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Fregulia P, Campos MM, Dhakal R, Dias RJP, Neves ALA. Feed efficiency and enteric methane emissions indices are inconsistent with the outcomes of the rumen microbiome composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175263. [PMID: 39102957 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The correlation between enteric methane emissions (eME) and feed efficiency (FE) in cattle is linked to the anaerobic fermentation of feedstuffs that occurs in the rumen. Several mathematical indices have been developed to predict feed efficiency and identify low methane emitters in herds. To investigate this, the current study aimed to evaluate the rumen microbial composition in the same group of animals ranked according to six different indices (three indices for FE and three for eME). Thirty-three heifers were ranked into three groups, each consisting of 11 animals, based on FE (feed conversion efficiency - FCE, residual weight gain - RG, and residual feed intake - RFI) and eME indices (production, yield, and intensity). Rumen fluids were collected using a stomach tube and analyzed using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA, targeting rumen bacteria, archaea, and protozoa. The sequencing analysis revealed that the presence of unique microbial species in the rumen varies across animals ranked by the FE and eME indices. The High RG group harbored 17 unique prokaryotic taxa, while the High FCE group contained only seven. Significant differences existed in the microbial profiles of the animals based on the FE and eME indices. For instance, Raoultibacter was more abundant in the Intermediate RFI group but less so in the Intermediate RG and Intermediate FCE groups. The abundance of Entodinium was higher while Diplodinium was lower in the High FCE group, in contrast to the High RG and High RFI groups. Methanobrevibacter exhibited similar abundances across eME indices. However, the heifers did not demonstrate the same production, yield, and intensity of eME. The present findings underscore the importance of standardizing the FE and eME indices. This standardization is crucial for ensuring consistent and reliable assessments of the composition and function of the rumen microbiome across different herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Fregulia
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Mariana Magalhães Campos
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), National Center for Research on Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Rajan Dhakal
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Roberto Júnio Pedroso Dias
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - André Luis Alves Neves
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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da Silva CS, Leão JM, Lage CFA, Coelho SG, Campos MM. Residual Feed Intake as an Efficiency Metric for Pre-Weaning Dairy Calves: What Do We Know? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1727. [PMID: 37629582 PMCID: PMC10455359 DOI: 10.3390/life13081727] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy cattle systems have targeted improvements in feed efficiency by selecting animals that can convert less feed into more products. Residual feed intake (RFI) has been the index of choice when selecting dairy cattle for feed efficiency. Nonetheless, RFI studies have focused on lactating cows, and the crucial importance of pre-weaning efficiency on farm profitability and cow productivity has been mostly neglected. This review discusses the current knowledge of how RFI divergence relates to nutrient metabolism in pre-weaning dairy calves, including the advantages and limitations of evaluating RFI in this phase. Existing literature indicates that nutrient utilization, energy metabolism, protein metabolism, vitamin metabolism, intestinal development, and hindgut bacterial populations may be implicated in RFI divergence between pre-weaning calves. Techniques developed to date to evaluate RFI in this phase are still evolving to better adapt to the unique characteristics of this phase, and more research is needed to fill in the gaps in our current understanding of early-life feed efficiency divergence in cattle. However, current results suggest great potential for selecting high-efficiency calves while in pre-weaning to accelerate the progress of genetic selection in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila S. da Silva
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora 36038-330, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Juliana M. Leão
- The Saskatoon Colostrum Company, Ltd., Saskatoon, SK S7K 6A2, Canada;
| | | | - Sandra G. Coelho
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Mariana M. Campos
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora 36038-330, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
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Fregulia P, Campos MM, Dias RJP, Liu J, Guo W, Pereira LGR, Machado MA, Faza DRDLR, Guan LL, Garnsworthy PC, Neves ALA. Taxonomic and predicted functional signatures reveal linkages between the rumen microbiota and feed efficiency in dairy cattle raised in tropical areas. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1025173. [PMID: 36523842 PMCID: PMC9745175 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1025173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruminants digest plant biomass more efficiently than monogastric animals due to their symbiotic relationship with a complex microbiota residing in the rumen environment. What remains unclear is the relationship between the rumen microbial taxonomic and functional composition and feed efficiency (FE), especially in crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein x Gyr) raised under tropical conditions. In this study, we selected twenty-two F1 Holstein x Gyr heifers and grouped them according to their residual feed intake (RFI) ranking, high efficiency (HE) (n = 11) and low efficiency (LE) (n = 11), to investigate the effect of FE on the rumen microbial taxa and their functions. Rumen fluids were collected using a stomach tube apparatus and analyzed using amplicon sequencing targeting the 16S (bacteria and archaea) and 18S (protozoa) rRNA genes. Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity analysis revealed no significant difference in the rumen microbiota between the HE and LE animals. Multivariate analysis (sPLS-DA) showed a clear separation of two clusters in bacterial taxonomic profiles related to each FE group, but in archaeal and protozoal profiles, the clusters overlapped. The sPLS-DA also revealed a clear separation in functional profiles for bacteria, archaea, and protozoa between the HE and LE animals. Microbial taxa were differently related to HE (e.g., Howardella and Shuttleworthia) and LE animals (e.g., Eremoplastron and Methanobrevibacter), and predicted functions were significatively different for each FE group (e.g., K03395-signaling and cellular process was strongly related to HE animals, and K13643-genetic information processing was related to LE animals). This study demonstrates that differences in the rumen microbiome relative to FE ranking are not directly observed from diversity indices (Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity, Pielou's Evenness, Shannon's diversity, weighted UniFrac distance, Jaccard index, and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity), but from targeted identification of specific taxa and microbial functions characterizing each FE group. These results shed light on the role of rumen microbial taxonomic and functional profiles in crossbred Holstein × Gyr dairy cattle raised in tropical conditions, creating the possibility of using the microbial signature of the HE group as a biological tool for the development of biomarkers that improve FE in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Fregulia
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Magalhães Campos
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), National Center for Research on Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Roberto Júnio Pedroso Dias
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Junhong Liu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro Pereira
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), National Center for Research on Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Machado
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), National Center for Research on Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniele Ribeiro de Lima Reis Faza
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), National Center for Research on Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Le Luo Guan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Phil C. Garnsworthy
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - André Luis Alves Neves
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Evaluation of Ingestive Behavior, Ruminal and Blood Parameters, Performance, and Thermography as a Phenotypic Divergence Markers of Residual Feed Intake in Rearing Dairy Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030331. [PMID: 35158653 PMCID: PMC8833763 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The selection of highly efficient animals will support meeting the world’s future demand for products and food of animal origin. Thus, the identification of efficient animals and an understanding of the mechanisms inherent to this efficiency is fundamental for the progress of breeding systems. In the present study, we identify highly efficient animals for residual feed intake in dairy heifers. This animal category is unexplored in relation to this index. We utilized the classical parameters evaluated in cattle of different ages to carry out the study on these animals. Abstract The objectives of this study were: (1) to identify and rank phenotypically divergent animals for residual feed intake (RFI) regarding their efficiency (high: HE or low: LE); (2) to evaluate their relationships with ingestive behavior, ruminal and blood parameters, performance, and infrared thermography; and (3) to determine if such measurements can be used as feed efficiency markers in rearing dairy heifers. Thirty-eight heifers, 143 d ± 4 (Mean ± SD) of age and 108.7 kg ± 17.9 of body weight were used. The animals were fed with a total mixed ration during the 91 d of the trial. A phenotypic divergence of DMI for RFI was observed between −0.358 and 0.337 kg/d for HE and LE, respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI) was lower in the HE (2.5 kg DMI/d vs. 3.1 kg DMI/d), as was the number of visits to the feed bin with consumption (59 vs. 71). Feed intake was the best predictor of said divergence. Water intake and number of visits to the feed bin were presented moderate correlations with RFI. The ruminal fermentation variables, blood metabolites, blood hormones (such as the other ingestive behavior variables), and infrared thermography were not able to accurately predict HE or LE animals.
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Leão JM, Coelho SG, Lage CFDA, de Azevedo RA, Lima JAM, Carneiro JC, Ferreira AL, Machado FS, Pereira LGR, Tomich TR, Diniz Neto HDC, Campos MM. How Divergence for Feed Efficiency Traits Affects Body Measurements and Metabolites in Blood and Ruminal Parameters on Pre-Weaning Dairy Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123436. [PMID: 34944213 PMCID: PMC8698006 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate feed efficiency indexes and their relationships with body measurements and blood and ruminal metabolites in the pre-weaning period; (2) to determine if such measurements can be used as feed-efficiency markers during the pre-weaning period. Holstein-Gyr heifer calves (n = 36), enrolled between 4 and 12 weeks of age, were classified into two residual feed intake (RFI) and residual body weight gain (RG) groups: high efficiency (HE; RFI, n = 10; and RG, n = 9), and low efficiency (LE; RFI, n = 10; and RG, n = 8). Calves were fed whole milk (6 L/day) and solid feed ad libitum. Body developments were measured weekly and feed intake (milk and solid feed) daily during the whole period. Blood samples were collected at 12 weeks of age and analyzed for glucose, insulin and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Samples of ruminal content were collected on the same day and analyzed for pH, NH3-N, and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Among the growth characteristics, only the initial hip width differed between the RFI groups, and withers height differed between the RG groups. Concentration of BHB was greater and glucose: insulin ratios tended to be greater in LE-RG animals. Butyric acid proportions were similar among RFI groups, but tended to be greater for HE-RG than for LE-RG. Overall, correlation coefficients between RFI or RG and blood, rumen, or morphometric markers were low. Thus, it is unlikely that measurements of metabolic indicators, per se, will be useful in the early identification of more efficient animals. Understanding the underlying physiological basis for improved feed efficiency in dairy heifers requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mergh Leão
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Sandra Gesteira Coelho
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Camila Flávia de Assis Lage
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Rafael Alves de Azevedo
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Juliana Aparecida Mello Lima
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Juliana Campos Carneiro
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Alexandre Lima Ferreira
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Fernanda Samarini Machado
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora 36038-330, MG, Brazil; (F.S.M.); (L.G.R.P.); (T.R.T.)
| | - Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro Pereira
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora 36038-330, MG, Brazil; (F.S.M.); (L.G.R.P.); (T.R.T.)
| | - Thierry Ribeiro Tomich
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora 36038-330, MG, Brazil; (F.S.M.); (L.G.R.P.); (T.R.T.)
| | - Hilton do Carmo Diniz Neto
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil; (J.M.L.); (S.G.C.); (C.F.d.A.L.); (R.A.d.A.); (J.A.M.L.); (J.C.C.); (A.L.F.); (H.d.C.D.N.)
| | - Mariana Magalhães Campos
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora 36038-330, MG, Brazil; (F.S.M.); (L.G.R.P.); (T.R.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Tümmler LM, Derno M, Tuchscherer A, Kanitz E, Kuhla B. Effects of 2 liquid feeding rates over the first 3 months of life on whole-body energy metabolism and energy use efficiency of dairy calves up to 5 months. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:10399-10414. [PMID: 34127265 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20278] [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: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intensified milk replacer (MR) feeding in calves has nutritional long-term effects and is suggested to increase milk production later in life. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. The aim of our study was to investigate whether MR feeding intensity has long-term effects on energy metabolism and energy use efficiency of dairy calves. Newborn female Holstein calves (n = 28) were randomly assigned to 2 liquid feeding groups offered daily either 10% of body weight (BW) colostrum followed by 10% of BW MR (10%-MR) or 12% of BW colostrum followed by 20% of BW MR (20%-MR). Calves were housed individually. Weaning was completed by the end of wk 12. Hay and calf starter were fed from d 1 until the end of wk 14 and 16, respectively. A total mixed ration was fed from wk 11 onward, and the metabolizable energy intake (MEI) was determined daily. Energy metabolism of calves was measured in respiratory chambers before weaning in wk 6 and 9, and after weaning in wk 14 and 22. The MEI/BW0.75 was higher before weaning but lower during and shortly after weaning in 20%-MR calves. During the preweaning period, the 20%-MR animals had higher average daily gain, BW, back fat thickness and muscle diameter, but lower plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. The group difference in average daily gain ceased in wk 9, differences in back fat thickness and muscle diameter ceased after weaning, whereas difference in BW0.75 persisted until wk 23. The energy conversion ratio (BW gain/MEI) was not different before weaning, but was lower during and after weaning in 20%-MR calves. The higher MEI and BW0.75 in 20%-MR calves resulted in higher heat production (HP), as well as in higher carbohydrate oxidation (COX) and fat oxidation during the preweaning period. Gas exchange variables normalized to BW0.75 or MEI differed between groups only during preweaning. The energy balance was lower in 10%-MR calves in wk 6 and 9. The HP/BW0.75 and COX/BW0.75 were higher, whereas HP/MEI was lower in 20%-MR calves in wk 6. When normalized to BW0.75 and MEI, HP in wk 6 and 9, and COX in wk 9 was lower in 20%-MR calves. In conclusion, 20%-MR calves showed greater efficiency estimates preweaning, but this effect did not occur after weaning, suggesting that energy use efficiency does not persist until later stages in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maria Tümmler
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 1, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Michael Derno
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 1, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Armin Tuchscherer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Kanitz
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 1, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Björn Kuhla
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 1, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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Brito RF, França AFS, Pansani AP, Castro CH, Colugnati DB, Souza LF, Rabelo LA, Nunes-Souza V, Xavier CH, Oliveira GA, Corrêa DS, Ramos AT, Macedo LM, Ferreira RN. Performance and serum parameters of calves (Bos taurus) subject to milk restriction associated with supplementation with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6259220. [PMID: 33914885 PMCID: PMC8188820 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim with this study was to evaluate the consumption, performance, quantitative characteristics of carcasses, biochemical profile, plasma levels of ghrelin and leptin, expression of the receptor for ghrelin (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and duodenum, and the number of goblet cells in the duodenum of calves subjected to milk volume restriction and supplemented with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBa). We used 21 Holstein mixed-breed calves, aged between 3 and 15 d with an average weight of 36.8 kg, and housed in pens with troughs for hay, concentrate, and water. The study included two consecutive experimental periods (first period [P1] and second period [P2]) of 21 d each, with 7 d of adaptation to the diet and facilities. The calves were distributed in a completely randomized design in three treatments with seven repetitions. 1) Control: 6 liters of milk/d during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2; 2) RES (milk restriction): 3 liters of milk/day during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2; and 3) RES + HMTBa: 3 liters of milk/day during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2 + 3.3 g of HMTBa/day in both periods. HMTBa was supplied in milk, and the amount of concentrated ration and hay provided and leftovers were recorded daily to estimate dry matter (DM) and crude protein consumption. Mean daily weight gain (DWG), final weight (FW), and feed conversion (FC) were obtained at the beginning and at the end of each 21-d period. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin and leptin, triglycerides, total protein, urea, lactate, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol were measured for P1 and P2 at the end of each 21-d period. At the end of P2, animals were slaughtered; sections of the duodenum were collected to evaluate the expression of GHS-R1a and quantity of goblet cells; hypothalamus was used to evaluate the expression of GHS-R1a; rumen was used to evaluate the thickness of epithelium and keratin and the density, height, and width of ruminal papillae. In P1, total DM consumption, FW, DWG, glucose, and triglycerides were lower in the RES and RES + HMTBa groups (P < 0.001). In P2, there was an improvement in the FC of the RES + HMTBa group (compared with Control and RES groups) and a lower urea concentration in the RES group (compared with Control and RES + HMTBa groups) (P < 0.001). No differences were observed among groups regarding hormonal concentrations, histological parameters, and GHS-R1a expression in the duodenum and hypothalamus. Therefore, milk restriction combined with HMTBa supplementation promoted greater compensatory gain by a mechanism independent of changes in GHS-R1a expression and hormone levels of ghrelin and leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosiane F Brito
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goias, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Aldi F S França
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goias, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Aline P Pansani
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Castro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Diego B Colugnati
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Luciano F Souza
- Federal University of Tocantins, Araguaína, Tocantins 77804-970, Brazil
| | - Luiza A Rabelo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Valéria Nunes-Souza
- Department of Physiological and Pharmacology Sciences, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Xavier
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Graciele A Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goias, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Corrêa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Adriano T Ramos
- Department of Agriculture, Biodiversity and Forests, Center for Rural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, Santa Catarina 89520-000, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Macedo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo N Ferreira
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
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Souza RS, Resende MFS, Ferreira LCA, Ferraz RS, Araújo MVV, Bastos CV, Silveira JAG, Moreira TF, Meneses RM, Carvalho AU, Leme FOP, Facury Filho EJ. Monitoring bovine tick fever on a dairy farm: An economic proposal for rational use of medications. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:5643-5651. [PMID: 33663816 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the monitoring of tick fever (TF) in a Brazilian dairy farm in the Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from July 10 to August 4, 2018. We aimed to identify diagnostic and treatment flaws in the protocol adopted by the farm, and to establish a novel and accurate TF monitoring protocol based on precision dairy farming and rational use of antimicrobials and antiparasitic drugs, while evaluating the economic benefits of the proposed strategy. We monitored TF in 395 heifer calves aged between 3 and 14 mo. According to the farm's standard protocol, all calves with an increase of 0.5°C in rectal temperature compared with the previous week's measurement were treated for Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. Blood smears were collected from the tail tip of the treated calves. During the last week of the study, we prepared blood smears of all calves regardless of treatment indication. Economic analysis was performed. The results indicated that at least 56.86% (261/459) of the calves did not require treatment for TF, whereas only 23.09% (106/459) had treatment indications. Negative blood smears (45.97%; 211/459) indicated the possibility of calves being affected by another disease or a condition that was not being adequately treated or those not necessarily sick. These results demonstrate the excessive use of medications, representing a direct economic loss, in addition to potentially favoring the occurrence of resistance to antimicrobials. In contrast, 9.42% (26/276) of calves had no treatment indication based on rectal temperature but had treatment indications based on blood smears. Only 5.73% (42/735) of blood smears had co-infection with hemopathogens, and none had triple co-infection. Therefore, we proposed the monitoring of TF using rectal temperature and microscopic analysis. If implemented, this strategy would result in a direct annual savings of approximately $22,638.96 (77.99%) related to medication for the treatment of TF. Therefore, implementing the proposed protocol would be cheaper than treatment based only on rectal temperatures. The currently implemented TF protocols overestimate the occurrence of TF, resulting in overtreatment. Thus, implementing a TF monitoring protocol based on a microscopy tool is justified, with benefits including rational use of medication, potential to generate savings, and reduced morbidity and mortality rates, in addition to enabling other diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Souza
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - M F S Resende
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - L C A Ferreira
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - R S Ferraz
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - M V V Araújo
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - C V Bastos
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - J A G Silveira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - T F Moreira
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - R M Meneses
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - A U Carvalho
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - F O P Leme
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - E J Facury Filho
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
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Cook N, Chabot B, Liu T, Froehlich D, Basarab J, Juarez M. Radiated temperature from thermal imaging is related to feed consumption, growth rate and feed efficiency in grower pigs. J Therm Biol 2020; 94:102747. [PMID: 33292988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Individual feed consumption and animal weight were continuously recorded in grower pigs using an automated feeding system. Infrared images were recorded each time a pig entered the feeding system and infrared thermography provided radiated thermal measurements of the dorsal surface of each animal. Feed was withdrawn and the animals fasted for a period of 24 h three times during the growth of the animals at body weights of approximately 35, 65 and 105 kg. There was a significant reduction of 0.28 °C in the maximum surface temperature (Tmax), and 0.48 °C in the average surface temperature (Tmean) during the periods of fasting. Maximum and average pig temperatures exhibited negative correlations to feed consumption and growth variables. There were negative correlations of residual feed intake (RFI) to Tmax and Tmean radiated temperatures. There were positive correlations of residual gain (RG) and residual intake and gain (RIG) with Tmax and Tmean. The Tmax and Tmean temperature responses to fasting were negatively associated with feed consumption and growth variables. Absolute temperature and temperature response variables were positively associated with RFI and negatively associated with residual intake and gain (RIG). These findings provide support for the concept of radiated heat losses as a measure of metabolic activity and a predictor of growth performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Cook
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Alberta, T4L 1W1, Canada.
| | - Brady Chabot
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Alberta, T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Tong Liu
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Alberta, T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Denise Froehlich
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Alberta, T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - John Basarab
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Alberta, T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Manuel Juarez
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Alberta, T4L 1W1, Canada
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da Silva DC, Ribeiro Pereira LG, Mello Lima JA, Machado FS, Ferreira AL, Tomich TR, Coelho SG, Maurício RM, Campos MM. Grouping crossbred Holstein x Gyr heifers according to different feed efficiency indexes and its effects on energy and nitrogen partitioning, blood metabolic variables and gas exchanges. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238419. [PMID: 32915803 PMCID: PMC7485853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were: i) to classify animals into groups of high and low feed efficiency (FE) using three FE indexes (Residual feed intake (RFI), Residual weight gain (RG) and Feed conversion efficiency (FCE)), and ii) to evaluate whether crossbreed Holstein x Gyr heifers divergent for FE indexes exhibit differences in nutrient intake and digestibility, energy partitioning, heat production, methane emissions, nitrogen partitioning and blood parameters. Thirty-five heifers were housed in a tie-stall, received ad libitum TMR (75:25, corn silage: concentrate) and were ranked and classified into high (HE) or low efficiency (LE) for RFI, RG and FCE. The number of animals for each HE group were 13 (< 0.5 standard deviation (SD) for RFI, 11 for RG and 11 for FCE (> 0.5 SD) and for the LE were 10 (> 0.5 SD) for RFI, 11 for RG and 12 for FCE (< 0.5 SD). Gas exchanges (O2 consumption, CO2 and CH4 production) in open-circuit respiratory chambers and whole tract digestibility trial was performed. A completely randomized experimental design was used and the data were analyzed by ANOVA and correlation study. High efficiency animals for RFI produced less CO2, consumed less O2 and had lower heat production (HP). Methane production was positively correlated with RFI. High efficiency RG had higher O2 consumption and CO2 production in relation to LE-RG. High efficiency FCE had greater NFC digestibility, higher positive energy balance (EB) and excreted (11.4 g/d) less nitrogen in urine. High efficiency RG and FCE groups emitted less CH4 per kg of weight gain than LE animals. Animals HE for RFI and FCE had lower β-hydroxybutyrate and higher glucose concentrations, respectively. The differences in intake, digestibility, energy and nitrogen partition, CH4 emission, blood metabolic variables and heat production between the HE and LE groups varied according to the efficiency indexes adopted. The HP (kcal/d/BW0.75) was lower for HE animals for RFI and FCE indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fernanda Samarini Machado
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Lima Ferreira
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thierry Ribeiro Tomich
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sandra Gesteira Coelho
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Magalhães Campos
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation–Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Relationship between feed efficiency indexes and thermography, blood, and ruminal parameters in pre-weaning dairy heifers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236118. [PMID: 32667943 PMCID: PMC7363088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether pre-weaning heifer calves divergent for residual feed intake (RFI) or residual feed intake and body weight gain (RIG) exhibit differences in thermography, blood, and ruminal parameters. Thirty-two Gyr heifer calves were enrolled in a 63-d trial and classified into 2 feed efficiency (FE) groups based on RFI and RIG (mean ± 0.5 SD). The groups were classified as high efficiency (HE) RFI (HE RFI, n = 9), HE RIG (HE RIG, n = 10), low efficiency (LE) RFI (LE RFI, n = 10), and LE RIG (LE RIG, n = 11). The amount of whole milk provided for each calf was calculated based on their metabolic weight at birth (42% x BW0.75). The liquid diet was divided into two meals at 0700 and 1400 h. The total solid diet (TSD) was composed of 92% concentrate and 8% of Tifton 85 hay chopped in 5-cm lengths, as fed. Intake was measured daily. Blood concentrations of insulin, beta hydroxybutyrate, urea, and glucose, and ruminal pH, N-NH3, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were evaluated at 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 days of age. Thermal images of the calves were taken with an infrared camera (FLIR T420, FLIR Systems Inc., Wilsonville, OR) on d 56 (±3) at 0600 h, before the morning feeding. Total VFA concentration and propionate as % of total VFA were 24.2% and 22.2% lower in HE RFI compared to LE RFI calves, respectively. On the other hand, acetate as % of total VFA was 10.6% greater in HE RFI than LE RFI calves. Blood urea concentration tended to be greater in LE RFI than HE RFI calves. High efficiency HE RIG tended to have 6.8% greater acetate and 15.4% lower propionate as % of total VFA than LE RIG. Blood insulin concentration was greater and blood glucose tended to be greater for LE RIG than HE RIG group. Low efficiency RIG group had greater left rib, left flank, and anus surface temperature measured by infrared thermography than the HE RIG group. Differences in ruminal fermentation do not seem to be associated with pre-weaning calves efficiency, while differences in protein metabolism seem to affect RFI during this phase. Infrared thermography appears to be correlated to RIG in pre-weaning heifer calves.
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de Assis Lage CF, Gesteira Coelho S, Diniz Neto HDC, Rocha Malacco VM, Pacheco Rodrigues JP, Sacramento JP, Samarini Machado F, Ribeiro Pereira LG, Ribeiro Tomich T, Magalhães Campos M. Relationship between feed efficiency indexes and performance, body measurements, digestibility, energy partitioning, and nitrogen partitioning in pre-weaning dairy heifers. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223368. [PMID: 31600254 PMCID: PMC6786645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were: 1) to classify animals into groups of high and low feed efficiency using two feed efficiency indexes (Residual feed intake (RFI) and residual feed intake and body weight gain (RIG)), and 2) to evaluate if pre-weaning heifer calves divergent for feed efficiency indexes exhibit differences in performance, body measurements, digestibility, energy partitioning, and nitrogen partitioning. A total of 32 Gyr heifer calves were enrolled in a 63-d trial and classified into two feed efficiency (FE) groups based on RFI and RIG (mean ± 0.5 SD). The groups were classified as high efficiency (HE) RFI (HE RFI, n = 9; HE RIG, n = 10), and low efficiency (LE) RFI (LE RFI, n = 10; LE RIG, n = 11). The remaining animals were classified as intermediate (n = 13 (RFI) and n = 11 (RIG)). HE and LE calves had RFI values of-0.052 and 0.049 kg/d (P < 0.05), respectively. The HE RFI group consumed 8.9% less solid diet than the LE RFI group. HE RFI animals exhibited an increased digestibility of crude protein and ether extract and tended to have greater total dry and organic matter digestibility. LE RFI animals had greater gross energy and nitrogen intake, though greater fecal losses resulted in a tendency to reduce energy and nitrogen use efficiency. HE and LE calves had RIG values of 0.080 and -0.077kg/d (P ≤ 0.01), respectively. HE RIG animals exhibited greater average daily gain (9.4%), body weight (BW), and heart girth, though HE RIG group exhibited narrower hip width. HE RIG animals tended to have greater ether extract digestibility but greater methane losses (% of gross energy). HE RFI in pre-weaning heifers seems to be related to differences in digestibility. Divergent animals for RIG during the assessed phase appear to differ in body measurements, which may be related to differences in the composition of the gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Flávia de Assis Lage
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte—MG, Brazil
| | - Sandra Gesteira Coelho
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte—MG, Brazil
| | - Hilton do Carmo Diniz Neto
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte—MG, Brazil
| | - Victor Marco Rocha Malacco
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, Belo Horizonte—MG, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Pacheco Rodrigues
- Institute of Studies of the Humid Tropic, Federal University of South and Southeast of Pará, Xinguara, Pará, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Sacramento
- Department of Bioengineering, Federal University of São João Del Rey, Praça Frei Orlando, Centro, São João Del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Samarini Machado
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, Juiz de Fora—MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro Pereira
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, Juiz de Fora—MG, Brazil
| | - Thierry Ribeiro Tomich
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, Juiz de Fora—MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana Magalhães Campos
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, EMBRAPA), Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, Juiz de Fora—MG, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
A plethora of sensors and information technologies with applications to the precision nutrition of herbivores have been developed and continue to be developed. The nutritional processes start outside of the animal body with the available feed (quantity and quality) and continue inside it once the feed is consumed, degraded in the gastrointestinal tract and metabolised by organs and tissues. Finally, some nutrients are wasted via urination, defecation and gaseous emissions through breathing and belching whereas remaining nutrients ensure maintenance and production. Nowadays, several processes can be monitored in real-time using new technologies, but although these provide valuable data 'as is', further gains could be obtained using this information as inputs to nutrition simulation models to predict unmeasurable variables in real-time and to forecast outcomes of interest. Data provided by sensors can create synergies with simulation models and this approach has the potential to expand current applications. In addition, data provided by sensors could be used with advanced analytical techniques such as data fusion, optimisation techniques and machine learning to improve their value for applications in precision animal nutrition. The present paper reviews technologies that can monitor different nutritional processes relevant to animal production, profitability, environmental management and welfare. We discussed the model-data fusion approach in which data provided by sensor technologies can be used as input of nutrition simulation models in near-real time to produce more accurate, certain and timely predictions. We also discuss some examples that have taken this model-data fusion approach to complement the capabilities of both models and sensor data, and provided examples such as predicting feed intake and methane emissions. Challenges with automatising the nutritional management of individual animals include monitoring and predicting of the flow of nutrients including nutrient intake, quantity and composition of body growth and milk production, gestation, maintenance and physical activities at the individual animal level. We concluded that the livestock industries are already seeing benefits from the development of sensor and information technologies, and this benefit is expected to grow exponentially soon with the integration of nutrition simulation models and techniques for big data analysis. However, this approach may need re-evaluating or performing new empirical research in both fields of animal nutrition and simulation modelling to accommodate a new type of data provided by the sensor technologies.
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