Effects of alfalfa extract, anise, capsicum, and a mixture of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol on ruminal fermentation and protein degradation in beef heifers fed a high-concentrate diet

Four Holstein heifers (360 +/- 22 and 450 +/- 28 kg of BW in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively) fitted with ruminal trocars were used in 4 x 4 Latin square designs to evaluate the effects on ruminal microbial fermentation of the following: Exp. 1, no additive, alfalfa extract (30 g/d, AEX), a mixture of cinnamaldehyde (0.18 g/d) and eugenol (0.09 g/d; CIE1), and AEX and CIE1 in combination; and Exp. 2, no additive, anise oil (2 g/d), capsicum oil (1 g/d), and a mixture of cinnamaldehyde (0.6 g/d) and eugenol (0.3 g/d). Heifers were fed a 90:10 concentrate:barley straw diet (16% CP; 25% NDF) for ad libitum intake. Each period consisted of 15 d for adaptation and 6 d for sampling. On d 16 to 18, DM and water intakes were measured. On d 19 to 21 ruminal contents were sampled at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h after feeding to determine ruminal pH and the concentrations of VFA, L-lactate, large peptides, small peptides plus AA (SPep+AA), and ammonia N. On d 20 and 21, samples of ruminal fluid were collected at 0 and 3 h after feeding to determine protozoal counts. In Exp. 1, CIE1 and AEX decreased (P < 0.05) total DMI, concentrate DMI, and water intake. The increase (P < 0.05) in SPep+AA and the decrease (P < 0.05) in ammonia N when supplementing CIE1 suggest that deamination was inhibited. Treatment AEX increased (P < 0.05) the acetate to propionate ratio, which is less efficient for beef production. Treatment CIE1 increased (P < 0.05) counts of holotrichs. Effects of AEX and CIE1 were not additive for many of the measured metabolites. In Exp. 2, treatments had no effect on ruminal pH, total VFA concentration, and butyrate proportion. The capsicum oil treatment increased (P < 0.05) DMI, water intake, and SPep+AA N concentration and decreased (P < 0.05) acetate proportion, branched-chain VFA concentration, and large peptide N concentration. The cinnamaldehyde (0.6 g/d) and eugenol (0.3 g/d) treatment decreased (P < 0.05) water intake, acetate proportion, branched-chain VFA, L-lactate, and ammonia N concentrations and increased (P < 0.05) propionate proportion and SPep+AA N concentration. The anise oil treatment decreased (P < 0.05) acetate to propionate ratio, branched-chain VFA and ammonia N concentrations, and protozoal counts. The results indicate that at the doses used a mixture of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, anise oil, and capsicum oil may be useful as modifiers of rumen fermentation in beef production systems.     

Effects of feeding frequency on intake, ruminal fermentation, and feeding behavior in heifers fed high-concentrate diets

Four ruminally fistulated Holstein heifers (BW = 385 +/- 6.2 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to determine the effect of feeding frequency on intake, water consumption, ruminal fermentation, and feeding and animal behavior. The treatments consisted of different feeding frequencies: a) once daily (T1); b) twice daily (T2); c) 3 times daily (T3); and d) 4 times daily (T4). Heifers were offered ad libitum access to concentrate and barley straw. Feeding frequency did not affect DMI (P >0.10), but water consumption tended to increase linearly as feeding frequency increased (P = 0.08). Average ruminal pH was not affected (P >0.10) by feeding frequency, but at 12 h after feeding ruminal pH was greater for T2 than for the other treatments. Total VFA concentration and VFA proportions were not affected (P >0.10) by feeding frequency, except valerate proportion, which increased linearly (P = 0.05) as feeding frequency increased. The concentration of ammonia-N was affected (P <0.05) cubically as feeding frequency increased (greatest for T3 = 9.3 mg of N/100 mL; lowest for T2 = 7.2 mg of N/100 mL). Feeding frequency had no effect on daily percentages of behavioral activities (P >0.05), except for observational behavior, for which there was a linear decrease as feeding frequency increased (P = 0.02). Heifers spent the same time on chewing activities, independent of feeding frequency. However, meal criteria tended to be affected (P = 0.07) by feeding frequency, with T2 (39.4 min) showing the longest intermeal interval. Total daily meal time, meal frequency, and meal size were not affected by feeding frequency (P >0.10), whereas meal length and eating rate showed cubic tendencies (P = 0.10 and P = 0.06, respectively) as feeding frequency increased. These results suggest that in the present experimental conditions, with heifers fed high-concentrate diets and with noncompetitive feeding, a smaller range of ruminal pH values was observed when feed was offered twice daily. Although heifers spent the same time on chewing activities, more stable ruminal conditions were probably achieved by feeding twice daily due to the rumination pattern, which was more constant during daytime in T2 than in T1. Moreover, when daytime and nighttime ruminating activity were analyzed separately, this activity was different in T1 (17.3 vs. 30.8%, respectively; P <0.05) but not in T2 (21.5 vs. 28.0%, respectively; P >0.05).     

Effects of quebracho tannin extract on intake,digestibility, rumen fermentation,and methane production in crossbred heifers fed low-quality tropical grass

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of quebracho tannins extract (QTE) on feed intake, dry matter (DM) digestibility, and methane (CH₄) emissions in cattle fed low-quality Pennisetum purpureum grass. Five heifers (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) with an average live weight (LW) of 295 ± 19 kg were allotted to five treatments (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% QTE/kg DM) in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Intake, digestibility, and total methane emissions (L/day) were recorded for periods of 23 h when cattle were housed in open-circuit respiration chambers. Dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were different between treatments with 0 and 4% of QTE/kg DM (P < 0.05). Total volatile fatty acid and the molar proportion of acetate in the rumen was not affected (P < 0.05); however, the molar proportion of propionate increased linearly (P < 0.01) for treatments with 3 and 4% QTE. Total CH₄ production decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as QTE increased in the diet, particularly with 3 and 4% concentration. When expressed as DMI and OMI by CH₄, production (L/kg) was different between treatments with 0 vs 3 and 4% QTE (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the addition of QTE at 2 or 3% of dry matter ration can decrease methane production up to 29 and 41%, respectively, without significantly compromising feed intake and nutrients digestibility.     

高精料日粮下添加阿卡波糖对奶牛瘤胃及后肠发酵的影响研究

本试验旨在探讨高精料日粮下添加阿卡波糖对奶牛瘤胃和后肠发酵的影响。试验选用3头干奶期荷斯坦奶牛,采用3×3拉丁方试验设计,阿卡波糖添加剂量为0,0.5和1.0 g/d,试验分3期进行,每期21 d。结果表明,与对照组比较,添加阿卡波糖显著降低了奶牛瘤胃液中丙酸浓度(P<0.05),提高了乙丙比(P<0.05),但对瘤胃pH值、乳酸、乙酸、异丁酸、丁酸、异戊酸、戊酸、总挥发性脂肪酸和氨氮浓度无显著影响(P>0.05);与对照组比较,添加阿卡波糖显著降低了粪便pH值和氨氮浓度(P<0.05),提高了乳酸、丁酸和异戊酸浓度(P<0.05),但对乙酸、丙酸、异丁酸、戊酸、总挥发性脂肪酸和乙丙比无显著影响(P>0.05)。结果说明,高精料日粮下长期添加阿卡波糖虽可影响瘤胃液中个别挥发性脂肪酸的浓度,但对瘤胃整体发酵和瘤胃pH值无显著影响,此外,添加阿卡波糖可增加后肠发酵,并可能对后肠健康带来潜在危害。     

Effects of tylosin on concentrations of Fusobacterium necrophorum and fermentation products in the rumen of cattle fed a high-concentrate diet.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of tylosin on ruminal concentrations of Fusobacterium necrophorum and fermentation products in cattle during rapid adaptation to a high-concentrate diet. ANIMALS: 6 steers fitted with ruminal cannulas. PROCEDURE: Steers were assigned randomly to 2 treatment groups and switched from a 0 to an 85% concentrate diet during a 4-day period. Cattle received this diet, with or without tylosin (90 mg/steer/d), for 4 weeks. Samples of ruminal contents were collected daily beginning 2 days before the treatment protocol and in the first week of concentrate feeding. Four subsequent samples were collected at weekly intervals. Concentration of F. necrophorum in samples was determined, using the most-probable-number technique. Ruminal pH and concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate, and ammonia also were determined. All steers received both treatments separated by 4 weeks (cross-over design), during which time they were fed alfalfa hay only. RESULTS: In control steers, concentration of F. necrophorum increased in response to the high-concentrate diet. Tylosin-fed steers had lower concentrations of F. necrophorum than control steers at all times during concentrate feeding. However, ruminal pH and concentrations of lactate, VFA, and ammonia did not differ between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tylosin caused a significant reduction in ruminal concentrations of F. necrophorum during rapid adaptation to a high-concentrate diet but had no effect on fermentation products. The reduction in ruminal concentration of F. necrophorum helps explain the reduction in prevalence of hepatic abscesses reported in tylosin-fed feedlot cattle.     

Effects of dietary nonstructural carbohydrates and protein sources on feeding behavior of tethered heifers fed high-concentrate diets

To describe the feeding behavior of growing heifers fed high-concentrate diets with different sources of protein and nonstructural carbohydrates, and to explain the ruminal fermentation pattern, 4 ruminally fistulated Holstein heifers (BW = 132.3 +/- 1.61 kg) were assigned to a 4 x 4 Latin square design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Two non-structural carbohydrate sources (barley and corn) and 2 protein sources [soybean meal (SBM) and sunflower meal (SFM)] that differ in their rate and extent of ruminal degradation were combined, resulting in a synchronized, rapid fermentation diet (barley-SFM), a synchronized, slow fermentation diet (corn-SBM), and 2 unsynchronized diets consisting of a rapidly and a slowly fermenting component (barley-SBM and corn-SFM). The corn-SFM diet resulted in a lower frequency of feeding (P < or = 0.05), longer meal length (P < or = 0.043), and larger meal size (P < or = 0.037) than the other 3 diets. Dietary treatment had no effect (P > or = 0.09) on the daily percentages of posture and behaviors. In general, heifers spent 9.97 +/- 0.83% of the day eating, 2.11 +/- 0.42% drinking, 25.13 +/- 1.36% ruminating, 16.97 +/- 1.42% in other activities such as social behavior and self-grooming, and the rest of the day (45.82 +/- 2.55%) resting or doing no chewing activities. Eating, drinking, and social behaviors were performed while standing (P < or = 0.01), whereas resting and ruminating occurred mainly while lying (P = 0.001). Eating took place mainly in the first 4 h after feeding (P = 0.001), whereas ruminating occurred mainly at night (P = 0.001). When chewing activities (eating and ruminating) were expressed per kilogram of DM or NDF from roughage intake, more time (P = 0.004) was spent chewing per kilogram of DMI for barley-based diets, and per kilogram of NDF from roughage intake for barley- (P = 0.01) and SFM- (P = 0.002) based diets. Tethered heifers fed the more fermentable and rapidly synchronized diet (barley-SFM) reduced intake and increased chewing time. With these high-concentrate diets, time spent chewing was inversely related to roughage intake.     

Effects of dietary monensin and sodium propionate on net nutrient flux in steers fed a high-concentrate diet

Four Holstein steers (mean body weight, 211 +/- 20 kg) were utilized in a Latin-square design with a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to investigate the effects of monensin (0 or 220 mg/d) and sodium propionate (0 or 450 g/d) on net nutrient flux. Steers were surgically prepared with hepatic portal and mesenteric venous catheters and an elevated carotid artery, after which they were adjusted to their basal diet (85% concentrate) and initial treatment over 19 d. Samples of arterial and portal venous blood were taken hourly over 3 h for the final 3 d of each 2-wk period. Portal blood flow was determined by primed continuous infusion of para-aminohippurate. No changes were seen in dry matter intake, portal blood flow, or net portal flux of any of the volatile fatty acids with the exception of butyrate flux, which decreased with monensin addition. Addition of monensin decreased net portal flux of ammonia, decreased recycling of urea, and tended to increase the net portal flux of glucose. Addition of sodium propionate increased the net portal flux of glucose and decreased the net portal flux of alpha-amino-N. These results are interpreted to suggest that changes in the products of ruminal fermentation may not be exactly translated into the products appearing in the portal circulation, and more information is needed to describe these relationships.     

Effects of DL-malate on ruminal metabolism and performance of cattle fed a high-concentrate diet.

To determine the effects of DL-malate on ruminal metabolism, four steers equipped with ruminal cannulas were fed an 80% rolled grain (75% corn:25% wheat) diet twice daily with a DMI equal to 2.0% of BW (485+/-24.8 kg). DL-Malate was infused into the rumen on two consecutive days in 500 mL of phosphate buffer to provide 0, 27, 54, or 80 g of DL-malate/d. Ruminal pH linearly increased (P < .01) with DL-malate concentration and was greater (P < .01) for DL-malate than for the control steers (6.07 vs 5.77). DL-Malate treatment linearly decreased (P < .10) total VFA and tended to linearly increase (P = .10) acetate concentration. Propionate, butyrate, and L-lactate concentrations and acetate:propionate ratio were not affected (P > .10) by DL-malate. Three finishing studies were conducted to determine the effects of feeding DL-malate on growth rate and feed efficiency. In a 98-d experiment, 33 crossbred steers were randomly allotted in a Calan gate feeding system to three DL-malate levels (0, 40, and 80 g/d). Steers (initial weight = 367+/-4.5 kg) were fed a rolled corn-based diet twice daily. After 84 d on feed, gain efficiency (gain:feed) tended to improve with more DL-malate (linear, P < .10) and was 8.1% greater (P < .05) for DL-malate than for the control. The ADG linearly increased (P < .05) with more DL-malate and was 8.6% greater (P = .10) for DL-malate than for the control. After 98-d on feed, ADG was linearly increased (P = .09) by DL--malate, and the greatest increase occurred with 80 g of DL-malate. In the second performance study, 27 Angus steers were randomly allotted in a Calan gate feeding system to three DL-malate concentrations (0, 60, and 120 g/d). Steers (initial weight = 432+/-4.6 kg) were fed diets used in the first finishing study twice daily, but DL-malate was included during the 10-d step-up period. During the 10-d step-up period, feed efficiency and ADG linearly increased (P = .01) with more DL-malate. DL-Malate had little effect on steer and heifer performance or plasma constituents in a 113-d finishing study. Collectively, these results suggest that feeding DL-malate to cattle consuming high-grain diets alleviates subclinical acidosis, and it improved animal performance in two finishing studies.     

Effects of malate on diet digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, plasma metabolites, and performance of growing lambs fed a high-concentrate diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of malate supplementation on growth rate, feed efficiency, and diet digestibility in growing lambs. Twenty-four Merino lambs with a mean BW of 15.3 +/- 0.22 kg were divided into 3 homogenous groups. Each group was randomly allocated to 1 of 3 malate (16% disodium malate:84% calcium malate) levels: 0 (control), 4 (MAL-4), or 8 (MAL-8) g/kg of concentrate. Lambs were fed concentrate and barley straw ad libitum for 35 d. After a 20-d period, diet digestibility was determined, and microbial N flow at the duodenum was estimated from the urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Blood samples were taken on d 0, 20, and 35. On d 35, lambs were slaughtered and ruminal fluid samples were collected. There were no effects (P = 0.18 to P = 0.95) of malate on concentrate or straw intake, ADG, carcass yield, and apparent digestibility of OM, CP, NDF, or ADF. Malate supplementation did not influence (P = 0.80) the daily urinary excretion of total purine derivatives, and therefore there were no treatment effects (P = 0.77) on estimated microbial N flow at the duodenum. No differences (P > 0.05) among treatments were observed for plasma concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea-N, lactate, or VFA, but malate addition increased (P = 0.003) the molar proportion of butyrate in ruminal fluid (4.29, 6.14, and 5.45% of total VFA for control, MAL-4 and MAL-8, respectively). The use of malate as a feed additive under the conditions of the current study did not influence diet intake or digestion, and consequently did not improve lamb performance.     

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on performance and rumen fermentation and microbiota in dairy cows fed a diet containing low quality forage

Background: A possible option to meet the increased demand of forage for dairy industry is to use the agricultural byproducts, such as corn stover. However, nutritional value of crop residues is low and we have been seeking technologies to improve the value. A feeding trial was performed to evaluate the effects of four levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product(SCFP; Original XP; Diamond V) on lactation performance and rumen fermentation in mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows fed a diet containing low-quality forage. Eighty dairy cows were randomly assigned into one of four treatments: basal diet supplemented with 0, 60, 120, or 180 g/d of SCFP per head mixed with 180, 120, 60, or 0 g of corn meal, respectively. The experiment lasted for 10 wks, with the first 2 weeks for adaptation.Results: Dry matter intake was found to be similar(P 0.05) among the treatments. There was an increasing trend in milk production(linear, P ≤ 0.10) with the increasing level of SCFP supplementation, with no effects on contents of milk components(P 0.05). Supplementation of SCFP linearly increased(P 0.05) the N conversion, without affecting rumen pH and ammonia-N(P 0.05). Increasing level of SCFP linearly increased(P 0.05) concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and butyrate, with no difference in molar proportion of individual acids(P 0.05). The population of fungi and certain cel ulolytic bacteria(Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes)increased linearly(P 0.05) but those of lactate-utilizing(Selenomonas ruminantium and Megasphaera elsdeni) and lactate-producing bacteria(Streptococcus bovis) decreased linearly(P ≤ 0.01) with increasing level of SCFP. The urinary purine derivatives increased linearly(P 0.05) in response to SCFP supplementation, indicating that SCFP supplementation may benefit for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen.Conclusions: The SCFP supplementation was effective in maintaining milk persistency of mid-lactation cows receiving diets containing low-quality forage. The beneficial effect of SCFP could be attributed to improved rumen function; 1)microbial population shift toward greater rumen fermentation efficiency indicated by higher rumen fungi and cel ulolytic bacteria and lower lactate producing bacteria, and 2) rumen microbial fermentation toward greater supply of energy and protein indicated by greater ruminal VFA concentration and increased N conversion. Effects of SCFP were dose-depended and greater effects being observed with higher levels of supplementation and the effect was more noticeable during the high THI environment.     

日粮添加酒糟对后备奶牛生长性能和营养物质消化率的影响

文章旨在研究不同比例的酒糟对后备奶牛生长性能和营养物质消化率的影响。试验选择日龄、体重和体况近似的健康荷斯坦育成牛30头,按照日龄和体重进行分组设计,将其随机分为3组,每组10头。对照组饲粮精料成分为玉米和大豆榨油副产物,试验组Ⅰ饲粮精料成分中添加15%的酒糟,试验组Ⅱ饲粮精料成分中添加30%的酒糟。预试期为2周,正试期为24周。试验期间限饲。试验期间每天记录育成牛的采食量。分别于试验开始和结束时测定育成牛的生长性能指标。于正试期第24周进行消化试验,测定营养物质消化率。试验结果表明,日粮中添加不同比例的酒糟替代玉米和大豆榨油副产物对育成牛干物质采食量和生长性能无显著影响(P>0.05)。日粮中添加不同比例的酒糟替代玉米和大豆榨油副产物对育成牛日粮干物质和有机物的表观消化率无显著影响(P>0.05),但显著提高了粗蛋白质和纤维的表观消化率(P<0.05)。30%酒糟添加组育成牛日粮粗蛋白质表观消化率分别比15%酒糟添加组和对照组育成牛高4.55%和6.82%(P<0.05),而15%酒糟添加组和对照组育成牛日粮粗蛋白质表观消化率差异不显著(P>0.05)。30%酒糟添加组育成牛日粮中性洗涤纤维表观消化率分别比15%酒糟添加组和对照组育成牛高6.70%和7.44%(P<0.05),而15%酒糟添加组和对照组育成牛日粮中性洗涤纤维表观消化率差异不显著(P>0.05)。30%酒糟添加组育成牛日粮酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率分别比15%酒糟添加组和对照组育成牛高6.64%和8.04%(P<0.05),而15%酒糟添加组和对照组育成牛日粮酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率差异不显著(P>0.05)。因此,育成牛日粮中可以添加酒糟替代部分玉米和大豆榨油副产物,本试验中最高添加比例为30%。     

Effects of polyphenolic extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf on growth performance,digestibility, rumen fermentation and antioxidant status of fattening lambs

To investigate the effects of polyphenolic extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf (PEEU) on growth performance, digestibility, rumen fermentation and antioxidant status of fattening lambs, 30 weaned male Huzhou lambs were equally divided into three treatments and fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON), 5 (PEEU5) or 10 (PEEU10) g/kg PEEU. Dietary PEEU supplementation did not affect growth performance and apparent digestibility of nutrients. Compared with the CON group, lambs in the PEEU10 group had lower ammonia nitrogen concentration (p < .01) and acetic acid to propionic acid ratio (p < .05) and higher the molar proportion of propionate (p < .05) in rumen fluid. Ammonia nitrogen concentration (p < .01) and the molar proportion of propionate (p < .05) were affected by an interaction between PEEU and sampling day. Dietary PEEU supplementation at 10 g/kg increased total antioxidant capacity (p < .05), superoxide dismutase (p < .05) and glutathione peroxidase (p < .01) activities in serum and glutathione peroxidase activity (p < .05) in liver and decreased (p < .05) malondialdehyde content in serum and liver compared with the CON group. In conclusion, dietary PEEU supplementation affected rumen fermentation patterns and improved antioxidant status of fattening lambs.     

Nitrogen balance in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet and infused with differing proportions of casein in the rumen and abomasum

Twenty-five wether lambs (34 +/- 0.9 kg) fitted with ruminal and abomasal infusion catheters were used in a completely randomized design to determine the effects of differing proportions of ruminal and abomasal casein infusion on N balance in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet (85% corn grain, 1.6% N; DM basis) for ad libitum intake. Wethers were infused with 0 (control) or 10.4 g/d of N from casein with ruminal:abomasal infusion ratios of 100:0, 67:33, 33:67, or 0:100% over a 14-d period. Feed, orts, feces, and urine were collected over the last 5 d. Total N intake and excretion were greater (P < 0.01) in lambs infused with casein than in controls; however, N retention did not differ in lambs infused with casein compared with controls, suggesting that N requirements were met without casein supplementation. Total N intake and total N excretion did not differ among casein infusion treatments. Urinary N excretion decreased linearly (P = 0.07) with decreasing ruminal infusion of casein. Site of casein infusion quadratically (P = 0.06) influenced N retained (g/d), with the greatest retention observed in the 33:67 ruminal:abomasal infusion treatment. Dry matter intake from feed decreased from 1,183 to 945 g/d (P = 0.02) in lambs infused with casein compared with controls, but apparently digested DM did not differ among treatments. These data indicate that decreasing the ruminal degradability of supplemental protein above that required to maximize N retention results in decreased urinary excretion of N without greatly affecting apparent diet digestion.     

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 protein concentration and degradability on performance, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen metabolism in rapidly growing heifers fed high-concentrate diets from 100 to 230 kg body weight

Twenty crossbred heifers (101 +/- 4.5 kg BW) were used to examine the effects of protein concentration and degradability on performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, N balance, and urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Heifers were offered concentrate and barley straw for ad libitum consumption. Two protein concentrations (17 vs 14%, DM basis) and two protein sources differing in ruminal degradability (58 vs 42% of CP for soybean meal and treated soybean meal, respectively) were tested. The experiment was divided into four consecutive 28-d periods to evaluate the age (period) effect. Increasing protein concentration and degradability did not improve ADG or intake (P > .05). The increase in urinary N excretion (P < .001) in heifers fed 17% CP suggests that N was in excess of requirements. When the low-degradable protein source was supplemented and(or) CP concentration was low, ruminal NH3 N concentrations fell below 5 mg/100 mL. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives was not affected (P > .05) by protein concentration and degradability, suggesting that in high-concentrate diets NH3 N concentration was not limiting microbial growth. Total VFA concentration decreased (P < .001) and the acetate:propionate ratio increased (P < .01) with advancing period, suggesting an increase in ruminal absorption capacity and an increase in fiber fermentation. The decrease in ruminal NH3 N concentration in the last period suggests a greater use of NH3 N by microorganisms. This hypothesis is supported by the increase (P < .001) in urinary excretion of allantoin and estimated duodenal flows of purine bases and microbial protein with advancing period. Reducing CP concentration and increasing ruminal undegradable protein supply did not affect animal performance or estimated duodenal flow of microbial protein in rapidly growing heifers fed high-concentrate diets.     

延胡索酸二钠对断奶羔羊瘤胃发育及瘤胃发酵功能的影响

为了研究日粮中添加延胡索酸二钠对断奶羔羊瘤胃发育及瘤胃发酵功能的影响,选用30只日龄为(50±5)d、体重为(25±2)kg的公羔,随机分为3组,每组10只。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮的基础上添加0.5%(Ⅰ组)和1%(Ⅱ组)的延胡索酸二钠,试验期70 d。结果显示:1试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组断奶羔羊体增重比对照组分别增重3.2%(P0.05)和55.5%(P0.05);试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组瘤胃净重比对照组分别高8.5%(P0.05)和26.4%(P0.01),Ⅰ和Ⅱ组间差异显著(P0.05);试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组断奶羔羊瘤胃乳头高度比对照组分别高8.2%和9.2%,Ⅱ组乳头密度比对照组降低16.2%,各组间差异均不显著(P0.05)。2Ⅰ和Ⅱ组瘤胃p H值比对照组高(P=0.08);Ⅰ和Ⅱ组瘤胃氨态氮(NH3-N)浓度比对照组分别降低29.7%(P0.05)和21.0%(P0.05);Ⅰ和Ⅱ组瘤胃内容物中乳酸浓度分别比对照组降低27.0%(P0.01)和19.5%(P0.01);乙酸、丙酸、丁酸、乙酸/丙酸和总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)浓度3组间差异不显著(P0.05)。结果提示:日粮中添加延胡索酸二钠提高了断奶羔羊的体增重及瘤胃净重和瘤胃p H值,降低了瘤胃内氨态氮及乳酸浓度。     

The effect of monensin on rumen fermentation and weight gain in bulls fed a diet containing nontraditional feed

Two groups of bullocks, each consisting of 125 animals, were subjected to a trial to study the effect of monensin (Rumensin premix) administered at doses from 125 to 175 mg per head/day on rumen fermentation and weight gains. For 135 days the animals were given a diet based on green juicy forage with a supplement of chopped straw and concentrate mixture; this mixture contained 20-30% of dried poultry droppings. In the experimental group with monensin, the concentration of total and protein nitrogen and the molar percentage of propionic acid significantly increased (23.7 and 28.5%, respectively, P less than 0.01) and the acetate: propionate ratio decreased four hours after feeding. Further, the energy yield of the production by volatile fatty acids (VFA) significantly increased in the rumen contents (76.89%, 78.64%, respectively, P less than 0.05). The levels of ammonia and non-protein nitrogen were not affected by the addition of monensin. The average daily live weight gains were 713 g in the control group and 800 g in the experimental group; this means that the gains of the experimental animals rose by 12.2%. Monensin had a positive influence on the proportions of the rumen-produced VFA in favour of propionic acid which, in turn, favourably influenced the energy balance of nutrient conversion and efficiency.     

In vitro effects of individual fatty acids on protozoal numbers and on fermentation products in ruminal fluid from cattle fed a high-concentrate, barley-based diet

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium salts of individual fatty acids on protozoal numbers and ruminal fermentation variables in vitro. Ruminal inoculum was obtained from two heifers fed a finishing diet consisting of (DM basis) 90% rolled barley grain, 4% barley silage, 5% soybean meal, and 1% mineralized salt. Fatty acids (FA) were included individually in the inoculum as follows: C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 at concentrations (wt/vol) of 0.0625, 0.125, and 0.25%; C14:0 and C18:0 at concentrations of 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5%; and C12:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3 at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0%. 15N-Labeled casein was included as a N tracer. In the presence of medium-chain saturated FA (particularly C10:0 and C12:0), no ciliate protozoa (99.8%Entodinium spp.) were recovered from the incubation medium. Long-chain unsaturated FA (C18:3, C18:2, C18:1) also decreased (P < 0.05) protozoal numbers. At all concentrations tested, C10:0 and C12:0 decreased (P < 0.05) ammonia and total VFA concentrations (by 29 and 22%, respectively) and increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of total free amino acids, reducing sugars, and soluble protein. At the greatest concentrations of these FA, xylanase and amylase activities of the incubation media were decreased (P < 0.05). The C18 unsaturated FA increased (P < 0.05) the polysaccharide-degrading activities of the media. These in vitro results suggest that long-chain unsaturated FA in combination with medium-chain saturated acids have the potential to decrease protozoal numbers and ruminal ammonia utilization in cattle fed high-grain diets.     

竹叶提取物对肉牛生产性能、瘤胃发酵特征及微生物数量的影响

试验研究竹叶提取物对肉牛生产性能、瘤胃发酵特征及微生物数量的影响.选取24头6月龄、体重(259.30±12.17) kg的西门塔尔杂交公牛,随机分为4组,每组6个重复.各组肉牛日粮中分别添加0(对照组)、40、80、120 g/d竹叶提取物,试验期180 d.结果 显示,80 g/d组肉牛的平均日增重和平均干物质采食...     

Effect of timing of feeding a high-concentrate diet on growth and attainment of puberty in early-weaned heifers

Precocious puberty (<300 d of age) can be successfully induced in a majority of heifers with early weaning and continuous feeding of a high-concentrate diet. The objective of this experiment was to determine the relative effects of timing of feeding a high-concentrate diet on age at puberty in early-weaned heifers. Sixty crossbred Angus and Simmental heifer calves were weaned at 112 +/- 2 d of age and 155 +/- 3 kg of BW and were fed a receiving diet for 2 wk. Heifers were blocked by age and BW, and assigned randomly to receive a high-concentrate (60% corn; H) or control (30% corn; C) diet during phase 1 (mean age 126 to 196 d) and H or C during phase 2 (mean age 196 to 402 d), resulting in 4 treatments (HH, n = 15; HC, n = 15; CH, n = 15; and CC, n = 15). Blood samples were collected weekly beginning at a mean age of 175 d and assayed for progesterone concentration to determine age at puberty. After 56 d on the experimental diets, BW of heifers fed the H diet during phase 1 were greater (P < 0.05) than those of heifers fed the C diet (mean age of 182 d; treatment x mean age, P < 0.01). After 70 d on the new diets (mean age of 266 d), heifers fed the H diet during phase 2 reached heavier BW (P < 0.05) than heifers fed the C diet, when compared within phase 1 diet groups (HH > HC; CH > CC). Body weights in HC and CH treatments differed from a mean age of 169 through 238 d, after which BW did not differ between these treatments. The ADG over the entire experimental period was greatest for the HH treatment (1.2 +/- 0.04 kg/d; P < 0.05), followed by the HC and CH treatments (1.0 +/- 0.03 and 1.0 +/- 0.02 kg/d, respectively), which were not different, and the CC treatment gained the least (0.7 +/- 0.04 kg/d; P < 0.05). Precocious puberty occurred in 67, 47, 47, and 20% of heifers in the HH, HC, CH, and CC treatments, respectively (HH > CC; P < 0.05). Mean age at puberty for the HH and HC treatments (271 +/- 17 and 283 +/- 17 d of age, respectively) was earlier (P < 0.05) than for the CC treatment (331 +/- 11 d of age). Age at puberty in the CH treatment (304 +/- 13 d of age) was intermediate to and not different from the other treatments. Heifers fed the H diet during phase 1 attained puberty earlier (P < 0.05) than heifers fed the C diet during phase 1. In conclusion, increasing dietary energy intake in early-weaned heifers, through feeding a high-concentrate diet from 126 to 196 d of age, decreased age at puberty regardless of the diet fed after 196 d of age.