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Fernandes LD, Vasconcelos ABI, Lobo Júnior AR, Rosado GL, Bento CBP. Effects of different additives on cattle feed intake and performance - a systematic review and meta-analysis. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2024; 96:e20230172. [PMID: 38896738 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420230172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in the use of natural feed additives in animal feed. These can be used as replacements for antibiotics, to alter rumen fermentation and increase feed efficiency in ruminants. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of adding different feed additives in the diet of beef and dairy cattle on their performance, dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency, through a systematic review followed by meta-analysis. The systematic review suggested 43 peer-reviewed publications, according to the pre-established criteria. In beef cattle, the ionophore antibiotics reduced the DMI, improved the feed efficiency without interfering in the average daily gain (ADG). Non-ionophore antibiotics and propolis extract increased the ADG. In dairy cattle, the ionophores, yeast-based additives, and enzyme additives increased the feed efficiency, DMI, and daily milk production (MY), respectively. Essential oil supplementation in beef and dairy cattle had no effect on the feed intake and animal performance. The systematic review and meta-analysis allowed us to conclude that different feed additives have different effects on cattle performance, however, our results suggest that there are a few gaps regarding their effects on animal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila D Fernandes
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Departamento de Zootecnia, Rodovia MG 367, 5000, Alto do Jacuba, 39100-000 Diamantina, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra B I Vasconcelos
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Avenida Universitária, 1000, 38610-000 Unaí, MG, Brazil
| | - Adalfredo R Lobo Júnior
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Avenida Universitária, 1000, 38610-000 Unaí, MG, Brazil
| | - Gustavo L Rosado
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Avenida Universitária, 1000, 38610-000 Unaí, MG, Brazil
| | - Cláudia B P Bento
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Avenida Universitária, 1000, 38610-000 Unaí, MG, Brazil
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Salles MSV, Silva BRA, Zadra LEF, Morgulis SCF, Junior LCR, Simili FF, Oliveira Scarpino van Cleef F, van Cleef EHCB. Performance and incidence of diarrhea in suckling Jersey calves supplemented with mineral-vitamin complex and Virginiamycin. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:160. [PMID: 38730050 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The rearing of calves is an essential activity of a dairy system, as it impacts the future production of these animals. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of diarrhea, performance, and blood parameters of suckling calves that received mineral-vitamin supplementation in milk plus virginiamycin that was offered in milk (via the abomasum) or by esophageal tube (via the rumen). Twenty-seven calves were used, from the first week to 60 days of age, submitted to the following treatments: CONTROL, without supplementation; MILK, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex with 100 mg of virginiamycin, diluted in milk; RUMEN, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex diluted in milk and 100 mg of virginiamycin in gelatin capsules via an esophageal applicator. MILK and RUMEN calves had lower fecal consistency scoring, fewer days with scores 2 and 3 throughout the experimental period, and lower spending on medication compared to the CONTROL animals. Supplemented calves had higher fat and protein intake and reached feed intake of 600 g earlier than CONTROL animals, but did not differ in performance and hematological parameters. Supplementation with virginiamycin and vitamin-mineral complex for suckling calves reduced the incidence and days of diarrhea, and reduced medication costs, with no difference in performance, but the supplemented animals had higher initial protein and fat intake and reached targeted feed intake earlier to begin the weaning process.
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Dias Batista LF, Rivera ME, Fonseca MA, Tedeschi LO. The influence of virginiamycin on digestion and ruminal parameters under feedlot conditions. Transl Anim Sci 2024; 8:txae019. [PMID: 38406320 PMCID: PMC10894560 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This experiment aimed to assess the impact of virginiamycin on in vitro gas production dynamics, rumen kinetics, and nutrient digestibility in beef steers fed a grain-based diet. Nine ruminally cannulated British-crossbred steers (596 ± 49 kg) were assigned to this experiment. Animals were housed in three pens (n = 3/pen) equipped with a Calan gate feed system and water troughs. Pens were enrolled in a 3 × 3 Latin square design containing three periods of 16 d, and a 5-d washout interval between periods. Dietary treatments consisted of virginiamycin (VM) administration at 0 (VM0), 180 (VM180), or 240 mg/d (VM240). During days 15 and 16 of each period, about 600 mL of rumen fluid and urine samples were collected before (0 h), and at 4, 8, 12, and 16 h after the morning feed (0730 hours), rumen inoculum was used to take pH and redox potential measurements immediately after collection using a portable pH and redox meter, and subsamples were taken for volatile fatty acids (VFA) and NH3-N analyses, and urine samples were composited daily and analyzed for creatinine and purine derivatives (PD) content to estimate microbial crude protein flow. During the 4-h post-morning feed rumen collection, rumen inoculum was utilized to perform in vitro gas production measurements. Fecal samples were collected on day 16 of each period to estimate nutrient digestibility using acid detergent insoluble ash as an internal marker. Animals were considered the experimental unit for the statistical analyses, and periods and squares were included as random variables. The total and rate of gas production were similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.17). The second-pool (i.e., fiber) gas production increased linearly as VM inclusion increased (P = 0.01), with VM240 being greater compared to VM180 and VM0 (7.84, 6.94, and 6.89 mL, respectively). Ruminal pH linearly increased as VM increased, with VM240 being greater than VM0 and VM180 intermediate (5.90, 5.82, and 5.86, respectively; P = 0.03). The VFA concentrations did not differ (P ≥ 0.13), but the acetate-to-propionate ratio was the highest in VM240 (P = 0.005). Branched-chain VFA increased (P ≤ 0.03) while lactate concentrations decreased (P = 0.005) linearly with VM. The ruminal NH3-N concentration was the lowest in the VM0 (P = 0.006). The estimated absorbed PD, purine derivative to creatinine index, and microbial N flow increased linearly with VM (P ≤ 0.07). The provision of VM influenced rumen dynamics in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F Dias Batista
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Madeline E Rivera
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Mozart A Fonseca
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary, and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NC 89557, USA
| | - Luis O Tedeschi
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
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Gomes RDC, Menezes GRDO, Favero R, Kazama R, Altrak G, Mizubuti IY, Gomes MDNB, Feijó GLD, Montagner DB, de Araújo TLAC, de Lima Júnior DM, Torres Júnior RADA, Bonin MDN. Strategies of virginiamycin supplementation in the postweaning phase on growth performance and carcass quality of beef cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 56:12. [PMID: 38102404 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of supplementing VM in grazing cattle during the rearing phase on performance and carcass quality of beef cattle in the finishing phase. Two experiments with a randomized block design were conducted in consecutive years to contrast two post-weaning supplementation strategies using VM at 45 mg/100 kg body weight (BW). In the first year, treatments were protein supplement in the dry season and mineral supplement in the rainy season versus the addition of VM both in the protein and mineral supplements. In the second year, was contrasted with protein supplement in the dry season and protein-energy supplement in the rainy season. Performance, carcass traits, and carcass quality were evaluated at the end of both phases. In Year 1, adding VM in mineral supplement increased final backfat thickness (P=0.05), backfat gain (P=0.06), final rump fat thickness (P=0.02), and rump fat gain (P=0.01). In the finishing phase, VM-treated cattle had a greater dry matter intake (P=0.03) and tended to show a greater backfat thickness than non-treated cattle (P=0.07). In Year 2, no VM effects were observed on post-weaning phase performance and carcass traits. However, cattle-fed VM during the post-weaning phase tended to show a lower feed conversion ratio (P=0.09) and had a significantly higher gross feed efficiency (P=0.03) than non-treated cattle at slaughter. Virginiamycin supplementation during rearing on pasture improves performance and carcass fattening in the growth phase and has a residual effect in the finishing phase that may reflect greater backfat thickness and gross feed efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricardo Favero
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Londrina - UEL, km 380 Celso Garcia Cid Road, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Kazama
- Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, 1346 Admar Gonzaga Road, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Georg Altrak
- Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, 1346 Admar Gonzaga Road, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ivone Yurika Mizubuti
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Londrina - UEL, km 380 Celso Garcia Cid Road, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marina de Nadai Bonin Gomes
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS, 2446 Sen. Filinto Müler Avenue, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Dorgival Morais de Lima Júnior
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid - UFERSA, 572 Francisco Mota Street, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
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Marumo JL, LaPierre PA, Van Amburgh ME. Enteric Methane Emissions Prediction in Dairy Cattle and Effects of Monensin on Methane Emissions: A Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081392. [PMID: 37106954 PMCID: PMC10135289 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081392] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Greenhouse gas emissions, such as enteric methane (CH4) from ruminant livestock, have been linked to global warming. Thus, easily applicable CH4 management strategies, including the inclusion of dietary additives, should be in place. The objectives of the current study were to: (i) compile a database of animal records that supplemented monensin and investigate the effect of monensin on CH4 emissions; (ii) identify the principal dietary, animal, and lactation performance input variables that predict enteric CH4 production (g/d) and yield (g/kg of dry matter intake DMI); (iii) develop empirical models that predict CH4 production and yield in dairy cattle; and (iv) evaluate the newly developed models and published models in the literature. A significant reduction in CH4 production and yield of 5.4% and 4.0%, respectively, was found with a monensin supplementation of ≤24 mg/kg DM. However, no robust models were developed from the monensin database because of inadequate observations under the current paper's inclusion/exclusion criteria. Thus, further long-term in vivo studies of monensin supplementation at ≤24 mg/kg DMI in dairy cattle on CH4 emissions specifically beyond 21 days of feeding are reported to ensure the monensin effects on the enteric CH4 are needed. In order to explore CH4 predictions independent of monensin, additional studies were added to the database. Subsequently, dairy cattle CH4 production prediction models were developed using a database generated from 18 in vivo studies, which included 61 treatment means from the combined data of lactating and non-lactating cows (COM) with a subset of 48 treatment means for lactating cows (LAC database). A leave-one-out cross-validation of the derived models showed that a DMI-only predictor model had a similar root mean square prediction error as a percentage of the mean observed value (RMSPE, %) on the COM and LAC database of 14.7 and 14.1%, respectively, and it was the key predictor of CH4 production. All databases observed an improvement in prediction abilities in CH4 production with DMI in the models along with dietary forage proportion inclusion and the quadratic term of dietary forage proportion. For the COM database, the CH4 yield was best predicted by the dietary forage proportion only, while the LAC database was for dietary forage proportion, milk fat, and protein yields. The best newly developed models showed improved predictions of CH4 emission compared to other published equations. Our results indicate that the inclusion of dietary composition along with DMI can provide an improved CH4 production prediction in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce L Marumo
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - P Andrew LaPierre
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Gwatibaya S, Murungweni C, Mpofu I, Jingura R, Tigere AT, Tererai B. Enteric methane emission estimates for the Zimbabwean Sanga cattle breeds of Tuli and Mashona. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:111. [PMID: 36920640 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of methane mitigation in ruminant livestock production systems depends on the accuracy of estimating methane emission factors and providing accurate emission inventories. Following the Paris Climate agreement, it is recommended that countries adopt the Tier-2 approach for estimating enteric methane emissions from ruminants instead of the Tier-1 approach currently used by most countries. This study sought to provide base line enteric methane emission estimates for the Tuli and Mashona Sanga cattle breeds in Zimbabwe using the IPCC Tier-2 model. Using animal characterization data collected from 412 cattle from Grasslands Research Institute and 406 cattle from Makoholi Research Institute, net energy requirements were estimated. From this and the estimate for digestibility, gross energy intake and dry matter intake were estimated. Gross energy intakes and the estimated methane conversion factor were used to estimate enteric methane emissions. Mean emission factors for Tuli were 45.1, 56, 28.5, 28.4 and 20.6 kg CH4/head/year for cows, bulls, heifers, steers and calves, respectively. For Mashona, they were 47.8, 51.9, 29, 29.1 and 20.7 kgCH4/head/year for cows, bulls, heifers, steers and calves, respectively. Generally, estimated Tier-2 emission factors were significantly different from the IPCC Tier-1 default emission factors. This study concluded that enteric methane emission factors estimated using the IPCC Tier-2 model offer insights into the controversial use of the default IPCC Tier-1 emission factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Showman Gwatibaya
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off-Chirundu Road Private Bag, 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.
| | - Chrispen Murungweni
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off-Chirundu Road Private Bag, 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Irvine Mpofu
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off-Chirundu Road Private Bag, 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Raphael Jingura
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Off-Chirundu Road Private Bag, 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Accadius Tinarwo Tigere
- Grasslands Research Institute, Agricultural Research Innovation and Development Directorate, Fifth Street Extension P O, Box CY594, Causeway Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bosiwe Tererai
- Makoholi Research Institute, Agricultural Research Innovation and Development Directorate, Fifth Street Extension P O, Box CY594, Causeway Harare, Zimbabwe
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Dias Junior PCG, dos Santos IJ, da Silva AL, de Assis RG, Vicente ACS, Carlis MS, Soares LC, Comelli JH, Biava JS, Araujo RC, Pires AV, Ferreira EM. Essential oil from Arnica montana on feedlot performance, ingestive behavior, carcass characteristics, rumen morphometrics characteristics and meat fatty acids profile of lambs. Small Rumin Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2023.106920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Arteaga-Wences Y, Estrada-Angulo A, Ríos-Rincón FG, Castro-Pérez B, Mendoza-Cortéz D, Manriquez-Núñez O, Barreras A, Corona-Gochi L, Zinn R, Perea-Domínguez X, Plascencia A. The effects of feeding a standardized mixture of essential oils vs monensin on growth performance, dietary energy and carcass characteristics of lambs fed a high-energy finishing diet. Small Rumin Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Silva BDC, Pacheco MVC, Godoi LA, de Souza GAP, Trópia NV, Pucetti P, Silva FADS, Menezes ACB, Rennó LN, Paulino MF, Schoonmaker JP, Valadares Filho SDC. Feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets with different feed additives. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259414. [PMID: 34727141 PMCID: PMC8562795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets containing different feed additives. Six rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 225 ± 13.2 kg) were distributed in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Six experimental diets based on 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis were evaluated. Diets differed in feed additive on a DM basis, as follows: 1.4% bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in 3:1 ratio (BOX); 36 ppm lasalocid sodium (LAS); 30 ppm monensin sodium (MON); 25 ppm virginiamycin (VIR); 30 ppm monensin sodium plus 25 ppm virginiamycin (MV); and 3.15% commercial mineral supplement containing D-limonene and exogenous α-amylase (EOA). The experiment lasted 144 d, with six periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 14 d for dietary adaptation, 3 d for feces and urine collection, and 7 d for omasal and ruminal digesta collection. Bulls fed the BOX diet showed greater (P < 0.05) intake of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (apNDF), crude protein (CP), and starch compared to the other diets. Diets with LAS, MON, VIR, MV, or EOA did not influence (P > 0.05) the DM, OM, apNDF, CP, or starch intake of feedlot bulls. Bulls fed the EOA diet showed greater (trend; P = 0.09) ruminal digestibility of starch compared to the other diets. The feed additives did not affect (P > 0.05) the intestinal or total tract digestibility of starch, rumen pH, microbial efficiency, total rumen fluid, dilution rate, rate of intake, rate of degradation, or passage rate of the DM, OM, apNDF, and starch. In conclusion, LAS, MON, VIR, MV, and EOA diets reduced nutrient intake compared to BOX. Although all feed additives presented similar effects on rumen pH, temperature, and kinetics the presence of exogenous α-amylase in the EOA diet may increase ruminal starch digestibility and apparent total tract digestibility of DM and OM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno de Castro Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Letícia Artuzo Godoi
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Nathália Veloso Trópia
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pauliane Pucetti
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Clara Baião Menezes
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States of America
| | - Luciana Navajas Rennó
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mário Fonseca Paulino
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jon Patrick Schoonmaker
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
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Sultana N, Das NG, Kabir MA, Deb GK, Islam MT. Metabolic Benefit of Bulls Being Fed Moringa Leaves Twigs and Branches as a Major Concentrate Ingredient. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.712919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was conducted to investigate nutrient metabolism and semen quality of bulls fed with moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves, twigs, and branches as a major concentrate ingredient. Twenty-one Red Chittagong bulls of about 204 (±50) kg initial live weight (LW) were randomly divided into three equal LW groups. They were fed maize silage as a basal feedstuff for 65 days with the supplementation of concentrate mixtures at 1% of LW, consisting of either 0, 25, or 50% moringa mash on a fresh basis. Moringa mash was a sun-dried ground preparation of leaves, twigs, and branches of moringa. The results indicated that different levels of moringa in concentrate mixtures (0, 25, and 50%) did not change daily DM intake, digestibility, and LW gain of bulls (p > 0.05). However, increasing dietary moringa (up to 203 g/kg DM) significantly decreased production cost of methane (CH4) (methane emission [kg/kg gain] = 1.6422—[0.0059 × moringa intake, g/kg DM], n = 12, R2 = 0.384, P = 0.032) in a similar metabolizable energy intake level (0.21 ± 0.01 MJ/kg LW). Also, higher dietary moringa significantly reduced urinary nitrogen loss (urinary nitrogen [% digested nitrogen] = 43.0 – 0.069 × moringa intake [g/kg DM]; R2 = 0.3712, P = 0.034). Thus, increasing moringa by 1 g/kg DM decreased CH4 emission by 6 g/kg gain and absorbed nitrogen loss by 0.069 %. Also, progressive motility of sperm increased significantly (33.0, 51.0, and 60.1%, respectively; p = 0.03) in bulls fed with concentrate mixtures containing moringa at 0, 25, or 50%. It may be concluded that feeding moringa mash at 203 g/kg DM may decrease energy loss as methane and urinary nitrogen loss without impacting the production of beef cattle. Feeding moringa mash to beef cattle may abate dietary energy and nitrogen loss and consequently decrease the environmental pollution.
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