In situ laccase treatment enhances the fermentability of steam-exploded wheat straw in SSCF processes at high dry matter consistencies

The amaranth plants showed high potential feed value as forage for ruminants. An in-depth study of this plant, particularly in cattle, will help extend its utilization as an alternative protein and fiber feed source in cattle feeding. In this study, the nutrient compositions of three different species of amaranth, Amaranthus caudatus L., Amaranthus cruentus L., and Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.—two varieties for each species, A.ca 74, A.ca 91, A.cu 62, A.cu 66, A. hy 30, and A. hy 48—were evaluated. The in vitro technique was used to evaluate the fermentation characteristics such as total gas production, total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, pH, and ammonia concentration of the rumen fluid. Moreover, the effective degradabilities of dry matter (EDDM) and crude protein (EDCP) of the amaranth forages were determined through in situ bag technique. The amaranth forages: A. caudatus, A. cruentus, and A. hypochondriacus showed better nutritive value than the locally produced forages in Chungcheong province of Korea. The CP of the amaranth ranged from 11.95% to 14.19%, and the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents ranged from 45.53% to 70.88% and 34.17% to 49.83%, respectively. Among the amaranth varieties, A. hypochondriacus 48 showed the most excellent ruminant feed nutrient quality (CP, 14.19%; NDF, 45.53%; and ADF, 34.17%). The effective degradabilities of dry matter (EDDM; 33–56%) and crude protein EDCP (27–59%) of the amaranth were lower compared to other studies, which could be due to the maturity stage at which the forages were harvested. Nonetheless, A. hypochondriacus 48 showed the highest EDDM (56.73%) and EDCP (59.09%). The different amaranth species did not differ greatly in terms of total VFA concentration or molar proportions, total gas production, or ammonia-N concentration. The high nutrient composition, and highly effective degradability of dry matter and crude protein, coupled with the favorable fermentation characteristics, suggest that the amaranth forages showed good to excellent feed quality for cattle.

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Lawsonia intracellularis infected enterocytes lack sucrase-isomaltase which contributes to reduced pig digestive capacity

Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s13567-021-00958-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Emma T. Helm ◽

Eric R. Burrough ◽

Fernando L. Leite ◽

Nicholas K. Gabler

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Post Inoculation ◽

Intestinal Function ◽

Lawsonia Intracellularis ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Swine Herds ◽

The Impact ◽

Lesion Severity

AbstractLawsonia intracellularis is endemic to swine herds worldwide, however much is still unknown regarding its impact on intestinal function. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the impact of L. intracellularis on digestive function, and how vaccination mitigates these impacts. Thirty-six L. intracellularis negative barrows were assigned to treatment groups (n = 12/trt): (1) nonvaccinated, L. intracellularis negative (NC); (2) nonvaccinated, L intracellularis challenged (PC); and (3) L. intracellularis challenged, vaccinated (Enterisol® Ileitis, Boehringer Ingelheim) 7 weeks pre-challenge (VAC). On days post-inoculation (dpi) 0 PC and VAC pigs were inoculated with L. intracellularis. From dpi 19–21 fecal samples were collected for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and at dpi 21, pigs were euthanized for sample collection. Post-inoculation, ADG was reduced in PC pigs compared with NC (41%, P < 0.001) and VAC (25%, P < 0.001) pigs. Ileal gross lesion severity was greater in PC pigs compared with NC (P = 0.003) and VAC (P = 0.018) pigs. Dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, and energy ATTD were reduced in PC pigs compared with NC pigs (P ≤ 0.001 for all). RNAscope in situ hybridization revealed abolition of sucrase-isomaltase transcript in the ileum of PC pigs compared with NC and VAC pigs (P < 0.01). Conversely, abundance of stem cell signaling markers Wnt3, Hes1, and p27Kip1 were increased in PC pigs compared with NC pigs (P ≤ 0.085). Taken together, these data demonstrate that reduced digestibility during L. intracellularis challenge is partially driven by abolition of digestive machinery in lesioned tissue. Further, vaccination mitigated several of these effects, likely from lower bacterial burden and reduced disease severity.

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The Performance of Steers Fed on Sugarcane in natura or Ensiled with Concentrate

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v9n3p226 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 226

Author(s):

Dheynne Alves Vieira ◽

Andréia Santos Cezário ◽

Wallacy Barbacena Rosa dos Santos ◽

Jeferson Corrêa Ribeiro ◽

Tiago Neves Pereira Valente ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crude Protein ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Daily Weight Gain ◽

Zebu Cattle ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Average Daily Weight Gain ◽

High Dry Matter ◽

Randomized Experimental Design

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of crossbred Holstein × Zebu steers fed on the diets containing sugarcane in natura or ensiled with two levels of concentrate (30% and 70%). A total of 32 males of 394 kg of body weight were used in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments and seven repetitions. The animals reported a high dry matter intake (DMI) (P < 0.05) when fed on the high concentrate levels. The increase in concentrate levels resulted in an approximately 25% to 60% higher DMI as compared to the lowest level offered by silage-based diets and sugarcane in natura. The highest apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter were observed in the diets based on sugarcane in natura (P < 0.05). The sugarcane based diets also affected (P > 0.05) the digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, ether extract, and non-fiber carbohydrates. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the diets for average daily weight gain, carcass dressing, carcass gain, and feed conversion. The diets based on sugarcane in nature or ensiled with 30% and 70% concentrates do not influence the performance of crossbred Holstein × Zebu cattle.

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Intake and digestion of lucerne hay and wheat straw by cattle 14 to 56 weeks of age

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar9910621 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 42 (4) ◽

pp. 621 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

J Leibholz

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Wheat Straw ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Total Organic Matter ◽

Wet Sieving

Eight Friesian calves, 8 weeks of age, were prepared with rumen and abomasal cannulae. Four calves were given lucerne and four calves were given wheat straw sprayed with urea and minerals. The diets were changed over between the calves every 6 weeks until the calves were 56 weeks of age. The particles in the rumen that passed through a 1 mm screen during wet sieving were 66 to 73% of the total particles in the rumen of calves given lucerne and 77 to 84% of the particles in the rumen of the calves given wheat straw. The digestion of organic matter in the stomach was 71 to 79% of the total organic matter digested in the calves given lucerne. In the calves given wheat straw, between 82 and 95% of the total organic matter digestion occurred in the stomach. The apparent digestion of dry matter in the calves given lucerne was 61-6856 and did not change with age of the calves. The apparent digestion of dry matter when the calves were given wheat straw was 42% at 14 weeks of age, and it increased to 53% at 56 weeks of age. The digestion of nitrogen in the intestine in the heifers given wheat straw increased to 26 weeks of age while that of heifers given lucerne hay decreased.

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