Manipulation of in vitro ruminal fermentation and digestibility by dried rumen digesta

Comparison of Cassava Chips and Winged Bean Tubers with Various Starch Modifications on Chemical Composition, the Kinetics of Gas, Ruminal Degradation, and Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics Using an In Situ Nylon Bag and an In Vitro Gas Production Technique

This research assessed the impact of cassava chips (CSC) and winged bean tubers (WBT) with various starch modification methods on the chemical composition, ruminal degradation, gas production, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation of feed using an in situ and in vitro gas production technique. Experimental treatments were arranged for a 2 × 5 factorial, a completely randomized design with two sources of starch and five levels of modification treatments. Two sources of starch were CSC and WBT, while five modification treatments of starch were: no modification treatment, steam treatment, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment, calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) treatment, and lactic acid (LA) treatment. The starch modification methods with NaOH and CaOH₂ increased the ash content (p <0.05), whereas the crude protein (CP) content was lower after treatment with NaOH (p < 0.05). Steam reduced the soluble fraction (a) and effective dry matter degradability of WBT in situ (p <0.05). In addition, the WBT steaming methods result in a lower degradation rate constant in situ (p <0.05). The degradation rate constants for the insoluble fraction (c) in the untreated CSC were higher than those of the other groups. Starch modification with LA reduced in vitro dry matter degradability at 12 and 24 h of incubation (p <0.05). The starch modification method of the raw material showed the lowest pH value at 4 h (p <0.05). The source of starch and starch modification methods did not influence the in vitro ammonia nitrogen concentrations, or in vitro volatile fatty acids. In conclusion, compared to the CSC group and untreated treatment, treating WBT with steam might be a more effective strategy for enhancing feed efficiency by decreasing or retarding ruminal starch degradability and maintaining ruminal pH.

The effects of fermented cassava pulp with yeast waste and different roughage-to-concentrate ratios on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk production in lactating cows

The study's goal was to evaluate the impact of concentrate diets containing fermented cassava pulp with yeast waste (CSYW) with various roughage to concentrate ratios (R:C) on ruminal fermentation, nutritional digestibility, milk production, and milk composition in lactating cows. Four mid-lactation Thai crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, weighing 440 ± 60.0 kg (75% Holstein Friesian and 25% Thai native breed), and having 90 days-in-milk (DIM). The different dietary treatments consisted of the following: factor A: soybean meal (SBM) and replacing SBM with CSYW at 100% dry matter (DM) in the concentrate diet, whereas factor B consisted of varying the R:C ratio from 60:40 to 50:50. An interaction effect between protein source and R:C ratio on intake was not observed (P > 0.05). The CSYW-diet did not affect the intake of concentrate and rice straw. However, when the R:C ratio was changed to 50:50, there was a significant increase in the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of an interaction effect between CSYW and the R:C ratio on the parameters of the rumen, the microorganisms in the rumen, or blood urea-nitrogen. The concentration of ammonia-nitrogen in the rumen, however, significantly increased (P < 0.05) when animals were given a concentrated diet containing CSYW. Total VFA, C2:C3 ratios, acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), butyric acid (C4), and methane levels were unaffected by the replacement of SBM with CSYW in concentrate diets or the R:C ratio given to lactating cows (P > 0.05). There was no evidence of an interaction between CSYW and the R:C ratio across any and all milk-related parameters (P > 0.05). The R:C ratio had no effect on milk production or composition (P > 0.05). With the exception of milk protein (P < 0.05), milk yield and milk composition were not affected by replacing SBM with CSYW in concentrate diets (P > 0.05). The concentration of protein in milk produced by animals fed a CSYW-diet increased from 3.05 to 3.25%. On the basis of this research, it is recommended that CSYW be used as a protein source in a concentrate diet in place of SBM with a R:C ratio of 60:40 or 50:50.

In Vitro Evaluation of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Tubers as an Alternative Feed for Ruminants

The purpose of the current study is to determine the effects of the replacement of cassava chips with winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) tubers (WBTs) on gas production parameters, in vitro degradability, and ruminal fermentation in ruminant diets. The study was performed using a 3 × 4 factorial arrangements and was designed using a completely random method. Factor A employed three various roughage sources that were frequently used by locals to feed ruminants: Oryza sativa L. (a1), Brachiaria ruziziensis (a2), and Pennisetum purpureum (a3). The levels of WBTs substitutions for cassava chips at 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% in the diet were selected as factor B. The experiment's findings revealed that replacing the cassava chips in the diet with WBTs at levels of 66 and 100% enhanced the fermentation process by producing a high gas volume at 96 h when Ruzi grass (RZ) was used as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). The interaction between the roughage source and WBTs showed that organic matter (OM) degradability improved markedly in the case of RZ grass in combination with WBTs at all levels. Both the total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) at 8 h of incubation and the average value decreased when a complete substitution of casava chips with WBT (WBT 100%) was employed or when employing rice straw as the main source of roughage (p < 0.01). There was no interaction between WBTs and roughage source on the ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) concentration (ml/dL) and rumen microbial count (p > 0.05). In summary, WBTs can be used effectively when combined with grass (Ruzi and Napier). The implementation of WBTs as a novel alternative feed may effectively replace cassava chips without affecting rumen function.

Efficiency of Feed Utilization, Ruminal Traits, and Blood Parameters of Goats Given a Total Mixed Diet Ration Containing Extracted Oil Palm Meal

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion levels of extracted oil palm meal (EOPM) from biodiesel byproducts in the total mixed ration (TMR) for goats on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, and rumen fermentation characteristics. The EOPM was included at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% dry matter (DM) to formulate into four dietary treatments and assigned to goats with an average age of 12 months and an initial body weight of 23 ± 0.5 kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The PROC MIXED procedure was used to analyze all data, and the orthogonal polynomial was tested for EOPM levels using the SAS program. The DM intake, nitrogen, and metabolizable energy linearly (p < 0.05) increased when there was increased EOPM inclusion. Increasing EOPM inclusions resulted in (p < 0.05) a linear increase in fiber digestibility but did not affect DM, crude protein, or ether extract. Total volatile fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing EOPM inclusions. The EOPM inclusions did not alter the bacteria, fungi, and protozoal populations. Blood parameters were not affected by the inclusions of EOPM except globulin, triglyceride, and MCV concentration. This study revealed that EOPM could be included in up to 20% DM in TMR for goats with no negative impact.

Tannin tolerance lactic acid bacteria screening and their effects on fermentation quality of stylo and soybean silages

Some excellent legume forages are difficult to ensile naturally due to their high buffering capacity and low water-soluble carbohydrate content. This may cause serious problems like proteolysis. In the present study, strains of lactic acid bacteria with high acid productivity and high tannin tolerance were screened from different silages and combined with tannic acid (TA) as an addition to ensiling. The screened strains were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), with four of these strains then selected for their high tannin tolerance. Stylosanthes guianensis and whole-plant soybean (WPS) were ensiled with 1 and 2% (fresh matter basis) TA, four LP strains alone (6 log₁₀ colony forming units per gram of fresh matter), or TA combined with LP strains. Fermentation parameters and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics were analyzed after 30 days of fermentation. The results showed that TA + LP can be used to reduce pH values (P < 0.01), non-protein nitrogen (P < 0.01), and ammonia-nitrogen (P < 0.01). The in vitro crude protein digestibility of WPS silage was also decreased with the addition of TA + LP (P < 0.01). These results indicate that the addition of TA combined with tannin tolerance LP strains may improve the fermentation quality of legume silage, especially for reducing proteolysis.

Effect of Cyanide-Utilizing Bacteria and Sulfur Supplementation on Reducing Cyanide Concentration and In Vitro Degradability Using In Vitro Gas Production Technique

The objective of this research was to supplement the cyanide-utilizing bacteria and sulfur in the HCN-rich diet, affecting the gas production and fermentation of rumen in vitro, and lowering the HCN content and the digestion of nutrients. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design was applied during the test. In the experiments, three factors were used. Factor A was the level of CUB at 0 and 108 CFU/mL. Factor B was the level of sulfur in the diet at 0% and 3% of dry matter (DM). Factor C was the three levels of potassium cyanide (KCN) at 0, 300, and 600 ppm. The interaction of CUB × sulfur × KCN affected gas production from the immediately soluble fraction (a) (p < 0.05). However, the greatest ruminal cyanide concentration was found when CUB (with and without), sulfur (3%), and KCN (600 ppm) were introduced at 0 h (p < 0.05). It revealed that the addition of CUB and sulfur had a significant impact on gas accumulation at 96 h (p < 0.05). The addition of CUB with sulfur had an effect on pH at 2 h and ruminal cyanide levels at 6 h (p < 0.05). At 2 h, sulfur supplementation with KCN had an effect on NH3-N (p < 0.01). The addition of sulfur (3%) and KCN (300 ppm) produced the highest ammonia nitrogen. However, the combination of sulfur (3%) and KCN (600 ppm) produced the lowest level of ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.01). CUB supplementation increased the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) by 11.16% compared to the without-CUB supplemented group (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 3% sulfur increased the in vitro neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD) by 16.87% but had no effect on IVDMD or in vitro acid detergent fiber (IVADFD) (p < 0.05). The volatile fatty acid (VFA) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate were not different when CUB, sulfur, and KCN were added. Doses above 600 ppm had the lowest concentrations of TVFA and propionate (p < 0.01). Based on the results of this investigation, supplementing with CUB and sulfur (3%) may improve cumulative gas, digestibility, and TVAF. Supplementing with CUB, on the other hand, reduced HCN the most, by 54.6%.

Blood Metabolites and Feed Utilization Efficiency in Thai-Native-Anglo-Nubian Goats Fed a Concentrate Diet Including Yeast Fermented Palm Kernel Cake Instead of Soybean Meal

Feed is the most expensive component in goat production. Hence, lowering it is crucial to increasing producer profitability. The microbial community in rumen is vital for nutritional digestion and absorption in ruminants. Live yeast and yeast-based products generated from the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae (commercial strain) are actively being used and investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) in concentrate diets with yeast-fermented palm kernel cake protein (YFPKCP) on dry matter intake, digestibility, blood markers, and nitrogen balance. Five crossbred Thai Native-Anglo-Nubian goats (50% Thai Native goats with 50% Anglo-Nubian goats) weighing an average of 27 ± 2 kg were randomly allocated to one of five diets using a 5 × 5 Latin square design: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% YFPKCP replacement for SBM. Plicatulum hay (Paspalum plicatulum Michx.) was provided ad libitum. There were no significant differences in dry matter (DM) intake among treatments, but the apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were affected (p < 0.05) by including YFPKCP in diets. They also tended to be slightly lower for goats fed the diet containing 100% YFPKCP replacement for SBM compared to other treatments. Ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), blood glucose, and packed cell volume were equivalent among treatments. On the other hand, replacement YFPKCP reduced digestibility and N absorption by up to 75% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no difference in total volatile fatty-acid concentration among goats fed YFPKCP as a substitute for SBM. According to the results of this study, the level of YFPKCP in the concentrate replacement of SBM for goats fed plicatulum hay should be 75%.

Effect of Rhodanese Enzyme Addition on Rumen Fermentation, Cyanide Concentration, and Feed Utilization in Beef Cattle Receiving Various Levels of Fresh Cassava Root

Fresh cassava root is not recommended for animal feeding due to high quantities of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), which produces symptoms of poisoning. The purpose of this study was to find out how a rhodanese enzyme addition affects rumen fermentation, HCN content, feed utilization, and blood metabolites in beef calves fed fresh cassava root. Four Thai native beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 95 ± 10.0 kg (1–1.5 years old) were randomly allocated to receive fresh cassava root containing HCN at 0, 300, 450, and 600 ppm according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Rice straw was the basal diet. The rhodanese enzyme was combined with concentrated feeds at a concentration of 1 mg/104 ppm HCN. The fresh cassava root was cleaned to remove dirt and chopped into 3 to 5 mm sized pieces before being fed to the animals at their various levels. The total feed intake of beef cattle increased when fed with fresh cassava root (p < 0.05). The digestibility of crude protein (CP) was different among various fresh cassava root levels (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia-N levels were measured 4 hours after feeding, and the average concentration declined considerably in animals fed fresh cassava root at 300–600 ppm HCN (p < 0.05). Cyanide concentration in the rumen was linearly increased by 270.6% (p < 0.05) when it was supplemented with a high level of fresh cassava root. Blood urea-N concentration was altered and decreased when supplemented with fresh cassava root (p < 0.01). The blood thiocyanate concentration was altered by the levels of fresh cassava root and rhodanese enzyme, which ranged from 4.1 to 27.9 mg/dL (p < 0.01). Cattle given fresh cassava root showed no influence on total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, or butyric acid concentrations in the rumen (p > 0.05). However, the concentration of propionic acid increased slightly (p < 0.05) 4 hours after feeding. Supplementing fresh cassava root up to 600 ppm HCN/day improved N absorption, retention, and the proportion of N retention to N intake (p < 0.05). Therefore, increasing the inclusion of fresh cassava root with a rhodanese enzyme addition improves total feed intake, CP digestibility, nitrogen utilization, blood thiocyanate, and propionate concentrations, which may remove HCN without harming animal health.

Nutritive Value Variation of Paunch Manure as an Alternative Feed Ingredient

Simple Summary

Sustainable livestock production is a benchmark for advancements in animal nutrition. Recovery of nutrients from products currently disposed of provides a potential solution to this mandate. Paunch manure is a potential novel feed ingredient comprised of digested feedstuffs at different stages of degradation, saliva, microorganisms, and products of fermentation. Thus, our objective was to determine the variability in nutritive values of dried paunch manure collected from harvested cattle. Animal-to-animal variation accounted for 30% to 75% of the variance in all measures of nutritive value. We believe that dried paunch manure may be a viable feed ingredient for inclusion in livestock rations, but a centralized composting system may be necessary to increase consistency.

Abstract

Ruminants, which have multi-compartmented stomachs, are adapted to digest cellulosic materials, which constitute the primary expense on ranches and dairies. Industrial byproducts can be repurposed for livestock diets to decrease these costs. Therefore, finding alternative feedstuffs may benefit the economics of livestock production. The goal of this project was to evaluate the variation in nutritive value of ruminal waste as a potential feedstuff. Twelve paunch samples were collected from individual cattle across multiple harvest dates at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried and assayed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), sequential neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and physically-effective fiber (peNDF). Samples were subjected to batch-culture in vitro digestibility assays for the determination of digestibility coefficients. Mean NDF, ADF, ADL, CP and peNDF concentrations were 681, 399, 109, 150, and 387 g kg⁻¹ DM, respectively. Contribution to variance from sample for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF were 75.3, 41.9, 33.0, 51.2, and 71.3%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) were recorded as 462 and 216 g kg⁻¹ DM, respectively. Contribution to variation of sample for IVTD and IVNDFD were 31.0 and 30.7%, respectively. Results indicate that rumen waste harvested from abattoirs may be useful for sustainable livestock production, while reducing environmental threats posed by disposal, but the viability of the product is highly dependent on the source animal. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for developing a consistent product.

Influence of spray-dried rumen fluid supplementation on performance, blood metabolites and cytokines in suckling Holstein calves

Rumen fluid from slaughtered animals is one of the wastes of slaughterhouses released to the environment that, due to its high nitrogen and phosphorus contents, can lead to soil and groundwater pollution. Meanwhile, it contains ruminal microbes and some bioactive compounds such as enzymes, minerals, vitamins and organic acids. This study was designed to examine the potential of rumen fluid as a feed additive. Therefore, the effects of spray-dried rumen fluid (SDR) with 1% maltodextrin on the performance, blood metabolites and some cytokines of sucking dairy calves during the pre-weaning phase were investigated. Forty male Holstein calves, with a mean weight of 39.4 ± 3.7 kg and 7 ± 1 days old, were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10 calves per group) in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments were: control diet with no additive (CON); control diet with 0.5 g/day of SDR (SDR0.5); control diet with 1 g/day of SDR (SDR1); and control diet with 1.5 g/day of SDR (SDR1.5). Daily feed intake and average daily gain of calves were not affected by feeding SDR as a feed additive. Cholesterol concentration was significantly affected by the 20th and 40th days of the experiment and decreased linearly by increasing SDR feeding level. Levels of liver enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, in the blood decreased by feeding SDR at day 40 of the experiment. Serum concentration of interleukin-6 at day 20 was not affected by dried rumen fluid feeding, whereas at day 40, a significant effect was observed among experimental treatments. The lowest value was recorded for SDR1.5 v. control calves. At day 20, the serum concentration of interferon-γ was influenced by supplementing SDR, and the highest value was recorded for SDR1.5 calves. The inclusion of SDR with 1% maltodextrin in suckling dairy calves had beneficial effects on the stimulation of calves' immune system.

Dried Rumen Digesta Pellet Can Enhance Nitrogen Utilization in Thai Native, Wagyu-Crossbred Cattle Fed Rice Straw Based Diets

Simple Summary

Generated rumen digesta is wasted and becomes an environmental contaminant in most slaughterhouses in Thailand. Dried rumen digesta (DRD) is a mixture of digestible and indigestible feed residues and are fairly rich in nutrients. DRD has the capacity to become an alternative protein source for ruminants’ diets. DRD in pellet form could be an alternative strategic supplement for Thai-native, Wagyu-crossbred cattle to enhance N balances and microorganisms.

Abstract

The goal of the current research was to study the effects of a diet of dried rumen digesta pellets (DRDP) on diet utilization, ruminal microorganisms, and ruminal microbes in Thai native, Wagyu-crossbred cattle. Four Thai native, Wagyu-crossbred, beef cattle were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to supplement DRDP levels at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/d, respectively. Rice straw intake, total intake, and estimated energy intake varied significantly among the different DRDP levels. Nitrogen intake, apparent N absorption, and apparent N retention were significantly enhanced when compared to the 0 g/d DRDP. DRDP supplementation at 150 g/d produced the greatest apparent digestibility of crude protein compared to the group that was not fed DRDP. Supplementation of DRDP did not alter the population of protozoa, whereas the addition of 150 g DRDP significantly increased the fungal zoospore. Supplementation of DRDP at various levels did not change the concentration of volatile fatty acid (VFA) or the VFA profiles. Thus, DRDP could be an alternative strategic supplement for Thai-native, Wagyu-crossbred cattle in order to enhance N utilization and fungal zoospores.

Potential use of rumen digesta as ruminant diet-a review

This review paper is aimed at presenting and discussing the effects of rumen digesta (RD) as an alternative protein source on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation characteristics, growth performances, and milk production in ruminants. RD is a by-product of abattoir; it is a partially digested feed that mainly originates from rumen of ruminants. RD consisted of 13.5-46.1% crude protein and some essential nutrients (microbial cells, amino acids, minerals, and volatile fatty acids [VFAs]), which beneficially affect the ruminant production. Recent studies have shown that transfer of RD from buffalo to cattle improved nutrient digestibility. Ensiling RD with agro-industrial by-products improved the nutritional value of agro-industrial by-products, such as by improving protein contents and increasing their digestibility. In addition, dried RD could enhance ruminal fermentation, diet utilization, and rumen microorganisms in in vitro, beef cattle and buffalo, which has no adverse effect on production performance. Therefore, utilization of RD is suggested because it improves nutrient utilization, reduces feed costs, and controls waste disposal to the environment.

Improving rumen ecology and microbial population by dried rumen digesta in beef cattle

Four Thai native beef cattle with initial body weight (BW) of 91.8 ± 4.75 kg were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four concentrates replacement levels of soybean meal (SBM) by dried rumen digesta (DRD) at 0, 33, 67, and 100 % on dry matter (DM) basis. All cattle were fed rice straw ad libitum while additional concentrate was fed at 0.5 % BW daily. The experiment was conducted for four periods of 21 days. Rumen fluid was analyzed for predominant cellulolytic bacterial population by using real-time PCR technique. Increasing levels of DRD did not alter total feed intake, ruminal pH and temperature, and plasma urea nitrogen (P > 0.05). Protozoa and fungal population were not differed by DRD supplementation while population of bacteria at 4 h post feeding was increased when SBM was replaced with DRD at 66 and 100 % DM. Population of total bacteria and R. flavefaciens at 4 h post feeding were significantly highest with inclusion of 100 % of DRD in the ration. The experimental diets has no effect on excretion and absorption of purine derivatives (P > 0.05), while microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial N synthesis were significantly increased with DRD inclusion in the diet and highest with 100 % DRD replacement (P > 0.05). Replacement of SBM by DRD at 100 % DM improved the rumen ecology and microbial population in beef cattle fed on rice straw.