Effects of faunation and type of dietary protein on gastric solubility and liver content of copper in sheep

Three experiments were conducted to determine the influence of the presence of protozoa on copper (Cu) metabolism in sheep fed corn silage or corn silage supplemented with casein, fish meal or soybean meal. For each diet, eight rams were kept fauna-free; eight additional rams were faunated and housed separately from them. The faunated rams in all treatments grew faster and consumed more feed and, consequently, more Cu. However, they had a lower (P less than .01) ruminal Cu solubility and accumulated less Cu in their livers than the fauna-free rams when fed corn silage alone or in combination with soybean meal (insoluble, ruminally degraded protein). Such effects were not significant when corn silage was supplemented with fish meal (protein resistant to ruminal degradation). The presence of ciliate protozoa in the rumen had no effect on the accumulation of Cu in the liver of sheep fed corn silage supplemented with casein (soluble, ruminally degraded protein) and produced conflicting results on ruminal Cu solubility. Hence, the effect of protozoa on Cu metabolism is indirect and depends on the type of protein present in the diet.     

Effect of Yucca schidigera on ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestion in heifers.

In a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square experiment, six heifers (443 +/- 6.1 kg) fed a 61% barley grain:39% alfalfa silage diet (DM basis) were given intraruminal doses of powdered Yucca schidigera (YS). Doses of 0 (control), 20, or 60 g/d were given at 0800 daily. Ruminal content was sampled 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after dosing. Acidity, concentrations of reducing sugars, free amino acids, and peptides in the rumen were not affected (P > .05) by YS. Relative to control, ruminal ammonia concentration was reduced (P < .05) 2 h after YS dosing. Ruminal propionate concentration was increased (P < .05) by YS. Protozoal numbers in the rumen were lower (P < .05) with YS than without. Yucca did not affect (P > .05) rate or extent of in situ DM degradability. Fibrolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic activities in ruminal contents were similar among treatments (P > .05). Dry matter intake, apparent digestibilities of DM, NDF, and CP, nitrogen balance, and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen were not affected (P > .05) by treatment. The effect of YS on ruminal ammonia concentration likely resulted from a decreased concentration of protozoa and, presumably, from ammonia binding by YS. The effect on ruminal propionate was probably a result of a selective inhibitory effect of YS on rumen microbial species.     

瘤胃内丁酸钠灌注对山羊瘤胃发酵类型的影响

本试验通过对青年山羊进行瘤胃丁酸钠灌注研究其对瘤胃发酵类型的影响。6只安装有瘤胃瘘管的山羊分为试验组(n=3)和对照组(n=3),每天饲喂精料2次,并自由采食羊草。试验组每日早晨喂食1 h后开始每天按体重灌注丁酸钠(0.3 g/kg),对照组灌注等量蒸馏水,持续14 d。于灌注期的第1,5,10和14天分别于灌注前1.5 h,灌注后2 h、4 h采集瘤胃液,以气相色谱测定挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)的浓度。结果显示:灌注前、后,试验组瘤胃内乙酸、丙酸摩尔百分比和总挥发性脂肪酸浓度无显著变化;两组之间差异不显著。但试验组丁酸摩尔百分比在灌注2 h后显著上升(P<0.01),4 h后呈下降趋势,次日采食前恢复至正常生理范围。对照组与试验组pH在各采样时间点间基本无显著差异。试验表明青年山羊瘤胃灌注该剂量丁酸钠不引起瘤胃发酵类型的改变。     

Effects of maize grain and lucerne particle size on ruminal fermentation, digestibility and performance of cows in midlactation

This study evaluated the effects of, and interactions between, maize grain particle size (MPS) and lucerne particle size (LPS) on dry matter intake, milk production, milk composition, ruminal fermentation, microbial yield, chewing activity and nutrient digestibility in midlactation cows. Four multiparous Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas were assigned randomly to a 4 x 4 Latin square design, averaged 595 kg (SD = 52) of body weight and 121 days in milk (SD = 21) at the start of the experiment. Experimental periods were 21 days in length (14 days of treatment adaptation and 7 days of data collection). All diets were fed as total mixed ration and were formulated to meet or exceed the requirements of a 600 kg multiparous cow producing 20 kg milk/day with 4.0% fat. The ratio of concentrate to forage was 39:61 (dry matter basis). Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design; two levels of LPS (2.54 and 6.22 mm) were combined with concentrates based on either ground maize grain (711 mum) or cracked maize grain (1755 mum). Maize grain and LPS did not affect milk production and milk fat percentage. Milk protein percentage increased when MPS was decreased (p = 0.04). Milk urea nitrogen was lower for cows fed ground maize grain compared with cracked maize grain (118-134 mg/l, p = 0.05). Estimated microbial N supply increased 41.9 g/day for ground maize grain compared with cracked maize grain. Cows fed long lucerne (LL) hay spent more time ruminating compared with cows fed short lucerne (SL) hay ranging from 293 to 336 min/day (p < 0.001). Total time spent chewing by cows increased from 505 to 574 min/day (p = 0.002) for SL and LL respectively. Based on the results from this study, midlactation cows can be fed diets that contain ground maize grain and SL hay without leading to negative effects on ruminal pH and nutrient digestibility.     

Laminitis and decreased milk production in first-lactation cows improperly fed a dairy ration

First-lactation cows that were improperly fed a grain ration developed chronic, nonsuppurative laminitis, resulting in profound lameness in all 4 limbs, thin body condition, and poor milk production. Results of ration analysis indicated that the cows were receiving 10% to 40% more energy than that recommended by the National Research Council. The following management changes were instituted for first-lactation cows: the absolute amount of concentrate offered was decreased by 10% to 25% (depending on each cow's milk production), the rate of increase in concentrate fed was lessened to achieve maximal intake in 21 days, feed was made available more frequently and in smaller amounts during the day, sequence feeding was implemented, forage was provided before grain when possible, and sodium bicarbonate (1%, on a dry-weight basis) and fat (5%, on a dry-weight basis) were added to the grain mix. These management changes normalized rumen fermentation, and the clinical problems did not develop in the 20 subsequently fresh heifers. Therefore, the ration should be analyzed when first-lactation cows begin developing lameness and poor milk production.     

Effects of virginiamycin and monensin plus tylosin on ruminal protein metabolism in steers fed corn-based finishing diets with or without wet corn gluten feed

Six ruminally cannulated steers (345 +/- 20 kg initial BW) were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square to evaluate effects of diet and antibiotics on ruminal protein metabolism. Two diets and three antibiotic treatments were arranged factorially. One diet contained (DM basis) 72% dry-rolled corn, 12% soybean meal, 10% alfalfa hay, and 4% molasses (SBM), and the other contained 63% dry-rolled corn, 30% wet corn gluten feed, and 5% alfalfa hay (WCGF). Antibiotic treatments included control, virginiamycin (175 mg/d; VM), and monensin/tylosin (250 and 100 mg/d, respectively; MT). Steers were fed at 12-h intervals at a rate of 2.4% of empty BW daily. Each period included 18 d of adaptation and 3 d of ruminal fluid collections. Samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h after the morning feeding on d 19 and 20. On d 21, rumens were dosed 2 h after the morning feeding with 350 g of solubilized casein to evaluate in vivo ruminal protease and deaminase activities. Ruminal fluid samples were collected 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h after the casein dose. On d 19 and 20, antibiotics had no effect on ruminal pH or concentrations of VFA, lactate, ammonia, ciliated protozoa, alpha-amino nitrogen (AAN), or peptide N, but VM reduced (P < 0.01) the concentration of isovalerate compared to MT and control. After casein dosing (d 21), peptide N concentration was unaffected by antibiotics, but AAN were higher (P < 0.01) for VM than MT and control. Relative to MT and control, VM reduced ruminal isovalerate (P = 0.05) and increased ruminal propionate (P < 0.01) on d 21. Ruminal pH was lower (P < 0.01) in steers fed SBM than in steers fed WCGF, but lactate concentrations were unaffected by diet. Steers fed SBM had higher (P < 0.05) ruminal concentrations of total VFA and propionate. Ammonia concentrations were lower before feeding and higher after feeding for steers fed WCGF (P < 0.01). Steers fed WCGF had higher counts of total ciliated protozoa than steers fed SBM (P < 0.05) due to greater Entodinium sp. (P < 0.05). Steers fed WCGF had higher (P < 0.01) ruminal AAN and peptide N concentrations than those fed SBM on d 19 and 20. After casein dosing, ruminal peptide N concentrations were similar, but AAN were lower (P < 0.01) for WCGF than SBM. Overall, VM appeared to depress ruminal deaminase activity, and MT had minimal effects on ruminal fermentation products. The protein in WCGF appeared to be more readily degradable than that in SBM.     

Total protozoa counts and ammonia in the rumen of mature dry Friesian cows on hay-based rations

The present work was an attempt to determine whether the variations in ruminal ammonia concentrations could be directly correlated to corresponding changes in total protozoa numbers of cattle. Four dry Friesian cows fed with hay-based rations were used through several experiments in which the twice daily feeding (6.15-15.30 h) as well as a 30 h-fasting period were studied. Simultaneously to a continuous or a regular collection of rumen liquor (for NH3), samples of rumen contents (for total protozoa numbers) were regularly withdrawn from the ventral sac. Any definite nycthemeral cycle of the protozoa numbers could not be related to feeding time. Moreover, no significant relationship could be found between the ruminal ammonia and the corresponding total protozoa numbers measured in the nocturnal interprandial period or during starvation. The data suggest that the nycthemeral ammonia profiles recorded in cattle are not directly related to protozoal activity.     

Effect of diet on preweaning performance of Sahiwal calves

The objective was to study the growth potential of Sahiwal calves given milk or milk replacer with or without concentrates. For this purpose, forty-eight Sahiwal calves were divided into four groups of 12 animals each with equal sex ratio. In each group, the calves were offered either milk or a milk replacer (MR) at a rate of 10% of their body weight adjusted weekly. In addition to this, calves were fed either a starter ration plus Egyptian clover hay (SR + H) or hay only (H) until the end of trial. The milk or MR was withdrawn gradually from day 56 until animals were weaned completely by day 84. Calves offered milk grew faster than those offered MR (357 ± 9 vs. 162 ± 9 g/day; p < 0.05) and displayed higher weaning weights (51.6 ± 0.8 vs. 35.2 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05). The calves offered SR + H grew faster (311 ± 9 vs. 208 ± 9 g/day; p < 0.05) and displayed higher weaning weights (48.7 ± 0.8 vs. 38.1 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05) than those fed H alone. Calves offered milk plus SR + H showed the highest growth rate and weaning weights (401 ± 13 g/day and 56.3 ± 1 kg, respectively). The lowest growth rate and weaning weights were observed in calves offered MR and H only (115 ± 13 g/day and 30.3 ± 1 kg, respectively). Calves offered the MR had higher number of scour days than those offered milk (13.5 vs. 3.3). The feeding of whole milk in combination with the starter ration and hay resulted in superior growth rates, higher weaning weights, and healthier calves than the other feeding regimens.     

Effects of supplement feeding order on lactation, diurnal variation of ruminal ammonia and urea in the blood and milk of dairy cows

The present study examined the effects of feeding order of grain and protein supplements on ruminal nitrogen (N) loss through the diurnal variation of ruminal ammonia N and urea N in the blood and milk of dairy cows. Three ruminally fistulated cows were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square arrangement of treatments; that is, grain supplement fed at the first feed and then the protein supplement at the second (GS‐1st), protein supplement fed first and then the grain supplement (PS‐1st), and the grain and protein supplements mixed and divided into equal portions fed at each supplement feeding time (GP‐mix). No differences in the lactation parameters were observed among the treatments. In GS‐1st treatment, the increase in the concentration of ruminal ammonia N was inhibited after feeding, and the concentration was lower (P < 0.05) than with the other treatments 1–2 h after basal feeding. The concentrations of urea N in the blood and milk with the GS‐1st treatment were the lowest of all treatments throughout the sampling times, and were lower (P < 0.05) than with the GP‐mix treatment except for blood levels 1 h after basal feeding. The results suggest that grain feeding before protein feeding can reduce ruminal N loss.     

Performance and ruminal protozoa in lambs with chromium supplementation

The effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) oral supplementation on the performance and ruminal protozoa population in sheep was investigated. Twenty-four male lambs were treated with four different levels of CrPic: placebo, 0.250, 0.375 and 0.500 mg of chromium/animal/day during 84 days. The base ration was Panicum maximum cv Massai hay and concentrate. Feed intake was measured three times a week. Lambs were weighed every 2 weeks. Ruminal content was sampled five times during the trial to quantify ruminal protozoa. No difference (p > 0.05) between treatments was recorded for any parameter measured: initial and final mean body weight, dry matter intake, daily gain and total body weight gain. There was a negative linear relationship between Cr supplementation and protozoa count (p = 0.0013) with no additional decrease when CrPic supplemental levels were higher than 0.375 mg/day. Therefore, Cr supplementation must be carried out carefully and more studies need to address stressed animals or possible toxic effects of Cr in the animal itself or to the ruminal protozoa population.     

Effects of degree of fat saturation on fiber digestion and microbial protein synthesis when diets are fed twelve times daily

Three Holstein heifers and one nonlactating cow, fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas, were arranged in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to determine the effects of degree of fat saturation on ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestion and microbial protein synthesis and to determine whether changes in the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were related to protozoal populations in the rumen. Corn silage-based diets contained no added fat or 4.85% of diet dry matter as partially hydrogenated tallow, tallow, or animal-vegetable fat. Iodine values of fat sources were 12.8, 50.6, and 109.7 for partially hydrogenated tallow, tallow, and animal-vegetable fat, respectively. Cattle were fed every 2 h and consumed 1.5% of body weight as dry matter daily. Ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestibility was decreased by added fat but was not affected by increasing iodine value. Flows of microbial N and non-NH3-nonmicrobial N to the duodenum were not affected by treatment. Ruminal protozoa concentration decreased linearly as the iodine value of fats increased. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was increased and protozoa concentrations tended to decrease when fat was fed. Decreased ruminal protozoa concentration may have decreased intraruminal N recycling. Biohydrogenation of added fat may result in a low ruminal concentration of unsaturated fatty acids when cows are fed frequently, reducing the negative effects of unsaturated fat sources on ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Protozoa were inhibited by unsaturated fat, but it is not clear if biohydrogenation and frequent feeding lessened inhibition.     

Milk yield,gross composition and fatty acid profile of dual‐purpose Aosta Red Pied cows fed separate concentrate‐forage versus total mixed ration

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of two feeding methods on milk yield, composition and fatty acid (FA) profile obtained from dual‐purpose cattle. Twenty‐four Aosta Red Pied cows beyond peak of lactation were assigned to two groups and fed hay and concentrates in the proportions 0.69 and 0.31 on a dry matter basis for 10 weeks. Concentrates were offered separately from forages 6 times a day (separate ration, SR) or as a total mixed ration (TMR). The feeding method did not significantly influence dry matter intake (16.8 vs. 16.9 kg/head/day for SR‐ and TMR‐fed cows, respectively), milk yield (17.4 vs. 17.5 kg/head/day), milk fat, protein and lactose contents (36.4 vs. 35.2, 33.5 vs. 32.8, and 47.3 vs. 47.4 g/kg) and yields (607.9 vs. 613.4, 567.4 vs. 572.7 and 805.5 vs. 829.7 g/head/day). The overall milk FA profile was very similar between groups. Milk concentrations of FA used as indirect markers of rumen function (C18:2 t10c12, odd‐ and branched‐chain FA) and the extent of ruminal biohydrogenation were comparable (P > 0.05) between SR‐ and TMR‐fed cows, suggesting that ruminal pH did not vary considerably as a consequence of the feeding strategy applied.     

Substitution of corn and soybean with green banana fruits and Gliricidia sepium forage in sheep fed hay‐based diets: effects on intake,digestion and growth

This study aimed to evaluate the substitution of imported corn and soybean by local feed resources from tropical production settings such as entire green banana and Gliricidia sepium forage as energy and protein sources, respectively, in sheep diets. Two experiments were conducted: first, a ‘growth trial’ and second, an in vivo digestion study. In the ‘growth trial’, 40 Martinik lambs [body weight (BW): 29.4 ± 3.6 kg; 6 months old) were used and distributed into four groups of 10 lambs each according to treatment: HBGl (banana + gliricidia at low level; 1500 g/day; 119 g/kg BW^0.75), HBGh (banana + gliricidia at high level; 3000 g/day; 238 g/kg BW^0.75), HBS (banana + soybean cake) and Control (corn + soybean cake). In digestion trial, four Martinik rams (BW: 57.2 ± 3.45 kg) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were used; treatments (HBG, HBS and Control) were similar but adjusted to metabolic body weight (MW) and just one level of gliricidia was used. Intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed intake to gain index (F:G), apparent total and ruminal digestibilities as well as nitrogen balance, microbial efficiency and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile were monitored. Lambs fed HBGh had greater dry matter (DM) intake based on MW and ADG (173 g/day vs. 141 g/day; p < 0.001), whereas HBGl lambs showed the lowest ADG (71.5 g/day) and the worst F:G (14.4; p < 0.001). The DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibilities were not influenced by treatment, whereas crude protein digestibility was higher (p = 0.024) in diets offered banana or corn + soybean cake (687 g/kg DM and 658 g/kg DM, respectively). Ruminal DM and OM digestibilities did not differ among treatments. Total or individual VFA concentrations were also not influenced by the diet. Higher (p = 0.006) ruminal fluid pH values were recorded for diets combining banana and gliricidia (6.54) or banana and soybean (6.39) until 3 h after a meal. As all animals on gliricidia‐ and banana‐supplemented diets gained weight and maintained a positive N balance, it is concluded that green banana and gliricidia forage may be a viable alternative to replace conventional energy and protein supplements in sheep diets.     

Effects of bentonite on wool growth and nitrogen metabolism in fauna-free and faunated sheep.

Two experiments were carried out with sheep that originated from a fauna-free flock and were fed a soybean meal-corn silage diet with or without a bentonite supplement. One-half of the sheep fed each diet in each experiment were faunated with a mixed population of ruminal protozoa, whereas the other half of the sheep remained fauna-free until the end of both experiments. Wool growth and daily gain were measured in Exp. 1. (eight rams per treatment), which lasted 110 d, and the metabolic effects in the rumen and intestinal tract of protozoa and dietary bentonite supplement were tested with cannulated wethers (four wethers per treatment) in Exp. 2. The results of Exp. 1 showed decreased wool growth (P less than .05) due to the presence of protozoa in the rumen. Dietary supplementation with bentonite partly offset the decreased wool growth in sheep with protozoa, but there were no effects of dietary bentonite and no protozoa x bentonite interaction (P greater than .05). Daily gain was decreased by the dietary bentonite (P less than .05) supplement but was not affected (P greater than .05) by the ruminal presence of protozoa. In Exp. 2, protozoa increased (P less than .01) the ruminal concentrations of ammonia and decreased (P less than .05) the acetic:propionic acid molar ratio. Fractionation of N in the duodenal digesta flowing from the stomach to the small intestine showed that protozoa decreased (P less than .05) the flow of nonammonia N and bacterial N, and there was a protozoa x bentonite interaction for these effects (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lactic acid-utilizing bacteria in ruminal fluid of a steer adapted from hay feeding to a high-grain ration.

A mature, rumen-cannulated steer fed Coastal Bermuda grass hay for 8 weeks was adapted to a high-grain ration by stepwise increases in grain over a period of 4 weeks. The grain rations had concentrate-to-roughage ratios of 40:60, 70:30, and 85:15 and were fed for 10, 7, and 11 days, respectively. Numerical estimates of lactate-utilizing bacteria in ruminal fluid of the steer the last 3 days each ration was fed were made by colony counts. Lactate-utilizing bacteria were identified as Megasphaera elsdenii, Peptococcus asaccharolyticus, and Selenomonas ruminantium. Maximal numbers of lactate-utilizing bacteria were observed in the ruminal fluid of the steer during feeding the concentrate-to-roughage ration of 70:30.     

The effect of replacing corn with glycerol on ruminal bacteria in continuous culture fermenters

The effects of substituting corn with glycerol on DNA concentration of selected ruminal bacteria were investigated using continuous fermenters. Four continuous culture fermenters were used in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design with four 10 days consecutive periods. Treatment diets (60:40 forage to concentrate) were fed at 45 g/day dry matter (DM) in three equal portions. Glycerol (0.995 g/g glycerol) was used to replace corn in a grain mix at proportions of 0% (T0; control), 15% (T15), 30% (T30) and 45% (T45). On day 10 of each period, samples were collected from each fermenter 3 h after the morning feeding and analysed for volatile fatty acid and bacterial DNA concentration. Glycerol substitution was related to significantly higher butyrate, valerate and isovalerate concentrations. Compared with the T0 diet, acetate concentration was significantly lower with the T30 and T45 diets whilst propionate concentration was higher only with the T45 diet. The DNA concentrations for Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Selenomonas ruminantium decreased with the T30 and T45 diets compared with the T0 diet. No differences in the DNA concentrations for Ruminococcus albus and Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens amongst diets were observed. The findings show that substituting 15% of the dietary corn with glycerol had no substantive effects on fermentation processing or ruminal bacteria. Higher substitution levels, however, may adversely affect ruminal bacteria and negatively impact acetate production.     

Effects of feeding roasted safflower seeds (variety IL-111) and fish oil on dry matter intake, performance and milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cattle

Safflower seed has the highest concentration of linoleic acid among 80 oilseeds but little information exists on the effective use of SS for lactation cows. It was hypothesised that a diet supplemented with an Iranian SS variety (IL-111) in combination with fish oil (FO) would result in higher concentrations of trans-18:1 (including vaccenic acid) and conjugated linoleic acids in milk fat than feeding an unsupplemented control diet. Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding diets containing: (i) Control: (C); (ii) 25 g of roasted SS IL-111 (RSS); (iii) 20 g FO and (iv) 25 g RSS + 10 g FO (RSS + FO) per kilogram of dietary DM on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, milk production and fatty acid profile. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design study. The experiment had four periods of 21 days. Milk Fat percentage was lower (p < 0.01) with FO supplementation and averaged 19.0 and 21.5 g/kg milk with FO and RSS + FO compared with 30.3 and 32.5 g/kg with C and RSS. Feed intake also was lower (p < 0.01) with FO vs. C (23.1 vs. 24.5 kg/day) but feeding RSS resulted in greater feed intake compared with other treatments (26 kg/day). Despite lower feed intake with FO, milk production did not change from controls but feeding RSS + FO resulted in greater milk yield than controls (42.6 vs. 39.3 kg/day). Ruminal pH was greater (p < 0.01) in cows fed FO than other treatments. Supplemental FO alone or in combination with RSS resulted in dramatic increases (p < 0.01) in c9,t11-18:2 in milk fat (12.7 and 13.2 g/day vs. 5.8 and 7.02 with C and RSS). It was surprising to note that 25 g/kg RSS can improve feed intake.     

Changes in postprandial plasma and extracellular and ruminal fluid volumes in wethers fed or unfed for 72 hours

Postprandial shifts in body water compartments might limit feed intake by ruminants, especially when an animal becomes partially dehydrated during transportation or other periods of water deprivation. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feed and water deprivation on postprandial changes in body water compartments in wethers. Hampshire wethers (n = 8; average BW 42 +/- 2 kg) were used in a crossover design. During each period, four wethers were limit-fed (540 g DM/d: FED) and four were deprived of feed and water for 72 h (DEPRIVED). Wethers were infused i.v. with Evans blue and sodium thiosulfate and intraruminally with Cr- or Co-EDTA, after which blood and ruminal samples were collected for the next 4 h. All wethers were then fed 540 g of feed DM, and infusions were repeated 30 min after feeding. Body water compartment volumes were determined with linear regression using plasma concentrations of Evans blue (plasma volume), and sodium thiosulfate (extracellular volume), and using ruminal fluid concentrations of Cr or Co. Feed and water deprivation decreased (P < .01) extracellular water space but did not affect plasma or ruminal water space. After feeding, extracellular water space decreased (P < .01) and ruminal volume increased (P < .05) in the FED and DEPRIVED wethers. Plasma pools of Na, K, and Mg were not affected by feeding in FED wethers but decreased (P < .05) in DEPRIVED wethers. The increase in ruminal fluid pools of Na, K, and Mg were greater (P < .05) in FED than in DEPRIVED wethers. These results indicate that abnormal water and electrolyte shifts may be factors partially responsible for the decreased feed intake by ruminants subjected to transportation or feed and water deprivation stress.     

Effects of defaunation on in situ dry matter and nitrogen disappearance in steers and growth of lambs.

Trials were conducted to determine effects of defaunation procedures on protozoal concentrations and in situ nutrient disappearance in steers and to determine effects of defaunation and supplemental protein source on performance of lambs. Four ruminally cannulated steers were isolated from other ruminants and fed a dehydrated alfalfa-cracked corn diet for three periods with four replicates (steers) per period. Treatments were as follows: 1) control (no defaunation), 2) dosing fasted steers for two consecutive days with 40 g dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DSS) and 3) daily feeding of 40 g DSS to defaunated, nonfasted steers. Ten days post-dosing with DSS (treatment 2), three steers were free of protozoa but one steer still had a ruminal concentration of .6 x 10(4) protozoa/ml. Compared to steers prior to defaunation, treating steers for 2 d with DSS decreased (P less than .05) both in situ soybean meal (SBM) N disappearance at 3, 6 and 9 h of incubation and in situ orchardgrass DM disappearance at 24 h of incubation. Feeding 40 g of DSS daily for 10 d was not successful in maintaining the rumen free of protozoa. Thirty crossbred Targhee lambs (avg wt, 25 kg) were defaunated with DSS and allotted by BW and sex to five treatments: 1) defaunated, fish meal supplemented at 9.5% dietary CP (FM-9.5% CP), 2) defaunated, SBM-9.5% CP, 3) refaunated, FM-9.5% CP, 4) refaunated, SBM-9.5% CP and 5) refaunated SBM-12% CP. Defaunated lambs remained free of protozoa during the 56-d performance trial that was initiated 24 d after the defaunation procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ruminal ciliated protozoa in cattle fed finishing diets with or without supplemental fat

Ruminal samples were collected at slaughter from 364 unfasted steers fed different finishing diets to obtain information on numbers and species distribution of ciliated protozoa in feedlot cattle. Total numbers of protozoa averaged 1.59 X 10(5)/g of ruminal contents. A total of 47 steers (12.9%) were defaunated, but 4.1% of the steers possessed numbers of protozoa greater than 10(6)/g. Entodinium species did not always dominate the protozoan populations; 41 faunated steers (11.2%) were devoid of entodinia, and 79 additional steers (21.7%) possessed populations dominated (greater than 50%) by other genera. Isotricha was the most commonly occurring genus supplanting Entodinium, but Polyplastron and Epidinium were frequently present in high concentrations. Tallow and soybean soapstock supplementation reduced (P less than .05) numbers of protozoa in steers consuming wheat diets. However, yellow grease supplementation did not affect numbers of protozoa in steers fed either sorghum or corn diets. Average ruminal pH was 6.20 on the wheat diet, 6.05 on the corn diet, and 5.69 and 6.23 for the two sorghum diets, respectively. We found no correlation between ruminal pH and numbers of protozoa on any diet. The presence of relatively high protozoan concentrations and few defaunated animals in feedlot cattle necessitates reevaluation of the role that ciliated protozoa play in ruminal metabolism of animals fed processed, high-concentrate diets.