Comparative effects of Moringa oleifera root bark and monensin supplementations on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility and growth performance of growing lambs

Comparative effects of nisin and monensin supplementation on growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion, and plasma metabolites of fattening Hu sheep

Introduction

This study was conducted to compare the effects of nisin (NIS) and ionophore antibiotic monensin (MON) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion and plasma metabolites of fattening Hu sheep.

Methods

Thirty-six male Hu sheep (23.5 ± 1.0 kg) were divided into two blocks based on BW (low BW and high BW). Sheep within each block were then allotted to 9 pens respectively (two sheep/pen). Pens within each block were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: (1) basal diet (CON); (2) basal diet + 40 mg/kg DM of MON; (3) basal diet + 274.5 mg/kg DM of NIS. The study lasted 9 weeks, with the initial 2 weeks for adaptation and the subsequent 7 weeks for treatment.

Results

The results showed that both NIS and MON addition had no impacts on average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and feed conservation rate (G:F) of sheep (p > 0.05). The digestibility of ether extract (EE) was lower in the MON-fed and NIS-fed sheep (p < 0.01) than in the CON group, whereas crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher in the MON-fed sheep compared to those fed NIS (p < 0.05). Both NIS and MON supplementation decreased acetate levels and acetate/propionate ratio in the rumen of Hu sheep (p < 0.05). Sheep fed MON exhibited higher total cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.05) compared to the CON and NIS groups. However, there were no significant differences in other plasma metabolites, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bile acid, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, etc., among the three groups (p > 0.05).

Discussion

In conclusion, dietary addition of NIS and MON altered the rumen fermentation mode by reducing acetate levels, with no discernible effects on the growth performance of the fattening Hu sheep.

Effect of Replacing Alfalfa Hay with Common Vetch Hay in Sheep Diets on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation and Rumen Microbiota

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of 40% of common vetch (CV) hay as a feed ingredient in place of alfalfa hay (AH) would improve performance and ruminal fermentation and microbiota in fattening lambs. Twenty lambs were equally divided into two groups: control group (fed 40% AH with 20% rice straw) and CV group (fed 40% CV hay with 20% rice straw). Concerning hay quality, CV hay had greater in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.05) than AH. Lambs fed the CV diet had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and efficiency of feed and economy than lambs fed the control group. The NH3-N content and estimated methane produced per unit of ADG of the CV diet group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than control group. Multiple differential microbial genera were identified, with Prevotella being the most dominant genus and a tendency towards higher (p = 0.095) in lambs offered CV diet. The higher Ruminococcus abundance (p < 0.05) was found in animals of the CV group compared to the control group. In summary, CV can be incorporated into lamb diets as a low-cost forage alternative to AH to improve feed efficiency and animal performance and to reduce methane produced per unit of ADG.

Review: Mechanism, effectiveness, and the prospects of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in lowering ruminants' enteric methane emission

Animal nutritionists continue to investigate new strategies to combat the challenge of methane emissions from ruminants. Medicinal plants (MPs) are known to be beneficial to animal health and exert functional roles in livestock due to their phytogenic compounds with antimicrobial, immunostimulatory, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Some MP has been reported to be anti-methanogenic and can effectively lower ruminants' enteric methane emissions. This review overviews trends in MP utilization in ruminants, their bioactivity and their effectiveness in lowering enteric methane production. It highlights the MP regulatory mechanism and the gaps that must be critically addressed to improve its efficacy. MP could reduce enteric methane production by up to 8-50% by regulating the rumen fermentation pathway, directing hydrogen toward propionogenesis, and modifying rumen diversity, structure, and population of the methanogens and protozoa. Yet, factors such as palatability, extraction techniques, and economic implications must be further considered to exploit their potential fully.

Growth performance, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, blood biochemistry, and carcass traits of lambs fed Atriplex nummularia L. hay-based diet supplemented with yeast or bacterial direct- fed microbial

Direct fed microbial may enhance the utilization of halophyte forages leading to improved animal growth and productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate Atriplex hay-based diet supplemented with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; SC) or bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus casei; BAC) on lamb growth performance, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and carcass characteristics. Fifteen Barki lambs (90 ± 7 days of age and 18.6 ± 0.41 kg SE body weight; BW) were randomly assigned to three treatments for 120 days as follows: Control (basal diet without supplementation), SC and BAC diets, the basal diet supplemented with SC or BAC at 2 g/head/day, respectively. All lambs had similar dry matter (DM) intake, while lambs fed SC or BAC dies had higher (P < 0.05) total gain and average daily gain than those fed the control diet. Supplementation of SC or BC increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of DM, organic matter, and acid detergent fiber, tended to decrease (P < 0.05) the urine N excretion and enhanced the N balance compared to the control. Ruminal pH, acetate, total volatile fatty acids concentrations, and bacterial protein were increased (P < 0.05), while creatinine and urea concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) by both additives. Compared to other diets, the BAC diet reduced (P < 0.05) triglycerides, total lipids, kidney fat, and eye muscle fat. In conclusion, both additives resulted in similar positive growth performance and feed utilization, while only the BAC additive had a beneficial advantage in reducing the fat content of the carcass.

Red propolis extract as a natural ionophore for confined sheep: performance and morphological and histopathological changes

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of red propolis extract (RPE) in the diet of confined sheep on performance and histomorphometric parameters of rumen and intestine and histopathological parameters of liver and kidney. Thirty-five male sheep (17.08 ± 2.36 kg) were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 mL day-1 RPE) and seven replications, submitted to 68 days of experiment. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and samples of rumen, intestine, liver, and kidney were collected to histomorphometry and histopathology analyzes. Higher RPE inclusions (21 and 28 mL day-1) maintained dry matter intake and increased total weight (5.78 x 6.14 and 6.95 kg, respectively) gain up to 20.24%. In the rumen, the inclusion of RPE led to an increase in the thickness of the epithelium and the highest level also increased the thickness of the keratinized portion of this epithelium (21.71 x 32.15 μm). The level of 21 mL day-1 provided larger ruminal papillae (1620.68 x 1641.70 μm) and greater ruminal absorption area (561791.43 x 698288.50 μm2). In intestine 21 and 28 mL-1 of RPE provided greater mucosal thickness (468.54 x 556.20 and 534.64 μm), higher goblet cell index (23.32 x 25.82 and 25.64) and higher hepatic glycogen index (1.47 x 1.64 and 1.62), supporting higher nutrients absortion and glicogenolise and intestinal health, corroborating the weight gain indices. The inclusion of RPE did not cause renal histopathological lesions. Therefore, levels of 21 and 28 mL day-1 of RPE can be used in sheep diets, promoting greater final weight gain, causing positive histomorphological changes in the rumen, intestine and liver, without causing kidney or liver damage.

Effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Powder Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation, Feed Intake, Apparent Digestibility and Performance in Omani Sheep

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of the dietary addition of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder (NLP) when compared to monensin (MON) on ruminal fermentation, feed intake, digestibility, and performance of growing lambs. Eighteen Omani lambs (22.8 ± 2.18 kg of body weight (BW)) were equally divided into three groups (n = 6 lambs/group) for 90 days. Animals were fed an ad lib basal diet consisting of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay (600 g/kg) and a concentrated mixture (400 g/kg) offered twice daily. Experimental treatments were control (basal diet without supplements); MON (control plus 35 mg/kg DM as a positive control); and NLP (control plus 40 g/kg DM). Lambs fed NLP had reduced ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations, protozoal counts, total volatile fatty acid, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations compared to the control. Compared to MON, lambs fed NLP had increased ruminal acetate and decreased propionate proportions. Inclusion of NLP in the diet increased blood total protein, globulin, and liver enzyme concentrations in comparison with the control, which was similar to MON. The lamb's final BW and average BW gain were also increased with the NLP relative to the control. Further, adding NLP to the diet increased the digestibility of crude protein compared to the control diet. In conclusion, adding NLP to the diet with 40 g/kg DM could be used as a promising phytogenic supplement for growing lambs with no detrimental effects on the ruminal fermentation profile, nutrient intake, or digestibility.

Potential of montmorillonite modified by an organosulfur surfactant for reducing aflatoxin B1 toxicity and ruminal methanogenesis in vitro

Background

Montmorillonite clay modified by organosulfur surfactants possesses high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and adsorption capacity than their unmodified form (UM), therefore they may elevate the adverse impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on ruminal fermentation and methanogenesis. Chemical and mechanical modifications were used to innovate the organically modified nano montmorillonite (MNM). The UM was modified using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and grounded to obtain the nanoscale particle size form. The dose-response effects of the MNM supplementation to a basal diet contaminated or not with AFB1 (20 ppb) were evaluated in vitro using the gas production (GP) system. The following treatments were tested: control (basal diet without supplementations), UM diet [UM supplemented at 5000 mg /kg dry matter (DM)], and MNM diets at low (500 mg/ kg DM) and high doses (1000 mg/ kg DM).

Results

Results of the Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy analysis showed shifts of bands of the OH-group occurred from lower frequencies to higher frequencies in MNM, also an extra band at the lower frequency range only appeared in MNM compared to UM. Increasing the dose of the MNM resulted in linear and quadratic decreasing effects (P < 0.05) on GP and pH values. Diets supplemented with the low dose of MNM either with or without AFB1 supplementation resulted in lower (P = 0.015) methane (CH₄) production, ruminal pH (P = 0.002), and ammonia concentration (P = 0.002) compared to the control with AFB1. Neither the treatments nor the AFB1 addition affected the organic matter or natural detergent fiber degradability. Contamination of AFB1 reduced (P = 0.032) CH₄ production, while increased (P < 0.05) the ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations. Quadratic increases (P = 0.012) in total short-chain fatty acids and propionate by MNM supplementations were observed.

Conclusion

These results highlighted the positive effects of MNM on reducing the adverse effects of AFB1 contaminated diets with a recommended dose of 500 mg/ kg DM under the conditions of this study.

Effects of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extracts on reproductive traits of heat-stressed New Zealand white female rabbits

Heat stress is reported to have deleterious effects on rabbit physiology by impairing reproductive performances arising from free radical production due to oxidative stress. Plant extracts have been listed among efficient and healthy strategies for alleviating the effects of free radicals in the body of an animal. Numerous studies have documented the medicinal value of Moringa oleifera on various body functional systems although most of these data have not been scientifically validated. The growing concern of heat stress owing to the effects of global warming has affected animal productivity and even reproductive health, yet mitigation measures are still scanty. To this end, we investigated the efficacy of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract on selected in the alleviation of morphofunctional impairments on functional systems of the body. Here, we quantified the effects of Moringa oleifera seed extracts on reproductive performances, hormonal profile, and ovarian histology in the management of heat stress in female rabbits. We were particularly interested in testing the hypothesis that Moringa oleifera seed extracts do not have medicinal value in the mitigation of oxidative stress accompanying heat-stressed animals and, therefore, affecting growth performance and reproductive value. Twenty-eight female rabbits aged 6 months and weighing between 2015.6 and 2322.7 g were randomly assigned to four treatment groups of temperature, relative humidity, temperature humidity index, and M. oleifera seed extracts as follows: T0: ambient temperature (18–24°C), 59 ± 0.48%, 23.6 ± 1.52; T1, T2, and T3: 35–36°C, 64 ± 0.6%, 32.5 ± 0.7, followed by 100, 200, and 0 mg/kg b.w of M. oleifera seed extracts. Artificial heat was introduced in each rabbit cage from 08:00 h to 16:00 h. Reproductive performances related to female rabbits and relevant biodata of their young ones were recorded. All animals were sacrificed at the end of 80 days of experiments, and blood was collected for hormonal assays and ovary tissues for histology. Data on hormones and reproductive parameters of adult females as well as parameters related to kid performance and milk yield were subjected to one-way ANOVA, and significant differences among treatment subjects were analyzed using Tukey's post-hoc test at 5% significance level. The results revealed a significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in food consumption, body weight, and body weight gain in pregnant and lactating female rabbits exposed to heat stress. A decrease in fur removal by mothers, litter size from birth to weaning, litter weight, kid body weight, and body weight gain in adult rabbits submitted to heat stress was observed. The findings were also reflected on weekly milk yield and daily milk efficiency as well as serum hormone levels. Following administration of M. oleifera seed extracts at 200 mg/kg b.w., there was significant increase (P &lt; 0.05) in these parameters. On the contrary, an increase (P &lt; 0.05) in the number of services per conception, milk intake, and serum progesterone level was initially observed in the same subjects, but upon administration of M. oleifera seed extracts, there was a significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) on these measures. Ovarian histology of animals at T0 and T2 treatments showed structural features comparable to those of controls. Overall, our results show that administration of M. oleifera seed extracts at 200 mg/kg b.w possesses therapeutic value to the effects of oxidative stress associated with heat stress. Further pharmacological evaluation on seed extracts of M. oleifera may yield the much-needed medicine in the treatment and management of poor animal productivity and reproductive health arising from severe weather associated with global warming.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts on the Carcass Quality and Fatty Acid Composition of Lambs Fed High Forage Total Mixed Rations

There is an increased interest in the use of medicinal plants as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters and as agents for methane production mitigation. This study investigated the effects of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera feed additives on the carcass and meat quality of lambs. Forty South African Mutton Merino lambs, weighing between 29 and 43 kg, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10 lambs/treatment) and fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR) containing soybean meal (17%), yellow maize (28%), Alfalfa hay (20%), Eragrostis curvula hay (22.2%), molasses (6.0%), wheat offal (5%), urea (0.8%) and vitamin premix (0.5%) on a DM basis. The dietary treatments: TMR diet (control); TMR diet with A. indica leaf extract (A. indica leaf extract at a dosage of 50 mg per kg of feed: neem); TMR diet with M. oleifera leaf extract (M. oleifera leaf extract at a dosage of 50 mg per kg DM of feed: moringa); TMR diet with monensin (at a dosage of 50 mg monensin sodium per kg of feed: positive control). After an adaptation period of 10 days to the experimental conditions, the lambs from all treatment groups were fed ad libitum with the experimental diets. The lambs were slaughtered at a live weight of 60−65 kg after a 23 week trial period. The plant extract dietary additives had no significant effects on the carcass characteristics of the lambs. In comparison to monensin, supplementing with moringa leaf extracts resulted in a higher proportion of C18:1n9c (45.0% ± 0.57 vs. 40.5% ± 0.80; p < 0.05), total MUFAs (47.3% ± 0.66 vs. 42.6% ± 0.87; p < 0.05), and UFA:SFA ratio (1.01 ± 0.03 vs. 0.85 ± 0.03; p < 0.05), which may be beneficial for human health. Our results suggest that natural feed additives, such as A. indica and M. oleifera leaf extracts, can be included in lamb diets without compromising meat fatty acid composition. The negative economic impacts of such technologies on animal production and farm profitability should not be expected.

Ruminal Microbiome Manipulation to Improve Fermentation Efficiency in Ruminants

The rumen is an integrated dynamic microbial ecosystem composed of enormous populations of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, archaea, and bacteriophages. These microbes ferment feed organic matter consumed by ruminants to produce beneficial products such as microbial biomass and short-chain fatty acids, which form the major metabolic fuels for ruminants. The fermentation process also involves inefficient end product formation for both host animals and the environment, such as ammonia, methane, and carbon dioxide production. In typical conditions of ruminal fermentation, microbiota does not produce an optimal mixture of enzymes to maximize plant cell wall degradation or synthesize maximum microbial protein. Well-functioning rumen can be achieved through microbial manipulation by alteration of rumen microbiome composition to enhance specific beneficial fermentation pathways while minimizing or altering inefficient fermentation pathways. Therefore, manipulating ruminal fermentation is useful to improve feed conversion efficiency, animal productivity, and product quality. Understanding rumen microbial diversity and dynamics is crucial to maximize animal production efficiency and mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases from ruminants. This chapter discusses genetic and nongenetic rumen manipulation methods to achieve better rumen microbial fermentation including improvement of fibrolytic activity, inhibition of methanogenesis, prevention of acidosis, and balancing rumen ammonia concentration for optimal microbial protein synthesis.

Productive Performance, Ovarian Follicular Development, Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidative Status, and Egg Quality in Laying Hens Fed Diets Supplemented with Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana Powder Levels

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with different levels of Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana on productive performance, ovarian follicular development, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative status, and egg quality in laying hens. Two hundred and ninety-four 45-week-old Bovans brown hens were allocated into seven groups, with seven replicates of six hens each. The first group was fed with the basal considered as a control (A); the second (B) and third (C) groups were provided with the same control diet further supplemented with 0.5 and 1 kg/ton Salvia officinalis, respectively; the fourth (D) and fifth (E) groups received the control diet further supplemented with 0.5 and 1 kg/ton Origanum majorana, respectively; while the sixth (F) and the seventh (G) groups were offered a diet supplemented with 0.5 kg/ton Salvia officinalis and 0.5 kg/ton Origanum majorana and 1 kg/ton Salvia officinalis and 1 kg/ton Origanum majorana, respectively. No significant effects were observed in the final body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) of the laying hens. In the diets supplemented with Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana, the egg weights for groups C, F, and G had significantly higher values only compared to group D. The supplementation of the diets with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana significantly (p < 0.05) increased the Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol estrogenic hormone concentration, except for Origanum majorana at both levels with regard to estradiol. The dietary utilization of Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana did not significantly alter the plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), total protein, albumin, globulin, and High density lipoprotein (HDL) parameters. Cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, and Low density lipoprotein (LDL) were decreased (p < 0.05) in the birds fed with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana supplemented diets. Moreover, at both doses, the dietary supplementation with Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana decreased (p < 0.05) the yolk cholesterol and liver Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, the dietary enrichment with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana decreased (p < 0.05) the palmitoleic and stearic fatty acids' egg yolk concentration. In contrast, the yolk linoleic fatty acid concentration was significantly increased by Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum positively affected productive performance, ovarian follicular development, antioxidant activity, hormonal status, and steroidogenesis in Bovans brown laying hens.

Modified Nano-Montmorillonite and Monensin Modulate In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Nutrient Degradability, and Methanogenesis Differently

Two types of modified nano-montmorillonite (MNM) were developed by ion-exchange reactions using two different surfactants; sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CETAB), to prepare MNM_SDS and MNM_CETAB, respectively. Both MNM types were on the nano-scale and had higher cation-exchange capacity values than NM clay. The MNM_CETAB had the highest zeta potential (-27 mV) compared with the other clays. Effects of MNM types on in vitro ruminal batch culture fermentation, nutrient degradability, and methane (CH₄) emission compared with monensin were evaluated in vitro using a semi-automatic gas production system. The experimental treatments were the control (0 supplementations), monensin (40 mg/kg DM), and NM (5 g NM/kg DM), and two levels of MNM_SDS and MNM_CETAB were supplemented at 0.05 (low) and 0.5 (high) g/kg DM to the control basal feed substrate. Among the experimental treatments, the high dose of both MNM types reduced (p < 0.01) CH₄ production and ammonia concentrations compared with the control, while only MNM_CETAB treatment tended to increase (p = 0.08) the truly degraded organic matter compared with monensin. All MNM treatments increased (p < 0.01) acetate molar proportions compared with monensin. The high MNM_CETAB increased (p < 0.01) the in vitro ruminal batch culture pH compared with the control and monensin. The MNM_CETAB supplemented at 0.5 g/kg DM is the most efficient additive to reduce CH₄ emission with the advantage of enhancing the in vitro nutrient degradability of the experimental feed substrate. These results indicated that MNM could modulate the in vitro ruminal fermentation pattern in a dose- and type-dependent manner.

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of Dietary Supplementation of Both Natural or Nano-Zeolite in Goat Diets: Effects on Ruminal Fermentation and Nutrients Digestibility

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo dietary supplementation with different levels of natural or nano-zeolite forms on rumen fermentation patterns and nutrient digestibility. In the in vitro experiment, a basal diet (50% concentrate: 50% forage) was incubated without additives (control) and with natural zeolite (10, 20, 30 g/kg DM) or nano-zeolite (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg DM) for 24 h to assess their effect on ruminal fermentation, feed degradability, and gas and methane production using a semi-automatic system of in vitro gas production (GP). The most effective doses obtained from the in vitro experiment were evaluated in vivo using 30 Barki goats (26 ± 0.9 SE kg body weight). Goats were allocated into three dietary treatments (n = 10/treatment) as follows: control (basal diet without any supplementations), natural zeolite (20 g/kg DM diet), and nano-zeolite (0.40 g/kg DM diet). The in vitro results revealed that only the nano-zeolite supplementation form quadratically (p= 0.004) increased GP, and the level of 0.5 g/kg DM had the highest GP value compared to the control. Both zeolite forms affected the CH₄ production, linear, and quadratic reductions (p < 0.05) in CH₄ (mL/g DM), consistent with linear increases in truly degraded organic matter (TDOM) (p = 0.09), and propionate molar proportions (p = 0.007) were observed by nano zeolite treatment, while the natural form of zeolite resulted in a linear CH₄ reduction consistent with a linear decrease (p = 0.004) in NH₃-N, linear increases in TDOM (p = 0.09), and propionate molar proportions (p = 0.004). Results of the in vivo experiment demonstrated that the nutrient digestibility was similar among all treatments. Nano zeolite enhanced (p < 0.05) the total short-chain fatty acids and butyrate concentrations, while both zeolite forms decreased (p < 0.001) NH₃-N compared to the control. These results suggested that both zeolite supplementation forms favorably modified the rumen fermentation in different patterns.

Role of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf extract on productive parameters, humoral immunity and lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks

The plants originated from an agroforestry system have gained immense importance in livestock health and production. The trial was planned to examine the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) supplementation on the performance, blood metabolites, immunity and lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks. A total of 350 day old broiler chicks were divided into negative control (MLE₀), positive control (antibiotic; AB-enro), M. oleifera supplementation at the concentration of 60 (MLE₆₀), 90 (MLE₉₀) and 120 mL/L (MLE₁₂₀) of drinking water. Performance parameters such as feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio, antibody titer against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis, heterophils and lymphocytes ratio, blood glucose, protein, and malanodialdehyde were determined. The results showed that carcass yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MLE₉₀ followed by MLE₁₂₀ and AB-enro. MLE₆₀ and MLE₉₀ showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in antibody titer against New-castle (ND) and Infectious-bronchitis (IB) respectively. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower Heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio was observed in MLE₉₀ and MLE₁₂₀ compared to the negative control. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower blood glucose concentration and significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean serum protein value were found in MLE₁₂₀. The MLE₁₂₀ showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower concentration of malanodialdehyde (MDA). It was concluded that M. oleifera leaf extract supplementation at the concentration of 120 mL/L of drinking water improved carcass yield, immunity, blood metabolites and reduced lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks.HighlightsMoringa improved the carcass yield of broilerMoringa is an excellent immune potentiating agent in broilerMoringa enhanced the antioxidant potential of broiler.

Effect of replacing corn grains with date palm kernels on ruminal fermentation, feed degradability, and methane production under different initial in vitro pH conditions

Date kernels (DK) are cheap by-products rich in energy and phenolic compounds. It can be used as an alternative to the conventional sources of energy in ruminant diets while reducing methane (CH₄) production. Using a semi-automated gas production (GP) system, the initial pH of buffered rumen liquor was adjusted to 5.5 and 6.8. Five experimental diets were evaluated, control (0% DK), and DK₂₅, DK₅₀, DK_75, and DK₁₀₀ presented 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement of maize by DK, respectively. Of the 16 phenolic compounds detected in DK, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic and catechin were the most abundant. At pH 6.8, the control diet recorded higher (p < 0.05) GP values throughout the first 12 h incubation than all other DK diets, while at 5.5 pH, DK₅₀ displayed the highest (p < 0.05) GP at 3 and 6 h compared to all other diets. At either pH conditions, all DK diets reduced (p < 0.05) CH₄ compared to the control without affecting protozoal counts. At 5.5 pH, DK diets showed enhanced (p < 0.05) nutrients degradability compared to control. DK modified (P < 0.05) the fermentation patterns toward more propionate than the control under either pH conditions. Substitution of maize by 50% DK was highly recommended in ruminant diets.

The Dietary Supplemental Effect of Nitroethanol in Comparison with Monensin on Methane Emission, Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Female Lambs

Simple Summary

The objective of present study was to determine the effects of 2-nitroethanol (NEOH) in comparison with monensin on methane (CH₄) emission, growth performance and carcass characteristics in female lambs. Both monensin and NEOH are potent CH₄ inhibitors that can reduce dietary energy loss. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate were improved with monensin and NEOH addition, suggesting that NEOH in comparison with monensin presented a similarly lasting beneficial effect on feed efficiency for female lambs. In addition, monensin and NEOH increased the net muscle percentage to carcass weight (p = 0.03), and they caused a reduction in feed consumption and feed costs resulting in a higher net revenue and economic efficiency. In summary, NEOH in comparison with monensin presented a greater promoting effect on energy utilization in the female feedlotting lambs by inhibiting rumen methanogenesis more efficiently.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary supplemental effects of 2-nitroethanol (NEOH) in comparison with monensin on methane (CH₄) emission, growth performance and carcass characteristics in female lambs. Sixty female, small-tailed Chinese Han lambs (3.5 ± 0.3 month) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatment groups: (1) Control group, a basal control diet, (2) monensin group, the basal diet added with 40 mg/kg monensin, (3) NEOH group, the basal diet added with 277 mg/kg nitroethanol, and the feedlotting trial lasted for 70 days. Although dietary addition of monensin and NEOH did not affect nutrient digestibility of lambs, both monensin and NEOH decreased the calculated CH₄ production (12.7% vs. 17.4% decrease; p < 0.01). In addition, the CH₄ production represents less dietary energy loss in the monensin and NEOH group than in the control, indicating that monensin and NEOH are potent CH₄ inhibitors that can reduce dietary energy loss. Dietary addition of monensin and NEOH decreased dry matter intake (p < 0.01); however, they increased the ADG of female lambs (p < 0.01). As a result, both monensin and NEOH increased feed conversion efficiency of the feedlotting lambs (p < 0.01), suggesting that feed energy saved from CH₄ production promoted the feed efficiency and ADG in the present study. Except for the fact that NEOH addition increased the net muscle percentage to carcass weight (p = 0.03), neither monensin nor NEOH had a significant influence on carcass characteristics of female lambs (p > 0.05). From an economic point of view, NEOH and monensin caused a reduction in feed consumption costs, therefore resulting in a higher net revenue and economic efficiency than the control. In summary, dietary supplementation of NEOH in comparison with monensin presented a more promoting effect on energy utilization in female lambs by inhibiting rumen methanogenesis more efficiently, and NEOH improved the net revenue and economic efficiency more significantly than monensin.

Replacing maize with low tannin sorghum grains: lamb growth performance, microbial protein synthesis and enteric methane production

Context Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) grain with low tannin content may be suitable as an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) grain in ruminant diets in terms of input costs and drought tolerance, and effects on growth performance and mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions. Aims The study aimed to evaluate the effects of substitution of maize with sorghum grain at different rates on ruminal microbial protein synthesis, CH4 formation and liveweight gain in growing ruminants. Methods Twenty-five Santa Inês lambs (bodyweight 19.0 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly divided into five dietary treatments. Control diet components (on a dry matter basis) were Tifton-85 hay (400 g/kg), maize (405 g/kg), soybean meal (165 g/kg) and commercial mineral supplement (30 g/kg). Sorghum diets comprised the basal diet with the maize grain proportionately substituted with sorghum grain at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (diets S25–S100). Lamb feed intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis and CH4 emission were measured during an experimental period of 70 days. Key results Negligible variations of chemical composition were observed among the experimental diets, although numerical increases in condensed tannins were observed with increasing levels of sorghum replacement. There was no significant effect of level of sorghum inclusion on feed intake. Partial substitution of maize with sorghum grain increased lamb average daily gain linearly (P = 0.02) and quadratically (P = 0.002) compared with diets based on either grain alone, with the S50 lambs having the highest values. A linear decrease in dry matter digestibility (P = 0.02), organic matter (P = 0.02) and acid detergent fibre (P = 0.002) was observed for lambs receiving sorghum diets compared with the control. A significant linear (P = 0.023) effect was observed for retained nitrogen (g/day), with lambs fed S25 and S50 having higher values than those in other treatments. All partially substituted diets (S25, S50 and S75) reduced CH4 per unit bodyweight gain in a linear trend (P = 0.03), by 35%, 29% and 33%, respectively, and tended to increase (linear effect, P = 0.09) the calculated amounts of absorbed microbial protein compared with the control diet. Conclusions Low tannin sorghum grains can replace maize grains by up to 75% to maximise ruminal microbial biomass production for optimal lamb growth performance and reduced CH4 emission. Implications Animal productivity can be enhanced while mitigating the environmental impact of livestock production through the partial substitution of maize by low tannin sorghum grains in ruminant diets.

Animal Welfare and Livestock Supply Chain Sustainability Under the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) around the end of December 2019, has caused a worldwide public health emergency and a socioeconomic crisis during 2020. The lockdown imposed to cope with the health issues caused by the outbreak of the disease has dramatically challenged and negatively affected all the economic sectors of the modern global economy. Specifically, the livestock sector and its related industries are among the most impacted sectors. This is mainly ascribed to the limitations of animal movement and the decrease of production inputs' availability. Other factors negatively affecting the sustainability of the livestock sector have been the shortage of workers due to the lockdown/curfew, the strong decrease in the purchasing power of the consumer, and the intensification of health care tasks. Such an impact is not only highly relevant because of their economic consequences, but also because of the effects of the lockdown and sanitary rules on animal care and welfare. The current review aims to offer: (a) a comprehensive overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the welfare of farm animals and on the performance of livestock farming systems, on food chain sustainability, and finally, on the global economy and food security; and (b) a prospective outline of alleviation actions.

Agronomic and qualitative characterization of multi-cut berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) cultivars

BACKGROUND

Berseem clover is the main forage crop grown in Mediterranean regions. There are plenty of cultivars that possess variability in their productivity and quality among the different cuts. Therefore, accurate agronomic and qualitative characterization is crucial for selecting the most promising cultivars for breeding and feeding purposes. In the present study, the agronomic characteristics, ruminal degradability and fermentation measures of five cuts of the five most prominent Egyptian beseem clover cultivars (Helaly, Serw, Giza6, Gemmeza1 and Sakha4) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The Giza6 cultivar produced a significantly higher fresh yield and high whole plant dry matter content on the 3rd cut. Giza6 was among the superior cultivars in crude protein content and had the highest values of gas production at the 3rd cut, and ruminal degraded acid detergent fiber and propionate concentrations at the 2nd cut, at the same time as presenting the lowest ammonia concentrations at the 3rd and 5th cuts. Overall, the 3rd cut produced significantly higher fresh yield across all cultivars, except for Sakha4. The 3rd cut also produced a higher leaf to stem ratio compared to the 4th and 5th cuts. The 1st three cuts had higher degraded neutral detergent fiber than the 4th and 5th cuts. The 1st cut was characterized by low propionate concentration in the Helaly and Gemmeza1 cultivars compared to the other cuts.

CONCLUSION

Expanded production of the high-yielding, high-quality cultivar Giza6 is recommended. When harvesting, three cuts is optimal for berseem clover cultivation for breeding and feeding programs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative Effects of Stovers of Four Varieties of Common Vetch on Growth Performance, Ruminal Fermentation, and Nutrient Digestibility of Growing Lambs

Simple Summary

Common vetch is an important legume crop of mixed crop-livestock systems, and it has the ability to satisfy food, fodder, and fertilizer demands through grain, stover, and nitrogen fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate common vetch varietal differences in stover nutritive value, ruminal fermentation properties, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and animal performance in fattening lambs consuming a diet comprising 20% common vetch. The results showed that the substitution of alfalfa hay by varieties Lanjian No. 1 and Lanjian No. 2 stovers in ruminant diets could be advantageous in reducing dependence on imported alfalfa hay, thereby enhancing sustainability of small holder farmers on the Tibetan Plateau.

Abstract

This study evaluated common vetch stover as a feed in mixed rations for growing lambs. Four common vetch varieties were compared with alfalfa (control) for their effects on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention. Male Hu lambs (n = 50) aged 3 months, with a mean body weight of 17.5 ± 0.34 kg were allocated randomly to one of the five dietary treatments, making 10 lambs per treatment. The experiment lasted 67 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 50-day fattening period, and with the final 7 days used for a nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance trial. All diets contained 30.0% maize straw and 50.0% concentrate, with different forage sources (on a fed basis): 20.0% alfalfa hay (control), 20.0% local common vetch variety 333A (C333A) stover, or 20.0% stover of one of three improved common vetch varieties: Lanjian No. 1 (CLJ1), Lanjian No. 2 (CLJ2), or Lanjian No. 3 (CLJ3). For stover quality, CLJ1 stover had the greatest crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) content and the least cell wall contents, while C333A stover had the least CP, IVOMD, and ME contents and the greatest cell wall contents. Sheep fed the control diet had a greater average daily gain (ADG), apparent digestibility of organic matter (DOM), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and nitrogen retention, and greater ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration than lambs fed the C333A or CLJ3 diet, but similar performance to lambs fed the CLJ1 and CLJ2 diets. The feed conversion ratio and predicted CH₄ emission per unit of DOM intake and ADG of the control, CLJ1, and CLJ2 diets was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than for the other diets. Based on these results, stovers of varieties CLJ1 and CLJ2 can be recommended as an alternative to alfalfa hay and for use in a legume crop rotation with cereals on the Tibetan plateau.

Rumen Methanogenesis, Rumen Fermentation, and Microbial Community Response to Nitroethane, 2-Nitroethanol, and 2-Nitro-1-Propanol: An In Vitro Study

Nitroethane (NE), 2-nitroethanol (NEOH), and 2-nitro-1-propanol (NPOH) were comparatively examined to determine their inhibitory actions on rumen fermentation and methanogenesis in vitro. Fermentation characteristics, CH₄ and total gas production, and coenzyme contents were determined at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h incubation time, and the populations of ruminal microbiota were analyzed by real-time PCR at 72 h incubation time. The addition of NE, NEOH, and NPOH slowed down in vitro rumen fermentation and reduced the proportion of molar CH₄ by 96.7%, 96.7%, and 41.7%, respectively (p < 0.01). The content of coenzymes F₄₂₀ and F₄₃₀ and the relative expression of the mcrA gene declined with the supplementation of NE, NEOH, and NPOH in comparison with the control (p < 0.01). The addition of NE, NEOH, and NPOH decreased total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and acetate (p < 0.05), but had no effect on propionate concentration (p > 0.05). Real-time PCR results showed that the relative abundance of total methanogens, Methanobacteriales, Methanococcales, and Fibrobacter succinogenes were reduced by NE, NEOH, and NPOH (p < 0.05). In addition, the nitro-degradation rates in culture fluids were ranked as NEOH (-0.088) > NE (-0.069) > NPOH (-0.054). In brief, the results firstly provided evidence that NE, NEOH, and NPOH were able to decrease methanogen abundance and dramatically decrease mcrA gene expression and coenzyme F₄₂₀ and F₄₃₀ contents with different magnitudes to reduce ruminal CH₄ production.

Inclusion of a blend of copaiba, cashew nut shell and castor oil in the protein-energy supplement for grazing beef cattle improves rumen fermentation, nutrient intake and fibre digestibility

Context Essential oils are secondary plant compounds extracted from plants, with potential for the modulation of rumen fermentation. Aims Two experiments, namely one in vivo and another in vitro, were conducted to analyse the effects of a commercial blend of essential oils (EO; copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii), cashew nut shell (Anacardium occidentale) and castor oil (Ricinus communis) and monensin as dietary feed additives in protein–energy supplements (PES) provided to grazing beef cattle, on ruminal fermentation, intake, total nutrient digestibility and protein dietary efficiency. Methods In the in vivo experiment, four entire Nellore bulls cannulated in the rumen (374 ± 15.66 kg; mean ± s.d.) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin-square design to evaluate the effects of EO concentration and monensin on voluntary intake, digestibility, and rumen and metabolic characteristics of grazing beef cattle provided with supplementation during the rainy season. Treatments were as follows: control (CON; PES without additives); monensin (MON; PES with inclusion of monensin at 20 mg/kg DM consumed); EO150 (PES with inclusion of EO at 150 mg/kg DM consumed); EO300 (PES with inclusion of EO at 300 mg/kg DM consumed). In the in vitro experiment, the effects EO150, EO300 and EO450, MON and CON on DM and neutral detergent-fibre (NDF) digestibility, and total gas production, were evaluated in four consecutive runs using a gas-production (GP) system. Key results In the in vivo experiment, DM intake, forage DM intake, crude protein intake and NDF intake were similar (P &gt; 0.05) between EO150 and MON, but both were greater than those in EO300 and CON (P &lt; 0.05). A lower EO concentration (EO150) increased (P &lt; 0.05) NDF digestibility and improved nitrogen utilisation efficiency. In the in vitro experiment, the addition of MON and EO150 did not modify (P &gt; 0.05) GP, DM and NDF digestibility compared with the control, but EO300 and EO450 decreased GP at 12 and 24 h and decreased DM and NDF digestibility at 48 h compared with the control, MON and EO150. Conclusions In vivo and in vitro results suggested that EO (copaiba oil, cashew nut shell and castor) at low doses (150 mg/kg DM) has the potential to improve ruminal fermentation in grazing beef cattle receiving supplements, but medium and high doses of EO can have adverse effects. Implications EO blends could be an alternative to MON for grazing beef cattle with access to supplements.

Use of different carbohydrate sources associated with urea and implications for in vitro fermentation and rumen microbial populations

Context Alternative feed sources have been investigated as replacements for green forages and cereal grains traditionally used in ruminant feed. We hypothesised that, when replacing sources of true protein with non-protein nitrogen (NPN) in the ruminant diet, the efficiency of utilisation of the NPN may be affected by the source of energy and that different energy resources used as alternatives to maize may improve efficiency and maximise ruminal fermentation characteristics. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing different carbohydrate sources associated with urea on in vitro ruminal fermentation and rumen microbial profile. Methods Four diets based on Tifton 85 Bermuda grass hay (584 g/kg dry matter) were tested as substrates: cornmeal + soybean meal (C + SM, typical diet), cornmeal + urea (C + U), cassava scraping + urea (CS + U), and spineless cactus + urea (SC + U). The experimental design consisted of randomised blocks with four treatments and five blocks. Five adult Nellore cattle with permanent fistula in the rumen were used as inoculum donors. The semi-automatic in vitro gas production technique was used in two experiments. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to monitor the changes in the rumen microbial community. Key results The diets containing C + U and CS + U decreased (P &lt; 0.05) concentrations of isobutyrate, isovalerate, and valerate after 24 h of incubation, and all diets containing urea decreased (P &lt; 0.05) concentrations of isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate after 96 h and increased (P &lt; 0.05) acetate:propionate ratio. After 96 h of incubation, the diets containing CS + U and SC + U resulted in a lower (P &lt; 0.05) population of Ruminococcus flavefaciens than the C + U diet, and a lower (P &lt; 0.05) population of Streptococcus bovis than the C + SM diet. Conclusions From our results, a diet containing cassava scraping produces more methane per unit of degraded organic matter, which reduces fermentation efficiency. Diets that contain corn with either soybean meal or urea result in greater degradability with lower gas production rates than diets that contain either cassava scrapings or spineless cactus with urea. Diets containing urea as a total substitution for soybean meal alter the production of short-chain fatty acids and reduce the populations of S. bovis and R. flavefaciens. Implications Use of urea to replace soybean meal in the ruminant diet alters ruminal fermentation and rumen microbial population.

The Antimethanogenic Nitrocompounds Can be Cleaved into Nitrite by Rumen Microorganisms: A Comparison of Nitroethane, 2-Nitroethanol, and 2-Nitro-1-propanol

A class of aliphatic short chain nitrocompounds have been reported as being capable of CH4 reduction both in vitro and in vivo. However, the laboratory evidence associated with the metabolic fate of nitrocompounds in the rumen has not been well documented. The present study was conducted to compare in vitro degradation and metabolism of nitroethane (NE), 2-nitroethanol (NEOH), and 2-nitro-1-propanol (NPOH) incubated with mixed rumen microorganisms of dairy cows. After 10 mM supplementation of nitrocompounds, a serious of batch cultures were carried out for 120 h under the presence of two substrates differing in the ratio of maize meal to alfalfa hay (HF, 1:4; LF, 4:1). Compared to the control, methane production was reduced by 59% in NPOH and by >97% in both NE and NEOH, and such antimethanogenic effects were more pronounced in the LF than the HF group. Although NE, NEOH, and NPOH addition did not alter total VFA production, the rumen fermentation pattern shifted toward increasing propionate and butyrate and decreasing acetate production. The kinetic disappearance of each nitrocompound was well fitted to the one-compartment model, and the disappearance rate (k, %/h) of NE was 2.6 to 5.2 times greater than those of NEOH and NPOH. Higher intermediates of nitrite occurred in NEOH in comparison with NPOH and NE while ammonia N production was lowest in NEOH. Consequently, a stepwise accumulation of bacterial crude protein (BCP) in response to the nitrocompound addition was observed in both the HF and LF group. In brief, both NE and NEOH in comparison with NPOH presented greater antimethanogenic activity via the shift of rumen fermentation. In addition, the present study provided the first direct evidence that rumen microbes were able to cleave these nitrocompounds into nitrite, and the subsequent metabolism of nitrite into ammonia N may enhance the growth of rumen microbes or promote microbial activities.

Nitroethanol in Comparison with Monensin Exhibits Greater Feed Efficiency Through Inhibiting Rumen Methanogenesis More Efficiently and Persistently in Feedlotting Lambs

This study was conducted to determine the dietary supplemental effects of nitroethanol (NEOH) in comparison with monensin on growth performance and estimated methane (CH4) production in feedlotting lambs. Sixty male, small-tailed Chinese Han lambs were arranged at random into three dietary treatment groups: (1) a basal control diet (CTR), (2) the basal diet added with 40 mg/kg monensin (MON), (3) the basal diet added with 277 mg/kg nitroethanol (NEOH). During the 32-day lamb feeding, monensin and nitroethanol were added in period 1 (day 0-16) and then withdrawn in the subsequent period 2 (day 17-32) to determine their withdrawal effects. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate in the whole period ranked: NEOH > MON > CTR (p < 0.01), suggesting that the dietary addition of NEOH in comparison with monensin presented a more lasting beneficial effect on feed efficiency. Methane emission was estimated with rumen VFA production and gross energy intake. Both monensin and NEOH addition in comparison with the control remarkably decreased CH4 emission estimate (24.0% vs. 26.4% decrease; p < 0.01) as well as CH4 emission per kg ADG (8.7% vs. 14.0% decrease; p < 0.01), but the NEOH group presented obvious lasting methanogenesis inhibition when they were withdrawn in period 2. Moreover, the in vitro methanogenic activity of rumen fluids was also decreased with monensin or NEOH addition (12.7% vs. 30.5% decrease; p < 0.01). In summary, the dietary addition of NEOH in comparison with monensin presented a greater promoting effect on growth performance in feedlotting lambs by inhibiting rumen methanogenesis more efficiently and persistently.

Reclamation of Astragalus By-Product through Dietary Inclusion in Ruminant Diets: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Blood Biochemical Parameters, and Humoral Immune Response in Sheep

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Astragalus by-product (ABP) through dietary supplementation at different levels on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and immune response in sheep. Twenty-four Doper × Small Tail Han ewes (6-7 months of age; 29.07 ± 2.28 kg initial body weight) were randomly assigned to one of three treatments for a 47 d feeding period. Treatments consisted of the sheep diet supplemented with 0% ABP-control, 10% ABP, or 15% ABP of the diet (dry matter basis). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 of the feeding period. APB supplementation did not affect growth performance and apparent digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fibre (P > 0.05). However, ether extract digestibility was decreased in the 10% ABP group and increased in the 15% ABP group (P < 0.001), and both 10% ABP and 15% ABP decreased the neutral detergent fibre digestibility (P=0.005). Feeding ABP increased rumen pH (P < 0.001) and ammonia N (P < 0.001) and decreased concentrations of acetate (P=0.007) and propionate (P=0.001) which resultantly increased the acetate-to-propionate ratio (P < 0.001) in ruminal fluid. There were no interaction effects between treatment and sampling time for plasma metabolites and immunity (P > 0.05). However, inclusion of dietary 10% ABP decreased concentrations of plasma cholesterol (P=0.043). Also, plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein decreased on days 30 and 45 (P=0.017) of the feeding period. Metabolite concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea N, glucose, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and humoral immune indicators were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary ABP supplementation. The results suggest that ABP could be reclaimed through dietary inclusion in animal feed since it had beneficial effects on rumen fermentation patterns and lipid metabolism and had no adverse effects on performance and humoral immunity in sheep.

Effects of monensin feeding on performance, nutrient utilisation and enteric methane production in growing buffalo heifers

Murrah buffalo heifers (live weight 135 ± 17 kg) were fed a total mixed ration without supplementation (CON), or supplemented with sodium monensin (MON; Rumensin® 200, Elanco Animal Health, Brazil) @ 0.6 mg/kg of body weight for 90 days. Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention were estimated during the mid-experiment, and enteric methane production was measured by sulphur hexafluoride tracer technique for consecutive-5 days after the digestion trial. The dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake were not affected but DM intake expressed as percent of body weight was decreased by monensin supplementation (3 vs 2.7% for CON and MON, respectively). The crude protein digestibility was higher for MON whereas, digestibility of other nutrients was not affected. Nitrogen retention (+ 4.59 g/day) and daily body weight gain (+ 56 g/day) were greater for MON-fed heifers without any significant effect on nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion through faeces and urine. Daily enteric methane production was reduced by 12.61% but the treatments did not differ significantly. Methane emission expressed as gram per unit of DM, organic matter and digestible DM intake was lower for MON than CON and methane conversion rate (Ym) % of GE and ME intake was also decreased by 8-9%. On day 60, blood glucose level was increased and urea nitrogen was decreased in MON-fed heifers. This study indicated that monensin supplementation at 0.6 mg/kg body weight in growing heifers improved daily gain and feed efficiency while it reduced enteric methane production which can reduce feedlot time and consequent life time CH4 production.