Effect of abomasal or ruminal supplementation of citrus pulp and soybean oil on nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows

Rosa roxburghii tratt residue: A novel feed resource for cattle indicated by the non-deleterious performance and blood metabolites

Rosa roxburghii tratt residue (RRTR) is a regional and uncommon byproduct in Guizhou. Little information is available on whether RRTR can be used as feed for ruminants. In this study, the feasibility of using RRTR as a new feed resource for cattle was investigated by chemical composition analysis, in vitro gas production (Trial 1) and animal feeding experiments (Trial 2). In trial 1, compared to the commonly used fruit residues, RRTR had a proximate nutrient level; the in vitro gas production curve and dynamics fell within the normal range. In trial 2, 16 cattle were allocated to the control and treatment groups, with 8 replicates of 1 cattle each. Cattle in the control group were fed a basal diet without RRTR, while those in the treatment group were fed a diet containing 30% RRTR to replace 30% whole corn silage in basal diet. Feeding RRTR had little effect on the growth performance of the control and treatment cattle (P > 0.05). The feed-to-gain ratio was greater in the treatment group than in the control group throughout the trial period (P < 0.05). The plasma urea levels in the treatment group were lower (P < 0.05) than that in control group, and the levels of other plasma biochemical metabolites were not different between the two groups of cattle (P > 0.05). The in vivo rumen fermentation parameters did not differ between the control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). Our findings indicate that RRTR has a nutritional profile (crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude fiber) similar to that of commonly used fruit residues (such as apple, pineapple, and citrus residue et al.); improves plasma protein utilization efficiency; and has no negative impact on growth performance, albeit with limited effects on feed conversion; blood metabolites, and rumen fermentation parameters in cattle. Accordingly, we conclude, based on the above-mentioned result, that RRTR can serve as a novel feed alternative resource when considering the affordability and as a practical choice for low-cost diets for cattle.

Effect of orange pulp with or without zeolite on productive performance, nitrogen utilization, and antioxidative status of growing rabbits

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of dried orange pulp inclusion (OP diet), natural zeolite addition (Z diet), or both (OPZ diet) compared to control (CON diet) on digestibility, growth performance, nitrogen utilization, blood biochemical, antioxidative status, and cecum microbiota of growing rabbits. Seventy-two V-line male rabbits (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 balanced experimental groups. Results showed that administration of dried orange pulp or zeolite especially the OPZ diet significantly improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive values. Rabbits fed the experimental diets (OP, Z, or OPZ) recorded significantly higher values of average daily gain, N-retention, and N-balance compared with those fed the CON diet. Data on blood biochemical, showed non-significant differences in globulin concentrations, and significant decreases in levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), triglycerides, and MDA (malondialdehyde) as an antioxidant biomarker with OP, Z, or OPZ diets. Moreover, the incorporation of orange pulp or zeolite in diets significantly decreased the cecal count of E. coli, with no significant difference in total bacterial count among the experimental groups. It could be concluded that a combination between dried orange pulp and natural zeolite in the diet can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant and health status of rabbits.

Digestion, ruminal metabolism, and feeding behavior of buffaloes fed diets supplemented with soybean oil, whole and raw soybean, and calcium salts of fatty acids

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) sources on the nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and feeding behavior in diets for buffaloes. Four castrated Murrah buffaloes with approximately 24 months of age and an initial average body weight of 351 ± 15 kg were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment, containing the following diets: (1) control (CON): control diet based on soybean meal and ground corn, (2) soybean oil (SO): dietary inclusion of 2.20% (DM basis), (3) whole raw soybean (WRS): dietary inclusion of 16.0%, and (4) calcium salts of FA (CSFA): dietary inclusion of 2.60%. There was an effect of diets in ether extract intake among buffaloes fed UFA and CON diets, and among buffaloes fed CSFA and WRS diets (P < 0.05). Diets containing UFA sources provided higher EE digestibility (P < 0.05). Buffaloes fed WRS had higher rumen pH values than animals fed the CSFA diet (P < 0.05). Supplementation of UFA sources decreased the molar concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05). Diets influenced the times spent in chewing, idling, and the rumination efficiencies of DM and NDF (P < 0.05). The supplementation with WRS, SO, and CSFA does not negatively affect intake, digestion, ruminal metabolism, and feeding behavior. The WRS as a fat supplement source decreases dietary costs by replacing ground corn and soybean meal simultaneously compared to other fat sources used. Nevertheless, whole and raw soybean in buffaloes' diet can reduce chewing and rumination activity.

Technical note: An improved tool to insert lines for abomasal infusion in rumen cannulated cattle

An improved tool was tested that facilitates the insertion of abomasal infusion lines in ruminally cannulated cattle for postruminal infusion studies. The insertion device was made from a 68 × 25 mm section of 20-mm i.d. stainless steel device with a weight of 125 g. The general procedure to place the tool is to pass the insertion device with the infusion line through the rumen cannula, through the sulcus omasi (reticulo-omasal orifice), and finally into the abomasum. Once inside the omasum, the insertion device is placed inside the abomasum by gently shifting the infusion line from the flexible polyvinyl chloride tubing fitted to the insertion device. The insertion device places itself by self-moving down through the abomasal orifice into the abomasum by means of its own weight. After device placement, its position can be verified by palpating through the wall of the rumen. This way, an infusion line can easily be inserted into the abomasum by any person without introducing the hand into the omasum, avoiding possible injuries to the animal and tool being expulsed of its desired position.

Effect of abomasal or ruminal administration of citrus pulp and soybean oil on milk fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties

Soybean oil (SBO) is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) and rumen bypass of SBO can contribute to increase the polyunsaturated FA proportion in milk fat. Citrus pulp (CPP) is a source of antioxidants but there is little information on the effects of CP administration on milk properties. This study was performed to determine the role of rumen microorganisms in the transfer of antioxidants from CPP into milk when cows receive SBO as a source of polyunsaturated FA. Four ruminally fistulated lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: (1) SBO administered in the rumen; (2) SBO infused in the abomasum; (3) SBO + CPP administered in the rumen; and (4) SBO + CPP infused in the abomasum. Product and site of administration had no effect on yield of milk components. Concentrations of total polyphenols and flavonoids, reducing power and production of conjugated diene (CD) hydroperoxides in milk were not affected by products, but infusion in the abomasum compared with administration in the rumen increased production of CD. Milk fat FA profile was not affected by products. However, cows infused in the abomasum compared with those administered in the rumen showed lower proportions of short-chain and monounsaturated FA and higher proportions of polyunsaturated, omega 3 and omega 6 FA in milk fat, which resulted in enhanced health-promoting index of milk. Administration of SBO and CPP (0.2 + 1.0 kg/d) in the rumen or the abomasum resulted in similar milk antioxidant properties, thus suggesting that the rumen microbes have little involvement in the metabolism of antioxidants from CPP.