Effects of Three Herbs on Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle

The objectives of the present work were to evaluate the in vivo antimethanogenic effects of Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Matricaria chamomilla (MC) and Cosmos bipinnatus (CB) on beef cattle fed a high in concentrate diet (forage-to-concentrate ratio [F:C] of 19.4:80.6), and the effects of increasing levels of CC (0%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of the daily DM intake (DMI)) on enteric CH4 emissions by beef cattle fed a ration low in concentrate (F:C ratio of 49.3:50.7). Two experiments were conducted to address the objectives. For the first experiment, eight Charolais × Brown Swiss steers distributed in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design were used. Four treatments were evaluated: (1) control diet (CO), (2) CO + 365 g dry matter (DM)/d CB, (3) CO + 365 g DM/d MC, (4) CO + 100 g DM/d CC. For Experiment 2, four Charolais x Brown Swiss steers distributed in a single 4 × 4 Latin square design were used. It was concluded that 100 g DM per day CC and 365 g DM per day CB (Experiment 1) reduced CH4 yield of beef cattle. In Experiment 2, CC supplementation levels exceeding 2% of DMI reduced daily CH4 emissions but at the expense of decreasing digestibility of DM.

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PSXIV-7 Performance and environmental benefits from biochar supplementation in beef cattle grazing systems

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.838 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 475-476

Author(s):

Emily Conlin ◽

Herbert Lardner ◽

Jennifer L Ellis ◽

Ira B Mandell ◽

Katharine M Wood

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Ghg Emissions ◽

Latin Square ◽

Beef Cows ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Stable Form ◽

Low Oxygen ◽

Ch4 Emissions

Abstract Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from beef cattle production systems has continuously been recognized as an important strategy to help mitigate climate change. This experiment was conducted to determine the optimum inclusion level of biochar (Oregon Biochar Solution, White City, OR) in the diet to reduce enteric methane (CH4) emissions from beef cows. Biochar is a stable form of carbon produced through low-oxygen and high-temperature pyrolysis of organic matter (typically forestry waste). Using a 4 x 4 Latin square design, pregnant beef cows (n = 8) of similar weight and stage of pregnancy were supplemented with biochar daily at 0, 1, 2, or 3% of total dry matter intake (DMI). Biochar was added to a pellet containing 45% biochar, 42.5% wheat midds, 10% canola oil, and 2.5% dry molasses to facilitate ease of feeding and encourage biochar consumption. Each 21-day period consisted of 14 days for diet adaptation and 7 days for data collection. Enteric gas emissions were measured using C-Lock GreenFeed trailers (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) and DMI was collected using Insentec feeders (Insentec, Voorsterweg, The Netherlands). Enteric CH4 emissions expressed in g CH4/day, g CH4/kg DM, and g CH4/kg BW were not affected by biochar supplementation (P ≥ 0.41), although the 3% inclusion was numerically lowest. For all parameters expressing CH4 emissions, linear and quadratic effects for inclusion rate were not significant (P ≥ 0.19). Dry matter intake and cow body weights were not affected by biochar supplementation (P ≥ 0.34). These results suggest that biochar was ineffective for reducing CH4 emissions from beef cows fed a high forage diet (50% haylage, 30% straw, 17% corn silage) with no effects on animal performance. Further research should investigate whether type of biochar or higher inclusion levels of biochar can reduce CH4 emissions from beef cattle.

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Cassava root fermented with yeast improved feed digestibility in Brahman beef cattle

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an15685 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 57 (8) ◽

pp. 1613 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

C. Promkot ◽

P. Nitipot ◽

N. Piamphon ◽

N. Abdullah ◽

A. Promkot

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Control Diet ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽

Feed Digestibility ◽

Cassava Root ◽

Dietary Treatments

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used to enhance the protein level of low-protein feedstuffs such as cassava root. In the present study, fresh cassava root was grated and subjected to solid-state fermentation with S. cerevisiae to enhance the protein content. The fermentation process lasted for 21 days, followed by fermentation with yeast for 5 days. The fermented product was called yeast-fermented cassava root (YEFECAR). The YEFECAR was then evaluated as a feed ingredient at 10%, 20% and 30% dry matter in concentrate diet for dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility in non-pregnant female Brahman beef cattle (bodyweight 256 ± 11.5 kg). Four cattle were randomly given four treatments in 4 × 4 Latin square design for 21-day period, including a control diet (without fermented cassava root). Cattle were fed rice straw as roughage. The results showed that while dry matter intake was not significantly different among dietary treatments, average dairy gain tended to increase when fermented cassava root was fed at 20% in the concentrate diet. There were no significant differences in nutrient digestibility among the dietary treatments. However, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility showed an increasing trend when fermented cassava root was fed to the cattle. Likewise, fermented cassava root showed no effect on rumen microbial population, although rumen bacterial population and microbial protein tended to increase with YEFECAR addition. It was concluded that yeast-fermented cassava root at 20% in concentrate feed tended to enhance rumen bacteria population and neutral detergent fibre digestibility in cattle.

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In vivo apparent digestibility in ponies given rolled, micronised or extruded barley

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s175275620000288x ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 1999 ◽

pp. 133-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

B M L McLean ◽

J J Hyslop ◽

A C Longland ◽

D Cuddeford ◽

T Hollands

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Latin Square ◽

Design Experiment ◽

Apparent Digestibility ◽

Processing Methods ◽

Physical Processing ◽

Adaptation Phase

Processed cereals are used routinely in diets for equines but little information is available on how physical processing affects the digestibility of cereals in equines. This study examines the effects of three physical processing methods (rolling, micronisation and extrusion) on the in vivo apparent digestibility of barley fed to ponies.Three mature caecally-fistulated Welsh-cross pony geldings, (LW 284kg ± 3.8kg) were used in a 3 x 4 incomplete latin square changeover design experiment consisting of four 21 day periods. Each period comprised a sixteen day adaptation phase and a five day recording phase when apparent digestibility in vivo was determined. Ponies were offered 4kg dry matter (DM) per day of either 100% hay cubes (HC) or one of three diets consisting of a 50:50 barley:hay cubes mix. The barley in the mixed diets was either rolled barley (RB), micronised barley (MB) or extruded barley (EB). Diets were offered in 2 equal meals per day fed at 09:00 and 17:00 hours respectively.

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Dietary rambutan peel powder as a rumen modifier in beef cattle

Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences ◽

10.5713/ajas.19.0342 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 763-769

Author(s):

Thiwakorn Ampapon ◽

Metha Wanapat

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Volatile Fatty Acids ◽

Latin Square ◽

Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽

Napier Grass ◽

Feed Consumption ◽

Ruminal Fermentation ◽

Fruit Peel ◽

Negative Effect

Objective: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruit peel powder (RP) on feed consumption, digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation dynamics and microbial population in Thai breed cattle.Methods: Four, 2-year old (250±15 kg) beef bull crossbreds (75% Brahman×25% local breed) were allotted to experimental treatments using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four dietary supplementation treatments were imposed; non-supplementation (control, T1); supplementation of RP fed at 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) (low, T2); supplementation of RP fed at 4% of DMI (medium, T3) and supplementation of RP fed at 6% of DMI (high, T4). All cattle were given a concentrate supplement at 1% of body weight while Napier grass was provided as a free choice.Results: The findings revealed that RP supplementation did not negatively affect (p>0.05) DMI of Napier grass, while RP intake and total DMI were the greatest in the RP supplementation at 4% and 6% DMI. Nevertheless, the nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber) digestibilities were not changed in the RP supplementation groups. Rumen fermentation parameters especially those of total volatile fatty acids, acetate and butyrate were not significantly changed. However, the propionate concentration was remarkably increased (p<0.05) in the RP supplementation. Notably, the ratio of acetate to propionate, the number of protozoa, as well as the methane estimation were significantly reduced in the RP supplemented groups (4% and 6% of DMI), while the counts of bacteria was not altered.Conclusion: Supplementation of RP (4% of DMI) improved rumen propionate production, reduced protozoal population and methane estimation (p<0.05) without a negative effect on feed consumption and nutrients total tract digestibilities in beef cattle. Using dietary rambutan fruit peel powder has potential promise as a rumen regulator.

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330 3-nitrooxypropanol Supplementation of a Forage Diet Decreased Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle Without Affecting Apparent Total-tract Digestibility

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.338 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 186-187

Author(s):

Aklilu Alemu ◽

Xiu Min Zhang ◽

Maik Kindermann ◽

Karen A Beauchemin

Keyword(s):

Crude Protein ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Control Diet ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Ch4 Emissions ◽

Ruminal Ph ◽

Enteric Methane ◽

Ruminant Diets ◽

Dietary Treatments ◽

High Forage

Abstract Supplementation of ruminant diets with the investigational methane (CH4) inhibitor 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; DSM Nutritional Products, Switzerland) is as a promising mitigation strategy. However, most studies have examined high grain or mixed forage-concentrate diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a forage diet with 3-NOP on rumen fermentation, CH4 emissions and apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility. Eight ruminally cannulated beef heifers (BW = 514 kg) were randomly allocated to two treatments in a crossover design with 49-d periods. Dietary treatments were: control, high-forage diet (90% forage DM basis) without 3-NOP; and NOP, control diet supplemented with 150 mg 3-NOP/kg DM. After a 14-d diet adaption, dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) was recorded daily. Rumen contents were collected on days 17 and 28 for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis, whereas ruminal pH was continuously monitored from day 20 to 27. Diet digestibility was measured on day 38 to 41 by total collection of feces. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured on days 46 to 49 in chambers. Dry matter intake was lower (P = 0.001) for NOP (10.0 kg/d) as compared with control (10.2 kg/d). However, DM, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and crude protein digestibilities were similar between treatments (P ≥ 0.29). Although total VFA concentration was not affected by treatment (P = 0.19), the reduction in acetate and increase in propionate proportion for NOP lowered (P < 0.001) the acetate to propionate ratio by 18% as compared with control. Mean pH was lower (P = 0.03) for control (6.46) than NOP (6.57). Furthermore, CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) was 21.6% less (P < 0.001) for NOP relative to control (25.5 g/kg DMI). Overall, the results indicate that enteric CH4 emissions were effectively decreased with 3-NOP supplementation of a forage diet without affecting apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients.

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In situ and in vitro techniques for estimating degradation parameters and digestibility of diets based on maize or sorghum

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859620000271 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 158 (1-2) ◽

pp. 150-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

B. C. Silva ◽

M. V. C. Pacheco ◽

L. A. Godoi ◽

F. A. S. Silva ◽

D. Zanetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Latin Square ◽

In Vitro Techniques ◽

Sorghum Grains ◽

Sorghum Silage ◽

The Individual ◽

Individual Grains

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to evaluate: (1) the effects of ensiling maize or sorghum grains after reconstitution on readily soluble fraction (a), potentially degradable fraction in the rumen (b) and rate constant for degradation of b (c) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and starch (STA); and (2) an appropriate incubation time for in situ or in vitro procedures to estimate in vivo digestibility. Four rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (body weight = 262 ± 19.6 kg) distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square were used. Diets were based on dry ground maize (DGM); or dry ground sorghum (DGS); or reconstituted ground maize silage; or reconstituted ground sorghum silage. In vitro and in situ incubations of the individual grains and diets were simultaneously performed with in vivo digestibility. In general, reconstituted grains and diets based on reconstituted grains presented greater (P < 0.05) fraction a and lower (P < 0.05) fraction b of DM, OM and STA compared to dry grains and diets based on dry grain. However, the magnitude of response of the reconstitution and ensiling process on DM and OM degradability parameter was greater for maize than that for sorghum. Moreover, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed between DGM- and DGS-based diets for c estimates. The results suggest that the reconstitution process promotes grains protein matrix breakdown increasing STA availability. The incubation times required for in vivo digestibility estimations of DM, OM and STA are 24 h for in situ and 36 h for in vitro procedures.

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Effect of Mootral—a garlic- and citrus-extract-based feed additive—on enteric methane emissions in feedlot cattle

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txz133 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 1383-1388 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Breanna M Roque ◽

Henk J Van Lingen ◽

Hilde Vrancken ◽

Ermias Kebreab

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽

Greenhouse Gas ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Gas Emissions ◽

Ch4 Emissions ◽

Ch4 Production ◽

Enteric Methane

Abstract: Enteric methane (CH4) production is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock globally with beef cattle contributing 5.95% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Various mitigation strategies have been developed to reduce enteric emissions with limited success. In vitro studies have shown a reduction in CH4 emissions when using garlic and citrus extracts. However, there is paucity of data regarding in vivo studies investigating the effect of garlic and citrus extracts in cattle. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the response of Angus × Hereford cross steers consuming the feed additive Mootral, which contains extracts of both garlic and citrus, on CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake [DMI]). Twenty steers were randomly assigned to two treatments: control (no additive) and Mootral supplied at 15 g/d in a completely randomized design with a 2-wk covariate and a 12-wk data collection periods. Enteric CH4 emissions were measured using the GreenFeed system during the covariate period and experimental weeks 2, 6, 9, and 12. CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) by steers remained similar in both treatments for weeks 2 to 9. In week 12, there was a significant decrease in CH4 yield (23.2%) in treatment compared to control steers mainly because the steers were consuming all the pellets containing the additive. However, overall CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) during the entire experimental period was not significantly different. Carbon dioxide yield (g/kg DMI) and oxygen consumption (g/kg DMI) did not differ between treatments during the entire experimental period. DMI, average daily gain, and feed efficiency also remained similar in control and supplemented steers. The in vivo results showed that Mootral may have a potential to be used as a feed additive to reduce enteric CH4 production and yield in beef cattle but needs further investigation under various dietary regimen.

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Effects of source and concentration of neutral detergent fiber from roughage in beef cattle diets on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa107 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Rodrigo S Goulart ◽

Ricardo A M Vieira ◽

Joao L P Daniel ◽

Rafael C Amaral ◽

Vanessa P Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Latin Square ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Corn Silage ◽

Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽

Ingestive Behavior ◽

Rumen Content ◽

Residence Times

Abstract The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of source and concentration of α-amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) from roughage on feed intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal kinetics in beef cattle receiving high-concentrate diets. Six ruminally cannulated Nellore steers (408 ± 12 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with six diets: 10% aNDF from corn silage (10CS); 20% aNDF from corn silage (20CS); or four diets containing 10% aNDF from corn silage and 10% aNDF from one of the following sources: sugarcane (SC), sugarcane bagasse (SCB), soybean hulls (SH), or low oil cottonseed hulls (LOCH). The parameters of passage and degradation kinetics were estimated based on a two-compartmental model with gamma- and exponential-distributed residence times. The nonlinear models were fitted by nonlinear least squares, and a linear mixed-effects model was fitted to all variables measured from the Latin square design that were related to intake, digestibility, digestion kinetic parameters, and residence times. Mean particle size (MPS) between roughage sources (CS, SCB, and SC) and coproducts (SH and LOCH) was affected (P < 0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected (P > 0.05) by 20CS, SC, SH, or LOCH. Steers fed 20CS or LOCH diets had 16% and 20% greater DMI, respectively, (P < 0.05) than steers fed 10CS diet. Steers fed SCB consumed the least dry matter (DM). The SH and LOCH diets had lower MPS values (about 8.77 mm) in comparison to 20CS, SCB, and SC diets (about 13.08 mm) and, consequently, affected (P < 0.05) rumen content, ruminal in situ disappearance, nutrient digestibility, and solid fractional passage rate. Chewing time was affected (P < 0.05) by roughage sources and concentration. Lower values of distance travel inside the rumen (min/cm) were observed (P < 0.05) for the SCB and SC diets in comparison with any other diet. Except for SCB, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in rumen fill, among other treatments. Mean daily ruminal pH was not affected (P > 0.05) by 20CS, SCB, SC, and LOCH diets, and it ranged from 6.1 to 6.23. Total short-chain fatty acids concentration was affected (P < 0.05) by roughage source and concentration. Based on our results, we recommend that under Brazilian finishing diets, replacing roughage sources, except for SCB, based on aNDF concentration of the roughage in high-concentrate diets containing finely ground flint corn does not affect DMI.

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In Vitro Evaluation of Different Dietary Methane Mitigation Strategies

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9121120 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1120 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Juana C. Chagas ◽

Mohammad Ramin ◽

Sophie J. Krizsan

Keyword(s):

Control Diet ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Ch4 Emissions ◽

Ch4 Production ◽

Wide Range ◽

Fermentation Parameters ◽

Propynoic Acid ◽

Dietary Strategies

We assessed and ranked different dietary strategies for mitigating methane (CH4) emissions and other fermentation parameters, using an automated gas system in two in vitro experiments. In experiment 1, a wide range of dietary CH4 mitigation strategies was tested. In experiment 2, the two most promising CH4 inhibitory compounds from experiment 1 were tested in a dose-response study. In experiment 1, the chemical compounds 2-nitroethanol, nitrate, propynoic acid, p-coumaric acid, bromoform, and Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT) decreased predicted in vivo CH4 production (1.30, 21.3, 13.9, 24.2, 2.00, and 0.20 mL/g DM, respectively) compared with the control diet (38.7 mL/g DM). The 2-nitroethanol and AT treatments had lower molar proportions of acetate and higher molar proportions of propionate and butyrate compared with the control diet. In experiment 2, predicted in vivo CH4 production decreased curvilinearly, molar proportions of acetate decreased, and propionate and butyrate proportions increased curvilinearly with increased levels of AT and 2-nitroethanol. Thus 2-nitroethanol and AT were the most efficient strategies to reduce CH4 emissions in vitro, and AT inclusion additionally showed a strong dose-dependent CH4 mitigating effect, with the least impact on rumen fermentation parameters.

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Evaluation of the National Research Council (NRC) nutrient requirements for beef cattle: Predicting feedlot performance

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/a03-009 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 83 (4) ◽

pp. 787-792

Author(s):

E. K. Okine ◽

D. H. McCartney ◽

J. B. Basarab

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Research Council ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

National Research Council ◽

Metabolizable Energy ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Net Energy ◽

Feeder Cattle

The accuracy of predicted CowBytes® versus actual dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) of 407 Hereford × Angus and Charolais × Maine Anjou (445.6 ± 36 kg) feeder cattle using digestable enery acid detergent fiber (DE) estimated from the (ADF) content [Laboratory analysis method (LAB)] and from values determined in vivo (INVIVO method) was examined. The diet consisted of a 73.3% concentrate diet, 22.0% barley silage, 1.6% molasses, and 3.1% feedlot supplement fed ad libitum (as-fed basis). The calculated DE values of the feed were used to predict the metabolizable energy (ME), net energy of maintenance (NEm), and net energy of gain (NEg) of the diet. These energy values were then used in CowBytes® to predict dry matter intake (DMI), ADG, and days on feed (DOF) necessary to meet targeted quality grade of AA and weights of 522 and 568 kg for the heifers and steers, respectively. There was no effect of gender and prediction method interaction (P > 0.10) on any of the variables measured. There were no (P > 0.05) differences in predicted DMI by either the INVIVO or LAB method but both methods underestimated DMI actually consumed by the cattle by 6.8 and 4.9% (P = 0.007), respectively. Indeed, regression values from these predictive methods and actual DMI were (P < 0.05) different from the one-to-one relationship expected by definition. In spite of the higher actual DMI, the actual ADG of the cattle was 14 and 11% (P = 0.0004) lower than was predicted by either the INVIVO or LAB methods. A possible reason for the lower ADG could be an overestimation of DE of the diet. Thus, if available, users of CowBytes® should use actual DMI from their experience in ration formulation. In addition, the effects of environmental temperature on digestibility of diets should be taken into consideration when using the DE of the diet as determined from in vivo digestibility trials or calculated from chemical analyses in determining the DMI of feedlot cattle. Key words: Beef cattle, performance, CowBytes®, National Research Council

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