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Dardabou L, Martínez Ávila JC, Schmidt MW, Dublecz K, Schwarz C, Ibáñez MA, Gierus M. Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy as an Alternative for Predicting n-Alkane Concentration in Excreta of Laying Hens: NIR-Generated Data for Dietary Composition Estimation. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:806. [PMID: 38473191 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
N-alkanes offer a promising approach for assessing the nutritional contribution of external sources to the diets of laying hens in free-range production systems. However, traditional laboratory methods, involving extraction, purification and gas chromatographic analysis, are both economically burdensome and time-consuming. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is emerging as a viable alternative, with varying degrees of accuracy depending on the chemical nature and concentration of the component of interest. In our research, we focus on the accuracy of NIRS in predicting the concentrations of n-alkanes (C25-C33) in excreta under simulated free-range conditions with two different diets: one containing a commercial feed with minimal n-alkane content and another containing 1% alfalfa on top of the commercial feed. Spectra processing and calibration were tailored for each n-alkane, with NIRS performance influenced by diet type. Notably, plant predictions using NIR-generated data were consistent with laboratory results, despite a slight tendency toward overestimation (3.40% using the NIRS-generated C25-C29-C33 combination versus 2.80% using laboratory analysis). This indicates the potential of NIRS as an efficient tool to assess n-alkanes in excreta of laying hens and, consequently, the nutritional contribution of the free-range environment, providing rapid and cost-effective results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laid Dardabou
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Livestock Products, and Nutrition Physiology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - José Carlos Martínez Ávila
- Departamento de Economía Agraria, Estadística y Gestión de Empresas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Markus Werner Schmidt
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Livestock Products, and Nutrition Physiology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Károly Dublecz
- Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 8360 Keszthely, Hungary
| | - Christiane Schwarz
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Livestock Products, and Nutrition Physiology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Miguel Angel Ibáñez
- Departamento de Economía Agraria, Estadística y Gestión de Empresas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Gierus
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Livestock Products, and Nutrition Physiology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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Ferreira L, Machado N, Gouvinhas I, Santos S, Celaya R, Rodrigues M, Barros A. Application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques in the mid-IR (MIR) and near-IR (NIR) spectroscopy to determine n-alkane and long-chain alcohol contents in plant species and faecal samples. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 280:121544. [PMID: 35753098 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
n-Alkanes and long-chain alcohols (LCOH) have been used as faecal markers to assess the feeding behaviour of both wild and domestic herbivore species. However, their chemical analysis is time-consuming and expensive, making it necessary to develop more expeditious methodologies to evaluate concentrations of these markers. This work aimed to evaluate the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technology in the near infrared (NIR) and mid infrared (MIR) intervals, for the determination of n-alkane and LCOH concentrations of different plant species and faecal samples of domestic herbivores. Spectra of 33 feed samples, namely L. perenne, T. repens, U. gallii, short heathers (mixture of Erica spp. and Calluna vulgaris), improved pasture grasses (mixture of L. perenne and A. capillaris), heath grasses (mixture of P. longifolium and A. curtissii), improved pasture species (mixture of L. perenne, T. repens and A. capillaris) and herbaceous species (mixture of all herbaceous species found in the plot)) and 181 faecal samples (cattle and horses) were recorded. In order to develop calibrations for the prediction of n-alkanes and LCOH concentrations, partial least squares (PLS) regression was used. Regarding the models developed for plant species, the best results were observed for the calibrations using NIR. The best external validation coefficients of determination (R2v) obtained were 0.90 and 0.79 for LCOH and n-alkanes, respectively. For faecal samples, in the NIR interval, results indicate similar external validation predictions (R2v) for both animal species (0.64). On the contrary, in the MIR interval, differences between cattle (0.70) and horses (0.57) faecal samples in R2v were observed. Regarding the models created for both animal species faeces, LCOH (C26-OH and C30-OH concentrations ranging from 713.3 to 4451.9 mg/kg DM, respectively; R2v values ranging from 0.72 to 0.95) and n-alkanes (C31 and C33 concentrations ranging from 112.8 to 643.2 mg/kg DM, respectively; R2v values ranging from 0.19 to 0.90) present in higher concentrations tended to be those with better estimates. Results obtained suggest that the selection of the technique to be used may depend on the type of matrix, being the homogeneity of the matrices one of the most important factors for its success. In order to improve the accuracy and robustness of the models created for the estimation of the concentrations of these markers using these methodologies, the database (greater variability) used for the calibrations of these models must be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Ferreira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD-CITAB)/Inov4Agro (Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Nelson Machado
- CoLAB Vines&Wines - National Collaborative Laboratory for the Portuguese Wine Sector, Associação para o Desenvolvimento da Viticultura Duriense (ADVID), Régia Douro Park, 5000-033 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Irene Gouvinhas
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD-CITAB)/Inov4Agro (Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sara Santos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD-CITAB)/Inov4Agro (Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rafael Celaya
- Regional Service for Agri-Food Research and Development (SERIDA), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Miguel Rodrigues
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD-CITAB)/Inov4Agro (Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Barros
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD-CITAB)/Inov4Agro (Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production), Vila Real, Portugal
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Wegi T, Hassen A, Bezabih M, Nurfeta A, Yigrem S, Tolera A. Evaluation of n-alkanes, long-chain alcohols, and carbon stable isotope enrichments of n-alkanes as diet composition markers in free-grazing animals. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Evaluation of the n-alkane technique for estimating the individual intake of dairy cows consuming diets containing herbage and a partial mixed ration. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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López CL, Celaya R, Ferreira LMM, García U, Rodrigues MAM, Osoro K. Comparative foraging behaviour and performance between cattle and horses grazing in heathlands with different proportions of improved pasture area. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2019.1649679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos López López
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA) Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Rafael Celaya
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA) Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel M. Ferreira
- CECAV-Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Urcesino García
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA) Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | | | - Koldo Osoro
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA) Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
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Seri H, Chammem M, Silva S, Rodrigues M, Khorchani T, Ferreira L. Assessment of diet composition of free-ranging addax antelopes (Addaxnasomaculatus) by the combination of microhistological procedures andn-alkanes and long-chain alcohols as fecal markers. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding herbivore foraging behaviour is crucial for adequate wildlife management decisions. This study assessed the diet composition of free-ranging addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus (de Blainville, 1816)). Samples collected during the spring season were analyzed using microhistological procedures along with n-alkanes and long-chain alcohols as fecal markers. Twelve animals were monitored and fresh fecal samples were collected daily during a 7-day period. Diet composition estimates obtained by both methods were similar and indicate that Stipagrostis pungens (Desf.) De Winter was the main diet component followed by Fagonia glutinosa Delile, Helianthemum kahiricum Delile, and Hammada schmittiana (Pomel.) Botsch. Data showed that addax have mixed diets composed of perennial woody and herbaceous plant species depending on their availability. The four species most selected by the animals were also the most abundant species in terms of plant cover. In contrast, species that accounted for less than 5% of the plant cover were not present in the fecal samples. Results of this study represent a single grazing season, and for that reason, further studies are required to fully understand how the grazing behaviour of addax varies with seasonal changes in vegetation cover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hicham Seri
- Laboratoire d’Elevage et de la Faune Sauvage, IRA–Médenine, Médenine, Tunisia
| | - Mohsen Chammem
- Laboratoire d’Elevage et de la Faune Sauvage, IRA–Médenine, Médenine, Tunisia
| | - Severiano Silva
- CECAV – Animal Science Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Miguel Rodrigues
- CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Touhami Khorchani
- Laboratoire d’Elevage et de la Faune Sauvage, IRA–Médenine, Médenine, Tunisia
| | - Luis Ferreira
- CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
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Carnahan A, Spalinger D, Collins W. n-Alkane and long-chain alcohol recovery in moose ( Alces alces), a browsing herbivore. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Habitat management for herbivores often depends on an understanding of the food habits of animals. Plant cuticular waxes containing nearly indigestible complex mixture of n-alkanes and long-chain alcohols (LCOHs) have recently shown promise for diet analyses, but the accuracy of the technique depends strongly on the efficiency of recovery of the markers in feces. Fecal recovery of n-alkanes and LCOHs from 10 browse stems or leaves and two ensiled grass hays fed to moose (Alces alces (Linnaeus, 1758)) during in vivo digestion trials was investigated. n-Alkanes and LCOHs were extracted using a single-step accelerated solvent extraction technique and the recovery of these cuticular components was calculated from the feces of the animals. n-Alkane recoveries from feces averaged 0.82, ranging from a low of 0.58 (haylage) to a high of 0.95 (browse stems). LCOH recoveries averaged 0.92 across all forages, ranging from 0.80 (haylage) to a high of 1.13 (browse stems). n-Alkane and LCOH fecal recovery increased with increasing chain length, similar to findings in other studies. Although fecal recovery of n-alkanes and LCOHs were variable, we conclude that they are inversely related to forage digestibility, are consistent within forage classes, and are therefore predictable markers for use in assessing herbivore diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.M. Carnahan
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99518, USA
| | - D.E. Spalinger
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Biology, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - W.B. Collins
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, 1800 Glenn Highway, Suite 4, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
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Bachmann M, Hepp J, Zech M, Bulang M, Zeyner A. Application of natural wax markers in equine nutrition studies – current state, limitations and perspectives. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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9
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Sohrabi–Mahboub M, Farrokhpour H. Modeling of the n–alkane homologous series in the range of C6 to C20 using linear Yukawa isotherm regularity (LYIR). J Mol Liq 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2017.10.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Abstract
The number of horses in northern Spanish mountains has increased in recent decades, but little is known about their grazing behaviour, performance and potential for foal meat production. This research aimed to study the diet selection, liveweight (LW) changes and parasitic status of dry and lactating mares, and foals' LW gains, grazing on heathlands with different botanical composition. The experimental design consisted of three vegetation types: dominated by heather (Ericaceae) species (H), dominated by gorse (Ulex gallii; G) and co-dominated by gorse and heath-grasses (G-G), with four replicates per treatment (12 paddocks of 1.2 ha). The study lasted three grazing seasons (2010-12). Each year, 24 crossbred mature mares (310±52 kg LW) were used, managing one lactating mare with her foal plus one non-lactating mare per paddock from May to late summer or early autumn. In the case of H paddocks, animals had to be removed before (late August to early September) because of apparent loss of body condition. Animals were periodically weighed. Mares' diet composition was estimated using alkane markers, analysing the discrepancies in alkane concentrations between dietary plant components and faeces. Faecal samples were also analysed for gastrointestinal nematodes ova. Chemical composition of the main plant components (i.e. heather, gorse and grasses) revealed a low nutritive value, averaging 79, 115 and 113 g CP/kg dry matter (DM), respectively, that could restrict livestock performance. Mares initially selected gorse and grasses (0.47 and 0.40, respectively, in 2010), increasing heather consumption over time (from 0.13 in 2010 to 0.29 in 2012) as gorse availability decreased. The performance of both mares and foals was lower in H compared with G and G-G paddocks (-216 v. 347 g/day for mares, P<0.01; 278 v. 576 g/day for foals, P<0.05), whereas LW changes were more favourable in dry mares than in lactating ones (241 v. 78 g/day; P<0.05). Small strongyle (Cyathostominae) egg counts in mares' faeces increased across the grazing season with no differences between treatments. These results indicate that grazing by horses on gorse- and grass-gorse-dominated shrublands could be sustainable at least during part of the year (4 to 6 months). However, heather-dominated heathlands are not able to meet the nutritional needs of horses even for a short time (2 to 4 months). Nevertheless, the low nutritive quality of these vegetation communities, especially in autumn, requires animal access to other pastures with a higher nutritive value, or supplementary feeding, to enhance foals' growth and maintain sustainable grazing systems with productive herds.
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Osoro K, Ferreira LMM, García U, Martínez A, Celaya R. Forage intake, digestibility and performance of cattle, horses, sheep and goats grazing together on an improved heathland. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/an15153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A mixed herd of five cows, five mares, 32 ewes and 32 goats was managed with their offspring during two consecutive years in a paddock (22.3 ha) with 76% of heathlands and 24% of improved pasture area, with the aim of studying their differences in ingestive behaviour and performance. Diet composition, dry matter intake (DMI) and digestibility (DMD) were estimated on three occasions using the alkane technique, and all animals were periodically weighed to calculate bodyweight (BW) changes per livestock unit (LU). Goats selected higher proportions of shrubs than the other herbivore species (P < 0.001). Overall, daily DMI was higher (P < 0.001) in equines (218 g/kg BW0.75) than in ruminants (174, 121 and 80 g/kg BW0.75 for cattle, goats and sheep, respectively), whereas DMD was lower (P < 0.001) in equines (569 g/kg DM) compared with ruminants (733–791 g/kg DM). During the first half of the grazing season (from late April to mid-July), dams’ BW changes per LU did not differ between species. However, during late summer–autumn lower (P < 0.001) BW losses per LU were observed in sheep and goats (–89 g/day) than in cattle (–534 g/day), being intermediate in horses (–254 g/day). For the overall grazing season, ewes and goats showed greater (P = 0.056) BW gains per LU (338 g/day) than cows and mares (178 g/day). Regarding the offspring, BW gains per LU were greater (P < 0.001) in lambs (3612 g/day) than in other species. Calves presented greater gains than kids (2647 vs 1909 g/day.LU), whereas foals showed intermediate gains (2385 g/day.LU). Therefore, under these conditions of partially improved heathlands, sheep was the most productive species. However, looking at the diet selection and digestibility, goats could complement sheep or cattle herds by achieving a more efficient utilisation of heathland vegetation, and increasing overall productivity per hectare. By contrast, horses, having high levels of grass intake, compete with cattle and sheep for pasture utilisation.
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Ferreira LMM, Hervás G, Belenguer A, Celaya R, Rodrigues MAM, García U, Frutos P, Osoro K. Comparison of feed intake, digestion and rumen function among domestic ruminant species grazing in upland vegetation communities. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2016; 101:846-856. [PMID: 27079281 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare feed intake, digestion, rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial community of 5 beef cows, 12 crossed ewes and 12 goats grazing together in spring-early summer on heather-gorse vegetation communities with an adjacent area of improved pasture. Organic matter intake (OMI) and digestibility (OMD) were estimated using alkane markers. Ruminal fluid samples were collected for measuring fermentation parameters, and studying the bacterial community using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Spot samples of urine were taken to determine purine derivative (PD) and creatinine concentrations to estimate microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. Herbaceous species were the main dietary component in all animal species. Cattle had higher (p < 0.05) daily OMI (g/kg LW0.75 ) and OMD, whereas sheep and goats showed similar values. The highest ammonia concentration was observed in sheep. Total VFA, acetate and butyrate concentrations were not influenced by animal species, while propionate concentrations in goats were 1.8 times lower (p < 0.05) than in sheep. Acetate:propionate ratio was greater (p < 0.05) in goats, whereas cattle excreted more allantoin (p < 0.05). Estimated supply of microbial N was higher in cows (p < 0.01), whereas the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was lower (p < 0.01) in this animal species. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated a clear effect of animal species on rumen bacterial structure. Differences among animal species were also observed in the relative frequency of several T-RFs. Certain T-RFs compatible with Lachnospiraceae, Proteobacteria and Clostridiales species were not found in goats, while these animals showed high relative frequencies of some fragments compatible with the Ruminococcaceae family that were not detected in sheep and cattle. Results suggest a close relationship between animals' grazing behaviour and rumen bacterial structure and its function. Goats seem to show a greater specialization of their microbial populations to deal with the greater fibrous and tannin content of their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M M Ferreira
- CECAV - Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - G Hervás
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-ULE, Finca Marzanas, León, Spain
| | - A Belenguer
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-ULE, Finca Marzanas, León, Spain
| | - R Celaya
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Área de Sistemas de Producción Animal, Asturias, Spain
| | - M A M Rodrigues
- CECAV - Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - U García
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Área de Sistemas de Producción Animal, Asturias, Spain
| | - P Frutos
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-ULE, Finca Marzanas, León, Spain
| | - K Osoro
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Área de Sistemas de Producción Animal, Asturias, Spain
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Ferreira L, Daniel J, Celaya R, Santos A, Osoro K, Rodrigues M, Pellikaan W. Utilization of carbon isotope enrichments (δ13C) of alkanes as faecal markers to estimate diet composition of goats fed with heathland vegetation. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Cottle DJ, Romero C. Improving pasture intake predictions by variable weighting of plant marker concentrations. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Foraging behaviour of domestic herbivore species grazing on heathlands associated with improved pasture areas. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Cottle DJ. The trials and tribulations of estimating the pasture intake of grazing animals. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2013. [DOI: 10.1071/an13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present paper reviews estimation methods for measuring pasture intake of individual grazing animals, in particular, the use of indigestible plant markers. Natural alkanes and alcohols function essentially as an internal marker and thus accommodate differences in forage digestibility among individuals and those arising from interactions between supplement and forage. An estimate of diet composition partitions total intake into its component plant species. Estimates of diet composition require correction for incomplete faecal marker recovery, where relative recoveries (i.e. the recovery of the alkanes relative to each other) suffice. If estimates of whole-diet digestibility are also wanted, actual faecal alkane recoveries must be used. Using known labelled supplement intakes as a means of estimating the intake of all other diet components avoids the need to dose animals separately with synthetic alkanes. The results, problems and possible workarounds for a commercial system under development to estimate individual animal pasture intakes using known labelled-supplement intakes are outlined. A prototype bin system was trialled and, despite many initial technological problems, it showed enough promise for Sapien Technology to continue to develop the system with Proway Livestock.
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Grazing behaviour and performance of lactating suckler cows, ewes and goats on partially improved heathlands. Animal 2012; 2:1818-31. [PMID: 22444089 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731108003224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The foraging behaviour (grazing time and diet composition), live-weight (LW) changes and parasitic infection (faecal egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes) of 12 beef cows, 84 ewes and 84 goats suckling their offspring, managed in mixed grazing on heathlands with 24% of improved pasture of perennial ryegrass-white clover, were studied during the years 2003 and 2006. The results showed that goats tended to graze for a longer time, and utilised significantly more heathland vegetation than cattle and sheep, including in their diet in an average of 0.39 herbaceous plants, 0.11 gorse and 0.51 heather over the grazing season, comparing with respective mean values of 0.85, 0.02 and 0.13 in cattle and sheep. Dietary overlap was higher between cattle and sheep (0.76) than between sheep and goats (0.53) or between cattle and goats (0.47). Despite the high performance of autumn-calving cows in spring, sheep had the best LW changes per livestock unit (LU) during the whole grazing season. Goats' performance per LU was lower than in sheep but higher than in spring-calving cows. Regarding offspring production, lambs had higher LW gains per LU than calves and kids. Mean nematode eggs/g fresh faeces (epg) during the grazing season were higher in goats (91 epg) compared with sheep (34 epg) and cattle (14 epg), particularly from September to December. In conclusion, sheep performed best on these heathlands with improved pasture areas if the entire grazing season was considered, despite the good level of production in spring from autumn-calving cows. The results suggested the complementary use of goats in order to increase the effective utilisation of the available vegetation, achieving production levels similar to those from spring-calving cows. Therefore, mixed flocks of sheep and goats would be the most appropriate sustainable systems from the animal production and vegetation use points of view.
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The potential use of n-alkanes, long-chain alcohols and long-chain fatty acids as diet composition markers: indoor validation with sheep and herbage species from the rangeland of Inner Mongolia of China. Animal 2012; 6:449-58. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731111001765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Evaluation of n-alkanes and their carbon isotope enrichments (δ13C) as diet composition markers. Animal 2011; 5:57-66. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731110001515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Ferreira L, Celaya R, Santos A, Falco V, Guedes C, Rodrigues M, Osoro K. Comparison of long-chain fatty acids and alkanes as markers to estimate diet composition of equines and cattle consuming heathland vegetation species. Livest Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2010.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ferreira L, Celaya R, Falco V, Oliván M, Santos A, Guedes C, Rodrigues M, Osoro K. Evaluation of very long-chain fatty acids and n-alkane epicuticular compounds as markers for estimating diet composition of sheep fed heathland vegetation species. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ferreira LMM, Carvalho S, Falco V, Celaya R, García U, Santos AS, Rodrigues MAM, Osoro K. Assessment of very long-chain fatty acids as complementary or alternative natural fecal markers to n-alkanes for estimating diet composition of goats feeding on mixed diets1. J Anim Sci 2009; 87:2732-45. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2008-1718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Differences between domestic herbivores species in alkane faecal recoveries and the accuracy of subsequent estimates of diet composition. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2008.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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The potential use of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids as diet composition markers: factors influencing faecal recovery rates and diet composition estimates in sheep. Animal 2009; 3:1605-12. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731109990401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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The use of n-alkanes to estimate diet composition of ruminants grazing on species diverse plant communities — Effect of feeding selectivity on diet composition estimates. Livest Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2006.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Oliván M, Ferreira LMM, García U, Celaya R, Osoro K. Application of n-alkanes as diet composition markers in grazing/browsing goats and sheep: effect of using different faecal recovery corrections and plant species grouping approaches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1071/ar07081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to test the effect of applying different sets of n-alkane faecal recoveries and different plant species grouping approaches on the estimates of the diet selected by goats and sheep when grazing/browsing complex vegetation communities composed of mosaics of heather-gorse vegetation interspersed with patches of perennial ryegrass. The use of different sets of n-alkane faecal recoveries significantly affected the estimated proportions of most vegetation components in both animal species. The diet estimates were also significantly affected by the calculation approach: A1 (using all individual plant species); A2 (grouping plant species with similar n-alkane profile, with equal weighting within the group); and A3 (grouping plant species with similar n-alkane profile, with different weighting according to the botanical composition of the plot). There was a significant interaction between calculation approach (A) and faecal recovery sets (FR) on the resulting estimates of the Ericaceae species in the diet of goats and of all diet components in sheep. When using A1 approach, the estimated proportion of Agrostis capillaris in the diets was high and seemed to be overestimated, compared with its low availability (1.1% of total cover) in the field. However, the application of calculation approaches A2 and A3 gave lower dietary proportions of component D2 (Agrostis capillaris and Ulex gallii) and higher proportions of components D1 (Lolium perenne and Pseudarrhenatherum longifolium), D3 (Erica umbellata, Erica cinerea, Erica australis, Calluna vulgaris) and Erica arborea. These results indicate that the application of the n-alkane technique for estimation of the diet composition in field with complex vegetation conditions is sensitive to the use of faecal recovery corrections and to the grouping of possible dietary components.
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