Animals

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13 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Mannan Oligosaccharides and Onion Peels on In Vitro Batch Culture Fermentation of High Concentrate and Forage Diets

by Lydia K. Olagunju, Oludotun O. Adelusi, Peter A. Dele, Yasmine Shaw, Rosetta M. Brice, Oluteru E. Orimaye, Jorge A. Villarreal-González, Hye Won Kang, Ahmed E. Kholif and Uchenna Y. Anele

Animals 2024, 14(22), 3180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223180 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 693

Abstract

The current study evaluated the effect of combining mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and onion peel (OP) on ruminal in vitro total gas (GP), greenhouse gas emissions, dry matter and fiber fraction digestibility, partitioning factor (PF₂₄; mg degradable DM per mL gas), microbial [...] Read more.

The current study evaluated the effect of combining mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and onion peel (OP) on ruminal in vitro total gas (GP), greenhouse gas emissions, dry matter and fiber fraction digestibility, partitioning factor (PF₂₄; mg degradable DM per mL gas), microbial mass, and volatile fatty acids using two dietary substrates: high forage (HF) and high concentrate (HC) diets. The study was arranged as a 2 × 2 × 6 factorial design with two dietary substrates, two time points (6 and 24 h), and six treatments. The treatments included a control group with no MOS or OP administration and groups administered with 2% of a mixture containing MOS and OP in the following ratios: 1:0 (MOS), 0:1 (OP), 1:1 (MOS:OP), 1:2 (MOS:2OP), and 1:3 (MOS:3OP). No significant diet × treatment interactions were observed for any of the measured parameters. However, treatments decreased (p < 0.05) the undegraded portion of HC, and treatment × substrate interactions were significant (p < 0.05) for PF₂₄ and microbial mass. The treatments in the HC diet produced higher GP (p < 0.001) at 6 h compared to the treatments in the HF diet. Administration of MOS:2OP to the HC diet increased GP at 24 h of incubation, while the lowest GP was observed with the OP in the HF diet. The administration of MOS, OP, and MOS:2OP to the HC diet decreased methane production at 24 h of incubation. Additionally, MOS:2OP and MOS:3OP increased (p < 0.001) degradable acid detergent fiber (dADF) in the HC diet at 6 h of incubation. Both OP and MOS:3OP decreased the degradability of acid detergent lignin in the HC diet (p < 0.001). The OP also resulted in the lowest DM disappearance (p < 0.001) at 24 h of incubation in the HF diet, while the MOS:3OP had the highest dADF. At the end of incubation, the highest productions of total volatile fatty acids and acetate were observed (p = 0.002) with the MOS:OP administration in the HC diet, whereas the lowest values were observed with MOS and OP administration to the HF diet. The inclusion of mannan oligosaccharide and onion peel combinations as additives improved substrate (HC and HF) fermentation, leading to higher GP and volatile fatty production, and modulated fiber degradability by improving the breakdown of acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

13 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effect of Long-Term Supplementation of AZOMITE (Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate) in Finishing Diets on Growth Performance, Dietary Energy, and Carcass Yield of Hairy Lambs

by Claudia A. Vizcarra-Chávez, Jesús D. Urías-Estrada, Elizama Ponce-Barraza, Alfredo Estrada-Angulo, Yesica J. Arteaga-Wences, Beatriz I. Castro-Pérez, Jorge L. Ramos-Méndez, Luis Corona, Armando Gomez-Vázquez and Alejandro Plascencia

Animals 2024, 14(20), 3018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14203018 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 684

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate growth performance, dietary energy utilization, and carcass characteristics (carcass weight, dressing percentage, and visceral organ mass) of feedlot lambs fed different levels of AZOMITE (AZO), a source of volcanic clay composed of hydrated sodium calcium [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate growth performance, dietary energy utilization, and carcass characteristics (carcass weight, dressing percentage, and visceral organ mass) of feedlot lambs fed different levels of AZOMITE (AZO), a source of volcanic clay composed of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate, the same as that included in a finishing diet. For this reason, 36 Pelibuey × Katahdin crossbred intact male lambs (18.81 ± 3.04 kg initial weight) were used in a feeding trial lasting 81 d. Lambs were grouped by initial weight and assigned within six weight groupings to 18 pens in a randomized complete block design. Diets, offered ad libitum, were corn-based finishing diets with an 88:12 concentrate-to-forage ratio supplemented as follows: 1) no AZO inclusion (CTRL), 2) AZO inclusion at a 0.75% level (0.75AZO) in diet dry matter, 3) AZO inclusion at a 1.50% level (1.5AZO) in diet dry matter. Cracked corn was replaced by AZO. After the feeding trial was finished, lambs were slaughtered and carcass weight was registered and dressing percentage was calculated. The data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design, with the pen as the experimental unit. Water consumption and dry matter intake were not affected (p ≥ 0.11) by supplemental AZO. The incorporation of AZO into the diet increased gain efficiency and observed dietary net energy (NE), being maximal with 0.75% AZO inclusion (quadratic effect, p = 0.02). The observed-to-expected dietary NE in the control group was as anticipated (1.00) according to the estimated energy based on the ingredient composition in diet, while in the 0.75AZO group, the observed dietary energy was 6% above expected, indicating a greater efficiency in energy utilization destined to growth (quadratic effect, p = 0.006). Lambs that were fed the AZO treatment showed an improvement (linear effect, p = 0.04) in hot carcass weight (HCW), and tended (linear effect, p = 0.06) to improve dressing percentage (DP) as AZO was increased in the diet. Visceral organ mass was not affected by the treatments. It is concluded that AZOMITE clay can be included up to 1.5% in finishing diets for lambs without negative effects on the intake of water and feed. Lambs that received diets supplemented with 0.75% AZO showed greater improvements in feed efficiency and dietary energy utilization, but an inclusion of 1.50% resulted in greater improvements to HCW and DP. This is the first report regarding the effects of AZO supplementation in the dietary energy utilization of fattening hairy lambs. Further research about the effects of AZO supplementation on ruminal and total tract digestion, carcass and meat quality, and the health of lambs is needed in order to more deeply understand the effects of AZO on its productivity performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

23 pages, 21539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatty Acids and Volatile Flavor Components of Adipose Tissue from Local Tibetan Sheep in Qinghai with Dietary Supplementation of Palm Kernel Meal (PKM)

by Ying Ma, Lijuan Han, Shengzhen Hou, Linsheng Gui, Shengnan Sun, Zhenzhen Yuan, Chao Yang, Zhiyou Wang and Baochun Yang

Animals 2024, 14(14), 2113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142113 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1327

Abstract

Substituting traditional protein feed with palm kernel meal (PKM) in the diet of Tibetan sheep can be a cost-effective feeding strategy. To determine the impact of PKM on flavor development in different adipose tissues of Tibetan sheep, subjects were fed with 15% and [...] Read more.

Substituting traditional protein feed with palm kernel meal (PKM) in the diet of Tibetan sheep can be a cost-effective feeding strategy. To determine the impact of PKM on flavor development in different adipose tissues of Tibetan sheep, subjects were fed with 15% and 18% of PKM, while the control group received no PKM. The fatty acids and volatile compounds in the samples were then analyzed by GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS. Adding PKM to the diet significantly increased the C12:0, C14:0, C16:0 and C18:1N9 content in adipose tissues compared with the control, and most of these were associated with flavor formation (p < 0.05). The flavor compounds in the adipose tissues predominantly consisted of alcohols, ketones, acids and aldehydes. In particular, including PKM in the diet increased the proportion of ketones but decreased the proportion of alcohols, acids and aldehydes in subcutaneous and tail fat. Specifically, the proportion of acetone, acetoin monomer, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanone monomer, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol and methyl acetate increased significantly in the subcutaneous and tail fat (p < 0.05), while that of ethanol, 1-propanol monomer, butanol monomer, acetic acid monomer and acetic acid monomer decreased. Intermuscular fat exhibited variable results, mainly because the addition of PKM resulted in higher proportions of alcohols, including ethanol, 1-propanol and butanol monomer, especially at 15% PKM. In summary, the addition of PKM improved the flavor of Tibetan sheep fat and increased the amount of favorable volatile flavor compounds. This study can serve as reference for understanding the effects of dietary PKM on the adipose tissue flavor profile of Tibetan sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

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16 pages, 288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Replacing Soybean Meal with Nigella sativa Seed Meal on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Antioxidant Activity of Growing Lambs

by Ola G. A. Hassan, Noha A. Hassaan, Ahmed E. Kholif, Mireille Chahine and Gamal A. Mousa

Animals 2024, 14(13), 1878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131878 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1674

Abstract

The present experiment aimed to evaluate the partial or complete substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with Nigella sativa seed meal (NSM) on chemical composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation, and the growth performance and economic efficiency of growing lambs. Thirty-two male Ossimi lambs weighing [...] Read more.

The present experiment aimed to evaluate the partial or complete substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with Nigella sativa seed meal (NSM) on chemical composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation, and the growth performance and economic efficiency of growing lambs. Thirty-two male Ossimi lambs weighing 41 ± 0.4 kg at 195 ± 5 d were divided randomly into four experimental groups of eight lambs each. Lambs were fed four diets containing 40% berseem clover and 60% concentrate feed mixture. Soybean meal was replaced with NSM at 0% (NSM0; control), 50% (NSM50), 75% (NSM75), or 100% (NSM100). The experiment lasted for 105 d, consisting of 15 d for adaptation and 90 days for measurements. Higher concentrations of crude protein (CP) and nonstructural carbohydrates were observed with SBM; however, NSM contained more fibers and gross energy. Moreover, SBM contained higher concentrations of individual amino acids and lower concentrations of polyphenols. The replacement did not affect in vitro gas production and decreased (p < 0.05) methane production and CP degradability. Treatments did not affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and diet’s nutritive value measured as starch value, total digestible nutrient, digestible energy, and apparent digestible crude protein. The NSM50 and NSM75 treatments increased (p < 0.001) total weight gain and daily gain compared to the control treatment, with lower feed conversion values associated with the NSM75 treatment. Treatments decreased cholesterol (p = 0.028) and high-density lipoprotein (p = 0.029) and increased antioxidant activity. Higher economic efficiencies were observed with the NSM75 followed by NSM50 and then NSM100 treatments. It is concluded that replacing 75% of SBM with NSM enhanced feed conversion and economic efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

15 pages, 1656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intensively Reared Nelore Steers with Levels of Concentrate and Protein Sources during the Dry Season

by Artur C. de Faria, Dheyme C. Bolson, Douglas dos S. Pina, Thiago A. Prado, Adriano N. Roecker, Carla S. Chaves and Dalton H. Pereira

Animals 2024, 14(12), 1787; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121787 - 14 Jun 2024

Viewed by 874

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional strategies on the intensification of beef cattle farming on pastures during the dry period of the year. Eighty male cattle (testers) were randomly allocated to 16 paddocks formed with Mombaça [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional strategies on the intensification of beef cattle farming on pastures during the dry period of the year. Eighty male cattle (testers) were randomly allocated to 16 paddocks formed with Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus), totaling five animals (testers) per paddock. The strategies consisted of two LCs [10 and 16.7 g·kg⁻¹ body weight (BW)] and two PSs with DDGS and SBM in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The chemical, structural, and productive characteristics of the forage were evaluated, as well as the performance, productivity, and serum parameters of the supplemented animals. The forage presented a greater L:C (p = 0.033) and CP content (p = 0.007) when the lowest LC was used. Animals that received the highest LC had the highest supplement intake (p < 0.001) and the lowest pasture intake (p < 0.001). The nutritional strategy with an LC of 16.7 g·kg⁻¹ of body weight (BW) resulted in a greater increase in total BW, i.e., 200 kg·BW ha⁻¹ more. Therefore, higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing, and DDGS can replace SBM in supplements used in the intensive raising of beef cattle on pasture without compromising the performance and productivity of the animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

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12 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Protein Level and Rumen-Protected Methionine and Lysine on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation and Serum Indexes for Yaks

by Haibo Wang, Jianhui Fu, Xia Wu, Yadong Wang, Wenjie Li, Yanling Huang, Jincheng Zhong and Zhongli Peng

Animals 2024, 14(12), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121751 - 10 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the dietary protein level and rumen-protected methionine and lysine (RPML) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and serum indexes of yaks. Thirty-six male yaks were randomly assigned to a two by three factorial experiment with two protein [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of the dietary protein level and rumen-protected methionine and lysine (RPML) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and serum indexes of yaks. Thirty-six male yaks were randomly assigned to a two by three factorial experiment with two protein levels, 15.05% and 16.51%, and three RPML levels: 0% RPML; 0.05% RPMet and 0.15% RPLys; and 0.1% RPMet and 0.3% RPLys. The trial lasted for sixty days. The results showed that the low-protein diet increased the DMI and feed conversion ratio of yaks. The diet supplemented with RPML increased the activities of IGF1 and INS and nutrient digestibility. The high-protein diet decreased the rumen butyrate concentration and increased the rumen isovalerate concentration. The low-protein diet supplemented with RPML increased the rumen pH and the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, butyrate and NH₃-N; the high-protein diet supplemented with a high level of RPML decreased the rumen pH and the concentrations of isobutyrate, isovalerate, propionate and NH₃-N. The low-protein diet supplemented with RPML increased the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity, along with the concentrations of malondialdehyde and amino acids such as aspartic acid, lysine, cysteine, etc. In conclusion, a low-protein diet supplemented with RPML is beneficial for rumen and body health, physiological response, and metabolic status in yaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

14 pages, 899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactation Performance and Rumen Fermentation in Dairy Cows Fed a Diet Supplemented with Monensin or Gum Arabic-Nano Montmorillonite Compost

by Salim A. Al Adawi, Hani M. El-Zaiat, Amr S. Morsy and Yosra A. Soltan

Animals 2024, 14(11), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111649 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 1053

Abstract

The exploration of natural alternatives to antibiotics for enhancing productivity and performance in dairy cows is a crucial objective in farm animal management. This is the first study aimed at developing and evaluating the physicochemical properties and effects of Arabic gum–nano montmorillonite (AGNM) [...] Read more.

The exploration of natural alternatives to antibiotics for enhancing productivity and performance in dairy cows is a crucial objective in farm animal management. This is the first study aimed at developing and evaluating the physicochemical properties and effects of Arabic gum–nano montmorillonite (AGNM) compost compared to ionophore monensin as feed additives on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk production of Holstein dairy cows. In a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, four multiparous mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows with an average body weight of 520 ± 15 kg were enrolled. The dietary treatments included a control diet (basal diet without feed additives), monensin diet [a basal diet supplemented with 35 mg/kg dry matter (DM) monensin], and AGNM diets comprising basal diet supplemented with two levels: low (L-AGNM) at 1.5 g/kg DM, and high (H-AGNM) at 3 g/kg DM. AGNM as a feed additive demonstrated promising physiochemical parameters, including containing highly bioactive components (α-amyrin and lupeol), functional groups (OH and Si-O), and essential mineral contents (Mg²⁺). Supplementations with H-AGNM significantly improved ruminal (p = 0.031) concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetic (p = 0.05) and butyric (p = 0.05), enhanced (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber and organic matter, while decreased (p = 0.013) estimated methane production. However, an increase (p = 0.04) in blood high-density lipoprotein levels and decrease (p < 0.05) in concentrations of creatinine (CREA), bilirubin (BILT), cholesterol (CHOL), and sodium (Na) were observed with H-AGNM supplementation. Both monensin and H-AGNM improved (p = 0.008) feed efficiency compared to L-AGNM; however, neither AGNM nor monensin affected the milk composition or energy status indicators of the dairy cows. The findings of this study highlight the potential of AGNM as a natural candidate to replace monensin in enhancing ruminal VFA production, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, blood metabolites, and milk yield in dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

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19 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Salvia officinalis Shrub as a Sustainable Feed Additive for Reducing Ruminal Methane Production and Enhancing Fermentation in Ruminants

by Ahmed E. Kholif, Md Atikur Rahman, Salah A. H. Abo El-Nor, Tarek A. Morsy, Gouda A. Gouda, Mahmoud Fahmy and Mireille Chahine

Animals 2024, 14(11), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111648 - 31 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1171

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of dried Salvia officinalis (SO) shrub leaves on nutrient degradability, ruminal in vitro fermentation, gas production (GP), methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) productions. Dried and [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of dried Salvia officinalis (SO) shrub leaves on nutrient degradability, ruminal in vitro fermentation, gas production (GP), methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) productions. Dried and ground SO shrub leaves were included at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% DM of a diet consisting of (per kg DM) 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay, and 100 g rice straw. The diet was incubated for 48 h. The asymptotic GP and the rate of GP changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01), with the highest GP observed at 1% inclusion of SO and then decreasing thereafter with greater inclusion (i.e., 1.5% and 2%), while CH₄ production and its rate decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with all levels of SO inclusion. A linear increase in CO₂ production and its rate was also found with an increasing level of SO inclusion in the diet (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the degradability of DM, NDF, and the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids and acetate changed linearly and quadratically, with the greatest being found at 1% SO inclusion and then steadily declining after (p < 0.01) with the 1.5% and 2% inclusion levels. Meanwhile, the propionate, NH₃-N, and microbial crude protein levels showed similar trends, with the plateau found at 1% inclusion of SO, where there was no change in butyrate concentration. Moreover, the pH, metabolizable energy, and partitioning factor (PF₂₄) also changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05), where the pH and PF₂₄ were considerably reduced and ME increased with a 1% inclusion of SO (p < 0.05). In summary, SO at 1% inclusion in the diet showed the potential to improve gas production kinetics, nutrient degradability, and the ruminal fermentation profile, with a more significant reduction in ruminal CH₄ production suggesting that SO at 1% could be included in the ruminant diet to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the production performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

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14 pages, 3810 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Nicotinamide Supplementation Mitigates Oxidative Injury of Bovine Intestinal Epithelial Cells through Autophagy Modulation

by Yihan Guo, Changdong Feng, Yiwei Zhang, Kewei Hu, Chong Wang and Xiaoshi Wei

Animals 2024, 14(10), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101483 - 16 May 2024

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Abstract

The small intestine is important to the digestion and absorption of rumen undegradable nutrients, as well as the barrier functionality and immunological responses in ruminants. Oxidative stress induces a spectrum of pathophysiological symptoms and nutritional deficits, causing various gastrointestinal ailments. Previous studies have [...] Read more.

The small intestine is important to the digestion and absorption of rumen undegradable nutrients, as well as the barrier functionality and immunological responses in ruminants. Oxidative stress induces a spectrum of pathophysiological symptoms and nutritional deficits, causing various gastrointestinal ailments. Previous studies have shown that nicotinamide (NAM) has antioxidant properties, but the potential mechanism has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of NAM on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative injury in bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs) and its potential mechanism. The results showed that NAM increased the cell viability and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BIECs challenged by H₂O₂. The NAM exhibited increased expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, and tight junction proteins. The expression of autophagy-related proteins was increased in BIECs challenged by H₂O₂, and NAM significantly decreased the expression of autophagy-related proteins. When an autophagy-specific inhibitor was used, the oxidative injury in BIECs was not alleviated by NAM, and the T-AOC and the release of LDH were not affected. Collectively, these results indicated that NAM could alleviate oxidative injury in BIECs by enhancing antioxidant capacity and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, and autophagy played a crucial role in the alleviation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

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13 pages, 1078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation of Methionine Dipeptide Enhances the Milking Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows

by Xiaoshi Wei, Ning Han and Hongyun Liu

Animals 2024, 14(9), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091339 - 29 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1532

Abstract

Methionine dipeptide (Met-Met) could improve milk protein synthesis in bovine epithelia mammary cells and lactating mice, while the effects of Met-Met on lactation performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota profile in lactating dairy cows have not been explored. For this reason, 60 Chinese lactating [...] Read more.

Methionine dipeptide (Met-Met) could improve milk protein synthesis in bovine epithelia mammary cells and lactating mice, while the effects of Met-Met on lactation performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota profile in lactating dairy cows have not been explored. For this reason, 60 Chinese lactating Holstein cows were allocated into three treatment groups: control group (CON), 6 g/d methionine dipeptide group (MM), and 6.12 g/d rumen-protected methionine dipeptide group (RPMM). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks to monitor lactation performance, plasma amino acid profile and rumen fermentation parameters and microbiota profile. Results showed that MM increased the energy-corrected milk (ECM), and RPMM increased both milk yield and ECM (p < 0.05). The milk protein concentration and yield were increased by MM and RPMM (p < 0.05). The rumen fermentation showed that RPMM increased total volatile fatty acids, acetate and valerate concentrations (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes, including Succiniclasticum, Selenomonas and Clostridium_XlVa, were enriched and the Prevotella was decreased by RPMM (p < 0.05). In summary, daily supplementing with 6 g of MM or RPMM in lactating dairy cows could improve milk yield and both percentage and yield of milk protein, and RPMM benefited the rumen fermentation and altered the bacterial composition. These results provided the first evidence that Met-Met supplementation can improve lactation performance of dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

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14 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Calcareous Marine Algae Buffer on High-Producing Dairy Cows during Peak Lactation

by Radko Loučka, Václav Jambor, Hana Synková, Petr Homolka, Dana Kumprechtová, Veronika Koukolová, Petra Kubelková, Alena Výborná, Yvona Tyrolová and Filip Jančík

Animals 2024, 14(6), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060897 - 14 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1210

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of calcareous marine algae (Lithotamium calcareum)-based rumen content buffer (CMA) included in concentrated feed within total mixed ration (TMR), fed to 34 peak lactation (87–144 days in milk) Holstein dairy cows, [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of calcareous marine algae (Lithotamium calcareum)-based rumen content buffer (CMA) included in concentrated feed within total mixed ration (TMR), fed to 34 peak lactation (87–144 days in milk) Holstein dairy cows, randomized into two groups (group A, n = 17; group B, n = 17), wearing collars with accelerometers, and housed a in barn with automatic feed-weigh troughs. During the first phase P1, group A received TMR with CMA (TMR-E) and group B was fed TMR without the buffer (TMR-C). For P2, the treatments in the groups were exchanged. Feed intake, feeding time (FT), rumination time (RT), milk yield, milk composition, and rumen pH were measured by barn technologies, and rumen fluid and feces composition were analyzed in the laboratory. Differences between the TMR-E and TMR-C in most parameters under study were statistically insignificant, except overall FT and RT, which differed significantly between the groups. Group A, feeding at P1 by TMR-E, exhibited higher FT and RT than Group B (202 min/cow/day vs. 184 min/cow/day, and 486 min/cow/day vs. 428 min/cow/day, respectively). The RT significantly increased after switching from TMR-C to TMR-E. This implies that the buffer effect is delayed and persists after the withdrawal. In the group of cows that received control TMR without buffer in the first phase, RT and milk protein content increased significantly in the first week after the addition of buffer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

22 pages, 6490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Sophora alopecuroides in a High-Concentrate Diet on the Liver Immunity and Antioxidant Function of Lambs According to Transcriptome Analysis

by Yawen An, Hairong Wang, Aiwu Gao, Shufang Li, Jinli Yang, Boyang Li and Henan Lu

Animals 2024, 14(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020182 - 5 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1481

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Sophora alopecuroides (SA) on liver function, liver inflammatory factor levels, antioxidant indexes and transcriptome in sheep. Twenty-four 3-month-old healthy Dumont hybrid lambs weighing 25.73 ± 2.17 kg were randomly divided into three [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Sophora alopecuroides (SA) on liver function, liver inflammatory factor levels, antioxidant indexes and transcriptome in sheep. Twenty-four 3-month-old healthy Dumont hybrid lambs weighing 25.73 ± 2.17 kg were randomly divided into three groups: C1 (the control group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 50:50; H2 (the high-concentration group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30; and S3 (the SA group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30 + 0.1% SA. The results showed that the rumen pH values of the C1 and S3 groups were significant or significantly higher than that of the H2 group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The serum ALT, AST and LDH activities and the LPS and LBP concentrations in the sheep serum and liver in the H2 group were significantly or extremely significantly higher than those in the C1 and S3 groups (p < 0.01), and the IL-10 content and SOD, GPX-P_X and T-AOC activities showed the opposite trend (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the ECM–receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways, which are closely related to immune and antioxidant functions (p-adjust < 0.1). In summary, SA could improve the immune and antioxidant functions of lamb livers under high-concentrate conditions and regulate the mechanism of damage on sheep livers, which is caused by high-concentrate diets and through the expression of related genes in the ECM/FAs pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients and Feed Additives in Ruminants)

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