Rumen degradation properties of tropical legumes feed under in sacco studies

Degradation properties of protein feed sources such as tropical legumes is very important to match with microbial protein synthesis and by pass protein requirements in dairy cattle ration formulation. However, the information is still limited. This study aims to determine the degradability of dry matter (DMD) and organic matter (OMD) from several legumes in Indonesia using in sacco method. There are 11 types of tropical legumes that are commonly used in dairy cattle ration have been studied, namely acacia, alfalfa, pterocarpus, gliricidia, indigofera, calliandra, butterfly leaf, leucaena, albizia, tamarind, and sesbania. The dried forage mesh samples were put into nylon bags and incubated in the rumen of two fistulated Friesian Holstein bulls for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Parameter observed were degradability of dry matter (DMD), and organic matter (OMD), kinetic parameters, and effective degradation. The data were analysed using descriptive statistic and regression from SAS University software. The result that sesbania and indigofera grouped into highly degradable forage (degradability > 80%), while acacia, albizia, calliandra grouped into low degradable forage (degradability < 50%). From this study it can be concluded that each type of legume has different degradability characteristics using in sacco method.

PSXI-15 Evaluation of low-lignin alfalfa ‘Hi-Gest® 360’ on the Canadian prairies: productivity, nutrient profile, and rumen degradation kinetics

The study was conducted at Saskatoon, SK, Canada in the Dark Brown soil zone (52°07′N,106°38′W), to compare low-lignin Hi-Gest®360 alfalfa (Hi-Gest; Medicago sativa L.) to a conventional alfalfa (AC Grazeland) under two cutting regimes. Each cultivar was seeded in 2017 as both a monoculture and binary mixture (binary; Hi-Gest+HB and Grazeland+HB) with AC Success hybrid bromegrass (HB). Plot size was 1.2m×6m with 4 rows. Three years (2018–2020) result suggested that the first cut DMY was 1695±241 and 2151±276 kg/ha for the Hi-Gest and Grazeland, respectively. Hi-Gest had greater (P &lt; 0.05) TDN (68.4 vs. 66.6%, DM basis), NEm (1.7 vs. 1.6 Mcal/kg), IVNDFD48: (42.9 vs. 37.8%), but lower second cut DMY (1288 vs. 1560 kg/ha), ADF (26.3 vs. 28.7%), NDF (34.7 vs. 36.6%), compared to AC Grazeland. Under two cutting, Hi-Gest was numerically lower in total DMY (2983 vs. 3712 kg/ha; P = 0.114) relative to Grazeland. In first cut forage, Hi-Gest also was numerically lower in ADL (5.9 vs. 6.5%; P = 0.57) relative to AC Grazeland. Hi-Gest was similar (P = 0.15) with AC Grazeland in effectively degradable dry matter (EDDM; 622 g/kg DM), effectively degradable CP (EDCP; 689 g/kg CP). Hi-Gest alfalfa had greater (P = 0.05) effectively degradable neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF; 19% more; 340 vs. 285 g/kg NDF) relative to AC Grazeland alfalfa. In binary system, Hi-Gest+HB had (P = 0.02) greater EDCP (12% more; 526 vs. 468 g/kg CP), and numerically greater EDNDF (4.4% more; 259 vs. 248 g/kg NDF; P = 0.10) but had similar EDDM (409 g/kg DM) relative to Grazeland+HB mixture. Each percentage unit increase in alfalfa ADL concentration decreased EDNDF by 2.3 percentage units (EDNDF, % NDF = 46.0–2.93×ADL, % DM, r2=0.26, P &lt; 0.01). Although Hi-Gest yielded less (~25% less) than AC Grazeland, Hi-Gest had greater nutritive value compared to AC Grazeland; differed little for yield and quality in binary mixture, suggesting Hi-Gest can be a viable alternative legume for western Canadian prairies.

Analysis of Nutrient Composition, Rumen Degradation Characteristics, and Feeding Value of Chinese Rye Grass, Barley Grass, and Naked Oat Straw

The current study was designed to investigate the chemical composition, rumen degradation characteristics, and feeding value of three roughages commonly used in Asia as ruminant feed, including Chinese rye grass (CRG), barley grass (BG), and naked oat straw (NO). Four Holstein Friesian cows equipped with permanent rumen fistulas were chosen for experimental trials in the current study. The nylon bag method was carried out to measure the crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Our analysis revealed that the contents of CP in the CRG (9.0%) and BG (8.9%) were higher than in the NO (5.94%). The contents of NDF in the CRG (64.97%) and NO (63.83%) were lower than in the BG (67.33%), and the content of ADF in the CRG (37.03%) was lower than in the BG (37.93%) and NO (38.28%). The ED values of DM in the NO and CRG were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the BG. The effective degradability (ED) values of NDF were the highest in the CRG and lowest in the NO (p < 0.001). In addition, the ED values of ADF were the highest in the CRG and lowest in the BG (p < 0.001). The ED value of CP in the CRG was significantly higher than that in the BG and NO (p < 0.001). The estimated total digestible nutrients (TDN) (54.56%) and DM degradation rate (DDM) (60.06%) of the CRG were higher than those of BG and NO. In addition, the expected DM intake (DMI), estimated relative feed value (RFV), and estimated relative feed quality (RFQ) of the BG were lower than those of the CRG and NO. Altogether, based on our findings, we concluded that the nutritional quality, feeding value and effective rumen degradation rate of CRG were better than of BG and NO.

Harnessing the value of rumen protected amino acids to enhance animal performance

In general, higher mammals need nine amino acids in their diets as building blocks to synthesize proteins while ruminants can produce some of them through the synthesis of microbial proteins. Diet is utilized by ruminal microorganisms to synthesize microbial protein (MCP) which is digested in the small intestine (SI). Although protein and amino acid requirements in ruminants are subject to microbial protein synthesis, it is not enough for optimal daily production. Therefore, there is a current trend towards supplementing amino acids in ruminant diets. In the rumen, free amino acids can be degraded by rumen bacteria, therefore, the AAs need to be supplemented in a protected form to be stable in the rumen and absorbable post-ruminal for metabolic purposes. The main site of amino acid absorption is the small intestine (SI), and there is a need to keep AA from ruminal degradation and direct them to absorption sites. Several approaches have been suggested by feed scientists to decrease this problem such as defaunation and debacterization of the rumen against amino acid-fermenting fungi and bacteria, inhibitors or antagonists of vitamin B6 enzymes, diet composition and also protecting AA from rumen degradation. A number of studies have evaluated the roles of amino acids concerning their effects on milk yield, growth, digestibility, feed intake and efficiency of nitrogen utilization of ruminants. The focus of this review was on experimental and research studies about AAs in feedstuff, metabolism, supplementing amino acids for ruminants and the current trends of using rumen protected amino acids.

Effect of Graded Levels of Fishmeal or Urea Supplementation on Rumen Environment and Ruminal Feed Degradation in Bali Cows

An experiment to study the effects of supplementation of graded levels of urea or fishmeal on rumen environment and ruminal feed degradation in Bali cows fed low quality tropical grass hay (crude protein, CP = 3.53%) was conducted according to a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design with five animals and five periods. In each period lasting for 3 weeks, five non-pregnant Bali cows were given ad libitum access to grass hay (G) or supplemented daily with two level of urea, i.e. 38 g (U38) and 74 g (U74), or two levels of fishmeal, i.e. 156 g (FM156) and 312 g (FM312). Supplementation of both urea and fishmeal reduced significantly (P < 0.01) the average rumen pH from 6.89 in G to 6.74 in FM156. Rumen ammonia concentration increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of supplementation and the increase was more pronounced with urea than with fishmeal supplementation. Rumen ammonia concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in urea than fishmeal supplemented cows at both levels of supplementation. Ruminal total as well as individual VFAs (Acetate, Butyrate and Propionate) concentrations were not affected by the increasing level of supplementation of both urea and fishmeal. Supplementation improved significantly (P < 0.05) in sacco rumen degradation of DM but not protein. Ruminal DM effective degradability was increased significantly with increasing level of fishmeal supplementation but not with increasing level of urea supplementation. Supplementation of increasing level of both urea and fishmeal improved rumen environment and feed degradability in Bali cows maintained on low quality tropical grass hay with fishmeal was proven to be the better supplement over urea.

Effect of extrusion on the rumen undegradable protein fraction of lupins

Lupins are highly degradable in the rumen, and do not provide enough bypass protein for high-producing ruminant animals. The effects of extrusion on dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) rumen degradability of Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius were determined in situ. Samples of both types of lupin were extruded at maximum temperature, which reached 116 °C. Six Dohne Merino wethers fitted with rumen cannulas were used in this trial. Samples were incubated in the rumen at intervals of 0, 2, 4, 12, 36, and 48 hours. This procedure was repeated in two sheep per treatment and in three periods, giving a total of six observations for each variable. Extrusion lowered the soluble fraction of CP and increased the potential degradable fraction without affecting its rate of degradation. It also lowered the effective degradability of CP of both types of lupin by 28% at an outflow rate of 0.08% per hour. No differences were observed between types. Extrusion modified the ruminal degradation parameters and decreased effective rumen degradation, especially at faster outflow rates. Thus, the rumen undegradable protein (RUP) fraction of lupins was increased by extrusion and lupins could be used more efficiently in ruminant diets. This study showed that the benefits of extrusion could be reached at a relatively low temperature of 116 °C to reduce the possibility of heat damage.

Effects of Inoculants Producing Antifungal and Carboxylesterase Activities on Corn Silage and Its Shelf Life against Mold Contamination at Feed-Out Phase

The present study aimed to investigate effects of dual-purpose inoculants (antifungal and carboxylesterase activities) not only on corn silage quality, but also its shelf life against mold contamination at feed-out phase. Corn forage was ensiled for 252 d with different inoculants of the following: control (CON), Lactobacillus brevis 5M2 (5M), Lactobacillus buchneri 6M1 (6M), and mixture of 5M and 6M at 1:1 ratio (MIX). After ensiling, corn silage was contaminated with Fusarium graminearum. Silages applied inoculants had positive effects by increased organic acid and lactic acid bacteria, and decreased undesirable microbes. At feed-out phase, contamination of F. graminearum into corn silage had a negative effect on aerobic stability caused by increased growth of undesirable microbes. However, silages applied inoculants had positive effects by decreased undesirable microbes and extended lactic acid bacteria and aerobic stability. Generally, MIX silage presented better effects on organic acid production, rumen degradation, inhibition of undesirable microbes, and aerobic stability than 5M silage and 6M silage. The present study concluded that application of inoculants into corn silage had positive effects on fermentation characteristics and extended shelf life against mold contamination at feed-out phase. A mixed inoculant appeared to have better effects of antifungal and carboxylesterase than a single inoculant.

Rumen degradation characteristics of two tropical forages supplemented with monensin in the rumen of N’dama Steer

Rumen degradation characteristics of Panicum maximum and Gmelina arborea forages in response to monensin supplementation were studied in a 2 x 4 factorial experiment using an Ndama fistulated steer. Monensin had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the soluble fraction 'a' of nutrients but showed reductions (P<0.05) in the degradable fractions b' of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre at 30 and 45 mg/kg DM supplementation levels relative to the control. These reductions were within the range of 45.76 - 49.52, 37.88 - 43.57, 44.60 - 45.31 and 45.18 - 46.85% for DM, CP, NDF and ADF, respectively. The potenti al degradation 'p' of DM, NDF, and ADF reduced (P<0.05) at 30 and 45 mg/kg DM while p' for CP reduced at 45 mg/kg DM. Forage type had significant effect (P<0.05) on nutrient degradation with Panicum maximum having lower nutrient degradation characteristics values than those of Gmelina arborea. While monens resulted in reduced nutrient degradation from Panicum maximum at 30 and 45 mg/kg DM, reduction in nutrients degradation from Gmelina arborea was observed only at 45 mg/kg DM. Comparatively, at similar levels of 15, 30 and 45 mg of monensin/kg DM, Panicum maximum had lower (P<0.05) degradation values to those observed for Gmelina arborea. The reduction effect of monensin on nutrient degradation from both forages suggests an inhibition of microbial digestion. This could increase rumen fill, reduce ruminal outflow rate and possibly increase the proportion of un-degradable proteins leaving the rumen for the lower tract. The particular level of monensin supplementation at which such reductions would occur depends on forage type Keywords: , , .

Cellulase Interacts with Lactic Acid Bacteria to Affect Fermentation Quality, Microbial Community, and Ruminal Degradability in Mixed Silage of Soybean Residue and Corn Stover

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and cellulase (CE) on the fermentation quality, rumen degradation rate and bacterial community of mixed silage of soybean residue (SR) and corn stover (CS). The experiment adopted a single-factor experimental design. Four treatment groups were set up: the control group (CON), lactic acid bacteria treatment group (LAB), cellulase treatment group (CE) and lactic acid bacteria + cellulase treatment group (LAB + CE). Among them, the amount of added LAB was 1 × 106 CFU/g, and the amount of added CE was 100 U/g. After 56 days of mixed silage, samples were taken and analyzed, and the chemical composition, fermentation quality, rumen degradation rate and microbial diversity were determined. The results showed that the pH of each treatment group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of CON, while the lactic acid and ammoniacal nitrogen contents of each treatment group were significantly higher than that of CON, with the highest contents in the LAB + CE group. The contents of DNFom (Ash-free NDF), ADFom (Ash-free ADF) and DM in the LAB + CE group were significantly lower than those in the CON group, while the content of crude protein (CP) was significantly higher than that in the CON group. The in situ effective degradation rates of DM (ISDMD), DNF (ISNDFD) and CP (ISCPD) were all significantly (p < 0.05) higher in each treatment group than in the control group. The results of principal component analysis showed that the bacterial composition of the LAB, CE and LAB + CE groups was significantly different from that of the CON group (p < 0.05). Bacterial genus level analysis showed that the content of lactic acid bacteria was significantly higher in the LAB + CE group than in the other treatment groups (p < 0.05), while the content of undesirable bacteria was significantly lower than in the other treatment groups. The results showed that the addition of Lactobacillus and/or cellulase in mixed silage of SR and CS could effectively improve the quality of mixed silage fermentation, rumen degradation rate and microbial diversity, with better results when Lactobacillus and cellulase were added together, which provides new ideas for better application of SR and CS in dairy production.