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Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant...
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Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant Nutrition

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 5542

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dingfu Xiao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
Interests: animal nutrition; beef cattle feeding; nutritional value assessment of feeds; alternative feeds; natural feed additives
Dr. Tiantian Meng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
Interests: natural feed additives; nutritional value assessment of feeds; animal nutritional physiology; nutrition and metabolic regulation; novel feedstuffs

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To improve the efficiency of ruminant and livestock production, ruminant feeding should use local feed resources to develop alternative feeds, or implement bio-utilization technologies to make use of byproducts, reduce feeding costs and alleviate the food competition between humans and animals. Feed constitutes a major input to the animal production system, and the nutritional value of alternative forages varies greatly depending on the source, variety, processing, or storage method. Therefore, it is critical to understand feed quality and its impact on ruminant production, livestock product quality, and the environment. Most importantly, we must describe the nutritional value of alternative feedstuffs with greater precision, allowing nutritionists to incorporate them into balanced diets with fewer errors, and improve feed quality through technological advancement.

This Special Issue aims to improve our understanding of the nutritive value of ruminant feeds, particularly roughage and silage. Original research articles, reviews, and short communications are welcome.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

1) The nutritional value of ruminant feeds;

2) Non-conventional feed bioconversion for ruminants (including silage, yellow silage, ammonification, bacterial, and enzymatic co-fermentation, etc.);

3) Novel feedstuffs or unconventional feeds for ruminants, as well as their effects and mechanisms.

Prof. Dr. Dingfu Xiao
Dr. Tiantian Meng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ruminant feeding
  • nutritive value
  • corn soybean meal substitution
  • novel feedstuffs
  • unconventional feeds
  • by-products
  • in vitro digestibility
  • rumen fermentation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2004 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Rumen Fermentation and Bacteria Community in Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) through Varying Levels of Dragon Fruit Peel Polyphenolic Extract: An In Vitro Study
by Chao Ban, Xingzhou Tian, Qi Lu, Pipat Lounglawan and Guilan Wen
Animals 2024, 14(8), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081139 - 09 Apr 2024
Viewed by 451
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract (DFPE) on gas production, rumen fermentation, and bacterial communities in sika deer using an in vitro technique. Three treatments with different DFPE levels (DFPE0, base diet; DFPE5, [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dragon fruit peel polyphenolic extract (DFPE) on gas production, rumen fermentation, and bacterial communities in sika deer using an in vitro technique. Three treatments with different DFPE levels (DFPE0, base diet; DFPE5, base diet + 5 mg/g DFPE; DFPE10, base diet + 10 mg/g DFPE, respectively; n = 6) were implemented. The phenolic composition of DFPE, gas production (GP), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and bacteria communities was evaluated after 24 h of incubation. The results showed that GP and NH3-N were reduced by DFPE supplementation. Total VFA, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid were increased (p < 0.05) by the addition of DFPE. No changes (p > 0.05) were observed in pH, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid. Additionally, the alpha indexes, including Sobs, Shannon, and Ace, were increased by DFPE supplementation. Moreover, at the phylum level, DFPE supplementation increased (p = 0.01) Bacteroidota but reduced (p < 0.01) Firmicutes. At the genus level, compared to DFPE0, the DFPE10 had increased relative abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (p < 0.01), norank_f_Muribaculaceae (p = 0.01), Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group (p < 0.01), Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < 0.01), and NK4A214_group (p < 0.01), decreased relative abundances of Streptococcus (p < 0.01), Oribacterium (p = 0.01), and Enterococcus (p < 0.01). Compared to DFPE0, DFPE5 had no change (p > 0.05) in all bacteria at the genus level except for decreased relative abundance of Enterococcus (p < 0.01). These results indicated that DFPE may be able to be used as a feed additive to enhance fermentation parameters and improve ruminal bacteria communities in Sika deer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant Nutrition)
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14 pages, 1028 KiB  
Article
Differences in Chemical Composition, Polyphenol Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation among Sorghum Stalks
by Xingzhou Tian, Jixiao Qin, Qingyuan Luo, Yiqing Xu, Shuanglong Xie, Rui Chen, Xu Wang and Qi Lu
Animals 2024, 14(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030415 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1003
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the differences in the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation among six varieties of sorghum stalks. The results show that maoliangnuo 1 (M1) contained a higher (p < 0.05) [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to examine the differences in the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation among six varieties of sorghum stalks. The results show that maoliangnuo 1 (M1) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of dry matter, and jinzhong 405 (J4) contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of crude protein content. The concentrations of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stalk jinliangnuo (JN). The levels of chlorogenic acid, homoorientin, isovitexin, vitexin, rhoifolin, genistin, quercetin, apigenin, aloe emodin, emodin, and total polyphenols were all significantly (p < 0.05) higher in maohongnuo 6 (M6) than in the other stalks. Moreover, stalk M6 contained higher (p < 0.05) levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging capacity. There were significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between total polyphenols and TAC, superoxide dismutase, GPX, CAT, and DPPH free-radical scavenging capacity. The total gas production was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the sorghum stalk variety and incubation time. Stalk J4 displayed higher values for the (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction and the potential extent of gas production, while stalk M6 exhibited a significantly lower (p < 0.05) insoluble fraction level. Furthermore, stalk M6 exhibited a significantly higher level of (p < 0.05) ruminal fluid propionic acid, but its level of butyric acid and its ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid were both significantly lower (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results reported in this paper indicate that the chemical composition, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro rumen fermentation all vary greatly among different varieties of sorghum stalks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant Nutrition)
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14 pages, 1290 KiB  
Article
Protective Effects of Niacin on Rumen Epithelial Cell Barrier Integrity in Heat-Stressed Beef Cattle
by Bicheng Zou, Fan Long, Fuguang Xue, Chuanbin Chen, Xian Zhang, Mingren Qu and Lanjiao Xu
Animals 2024, 14(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020313 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 825
Abstract
The present study investigates the theoretical basis for maintaining normal physiological functions in heat-stressed beef cattle by exploring the effects of niacin supplementation on the permeability of the rumen epithelial cell barrier. Herein, 12 Jinjiang bulls with an average weight of approximately 400 [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the theoretical basis for maintaining normal physiological functions in heat-stressed beef cattle by exploring the effects of niacin supplementation on the permeability of the rumen epithelial cell barrier. Herein, 12 Jinjiang bulls with an average weight of approximately 400 ± 20.0 kg were randomly divided into three groups, thermoneutral (TN), heat-stressed (HS), and heat-stressed niacin-supplemented (HN) groups, with 4 bulls in each group. The experiment spanned 70 days, and the plasma concentrations of D-lactic acid, diamine oxidase (DAO), lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Additionally, we assessed the gene expression of tight junction proteins to understand the effect of niacin supplementation on heat-stressed beef cattle. Our results revealed that heat stress significantly increased the D-lactic acid and LPS levels in beef cattle plasma on days 30 and 45 of the experiment (p < 0.05). Moreover, it led to a significant rise in DAO levels on day 30 (p < 0.05). Niacin supplementation significantly reduced the LPS levels on day 30 (p < 0.05). Heat stress significantly elevated the plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05), while reducing the IL-4 concentration (p < 0.05). However, niacin supplementation effectively mitigated the concentrations of these inflammatory factors by reducing IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations and increasing IL-4 concentrations. The mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, claudin-4, and claudin-7 were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05) in the HS group compared to those in the TN group, and those of ZO-1 and occludin were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) in the HN group compared to those in the HS group. Notably, no significant differences were observed in ruminal papillae length and width among the studied groups (p > 0.05). Our findings indicate that heat stress adversely impacted the tight junction structure of the rumen epithelium, leading to a significant reduction in the expression of tight junction protein mRNA. Consequently, heat stress impaired the rumen mucosal barrier function, resulting in increased intestinal permeability. The mechanism underlying this effect may be associated with the decreased expression of tight junction protein genes in the rumen epithelial cells. However, niacin supplementation mitigated the detrimental effects of heat stress on intestinal permeability in beef cattle and increased the expression of tight junction protein genes in the rumen epithelium, thereby effectively protecting the rumen barrier in heat-stressed beef cattle. These results highlight the potential of nicotinic acid as a protective agent against the negative impacts of heat stress on intestinal integrity in beef cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant Nutrition)
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16 pages, 5814 KiB  
Article
Effects of High-Concentrate-Induced SARA on Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Levels and Rumen Microbiota and Function in Goats
by Siqin Fan, Mengli Zheng, Ao Ren, Hongxiang Mao, Donglei Long and Lingyuan Yang
Animals 2024, 14(2), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020263 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 764
Abstract
This study aims to explore the antioxidant, immune, and enzyme metabolism aspects in goats experiencing subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Furthermore, we seek to elucidate the relationship between the symbiotic microbiota of goats and their metabolic function. Sixteen goats were equally divided into two [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore the antioxidant, immune, and enzyme metabolism aspects in goats experiencing subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Furthermore, we seek to elucidate the relationship between the symbiotic microbiota of goats and their metabolic function. Sixteen goats were equally divided into two groups and fed a normal-concentrate diet (NC, 55% concentrate) or a high-concentrate diet (HC, 90% concentrate) for five weeks. We found that the HC diet reduced the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p = 0.022) and increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (p = 0.015), interleukin-4 (IL-4) (p = 0.008) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p = 0.002) concentration of goats. Simultaneously, the HC diet significantly increased the concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and amylase (AMY) in the blood and rumen fluid of goats (p < 0.05). Microbial analysis in the rumen of goats revealed that the HC diet decreased bacterial richness and diversity, as evidenced by the changed observed species, Chao 1, PD whole tree and Shannon when compared to the NC diet (p < 0.01). The proportion of Proteobacteria increased while that of Spirochaetes and Fibrobacteres significantly decreased with the HC diet (p < 0.05). The Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 in rumen was notably decreased when a diet was switched from 55% concentrate diet to 90% concentrate diet (p < 0.05). Additionally, microbial functional potentials deduced that the HC diet significantly increased the abundance of the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) (ko00020) associated with carbohydrate metabolism (p = 0.028). Furthermore, the HC diet significantly increased the glutathione metabolism (ko00480) associated with the metabolism of other amino acids (p = 0.008). Our findings suggested that SARA reduced the total antioxidant capacity and increased levels of inflammatory factors in goats, as well as decreased rumen bacterial species and abundance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant Nutrition)
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15 pages, 3651 KiB  
Article
Expansion Improved the Physical and Chemical Properties and In Vitro Rumen Digestibility of Buckwheat Straw
by Xiaohui Cao, Sasa Zuo, Yanli Lin, Rui Cai, Fuyu Yang, Xuekai Wang and Chuncheng Xu
Animals 2024, 14(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010029 (registering DOI) - 21 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 692
Abstract
The hard texture and poor palatability of straw are important factors that hinder its application in feed. Expansion is a technology that can improve the utilization of biomass, but few studies have comprehensively revealed how to change physicochemical characteristics to improve nutritional value. [...] Read more.
The hard texture and poor palatability of straw are important factors that hinder its application in feed. Expansion is a technology that can improve the utilization of biomass, but few studies have comprehensively revealed how to change physicochemical characteristics to improve nutritional value. In this study, mechanical and chemical methods were combined to study the texture properties, rheological properties, and physicochemical structures of straw, and its utilization value was evaluated by in vitro rumen digestion. Expansion caused hemicellulose degradation, cellulose separation, and lignin redistribution, resulting in a decrease in crystallinity. The hardness and chewiness of expanded straw were reduced by 55% to 66%, significantly improving palatability. The compressive stress could be reduced by 54–73%, and the relaxation elasticity was reduced by 5% when expanded straw was compressed. The compression deformation of expanded straw was doubled compared to feedstock, and the compacting degree was improved. Expanded straw significantly improved digestibility and gas production efficiency, which was due to the pore structure increasing the attachment of rumen microorganisms; besides that, the reduction of the internal structural force of the straw reduced energy consumption during digestion. The lignin content decreased by 10%, the hardness decreased further in secondary expansion, but the digestibility did not improve significantly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant Nutrition)
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11 pages, 257 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Replacing Whole-Plant Corn Silage with Daylily on the Growth Performance, Slaughtering Performance, Muscle Amino Acid Composition, and Blood Composition of Tan Sheep
by Junli Zhang, Fen Li, Rina Na, Xue Bai, Yanfen Ma, Yuwei Yang, Yun Ma and Xiuqin Wang
Animals 2023, 13(22), 3493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13223493 - 12 Nov 2023
Viewed by 790
Abstract
The shortage of high-quality coarse feed resources is the main factor that restricts the development of animal husbandry in many developing countries. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing corn silage with daylily silage on the growth performance, slaughter performance, [...] Read more.
The shortage of high-quality coarse feed resources is the main factor that restricts the development of animal husbandry in many developing countries. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing corn silage with daylily silage on the growth performance, slaughter performance, blood biochemical indicators, meat quality, and muscle amino acid composition of Tan sheep. A total of 72 healthy Tan sheep were randomly assigned to four groups. In each group, 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of corn silage were replaced with daylily silage (denoted as CON, HC20, HC40, and HC60, respectively). Tan sheep fed with daylily silage showed no significant adverse effects on their growth performance, meat quality, and muscle amino acid composition (p > 0.05). Some increase was observed in the carcass fat content value (GR-value, p < 0.05), thickness of backfat (p < 0.05), and the blood urea level (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the utilization of daylily silage instead of whole-plant corn silage has no adverse effects on the growth performance and meat quality of Tan sheep, thus indicating that it can partially replace whole-plant corn feed as a feed resource for Tan sheep. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritive Value or Bioutilization Technology of Alternative Forages for Ruminant Nutrition)
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