The regulation of feed intake in ruminants

As in monogastric species, food intake in ruminants is regulated from meal to meal. The prandial stimulation of taste receptors and gastrointestinal chemo- and mechanoreceptors as well as hepatic chemoreceptors contributes to satiety. All these receptors are apparently connected with the brain by vagal afferents. A physiological satiety function of prandially released gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones in ruminants is uncertain. Food stimuli affect feeding also through autonomic reflexes which regulate reticulo-rumen motility. All informations from the periphery are finally integrated in the hypothalamus. The exact role of the various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in the control of feeding is as yet largely unknown.     

Use of n-alkanes to estimate feed intake in ruminants: a meta-analysis

Precise techniques to estimate feed intake by ruminants are critical to enhance feed efficiency and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses to the environment. Using a meta-analysis, we evaluated the accuracy of the n-alkane technique to predict feed intake in cattle and sheep and assessed the relationships between feed intake and fecal recovery (FR) of n-alkanes. The database was composed of 28 studies, including 129 treatments (87 and 42 for cattle and sheep, respectively) and 402 animals (232 cattle and 170 sheep) fed at troughs, from published studies. Relationships between observed (in vivo measurement) and predicted feed intake by C31:C32 and C32:C33 n-alkane pairs were evaluated by regression. Meta-regression addressed the relationships between the difference in FR of n-alkane pairs and the error in intake estimation, as well as the amount and duration of C32 n-alkane dosing. Regression of observed intake on n-alkane-based estimates revealed good relationships in cattle (adjusted R² = 0.99 for C31:C32, and adjusted R² = 0.98 for C32:C33; P < 0.0001) and in sheep (adjusted R² = 0.94 for C31:C32, and adjusted R² = 0.96 for C32:C33; P < 0.0001). FR of natural n-alkanes showed a coefficient of variation of about 15% and 16% for C31 and C33, respectively, in cattle. In sheep, the coefficient of variation was 8% and 14% for C31 and C33, respectively. The relationships between the difference of FR of n-alkane pairs and the error in feed intake estimation in cattle were characterized by an adjusted R² = 0.83 for C31:C32 (P < 0.0001) and adjusted R² = 0.93 for C32:C33 (P < 0.0001). In sheep, they were characterized by an adjusted R² = 0.69 for C31:C32 (P < 0.001) and adjusted R² = 0.76 for C32:C33 (P < 0.001). The n-alkane technique provided the reliability for estimating feed intake in cattle and sheep in barn experiments. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that without correction for differences in FR of n-alkane pairs, deviation in feed intake prediction would occur. However, further research is necessary to determine the relationship between the n-alkane dosing procedure (daily amount and duration of dosing) and FR of n-alkane.     

Toward a new theory of feed intake regulation in ruminants 1. Causes of differences in voluntary feed intake: critique of current views

This first paper of a series of three critically examines current ideas about the causes of differences in voluntary feed intake, and particularly roughage intake, in ruminants. Explanations for such differences have usually been based upon the explicit or implicit assumption that an animal seeks to obtain a genetically determined maximum growth and production rate and a therefore required maximum nutrient intake. The frequent failure of animals to achieve a maximum nutrient intake would be the consequence of constraints imposed on the intake process. A physical constraint, i.e. rumen fill, is primarily held responsible for the large differences in roughage intake.Experimental data that ought to support this conceptual framework are evaluated. It is concluded that the framework offers an incomplete and unsatisfactory explanation for the observed variation in intake. From correlative studies of feed and animal differences in intake no exclusive role for rumen fill is evident. Such studies also suggest an important role for metabolic factors like changes of basal metabolism and the efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy. In addition, relations between intake, rumen fill and digesta passage rates as such do not prove the existence of a physical restriction of intake. Furthermore, intake responses to ruminal infusion of the normal end products of digestion, i.e. volatile fatty acids, also cast doubt on a prime role of rumen fill in intake regulation. Detailed studies of feed degradation in the rumen show that ruminants can greatly increase roughage intake by speeding up passage of digesta. Why ruminants exploit this extra capacity for intake only in certain situations (during lactation or cold stress) and to a certain extent is not well explained by the accepted conceptual framework. Finally, doubt is expressed as to the validity of the basic assumption that feeding behaviour aims at achieving a maximum nutrient intake.     

Dietary factors involved in feed intake regulation in growing pigs: A review

The objective of the present review was to consider the dietary factors involved in the adjustment of voluntary feed or energy intake in the growing pig. Energy concentration was the primary factor to be taken into account, in relation to growth potential and lean-tissue gain as affected by age, sex and genotype, as well as climatic environment. The effect of protein level and amino acid balance on voluntary feed intake is reviewed in the second part of the paper, by considering the compensatory increase in feed consumption following a moderate deficiency in the limiting amino acid or total protein, and the performance benefit to be expected from correcting amino-acid excesses in common diets. Finally, the separate regulations of energy and protein intakes are analyzed through self-selection of two dietary portions with different protein-energy ratios. The results obtained are further evidence that protein intake is separately regulated from energy intake and that both controlling mechanisms interact in determining overall feed intake.     

Influence of hay particle size at different concentrate and feeding levels on digestive processes and feed intake in ruminants. 2. Passage, digestibility and feed intake.

In order to study the main effects of particle size, three ruminally fistulated cows (550 to 580 kg BW) were fed a constant low concentrate level (3.56 kg DM/d, 20% of total DMI) and a fibre-rich hay (approximately 60% NDF in DM) in long (28.7 mm), chopped (9.2 mm) and fine ground (2.9 mm) form in a 3 x 3 Latin square design. In another three factorial experiment with 8 wethers (4 animals were ruminally fistulated, mean BW = 68 kg) the main effects and interactions of the above mentioned hay particle sizes at two concentrate levels (10.4 to 13.3% and 29.5 to 40.1% of DMI, resp.) and two intake levels (restricted and ad libitum) were investigated. In comparison to long hay (28.7 mm), feeding of chopped hay (9.2 mm) at low concentrate levels, increased not only the hay intake (7% in dairy cows and 13% in sheep) but also the intake of digestible organic matter (12% in dairy cows and 32% in sheep), due to an increase in the apparent digestibility of OM by 3.8% in dairy cows and 8.2% in sheep. Ad libitum feeding of fine ground hay in combination with low concentrate amount in the ration increased the passage rate in the hindgut and consequently the hay intake, but not the intake of DOM, due to a significant depression of digestibility, especially of fibre fractions (4 to 7% in dairy cows and 4.5 to 14% in sheep), in comparison to 28.7 and 9.2 mm hay particle sizes. The digestibility decreased significantly with restricted feeding of fine ground hay in sheep only in comparison to 9.2 mm particle size. A threefold increase of concentrate amount leveled out all effects of the particle size reduction. The effect of particle size was more pronounced in sheep than in dairy cows.     

Physiological factors affecting the voluntary intake of feed by cows: A review

Physiological factors affecting voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) by cows were studied. An excess energy intake is often observed when low-yielding cows are consuming high energy diets. This does not suggest a regulation of intake such as to maintain energy balance. Variations of VDMI between animals and during lactation were analysed. Evidence was obtained for a good enough adjustment of intake to the cows' needs when highly “ingestible” and high energy diets are given, but a failure of this regulation is observed at the beginning and at the end of lactation. Some aspects of metabolic and hormonal control and of physical limitation of intake were reviewed and some practical consequences of the studies on voluntary dry matter intake regulation were drawn.     

Regulation of milk intake in young ruminants

We studied the influence of the three main nutritive components of milk - saccharides, fat and amino acids - on milk intake in suckling lambs and on the role of insulin as a key metabolic hormone for the regulation of milk intake. The intake was slowed down after p.o. administration of milk fat (p less than 0.05), after i. v. administration of methionine (p less than 0.001) and after p. o. administration of glucose, lactose (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.001) and sorbitol (p less than 0.001). After i. v. administration of glycerol, lysine, threonine, arginine, glucose, and i. v. and p. o. administration of galactose the intake of milk did not change significantly (p greater than 0.05). The findings indicate that the short-time regulation of milk intake in suckling ruminant animals is not subjected to the specific effect of some of the milk components. Regarding the metabolic effects, the problem concerns the speed of resorption of easily metabolizable sources of energy from the digestive system to the liver and to the whole body. Neutral Zn-insulin administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 4 U X kg-1 increased the milk intake (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.001), in 8 to 22 hours after the administration only when the animals were on the low-fat milk diet (5.9%-11% fat in dry matter). We assume that the long-range hyperphagy can be related mainly with the fast metabolizing of energy-rich substances (glucose) into the body stores (glycogen, fat) accompanied by subsequent hormonal changes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Development of a model for the prediction of feed intake by dairy cows: 1. Prediction of feed intake

A study was undertaken to develop a model for the prediction of dry matter intake by lactating Holstein Friesian dairy cows. To estimate the model parameters, a calibration dataset was compiled with the data from 32 feeding experiments conducted at 9 different sites. The database contained weekly information on 1507 lactating Holstein Friesian dairy cows regarding their diet composition and feed analysis, together with their individual voluntary feed intake, milk yield (MY), milk composition, parity, days in lactation and days pregnant.Dry matter intake was predicted from feed and animal characteristics. The feed chemical composition and digestibility can be related to feed degradation, bulk volume, intake rate, palatability and other factors influencing feed intake. Therefore, the data of standard feed analysis were used to estimate the satiety value of numerous commonly used feeds and forages. The satiety value is the measure of the extent to which a feed limits intake. The cows' ability to process the intake-limiting satiety value-units is expressed as the feed intake capacity, which is predicted from parity, days in milk and days of pregnancy which are indicators of the size and physiological state of the cow. This study shows that feed intake can be predicted using a limited number of easy-to-measure inputs that are available on commercial farms, yet reasonably biologically sound. Because the model inputs are not related to animal output (milk yield or body weight), future extension of the intake model with models for the prediction of animal performance is possible.     

家兔营养饲料研究进展

该文对家兔的蛋白质和氨基酸营养、能量代谢和需要、粗纤维及其营养、脂肪营养、维生素营养、矿物质营养等进行了综述,以期对我国的家兔生产提供参考。     

Residual feed intake: a nutritional tool for genetic improvement

The goal of this bibliographical study was to provide information about residual feed intake (RFI), a new criterion used in the selection of beef cattle for growth rate, food ingestion, and feed efficiency. RFI is calculated as the difference between real consumption and the quantity of food an animal is expected to eat based on its mean live weight and rate of weight gain. In studies of RFI, many speculations are made among researchers about the reliability of this criterion. However, there is a high genetic correlation with characteristics related to post-weaning consumption and maturity, indicating that the biological processes that regulate consumption and efficiency in young animals are similar to the processes that regulate consumption and efficiency in animals of greater age. In contrast to feed conversion, selection based on RFI seems to select for lower rates of consumption and lower animal maintenance requirements without changing adult weight or weight gain. Therefore, we conclude that the data indicate that there are extraordinary benefits to be gained from changing the goals of selection from increased weight gain to improved nutritional efficiency. Given the importance of animal production for economic development in Brazil choosing the best selection goals for livestock improvement is essential. To include an index of feed efficiency in future goals would be desirable, and RFI may play a part in this if economic methods of implementation can be developed.     

The relationship between residual feed intake and feed intake behavior in group-housed Duroc barrows

Because feed is the major input in pork production, conversion of feed into lean tissue at minimum costs has been a focus for improvement. Several researchers have proposed using residual feed intake (RFI) rather than feed conversion ratio (FCR) for genetic improvement of feed efficiency. Little is known about the variation in RFI in pigs. As several studies suggest a greater RFI is related to greater animal activity levels, the current study investigated the phenotypic relationship between RFI and feed intake (FI) behavior of 104 group-housed growing Duroc barrows allowed ad libitum access to feed. Feed intake, BW gain, feeding time (TIME), feeding frequency (VISITS), RFI, and FCR were calculated for 5 periods of 14, 23, 28, 21, or 23 d in length (periods 1 through 5, respectively) on animals that were between 73 to 95 d of age at the start of the testing period. Barrows that grew faster consumed more feed (P < 0.001), and barrows that consumed more feed were fatter (P < 0.01). There were no correlations between VISITS and TIME, between VISITS and FI, or between VISITS and RFI. Barrows that spent more time at the feeder, however, consumed more feed (P < 0.05) and had greater RFI in periods 1, 3, and 5 (P < 0.05). As expected, FI and FCR were highly correlated with RFI (P < 0.001). These results suggest that a greater FI rather than greater feed intake activity resulted in greater RFI values.     

反刍动物饲料营养价值体外评定方法

介绍体外产气法、两步法(短期瘤胃法)、人工瘤胃持续发酵法(长期瘤胃法)、酶解法、溶解度法和近红外反射光谱技术(NIRS)等的基本原理、优缺点和应用情况。     

Hormonal regulation of metabolism in ruminants; a review

The regulation of metabolism is primarily concerned with maintaining constant levels of glucose in the blood. Depending on energy intake, this may involve mobilization of body stores to provide substrate for glucose synthesis and to spare glucose, or it may involve storage of excess nutrients. Insulin is the primary hormonal regulator of metabolism in the resting animal. When energy intake is high, insulin concentrations are high and growth and/or body gain is promoted. Low concentrations of insulin have a catabolic effect. In contrast, glucagon, epinephrine and glucocorticoids are emergency hormones. They provide for mobilization of energy for fight or flight. In addition, glucocorticoids may facilitate repletion of glycogen stores. Growth hormone does not seem to be involved in the minute-to-minute regulation of metabolism, but it can alter the sensitivity of tissues to insulin with respect to glucose metabolism. It also appears to be antagonistic to the lipid synthetic effects of insulin. However, both insulin and growth hormone promote net protein synthesis. Whereas insulin promotes body gain by stimulating fat and protein synthesis, growth hormone promotes lean growth.     

Potential uses of local feed resources for ruminants

Energy and protein sources are of prime importance for ruminants as they stimulate microorganisms in the rumen and enhance the productive functions of the animals. Cassava roots in the form of dry cassava chips or pellets as energy sources and dried cassava leaves and cassava hay as protein sources have been used successfully in ruminant rations. These uses of cassava could provide year-round feed which results in a high yield and good quality of milk and contribute to a more lucrative dairy and beef cattle enterprise, especially for small-holder dairy farming systems. There are many other available feed resources in the tropics of potential use in ruminant feeding and particularly in the development of food-feed-systems that are not only beneficial for human and animals but also for the environment.     

Quantification of methane emitted by ruminants: a review of methods

The contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ruminant production systems varies between countries and between regions within individual countries. The appropriate quantification of GHG emissions, specifically methane (CH₄), has raised questions about the correct reporting of GHG inventories and, perhaps more importantly, how best to mitigate CH₄ emissions. This review documents existing methods and methodologies to measure and estimate CH₄ emissions from ruminant animals and the manure produced therein over various scales and conditions. Measurements of CH₄ have frequently been conducted in research settings using classical methodologies developed for bioenergetic purposes, such as gas exchange techniques (respiration chambers, headboxes). While very precise, these techniques are limited to research settings as they are expensive, labor-intensive, and applicable only to a few animals. Head-stalls, such as the GreenFeed system, have been used to measure expired CH₄ for individual animals housed alone or in groups in confinement or grazing. This technique requires frequent animal visitation over the diurnal measurement period and an adequate number of collection days. The tracer gas technique can be used to measure CH₄ from individual animals housed outdoors, as there is a need to ensure low background concentrations. Micrometeorological techniques (e.g., open-path lasers) can measure CH₄ emissions over larger areas and many animals, but limitations exist, including the need to measure over more extended periods. Measurement of CH₄ emissions from manure depends on the type of storage, animal housing, CH₄ concentration inside and outside the boundaries of the area of interest, and ventilation rate, which is likely the variable that contributes the greatest to measurement uncertainty. For large-scale areas, aircraft, drones, and satellites have been used in association with the tracer flux method, inverse modeling, imagery, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), but research is lagging in validating these methods. Bottom-up approaches to estimating CH₄ emissions rely on empirical or mechanistic modeling to quantify the contribution of individual sources (enteric and manure). In contrast, top-down approaches estimate the amount of CH₄ in the atmosphere using spatial and temporal models to account for transportation from an emitter to an observation point. While these two estimation approaches rarely agree, they help identify knowledge gaps and research requirements in practice.     

Artificial insemination of small ruminants - a review

Artificial insemination (AI) can undoubtedly be regarded as the oldest and most widely used assisted reproductive technique/technology (ART) applied in livestock production and it is one of the most important ARTs. The three cornerstones of its application are that it is simple, economical and successful. Artificial insemination offers many well-known benefits for producers. Fresh, fresh + diluted + chilled and frozen semen can be used for AI in small ruminants. To ensure its successful use, the AI technique must be selected on the basis of the type of semen planned to be used. This review paper gives a detailed overview of semen processing and its effects on semen quality, as well as of the AI techniques applied in small ruminants and their success rates.