Effects of plants containing secondary compounds and plant oils on rumen fermentation and ecology

Tea Polyphenols Inhibit Methanogenesis and Improve Rumen Epithelial Transport in Dairy Cows

This study systematically investigated the effects of tea polyphenols on methane (CH4) production and the rumen epithelial cell transport capability in cattle using both in vitro and animal experiments, employing multi-omics techniques. The in vitro results demonstrated that, compared to the control group, tea polyphenols significantly reduced CH4 production and the acetate/propionate ratio (p < 0.05). Tea polyphenols reduced CH4 production by inhibiting the relative abundance of unclassified_d_Archaea methanogens and the protozoa Pseudoentodinium and g__Balantioides. The animal experiments showed that tea polyphenols significantly increased the concentrations of T-AOC and GSH-PX in bovine blood (p < 0.05). In addition, microbial groups such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, and Butyrivibrio_2 were significantly enriched in the ruminal fluid of the tea polyphenol group (p < 0.05). The proteomic results indicated significant upregulation of proteins such as COIII, S100A8, FABP1, SLC2A8, and SLC29A1 (p < 0.05) and downregulation of proteins including HBB, RAB4A, RBP4, LOC107131172, HBA, and ZFYVE19 (p < 0.05), with FABP1 showing a positive correlation with propionate concentration, and RAB4A had a negative correlation (p < 0.05). Overall, tea polyphenols modulate the microbial composition within the rumen, inhibiting CH4 production and enhancing the host's rumen epithelial cell transport capacity for volatile fatty acids.

Production, characterization, and dietary supplementation effect of rumen-protected fat on ruminal function and blood parameters of sheep

Rumen-protected fat (RPF) was produced in the 1st experimental stage through melt-emulsification technique using buriti oil (BO) as core, at concentrations of 10% (BO10), 20% (BO20), and 30% (BO30) (w/w), and carnauba wax (CW) as encapsulant material. After obtention and characterization, protected fat microspheres were tested in a 2nd experimental stage on the sheep' diet using six castrated 2-year-old male Santa Ines with initial weight 48.9 ± 5.23 kg, fistulated in rumen and distributed in a double Latin square design with 3 treatments × 3 periods, to evaluate rumen pH, temperature, protozoal count, and blood parameters. There was no difference (P > 0.05) among RPF microspheres for microencapsulation yield. However, microencapsulation efficiency increased (P < 0.05) with BO addition ranging from 36 to 61.3% for BO10 and BO30, respectively. The inclusion of BO10 in the sheep's diet did not affect the ruminal dry matter degradability (DMD) of BO over time (P > 0.05); however, BO20 and BO30 had higher (P < 0.05) DMD values than BO10. No significant differences were observed among RPF for rumen pH and temperature (P > 0.05). There was an increase (P < 0.05) in the protozoal population in the rumen environment due to the microencapsulated BO30 inclusion. There was also increase (P < 0.05) in serum albumin, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and a reduction (P < 0.05) in serum triglycerides of the sheep when RPF microspheres increased in the diet. Melt-emulsification proved to be a good technique for microencapsulation of buriti oil into the carnauba wax matrix. RPF from buriti oil protected into carnauba wax is recommended for sheep diet because it increases energy density, without adverse effects on the protozoal populations and blood serum metabolites from the bypass effect in the rumen.

Influence of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet supplementation on in vitro fermentation and methane mitigation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) containing phytonutrients on rumen fermentation under various level of roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experimental treatments were randomly assigned following a completely randomized design using a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement. The first factor was ratios of R:C at 100:0, 70:30, and 30:70 and the second factor was BP supplementation levels at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of dry matter substrate, respectively.

RESULTS

The ratio of R:C significantly enhanced rumen gas production especially when increased level of concentrate. Moreover, dry matter degradability of fermentation were improved (P < 0.01) by R:C and level of BP supplementation, and there was an interactive effect. The ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentration, protozoal population and methane (CH4 ) production were remarkably influenced (P < 0.01). There were highly significant interactive effects between ratio of R:C and level of BP supplementation. Furthermore, fermentation parameters especially those of propionate (C3 ) concentration was profoundly increased by higher ratio of R:C and by the BP supplementation, interactive effect (P < 0.01). Notably, both level of R:C and BP supplementation significantly reduced NH3 -N concentration and CH4 production. Interactive effects of both factors were obtained (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The ratio of R:C at 30:70 with BP supplementation at 4% could enhance fermentation characteristics and reduce CH4 production, while the interactive effects were additionally observed. The BP could be a good phytonutrient source to modulate rumen fermentation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Effect of Phytonutrients in Terminalia chebula Retz. on Rumen Fermentation Efficiency, Nitrogen Utilization, and Protozoal Population in Goats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Terminalia chebula meal (TCM) supplementation on digestibility, rumen fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and protozoal population in goats. Eight goats with an initial body weight (BW) of 13 ± 3.0 kg were randomly assigned according to a double 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive different levels of TCM supplementation at 0, 8, 16, and 24 g/kg of total dry matter (DM) intake, respectively. The goats were fed with concentrate diets at 13 g/kg BW, while rice straw was used as a roughage source, fed ad libitum. The results revealed that the feed intake and the apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). However, crude protein (CP) digestibility decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when supplemented with TCM at 24 g/kg of total DM intake (p < 0.05). The addition of TCM did not change the ruminal pH and blood urea nitrogen concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas the concentration of NH3-N at 4 h post feeding was reduced with the inclusion of TCM at 16 and 24 g/kg of total DM intake. The total numbers of bacteria were enhanced by the addition of TCM, while the protozoal population, in both entodiniomorph and holotrich, was reduced (p < 0.05). The supplementation of TCM did not change the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetic acid, or butyric acid, while the propionic acid concentration at 4-h post feeding increased significantly, especially when supplemented at 16 g/kg of total DM intake (p < 0.05. In addition, urinary nitrogen (N) excretion decreased, while fecal N excretion, N absorption, N retention, and the proportion of N retention to N intake increased with the inclusion of TCM at all levels. In summary, the inclusion of TCM could improve rumen fermentation efficiency and N balance without having an adverse effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen ecology; however, the protozoal population decreased. Therefore, this study suggests that TCM (16 g/kg of total DM intake) could be used as a plant source for rumen enhancement in goats fed a diet based on rice straw without having an adverse effect on feed intake or nutrient digestion. However, further studies on the production of types of meat and milk that have a long-term feeding trial should be carried out.

Chitosan/Calcium-Alginate Encapsulated Flaxseed Oil on Dairy Cattle Diet: In Vitro Fermentation and Fatty Acid Biohydrogenation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using chitosan nanoparticles and calcium alginate in the encapsulation of flaxseed oil on the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids and in vitro fermentation. The experiments were performed in a completely randomized design with 7 treatments. The experimental treatments included: diets without oil additive (control), diet containing 7% flaxseed oil, diet containing 14% flaxseed oil, diet containing 7% oil encapsulated with 500 ppm chitosan nanocapsules, diet containing 14% flaxseed oil encapsulated with 1000 ppm chitosan nanocapsules, diet containing 7% of flaxseed oil encapsulated with 500 ppm of calcium alginate nanocapsules, diet containing 14% flaxseed oil encapsulated with 1000 ppm calcium alginate nanocapsules. The results showed that encapsulation of flaxseed oil with calcium alginate (14%) had a significant effect on gas production (p < 0.05). The treatment containing calcium alginate (14%) increased the digestibility of dry matter compared to the control treatment, but the treatments containing chitosan caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the percentage of ruminal saturated fatty acids decreased by encapsulation of flaxseed oil with chitosan (14% and 7%). The percentage of oleic unsaturated fatty acid by encapsulating flaxseed oil with chitosan (14%) had a significant increase compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). As a result, encapsulating flaxseed oil with chitosan (14%) reduced the unsaturated fatty acids generated during ruminal biohydrogenation.

Supplementation of Aloe vera extract in lactating goats' diet: effects on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance, and antioxidant status

The present work was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing Aloe vera extract on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance, and antioxidant status of goats. Twenty-four crossbreed lactating goats (Alpine × Beetal) were divided into three experimental groups (AV0, AV2, and AV4). AV0 had no supplementation, groups AV2 and AV4 received ready to feed aqueous extract of Aloe vera at 20 and 40 g/kg dry matter intake, respectively, along with basal diet and experiment lasted for 100 days. Average DMI did not vary (P > 0.05) among treatment groups; however, the metabolic bodyweight of AV4 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the AV0 and AV2 groups (AV0 = AV2 > AV4). Intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and EE were unaffected (P > 0.05) by Aloe vera supplementation. The milk production, yield of milk fat, protein, lactose, and solid not fat (SNF) of goats in the AV4 group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than other groups (AV4 > AV2 = AV0). The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes and levels of plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power were high (P < 0.01) in the Aloe vera supplemented group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). There was no significant difference (P = 0.979) in the pH, acetic acid (P = 0.449), and butyric acid (P = 0.864) concentration of the rumen liquor among the treatment groups. The propionic acid concentration was similar between AV2 and AV4 and significantly higher (P = 0.024) than the AV0 group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). Moreover, C2:C3 values were significantly lower (P = 0.037) in the AV4 group compared to the control (AV0). Thus, Aloe vera supplementation enhanced milk yield, propionic acid production, and antioxidant status without affecting nutrient utilization; however, results were better in the AV4 group. The inclusion of Aloe vera at 40 g/kg of DMI would improve the rumen fermentation efficiency, lactation performance, and overall health status of the dairy goats.

In Vitro Screening of Plant Materials to Reduce Ruminal Protozoal Population and Mitigate Ammonia and Methane Emissions

Alternative feed sources can be utilized to reduce enteric methane (CH4) emissions, a major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of tropical plants to improve digestibility, reduce protozoal populations, improve rumen fermentation, and minimize methane emissions from ruminants. The plants considered herein grow in tropical climates, are easily accessible in large quantities, and are directly related to human food production. Nine plants that grow naturally in tropical climates were assessed. Plant supplementation substantially enhanced accumulative gas production at 24 h (p < 0.05). The apparent organic matter digestibility (AOMDvt) of the diet was not affected by five of the nine plants. With the addition of the plant material, ammonia nitrogen concentrations were reduced by up to 47% and methane concentrations were reduced by 54%. Five of the nine plant materials reduced methane production in terms of CH4/dry matter and CH4/digestibility of the organic matter by 15–35% and 8–24%, respectively. In conclusion, supplementation with plants with high tannin contents was shown to be a viable strategy for improving rumen fermentation, reducing protozoal populations, and limiting methane emissions. In this regard, the leaves of Piper sarmentosum, Acmella oleracea, Careya arborea, and Anacardium occidentale were especially promising.

Milk production and composition efficiency as influenced by feeding Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham with Tiliacora triandra, Diels pellet supplementation

Ruminal fermentation efficiency has been shown to be closely related with milk production in dairy cows. This investigation aimed at the utilization of sweet grass and bamboo grass pellet supplementation on ruminal fermentation, feed utilization efficiency, milk quantity, and quality in lactating dairy cows. Four lactating Holstein Friesian crossbreds were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effect of roughage sources and bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) supplementation on voluntary feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, fermentation characteristics of the rumen, and milk quantity and quality. Sweet grass (SG) (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham) and rice straw (RS) were fed as roughage sources as the first factor, while the second factor was supplementation levels of BP (0 and 150 g/cow/day). The results revealed that SG (P < 0.01) and BP supplementation (P < 0.05) improved feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, especially roughage intake and digestibility of DM and NDF. Ruminal pH (P < 0.05), bacterial (P < 0.01), and fungal population (P < 0.01) were increased with SG feeding, enhancing the concentration of total VFAs (P < 0.01) and propionic acid (P < 0.01), while both SG and BP decreased methane production (P < 0.01). While milk yield (P < 0.01) and milk composition (P < 0.01), especially unsaturated fatty acids including those of conjugated linoleic acid (P < 0.001), were enhanced. Supplementation of BP containing bioactive compounds such as condensed tannins (CT) enhanced rumen bacterial population with increased total VFAs (P < 0.05) and propionic acid (P < 0.05) concentrations, while decreased methane production (P < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that SG would be beneficial to improved rumen fermentation, feed utilization, and milk production of dairy cows, while bamboo grass pellet supplementation tended to additionally improve rumen fermentation and feed intake without negative effects on milk production.

Effect of yeast-fermented de-hulled rice on in vitro gas production, nutrient degradability, and rumen fermentation

The aim of this experiment was to test the effect of yeast-fermented de-hulled rice (YDR) levels of protein-rich feed with different kinds of roughages on in vitro gas production, nutrient degradability, and rumen fermentation. The treatments were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD). The two experimental factors were comprised of two roughages (R) (untreated rice straw (RS) and sweet grass hay (SGH)) and four ratios of roughage to yeast-fermented de-hulled rice (R:YDR) (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75). Thus, there were 8 treatment combinations. The results revealed that the interaction between R and R:YDR ratios influenced on the gas production rate constant for the insoluble fraction ratio (c) (P < 0.01). The in vitro dry mater degradability (IVDMD) was improved by SGH and R:YDR ratios (P < 0.05). Supplementation of YDR with both of roughage sources (RS and SGH) increased propionate (C3) (P < 0.05) and total VFA production (P < 0.01); both factors showed interactive effects on rumen methane production (P < 0.01). Moreover, bacterial population was significantly increased by the SGH:YDR ratios (P < 0.05). Therefore, it could be summarized that supplementing YDR, an enriched protein source with SGH:YDR ratio at 50-75:50-25 ratio significantly enhanced nutrient degradability and in vitro rumen fermentation efficiency.

Replacing soybean meal with yeast-fermented cassava pulp (YFCP) on feed intake, nutrient digestibilities, rumen microorganism, fermentation, and N-balance in Thai native beef cattle

The principle of the study was to assess the influence of yeast-fermented cassava pulp (YFCP) as a protein supplement on feed intake, nutrient digestibilities, rumen microbial protein synthesis, fermentation end-products, and N-balance in Thai native beef cattle. The experiment was conducted following the 4 × 4 Latin square design using 4 levels of YFCP supplementation (0, 100, 200, and 300 g/head/day) in 3-year-old Thai native beef cattle crossbreds. The response of YFCP supplementation level using rice straw as a roughage source revealed promising results. The rumen ecology parameters including cellulolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic bacterial population were significantly increased while the protozoal population were reduced, as affected by increasing level of YFCP supplementation (P < 0.05). In parallel with these results, totals VFA, propionate (C3) production in the rumen, and the ratio of C2:C3 were remarkably increased (P < 0.01), while rumen methane production by prediction from VFA was decreased (P < 0.01), as YFCP supplementation increased. Regarding, the nutrient digestibilities, those of OM and CP were remarkably enhanced (P < 0.01), hence increased DM intake. Furthermore, the use of YFCP at high level resulted in the highest N-balance and N retention absorption (P < 0.01). The results indicated that YFCP can be nutritionally enhanced by yeast fermentation, thus is promising to be used as a protein source in ruminant feeding.

Manipulating rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and mitigating methane production using bamboo grass pellet in swamp buffaloes

Bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra Diels) pellet (BP) was assessed as a rumen modifier on feed intake, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibilities, microbial population, and methane production in swamp buffaloes. Four male swamp buffaloes with 350 ± 10 kg of body weight (BW) were allotted according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The treatments were as follows: roughage to concentrate ratio (R:C) at 70:30 (T1), R:C at 70:30 with BP supplementation at 150 g/day (T2), R:C at 30:70 (T3), and R:C at 30:70 with BP supplementation at 150 g/day (T4). All animals were restricted to 2.5% of BW. The findings revealed that ruminal pH was reduced by the R:C at 30:70 fed groups (T3, T4); however, the rumen pH was enhanced (P < 0.05) in BP supplemented (T4) and there was an interaction between R:C and BP groups (P < 0.05). The propionate (C3) concentration was increased by the R:C ratio at 30:70 and BP fed groups (P < 0.01), and it was the highest at R:C ratio of 30:70 with BP supplemented group. Total VFA and buterate (C4) concentation were not changed (P > 0.05), while acetate (C2) concentration was reduced (P < 0.05) in the BP fed groups and there was an interaction (P < 0.05). Estimation of CH₄ production in the rumen was remarkably reduced by the R:C ratio with BP supplementation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF were significantly increased in the R:C ratio 30:70 (P < 0.01). Nitrogen absorption and nitrogen retention were also significantly altered by R:C at 30:70 (P < 0.01) and nitrogen absorption was an interaction (P < 0.01). Based on this study, it could be concluded that supplementation of BP resulted in improvement of ruminal pH, enhanced C3, and reduced CH₄ production. Thus, BP could be a dietary rumen enhancer.

Effects of Supplementation of Piper sarmentosum Leaf Powder on Feed Efficiency, Rumen Ecology and Rumen Protozoal Concentration in Thai Native Beef Cattle

Methane (CH₄) is an end-product of enteric fermentation in cattle [...].

Effect of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics and methane production in Thai native beef cattle

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (Bamboo-Cass) supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen microbial population and methane production in Thai native beef cattle.

Methods

Four Thai native beef cattle bulls (190±2 kg) were randomly allotted to four respective dietary treatments in a 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments were the varying levels of Bamboo-Cass supplementation at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/head/d, respectively. Rice straw was fed ad libitum and the concentrate offered at 0.5% of body weight.

Results

Under this experiment, the findings revealed that acetate and butyrate production were decreased (p<0.05), propionate increased (p<0.05), whilst ruminal NH₃-N concentration was decreased (p<0.05) by supplementation of Bamboo-Cass at 150 g/head/d. Moreover, rice straw intake, and microbial population were linearly increased (p<0.05), while methane production was decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The results from the present study indicate that supplementation of Bamboo-Cass at 150 g/head/d significantly enhanced feed intake, decreased protozoa and increased bacterial population, rumen fermentation efficiency while decreased methane production. Therefore, Bamboo-Cass as a supplement is promising as a rumen enhancer in beef cattle fed on rice straw.

Effect of Dietary Chestnut or Quebracho Tannin Supplementation on Microbial Community and Fatty Acid Profile in the Rumen of Dairy Ewes

Ruminants derived products have a prominent role in diets and economy worldwide; therefore, the capability to control the rumen microbial ecosystem, for ameliorating their quality, is of fundamental importance in the livestock sector. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with chestnut and quebracho tannins on microbial community and fatty acid profile, in the rumen fluid of dairy ewes. Multivariate analysis of PCR-DGGE profiles of rumen microbial communities showed a correlation among the presence of chestnut or quebracho in the diet, the specific Butyrivibrio group DGGE profiles, the increase in 18:3 cis9, cis12, and cis15; 18:2 cis9 and cis12; 18:2 cis9 and trans11; 18:2 trans11 and cis15; and 18:1 trans11 content, and the decrease in 18:0 concentration. Phylogenetic analysis of DGGE band sequences revealed the presence of bacteria representatives related to the genera Hungatella, Ruminococcus, and Eubacterium and unclassified Lachnospiraceae family members, suggesting that these taxa could be affected by tannins presence in the diets. The results of this study showed that tannins from chestnut and quebracho can reduce the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids through changes in rumen microbial communities.

Rumen Microbiome, Probiotics, and Fermentation Additives

Fermentation of a variety of feedstuffs by the ruminal microbiome is the distinctive feature of the ruminant digestive tract. The host derives energy and nutrients from microbiome activity; these organisms are essential to survival. Advances in DNA sequencing and bioinformatics have redefined the rumen microbial community. Current research seeks to connect our understanding of the rumen microbiome with nutritional strategies in ruminant livestock systems and their associated digestive disorders. These efforts align with a growing number of products designed to improve ruminal fermentation to benefit the overall efficiency of ruminant livestock production and health.

Antiprotozoal Effect of Saponins in the Rumen Can Be Enhanced by Chemical Modifications in Their Structure

The antiprotozoal effect of saponins is transitory, as when saponins are deglycosylated to the sapogenin by rumen microorganisms they become inactive. We postulated that the substitution of the sugar moiety of the saponin with small polar residues would produce sapogen-like analogs which might be resistant to degradation in the rumen as they would not be enzymatically cleaved, allowing the antiprotozoal effect to persist over time. In this study, we used an acute assay based on the ability of protozoa to break down [¹⁴C] leucine-labeled Streptococcus bovis and a longer term assay based on protozoal motility over 24 h to evaluate both the antiprotozoal effect and the stability of this effect with fifteen hederagenin bis-esters esterified with two identical groups, and five cholesterol and cholic acid based derivatives carrying one to three succinate residues. The acute antiprotozoal effect of hederagenin derivatives was more pronounced than that of cholesterol and cholic acid derivatives. Modifications in the structure of hederagenin, cholesterol, and cholic acid derivatives resulted in compounds with different biological activities in terms of acute effect and stability, although those which were highly toxic to protozoa were not always the most stable over time. Most of the hederagenin bis-esters, and in particular hederagenin bis-succinate (TSB24), hederagenin bis-betainate dichloride (TSB37) and hederagenin bis-adipate (TSB47) had a persistent effect against rumen protozoa in vitro, shifting the fermentation pattern toward higher propionate and lower butyrate. These chemically modified triterpenes could potentially be used in ruminant diets as an effective defaunation agent to, ultimately, increase nitrogen utilization, decrease methane emissions, and enhance animal production. Further trials in vivo or in long term rumen simulators are now needed to confirm the in vitro observations presented.

Effect of Grape Pomace Powder, Mangosteen Peel Powder and Monensin on Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Nitrogen Balance and Microbial Protein Synthesis in Dairy Steers

This study was designed to investigate the effect of grape pomace powder (GPP), mangosteen peel powder (MPP) and monensin on feed intake, nutrients digestibility, microorganisms, rumen fermentation characteristic, microbial protein synthesis and nitrogen balance in dairy steers. Four, rumen fistulated dairy steers with initial body weight (BW) of 220±15 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design to receive four treatments. The treatments were as follows: T1 = control, T2 = supplementation with monensin at 33 mg/kg diet, T3 = supplementation with GPP at 2% of dry matter intake, and T4 = supplementation with MPP at 30 g/kg diet. The steers were offered the concentrate diet at 0.2% BW and 3% urea treated rice straw (UTRS) was fed ad libitum. It was found that GPP supplemented group had higher UTRS intake and nutrient digestibility in terms of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber than those in control group (p<0.05). Ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) and blood urea-nitrogen concentration were higher in monensin, GPP and MPP supplemented groups (p<0.05). Total volatile fatty acids and propionate in the GPP group were higher than those in the control group (p<0.05) while acetate concentration, and acetate to propionate ratio were decreased (p<0.01) when steers were supplemented with GPP, monensin, and MPP, respectively. Moreover, protozoal populations in GPP, MPP, and monensin supplementation were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05), while cellulolytic bacterial population was significantly higher in the control group (p<0.05). Nitrogen retention, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis were found significantly higher in steers that received GPP (p<0.05). Based on this study it could be concluded that the GPP has potential as an alternative feed supplement in concentrate diets which can result in improved rumen fermentation efficiency, digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in steers fed on treated rice straw.

The Effect of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguariensis) Supplementation on Nutrient Degradability in Dairy Cows: An In sacco and In vitro Study

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Yerba Mate (YM) supplementation on nutrients’ degradation, in vitro dry matter disappearance, gas production and rumen ammonia concentration. Three rumen-fistulated Holstein Friesian cows were used for the in situ incubations and provided rumen liquor for in vitro incubations. The inclusion of YM in a control diet (pasture+pellets) affected some in sacco degradation parameters. YM supplementation decreased the effective degradability and degradation rate of pasture crude protein (CP), and it seems to slow down the degradation of pasture neutral detergent fiber. A significant increase of degradation of pasture acid detergent fiber (ADF) was detected after YM inclusion in the control diet. YM supplementation reduced in vitro gas production of pasture and ammonia concentration of pellets. The addition of YM in ruminant diet could decrease ammonia production and increase protein availability for productive purposes. The moderate presence of tannins in YM could have affected the degradation kinetics of pasture CP and ADF and the ammonia production of pellets.

Calorimetry, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of oilseeds

The objective of the study was to determine the quality of sunflower, soybean, crambe, radish forage and physic nut, by measuring chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and kinetics of thermal decomposition processes of mass loss and heat flow. Lipid was inversely correlated with protein of whole seed (R = -0.67), meal (R = -0.95), and press cake (R = -0.78), and positively correlated with the enthalpy (ΔH) of whole seed. Soybean seed and meal presented a high in vitro digestibility but poor energy sources with ΔH averaging 5907.5 J/g and 2570.1J/g for whole seed and meal, respectively. As suggested by the release of heat, measured by ΔH, whole seeds of crambe (6295.1J/g), radish forage (6182.7 J/g), and physic nut (6420.0 J/g) may be potential energy sources for ruminant animals. The thermal analysis provided additional information besides that obtained from the usual wet chemistry and in vitro measurements.

Effect of different levels of mangosteen peel powder supplement on the performance of dairy cows fed concentrate containing yeast fermented cassava chip protein

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) peel powder (MSP) supplementation on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and milk production in lactating dairy cows fed a concentrate containing yeast fermented cassava chip protein (YEFECAP). Four crossbred dairy cows (50 % Holstein-Friesian and 50 % Thai native breed) in mid-lactation, 404 ± 50.0 kg of body weight and 90 ± 5 day in milk with daily milk production of 9 ± 2.0 kg/day, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive 4 dietary treatments. The treatments were different levels of MSP supplementation at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/head/day. Rice straw was used as a roughage source and fed ad libitum to all cows, and concentrate containing YEFECAP at 200 g/kg concentrate was offered corresponding to concentrate to milk yield ratio at 1:2. Results revealed that feed intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH and temperature, and total volatile fatty acid were not significantly affected by MSP supplementation (P > 0.05). However, increasing levels of MSP supplementation increased molar proportion of propionate while ammonia-nitrogen, acetate, and acetate to propionate ratio were decreased (P < 0.01). Moreover, milk production and economic return were increased linearly (P < 0.01) with the increasing level of MSP supplementation. The present findings suggested that supplementation of MSP especially at 300 g/head/day with concentrate containing YEFECAP at 200 g/kg could improve rumen fermentation efficiency, milk production and protein content, and economical return of lactating dairy cows fed on rice straw.

Furanocoumarins in tedera do not affect ruminal fermentation in continuous culture

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the forage shrub tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa) on nutrient digestibility, rumen microbial fermentation and furanocoumarins degradation in the rusitec. The variables were measured in fermentation liquid on Days 13 and 17 and were compared with a control (lucerne hay). Overall, tedera had greater (P < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility than lucerne hay on both days of the experiment, but on Day 17 it had lower (P < 0.01) dry matter and crude protein digestibility than lucerne hay. There were no significant differences in concentration of NH3-N and pH between treatments, but NH3-N concentrations in both treatments were lower (P < 0.05) on Day 17 than on Day 13. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids in vessels were not affected by treatments, but the concentration of acetate was lower and acetate-to-propionate ratio higher (P < 0.05) in tedera than lucerne hay on Day 13 of the experiment. Furanocoumarins were detected in the tedera treatment only. Their concentration in the fermentation liquid increased immediately after the addition of the plant material to the fermenter, reaching highest concentrations after 2 h. These concentrations gradually declined over the next two sampling times, but 6 h after the ‘feeding’, they were still detectable in the fermentation liquid. It was concluded that (i) tedera had in vitro digestibility and fermentability variables comparable to lucerne; (ii) furanocoumarins were degraded in the fermentation fluid, and (iii) furanocoumarins from tedera did not seem to impede microbial fermentation. Tedera may provide an alternative feed source to hay and grain for filling the summer–autumn feed gap without negatively affecting nutrient digestibility and rumen microbial fermentation.

The Effect of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguarensis) Supplementation on the Productive Performance of Dorper Ewes and Their Progeny

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis), a tea known for its high antioxidant content, was supplemented to 30 of 60 ewes for 13 wks to assess its effect on their productive performance. A 2.5% inclusion rate of Yerba Mate (YM) in a pelleted concentrate diet decreased feed intake and live weight (LW) during the first few weeks post partum (p<0.001). Overall, the YM group ate less (2,092±78 g/d) pellet than the control (CTRL) one (2,434±83 g/d); similarly, LW was lower in the YM group compared to the CTRL one, 64.9±1.6 kg and 67.3±1.4 kg, respectively. Lambs’ birth weight and growth rates were not affected. At birth, lambs’ LW were similar between the Yerba Mate and control groups (4.2±0.5 kg and 4.1±0.4 kg, respectively. At the end of the trial, Yerba Mate lambs weighed 15.7±0.4 kg while CTRL lambs weighed 16.1±0.4 kg. Average daily growth rate was similar between the two groups and ranged from 176±19 to 234 ±24 g/d. The inclusion of Yerba Mate in a pelleted diet increased milk fat, protein and total solids content while it decreased milk lactose content. Further work is required to investigate the mechanisms by which Yerba Mate supplementation affects feed intake and milk composition.

Effect of cottonseed oilcake inclusion on ostrich growth performance and meat chemical composition

This study investigated the effect of replacing dietary soybean oilcake meal with increasing levels of cottonseed oilcake meal (CSOCM) on the growth performance and meat (Iliofibularis muscle) chemical composition of ostriches in order to decrease total feed costs. A total of 105 ostriches were divided into five feeding groups according to the CSOCM inclusion level in the whole diet: Control (0% CSOCM), 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% CSOCM (of the whole diet), and fed with experimental diets from 6 to 13 months of age. As a result of feeding CSOCM, the final live weight and the average daily gain significantly increased in the 12% CSOCM group. The proximate composition, cholesterol content, mineral and fatty acid profile of the meat remained unaffected. Thus CSOCM may be used as an alternative protein source to the more expensive soybean oilcake meal in ostrich nutrition.

Effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Erythrina variegata on the performance of growing goats

The effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Erythrina variegata on the performance of growing goats was studied using a local breed (Ma T'ou) with an average initial body weight of 11.2 kg (SD = 0.9). Twenty-four animals were allocated to a randomized design, with six animals (three males and three females) per treatment. The treatments were four different levels of replacement of the diet crude protein (CP) with CP from Erythrina foliage (EF) at 0 % (E-0), 20 % (E-20), 40 % (E-40), and 60 % (E-60). There were no significant differences in the dry matter (DM) intake between treatments, but total CP intake was significantly higher in the goats fed the diet E-60 compared to E-20 (61.1 and 51.4 g/day, respectively). The average daily liveweight gain of the goats did not differ between treatments and ranged from 51 to 63 g/day. Sixteen animals were kept in metabolism cages for a digestibility study and given with the same four diets as in the main experiment. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was significantly higher for diet E-60 than for E-0. Neither the apparent digestibility of CP and N retention nor carcass characteristics (16 animals) differed with an increase in the level of CP from EF in the diets. In conclusion, CP from EF can replace up to 60 % of CP from a mixed diet with soybean meal without any negative effect on the growth in goats.