Nutrient digestibility and evaluation of protein and carbohydrate fractionation of citrus by‐products

The protein and carbohydrate fractionation and nutrient digestibility of citrus by‐products were determined. Ruminal, intestinal and total tract CP disappearance values were measured by a modified three‐step (MTSP) method and in vitro CP disappearance method (IVCP). Test feeds were orange pulp (OP), lime pulp (LP), lemon pulp (LEP), grapefruit pulp (GP), sweet lemon pulp (SLP), bitter lemon pulp (BLP), bergamot orange pulp (BP) and tangerine pulp (TP). The rumen undegradable protein (RUP) fractions of the feedstuffs were obtained by ruminal incubation in three cannulated wethers and incubation in protease solution (protease type xiv, Streptomyces griseus). The data were analysed using completely randomized design. There were significant differences between the tested feeds in protein fractions and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN; C fraction) was highest in GP (14.56%) (p < 0.001). For carbohydrate fraction, the highest C fraction was also observed in GP (2.67%) and in relation to the other citrus pulps (p < 0.001). Ruminal CP disappearance was highest in OP (71.89%) (p < 0.001). The level of post‐ruminal CP disappearance, measured by MTSP, was highest for BP (34.94%) (p < 0.001). The highest in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was found for TP (80.44%) followed by that estimated for BP (78.38%) (p < 0.001). The estimated metabolizable energy (MJ/kg DM) varied from 9.77 for LP to 12.91 for BP. Tangerine pulp had the highest true rumen digestibility (TRD) (p < 0.001). According to the results, it could be concluded that citrus by‐products have high nutritive value and also, the in vitro techniques can be easily used to determine of the nutritive value of citrus by‐products.     

Effects of the ruminal comminution rate and microbial contamination of particles on accuracy of in situ estimates of ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of feedstuffs

Effects of considering the comminution rate (k_c) and the correction of microbial contamination (using ¹⁵N techniques) of particles in the rumen on estimates of ruminally undegraded fractions and their intestinal digestibility were examined generating composite samples (from rumen‐incubated residues) representative of the undegraded feed rumen outflow. The study used sunflower meal (SFM) and Italian ryegrass hay (RGH) and three rumen and duodenum cannulated wethers fed with a 40:60 RGH to concentrate diet (75 g DM/kgBW^0.75). Transit studies up to the duodenum with Yb‐SFM and Eu‐RGH marked samples showed higher k_c values (/h) in SFM than in RGH (0.577 vs. 0.0892, p = 0.034), whereas similar values occurred for the rumen passage rate (k_p). Estimates of ruminally undegraded and intestinal digestibility of all tested fractions decreased when k_c was considered and also applying microbial correction. Thus, microbial uncorrected k_p‐based proportions of intestinal digested undegraded crude protein overestimated those corrected and k_c?k_p‐based by 39% in SFM (0.146 vs. 0.105) and 761% in RGH (0.373 vs. 0.0433). Results show that both k_c and microbial contamination correction should be considered to obtain accurate in situ estimates in grasses, whereas in protein concentrates not considering k_c is an important source of error.     

Ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of individual amino acids in mixed diets with different crude protein levels measured by the modified in vitro three‐step and mobile nylon bag technique

The ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in three total mixed rations with different CP levels were estimated using the modified in vitro three‐step procedure (TSP) and mobile nylon bag (MNB) technique on growing lambs. The ruminal effective degradability of DM and CP did not respond with increasing dietary CP level. However, the intestinal digestibility of DM was significantly increased with increasing dietary CP level estimated by TSP (P < 0.05) or MNB method (P < 0.01). Intestinal digestibility coefficients of CP determined by TSP were lower than those of the MNB method. Histidine was extensively degraded by rumen micro‐organisms, while tyrosine was the most anti‐degradable AA among the samples. The ruminal AA degradability exhibited no significant differences except for threonine, tryptophan, alanine, aspartic acid and proline for the three diets. Similarly, only a few AAs (i.e. histidine, methionine, tryptophan, aspartic acid and cysteine in TSP; histidine, tryptophan, aspartic acid and serine in MNB) had significant differences in their intestinal digestibility; in addition, values of MNB were lower than that of the TSP method, indicating that intestinal digestibility of DM seems to be overestimated in TSP, while that of CP might be overestimated in the MNB method.     

Influence of condensed tannin on intake, digestibility, and efficiency of protein utilization in beef steers fed high concentrate diet

This trial was conducted to evaluate if the effect of condensed tannin (CT) is associated with a true protein source on intake, ruminal and total digestibility, ruminal digestion rate, protein efficiency, and microbial efficiency in beef steers fed high concentrate diet (87% of DM). Four Bos indicus steers (407 ± 12 kg of BW) fitted with rumen cannula were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of either inclusion (0.4% of DM) or exclusion of condensed tannin (CT) from quebracho extract (76% of CT) with or without the use of soybean meal (SBM) as source of true protein. The level of inclusion was calculated to provide a daily intake of 1 g/10 kg of BW of CT. Intake of DM and nutrients was not affected (P > 0.10) by CT inclusion. However, there was an effect (P < 0.10) of CT inclusion on ether extract digestibility. An interaction (P < 0.10) was observed between CT and SBM on ruminal digestibility and digestion rate of crude protein (CP): when mixed with soybean meal, CT decreased the ruminal digestibility and, consequently, reduced the digestion rate of CP. Intake of CP increased (P < 0.10) with the inclusion of SBM. No differences in DM passage rate were observed (P > 0.10) among treatments. Effects of the interaction (P < 0.10) between CT and SBM were observed on flux of rumen undegradable protein (RUP), metabolizable protein (MP), and on the ratio MP:CP. In the presence of soybean meal, the addition of CT increased (P < 0.10) the flux of RUP and MP, and improved the ratio MP:CP. The yield of microbial protein on the abomasum and the microbial efficiency did not differ among treatments (P > 0.10). There was no difference (P > 0.10) on the pH, VFA, and ruminal ammonia (N-NH₃) with the addition of condensed tannin. The N-NH₃ increased and the ruminal pH decreased with the inclusion of soybean meal (P < 0.10). The utilization of condensed tannin as an additive in beef cattle diets with high level of concentrate and soybean meal as a source of true protein implies positive effects on crude protein utilization, decreasing digestion rate and ruminal digestibility of crude protein and consequently increasing the levels of metabolizable protein, with no changes in the ruminal fermentation parameters.     

基于康奈尔净碳水化合物与蛋白质体系的瘤胃非降解蛋白质小肠可吸收氨基酸流量的简化评定技术

本试验旨在简化基于康奈尔净碳水化合物与蛋白质体系(CNCPS)评定瘤胃非降解蛋白质(RUP)小肠可吸收氨基酸流量的技术。小肠可吸收氨基酸来自菌体蛋白和RUP,CNCPS根据溶解性将饲料粗蛋白质(CP)分为A、B1、B2、B3和C共5种组分,只有3种B组分可以过瘤胃并在小肠中消化。为评定RUP小肠可吸收氨基酸的贡献,CNCPS需要分别测定3种B组分的瘤胃降解率,3种过瘤胃B组分的小肠消化率需采用不同常数。选择18份饲料样品,其中精料12份,粗料6份,测定CNCPS评定RUP小肠可吸收氨基酸流量所需数据,同时对饲料CP的瘤胃动态降解率及不同时间点RUP的体外小肠消化率进行了测定,通过这些数据提出简化评定方法。结果表明:1)精料和粗料均以8 h的CP瘤胃降解率(X,%)与有效降解率(Y,%)间相关性最强,二者间呈线性相关,精料和粗料方程分别为Y=12.652+0.828X,r=0.990,P0.000 1和Y=10.967+0.886X,r=0.980,P=0.000 6。2)精料2 h RUP小肠消化率(X,%)与RUP小肠有效消化率(Y,%)间相关性最强,方程为Y=0.026+0.879X,r=0.970,P0.000 1;粗料8h RUP小肠消化率(X,%)与RUP小肠有效消化率(Y,%)间相关性最强,方程为Y=-0.002+0.960 X,r=0.995,P0.000 1。3)简化方案经可靠性评估得出,8 h CP瘤胃降解率和RUP小肠消化率简化CNCPS模型预测的小肠氨基酸流量(X,‰)与CNCPS预测的小肠氨基酸流量(Y,‰)相关性最强,精料方程为Y=-0.056+1.409X,r=0.999,P0.000 1;粗料方程为Y=0.003+2.120 X,r=0.999,P0.000 1。精料和粗料的简化评定结果与CNCPS评定结果的均方根误差分别为0.245和0.005,变异系数分别为7.08%和4.49%。综合得出,基于CNCPS,得到了预测RUP小肠可吸收氨基酸流量的简化模型,简化后的精料和粗料模型分别为Y=-0.056+1.409×[AA×(100-D8)×CP×ID8],r=0.999,P0.000 1和Y=0.002+2.120×[AA×(100-D8)×CP×ID8],r=0.999,P0.000 1,Y为RUP中的某种氨基酸小肠可吸收流量(‰),D8为CP的8 h瘤胃降解率(%),ID8为RUP的8 h小肠消化率(%),AA为不溶性蛋白质中该氨基酸含量(%)。     

6种饲料原料瘤胃降解特性和瘤胃非降解蛋白质的小肠消化率

本试验旨在研究新疆地区玉米青贮、棉籽壳、苜蓿草粉、苜蓿干草、葡萄籽粕、蕃茄酱渣6种奶牛饲料原料的瘤胃降解特性和瘤胃非降解蛋白质(RUP)的小肠消化率(Idg)。选用3头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳荷斯坦奶牛,采用尼龙袋法和改进三步体外法测定饲料原料的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的瘤胃降解特性以及RUP的Idg和小肠可消化粗蛋白质(IDCP)含量。结果表明:1)苜蓿草粉和玉米青贮的DM有效降解率最高,显著高于次之的苜蓿干草、番茄酱渣(P0.05),葡萄籽粕、棉籽壳最低,显著低于其他原料(P0.05);CP有效降解率为番茄酱渣苜蓿草粉玉米青贮苜蓿干草棉籽壳葡萄籽粕,各原料间差异显著(P0.05);NDF有效降解率为玉米青贮苜蓿草粉棉籽壳苜蓿干草番茄酱渣葡萄籽粕,各组饲料原料间差异显著(P0.05);ADF有效降解率为玉米青贮棉籽壳苜蓿干草番茄酱渣苜蓿草粉葡萄籽粕,各组饲料原料间差异显著(P0.05)。2)苜蓿草粉RUP的Idg和IDCP含量最高,Idg显著高于依次降低的苜蓿干草、玉米青贮、番茄酱渣、葡萄籽粕、棉籽壳(P0.05),IDCP含量与苜蓿干草差异不显著(P0.05),显著高于依次降低的玉米青贮、番茄酱渣、葡萄籽粕、棉籽壳(P0.05)。综上所述,不同饲料原料具有不同的瘤胃降解特性,进入小肠IDCP的含量也不同。玉米青贮的DM、NDF和ADF在瘤胃的有效降解率较高,苜蓿草粉RUP的Idg较高,苜蓿草粉和苜蓿干草的IDCP含量较高。     

The effects of protein sources supplemented with urea-treated potato pulp (PP) silage and feeding levels of the PP silage-based concentrate on feed intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

Six Japanese Black (Wagyu) steers (average initial weight 467 ± 45 kg) fitted with a ruminal cannula were used in a split‐plot design experiment comprising a 3 × 3 Latin square design (whole‐plot) and a randomized block design (subplot). The whole‐plot treatments were three different feeding levels of urea‐treated potato pulp (PP) silage‐based concentrate: 1.00%, 1.75% and 2.50% of body weight (BW) (on a dry matter (DM) basis). The subplot treatments consisted of the concentrate formulated to contain either soybean meal (SBM) as a rapidly rumen‐degraded protein source or corn gluten meal (CGM) as a slowly degraded protein source. Dry matter intake tended to be lower (P = 0.071) for CGM (8.9 kg/day) than for SBM (9.4 kg/day). Protein sources had no significant effect on digestibility and in situ degradation. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH₃‐N) was lower (P = 0.033) for CGM (7.5 mg/dL) than for SBM (9.5 mg/dL). Protein sources did not affect ruminal pH and the total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations. The molar proportions of ruminal acetate and valerate were higher (P = 0.032) for CGM than for SBM. The maximum daily intake of the PP silage‐based concentrate expressed as a percentage of BW was approximately 1.4% of BW. Dry matter intake was higher (P = 0.046) for steers fed at 1.0% of BW of the PP silage‐based concentrate than for steers fed at 1.75% or 2.5% of BW of the concentrate. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate had no effect on DM and nutrients digestibility, except for crude protein (CP) digestibility. CP digestibility tended to be lower (P = 0.071) for steers fed at 1.75% of BW of the PP silage‐based concentrate than for steers fed at 1.0% or 2.5% of BW of the concentrate. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate also did not affect the in situ degradation parameter of hay and PP silage. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate did not affect ruminal pH, NH₃‐N and total VFA concentrations. The molar proportion of acetate was highest for steers fed at 1.0% of BW of the concentrate. In conclusion, in the urea‐treated PP silage‐based concentrate, CGM seems to be more effective than SBM for stabilizing the ruminal NH₃‐N concentration and to be advantageous for fiber digestion in the rumen. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate did not change the amount of VFA production in the rumen and the DM digestibility.     

Characterization of dietary protein in Brassica carinata meal when used as a protein supplement for beef cattle consuming a forage-based diet

As a novel oilseed crop in Florida, Brassica carinata has the capacity of producing high-quality jet biofuel, with a protein-dense meal (~40% crude protein; CP) obtained as a by-product of oil extraction. Characterization of the meal protein is limited, yet necessary for formulation of beef cattle diets; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine ruminal and postruminal digestibility of protein from B. carinata. Eight ruminally cannulated Angus crossbred steers (473 ± 119 kg) were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, in which in situ ruminal and postruminal degradability of nutrients were evaluated. The three-step in vitro procedure was used to compare CP and amino acid (AA) degradation in B. carinata meal pellets (BCM) with that of cottonseed meal (CSM), dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and soybean meal (SBM). In situ bags were incubated in the rumen for 0 to 96 hr, with the undegraded supplement remaining after 16 hr subjected to serial in vitro enzymatic solutions. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Ruminal rate of degradation of dry matter, organic matter, and CP was greatest (P ˂ 0.01; 10.9, 11.3, and 11.5 %/h, respectively) for SBM. Rumen degradable protein (RDP) content did not differ (P = 0.20; 47.8% and 55.1%, respectively) between CSM and DDGS, but was decreased (P ˂ 0.01) compared with SBM and BCM, which did not differ (P = 0.99; 72.3% and 71.8% RDP, respectively). Compared with DDGS, SBM had greater (P < 0.01) intestinal digestibility of rumen undegradable protein (RUP). Intestinally absorbable digestible protein (IADP) was greatest (P < 0.01) for CSM, with SBM and BCM having the least IADP. Total tract digestibility of CP (TTDP) was greater (P < 0.01) for SBM compared with CSM and DDGS. The contribution of RUP to intestinally absorbable AA was 7.2 and 3.1 g of lysine and methionine per kilogram of CP in BCM, respectively. The evaluation of B. carinata meal as protein supplemented for cattle consuming a forage-based diet resulted in 71.8% RDP and 97.1% TTDP, thus indicating its viability as a high-quality protein supplement for beef cattle.     

不同发酵时间对全混合日粮的瘤胃降解特性以及小肠消化率的影响

试验旨在研究发酵0、3、7、15、30 d的全混合日粮(TMR)对瘤胃降解特性以及小肠消化率的影响。选用3头体重为550 kg左右、安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的荷斯坦奶牛,采用尼龙袋法和三步体外法测定发酵全混合日粮(FTMR)的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)的瘤胃降解率以及瘤胃未降解蛋白(RUP)的小肠消化率。结果表明:随着发酵时间的延长,FTMR饲料的DM含量显著降低(P<0.05);随着发酵时间的延长,显著提高FTMR的DM、CP、NDF的瘤胃降解率(P<0.05)和CP、NDF的快速降解部分(P <0.05);同时发酵显著降低RUP的小肠消化率(P <0.05)。综上可知,全混合日粮提高了DM、CP和NDF在瘤胃中的瘤胃降解率,15、30 d的FTMR各营养成分的瘤胃降解性较好;RUP的小肠消化率随发酵时间的延长开始逐渐降低,7d之后降低最为明显。因此,应控制好TMR的发酵时间,以便更有效地利用饲料资源。     

Effect of toasting grain silages from field peas (Pisum sativum) and field beans (Vicia faba) on in vitro gas production,methane production,and post-ruminal crude protein content

Legume grains such as field peas and field beans can be produced on a local level, and may be reliable sources of dietary protein and energy apart from common soybean and rapeseed meals. In ruminants, protein, starch, and carbohydrates from peas and field beans are fermented in large part before reaching the small intestine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a combination of ensiling and hydro-thermic treatment (i.e., toasting at 160 °C for 30 min) of grains of peas and field beans on the concentrations of post-ruminal crude protein (PRCP) and rumen-undegraded protein (RUP). Moreover, 24-h gas production and methane production were measured. For this, an in vitro batch culture system with ruminal fluid from sheep was used. Rumen-undegraded protein was determined using the Streptomyces griseus protease test. Scanning electron micrographs were used to visualize morphological changes of starch granules and their joint matrices in peas and field beans after ensiling, toasting, or a combination of both. Native pea grains contained crude protein (CP) at 199 g/kg DM, PRCP at 155 g/kg DM at a ruminal passage rate of 0.08/h (Kp8), RUP at 33 g/kg DM at Kp8, and starch at 530 g/kg DM. Native field beans contained CP at 296 g/kg DM, PRCP at 212 g/kg DM at Kp8, RUP at 54 g of/kg DM at Kp8, and starch at 450 g/kg DM. The PRCP did not considerably differ among native and treated peas or field beans. Especially in the peas, RUP at Kp8 increased after ensiling by 10 g/kg DM (i.e., 30%; P < 0.05). Toasting increased RUP (Kp8) in ensiled peas by another 28% (P < 0.05). Toasting had no effect on PRCP or RUP when the peas or field beans were not ensiled before. Gas and methane production were not affected by any treatment, and scanning electron micrographs did not reveal structural changes on the starches doubtless of any treatment. Protein seemed to be more affected by treatment with ensiled + toasted peas than with ensiled + toasted field beans, but starches and other carbohydrates from both legumes remained unaffected.     

Effects of dietary fibre level and body weight of pigs on nutrient digestibility and available energy in high‐fibre diet based on wheat bran or sunflower meal

The objectives of this study were (a) to investigate the effect of body weight (BW) on available energy in fibre‐rich diets containing two NDF levels; and (b) to evaluate the effect of fibre type and NDF level on AA digestibility. In Exp. 1, barrows (24 at 33.4 ± 1.1 kg; 24 at 86.8 ± 3.3 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 diets containing a high protein basal (HPB), a low protein basal (LPB), 70% HPB + 30% wheat bran (WB) (HPB‐WB) and 70% LPB + 30% sunflower meal (SFM) (LPB‐SFM). In Exp. 2, barrows (24 at 33.5 ± 1.8 kg; 24 at 87.0 ± 3.8 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 diets containing no SFM with 12% NDF (SFM0LF), no SFM with 16% NDF (SFM0HF), 24% SFM with 12% NDF (SFM24LF) and 24% SFM with 16% NDF (SFM24HF). In Exp. 3, twelve barrows (35.5 ± 3.4 kg) fitted with T‐cannulas were allotted to two 6 × 4 Youden square design with 6 diets (4 same diets as in Exp. 2 and 2 nitrogen‐free diets). The concentration of DE, ME and ATTD of GE, CP, NDF and ADF in diets was greater (p < .01) when fed to 90 kg pigs compared with 30 kg pigs. The ME in ingredients was not affected by BW. The ATTD of NDF was negatively correlated with the CF (r = ?.98; p < .01), ADF (r = ?.99; p < .01) and ADL content (r = ?.96; p < .01). The ME of diets was negatively correlated with the ATTD of CF (r = ?.98; p < .01). The addition of SFM increased the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Met (p < .05). In conclusion, diets rich in fibre had different nutritional values at different pig weight stages. The AA digestibility depends mainly on chemical composition of diets.     

Effects of supplemental ruminally degradable protein versus increasing amounts of supplemental ruminally undegradable protein on site and extent of digestion and ruminal characteristics in lambs fed low-quality forage

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated Suffolk wether lambs (34.5 +/- 2 kg initial BW) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square designed experiment to compare effects of supplemental ruminally degradable protein (RDP) vs. increasing amounts of supplemental ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) on ruminal characteristics and site and extent of digestion in lambs. Lambs were fed a basal diet of crested wheatgrass hay (4.2% CP) for ad libitum consumption, plus 1 of 4 protein supplements: isolated soy protein (RDP source) fed to meet estimated RDP requirements assuming a microbial efficiency of 11% of TDN (CON) or corn gluten meal (RUP source) fed at 50, 100, or 150% of the supplemental N provided by CON (C50, C100, and C150, respectively). Neither NDF nor ADF intake was affected (P >/= 0.18) by protein degradability, but they increased or tended to increase (P /= 0.26) for CON and C100, but increased (P /= 0.33) by protein degradability. However, true ruminal N digestibility was greater (P = 0.03) for CON compared with C100. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were greater (P = 0.002) for CON compared with C100 lambs, and increased (P = 0.001) with increasing RUP. Microbial N flows were not affected (P >/= 0.12) by protein degradability or increasing RUP. Likewise, neither ruminal urease activity (P >/= 0.11) nor microbial efficiency (P >/= 0.50) were affected by protein degradability or level of RUP. Total tract OM, NDF, and ADF digestibility was greater (P 相似文献   

In vitro evidence for the importance of cultivation conditions on the effects of Calliandra tannins on ruminal escape of soybean protein and its post‐ruminal degradability

Purified condensed tannins (CT) extracted from the legume Calliandra calothyrsus (var. San Ramón CIAT 22310), harvested in the dry and the rainy season and cultivated with low or high level of fertilization were added to soybean meal in a ratio of 600 mg/g of the incubated crude protein (CP). Effects on degradation either in ruminal fluid only, or in ruminal fluid followed by incubation in HCl/pepsin, were evaluated using a modified two‐step in vitro method. Season was found to have larger effects on in vitro ruminal and post‐ruminal CP degradation than fertilization. Condensed tannins from the rainy season harvest reduced ruminal CP degradation less than that from the dry season harvest. They had also less negative effects on the degradability of rumen escape protein and enhanced the proportion of post‐ruminally degraded CP more than CT from the dry season harvest. An increase in level of fertilization reduced ruminal CP degradation in CT from the rainy season plants but this was not associated with effects on post‐ruminal degradation. The study demonstrated the importance of environmental factors for the efficiency of CT in modifying ruminal and post‐ruminal CP degradation.     

Effect of increasing levels of wasted date palm on digestion,rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of wasted date (WD) in sheep (initial body weight 50 ± 2.3 kg) diets on apparent diet digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis. The experimental diets contained 0 (0 WD), 9% (9 WD), 18% (18 WD) or 27% (27 WD) of wasted dates. These diets were evaluated through a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 28‐day periods. Sheep were individually housed in metabolic cages and were fed diets ad libitum. To keep the diets isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, increasing partial replacement of WD for barley grain was used with increasing levels of soya bean meal. Increasing the amount of WD in diets of sheep did not influence (p > 0.05) diet intake and digestibility of nutrients. Inclusion of WD in diets of sheep did not affect (p > 0.05) ruminal pH but decreased (p < 0.05) NH₃‐N concentration and blood urea nitrogen. Also there was no effect (p > 0.05) of the WD provision on N intake and faecal N loss of experimental animals, but urinary nitrogen excretion and retained nitrogen were affected (p < 0.05) by dietary treatments. Purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis increased (p < 0.05) linearly with the level of WD in the diet. In conclusion, the increase in microbial protein synthesis and concomitant reduction in ruminal NH₃‐N concentration and blood urea nitrogen in response to wasted date supply suggest improved efficiency of ruminal nitrogen metabolism without adverse effects on fermentation characteristics and animal performance.     

Effects of different protein sources completely replacing fish meal in low‐protein diet on growth performance,intestinal digestive physiology,and nitrogen digestion and metabolism in nursery pigs

The study compared the effects of selected proteins replacing fish meal in low‐protein diets on piglets’ growth performance, intestinal digestive physiology, and nitrogen digestion and metabolism. Five reduced CP, amino acid (AA)‐supplemented diets containing 4% of either S50, HP300, concentrated degossypolized cottonseed protein (CDCP), P50, or fish meal were assigned to six pens with 11 pigs for a 28‐day study period. Compared with fish meal, dietary proteins did not affect growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, serum hormone levels and biochemical parameters, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of CP and most AA, colonic short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents, duodenal and ileal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and pH in small intestine of piglets. However, HP300, CDCP, and P50 decreased (p < 0.05) fecal N excretion per weight gain. AID of Ile in S50 and HP300 and Glu in P50 were improved (p < 0.05), and AID of Gly in other proteins was reduced (p < 0.05). S50 and P50 lowered (p < 0.05) the contents of colonic isobutyric and isovaleric. S50 and HP300 reduced (p < 0.05) jejunal villus height. CDCP increased (p < 0.05) the pepsin activity in stomach. S50, HP300, and CDCP decreased (p < 0.05) pH in the proximal colon. Overall, the selected proteins could completely replace fish meal in low‐protein diet without impairing piglets’ growth via maintaining intestinal digestive physiology, and nitrogen digestion and metabolism.     

日粮不同CP及RUP水平对奶牛瘤胃发酵的影响

试验旨在研究不同水平的粗蛋白（CP）及瘤胃非降解蛋白（RUP）的日粮对奶牛瘤胃代谢的影响。试验选择18头健康、体重相近的荷斯坦奶牛作为试验动物,随机分为6组,每组3头。采用2×3因子完全随机试验设计,其中CP设7.5%（低）、9.0%（中）、10.5%（高）3个水平,RUP设45%CP（低）、55%CP（高）2个水平,共6个处理组,饲喂相同基础日粮,精粗比为3∶7,预饲期10d,饲喂后2、4、8、12、24h从食道采集瘤胃液2d,测定瘤胃液pH值,NH3-N、微生物蛋白质（BCP）、挥发性脂肪酸（VFA）含量。结果表明,日粮CP水平对瘤胃液NH3-N浓度的影响极显著（P〈0.01）,对BCP及VFA的含量影响较小,总体而言,9.0%CP水平组对奶牛的瘤胃发酵略好于其他两组;日粮中高RUP（55%CP）可以显著降低瘤胃pH值且有降低NH3-N浓度的趋势,同时,对瘤胃BCP及VFA的合成有一定的促进作用。该试验条件下,日粮中CP（9.0%）和RUP（55%CP）可在一定程度上改善瘤胃代谢。     

Influence of Substituting Dietary Soybean for Air‐Classified Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Meal on Egg Production and Steroid Hormones in Early‐Phase Laying Hens

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely and expensive protein source used in the formulation of poultry diets; however, when the price of SBM increases, poultry nutritionists seek alternative sources that are more economical in formulating least‐cost rations. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary air‐classified sunflower meal (SFM) on some productive parameters and plasma steroid hormones in laying hens. In this trial, 20‐week‐old laying hens (ISA Brown strain) in the early phase of production were randomly assigned to two groups and fed wheat middlings‐based diets containing soybean (135 g/kg; 48% CP) or air‐classified SFM (160 g/kg; 41% CP) as the main protein source. Laying performance, egg size and feed conversion ratio were evaluated for 10 week. Plasma steroid hormones (progesterone and oestradiol) in the hens were quantified weekly. Substituting SBM with air‐classified SFM did not change (p > 0.05) the hens' growth performance, whereas feed consumption and efficiency were positively influenced (p < 0.05) by SFM treatment. Egg production rate was improved in hens fed the SFM diet (p < 0.05), as well as the percentage of medium‐size eggs that was higher for SFM treatment (p < 0.05). Steroid hormones levels were affected by dietary treatment (p < 0.01). From our findings, it could be effective to include air‐classified SFM in early‐phase laying hen diets as an alternative protein source substituting SBM, without negative influence on productive performance and egg traits, reducing also the production costs.     

Effect of varying ruminally degradable to ruminally undegradable protein ratio on nutrient intake, digestibility and N metabolism in Nili Ravi buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

Four Nili-Ravi buffalo calves (100 ± 4 kg) were used in 4 × 4 Latin Square Design to evaluate the influence of varying ruminally degradable protein (RDP) to ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) ratio on dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility and nitrogen (N) metabolism. Four experimental diets A, B, C and D were formulated to contain RDP:RUP of 70:30, 65:35, 60:40 and 55:45, respectively. The calves were fed ad libitum. Dry matter intake by calves fed C diet was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed D diet and lower (P < 0.05) than calves fed A diet, however, it was similar to those fed B diet. There was a linear decrease (P < 0.01) in DMI with decreasing the RDP to RUP ratio. Similar trend was noticed in crude protein (CP) intake. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake was significantly different across all treatment. The decrease in CP and NDF intake was due to decreasing trend of DMI. Dry matter (DM) digestibility in calves fed A and B diets was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed C and D diets. A linear decrease (P < 0.01) in DM digestibility was observed with decreasing the RDP to RUP ratio. Crude protein digestibility remained unaltered across all treatments. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher in calves fed A and B diets than those fed C and D diets. Higher NDF digestibility in calves fed A and B diets was due to higher level of dietary RDP that might resulted in higher ruminal ammonia concentration which stimulate activity of cellulytic bacteria and ultimately increased NDF digestibility. The N retention (g/d) was similar among the calves fed B, C and D diets, however, it was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed A diet. Decreasing the RDP to RUP ratio resulted in linear increase (P < 0.01) in N retention. The N retention, as percent of N intake was significantly different across all treatments. Decreasing RDP to RUP ratio resulted in linear increase (P < 0.01) in N retention, as percent of N intake. A similar trend was noticed in N retention, as percentage of N digestion. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration in calves fed B diet was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed D diet and was lower (P < 0.05) than those fed A diet, however, it was not different from calves fed C diet. Decreasing dietary RDP to RUP ratio resulted in linear decrease (P < 0.05) in BUN concentrations. The decrease in BUN concentration was because of decreasing level of dietary RDP. The N retention can be increased by decreasing RDP to RUP ratio in the diet of growing buffalo calves and diet containing RDP to RUP ratio 55:45 is considered optimum regarding N retention in buffalo calves.     

Milk yield and composition of lactating Comisana ewes fed total mixed rations containing nitrogen sources with different ruminal degradability

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pelleted total mixed rations (PTMR) containing two crude protein (CP) levels and N sources with different ruminal degradability on milk yield and composition of lactating ewes. The experiment, which lasted 14 weeks, was conducted during the spring and summer of 2007 and used 80 multiparous Comisana ewes in mid-lactation, reared in permanent stabling. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used, with ewes receiving two levels of CP (low 15.5% CP and high 17.5% CP) and two type of N sources with different rumen degradable protein (low and high) for each dietary treatment: (1) high-degradable protein diet (17.5% CP) composed by soybean meal, sunflower meal and urea (HPHD), (2) low-degradable protein diet (17.5% CP) included only corn gluten meal (HPLD), (3) high-degradable protein diet (15.5% CP) composed by soybean meal, sunflower meal and urea (LPHD), and (4) low-degradable protein diet (15.5% CP) included only corn gluten meal (LPLD). In order to evaluate in vivo digestibility of PTMRs, four adult rams were placed in metabolic cages and their individual faeces and urine were collected. In the performance trial, ewe milk yield was recorded daily and Individual milk samples were analysed weekly for milk composition and to determine milk renneting parameters. The 17.5% CP diets led to better nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients and had positive effects on milk production than the 15.5% CP diets. Similar results were obtained for corn gluten meal diets, compared to diets containing soybean meal, sunflower meal and urea. Data showed that corn gluten meal diets have had a positive effects on milk fat (P < 0.05), but not on milk protein, lactose and renneting parameters. All ewes gained weight during the experimental period, but the body weight change was not significant among treatments. Our findings indicate that an increase in rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content does not negatively affect nutrient digestibility of sheep rations and milk yield and composition.     

Metabolic and productive response to ruminal protein degradability in early lactation cows fed untreated or xylose‐treated soybean meal‐based diets

Effects of different dietary rumen undegradable (RUP) to degradable (RDP) protein ratios on ruminal nutrient degradation, feed intake, blood metabolites and milk production were determined in early lactation cows. Four multiparous (43 ± 5 days in milk) and four primiparous (40 ± 6 days in milk) tie‐stall‐housed Holstein cows were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 21‐day periods. Each period had 14‐day of adaptation and 7‐day of sampling. Diets contained on a dry matter (DM) basis, 23.3% alfalfa hay, 20% corn silage and 56.7% concentrate. Cows were first offered alfalfa hay at 7:00, 15:00 and 23:00 hours, and 30 min after each alfalfa hay delivery were offered a mixture of corn silage and concentrate. Treatments were diets with RUP:RDP ratios of (i) 5.2:11.6 (control), (ii) 6.1:10.6, (iii) 7.1:9.5 and (iv) 8.1:8.5, on a dietary DM% basis. Different RUP:RDP ratios were obtained by partial and total replacement of untreated soybean meal (SBM) with xylose‐treated SBM (XSBM). In situ study using three rumen‐cannulated non‐lactating cows showed that DM and crude protein (CP) of SBM had greater rapidly degradable fractions. The potentially degradable fractions were degraded more slowly in XSBM. Treatment cows produced greater milk, protein, lactose, solids‐non‐fat and total solids than control cows. Increasing RUP:RDP reduced blood urea linearly. Feed costs dropped at RUP:RDP ratios of 6.1:10.6 and 7.1:9.5, but not at 8.1:8.5, compared with the 5.2:11.6 ratio. Intake of DM and CP, rumen pH, blood glucose, albumin and total protein, faecal and urine pH, changes in body weight and body condition score, and milk lactose and solids‐non‐fat percentages did not differ among treatments. Results provide evidence that increasing dietary RUP:RDP ratio from 5.2:11.6 to 7.1:9.5 optimizes nitrogen metabolism and milk production and reduces feed costs in early lactation cows. Reduced blood urea suggests reprodutive benefits.