Effects of extrusion of whole horse beans on protein digestion and amino acid absorption in dairy cows

Effects of dietary extrusion on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, performance and milk composition of dairy cattle: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of extruded and unextruded feeding on the performance, milk composition, digestibility and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows through a meta-analysis.

METHODS

The database was compiled from 53 studies in Scopus and PubMed. The data were analyzed using a random effects model in OpenMEE software. Extruded feed was grouped as the experiment group while and the others as control group. The bias of publication in the main parameter of dairy performance was evaluated by a funnel plot.

RESULTS

The result showed that extruded feed enhanced the milk yield, dry matter and crude protein digestibility, butyrate and valerate acid production (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the extruded feed significantly decreased the milk fat and protein concentration (p<0.05). Also, the iso-butyrate and iso-valerate in unextruded feeding was significantly higher than the extruded feed (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was concluded from the meta-analysis that extruded feed effectively improved the milk production and milk lactose concentration, dry matter and protein digestibility, but not the milk fat and protein concentration.

Processed fava bean as a substitute for rapeseed meal with or without rumen-protected methionine supplement in grass silage-based dairy cow diets

Fava bean offers a sustainable home-grown protein source for dairy cows, but fava bean protein is extensively degraded in the rumen and has low Met concentration. We studied the effects of protein supplementation and source on milk production, rumen fermentation, N use, and mammary AA utilization. The treatments were unsupplemented control diet, and isonitrogenously given rapeseed meal (RSM), processed (dehulled, flaked, and heated) fava bean without (TFB) or with rumen-protected (RP) Met (TFB+). All diets consisted of 50% grass silage and 50% cereal-based concentrate including studied protein supplement. The control diet had 15% of crude protein and protein-supplemented diets 18%. Rumen-protected Met in TFB+ corresponded to 15 g/d of Met absorbed in the small intestine. Experimental design was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with 3-wk periods. The experiment was conducted using 12 multiparous mid-lactation Nordic Red cows, of which 4 were rumen cannulated. Protein supplementation increased dry matter intake (DMI), and milk (31.9 vs. 30.7 kg/d) and milk component yields. Substituting RSM with TFB or TFB+ decreased DMI and AA intake but increased starch intake. There were no differences in milk yield or composition between RSM diet and TFB diets. Rumen-protected Met did not affect DMI, or milk or milk component yields but increased milk protein concentration in comparison to TFB. There were no differences in rumen fermentation except for increased ammonium-N concentration with the protein-supplemented diets. Nitrogen-use efficiency for milk production was lower for the supplemented diets versus control diet but tended to be greater for TFB and TFB+ versus RSM. Protein supplementation increased plasma essential AA concentration but there were no differences between TFB diets and RSM. Rumen-protected Met clearly increased plasma Met concentration (30.8 vs. 18.2 µmol/L) but did not affect other AA. Absence of differences between RSM and TFB in milk production together with limited effects of RP Met suggest that TFB is a potential alternative protein source for dairy cattle.

Nutritive value of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a feedstuff resource in livestock nutrition: A review

The review evaluates faba bean (Vicia faba L.; FB) seeds relative to their nutritional composition, their content of antinutritional factors, and their impact on animal performance. The literature indicates that FB plant is a cool-season, annual grain legume that grows the best in cool and humid conditions. Its seeds are rich in protein, energy, and mineral compounds and have particularly high unsaturated fatty acid levels. However, FB seeds also contain various proportions of antinutritional factors (ANFs) that can interfere with nutrient utilization in nonruminants. The various processing methods are efficient in either reducing or inactivating the ANFs of FB seeds, with extrusion treatment offering the most effective method of improving apparent nutrient and energy digestibility of nonruminants. In vivo studies on ruminants, pigs, poultry, and fishes reveal that FB seeds have the potential to be used as a substitute for soybean meal and/or cereal seeds in livestock diets in order to support milk, meat, and/or egg production.

Predictions of ruminal outflow of essential amino acids in dairy cattle

The objective of this work was to update and evaluate predictions of essential AA (EAA) outflows from the rumen. The model was constructed based on previously derived equations for rumen-undegradable (RUP), microbial (MiCP), and endogenous (EndCP) protein outflows from the rumen, and revised estimates of ingredient composition and EAA composition of the protein fractions. Corrections were adopted to account for incomplete recovery of EAA during 24-h acid hydrolysis. The predicted ruminal protein and EAA outflows were evaluated against a data set of observed values from the literature. Initial evaluations indicated a minor mean bias for non-ammonia, non-microbial nitrogen flow ([RUP + EndCP]/6.25) of 16 g of N per day. Root mean squared errors (RMSE) of EAA predictions ranged from 26.8 to 40.6% of observed mean values. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) of EAA predictions ranged from 0.34 to 0.55. Except for Leu, all ruminal EAA outflows were overpredicted by 3.0 to 32 g/d. In addition, small but significant slope biases were present for Arg [2.2% mean squared error (MSE)] and Lys (3.2% MSE). The overpredictions may suggest that the mean recovery of AA from acid hydrolysis across laboratories was less than estimates encompassed in the recovery factors. To test this hypothesis, several regression approaches were undertaken to identify potential causes of the bias. These included regressions of (1) residual errors for predicted EAA flows on each of the 3 protein-driven EA flows, (2) observed EAA flows on each protein-driven EAA flow, including an intercept, (3) observed EAA flows on the protein-driven EAA flows, excluding an intercept term, and (4) observed EAA flows on RUP and MiCP. However, these equations were deemed unsatisfactory for bias adjustment, as they generated biologically unfeasible predictions for some entities. Future work should focus on identifying the cause of the observed prediction bias.

Effects of extruding wheat dried distillers grains with solubles with peas or canola meal on ruminal fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, nutrient digestion, and milk production in dairy cows

Our objective was to examine the effects of feeding coextruded and nonextruded supplements consisting of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles with peas (WDDGS-peas) or canola meal (WDDGS-CM) on ruminal fermentation, omasal flow, and production performance in Holstein cows. Eight cows (4 ruminally cannulated) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square with 28-d periods and a 2×2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. Dietary treatments were coextruded or nonextruded mixtures of WDDGS-peas and WDDGS-CM that were included in total mixed rations at 15.1% [dry matter (DM) basis]. Diet had no effect on DM intake. Milk yield was greater in cows fed coextruded diets compared with those fed nonextruded diets. Milk fat content was greater in cows fed nonextruded diets compared with those fed coextruded diets, but milk fat yield was greater in cows fed coextruded diets compared with those fed nonextruded diets. Milk yield tended to be greater and milk protein yield was greater in cows fed WDDGS-peas compared with those fed WDDGS-CM. Cows fed nonextruded diets had a greater milk urea-N concentration compared with those fed coextruded diets. Cows fed coextruded diets had greater ruminal digestion of DM and tended to have greater ruminal digestion of organic matter compared with those fed nonextruded diets. Total-tract digestibilities of organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and starch were greater, whereas that of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber tended to be greater in cows fed coextruded compared with those fed nonextruded diets. Total-tract digestibility of ether extract was lower whereas that of starch was greater and that of crude protein tended to be greater in cows fed WDDGS-peas compared with those fed WDDGS-CM. Total N excretion and milk N efficiency were unaffected by diet. Ruminal NH3-N concentration tended to be greater in cows fed WDDGS-CM compared with those fed WDDGS-peas. Ruminal propionate concentration was greater whereas plasma urea-N concentration tended to be lower in cows fed coextruded compared with those fed nonextruded diets. Plasma glucose concentration was greater in cows fed diets containing WDDGS-CM compared with those fed diets containing WDDGS-peas, but the difference in plasma glucose concentration between WDDGS-CM and WDDGS-peas was greater in cows fed coextruded diets compared with those fed nonextruded diets. In summary, feeding coextruded compared with nonextruded supplements or WDDGS-peas compared WDDGS-CM increased yields of milk, fat, and protein.

Effects of field bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) dietary supplementation on plasma thyroid hormones, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations and mohair characteristics in growing Angora goat kids

Twenty-two Angora kids were used to study the effect of a dietary supplementation with field bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) on hair follicle activity, mohair characteristics and plasma total thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), insulin (INS) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations. At birth, their mothers were divided in two groups (S: supplemented, C: control), the S group being supplemented with 300 g/head/day of whole field bean. At weaning, diet of kids from S group was supplemented with 80 g/head/day of whole field bean. At weaning, secondary hair follicle activity (S: 0.91 ± 0.01, C: 0.84 ± 0.02, p < 0.01) and staple length (S: 5.82 ± 0.13 cm, C: 5.16 ± 0.14 cm, p < 0.001) were greater in the S group. At 155 days of age, secondary fibre diameter (S: 16.54 ± 0.35 μm, C: 18.09 ± 0.31 μm, p < 0.01) was higher in the C kids. Concentrations of total plasma T4 and T3 were higher (p < 0.001) in S (120 ± 12 and 4.87 ± 0.92 ng/ml respectively) than in C kids (92 ± 8 and 2.97 ± 0.77 ng/ml respectively). At weaning, T4 values were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the secondary fibre diameter and the T3/T4 ratio was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the secondary to primary hair follicle ratio. At 155 days of age, both T3 and T3/T4 values were positively correlated (p < 0.01) with staple length. Plasma INS (0.11 ± 0.03 ng/ml) and total IGF-1 concentrations (232 ± 13 ng/ml) were not affected by diet. Improvements of diet quality in kids positively affected fibre diameter and length and follicle activity rate. We suggest that increased circulating thyroid hormones concentrations, but not those of INS and IGF-1, may contribute to the beneficial actions of nutritional supplementation on anatomical growth and mohair production of kids.

Chemical and functional characterization of Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) grain, extrudate and bran

Cereals provide a good source of dietary fibre and other important compounds with nutritional potential, such as phenolic compounds, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Although native Andean cereals are known to have high nutritional value, their minor components have not been studied thoroughly. In this study, two varieties of a native Andean crop, kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), were investigated as sources of dietary fibre and specific antioxidant compounds. Two products, an extrudate and bran, were also prepared and their functional properties and bioactive compounds were determined. Both varieties were rich in total dietary fibre and lignin, and the phenolic components analyzed had high antioxidant activity. The extrudates had good functional properties, such as degree of gelatinization, sectional expansion index and water solubility index; the bran was high in bioactive compounds, such as total phenolics. In conclusion, kañiwa may offer an alternative to traditional cereals as a health-promoting food ingredient.

What is the True Supply of Amino Acids for a Dairy Cow?

Improving the prediction of milk protein yield relies on knowledge of both protein supply and requirement. Definition of protein/amino acid supply in ruminants is a challenging task, due to feedstuff variety and variability and to the remodeling of nutrient intake by the rumen microflora. The questions arise, therefore, how and where should we measure the real supply of AA in the dairy cow? This review will follow the downstream flow of AA from duodenum to peripheral tissue delivery, with a glance at the efficiency of transfer into milk protein. Duodenal AA flow comprises rumen undegradable feed, microbial protein, and endogenous secretions. Most attention has been directed toward definition of the first two contributions but the latter fraction can represent as much as 20% of duodenal flow. More information is needed on what factors affect its magnitude and overall impact. Once digested, AA are absorbed into the portal vein. The ratio of portal absorption to small intestinal apparent digestion varies among essential AA, from 0.43 (threonine) to 0.76 (phenylalanine), due to the contributions of preduodenal endogenous secretions to the digestive flow, non-reabsorption of endogenous secretions and gut oxidation of AA. Few data are available on these phenomena in dairy cows but the evidence indicates that they alter the profile of AA available for anabolic purposes. Recent comparisons of estimated duodenal flux and measured portal flux have prompted a revisit of the NRC (2001) approach to estimate AA flows at the duodenum. Changes to the model are proposed that yield predictions that better fit the current knowledge of AA metabolism across the gut. After absorption, AA flow first to the liver where substantial and differential net removal occurs, varying from zero for the branched-chain AA to 50% of portal absorption for phenylalanine. This process alters the pattern of net supply to the mammary gland. Overall, intermediary metabolism of AA between the duodenum and the mammary gland biologically explains the decreased efficiency of the transfer of absorbed AA into milk protein as maximal yield is approached. Therefore, variable, rather than fixed, factors for transfer efficiencies must be incorporated into future predictive models.

Impacts of the source and amount of crude protein on the intestinal supply of nitrogen fractions and performance of dairy cows

The objective of this article was to review and summarize the significance of the amount and source of dietary crude protein supplements on the supply of nitrogen fractions passing to the small intestine and the performance of lactating dairy cows. A meta-analysis was used to evaluate 2 data sets, one for nitrogen flow to the small intestine and one for performance of cows. The response of dairy cows to rumen-undegradable protein supplements is variable. A portion of this variable response from research trials is explained by the source of crude protein in the control diet, the proportion and source of rumen-undegradable protein in the experimental diet, the effect of rumen-undegradable protein on microbial protein outflow from the rumen, the degradability and amino acid content of the rumen-undegradable protein, and the crude protein percentage of the diet. Compared with soybean meal, the mean milk production responses to feeding rumen-undegradable protein supplements ranged from -2.5 to +2.75%. Because of the large variation and small magnitude of response when rumen-undegradable protein supplements are fed compared with soybean meal, efficiency of nitrogen utilization and the cost to benefit ratio for these crude protein supplements may determine the source and amount of crude protein to feed to dairy cows in the future.

Nutrient supply to dairy cows from processed white lupines

The objective of this study was to compare the DVE/OEB system (DVE = truly absorbed protein in the small intestine; OEB = degraded protein balance (DPB) in Dutch) and the NRC-2001 model in the prediction of supply of protein to dairy cows from processed white lupines (Lupinus albus L.). Comparisons were made in terms of (1) ruminally synthesized microbial CP, (2) truly absorbed protein in the small intestine, and (3) degraded protein balance. In addition, the systematic investigation of roasting of the white lupines at various temperatures (110, 130, or 150 degrees C) and times (15, 30 or 45 min) on manipulation of digestive behaviour and the potential nutrient supply to dairy cows were also carried out, to obtain information on best processing conditions as intestinal protein sources (to achieve target values for potential high net absorbable protein in the small intestine while holding any N loss in the rumen to a low level). The results showed that the predicted values from the DVE/OEB system and the NRC-2001 model had significant correlations with high R ( > 0.83) values. However, using the DVE/OEB system, the overall average microbial protein supply based on available energy was 11% higher and the truly absorbed protein in the small intestine was 7% higher than that predicted by the NRC-2001 model. The difference was also found in the prediction of the degraded protein balances (DPB), which was 8% higher based on data from the NRC-2001 model. These differences are due to considerably different factors used in calculations in the two models, although both are based on similar principles. This indicates that a further refinement is needed for a modern protein evaluation and prediction system. In addition, this study showed that the roasting at higher temperature and time was effective in shifting protein degradation from rumen to intestines and it increased the DVE or MP values without reaching the negative degraded protein balance. The processing at 15 degrees C for 30 or 45 min might be the best treatments for white lupine due to its higher DVE and MP values and the very low DPB values.

Effects of different forms of canola oil fatty acids plus canola meal on milk composition and physical properties of butter

Twenty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 16-wk trial. A block of 10 cows received a control diet, based on corn silage, and the other block of 10 cows successively received four diets with 1) an extruded blend of canola meal and canola seeds, 2) canola meal and whole canola seeds, 3) canola meal and ground canola seeds, or 4) canola meal and calcium salts of canola oil fatty acids. Canola fat represented about 2% of dietary dry matter. Compared to control cows, treated cows had similar dry matter intake, milk production, and daily milk output of true protein or fat. Protein contents of milk was decreased by all treatments, with a lower effect of extruded or whole canola seeds. Milk fat contents was lowered by all treatments, extruded seeds and calcium salts resulting in most important effects. All treatments lowered the percentage of fatty acids with 12 to 16 carbons in milk fat, increased C18:0 and cis-C18:1 percentages, and the proportion of liquid fat in butter between 0 and 12 degrees C. Calcium salts and, to a lesser extent extruded seeds, resulted in most important improvements of milk fatty acid profile and butter softness, whereas whole seeds had low effects.

Estimation of microbial nitrogen flow to the duodenum of cattle based on dry matter intake and diet composition

The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the National Research Council equation used to predict microbial N flow to the duodenum in lactating cows, and 2) to determine whether improved equations could be developed by using dietary parameters used in the field. Treatment means from 55 trials with lactating and nonlactating cattle with duodenal cannulas were subjected to the backward elimination procedure of multiple regression. Variation within and among trials was accounted for by weighting the observations and including trial effects in all models. The equations to predict microbial N flow based on net energy for lactation (NEL) intake were different from the equation based on NEL intake used by the dairy National Research Council. Dry matter intake (DMI) estimated microbial N flow as well as did NEL intake, indicating that DMI drives predictions based on NEL intake. When multiple dietary factors [i.e., DMI; dietary percentages of crude protein, forage, and neutral detergent fiber; and all two-way interactions] were included, the resulting equation [microbial N (grams per day) = 16.1 + 22.9 x DMI (kilograms per day) - 0.365 x DMI2 - 1.74 x dietary neutral detergent fiber (percentage of dry matter)] tended to fit the data better than the equations based on NEL intake but not better than the equation based on DMI alone. The multiple-factor equation appeared to be the best overall equation for prediction; in contrast to the equation based on DMI, this equation is sensitive to diet composition. An asymptotic multiple-factor equation was developed, which may be more appropriate when extrapolating beyond the data range.

Milk production and intake of lactating cows fed raw or extruded peas

Primiparous (n = 9) and multiparous (n = 18) Holstein cows averaging 584 +/- 15 kg of body weight (mean +/- SE) were allotted at 2 wk postpartum to nine groups (3 primiparous and 6 multiparous) of 3 cows each to determine the effects of pea extrusion on ruminal degradability and milk production. Cows were fed a total mixed diet based on timothy silage and concentrate for ad libitum intake. The experiment was carried out between wk 4 and 15 of lactation. Cows within each group were assigned randomly to isonitrogenous and isoenergetic concentrates based on corn plus soybean meal, raw peas, or extruded peas. Extrusion of peas increased the ruminal degradability of starch but had no effect on the ruminal degradability of crude protein. Cows fed extruded peas had higher dry matter intakes and plasma urea N concentrations than did those fed soybean meal; no differences were detected between cows fed extruded and raw peas. Production of 4% fat-corrected milk and milk composition generally were similar for cows fed the various diets. Digestibilities of dry matter and N were higher for cows fed extruded peas than for cows fed soybean meal or raw peas. These data suggest that peas can substitute for soybean meal as the protein source in diets of early lactation cows without adverse effects on production and that, in this study, the extrusion of peas had no beneficial effect on milk production.