Fermentation characteristics of corn-, triticale-, and wheat-based dried distillers' grains with solubles in barley-based diets determined using continuous and batch culture systems

Effect of dried distillers' grain with solubles as a replacer of peanut cake for sheep fed on low quality forage

Several concerns exist on the performance and health attributes of sheep fed on complete replacements of the traditional feed ingredients with dried distillers' grain solubles (DDGS). The study intended to know the effect of DDGS on replacing the peanut cake (PNC) at 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in sheep fed Jowar stover-based diet. Replacing PNC with DDGS increased (P < 0.05) the final body weight and concentrate intake. The weight gain and average daily gain tended to increase (P = 0.086), whereas the feed conversion ratio tended to decrease (P = 0.092) with increased DDGS inclusion levels. The CP intake increased linearly (P < 0.01) with an increase in DDGS levels. However, the intakes of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF increased quadratically (P < 0.01) and showed a quadratic maximum at 75% replacements group. The in vitro dry matter digestibility and 24 h-gas (ml) production linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increased DDGS inclusion levels, while the CH₄ (% total gas) and CH₄ (ml) showed a quadratic increase (P < 0.05). The metabolisable energy, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acid concentrations were higher for DDGS diets. Further, the Gompertz curve fitting of the gas production data revealed higher asymptotic volume with lower constant of integration (b) and rate of production (k) of the DDGS incubations. No significant differences were observed for any of the carcass characteristics, except for leg weight, which showed a linear increase (P < 0.05). Increased tendency was observed for EBW, loin eye area at 12th rib, and edible portion of the sheep fed DDGS groups. Further, the visceral organs and carcass composition did not show any significant differences, except for kidney weight (linear, P < 0.05). The income over feed cost (IOFC) was higher for 100% DDGS group with lower feed cost and higher income per Kg mutton. Replacing the traditional peanut cake with DDGS in the crop residue-based diets of growing lambs contributes to higher yields for producers.

Effects of forage ensiling and ration fermentation on total mixed ration pH, ruminal fermentation and performance of growing Holstein-Zebu cross steers

Our objective was to determine the effect of forage ensiling and ration fermentation on total mixed ration pH, ruminal fermentation and animal performance. Thirty Holstein-Zebu cross steers were allotted to feeding treatments for 188 days in a randomized complete block design including: fresh grass-total mixed ration (GTMR; pH 4.7), grass silage-TMR (STMR; pH 4.0) and fermented-TMR (FTMR; pH 3.5). Average daily gain for STMR was greatest during the first 3 months period; however, that for FTMR tended to be greater than GTMR during the second 3 months period (P < 0.10). During the second period dry matter intake for STMR was the greatest (P < 0.01), but feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) and cost per gain (P < 0.01) were the least for FTMR. Protein digestibility tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for FTMR than STMR and fat digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) for GTMR and FTMR than STMR. FTMR had less (P < 0.01) ruminal NH₃ -N content than STMR. Total volatile fatty acids post-feeding was greatest for GTMR (P < 0.01). Ruminal proportions of acetic and butyric acids were greater for FTMR than GTMR (P < 0.05); in contrast, propionic acid was greater for GTMR (P < 0.05). Utilizing silage or total ration fermentation did not negatively impact on ruminal pH. STMR and FTMRs can be used to maintain performance of growing crossbred Holstein steers.

Suitability of some selected maize hybrids from Serbia for the production of bioethanol and dried distillers' grains with solubles

BACKGROUND

Bioethanol is mostly produced from starchy parts of the corn grain kernel leaving significant amounts of valuable by-products such as dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) which can be used as a substitute for traditional feedstuff. The suitability of six maize hybrids from Serbia was investigated for bioethanol and DDGS production. The correlation between physical and chemical characteristics of the grain, bioethanol yield and quality of the corresponding DDGS was assessed.

RESULTS

All hybrids had very different chemical composition and physical characteristics which could allow various applications. The highest bioethanol yield (94.5% of theoretical) and volumetric productivity (2.01 g l(-1) h(-1)) were obtained with hybrid ZP 434 and the lowest with ZP 611k. Regarding chemical composition, all DDGS samples manifested good properties as feed components. Their protein content was higher compared to the kernel. In addition, the samples showed high digestibility and high mineral content, especially of calcium and phosphorus.

CONCLUSION

A hybrid ZP 434 was selected as the most promising bioethanol producer. This property is attributed to the highest level of soft endosperm which is more susceptible to starch-hydrolysing enzymes. A high yield potential per hectare makes it the best candidate for commercial bioethanol production.

Effect of concentrate supplementation on performance, ovarian response, and some biochemical profile of Malpura ewes

Effect of feed flushing on ovulation rate was investigated during the autumn seasons on 24 adult Malpura ewes (BW 34.8 ± 0.58 kg and age 4-7 years) equally divided into two groups. Ewes in G1 (group 1) were grazed 8-10 h daily on Cenchrus ciliaris pasture interspersed with seasonal shrub. In addition to grazing, concentrate was provided at 1.5% of BW to the animals in G2 (group 2) for a period of 35 days. Estrus was synchronized by a double injection schedule of PGF(2α) at 0 and 10 days of the experiment and detected by parading aproned rams at 6 h intervals. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval during the estrous cycle. A rumen fermentation study was conducted on day 23 of the experiment at 0 and 4 h post-concentrate feeding. Ovarian responses in terms of number of corpora lutea and large follicles was examined on all the ewes by laparoscopy after 3 to 6 days of each estrus and were found to be similar in both the groups. Hemoglobin and packed cell volume, total protein, albumin, and globulin were similar among the groups. Concentration of plasma glucose (12 and 22 days) was higher (P < 0.05) in G2 vis-à-vis control. Plasma urea was higher (P < 0.01) in the control than G2. Rumen liquor pH, concentration of total N, TCA-ppt N, NH(3)-N, and TVFA were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in G2 than the control. Thus, it can be concluded that concentrate supplementation in ewes prior to mating (flushing) did not enhance ovulation response during the autumn season.

Effect of low and high oil corn distillers' grain on rumen fermentation, growth performance and carcass characteristics of lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing a mixture of canola meal and barley grain in the diet with (low and high oil) corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) or wheat DDGS on rumen fermentation, feed intake, growth performance and carcass traits in lambs. Seventy Canadian Arcott lambs (24.7 ± 3.21 kg) were used in a completely randomised block design over a 14-week trial. Experimental diets were provided ad libitum as pelleted total mixed rations. In the treatment diets, canola meal and barley grain were replaced with 200 g/kg of dietary DM of either high oil corn DDGS, low oil corn DDGS or wheat DDGS. A positive control diet was added to match the lipid content of 39 g/kg DM of the high oil corn DDGS diet. An in vitro rumen digestibility trial was conducted using ruminal fluid obtained from three non-lactating Holstein dairy cows. Rumen contents were also collected from each lamb at the time of slaughter for testing in vivo rumen fermentation. Data from both the in vivo and in vitro results were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The in vitro incubations revealed both corn DDGS diets produced less microbial N and microbial DM than control and wheat DDGS diets; however, this difference was too minimal to affect growth performance. Similarly, there was no dietary effect on (P > 0.05) on in vivo ruminal fermentation or carcass characteristics (P ≥ 0.19) of the lambs. Lambs fed low oil corn DDGS had lower average daily gains (P < 0.03) than those fed either high oil corn DDGS or wheat DDGS however they did not differ from those fed the control. This research demonstrated that replacing canola meal and portions of barley grain with 200 g/kg DM of either high oil corn DDGS, low oil corn DDGS or wheat DDGS in finishing lamb ratios could effectively maintain healthy rumen function, growth performance and carcass characteristics.