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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2022) | Viewed by 22997

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Monica Isabella Cutrignelli

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Guest Editor

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Interests: animal nutrition; ruminant nutrition; animal production

Dr. Maria N.T. Shipandeni

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal Science, University of Namibia,13301 Windhoek, Namibia
Interests: grazing; animal production; ruminant nutrition

Dr. Bossima Ivan Koura

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Guest Editor

School of Animal Production and Health, National University of Agriculture, BP 43 Ketou, Benin
Interests: pastoralism; animal production; ruminant nutrition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world population is expected to increase in the upcoming years. As a consequence, the demand for livestock and livestock products will also increase. The development of efficient and sustainable feeding systems is required to meet this demand. One of the main objectives in animal nutrition is, therefore, to explore alternative feeds for animals.

In tropical areas, rangelands with native heterogeneous vegetation, including grasses, legumes, trees, and shrubs, are the primary forage source for ruminants. However, seeds from native trees or shrubs have been investigated less for their properties. At the same time, there are low-cost supplements with a positive effect on rumen fermentation and environmentally friendly production.

During dry seasons, pasture availability decreases, and ruminants depend on perennial grasses and agricultural by-products. The latter include crop residues (straw of cereals, stover from maize and sorghum, and legume haulms and pods) and agro-industrial by-products. However, there is a need to improve the nutritional value of agricultural wastes for ruminants through various processes. Tropical fruits processing by-products could also be a good carbohydrates provider with some bio-favorable components. Lastly, the positive impact of innovative tropical feeds on the health of animals and products quality is also a current issue to be investigated deeper.

This Special Issue aims to help veterinarians, students, university researchers, and professors involved in animal production with scientific articles, an updated bibliography, and short communications on new potential feeds for feeding animals that could be used for efficient and sustainable production.

We are interested in articles and reviews in the following areas: nutritional strategies to improve production efficiency, alternative feeds and feed additives, agricultural wastes, fruits and fish by-products, tropical plant seeds, and nutraceutical properties of feeds. Manuscripts that focus on one or more of these areas are welcome.

Dr. Monica Isabella Cutrignelli
Dr. Maria N.T. Shipandeni
Dr. Bossima Ivan Koura
Guest Editors

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Keywords

nutritional strategies
alternative feeds
Tropical Areas
feeding animals

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainable Feeds for Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas

by Bossima Ivan Koura, Maria Shipandeni and Monica Isabella Cutrignelli

Animals 2023, 13(8), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081379 - 18 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1556

Abstract

Developing efficient feeds and sustainable feeding systems is required to meet the increasing demand for livestock and livestock products [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Effects of Some Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts on Feed Degradability, Microbial Protein Yield, and Total Gas Production In Vitro

by Aderonke N. Abd’quadri-Abojukoro and Ignatius V. Nsahlai

Animals 2023, 13(4), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040702 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of 22 crude ethanolic plant extracts on in vitro rumen fermentation of Themeda triandra hay using monensin sodium as a positive control. The experiment was run independently three times at 16 and 48 h of incubation periods using the in vitro gas production techniques. Fermentation parameters were determined at both hours of incubation. Plant extracts influenced gas production (GP) in a varied way relative to control at both hours of incubation, and GP is consistently highly significant (p < 0.0001) at 16 and 48 h. Microbial protein yield (MY) was not significantly affected at 16 h (p > 0.05), but it was at 48 h (p < 0.01). Higher MY was recorded for all treatments except for A. sativum and C. intybus at the early incubation stage (16 h) relative to 48 h of incubation. Compared to the control group at 48 h, all plant extracts have higher MY. After 48 h of incubation, the result shows that plant extracts have an effect on fermentation parameters determined; ruminal feed degradation, gas production, microbial protein yield, and partitioning factor in varied manners. All the plant extracts improve the MY which is the major source of amino acids to ruminants and has significant importance to animal performance. C. illinoinensis, C. japonica, M. nigra, P. americana, C. papaya, and A. nilotica (pods) were the most promising plant extracts, but further study is recommended to validate the in vitro observation in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

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12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria L.) Waste on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Hematology and Immune Response in Growing Beef Cattle

by Nirawan Gunun, Chatchai Kaewpila, Waroon Khota, Sineenart Polyorach, Thachawech Kimprasit, Wasana Phlaetita, Anusorn Cherdthong, Metha Wanapat and Pongsatorn Gunun

Animals 2023, 13(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010084 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3146

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of indigo waste on the feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, hematology, immune response and growth performance in growing beef cattle. Twenty crossbred beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 145 ± 11 kg were fed four levels of indigo waste for 90 days in a trial. Additions of indigo waste at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% in a concentrate diet using a completely randomized design (CRD). Cattle were fed concentrate at 1.8% BW, with rice straw fed ad libitum. The concentrate intake decreased linearly (p = 0.01) with the addition of indigo waste. The supplementation with indigo waste reduced dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility cubically (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively), while increasing neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility cubically (p = 0.02). The final BW of beef cattle decreased linearly (p = 0.03) with the addition of indigo waste. The inclusion of indigo waste decreased the average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) linearly (p < 0.01) from 0 to 90 days. The nutrient digestibility, ADG and G:F of beef cattle fed 10% indigo waste in the diet was similar when compared with the control (0% indigo waste). The ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). The proportion of acetate increased linearly (p < 0.01) but propionate decreased linearly (p < 0.01), resulting in an increase in the acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.01) when cattle were fed with indigo waste supplementation. Increasing indigo waste levels did not influence blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, hematological parameters or immune responses (IgA, IgM and IgG) (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of indigo waste at 10% in a concentrate diet did not have a negative effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, hematology, immune function or growth performance in growing beef cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

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16 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Value of Climate-Resilient Forage Species Sustaining Peri-Urban Dairy Cow Production in the Coastal Grasslands of Benin (West Africa)

by Bossima Ivan Koura, Alessandro Vastolo, Dieu donné Kiatti, Monica Isabella Cutrignelli, Marcel Houinato and Serena Calabrò

Animals 2022, 12(24), 3550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243550 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2053

Abstract

Along the coast of West Africa, grazing ruminants rely on perennial forage species remaining in uncultivated plots, roadsides, and marshlands during the dry season. To assess the quality of these forages, thirteen drought-tolerant plants were harvested at the mature stage, and the samples were evaluated for chemical composition, in vitro fermentation characteristics, and metabolizable energy (ME) content. They are ten drought-tolerant grasses, including: Andropogon virginicus, Brachiaria deflexa, Cenchorus biflorus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eragrostis tremula, Leptochloa caerulescens, Loudetia aroundinacea, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum vaginatum, Pennisetum purpureum, two perennial herbs, Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Zornia latifolia, and one multipurpose tree, Elaeis guineensis. Legume species had the highest nutritional value (highest crude protein and ME, and lowest neutral detergent fiber) of the species studied. In terms of the in vitro data, the gas produced after 120 h of incubation ranged from 149 mL/g in E. tremula to 185 mL/g in Paspalum. Z. latifoliaa and had the fastest rate of fermentation, producing half of the total gas in 19.5 h, whereas E. tremula required 49.9 h (p < 0.01). The production of branched-chain fatty acids (isobutyrate and isovalerate) was greatest for E. guineensis and the lowest in both Paspalum species (p < 0.01). The study suggests the need for the protein supplementation of the animals to ensure maximum forage utilization and to satisfy the nutrient requirements of ruminant livestock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

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12 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oil Extracted Moringa peregrina Seed Cake as a Feed Ingredient in Poultry: A Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value Study

by Mohammed A. Al-Harthi, Youssef A. Attia, Mohamed F. Elgandy and Fulvia Bovera

Animals 2022, 12(24), 3502; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243502 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2114

Abstract

The chemical composition, antioxidant activity, tannic acid content, mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid profiles of oil-extracted Moringa peregrina seed meal (OEMPSM) were determined. Apparent (AME) and true (AMEn) metabolizable energy and apparent (AAAU) and true (TAAU) amino acid utilization were evaluated using a precision feeding trial. The protein (CP) quality was evaluated by a total efficiency analysis method. The antioxidant activity, gauged by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), was 237, 353, and 15.2 mg/mL for the water and ethanol extracts, and ascorbic acid, respectively. Tannic acids were 131.4 mg/100 g dry weight. The OEMPSM had 27.2% CP and 22.4, 15.1, and 15.8 MJ/kg of gross energy, AME and AMEn, respectively. The neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose were 40.2, 29.7, and 10.5% DM, respectively. The 15.41% of total fatty acids were saturated and 84.57% unsaturated. The AAAU and TAAU of OEMPSM were 30.92% and 61.06%, respectively. From findings, OEMPSM comprises a valuable level of bioactive substances, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and energy; it can provide up to 1.12% of the requirements of total amino acids of chickens (1–21 days); however, the quality of its protein was found to be 44.6% less than that of protein of soybean meal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

11 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composition of Slow-Growing Male Chicken’s Meat and Bone Quality as Affected by Dietary Moringa oleifera Lam. Meal

by Esther Faustin-Evaris, Luis A. Sarmiento-Franco, Concepción M. Capetillo-Leal and Carlos A. Sandoval-Castro

Animals 2022, 12(24), 3482; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243482 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1422

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Moringa oleifera Lam. meal (MOM) on meat nutritional properties and bone quality of slow-growing layer-type male chickens raised in semi-intensive conditions. A total of 198, 72-d-old Dominant Blue D 107 male chickens, with an average weight of 1093 ± 15.2 g, were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 3, and 6% of MOM that corresponded to T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Each treatment, consisting of six replicated floor pens of 11 birds, had access to the outdoors for 49 days. The results showed that breast muscle ash percentage was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in T2 in comparison to the T1 group. Meat dry matter, protein, and fat content were not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05). Regardless of the treatments, oleic acid (C18:1N9C) was numerically more abundant in the breast than in the leg muscle. Alternatively, femoral and tibial lengths were shorter (P ≤ 0.05) in birds fed 3% MOM than the two other groups. Moreover, birds fed with MOM had greater tibial diameter (P ≤ 0.05) than those that were fed without MOM. In addition, bone ash content and phosphorous amount were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in birds fed 6% MOM compared to those fed without MOM. The data of this study indicate that up to 6% of MOM may be added to the diet of slow-growing layer-type male chickens raised with outdoor access under tropical conditions to improve bone quality traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

11 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Hydrolyzed Yeast on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Hematology in Growing Beef Cattle

by Nirawan Gunun, Ittipol Sanjun, Chatchai Kaewpila, Suban Foiklang, Anusorn Cherdthong, Metha Wanapat, Sineenart Polyorach, Waroon Khota, Thachawech Kimprasit, Piyawit Kesorn, Nipa Milintawisamai and Pongsatorn Gunun

Animals 2022, 12(18), 2473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182473 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2761

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and hematology in growing crossbred Bos indicus cattle. Twenty crossbred beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 142 ± 12 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments for 90 d in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having five blocks based on a homogenous subpopulation of sex and BW. Cattle were fed with a total mixed ration (TMR) and supplemented with HY at 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. Supplementation with the HY did not change average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) (p ≥ 0.06). The addition of HY did not adversely affect nutrient intake (p ≥ 0.48), while the digestibility of crude protein (CP) increased quadratically (p= 0.03) in the cattle receiving HY. The addition of HY did not affect rumen pH, but NH₃-N concentration increased linearly (p = 0.02) in the cattle. The total volatile fatty acid (total VFA) increased quadratically (p= 0.03) when cattle were fed with HY supplementation. The proportion of acetate decreased cubically (p= 0.03) while propionate increased cubically (p= 0.01), resulting in a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (p= 0.01) when cattle were fed with HY supplementation. In addition, acetate was the lowest, but total VFA and propionate were the highest in cattle fed the HY at 2 g/kg DM. Butyrate increased cubically (p = 0.02) with the addition of HY. The protozoal and fungal populations were similar among treatments (p ≥ 0.11), but the bacterial population increased linearly (p < 0.01) with the addition of HY. Supplementation of HY did not influence blood urea nitrogen (BUN), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, or eosinophils (p≥ 0.10). However, monocytes and neutrophils increased linearly (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively) by HY supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of HY at 2 g/kg DM promotes CP digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, and hematology but does not affect the growth performance of growing beef cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

19 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Supplementing Finishing Goats with Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil Leaves Powder on Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality

by Pin Chanjula, Juraithip Wungsintaweekul, Rawee Chiarawipa, Kampanat Phesatcha, Chanon Suntara, Rittikeard Prachumchai, Patcharin Pakdeechanuan and Anusorn Cherdthong

Animals 2022, 12(13), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12131637 - 26 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2795

Abstract

The objective of this study was to see how dried Mitragyna speciosa Korth leaves (DKTL) affected growth, hematological parameters, carcass characteristics, muscle chemical composition, and fatty acid profile in finishing goats. In a randomized complete block design, twenty crossbred males (Thai Native x Boer) weaned goats (17.70 ± 2.50 kg of initial body weight (BW)) were provided to the experimental animals (5 goats per treatment) for 90 days. Individual dietary treatments of 0, 2.22, 4.44, and 6.66 g/d of DKTL on a dry matter basis were given to the goats. The diets were provided twice daily as total mixed rations ad libitum. In comparison to the control diet, DKTL supplementation had no effect on BW, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass composition, meat pH, or meat color (p > 0.05). After DKTL treatment, the hot carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, oleic acid (C18:1n9), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and protein content increased, but saturated fatty acids (SFA) and ether extract decreased (p < 0.05). To summarize, DKTL supplementation can improve goat meat quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

Review

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18 pages, 646 KiB

Open AccessReview

Provision of High-Quality Molasses Blocks to Improve Productivity and Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Smallholder Cattle and Buffalo: Studies from Lao PDR

by Peter Andrew Windsor and Julian Hill

Animals 2022, 12(23), 3319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233319 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2337

Abstract

Large ruminant production in developing countries is inefficient with low growth rates and likely high greenhouse gas emissions per unit of meat or milk produced. Trials conducted in Lao PDR from 2017 to 2020, studied ad libitum supplementation for 12 weeks with 20 kg high-quality molasses nutrient blocks (Four Seasons Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Australia), that were either non-medicated; fenbendazole-medicated (Panacur100^®, Coopers Australia, 5 g/kg); triclabendazole-medicated (Fasinex^®, Novartis Australia, 5 g/kg or 10 g/kg, respectively); or formulated with urea (8% or 10% urea, respectively). Average daily gains were determined for access to all molasses blocks and compared with access to control blocks, no supplementation, or previously determined free-grazing baseline average daily gains (55–84 g in cattle; 92–106 g in buffalo). Productivity was significantly improved following access to all molasses blocks. Average daily gains following access to 8% urea and control blocks were calculated for three age cohorts of cattle: young calves <8 m (238–298 g), growing cattle (143–214 g) and lactating cows (179–191 g). Modelling using IPCC Inventory software model V 2.69 of published data demonstrated a conservative net abatement of 350 kg CO₂e was achievable over a 200-day feeding period. An additional trial of Emissions control blocks (n = 200) distributed to farmers (n = 60) and two educational institutions were conducted. Consumption rates (156 g/day) and farmer and institutional acceptance of these blocks were similar to our published findings with other molasses blocks, confirming all formulations of blocks improved animal productivity and body condition score, with healthier animals that were easier to manage. Modelling of changes in greenhouse gas emissions intensity identified an abatement of 470 kg CO₂e per Emissions control blocks consumed, delivering a total project emissions abatement of 94 t CO₂e. Provision of high-quality molasses blocks significantly improved smallholder large ruminant productivity and addition of greenhouse gas reducing agents is likely to achieve impressive abatement of greenhouse gas emissions due to improved efficiency of rumen fermentation and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas)

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