Effects of isovalerate on ruminal fermentation,urinary excretion of purine derivatives and digestibility in steers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of isovalerate supplementation on rumen fermentation, urinary excretion of purine derivatives and feed digestibility in the total tract of steers. Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. The treatments were: control (without isovalerate), low isovalerate (LIV), medium isovalerate (MIV) and high isovalerate (HIV) dosage of isovalerate at 100, 200 and 300 mg isovalerate per kg dry matter (DM) intake respectively. Diets consisted of corn stover and concentrate (60/40, DM basis). Dry matter intake was approximately 9 kg per day that was 90% of ad libitum intake including 5.4 kg corn stover and 3.6 kg concentrate. Ruminal pH (6.72–6.54) was linearly (p < 0.03) reduced, whereas total volatile fatty acid concentration (64.6–74.7 mmol/l) was linearly (p < 0.01) and quadratically (p < 0.01) increased with increasing isovalerate supplementation. Ratio of acetate to propionate increased linearly (p < 0.01) from 2.78 to 3.39 as isovalerate supplementation increased because of the increase in acetate production and decrease in propionate production. In situ ruminal degradation of amylase‐treated neutral detergent fibre (aNDF) of corn stover was improved, but crude protein (CP) degradability of soybean meal decreased with increasing isovalerate supplementation. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives was quadratically (p < 0.01) changed by altering isovalerate supplementation (50.5, 54.3, 58.9 and 55.2 mmol/day for control, LIV, MIV and HIV, respectively). Similarly, digestibilities of organic matter, aNDF and CP in the total tract were linearly and quadratically increased with increasing isovalerate supplementation. The results of this study indicate that supplementation of diet with isovalerate improved ruminal fermentation and feed digestion in beef cattle. It was suggested that the isovalerate stimulated the digestive micro‐organisms or enzymes in a dose‐dependent manner.     

Effects of sodium selenite addition on ruminal fermentation,microflora and urinary excretion of purine derivatives in Holstein dairy bulls

Researches on sodium selenite (SS) mainly focus on production performance and rumen fermentation in ruminants, and the influence of dietary Se addition on ruminal microbial population and enzyme activity in dairy bulls is scarce. This study mainly evaluated the effects of SS on ruminal fermentation, microflora and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in dairy bulls. Eight ruminally cannulated dairy bulls were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were control, low SS (LSS), medium SS (MSS) and high SS (HSS) with 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg of selenium (Se) from SS in dietary dry matter (DM), respectively. The supplement of SS (1.0 g/kg of Se) was mixed into the first third of the daily ration. Bulls were fed a total mixed ration with corn silage to concentrate ratio of 50:50 on a DM basis. Dry matter intake was not affected, average daily gain linearly increased, while feed conversion ratio quadratically decreased with increasing Se addition. The linearly increased digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre was observed. Both ruminal pH and ammonia‐N concentration linearly decreased, whereas total volatile fatty acid concentration linearly increased. A lower acetate to propionate ratio was observed due to the unchanged acetate proportion and increased propionate proportion. Activity of cellobiase, xylanase, pectinase, α‐amylase and protease, populations of total bacteria, fungi, protozoa, Ruminococcus (R.) albus, R. flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Ruminobacter amylophilus as well as urinary total PD excretion linearly increased, whereas populations of total methanogens and Prevotella ruminicola linearly decreased. The data indicated that dietary Se addition stimulated ruminal microbial growth and enzyme activity, and resulting in the increased nutrient digestion and growth performance, and the optimum supplementary dose of Se was 0.3 mg/kg dietary DM from SS in dairy bulls.     

Effect of the administration of young leaves of Quercus pyrenaica on rumen fermentation in relation to oak tannin toxicosis in cattle

Three experiments were conducted to study the effect of the administration of young leaves of Quercus pyrenaica (OL) on in vivo ruminal fermentation in relation to oak tannin toxicosis in cattle. In Experiment 1, six bulls were fed up to 5 kg fresh matter (FM) of OL per animal and day for 14 days. In Experiment 2, another six bulls were first subjected to severe feed restriction for 8 days and then fed a higher amount of OL (approximately 10 kg FM daily) for 3 days. In Experiment 3, three bulls received the same amount of OL as in Experiment 1 for 6 days, but adding a severe feed restriction as in Experiment 2. In situ DM disappearance of grass hay and OL, and pH and ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentrations were recorded throughout the three assays. Daily administration of up to 5 kg OL did not considerably affect ruminal fermentation, unless it was preceded by a severe feed restriction period. Administration of 10 kg OL preceded by undernutrition triggered a critical reduction in rumen fermentation activity concomitantly with an acute intoxication. Interestingly, some results differ from those observed previously in vitro, which highlights the importance of validating in vitro data with in vivo measurements, given the complexity of extrapolation in ruminants.     

Effect of dietary energy on digestibilities,rumen fermentation,urinary purine derivatives and serum metabolites in Tibetan and small‐tailed Han sheep

Tibetan sheep are indigenous to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, graze the grassland all year round without supplementation and are well‐adapted to the harsh conditions. Small‐tailed Han sheep were introduced to the plateau and are raised mainly in feedlots. Based on their different backgrounds, we hypothesized that the ability to cope with poor diets would be better in Tibetan than in Han sheep. To test our prediction, we examined the effect of dietary energy on apparent digestibilities, rumen fermentation, urinary purine derivatives and serum metabolites by using a 4 × 4 Latin square design in each sheep breed. Four diets were formulated to be low in crude protein (~7%) but to differ in metabolizable energy concentration. Average daily gain was greater in Tibetan than in Han sheep (p < 0.01) and increased linearly with an increase in energy intake (p < 0.001). The digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, gross energy, and neutral and acid detergent fibres were greater in Tibetan than in Han sheep (p < 0.05). Ruminal pH was lower (p < 0.05), while volatile fatty acids (VFAs), urea‐N, ammonia‐N and soluble protein‐N concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in Tibetan than in Han sheep. As a molar proportion of total VFA, acetate decreased (p < 0.001) with an increase in dietary energy whereas propionate and butyrate increased (p < 0.05). Urinary purine derivative excretion was greater in Tibetan than in Han sheep (p < 0.01), as was microbial nitrogen production; both parameters increased with dietary energy (p < 0.01). Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 increased (p < 0.05) as energy level increased, while non‐esterified fatty acids and growth hormone decreased (p < 0.05). It was concluded that Tibetan sheep were better able to cope with low‐protein, low‐energy diets and, consequently, our prediction was supported.     

小肽对山羊氮平衡和营养物质消化率的影响

将8头浏阳黑山羊随机分成4组,其中2组安置十二指肠瘘管,灌注大豆肽与水解氨基酸,按2因素随机化设计,测定灌注与饲喂大豆肽及其水解氨基酸对山羊氮平衡和营养物质消化率的影响.结果表明,从十二指肠灌注小肽组氮沉积显著(P<0.05)高于灌注氨基酸组,极显著(P<0.01)高于饲喂小肽组与氨基酸组,灌注小肽和氨基酸与饲喂小肽和氨基酸氮沉积分别为6.98和5.81 g/d与5.42和5.09 g/d,饲喂小肽较饲喂游离氨基酸能显著(P<0.05)提高氮沉积;饲喂小肽与灌注小肽能显著地提高能量和钙的消化率.     

不同精粗比日粮对山羊生产性能、血清生化指标和瘤胃发酵的影响

在相同蛋能比和钙磷比下,研究不同精粗比全混合日粮对努比亚山羊生长性能、血清生化指标和瘤胃发酵的影响.选择健康、体重相近的2月龄努比亚山羊母羊36只,随机分为3组,每组12只羊,分别饲喂精粗比为40:60(L)、50:50(M)和60:40(H)的全混合日粮.试验期70 d.结果表明:1)正试期第14天,L组山羊的平均日...     

The effects of potato pulp and feeding level of supplements on digestibility, in situ forage degradation and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

Six ruminally cannulated Wagyu (Japanese Black) steers (average initial bodyweight (BW) 387 ± 29 kg) 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 supplemental diet, fed at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% of BW, on a dry matter (DM) basis. Subplot treatments were two different supplemental diets: a potato pulp silage‐based diet (PPS) and a grain‐based diet (GRAIN). Chopped, medium‐quality cool‐season grass hay (predominately Timothy, Phleum pratense L) was fed daily at 0.7% BW (on a DM basis) as the basal diet. Each period consisted of 21 d, which included 11 d of adaptation to the diets and 10 d of the collection period. Chromium oxide was used as an indigestible marker. In situ forage degradation was measured using the nylon bag technique. The dry matter intake increased (linear; P < 0.01) as the feeding level increased and was not affected by the diet. Digestibility was not affected by any treatments. The GRAIN diet tended to decrease the rate of in situ forage degradation as the feeding level increased, but this trend was not found in the steers fed the PPS diet. Steers fed the GRAIN diet had a lower (P < 0.1) ruminal pH compared with steers fed the PPS diet. Ruminal pH was not significantly affected by feeding level; however, it was numerically higher for steers supplemented at 0.2% per BW than that for the steers supplemented above 0.4% per BW due probably to the higher starch intake. The total volatile fatty acids concentration numerically increased as the feeding level increased and was not affected by the diet. Increasing the feeding level decreased (linear, P < 0.01) the proportion of acetate. Neither diet nor the feeding level had any effects on the proportion of ruminal propionate. The results suggested that, for steers fed the PPS diet, there are not adverse effects on forage digestion in the rumen that occur as the feeding level is increased.     

Effects of dietary protein levels and 2‐methylbutyrate on ruminal fermentation,nutrient degradability,bacterial populations and urinary purine derivatives in Simmental steers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP ) levels and 2‐methylbutyrate (MB ) supplementation on ruminal fermentation, bacterial populations, microbial enzyme activity and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD ) in Simmental steers. Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers, averaging 18 months of age and 465 ± 8.6 kg of body weight (BW ), were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design by a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Low protein (98.5 g CP /kg dry matter [LP ] or high protein (128.7 g CP /kg dry matter [HP ]) diets were fed with MB supplementation (0 g [MB ?] or 16.8 g steer^?1 day^?1 [MB +]). Steers were fed a total mixed ration with dietary corn straw to concentrate ratio of 50:50 (dry matter [DM ] basis). The CP  × MB interaction was observed for ruminal total VFA , molar proportions of acetate and propionate, acetate to propionate ratio, ammonia‐N, effective degradability of neutral detergent fibre (NDF ) and CP , microbial enzyme activity, bacterial populations and total PD excretion (p  < .05). Ruminal pH decreased (p  < .05), but ruminal total VFA concentration increased (p  < .05) with increasing dietary CP level or MB supplementation. Acetate molar proportion increased (p  = .043) with MB supplementation, but was not affected by dietary CP level. Propionate molar proportion decreased (p  < .05) with increasing dietary CP level or MB supplementation. Consequently, acetate‐to‐propionate ratio increased (p  = .001) with MB supplementation, but was not affected by dietary CP level. Ruminal ammonia‐N content increased (p  = .034) with increasing dietary CP level, but decreased (p  = .012) with MB supplementation. The effective degradability of NDF and CP increased (p  < .05) with increasing dietary CP level or MB supplementation. Microbial enzyme activity, bacterial populations and total PD excretion also increased (p  < .05) with increasing dietary CP level or MB supplementation. The results indicated that ruminal fermentation, nutrient degradability, microbial enzyme activity, ruminal bacterial populations and microbial protein synthesis improved with increasing dietary CP level or MB supplementation in steers.     

Effect of Mediterranean saltbush (Atriplex halimus) ensilaging with two developed enzyme cocktails on feed intake,nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation in sheep

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of feeding Atriplex halimus (AH) silage treated with two developed enzyme cocktails to sheep on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation. The AH silage was treated without or with 2 L of ZAD1^® or ZAD2^®/1000 kg with 5% molasses and ensiled for 30 days. Barley grain (300 g/head/day) was fed as an energy supplement once daily at 10.00 hours and AH silage with or without enzyme treatment was offered ad libitum to animals twice daily at 09.00 and 16.00 hours. Sheep were fed on four experimental forage diets comprised of AH silage and barley (D1), AH silage treated with ZAD1^® and barley (D2), AH silage treated with ZAD2^® and barley (D3) and AH silage treated with a combination of ZAD1^® and ZAD2^® (1:1) and barley (D4). Ensiling AH with enzymes reduced its contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. The dry matter intake of AH of D2, D3 and D4 decreased (P < 0.001) as compared to D1. However, enzyme‐treated diets had greater total digestible nutrients intake (P < 0.001) as compared to D1. The nutrients digestibility for D2, D3 and D4 were higher than those for D1 (P < 0.001), and were higher for D3 as compared to both D2 and D4. Sheep fed on D3 had highest (P < 0.001) ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration, ammonia nitrogen concentration and microbial protein yield. It could be concluded that AH silage treated with ZAD1^® or ZAD2^® improved digestibility and rumen fermentation in sheep.     

全混合日粮对肥育期的瘤胃发酵特性及其饲料消化率的影响

对肥育期的去势中国荷斯坦奶牛饲喂TMR和精、粗分离饲料后,试验组瘤胃内的乳酸浓度显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。试验组采食后6小时时的pH值及采食后3小时时的NH3N浓度显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。乙酸和丙酸在两处理组间无显著差异,而在0小时和6小时时试验组丁酸极显著高于对照组(P<0.01),同时采食后9 h内试验组平均丁酸浓度极显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。另外,从采食后9 h内试验组平均乙酸/丙酸极显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。CMCase的活力在两处理组间无显著差异,而采食后9 h内试验组平均xylanase活力显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。总细菌数和总真菌数在试验组中表现出比对照组增加的倾向,特别是总细菌数在6小时时,总真菌数在6小时和9小时时,试验组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。试验组粗蛋白质的消化率极显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。     

Chitosan associated with whole raw soybean in diets for Murrah buffaloes on ruminal fermentation,apparent digestibility and nutrients metabolism

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan and whole raw soybean on nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen utilization, microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, digesta kinetics, and reticular flow of nutrients of buffaloes. Four ruminally‐cannulated Murrah buffaloes (351 ± 15 kg of initial BW) were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: the first factor was whole raw soybean (WRS), and the second factor was chitosan (CHI) with or without their inclusion in diets. Intake and apparent digestibility of ether extract (p < .01; p = .04, respectively), non‐fiber carbohydrates intake (p = .03) and apparent ruminal digestibility of dry matter (p = .01) were affected by diets. An interaction effect or tendency was observed for microbial nitrogen (p = .09), concentrations, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (p = .05), total volatile fatty acid (p = .03). Association of chitosan with whole raw soybean has potential effects as a modulator of rumen fermentation; therefore, chitosan can be applied as an alternative non‐ionophore for Murrah buffaloes.     

Effect of dietary energy levels on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives in sheep

The effect of dietary energy levels on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) was investigated in sheep fed hay and concentrate diets. In addition, the possibility of using PD concentrations in spot samples of urine as a useful tool for determining daily PD excretion was also examined. Three female lambs (mean bodyweight (BW) ± standard error, 31.4 ± 1.0 kg) were fed three diets consisting of timothy hay (20 g dry matter/kg BW per day) and rolled barley at three different energy levels (low‐energy (LE), medium‐energy (ME) and high‐energy (HE) at 1.0‐, 1.2‐ and 1.5‐fold greater than the maintenance level of energy (450 KJ/BW^0.75/day), respectively) in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The dietary protein level was almost constant (380 mg nitrogen/BW^0.75/day as digestible crude protein base) and was adjusted using soybean protein. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) increased (P < 0.05) with an increase in the dietary energy level and there was a difference (P < 0.05) in the organic matter digestibility between the LE and HE diets. For urinary PD excretion, the differences between the LE and ME diets and the HE diet were significant (P < 0.05), although there was no clear difference between the LE and ME diets. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.47, P < 0.05) between urinary PD excretion and DOMI. There was also a correlation (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) between the urinary PD level at 7–8 h after the morning feed and the daily total PD excretion, suggesting that the PD level in spot urine samples could be useful for estimating microbial protein synthesized in the rumen and/or digested in the lower gut.     

体外法研究生石膏对瘤胃发酵、甲烷生成及微生态的影响

通过体外产气法研究了生石膏对瘤胃发酵、甲烷生成及微生态的影响。按单因子试验设计,在底物中分别按其干物质的0(对照组)、1.25%(低水平组)、2.5%(高水平组)添加生石膏,每个组设4个重复,进行24h体外发酵培养。结果显示,随生石膏添加水平升高,乙酸与总挥发性脂肪酸浓度、乙酸与丙酸的浓度比、12和24h产气量、氢的生成量及甲烷菌数量显著(P0.05)或极显著(P0.01)降低,而丙酸占总挥发性脂肪酸的比例与原虫数量极显著(P0.01)升高;生石膏添加会显著(P0.05)或显著(P0.01)降低12和24h甲烷产量,而高水平添加会显著(P0.05)降低丙酸浓度与乙酸占总挥发性脂肪酸的比例。结果表明,生石膏可通过减少氢的供应量和抑制甲烷菌生长而降低体外甲烷产量,同时会促进原虫增殖,致使2种添加水平的相对甲烷抑制潜势没有显著(P0.05)差异。     

日粮添加赛乐硒对西门塔尔牛瘤胃发酵和尿嘌呤衍生物含量的影响

选用7头体重420 kg,2.5岁装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的西门塔尔牛,采用7×7拉丁方设计,研究日粮添加赛乐硒(7.5,15.0和22.5 mg/d)和Na2SeO3(7.5,15.0和22.5 mg/d)对瘤胃发酵和尿嘌呤衍生物含量的影响。结果表明,15.0和22.5 mg/d赛乐硒组瘤胃pH值显著低于Na2SeO3组(P<0.05)。各处理组瘤胃氨态氮浓度显著低于对照组,但赛乐硒与Na2SeO3处理之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。22.5 mg/d赛乐硒组瘤胃乙酸浓度显著高于Na2SeO3组,赛乐硒各组丙酸浓度显著高于Na2SeO3各组及对照组,15.0和22.5 mg/d赛乐硒组瘤胃丁酸和总挥发性脂肪酸浓度显著高于Na2SeO3组,赛乐硒各组乙酸/丙酸显著低于Na2SeO3各组及对照组(P<0.05)。15.0mg/d赛乐硒组玉米秸秆干物质、有机物质、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维有效降解率显著高于其他处理(P<0.05)。15.0 mg/d赛乐硒组豆粕干物质有效降解率显著高于对照组,15.0 mg/d赛乐硒组豆粕粗蛋白质有效降解率显著高于7.5 mg/d赛乐硒组(P<0.05)。15.0 mg/d赛乐硒组尿嘌呤衍生物含量显著高于Na2SeO3组(P<0.05)。赛乐硒较Na2SeO3显著促进瘤胃发酵,促进瘤胃纤维等营养物质的分解,促进蛋白质的合成,适宜补充量为7.5~15.0 mg/d。     

硫酸铜对西门塔尔牛瘤胃发酵及尿嘌呤衍生物的影响

选用4头体重420 kg、年龄2.5岁、装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的西门塔尔牛阉牛,采用4×4拉丁方设计,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理组在基础日粮基础上添加硫酸铜,处理1,2和3组分别加硫酸铜31,62和93 mg/kg,研究硫酸铜对瘤胃发酵和尿嘌呤衍生物的影响。结果表明,瘤胃液pH值和挥发性脂肪酸浓度无显著差异(P>0.05);93mg/kg组氨态氮浓度显著升高,而乙酸/丙酸显著降低(P<0.05)。93 mg/kg组玉米秸秆和豆粕瘤胃有效降解率显著降低(P<0.05),尿酸无显著变化。93 mg/kg组尿囊素、尿嘌呤衍生物和微生物蛋白质显著低于对照和31mg/kg组(P<0.05)。表明添加93 mg/kg的硫酸铜影响瘤胃发酵,以硫酸铜为铜源时添加量以31~62 mg/kg为宜。     

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.     

Supplementary effect of peppermint (Mentha × piperita) on dry matter intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and milk production in early lactating dairy cows

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of peppermint feeding on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and milk production in early lactating cows. Four Holstein cows were offered a diet with 5% dried peppermint and four Holstein cows remained on a diet without 5% of dried peppermint on a dry matter basis. The addition of peppermint to feed did not affect dry matter intake, although the eating time of feed was increased by mixing the feed with peppermint. There were no significant differences in the nutrient digestibilities between the two treatments. The ruminal ammonia and volatile fatty acids concentrations were similar in the two treatments, however, peppermint ingestion by cows led to a decrease in ruminal pH. The lowered pH value was within the stable pH condition range. No significant differences in the treatments were observed in milk production or milk composition except for the milk fat content. These results suggest that feeding peppermint to early lactating cows had little effect on their dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and milk production.     

Studies on supplementary desalted mother liquor on digestibility of nutrients,ruminal fermentation,and energy and nitrogen balance in Thai native cattle

Four Thai native steers were used to determine the adequate levels of supplementary desalted mother liquor (DML) for energy and nitrogen balances and ruminal fermentation. The crude protein and sodium chloride contents of DML were 25.5% and 60.3% on a dry matter (DM) basis, respectively. A 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment was conducted by adding different amounts of DML to three experimental diets (T1: 1.1%, T2: 2.2%, T3: 3.4% sodium chloride concentration with supplementary DML on a DM basis) and comparing their effects with those of a control diet (C) containing 1.0% commercial salt on a DM basis. The animals were given the experimental diets and rice straw daily at 1.2% and 0.8% of body weight, respectively, on a DM basis. No significant differences in the apparent digestibility of nutrients were observed among treatments. T3 achieved the lowest nitrogen retention (P < 0.05), followed by C, T2 and T1. The ratios of energy retention to gross energy were higher in T1 and T3 than T2, and that in C was lowest (P < 0.05). Supplementary NaCl concentration at 1% and 2% can be replaced with DML without an adverse effect on the digestibility of nutrients or on the nitrogen and energy retention.     

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula on ruminal fermentation,enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility of beef cattle

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF) combined with several herbs on ruminal fermentation, enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility. Twenty finishing bulls were assigned to control or different TCMFs (Yufeisan‐1, ‐2, ‐3; 2.5% dry matter (DM) in concentrate). Results showed that DM intake was higher (P < 0.05) in the Yufeisan‐3 group than others. Compared to control, apparent digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were increased (P < 0.05) by Yufeisan‐3. No changes were observed in ruminal pH, concentrations of ammonia‐N, microbial crude protein and total volatile fatty acid, whereas ratio of acetate to propionate was lower (P < 0.05) and propionate proportion tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in three TCMFs than control. Ruminal xylanase (P = 0.061) and carboxymethylcellulase (P < 0.05) activities were higher in Yufeisan‐3 than control. No changes were observed in abundance of total bacteria, fungi and protozoa, whereas Fibrobacter succinogenes (P = 0.062) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (P < 0.05) were increased and total methanogens was reduced (P = 0.069) by Yufeisan‐3 compared to control. Yufeisan‐3 improved nutrient digestibility and ruminal enzyme activity, and modified fermentation and microbial community, maybe due to the presence of Herba agastaches, Cortex phellodendri and Gypsum fibrosum.     

Effects of urea treatment of potato pulp and inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in supplements on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

Six Wagyu (Japanese Black) steers 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 blocks design (subplot) to determine the effect of the treatment of potato pulp (PP) with urea and the effect of inclusion levels of PP silage in feed supplement on digestibility, ruminal in situ degradation and ruminal fermentation. The whole plot consisted of 20%, 50% and 80% PP silage (dry matter (DM) basis), with PP silage replacing formula feed. The subplot included untreated or 0.5% (on an as‐fed basis) urea‐treated PP. The treatment of PP with urea showed no effect on DM intake and digestibility. The percentage of the rapidly degradable DM fraction of the urea‐treated PP silage was higher (P < 0.01) and the percentage of its slowly degradable DM fraction was lower (P < 0.01) than for the untreated PP silage. Ruminal ammonia concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed urea‐treated PP silage than that for steers fed the untreated PP silage. The treatment of PP with urea caused a decrease in the molar proportion of acetate and an increase in the proportion of propionate in ruminal fluid after feeding. The rate of DM degradations in hay (linear, P < 0.01) and in PP silage decreased (linear, P < 0.01) as the inclusion level of PP silage increased. Increasing the inclusion level of PP silage in supplement decreased the effective degradability of DM in hay (linear, P < 0.05) and in PP silage (linear, P < 0.05). An increase in the amount of PP silage increased the molar proportion of acetate (linear, P < 0.01) and decreased the butyrate proportion (linear, P < 0.05) in ruminal fluid. The results suggest that urea treatment of PP facilitates microbial access to starch of PP silage in the rumen and that surplus level of PP silage in supplement have adverse effect on ruminal digestion.