Search Results (374)

Milk production in tropical smallholder systems is constrained by limited high-quality roughage during the hot–dry season. Sweet sorghum silage is drought-tolerant and may replace corn stover silage. Twelve Holstein–Friesian crossbred cows were assigned to the same commercial concentrate plus either corn stover silage or sweet sorghum silage as the primary roughage source (n = 6 per diet). Intake, apparent digestibility, milk yield and composition, and feed-use efficiency were evaluated on day 15 and 30 and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with cow as a random effect. Compared with corn stover silage, sweet sorghum silage increased dry matter intake (p < 0.05) and improved the digestibility of fibre fractions, including crude fibre, NDF and ADF (p ≤ 0.003), while crude protein- and nitrogen-free extract digestibility were not different (p > 0.05). Milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, and feed-use efficiency indices were unaffected by silage source (p > 0.05). Milk protein concentration was higher with sweet sorghum silage (treatment effect p < 0.05), whereas milk fat and lactose were unchanged. Sweet sorghum silage can therefore replace corn stover silage in tropical dairy diets, improving intake and fibre utilization without compromising milk output. Full article

This study investigated the interactive effects of silage type (corn silage, CS vs. sweet sorghum silage, SS) and nitrogen source (soybean meal, SM vs. slow-release urea, SRU) on lamb meat quality. Results indicated that silage type minimally affected basic chemical composition, although CS-fed lambs exhibited higher ether extract content. Compared to CS, the SS group displayed higher redness (a*) and enhanced antioxidant capacity. SRU improved meat tenderness by reducing Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) by 20.40%, with limited effects on other quality traits. Notably, fatty acid profiles and health indices (IA, IT, HH, and HPI) were significantly modulated by the silage × nitrogen interaction. Specifically, the SS diet increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., LA, EPA, DHA) and achieved a 25.44% higher fish lipid quality (FLQ) value. Crucially, while SRU substitution in the SS diet showed no adverse effects on health value, it detrimentally affected these indices in the CS diet. In conclusion, sweet sorghum silage enhances meat quality and offers superior health benefits, and while SRU improves tenderness, its application requires caution in CS-based diets due to potential negative impacts on nutritional value. Full article

This study investigated the interactive effects of corn silage and ramie silage on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, aiming to provide a scientific basis and empirical evidence for the rational incorporation of ramie into ruminant diets. Four binary substrate mixtures were formulated based on dry matter (DM) mass ratios of corn silage to ramie silage: 100:0 (CON), 60:40 (R40), 20:80 (R80), and 0:100 (R100). Rumen fluid was collected from three adult Liuyang black goats surgically fitted with permanent rumen cannulas, and a standardized 48 h in vitro batch culture assay was conducted. Results demonstrated that increasing the proportion of ramie silage significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the DM degradation rate, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation rate, acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradation rate, and total gas production per gram of substrate DM. Specifically, CON and R40 exhibited significantly higher values for all four parameters than R80 and R100 (p < 0.05). Methane production was significantly reduced in all ramie-containing treatments relative to CON (p < 0.05), whereas hydrogen production increased progressively with ramie inclusion level, with CON yielding significantly less H₂ than both R80 and R100 (p < 0.05). Regarding fermentation parameters, increasing ramie proportion elevated (p < 0.05) both fermentation fluid pH and the acetate-to-propionate ratio, while total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration declined linearly (p < 0.05). TVFA concentrations did not differ significantly between CON and R40, yet both were significantly greater than those in R80 and R100 (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings indicate that ramie silage is a nutritionally valuable forage with potential as a high-quality partial replacement for conventional silages in ruminant feeding systems; however, its inclusion in corn–ramie mixed silages should not exceed 40% (on a DM basis) to maintain optimal fermentative efficiency and nutrient degradability. Full article

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is a tropical forage with high biomass yield, making it suitable for silage production. However, its low dry matter (DM) at the recommended harvest stage may lead to fermentation problems and increased gas and effluent losses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of different additives on the fermentative profile and nutritional value of elephant grass silage. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight replicates. The treatments were elephant grass without additives (control), elephant grass with cornmeal, and elephant grass with wheat bran. Elephant grass was harvested at 22.47% DM, and additives were included at 12% of fresh matter (FM). After 150 days of fermentation, DM recovery index (DMRI), gas and effluent losses, buffering capacity, ammonia nitrogen, and nutritional value were evaluated and lactic acid concentration was estimated. Including cornmeal or wheat bran in silage reduces the pH from 5.55 to 4.22. Wheat bran led to higher DMRI and lower gas losses. Both additives increased DM from 20.32% to 28.04% (cornmeal) and 27.94% (wheat bran). In addition, the use of additives reduced effluent losses (56.54 kg/t of FM) and ammonia nitrogen (mean 1.65% of total N) and increased lactic acid (mean 13.47 mg/g DM). Cornmeal produced the highest in vitro DM digestibility (ivDMd), followed by wheat bran and control. Including 12% of additives in elephant grass silage was effective in absorbing moisture, reducing fermentative losses, and improving the nutritional value. Despite the improved fermentative process with the addition of wheat bran and corn meal, future studies should evaluate these silages in animals to assess their effects on productive performance. Full article

Diversifying forage sources may improve the sustainability and flexibility of dairy production. In a 60 d feeding trial, 72 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to three treatments (24 cows/group) and fed a total mixed ration in which corn silage represented 41.16% of dietary dry matter in the control diet; 25% or 50% of this corn silage fraction was replaced with triticale silage (TS) on a dry matter basis. The study evaluated whether partial TS substitution could maintain lactational performance while affecting fecal fermentation and microbiota. Replacing corn silage with TS did not affect milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, major milk components, or metabolic indicators. However, 50% replacement increased fecal bacterial richness and diversity, as reflected by ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices, and altered the overall microbial community structure. This treatment also changed fecal volatile fatty acid profiles, including increasing the proportions of branched-chain volatile fatty acids. Overall, TS can replace up to 50% of the corn silage fraction in the ration of mid-lactation cows without compromising milk production or composition, while modifying hindgut microbial ecology and fermentation patterns, thereby offering greater ration flexibility when corn silage availability is limited or costly. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of essential oils, such as limonene (LIM) and a cinnamaldehyde–carvacrol blend (CCB), on the fermentation, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and aerobic stability of corn silage stored for 150 and 200 days. Treatments included a control, CCB (100 and 200 mg/kg DM), and LIM (100 and 200 mg/kg DM). Essential oils improved fermentation by increasing lactic acid (up to 7.46% of DM) and reducing proteolysis (NH₃-N: 0.46–0.59% of total N). Limonene, particularly at 100 mg/kg DM, enhanced the lactic:acetic acid ratio (up to 3.07), better preserved non-fiber carbohydrates (≈32.7%), and increased in vitro DM digestibility (up to 81.5%) compared to the control (≈76.0%). The CCB treatment raised acetic acid concentrations (up to 3.04% of DM). Extending storage to 200 days reduced DM recovery (≈84.0%) versus 150 days (92.5%). Treated silages showed greater aerobic stability, with a lower pH increase after 72 h of air exposure, most notably in the LIM 200 treatment (pH 4.10) compared to the control (pH 5.40). Essential oils, particularly limonene, effectively improve the fermentative quality, nutritional value, and aerobic stability of corn silage under prolonged storage. Full article

This study investigated the effects of isoacid supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient degradability, and bacterial community diversity in yaks using corn silage–highland barley straw-based substrates. An in vitro fermentation experiment was conducted with a substrate consisting of 80% whole-plant corn silage and 20% highland barley straw. Treatments included a control (without isoacids) and four isoacid supplemental levels (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% of substrate dry matter, DM), each with six replicates. A 72 h in vitro gas production experiment was performed to measure cumulative gas production, fermentation parameters, nutrient degradability, and bacterial community diversity. Cumulative gas production increased by 12.96% with 0.2% isoacid supplementation compared to the control (p < 0.05). The contents of microbial protein (MCP), acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) exhibited quadratic responses to the increasing isoacid dosage (p < 0.05). Specifically, MCP content reached a maximum of 0.76 mg/mL with 0.2% isoacids, representing a 31.03% increase compared to the control (p < 0.05). TVFA content was highest (146.85 mmoL/L) at 0.2% isoacid supplementation, with a 16.40% increase compared to the control (p < 0.05). Acetate content increased by 17.99% (p < 0.05), while propionate tended to increase with 0.2% isoacid supplementation (p = 0.08). Supplementation with 0.2% and 0.4% isoacids did not alter the bacterial composition and diversity (p > 0.05). However, at the genus level, g_Ruminococcus, g__Elusimicrobium, g_norank_f_Atopobiaceae, g_norank_o_Coriobacteriales, and g_Romboutsia were identified as differential biomarkers showing significant responses to isoacid supplementation (p < 0.05). Mantel-test analysis revealed positive correlation between g_Ruminococcus abundance and NH₃-N content (r < 0.4, p < 0.05); g_Romboutsia abundance and acetate content (r < 0.40, p < 0.05); g_Defluviitaleaceae_UCG-011 abundance and both NH₃-N content and the pH of rumen fluid (r < 0.40, p < 0.05); g_norank_o_Coriobacteriales abundance and rumen pH (r < 0.40, p < 0.01). Supplementation with 0.2% isoacids to corn silage–barley straw substrates improved in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics in yaks, which was associated with altered abundances of key bacterial genera including g_Ruminococcus, g__Elusimicrobium, g_norank_f_Atopobiaceae, g_norank_o_Coriobacteriales. Full article

This study utilized a modeling approach to explore the long-term effects of integrating hybrid rye into organic crop production on crop yields and water use, and rye’s theoretical impact on feed and bedding self-sufficiency in organic pig production. Crop yield and water use were simulated using DSSAT models for three exploratory scenarios (R1: corn–soybean–silage followed by 3 years of alfalfa; R2: rye replaced the first year of alfalfa; and R3: rye replaced the third year of alfalfa). Potential feed and bedding requirements were estimated based on a recently completed pig feeding trial. The models predicted higher rye yields and water use in R3 than in R2 (p < 0.01), suggesting a theoretical yield benefit when rye follows alfalfa. Based on these simulations, R3 could potentially provide feed and bedding for a 38 pigs·ha⁻¹·rotation cycle⁻¹, compared to a 10 pigs·ha⁻¹·rotation cycle⁻¹ in R2. While these findings represent theoretical scenarios rather than validated field performance, they demonstrate the potential of crop simulations for evaluations of long-term effects of organic crop rotations on yield and water use. The results suggest that integrating hybrid rye after legumes warrants further field-scale validation as a strategy to enhance resource self-sufficiency in organic pig production. Full article

Factors such as latitude, harvesting stage, and stubble height influence silage quality and harvesting decisions. We aimed to examine how harvest stage and stubble height affect the quality of whole-plant corn silage across different latitudes in Northeast China. Experiments were conducted in five different latitude regions (Shenyang, Changchun, Tongliao, Harbin, and Qiqihar) and assessed three stubble heights (20, 40, and 60 cm) at each harvest maturity stage: milk, initial wax, middle wax, late wax, and full maturity. After fermentation, whole-plant corn silage samples were collected and evaluated for nutritional content, fermentation quality, and toxin levels. Increasing the stubble height increased the dry matter (DM), crude protein, starch, and deoxynivalenol content in the whole-plant corn silage (p < 0.01), but decreased the acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre concentrations (p < 0.01). Delayed harvest increased the DM and vomitoxin content (p < 0.01). The pH decreased initially and then increased as the harvest was delayed (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, NH₃–N and acetic acid content did not differ significantly with delayed harvesting (p > 0.05). At higher latitudes, the optimal harvest period is correspondingly delayed, shortening the harvest time. To maintain silage quality without affecting yield or economics, a 40 cm stubble height is recommended. If delayed, incrementally increasing the stubble height to 60 cm may be warranted to maintain silage quality. We provide data-driven insights to optimise silage production and ruminant nutrition. Full article

With the continuous development of the livestock industry, the availability of high-quality roughage is becoming increasingly constrained. Therefore, the exploitation of unconventional feed resources is crucial for the sustainable development of the sector. Grape branches and leaves are a major by-product of viticulture, abundant in supply but currently underutilised. Their ensilage presents potential feed value and ecological benefits. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, gut microbiota, and metabolomic profiles of Kazakh rams. Sixty Kazakh rams aged 6.0 ± 0.5 months with similar initial body weight (34.21 ± 2.13 kg) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: the control group (CG) fed whole-crop corn silage, the EG50 group where grape branch and leaf silage replaced 50% of the whole-crop corn silage, and the EG100 group where grape branch and leaf silage entirely replaced the whole-crop corn silage. Each treatment comprised four replicates with five rams per replicate. Following a 7-day adaptation period, a formal feeding trial was conducted for 120 days, after which relevant parameters were measured. Results: (1) Compared with the CG, the dressing percentage was significantly increased in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), while tail fat weight and tail fat percentage were both markedly decreased (p < 0.01). (2) Serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG) levels and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activities were significantly elevated in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), accompanied by enhanced total antioxidant capacity. Concurrently, levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and the oxidative damage marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). (3) Based on slaughter performance, jejunal microbiota analysis was performed for the CG and EG100 groups. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes increased in the EG100 group, with beneficial genera such as Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus becoming predominant. (4) Metabolomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of pathways including primary bile acid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the EG100 group, with 20 key differential metabolites identified. Dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage may improve slaughter performance and reduce fat deposition in Kazakh rams, potentially by modulating the gut microbiota structure and its metabolic functions, thereby synergistically enhancing nutrient utilisation, anti-inflammatory capacity, and antioxidant status. This study provides a theoretical basis for the feed-oriented and value-added utilisation of grape processing by-products. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between its active components and host metabolism. Full article

Castor (Ricinus communis) is a toxic seed used to extract oil for the chemical industry, with castor meal as a by-product. A recently developed industrial method allows its detoxification, enabling its use as a protein-rich feed for ruminants. This study evaluated the safety of detoxified castor meal based on intake, digestibility, and performance of sheep fed sugarcane silage containing increasing levels of this ingredient. The detoxified castor meal, supplied by an oil extraction industry, underwent no additional detoxification treatment. Twenty-four intact male sheep were randomly assigned to diets containing 0%, 10%, 20% or 40% fresh matter castor meal in sugarcane silage. Diets were balanced with soybean meal and ground corn. After 60 days of feeding, no signs of intoxication were observed. Crude protein (CP) intake decreased from 0.157 to 0.128 kg/day (p = 0.03) and ether extract (EE) intake from 0.068 to 0.044 kg/day (p = 0.04). Crude protein digestibility declined from 754 to 473 g/kg (p < 0.01), and EE digestibility from 813 to 725 g/kg (p = 0.02). All other intake, digestibility, and performance variables were not significantly affected (p ≥ 0.05). Industrially detoxified castor meal was shown to be a safe additive in sugarcane silage up to 40% by fresh matter, with no adverse effects on sheep performance. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate different doses of bacterial inoculants and the inclusion of 8% ground corn grain (GCG) on fermentative characteristics, chemical composition, and in situ ruminal degradability of low-DM elephant grass (cv. BRS Capiaçu) silage. The experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 6 × 3 factorial arrangement (six treatments × three fermentation periods). Treatments were a control without additive (CTR); 0.5 or 1 g/ton of Lentilactobacillus buchneri (LBU0.5 and LBU1); 1 or 2 g/ton of a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum + Pediococcus acidilactici inoculant (LPP1 and LPP2); and 8% GCG. After 60 d of fermentation, in situ ruminal degradability was evaluated using rumen-fistulated lactating cows with incubation times from 0 to 240 h. The GCG treatment increased DM, CP, and ether extract concentrations and reduced NDF, ADF, and lignin contents. Additionally, GCG silage exhibited lower pH, butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations, along with higher lactic acid levels. No treatment effects were observed for water-soluble carbohydrates or total DM losses. The effective NDF degradability, degradation rate of the slowly degradable fraction, and undigested NDF after 240 h were not affected by treatments. In conclusion, the inclusion of GCG improved the fermentative profile of low-DM elephant grass silage, whereas bacterial inoculants did not significantly enhance the silage quality under the conditions evaluated. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate in situ ruminal nutrient degradation, fractional disappearance rate, and effective ruminal degradation of hydroponically sprouted barley, wheat, and triticale. Two ruminally canulated lactating cows were used in a complete randomized block design with four treatments and nine incubation times (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 240 h). Treatments were corn silage (control), and sprouted barley, triticale, and wheat. Quadruplicate samples (5 g each) were placed in Dacron bags and incubated in the rumen. Then, bags were rinsed and spun, dried (48 h × 55 °C; 3 h × 105 °C), and weighed to determine residual dry matter (DM). Data were analyzed using mixed models (MIXED, SAS 9.4) with treatment, time, and their interaction as fixed effects, and cow and replicate (cow) as random effects. Denominator degrees of freedom were adjusted using the Kenward–Roger method, and means were separated by Tukey–Kramer. Significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05 and tendencies at 0.05 < p ≤ 0.10. Sprouted triticale and wheat treatments had a greater rapidly soluble fraction for DM (p < 0.01), the greatest fractional disappearance rate for DM (p < 0.01) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; p < 0.01), and greater effective ruminal degradability (ERD) for DM (p < 0.01) and crude protein (CP; p < 0.01). Sprouted wheat also had the greatest ERD for NDF (p < 0.01). In contrast, sprouted barley had the lowest rapidly soluble fractions for DM (p < 0.01), NDF (p < 0.01), and CP (p < 0.01), lower fractional disappearance rate for DM (p < 0.01) and NDF (p < 0.01) than sprouted triticale and wheat, and the lowest ERD for DM (p < 0.01) and CP (p < 0.01). Overall, sprouted triticale and wheat had greater in situ ruminal nutrient degradation, effective ruminal degradation, and nutrient degradation kinetics, indicating their potential for inclusion in dairy cattle diets to improve nutrient degradability. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean hulls with dried grape pomace (DGP) on feed intake, milk production and composition, and rumen N degradability in dairy cows. A 3 × 3 Latin square design was used with three rumen-fistulated Holstein cows, three corn silage-based diets containing 0%, 3%, or 6% of DGP, and three 23-day periods. Measurements were taken from days 15 to 21, with in situ incubations of two protein sources during the last 2 days. At trial end, cows continued on experimental diets to determine the degradability of soybean hulls and DGP. Compared to soybean hulls, DGP presented higher fiber content and lower in situ rumen dry matter and N degradability. Condensed tannin disappearance from DGP increased over time, reaching almost 50% after 48 h. Diet did not affect feed intake, milk production, and composition, except for milk urea N and ruminal total short-chain fatty acids concentration, which showed a quadratic response, suggesting both imbalances between fermentable energy and rumen degradable protein and potential effects of DGP bioactive compounds on rumen function. The N degradation rate of rapeseed meal was unaffected, but soybean meal degradability tended to increase with higher DGP inclusion. This was also detected when combining protein sources across diets. Although DGP influenced rumen function, further research integrating omics and detailed microbiota profiling is needed. Overall, despite its low energy content and rumen degradability, DGP comprises a sustainable feed resource for high-producing animals, supporting circular economy approaches and mitigating the environmental impacts of grape pomace disposal. Full article

This study was focused on the assessment of fungal occurrence, mycotoxin dynamics, aflatoxin carry-over, and associated biochemical responses in dairy cattle. Moisture emerged as the dominant factor for fungal communities, promoting the co-proliferation of fungal genera adapted to high water activity conditions (a_w > 0.90) and antagonism against xerotolerant and xerophilic species. Aspergillus spp. dominated dry substrates (a_w < 0.75), Fusarium spp. showed strong positive associations with high-moisture matrices (a_w > 0.90), and Penicillium spp. exhibited intermediate, substrate-dependent behavior. Mycotoxin levels fluctuated non-linearly, independently of fungal counts: ochratoxin A (OTA) concentrations in corn silage increased from approximately 12 μg/kg at the onset of the ensiling period to >240 μg/kg at silo opening, indicating dynamic mycotoxin accumulation during storage, while zearalenone (ZEA) oscillated from 40 to 170 µg/kg. Despite the variation in total aflatoxins (AFLA-T) across feed matrices, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk remained low (0.0020–0.0093 μg/kg), confirming limited carry-over. Serum biochemical parameters—alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (BIL-T), total protein (PROT-T)—remained within physiological limits, yet multivariate analyses revealed metabolic modulation linked to aflatoxin exposure. AFM1 explained >7% of the variance in serum biochemical profiles according to PERMANOVA (p = 0.002), showed significant MANOVA effect (Pillai = 0.198), and displayed a significant canonical association (p < 10⁻¹³). Linear discriminant analysis further separated Normal vs. Borderline hepatic profiles, indicating subclinical physiological adaptation to chronic low-dose exposure. Full article