Special Issue "Nutritive Value and Valorization of New Feedstuffs for Ruminant Nutrition"

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2021.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aser García-Rodríguez
E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Production, Neiker, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arkaute, Spain
Dr. Idoia Goiri
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Production, Neiker, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arkaute, Spain
Interests: nutrient utilization; ruminant nutrition; in vitro techniques; enteric methane

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the current demand for an increase in food production, concomitant with the increasing environmental concern about livestock systems, new feeding strategies have been developed in the last few years. One of these strategies, which aims to reduce competition with food, is to use agro-food industry by-products as alternative feed sources for livestock. Since feed constitutes a major input into all animal production systems, an understanding of feed quality in relation to its influence on animal production and the environment is a necessity. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we characterize feeds and feed ingredients more precisely to allow nutritionists to include them in balanced rations with much smaller errors.

The aim of this Special Issue is, therefore, to improve our knowledge about the nutritive value of new feedstuffs, with special emphasis on by-products. We would particularly welcome manuscripts that assess in vitro digestibility, rumen fermentation products, in situ feed degradation, and production trials.

Dr. Aser García-Rodríguez
Dr. Idoia Goiri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • in vitro
  • in situ
  • protein
  • degradation
  • by product

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Article
Solid State Fermentation as a Tool to Stabilize and Improve Nutritive Value of Fruit and Vegetable Discards: Effect on Nutritional Composition, In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Organic Matter Digestibility
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061653 - 02 Jun 2021
Viewed by 1286
Abstract
This research aimed to evaluate in vitro organic matter digestibility, fermentation characteristics and methane production of fruit and vegetable discards processed by solid state fermentation (SSF) by Rhizopus sp. Mixtures were composed of approximately 28% citric fruits, 35% other fruits and 37% vegetables. [...] Read more.
This research aimed to evaluate in vitro organic matter digestibility, fermentation characteristics and methane production of fruit and vegetable discards processed by solid state fermentation (SSF) by Rhizopus sp. Mixtures were composed of approximately 28% citric fruits, 35% other fruits and 37% vegetables. Fruit and vegetables were processed and fermented to obtain a stabilized product. Nutritional characterization and in vitro ruminal fermentation tests were performed to determine the effect of fungal bioconversion on digestibility, end products and gas production kinetics. Results indicate that SSF reduced organic matter and reducing sugars, while it increased crude protein and neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent insoluble protein. The in vitro gas production showed that SSF led to a reduction of the organic matter digestibility (p < 0.001), short chain fatty acids (SCFA; p = 0.003) and CH4 (p = 0.002). SSF reduced the gas production from the insoluble fraction (p = 0.001), without modifying the production rate (p = 0.676) or the lag time (p = 0.574). Regarding SCFA profile, SSF increased acetic (p = 0.020) and decreased propionic (p = 0.004) and butyric (p = 0.006) acids proportions, increasing acetic to propionic (p = 0.008) and acetic plus butyric to propionic (p = 0.011) ratios. SSF succeeded in obtaining a stabilized material enriched in protein, but at the expense of a reduction of protein availability and organic matter digestibility. These changes should be considered before including them in a ruminant’s rations. Full article
Article
Nutritive Value, In Vitro Fermentation, and Methane Production of Cactus Cladodes, Sugarcane Bagasse, and Urea
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051266 - 28 Apr 2021
Viewed by 559
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of different roughages fed to sheep on nutrient and water intake, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, fermentation parameters, and methane production using an in vitro gas production system. The treatments consisted of five diets: cactus cladodes [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effect of different roughages fed to sheep on nutrient and water intake, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, fermentation parameters, and methane production using an in vitro gas production system. The treatments consisted of five diets: cactus cladodes Nopalea (NUB) and Opuntia (OUB), both with the addition of sugarcane bagasse (SB) and urea/ammonium sulfate (urea/as); Tifton hay (TH); corn silage (CS); and sorghum silage (SS), also with added urea/as. The NUB provided greater (p ≤ 0.03) intakes of dry matter (1024 g/d), digestible organic matter (670 g/d), and crude protein (161 g/d) than those on the SS. The NUB provided greater (p < 0.01) dietary water intake (3023 g/d) than TH. The time spent on rumination was shorter (p < 0.01), and the idle time was longer in animals fed NUB and OUB than TH and CS. Microbial protein synthesis was not affected (p = 0.27). The final pH (6.4) of the incubation fluid and the concentration of NH3-N (39.05 mg/dL) were greater for NUB and OUB. Ruminal parameters and methane production were little or not affected by tested forages. We recommend using cactus cladodes in combination with sugarcane bagasse and urea/as in sheep diets. Full article
Article
Effects of the Inclusion of Different Levels of Dietary Sunflower Hulls on the Colostrum Compositions of Ewes
Animals 2021, 11(3), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030777 - 11 Mar 2021
Viewed by 571
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of supplementing different levels of sunflower hulls (SFH) to the complete feed of late-gestation pregnant ewes on the nutritive and fatty acids profile of colostrum at three and 48 h postpartum. In this study, 24 primiparous lactating Naemi [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of supplementing different levels of sunflower hulls (SFH) to the complete feed of late-gestation pregnant ewes on the nutritive and fatty acids profile of colostrum at three and 48 h postpartum. In this study, 24 primiparous lactating Naemi ewes were randomly selected at parturition from four dietary groups as follows: (1) C (control), total mixed ration (TMR; 0% SFH), (2) S12, TMR1 with 12% SFH (level 1), (3) S20, TMR2 with 20% SFH (level 2), and (4) S28, TMR3 with 28% SFH (level 3). The body condition scores were estimated 30 days prepartum. Colostrum samples were collected at three and 48 h postpartum to measure the nutritive values and fatty acids profiles. Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design with repeated measures and via Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses. The results indicated a numerical correlation (R2 = 0.42; p < 0.09) between the body condition score and both colostrum fat and total solids. SFH increased the colostrum fat % (p < 0.05), especially for S12 and S20, following a cubic trend. Additionally, the colostrum from S12 and S20 ewes had a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), omega3 and lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), other than margaric acid (C17) and stearic acid (C18), SFA/USFA, and omega 6/omega 3. Furthermore, the regression analysis of the fatty acid classes and indices indicated a quadratic relationship between the parameters and SFH levels. The results confirm that the inclusion of SFH at levels greater than 20% may have a negative effect on some fatty acid parameters as a result of the high lignin intake. In conclusion, up to 20% SFH can be used in a complete feed for pregnant ewes without negative effects on the colostrum fat content and fatty acids profiles. Full article
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Article
Utilization of Avocado and Mango Fruit Wastes in Multi-Nutrient Blocks for Goats Feeding: In Vitro Evaluation
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122279 - 03 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 506
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the nutritive value of avocado and mango fruit wastes, and to assess the possibility of preserving the wastes into multi-nutrient blocks (MB). Both peels and a pulp:peels (PP) mixture of each fruit were analyzed for chemical composition [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to investigate the nutritive value of avocado and mango fruit wastes, and to assess the possibility of preserving the wastes into multi-nutrient blocks (MB). Both peels and a pulp:peels (PP) mixture of each fruit were analyzed for chemical composition and in vitro fermentation with goats’ ruminal fluid. Wastes had low-dry matter (DM) content (<250 g/kg), with those from mango having high non-structural carbohydrates content (>800 g/kg DM) and those from avocado high fat levels (>580 g/kg DM). Mango wastes were fermented at a greater extent and faster rate than avocado ones. The PP mixture of each fruit was included into multi-nutrient blocks (MB) formulated to have similar chemical composition. There were only subtle differences in the fermentation of MB including wastes from either avocado or mango, but fermentation of avocado-MB resulted in significantly (p ≤ 0.032) greater acetate and lower propionate proportions than mango-MB. Including the PP mixture in the formulation of MB for goats feeding is a feasible option to reduce the environmental impact of avocado and mango fruit wastes, but studies on the acceptance of the MB by goats and their stability over long-time storage periods are needed. Full article
Article
Replacing Forage by Crude Olive Cake in a Dairy Sheep Diet: Effects on Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Populations in Rusitec Fermenters
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2235; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122235 - 28 Nov 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 631
Abstract
Olive oil extraction generates large amounts of a highly pollutant by-product called olive cake (OC), and its use in ruminant feeding could be an alternative. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of partially replacing forage by crude OC (COC) in a [...] Read more.
Olive oil extraction generates large amounts of a highly pollutant by-product called olive cake (OC), and its use in ruminant feeding could be an alternative. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of partially replacing forage by crude OC (COC) in a mixed dairy diet on rumen fermentation and microbial populations in Rusitec fermenters. The COC replaced 33% of the forage (66% maize silage and 33% barley straw) and was included at 16.6% of the total diet. Four fermenters were used in a cross-over design with two 13-day incubation periods. Experimental diets had a 50:50 forage-to-concentrate ratio and were formulated to contain the same protein (16.0%) and neutral detergent fiber (32.5%) levels. Compared with control fermenters, those fed the COC diet showed greater (p ≤ 0.02) pH (6.07 vs. 6.22), diet disappearance (0.709 vs. 0.748), and butyrate proportions (18.0 vs. 19.4), but there were no differences in volatile fatty acids and ammonia production. Microbial growth, bacterial diversity, protozoal abundance, and relative abundance of fungi and archaea were unaffected by diet, although the solid phase of COC-fed fermenters showed greater (p = 0.01) bacterial abundance than control ones. Results indicate that COC could replace 33% of the forage in a mixed dairy diet. Full article
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Article
In Vitro and In Situ Evaluation of Broccoli Wastes as Potential Feed for Ruminants
Animals 2020, 10(11), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10111989 - 29 Oct 2020
Viewed by 649
Abstract
The potential of broccoli wastes (florets and stems) as ruminant feed was analyzed using in vitro and in situ techniques. Both stems and florets had high moisture content (90.6 and 86.1%, respectively), but the stems contained (% dry matter) lower levels (p [...] Read more.
The potential of broccoli wastes (florets and stems) as ruminant feed was analyzed using in vitro and in situ techniques. Both stems and florets had high moisture content (90.6 and 86.1%, respectively), but the stems contained (% dry matter) lower levels (p < 0.05) of crude protein (CP; 23.2 vs. 30.8%) and ether extract (2.91 vs. 6.15%) and tended to have greater sugars content (p = 0.071; 33.4 vs. 19.6%) than florets. Stems had greater in vitro dry matter rumen degradability (45.3%; 24 h incubation) and lower in vitro CP intestinal digestibility (82.7%) compared with florets (42.2 and 90.1%, respectively). Rumen degradability of protein was high (<85%) for both fractions. In a second experiment, diets including different proportions of broccoli were formulated and fermented in vitro. The replacement of 24% of conventional feeds (wheat, soybean meal and wheat bran) in a concentrate by dried broccoli increased the amount of organic matter fermented in vitro and the NH3-N concentrations of a mixed diet including 40% of the concentrate. Including dried broccoli in the diet produced only small modifications in the volatile fatty acid profile and did not affect CH4 emission. Full article
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Article
Preserving Porphyra umbilicalis and Saccharina latissima as Silages for Ruminant Feeding
Animals 2020, 10(11), 1957; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10111957 - 23 Oct 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 731
Abstract
The study analyzed the characteristics, chemical composition, and in vitro gas production kinetics of Porphyra umbilicalis and Saccharina latissima silages. Each seaweed was ensiled in vacuum bags (three bags/silage) following a 2 × 3 factorial design, with two pre-treatments (unwilted or pre-wilted) and [...] Read more.
The study analyzed the characteristics, chemical composition, and in vitro gas production kinetics of Porphyra umbilicalis and Saccharina latissima silages. Each seaweed was ensiled in vacuum bags (three bags/silage) following a 2 × 3 factorial design, with two pre-treatments (unwilted or pre-wilted) and three silage types: unwashed seaweed ensiled without additive; seaweed washed and ensiled without additive; and seaweed washed and ensiled with 4 g of formic acid (FAC) per kg seaweed. Silages were kept for 3 months in darkness at 20 °C. Pre-wilting prevented (p < 0.001) effluent formation and reduced (p ≤ 0.038) the production of NH3-N and volatile fatty acids for both seaweeds. Both pre-wilting and washing increased (p < 0.05) the ruminal degradability of P. umbilicalis silages but not of S. latissima silages. The pH of the FAC-treated silages was below 4.0, but ranged from 4.54 to 6.23 in non FAC-treated silages. DL-lactate concentrations were low (≤23.0 g/kg dry matter) and acetate was the predominant fermentation product, indicating a non-lactic fermentation. The estimated ruminal degradability of the P. umbilicalis and S. latissima silages was as average, 59.9 and 86.1% of that for high-quality rye-grass silages, respectively, indicating a medium-low nutritional value of these seaweed silages for ruminants. Full article

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: In Vitro and In Situ Evaluation of Broccoli Wastes as Potential Feed for Ruminants
Authors: Trinidad de Evan; Carlos N. Marcos; María José Ranilla; María Dolores Carro
Affiliation: Departamento de Producción Agraria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Abstract: The chemical composition, in vitro rumen fermentation and in vitro intestinal digestibility of broccoli wastes (sprouts and stems) were analyzed. Additionally, in vitro rumen fermentation and in situ degradability of diets containing increasing amounts of broccoli was investigated. The dry matter (DM) content of both stems and sprouts was low (9.41 and 13.9%, respectively). Compared with sprouts, stems contained lower levels (p < 0.05; % DM) of crude protein (CP; 23.2 vs. 30.8%) and ether extract (2.91 vs. 6.15%), but tended to have greater sugars content (p = 0.071; 33.4 vs. 19.6%). Stems had greater in vitro DM rumen degradability (45.3%; 24 h incubation) and lower in vitro CP intestinal digestibility (82.7%) compared with sprouts (42.2 and 90.1%, respectively). Replacing 24% of conventional feeds (wheat, soybean meal and wheat bran) in the concentrate of a dairy sheep diet (40:60 alfalfa hay:concentrate) by dried broccoli increased the amount of organic matter fermented in vitro and the NH3-N concentrations, which agrees well with the greater amount of soluble CP in the diet containing broccoli as measured in situ. The inclusion of broccoli in the diet produced only subtle changes in volatile fatty acid profile and did not affect CH4 emission.

Title: Preserving Porphyra umbilicalis and Saccharina latissima as silages for ruminant feeding
Authors: Margarita Novoa-Garrido; Carlos Navarro Marcos; María Dolores Carro Travieso; Eduarda Molina Alcaide; Mogens Larsen; Martin Riis Weisbjerg
Affiliation: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, P.O. 1490, 8049 Bodø, Norway
Abstract: The study analysed the characteristics, chemical composition, and in vitro gas production kinetics of Porphyra umbilicalis and Saccharina latissima silages. Each seaweed was ensiled in vacuum bags (3 bags/silage) following a 2 x 3 factorial design, with 2 pre-treatments (unwilted or pre-wilted) and 3 silage types: unwashed seaweed without additive; seaweed washed and ensiled without additive; and seaweed washed and ensiled with 4 g of formic acid (FAC) per kg seaweed. Silages were kept for 3 months in darkness at 20°C. Pre-wilting prevented (p < 0.001) effluent formation and reduced (p ≤ 0.038) the production of NH3-N and volatile fatty acids for both seaweeds. Both pre-wilting and washing increased (p < 0.05) the ruminal degradability of P. umbilicalis silages but not of S. latissima silages. The pH of the FAC-treated silages was below 4.0, but ranged from 4.54 to 6.23 in non FAC-treated silages. DL-lactate concentrations were low (≤ 23.0 g/kg dry matter) and acetate was the predominant fermentation product, indicating a non-lactic fermentation. The estimated ruminal degradability of the P. umbilicalis and S. latissima silages was as average, 59.9 and 86.1% of that for high-quality rye-grass silages, respectively, indicating a medium-low nutritional value of these seaweed silages for ruminants.

Title: Influence of increasing amounts of orange waste silage on intake, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation and milk yield in Barki goats
Authors: not provide
Affiliation: not provide
Abstract: not provide

Title: Co-products and by-products derived from Corn for beef cattle nutrition: A Review
Authors: professor Telma Teresinha Berchielli, and Dr. Juliana Duarte Messana
Affiliation: Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University Jaboticabal, Brazil
Abstract: The supply of co-products and by-products from corn is expanding rapidly due to the increasing demand for food and fuel predicted by the Population Division of the United Nations (2011). It means an opportunity for many feedstuffs options to beef cattle production, and to avoid the competition that will arise between ruminants feed and human food. This review focuses on feedstuffs derived from two principal types of corn milling processes (dry and wet milling process), and its potential effects on beef cattle nutrition in feedlot and pasture systems, which are described in the literature. Keywords: corn gluten, distillers grains, feedlot, pasture, rumen fermentation.

Title: Effect of different levels of citrus pulp on performance, physiology and meat quality of feedlot steers
Authors: not provide
Affiliation: not provide
Abstract: not provide

Title: Evaluation of the compositional quality of Smallanthus sonchifolius silage in the tropical highlands of Colombia
Authors: JHON JAIRO LOPERA-MARÍN , JOAQUÍN ANGULO-ARIZALA , ENRIQUE MURGUEITIO-RESTREPO , LILIANA MAHECHA-LEDESMA
Affiliation: Colombia.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Tropical highlands of Colombia, bovine milk production urgently requires local forage resources that provide low-cost nutrients and a reduced environmental footprint. This investigation aimed to evaluate the bromatological quality of the ensiled S. sonchifolius, using different fractions of the plant. Eighteen treatments were evaluated in a 3x3x2 factorial arrangement, using three mixtures (inclusion) of the plant components: 100% stems and leaves (M1), 50:50 stem and leaves, with tubers (M2) and 75% stems and leaves, with 25% of tubers (M3); three evaluation times after sealing: 15, 25 and 35 days; and the inclusion of two types of the additive: with and without the addition of lactic acid bacteria. The variables dry matter percentage, digestibility, crude protein, soluble protein, ether extract, crude fiber, FDN, FDA, sugars, starches, and non-structural carbohydrates were analyzed (ANOVA). Yacon (S. sonchifolius) silage mixtures that included 25 and 50% of tubers presented the best nutritional values in digestibility, fiber, crude and soluble protein, starches, and non-structural carbohydrates (p<0,05). Yacon is a local forage plant with the potential for strategic supplementation in ruminants in the tropical highlands of Colombia conditions.

Title: Replacing Forage by Crude Olive Cake in a Mixed Diet: Effects on Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Populations in Rusitec Fermenters
Authors: Jairo García-Rodríguez; Iván Mateos; Cristina Saro; Jesús S. González; María Dolores Carro Travieso; Maria José Ranilla
Affiliation: Departamento de Producción Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain. Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-Universidad de León, Finca Marzanas s/n, 24346 Grulleros, Spain
Abstract: Olive oil extraction generates large amounts of a highly-pollutant by-product called olive cake (OC), and its use in ruminant feeding could be an alternative. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of partially replacing forage by crude OC (COC) in a mixed dairy diet on rumen fermentation and microbial populations in Rusitec fermenters. The COC replaced 33% of the forage (66% maize silage and 33% barley straw) and was included at 16.6% of total diet. Four fermenters were used in a cross-over design with two 13-d incubation periods. Experimental diets had 50:50 forage-to-concentrate ratio and were formulated to contain the same protein (16.0%) and neutral detergent fiber (32.5%) levels. Compared with control fermenters, those fed the COC diet showed greater (p ≤ 0.02) pH (6.07 vs. 6.22), diet disappearance (0.709 vs. 0.748) and butyrate proportions (18.0 vs. 19.4), but there were no differences in volatile fatty acids and ammonia production. Microbial growth, bacterial diversity, protozoal abundance and relative abundance of fungi and archaea were unaffected by diet, although the solid phase of COC-fed fermenters showed greater (p = 0.01) bacterial abundance than control ones. Results indicate that COC could replace 33% of the forage in a mixed dairy diet.

Title: Solid state fermentation as a tool to stabilize and improve nutritional quality of fruit and vegetable discards: effect on nutritional composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation and organic matter digestibility
Authors: Dr. Aser García-Rodríguez
Affiliation: Department of Animal Production, Neiker, Campus Agroalimentario de Arkaute s/n, 01192 Arkaute, Spain
Abstract: Abstract The present research aimed to evaluate in vitro organic matter digestibility, fermentation characteristics and methane production of a fruit and vegetable discards mixture processed by solid state fermentation (SSF) by Rhizopus sp. Fruit and vegetable discards from a regional market were collected and processed (centrifuged, crushed and oven dried) and further fermented at controlled operation parameters to obtain a stabilized product. Nutritional physicochemical characterization of fruit and vegetable mix and fermented product was performed. In vitro ruminal fermentation tests were also carried out to determine the effect of fungal bioconversion on digestibility, fermentation end products and gas production kinetics. Results indicate that SSF reduced organic matter and reducing sugar content, while increased crude protein and neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent insoluble protein fractions. The in vitro gas production technique showed that SSF led to a reduction of the organic matter digestibility (P <0.001), short chain fatty acid production (SCFA; P=0.003) and CH4 production (P=0.002). Solid state fermentation reduced the gas production from the insoluble fraction (P=0.001), without modifying the gas production rate (P=0.676) or the lag time prior to gas production (P=0.574). Regarding SCFA profile, SSF increased acetic (P=0.020) and decreased propionic (P=0.004) and butyric (P=0.006) acids proportions. As a consequence, SSF increased acetic to propionic (P=0.008) and acetic plus butyric to propionic (P=0.011) ratios. SSF of fruit and vegetable discards succeeded in obtaining a stabilized row material enriched in protein, but at the expense of a reduction of sugar content and an increase in fiber which, in turn, reduced its digestibility and led to a less efficient fermentation process. These changes in the nutritional profile of the fermented products should be taken into account before including them in ruminant’s rations.

Title: Feasibility research of red distiller’s grain as functional feed for goats through chemical composition, total phenols, biogases production, and rumen fermentation parameters
Authors: Qi Lu; Haiqiang Li; Tianxi Zhang; Xingzhou Tian; Xiang Chen
Affiliation: Guizhou University
Abstract: The red distiller’s grain (RDG) was rich in natural total phenol active ingredients, which could be used as an excellent antioxidant feed for goats. The current study was to assessment of red distiller’s grain as functional feed of goats through the chemical composition, total phenols, biogases production, and rumen fermentation parameters by using in vitro gas production technique. The results indicated that red DG (RDG) showed higher (p < 0.05) level of gas production rate constant (c) and ruminal outflow rate, as well as higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of TP and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity compared to other distiller’s grains. By contrast, RDG displayed the lowest (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction (a) and half the time of maximum gas production among all samples. Particularly, the levels of CH4 (%) of white DG and glutinous rice DG were greater (p < 0.05) than that of RDG. Moreover, the content of NH3-N of RDG was greater (p < 0.05) than that of the WDG and CDG. Differently, RDG exhibited lower (p < 0.05) level of rumianl fluid acetic acid relative to the WDG and CDG. Taken together, RDG had the potential to as an environmental friendly protein as well as an active substance source for goat because it had an abundance of chemical composition and TP, showing high DPPH scavenging activity to decline CH4 production from goats, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Title: Chemical composition and ruminal fermentation characteristics of selected forage species from traditional enclosure area in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Teklu Wegi1,4, Abubeker Hassen1, Melkamu Bezabih2, Adugna Tolera3
Affiliation: 1 Department of Animal and wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa 2 International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 3 School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia 4 Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Sinana Agricultural Research Center, Bale Robe, Ethiopia
Abstract: Teklu Wegi1,4, Abubeker Hassen1, Melkamu Bezabih2, Adugna Tolera3 Author Affiliations: 1 Department of Animal and wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa 2 International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 3 School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia 4 Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Sinana Agricultural Research Center, Bale Robe, Ethiopia Abstract: Natural pasture is an important source of feed for livestock in the central highlands of Ethiopia although the size, productivity and quality have declined over the years due to population pressure and over grazing. This study was conducted to describe the nutritive qualities of selected dominant pasture species in terms of chemical composition and ruminal fermentation characteristics during the end of rainy season. Twenty plots of 40 m x 40 m were established on representative locations in Kofele grasslands of central Ethiopia. Samples of 19 dominant pasture species were collected at 50% flowering from 16 quadrants of 0.25 m2 each per plot and sorted into species and pooled by species from different quadrants. Lower crude protein (CP) and higher fiber contents were observed for forage grasses than legumes, sedge and forbs. Total gas production increased during incubation period for all species and also higher gas production were obtained from legumes compared to grasses. Methane production was higher in grasses than legumes with the highest methane production recorded for Eleusine floccifolia, Eragrostis botryodes and Pennisetum sphacelatum in that order and the lowest from Cyperus rigidifolius sedge. Total gas production at 24 h of incubation period was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with CP and negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), but the reverse were observed for methane production. Centella asiatica forb was superior in most of the parameters considered than evaluated forage species. Therefore, maintaining the proportions of grasses and legumes should result in improved ruminal fermentation and productivity, while reducing methane emissions by ruminants fed on native pasture. However, further studies should be conducted regarding the yield, ant-nutritional values and actual feeding value of Centella asiatica forb to recommend as a possible forage crop in animal nutrition.

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