Intake and apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal parameters, and nitrogen balance of lambs fed with corn and forage-free diets with sodium bicarbonate / Consumo e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, parâmetros ruminais e balanço de N de cordeiros confinados recebendo dietas com milho e sem forragem com bicarbonato de sódio

This study evaluated forage-free diets supplemented with sodium bicarbonate (SB) based on ground flint corn on intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal parameters, and N balance. Four rumen-cannulatedDorper × Santa Inês lambs, with a body weight of 43.4 ± 0.85 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were used. The experimental design was a 4×4 Latin square. Each experimental period lasted 21 days. Experimental diets were: positive control, a diet without SB containing 400 g/kg DM of soybean hulls (CONT), and three diets based on ground flint corn, containing 10 (10SB), 20 (20SB) or 30 (30SB) g/kg DM of SB. Intake of neutral and acid detergent fiber was greater for CONT (P < 0.01) when compared to SB. Intake and apparent nutrient digestibility of dry and organic matter, ether extract, and crude protein did not differ. Intake (P = 0.01) and digestibility (P < 0.01) of non-fiber carbohydrates were greater for SB diets and neutral detergent fiber digestibility was greater (P = 0.03) for CONT. The total digestible nutrients and metabolizable energy were greater for SB (P = 0.04). Rumen concentrations of acetate (P < 0.01), isobutyrate (P < 0.01), butyrate (P < 0.01), isovalerate (P < 0.01), and total short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.01) were greater for CONT. Ruminal pH showed a quadratic (P = 0.05) response to SB levels, with greater values for 20SB. Sodium bicarbonate was efficient in increasing ruminal pH at the level of 20 g/kg DM without interfering with the intake and apparent nutrient digestibility characteristics.

O presente estudo avaliou a suplementação de bicarbonato de sódio (BS) em dietas sem forragem à base de milho moído sobre o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, os parâmetros ruminais e o balanço de N. Foram utilizados quatro cordeiros Dorper × Santa Inês, com um peso corporal inicial de 43,4 ± 0,85 kg (média ± desvio padrão). O delineamento experimental foi quadrado latino 4×4. Cada período experimental durou 21 dias. As dietas experimentais foram: controle positivo, sem BS, contendo 400 g/kg de MS de casca de soja (CONT) e três dietas à base de milho moído, sem casca de soja, contendo 10 (10BS), 20 (20BS) ou 30 (30BS) g/kg de MS de BS. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro e ácido foi maior (P < 0,01)para o CONT quando comparado com BS. O consumo e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, extrato etéreo e proteína bruta não diferiram entre os tratamentos. O consumo (P = 0,01) e digestibilidade (P < 0,01) dos carboidratos não fibrosos foram superiores para as dietas contendo BS e a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro foi maior para o CONT. Os teores de nutrientes digestivos totais e energia metabolizável foram superiores para as dietas contendo BS (P = 0,04). A concentração ruminal de acetato (P < 0,01), isobutirato (P < 0,01), butirato (P < 0,01), isovalerato (P < 0,01) e ácidos graxos totais de cadeia curta (P < 0,01) foram mais elevadas para o CONT. O pHruminal apresentou resposta quadrática (P = 0,05) em relação aos níveis de BS, sendo observado maior pH para os animais alimentados com a dieta 20BS. O BS foi eficiente em aumentar o pHruminal no teor de 20 g/kg MS sem interferir no consumo e na digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes. Portanto, 20 g/kg de MS é a dose indicada de BS em dietas sem forragem para terminação de cordeiros em confinamento.

Association of additives in supplemented grazing cattle during the finishing phase at the rainy season

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of monensin and virginiamycin, alone or combined, on supplemented Nellore cattle grazing tropical grass during the rainy season. Two experiments were conducted simultaneously to evaluate intake, digestibility, CH4 emissions, blood parameters, performance, and carcass characteristics (Exp. 1), and ruminal fermentation and relative abundance of ruminal microorganisms (Exp. 2). Animals (n = 92 Exp. 1 and n = 12 Exp. 2) were distributed in a completely randomized design and allocated in twelve paddocks composed of Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Xaraés. A protein-energetic supplementation of 3 g/kg of BW per day was provided to all animals. Supplements were: without additives (WA), monensin alone at 80 mg/kg of product (MN), virginiamycin alone at 150 mg/kg of product (VM), and monensin (80 mg/kg of product) combined with virginiamycin (150 mg/kg of product; MNVM). Treatments did not affect intakes of total dry matter (DM), supplement DM, and nutrients. However, the intakes of forage DM and crude protein decreased in cattle fed MNVM compared with animals fed WA, MN, and VM. Total volatile fatty acids increased in animals fed VM. Ruminal NH3-N decreased, and pH increased in animals fed MN, VM, and MNVM. Relative abundance of total F. succinogenes and S. ruminantium decreased and R. flavefaciens increased in animals fed MN and VM at d 118. Treatments had no effect on enteric CH4 emissions. The average daily gain (ADG) and total gain were greater in cattle fed MNVM than in cattle fed MN. Combination of monensin and virginiamycin altered the rumen microbial populations but did not decrease enteric CH4 emissions. However, it decreased forage dry matter intake without altering the ADG and total weight gain, leading to an increase in feed efficiency. Results from this study indicate an advantage in including feed additives combined in the diet of supplemented Nellore cattle grazing tropical grass during the rainy season.

Exploring the rumen microbial community in Guizhou White goats at different ages

This study evaluated the changes in rumen microbiome during the process of age development of farming Guizhou White goats from Southwest China. We conducted high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the diversity, structure, and composition of goat rumen microbiota (RM) of 21 goats of different age groups (1, 6, and 12 months). We found that volatile fatty acids (i.e., acetate, propionate, and butyrate) fermented by microbes were found to increase significantly in the sixand one-month-old goats. Results of the genera abundance analysis showed that abundance of eight and seven taxa decreased in six- and one-month-old goats, respectively, compared with that in 12-month-old goats. Additionally, differences in six taxa in six-month-old goats and in one taxon in one-month-old goats were found. In addition, specific gut microbiome was found, which was significantly correlated with rumen fermentation parameters in Guizhou White goats. These results revealed the signature microbiota in RM during various developmental stages in goats raised in Southwest China and can also provide a guiding tool for evaluating rumen health of ruminants worldwide.(AU)

Nutritional quality of wet distillers grains coensiled with wholeplant maize and its feeding value for lambs

ABSTRACT: The high moisture content of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) has limited its feeding value despite the relatively high nutritive value. The coensiling with wholeplant maize, as a complementary feed, was evaluated for growing lambs by formulating diets whose contents were: whole plant maize silage (WPMS) + sunflower oilcake meal (SOM) (control, WPMS + SOM), whole plant maize silage + dried distillers grains (WPMS + DDGS), and wholeplant maize (WPM) coensiled with WDGS (WPM WDGS). Rumen fermentation parameters and in situ degradability of the diets were evaluated using three cannulated Merino wethers in a cross over 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment that lasted 39 days. Concurrently, feed intake and growth performance of South Africa Mutton Merino lambs (29.7 ± 3.6 kg) were evaluated over 45 days. The WPMS + DDGS diet had a lower rate of dry matter degradation (p 0.05) compared to the WPMS + SOM and WPMWDGS diets. However, the rapidly fermentable fraction, as well as the progressively fermentable fraction of the diet dry matter, was not different (p > 0.05). No differences in rumen volatile fatty acid, ammonia nitrogen concentration nor rumen pH of the wethers as a result of diet differences were observed. Lambs consuming the WDGSbased diet had a lower average daily intake and average daily gain (p 0.05) compared to lambs consuming the DDGS and WPMSbased diets. However, the feed conversion ratio was not affected by diet differences (p > 0.05). In conclusion, coensiling WDGS with wholeplant maize provides the opportunity for the longterm storage and utilization of WDGS in lamb feeding.

IoT-Based pH monitoring for detection of rumen acidosis / Monitoramento de pH com base em IoT para detecção de acidose ruminal

Rumen acidosis is a fatal disease that reduces milk and pregnancy yield due to digestion of cattle and when not detected. Diagnosis of this disease can be achieved by monitoring the nutritional parameters of the cattle. Internet of Things (IoT) technology is a technology used in these kinds of processes such as monitoring and tracking within the scope of Industry 4.0. Thanks to the IoT, data collection, analysis, and data processing stages are carried out instantly over the internet. In this research, an IoT-based system has been developed that can be effective in diagnosing acute rumen acidosis disease in cattle and monitoring the control of data by recording nutritional parameters. Rumen pH and temperature values were measured with an IoT-supported microcontroller, and the data were recorded in the database on the server using. The circuit and software were first tested in the laboratory environment and then in the rumen of the cannulated cattle. The pH and temperature values of rumen were measured and recorded instantaneously at certain intervals (when the animal was ruminating, after drinks water, after eating dry food, and while at rest). When the device is removed from the rumen, it has been observed that the PLA-type plastic material used in the coating of the circuit does not wear. The device was useful in the early detection of acidosis disease of an animal fed with dry feed for more than 2 hours before it turns into epilepsy and provided early intervention in the regulation of the ration.

A acidose ruminal é uma doença fatal que reduz a produção de leite e a gravidez devido à digestão do gado e quando não é detectada. O diagnóstico desta doença pode ser alcançado através do monitoramento dos parâmetros nutricionais do gado. A tecnologia Internet das Coisas (IoT) é uma tecnologia usada neste tipo de processo, como monitoramento e rastreamento dentro do escopo da Indústria 4.0. Graças ao IoT, a coleta de dados, análise e etapas de processamento de dados são realizadas instantaneamente pela Internet. Nesta pesquisa, foi desenvolvido um sistema baseado em IoT que pode ser eficaz no diagnóstico da acidose ruminal aguda no gado e no monitoramento do controle de dados através do registro de parâmetros nutricionais. Os valores de pH e temperatura do rúmen foram medidos com um microcontrolador suportado por IoT, e os dados foram registrados no banco de dados no servidor usando. O circuito e o software foram testados primeiro no ambiente de laboratório e depois no rúmen do gado canulado. Os valores de pH e temperatura do rúmen foram medidos e registrados instantaneamente em certos intervalos (quando o animal estava ruminando, depois de beber água, depois de comer comida seca e enquanto estava em repouso). Quando o dispositivo é removido do rúmen, foi observado que o material plástico do tipo PLA usado no revestimento do circuito não se desgastou. O dispositivo foi útil na detecção precoce da doença de acidose de um animal alimentado com ração seca por mais de 2 horas antes de se transformar em epilepsia e forneceu intervenção precoce na regulação da ração.

Expeller soybean meal: evaluation of Holstein cow production and in vitro ruminal kinetic / Farelo de soja expeller: avaliação da produção de vacas holandesas e cinética ruminal in vitro

We aimed to evaluate the inclusion of expeller soybean meal on the quality and milk production of Holstein cows, as well to estimate and compare the inherent parameters of the in vitro ruminal kinetics. Data collection was carried out on a private property, in the interior of the municipality of Dois Vizinhos - Paraná, Brazil. Twenty Holstein cows were used, divided into two treatments: one with the inclusion of expeller soybean meal and the other with conventional soybean meal. The design used was completely randomized with parity. Milk production was evaluated through weighing. Milk samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30 and 45 to evaluate the milk protein, fat, urea nitrogen, lactose and total solids. The In vitro ruminal kinetics of convencional and expeller soybean meal was performed at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - Paraná, Dois Vizinhos. The gas pressure and volume measures were taken after 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 48 and 72 hours of sample incubation. The results obtained were applied in a two-compartmental mathematical model with no latency time in the first compartment for description of ruminal kinetics. Data were analyzed by variance (ANOVA) and compared by the F test. There was no significant difference in any of the variables evaluated from mil production and quality when soybean meal expeller was included in the animals' diet (P>0.05). The expeller soybean meal showed a lower degradation compared to the conventional meal. There were no significant differences for milk production as for concentration of solids in milk.

O objetivo foi avaliar a inclusão do farelo de soja expeller na qualidade e produção do leite de vacas holandesas, assim como estimar e comparar os parâmetros inerentes a cinética ruminal in vitro do farelo de soja convencional e expeller. A coleta de dados a campo foi realizada em propriedade particular, no interior do município de Dois Vizinhos - Paraná, Brasil. Foram utilizadas 20 vacas holandesas, divididas em dois tratamentos: um com inclusão de farelo de soja expeller e o outro com farelo de soja convencional. O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com paridade. Foi avaliada a produção do leite através de pesagem diária. Amostras de leite foram coletadas nos dias 0, 15 e 30 para determinação de proteína, gordura, nitrogênio ureico, lactose e sólidos totais. cinética ruminal in vitro do farelo de soja convencional e farelo de soja expeller foi realizada na Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, campus Dois Vizinhos. As leituras de pressão e volume foram realizadas após 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 48 e 72 horas de incubação. Os resultados obtidos foram aplicados em modelo matemático bicompartimental sem latência no primeiro compartimento para descrição da cinética ruminal. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparados pelo Teste F. Quanto a produção e qualidade do leite, não houve diferenças significativa para as variáveis avaliadas quando incluído o farelo de soja expeller na dieta dos animais (P>0,05). O farelo de soja expeller apresentou uma degradação inferior comparada ao farelo convencional. Não houve diferenças significativas para a produção de leite como para a concentração de sólidos no leite.

Nutritional quality of wet distillers’ grains co–ensiled with whole–plant maize and its feeding value for lambs

The high moisture content of wet distillers' grains with solubles (WDGS) has limited its feeding value despite the relatively high nutritive value. The co–ensiling with whole–plant maize, as a complementary feed, was evaluated for growing lambs by formulating diets whose contents were: whole plant maize silage (WPMS) + sunflower oilcake meal (SOM) (control, WPMS + SOM), whole plant maize silage + dried distillers' grains (WPMS + DDGS), and whole–plant maize (WPM) co–ensiled with WDGS (WPM – WDGS). Rumen fermentation parameters and in situ degradability of the diets were evaluated using three cannulated Merino wethers in a cross over 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment that lasted 39 days. Concurrently, feed intake and growth performance of South Africa Mutton Merino lambs (29.7 ± 3.6 kg) were evaluated over 45 days. The WPMS + DDGS diet had a lower rate of dry matter degradation (p 0.05). No differences in rumen volatile fatty acid, ammonia nitrogen concentration nor rumen pH of the wethers as a result of diet differences were observed. Lambs consuming the WDGS–based diet had a lower average daily intake and average daily gain (p 0.05). In conclusion, co–ensiling WDGS with whole–plant maize provides the opportunity for the long–term storage and utilization of WDGS in lamb feeding.

Nutritional quality of wet distillers' grains co-ensiled with whole-plant maize and its feeding value for lambs

The high moisture content of wet distillers' grains with solubles (WDGS) has limited its feeding value despite the relatively high nutritive value. The co­ensiling with whole­plant maize, as a complementary feed, was evaluated for growing lambs by formulating diets whose contents were: whole plant maize silage (WPMS) + sunflower oilcake meal (SOM) (control, WPMS + SOM), whole plant maize silage + dried distillers' grains (WPMS + DDGS), and whole­plant maize (WPM) co­ensiled with WDGS (WPM ­ WDGS). Rumen fermentation parameters and in situ degradability of the diets were evaluated using three cannulated Merino wethers in a cross over 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment that lasted 39 days. Concurrently, feed intake and growth performance of South Africa Mutton Merino lambs (29.7 ± 3.6 kg) were evaluated over 45 days. The WPMS + DDGS diet had a lower rate of dry matter degradation (p < 0.05) compared to the WPMS + SOM and WPM­WDGS diets. However, the rapidly fermentable fraction, as well as the progressively fermentable fraction of the diet dry matter, was not different (p > 0.05). No differences in rumen volatile fatty acid, ammonia nitrogen concentration nor rumen pH of the wethers as a result of diet differences were observed. Lambs consuming the WDGS­based diet had a lower average daily intake and average daily gain (p < 0.05) compared to lambs consuming the DDGS and WPMS­based diets. However, the feed conversion ratio was not affected by diet differences (p > 0.05). In conclusion, co­ensiling WDGS with whole­plant maize provides the opportunity for the long­term storage and utilization of WDGS in lamb feeding.

Effects of adding ground or steam-flaked corn and zinc-enriched yeast to grower pellet feed on fattening performance, development of rumen papilla, and some blood parameters in lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ground or steam-flaked corn and zinc-enriched yeast addition to grower pellet feed on fattening performance, rumen papillae development, and some blood parameters in lambs. For this purpose, thirty-six Kivircik male lambs were selected and divided equally into six groups: basal diet containing pellet feed without different corn form and yeast (control), basal diet 80% + ground corn 20% (PGC), basal diet 80% + steam-flaked corn 20% (PFC), PGC + Zn-enriched yeast (PGCZnY), PFC + Zn-enriched yeast (PFCZnY), and control + Zn-enriched yeast (PZnY). They were fed for 56 days according to the diets mentioned above. At the conclusion of the evaluations in fattening performance, rumen papillae development, and some blood parameters, there were no significant differences in body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency among the experimental groups. In the PGCZnY group, rumen papillae length was found to be higher than the other experimental groups. At the end of the trial (day 0), leukocyte and lymphocyte counts decreased significantly only in the control group compared with the other groups in the present study. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values, analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the trial, increased significantly in all groups except in the PGCZnY group. Supplementation of Zinc-enriched yeast to ground corn can be used for increasing ruminal papilla length, however decreasing the serum BUN levels in lambs during the fattening period.(AU)

Effect of essential oils and aqueous extracts of plants on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane production

The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro rumen fermentation and methane production under the influence of two sources of phytochemicals: essential oils (EOs) and aqueous extracts (AEs). Treatments were set up in a completely randomized block design, with 4×2+1 factorial arrangement of four species, S (garlic, G; cinnamon, C; rosemary, R; eucalyptus; EU) × two types of presentation, P (essential oil, EO; aqueous extract, AE) and a basal diet, BD (50% concentrate, 20% alfalfa and 30% corn silage). Rumen fermentation was evaluated using the in vitro gas production technique. All experimental units were incubated with 500 mg of BD for 72 hours. Treatments were added at a single dose of 900 mg/L of rumen inoculum. Gas pressure was recorded at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60 and 72 h postincubation. There was an interaction effect (P × S) between plant extract presentation (P) and plant species (S) for all variables. Treatments GEO, CEO, REO decreased volatile fatty acids (mmol/200 mg), microbial mass production (mg/g), CH4 production (mL/g), in vitro dry matter digestibility (P < 0.05), and total gas production at 24 and 72 h post-incubation (P < 0.05; mL/g DM, mL/g OM). No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between AEs and BD. In conclusion, the use of EOs negatively affected rumen fermentation parameters and the production of CH4. Garlic and cinnamon EOs effectively reduced methane emissions; however, they also reduced in vitro dry matter digestibility.

Nutritional and metabolic parameters of ewe lambs fed yeast in the diet containing fibrolytic enzyme / Parâmetros nutricionais e metabólicos de borregas alimentadas com leveduras na ração contendo enzima fibrolítica

This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter digestibility, intake and metabolic profile of ewe lambs fed active or inactive yeasts in the diet containing fibrolytic enzyme. Twenty crossbred animals with an average weight of 33.4kg and an average age of six months were distributed in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of yeasts: Control (no yeast), Milk Sacc X® (active yeast), Active Flora®(active yeast + inactive yeast) and Rumen Yeast®(inactive yeast). Analysis of variance and SNK test were applied with a significance level of 5% for type I error. There was no difference for dry matter intake between treatments (P>0.05). There was a significant trend (P=0.0596) for dry matter digestibility, with higher values for the control treatment. There was a significant trend for blood metabolites (P=0.0705), in which the diet containing Milk Sacc® was superior to the other treatments for total protein concentration. In addition, there was a statistical difference (P<0.05) for urea concentration, in which control and Active Flora® treatments were superior to the others. The inclusion of active or inactive yeasts in the diet for ewe lambs containing fibrolytic enzyme reduces dietary digestibility, without affecting the dry matter intake, in addition, it increases urea and total protein levels without causing liver or kidney damage in ewe lambs.

Objetivou-se avaliar a digestibilidade da matéria seca, consumo e perfil metabólico de borregas alimentadas com leveduras vivas e inativadas na ração contendo enzima fibrolítica. Foram utilizados vinte animais mestiços com peso médio de 33,4kg e idade média de seis meses, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram nas leveduras: Controle (sem levedura), Milk Sacc X® (levedura ativa), Active Flora®(levedura viva mais levedura inativada) e Rúmen Yeast® (levedura inativa). Foi realizada à análise variância e teste SNK com nível de significância de 5% para o erro tipo I. Não houve diferença entre tratamentos para consumo de matéria seca com uso ou não de levedura na dieta (P>0,05). Houve tendência significativa (P=0,0596) para a digestibilidade da matéria seca sendo superior para com o tratamento sem inclusão de leveduras. Para os metabólitos sanguíneos houve tendência significativa (P=0,0705) sendo o Milk Sacc® superior aos demais tratamentos para concentração de proteínas totais. Além disso, houve diferença estatística (P<0,05) para concentração de ureia cujos tratamentos controle e Active Flora® foram superiores aos demais. A inclusão de leveduras vivas ou inativadas na dieta para borregas contendo enzima fibrolítica diminui a digestibilidade da dieta, sem afetar o consumo de matéria seca, além disso, aumenta teores de ureia e proteínas totais sem causar prejuízos hepáticos ou renais as borregas.

Exogenous enzymes in sheep diet: nutritional and physiological parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding exogenous enzymes to the diet on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior and rumen movement of ewe lambs. Five ewe lambs, Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred, with an average age of 7 ± 1 months, average weight of 36.40 ± 2.36 kg were assigned in a 5x5 Latin square design. The treatments consisted of adding exogenous enzymes to the concentrate: Allzyme, Fibrozyme®, Amaize®, Mix and Control. Analyses of variance were applied and means were compared by the SNK test, and non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test at 5% significance. The dry matter intake in relation to body weight, crude protein intake and nitrogen intake were higher with the use of amylolytic enzyme compared to the other treatments (p <0.05). Nitrogen balance was higher with the use of amylolytic enzymes and the Allzyme® enzyme complex (p <0.05). A longer time spent in total chewing was observed with the inclusion of fibrolytic and amylolytic enzymes without changes in rumen movement. The use of exogenous enzymes promotes better use of nutrients, with high digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and crude protein.(AU)

Chitosan combined with technical cashew nut shell liquid improves in vitro ruminal parameters and gas production kinetics

The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of chitosan (CHI) and technical cashew nut shell liquid (CNSLt) as natural feed additives in cattle diets on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and in vitro gas production kinetics. We conducted a completely randomized design with 5×4 factorial arrangement, with 20, 35, 50, 65, and 100% Tifton 85 hay and four additives, monensin (200 mg/kg DM), CNSLt (500 mg/kg DM), CHI (500 mg/kg DM), and CNSLt+CHI (500 mg/kg DM/each). Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility showed a linear reduction according to forage levels. The highest DM digestibility was observed with CHI on cattle diets. Inclusion of CHI increased DM digestibility. The highest in vitro organic matter and crude protein (CP) digestibilities were observed for CNSLt+CHI. The in vitro dry matter digestibility increased linearly with concentrate in the diet. There was interaction of forage:concentrate ratio and the additives for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose digestibility. Chitosan, CNSLt, and CNSLt+CHI promoted the lowest acetate:propionate ratio compared with monensin. Total gas production showed interaction of the forage:concentrate ratio and additives. Lag time was lowest with CNSLt+CHI. Chitosan and CNSLt can be considered alternative fermentation modulators to ionophores by improving nutrient digestibility and increasing ruminal propionate concentrations.(AU)

Cottonseed and Soy-bean agro-industrial by-products used in feedlot cattle diet: effects on beef fatty acid profile and quality parameters / Subprodutos agroindustriais de caroço de algodão e soja utilizados na dieta de bovinos confinados: efeitos no perfil de ácidos graxos e parâmetros de qualidade da carne bovina

Beef composition are directly influenced by the dietary fat, particularly in ruminants, due to rumen biohydrogenation, which promotes alterations in the dietary fatty acid (FA) profile and affects the meat quality. Beef sensorial, chemical, and FA compositions of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat were evaluated, from 40 Nellore males finished on feedlot diet based, containing cottonseed (CSB) and soybean by-product (SOB) as agro-industrial by-product fat sources. CSB as a fat source, did not alter the beef pH, shear force, chemical composition, or subcutaneous FA profile compared with the SOB diet. Differences were observed at yellow and red beef color, with low and high CSB diet inclusion; on the contrary, inclusion of SOB in the diet led to an intensely unpleasant aroma in aged and cooked meats. Regarding beef FA profile, CSB with 3% dietary fat produced steaks with a lower proportion of C 17:0 , having 1.359 and 3.238 g/100 g of intramuscular FA, whereas CSB with 5% dietary fat led to an increase in C 18:2 n -6 , with 0.298 and 0.132 g/100 g of intramuscular FA in steaks from animals fed with CSB and SOB, respectively. CSB produced more intense red beef color, unpleasant aroma, and higher linoleic acid content; however, the color and aroma of the meat produced from cattle fed with CSB in the diet were less intense and were like those observed in cattle fed with SOB; these could therefore be recommended for use as agro-industrial by-products in beef cattle diet.(AU)

A composição da carne bovina é influenciada diretamente pela gordura da dieta, principalmente em ruminantes, devido à biohidrogenação ruminal, que promove alterações no perfil de ácidos graxos dietéticos e afeta a qualidade da carne. Foram avaliadas às composições sensoriais, químicas e de ácido graxo da carne, da gordura intramuscular e subcutânea, de 40 machos Nelore terminados em dieta de confinamento contendo caroço de algodão (CSB) e subproduto de soja (SOB) como fontes de gordura de subprodutos agroindustriais. CSB, não alterou o pH da carne, força de cisalhamento, composição química ou perfil de ácido graxo subcutâneo em comparação com a dieta SOB. Diferenças foram observadas na cor amarela e vermelha da carne bovina, com baixa e alta inclusão de CSB na dieta; a inclusão de SOB na dieta levou a um aroma intensamente desagradável em carnes envelhecidas e cozidas. Em relação ao perfil de ácido graxo da carne bovina, CSB com 3% de gordura dietética produziu bifes com menor proporção de C 17: 0 , tendo 1.359 e 3.238 g / 100 g de ácido graxo intramuscular, enquanto CSB com 5% de gordura dietética levou a um aumento de C 18: 2n- 6 , com 0,298 e 0,132 g / 100 g de ácido graxo intramuscular em bifes de animais alimentados com CSB e SOB, respectivamente. CSB produziu cor vermelha bovina mais intensa, aroma desagradável e maior teor de ácido linoléico; entretanto, a cor e o aroma da carne produzida em bovinos alimentados com CSB na dieta foram menos intensos e semelhantes aos observados em bovinos alimentados com SOB; estes poderiam, portanto, ser recomendados para uso como subprodutos agroindustriais na dieta de bovinos de corte.(AU)

Intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils. Four rumen-cannulated Saanen goats were allocated to four treatments, which consisted of a control diet and diets with the inclusion of 30 g of canola, sunflower, or soybean oils per kilogram of diet dry matter (DM). The experiment lasted 40 days, which were divided into four 10-day periods. Forage intake was estimated using chromium oxide as an external marker, and supplement intake was determined as the difference between the daily amount supplied and orts. Rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated from samples of rumen fluid collected every 2 h, for 12 h. Rumen pH and short-chain fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were measured. There was no effect of lipid supplementation on DM intake. Ether extract intake was highest in the treatments with oil inclusion, and the highest acid detergent fiber intake was obtained with the diet containing canola oil. The pH was highest in the group fed soybean oil and responded quadratically to the collection times. Total short-chain fatty acid and acetic acid concentrations also responded quadratically to the collection times. Propionic and butyric acid concentrations and acetic:propionic acid ratio showed a cubic behavior with the increasing collection times. Canola, sunflower, or soybean oils can be included at 30 g/kg of the diet DM as a strategy to increase the energy density of goat diets.

Mathematical models to adjust the parameters of in vitro cumulative gas production of diets containing preserved Gliricidia / Modelos matemáticos para ajuste dos parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gás in vitro de dietas contendo Gliricídia conservada

ABSTRACT: This study examined the use of the Gompertz, Groot, monomolecular, Richards and two-compartment-logistic mathematical models to investigate the kinetics of in vitro gas production of diets composed of combinations of Gliricidia hay or silage. In addition, the effects of Gliricidia hay or silage inclusion on the in vitro cumulative gas production of these diets were evaluated. Rumen fermentation kinetics were analyzed by the in vitro cumulative gas production methodology. The model parameters were estimated using the Gauss Newton method, with the exception of the Richards model, which was used by Marquardt's algorithm. Model fit was assessed using the determination coefficient, F test for parameters identity, concordance correlation coefficient, root mean square error of prediction, and decomposition of mean square error of prediction into mean error, systematic bias and random error. The models were compared for accuracy (pairwise mean square error of prediction) and precision (delta Akaike's information criterion). All model evaluation and comparison statistics were calculated using Model Evaluation System software version 3.2.2. The Groot and Richards models did not differ from each other (P>0.05) and were the most precise and accurate (P<0.05). Therefore, the Groot model was selected due to its better accuracy and precision and easier access to the parameters. The inclusion of Gliricidia silage in the diet resulted in an increase in the time to obtain the maximum rate of degradation and in the time after incubation when half of the asymptotic level was reached. The Groot model is recommended to estimate the average curve. Dietary inclusion of Gliricidia silage alters the gas production curve due to the longer time required for the diet to reach the maximum rate of degradation, this can increase the time the diet remains in rumen and promote a reduction in the consumption.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar os modelos matemáticos Gompertz, Groot, monomolecular, Richards e logístico bicompartimental para estudar a cinética de produção de gás in vitro de dietas compostas de combinações de feno ou silagem de Gliricídia. Além disso, avaliou-se os efeitos da inclusão de feno ou silagem de Gliricídia sobre a produção cumulativa de gás in vitro destas dietas. A cinética de fermentação ruminal foi avaliada pela metodologia de produção cumulativa de gás in vitro. Os parâmetros dos modelos foram estimados usando o método de Gauss Newton, com exceção do modelo de Richards, que foi usado algoritmo de Marquardt. O ajuste dos modelos foi avaliado por meio do coeficiente de determinação, teste F para a identidade dos parâmetros, coeficiente de correlação e concordância, raiz quadrada do quadrado médio do erro da predição e a decomposição do quadrado médio do erro da predição em erro médio, vício sistemático e erro aleatório. Os modelos foram comparados quanto à acurácia (quadrado médio da predição pareado) e quanto à sua precisão (critério de informação delta de Akaike). Todas as estatísticas de avaliação e comparação dos modelos foram calculadas usando o software Model Evaluation System versão 3.2.2. Os modelos de Groot e Richards não diferiram entre si (P>0.05) e foram os mais precisos e acurados (P<0.05). Portanto, modelo de Groot foi selecionado devido apresentar melhor acurácia e precisão e apresentar maior facilidade na obtenção dos parâmetros. A inclusão da silagem de Gliricídia na dieta, resultou em elevação no tempo para obtenção da máxima taxa de degradação e no tempo após a incubação em que metade do nível assintótico foi atingido. Recomenda-se a utilização do modelo de Groot para estimativa da curva média. A inclusão da silagem de Gliricídia altera a curva de produção de gás devido o maior tempo necessário para que a dieta atingisse a máxima taxa de degradação, isso pode elevar o tempo de permanência da dieta no rúmen e promover redução no consumo.

Diagnosing sub-acute rumen acidosis in cows in the post-calving period with digital technologies / [Diagnóstico de acidose ruminal subaguda em vacas no período pós-parto usando tecnologias digitais]

This study aims to determine the relationship between indicators of the motor activity, pH factor, rumen and rectal temperature within 10 days after calving and to analyze the possibility of using the studied parameters as prognostic signs for diagnosing sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA). The measurements were taken using bolus with sensors designed to monitor cow health. The motor activity, pH factor and ruminal temperature of 10 cows were measured during 10 days at a measurement interval of every 60 seconds. Next, the researchers calculated the average values of the obtained readings, which were divided into 2 groups according to a measurement interval of every 12 hours. Rectal temperature was measured using a veterinary thermometer every 12 hours (at 8 a.m. and at 8 p.m.). As a result, 200 measurements were obtained. Descriptive sampling statistics were calculated using the SPSS Statistics program. An increase in motor activity reduces the pH level of the rumen environment. Lowering the pH factor of the rumen environment leads to an increase in ruminal temperature. There is a positive statistically significant correlation between ruminal and rectal temperature. The nosology of SARA can be predicted by measuring the motor activity and rectal temperature of dairy cows.(AU)

Este estudo visa determinar a relação entre indicadores de atividade motora, fator de pH, temperatura ruminal e retal em até 10 dias após o parto e analisar a possibilidade de utilizar os parâmetros estudados como sinais prognósticos para o diagnóstico de acidose ruminal subaguda (SARA). As medições foram feitas usando bolus com sensores projetados para monitorar a saúde das vacas. A atividade motora, o fator de pH e a temperatura ruminal de 10 vacas foram medidos durante 10 dias em intervalos de medição de 60 segundos. A seguir, os pesquisadores calcularam os valores médios das leituras obtidas, que foram divididos em 2 grupos de acordo com um intervalo de medição a cada 12 horas. A temperatura retal foi medida com um termômetro veterinário a cada 12 horas (às 8h e às 20h). Como resultado, foram obtidas 200 medições. As estatísticas de amostragem descritiva foram calculadas usando o programa SPSS Statistics. Um aumento na atividade motora reduz o nível de pH do ambiente ruminal. A redução do fator de pH do ambiente ruminal leva a um aumento da temperatura ruminal. Existe uma correlação positiva estatisticamente significativa entre a temperatura ruminal e retal. A nosologia com SARA pode ser prevista medindo a atividade motora e a temperatura retal de vacas leiteiras.(AU)

Degradabilidade e cinética ruminal de alimentos energéticos utilizados em dietas para ruminantes / Ruminal kinetics and degradability of energetic feedstuffs used in diets for ruminants

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar alimentos energéticos quanto a composição química, degradabilidade ruminal in situ da matéria seca (DMS), cinética ruminal e taxa de desaparecimento ruminal da matéria seca. Foram avaliados sete alimentos (tratamentos): grão de milho moído, grão de aveia moído, grão de cevada moído, farelo de trigo, casca de soja, radícula de malte e gérmen de milho, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições cada. Para a incubação dos materiais foram utilizados dois bovinos com cânula ruminal, e cada tratamento foi submetido a sete períodos de exposição ao rúmen (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 e 24 horas). Dentre os alimentos avaliados, a casca de soja teve o maior teor de fibra em detergente neutro (68,91%) e apresentou a menor DMS em 24 h (64,91%). O grão de cevada moído e o grão de milho moído tiveram os menores níveis de fração solúvel (FS) (26,34% e 28,7%, respectivamente), porém o grão de cevada moído apresentou a maior DMS em 24 h (90,48%), que por conciliar estes parâmetros teve a maior taxa de desaparecimento ruminal (2,50%.h-¹), enquanto o grão de aveia moído teve a maior FS (47,75%) e a menor taxa de desaparecimento ruminal (1,09%.h-¹).

This study aimed to evaluate energetic feedstuffs regarding chemical composition, in situ ruminal degradability of dry matter (DMD), ruminal kinetics and ruminal disappearance rate of dry matter. Seven feedstuffs (treatments) were evaluated: ground corn, ground oat, ground barley, wheat bran, soybean hull, malt root and corn germ, in a completely randomized design of four repetitions each. Two bovines ruminally cannulated were used for incubation, wherein each treatment was subjected to seven periods of exposure to the rumen (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 hours). Among the evaluated feedstuffs, soybean hull had the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content (68.91%) and the lowest DMD at 24 h (64.91%). Ground barley and ground corn contained the lowest content of soluble fraction (SF) (26.34 and 28.7%, respectively), among which ground barley had the highest DMD at 24 h (90.48%) and therefore showed the highest rumen disappearance rate (2.50%.h-¹) by combining both parameters, while the ground oat presented the highest SF (47.75%) and the lowest rumen disappearance rate (1.09%.h-¹).

Soybean meal from damaged grains replacing standard soybean meal in diets of feedlot lambs

Two studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of levels of soybean meal produced from damaged soybean grains replacing normal soybean meal on in vitro and in situ digestibility of ruminant diets as well as on intake, digestibility, and animal performance of growing/finishing lambs. In trial 1, we evaluated the in vitro digestibility of each soybean meals (normal and damaged), as well as diets containing levels of the damaged replacing the normal (0, 333, 667 and 1,000 g.kg−1) soybean meal on kinetic parameters of in vitro cumulative gas production, in vitro dry matter and crude protein digestibility, in situ rumen-degradable protein, rumen-undegradable protein, and in vitro intestinal digestibility of rumen-undegradable protein. In trial 2, we used 48 growing/finishing lambs to evaluate the effects of damaged soybean meal levels (0, 333, 667, and 1,000 g.kg−1) replacing normal soybean meal in feedlot diets (20:80 roughage:concentrate ratio) on intake and digestibility of nutrients and on animal performance. The damaged soybean meal presented lower values for total gas production and in vitro dry matter digestibility than normal soybean meal. Higher rumen-undegradable protein was estimated for damaged soybean meal than for the normal and consequently lower rumen-degradable protein for damaged compared to normal. Because of the lower rumen-degradable protein, damaged soybean meal promoted lower in vitro ammonium nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentrations than the normal in feedlot diets. In the in vivo trial, there were no effects of damaged soybean meal levels in the diets on intake and digestibility of nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and fiber) as well as on total weight gain, average daily gain, carcass yield, or feeding efficiency. Thus, damaged soybean meal can fully replace the normal one in lamb feedlot diets (in up to of 1,000 g.kg−1 of the normal soybean meal) without causing adverse effects on intake and digestibility of nutrients and on animal performance.

Which non-fibrous carbohydrates: neutral detergent fiber ratio optimizes the use of cactus cladodes in diets of growing heifers? / Qual relação carboidratos não fibrosos: fibra em detergente neutro otimiza o uso de palma forrageira em dietas para novilhas em crescimento?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC):neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratios (0.70:1, 0.90:1, 1.14:1, 1.42:1, and 1.85:1) in diets containing cactus cladodes on intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, ingestive behavior, and microbial protein of growing heifers. Five rumencannulated heifers (194 ± 70 kg of body weight) were distributed in a Latin square design (5 x 5). There was a quadratic effect on the intake of dry matter (DM) (Kg day-1 and %BW) and crude protein (CP) with the increase in non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC): neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio, with maximum values of 7.07 kg day-1, 2.86%, and 0.949 kg day-1, estimated for 1.37:1, 1.39:1, and 1.27:1 ratios. When the intake of NDF decreased, in turn, the intakes of NFC and TDN increased. The NDF digestibility decreased with increasing NFC levels in diets. The other nutrients were not influenced. The ruminal pH showed the lowest values at 4 hours after feeding, mainly for animals fed the 1.85:1 ratio. There was a quadratic effect for rumination time with maximum values estimated for an NFC:NDF ratio of 0.88:1. The time spent idle increased linearly, while total chewing time and feeding efficiency of NDF decreased. The urinary volume increased linearly. However, microbial protein synthesis and the efficiency of the synthesis were not influenced. The number of protozoa increased by 64.5% with the elevation of the NFC:NDF ratio. We recommend a NFC:NDF ratio of 1.37:1 in diets containing cactus cladodes, to improve the use of nutrients, without negatively affecting ruminal parameters.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes relações carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF): fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) (0,70: 1; 0,90: 1; 1,14: 1; 1,42: 1 e 1,85: 1) em dietas contendo palma forrageira sobre o consumo, digestibilidade, parâmetros ruminais, comportamento ingestivo e proteína microbiana de novilhas em crescimento. Cinco novilhas, fistuladas no rúmen (194 ± 70 kg de peso corporal) foram distribuídas em um delineamento em quadrado latino (5 x 5). Houve efeito quadrático sobre o consumo de matéria seca (MS) (kg dia-1 (% PC) e proteína bruta (PB) com o aumento da relação carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF): fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), com valores máximos de 7,07 kg dia-1, 2,86% e 0,949 kg dia-1, estimado para 1,37: 1; 1,39: 1 e proporção de 1,27: 1. Enquanto a ingestão de FDN diminuiu, a ingestão de CNF e NDT aumentou. A digestibilidade da FDN diminuiu com o aumento dos teores de FDN nas dietas. Os demais nutrientes não foram influenciados. O pH ruminal apresentou os menores valores 4 horas após a alimentação, principalmente para os animais alimentados na proporção de 1,85: 1. Houve efeito quadrático para o tempo de ruminação com valores máximos estimados para uma relação CNF: FDN de 0,88: 1. O tempo de ócio aumentou linearmente, enquanto o tempo total de mastigação e a eficiência alimentar da FDN diminuíram. O volume urinário aumentou linearmente. No entanto, a síntese de proteína microbiana e a eficiência da síntese não foram influenciadas. O número de protozoários aumentou 64,5% com a elevação da relação CNF: FDN. Recomenda-se a relação CNF:FDN de 1,37: 1 em dietas contendo palma forrageira, para melhorar o aproveitamento dos nutrientes, sem afetar negativamente os parâmetros ruminais.(AU)