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29 pages, 2756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enteric Methane Emissions Prediction in Dairy Cattle and Effects of Monensin on Methane Emissions: A Meta-Analysis

by Joyce L. Marumo, P. Andrew LaPierre and Michael E. Van Amburgh

Animals 2023, 13(8), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081392 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5068

Abstract

Greenhouse gas emissions, such as enteric methane (CH₄) from ruminant livestock, have been linked to global warming. Thus, easily applicable CH₄ management strategies, including the inclusion of dietary additives, should be in place. The objectives of the current study were [...] Read more.

Greenhouse gas emissions, such as enteric methane (CH₄) from ruminant livestock, have been linked to global warming. Thus, easily applicable CH₄ management strategies, including the inclusion of dietary additives, should be in place. The objectives of the current study were to: (i) compile a database of animal records that supplemented monensin and investigate the effect of monensin on CH₄ emissions; (ii) identify the principal dietary, animal, and lactation performance input variables that predict enteric CH₄ production (g/d) and yield (g/kg of dry matter intake DMI); (iii) develop empirical models that predict CH₄ production and yield in dairy cattle; and (iv) evaluate the newly developed models and published models in the literature. A significant reduction in CH₄ production and yield of 5.4% and 4.0%, respectively, was found with a monensin supplementation of ≤24 mg/kg DM. However, no robust models were developed from the monensin database because of inadequate observations under the current paper’s inclusion/exclusion criteria. Thus, further long-term in vivo studies of monensin supplementation at ≤24 mg/kg DMI in dairy cattle on CH₄ emissions specifically beyond 21 days of feeding are reported to ensure the monensin effects on the enteric CH₄ are needed. In order to explore CH₄ predictions independent of monensin, additional studies were added to the database. Subsequently, dairy cattle CH₄ production prediction models were developed using a database generated from 18 in vivo studies, which included 61 treatment means from the combined data of lactating and non-lactating cows (COM) with a subset of 48 treatment means for lactating cows (LAC database). A leave-one-out cross-validation of the derived models showed that a DMI-only predictor model had a similar root mean square prediction error as a percentage of the mean observed value (RMSPE, %) on the COM and LAC database of 14.7 and 14.1%, respectively, and it was the key predictor of CH₄ production. All databases observed an improvement in prediction abilities in CH₄ production with DMI in the models along with dietary forage proportion inclusion and the quadratic term of dietary forage proportion. For the COM database, the CH₄ yield was best predicted by the dietary forage proportion only, while the LAC database was for dietary forage proportion, milk fat, and protein yields. The best newly developed models showed improved predictions of CH₄ emission compared to other published equations. Our results indicate that the inclusion of dietary composition along with DMI can provide an improved CH₄ production prediction in dairy cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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14 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Neem Leaf Supplementation on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Ruminal Microbial Population in Goats

by Nittaya Taethaisong, Siwaporn Paengkoum, Walailuck Kaewwongsa, Narawich Onjai-uea, Sorasak Thongpea and Pramote Paengkoum

Animals 2023, 13(5), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050890 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5571

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of neem leaf supplementation on the feed intake, digestibility, performance, fermentation characteristics, and ruminal microbes in goats. We included 24 Anglo-Nubian Thai native male goats with a body weight of 20 ± 2.0 kg, using 2 [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate the effect of neem leaf supplementation on the feed intake, digestibility, performance, fermentation characteristics, and ruminal microbes in goats. We included 24 Anglo-Nubian Thai native male goats with a body weight of 20 ± 2.0 kg, using 2 × 2 factorial in a completely randomized design for the following four treatments: (1) control, (2) control + 15% PEG in the concentrate, (3) 6% NL in concentrate, and (4) 6% NL + 15% PEG in concentrate. The results show that supplementation with 6% NL + 15% PEG in the concentrate had a higher (p < 0.05) feed intake gDM/d, % BW, g/kgBW^0.75, nutrient intake, nutrient digestion, weight change, and ADG than did the goats that were fed with 0% NL + 0% PEG, 0% NL + 15% PEG, and 6% NL + 0% PEG in concentrate, respectively. The feeding with 6% NL + 15% PEG had a higher (p < 0.05) level of propionic acid at 2 and 4 h post feeding compared to the other treatments. Supplementation with 6% NL + 15% PEG in the concentrate had the lowest (p < 0.05) methanogen, protozoa, blood urea nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, acetic acid, and butyric acid, as well as a lower ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid at 2 and 4 h post feeding than the other treatments. However, supplementation with 6% NL + 15% PEG in concentrate had the highest values of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Streptococcus gallolyticus at 2 and 4 h post feeding compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Collectively, this study indicates that neem leaf supplements can increase growth performance and propionic acid and can modulate the abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Streptococcus gallolyticus. Thus, neem leaf could potentially be a good supplement for goat feed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

12 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Levels of Yucca Supplementation on Growth Rates, Metabolic Profiles, Fecal Odor Emissions, and Carcass Traits of Growing Lambs

by Ibrahim S. Alsubait, Ibrahim A. Alhidary and Ahmed A. Al-Haidary

Animals 2023, 13(4), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040755 - 19 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2624

Abstract

Sixty male Awassi lambs were used to investigate the effects of dietary Yucca schidgera extract (YS) on the production, fecal and urinary odor emissions, and carcass traits of growing lambs fed complete pellets. Lambs were fed either a complete pelleted diet without yucca [...] Read more.

Sixty male Awassi lambs were used to investigate the effects of dietary Yucca schidgera extract (YS) on the production, fecal and urinary odor emissions, and carcass traits of growing lambs fed complete pellets. Lambs were fed either a complete pelleted diet without yucca (control) or supplemented with 300 or 600 mg YS/kg dry matter (DM) during the 84-day experiment. The weights and feed consumption of the lambs were measured weekly. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 28, 58, and 84, and ruminal fluid samples were collected on day 70. On day 90, the odor emissions from feces and urine were measured. On day 84, 12 lambs were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass and meat quality. The final values for bodyweight, bodyweight gain, and feed efficiency of lambs fed the YS₃₀₀ diet were 3.40%, 6.64%, and 6.17%, respectively, higher (p < 0.05) than those fed the YS₆₀₀ diet. Additionally, the percentage of dressing, myofibril fragmentation index, and ruminal isovalerate percentage of lambs treated with YS₆₀₀ were higher than those treated with YS₃₀₀. Compared with the control, the addition of yucca reduced odor emissions from feces and urine. In conclusion, dietary YS₃₀₀ had no additional benefits on growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass traits, while dietary YS₆₀₀ improved fecal and urinary odors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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9 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Integration between Corn and Grass under Different Sowing Modalities a Viable Alternative for Silage?

by Dayenne Mariane Herrera, Wender Mateus Peixoto, Joadil Gonçalves de Abreu, Rafael Henrique Pereira dos Reis, Fabiano Gama de Sousa, Ernando Balbinot, Vanderley Antônio Chorobura Klein and Ricardo Pereira Costa

Animals 2023, 13(3), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030425 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2185

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation pattern and dry-matter losses in corn (Zea mays L.) silage intercropped with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa grasses in different sowing modalities through crop–livestock integration. The experimental design was in randomized [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation pattern and dry-matter losses in corn (Zea mays L.) silage intercropped with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa grasses in different sowing modalities through crop–livestock integration. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, which were arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme with four repetitions. The first factor consisted of the grass cultivars Marandu and Mombasa. The second factor was the sowing modalities of grasses intercropped with corn: (1) simultaneous row sowing and inter-row corn sowing (no fertilizer); (2) simultaneous row sowing and inter-row corn sowing (with fertilizer); (3) simultaneous sowing with double grass row in the corn inter-row; (4) delayed sowing inter-row at 7 days after corn emergence; and (5) delayed sowing inter-row at 14 days after corn emergence. The forage buffer capacity (BC), silage pH and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N) content, forage (FORDM) and silage dry-matter (SILDM) percentages, gas losses (GL), effluent losses (EL), and dry-matter recovery (DMR) parameters on the ensilage were evaluated. Only forage BC, silage NH₃-N, and silage DMR variables differed (p < 0.05) from the control silage (monocropped corn) when the integration was carried out. The grass cultivar factors and sowing modalities for BC and NH₃-N variables had an effect. The intercropping of corn and Marandu grass or Mombasa grass, in any grass sowing modality, did not affect the quality of the silage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

15 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Powder Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation, Feed Intake, Apparent Digestibility and Performance in Omani Sheep

by Hani M. El-Zaiat, Elshafie I. Elshafie, Waleed Al-Marzooqi and Kawakob Al Dughaishi

Animals 2022, 12(22), 3146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12223146 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3168

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of the dietary addition of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder (NLP) when compared to monensin (MON) on ruminal fermentation, feed intake, digestibility, and performance of growing lambs. Eighteen Omani lambs [...] Read more.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of the dietary addition of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder (NLP) when compared to monensin (MON) on ruminal fermentation, feed intake, digestibility, and performance of growing lambs. Eighteen Omani lambs (22.8 ± 2.18 kg of body weight (BW)) were equally divided into three groups (n = 6 lambs/group) for 90 days. Animals were fed an ad lib basal diet consisting of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay (600 g/kg) and a concentrated mixture (400 g/kg) offered twice daily. Experimental treatments were control (basal diet without supplements); MON (control plus 35 mg/kg DM as a positive control); and NLP (control plus 40 g/kg DM). Lambs fed NLP had reduced ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations, protozoal counts, total volatile fatty acid, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations compared to the control. Compared to MON, lambs fed NLP had increased ruminal acetate and decreased propionate proportions. Inclusion of NLP in the diet increased blood total protein, globulin, and liver enzyme concentrations in comparison with the control, which was similar to MON. The lamb’s final BW and average BW gain were also increased with the NLP relative to the control. Further, adding NLP to the diet increased the digestibility of crude protein compared to the control diet. In conclusion, adding NLP to the diet with 40 g/kg DM could be used as a promising phytogenic supplement for growing lambs with no detrimental effects on the ruminal fermentation profile, nutrient intake, or digestibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

13 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Wet Fermented Soybean Dregs on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Pellets of Corn Stover

by Tianyou Chen, Wenyu Zhang, Yuxin Liu, Yuqiu Song, Liyan Wu, Cuihong Liu and Tieliang Wang

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192632 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2005

Abstract

Pelleting experiments were carried out in this study to clarify the influence mechanism of wet-fermented soybean dregs on the forming of corn stover. The effects of addition of water or wet fermented soybean dregs on the forming quality of corn stover were comparatively [...] Read more.

Pelleting experiments were carried out in this study to clarify the influence mechanism of wet-fermented soybean dregs on the forming of corn stover. The effects of addition of water or wet fermented soybean dregs on the forming quality of corn stover were comparatively studied under different corn stover particle sizes and compression displacement. The fermented soybean dregs significantly affected the relaxed density, dimensional stability coefficient, and hardness of feed pellets. The relaxed density, dimensional stability coefficient, and hardness of feed pellets increased first and then decreased with the increase of fermented soybean dregs. The forming quality of corn stover added with fermented soybean dregs was higher than that of corn stover added with the same amount of water. The mechanism allowed soybean dregs to strengthen the bonding between corn stover particles and thus improved the quality of feed pellets. A certain amount of water was favorable for corn stover pelleting, but excessive water may decrease the quality of pellets. The comprehensive analysis showed that the addition of 5–10% fermented soybean dregs to the corn stover improved the relaxed density, dimensional stability coefficient, and hardness of feed pellets by 10.76–23.51%, 7.32–15.74%, and 33.39–454.47%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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11 pages, 1356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Feed Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectra as Predictors of Methane Emissions from Ruminants

by Xuezhao Sun, David Pacheco, Grant Taylor, Peter H. Janssen and Natasha M. Swainson

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182478 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2424

Abstract

Feed chemical composition is associated with methane (CH₄) formation in the rumen, and thus CH₄ yields (Y_m; CH₄ emitted from per unit of dry matter intake) could be predicted using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of feeds fed [...] Read more.

Feed chemical composition is associated with methane (CH₄) formation in the rumen, and thus CH₄ yields (Y_m; CH₄ emitted from per unit of dry matter intake) could be predicted using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of feeds fed to ruminants. Two databases of NIRS data were compiled from feeds used in experiments in which CH₄ yields had been quantified in respiration chambers. Each record in the databases represented a batch of feed offered to a group of experimental animals and the mean CH₄ yield for the group. A near-infrared reflectance spectrum was obtained from each feed, and these spectra were used to generate a predictive equation for Y_m. The predictive model generated from brassica crops and pasture fed at a similar feeding level (n = 40 records) explained 53% of the variation in Y_m and had a reasonably good agreement (concordance correlation coefficient of 0.77). The predictive ability of the NIRS calibration could be useful for screening purposes, particularly for predicting the potential Y_m of multiple feeds or feed samples, rather than measuring Y_m in animal experiments at high expenses. It is recommended that the databases for NIRS calibrations are expanded by collecting feed information from future experiments in which methane emissions are measured, using alternative algorithms and combining other techniques, such as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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9 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Phytonutrients in Terminalia chebula Retz. on Rumen Fermentation Efficiency, Nitrogen Utilization, and Protozoal Population in Goats

by Pongsatorn Gunun, Anusorn Cherdthong, Pichad Khejornsart, Metha Wanapat, Sineenart Polyorach, Sungchhang Kang, Walailuck Kaewwongsa and Nirawan Gunun

Animals 2022, 12(16), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12162022 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Terminalia chebula meal (TCM) supplementation on digestibility, rumen fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and protozoal population in goats. Eight goats with an initial body weight (BW) of 13 ± 3.0 kg were randomly assigned [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Terminalia chebula meal (TCM) supplementation on digestibility, rumen fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and protozoal population in goats. Eight goats with an initial body weight (BW) of 13 ± 3.0 kg were randomly assigned according to a double 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive different levels of TCM supplementation at 0, 8, 16, and 24 g/kg of total dry matter (DM) intake, respectively. The goats were fed with concentrate diets at 13 g/kg BW, while rice straw was used as a roughage source, fed ad libitum. The results revealed that the feed intake and the apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). However, crude protein (CP) digestibility decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when supplemented with TCM at 24 g/kg of total DM intake (p < 0.05). The addition of TCM did not change the ruminal pH and blood urea nitrogen concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas the concentration of NH₃-N at 4 h post feeding was reduced with the inclusion of TCM at 16 and 24 g/kg of total DM intake. The total numbers of bacteria were enhanced by the addition of TCM, while the protozoal population, in both entodiniomorph and holotrich, was reduced (p < 0.05). The supplementation of TCM did not change the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetic acid, or butyric acid, while the propionic acid concentration at 4-h post feeding increased significantly, especially when supplemented at 16 g/kg of total DM intake (p < 0.05. In addition, urinary nitrogen (N) excretion decreased, while fecal N excretion, N absorption, N retention, and the proportion of N retention to N intake increased with the inclusion of TCM at all levels. In summary, the inclusion of TCM could improve rumen fermentation efficiency and N balance without having an adverse effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen ecology; however, the protozoal population decreased. Therefore, this study suggests that TCM (16 g/kg of total DM intake) could be used as a plant source for rumen enhancement in goats fed a diet based on rice straw without having an adverse effect on feed intake or nutrient digestion. However, further studies on the production of types of meat and milk that have a long-term feeding trial should be carried out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

15 pages, 573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Replacement of Ground Corn with Sugar Beet in the Diet of Pasture-Fed Lactating Dairy Cows and Its Effect on Productive Performance and Rumen Metabolism

by Juan Pablo Keim, Jonattan Mora, Sebastián Ojeda, Bernardita Saldías and Ulrike Bedenk

Animals 2022, 12(15), 1927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151927 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2485

Abstract

(1) Background: Sugars have a potential to provide great amounts of fermentable energy in the rumen. Feeding fresh sugar beet (SB) to dairy cattle to replace a portion of the grain in the ration has not received sufficient attention. This study determined dry [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Sugars have a potential to provide great amounts of fermentable energy in the rumen. Feeding fresh sugar beet (SB) to dairy cattle to replace a portion of the grain in the ration has not received sufficient attention. This study determined dry matter intake (DMI), feeding behavior, rumen fermentation and milk production responses when replacing corn grain with increasing levels of SB in pasture-fed lactating dairy cow diets. (2) Methods: A total of 12 early-lactation cows were used in a replicated (n = 4) 3 × 3 Latin square design. The control diet consisted of 21 kg dry matter (DM) composed of 6.3 kg DM green chopped perennial ryegrass, 7 kg DM grass silage, 2 kg DM of concentrate, 1 kg DM soybean meal and 4.5 kg DM of ground corn. The other treatments replaced 50% or 100% of the ground corn with SB roots. (3) Results: The replacement of ground corn with sugar beet reduced DMI and milk yield (p < 0.05), but it increased milk fat concentration (p = 0.045), reduced feeding costs and increased margin over feed costs (p < 0.01). Urinary nitrogen was linearly reduced with SB supplementation (p = 0.026). (4) Conclusions: Using SB roots as energetic supplement can be a suitable alternative to ground corn in pasture-fed lactating dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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13 pages, 649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparisons of Corn Stover Silages after Fresh- or Ripe-Corn Harvested: Effects on Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Beef Cattle

by Min Zhang, Rong Wang, Tingting Wu, Yingbai Yang, Zhixiong He, Zhiyuan Ma, Zhiliang Tan, Bo Lin and Min Wang

Animals 2022, 12(10), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12101248 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2847

Abstract

Both waxy corn stover after fresh- (CF) and ripe-corn (CR) harvested are important byproducts of corn cropping system and have 20 d difference in harvest time. The study aimed to investigate the effects of prolonging harvest time on the nutritive value of corn [...] Read more.

Both waxy corn stover after fresh- (CF) and ripe-corn (CR) harvested are important byproducts of corn cropping system and have 20 d difference in harvest time. The study aimed to investigate the effects of prolonging harvest time on the nutritive value of corn stover silage by comparing CF with CR silages. In vitro ruminal experiment was firstly performed to investigate substrate degradation and fermentation of CF and CR silages. The CR diet was formulated by replacing 50% forage of CF silage with CR silage on a dry matter (DM) basis. Fourteen crossbred steers (Simmental × Limousin × local Chinese) aged 13 months with an average weight of 318.1 ± 37.1 kg were selected and randomly allocated into two dietary treatment groups. Although the CR silage had greater DM and fiber contents than CF silage, it did not alter in vitro degradation (p > 0.05), but with lower molar percentage of propionate and acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.05). The cattle fed CR diet had a higher DM intake and lower fiber digestibility with reduction in 18S rRNA gene copies of protozoa and fungi and 16S rRNA gene copies of Fibrobacter succinogenes (p < 0.05). Further 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis indicated a similar diversity of bacteria community between CR and CF treatments (p > 0.05). Few differences were observed in the abundance of genera larger than 1% (p > 0.05), except for the reduction in abundance of genera Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group in CR treatment (p < 0.05). In summary, prolonging 20 d harvest time of corn stover silage increases the forage fiber and DM content, which promotes feed intake with decreased fiber degradation, although rumen fermentation and growth performance are not changed in growing beef cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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16 pages, 1317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Effects of a Pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) Bark Extract with a Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) Extract on Methane Production and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Parameters

by Nelson Vera, Constanza Gutiérrez-Gómez, Pamela Williams, Rodrigo Allende, Cecilia Fuentealba and Jorge Ávila-Stagno

Animals 2022, 12(9), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12091080 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3130

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) bark extract (PBE) with a quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) extract (QTE) on methane (CH₄) production and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. A [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) bark extract (PBE) with a quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) extract (QTE) on methane (CH₄) production and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. A forage diet supplemented with PBE or QTE (0, 2 and 4% dry matter (DM) basis) was incubated for 24 h to determine in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD), CH₄, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) production. Differences were analyzed using Tukey’s test, orthogonal contrasts, hierarchical clustering heatmap (HCH), and principal component analysis (PCA). Both extracts (4% DM) decreased butyrate (Bu; p = 0.001), CH₄ (p = 0.005), total VFA (p < 0.001), and NH₃-N (p = 0.006) production and increased acetate (Ac; p = 0.003) without affecting the partitioning factor (p = 0.095). Propionate (Pr; p = 0.016) was increased, whereas IVDMD (p = 0.041) was decreased with QTE (4% DM). The inclusion of QTE (2% DM) decreased CH₄ production (p = 0.005) and the (Ac + Bu)/Pr ratio (p = 0.003), whereas PBE (2% DM) decreased the NH₃-N (p = 0.006) and total VFA production (p < 0.001). The HCH and PCA indicate a negative correlation (r = −0.93; p < 0.001) between CH₄ production and tannins. In conclusion, PBE shares many of the effects generated by QTE on ruminal fermentation, although the magnitude of these effects depends on concentration. The PBE could be used as an additive in ruminant diets to reduce CH₄ and NH₃-N production without reducing IVDMD or increasing propionate, but further in vivo studies are required to clarify its effects on animal production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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11 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Grape Marc Added Diet on Live Weight Gain, Blood Parameters, Nitrogen Excretion, and Behaviour of Sheep

by Huichu Wu, Pangzhen Zhang, Fan Zhang, Md Safiqur Rahaman Shishir, Surinder S. Chauhan, Innocent Rugoho, Hafiz Suleria, Guangyong Zhao, Brendan Cullen and Long Cheng

Animals 2022, 12(3), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030225 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3495

Abstract

A 39-day field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of grape marc (GM) feeding on sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability. Forty merino sheep were divided into two dietary groups, each having five replications (n = 4 sheep/replication). Experimental diet consisted [...] Read more.

A 39-day field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of grape marc (GM) feeding on sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability. Forty merino sheep were divided into two dietary groups, each having five replications (n = 4 sheep/replication). Experimental diet consisted of: (i) control: 55% lucerne hay + 40% wheat grain + 5% faba bean; (ii) GM treatment: control diet with 20% replaced by GM on a dry matter (DM) basis. The GM treatment contained 2–10% higher phytochemical contents than the control. The DMI from the GM treatment was 15% higher than the control (p < 0.001). No difference was found in sheep live weight gain, behaviour, and quality between groups (p > 0.05). No difference was found in total faecal production, faecal organic matter, and nitrogen contents (p > 0.05) and parasitic egg count. The GM treatment led to higher nitrogen intake (23.1 vs. 27.2 g/d) and faecal nitrogen excretion (6.3 vs. 8.7 g/d) compared to the control. Urinary creatinine, allantoin, and purine derivatives were lower in the GM treatment than control (p < 0.05). However, both groups had similar purine derivatives/DMI (i.e., indicator of rumen microbial protein synthesis efficiency; p > 0.05). Overall, the results showed that GM can replace 20% of the control ration to maintain sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

15 pages, 3340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Organic Compound Profiles Associated with Microbial Development in Feedlot Pellets Inoculated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 Probiotic

by Thi Thuy Ngo, Peter Dart, Matthew Callaghan, Athol Klieve and David McNeill

Animals 2021, 11(11), 3227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113227 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2449

Abstract

Mould and bacterial contamination releases microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), causing changes in the odour profile of a feed. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 (H57) has the potential ability to inhibit microbial growth in animal feeds. This study tested the hypothesis that H57 influences [...] Read more.

Mould and bacterial contamination releases microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), causing changes in the odour profile of a feed. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 (H57) has the potential ability to inhibit microbial growth in animal feeds. This study tested the hypothesis that H57 influences the odour profile of stored feedlot pellets by impeding the production of mVOCs. The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of un-inoculated pellets and those inoculated with H57, stored either at ambient temperature (mean 22 °C) or at 5 °C, was monitored at 0, 1, 2, and 3 months by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Forty VOCs were identified in all the pellet samples analysed, 24 of which were potentially of microbial and 16 of non-microbial origin. A score plot of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the VOC profiles of the pellets stored at ambient temperature changed more rapidly over the 3 months than those stored at 5 °C, and that change was greater in the un-inoculated pellets when compared to the inoculated ones. The bi-plot and correlation loading plots of the PCA indicated that the separation of the un-inoculated pellets from the other treatments over the 3 months was primarily due to nine mVOCs. These mVOCs have been previously identified in grains spoiled by fungi, and could be considered potential markers of the types of fungi that H57 can protect pellets against. These data indicate the ability of H57 to maintain the odour profile and freshness of concentrated feed pellets. This protective influence can be detected as early as 3 months into ambient temperature storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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27 pages, 507 KiB

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Antiparasitic Tannin-Rich Plants from the South of Europe for Grazing Livestock: A Review

by Pablo Rodríguez-Hernández, Carolina Reyes-Palomo, Santos Sanz-Fernández, Pablo José Rufino-Moya, Rafael Zafra, Francisco Javier Martínez-Moreno, Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez and Cipriano Díaz-Gaona

Animals 2023, 13(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13020201 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4236

Abstract

Internal parasites are one of the main causes of health threats in livestock production, especially in extensive livestock farming. Despite the environmental toxic effects (loss of dung beetles, biodiversity, and other issues) and resistance phenomenon derived from their prolonged use, anti-parasitic chemical pharmaceuticals [...] Read more.

Internal parasites are one of the main causes of health threats in livestock production, especially in extensive livestock farming. Despite the environmental toxic effects (loss of dung beetles, biodiversity, and other issues) and resistance phenomenon derived from their prolonged use, anti-parasitic chemical pharmaceuticals are frequently used, even in organic farming. Such a situation within the context of climate change requires urgent exploration of alternative compounds to solve these problems and apparent conflicts between organic farming objectives regarding the environment, public health, and animal health. This review is focused on some plants (Artemisia spp., Cichorium intybus L., Ericaceae family, Hedysarum coronarium L., Lotus spp., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) that are well known for their antiparasitic effect, are voluntarily grazed and ingested, and can be spontaneously found or cultivated in southern Europe and other regions with a Mediterranean climate. The differences found between effectiveness, parasite species affected, in vitro/in vivo experiments, and active compounds are explored. A total of 87 papers where antiparasitic activity of those plants have been studied are included in this review; 75% studied the effect on ruminant parasites, where gastrointestinal nematodes were the parasite group most studied (70%), and these included natural (31%) and experimental (37%) infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution)

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Alternative Feeds and Feed Additives in Ruminants-Increasing Productivity and Reducing Environmental Pollution

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