Reducing Ruminal Ammonia Production With Improvement in Feed Utilization Efficiency and Performance of Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Through Dietary Supplementation of Plant-Based Feed Additive Blend

Use of a commercial feed supplement based on diatom earth and yeast products on oxidative status and in vitro immune response in buffaloes during peripartum

The transition period is a critical metabolic phase for dairy ruminants, especially those with high production levels. In spite of this, little is still known about dairy water buffalo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial feed additive based on diatomaceous earth and hydrolyzed yeasts on health status, milk quality, and immune response of buffalo cows during the transition period. Eighty healthy Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Italian Mediterranean breed were included in the trial. They were subdivided into two groups: one group received the additive (n = 40) while the control group (n = 40) received a placebo. The trial lasted 120 d, from 60 d before calving to 60 d in milk. Blood samples were collected from each buffalo at -60 (60 d from the expected calving), -30, 0 (calving), +15, +30, and +60 d (respectively, i.e., 15, 30, and 60 d in milking). The biochemical as well as the oxidative profile, and the antioxidant power and enzymatic activity were evaluated in the samples obtained. Moreover, acute phase proteins, reactive proteins, and interleukin plasma levels were determined. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocytes were isolated and viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species were measured on PBMC and monocytes. The introduction of additives enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activity, while no differences were observed in oxidation products throughout the trial. Additionally, it significantly reduced the synthesis of ROS in polymorphonuclear cells, supporting a potential positive response in animals experiencing inflammation. The impact of oxidation on the products was not evident. Despite higher enzyme levels in plasma, this did not necessarily correspond to significantly increased enzymatic activity but rather indicated a higher potential. From these results, it was evident that the transition period in buffaloes differs notably from what reported in the literature for cows, probably due to the absence of common postpartum production diseases in dairy cows and lower metabolic challenges linked to lower milk production in buffaloes. Few parameters exhibited notable changes during the transition period in buffaloes, notably certain antioxidant enzymes, PBMC viability, PBMC ROS production, and Hp levels.

Reduction of methane and nitrogen emission and improvement of feed efficiency, rumen fermentation, and milk production through strategic supplementation of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) leaf meal in the diet of lactating buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Buffalo plays a compelling role in reducing malnutrition and ensuring food to the people of Asian countries by its major contribution to milk and meat pool of the livestock agriculture farming system in the region. As Asia is the home for more than 90% of world buffalo population, they are also one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) leaves are rich sources of naturally occurring essential oils and phenolic compounds, which could modulate rumen fermentation through mitigation of methanogenesis and nitrogen excretion along with stimulation of immune system and production performances of animals. Therefore, the present study investigated the impact of dietary inclusion of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) leaf meal (ELM) on voluntary feed intake, rumen functions, methane emission, nutrient utilization, milk yield and fatty acids profile, and immune response in lactating buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). An in vitro experiment conducted with graded dose (10-40 g/kg) inclusion of ELM into the total mixed ration to select ideal level for feeding to lactating buffaloes, an improvement (P < 0.05) in feed degradability (IVDMD), microbial biomass and ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration with reduced (P < 0.05) methane and ammonia-N production were evidenced when ELM was added at 10-20 g/kg DM, beyond which negative effects on rumen fermentation were pronounced. An in vivo experimentation was conducted with sixteen Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes of mean live weight, 544.23 ± 10.02 kg; parity, 2-4 at initial stage (~60 days) of lactation with average milk yield of 11.43 ± 1.32 kg and were divided into two groups (CON, ELM) of eight each in a completely randomized design. All the animals were kept individually on wheat straw-based diet with required quantity of concentrate mixture and green fodder. The control group buffaloes were fed a total mixed ration; however, the treatment group (ELM) was supplemented with 10 g/kg DM diet of dry grounded eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) leaves by mixing with the concentrate mixture. The feeding experiment was conducted for 120 days, including 15 days for adaptation to the experimental diets and 105 days for data recording. The nutrient digestibility (DM, OM, CP, and EE) was improved (P < 0.05) without affecting feed intake (P > 0.05) and fiber digestibility (NDF and ADF) in ELM supplemented buffaloes. Increased (P < 0.05) milk production and rumenic acid concentration (cis 9 trans 11 C18:2 CLA) were demonstrated with comparable (P > 0.05) milk composition and major fatty acids profile of milk in the supplemented buffaloes. Dietary inclusion of ELM reduced (P < 0.05) enteric methane production and fecal excretion of nitrogen. The health status of buffaloes fed ELM improved throughout the experimental period was improved by enhancing cell mediated (P = 0.09) and humoral (P < 0.01) immune responses without affecting (P > 0.05) major blood metabolites. The study described feeding ELM at 10 g/kg diet to lactating Murrah buffaloes as a natural source of phenols and essential oils to increase milk production and CLA content, reduce methane and nitrogen emissions, and improve health status. Thus, feeding of ELM could be beneficial for climate smart buffalo production system for enhancing milk production with lesser impact on environment.

Impact of Dietary Phytogenic Composite Feed Additives on Immune Response, Antioxidant Status, Methane Production, Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves

The focus on the bioactive effects of plants concerns mainly ruminal microflora for the modulation of rumen fermentation with very little emphasis placed on their consequences on health parameters, including antioxidative and immune stimulating effects. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of supplementing phytogenic feed additives composed of a mixture of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) and poplar (Populus deltoides) leaf-meal (EPLM) on immune response, antioxidant status, metabolic profile, enteric methane production, growth performance, and nutrient utilization in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. In vitro studies with graded doses of EPLM extract revealed a reduction in total gas and methane production with an increased proportion of propionate without affecting feed degradability. In the in vivo experimentation, eighteen female buffalo calves (10–14 months old, avg. body weight 131.68 ± 7.50 kg) were divided into three groups (CONT, EPLM-1, and EPLM-2) of six each in a completely randomized design. Treatment groups were supplemented with a blend (1:1) of dry grounded eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) and poplar (Populus deltoids) leaves (50 g, EPLM-1; 150 g, EPLM-2). Feed intake and growth rate of buffalo calves fed on different feeding regimens did not differ (p > 0.05). Haemato-biochemical parameters reveal no variations (p > 0.05) among groups, irrespective of period of collection, except the concentration of blood urea, which was decreased (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups as compared to the control. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased (p < 0.05) in EPLM supplemented animals as compared to CONT. The extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was reduced (p < 0.05) with increased level of EPLM in the diet. The total thiol group (T-SH) was also increased with the supplementation of leaves in the diet. The mean absolute values for skin thickness following the intra-dermal injection of PHA-P were increased (p < 0.05) in all the supplemented animals relative to CONT. However, there was no significant difference among the calves fed graded levels of these feed additives in the diet. The Ab titer against Pasteurella multocida vaccine was higher (p < 0.05) on both day 45 and 90 in both treatments, irrespective of the level of additive supplemented. The enteric methane production was reduced in EPLM supplemented buffaloes; however, digestibility of all the nutrients remained comparable (p > 0.05) among the animals. It may be concluded that blends of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) and poplar (Populus deltoides) leaf-meal (50 g/h/d) containing 3.19 g, 2.30 g, and 0.71 g of total phenolics, tannin phenolics, and condensed tannins, respectively, can be used as the phytogenic feed additive for improving antioxidant status and immunity of buffalo calves, and mitigating enteric methane production without affecting performance and nutrient utilization.

Varied diets: implications for lamb performance, rumen characteristics, total antioxidant status, and welfare

Intensive pastoral systems have moved away from diverse and varied diets towards overly simple monotonous diets. Feed choice through time is an obsolete way of providing forage to animals, as intensive management schemes generally allocate a single herbage or a dyad mixed sward. Monotonous feeding regimes impose nutritional repetition, which may impair animal performance and welfare. The objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of a diverse diet [DIV; free choice from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) at all times], a varied diet [VAR; choice from ryegrass and plantain in the AM (0700-1600 h), and chicory and alfalfa in PM (1600-0700 h)], and a single forage diet of alfalfa [SFA; alfalfa at all times], on DMI, performance, and welfare of lambs. Six-month-old Coopworth ram lambs (n = 21) were offered their respective fresh-forage treatment (n = 7) diet indoors for 20 d. The DIV lambs consumed 1.64 ± 0.03 kg DM/d (mean ± SEm), which was 6% more (P < 0.05; 1.54 ± 0.03 kg DM/d) than the SFA and were not different (P > 0.05; 1.59 ± 0.03 kg DM/d) to the VAR lambs. Average daily gain (ADG) of DIV (296 g/d) and VAR (378 g/d) was 30% and 67% greater (P < 0.05) than that in the SFA lambs (227 g/d), respectively. The VAR lambs had 28% greater (P < 0.05) ADG than the DIV lambs. Differences among treatments were detected (P < 0.05) for the proportion of the day spent conducting the following behaviors: eating, ruminating, idling, lying, and standing. In addition, the number of bouts of stereotypic behaviors recorded from the SFA lambs (13.2 ± 2.2) was 150% greater (P < 0.05) than the DIV (5.1 ± 1.0) and VAR (5.5 ± 1.0) lambs. Our results suggest that the varied diet offered can improve animal performance and welfare compared to a monotonous SFA diet. Feeding management to provide a varied diet can improve performance relative to giving lambs free choice from taxonomically diverse forage options. Moreover, performance is affected by more than the primary chemical composition of the diet consumed, but how the diet is presented through time and the herbage species and quantities of each that are consumed to reach that chemical composition.

Influence of dietary phytogenic feed additives on lactation performance, methane emissions and health status of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

BACKGROUND

Several feed additives have been used in recent past to reduce enteric methane production in ruminants. But most of them also inhibit feed digestibility and rumen fermentation, thereby lowering animal performance. Phytogenic feed additives are gaining importance owing to their safety in regard to human health issues. The present study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of phytogenic feed additive containing a blend of poplar (Populus deltoides) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) leaves on feed utilization, milk production, methane emissions and health status of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

RESULTS

The daily milk yield, 6% fat corrected milk yield, and fat-protein corrected milk yield were increased (P < 0.05) in phytogenic composite feed additive (PCFA)-supplemented buffaloes. A decrease (37.3%) in methane concentration in exhaled air of supplemented buffaloes was evident. The digestibility coefficient of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre was increased (P < 0.05) in PCFA-fed buffaloes without affecting feed intake. Total digestible nutrient content of the ration fed to buffaloes of the PCFA group was significantly (P < 0.05) increased. The buffaloes fed PCFA exhibited an enhanced cell-mediated and humoral immune response.

CONCLUSION

A discernible positive impact was evident on overall performances and health status along with lowered methane production of buffaloes fed (15 g kg^-1 dry matter intake) a blend of phytogenic feed additive composed of leaves of poplar (P. deltoides) and eucalyptus (E. citriodora). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Empirical Evaluation and Prediction of Protein Requirements for Maintenance and Growth of 18-24 Months Old Thai Swamp Buffaloes

Simple Summary

Thai swamp buffalo is a domesticated swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) which has a functional significance for the livestock production system and for the economic benefit of Thailand. For instance, meat supply derived from Thai swamp buffalo is a secondary consideration in recently years. Therefore, there is mounting interest concerning the regulation of the nutrient requirements of Thai swamp buffalo to optimize their production. However, no systematic report is available on the nutrient requirements of the growing Thai swamp buffalo. This study investigates and predicts protein requirement systems that can provide an abundant energy intake and can be included in the 18–24 months old Thai swamp buffalo’s diet, as well as supply the recommended amount of net nitrogen or crude protein requirement to optimize their growth and maintenance. Protein requirement, nutrient utilization, and microorganism profile are included to corroborate the influences mentioned.

Abstract

In some geographical areas and in certain breeding situations, the interpretation of increased gain in the bovine is difficult to investigate. Due to their inherent genetic variations, their energy and protein needs vary as a function of inherent genetic differences, making these requirements difficult to accurately assess in bull species, e.g., Thai swamp buffalo. The study aimed at investigating and predicting protein requirement systems, by the provision of an abundant energy intake of 2.2 Mcal/kg DM for the maintenance and growth of Thai swamp buffaloes using a comparative prolonged feeding trial for 90 days. Sixteen bull Thai swamp buffaloes at the initial (Age: 18–24 months; BW: 233 ± 25.0 kg) were assigned into four treatment groups, four buffaloes each, fed 5.4, 6.6, 8.5, and 10.5% DM crude protein (CP). CP intake, BW, and physiological fluid were determined. The net CP requirements for maintenance and growth of Thai swamp buffaloes were 5.41 g CP/kg W^0.75 and 0.46 g CP/g average daily gain (ADG), respectively. Our results indicated that CP requirement increases when the BW increases. An increased dietary CP resulted in increased amounts of blood urine nitrogen (N), N absorption, total volatile fatty acid, urinary purine derivative, and the microbial N. Notably, the net CP requirement for growth of Thai swamp buffalo was higher than it reported in NRC, but the maintenance was lower.