Search Results (75)

Background and Objectives: The potential of essential oils (EOs) and fumaric acid (FA) to modulate ruminal fermentation and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cows has attracted significant attention. However, little is known about the specific metabolites produced as a result of their interaction. This study investigated the combined effects of essential oil blends (EOBs) and FA on rumen metabolites using a rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system. Materials and Methods: Three rumen-cannulated, non-lactating Holstein Friesian cows served as inoculum donors. The total mixed ration (TMR; CON) comprised corn silage (60%), alfalfa hay (20%), and concentrate (20%). Three distinct EOBs were formulated: EOB1 [Garlic, Lemongrass, Cumin, Lavender, and Nutmeg; at 4:2:2:1:1, respectively], EOB2 [Anise, Clove, Oregano, Cedarwood, and Ginger; at 4:2:2:1:1, respectively], and EOB3 [Clove, Anise, Peppermint, and Oregano; at 4:3:2:1, respectively]. Four treatments evaluated were control (CON), EFA1 (EOB1 + FA), EFA2 (EOB2 + FA), and EFA3 (EOB3 + FA). EOBs and FA were included at 10 µL/g feed and 3% of TMR, respectively. Rumen effluents were collected over 5 days for metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Results: A total of 661 metabolites were detected and identified. Volcano plot analysis revealed 13 differentially abundant metabolites for EFA1, 41 for EFA2, and 19 for EFA3 compared to CON group. PLS-DA analysis showed clear separation of treatments, indicating modifications in the rumen fluid metabolome. Conclusions: The treatments led to the enrichment of pathways involved in amino acid, nucleotide, cofactor, and energy metabolism. These additives have the potential to optimize nutrient utilization and overall animal health. Therefore, in vivo studies should be conducted to validate their efficacy. Full article

This study examined the effects of alfalfa silage versus alfalfa hay in a total mixed ration (TMR) on milk yield, rumen fermentation, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows. Hydrolyzed tannins (HT) were supplemented individually to assess changes. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows (DIM: 94 ± 8 d; milk yield: 41 ± 2 kg) were assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design: basal diet (alfalfa hay, H, or alfalfa silage, S) and additive (control, C, or 100 g/d HT, T). Production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites were evaluated. Compared with group H, group S had a 0.16% higher milk protein percentage and significantly higher fat-corrected milk yield, milk fat percentage, fat-to-protein ratio, total solids, and milk urea nitrogen. After feeding, the ST group had increased ruminal pH. HT supplementation significantly decreased ruminal NH₃-N levels (p < 0.05) and increased microbial crude protein (MCP) content (p < 0.05). Group H showed no significant changes, and the effects of HT were less evident in hay-fed cows than in silage-fed cows. In summary, alfalfa silage feeding increased ruminal microbial populations, while HT supplementation mitigated the post-feeding decline in ruminal pH. Considering the relatively small sample size (n = 32), the results should be viewed as indicative rather than conclusive, and future studies with larger cohorts will be valuable to confirm and extend these findings. Full article

Using locally produced forage and agro-industrial by-products can reduce dependence on imported feed and competition for human food sources, while improving meat quality. However, the overall effect of this feeding strategy on global greenhouse gas emissions must be evaluated to provide a comprehensive assessment of sustainability. This study aimed to test whether replacing the conventional concentrate finishing diet with a total mixed ration (TMR) diet based on maize silage and brewer’s spent grains (BSG) would improve meat quality without compromising productive performance, carcass composition, and the carbon footprint (CFp) of finishing beef cattle. Twenty crossbred young bulls were randomly distributed among 4 pens and randomly allocated to 2 treatments: Control—a conventional diet based on commercial concentrate and wheat straw or TMR—a maize silage-based diet with BSG, concentrate, and straw. Dry matter intake and average daily gain were 13% and 15%, respectively, lower in the TMR treatment than in the Control treatment. Daily methane emissions were 59% higher in the TMR treatment. However, life cycle assessment results revealed no differences in the CFp, and the beef from TMR treatment achieved higher meat quality. In conclusion, a maize silage-based diet offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional diets, with a lower environmental impact and improved beef quality. Full article

Ensiling grass with microbial inoculants is a promising strategy to enhance forage quality, animal performance, and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-strain inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. buchneri, Propionibacterium acidipropionici, and P. thoeni) on silage fermentation, nutrient digestibility, milk production, methane emissions, and rumen microbiota in dairy cows. In a 2 × 2 crossover design, 24 lactating Polish Holstein–Friesians were fed total mixed rations differing only in grass silage treated with or without inoculant. Inoculated silage had lower pH (4.56 vs. 5.06; p = 0.02) and higher crude protein (129 vs. 111 g/kgDM; p < 0.05). Cows fed inoculated silage showed higher ruminal propionate (28.3 vs. 26.3 mM; p = 0.03), reduced ammonia (7.61 vs. 8.67 mM; p = 0.02), and fewer protozoa (1.21 vs. 1.66 × 10⁵/mL; p = 0.03). Nutrient digestibility improved (p < 0.05), while methane emissions declined both per cow (368 vs. 397 g/d; p = 0.01) and per kgDMI (15.1 vs. 16.5; p = 0.01). Milk yield increased (p = 0.04), and the fatty acid profile improved. Our study revealed that cows fed inoculated silage had higher nutrient digestibility, lower methane emissions, and microbial shifts in the rumen detected by 16S rRNA sequencing (p < 0.05). Full article

This study evaluated the effects of lasalocid sodium (LASA) and essential oils on the fermentation and nutritional quality of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. A 4 × 2 factorial design tested four additives—a control (distilled water), LASA (375 mg/kg DM), limonene essential oil (LEO), and a blend of cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol (EOB), both at 400 mg/kg DM—during summer and autumn. The TMRs were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of lactating cows producing 20 kg of milk per day. After 110 days of ensiling, silages were analyzed for fermentation losses, pH, short-chain fatty acids, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N), aerobic stability (AS), and chemical composition. The additives significantly improved dry matter recovery (DMR), especially LASA and EOB in autumn. EOB showed the lowest effluent losses and highest AS, with higher acetic acid and lower NH₃-N contents. LEO and EOB increased lactic acid, while LASA reduced ethanol and butyric acid levels in summer. Crude protein increased with LEO in autumn, and LASA and LEO improved total digestible nutrients (TDNs) in summer. EOB-treated silages had higher fiber fractions in autumn, without compromising feed value. Therefore, LASA, LEO, and particularly EOB enhanced silage fermentation and nutrient preservation, with EOB showing the most consistent results across seasons. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of different doses of limonene essential oil (LEO) and a blend of cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol (BCC) on the fermentative quality and chemical–bromatological composition of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. Two independent trials were conducted, each focused on one additive, using a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of dry matter), replicated across two seasons (summer and autumn), with five replicates per treatment per season. The silages were assessed for their chemical composition, fermentation profile, aerobic stability (AS), and storage losses. In the LEO trial, the dry matter (DM) content increased significantly by 0.047% for each mg/kg added. Dry matter recovery (DMR) peaked at 97.9% at 473 mg/kg (p < 0.01), while lactic acid (LA) production reached 5.87% DM at 456 mg/kg. Ethanol concentrations decreased to 0.13% DM at 392 mg/kg (p = 0.04). The highest AS value (114 h) was observed at 203.7 mg/kg, but AS declined slightly at the highest LEO dose (600 mg/kg). No significant effects were observed for the pH, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), or non-fiber carbohydrates (NFCs). In the BCC trial, DMR reached 98.2% at 548 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and effluent losses decreased by approximately 20 kg/ton DM. LA production peaked at 6.41% DM at 412 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and AS reached 131 h at 359 mg/kg. BCC increased NDF (from 23.27% to 27.73%) and ADF (from 35.13% to 41.20%) linearly, while NFCs and the total digestible nutrients (TDN) decreased by 0.0007% and 0.039% per mg of BCC, respectively. In conclusion, both additives improved the fermentation efficiency by increasing LA and reducing losses. LEO was more effective for DM retention and ethanol reduction, while BCC improved DMR and AS, with distinct effects on fiber and energy fractions. Full article

Using additives in sugarcane silage can reduce dry matter losses and enhance animal performance by preserving nutritional value. This study evaluated the performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters of sheep fed sugarcane silage with or without cottonseed cake. Twenty-six uncastrated, mixed-breed male lambs (approximately 6 months of age; 26 ± 1.3 kg) were allocated to two dietary treatments based on sugarcane silage (SS) and cottonseed cake (CSC), which differed in the form of feed presentation: (1) the control, consisting of SS and fresh CSC provided simultaneously but offered separately, without physical mixing; and (2) the Partial Mixed Ration silage (S + CSC), in which SS and CSC were pre-mixed and ensiled together at a proportion of 80:20 (natural matter basis). Dry matter intake (1620 g/kg) was similar between diets, but dry matter digestibility (64.75%) and average daily gain (202.88 g/day) were higher in the cottonseed cake group, leading to greater total weight gain (8.11 kg). These animals also had a lower acetate/propionate ratio (4.2 vs. 2.0 mmol/L) and higher blood glucose (44 vs. 35 mg/dL). Higher N intake, urinary N, and retained N were observed in the cottonseed cake diet, which also improved the diet’s mineral balance. In conclusion, adding cottonseed cake to sugarcane silage enhances fermentation, preserves nutritional value, and improves sheep performance. Full article

The use of cassava as a feed resource is the main focus of strategies that aim to increase the efficiency of beef cattle. In this study, the ratio of fresh cassava tops to roots (CTR) was 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 w/w, in addition to the incorporation of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (YL). CTRS was inoculated in vitro with rumen fluid and a substrate mixture to evaluate the gas production and fermentation quality. In vivo, crossbred beef cattle were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments: a control group and two groups that received total mixed ration (TMR) silage with either 35% or 70% of the concentrate replaced with CTRS. This study found that the levels of crude protein and condensed tannins (CTs) in CTRS were relatively increased by the addition of cassava tops (p < 0.05), while the fermentation pH decreased as the proportion of cassava roots increased. CTRS significantly enhanced in vitro dry matter digestibility, cumulative gas at 96 h, gas production kinetics, and MBP (p < 0.05), especially in the 1:2 group. In the in vivo experiment, CTRS increased DM intake, CP, and propionic acid concentration compared to the control group and showed great potential for improving NDF digestibility. Moreover, when the concentrate in the TMR silage was substituted with CTRS and offered to crossbred beef cattle, it increased ruminal NH₃-N and blood glucose levels (p < 0.05). The TMR silage substituted with 70% CTRS reduced the feed cost by 50.54% (p < 0.05). Our study findings suggest that optimizing the inclusion of CTRS in TMR silage could be a viable strategy for beef producers aiming to enhance cattle performance and profitability. Full article

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including gliricidia hay (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% fresh matter—FM), replacing ground corn and cottonseed cake, on the quality of total mixed rations silages based on spineless cactus. Twenty-five experimental silos were distributed in a completely randomized design experiment (five treatments—five replications). Ash, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose contents increased linearly, whereas the non-fibrous and total carbohydrates decreased (p < 0.05). Crude protein and ether extract contents were quadratically influenced (p < 0.05). The pH values and acetic acid concentrations increased, whereas the lactic acid concentration decreased linearly (p < 0.05). Ammoniacal concentration was influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Decreasing linear effects were observed on the maximum and minimum temperatures and thermal amplitude (p < 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed on forage losses (p < 0.05). Effluent losses decreased, and dry matter recovery was influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). The inclusion of up to 15.1% gliricidia hay in the production of total mixed ration silages based on spineless cactus preserves adequate standards of chemical composition (15.6% crude protein) and fermentation profile, while decreasing forage losses (7.3% FM) without compromising dry matter recovery and aerobic stability. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of gliricidia hay inclusion in the total mixed rations made from giant forage cactus on the fermentative profile, losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability. The completely randomized design was adopted with five treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of gliricidia hay inclusion on a natural matter-NM basis) and five replications. Dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein exhibited quadratic effects with maximum peaks at 9.33%, 4.94%, and 15.38%. Linear increases were observed on the neutral and acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose, while non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly. The pH showed a linear increase, while ammoniacal nitrogen, propionic, and lactic acids decreased linearly. Acetic acid displayed a quadratic effect with a maximum peak at 11.69%. The minimum silage temperature decreased linearly. Forage losses exhibited quadratic effects with a minimum peak at 8.15%. The effluent, gas, and total losses displayed quadratic effects with minimum peaks at 12.43%, 13.65%, and 11.19%, while dry matter recovery exhibited a maximum peak at 9.34%. The inclusion of up to 15% of gliricidia hay into total mixed rations silages made from giant forage cactus improved the chemical composition and fermentative profile, decreasing forage losses, without promoting changes in the aerobic stability. Full article

Enteric greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions represent a major challenge in livestock production, contributing significantly to global methane output. Various strategies have been explored to mitigate these emissions, including dietary modifications, feed additives, and genetic improvements. In the present study, the focus was on onion peel (OP), a byproduct of the onion processing industry that has shown promise as a natural feed supplement with potential methane-reducing properties. We evaluated the effect of different inclusion levels of OP at 2.5% (OP2.5), 5% (OP5), 7.5% (OP7.5), and 10% (OP10) on the in vitro fermentation of two diets: a total mixed ration referred to as high concentrate (HC), and corn silage referred to as high forage (HF). A 48 h batch culture experiment using a 2 × 3 × 5 factorial arrangement was conducted to assess total gas production (GP), methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), ammonia (NH₃), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) concentrations, and nutrient degradability. Measurements were taken at 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h of incubation. Significant additive × diet interactions were observed for most of the parameters. The HC diet produced more gas but less CH₄, CO₂, NH₃, and H₂S compared to the HF diet (p < 0.05). At 24 h of incubation, the OP at all levels increased CH₄, CO₂, NH₃, and H₂S concentrations in the HF diet (p < 0.05). The OP2.5 treatment had the lowest (quadratic effect, p < 0.05) degradable dry matter (dDM) in the HC diet, while the OP linearly (p < 0.001) increased degradable acid detergent fiber (dADF) in both diets. The lowest total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate (quadratic effect, p = 0.027) were observed with the OP5 treatment in the HC diet, while OP5, OP7.5, and OP10 had lower total VFA concentration in the HC diet. At 48 h of incubation, the OP7.5 treatment increased (p < 0.05) GP and CH₄ and CO₂ production in the HC diet. However, the OP5 treatment had the lowest CH₄ production (quadratic effect, p = 0.027) in the HF diet. The highest dDM was observed with OP7.5 treatment (quadratic effect, p = 0.038) in the HC diet with lower values noted at different inclusion levels in the HF diet. Inclusion of OP had no effect on total VFA, and individual VFA in both diets. In conclusion, OP supplementation is more suitable for HF diets than HC diets. A 5% inclusion level is recommended to decrease ruminal CH₄production and improve nutrient degradability. Full article

This study examined the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from extremely cold environments on the bacterial diversity, chemical composition, and fermentation quality of alfalfa-based TMR silage. The TMR was treated with Lactobacillus reuteri A4-2 (Lr A4-2) and Lentilactobacillus buchneri 9-2 (Lb 9-2) at an application rate of 1.0 × 10⁵ cfu/g fresh material, respectively, and the control received the same volume of distilled water. The TMR was ensiled for 7, 15, 30, 60, and 210 days. The Lr A4-2 treatment produced higher lactic acid (62.53 g/kg DM at 210 days) and maintained a diverse bacterial community throughout the ensiling compared with the control and Lb 9-2 treatment. The Lb 9-2 treatment increased acetic acid (51.42 g/kg DM at 210 days) and formed a distinct bacterial community profile. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a shift from initial Weissella dominance to Lactobacillus-dominated communities across the treatments by day 210. Alpha diversity indices decreased over time, with Lr A4-2 treatment maintaining higher diversity. Principal coordinate analysis demonstrated significant temporal shifts in bacterial community composition among treatments (p < 0.01). The results suggest that different heterofermentative LAB strains modulated the fermentation and microbial balance in alfalfa-based TMR silage in different ways. Full article

Co-contamination of multiple mycotoxins in feed has become one of the most important issues in the world. In this study, the characteristics and interactions of co-contamination among 15 mycotoxins were explored in dairy cow feed, including total mixed ration (TMR), silage, maize, and hay feed. The results showed that four dairy cow feeds were constantly contaminated with mycotoxins, including zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisins (FBs), deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 toxin (T-2), and aflatoxins (AFs). The contamination level of each mycotoxin was low, but the probability of co-contamination by three or more mycotoxins in one sample was very high. Between DON and aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), between aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and OTA, between FB2 and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), between 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) and ZEN, and between fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B3 (FB3), and between aflatoxin M2 (AFM2) and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), there were significant and strong correlations. Among the four typical feed samples, the combinations DON + ZEN, DON + FB1, FB1 + ZEN, OTA + ZEN, DON + 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON), 3-ADON + ZEN, T-2 + ZEN, fumonisin B2 (FB2) + ZEN, and DON + FB3 had higher interaction rates than the other combinations (≥43.75%). Our study not only reveals that co-contamination with multiple mycotoxins is relatively common in dairy cow feed but also highlights the significant correlations between various mycotoxins and assesses the likelihood of their interactions. These findings are crucial for ensuring feed safety and safeguarding animal health. Full article

Total mixed ration silage has been used as a strategy to optimize the use of dry and wet feed in ruminant feeding. Another promising technique is silage reallocation, which allows producers to divide the ensiled material in large silos into smaller units that can be easily transported and marketed. Thus, this study aimed to improve food preservation through the development of total mixed rations (TMRs) based on relocated sorghum silage (RSS) and cactus pear for sheep diets. A completely randomized design was used with five treatments (0, 15, 25, 30, and 35% RSS inclusion on a dry matter basis) and five replicates. Ninety days after ensiling, the silos were opened. The fermentation characteristics, nutritional aspects, aerobic stability, and microbial populations of TMR silages were evaluated. The inclusion of RSS showed a quadratic effect on pH, density, permeability, lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts, and total carbohydrates (p < 0.05). It reduced gas and effluent losses, porosity, ammonia nitrogen, buffer capacity, ash, crude protein, ether extract, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (p < 0.05) while increasing dry matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and cellulose contents (p < 0.05). There was an interaction effect between the levels of RSS inclusion and exposure times to air on CO₂ and dry matter content (p < 0.05). Regarding carbohydrate fractionation, there was a reduction in fraction A + B1 (non-fibrous carbohydrates) and an increase in fractions B2 (fibrous carbohydrates from the cell wall and of slow ruminal availability, susceptible to the effects of the passage rate) and C (indigestible neutral detergent fiber) (p < 0.05). For protein fractionation, a quadratic effect was observed for fractions A (non-protein nitrogen) and C (insoluble protein, indigestible in the rumen and intestine), an increase in fraction B1 (soluble protein rapidly degraded in the rumen) + B2 (insoluble protein with intermediate degradation rate in the rumen), and a reduction in fraction B3 (insoluble protein with slow degradation rate in the rumen) (p < 0.05) as RSS levels increased. Under the experimental conditions, it is recommended to include up to 30% RSS in the total mixed ration silage to improve microbiological characteristics, reduce gas and effluent losses, and increase dry matter recovery and nutritional aspects of silage when associated with cactus pear. Full article

Planting oat forage in fallow fields during winter and producing total mixed ration (TMR) silage can effectively address issues of land wastage and forage shortages while maintaining forage quality. This study used oats and common vetch grown in winter fields in southern China as base materials, with additives including corn flour, soybean meal, corn lees, cottonseed meal, and premixes to formulate mixed feeds with roughage-to-concentrate ratios of 75:25, 70:30, and 65:35 on a dry matter basis. TMR silage was inoculated with a customized mixed lactic acid bacteria (LAB) additive composed of Lactobacillus plantarum 160 (patent number ZL202210218695.5), Lactobacillus pentosus 260 (patent number ZL202210204293), and Lactobacillus buchneri 225 (patent number ZL202210204293), at a ratio of 2:1:1, with addition rates of 4 × 10⁶, 2 × 10⁶, and 2 × 10⁶ cfu/g, respectively (IN), while sterile distilled water served as the control (CK). After a 60-day fermentation, the cornell net carbohydrate protein system (CNCPS) and in vitro digestion analysis were used to assess the effects of different roughage-to-concentrate ratios on the carbohydrate and protein components and ruminal degradation rate of fermented TMR (FTMR) silage, as well as to evaluate the impact of mixed LAB inoculation on FTMR nutritional quality, fermentation quality, and aerobic stability. The results indicated the following: (1) Regardless of the LAB addition, dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and Ash contents significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as the concentrate level decreased. In the IN group, as the concentrate level decreased, the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content significantly increased (p < 0.05), the pH significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and the NH₃-N/TN significantly decreased (p < 0.05), with LAB counts significantly higher at a 65:35 roughage-to-concentrate ratio than in the other two groups. In the CK group, no significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed in the WSC content, pH, or LAB counts. (2) CNCPS analysis showed that in the IN group, the carbohydrate (CHO) content at a 75:25 roughage-to-concentrate ratio was significantly higher than in the other two groups (p < 0.05), while the non-utilizable carbohydrate (CC) content was significantly lower (p < 0.05). As the concentrate levels decreased, the non-protein nitrogen (PA) and moderately degradable true protein (PB2) content significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the rapidly degradable true protein (PB1) and slowly degradable true protein (PB3) content significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In the CK group, the CHO, PA, PB2, and PC content significantly increased (p < 0.05) as concentrate levels decreased, while the PB1 and PB3 content significantly decreased (p < 0.05). (3) In vitro digestibility characteristics indicated that gas production (GP) in the IN group was significantly lower than in the CK group (p < 0.05), with crude protein degradability increasing as concentrate levels decreased, regardless of the LAB addition. (4) At a 65:35 roughage-to-concentrate ratio, aerobic stability in the IN group was significantly higher than in the CK group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, higher concentrate ratios in total mixed rations (TMRs) with varying roughage-to-concentrate proportions improve the nutritional quality and promote the ruminal degradation of the FTMR. LAB inoculant addition could be an effective approach for addressing FTMR feed challenges. Full article