increasing the dietary peNDF contained in alfalfa hay forage stimulated chewing activity and improved ruminal pH status, but reduced nutrient intake and efficiency of feed use.     

不同水平苜蓿添加量对犊牛生长发育、营养物质消化率和瘤胃发酵参数的影响

文章旨在研究犊牛开食料中添加不同含量的苜蓿干草对犊牛生长发育、营养物质消化率和瘤胃发酵参数的影响。试验选择45头刚出生的中国荷斯坦母犊牛,按照体重划分区组,采用完全随机区组试验设计,将新生犊牛分配到3个处理组中,每组15头犊牛。对照组犊牛开食料中不添加苜蓿干草;在试验组Ⅰ犊牛开食料中添加10%的苜蓿干草(干物质基础);试验组Ⅱ犊牛开食料中添加20%的苜蓿干草(干物质基础)。犊牛在60日龄断奶,断奶结束后试验继续进行20 d。试验期间,1～50 d为哺乳期,犊牛饲喂常乳(正常饲喂量)+开食料;51～60 d为断奶过渡期,犊牛饲喂常乳(减量)+开食料;61～80 d为断奶后期,犊牛饲喂开食料。犊牛7日龄时开始饲喂开食料,犊牛14日龄时,在开食料中开始添加苜蓿干草。每天记录开食料采食量,分别于试验第1天、第50天、第80天在早晨饲喂前称重犊牛体重,分别于第50天和第80天在犊牛采食开食料3 h后采集瘤胃液,测定挥发性脂肪酸浓度和NH3-N浓度。于试验最后3 d,采集粪便进行消化试验,测定营养物质消化率。试验结果表明,犊牛开食料中添加苜蓿干草显著提高了犊牛体重、平均日增重和干物质采食量,而且与添加剂量呈线性相关,以20%的添加量组犊牛具有最佳的生长性能,而对犊牛的饲喂效率没有显著影响。犊牛开食料中添加苜蓿干草显著改善了瘤胃发酵功能,增加了瘤胃液pH,提高了瘤胃液乙酸与丙酸的比值。苜蓿干草对犊牛的营养物质表观消化率没有显著影响。因此,本试验结果表明,犊牛开食料中添加20%的苜蓿干草显著提高了犊牛生长性能,改善了犊牛瘤胃发育和发酵功能。     

葡萄渣和尿素处理稻草对牛瘤胃体外发酵及消化率的影响

本研究采用体外培养技术,研究了葡萄渣添加水平和水稻秸秆对牛瘤胃发酵气体动力学、消化率和发酵特性的影响。采用完全随机试验设计,试验因素为2×4阶乘,即两种类型的水稻秸秆(3%尿素处理和未处理),4种(0、2、4、6%)葡萄渣添加水平。结果表明,在底物中添加2%、4%和6%的葡萄渣显著影响气体动力学(P<0.05),但显著降低了累积气体产量(P<0.05)。在体外,尿素处理秸秆添加2%葡萄渣有较高的消化率(P<0.05),同时尿素处理组添加葡萄渣较其他组显著提高微生物含量(P<0.05)。添加葡萄渣可显著增加挥发性脂肪酸总浓度,尤其是丙酸(P<0.05),而甲烷产量显著降低(P<0.05)。添加葡萄渣后细菌数量增加,原生动物数量减少(P<0.05)。在本试验条件下,用3%尿素处理水稻秸秆,再添加2%葡萄渣可以改善体外气体动力学、消化率、丙酸、挥发性脂肪酸总量浓度和细菌数量,同时降低乙酸与丙酸的比例、原生动物数量和甲烷产量,结果揭示了葡萄渣可以提高瘤胃发酵的潜力,并有可能提高反刍动物的生产效率。     

Effects of supplementing rare earth element cerium on rumen fermentation,nutrient digestibility,nitrogen balance and plasma biochemical parameters in beef cattle

The objectives of the trial were to investigate the effects of supplementing rare earth element (REE) cerium (Ce) on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, methane (CH₄) production, nitrogen (N) balance and plasma biochemical parameters in beef cattle. Four Simmental male cattle, aged at 14 months, with initial liveweight of 355 ± 8 kg and fitted with permanent rumen cannulas, were used as experimental animals. The cattle were fed with a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of concentrate mixture and corn silage. Four levels of cerium chloride (CeCl₃·7H₂O, purity 99.9%), that is 0, 80, 160 and 240 mg CeCl₃/kg DM, were added to basal ration in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each experimental period lasted 15 days, of which the first 12 days were for pre‐treatment and the last 3 days were for sampling. The results showed that supplementing CeCl₃ at 160 or 240 mg/kg DM increased neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (p < 0.05) and tended to increased acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility (p = 0.083). Supplementing CeCl₃ at 80, 160 or 240 mg/kg DM decreased the molar ratio of rumen acetate to propionate linearly (p < 0.05). Supplementing CeCl₃ at 160 or 240 mg/kg DM decreased total N excretion, urinary N excretion and increased N retention (p < 0.05), increased excretion of total urinary purine derivatives (PD) (p < 0.05) and decreased CH₄/kg DMI (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing CeCl₃ at 160 or 240 mg/kg DM in the ration of beef cattle increased the digestibility of NDF, decreased the molar ratio of rumen acetate to propionate, increased N retention and microbial N flow and decreased CH₄/kg DMI.     

Nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristic in swamp buffaloes fed on chemically treated rice straw and urea

The experiment was conducted to determine effects of urea–lime-treated rice straw and urea levels in concentrate on rumen fermentation, apparent nutrient digestibility, and cellulolytic bacteria population of 4-year-old, rumen-fistulated swamp buffaloes. All animals were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments: factor A, two sources of roughage (rice straw and 2%urea + 2%lime-treated rice straw); factor B, two levels of urea in concentrate mixture (0% and 4%). Roughages were given ad libitum together with 0.3% BW of concentrate. It was found that voluntary feed intake, the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, acetate, and propionate concentration were significantly increased (P < 0.05) by treated rice straw, while NH₃-N, BUN, and propionic acid concentration were increased by both factors of treated rice straw and 4% urea in concentrate. The real-time PCR quantification of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus population, and anaerobic fungi were greater (P < 0.05), but the population of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, protozoa, and methanogenic bacteria were reduced (P > 0.05) as influenced by treated rice straw and urea level. In conclusion, the combined use of urea–lime-treated rice straw and fed with concentrate (4% urea) could improve rumen ecology, rumen fermentation efficiency, and nutrient digestibility in swamp buffaloes.     

Effects of fumaric acid supplementation on methane production and rumen fermentation in goats fed diets varying in forage and concentrate particle size

Background: In rumen fermentation, fumaric acid(FA) could competitively utilize hydrogen with methanogenesis to enhance propionate production and suppress methane emission, but both effects were diet-dependent. This study aimed to explore the effects of FA supplementation on methanogenesis and rumen fermentation in goats fed diets varying in forage and concentrate particle size.Methods: Four rumen-cannulated goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: low or high ratio of forage particle size: concentrate particle size(Fps:Cps), without or with FA supplementation(24 g/d). Fps:Cps was higher in the diet with chopped alfalfa hay plus ground corn than in that with ground alfalfa hay plus crushed corn.Results: Both increasing dietary Fps:Cps and FA supplementation shifted ruminal volatile fatty acid(VFA) patterns toward more propionate and less acetate in goats. An interaction between dietary Fps:Cps and FA supplementation was observed for the ratio of acetate to propionate(A:P), which was more predominant when FA was supplemented in the low-Fps:Cps diet. Methane production was reduced by FA, and the reduction was larger in the low-Fps:Cps diet(31.72%) than in the high-Fps:Cps diet(17.91%). Fumaric acid decreased ruminal total VFA concentration and increased ruminal p H. No difference was found in ruminal DM degradation of concentrate or alfalfa hay by dietary Fps:Cps or FA. Goats presented a lower ruminal methanogen abundance with FA supplementation and a higher B. fibrisolvens abundance with high dietary Fps:Cps.Conclusions: Adjusting dietary Fps:Cps is an alternative dietary model for studying diet-dependent effects without changing dietary chemical composition. Fumaric acid supplementation in the low-Fps:Cps diet showed greater responses in methane mitigation and propionate increase.     

不同盐碱化草地混播牧草对绵羊瘤胃发酵和日粮养分利用率的影响

为了研究不同盐碱化草地混播牧草对绵羊瘤胃发酵、养分消化率和氮平衡的影响,试验选用12只5月龄、(34.6±0.57)kg体重的德国肉用美利奴杂交一代公绵羊,随机分为4组,每组3个重复,对照组饲喂精料补充料+玉米青贮;处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ组分别饲喂精料补充料+轻度、中度和重度盐碱化草地混播牧草(披碱草、碱茅和沙打旺),每只羊精料补充料平均日喂600g,粗饲料自由采食。结果表明,处理Ⅰ和Ⅱ组瘤胃pH显著低于对照组和处理Ⅲ组(P<0.05),而瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸浓度显著高于对照组(P<0.05);处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ组瘤胃液丙酸、丁酸、戊酸、异丁酸和异戊酸摩尔比显著高于对照组(P<0.05),而瘤胃乙酸摩尔比和乙酸/丙酸比例显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。各组间干物质和有机物质采食量差异不显著,处理Ⅲ组中性洗涤纤维采食量显著高于其他各组,处理Ⅲ组和Ⅱ组酸性洗涤纤维含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。干物质、有机物质、无氮浸出物和能量消化率变化规律一致,处理Ⅲ组显著低于处理Ⅰ和Ⅱ组,处理Ⅰ和Ⅱ组显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维消化率由低到高依次为处理Ⅲ组、处理Ⅱ组、处理Ⅰ和对照组,组间差异均显著(P<0.05)。处理Ⅲ和Ⅱ组采食氮显著低于处理Ⅰ组,处理Ⅰ组采食氮显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。沉积氮和沉积氮/可消化氮均以处理Ⅱ组最低,依次为处理Ⅲ、处理Ⅰ和对照组,组间差异均显著(P<0.05)。结果说明饲喂轻度和中度盐碱化草地混播牧草促进了绵羊瘤胃发酵,但降低了饲料消化率和氮的利用率,而重度盐碱化草地混播牧草则降低了绵羊瘤胃发酵、饲料消化率和氮的利用率。     

Effects of dietary Kleinhovia hospita and Leucaena leucocephala leaves on rumen fermentation and microbial population in goats fed treated rice straw

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The effects of partial replacement of dietary protein by forages on rumen fermentation and microbiology in goats were examined. Four fistulated Boer bucks...     

Effects of isobutyrate supplementation on ruminal microflora,rumen enzyme activities and methane emissions in Simmental steers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of isobutyrate supplementation on rumen microflora, enzyme activities and methane emissions in Simmental steers consuming a corn stover‐based diet. Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. The treatments were control (without isobutyrate), low isobutyrate (LIB), moderate isobutyrate (MIB) and high isobutyrate (HIB) with 8.4, 16.8 and 25.2 g isobutyrate per steer per day respectively. Isobutyrate was hand‐mixed into the concentrate portion. Diet consisted of 60% corn stover and 40% concentrate [dry matter (DM) basis]. Dry matter intake (averaged 9 kg/day) was restricted to a maximum of 90% of ad libitum intake. Population of total bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria and anaerobic fungi were linearly increased, whereas that of protozoa and total methanogens was linearly reduced with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. Real‐time PCR quantification of population of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Fibrobacter succinogenes was linearly increased with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. Activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and β‐glucosidase were linearly increased, whereas that of protease was linearly reduced. Methane production was linearly decreased with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. Effective degradabilities of cellulose and hemicellulose of corn stover were linearly increased, whereas that of crude protein in diet was linearly decreased with increasing isobutyrate supplementation. The present results indicate that isobutyrate supplemented improved microflora, rumen enzyme activities and methane emissions in steers. It was suggested that the isobutyrate stimulated the digestive micro‐organisms or enzymes in a dose‐dependent manner. In the experimental conditions of this trial, the optimum isobutyrate dose was approximately 16.8 g isobutyrate per steer per day.     

稻草补饲苜蓿对山羊瘤胃发酵的组合效应

将9只体况良好、体质量相近(41.3±1.2) kg、安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的成都麻羊半同胞羯羊, 随机分成3组, 饲以稻草基础日粮, 分别补饲苜蓿(Medicago sativa, MSL)25%(MSL25)、50%(MSL50)与75%(MSL75), 进行瘤胃内环境的测定及发酵指标的组合效应研究。结果显示, 3组不同苜蓿补饲水平混合粗饲料的瘤胃液相pH在6.53～6.93, NH3-N浓度在9.42～43.27 mg·dL-1, 总挥发性脂肪酸浓度在69.45～107.28 mmol·L-1, 菌体蛋白浓度在73.56～132.23 mg·dL-1, NH3-N浓度、总挥发性脂肪酸浓度与菌体蛋白浓度均随苜蓿补饲水平的增加呈非线性增加。以MSL25作参照的瘤胃发酵指标的多项指标组合效应指数(MFAEI), MSL75的为1.21, 仅为MSL50组1.03的1.17倍。表明当山羊稻草基础日粮苜蓿补饲水平超过50%时, 提高稻草纤维物质利用率的组合效应增加不明显。     

Effects of supplementation of Panicum maximum with four herbaceous forage legumes on performance,nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in West African dwarf goats

The effects of supplementing a basal diet of guineagrass (Panicum maximum cv Ntchisi) (diet 5) with Stylosanthes guianensis (diet 1), Lablab purpureus (diet 2), Aeschynomene histrix (diet 3) and Centrosema pubescens (diet 5) on West African dwarf goats were evaluated. Parameters measured were feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. Voluntary intake (g/kg W0^.75/day) of dry matter (DM) 138.73, crude protein (CP) 25.86, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (96.29) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (65.73) of diet 1 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the other diets with legume supplements. The feed intake of goats on diet 5 was lower (P < 0.05), having corresponding values of DM (108.21), CP (17.33), NDF (77.68), and ADF (53.55). Weight gain (g/day) differed (P < 0.05) in goats placed on the diets. The lowest weight gain was obtained in diet 5. The digestibilities of DM, CP, ADF and acid detergent lignin (ADL) differed (P < 0.05) in diet 1–5 except for NDF digestibility. Nitrogen balance (g/kg W ^0.75/day) ranged from 0.29 in diet 5 to 0.83 in diet 2 (P < 0.05). Similarly, nitrogen retention percentage was highest in diet 2 (35.17), with the lowest value in diet 5 (20.71). It could be concluded that a diet consisting of Panicum maximum with Lablab purpureus supplementation gave the highest performance in weight gain, nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen utilization. However, any of the herbaceous legumes in this study would lead to increased productivity of ruminant livestock.