The effect of supplementation with rubber seed kernel pellet on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and fatty acid profiles in swamp buffalo.

BACKGROUND: Rubber seed kernel is a by-product derived from rubber tree plantations. It is rich in C18 unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and has the potential to be used as a protein source for ruminant diets. This investigation has been conducted to determine the influence of rubber seed kernel pellet (RUSKEP) supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and fatty acid profiles in swamp buffalo. Using a completely randomized design (CRD) and supplementation of RUSKEP at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% dry matter (DM) of substrate. RESULTS: The supplementation with RUSKEP had no effect on gas kinetics, cumulative gas production, or degradability. Ruminal pH decreased linearly (P < 0.01) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. The proportion of acetate (C2) decreased linearly (P < 0.01), but propionate (C3) and butyrate (C4) increased linearly (P < 0.01), resulting in a decrease in the acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) (P < 0.01) by RUSKEP supplementation. With an increasing level of dietary RUSKEP, there was a slight increase in UFA in the rumen by increasing the oleic acid (OA; C18:1 cis-9 + trans-9), linoleic acid (LA; C18:2 cis-9,12 + trans-9,12), and α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 cis-9,12,15) concentrations (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Adding up to 10% of RUSKEP could improve in vitro rumen fermentation and C18 unsaturated fatty acids, especially ALA, in swamp buffalo.

Can dietary fermented total mixed ration additives biological and chemical improve digestibility, performance, and rumen fermentation in ruminants?

The quantity and quality of animal feed are important factors for efficient and profitable animal farming. Feed ingredients and supplementation with high-density energy and nitrogen would be potentially useful on the farm. The new approach to feeding has shifted from animal-based diets to more readily fermentable feedstuffs in ruminants to meet the increased production of high-yielding animals. These methods encourage the use of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR). An advantage of feeding FTMR as opposed to total mixed ration (TMR) is the opportunity for a development alternative to efficiently handle ruminant diets. FTMR is a method to promote progressive nutrient utilization, extend the preservation of feed by preventing spoilage, and reduce anti-nutritive substances in feeds. Ruminal protein and starch degradability were increased due to proteolysis during storage by ruminants fed ensiled rations. The results found that FTMR can reduce the pH level and increase the lactic acid content of ensiled materials, which results in better quality feed and longer storage times. In addition, it can increase dry matter intake, growth rate, and milk production when compared with TMR. It was shown that the use of FTMR diet was effective for animal production. However, FTMR was rapidly spoiled when exposed to air or feed-out, particularly in hot and humid climates, resulting in a decrease in lactic acid concentration, an increase in pH, and the loss of nutrients. Thus, the appropriate method for enhancing the quality of FTMR should be considered.

Effect of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) pellet supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, microorganisms, methane production, milk yield, and milk composition in dairy cows.

The aim of the previous research was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian spinach pellet (BSP) supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, methane estimation, and milk production in dairy cows. Four crossbred Thai dairy cattle, with Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with a body weight of 442 ± 50 kg were assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain diets; factor A was the roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio at 40:60 and 30:70, and factor B was level of BSP supplantation at 2% and 6% of dry matter (basis) intake (DMI). R:C ratio and supplementation of BSP had no interaction effect on DMI and nutrient digestibility. On DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake, the R:C ratio increased (p < 0.05). The digestibility of OM improved (p < 0.05) when cows were fed a R:C ratio of 30:70. On pH, ammonia-nitrogen, protozoal population, and blood urea-nitrogen, there were no interactions between the R:C ratio and BSP supplementation. Increasing the BSP supplementation to 6% (p < 0.01) decreased the protozoal population. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionate (C3) concentrations while decreasing the acetate (C2) to C3 ratio and methane (CH4 ) estimation (p < 0.01). The average concentration of total VFA has increased by 114.46 mmol/L for 6% of BSP supplementation. Increased BSP supplementation increased the C3 concentration while decreasing the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). The R:C ratio and BSP supplementation had no interaction effect on milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), or milk composition. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased milk yield (p < 0.05) to the highest level of 12.18 kg/day. In conclusion, the diet containing a R:C ratio of 30:70 increased feed intake, milk yield, BUN, total VFA, and C3 concentration, and decreased the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emission. BSP supplementation at 6% could increase TVFA and C3 concentrations while decreasing the protozoal population and CH4 estimation.

The effect of excessive elemental sulfur addition on feed intake, digestibility, rumen characteristics, blood metabolites and nitrogen balance in Thai native beef cattle fed a diet containing high fresh cassava root.

This study aimed to study the effect of excessive elemental sulfur addition on intake, digestibility, rumen characteristics, blood metabolites and nitrogen balance in Thai native beef cattle fed diets containing high fresh cassava root (FCR) supplementation. Four Thai native beef cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 100 ± 10.0 kg were used and randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Two levels of FCR supplementation at 15 (FCR-1.5) and 20 g/kg of BW (FCR-2) and two levels of sulfur supplementation in concentrate at 10 (Sulfur-1) and 20 g/kg dry matter concentrate (Sulfur-2) were evaluated. This study showed that sulfur and FCR in combination (p < 0.05) increased dry matter and organic matter digestibility and bacterial population. Sulfur-2 resulted in higher (p < 0.05) sulfur intake and serum thiocyanate concentration than Sulfur-1. FCR-2 had a greater (p < 0.05) FCR intake, total volatile fatty acids and propionate concentration than FCR-1.5. In conclusion, excessive elemental sulfur addition with high FCR supplementation showed no negative effect in Thai native beef cattle.

Fermented sugarcane bagasse with Lactobacillus combined with cellulase and molasses promotes in vitro gas kinetics, degradability, and ruminal fermentation patterns compared to rice straw.

This experiment was aimed to study the effect of sugarcane bagasse (SB) fermented with Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses on in vitro gas kinetics, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation patterns compared to rice straw (RS). A 2 × 2 × 2 (+1) factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design was used. Factor A was levels of L. casei TH14 at 0 and 0.05 g/kg fresh matter, factor B was levels of cellulase at 0 and 104 U/kg fresh matter, and factor C was levels of molasses at 0 and 5 g of substrate DM. The (+1) treatment referred to RS fermentation without additives. The results showed that kinetics of gas, gas production, and total volatile fatty acid were not different between RS and SB treatment. RS had significantly (p < 0.05) greater nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia-nitrogen, and protozoa compared the control SB. Compared with control RS and SB, SB fermented with additives had greater (p < 0.05) gas from soluble fraction and rate constant of gas, in vitro dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility, and ruminal propionate. In conclusion, SB fermented with L. casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses in combination promoted ruminal gas production, in vitro digestibility, and ruminal fermentation patterns.

Growth performances, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and energy partition of Thai native steers fed exclusive rice straw and fermented sugarcane bagasse with Lactobacillus, cellulase and molasses.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sugarcane bagasse feeding treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14 (L. casei TH14), cellulase and molasses (BG) on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, energy partition and growth performances of Thai native steers compared to conventional feeding of rice straw (RS). Eight Thai native steers (144 ± 19.5 kg of initial body weight) were randomly allocated to two roughage sources in a completed randomized design: RS (n = 4) and BG (n = 4). The feeding trial lasted for 90 days plus 21 days for treatment adaptation. The results showed that the BG group showed (p < 0.05) greater intake (2.34 vs 2.02 kg/day), total intake (3.90 vs 3.55 kg/day) and average daily gain (0.27 vs 0.23 kg/day) while feed conversion ratio was lower compared to RS group. The BG group had a greater (p < 0.05) organic matter and acid detergent fibre intake than the RS group as well as dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The steers fed RS and BG were significantly (p < 0.05) different for total volatile fatty acids and propionic acid at 4 h after offering the diet. The intake of nitrogen (g/day) and apparent nitrogen absorption was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for BG than the RS group while nitrogen excretion in faeces was significantly lower in RS than the BG group. BG group showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater gross energy intake and digestible energy partition when compared to the RS group. In conclusion, feeding BG enhanced feed utilization, growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization and energy utilization.

Replacement of soybean meal by red yeast fermented tofu waste on feed intake, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Thai Brahman crossbred beef cattle.

This study aimed to determine the effect of replacing soybean meal (SBM) by red yeast fermented tofu waste (RYFTO) on feed intake, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Brahman crossbred beef cattle. A total of 12 cattle (1.5-2 years old and 275.0 ± 6.1 kg of initial body weight) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments in completely randomized design. There were three dietary treatments as following: Control (SBM), 50%replacing SBM by red yeast fermented tofu waste (RYFTO50), and 100% replacing SBM by red yeast fermented tofu waste (RYFTO100) in concentrate diet raised for 60 days. Rice straw was used as roughage source and fed ad libitum. The results found that cattle received the diet with replacing SBM by RYFTO both RYFTO50 and RYFTO100 group affect roughage intake, total dry matter intake, and ADG (P < 0.05) except the digestibility and FCR (P > 0.05). The feed cost of roughage, concentrate, and total feed cost were lowest in RYFTO100 group when compared to the control (P < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen was deducted when cattle received RYFTO100 when compared to the control and RYFTO50 (P < 0.05). However, the carcass characteristics and meat quality were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the 100% replacing SBM by RYFTO in concentrate diet affect roughage intake and ADG without negative effect on concentrate intakes, digestibility, carcasses and meat quality. Therefore, RYFTO could be used as a protein source for partial replacement of SBM in the, concentrate diet at 50% which can lower feed cost. This study suggested that the further study should be conducted for longer period to gain the benefits of carotene in red yeast on carcass and meat quality.

Sulfur, fresh cassava root and urea independently enhanced gas production, ruminal characteristics and in vitro degradability.

BACKGROUND: Total fresh cassava root (FCR) production was 275 million tonnes in 2018 which equals 61.1 % of the total production, and Thailand produced 10.7 % FCR of the total production. FCR is one of the main energy source for ruminant. The limitation of FCR utilization is due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sulfur, urea and FCR at various levels on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation and in vitro degradability. The study hypothesized that: (1) sulfur, urea and FCR have no interaction effect and (2) effect of FCR and urea is related to sulfur addition. RESULTS: The study aimed to elucidate the optimum level of elemental sulfur, fresh cassava root (FCR) and urea and their effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation, thiocyanate concentration, and in vitro degradability. A 3 × 2 × 4 in a completely randomized design were conducted. Factor A was level of sulfur at 0 %, 1 and 2 % of concentrate dry matter (DM), factor B was level of urea at 2 and 4 % of concentrate DM, and factor C was level of the FCR at 0, 200, 300 and 400 mg DM of the total substrate. The study found that elemental sulfur, urea and FCR had no interaction effect on the kinetics of in vitro gas, ruminal fermentation, HCN and in vitro degradability. Elemental sulfur supplementation (P < 0.05) significantly increased the in vitro gas produced from an insoluble fraction (b), in vitro DM degradability and either neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradability and propionate (C3) concentration while decreased the ruminal HCN concentration. Urea levels showed a (P < 0.05) significant increase of the potential extent of in vitro gas production, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA). Fresh cassava root supplementation (P < 0.05) significantly increased the in vitro gas produced from an immediate soluble fraction (a), in vitro gas produced from insoluble fraction, in vitro gas production rate constant, total VFA, C3 concentration and HCN while decreased ruminal pH, acetate and butyrate concentration. It could be concluded that 2 % elemental sulfur, 4 % urea and 300 mg FCR showed a greater effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation and HCN reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that elemental sulfur, urea, and FCR had no interaction effect on the kinetics of in vitro gas, total in vitro gas, ruminal fermentation, and HCN concentration. It could be concluded that 2 % elemental sulfur, 4 % urea, and 300 mg FCR showed a greater effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation, and HCN reduction.

Effect of sugarcane bagasse as industrial by-products treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase and molasses on feed utilization, ruminal ecology and milk production of mid-lactating Holstein Friesian cows.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses combination fermented sugarcane bagasse (SB) as an exclusive roughage source in the total mixed ration (TMR) for mid-lactation 75% crossbred Holstein cows on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal ecology, milk yield and milk composition. Four multiparous mid-lactation crossbred (75% Holstein Friesian and 25% Thai native breed) dairy cows of 439 ± 16 kg body weight, 215 ± 5 days in milk and average milk yield 10 ± 2 kg d-1 were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The unfermented SB (SB-TMR), SB fermented with cellulase and molasses (CM-TMR), SB fermented with L. casei TH14 and molasses (LM-TMR), and SB fermented with L. casei TH14, cellulase and molasses (LCM-TMR) were used as dietary treatments. RESULTS: CM-TMR, LM-TMR and LCM-TMR significantly (P < 0.01) increased dry matter and fiber digestibility, gross energy and metabolizable energy intake (P < 0.05), blood glucose, total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05), propionic acid and milk yield, but decreased ammonia, acetic acid, acetic:propionic ratio and methane production (P < 0.05) when compared with the SB-TMR. Compared with fermented SB treatments, LCM-TMR had lower (P < 0.05) ruminal ammonia and greater blood glucose (P < 0.01); LCM-TMR showed (P < 0.05) greater volatile fatty acids, propionic acid, milk yield and total solids, and lower acetic:propionic ratio (P < 0.01); methane, protozoa and somatic cell count were found to be lowest in LCM-TMR. CONCLUSION: Combination of L. casei TH14 and additives (LCM-TMR) effectively enhanced feed use, rumen ecology and milk production of Holstein Friesian cows. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of feeding a pellet diet containing high sulphur with fresh cassava root supplementation on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites in Thai native beef cattle.

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of feeding pellet containing high sulphur (PELFUR) diet and fresh cassava root (FCR) to Thai native beef cattle on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites. Four male purebred Thai native beef cattle (1.5-2.0 years old) with initial body weight (BW) of 150 ± 15.0 kg were allocated with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Factor A was FCR supplementation at 15 and 20 g/kg of BW. Factor B was the sulphur level in the PELFUR ration at 15 and 30 g/kg of dry matter (DM). No interaction effect was found among FCR supplementation and PELFUR in terms of feed intake and nutrient intake (p > 0.05). Cyanide intake was significantly increased based on FCR supplementation (p < 0.05), whereas sulphur intake was increased by level addition of PELFUR levels (p < 0.05). There were interaction effects among FCR supplementation and PELFUR on digestibility coefficients of DM and organic matter (OM) (p < 0.05). FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg demonstrated the highest digestibility of DM and OM. Moreover, interactions were observed between FCR and PELFUR for bacterial populations (p < 0.01). The populations of bacteria were highest in FCR supplementation at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg at various feeding times. An interaction effect from among feeding FCR with PELFUR was found on blood thiocyanate concentrations at various feeding times (p < 0.01). The highest mean values of blood thiocyanate were observed when feeding FCR at 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR at 30 g/kg. No interaction effect was found between FCR and PELFUR on total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and their profiles (p > 0.05). However, the proportions of the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding were increased when FCR at 20 g/kg BW was supplemented (p < 0.01). FCR at 20 g/kg BW could enhance propionate (C3) at 4 h post-feeding when compared with FCR at 15 g/kg BW (p < 0.01). Moreover, supplementation of PELFUR at 30 g/kg increased the total VFA at 0 and 4 h post-feeding, whereas the concentration of C3 at 4 h post-feeding was enhanced (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found for any parameters among treatments and between the main effect of FCR and PELFUR supplementation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding of two combinations (FCR 20 g/kg BW with PELFUR 30 g/kg) could promote the nutrient digestibility, the bacterial populations and the rate of disappearance of cyanide without having any adverse effect on rumen fermentation.

Crude saponin extract from Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers pod meal could modulate ruminal fermentation, and protein utilization, as well as mitigate methane production.

The aim of the study was to conduct a basic evaluation of the in vitro effect of crude protein (CP) levels in concentrate and a saponin extract from Sesbania graniflora pods meal (SES) on the kinetics of gas, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, protein efficiency uses, and methane (CH4) mitigation. Eight treatments were formed according to a 2 × 4 factorial design in a completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor referred to the levels of CP at 14 and 16% on dry matter (DM) basis in the concentrate diet, and the second factor referred to the levels of SES supplementation at 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% of the total substrate on a DM basis. The results showed that S. graniflora pod meal contained 21.73% CP, 10.87% condensed tannins, and 16.20% crude saponins, respectively. Most kinetics of gas as well as cumulative gas were not influenced by the CP levels or SES addition (P > 0.05) except gas production from immediately soluble fraction (a) was significantly different by CP levels. Ammonia-nitrogen concentration of incubation at 4 h was significantly difference based on the CP levels and SES supplementation (P < 0.05). Increasing SES levels significantly (P < 0.05) decreased protozoal population. In vitro digestibility of DM and organic matter was not changed by CP levels or SES addition. Butyrate and acetate to propionate ration were decreased, and propionate was increased when increasing SES dose (P < 0.05), while CP levels did not change total volatile fatty acids and molar portions. The ruminal CH4 concentration was reduced by 44.12% when 0.6% SES was added after 8 h of incubation. Therefore, SES supplementation could enhance protein utilization and improve rumen fermentation particularly lowering CH4 production.

Influence of chitosan sources on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and milk production in tropical lactating dairy cows.

The aim of study was to compare the influence of chitosan sources (commercial chitosan vs chitosan extract) on rumen fermentation, methane (CH4) emission, and milk production in tropical lactating dairy cows. Six lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbreeds (410 ± 5 kg, 120 ± 21 day-in-milk) were arranged in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square design. In addition to control, a 2% chitosan extract supplement and a 2% commercial chitosan supplement of dry matter intake were the treatments. The results denoted that no significant differences on daily dry matter, nutrients, or estimated energy intake were noted when cows received different sources of chitosan. Nutrient digestibility was not influenced differently by extraction-based or commercial chitosan supplements. The pH, temperature, ammonia nitrogen, blood urea, and microbial count were similar among treatments. The different sources of chitosan supplements did not change the totals of volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate; in contrast, different chitosan sources influenced (P<0.05) propionate content. The ruminal acetate to propionate ratio was markedly (P<0.05) reduced with chitosan supplement, but no change appeared between sources of chitosan. At 4 h after feeding, the methane estimation significantly decreased with the addition of chitosan supplementation (P<0.05) compared to the control group. The purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis were not altered by the treatments. No significant differences existed on milk yield, milk composition, or milk urea nitrogen when cows received different sources of chitosan (P>0.05). In summary, supplementing extracted chitosan showed more potential than did the commercial chitosan for enhancing economic efficiency and recycling shrimp residues, therefore, reducing environmental waste.

Milk production and composition efficiency as influenced by feeding Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham with Tiliacora triandra, Diels pellet supplementation.

Ruminal fermentation efficiency has been shown to be closely related with milk production in dairy cows. This investigation aimed at the utilization of sweet grass and bamboo grass pellet supplementation on ruminal fermentation, feed utilization efficiency, milk quantity, and quality in lactating dairy cows. Four lactating Holstein Friesian crossbreds were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effect of roughage sources and bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra, Diels) pellet (BP) supplementation on voluntary feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, fermentation characteristics of the rumen, and milk quantity and quality. Sweet grass (SG) (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mahasarakham) and rice straw (RS) were fed as roughage sources as the first factor, while the second factor was supplementation levels of BP (0 and 150 g/cow/day). The results revealed that SG (P < 0.01) and BP supplementation (P < 0.05) improved feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, especially roughage intake and digestibility of DM and NDF. Ruminal pH (P < 0.05), bacterial (P < 0.01), and fungal population (P < 0.01) were increased with SG feeding, enhancing the concentration of total VFAs (P < 0.01) and propionic acid (P < 0.01), while both SG and BP decreased methane production (P < 0.01). While milk yield (P < 0.01) and milk composition (P < 0.01), especially unsaturated fatty acids including those of conjugated linoleic acid (P < 0.001), were enhanced. Supplementation of BP containing bioactive compounds such as condensed tannins (CT) enhanced rumen bacterial population with increased total VFAs (P < 0.05) and propionic acid (P < 0.05) concentrations, while decreased methane production (P < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that SG would be beneficial to improved rumen fermentation, feed utilization, and milk production of dairy cows, while bamboo grass pellet supplementation tended to additionally improve rumen fermentation and feed intake without negative effects on milk production.

A study on citric acid by-product as an energy source for Japanese quail.

The increasing worldwide production of citric acid by the fermentation of substrates for use as a flavoring and a preservative in foods has resulted in the generation of large amounts of waste and by-products from fermented. There is a challenge to reduce the waste from these products by using them as animal feed. An experiment was conducted to study the utilization of citric acid by-products (CABP) as a feed ingredient in Japanese quail diets. A total of 560 1-day-old quail chicks were randomly distributed into five groups, with CABP included at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12% of the diets. Each treatment had four replicate pens of 28 birds per pen throughout the 42-day trial period. CABP inclusion at 9 or 12% of the diet, respectively, resulted in a decrease in feed intake of 5.90 and 9.52%, body weight of 5.67 and 9.16%, and body weight gain of 5.44 and 9.97%, compared with the control diet (p < 0.05). Carcass traits and relative organ weights were not significantly different among the treatments (p > 0.05). The 12% CABP group showed a decrease in the digestibility of crude protein and apparent metabolizable energy, but there was an increase in the amount of crude fiber compared with the control diet (p < 0.05). The utilization of CABP in diets can reduce feed costs leading to increased investment returns. In conclusion, CABP can be included at up to 6% of quail diets without significant effects on growth performance or nutrient digestibility.

Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives could modulate the quality, gas kinetics and the in vitro digestibility of ensilaged rice straw.

This study's objectives were to (a) consider the combined effects of Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives on fermentation quality, nutritive value and microbial composition when ensiling rice straw and (b) evaluate the ensiled rice straw using the in vitro gas production technique. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD) was used in a randomized complete design with three replications. The rice straw was treated with L. casei TH14 (T) at 0 and 105 colony-forming unit (cfu)/kg fresh matter (FM), cellulase (C) at 0 and 10,000 unit/kg FM and molasses (M) at 0 and 50 g/kg FM. After 30 days, the dry matter content of the ensiled rice straw was a range between 261.77 and 287.01 g/kg while untreated rice straw was 934.00 g/kg. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents were decreased when treated with C (p < .01). Th e pH, ammonia-nitrogen, lactic acid, acetic acid and butyric acid values were affected by the interaction among the additives. In particular, pH was significantly (p < .01) lower in rice straw treated with T × C × M. Lactic acid bacterium (LAB) counts were highest when ensilage rice straw with T × C × M (p < .05), while untreated rice straw indicated highest amount for aerobic bacteria (p < .01) and yeast populations (p < .01). Interaction among additives had no effect (p > .05) on gas production rate constant for the insoluble fraction (c value), but combination between C × M with ensiled rice straw reduced the c value (p < .05). The in vitro dry matter digestibility at 48 hr after incubation increased when rice straw was treated with T × C (p < .01), T × M (p < .05) and C × M (p < .05). Total volatile fatty acids at 4 hr and the mean value were increased (p < .05) when ensiled rice straw with T × C or T × M. Propionic acid was improved by adding C or M (p < .05). T × M did not influence (p > .05) any ruminal microorganism counts except for bacterial counts at 4 hr (p < .01). Thus, ensiled rice straw with T × C × M could promote the quality of ensiled rice straw and improve gas kinetics, fibre digestion and ruminal characteristics.

Potential use of rumen digesta as ruminant diet-a review.

This review paper is aimed at presenting and discussing the effects of rumen digesta (RD) as an alternative protein source on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation characteristics, growth performances, and milk production in ruminants. RD is a by-product of abattoir; it is a partially digested feed that mainly originates from rumen of ruminants. RD consisted of 13.5-46.1% crude protein and some essential nutrients (microbial cells, amino acids, minerals, and volatile fatty acids [VFAs]), which beneficially affect the ruminant production. Recent studies have shown that transfer of RD from buffalo to cattle improved nutrient digestibility. Ensiling RD with agro-industrial by-products improved the nutritional value of agro-industrial by-products, such as by improving protein contents and increasing their digestibility. In addition, dried RD could enhance ruminal fermentation, diet utilization, and rumen microorganisms in in vitro, beef cattle and buffalo, which has no adverse effect on production performance. Therefore, utilization of RD is suggested because it improves nutrient utilization, reduces feed costs, and controls waste disposal to the environment.

Improving the nutritive value of cassava bioethanol waste using fermented yeast as a partial replacement of protein source in dairy calf ration.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-fermented cassava bioethanol waste (YECAW) on feed utilization, ruminal fermentation, and microbial population in dairy calves fed a concentrate diet at 1% body weight (BW). Four male Holstein Friesian crossbred calves with an initial BW of 109 ± 6.23 kg were used in this research. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin squared design and the dietary treatments were four levels of YECAW supplementation at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrate mixture. The YECAW product contained CP at 25.1% dry matter (DM) and NDF and ADF at 65.2 and 40.6% DM, respectively. Inclusion of YECAW did not alter feed intake of rice straw, total intake, nutrient intake, and digestion coefficients (P > 0.05). Ruminal pH and temperature, ruminal ammonia-nitrogen, and blood urea-nitrogen (BUN) were not significant by YECAW levels supplementation (P > 0.05). Increasing YECAW levels did not adversely affect the population of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi and values ranged from 6.5 to 7.0 × 1012, 3.2 to 4.0 × 105, and 6.9 to 7.4 × 103 cells/ml, respectively (P > 0.05). Feeding of YECAW to dairy calves did not affect the total VFA, acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), or butyric acid (C4) proportion (P > 0.05) which ranged from 102.6 to104.6 mmol/l, 70.7 to 72.0, 17.8 to 20.2, and 9.1 to 10.3 mol/ 100 mol, respectively. Therefore, feeding of YECAW is recommended because no adversely affect the utilization of feed and rumen characteristics and might be alternative protein source for ruminants.

In vitro evaluations of pellets containing Delonix regia seed meal for ruminants.

The objective of the present research was to determine the influence of various doses of the pellets containing DR seed meal (PEDEM) on in vitro CH4 gas production, in vitro digestibility, protozoal count, and ruminal fermentation characteristics. The study was designed as a completely randomized design with eight levels of PEDEM supplementation at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 mg DM. Gas production rate constants for the insoluble fraction (c) and cumulative gas production at 96 h were quadratically increased when PEDEM was supplemented (P < 0.05). The concentration of NH3-N was linearly increased when the PEDEM concentration (P < 0.05) was increased, whereas the population of protozoa was linearly decreased when the level of PEDEM supplementation (P < 0.05) was increased. The supplementation of PEDEM in substrate quadratically affected the mean values of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and in vitro NDF digestibility (P < 0.05). TVFA, acetic acid (C2), and butyric acid (C4) were not altered by different doses of PEDEM supplementation (P > 0.05). In contrast, the concentration of propionic acid (C3) was quadratically affected with the supplementation of PEDEM (P = 0.05). The inclusion of PEDEM did not change the CH4 concentration at 6 h of incubation (P > 0.05), whereas the CH4 concentration at 24 h of incubation and the mean values were linearly reduced with additional doses of PEDEM (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the mean CH4 concentration was reduced at 51.1% with 12 mg PEDEM, whereas 59.6% was reduced with 14 mg PEDEM supplementations. The supplementation of PEDEM at 12 mg has the potential to manipulate rumen fermentation, to manipulate in vitro digestibility and to reduce protozoa and CH4 production.

Evaluation of physical and chemical properties of citric acid industrial waste.

This study aimed to evaluate physical and chemical properties and nutritive values of citric acid by-product (CABP) from cassava and to compare its properties with those of cassava root meal (CRM). The physical properties analyzed were color, bulk density, angle of repose, particle size distribution, and ultrastructure morphology. The chemical properties were determined using proximate analysis. Regarding the physical results, the CABP's color was darker, and its bulk density was greater by approximately 64.18% than those of the CRM (p < 0.05). The CABP's angle of repose was significantly lower (p < 0.05) with a freer flow, and the particle size was classified as small with fewer polygonal starch granules but more than the CRM. Regarding the chemical composition results, the CABP contained 0.71% citric acid with pH 4.68 whereas crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, and gross energy were 6.11%, 2.39%, 18.26%, and 3588.10 kcal/kg, respectively. CABP showed greater and significantly different crude proteins and ether extracts but less gross energy than the CRM (p < 0.05). The results imply that the CABP could be an alternative energy source and used as a CRM substitution in animal feed formulation.

Dietary dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) peel powder improved in vitro rumen fermentation and gas production kinetics.

Plant phytophenols especially condensed tannins (CT) and saponins (SP) have been demonstrated to impact on rumen fermentation. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) peel powder (DFPP) contains both CT and SP. The current study aimed to investigate the influence of DFPP and varying levels of concentrate and roughage ratios on gas production kinetics, nutrient degradability, and methane production "using in vitro gas production technique." The dietary treatments were arranged according to a 3 × 5 Factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The two experimental factors consisted of the roughage to concentrate (R:C) ratio (100:0, 70:30, and 30:70) and the levels of DFPP supplementation (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of the substrate) on DM basis. The results revealed that the R:C ratio at 30:70 had the highest cumulative gas production when compared to other ratios (P < 0.01). The in vitro true dry matter degradability at 12 and 24 h was affected by R:C ratio (P < 0.01). Furthermore, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and propionate (C3) were significantly increased by the levels of DFPP, while acetate (C2) and C2:C3 ratios were decreased (P < 0.05). The rumen protozoal population was significantly decreased by DFPP supplementation (P < 0.05). Rumen methane production was significantly impacted by R:C ratios and decreased when the level of DFPP increased (P < 0.01), while NH3-N and ruminal pH were not influenced by the DFPP supplement. It could be summarized that supplementation of DFPP resulted in improved rumen fermentation kinetics and could be used as a dietary source to mitigate rumen methane production, hence reducing greenhouse gas production.